Ikea's new TV line: Brilliant or boneheaded?

The Swedish retailer has unveiled an all-in-one television that comes with a Blu-ray player, universal remote and storage options — basically a TV buyer's dream

IKEA's TV
(Image credit: YouTube)

Watch out, Best Buy — Ikea is getting into the home entertainment business. The furniture giant, known for its affordable, build-it-yourself merchandise, has unveiled a new line of televisions designed to simplify and streamline consumers' chaotic entertainment systems. (Watch the charming YouTube demo below.) The product, dubbed Uppleva ("Experience"), is an all-in-one solution that includes a high-definition TV set (manufactured by Chinese company TCL), a built-in Blu-ray player, a cordless subwoofer, and a variety of storage options to conceal messy cables and wires. The HDTV supports WiFi connectivity, has ports for HDMI and USB, and comes with a universal remote. Uppleva will arrive in Europe this year, and in the U.S. in 2013. Considering Ikea's reputation for affordable and innovative furnishing solutions, is home entertainment a logical next step?

Uppleva could be a big deal: This move has "the potential to shake up the industry," says David Carnoy at CNET. Prices will start at $950 for an entry-level unit, with TV sizes ranging from 26 to 46 inches. "Ikea has long sold affordable and attractively styled stands for TVs and home-theater components," but this endeavor takes things "up a notch." If the price is right — and affordable prices have always been Ikea's strength — consumers will come knocking.

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