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anna-speaking of candlemas--don't forget this key upcoming anniversary:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02592a.htm
i think i definitely will go get blessed to see if i can get out whatever that is stuck in my craw
D.inkie--"how many units will be going into autos coming off the assembly line in 2003???
IMHO All new cars."
GM, Ford, HONDA, Toyota, Volvo, Mitsubishi-all will be carrying factory installed Eclipse units? geez,can i take that to the bank; i guess i better go buy more edig shares if that's the case; what a fool i have been; please accept my apology- wish you all the best from
Ring, Rang, Rong
PS --so if all factory models will be carrying the Eclipse, i guess logically it follows that there will be NO aftermarket sales--by george, i think i've got it!!
philo-- the dog should be there shortly bringing you notice that your pre-order is being shipped
Gilga--"And, it will start showing "Profits" because of the IFE, and Fujitsu Ten..." Not to sound like MH, but what the heck are you guys smokin'??? For all of you who have been here as long as sentinel and myself and possibly longer, i would think you folks would control your "irrational exuberance"..
Gilga--re F10--how many units will be going into autos coming off the assembly line in 2003??? just how many units do you realistically believe will be sold in the aftermarket?? my prediction is not that many
look at the satellite radio market, by analogy, XM and Sirius were on their deathbed throes [i am allowed some hyperbole]until the recent announcements that the number of factory assembled product lines that would be including sat. radio were being substantially increased
even assuming factory installation of the eclipse, i presume it will be a fairly expensive OPTION, not standard, at least for a few years
the edig rumor mill had the product going into the Lexus line, but i just read that a Harman [F10 competitor] product is in Lexus
======================
i have read the "projected" numbers for the IFE market; pardon my scepticism but i have now seen too, too many projections from the so-called experts that have seriously missed the mark [and that's putting it kindly]; once again, IMHO i think the portable rentable IFE market is not going to be all that it is cracked up to be; i think too many people will BYOD-- bring your own device--; not to mention the significant competition that edig and its partners will face in this area as they do the audio player market
=======================
for my money, i personally thought edig's best revenue generating product was going to be the O1000, but as sentinel has kindly pointed out--edig has now missed the key selling time of year; and for better or worse whether you want to face it or not edig's cash shortage is a major problem to allow edig to be in position to sell product and thereby generate the PROFITS many of you are so certain will follow in the short term--ie next two quarters
so bottom line, pardon some of us who have been here for sometime and wish edig well but would rather wait to see the performance materialize before shouting that A NEW ERA HAS BEGUN from the roof tops-------cksla
BTW-is someone buying one for TOF for Valentine's Day??
sentinel--yes, but JIT for valentine's day and the big 3day president's sale weekend-i plan to run out to best buy and get me one on sale---Oh, i forgot... cksla
Tend--except my love for e.digital!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
tender--why does that surprise you?
http://www.fujitsu-ten.co.jp/english/outline/vision/rinen/r_index.html
can you say wireless platform as part of its vision!!
edig--wireless platform w/ major oem; i still say F10
=======
Posted by: Sentinel
In reply to: DABOSS who wrote msg# 26462 Date:1/17/2003 11:40:41 AM
Post #of 28683
DABOSS/Anybody....I'm looking for speculation on exactly what a "major OEM" might license in terms of a "wireless platform"? What was that all about? What kinds of products might this include? TIA
Posted by: Edigokie
In reply to: Sentinel who wrote msg# 26463 Date:1/17/2003 11:41:39 AM
Post #of 28683
My hunch is Fujitsu to make the HD player wireless.
Posted by: cksla
In reply to: Edigokie who wrote msg# 26464 Date:1/17/2003 11:51:37 AM
Post #of 28683
Edigokie---FWIW, I concur with your speculation.
======================
Posted by: hollywoodhills
In reply to: None Date:12/3/2002 10:31:44 PM
Post #of 28682
Had a nice long talk with RP this evening...I asked him some questions..It went something like this...
1)I asked if the releationship with Actel was intact...and who was buying from who...He told me that it went both ways...We buy from them....they buy from us...
2)Will the Odyssey 1000 ever make it to market???? He told me there was a date set...but it is up to Digitalway and they will not release any date until they are availiable...He also told me that they will be upgradable for future codecs and drms..Next.. he went into detail on how the microOS is not that important in the DAPs that are on sale now..and was still unsure on the progress of when content will be released..I asked if voice nav was capable of multiple languages so voice nav equiped players could be sold worldwide...Reply..absolutely...
3) new patents...They were discussed at the SHM...will hear more about it in the future
4)Telematics....Fujitsu in the first quarter of 03....They will be incorporating the wireless features in their first generation
5)Thirty plus people working et edig...mostly engineers...all are very very busy on projects..
6)Edig is working on other projects other than music or video
7)IFE looking very good..several other airlines are also in talks ....the movie studios are liking the set up... no way to make copys...IFE is the first real good example of the power of the micro OS...Multi codec platforms no problem...The big thing about the video player is the resoloution...He told me that it was good enough to hook it up to your TV...Or go to Blockbuster...load up a dozen or so movies ..take it home and play um...
My personal opinion is if they can hang for a few more months...we will be ok...maybe even prosper...If not ...gulp
LL--you mention edig and DWY in the same breath; that is exactly my point, are the numbers that DABOSS is throwing based on sales of both companies? if so, i would imagine that edig's share is substantially less, than the nominal sales edig will be able to generate over its website
SENT-sadly i agree with you; well at least all of the edig shareholders will know about the O1000; do i understand correctly that edig is not providing reviewers with the edig1000 but will wait to have its oem versions reviewed? if true, how does edig plan to market its 1000 (meanwhile the IPOD is now selling at Best Buy); the bottom line is despite what DABOSS thinks it is painfully clear that edig just does not have the $$$ to pay 4 the manuf. and marketing of its own 1000 product. Are DAboss' numbers based on OEM sales or just edig1000 sales?
BUT DOES BILL BOYER, JR. LOOK ANYTHING LIKE MELANIE GRIFFITH IN WORKING GIRL????
World Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets
Published: 11/11/2002
Research Overview
World Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets
Price: $3450, £2380, €3795
Changing Relationships between Inflight Entertainment Vendors and End-Users Likely to Impact Market
Economic slowdown and the events of September 11, 2001 have resulted in a downturn in the aviation industry and negatively impacted the global markets for inflight entertainment equipment and services, particularly for commercial aircraft. Recent trends indicating the likelihood of a paradigm shift in the relationship between airlines and inflight entertainment vendors might well change the shape of the market. For instance, in an attempt to gain greater control over its product offering, JetBlue Airways' acquisition of LiveTV might well prevent the latter from marketing its products to other airlines, leaving the field open for its competitors.
This Frost & Sullivan research analyzes the global market for inflight entertainment and passenger communications, divided into two main segments:commercial aviation and general aviation. It provides detailed insights into recent developments, trends, and emerging applications. This study also provides market forecasts and competitive and opportunity analysis.
Achieving Economies of Scale for Inflight Telecommunications Services Essential for Long-term Success
The inflight data communications segment, which showed great promise initially, has received a setback following the failure to generate revenues in the inflight voice communications segment. Passengers' reluctance to make inflight calls at high rates is compounded by companies' inability to lower these rates in response to anticipated increase in usage.
Nevertheless, an extended range of business jets transporting an increasing number of corporate executives give rise to the need for real-time information in television or data format. "Today, companies vying for a share of the inflight Internet and e-mail services market niche must establish a business plan that will generate mass usage and steady revenue by achieving economies of scale, and realize long-term success," says the analyst.
Source Equipment Suppliers Face Increasing Competition from Satellite- delivered Content
The current success of satellite-delivered DIRECTV content by LiveTV on JetBlue Airways, and soon on Frontier Airlines, indicates a strong future for this mode of delivery. LiveTV's plans to introduce 100 channels of XM satellite radio further strengthens its position but threatens that of source equipment suppliers, who may soon find their products becoming obsolete.
