By Patrick Avenell in Las Vegas
TCL has today revealed the Australian release information for the new range of televisions it unveiled yesterday at the 2013 International CES. The new range includes Ultra HD, Google TV and Windows 8 TVs, and an intriguing Android-powered TV/tablet called the Ice Screen.
Furthermore, TCL will be expanding its major appliance range in 2013.
Currently in discussions with local content distributors, TCL aims to release its Movo Google TVs in 42-, 46- and 55-inch models by the end of March 2013. These TVs are not native Google TVs like Hisense’s models, but rather use a separate but included set top box to power the Google functionality.
A step up from this range is TCL’s Blade TV, which is only 11 millimeters thick. This 3D Smart TV will include Google TV, voice and gesture control.
At the top of TCL’s TV range is its 65-inch Ultra HD model, which includes all the features of its Movo and Blade TV ranges.
Completing the TCL TV range will be its mid-market Full HD 3D and Smart LED E5500 and E5590 models.
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In its niche TV range, TCL has showcased a touchscreen Windows 8 model called the UltraSurface. This Full HD 3D TV has no voice or gesture control but can be used a PC with the addition of a keyboard and an external hard drive. TCL Australia national sales manager Nick Redmond was unsure if this model would be coming to Australia.
Definitely being released locally, however, is the Ice Screen TV, which runs on Android 4.0. This 26-inch tablet with a 3-hour battery life requires an included dongle to access terrestrial television broadcasts and is expected to retail for $399.
Redmond told Current.com.au that for TCL to achieve the brand equity it requires to be a leading player in the Australian electronics industry, it “needs to be in all corners of the store”. To that end, TCL Australia will be releasing top- and front-load washing machines, side-by-side and French Door refrigerators, and expanding its air conditioning ranges during 2013.
TCL Electronics Australia GM Sunny Xiang and national sales manager Nick Redmond in front of TCL's new Windows 8 TV, the UltraSurface.
TCL has entered into an integrated marketing campaign with the new Iron Man 3 film to promote its Ultra HD range. This is its 110-inch model.
TCL's Android-powered Ice Screen TV will be coming to Australia soon for around $399.