Magnavox
Magnavox (
Latin for "loud voice") was an
electronics company founded by Edwin Pridham and Peter Jensen. The brothers invented the first
loudspeaker in 1915 and named their brainchild "Magnavox." The company was formed in 1917 under the same name in order to market the invention.
With the introduction of the
Odyssey in
1972, Magnavox began the home
video game console market.
Philips acquired Magnavox's
consumer electronics division in
1974. In the late
1990s, some Philips electronics were marketed under the
brand name "Philips Magnavox" in attempt to increase brand awareness of the Philips name in the Unites States. While it did work, to a degree, it also caused confusion to the consumer as to the difference between "Philips Magnavox" products and "Philips" products. Philips now once again markets the brands separately.
The defense group remained independent under the
Magnavox Electronic Systems name until it was acquired by
GM Hughes Electronics in 1995.
[Profile of Hughes Electronics Corp., Washington Technology.] When GM Hughes Electronics sold its defense operations to
Raytheon, the former Magnavox defense operations were transferred as well.
The Magnavox name is still used by Philips to market value-priced consumer electronics.
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Magnavox
