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American and digEplayer?
CEO: American to trim flights, may charge for food
American Airlines Inc., the No. 2 carrier at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, is cutting some flights and might charge for in-flight food as it copes with rising fuel costs and low-cost rivals, The Associated Press reported Thursday.
Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey says American Airlines plans to trim some Saturday night and midweek flights next year at its Dallas and Miami hubs, respectively, according to the AP. American also is weighing new revenue streams, such as charging for food served onboard and renting portable entertainment systems.
Arpey made those remarks Thursday to financial analysts in New York City. American Airlines' parent company is Fort-Worth based AMR Corp. (NYSE: AMR).
OT: When George's dad acts out his "stop short" move, I always keel over laughing.
MLB.com launches new video highlight download service for 99 cents
Offers fans fast, inexpensive way to own baseball's most memorable moments for on demand viewing
New York -- MLB Advanced Media, LP (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of Major league Baseball, today launched a new, first of its kind service called Minivision that allows fans to download and own video highlight clips of memorable baseball moments for 99 cents each, exclusively at MLB.com.
Fans can build their own collection of great clips, selecting from hundreds of this year's great moments in baseball -- great strikeouts, defensive gems, home run blasts and more -- all for just 99 cents each. MLB.com will add several new clips each day, depending on the action from the previous day's games.
"We are glad to offer baseball fans the video equivalent of the enormously popular music downloads," said Dinn Mann, senior vice president and editor-in-chief of MLBAM. "Minivision is a fast, easy, affordable way to download video reels that you want to keep. Fans can now own these exclusive digital collectibles to view on demand -- wherever and whenever."
In addition to the new video highlight download service, MLB.com i
s offering fans each day a 10-15 minute audio recap of the previous day's games for download to MP3 players, also for 99 cents. These daily summaries will include original commentary from MLB.com hosts from the company's studios in New York City, interspersed with calls from the great team announcers from around the leagues.
MLB.com already offers fans the ability to download and own virtually every game on the schedule, as well as a growing library of classic games dating back to the 1950s.
The new downloadable highlights service is available now, exclusively on MLB.com. Fans can buy the product by selecting "Video" in the site's top navigational bar and then clicking on "Digital Download Service" and then chose from Full games, Minivision Clips and Classic games.
I'd recognize that ass anywhere ????? Tell us more LOL eom
Ryanair presents new in-flight entertainment at AGM
23/09/2004 - 11:10:00
Ryanair today presented its new in-flight entertainment system to shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Dublin.
Ryanair is the first European airline to introduce the advanced IFE for all passengers. IFE will be available initially on five aircraft operating from Ryanair’s biggest base at London Stansted airport from November 1 and will be gradually rolled out over all 82 aircraft during the winter.
Speaking at today’s AGM, Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary said: “We showed our new IFE to shareholders this morning and they loved it. In-flight entertainment is another world first from Ryanair."
Sony to support MP3 tunes to silence iPod fans
Reuters
Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 1745 hours IST
London, September 23: In a major strategic shift, consumer electronics giant Sony Corp said on Thursday its digital music devices will soon play MP3 song files.
The Walkman creator has long insisted its digital music players support only its proprietary ATRAC format, a move that has annoyed some Sony aficionados and allowed more accommodating music players like Apple Computer's iPod to dent Sony's long established dominance in the portable music business.
The MP3 format is far and away the most commonly used digital music format, one that is supported by most major device manufacturers.
"It will be done within a short while," Robert Ashcroft, Sony Europe's senior vice president of network services, told Reuters.
iRiver America Announces H300 Series - Color Display Hard-Drive Music Players
iRiver H300 Series Features Microsoft's Windows Media Player 10 Compatibility,
Vivid Color Display, Photo Viewing Capability, Longer Battery Life, Real-Time MP3 Encoding and FM Tuner
MILPITAS, Calif., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- iRiver, the leading innovator in digital entertainment, today announced the iRiver H300 series as part of its award-winning line of portable media players. In addition to playing music, the H300 series has a large, color screen that is ideal for viewing and
sharing photos.
The H300 series players are one of the first players to be fully compliant with Microsoft's Windows Media Player 10 secure music format that enables music services, such as Napster, to offer customers an array of new services that best meet their preferences.