Although satellite-delivered content may require a more sophisticated antenna, the system required for this type of content is likely to weigh less, and the logistics required to acquire and distribute content to the aircraft is largely eliminated. Says the analyst," While such systems are most common on business jets today, significant revenue generation for this market subsegment will come from commercial passenger aircraft."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
A. World IFE Markets Overview
1. Market Introduction
2. Industry Challenges (1)
3. Industry Challenges (2)
B. World IFE Markets Major Research Findings
1. Market Engineering Measurements
2. Market Segmentation and Competitive Analysis
3. Market Forecast Overview
4. Strategic Conclusions
C. Frost & Sullivan Market Engineering Awards for the World IFE Markets
1. 2002 IFE and Passenger Communications Markets Merger & Acquisition Strategy Award
2. 2002 IFE and Passenger Communications Markets Entrepreneurial Company Award
3. 2002 Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets Product Launch Strategy Award
4. 2002 Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets Vertical Integration Award
2. Commercial Aviation Segment
A. Commercial Aviation IFE Market Segment Overview
1. Market Definition and Overview
2. Market Engineering Measurements
3. Market Drivers
4. Market Restraints
B. Commercial Aviation IFE Market Segment Forecast
1. Market Forecast
2. Forecasts by Region
3. Demand Analysis
4. Competitive Structure
C. Commercial Aviation IFE Systems Market Subsegment Overview
1. Market Definition and Overview
2. Market Engineering Measurements
D. Commercial Aviation IFE Systems Market Subsegment Forecast
1. Market Forecast
2. Market Trends
3. Competitive Analysis
E. Commercial Aviation IFE Subsystems Market Subsegment Overview
1. Market Definition and Overview
2. Market Engineering Measurements
F. Commercial Aviation IFE Subsystems Market Subsegment Forecast
1. Market Forecast
2. Market Trends
3. Competitive Analysis
G. Commercial Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Market Subsegment Overview
1. Market Definition and Overview
2. Market Engineering Measurements
H. Commercial Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Market Subsegment Forecast
1. Market Forecast
2. Market Trends
3. Competitive Analysis
I. Commercial Aviation IFE Content Market Subsegment Overview
1. Market Definition and Overview
2. Market Engineering Measurements
J. Commercial Aviation IFE Content Market Subsegment Forecast
1. Market Forecast
2. Market Trends
3. Competitive Analysis
3. General Aviation Segment
A. General Aviation IFE Market Segment Overview
1. Market Definition and Overview
2. Market Engineering Measurements
3. Market Drivers
4. Market Restraints
B. General Aviation IFE Market Segment Forecast
1. Market Forecast
2. Forecasts by Region
3. Demand Analysis
4. Competitive Analysis
C. General Aviation Cabin Management Systems Market Subsegment Overview
1. Market Definition and Overview
2. Market Engineering Measurements
D. General Aviation Cabin Management Systems Market Subsegment Forecast
1. Market Forecast
2. Market Trends
3. Competitive Analysis
E. General Aviation IFE Source Equipment Market Subsegment Overview
1. Market Definition and Overview
2. Market Engineering Measurements
F. General Aviation IFE Source Equipment Market Subsegment Forecast
1. Market Forecast
2. Market Trends
3. Competitive Analysis
G. General Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Market Subsegment Overview
1. Market Definition and Overview
2. Market Engineering Measurements
H. General Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Market Subsegment Forecast
1. Market Forecast
2. Market Trends
3. Competitive Analysis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Figures
Figure 1-1: Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets: Impact of Top Ten Industry Challenges (World), 2002-2008
Figure 1-2: Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets: Competitive Structure (World), 2001
Figure 1-3: Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets: Revenue Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 1-4: Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets: Percent of Revenues by Market Segment (World), 1998-2008
Figure 1-5: Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (World), 1998-2008
Figure 1-6: Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets: Percent of Revenues by Product Type (World), 1998-2008
Figure 1-7: Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets: Database of Key Industry Participants by Market Segment (World), 2001
Figure 2-1: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Market Drivers Ranked in Order of Impact (World), 2002-2008
Figure 2-2: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Market Restraints Ranked in Order of Impact (World), 2002-2008
Figure 2-3: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Revenue Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-4: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Percent of Revenues by Product Type (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-5: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-6: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: In-Service Commercial Aviation Aircraft Fleet Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-7: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets: Competitive Structure (World), 2000
Figure 2-8: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Markets: Database of Key Industry Participants by Product Type (World), 2000
Figure 2-9: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Systems Market: Revenue Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-10: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Systems Market: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-11: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Systems Market: Competitive Structure (World), 2001
Figure 2-12: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Systems Market: Market Share Analysis (World), 1998-2000
Figure 2-13: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Systems Market: Products Offered by Major Market Participants (World), 2001
Figure 2-14: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Revenue Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-15: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-16: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Percent of Revenues by Product Type (Region), 1998-2008
Figure 2-17: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Competitive Structure (World), 2000
Figure 2-18: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Market Share Analysis (World), 1998-2000
Figure 2-19: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Products Offered by Major Market Participants (World), 2000
Figure 2-20: Commercial Aviation Passenger Telecommunications Equipment and Services Market: Revenue Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-21: Commercial Aviation Passenger Telecommunications Equipment and Services Market: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-22: Commercial Aviation Passenger Telecommunications Equipment and Services Market: Competitive Structure (World), 2001
Figure 2-23: Commercial Aviation Passenger Telecommunications Equipment and Services Market: Products Offered by Major Market Participants (World), 2001
Figure 2-24: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Content Market: Revenue Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-25: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Content Market: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (World), 1998-2008
Figure 2-26: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Content Market: Competitive Structure (World), 2001
Figure 2-27: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Content Market: Products Offered by Major Market Participants (World), 2000
Figure 3-1: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Market Drivers Ranked in Order of Impact (World), 2001-2007
Figure 3-2: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Market Restraints Ranked in Order of Impact (World), 2001-2007
Figure 3-3: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Revenue Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 3-4: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (World), 1998-2008
Figure 3-5: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Business Aviation Aircraft Fleet Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 3-6: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Competitive Structure (World), 2001
Figure 3-7: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Percent of Revenues by Product Type (World), 1998-2008
Figure 3-8: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment and Passenger Communications Market: Database of Key Industry Participants by Product Type (World), 2000
Figure 3-9: General Aviation Cabin Management Systems Market: Revenue Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 3-10: General Aviation Cabin Management Systems Market: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (World), 1998-2008
Figure 3-11: General Aviation Cabin Management Systems Market: Competitive Structure (World), 2001
Figure 3-12: General Aviation Cabin Management Systems Market: Market Share Analysis (World), 1999-2001
Figure 3-13: General Aviation Cabin Management Systems Market: Products Offered by Major Market Participants (World), 2000
Figure 3-14: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Revenue Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 3-15: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (World), 1998-2008: Figure 3-16: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Competitive Structure (World), 2001
Figure 3-17: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Market Share Analysis (World), 1999-2001
Figure 3-18: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Market: Products Offered by Major Market Participants (World), 2000
Figure 3-19: General Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Market: Revenue Forecasts (World), 1998-2008
Figure 3-20: General Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Market: Percent of Revenues by Geographic Region (World), 1998-2008
Figure 3-21: General Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Market: Competitive Structure (World), 2001
Figure 3-22: General Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Market: Database of Key Industry Participants by Product Type (World), 2000
Figure 3-23: General Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Market: Products Offered by Major Market Participants (World), 2000
List of Charts
Chart 1.A : Inflight Entertainment Markets: Market Engineering Measurements (World), 2001
Chart 2.A: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Markets: Market Engineering Measurements (World), 2001
Chart 2.B: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Systems Markets: Market Engineering Measurements (World), 2001
Chart 2.C: Commercial Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Markets: Market Engineering Measurements (World), 2001
Chart 2.D: Commercial Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Markets: Market Engineering Measurements (World), 2001
Chart 2.E: Commercial Aviation Inflight Entertainment Content Markets: Market Engineering Measurements (World), 2001
Chart 3.A: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment Markets: Market Engineering Measurements (World), 2001
Chart 3.B: General Aviation Inflight Entertainment Systems Markets: Market Engineering Measurements (World), 2001
Chart 3.C: General Inflight Entertainment Subsystems Markets: Market Engineering Measurements (World), 2001
Chart 3.D: General Aviation Inflight Telecommunications Markets: Market Engineering Measurements (World), 2001
HARDWARE COSTS AND Inflight Revenue GENERATION
article from July 2001
The latest figures from the World Airline Entertainment Association indicate that spending on IFE has doubled since 1996 - last year alone the annual expenditure stood at $2.2 billion. As a result, the passenger's inflight experience on the leading airlines has improved immeasurably with the introduction of hardware such as noise cancelling headphones, games, laptop facilities and personal TV screens. While much of this hardware is still not that widely available, demand and competitive pressure has led to carriers to look for yet new ways of ensuring customer satisfaction as passenger's high expectations of IFE continue to exceed investment. Already DVD, video on demand and email are being touted as the latest ‘killer applications' to entice and entertain the passenger on board. "It follows the old rule of thumb," says Rob Brookler, spokesperson for the WAEA. "If the customers have it at home - whether it's entertainment or information on their TV and computers - the airlines must provide it too because that's what passengers expect".
With an estimated further $8 billion expected to be spent on IFE over the next 5 years, airlines are understandably increasingly anxious to see a return from this enormous investment. While optimists estimate inflight Internet to be worth as much as $50 billion over the next decade, it will be several years before these services may emerge as a significant source of revenue offsetting spiralling IFE costs - let alone becoming a profit centre for the airline. Charging passengers for IFE has often proved difficult because the general perception is that the cost of the inflight entertainment on international flights is included within the price of the ticket. Carriers have absorbed the increasing costs associated with IFE because it is an effective means of differentiating their product.
