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July 15, 2010

Lowrance Announces New Elite
DownScan Imaging© Sonar Series

New High-Resolution Color Fishfinder and Fishfinder/Chartplotter Options Provide Crystal-Clear, Photo-Like Underwater Detail—All For An Unprecedented Value

Tulsa, Okla. – Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics since 1957 and GPS navigational systems since 1992, announced today its new Elite series of color fishfinder and fishfinder/GPS-chartplotter combination units featuring exclusive DownScan ImagingÔ (DSI) sonar technology. The Elite DSI line includes the Elite-5x DSI fishfinder, Elite-5 DSI fishfinder/chartplotter and Elite-5 DSI Gold fishfinder/chartplotter bundled with a Lowrance-exclusive special-issue Navionics Gold micro SD chartcard. On display for the first time at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) 2010 show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Elite DSI models combine Lowrance’s revolutionary DownScan Imaging™ technology with brilliant color displays, smart automatic fishfinder modes and simple, intuitive operation into a surprisingly cost-effective solution with today’s most innovative sonar technology for anglers and boaters.

DSI-equipped anglers experience a new standard in fishfinding with remarkable below-the-boat, picture-like views of bottom structure such as brush, rocks, vegetation, drop offs—as well as thermoclines, predator fish and baitfish. The Elite DSI series provides crystal-clear underwater definition in shallow and deep, freshwater or saltwater—including impressive bottom readings at higher boat speeds. Capable of displaying isolated targets and hard-to-find secondary structure, DSI sonar not only allows users to see vegetation and bottom structure more clearly, but also helps anglers recognize variations in weed growth and bottom hardness.

The Elite-5x DSI and Elite-5 DSI feature a new rugged, low-profile, dual-frequency Skimmer® transom-mount transducer with built-in temperature sensor that operates at 455 kHz for wider and deeper coverage, or at 800 kHz for more concentrated scans in shallower conditions with greater target separation. For easy-to-use, touch-of-a-button execution, Elite DSI models have automatic fine-tuned fishfinding modes for simplified, instant operation and optimal performance, while allowing access to manual options for advanced control. For greater precision with bait or lure presentations, anglers can position the cursor anywhere on the sonar display to determine the depth of a marked object—such as suspended baitfish, a thermocline, or predator fish identified among suspended tree branches. In addition, DSI models feature Lowrance TrackBack™ that allows anglers to scroll backward into sonar history and pinpoint possible fishing hotspots. With the Elite-5 DSI fishfinder/chartplotter, users can also set waypoints, for easier navigation back to a desired location.

Elite-5 DSI fishfinder/chartplotter models feature a built-in high-sensitivity 16-channel GPS+WAAS precision antenna for out-of-the-box, plug-and-play navigation, along with an external antenna option. The built-in U.S. basemap provides enhanced details for more than 3,000 enhanced lake maps and detailed shorelines, creeks, estuaries and channels, as well as coastal/offshore maps with depth contours details as great as 1,000 feet. Ensuring boaters have the maximum flexibility to use their choice of charts, Elite-5 DSI units also feature a waterproof micro SD memory card slot supporting multiple mapcard options, including LakeMaster®, Fishing Hot Spots® Pro USA, and Navionics® Gold and HotMaps Premium charts. In addition, anglers can store up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes with 100 waypoints per route and 100 retraceable plot trails with up to 10,000 points per trail.

”The Elite DSI series provides innovative underwater detail for the cost-conscious fisherman,” said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer for Navico Americas. "Never before have anglers been able to see so much, for so little!”

Designed with a true 5-inch, 480x480-pixel SolarMAX™ 256-color TFT display with best-in-class brightness for superior viewing in all conditions and from wide angles, all Elite DSI series models have 2,400 Watts of peak-to-peak DownScan Imaging power for unfiltered target separation at depths down to 200 feet. Compact and attractively priced, the units also feature an innovative mounting design with an easy-to-install, quick-release, tilt-and-swivel bracket that allows for convenient removal and remounting. The enhanced keypad is backlit and designed for simplified one-handed control of the systems’ easy-to-use menus. To adapt to ambient water and light conditions, fishfinder options include an expansive palette of display-color choices and selectable 455 kHz or 800 kHz sounding. All Elite DSI models feature a quarter-turn uniplug cable system with watertight seals for longer, trouble-free connections in all marine environments. Fully waterproof to the IPx7 standard, the new Lowrance series is protected by a one-year limited warranty.