"We truly believe that Napster To Go, the world's first portable digital music subscription service, will enable music fans to derive the most possible value from the digital music experience -- unlimited access to a massive catalog for a fixed monthly fee," said Brad Duea, Napster's president. "It's great to know that iRiver, one of the world's leading device manufacturers,
shares our belief and is creating innovative devices to help bring this increased value to a wider audience."
The sleek and compact iRiver H300 series plays MP3, WMA, WAV and OGG formats, stores up to 1,200 hours* of digital music and allows digital image viewing on a color display. Compared to leading competitors, the iRiver H300 has longer battery life (16 hours), a sharp color display, an FM tuner,
built-in MP3 encoding and voice recording. The iRiver H300 also features a new intuitive navigation system and color interface that makes it effortless to find any song. The iRiver H300 allows recording, encoding and storing MP3s or uncompressed WAV files from a variety of sources.
"Evolving customers' expectations has always been iRiver's strong suit," said Jonathan Sasse, president of iRiver America. "The H300 series is designed to allow customers to take full advantage of Windows Media Player 10 and new services provided by music stores, while elevating the jukebox xperience with a color display and more intuitive navigation."
The H300 series is also compatible with the latest version of the
MoodLogic Software, which offers an easy-to-use solution for users to create mixes based on genre, mood and tempo rather than simply by artist and track names.
The iRiver H300 series comes bundled with iRiver earphones, quality carrying case, installation software CD, AC adapter, USB 2.0 cable, line in/out cable and printed user manual.
iRiver H300 series features:
-- Holds up to 1,200 hours of digital music
-- Up to 40GB** of internal storage
-- Large vivid color display
-- Ultra-fast USB 2.0 transfers (up to 40 times faster than USB 1.0)
-- Supports secure transfers from Windows Media Players
-- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
-- Up to 16 hours of battery life
-- Supports MP3, WMA, ASF, OGG and WAV music files
-- Supports JPEG and BMP image files
-- Integrated FM tuner
-- Built-in voice recorder
-- Intuitive music navigation
-- Real-time MP3 encoding (no PC required)
-- Store or transfer files of any type
-- Enhanced 3D audio
-- Line-in and Line-out jacks
-- Upgradeable to future formats and features
-- Dimensions: 2.4" x 0.9" x 4.0"
-- Weight: 6.9 ounces
Pricing and Availability
The H300 series will be available at the iRiver eStore
http://www.iriveramerica.com/estore, Best Buy retail stores and other select retail outlets in October 2004. Suggested retail price for the H320 (20GB) is USD $329.99 and the H340 (40GB) is USD $429.99. For information on retail availability, please visit http://www.iriveramerica.com.
OT: Hyun Won America Officially Enters the North American Retail Market With Their mobiBLU Brand of Digital Entertainment Devices
Wednesday September 22, 8:47 am ET
The Company Launches www.mobibluamerica.com and Unveils New, Full-Featured Digital Audio Players That Display the Song Lyrics as the Music Track Is Played
BUENA PARK, Calif., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Hyun Won America launched their corporate web site and online store, www.mobibluamerica.com, and introduces two new product offerings to be sold under their mobiBLU(TM) brand of Digital Entertainment Devices.
The DAH-1000 and DAH-1200 Digital Audio (MP3) Players:
Features common to both models include:
* Song Lyric Viewer displays the song lyrics on the LCD in
synchronization with the music track.
* 128, 256, and 512 Megabyte flash memory storage capacities
available for both models.
* Playback of MP3, WMA, WMA DRM (Digital Rights Management) and
Ogg Vorbis file types.
* Direct MP3 Recording from any audio source.
* Digital Voice Recorder function.
* Built-in FM Radio and FM Recorder.
* Plug & Play USB Flash Drive feature provides storage of other
file types.
* Upgradeable Firmware.
The DAH-1000 comes in black with chrome trim and has an easy-to-read EL Backlit Reverse Negative Display. The DAH-1200 comes with a unique docking cradle that makes it easier to connect with a desktop PC and eliminates cable clutter, and comes in Pearlescent White (128 and 256 Megabyte) and Polished Black (512 Megabyte). The docking cradle also has Neon Blue lighting around cradle docking edge.
