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Banking on hopes that many consumers will use the now delayed digital transition as an opportunity to make the jump to HDTVs, Klipsch hopes to offer audio accompaniment at reasonable prices. 

The only problem with Klipsch’s plan is that, of the three home audio systems it announced today, only one is south of the $500 mark.  It is also interesting to note, that while Klipsch is seeking the the DTV set, they only expect their more modestly priced audio systems, the HD Theater 500 for $599.99 and the HD Theater 300 for $399.99, to be available for sale in March for the former and April for the latter.

Klipsch recommends that consumers spend approximately the same amount of money on their surround sound system as they would on the TV itself.  They base this wisdom on experience they have gathered as the leading audio supplier of 50% of new theaters in North and South America.  This rule, combined with rapidly falling HTDV prices, may lead to trouble for Klipsch in pushing their HD Theater 1000 which will retail for $899.99.  Whether Klipsch will be able to capitalize on the DTV upgrade rush with only its most costly unit available in retailers remains to be seen.

Source [Klipsch]