Scheduled for store shelves in January 2011, the Lowrance Elite-5x DSI fishfinder, Elite-5 DSI fishfinder/chartplotter and Elite-5 DSI Gold fishfinder/chartplotter will be offered through authorized Lowrance dealers throughout the United States and Canada at suggested retail prices of US $549, $649 and $719, respectively. To locate an authorized Lowrance dealer near you, and learn more about the Lowrance Elite DSI series—or the entire Lowrance line of marine electronics -- please visit www.lowrance.com.

July 15, 2010

Lowrance Debuts Mark-5x
DownScan Imaging© Fishfinders

Marine Electronics Leader Unveils Affordable New Fishfinder
With Crystal-Clear, Photo-Like Underwater Detail

Tulsa, Okla. – Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics since 1957 and GPS navigational systems since 1992, announced today the premier of its new dual-frequency fishfinders with innovative DownScan ImagingÔ (DSI) sonar technology, the Mark-5x DSI and Mark-5x DSI Portable. The new Mark DSI series provides anglers a new standard in fishfinding with remarkable straight-down photo-like views of detail directly beneath the boat—including bottom composition, brush, rocks, vegetation, drop offs, thermoclines, predator fish, baitfish and more. On display for the first time at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) 2010 show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Mark-5x DSI sonar fishfinders combine unparalleled sonar performance with a brilliant 5-inch display, smart automatic fishfinder modes and simple, intuitive operation—all at affordable prices.

Mark-5x DownScan Imaging fishfinders provide crystal-clear underwater definition with photo-like views in shallow and deep, freshwater or saltwater—including impressive bottom readings at higher boat speeds. Capable of displaying isolated targets and hard-to-find secondary structure, DSI sonar not only allows users to see vegetation and bottom structure more clearly, but also helps anglers recognize subtle variations in weed growth and bottom hardness. Mark-5x DSI models feature a new rugged, low-profile dual-frequency Skimmer® transom-mount transducer with a built-in temperature sensor, that operates at 455 kHz for wider and deeper coverage, or at

800 kHz for more concentrated scans in shallower conditions with greater target separation.

For easy-to-use, touch-of-a-button execution, Mark DSI fishfinders have automatic fine-tuned fishfinding modes for simplified, instant operation and optimal imaging performance, while allowing access to manual options for advanced control. For greater precision with bait or lure presentations, anglers can position the cursor anywhere on the sonar display to determine the depth of a marked object—such as suspended baitfish, a thermocline, or predator fish identified among suspended tree branches. In addition, DSI models feature Lowrance TrackBack™ that allows anglers to scroll backward into sonar history and pinpoint possible fishing hotspots.

”Mark-5x DSI and Mark-5x DSI Portable fishfinders provide value with today’s most innovative fishfinding benefits,” said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer for Navico Americas. “The Mark-5x DSI offers feature-packed performance and exclusive DownScan Imaging technology with unrivaled underwater detail — all at a great standalone fishfinder value. The Mark-5x DSI Portable provides the same functionality and affordability in a convenient portable package.”

Designed with a full 5-inch, bright-white, 480 x 480-pixel, Film SuperTwist™ LED display for easy viewing in all lighting conditions plus 16-level gray scale definition, Mark-5x DSI units have 2,400 Watts of peak-to-peak DSI power for unfiltered target separation at depths down to 200 feet. Compact and attractively priced, the models feature a quick-release bracket that is easy to install and offers convenient removal for storage and remounting. The enhanced keypad is backlit and designed for simplified one-handed control of the systems’ intuitive menus. All Lowrance Mark models feature a quarter-turn uniplug cable system with watertight seals for longer, trouble-free connections in all marine environments. Fully waterproof to the IPx7 standard, Mark DSI models are protected by a one-year limited warranty.

Scheduled to reach store shelves in January 2011, the Lowrance Mark-5x DSI and the Mark-5x DSI Portable fishfinders will be offered through authorized Lowrance dealers throughout the United States and Canada at suggested retail prices of US $299 and $349, respectively. To locate an authorized Lowrance dealer near you, and learn more about the Lowrance Mark-5x DSI models—as well as the entire Lowrance line of marine electronics—visit www.lowrance.com.