Both products are available now at the company online store, www.mobibluamerica.com, various online retailers and through CompUSA's national chain of computer and computer accessory stores. The suggested retail price for the DAH-1000 is $99.99/139.99/199.99 (128/256/512MB) and the DAH-1200 is $109.99/149.99/209.99
Blake Witkin, COO of Hyun Won America states: "We are excited about the launch of the mobiBLU brand and web site and we feel that consumers will appreciate the high end features and stylish design of our first two retail offerings. We're confident they will find them to be a true value when compared to the competition."
ABOUT HYUN WON AMERICA, INC.
Hyun Won America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyun Won Incorporated of Seoul Korea, a leading designer and manufacturer of portable digital entertainment products. Products designed and manufactured by Hyun Won Incorporated are marketed by the company worldwide under the mobiBLU(TM) brand and other brands.
For further information please contact: Bob Fullerton of Hyun Won America, +1-760-470-6397, bob@mobibluamerica.com
Revamped online music service targets independent market
ALEX VEIGA
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Nearly a year since it was sold by Vivendi Universal to private investors, online retailer eMusic has undergone a facelift that includes a panel of music critics to help users comb its trove of independent music.
The revamped service, scheduled to debut Wednesday, is the latest evolution for the pioneering retailer, the first to sell digital music files online in the late 1990s.
EMusic eschews copy protection technology as consumer-unfriendly, and caters to people whose tastes are largely ignored by mainstream music retailers.
"We're going after the minority of the market who doesn't want to wade through Britney Spears or OutKast," said David Pakman, eMusic's chief operating officer.
The major online music retailers, such as Napster, MusicNet and market-leader iTunes Music Store, sell tunes by mostly major label acts.
The eMusic revamp has been in the works for the better part of a year, since the company was acquired from Vivendi by New York-based Dimensional Associates Inc., the private equity arm of JDS Capital Management Inc.
When Dimensional took over, it began adding staff with experience running subscription-based businesses and immediately changed the pricing model so subscribers could no longer download an unlimited number of tracks.
"That was a negative gross margin business," Pakman said. "The company was losing money."
While eMusic's pricing model remains the same - subscriptions start at $9.99 per month for 40 downloads - what's changed is the means by which users can search and discover new music. So the service has added its panel of so-called music curators.
"What was missing from the e-Music service was a bunch of tools and features to really aid you in discovery process," Pakman said. "What was missing was the curators."
Among the roster of music experts hired by eMusic are former Rolling Stone writer and author Michael Azerrad, former New York Times music critic Ann Powers and Justin Davidson, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of classical music.
The critics will write album reviews, columns, and communicate with subscribers on a message board.
Users will also be able to discuss or swap song recommendations with other subscribers through the message boards and other online community features.
By avoiding tracks from major labels, who only make their content available in file formats that come with licensing and copy protection safeguards, eMusic has also been able to sell its content in the MP3 file format.
MP3s can be played on most if not all digital music players on the market, and can be copied to other computers or burned to CDs without the limits imposed by record companies on other online retailers.
EMusic offers more than a half-million tracks. The service continued to operate in the months since the new management took over and currently has 70,000 subscribers, Pakman said.
---_
On the Net:
http://www.emusic.com
Monarch Airlines
http://www.plane-mad.com/photo_search.php?airline=Monarch+Airlines
http://www.flymonarch.com/cnt/whatwedo/index.asp
http://www.flymonarch.com/cnt/aircraft/index.asp
17/08/2004
Monarch gears up for low-cost expansion
As a reflection of the increasing significance of its scheduled service activities, Monarch Airlines has announced that Tim Jeans will be joining its board. He joins the company in November as managing director of Monarch Scheduled, the brand that was re-launched in 2002 signalling Monarch’s ambitions in the low-cost airline market. Tim has resigned his position at MyTravel Airways, where he was chief operating officer, in order to join Monarch. Previously he held the position of sales & marketing director at Ryanair.
Peter Brown, chief executive of Monarch, commented “Tim’s experience in managing aggressive growth in new markets will benefit Monarch at this stage in our development. We have established strong brand loyalty in the competitive low-cost sector and we now want to capitalise on that in order to take advantage of what we believe are are significant opportunities for further growth.”
