Contains interesting comments about convergence, market size, direction, etc.
Sensory Science Drives Emerging Direct-View Digital Television Market withFirst Full Product Line in North America
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Sensory Science Corporation (Amex: VCR) has successfully delivered the industry's first full line of digital television products to leading audio/video specialty retailers throughout North America, the company announced today.
The latest model -- the Loewe Art -- was co-designed with Loewe Opta GmbH and is being produced in America through a unique alliance with Taylor-White LLC of Greeneville, Tenn. Sensory Science also co-designed with Loewe and began delivery late last year of nine additional models made at Loewe's production facility in Kronach, Germany.
"We have succeeded in our initial mission of becoming the industry's sole source of a complete line of direct-view digital televisions, and in doing so have emerged as a fully integrated domestic supplier of premium consumer electronics products," said Roger Hackett, chairman of Sensory Science, Loewe's North American partner.
"Taylor-White is very pleased to be the U.S. manufacturing partner for Sensory Science and the Loewe 36-inch digital Art console, the largest product in their dramatic, upscale line," said George B. Taylor, president and chief executive officer, Taylor-White manufacturing group. "This prestigious international partnership is in line with our strategic direction of being a global leader of television, digital electronics and cabinet manufacturing."
Sensory Science and its partners have established a solid beachhead for aggressively participating in the largest consumer electronics upgrade since the advent of color television.
In its report entitled HDTV Dreams, SDTV Realities (November, 1998), Forrester Research recommends broad industry adoption of 480-line progressive scan DTVs, stating that "TV makers should aim for the 480p sweet spot." Forrester expects SDTVs to be in four million households by 2003, and to capture more than 80 percent of a digital television market it estimates will reach 60.2 million households by 2008.
All Loewe digital televisions employ 480-line progressive scanning and fully digital chassis, making them the industry's most relevant and flexible products. Loewe's advanced digital technology improves the picture quality of today's NTSC broadcasts and makes possible the convergence of digital video and PC/Internet sources. All models can receive high-definition television broadcasting being phased into major markets throughout the country (with the addition of a separate, compatible HDTV set-top receiver/decoder).
"Loewe gives our customers a bridge to the future," said Peter Beshouri, president and CEO, Sound Advice, with 26 stores throughout Florida. "Loewe sets optimize today's NTSC television while allowing customers to step up to HDTV when they're ready. On the sales floor, models like the Loewe Art are real showstoppers, opening up new opportunities for us to work with interior designers and anyone who appreciates fine design. We are delighted with sell-through to date."
Loewe digital televisions feature a highly intuitive on-screen operating system that effectively replaces the need for a traditional owner's manual and offers retailers demonstrable points of differentiation from other brands. The Art's distinctive high contrast filter enhances the large glass picture tube and perfectly complements the Matte Black finish. The Loewe Art, a 4:3 aspect ratio model, carries a suggested retail price of $5,000; other Loewe models, including a widely acclaimed 30-inch widescreen, are available from $3,500 suggested retail.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary year, Loewe Opta introduced the world's first electronic television in 1931, the first television with a single circuit board chassis in 1979, the first stereo television with high-fidelity audio in 1981, and the first full-digital 100Hz television in 1994. Today, Loewe Opta produces televisions, VCRs and audio systems characterized by modern design, innovative technology and user-friendly operation.
Founded in 1984, Sensory Science Corporation, formerly Go-Video, Inc., is a diversified audio and video company specializing in the design, development and marketing of unique products combining art and science, sight and sound, and aesthetic appeal for engaging sensory experiences. Based in Scottsdale, the company is expanding into new product categories that take advantage of the transition from analog to digital technologies.
Taylor-White, with headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn., produces diversified products in the digital electronics, consumer electronics, manufactured homes, and telecommunications industries.
SOURCE Sensory Science Corporation
CO: Sensory Science Corporation; Loewe Opta GmbH; Taylor-White LLC
ST: Arizona, Tennessee
IN: CPR
SU: PDT
03/22/99 13:03 EST prnewswire.com |
