Audiovox Unveils New LCD TVs At Expo

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 9/27/2004

INDIANAPOLIS — Audiovox Electronics used CEDIA Expo to unveil a pair of under-cabinet LCD TV systems and new tabletop LCD TVs in the 20-inch and 30W-inch screen sizes.

The two new “drop-down” LCD TV systems feature widescreen 10.2W-inch and 7W-inch color panels and an ultra-slim cabinet design.

Both versions are said to offer flexible mounting systems that allow either under or on-counter mounting.

Key features in the VE-1020 10.2W-inch model, which is shipping now at a $799 suggested retail, include built-in DVD player, AM-FM radio, NTSC tuner, hands-free speakerphone, stereo speakers and a two-minute memo record function.

The 7W-inch VE700, which is shipping now at a $450 suggested retail, is billed as an ultra-slim drop-down LCD TV monitor featuring a built-in NTSC TV tuner, desktop/countertop mounting options, built-in AM-FM radio, hands-free speakerphone and stereo speakers.

Meanwhile, Audiovox's sales senior VP Tom Malone said the company is moving to expand its strong mobile video business into the home entertainment arena.

The company is looking to place flat-panel programs “in a variety of well-known national chains where we believe that the distribution as well as the public have embraced the Audiovox mobile video line and will transfer that loyalty to our flat-panel TV products,” Malone said.

The new flat-panel models will also complement the company's line of portable DVD players, and recent expansion into home theater audio systems under its Advent and Jensen brands, he added.

The Audiovox FPE3000WS 30W-inch LCD TV, which is shipping now at a $1,999 suggested retail, offers 1,280 by 768 HDTV resolution, detachable speakers, built-in NTSC tuner (181 channel cable/AIR ready) and parental control with V-chip. Swivel stand or wall-mountable brackets and full-function remote control are included.

The 20-inch FPE2000, which is shipping now at a $799 suggested retail, has a 4:3 EDTV panel, built-in speakers, NTSC tuner (181 channel cable/AIR-ready), sleep timer, parental control with V-chip and built-in carrying handle. A swivel stand with tilt capability for table or wall-mounting, and remote control are included.