At the same time, Jonathan Crick becomes sales & marketing director for Monarch Scheduled. Jonathan was the architect for Monarch’s successful re-brand in 2002 and has been the driving force behind the growth of scheduled services at Monarch since his appointment to the board as commercial director in 2000. Jonathan said “We have proved that customers prefer our style of service delivery and this further expansion heralds an exciting new era for the whole team at Monarch Scheduled.”
Other changes include the appointment to the Monarch Airlines board of Alan Murray, who is managing director of sister company First Aviation, and the change in Mike Dovey’s position from sales director to commercial planning director.
Overview
As well as being one of the UK's major airline suppliers to the tour operating industry, Monarch also provides low cost scheduled flights from Manchester and London Luton airports. Leading engineering facilities offered by Monarch Aircraft Engineering Limited, complete the Monarch operation.
Charter
Monarch is the UK's largest independent charter airline.
Each year we fly some five million passengers and work with a huge range of tour operators - from the household-name PLCs to every kind of specialist travel business.
We visit nearly 100 destinations from our major bases at London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham and other regional airports. Plus, travel with Monarch means you'll experience a pristine, modern fleet that is cared for only by the most highly-trained technical staff.
Scheduled
Monarch Scheduled gives you low cost, convenient flights that you can book direct - either here on the website, by telephone, or alternatively by contacting your travel agent.
Our affordable prices aren't the only benefit. Monarch Scheduled is committed to providing a quality service, with experienced, professional staff who are amongst the best trained and most courteous in the industry.
You can enjoy delicious good food and drinks and excellent in-flight shopping, as well as the latest film releases, newspapers and refreshing hot towels.
What's more, you can be safe in the knowledge that you're flying with the latest aircraft, cared for by highly-qualified technical staff.
factfile - can the other carriers compare?
Monarch Scheduled gives leisure and business travellers complete flexibility
Choose from popular destinations in Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal, the Balearics and the Canaries
There are regular and convenient flight times
Friendly staff, outstanding hospitality
Commitment to a modern, hi-tech fleet
what routes are available?
Monarch Scheduled flights depart from London Luton, London Gatwick and Manchester airports. Here's our range of destinations:
London Luton - Alicante, Faro, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malaga, Menorca, Tenerife
Manchester -
Alicante, Barcelona, Faro, Gibraltar, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife
London Gatwick -
Alicante, Faro, Malaga
There's a convenient timetable of midweek and weekend departures, with low one-way prices. This means greater flexibility because there are no minimum or maximum stay requirements.
who flies with Monarch Scheduled?
Everyone who appreciates value, quality and choice!
Our typical customers are property owners, independent holidaymakers, 'ex-pats' visiting the UK, business travellers and people visiting friends and relatives.
and for frequent flyers?
Vantage Club, our frequent flyer programme, offers a range of additional benefits and services. After a qualifying period, members are awarded Vantage Club points each time they fly with us - points that are easily redeemed for free flights.
how long has Monarch been running scheduled flights?
Nearly 18 years. We've got more experience than almost any of the other 'low cost' operators - no wonder we do things rather differently!
Here are some of the 'milestones' in the history of our scheduled business:
1986 -
Monarch scheduled services are airborne. The Civil Aviation Authority awards us licences to three top Spanish resorts flying the Boeing 737. Demand exceeds all expectations.
1993 - Monarch abandons the traditional restrictions of minimum and maximum stays on round-trip tickets. Instead, we offer a unique system of one-way fares. Round-trip fares are simply calculated by adding together the cost of the outward bound and inbound journeys. The combined fares are often lower than round-trip fares on many other scheduled airlines. Plus, they give travellers far more flexibility.
2002 - Monarch Scheduled introduced two new routes and a new destination in the summer: you can fly to Faro from London Luton or Manchester.
2003 - In the summer, Monarch Scheduled inaugurates it's first flight from Manchester to Palma de Mallorca, as well as doubling frequency on its Alicante, Faro and Malaga routes from Manchester. In the winter season, further inaugurations celebrate the first flights to Barcelona, Gibraltar and Tenerife from Manchester.
2004 - Monarch Scheduled introduces two new routes to Gran Canaria and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Flights commence at the start of the winter season.
Our success is all about responding to customer needs - realising that people want to fly at the times most convenient to them, and be free to organise their own accommodation. For nearly 18 years, we've met those requirements - and added value, quality and customer service.
