SAN FRANCISCO (10/08/2003) - In the latest in a series of consumer electronics product launches, Gateway Inc. is releasing a new top-of-the-line home theater system and unveiling a pair of liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs.
Product Specs
The US$999 KAS-303 Home Theater System includes a 600-watt 6.1 receiver, a progressive-scan DVD player, a 400-watt HSU Research subwoofer, and five small two-way satellite speakers designed to fit in small spaces. The system also has an integrated Dolby Digital Decoder, a DTS Decoder and Dolby Pro Logic II to handle special effects for music and movies.
The progressive-scan DVD player reads multiple formats, including photo DVDs, DVD movies, and music CDs. The system accepts various video inputs, including component, S-video, and composite. The unit is available from Gateway Country Stores and from the Gateway site.
At the same time, Gateway is expanding its LCD TV line with two new models. A 13-inch, 640-by-480-resolution model will cost $399. A 30-inch, wide-screen, 1280-by-1024-resolution HDTV-compatible unit with a 16:9 aspect ratio is priced at $2,999. Both new TVs are slated to become available on Oct.16.
Expanding Horizons
Gateway has announced its intention to sell consumer electronics as well as IT products. Last year, the company made its debut in the plasma TV market. This summer, Gateway announced new plasma TVs and its first LCD TVs. The company says that it is now the leader in plasma-screen TV sales to consumers, outselling traditional industry heavyweights such as Sony Corp., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and the Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (Panasonic).
Gateway isn't the only traditional IT vendor expanding into consumer electronics. Dell recently announced its own 17-inch LCD TV.