IATA's director general, Pierre Jeanniot, announced earlier this year that profits per passenger were falling for the second year running in spite of the current overall increase in commercial air traffic of 6.8%. The airline market appears to be becoming polarized with a focus on the profitable premium class passenger at one end and the rapid growth, certainly in Europe, of the no frills carriers like Go and Ryanair at the other. Both ends of the spectrum, however, are interested in the revenue possibilities from IFE. The CEO of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary, is "exploring ways of entertaining people during their journeys and using that money to eliminate fares... If we can increase the average spend per passenger enough, we could afford to cut fares to zero." The Sunday Times reports that passengers spend about £4 on each flight. Gambling and pay per view television could provide an alternative revenue stream, particularly for popular events such as live sport.
When BA announced that it would be concentrating more of its resources on the business and first class passenger, IFE and information services play a vital part in enhancing the overall airline product. The expanding number of quality inflight services offers passengers the chance to relax and rest, be entertained and supported if they choose to work during the course of the journey. The hope has been that the best IFE available could be perceived as adding value to premium class fares while providing a possible source of revenue from those in economy wishing to upgrade their entertainment during the flight and for example, watch live TV, send an email or see the latest movie releases. This would require heavy promotion and ambient prompts at the point of ticket sale and the airport to make the passenger aware of the services available as well as encouragement on board.
Inflight tax-free shopping has been available on many international routes for years providing a reasonable return for the airline. More recently, other retail schemes have been developed such as SkyMall and Flightstore that will introduce e-commerce to IFE. No doubt other entrepreneurial schemes will follow as airlines begin to establish their online strategies and extend them to incorporate the inflight experience.
Although carriers seek the IFE equivalent of the ‘holy grail' - making inflight entertainment pay for itself - many are now wary of the newest applications - email and the Internet - following the well documented disappointment of telephony and onboard fax facilities. Charging premium rates for connecting the business traveller has a poor record and it is of little surprise that many are approaching the new services with caution. Airlines have been burned in the past by other attempts at using IFE as a means of revenue generation. Swissair had little success with inflight gambling and more recently one airline attempted to persuade passengers to pay for Live TV but quickly resorted to offering it for free when customers resisted using the service. The very successful short-haul carrier JetBlue also introduced the same system last year and, according to Screen Digest, has been able to install, operate and maintain its DirecTV service at a cost to the airline of only $1-$2 a seat per flight. While it does not actually make a profit for the airline, JetBlue has been able to offer popular entertainment to its passengers at a fraction of the cost of many airlines' IFE expenditure.
d.inkie-- i understand; my LOL was not at edig or that it won't happen but more toward the perceived brevity of time parties expected these concepts to permeate the marketplace; in reality it is still a very short time;
when was the DVD concept first introduced: IMHO it has really been only in about the last year or so that DVD has started[!] to make a dent %wise in the marketplace; i suspect however that overal the DVD platform compared to VCR is still in the minority worldwide
Dinkie--someday soon--LOL--remember this one:
MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC, SANDISK AND TOSHIBA
AGREE TO JOIN FORCES TO DEVELOP AND PROMOTE
NEXT GENERATION SECURE MEMORY CARD
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Expected To Unleash Wave
Of New Digital AV (Audio/Video) Consumer Products And
Enable Internet And Wireless E-Commerce.
REDWOOD CITY, CA, (Aug. 25, 1999) - Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC), best known by its Panasonic brand name, SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) and Toshiba Corporation have reached an agreement on comprehensive collaboration to jointly develop, specify and widely promote a next generation secure memory card.
The announcement was made today at joint press conferences in Tokyo, Japan, Osaka, Japan and Redwood City, CA.
The SD Media Card.
The global market is growing rapidly for flash-memory based removable storage cards. These cards provide a compact, reliable, and easy-to-use medium to store high volumes of visual, audio and other data for digital music players and cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), video cameras, cellular phones and other digital consumer electronics products. Several major formats including SmartMedia, CompactFlash and MultiMediaCard are gaining solid support as leading media to meet these requirements.
In addition to these segments, recent years have seen an increased need for methods to improve copyright protection for artists and other content owners and provide greater data security for users.
The agreement announced today is aimed to jointly develop a small size, high speed read/write next generation memory card capable of providing a high level of copy protection for music, movies and other artistic and commercial content. Each company will aggressively promote development of application products for this card.
The agreement is as follows:
The three companies will collaborate to develop the next generation SD Memory Card, and promote the card to make it widely used in the industry through standardization.
The three companies will promote to develop application products in the field of digital AV equipment and digital network equipment using the SD Memory Card.
The three companies will develop products taking into consideration the copyrights of software creators and content providers.
The three companies will establish a licensing entity which will widely license the SD Memory Card. Both SD Memory Card manufacturers, and equipment producers who manufacture end-user products such as Internet music players and cellular phones, will be required to obtain licenses from the licensing entity.
Outline of the SD Memory Card:
Size: 24mm x 32mm x 2.1mm 9 pins
Capacity: 32MB, 64MB (2000) / 256MB (2001)
Speed: Target: 10MB/sec / 2MB/sec (2000)
Features: Powerful security and copy protection (SDMI compliant)
Sampling of the new SD Memory Card will begin in the first quarter of 2000. Production shipments are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2000. It is expected that application products that use the new card will be available in the first half of next year.
Features and advantages of the SD Memory Card include:
Unique and proprietary security functions are included in the card's controller, which facilitate the secure exchange of content between host devices and the card. The security level has been designed to comply with both current and future SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative) portable device requirements.
Several flash memory chips can be stacked in the SD Memory Card which will provide higher capacity cards. This will ensure that the cards are capable of storing, for example, full-length movies in video and playback systems in the future.
Despite the highly desirable small number of pins, the SD Memory Card is designed for exceptionally high read/write performance.
A mechanical write protect switch prevents consumers from accidentally overwriting the card and destroying data, images or audio.
The SD Memory Card has been ergonomically and electrically improved for its target consumer markets.
The new SD Memory Card slots will also accept existing MultiMediaCards.
The three companies expect that CompactFlash (CF), SmartMedia™ memory cards and MultiMediaCards will continue their popularity in the current applications that only require relatively lower levels of security.
"Matsushita Electric and the Panasonic companies are delighted to be a partner in this effort to develop a technology that adds new value and features to the products consumers will use in the home, the workplace and everywhere in between," said Mr.Yoichi Morishita, president of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. "With the progress of recent digital network technology we are confident that the SD Memory Card will become a virtual standard for digital consumer electronics as well as for PC's. With this in mind, we intend to develop and build a new generation of digital consumer electronics devices such as Internet music players, digital camcorders and cellular phones which will employ SD Memory Cards"
Eli Harari, CEO and president of SanDisk, said, "We are greatly honored to be partners in this very important cooperation with two of the world's leading global corporations in consumer electronics. The sophisticated security of the SD Memory Card will unleash numerous exciting new consumer products and enable mass distribution of copyrighted content as well as e-commerce in a variety of multimedia and wireless/internet applications. The SD Memory Card provides an easy migration path for users of the highly successful MultiMediaCard for new applications requiring a high level of copyright protection and data security."
Taizo Nishimuro, Toshiba president and CEO, said, "Toshiba is unfolding a comprehensive strategy to promote removable memory cards, Toshiba's original NAND flash memory chips, and products and systems using the media. We welcome this opportunity to collaborate with Matsushita and SanDisk on the development and promotion of a new medium offering high-level security functions, an emerging but increasingly important element in the burgeoning market for silicon media. Toshiba is the leading supplier of SmartMedia, already established as a de facto standard in digital silicon storage and the SD Card will be a strong addition to our product portfolio, allowing us to expand our new business opportunities."
Best known by its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., based in Osaka, Japan, is one of the world's largest developers and manufacturers of digital consumer electronic products. Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, the company's principal subsidiary in North America, operates 24 manufacturing sites, along with its affiliate companies.
SanDisk Corporation, the world's largest supplier of flash data storage products, designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid-state data, digital imaging and audio storage products using its patented, high density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is based in Sunnyvale, CA.
Toshiba Corporation is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products, and power systems. The company's integration of these wide-ranging capabilities assures its position as an innovator in multimedia components, products and systems. Toshiba has 198,000 employees worldwide, and annual sales of over US$40 billion.
The matters discussed in this news release contain forward looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties as described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the company's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.
CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
SmartMedia is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.
Matsushita's web site/home page address: http://www.panasonic.com
========================================
RELEASE
E.DIGITAL'S PORTABLE INTERNET MUSIC PLAYER DESIGN TO SUPPORT SECURE DIGITAL (SD) MEMORY CARD
Company Joins New Secure Digital (SD) Association Formed by Matsushita, Toshiba, and SanDisk
SAN DIEGO, CA - January 7, 2000 - e.Digital Corporation (OTC: EDIG) announced today that its portable Internet music player design will be one of the first to feature compatibility with the new, Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card announced in August 1999 by SanDisk, Toshiba, and Matsushita, best known by its Panasonic brand name. e.Digital is also an inaugural member of the newly-formed SD Association announced during a Matsushita/Toshiba/SanDisk press conference yesterday at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2000.
Fred Falk, president and CEO of e.Digital, said, "We are happy to be part of the newly-formed SD Association, as one of its stated goals is to provide improved protection for copyrighted content, including but not limited to music files. The SD Memory Card is another valuable tool we can use in our endeavors to offer our OEM customers designs that will support SDMI standards for secure Internet music." He added, "For years we have built compatibility into our designs for SanDisk memory products, which have become the de facto standard for portable devices."
