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Audiovox exits the LCD TV business that no one knew it was in
Okay, so we're kidding. Sort of. Believe it or not, Audiovox actually was a very minor player in the LCD flat-panel industry, but no more. In an effort to counter "what is shaping up to be the worst economy in decades," CEO Patrick Lavelle decided to pull the plug on the LCD business and show 8% of his employees the way out for the final time. It's all good for the company though, because every worked-to-the-bone parent in America will be snapping up one of its Homebase Digital Message Centers.
Audiovox finally ships Homebase Digital Message Center
Remember those way swank Digital Message Centers we peeked at CES this year? At long last, Audiovox has begun shipping the audio-only DPF710K ($149.99), which sticks upside your fridge and provides a 7-inch display, a dry erase board, digital clock, Post-it pad and a LED message indicator for good measure. If you haven't pieced it together, this thing seeks to simplify your family's lives by providing a base for leaving photos and messages, and we'll admit, it does have a smidgen of a Jetsons vibe to it. Those holding out for the video-capable DPF711K can lay down their $199.99 later this month. Nice hair, kiddo. %Gallery-32119%
Acoustic Research doles out ARNC01 noise-canceling earbuds
Audiovox's extravaganza is closing up with the introduction of the Acoustic Research ARNC01 ($59.99) earbuds, which promise to use whiz-bang active processing to reduce noise for airline addicts and those with a crib full of rambunctious youngsters. The circuitry is housed in an in-line module with an On / Off button and a compartment for a single AAAA (yes, AAAA) battery, which should last you around 50 hours. You know, plenty of time to head off to Akihabara and back for a few new Japanese exclusives.
RCA trots out RIR205 tabletop internet radio
Among the other low-rate gear unveiled this evening by Audiovox comes the RCA RIR205, a tabletop internet radio that may have gotten away with that design in 1992. Instead, we have no option but to recommend this one only for rarely used spare bedrooms, though the built-in AM / FM tuner, WiFi radio streaming (complete with a Slacker song tagging feature) and the integrated support for WeatherBug forecasts are quite nice. Additionally, users can record up to 10 hours of music and other radio programming onto the unit's 512MB of inbuilt memory, and of course, you can set the alarm to wake you with online music or your favorite local sports talk host. Not too shabby for $149.99, but that exterior could use some work.
RCA unveils 4GB / 8GB Lyra Slider PMP
Whoa, wait up. You're telling us Audiovox hasn't abandoned the RCA Lyra moniker entirely? Storming back from the grave the unknown is the Lyra Slider, a PMP that could definitely go for $29.99 on contract from any major carrier with just a dial-pad and a CDMA radio. As it stands, this media player arrives with 4GB or 8GB of capacity and plays back audio, video, FM radio and photo slideshows. Furthermore, you'll find an integrated voice / media recorder, USB 2.0 port and a rechargeable battery good for up to 50 hours of music playback or 8 hours of video playback. Look for this to show up later in the fall for $79.99 (4GB) / $99.99 (8GB).
Audiovox intros ACA250 wireless DIY back-up camera system
We'll go ahead and state the obvious here: Audiovox claims this thing is made for DIY installations, but we'd highly recommend hiring a professional if you're totally green at this stuff. You know, considering the immense importance of alignment and the like when it comes to a rear-view back-up camera system. Anyways, the wireless ACA250 kit provides drivers with a color camera (110-degree viewing angle), infrared LEDs for night vision and a monitor that can be plugged into an AC adapter or hard-wired. Not too shabby for $129 -- assuming you're up to the task of putting it all together, that is. Full release after the jump.
Audiovox's CES 2008 booth tour
Just in case you didn't get your fill of Audiovox from our liveblog of Monday's press conference, we've got a full booth tour for your to feast your eyes on, featuring new products from the 'Vox along with family members Jensen, RCA, TERK, and Acoustic Research. Sure, these companies might not produce the flashiest or most popular devices on the market, but what they lack in panache they make up for in affordability -- and in a few cases, as we noticed during our tour, unique functionality. Hit the link below for the full walkthrough, including a shot of a special Engadget fan.
