Mumbai, Nov 3: `Convergence technology' seems to be the latest buzzword in consumer electronics. A case in point is Mumbai-based Mirc Electronics, manufacturer and marketer of `Onida' brand of televisions, which plans for a major foray in this market. After the launch of integrated internet version television called the `Web Cruiser' in April this year, the company is planning to launch variants of the same early next year. For the purpose, it has already earmarked Rs 15 crore investment this year. Says Mirc's executive vice-president G Sunder: ``With web cruiser, we are targeting the higher-end 21-inch CTV owners, while the variants will target consumers at the lower-end. '' As part of the plan, the company will launch variants like a television with e-mail and a flicker free-circuit television.
Earlier, Mirc was the first television manufacturer to launch a web-enabled television in India. Priced at Rs 25,990. it comes with a built-in modem, printer port, infra red remote keyboard and 25 hours of internet-time free.
However, analysts tracking the sector feel that there is still time for this sector to catch up. Mirc is also planning to launch new models for its sub-brands - `Igo' (targeted at the economy segment) and `Candy' (Indian urban youth). Says Sunder ``A product like Candy is gaining a lot of popularity even with a 40 per cent premium in the 14-inch sector.
Hence we will probably bring one new model every quarter.'' Mirc has acheived a turnover of Rs 688.58 crore for the year ending March 31, 1999 compared with Rs 552.57 crore for the previous fiscal. With the launch of new models and variants, the company expects to increase its market share to 16 per cent from the existing 13 per cent.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.