Nelson Chan, Senior Vice President of Marketing for SanDisk added, "We are very proud of the SD Memory Card, especially its security features which are becoming more and more important to our customers. Digital security is being pursued on many levels, and the SD Memory Card is there to support these efforts in portable devices of all kinds." He continued, "We are pleased to have e.Digital join the SD Association as an inaugural member, as they are one of the first to incorporate compatibility for SD Memory into a portable product design."
e.Digital's portable multi-codec Internet music player design is available for licensing by consumer electronics manufacturers and other OEM partners. The flexible design can be adapted to customer specifications and includes support for multiple music codecs, removable memory, and security features. The design is SDMI compatible.
About Secure Digital (SD) Memory CardTM
The flash-memory based removable storage card provides a compact, reliable and easy-to-use medium to store high volumes of audio, visual, and other data for digital music players, cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), video cameras, cellular phones, GPS systems and other digital consumer electronics products. Its strong copyright protection capability meets the requirements of artists and content owners and offers greater data security for users.
About e.Digital
e.Digital Corporation offers an engineering partnership for the world's leading electronics companies to link portable digital devices to PCs and the Internet. Engineering services range from the licensing of e.Digital's patented MicroOSTM file management system to custom software and hardware development and manufacturing services. For more information on the company, visit www.edig.com.
SABRE--lol; YES-REMEMBER ONLY 4 TRADING DAYS DUE TO mlk HOLIDAY
01/21/03 0.185 0.195 0.181 0.190 173,500
01/22/03 0.188 0.205 0.188 0.200 217,100
01/23/03 0.193 0.201 0.185 0.199 208,600
01/24/03 0.185 0.199 0.185 0.195 134,800
Patrick Hawkins is our "soul" man backed up by the Edwin Hawkins Singers
Apple convergence: where are the devices?
posted 10:02am EST Mon Jan 27 2003 - submitted by Shane
BLURB
There continues to be questions in the rumor mill of just when--or if--Apple will release PDA and tablet devices. InfoWorld writer Tom Yager has an interesting take on Apple's convergence strategy and how it stacks up against what is currently available. He points to Apple's .Mac services as an example of what he calls a "proper converged services lineup." So what, you say. Well, Apple is laying the strategic building blocks for its convergence device(s). That is not to say that these device(s) are necessarily "Apple-only" device(s), but Apple is taking a hard look at what users want today and will want in the future and is moving in that direction. In fact, I think Apple is using the iPod as a test device, and is learning quite a bit about users' current and future needs. Apple first came out with a Mac-only iPod, then shortly thereafter released a Windows version as well. I'm sure the Apple market researchers continue to watch the statistics of iPod sales closely, and also look at what software add-ons different developers are coming out with to meet specific needs. I expect that all of these will be evaluated, and some will become features of convergence device(s). Apple would be foolish not to allow the mobile device giants of Nokia, Ericsson, Sony, Palm, etc. to work with Apple's convergence, and Apple has already given hints of working with these other companies by integrating these devices with iSync. It looks like Apple is going to take big leaps in 2003 to make this entire convergence strategy come together.
OPINION
USER COMMENTS 8 comment(s)
iphone.org (10:20am EST Mon Jan 27 2003)
yeah just go to www.iphone.org and you will see the future.
So when are those new 15" powerbooks coming out??
- by Shampoopoo
meanwhile (10:29am EST Mon Jan 27 2003)
Bill Gates releases a new form of birth control called the "smart watch" - as though the original "calculator watch" and "TV watch" were not enough preventative prophilactics to begin with...
All your gonads are belong to Redmond.
You have no chance to conceive, make your time.
- by HA HA HA HA
Can't agree Shane. (11:10am EST Mon Jan 27 2003)
Apple would be foolish to allow the mobile device giants of Nokia, Ericsson, Sony, Palm. The first thing these companies want is to steal the design. Apple is being very prudent when it releases products since Sys7. Success is not based on have the best product. Enough stock of the product must be manf. before release to try to stop imitators from stealing market share. I like Apple's stratagy, since the DOJ will do nothing to stop theft. - by tech
Sorry. (11:12am EST Mon Jan 27 2003)
No time for spell check as someone from this site sent a 16b buffer over flow again. - by tech
Convergence-Divergence (11:44am EST Mon Jan 27 2003)
The convergence concept is only a concept. Most of us have many friends and co-workers, but we don't all get married to each other. The same will be true with the home entertainment, home computing, productivity electronics market. Many current products may interface somewhat with others. Then a new device comes out or there is a thought shift and the current use pattern diverges or makes a hard turn.
This is not directly related to the article, but just a thought. - by RCAman
www (11:49am EST Mon Jan 27 2003)
apples rotting - by wwww
Yeah right...pipe dreams. (12:13pm EST Mon Jan 27 2003)
Apple is a niche player in IT I'd say - how is it going to compete against Nokia and Sony in the mobile industry? Mobile devices need software...so what does it do, come up with 'AppleMobile OS', or use an Apple GUI over embedded Linux, or licence Symbian with an Apple GUI? Or it could licence a GUI over Symbian from Nokia, even. But what's the point, it would get crushed by the competition: Symbian, MS, Palm, Java, and Mobile versions of Linux. I respect Apple's history and its contribution to product design. But please before they get involved with smart mobile devices, can we just have a decent Mac browser (which isn't in Beta) and an Office suite which isn't made by Microsoft! - by iWrite
It's real easy (12:56pm EST Mon Jan 27 2003)
Make a PDA phone with a harddrive out of an iPod. Give it a simple browser and then hook up with every phone provider you can find.
That way I won't need my PDA, cell phone, and iPod all at the same time. Sure, it would be expensive, but I know I'm not the only one who would jump on technology like this.
Most companies (like Handspring with their Treo) come close but bungle up the whole deal with a crappy keyboard and no grafitti on their color model (WTF were they thinking?).
But no, instead of adding USEFUL features like a miniature HD and easy synchronization, these stupid friggin' manufacturers decide the best thing they could put on a mobile phone is a digital camera. WTF? Are they really that stupid? Who needs a friggin' camera on their phone?
If it came down to two things:
1) a phone with a digital camera
or
2) a phone with a mini HD (even a small one like 1 or 2 gigs)
Which one would you choose? It seems like a no-brainer to me. - by Rocketpig
a mis-spelled "shyster" LOL
moxa--stock touting at its finest (worst):
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Section 17(b), Emerging Stock Alert discloses the
receipt of 125,000 unrestricted shares of RJVN from
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aware of an inherent conflict of interest resulting
from such compensation due to our intent to profit
from the liquidation of these shares. Shares may be
sold at any time, even after positive statements have
been made regarding the above company. All factual
information in this report was gathered from public
sources, including but not limited to SEC filings,
Company Press Releases, and Market Guide. Emerging
Equity Alert believes this information to be reliable
but can make no guarantee as to its accuracy or
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constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
jimc--if merle buys APS, if I were AA, 20th C, etc. I think I would reconsider any relationship smooth move merle
Merle Ferguson-- a good ol' country boy? buyer of edig's partner APS:
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Litigation Release 17032 / June 11, 2001
SEC v. World Homes, Inc., Merle Ferguson and Susan Donohue, Civil
Action No. CV-S-01-658-PMP-LRL (USDC D Nev)
On June 8, 2001, a complaint was filed seeking permanent injunctions
against World Homes, Inc. ("World Homes") and Merle Ferguson alleging
violations of Sections 5(a), 5(c) and 17 (a) of the Securities Act,
and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule l0b-5 thereunder, and
against Susan Donohue for violations of Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the
Securities Act. The Commission's complaint also seeks civil money
penalties against Ferguson.
The Complaint alleges that from approximately January 2000 through
February 2001, World Homes, through its President and Chief Executive
Officer, Merle Ferguson, distributed several false and misleading
press releases misrepresenting, among other things, the following
material facts 1) that World Homes operated and maintained a
production facility for its cement product; 2) that World Homes
possessed financing loans of fifteen million dollars; and 3) that
World Homes had generated over $480 million in contracted business.
These false press releases resulted in an increase in the price of
World Homes' common stock and an increase in the volume of shares
traded on the OTC Bulletin Board.
In addition, it is alleged that from on or about July 16, 1999,
through on or about February 20, 2001, World Homes made nine filings
on Form S-8, registering 4,892,977 shares with a stated maximum value
of $3,777,313. Many of these shares were issued to Ferguson and
Donahue, or entities controlled by them. These shares were allegedly
issued in large part not to compensate those employees, but to raise
capital for World Homes. Ferguson and Donahue sold these shares into
the market and remitted most of the proceeds to World Homes, which
used the funds to finance operations. The complaint alleges Ferguson
and Donahue filed no registration statement with respect to the
resales and no exemption from registration was available with respect
to these offers and sales.