Audiovox launches Lyra "by RCA" A6008 8GB slider DAP
There might be few that mourned the virtual death of the RCA brand, but Audiovox was quick to point it out as the brand that "started the MP3 revolution." We're not really expecting this Lyra A6008 DAP to start another, but it's an interesting device nonetheless given the B-team efforts RCA historically put into its players. The A6008 features 8GB of storage and a 2.4-inch LCD for the quite reasonable pricetag of $200. The slider function unveils a scroll wheel, which we're guessing gives the unit a bit of unnecessary heft, but obviously allows for more player face dedicated to that screen -- it's always a give and take. No word on when exactly this'll hit.
Audiovox rolls out four digital picture frames
Granted, the crux of Audiovox's presence today revolved around its snazzy new Digital Message Centers, but it did take time out to briefly introduce four all new digital photo frames. Not too many deets were doled out, but we do know to expect 5-, 7-, 8 and 10-inch versions with "features that include schedule / media software and built-in scaler technology." Furthermore, the whole lot will house 256MB of built-in memory, support interchangeable frames and play nice with USB, SD, MC, MS, xD and CF card formats. Sadly, there's no mention of a release date, but we do know that they'll run you $89.99, $99.99, $169.99 and $189.99 from smallest to largest.
Audiovox reveals Digital Message Centers: perfect for refrigerators
Yeah, it's true -- we've got a soft spot for quirky refrigerator magnets, so we're inclined to take favor with Audiovox's Digital Message Centers. As you can see above, the fridge-mountable units enable users to display photos for family to see, and folks can even record audio or video messages (on the DPF711K only) for others via the integrated camera / microphone. As if that wasn't snazzy enough, you can even tag messages to a calender for playback on specific dates, and we'd imagine the content would look fairly decent on the 7-inch 480 x 234 display. Think your kitchen's ready for it? You can grab the video-capable DPF711K for $199.99 or the audio-only DPF710K for $40 less.
Live coverage from Audiovox's press event
8:00AM - We're front row for Audiovox's 2008 CES press conference, ready to bring you all the exciting news from the world of the 'Vox and friends (Jensen and RCA). Stay tuned as we wait for presenters to take the podium.8:08AM - Ok, we're getting started. Tom Malone, President of Audiovox, is on stage, talking about the RCA A/V Group acquisition. Gets into the eight CES Innovations awards that the company's products have won.Keep reading after the break for the rest of the liveblog...
Audiovox must be kidding with its D1817PKG portable DVD player
Sheesh -- what's it going to take to get a decent portable DVD player? Just after we'd been tricked into believing that it couldn't get any worse, along comes Audiovox to take things to a whole new low. This so-called conglomerate doesn't even bother sharing its screen resolution with us, but does take the time to showcase its rechargeable battery, integrated stereo speakers, pair of folding headphones and credit card sized remote. Additionally, you'll find a car power adapter, carrying case, and a controller to play the 30 surely riveting games that are built in. Here's a tip: take your $123 and do almost anything with it. Chances are you'll be better off than trying your luck with this thing.Update: Audiovox pinged us to let us know the screen resolution is actually a halfway respectable 720 x 480 pixels, and it also touts composite video in / out along with headphone / RCA audio outputs.[Via SlashGear]
Jensen's NVXM1000 Rock'N'Road XM / GPS system on sale now
Given that the last time we heard about Jensen's NVXM1000 was nearly 11 months ago, we won't hold it against you if you just can't bring back the memories of this well-spec'd XM mini-tuner / navigator hybrid. The $799.99 Rock'N'Road, as it's so affectionately dubbed, is finally ready to take to the streets, and it's packing a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, support for XM Instant Traffic, weather, sports and stocks, 11 million POIs, an 8GB hard drive, wireless FM modulator, an integrated media player / photo viewer, USB connectivity and a SD expansion slot. And if you just so happen to find yourself in a participating GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan or Hyundai dealership, you can get hooked up with the rebadged Advent ADV800XM for the same amount of dough. Now, whether or not this thing's actually worth all eight Benjamins is another story, but it's available today for those who adamantly feel it is.
Acoustic Research ARWH1 headset looks familiar for being a world's first
Oh, Qualcomm, how soon you forget. Just a few months after the Lubix UBHS-PH2 Bluetooth headset became the world's first device announced to ship with Qualcomm's MEMS display tech, the big Q is at CTIA touting the Acoustic Research ARWH1 headset as the first device with such a display to hit the market -- even though it's just a rebrand of the exact same Lubix headset. Sneaky! Expect to see the AR version in stores this November for $99.
