Audiovox Introduces First Plasma TVs

Audiovox continues to build on its success in the flat panel mobile video arena as it introduces its first plasma TVs and a number of new flat panel systems in both the Audiovox and Acoustic Research brands that Patrick M. Lavelle, President and CEO of Audiovox Electronics Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Audiovox Corporation, believes will continue to reflect Audiovox's commitment to this growing business.

The Company's first flat panel plasma TVs will be marketed under the Acoustic Research brand and will be targeted to electronic specialty and high end electronic retail outlets exclusively. These two plasma units will be the first video products marketed under the well-known and respected Acoustic Research brand.

Both Plasma and LCD TV technologies have advanced rapidly and prices have fallen dramatically since both were introduced. "The upside," Lavelle says, "is the consumer is embracing the category as marketers make steady improvements to the products and prices get in the more reasonable range." Lavelle further stated, "our position as the number one supplier of mobile video has allowed us to cultivate significant manufacturing partners for the home flat panel TV market."

The three AR models are the AR5000 a 50-inch slim-line plasma TV - MSRP: $7,600.00; AR4200, a 42-inch slim-line plasma model - MSRP: $4,500.00; and AR3000 a 30-inch flat panel unit - MSRP: $3,500.00. "Between the outstanding picture quality and AR's reputation for quality products, we feel that these three products will find favor with the high-end specialty dealers and their customers. These models perfectly complement the ever-growing Home Theater In A Box market," Lavelle said.

The new flat panel line-up, which expands the company's offerings in this category, significantly gives Audiovox a solid mix of home video products that include home and portable DVD, Under-Counter TV's and Home Theater systems. There will be one 30-inch model, a 20-inch unit, three 17-inch units (one with built-in DVD player) and two 15-inch models (one with built-in DVD player).

Lavelle emphasizes the company's optimism about the potential of the new flat panel products. "Audiovox is committed to establishing market share in the home category and has plans to place its flat panel programs in a variety of well-known national chains where we believe that the distribution as well as the public have embraced the Audiovox mobile video line and will transfer that loyalty to our flat panel TV products," Lavelle concluded.