AUSTIN, TEXAS – On the heels of the brick-andmortar store introduction of its JVC-branded 55-inch JLE55SP4000 Wi-Fi-equipped 3D BlackSapphire LED LCD TV, AmTran Technology will begin shipping late this month a pair of high-value direct-backlit LED LCD TV models.
The two “D-LED (Direct LED) sets” include a 32-inch model carrying a ($270 suggested retail) and a 37-inch model ($370). Both are part of the company’s new promotional Emerald series of LCD TVs offering full array LED backlighting but omitting any local dimming technology sometimes offered in advanced full array LED backlighting systems.
Due to the late November ETA, the models will miss Black Friday promotions this year, Drew Pragliola, Am- Tran U.S. sales VP told TWICE.
The sets will be sold through Costco, P.C. Richard & Son and other key JVC/AmTran dealers.
Allan Hsieh, AmTran product manager, said the Emerald- series sets are the company’s most energy-efficient models. Both include a pair of HDMI inputs and a Music Port feature on the back of each set that allows connecting to a 3.5mm plug to channel music from a connected device, such as an iPod or smartphone, using the headphone jack.
Panel depth on the Emerald models is 3.1 inches. The models are said to be the most energy-efficient sets in the current JVC line. The 32-inch model, based on Energy Star 6.0 guidelines, is 42.6 watts, and 37-inch is 53.5 watts.
Cosmetics include a thin bezel and black matte finish.
The company’s distribution strategy for the BlackSapphire series thus far has been to offer products mostly to key regional and specialty CE dealers with step-up features and designs. The Emerald series was tailored more for higher volume accounts as well as any regional partners who wanted to participate, said Pragliola.
He added that AmTran’s market intelligence indicates that the JVC Emerald series will be very competitive alongside specials of some major brands, particularly in the 32-inch screen size.
AmTran, a Taiwan-based OEM/ODM TV manufacturer best known as a key manufacturer of Vizio TVs, licensed the JVC brand for television marketing in the U.S. in 2010.
“While AmTran manufactures a significant percentage of Vizio’s products [and holds an ownership stake in the company], as far as the work that I and Allan do, we are a totally separate company,” Pragliola explained. “We do, however, share efficiencies in panel supply, components and things of that nature.
