Proscan Gets New Look and Logo
Consumer Electronics
Mon, Dec 29 1997
infoseek.com
Three rear-projection TVs, 5 direct-view sets and 2nd-generation DVD player with component-video output will lead off 1998 Thomson ProScan line that also includes VCR for remote activation of new DSS receiver with home automation feature introduced in RCA set-top earlier this year (TVD March 31 p15). New Matsushita-made DVD player (model PS8610P, $749) is first Thomson source unit to include component-video output -- and possible harbinger of things to come because none of new ProScan sets or other Thomson TVs have component input. Earlier this year, company told us it would incorporate component-video with forthcoming line of TV/PC monitors from its Multimedia Div. (TVD May 5 p10). Meanwhile, all new ProScan receivers have 2 S-video jacks that company touts as yielding "perfect display for any digital input." In past, Thomson engineers have said company believes S-video connection has sufficient video fidelity for future DTV-to-NTSC converters (TVD May 5 p11), and most logical next step is digital IEEE-1394 connector. Since then, it has said it won't offer analog component-video input on TVs until industry adopts single connector standard from variety of incompatible hookups now used in several brands, including Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba. Besides dual S-video, other features shared throughout ProScan TV line replicate functions and performance-enhancements introduced last summer for RCA Home Theater Premiere TVs (TVD Aug 25 p7). They include digital-focus circuit and frame comb-filter in projection sets; 3-line digital comb filter in direct view; 2-tuner PIP, TV Guide-Plus Gold onscreen guide, and selectable color-temperature with NTSC standard 6,500 degrees Kelvin throughout. Projection line consists of 61" ($3,299), 56" ($2,799) and 50" ($2,299). Direct-view 36" models list for $1,999 and $1,799; 32" is at $1,399 and $1,299. Higher price in same-size categories represents 20 w audio system compared with 10 w package also used in sole 36" console ($2,199) and 27" ($799) models. All have 4:3 aspect ratio. New ProScan line will make CES debut after 70 weeks of tooling following 2 rejections by consumer focus groups. Revised cosmetics include front-tapered cabinets with top-mount controls and side-panel convenience jack pack; dark-nickel finish on source units; new classical Roman-style logo font throughout. Styling strives to combine functionality with "classicism and elegance," said Martin Marotti, mgr.-industrial design. He said "global aesthetic" might enable Thomson to adopt same cosmetics for worldwide markets and achieve further operating economies.
(Copyright 1997 by Warren Publishing, Inc.) |