July 15, 2010

Lowrance Introduces X-Series Fishfinders

Affordable New Feature-Packed Fishfinders
With High-Performance Lowrance Sonar Technology

Tulsa, Okla. – Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics since 1957 and GPS navigational systems since 1992, announced today its new X-Series of single- and dual-frequency fishfinders, the X-4, X-4 Pro and X-4 Portable. Delivering the high-performance sonar anglers have come to expect from Lowrance, the cost-efficient X-Series fishfinders feature a full 4-inch Film SuperTwist™ LED display for easy viewing especially in direct sunlight, with 4-level gray scale definition for superior clarity and target definition.

The Lowrance X-Series offers anglers single- and dual-frequency performance options for a variety of fishing and boating conditions. Equipped with a rugged, low-profile 200 kHz Skimmer® transducer, the X-4 delivers a wide, effective fish-detection area of up to 60-degrees with high-sensitivity settings to depths of 600 feet. The X-4 Pro features 83/200 kHz dual-frequency operation with up to 120 degrees of fish-finding coverage, while reaching depths of 1,000 feet. The X-4 models deliver impressive bottom readings at speeds up to 70 mph and feature a built-in water-temperature sensor.

The new performance X-Series models also feature innovative sonar technologies that make Lowrance fishfinders a favorite among anglers and boaters; including GRAYLINE® for precision separation of fish from nearby structure and the bottom, Advanced Signal Processing (ASP™) that automatically adjusts sonar settings to provide anglers with best picture, and FishTrack™ to display target depth readings above fish symbols.

”The X-series provides excellent fishfinding performance at a fantastic low price,” said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer, Navico Americas. "The combination of our proven sonar technology, straight-forward operation and crisp, easy-to-see displays offers anglers a reliable, high-quality solution for every fishing adventure.”

Ideal for fishfinding use anywhere, the X-4 Portable model sonar and screen features are identical to the X-4, and comes with a soft-sided portable kit that includes a battery compartment and Skimmer™ transducer with suction-cup mount. All X-series fishfinders are waterproof to the IPx7 standard and are protected by a one-year limited warranty.

Pricing and Availability:

Scheduled to reach store shelves in November 2010, the Lowrance X-4, X-4 Pro and X-4 Portable fishfinders will be offered through authorized Lowrance dealers throughout the United States and Canada at suggested retail prices of US $79, $99 and $129, respectively. To locate an authorized Lowrance dealer near you, and learn more about the X-series of fishfinders—as well as the entire Lowrance product line—please visit www.lowrance.com.

June 2, 2010

Lowrance Announces New Endura™ Performance Features

Free Software Upgrade For Touch-Screen, Full-Featured GPS Devices Adds Marine Mapping and Never-Before-Seen Land Use Detail

Lowrance®, a world-leading brand in marine and outdoor electronics and GPS navigational systems since 1957, announced today the Version 1.4 software update, a performance-enhancing upgrade for its EnduraTM handheld GPS devices for the outdoor market. With this latest software enhancement, the Lowrance Endura Sierra, Safari and Out&Back models are now compatible with Fishing Hot Spots® Pro USA and LakeMaster® maps, and now display exclusive enhanced land use and accessibility detail on their base maps. The Version 1.4 software upgrade is available as a free download from the Lowrance website, and increases functionality and situational awareness for outdoor enthusiasts.

Providing compatibility with the nation’s most popular marine mapping on microSD cards, the Endura GPS devices can now be used to display lake and coastal mapping, bathometric contour lines, valuable navigation, and fishing Points of Interests (POIs), and detail. This allows the Endura GPS units to be true marine systems that can be used for stand alone boat navigation, or to complement or serve as a backup to a boater’s full-featured chartplotter. Fishing Hot Spots Pro USA delivers nearly 4,500 enhanced lakes across the country with detailed shorelines and depth contours and over 100,000 fishing POIs. In addition, the software update offers supports for LakeMaster microSD mapcards that provide thousands of high-definition inland lakes charts for Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Lake of the Woods/Rainy Lake, Dakotas and Illinois/Iowa.

Exclusive to Endura, the software enhancement also provides advanced land use map shading detail that benefits all outdoor adventurers. Users can easily locate their position in relation to a variety of private, state and federal lands whether on foot or while using off-road vehicles. As with current Endura mapping, the level of additional detail increases throughout the Endura line, with the Sierra providing the highest detail available. The new land use shading now identifies areas such as National Parks and Forests, recreational areas, managed forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and game management areas. This enhanced AccuTerra® mapping feature complements the pre-loaded outdoor trail networks, POIs, and NAVTEQ® road network for the contiguous 48 states, already available to Endura users.