==========================================================
FINAL JUDGMENT OF PERMANENT INJUNCTION ENTERED AGAINST WORLD HOMES, INC., MERLE FERGUSON AND SUSAN DONOHUE
On January 14, the Honorable Phillip M. Pro issued final judgments of permanent injunction against World Homes, Inc., currently known as Composite Industries of America, Inc., and Merle Ferguson, its President and Chief Executive Officer, enjoining them from future violations of the securities registration and antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws. In addition, Susan Donohue, the company's Secretary- Treasurer, was enjoined from future violations of the securities registration provisions. The defendants consented to the orders without admitting or denying the Commission's allegations. Ferguson was also ordered to pay a civil money penalty in the amount of $120,000.
The complaint alleges that from approximately January 2000 through February 2001, World Homes, through Ferguson, distributed several false and misleading press releases misrepresenting, among other things, the following material facts: 1) that World Homes operated and maintained a production facility for its cement product; 2) that World Homes had obtained financing loans of fifteen million dollars; and 3) that World Homes had generated over $480 million in contracted business. These false press releases resulted in an increase in the price of World Homes= common stock and an increase in the volume of shares traded on the OTC Bulletin Board. In doing so, the complaint alleges World Homes and Ferguson violated Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder.
In addition, it is alleged that from on or about July 16, 1999, through on or about February 20, 2001, World Homes made nine filings with the Commission on Form S-8, registering 4,892,977 of its shares with a stated maximum value of $3,777,313. It is further alleged that many of these shares were issued to Ferguson and Donahue, or entities controlled by them. Ferguson and Donahue sold these shares into the market and remitted most of the proceeds to World Homes, which used the funds to finance the issuer's operations. The complaint alleges this conduct by World Homes, Ferguson and Donahue violated Section 5 of the Securities Act. [SEC v. World Homes, Inc. et al., Civil Action No. CV-S-01-0658-PMP (LRL), USDC D.Nev.] (LR-17328)
======================================================
SEC NEWS DIGEST
Issue 2002-186 September 25, 2002
COMPOSITE HOLDINGS, INC. AND MERLE FERGUSON HELD IN CIVIL CONTEMPT
On September 13, the Honorable Philip M. Pro, United States District
Judge, entered an order holding Defendants Composite Holdings, Inc., aka
Composite Industries, Inc. fka World Homes, Inc., and Merle Ferguson in
civil contempt for violations of the January 14, 2002, Judgment which,
among other provisions, enjoined Composite and Ferguson from violations
of the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws.
The Court further ordered that Composite and Ferguson will remain in
contempt until such time as Composite and Ferguson have conclusively
demonstrated that they are not engaging in conduct enjoined by the
January 14, 2002, Judgment. The Court also ordered that until Composite
and Ferguson purge themselves of the contempt by conclusively
demonstrating that they are not engaging in conduct which violates the
January 14, 2002, Judgment, each defendant will pay a penalty of
$120,000 plus $5,000 per day until they have corrected their false and
misleading public statements. [SEC v. Composite Holdings, Inc., aka
Composite Industries, Inc. fka World Homes, Inc., and Merle Ferguson,
Case No. CV-S-01-0658-PMP-LRL (USDC D.Nev.)] (LR-17741)
sentinel-- i found the source of the speculation--jimc's post--i do find it interesting that for whatever reason he chose not to identify the website;
i guess i've lost my touch, but as many of you know, i used to have pretty good DD skills and in a quick attempt to discover the website on my own i was unable to do so
http://www.waea.org/events/conference/2002/Conference%20Brochure.pdf
intense competition in this area; most notable however is the absence of APS, edig's customer at what appears to be the most significant exhibition regarding IFE; am i missing something? sorry, but i missed the basis of the speculation regarding Alaska Airlines, anything concrete?
philo--but just remember that Irish ides are smiling on you my friend
http://www.xmradio.com/corporate_info/strategic_partners_category.jsp?category=hardware
Visteon
Launched in 1997 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Visteon is one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, with nearly 82,000 employees in 23 countries. Visteon creates high-tech climate control, interior and exterior and telematics/multimedia systems. In addition to XM Radio, its technology Affiliates include such high-technology, consumer-focused companies as Microsoft, Intel, Bang Olufsen, Nintendo, Texas Instruments and Fujitsu.
Eclipse - Fujitsu Ten
Eclipse is a comprehensive line of car entertainment equipment produced by Fujitsu Ten. From DVD video and integrated audio-video to in-dash CD changers and tuners, cassette players, digital signal processors, equalizers, amps and speakers, Eclipse components are engineered with the goal of providing the ultimate mobile entertainment experience.
Visteon
Launched in 1997 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Visteon is one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, with nearly 82,000 employees in 23 countries. Visteon creates high-tech climate control, interior and exterior and telematics/multimedia systems. In addition to XM Radio, its technology Affiliates include such high-technology, consumer-focused companies as Microsoft, Intel, Bang Olufsen, Nintendo, Texas Instruments and Fujitsu.
IBM looks to arm more PDAs with Linux
By John G. Spooner
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
January 21, 2003, 11:46 AM PT
IBM is using its technological might to back Linux for personal digital assistants.
IBM's Microelectronics division announced on Tuesday it will offer a PDA blueprint aimed at fostering the development of new versions of handhelds based on its PowerPC 405LP chip and MontaVista Software's Linux. The companies are exhibiting their wares at this week's LinuxWorld trade show in New York.
The reference design, which will allow people to create several different kinds of PDAs, will be available from IBM Microelectronics and a few partners in March, the company said.
Hardware reference designs usually include the hardware and software components necessary to create a new device such as a processor or an operating system.
IBM says it will make its blueprint easily accessible to a wider range of developers by charging a low price for it--allowing the company to pit its PowerPC-Linux combination as an alternative to operating systems like the Palm OS and Motorola's processors or Microsoft's Pocket PC software and Intel's Xscale processors.
The design will be offered in a kit that likely will cost $1,000 or less. IBM said its licensing terms are less restrictive than others because it doesn't specify hardware features, such as screen size, or require that its logo be used.
By taking this approach, Big Blue hopes to make it easier for smaller companies, and even individuals, to purchase the reference design, said Michael McGinnis, strategic marketing manager for IBM Microelectronics.
"What we're trying to do with the price and fulfillment is make it so a senior engineer can go out on the Internet and get it," he said.
The move could serve to boost the use of Linux in PDAs. Though Sharp uses Linux in its Zaurus PDA, the operating system still is not as popular as the Palm OS, which is the most widely used PDA operating system on the market, according to figures from research firms IDC and Gartner.
Using the IBM reference design, engineers could create many kinds of PDAs, including inexpensive consumer-oriented models and more sophisticated business models for accessing important company data such as e-mail.
Big Blue expects that the reference design will help it sell more PowerPC chips and lead to more design work. However, the company doesn't plan to get back into the PDA business anytime soon, McGinnis said. Despite the reference design and a partnership with Sharp to make Linux-based Zaurus more attractive to businesses, IBM prefers to leave the PDA market to others at this point.
IBM Microelectronics is still finalizing details on pricing and distribution partners for the reference design, McGinnis said. The company will offer updates and additional information via its Web site.
============================================
MontaVista Software and Opera 7
Tuesday January 14, 2003 -
Annette Oevermann writes "Oslo, Norway and Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Jan 13, 2003 -- Opera Software ASA and MontaVista Software, Inc. today announced that the two companies have verified interoperability between MontaVista™ Linux® and the newly released Opera 7 browser.
MontaVista Software and Opera Software form a strong alliance to offer solutions for embedded device manufacturers. MontaVista is one of the most widely used Linux operating systems for embedded products, and Opera with its high speed, modularity and small size is one of the most popular browser technologies for Internet-enabled devices. Together, they have a small footprint making minimal demands on system resources and thereby reducing the requirements on hardware for device manufacturers.
"Mobile phones, advanced PDAs and even cars are becoming our gateways to information access. It is important to provide consumers worldwide with the ability to interact with technology in the most natural and convenient way. Together, MontaVista Linux Consumer Electronics Edition and the Opera browser enable software developers to meet this goal with a flexible solution that provides the high device reliability consumers expect," said Sheila Baker, vice president of marketing, MontaVista Software. "Both our companies focus on scalability, open standards and customization, so that our mutual customers can save on development time and costs."
The core of the newly released Opera 7 works flawlessly with MontaVista Linux, providing users with a new and faster rendering engine in a smaller package that supports the latest Web standards such as DOM and CSS2, as well as handling non-standard pages using DHTML. Opera is well suited for digital TV set-top boxes, automotive telematics and mobile applications, and offers integrated Flash, Java and ViaVoice support on MontaVista Linux.
"The widely used, open and robust MontaVista Linux operating system is a compelling offering for Internet-enabled consumer devices," said Lars Boilesen, executive vice president of sales and distribution, Opera Software. "We are honored to complement the first class networking capabilities of MontaVista Linux with our fast, small and stable browser technology."
