CLA-2-84:RR:NC:1:110 B84273

Mr. Tim Allwine
Carson Customs Brokers (USA) Inc.
#1 - 14th Street, Unit 8
Blaine, Washington 98230

RE: The tariff classification of a LCD Multimedia Projector from Mexico.

Dear Mr. Allwine:

In your letter dated April 3, 1997, on behalf of Knoll Systems, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The merchandise under consideration involves a model HT-100 portable Multimedia LCD Digital Data and Video Projector. This Multimedia LCD Projector is suitable for all types of presentations from home theater to commercial computer based shows.

The HT-100 LCD Multimedia Projector will be sold primarily for use as a data projector. It utilizes a massive 6.5 inch diagonal amorphous TFT true color active matrix plate with a resolution of 640 by 480 pixels, which is also utilized in most IBM compatible computers. The HT-100 is also capable of compressing SVGA (800 by 600) to a 640 by 480 display. This LCD Multimedia Projector is equipped with data and video inputs and outputs, and is designed to be connected to a computer. This device also includes an IR remote integral computer mouse control and laser pointer, zoom lens, stereo speakers, and ceiling mount kit.

The HT-100 LCD Multimedia Projector is capable of using different signal sources for the video to be projected, including NTSC, PAL, SECAM, SVGA (800 by 600), VGA, and MAC II. The processing and display of computer signals appears to be the principal function of this projector. A larger percentage of the components of the HT-100 LCD Data Multimedia Projector also appears to be devoted to receiving and processing computer signals rather than video signals.

The HT-100 Multimedia LCD Projector appears to incorporate the special design characteristics which are common to the display units used with automatic data processing (ADP) applications. Noting Legal Note 5(B) to Chapter 84 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the HT-100 Multimedia LCD Projector also meets the definition of a "unit" of an ADP system. The HT-100 Multimedia LCD Projector is also comparable to the LCD video projectors noted in NY Ruling Letter B80480 and HQ 956283. The applicable subheading for the model number HT-100 Multimedia LCD Projector will be 8471.60.3000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for display units, without cathode ray tube (CRT), having a visual display diagonal not exceeding 30.5 cm. The rate of duty will be free.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).

A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Art Brodbeck at 212-466-5490.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Chief, Metals & Machinery Branch
National Commodity
Specialist Division