“Our feature-packed Endura handheld GPS systems are truly versatile and comprehensive navigation tool that can help anyone in their outdoor endeavors,” said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer, Navico Americas. “We are committed to providing unparalleled expandability and supporting Endura customers by offering meaningful upgrades, at no cost, that continue to enhance Endura performance and functionality. With the Version 1.4 upgrade, boaters and anglers have the option to add high-quality marine cartography, while hunters, hikers and off-road enthusiasts have even better onboard mapping for all of their outdoor excursions.”

The Lowrance Endura Version 1.4 upgrade is compatible with all Endura series GPS devices purchased worldwide and is available as a free download from www.lowrance.com. For more information on the Endura update, the Lowrance Endura handheld GPS series, or the entire Lowrance line of marine and outdoor electronics, please visit www.lowrance.com or call 1.800.324.1356 in the USA or 1.800.661.3983 in Canada.

May 27, 2010

Lowrance Launches SonicHub™

Marine Electronics Leader Debuts the World’s First
Marine-Grade, High-Definition Audio Server

Tulsa, Okla. – Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics since 1957 and GPS navigational systems since 1992, announced today its new SonicHubÔ, a revolutionary audio hub and docking station for recreational boaters. Designed in collaboration with Fusion, a leader in marine stereo systems, Lowrance SonicHub is the world’s first marine-grade audio server that networks with multiple onboard displays, each with total audio control. The innovative audio solution is compatible with the award-winning Lowrance High Definition System (HDS®) displays offering boaters a feature-rich stereo system that delivers clear and dynamic sound reproduction with an easy-to-use interface displayed on a single, brilliant large viewing screen.

Lowrance SonicHub features a built-in AM/FM tuner and an internal docking station for the Apple® iPod and iPhone devices. Allowing boaters full access to their music collections on-the-water at the touch of a button, the waterproof docking station prevents jostling and potential damage to a portable player in rough sea conditions or at high speeds, and ensures that music plays continuously without the common skipping problems associated with compact disk players. Compatible with the Apple iPod Touch, iPod Nano (Gen3, Gen4 and Gen5) and iPod Classic (Gen5, Gen6 and Gen7) as well as the iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS models and other USB MP3 players, SonicHub’s industry-leading interface allows for full control and selection of songs by artist, song, playlist, albums and genre via the HDS display. The system also offers crisp, loud audio output of AM/FM broadcasts -- giving boaters additional listening options and access to the latest news and weather reports.

“We have seen a huge demand for an audio system that interfaces directly with a high-definition, large-screen display,” said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer, Navico Americas. “SonicHub provides a cost-effective solution that delivers big, high-quality sound and gives boaters total audio control from our popular HDS range. SonicHub is designed from the ground up to provide years of reliable stereo performance in the harsh marine environment, while satisfying the desire to maximize limited dash space.”

Lowrance SonicHub paired with an HDS 5”, 7”, 8” or 10” sunlight-viewable display, offers boaters a sensational sound and visual control experience. Featuring a high-power 50W amp, the system comes bundled with stylish marine-grade 6.5” 200W best-in-class speakers for a quality sound that can be enjoyed above engine, wind and other ambient noises typically associated with boating. SonicHub’s intuitive and stylish user interface gives boaters menus and icons that are easy-to-understand and navigate. The stereo system is NMEA 2000 compatible and simple to install. Well-suited for discerning yachtsman and owners of smaller boats, where space is limited, SonicHub does not require any holes cut in the console for installation of a head unit. The Lowrance stereo system is waterproof to the IP65 standard and has an optional subwoofer.

The Lowrance SonicHub package (audio server, docking station, speakers, NMEA 2000® adapter and 6-foot extension cable) has a suggested retail price of US $299 and can be purchased from authorized Lowrance dealers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada. For more information on the Lowrance SonicHub, HDS multifunction displays, or the entire Lowrance line of marine electronics, please visit www.lowrance.com

2/11/2010

New Cartography for Awarding-Winning Series of Multifunction Chartplotters Offers Four Times More Detail. USA-only products.

Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics since 1957 and GPS navigational systems since 1992, announced today the introduction of Insight HD cartography for the Lowrance High-Definition System (HDS) series of multifunction displays. A premium plug-and-play mapping upgrade option to HDS, Insight HD chartcards feature enhanced shaded-relief -- four times better resolution and eight more zoom levels than Insight content embedded in HDS -- for an improved, at-a-glance understanding of underwater bathymetry. Insight HD cartography provides inland and coastal anglers with an instant and complete understanding of structure for precision boat positioning on potential fish-holding areas.

Available on SD digital media cards in April 2010, the Insight HD cartography offering includes Lowrance Lake Insight™ HD inland mapping, Nautic Insight™ HD for coastal and offshore coverage, and LakeMaster® Insight lake charts of the upper Midwest (currently available from www.lakemap.com. Both Lake and Nautic Insight HD chartcards feature exclusive Fishing Hot Spots® detail that displays exclusive fishery profiles, as well as marked fishing areas (MFA) with expanded pop-up detail and fish-finding tips.

“Lowrance Insight HD cartography is an innovative, and more completely detailed, dimension in high-definition mapping,” said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer, Navico Americas. "With remarkable, easy-to-interpret underwater detail, Insight HD charts provide serious anglers with an advanced navigation and fishing tool.”

Nautic Insight HD

Lowrance Nautic Insight HD covers the continental U.S. coastal and offshore waters plus select inland Lake Insight HD contents within 100 miles of shore. It is available on two SD chart cards: West with coverage of the west coast from Washington to California plus Hawaii; and East cartography which includes the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida and the Eastern seaboard from Florida to Maine as well as limited Bahamas coverage. Nautic Insight HD features a highly detailed bathymetry resolution of 8 m/p in areas up to canyons, and 32 m/p within canyons and beyond compared to 32 m/p and 100 m/p, respectively, for built-in HDS Insight. Nautic Insight HD includes thousands of exclusive Fishing HotSpots marked fishing areas. Coastal charts also provide complete navigation aids and information, including tides and currents.

Lake Insight HD:
Lowrance Lake Insight HD provides freshwater anglers enhanced shoreline and contours for 5,000 lakes including the Great Lakes, and exclusive Fishing Hot Spots content for more than 500 lakes across the continental US on one SD chartcard,

LakeMaster Insight:
LakeMaster Insight chartcards provide statewide coverage of the upper Midwest: Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Lake of the Woods/Rainy Lake, Dakotas and Iowa/Illinois, LakeMaster charts feature a total of more than 2,700 lakes with enhanced shoreline and contour lines and survey contours of 441 lakes across all charts.

Lowrance Nautic and Lake Insight HD chartcards are scheduled for April 2010 availability from authorized Lowrance dealers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada. The recommended retail price for Nautic Insight HD and Lake Insight HD chartcards is US $299 and $199, respectively. For more information on Lowrance Insight HD cartography, the HDS product series, Lowrance or its entire line of marine electronics, please visit www.lowrance.com or call toll-free 1.800.324.1356 in the USA or 1.800.661.3983 in Canada.

11/17/2009

New Single- and Dual-Function Models Provide Value-Packed Features
Including Brilliant 5-inch Color High-Resolution Displays

Tulsa, Okla. – Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics since 1957 and GPS navigational systems since 1992, announced today its new Elite series of color fishfinder and GPS-chartplotter units. Comprised of three models and scheduled for March 2010 availability, the Elite-5x fishfinder, Elite-5m chartplotter and Elite-5 fishfinder/chartplotter deliver a new standard of feature-rich, high-performance, easy-to-use electronics with affordable pricing.

All models are designed with a true 5-inch, 480x480-pixel SolarMAX™ 256-color display with best-in-class brightness for superior viewing of chart detail and sonar graphs – even in the brightest sunlight conditions and from wider viewing angles.

Offering greater coverage for a variety of fishing and boating conditions, the Elite series of dual-frequency fishfinders provide the Lowrance standard for superior clarity, performance and target separation, while the chartplotters provide out-of-the-box, plug-and-play navigational functionality. The Elite-5x and Elite-5 fishfinder models feature a transom-mount 83/200 KHz Skimmer transducer with up to 120-degrees of fishfinding coverage, as well as built-in temperature sensor. The Elite-5x and Elite-5 reach depths as great as 1,000 feet with 500 watts RMS power/4,000 watts of peak-to-peak power. To help anglers avoid missing a productive area of fish-holding structure, both Elite fishfinder models feature a unique TrackBack™ function that allows the user to scroll back and review multiple pages of fishfinder display history.

