[CES 07] Another Company Joins the Flat-Panel Fray
January 12th, 2007 — By Scott WilkinsonMicrotek Splits Plasma & LCD Displays into Two Brands
After more than 20 years making scanners, PC monitors, presentation projectors, and digital cameras, Microtek has decided to enter the consumer flat-panel market with two brands.
Cineon is the top-tier line targeted at custom installers, while the second-tier Microtek brand will have wider distribution through specialty dealers as well as installers. Both lines include a 42- and 50-inch plasma (1024×768 and 1366×768, respectively) and a 42-inch 1080p LCD. The plasmas are available now, and the LCDs will ship at the end of February.
The specs of corresponding products in both lines are identical, and all include a pixelworks video processor that has been extensively customized. Most importantly, every TV will be fully calibrated as it comes off the assembly line, assuring consistent and optimized performance.
The only differences are the warranty (2 years for Cineon, 1 year for Microtek), cabinet (gloss black for Cineon, silver for Microtek), and price. The Cineon plasmas list for $1600 (42-incher) and $2200 (50-inch), while the Microtek versions carry an MSRP of $1500 and $2000. The LCDs will list for $2000 (Cineon) and $1900 (Microtek).
