"Xerox wants to diversify their product offerings into other document offerings. For instance displays, so you can view your electronic documents."
Erin Rippee, marketing vice president at Proview Technology, which is manufacturing the new monitors…under a licensing agreement with Xerox. The problem is, with so many manufacturers from Samsung, to Sony and Viewsonic to name a few….how can Xerox set itself apart…
"We'll sell it to the consumer because the brand elasticity says that for years people have known about Xerox in the business. But also, the same recognition they have in the business community, they will recognize it out on the store shelves as well and they'll recognize the quality that comes with the Xerox brand."
A total of 13 models are being offered…with the most unique features being offered in the high end 7 Series. They integrate anti-glare glass covers being called Xshield. If you work in a bright room, it's a good investment. A 17 inch screen sells for about 570 dollars. Prices for LCD monitors have gone up a little or held steady for the last few months as demand has outstripped supply. But that could change later this year…
"During this year, 2004, nine new facilities will go online to help increase that supply. Once those nine facilities have established a proper yield rate, then you can see prices drop again on LCDs. Probably around Q3 of 2004."
The growth in popularity of LCD TVs along with computer monitors, has contributed to the shortage. Bloomberg Boot Camp, I'm Fred Fishkin.