NEW DELHI, February 6: Competition in the home theatre market is hotting up with BPL virtually declaring war against Akai by introducing a new range. BPL has priced its add-ons comprising a three-channel digital signal processor and three speakers for Rs 14,990 to set up a home theatre system while Akai is selling its add-on package comprising video compact disc player and six speakers for Rs 16,990.Both companies are contesting the other's claim on what forms a complete home theatre system. BPL claims that home theatre system cannot be complete without a digital signal processor, while Akai states, the BPL system is not complete as it was not offering a video CD player.
BPL claims Akai is selling only a look-alike product while it was offering a ``real home theatre system''. In a three-quarter page advertisement released last weekend, BPL refers to the Akai system as ``just a cheap imitation''.
BPL contends that the digital signal processor is an indispensable component of a home theatre system as itfunctions as decoder digitally separating the sound emanating from a laser disc or video/audio compact disc into a number of channels before sending the signals to each of the speakers. As the result, each speaker produces a different element of the sound effectively generating a theatre-like feel.
The company further claims that all the speakers of the Akai home theatre system produce the same sound, which effectively results in stereo effect and not a theatre-like effect.
Akai contests the BPL claim stating that the video CD player being offered in the package is equipped with a digital processor which serves the function of separating sound.
Akai feels that BPL is using the Dolby digital signal processor as a ploy to charge a higher price for the home theatre system. ``We are giving a home theatre system at an affordable price,'' maintain Akai executives, dismissing BPL's claims as ``a negative reaction''.
The Akai executives further added that the digital processor enclosed in the VCD player is asgood as that of Dolby. In addition, the sub-woofer amplifies the sound to give theatre-like effect, they add.
Worldwide, all home theatre systems use digital signal processors to digitally separate sound into five channels to give a theatre effect.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
