Acer branches out with cameras and TVs

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 16 Dec 2004 at 17:23

Acer is broadening its range launching products into two new markets: with its first digital cameras and digital televisions.

Executives from the Taiwan-based company described the move as part of its digital convergence strategy.

Acer is already a successful PC brand and boasts the number one spot in Europe as a notebook seller.

The cameras are pitched at the consumer end of the market rather than to compete with established names such as Canon and Nikon in the high end SLRs.

The main selling point is megapixels per pound - and the three models offer between 5 and 6 megapixels with prices ranging between £150 and £200.

The CR-5130 costs £149 inc VAT with a 4.91mn effective pixel CCD, 3x optical zoom and a range of shooting modes for difficult environments for photography plus a video option.

The slimmer CR-6530 costs £199 inc VAT and a 5mn effective pixel CCD and 3x optical zoom. At £229 inc VAT, the CS-5530 tops out the range with a 6.16mn effective pixel CCD, 3x zoom, although the price is expected to near the £200 mark once sales start achieving any volume.

The two LCD televisions come in 26in and 32in flavours. Pricing for the latter has yet to be set, but the 26in model costs £899 inc VAT.

They have a two-year on-site warranty and a guarantee of zero bright pixels - ie defective pixels that are 'on' constantly to the detriment of the image.

The panels have a response time of 16ms and a native resolution of 1280 x 768. Programs can be displayed in various dimensions, from traditional 4:3 to panoramic and 16:9 options.

However, the TV is analog only - to watch Freeview channels fro examples, you'll still need to go out and buy a set-top box.

There various modes for different programming including high brightness cinematic and sports options and other enhancements and filters to reduce noise and artefacts. The speakers feature WOW technology to give the impression of surround sound from stereo audio channels.

There are also options for picture in picture display and, true to Acer convergence motto, the LCD televisions include a 6 in 1 memory card reader through which images from digital still cameras can be displayed.

The products will be initially launched in Europe before other markets.