Audiovox Launches In-Car Satellite TV

Staff -- TWICE, 8/6/2001

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. — Audiovox and Datron Advanced Technologies will market Datron's new CruiseTV satellite TV systems to 12-volt specialists, mass merchants and expediters.

CruiseTV is an in-motion satellite TV tracking system that is the first product to offer live satellite television to the automotive aftermarket, Audiovox said.

Audiovox will be the exclusive distributor of CruiseTV to aftermarket-type retailers and expediters, while Datron will continue to serve marine and mobile satellite dealers and the RV market.

Cruise TV delivers up to 200 channels of live satellite TV programing from DirecTV. It is available is several designs, measures 9.5 inches in height, and carries an estimated system price of $3,500.

"Satellite TV for the car is the next evolution of this rapidly growing mobile video category. It brings what people are used to in their homes to their car," said Tom Malone, Audiovox mobile electronics group VP. He said initial sales are expected to be "to a fairly narrow group of high-end vehicle owners. But as technology drives pricing down, satellite TV will grow as another strong source for video in the vehicle."