Vizio continues its amazing run by being the king among the LCD HDTV manufacturers after the second quarter thanks to its large shipments for a 21.7% share. But while that is an achievement, it is no safe margin as far as the other companies are concerned. And one company that is closely gaining headway is that of Samsung Electronics with 21.3%. This was an improvement from its previous numbers of 17.8%, largely due to its new LED sets.

Now that is something Vizio may want to consider. Though it has blossomed into being the leader in the LCD HDTV dramatically, the other pioneers may be catching up to them sooner than they think. And if they are not careful, they may just dip to a lower spot should they become careless. This makes you wonder if Vizio may have a new moniker in mind. If so, that should be something that can help them keep their lead if not provide distance between them and the other brands like Samsung.

(Source) Engadget HD

Rotel continues its drive towards cementing its hold in the audio components by unveiling two channel components: Integrated amp, CD Player, stereo and power preamplifiers, to its 15 series line. The RA-1520 is a music lover’s amplifier and is ideal as a stand-alone stereo system.

Its muscular 2 x 60 watt (into 8 ohms) design is based upon nearly 50 years of expertise in analog audio engineering and it delivers all of the musical performance the artist intended. Subtle nuances and large dynamics are both rendered faithfully from uncompressed digital, or classic analog sources with the included moving magnet phono. To complete its functionality, as well as its superb performance capabilities, there are additional inputs for tuner, tape, CD and Aux.

“The 15 Series is Rotel’s most important introduction in many years,” says Rotel VP of Sales & Marketing, Doug Henderson. “And while these new models incorporate a lot of the latest advanced technologies and include some important refinements of Rotel’s unique amplifier design, the one thing they do not alter is our company’s commitment to musical performance above all else.” Henderson concludes, “These new models were conceived for the listener who truly and passionately cares about sound quality, first and foremost.”

All models are available late first quarter or early second quarter 2009.

(Source) Nicoll PR

Viewsonic introduces a new multimedia HDTV in the VTMS2431 which is a multimedia capable LCD HDTV.

Offered in a 24-inch display size, the HDTV supports a full HD resolution of up to 1080p. Packed with an ATSC / NTSC / QAM tuner, the TV sports a RS-232 port that allows it to be controlled remotely. Other features of the innovative LCD HDTV include an internal media player and USB port.

The VTMS2431 LCD HDTV is expected to reach stores by the second quarter of 2009 carrying an estimate price of $449.

(Source) TechShout