Multifunction Displays aid in marine navigation.
Press Release Summary:
On sonar models, HDS series devices include broadband sounder technology providing 120° coverage at 83 kHz operation in shallow water. Those with chartplotter functionality include internal GPS+WAAS antenna and offer SIRIUS real-time weather and stereo-quality radio support. All can operate as stand-alone units or can be integrated into system via Ethernet and NMEA 2000® networking. Available in several sizes, units are compatible with various mapping programs.
Original Press Release:
Lowrance Announces HDS High-Definition Multifunction Chartplotter with Built-in Broadband Sounder
New Systems Provide Maximum Functionality and Flexibility for All Avid Boaters and Anglers
Tulsa, Okla. - Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics since 1957 and GPS navigational systems since 1992, announced today its groundbreaking High-Definition System (HDS). A revolutionary step forward in fish-finding and navigation-electronics, the new Lowrance HDS series of multi-function displays combines best-in-class Lowrance sounder technology, fully integrated weather and radar solutions, an attractive case design that is more convenient to install, and a new easier-to-use operating system that simplifies access to frequently used and highly advanced features. The ideal solution for boaters who require an easily networked or standalone electronics package delivering the best in performance, the Lowrance HDS series offers unparalleled functionality.
Combining the industry's most advanced technology, Lowrance HDS features award-winning Lowrance Broadband Sounder technology integration, the most extensive mapping options on the market, support for Navionics' full line of cartography, advanced LED backlighting, soft-keys and unique FlyWheel(TM) operation on select models, and an intuitive new user interface. HDS also offers users maximum expansion options including SIRIUS® weather and satellite radio capabilities; turnkey radar support; cost-effective fuel, engine and boat-operations management solutions; and proprietary buddy-tracking functionality. Fully networkable, the systems are versatile and protect against obsolescence with a design that can accommodate next-generation Lowrance technologies.
Broadband Sounder Integration:
Delivering peerless echo clarity and underwater definition, the award-winning Broadband Sounder technology is now built-in with Lowrance HDS sonar models. The exclusive Broadband Sounder technology is proven to find more targets with greater sensitivity and higher definition. The result is superior target separation in all cover, in thermoclines and in surface clutter. With Broadband Sounder technology, sonar displays show less noise and more targets with crystal-clear clarity. Greater shallow-water detail and coverage is achieved (120 degrees of coverage at 83 kHz operation), as well as incredible deep-water performance, even at faster boat speeds.
Extensive Mapping Options for High-Definition GPS-Chartplotting:
Offering powerful out-of-the-box navigational functionality, HDS models with chartplotter functionality include an internal GPS+WAAS antenna. Most models also feature a new, enhanced U.S. base map that features coverage of more than 100,000 bodies of water and nearly 5,000 lake maps with detailed shorelines and depth contours built-in. Select HDS models also include Lowrance's new exclusive Insight(TM) cartography.
Featuring stunning life-like perspectives of bottom structure and topography, Insight mapping delivers a new dimension in effective, reliable marine navigation and fishing. Lake Insight(TM) inland mapping (with HDS-5) includes nearly 5,000 freshwater lake maps with life-like perspective of bottom structure and topography. Coverage includes the
Great Lakes and more than 500 Fishing HotSpots Lakes - a $400 retail value. Nautic Insight(TM) (with HDS-5) offers a superior life-like view of coastal bottom structure with detailed coastal and offshore depth contours, plus navigation aids, for the entire U.S. coastline. Insight(TM) USA (for HDS-7, -8 and -10 models) combines inland and coastal coverage areas of Lake Insight and Nautic Insight.
Ensuring maximum chart flexibility, the HDS series is compatible with Lowrance LakeMaster® ProMaps Lowrance Fishing HotSpots® PRO, NauticPath(TM), FreedomMaps(TM) and also offers full Navionics cartography support*. With Platinum+, Platinum and HotMaps Platinum capability, the Lowrance HDS series incorporates TurboView(TM), a unique software feature that adds seamless zooming and transition between 2D and 3D modes for easier display and greater flexibility.
Enhanced Ease-of-Use In All Conditions:
Designed for maximum usability in all conditions, the Lowrance HDS series features a newly designed menu system for more convenient access and control of key functions. HDS series incorporates the latest SolarMAX(TM) PLUS display enhancement in 5-inch, 7-inch, 8.4-inch and 10.4-inch screen models. Featuring extremely wide viewing angles and designed to optimize the display of chartplotter, fishfinder and radar images, these high brightness sunlight-viewable displays offer ultimate visibility in any lighting condition.
Maximum Flexibility and Expandability:
The ultimate in flexibility, HDS models can operate as stand-alone units or can be integrated into a system using Ethernet and NMEA 2000® networking. All HDS units with chartplotter functionality offer SIRIUS real-time weather and stereo-quality radio support with coastal, and the first available inland packages. When connected to a Lowrance VHF radio, HDS offers Navico's exclusive Track-Your-Buddy(TM) and Get-Buddy features providing location awareness for up to three other boats. HDS also features turnkey compatibility with Lowrance's high-definition radar systems as well as NMEA 2000 networking for cost-effective monitoring of important boat and engine data. Whether in a standalone or a networked configuration, the HDS series is designed to accommodate future next-generation Lowrance technologies.
"The revolutionary new Lowrance HDS series provides boaters with unparalleled, best-in-class chartplotter and fish finding capabilities in an expandable package," said Gordon Sprouse, director of marketing for all Navico Americas brands. "With a revolutionary design that packs more useful features into every system, the HDS series can accommodate countless configurations. With a variety of daylight-viewable screen sizes and full networking capabilities, Lowrance offers an HDS solution for every freshwater and saltwater recreational boater."
Availability:
The Lowrance HDS Series is available from authorized Lowrance dealers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada. Lowrance HDS units are fully protected by a newly expanded 2-year limited warranty, with a 2-year extended warranty option. For more information on the HDS series, transducer pricing and compatibility, or to learn more about Lowrance and its entire product line, please visit www.HDSrevolution.com.
*Navionics compatibility requires a free software upgrade scheduled for availability in Q1 2009.
About Lowrance:
The Lowrance® brand is wholly owned by Navico, Inc., a privately held, international marine electronics company. Navico is currently the world's largest marine electronics company, and is the parent company to five well-established marine electronics brands: B&G®, Eagle®, Lowrance, Northstar and Simrad®.
