Loewe To Bow Plasma, DLP Products
By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 9/1/2003
Indianapolis— Loewe, now based in Plymouth, Mass., will travel to CEDIA to unveil a range of new products and product categories for the company, including a 42W-inch highly styled plasma display, a two-piece A/V surround sound system, and a 55W-inch HDTV rear-projection television monitor.
The Spheros 42 is Loewe's 42W-inch HDTV-grade plasma display. The unit is slated to begin shipping to retailers and custom installers nationwide this month at suggested retail prices of $11,000 for a platinum finish and $12,000 for a basalt finish. The panel incorporates NTSC tuners, speakers and Loewe's proprietary video-processing technology. Loewe adds four home installation solutions available in two new finishes.
The Loewe Certos A/V system is a highly styled, integrated component package incorporating a DVD player, audio control center, "pre-ceiver" and surround sound processor. An RC-2 bi-directional LCD remote allows automated operation with Loewe Systems televisions.
The system, which will carry a suggested retail price of $4,700 for a platinum finish and $5,000 for a high-gloss basalt finish, features a sleek contemporary design. A variety of mounting options are available for the DVD control unit including a brushed aluminum conductor's base, tabletop placement or wall installation.
Loewe will package the Spheros plasma display and Certos A/V system together, with custom installations ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
Loewe was also planning to give a sneak peek at its first HD-grade DLP rear-projection monitor for the U.S. market. The Articos 55W-inch comes in three colors and two prices: platinum and basalt at $8,000, and high-gloss basalt for $9,000.
The HDTV DLP display is scheduled to ship in 2004 at suggested retail prices of $8,000 for platinum or basalt cabinet finishes and $9,000 for a high-gloss basalt finish. When it ships, the rear-projection monitor will stand as Loewe's largest video display to date. It is based on a DLP light engine developed with Carl Zeiss for image accuracy, correct black levels and high brightness and contrast.
