New York — Now that Thomson has put the Recoton accessories business purchase behind it, the Paris-based consumer electronics maker has been busy — first beefing up inventory positions in its new stable of brands, then enhancing these, and now introducing new product into the marketplace.
At a press gathering here today, Thomson debuted new items in four accessories categories: headphones, audio/video universal accessories, portable storage and blank media.
Product highlights emanating from Thomson’s Indianapolis-based U.S. headquarters for consumer products include RCA-brand wired and wireless headphones; RCA M3 universal accessories compatible with all brands of MP3, portable CD and portable DVD players; Ambico portable cases; and a variety of RCA blank media storage options.
Emphasizing performance, functionality and convenience, Thomson is offering “something for everybody,” said Dennis Rosiak, marketing director for Worldwide Consumer Solutions, in introducing the company’s new accessories lineup.
The breadth of its headphone line — over 30 different RCA-brand products are featured — is critical in the success of the category, underlined Rosiak. “We have products for all [consumers] — “casual, sports, the gamer, the traveler.” Our headphones make a “fashion statement,” he said.
The RCA Noise-Canceling Personal Headphone, model HPNC300, is designed to filter out ambient noise, such as on an airplane. The silver and black headphone has active noise control for volumes less than 15db at 300Hz. It comes with a 3.9-foot cable, travel pouch, airline adapter for in-flight movies and has a suggested $69.95 retail.
A vibrating subwoofer is featured in the RCA Full Dimension Headphone, model HP900. It includes a vibrating bass system that “makes users part of the action.” It is foldable and offers an in-line vibration level adjustment to suit individual needs. Designed to bring DVD movies and video games to life, suggested retail for the unit is $49.95.
Sports enthusiasts are the anticipated customers for new Sport Clip-On headphones that feature an active-fit design with secure clips that hug a user’s ears. Models HP275B, HP275K, HP275R and HP275S connect to a portable CD or MP3 player, and are available in four colors — blue, black, red and silver — for a suggested $14.95 retail.
A new line of RCA M3-brand accessories, with M3 standing for “My Mobile Media,” is “stylish and sophisticated, yet simple” products tied to MP3 portables, portable DVD players and CD players. Product range includes a series of A/V cables, an eight-in-one card reader and several auto accessories for connecting MP3, CD and DVD players to power sources and car sound systems.
Product highlights include the MM70FM Portable FM wireless transmitter that sends music from portable MP3, CD or DVD players to a car or home FM system, for a suggested $39.95 retail. A Car Kit, model MM550CK, plays music from a portable audio or video device through a car stereo system, using a cassette adapter. Suggested retail is $34.95. Others in the M3 line are a 6-foot stereo audio cable, model MM6PS, and a stereo “Y” adapter, model MM35Y, that connects two headphones together — each for a suggested $8.95 retail.
A new group of Ambico A/V carrying cases, among 50 bags in the line, includes the 12-DVD Portable DVD Player Case with Integrated Media Storage in silver/black, model BDPL0601, or metallic blue/black, model BDPL0602. These use three-ring binder construction, and each sleeve holds a DVD and its liner notes. Suggested retail is $26.95.
The BACD0201 CD player case with integrated media storage holds both a personal CD player and eight CDs. The unit comes in classic black for a suggested $14.95 retail. A series of fashionable CD wallets, ranging from 12-CD to 256-CD storage size, come in a variety of colors and fabrics. Suggested retails range from $8.95 to $31.95.
Thomson is also introducing a full line of RCA-brand DVD discs that include offerings in all formats — -R, -RW, +R, +RW and RAM. Each single-sided disc offers up to 240 minutes of MPEG-2 video or 4.7GB of data for PC or home video use.
A six-pack of individually jewel-wrapped DVD+R discs, model DVDP6PK, has a suggested $22.95 retail. A six-pack of DVD-R, model DVD6PK, is $17.95, while a single DVD+RW, model DVDRWP1K, is $8.95. A three-pack of DVD-RAM, model DVDRAM3, is $39.95.
Also new from Thomson is a pair of adaptable speaker systems. The RCA Personal Stereo Speakers, model FSP200, fold in half for traveling and can be connected to a portable DVD or PC, enhancing sound quality. Suggested retail is $39.95.
An Advent-brand 900MHz Outdoor/Indoor Speaker System wirelessly transmits signals through walls, ceilings and floors — up to a distance of 150 feet. The ADVW801 consists of a transmitter connected to a home stereo system and a speaker designed to blend into any outdoor environment. Use of eight “D” batteries brings playtime up to 13 hours. Suggested retail is $149.95.
