Philips unveils ‘Next Generation’ products

Our Marketing Bureau in Mumbai

The Rs 1,668-crore Philips India — a subsidiary of the Netherland-based Royal Philips — has unveiled the “Next Generation” cutting-edge technologies which comprise the launch of the world’s first “DVD Recorder”, “LCD TV PC Monitor”, “New 32-inch Plasma Flat TV”, and, “Lightframe2TM Monitor Technology.

The move has come in the wake of strongly focussing on the state-of-the-art devices backed by the latest display technologies, optical storage-based recording and playback and Internet-connections.

For the purpose, the parent company has infused 10 million euros this year on the improved product range, leveraging technology, improve operational excellence and core competencies, informs Philips Electronics Asia Pacific executive vice-president region Asia-Pacific, (Middle East & Africa) Mr Frans van Houten.

“For the Philips consumer electronics business, India is one of the leading markets today on par with the US, China and Brazil”, says Mr Houten.

Explains Philips India senior vice-president consumer electronics Mr Rajeev Karwal: “The move to launch Philips’ DVD recorder will make it easy to create digital-quality video recordings to be played back on the vast majority of existing DVD video players and DVD drivers in the market. Philips’ new four-in—one LCD display line combines a full-featured computer monitor, cable-ready television receiver, video monitor and teletext terminal in a single device.”

Adds Mr Karwal: “New 32-inch Plasma Flat TV is the super-slim TV combining the latest Plasma display technology with high-definition performance and stylish design. Lightframe2TM monitor technology includes automatic launch when photo or video-rich applications are run, improved Web performance with Internet explorer and upgraded international support.”

Informs Mr Karwal: “The company targets to market 60 units of Philips’ DVD recorders priced at Rs 1.24 lakh each, 500 units of 32-inch Plasma high-definition Flat TV at Rs 2.99 lakh, LCD TV PC monitor at Rs 70,000, and the Lightframe2TM Monitor technology at the rate of 25,000 units priced at Rs 16,000 each.”

The parent company may consider manufacturing the “Next Generation” products only when there is a spurt in volume, says Mr Houten.

Philips India is growing at the rate of 19.7 per cent in the audio segment with the market growing at a mere 8.8 per cent per annum. In the MP3 players segment, Philips has achieved a share of 35 per cent marketshare this year compared to four per cent share last year.