AOC introduces new LCD monitors

Taiwan-based Admiral Overseas Corp., maker of the top selling AOC widescreen LCD monitors, updated its product portfolio in the country with the introduction of the AOC 36 series.

All the 36 Series models — 936Sw 19-inch widescreen, 2236Vw 22-inch widescreen and 2436Vw 24-inch widescreen — feature a high dynamic contrast ratio of 60000:1 to show images’ finest details and depth and soft-touch control keys that are part of the exterior’s streamlined shell texture design.

The new 36 Series complements AOC’s existing line of LCD monitors that were launched in the market a year ago.

Although 16-inch LCD monitors still have the lion share of the local market, AOC executives believe consumers are also becoming more discerning in finding the best value display technology that they also look beyond aesthetics and price, said Richard Ching, chief operating officer of Glee Electronics Inc., the official Philippine distributor of AOC monitors.

The fact also that there has been a shortage of 16-inch LCD monitor in Asia during the last three months opens an opportunity for Glee to make a stronger push for the 19-inch and bigger models.

Ula Ladrillo of Glee said AOC aims to get a quarter of the local market share and end its race with Samsung for the No. 1 brand.

The new 36 Series has won the EPEAT Gold Award for setting the highest standards in “green” monitors. EPEAT is a system that evaluates electronic products through its environmental attributes so that purchasers may be able to assess their respective product choices.

AOC monitors require low energy consumption. When switched to Power Saving mode, they only use 50 percent of the power, thus saving up to 104,000W per year. Using a 936Sw model, for example, can save up to 75 percent in electricity compared to CRT monitors.

Meanwhile, AOC’s market leading i-Bright technology reduces backlight CCFL for lower power consumption and less mercury substance.

All three new models feature a USB connector and D-sub and DVI-D inputs. The 22-inch model is also wall-mountable, while the 24-inch model has a movable glass that adds a layer of protection to the screen.

The 936Sw costs P7,499; the 2236Vw, P8,999; and the 2436Vw, P10,399. All AOC monitors are available from nearly 800 Glee dealers nationwide.

Philips enters local LCD monitor market

A monitor fit to be my window to the world.”

This is how Philips wants consumers to regard its line of high-definition multimedia displays as it officially enters the Philippine LCD market.

A household name all over the world, Philips is confident it can quickly make a dent in the existing local market given the strength of its brand and the proven quality of its products.

To start off Philips is making available its E-line of LCD monitors targeted for home and multimedia savvy users. The E-line series is available in 16-inch, 19-inch, and 22-inch wide-screen formats with glossy finish and is Windows Vista-ready.

All three models are equipped with Philips SmartContrast, a video processing technology combined with unique extreme dimming and backlight boosting capability resulting in vibrant images.

Company executives also did a media preview of the Philips LightFrame LCD monitor that features a front screen bezel illuminated by a blue light designed to reduce eye fatigue.

Scientists looking to lessen the effects of jet lag found that light plays a major role in the body’s sense of well-being. Philips LightFrame monitor was conceived on this widely accepted scientific tenet that blue light passed through the eye’s receptor energizes viewers and enhances their performance.

Putting to work Philips’ leadership in ambient lighting, Philips Innovation Lab transformed the research to a practical product — a new generation of LCD monitors with screens that are surrounded by blue light-emitting modules. The light is said to help relax the user by lessening eye fatigue even after an extended period in front of the computer.

Among the Philips Brilliance range of monitors, the LightFrame monitor will also be made available in the Philippines sometime soon along with Philips’ professional line of LCD monitors, said Benjamin Wong, director and general manager of MMD Singapore, the exclusive marketer and seller of Philips branded LCD displays worldwide.

Meanwhile, MMD appointed Glee Electronics as the official local distributor of Philips LCD monitors.

Glee also distributes AOC monitors, which is a sister brand of Philips as they share the same manufacturer, TPV, which wholly owns MMD.

Jason Cheng, president and CEO of Glee Electronics, said they will be providing separate product teams for Philips and AOC but all their 28 service centers nationwide will be at the beck and call of customers of both brands should they need technical support.

Cheng likens Philips and AOC to Audi and Volkswagen cars that appeal to two different types of consumers due to their respective costs. In this regard, he sees no problem carrying two different brands of monitors as they have their own markets, he said.