XM's CommanderMT receiver finally launches
It won't go down as the timeliest of launches, but the Audiovox-built CommanderMT that we peeked back at CES is finally up for grabs. The in-dash receiver was designed to operate with any AM / FM radio and sports a four-line display, jog dial, and the ability to "alert you whenever your favorite songs, artists, or sports teams are being played on another channel." Additionally, the Mini-Tuner compatibility ensures that you can take your XM subscription with you when you exit the vehicle, and while it may have lost some of its luster during the six months you've been anxiously waiting, interested consumers can snag one of their own "later this month" for $179.99. Continue on for a few in-car snapshots.[Via Orbitcast]
XM gets official with Audiovox XpressR and XpressEZ
No big surprises here -- mainly because Orbitcast caught wind of these devices nearly two months ago -- but XM has finally taken the wraps off of its latest radios from Audiovox, the XpressR and XpressEZ. As we already knew, the $130 R brags of being the first satrad with a split-screen display, while also offering that 30-minute buffer for some limited time-shifting action. The EZ, meanwhile, is positioned as an entry-level device at $70 (meaning that you'll be able to find it for under $50 in no time, we imagine), and features a three-line LCD and not much else. Both models are compatible with a number of XM accessories, and both should be available immediately.Read - XpressRRead - XpressEZ
Audiovox to bulk up Xpress XM tuner line with Replay, EZ
Orbitcast's got the scoop on a pair of upcoming XM tuners from Audiovox, the entry-level Xpress EZ (pictured after the break) and somewhat high-end Xpress Replay (pictured after the break, and simply referred to as the XpressR if you want to sound hip around satrad nerds). The EZ is about as barebones as they come, sporting a mere three-button-plus-single-knob interface but not much else; you are getting a three-line display, but for $70, we'd expect them to at least throw a little remote action in there. Much more appealing is the Replay, which as Orbitcast tells us, is the first satellite radio ever to feature a split-screen display, meaning you can keep the current channel's info onscreen while you scroll through five stations at a time on the six-line LCD. Like members of the Sirius family sporting a 'Replay' tag, the XpressR allows for pausing / rewinding live feeds thanks to its 30 minute buffer, while also offering a total of 30 presets. Expect both models to become available sometime in June, and if we might be so bold, either would seem to be an upgrade over your current Xpress model in the looks department.
Audiovox booth tour
We stopped by the Audiovox booth to check out what it and its small fleet of partner brands have been up to. They may not have been sporting a gigundo LCD tower or anything, but they certainly did what they could with a big flying yellow hyperbolic donut thingy. Join us after the break for some highlights from the tour.
Audiovox shows off DV7600XM XM Mini-Tuner home theater system
Audiovox is broadening its XM love from the portable / in-car units to a home theater in-a-box with its DV7600XM XM Mini-Tuner home theater system. This all-in-one solution features 600-watts of earth-movin' power, five satellite cubes, a passive subwoofer, and a slim, retro-styled DVD player / XM tuner. While we assume you'll find the usual assortment of AV ins and outs, there's not too many details floating around on this one just yet, but if you're scouting a 5.1 system with a dash of XM already throw in, the DV7600XM should go for $159.95 when it skedaddles on out of CES.
Audiovox buys out Thomson's accessory biz, including RCA brand
It hasn't been all glimmer and glam for RCA of late, with the ancient consumer electronics brand lagging behind innovators in the field, being mostly relegated to cheap also-rans. But there's hope for that once-great purveyor of radios: Audiovox just snapped up the rights to RCA-branded accessories from Thomson to the tune of $50 million, which hopefully means a mild cred boost for the brand. We really couldn't have said it better than Patrick Lavelle, President and CEO of Audiovox: "We believe the acquisition of this business will enhance both our top and bottom line performance and create powerful marketing synergies for our organization." Gotta love those powerful marketing synergies. The acquisition includes 115 employees in North America and Asia, and Thomson also threw in Recoton, Spikemaster, Ambico and Discwasher brands for use on any products and the Jensen, Advent, Acoustic Research and Road Gear brands for accessory products. Audiovox expects the acquisition to pay off in over $150 million of sales in 2007.
