While the segment of high-end optical devices is not exactly a very active one, from time to time, the most important names in this field do update their lineups with new and improved models, able to see farther and better than ever before. And that's exactly the case with Meade Instruments' latest announcement, related to the availability of its fresh and highly expected ETX-LS automated telescope.

According to Meade, the new ETX-LS is the first completely hands-off self-aligning telescope, which employs Meade’s patented LightSwitch technology, capable of automatically determining telescope location, time, date and orientation in order to deliver complete alignment with the “flip of a switch.”

Engineered with a built-in Integrated Sensor Module (ISM), which includes GPS and Level North Technology (LNT) sensors and the ECLIPS CCD Camera, the patented LightSwitch Technology alignment system replaces the “human eye” for the only hands-free alignment available in any consumer telescope. Upon activation, the scope’s electronic sensors calculate the current time, date and location for the gadget; it verifies the locations of two stars, and builds a ‘real time’ map of the night sky. The telescope is aligned and ready to use in a matter of minutes without any input from the user.

Moreover, with the built-in speaker and video-out jack, the multi-media Astronomer-Inside takes the user to the best objects in the sky and delivers a celestial encyclopedia of audio and video content that takes the user on an interactive guided tour of hundreds of night sky objects. And if a video monitor is attached, the user will see images and video presentations for the object.

The Meade ETX-LS has a low manufacturer’s advertised price of $1,299 (SC optics) and $1,499 with the premium ACF optics system available separately, which, given this thing's overall features, is not even that high a price, all things considered.


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