For ease of installation, the Elite-5 and Elite-5m chartplotter models feature a built-in 16-channel GPS+WAAS precision antenna, along with an external antenna option. The built-in U.S. basemap provides more than 3,000 enhanced lake maps with detailed shorelines and depth contours as well as coastal depth soundings and contours as great as 1,000 feet. Ensuring boaters have the maximum flexibility to use their choice of charts, the Elite-5 and Elite-5m also house a waterproof micro SD memory card slot for multiple mapcard options, including Lowrance LakeMaster® ProMaps, Fishing Hot Spots® PRO, and Navionics® Gold (scheduled for February 2010 availability on micro SD card format). In addition, owners can store up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes with 100 waypoints per route, 100 retraceable plot trails and up to 10,000 points per trail.

”The Elite series was designed to provide stunning chartplotter and fishfinder options for the cost-conscious fisherman and boater,” said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer for Navico Americas. "Our best-in-class 5-inch color displays combined with our award-winning GPS and fishfinder technology mark a fresh, high-quality option to a wider range of boaters and anglers.”

Additional features include a new mounting design with an easy-to-install, quick-release, tilt-and-swivel bracket that offers convenient removal for storage and remounting. The backlit, enhanced keypad is configured for simplified single-thumb control of easy-to-use menus and an Advanced User Mode for expanded feature selections. The Elite-5x, Elite-5m, and Elite-5 are fully waterproof to IPx7 standards and are protected by a one-year limited warranty.

Pricing and Availability:
The Lowrance Elite-5x fishfinder, Elite-5m chartplotter and Elite-5 Combo chartplotter/fishfinder units have suggested retail prices of US $449, $499 and $549, respectively, and can be purchased from authorized Lowrance dealers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada. For more information on the Lowrance Elite series, or to learn more about Lowrance and its entire product line, please visit www.lowrance.com.

May 26, 2010

Lowrance Announces New Endura Performance Features

Free Software Upgrade For Touch-Screen, Full-Featured GPS Devices Adds Marine Mapping and Never-Before-Seen Land Use Detail

Tulsa, Okla. – Lowrance®, a world-leading brand in marine and outdoor electronics and GPS navigational systems since 1957, announced today the Version 1.4 software update, a performance-enhancing upgrade for its EnduraTM handheld GPS devices for the outdoor market. With this latest software enhancement, the Lowrance Endura Sierra, Safari and Out&Back models are now compatible with Fishing Hot Spots® Pro USA and LakeMaster® maps, and now display exclusive enhanced land use and accessibility detail on their base maps. The Version 1.4 software upgrade is available as a free download from the Lowrance website, and increases functionality and situational awareness for outdoor enthusiasts.

Providing compatibility with the nation’s most popular marine mapping on microSD cards, the Endura GPS devices can now be used to display lake and coastal mapping, bathometric contour lines, valuable navigation, and fishing Points of Interests (POIs), and detail. This allows the Endura GPS units to be true marine systems that can be used for stand alone boat navigation, or to complement or serve as a backup to a boater’s full-featured chartplotter. Fishing Hot Sports Pro USA delivers nearly 4,500 enhanced lakes across the country with detailed shorelines and depth contours and over 100,000 fishing POIs. In addition, the software update offers supports for LakeMaster microSD mapcards that provide thousands of high-definition inland lakes charts for Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Lake of the Woods/Rainy Lake, Dakotas and Illinois/Iowa.

For a closer hands-on look at on-the-water Endura functionality, please visit http://www.lowrance.com/Support/Video-Library/OUTDOORS/HOW-TOs/Endura-GPS-On-The-Water/

2/11/2010

Update for the Award-Winning HDS® Displays Offers Increased Functionality and Awareness

Tulsa, Okla. – Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics since 1957 and GPS navigational systems since 1992, announced today the planned Spring 2010 release of the performance-enhancing software Version 3.0 for its award-winning HDS (High-Definition System) displays. Compatible with all Lowrance HDS chartplotter-equipped models, the HDS software update provides Lowrance BR24 Broadband Radar™ enhancements, current and local U.S. roadside fuel price information and digital switching integration. The Version 3.0 software update will be available as a free download from the Lowrance website and greatly increases the functionality of the powerful and versatile HDS systems.

Strengthening the performance of the revolutionary Broadband Radar, the HDS Version 3.0 software enhancement offers higher-speed sweeps -- up to 36 rpm -- for 50% faster updates to track rapidly moving targets. These enhancements also provide Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (MARPA) target tracking and monitoring, as well as dual guard zone capability.

