The current market leader is South Korea's Samsung.

Somchai Tawornrungroj, general manager of Philips Electronics Thailand's Consumer Electronics Division, said yesterday that his company planned to launch eight models, from 26-42 inches.

Among these, the 37-inch and 42-inch LCD models will be especially highlighted, featuring Clear LCD technology that provides clearer and more vibrant images, even with fast motion onscreen.

Philips also plans to launch a variety of new products in the consumer-electronics category.

One selling points is the simplicity with which its various audiovisual products - TVs, stereos, DVD players - can be interconnected. Somchai said it takes time to convince people that the connectivity capability can make using the equipment more enjoyable, but once they are, it is likely they will buy more than one product, thus boosting sales.

The company also plans to strengthen its image as a premium brand by focusing its advertising on its top-end and hi-tech products under the "Philips Entertainment Solution" slogan.

He said high-end consumers tended to continue their spending habits despite the economic downturn, as opposed to those in the mid- to low-income range.

However, the company will maintain a variety of products in the middle-range sector to cover the needs of all customers.

At the same time, Philips has re-grouped its overall consumer-electronics products into three categories, in accordance with consumers' lifestyles: luxury living, premium style and trendy series.

The firm is confident its consumer-electronics category, excluding monitors and mobile phones, will grow 15 per cent this year, despite the general slowdown in this segment.

It experienced 20-per-cent first-half growth in the entire consumer-electronics category, driven by the World Cup.

Nitida Asawanipont

The Nation