MontaVista Linux Consumer Electronics Edition (CEE), announced last week, enhances Linux with dynamic power management, rich consumer-focused networking support and consumer-grade reliability. It is designed specifically to address the needs of consumer electronics device manufacturers. CEE forms the foundation of solution stacks from software partners in key mobile, home and automotive vertical markets. CEE is also tailored to the demands of highly constrained mobile devices, which require low power consumption, restricted memory size and short boot and resume times. In addition to the complete cross development environment that MontaVista provides with all its three Linux Editions, CEE adds new development tools for tuning system performance to enable higher quality end-user experiences. MontaVista also provides several technology add-on products addressing specific consumer electronics needs such as the Java Development environment and powerful graphics toolkits.
The Opera browser is known for its cross-platform support and rendering engine with HTML, JavaScript and CSS support simplifying content viewing and creation. Opera´s browser technologies bring an unprecedented Internet experience to PDAs and smart phones with a revolutionary small-screen rendering that allows entire Web pages to be displayed at once. Opera´s rendering engine for iTV follows industry standards, supporting MHP, OCAP and ATVEF, in addition to smart-rendering of fonts and colors specially suited for TV screens.
Availability
MontaVista Linux Consumer Electronics Edition will be available from MontaVista Software and the company's sales and distribution channels worldwide in first quarter 2003. It is offered as a product subscription, providing customers with the MontaVista Linux kernel, utilities, development tools, software updates, access to the MontaVista Zone and access to complete technical support. The Opera browser is available from Opera Software ASA.
About Opera Software
Opera Software ASA is an industry leader in the development of Web browser technology, partnering with companies such as IBM, AMD, Nokia, Macromedia, Symbian, Canal+ Technologies, Ericsson, Sharp, Lineo (now Embedix) and MontaVista Software. The Opera browser has received international recognition from users, industry experts and media for being faster, smaller and more standards-compliant than other browsers. Opera's browser technology is cross-platform and modular, targeting the desktop, smartphone, PDA, iTV and vertical markets. Opera Software ASA is a privately held company headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with development centers in Linköping and Gothenburg, Sweden, and a representative in Austin, TX. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com
About MontaVista
MontaVista Software is a leading global supplier of systems software for intelligent connected devices and associated infrastructure. MontaVista powers the embedded revolution by providing GNU/Linux-based open-source software solutions. Founded in 1999 by real-time operating system (RTOS) pioneer James Ready, MontaVista offers a family of products under the MontaVista Linux umbrella that address broad-based software developer needs encompassing applications ranging from communications infrastructure to consumer electronics. Multiple Editions of MontaVista Linux are available including Professional, Consumer Electronics and Carrier Grade, along with complementary technology products providing powerful Java and graphics development capabilities.
Headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley, in Sunnyvale, Calif., MontaVista Software is a privately held company funded by leading investors such as Alloy Ventures, US Venture Partners, RRE Ventures, WR Hambrecht + Co., IBM, Intel Capital, Sony, Panasonic (Matsushita), Toshiba America and Yamaha Corporation. For more information about MontaVista Software, please visit http://www.mvista.com, email to info@mvista.com or call (408) 328-9200.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. MontaVista is a trademark of MontaVista Software Inc. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective companies.
AUTO J-BOX Photos ...
compliments of Sunpoop/D.inkie ...
http://www.calweb.com/~doncheri/EDIG.htm
... more CES photos here ...
http://ragingbull.lycos.com/mboard/boards.cgi?board=CLB00154&read=33704
By: wolfpackvoltare $$$$$
27 Feb 2002, 11:12 AM EST Msg. 917365 of 917405
(This msg. is a reply to 917356 by cksla.)
cksla: The information I received was for OEM's only and not part of the information passed out to the public. I will not reveal who gave it to me because I don't think e.Digital wanted this released at that time. I thought that this was very important news, and printed it anyway. I will take full responsibility for the Auto-J-box news I reported.
Sentinel-- how quickly we forget-- your post of--
http://www.investorshub.com/boards/read_msg.asp?message_id=245427
CES 2002----how quickly a year seems to go by!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Auto J-Box is an elegant and user-friendly synthesis of the latest in both digital music and wireless communication. Powered by e.Digital technology, it is designed to seamlessly integrate the HDD-based digital
jukebox into an automobile environment, revolutionizing the world of car audio. Supporting both MP3 and Windows Media content, it is capable of real-time ripping in both encoding format eliminating the need for a computer
interface. This is the first system to feature post-signal WriteBack capabilities allowing for music and/or information capture up to five minutes after its signal has been received where you can audition your music before
you save it! WriteBack technology is capable of capturing content from CD's, AM, FM, and XM radio, and almost any other source, record audio, video, and even driving directions. The Auto J-Box also communicates with computers
though a USB interface and will feature wireless support by mid 2002 allowing hassle-free uploading of the new content from your computer as your car is parked in the driveway. The system features VoiceNav, allowing you to navigate your media content with the power of your voice, leaving your hands free to focus on driving.
Toyota develops telematics network
Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) announced that it completed development of G-BOOK, a subscription information network designed to "orderly and efficiently link people, cars, and society anywhere, anytime." In September, G-BOOK opened its introduction site, and this month limited services for PCs, PDAs, and mobile phones were scheduled to begin. A new Toyota vehicle featuring an onboard G-BOOK terminal is scheduled for roll-out later this fall.
G-BOOK is based on the infrastructure of a Toyota membership-based information service and membership system primarily aimed at providing interactive information services via vehicle-mounted wireless communication terminals. It can also be used to link various G-BOOK-compatible functions (e.g., use of a cell phone to determine a vehicle's location, operating status, etc.) and, in the future, will also make it possible to control home appliances and home security systems from a vehicle.
The onboard vehicle terminal features a Data Communications Module (DCM) and a Secure Digital (SD) card to take advantage of the latest network services. Whereas conventional communication, navigation, and car-information services require cell-phone use for access, the DCM allows a direct, one-touch connection. The flat-fee service enables subscribers to enjoy high-speed communications without worrying about log-on time or transmission volume. And the DCM also automatically reconnects if the connection is interrupted while traveling through a tunnel, for instance. Navigational maps and the onboard terminal's basic software are stored in the SD card, which can be inserted into "E-TOWER" terminals at convenience stores and other locations to download local or new maps or to upgrade the onboard terminal's Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive software. Music and games can also be downloaded, and the SD card is compatible with commercially available audio players, digital cameras, and PDAs that use SD cards, making it possible to share music files, images, and games.
Text information is converted at the G-BOOK Center and delivered to onboard terminals so subscribers can listen to the information read in a natural-sounding synthesized voice. In addition to conventional direct user-terminal voice command functions, plans call for the employment of a G-BOOK Center-based central language recognition system called IVR (Intelligent Voice Recognition) for processing of multiple-word commands issued through a cell phone, for instance.
G-BOOK services will span safety and security, navigation, information, entertainment, communication, and e-commerce. Future plans call for the G-BOOK Center to detect the location of the vehicle and dispatch a tow truck or provide appropriate maintenance if a car experiences problems. A service will eventually be offered that will enable customers to access bank and securities accounts to check on balances and transaction details. The entertainment service will include the transmission of "karaoke" or other music, and the downloading of various types of games. A service will also be offered that will enable a group of drivers traveling together to display each other's current location on onboard navigation system maps.
To make it easier for more companies to become G-BOOK content/service providers, Toyota will provide the software specifications needed to develop compatible content. The company views G-BOOK as an important and standard automobile function, so it plans to increase the number of vehicles equipped with G-BOOK terminals and focus on service/content enhancements.
- Kevin Jost
http://www.sae.org/automag/electronics/10-2002/index.htm
Edigokie---FWIW, I concur with your speculation.
Pioneer Brings Satellite Radio Technology to Toyota's Scion Brand
Tuesday January 7, 11:00 am ET
Scion Sound Processing and Satellite Radio Offerings Enable Toyota to Meet Expectations of Scion's Target Gen Y Consumers
LONG BEACH, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and Pioneer Automotive Electronics Sales, Inc., announced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show that the two highly anticipated Scion vehicles, the xA and xB, will be available with Pioneer XM Satellite Radio capability when they launch in June 2003. As the branded audio partner for Scion, Pioneer's single CD/MP3 players and 6-disc in-dash CD/MP3 players will deliver DSP-based Scion Sound Processing technology and Satellite Radio Control aimed to exceed the expectations of Scion's targeted youth customer.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020628/PIONLOGO )
"The optional Pioneer XM receiver with 100 channels of coast-to-coast digital sound quality is the perfect addition to the Scion Sound Processing system," said Russ Johnston, senior vice president of marketing and strategic planning for Pioneer Automotive Electronics Sales, Inc. "XM offers a tremendous variety of programming with some specifically geared for today's youth market. XM Original Channels such as "Boneyard," "Ethel," "XMU," "Squizz," "The Move" and "XM Liquid Metal" reflect the personalities and lifestyle of the potential Scion customer."
At the core of Scion Pioneer radios is Scion Sound Processing, unique to the brand. This DSP-driven technology provides three equalization modes that squeeze every last drop of performance and power out of the Scion system. Most importantly, one mode of Scion Sound Processing has created a sound environment that puts the consumer on stage with the feeling that a musician is in the vehicle playing the music.
