The name Lowrance will need no introduction to boat anglers in the UK, and the Lowrance HDS family represent one of a number of exciting new releases recently announced by them, as the press release below shows…

THE product launch event for 2009 for high-definition chartplotting and echo sounding

Lowrance, a brand by Navico, the world’s leading manufacturer of leisure marine electronics, is showing for the first time in Europe its groundbreaking High-Definition System (HDS) at METS 2008.

The new Lowrance HDS series of multi-function displays combines best-in-class Lowrance sounder technology, high resolution chartplotting, fully integrated 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 boat owners who require an easily networked or standalone electronics package, the Lowrance HDS series offers unparalleled functionality.

The HDS series brings together for the first time the award-winning Lowrance broadband sounder technology and the most extensive mapping options on the market, including support for Navionics’ full line of cartography, as well as advanced LED backlighting, soft-keys and unique FlyWheelTM operation on select models, plus an intuitive new user interface. HDS also offers users maximum expansion options including plug-and-play radar support; cost-effective fuel, engine and boat-operations management solutions; and proprietary buddy-tracking functionality. Fully networkable using Ethernet and NMEA 2000, the systems are versatile and protect against obsolescence with a design that can accommodate 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 Jens-Thomas Pietralla, president and CEO of Navico. "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.”

The Lowrance HDS Series is available in 5, 7, 8 and 10-inch models. For more information, go to http://www.hdsrevolution.com/