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TMCNet:  Asustek dips toe in digital TV pool

[February 22, 2013]

Asustek dips toe in digital TV pool

Feb 22, 2013 (Bangkok Post - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Asustek Computer, a Taiwanese computer hardware and electronics firm, is jumping into the set-top box business to cash in on the burgeoning digital television industry.

The move is aimed at increasing a new revenue stream, targeting revenue growth of 10% this year, up from 3% in 2012.

Asustek reported 1.6 billion baht in revenue for its Thai operation last year.

Monthee Vuthirong, country manager for open platform business of Asustek Computer, said the company plans to launch its 'O!Play TV Pro' set-top box next month, priced 8,900 baht a unit.

The box features a TV receiver serving Thailand's digital TV standard and equipped with a hard-disk recorder.

Mr Monthee said in June it will also introduce Qube, the Google TV-powered set-top box, which could transform a conventional flat TV to a smart TV or internet-enabled TV set.

The alternative box is cheaper than buying a new smart TV, he added.

Asustek is also focusing on the all-in-one consumer desktop, especially a transformer PC featuring an 18-inch display combining desktop and tablet features.

Mr Monthee said cloud-enabled routers are another growth area this year, thanks to increasing usage of fixed-base high-speed internet broadband and multiple connected devices at home.

The Asustek router will enable users to store and access content via various consumer electronic devices at home or on the go.

The company appointed SIS Distribution to expand its distribution coverage together with existing distributors DComputer, The Value Systems and Synnex.

Mr Monthee said Asustek expects revenue this year will come mainly from motherboards and graphic cards, comprising 70% of the total, down from 85% last year.

The remaining 30% of revenue will stem from routers, set-top boxes and all-in-one desktops.

Thailand's desktop market _ both interbrand and house brands _ saw no growth last year with 1.7 million units sold.

"Adding new products, especially in home entertainment, will enable us to sustain growth," said Mr Monthee.

___ (c)2013 the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) Visit the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) at www.bangkokpost.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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