"Throughout the development of the vehicles, the partnership with Pioneer has helped to bring new technologies that we feel will resonate well with Scion consumers," said Brian Bolain, Scion national manager of sales promotions. "No matter how great the desire to personalize their vehicles through the Scion dealership, our goal with the standard Pioneer-branded audio system is to exceed the expectations of our target buyers."
Scion's launch vehicles, the xA and xB, each will carry an MSRP of less than $16,000 and will be marketed through participating Toyota dealers. The first vehicles will be available in the Western United States in June 2003 with a national rollout completed by June 2004. Toyota anticipates that 100,000 Scion vehicles will be sold annually after the first full year of national distribution. For more Scion information visit www.scion.com .
Pioneer Automotive Electronics Sales, Inc. is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan and markets mobile entertainment products directly to automotive manufacturers. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high- performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(TM) and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation employs more than 31,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: PIO - News). Pioneer's U.S. headquarters is located in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com .
For further information please contact Jaed Arzadon, +1-310-952-2451, jarazadon@pioneer-usa.com, or Steve Bonsignore, +1-212-537-8094, sbonsignore@gcigroup.com, both for Pioneer Automotive Electronics Sales, Inc.
Posted on Mon, Jan. 06, 2003
The ghosts of predictions past
BY MIKE LANGBERG
Knight Ridder News Service
Illustration by Shannon Brady
Predicting the future is easy. Sticking around to see the outcome of your predictions is hard. Ten years ago, I consulted several Silicon Valley experts and came up with 'Scenes from 2002,' showing how technology would change our lives in a decade. Published on Oct. 25, 1992, my scenario blended tech hope and tech hype.
Now that 2002 is past, I've decided to revisit my crystal-ball gazing and rate myself against the real world. I'll stick my neck out again with predictions for 2012 (see accompanying story). So how'd I do? Overall, I'd give myself a B -- dead-on predictions are balanced against very wrong ideas. Here are the point-by-point details:
INTELLIGENT AGENTS
At 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 13, 2002, the bed phone rings. It's the programmed wake-up call for Nancy Newstuff, a real estate agent who lives with her husband, Ned, and 10-year-old son, Nelson.
The flat-panel display lights up with the image of this year's hot Hollywood hunk, teen star Macaulay Culkin, whom Nancy has selected to deliver her morning greeting. After the third time Macaulay says, "Wake up, Nancy," she responds, "I'm up, I'm up," and Macaulay starts delivering a personalized summary of news, weather and local traffic options.
Report card: D. Computerized "intelligent agents," such as the virtual Macaulay Culkin, were a hot topic 10 years ago and looked achievable within a decade. But the technology -- especially reliable speech recognition and realistic text-to-speech conversion -- has proven elusive. As the old joke goes: Intelligent agents are the technology of the future, and always will be.
TO AN APPOINTMENT
Behind the wheel of her electrically powered 1999 General Motors Megavolt, Nancy retrieves her voice-mail messages on the car phone.
A client is eager to look at new-home listings. Nancy calls the office central computer and, using carefully chosen voice instructions, orders it to send pictures of several homes to her client by high-resolution color fax.
Report card: A and B. I give myself an A for predicting the arrival of electric cars. They're not yet a big part of the market, but electric and hybrid vehicles are no longer an unusual sight.
Using wireless phones in the car, while not necessarily a safe practice, is certainly common today. I only get a B for predicting Nancy would use a voice-response system to retrieve messages. Such systems exist today, but aren't widely used. High-resolution color fax never happened because people now share images by attaching digital pictures to e-mail messages.
SHOWING A HOME
Shown a home, Nancy's clients are eager to buy. Nancy takes her compu-phone out of her purse and calls into a local bank. Writing on the phone's screen with a stylus, Nancy assures the potential buyers they can afford the house.
Report card: A. The "compu-phone," exists in the form of wireless "communicators" such as the Handspring Treo and T-Mobile Sidekick, costing only a few hundred dollars and providing access to Web sites that can answer questions such as how big a mortgage home buyers can afford.
AT THE OFFICE
When Nancy arrives at the office, she clips on her employee badge. The badge includes a tiny radio transmitter identifying her to the office monitoring system.
While Nancy is talking with her friend Susan in an adjoining office, the monitoring system automatically transfers an incoming videophone call for Nancy onto Susan's phone. It's a reluctant seller with an offer on his home that he worries is too low. As they talk, Nancy displays on the screen a list of recent home sales in the neighborhood. Either Nancy or the client can touch any listing on the screen to call up a picture of the home and details of the sale.
Report card: C and B+. The technology for "active" employee badges exists, but hasn't been adopted in a big way because it's too expensive and many people are reluctant to have employers tracking their movements.
Two people in separate locations viewing the same material on their computer screens is an everyday occurrence, but collaboration software that allows each person to make changes is still in its early stages.
LUNCH
On the way to a park for lunch, Nancy grabs a sandwich and her five-pound portable satellite TV.
Sitting on a park bench, Nancy unfolds the collapsible two-foot dish, pops up the 10-inch flat screen and watches today's episode of the newly merged mega-soap "As the Hospital Turns in Santa Barbara" beamed from a satellite 22,300 miles overhead.
Report card: B. Direct-broadcast satellite television, which didn't exist in 1992, is now a certified hit, with somewhere around 19 million homes in the United States subscribing to either DirecTV or Dish Network.
However, the need to precisely aim the receiving dish has prevented the development of portable satellite TV players. Portable players are due next year, meanwhile, for the XM and Sirius satellite radio services.
SHOPPING
On the way home from work, Nancy decides to look for a dress. She asks the car phone to tell her which stores are having sales.
With a call into an electronic Yellow Pages database and coordination with the car's satellite navigation system, a display screen produces a map showing Nancy's location and the nearest stores holding sales on women's clothing.
Report card: C. In-car electronic navigation systems have been available for several years, but are still expensive and rare.
There are a few services, such as General Motor's OnStar, that gives a vehicle's location to a human operator, who will then tell the driver how to reach nearby stores. But the process isn't yet automated.
AT THE STORE
Nancy sees a floral print dress on a mannequin and steps over to the "magic mirror" kiosk. The kiosk takes a video image of Nancy's face and then displays an image of her wearing the dress.
Nancy inserts a credit card and gets the disappointing news that her size isn't in stock. The kiosk offers to deliver the dress in 10 days, but Nancy decides she doesn't want to wait that long and leaves.
Report card: D. This type of kiosk is still in the prototype stage, with just a handful of big retailers testing in-store terminals that let customers find out for themselves what's in stock.
A few online clothing stores allow visitors to customize a virtual model's facial features and body shape, but not to superimpose an image of the user's face.
VIDEO RENTAL
At her final stop on the way home, Nancy goes to the local CD video rental store and checks out "Back to the Future VII."
That evening, she pushes aside a painting on the living room wall to reveal an 11-foot by 6-foot flat-panel high-resolution TV screen on which Nancy and Ned watch the movie.
Report card: A and C. What I called the CD Video emerged five years ago under the name DVD and became one of the most popular new products in consumer electronics history, sending video cassette recorders and movies on videotape into a slow fade.
Big flat-panel high-resolution TV screens are available today, although not as large in size as I predicted and still too expensive for anyone but the wealthy.
KID'S HOMEWORK
After an afternoon playing baseball with his friends, Nelson is behind in preparing a social studies report due tomorrow.
Nancy, upset with the big bills Nelson is running up for online video services, told him last week to go to the library and research his report in books. But Nelson decides to risk parental wrath by preparing his project from the small video screen in his bedroom. While his parents watch the movie, Nelson taps into a CNN data base and pulls up video clips.
The charge comes to $47.25, but Nelson hopes his parents won't notice when the family's monthly video/phone bill -- which typically runs between $200 and $300 -- arrives at the end of the month.
Report card: B. It's now routine for children doing school projects to gather text, pictures, sounds and video clips online.
What I didn't foresee was access to this online cornucopia would come through the Internet at no cost to users, rather than through interactive television systems with user fees.
GM to Offer XM Radio In 75% of 2004 Models
Subscription Service Gets Timely Boost
By Renae Merle
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 15, 2003; Page E05
Washington's XM Satellite Radio Inc. announced yesterday that its subscription radio service will be available in 75 percent of General Motors Corp.'s 2004 models, expanding its presence at a critical time in the 16-month-old firm's development.
The investment community has long considered XM's installation in new cars critical to the success of the company and to its embryonic industry, because consumers are less likely to wince at its $150 to $300 initial price tag and monthly subscription fee when they're spending tens of thousands of dollars for a new vehicle.
GM, which is XM's largest shareholder, installed the service in the 2002 models of its high-end Cadillac cars. But to reach a wider audience, the company will make the service available in cheaper and higher-volume vehicles such as Chevrolet's Cavalier and its truck models, said spokesman Mike Merrick. "We're hitting the truck segment pretty hard," he said.
For 2003 car models, XM was available in 25 of GM's 54 models. It will be available in 44 of the 57 2004 models. GM expects to install XM equipment in 350,000 to 400,000 cars this year, Merrick said.