With the addition of a Lowrance LWX-1 weather module and a SIRIUS® marine weather subscription, boaters can use their HDS displays to receive current roadside retail fuel prices, making it easier to find the lowest fuel price for the next fill-up.

Offering greater convenience and peace of mind on the water, Version 3.0 software also features digital-switching integration with DSS omni-BUS™ system-equipped boats. This provides users with onboard systems monitoring, such as livewell, baitwell, tank and bilge pump status as well as voltage readings. All are displayed on the bright HDS color display to alert boaters of potentially hazardous issues, and allow them to take corrective action to avoid equipment failure and catastrophes.

“Our feature-packed HDS multifunction displays continue to lead the way for boating safety and enjoyment,” said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer, Navico Americas. “With HDS, we are committed to providing unparalleled expandability, and we have delivered on this promise -- not only through network integration and compatibility with our premier radar and weather solutions, but by providing meaningful upgrades to customers ensuring the best, most current technology for the ultimate in performance and functionality.” The Lowrance Version 3.0 upgrade is compatible all HDS chartplotter-equipped systems purchased worldwide and will be available Spring 2010 as a free download from www.lowrance.com. For more information on the HDS update, Lowrance HDS multifunction displays, or the entire Lowrance line of marine electronics, please visit www.lowrance.com or call 1.800.324.1356 in the USA or 1.800.661.3983 in Canada.

2/01/2010

HDS All Units - Lite Update, with micro SD support, without Navionics background maps

What changes are made in this update?

This update with Application version 2.5.31.56 and Platform version 56.13-3 includes all the 2.5.31.56 functionality previously released and also enables HDS compatibility with micro SD cards.

2.5.31.56 regardless of Platform version includes the following enhancements:

SONAR/ECHOSOUNDER

Enhances Broadband Sounder automatic mode for optimum target detection and display without manual adjustment
Overall improvements in Broadband Sounder Performance

CHARTPLOTTER

Adds radar overlay viewing option function for all Navionics® chart displays
Adds adjustable transparency feature to Navionics® satellite photo overlays (land and/or sea) with Platinum+ and Platinum chart displays
Resolves and improves media readability of Navionics® Platinum+, Platinum and Gold chartcards, with expanded support for other SD cards
Improves vessel positioning display accuracy while enhancing improved navigation to waypoints and navigating/retracing trails

Incorporates support REQUIRED for StructureScan™ Sonar Imaging functionality:

Unifies SideScan and DownScan Imaging™ display with 455/800 kHz imaging transducer soundings
Expands split-screen viewing to 3- and 4-window displays on HDS-8 and HDS-10 models
Enables new synchronized TrackBack™ feature for simultaneous scroll-back through sonar history and chartplotter trails in all displayed windows (DownScan Imaging™, SideScan, Broadband Sounder™, cartography) for waypoint marking
Activates new DownScan Overlay™ feature, merging Broadband Sounder and DownScan™ views in a single, adjustable display for the clearest structure and fish target interpretation ever achieved

Includes the following changes from previous updates:

