In the LCD, LED Segment, CG and Himstar, Giving Global Brands a Run For Their Money

 CG and Himstar Giving Global Brands a Run For Their Money

LED TV Screen showing Ronaldhnho / Nepal

In the LCD, LED Segment, CG and Himstar, Giving Global Brands a Run For Their Money

Till a few years ago, consumers looking for LCd and LEDs had no choice but to go for global brands. Now, there is a choice. LCD/LEDs by domestic makers are in the market. In a segment dominated by global brands, two local brands – CG and Himstar – are carving their own niche. The Chaudhary Group and Golchha Organisation – two of the country’s leading business houses – are making their presence felt with the production of LCD/LED televisions unddr their own brand names.

It’s been only two to three years that the local market seen LCD/LED TVs from CG and Himstar. The entry of local brands, according to their marketers, has expanded the overall market size of LCD and LED TVs. The arrival of domestic brands had made LCD/LED TVs affordable to a large section of the population. Him Electronics deputy general manager Keshav Dhital said that the people were being attracted towards local brands due to the price factor.

CG Electronics and Him Electronics launched their LCD Tv almost at the same time in 2010. And they followed up with LED Tv last year. CG Electronics, a subsidiary of Chaudhary Group, has six models of LCD and LED TVs. “CG LEDs come up with 120 Hz real motion which displays better picture quality”, said Kripananda Jha, general manager of the company. “The panel (screen) is also of international standard”, he added. According to Jha, 30-40 percent of CG’s LCDs and LEDs are sold in the Kathmandu Valley. Jha said that their high picture quality and modern technologies along with the small area that they occupy are the factors responsible for their growing demand. He claims that the volume of transactions has doubled this year compared to that of the last year. CG Electronics has been selling LCD televisions in three monitor sizes including 21.5 inch, 26 inch and 32 inch.

Likewise, the LED sets from CG are avilable in 23 inch, 32 inch and 42 inch in monitor sizes. The 32 inch monitor set is available in three different variants. Jha said CG Electronics provides a one year warrenty on CG LED/LCDs. CG LED televisions come with 120 Hz real motion that makes the picture look sharper, more natural and smoother compared to LEDs from other brands available in the market. The CG LED is equipped with a USB port for experiencing multimedia, high definition multimedia interface, swivel base that makes one comfortable while watching television from any position and premium sound that throws clear and rich audio. Him Electronics of Golchha Organisation has been selling LCD/LEDs under the Himstar brand for the last three years. The products are assembled from parts imported from China and Malaysia and have been seeing a brisk
turnover during the period, said the company. “Average sales which used to be around 100 units per month have now reached 1,000 units per month”, said Dhital.

According to Dhital, people are now shifting towards LCDs and LEDs from conventional CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) television. The crystal clear visual tube display on these products compared to the traditional CRT has been the main attraction among the people. Besides, system like full HD, HDMI, low power consumption and the full USB mode movie play equipped in the device are also other major attractions which have been able to attract a large number of people. With more local and international brands entering the local market, the price of LCD/LEDs has been gradually comming down. Dhital believes that LCD/LEDs will eventually replace CRTs in the local market.

Citing growing demand for LEDs, Him Electronics is all set to launch LED TVs in the next two-three weeks. According to the company, about 50 percent of its products are sold in the Kathmandu Valley. Currently, it has been selling its products from 250 dealers across the country. “We are comming up with two new showrooms at Civil Mall, Sundhara and Maharajgunj to promote our products”, said Dhital. Him Electronics offers a 14 month warranty on its LCD television sets.

Thanks to Rajesh Khanal for preparing this article. Now lets move to the price list of LCDs and LEDs in Nepali market.

#1. 21.5 inch CG LCD: Rs. 25,390

#2. 22 inch Himstar LCD: Rs. 24,000

#3. 23 in CG LED: Rs. 30,490

#4. 26 inc CG LCD: Rs. 33,090

#5. 26 inch Himstar LCD: Rs. 28,000

#6. 32 inch CG LCD: Rs. 42,790

#7. 32 inch CG LED: Rs. 47,390 – Rs. 63,990

#8. 32 inch Himstar LCD: Rs. 34,000

#9. 42 inch CG LED: Rs. 85,590.

The entry of local brands, their marketers say, has expanded the overall market size of LCD/LED TVs. The arrival of domestic brands has made the TVs affordable to a large section of the population.
The price list of LCD and LED TVs is as of Wednesday, 28th March 2012. The price rate may change at any time.