Etch A Sketch Reinvented

Remember those pencil-like images on that classic gray screen? Well, it’s all been replaced by whatever sized television you’ve got, color graphics, clip art, special effects, and more. Those big white knobs have also become antiques, now replaced by a modern video game type of controller.

The Ohio Art Company has teamed up with Etch A Sketch Electronics to create ETO ($34.99; ages 4-11), an interactive television creativity system which offers kids infinite artistic possibilities. The set up is simple; just hook up the 6’ A/V cord to a television, and the unit is ready to bring out the artist and designer in any child.

ETO has three play modes, one which enables kids to create their own original works of art, another which allows the use of animation, clip art, sound effects, etc.., as well as a “create a game” mode in which kids can design and play their own games.

ETO will be released in Summer 2004.