Fixes issue displaying some lakes with Navionics Premium North and East charts.
Much faster loading time for all Lowrance charts.
Support for Navionics cartography up to Platinum+ via first release of Navionics Turboview® viewer
Tides and Currents feature now available for Nautic Insight™ and Nauticpath™ cards, including full-screen tide and current predictor
General improvements to user interface responsiveness and key-flow, and enhanced pop-up help
General improvements to chart zoom and pan redraw speed, including much faster drawing of shaded relief in Lake and Nautic Insight™
New “Steer” navigation panel with full highway display, compass rose overlay and digital route data presentation
Numeric entry and waypoint position edit mode now faster to operate
Improved access to waypoint, route and trail library functions
Improved import and export of waypoints, routes, and trails
Added ability to export and import user settings
Default waypoint names shortened to reduce display clutter with large numbers of waypoints
Added ability to enable & disable WAAS and select the active GPS antenna to the satellites page
New fast ping speed display settings for very deep water
Improvements to sonar bottom tracking in particularly difficult conditions
Improved presentation when networking sonar between HDS and LCX or LMS products
Both digital and analog gauges now update faster
Improved access and set-up of pages with new Pages system menu for access to overlay data and SIRIUS® audio controls
Repeated pressing of PAGES key now rotates the Pages carousel which retains split screen
selections for faster access to frequently used functions
Now possible to configure sensors directly from streamlined overlay data selection menu
Improved Info page layout options including navigation and tournament layouts including for split screen use
Now easier to set your local time
Automatic detection of multiple engine and tank data sources
New steer-to compass available on info page and as overlay data option
Trip log data items now available as an overlay data item
Improvements to fuel management user interface
Data overlays now display port or starboard label for sensors where appropriate
Now possible to set independent keel offsets for multiple depth transducers
New support for chart/radar overlay on all Lowrance charts only (including Nautic and Lake Insight™) with multiple palette choices and full transparency control
Now supports BR24 Broadband Radar close-in ranges down to 200ft or 50m
Improved radar update performance
Chart will now keep the vessel on screen when using the chart/sonar or chart/radar shadow cursor at high boat speeds
Waypoint arrival radius and course deviation indicator settings now accessible via new Navigation system menu
Chart boundaries now displayed on Lowrance charting
Trails settings moved to Chart system menu
DSC support added over NMEA 2000
Track-Your-Buddy support added for compatible VHF radios
Improved handling of NMEA 0183 input from some non-standard devices
Added full SIRIUS® weather transparency control
Added SIRIUS® weather history animation up to 12hrs (Lowrance charting only)
Added SIRIUS® marine zone warnings
Improvements to SIRIUS® audio channel selection
Support for new SIRIUS® subscription options
Now possible to upgrade other head units and network modules via the ethernet
SIRIUS® connection diagnostics moved to Networking system menu
Improvements to screen capture function interface including full screen preview
Ability to copy all sonar logs or screen captures to SD card simultaneously
Networked settings can now be restored to factory defaults
Added full support for German, Italian, Norwegian, Danish, Russian, Finnish, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Croatian, Greek, Hungarian, Polish, Slovakian and Ukrainian languages

LOWRANCE LEADS THE WAY AT THE 2010 BASSMASTER ELITE SERIES TOURNAMENTS

Skeet Reese Wins Southern Challenge Using HDSÒ and StructureScanÔ Imaging

Tulsa, Okla. – Lowrance pro angler Skeet Reese has won the Southern Challenge at the Lake Guntersville, Guntersville, Alabama Bassmaster Elite tournament this past weekend, May 6-9, 2010. Equipped exclusively with Lowrance HDSÒ multi-function displays and the Lowrance StructureScan™ sonar imaging system, Reese overcame a 5-pound deficit at the end of Day 3 and boated a Day 4 tournament-winning total of 100-pounds,13-ounces. This is Reese’s second Elite victory and fifth consecutive top 5 finish—an unprecedented achievement in the history of the series.

Four out of the five 2010 Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments have been won by competitors with boats exclusively rigged with Lowrance HDS systems and the groundbreaking StructureScan featuring SideScan and DownScan Imaging™. Last month Reese also won the Blue Ridge Brawl at Smith Mountain Lake in Huddleston, Virginia, by more than 14 pounds. John Crews won the first event, Duel in the Delta in Stockton, California, followed by Byron Velvick winning the Golden State Shootout on Clear Lake in Lakeport, California.

In addition to an impressive record of 2010 Elite Series tournament wins, Lowrance has dominated the top finishes. In the most recent Series events, Southern Challenge and the Alabama Charge, six of the top 12 finishers used Lowrance exclusively. At the Golden State Shootout and the Duel in the Delta events, nine of the top 12 pros competed using only Lowrance electronics. The top seven contenders at the Delta and top five at the Shootout had boats rigged with HDS with StructureScan sonar imaging systems. At Smith Mountain Lake’s Blue Ridge Brawl, seven of the top 12 finishers were equipped with Lowrance HDS, and six of those also used StructureScan.

Considered one of the most prestigious bass fishing tournaments in the world, the Bassmaster Elite Series consists of 10 events from March through July. In addition to championships awarded for each event, the anglers accumulate points toward qualifying for the 2011 Bassmaster Classic, as well as the Bassmaster Angler of The Year points race. After the first five Elite events, Reese continues to lead in Angler of the Year standings and has further pulled away from his competitors with his Southern Challenge victory.

For more information about Lowrance HDS, StructureScan imaging or the entire Lowrance product line, please visit www.lowrance.com, or call 1.800.324.1356 in the USA or 1.800.661.3983 in Canada.