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By: Richard Del Cazzo
Web site: http://www.hdtv-hdtv.com
Continuing its commitment to bringing customers more versatile
and affordable display solutions, ViewSonic® Corp., a
worldwide Visual Technologies™ leader, today introduced
two distinct lines of LCD TVs that provide consumers complete
solutions for converging their computer and television into
a multifunctional entertainment system.
ViewSonic’s VT series provides a component-type approach
to LCD TV for consumers seeking high performance when viewing
PC data, video and TV content on an LCD. The NextVision™
N series of LCD TVs offers an integrated option that delivers
the functionality of a computer display and a TV in one compact
form factor.
“ViewSonic has built its business on delivering great
computer displays for our customers,” said Gene Ornstead,
director of business development, Advanced TV Products, ViewSonic.
“As we broaden our offerings to meet the entertainment
needs of our customers, we are building on that strength with
the addition of high resolution television functionality in
a variety of form factors.”
Launching with an estimated street price of $499, the VT550
is the initial model in a series of LCD TV systems that gives
consumers flexibility in how they configure their personal
theaterTM display system. With 1024x768 resolution and an
UltraBrite™ panel providing up to 500 nits of brightness,
the 15-inch VT550 is designed not only to be a great multimedia
monitor, but also an excellent high resolution LCD TV, including
features such as integrated stereo speakers, an external head
phone jack and internal and external microphone connectors.
In addition to the brilliant visual performance of the display,
the included N5 video processor delivers high-end video features
that enhance video quality, such as precision de-interlacing,
3:2 pull down, multiple video signal inputs, RGB computer
pass-through, stereo audio pass-through, an on-screen control
menu and a sleep function mode.
Over the next few months, ViewSonic will add 17- and 19-inch
HDTV compatible versions to its VT series.
Consumers looking for an integrated LCD TV solution can realize
their desires with the company’s N series of displays.
As the newest additions to the series, both the 15-inch N1500
and 18-inch N1800 feature built-in TV tuners.
With brightness levels of up to 500 nits, the N1500 will
be available at a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP)
of $699 and with 450 nits of brightness, the N1800 will have
an MSRP of $999. Both displays support 1024x768 resolutions,
feature integrated 3-watt speakers and can be utilized as
a primary computer, TV or entertainment display.
These latest offerings join ViewSonic’s first LCD TV
display—the N1700w— which also takes the integrated
approach to LCD TV, but features a 16:9, wide screen format
and features picture-in-picture (PIP) capabilities. The N1700w
will ship with a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP)
of $999 and offers a 17-inch wide screen and enhanced viewing
with a 1280x768 resolution and more than 450 nits of brightness.
Each product in ViewSonic’s innovative lines of LCD
TV products can support enhanced definition television (EDTV).
The N1700w also supports high definition (HDTV) inputs of
720p and 1080i. All systems include a 181-channel tuner with
parental control and closed caption viewing, remote control,
composite video and the ability to easily connect to DVD players,
VCRs, camcorders and high-resolution game consoles.
The VT550 and the N1700w will be available at the end of
January. The N1500 and N1800 will be available beginning in
March 2003 through authorized ViewSonic retailers, resellers,
distributors and mail order.
All ViewSonic TV displays are backed by a one-year limited
warranty on parts, labor and backlight, and are eligible for
ViewSonic’s optional Express Exchange® program,
which guarantees a replacement monitor within 48 hours where
service is available. ViewSonic offers 24-hour, toll-free
technical support, seven days a week.
Visitors to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) can test
drive these products at the ViewSonic booth #35021 at the
Las Vegas Convention Center from January 9-12, 2003.
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