Marketnews —  VisionQuest, an ODM company (“original design manufacturer”) entered the Canadian market early last year, and since then, has introduced a diverse product line that ranges from LCD and plasma TVs in varying flavours for different budgets, to less tech-savvy (but still nifty) patio heaters and wine coolers. This morning in the Gibson Jessop Gallery in downtown Toronto’s Historic Distillery District, the company introduced its 2008 line of products, three of which really stood out from the lot.

The first is the new Internet TV, which can easily be described as a simple, “all-in-one” solution for mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, or even the spare room or cottage. It’s a 32” LCD HDTV (720p) with a DVD player and mini computer artfully lodged into the backside such that they can be easily removed for repair or relocation. The two devices operate via separate inputs on the TV, allowing users to seamlessly switch between applications. When moving from PC to TV (the TV has an ATSC tuner) or DVD functions, the PC will automatically shut down. The computer portion itself has a 1.5 GHz Intel Celeron processor, 256 MB internal memory, and a 60 GB hard drive, and will come pre-loaded with Windows XP Home Edition.

One drawback of the packaged system, which is set for availability in June for $1,299, is that the DVD player and PC cannot speak to one another. This means that, if you want to take content from one source and copy it or play it back from the other, or vice versa (for example, play a DVD through Windows Media Player while also performing PC-related tasks), you’ll need an external hard drive. However, the TV does come equipped with a pair of USB inputs, and an audio output for connecting external PC speakers. The package also includes a wireless keyboard and mouse.

For the price, you can certainly purchase separate components that perform each function independently and set them up accordingly. But this model is obviously tailored to be an easy “grab-and-go” solution for the technophobic (or time-pressed) customer that’s just looking for a secondary computer/TV system, and wants to get in and out in one shot.

Although the mobile smartphone is becoming more and more like an on-the-go PC, many (like myself!) still have the need for a portable, travel-friendly notebook. VisionQuest is entering this category with three pint-sized models under the V-Book name. The series includes a 7”, 8”, and 10” model ranging in price from $299 to $399. Each model comes with the Linux operating system, but Windows can be installed by the user should they so desire (one model may even come with both operating systems pre-loaded). Weighing less than 2.5 lbs., the portable devices offer about 4.5 hours of battery life, and include “the basics”, like integrated wireless, USB ports, and even a side-mounted SD card slot. Given the affordable price tags and small stature, it’s no surprise that these PCs don’t have disc drives. But they aren’t meant for everyday use. Much like the Internet TV product, they are better suited to secondary applications, like the cottage or kid’s room.

“My first tester is my four-year-old daughter, who uses it all the time,” mused VisionQuest’s Regional Sales Manager, Jimmy Singh.

In June, VisionQuest will also be dipping its hand into the growing Blu-ray player market with the model VQM-1000-BLU, which will be available for $399. This player will complement the company’s new line of HDTVs, including the kitchen or dorm room-friendly, glossy black, 19” 720p LCD with built-in DVD player ($400); all the way up to the 32” 720p Monet plasma.

In the highly competitive consumer electronics category, it really is difficult to stand out. Jimmy Davlouros, General Manager and Vice President at VisionQuest says that the company prides itself in focusing on “artistic concepts” as its prime differentiator. This is evidenced in the variety of sub-brand flat-panel names, including the entry-level Remoir, mid-level Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and higher-end Monet. The aforementioned Internet TV product carries the “Da Vinci” name.  In addition to functioning well, it’s also of paramount importance that your products look good. And it appears that VisionQuest is paying just as much attention to form as it is function, with lots of glossy blacks, sleek lines, and elegant styling across the board.