Humax Unveils Innovative Digital Flat LCD and Plasma TVs with Live Pause Feature

Strategic Insights -

Humax, an international leader in digital satellite set-top box manufacturing, has announced plans to diversify into the television business by introducing its innovative digital flat LCD and plasma TVs in the US consumer electronics market. The company aims to leverage its set-top box R&D expertise to create a new breed of television products that will enhance and liberate the consumer's viewing experience. The flagship feature of these TVs will be the Live Pause function, which allows viewers to pause, rewind, and instant replay live television broadcasts just as they would a DVD.

Key Takeaways:

  • Humax plans to introduce a line of digital flat LCD and plasma TVs that incorporate its new Live Pause feature, which will be integrated directly into the TVs without any additional hardware.
  • The company aims to target the growing flat panel TV segment and plans to introduce a widescreen 32-inch LCD HDTV with an integrated ATSC tuner and dual analog tuners for triple picture-in-picture functionality in the third quarter.
  • Two new models of 42-inch plasma displays are planned for September 2004: a standard definition 480P model equipped with dual NTSC tuners followed by a high definition 720P version that integrates an ATSC tuner and dual analog tuners.
  • All models will include component video and High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input and will be equipped with HDCP digital content protection to allow consumers to view available HD programming.
  • Humax will also introduce a standard definition 20-inch LCD TV equipped with component video inputs and integrated NTSC tuner in June 2004.
  • The company's TV line is designed to integrate seamlessly with the decor of the home as well as today's high-end video components and will boast an elegant, sleek design created by Humax's in-house industrial design team in Korea.
  • Total connectivity is accomplished by the inclusion of various home theater system control protocols to support compatibility with today's home automation control systems.
  • Humax will unveil its new products at the 2004 CES show in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will hold a private press reception cocktail party on January 9, 2004.

Statistics:

  • Humax plans to sell its new TVs in the US consumer electronics market.
  • The company aims to increase its revenue to $1 billion by 2006.
  • Humax has recorded revenues of US $298 million in 2002.
  • The company will invest in new production lines to assemble the flat panel TV products at its manufacturing facility in Korea.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "Humax Discloses Details of its Innovative Digital Flat LCD and Plasma TVs to be Sold in the US Consumer Electronics Market"
  • Humax Co. Ltd, "About Humax"
  • Muto Communications, "Humax Unveils Innovative Digital Flat LCD and Plasma TVs with Live Pause Feature"