XM and its New York-based rival, Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., are both losing money. They are locked in a race to attract subscribers accustomed to AM and FM radio to their subscription format. The satellite services offer 100 channels of mostly commercial-free music and news stations. After spending more than $1 billion each to launch service, the battlefield has shifted from retail outlets such as Best Buy to car showrooms.
By the end of 2003, 50 percent of XM's subscribers are expected to come from new car sales, said XM spokesman Chance Patterson.
The deal with GM is unrelated to a $450 million refinancing package announced last month and partially funded by the auto manufacturer, Patterson said. That deal is critical to XM's survival, giving it enough funding to stay afloat until mid-2004, when XM forecasts it will have enough customers to support itself. Analysts have been skeptical of that prediction, saying XM may need another cash infusion by late 2004.
And Sirius could pose more competition after it completes a $1 billion refinancing package, according to Salomon Smith Barney, which has an investment-banking relationship with XM but not Sirius. "If it can complete this deal, we believe it will be in a stronger position," Salomon's J. Armand Musey said in a research note Monday.
"XM Radio is better situated with strong support from GM. . . . However, we believe that Sirius's proposed restructuring would leave it with more attractive capital structure," he said.
=========================================================
XM signed deals with key radio manufacturers Blaupunkt, Fujitsu Ten,
Hyundai Autonet and Bontec, which are the main suppliers of audio products ...
The Rushville Republican Online Edition
Wednesday, January 15, 2003, 5:22:53 PM
1 kg state city 0108
Mayor delivers 'State of the City'
Republican Staff Report
Rushville Mayor Bob Bridges delivered his fourth annual "State of the City" address before members of the Rushville Rotary Club Tuesday afternoon.
Following is a slightly edited version of the mayor's address:
The year 2002 has been a complex year with many of the issues that started in 2001 continuing into 2002.
Funding for the Northeast Stormwater Revitalization Project has been approved by the Department of Commerce, and $458,532 has been allocated by the State of Indiana to complete the project. This will bring relief to the residents in that area who have experienced standing water due to rainfall.
The southside annexation project is still moving forward. The preliminary engineering report is nearly completed, and we have sought funding from outside sources which include USDA Rural Development to assist in funding the project.
We have seen a factory close this past year. Hoffco-Comet, a manufacturer of transmissions for Maytag washers, was forced to close. This closing was not a fault of our community but because the parent company, Maytag, moved its operation to Mexico, taking their subsidiaries with them.
We have seen an existing company, Copeland Corporation, move operations in other states and Mexico back to Rushville. This has created new jobs, and they are currently occupying a totally renovated building, formerly known as the Ameitech building. It is now used as a warehouse for the Copeland Corporation.
We have seen Fujitsu Ten redesign their facility, spending over $1 million to enhance their current product lines. This plan should rekindle new manufacturing processes and return jobs that were initially lost because of the foreign labor market.
As I reported last year, the City of Rushville had begun focusing on the necessity of economic growth. We have visited with industry and business, educating ourselves on their operation and asking them to identify problems they see, and how we can focus on and work toward solving these problems.
The Department of Commerce has divided the state into economic development districts. Since the reorganization, our economic development director, Julie Hogsett, and I have met with the regional director, Vicki Kellerman, and members of her staff. She has promised renewed interest in this area of the state.
We have also met with INvision Southeast. They have offered to assist Rush County in marketing our business and industrial sites.
The Heart of Rushville, an Indiana Main Street organization, was selected by the Department of Commerce to host "Main Street 101" in February 2003. This is a program only offered in eight cities each year and focuses on informing local business people marketing strategies to revitalize and spur interest in their business.
Our county economic development group began meeting to formulate a strategy to identify existing problems that we hope will counteract the effects of current trends facing many communities. We enlisted members of local industry and the staff of Administrative Resources administration to assist us in this effort. From our meetings, coupled with surveys from industry and business leaders, we have developed goals and objectives along with strategies to accomplish them.
We identified housing as the number one goal for the community. The City of Rushville applied for and received a grant from the Indiana Housing Finance Authority to perform a "housing needs assessment." The city council has approved the final draft used extensively in setting this as a priority for the community.
Our first objective is to encourage the development of high-end housing. Working with building developers to market Rush County to housing developers can accomplish this goal.
Our second objective is to increase home ownership. We feel to accomplish this goal we must develop a down payment assistance and home ownership-counseling program for Rush County.
Our third objective is to revitalize our historic homes. We have seen in the past historic homes converted in to multifamily dwellings. We recognize our community is deficient in multifamily housing but feel using historic homes and neighborhoods to develop this type of housing is not a good solution to our problem. We feel that encouraging construction of new multifamily residences is a more practical answer.
We have also recognized the need for and have awarded a contract to develop our own comprehensive plan for zoning and planning. This is not the formation of another layer of government - it is a tool to make the City of Rushville more responsible. This will allow us to direct growth, which most people feel must happen, in a more conscientious manner than in the past.
Our second goal is workforce development. The first objective is to be competitive in our wages with other communities surrounding us. We must solicit our business and industry leaders to accomplish the objective.
Our second objective is to make available higher-paying jobs in our community. We feel that to accomplish the objective the human resource director's roundtable should be revisited.
Our third and fourth objectives involve skills training and on-site training for industry. These objectives relate to the next goal - education.
Three objectives identified are to increase the education levels in our community, increase vocational education and alternative education, and develop a distance learning facility to increase post-secondary educational opportunities for the community. We are aggressively working to accomplish these goals. To be a progressive and economically viable community, we must have the availability to offer these programs.
We have made contact with Ivy Tech State College. With the urging of board member and City Councilman Bill Goins, they have made a visit to the Rushville facility. I was informed that money will be in the 2003 state budget to assist us in our endeavor. Our task will now be urging all - and I must emphasize all - legislators to keep the money in the budget.
A returning member to our community, Avy Leissring, the new executive director for the Rush County Community Foundation, has brought with her a new vision as well as a different prospective and expertise in distance learning. She has offered to guide us in seeking funds to assist us in reaching our educational needs and goals.
Our fourth goal is infrastructure. Our main objective to attain this goal is to bring fiber optics to our community. We have begun this process by forming a Fiber Optics Board. This is a public/private partnership bringing both parties to the table to bring the "interstate of the 21st century" to Rush County.
Our fifth goal is business and industry development. To accomplish this, we feel that business and industry must be encouraged to diversify. We feel that we must seek and encourage business and industry that complement existing business and industry to locate in Rush County.
We feel another feat that must be focused on is the revitalization of Brownfield and unused industrial sites. We know these are aggressive goals, but we also feel that if we are to be competitive in economic development, we must aspire to attain these goals.
We have discovered the need to challenge and develop new leaders in our community. Research indicates new leaders search out challenging opportunities to change the status quo, grow, innovate and improve a community. Lucinda Comer, with our local ECDC, has agreed to select and chair a committee to initiate a "Rush County Leadership Academy." We plan to move forward and make this a program a reality in 2003.
In conclusion, we must remember that life is not merely the state of things as they are, but the vision of what they might be. Different people, different times produce different visions. In today's society, we need more of this vision.
In the past, we have heard people say, "Why Rushville?" Let's look to the future and say, "Why not Rushville?"
January 10, 2003 Digital Radio in 2003?
By atnewyork Staff
With financial backing from major broadcasters and technology companies, start-up company iBiquity is looking to make 2003 the year of broadcasting digitally.
Over 35 broadcast groups that own radio stations in 40 of the nation's largest broadcasting markets say they have licensed iBiquity's software and hardware technology that helps broadcasters convert analog signals to digital.
The Columbia, Maryland-based iBiquity builds technology that helps broadcasters transmit AM and FM analog and digital signals at the same time on the same amount of spectrum they are licensed. It also enables integrated wireless data alongside today's analog-based broadcasts and paves the way for a coming era of interactive services for radio listeners.
In an announcement as part of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, broadcasting companies said they would begin using iBiquity's technology to help them transition to broadcasting to digital signals this year.
Although many steps await before digital radio could reach mass audiences, the licensing announcement is considered one of the first moves toward interactive, digital radio broadcasts.
Digital signals eventually require specially equipped receivers for receiving text and wireless messaging of other forms.
The company said its "HD Radio" specially-equipped digital receivers are in production by Kenwood USA, Visteon, Alpine, Delphi, Harman Kardon, JVC, Sanyo and others. The receivers are equipped to handle interactive data, and also work with satellite broadcasters. The receivers allow on-demand interactive audio and wireless data services, including traffic reports, weather alerts, breaking news and sports highlights, the company said. It expects HD Radio models to appear in consumer electronics showrooms by spring or summer.
The digital conversion is expected to hit radio stations in major markets first, such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Houston, and Detroit. Depending on where the receivers are available, such as in luxury cars or in new stereo systems, some consumers could be noticing the difference sometime in the spring or late summer.
iBiquity's backers include New York's Flatiron Partners(JP Morgan Partners) along with 15 of the country's largest broadcasters such as ABC, Clear Channel and Viacom.