Thomson Entering Mobile Video With Portable VHS Unit
By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 3/18/2002
Indianapolis— Thomson is entering the mobile video market with a VHS portable car video console, and a DVD version planned for later this spring.
"We see an opportunity, particularly with the number of consumers going to purchase a new van with the flip-down screens. Mobile video is one way to add that convenience for those who already have a car," a coompany spokesman said.
Thomson's new portable VCP, model BLV552 has a 5.6-inch color LCD active matrix fold-down screen. The unit can connect to a DVD player, additional VCR, video game console and other video accessories.
It has an expansion A/V port with DC power for an additional video screen with stereo audio. It comes with built-in dual speakers and dual stereo headphone jacks and it operates by both cigarette lighter and AC power.
A spokesman said the unit began shipping last month and is currently available at Target and Best Buy stores at a suggested retail price of $449. No price has been set on the DVD version.
Of mobile video in general, a spokesman said, "We're dipping our toe in the water to see if this is a good market for us."
