ViewSonic announced an addition to its NextVisionâ„¢ M Series of Digital Media Centers along with several complete entertainment solution bundles.
The M2100, built on Microsoft’s Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 operating system, brings consumers new functionality, including FM radio, wide-screen 16:9-format viewing, high-definitionplayback, a dual-format DVD +/– RW drive, and improved graphic performance from the nVidia GeForce FX5X00 graphics card.
At an estimated street price of $1599, the M2100 allows users to consolidate a Digital Video Recorder, FM radio tuner, MP3 Music and digital or video photography into one centralized system. PC gamers can utilize the M2100′s multiple front inputs to quickly add or remove their favorite game pad/navigation device for full utilization of the product’s improved 3D-gaming performance. Full featured video outputs – including DVI, VGA, S-Video, and composite – also support the use of two display devices, such as a traditional monitor with a projector or LCD TV, for simultaneous viewing of computing or entertainment content.
The company also introduced a number of affordable, complete entertainment packages featuring a ViewSonic Digital Media Center and ViewSonic display product that will be available in several configurations, including:
High Resolution 42†Plasma Bundle – M2100 and VPW450HD Plasma Display – $5999
Home Theater Projector Bundle – M2100 and PJ750 Projector – $3499
Family Room 27†LCD TV Bundle – M2100 and N2700w LCD TV – $3299
Ultimate Gaming 20†LCD Bundle – M2100, VP201s 16ms response time LCD and ViewSonic NeoSatâ„¢ Speaker System – $2499
Bedroom/Dorm Room 17†LCD TV Bundle – M2100 and N1700w LCD TV – $1999
Low Cost 18†LCD Bundle – M2000, VX800 LCD Display ViewSonic NeoSat Speaker System – $1699
Budget 19†(18″ Viewable)CRT Bundle – M2000, G90fb 19″ (18″ Viewable) CRT Display and ViewSonic NeoSat Speaker System – $1399
“Consumers want complete entertainment systems that bring digital multimedia and traditional entertainment formats together with powerful computing that offers outstanding performance at a great price,†said Donna Ogilvie, director of business planning, Visual Solutions Group, ViewSonic. “Our unmatched offering of complete packages taps into ViewSonic’s heritage of high-quality, high-definition display products to bring the Media Center experience to environments ranging from desktops and home theaters and living rooms and bedrooms.â€
In addition to accessing entertainment anywhere in the room via remote control, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 makes it easy to create, store, view and share entertainment with consistent navigation and playback across digital content formats.
“With Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004, Microsoft has enhanced the great entertainment experience provided by ViewSonic’s line of Digital Media Centers,†said Joe Belfiore, general manager of the Windows eHome division, Microsoft Corp. “ViewSonic adds even more value by teaming the M Series with its wide array of display products.â€
Current ViewSonic NextVision M Series Digital Media Center owners will be offered a free operating system upgrade, allowing them to enjoy of the improved feature set without additional investment.
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