NEC-Mitsubishi to Ship New Displays, Video/Graphics Solutions

The Itsaca, Ill.-based vendor unveiled its latest offerings at Comdex in Las Vegas, making a move to deliver display solutions through the channel into a higher-end space.

Among the new features is what the company calls Tilematrix, a feature that allows solution providers to integrate multiple displays into a single graphics or video board to spread a single image or display across a grid of multiple LCD monitors.

It has the effect of turning nine or 25 separate displays, for example, into one large video or signage board running out of the same CPU. It can also support additional custom-signage applications.

"It's a cost-effective way of doing a public display application," said Andres Maldonado, director of product marketing for NEC-Mitsubishi. The Tilematrix application provides a user interface and dialogue box that can walk a solution provider through the process of tying several displays into a common image.

The Tilematrix feature works with the $1,549, 21-inch NEC MultiSync LCD2180UX, one of two new displays announced by the company at Comdex. The other, a 20-inch monitor called the NEC MultiSync LCD2080UX , costs $1,499.

Maldonado downplayed any impact his company would see from rival Dell's recent entry into the large-screen LCD space. Earlier this week, Dell began shipping a 30-inch LCD TV, and two weeks ago a 17-inch LCD that is compatible with media center applications and Windows.

"What we've tried to do is demonstrate our commitment to the channel," Maldonado said. "And we'll be doing more programs in the next year to help build loyalty." He said the company currently is reviewing its existing channel offerings including lead sharing, availability of demonstration units and a program for system builders and may extend those efforts in 2004.