Business

IKEA introduces the Uppleva entertainment system

It may not be suitable for audiophiles but at least the integrated unit isn’t a plastic prop

It used to be that when Ikea adorned the display furniture in its showrooms with TVs and stereos, the company used hollow plastic props. How times, and cheap electronic components, change. Ikea has unveiled the latest product coming to its showrooms—furniture with the TVs and stereos built right in.

The pitch from the Swedish home furnishing giant is simple—already cramped living rooms are choked with wires and cables criss-crossing the walls and floors. The solution, says Ikea, is the Uppleva, an integrated unit complete with LED TV, sound system, wireless bass speakers and CD, DVD and Blu-Ray players, all internet-ready, at a price of around $960.

To be sure, this isn’t a system for audiophiles. And many will bristle at memories of trying to assemble those book shelves in their first apartments. But the company is betting enough people are fed up with the clutter that they’ll take a look. Oh, and it comes in beech, white, black, green and purple.