Emerson Claims Lowest Price Tag For In-Dash DVD

Amy Gilroy On Dec 18 2000 - 8:00am

LOS ANGELES -Emerson Mobile will introduce what it claims will be the lowest priced in-dash DVD player at CES, called the DV-X2000, according to VP Kamran Benji.

The single-DIN unit (without tuner) can play MP3-encoded CDs, as well as CDRs, and is expected to ship to retailers in second-quarter 2001 at $999.

The new DVD unit is in keeping with the company's strategy of offering quality products at leader prices, claimed Benji, adding, "Last year we announced our in-dash TV at $899 with tuner, and no other company has been able to even come close in price. Our competitors are selling similar units for $1,500 wholesale."

Emerson will also offer at CES an under-the-seat DVD unit at approximately $399, along with new monitors and accessories. In addition, the company will launch its first line of competition speakers and amplifiers under the Inferno sub-brand.

New mobile multimedia products shown at CES will include Emerson's second-generation in-dash TV, model TV-L8150, which is a high-resolution 5 inch LCD in-dash monitor with TV and radio tuners. It has up to 120 watts of power and comes with an IR remote and CD changer capability at a suggested retail price of $899.

The TV-L8150 will be joined by a new 6.8-inch, high-resolution universal drop-down monitor (TV-D1800) with built-in TV tuner, an IR remote control, two dome lights and two video inputs for DVDs, VCPs or video games. Also to be unveiled is a 5-inch universal headrest monitor, MT-1000; a slim-line tuner box (TN-1100) for use with monitors; and wireless IR headphones, model HP-1200. Pricing will be announced at CES, the company said.

Future products will include an in-dash MP3 player; an in-dash widescreen 7-inch TV; and a 10-disc DVD changer slated for shipment in second-quarter 2001.