TVonics to launch new HD set-top box range
BRITAIN’S only digital set top box manufacturer has invested £3m in developing a new range of Freeview high definition (HD) ready boxes, to launch next month.
Stockport-based TVonics is begin rolling out its new range of set-top boxes as part of its ongoing HD strategy.
The privately owned company, which is part of Stockport-based Contact Holdings, was bought out of administration at the start of 2008.
It had a turnover of £9m to the end of 2009 – up from £3m the previous year – and believes that it is on course for sales of £15m in 2010.
TVonics has secured distribution deals with most of the major retailers including John Lewis, Curry’s, Argos, Tesco and Carphone Warehouse.
Chief technology officer Andy Carr said: “The HD market has been much anticipated, but TVonics is committed to delivering on its promises.
“The new range of HD set-top boxes represent a £3m investment on behalf of TVonics.
“When we launch the new HD boxes to the market via our retail network and online they will be technically robust, aesthetically unlike any other digital set-top box on the market and will provide consumers the best way to watch Freeview HD on an HD Ready TV.
“There is still a lot of consumer confusion about how to switch to HD TV in the home – with many believing that an HD Ready TV is all that is required to view Freeview HD.
“Our range of HD products will ensure that consumers are easily able to view Freeview HD with high quality surround sound, by simply connecting the box to the HD Ready TV – delivering a user experience we believe is superior to other boxes in the market place.”
TVonics’ products are made under licence by Sony in Bridgend, in South Wales, and have won awards for energy efficiency, reliability and user-friendliness.
Contact Holdings is owned by Carl Butler and majority shareholder and chairman Phil Smith.
As well as TVonics – its first consumer brand – Contract Holdings also owns established profitable businesses in supply chain management and packaging.
