Distributor finds replacement LCD screen manufacturer

Broadline distributor Computer 2000 (C2000) has claimed its new agreement with LCD screen manufacturer Mirai will benefit resellers that have lost out following Acer’s sudden exit from the market earlier this year.

Acer abruptly discontinued its range of TVs in June, which left a gap in C2000’s portfolio and affected many resellers that were selling to the lower end of the market.

Now the distributor has signed a deal with Mirai to distribute the vendor’s full range of high-definition screens in the UK. Darren Sainsbury, AV business unit manager at C2000, insisted the agreement will help resellers.
“Mirai is a good replacement for Acer,” he said. “It was a shock what happened in June; it left a gap for a good value TV brand in the lower end of the market. We think we have filled it.

“This is good news for resellers who have been looking for a low-cost manufacturer for a while. The agreement will allow both of us to reach more customers in the channel.”

Andy Field, commercial director at Mirai reseller Direct TVs, added: “With Mirai entering the market, it will open up more opportunities and we expect it will be a good partnership with C2000.”

However, C2000’s competitors have raised doubts over the impact the partnership will have.

“Resellers are looking for solutions and a TV is not a solution,” said Darren Lewitt, divisional director at Midwich. “It’s hard to see how this will be a big benefit to the channel.”