Trilium7
Thanks for posting. I did not include that RP stated that info because I did not want anymore whining from her LOL
LOL
1. What is Wencor's role as a new partner of APS?
APS SIGNS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING ALLIANCE WITH WENCOR
Deal opens new distribution and marketing channels for APS SPRINGVILLE, Utah - August 20, 2004 - Wencor and APS announced today the signing of a marketing and distribution strategic alliance for all of APS's products, including the digEplayer 5500, the revolutionary in-flight entertainment system.
"The strategic alliance with Wencor creates worldwide distribution channels for us immediately," said Bill Boyer, chairman and founder of APS, Inc. "And most importantly, this alliance will almost cut our in-flight entertainment delivery time in half! Currently it takes us anywhere from 45-60 days to deliver our systems; now an airline can order our digEplayers and be flying within 30-45 days."
The digEplayer 5500 is the world's first portable Audio/Video-On-Demand, in-flight entertainment system. The digEplayer can hold more than 60 full-length movies and 10 hours of music content available on demand for airline passengers. Current content comes from DreamWorks SKG, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers and Buena Vista. Each unit contains a 40-gigabyte hard drive and utilizes the latest technology licensed from e.Digital Corp (O/S and engineering), DivX (compression) and DRM (security). The digEplayer is a cost efficient means for the airlines to provide a variety of entertainment options from first run movies and television shows to music videos and destination information.
"We are thrilled to be in this exclusive relationship with APS," said Russ Adamson, president of Wencor. "From our first meetings with APS founder Bill Boyer, we could see how his newest product, the digEplayer, is dramatically changing the way airlines are thinking about in-flight entertainment solutions. It was also obvious that Wencor could immediately step in and provide worldwide marketing and distribution as well as financial backing - it is a perfect alliance for both of us."
The addition of in-flight entertainment systems is new to Wencor's traditional product offering. Wencor plans to assist APS by providing access to Wencor's large customer base and mature sales and marketing channels consisting of virtually every aircraft operator in the world. Wencor will also assist APS by managing inventory, providing logistics support and developing creative marketing programs unique to each customer.
"We believe the relationship we have forged with Brent Wood (CEO), Russ Adamson and the rest of the team at Wencor will continue to make APS and the digEplayer the airline's first choice in in-flight entertainment," said Mr. Boyer.
2. Why is Wencor hiring an a Sales Manager and outside sales team for APS products? Where are the funds for salaries going to come from?
Why? LOL They just signed a DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING ALLIANCE with APS and need to market/sell APS products. Plus I am sure they know how hot an item they have TO SELL/MARKET. As far as funds for salaries? LOL again! Why wouldn't Webcor be responsible for paying the salaries of it's workers? Douhhhhh
3. Since e.Digital needs to have the cost of all production up-front because of its complete lack of cash and creditworthiness (actual insolvency), why would APS and Wencor continue to order digeplayers through e.Digital instead of paying a small licensing fee? This question is especially significant since part of Wencor's expertise is as a middleman between airlines and maufacturers.
APS, digEplayer and e.Digital are connected at the hip. That is the way it is. All orders for digEplayers must go through e.Digital as e.Digital manufactures the units through one of it's Asian manufacturing partners. THAT IS JUST A FACT.
4. Why has there never been any mention of an agreement that requires APS to purchase all digeplayers exclusively through e.Digital in the SEC filings?
dunno
I find your endless, mindless gibberish so boring. I feel sorry for you. I really do. I will not respond to any further posts of yours. Seek help.....PLEASE
LOL eom
Understand? ALL digEplayers, not some, not a few, not none..but ALL digEplayers are purchased from e.Digital.
All digEplayers are purchased from e.Digital. eom
"The sky is the limit here. The potential is enormous. I think these things will become as common as the in-flight magazine," he told reporters. Ryanair needs three percent of its passengers to use the units to cover its costs.
LOL eom
LOL eom
DIVXNETWORKS AND ADS PARTNER FOR HOME VIDEO ENTHUSIASTS
For more info visit http://www.divxnetworks.com
Innovative Device Enables Consumers to Capture, Record and Create Video in DivX Format Through Bundled Video Editing Software
DivXNetworks, Inc., the company that created the revolutionary, patent-pending DivX® video compression technology, and ADS Tech, a world leader in Universal Serial Bus and IEEE-1394/FireWire solutions, today announced a licensing partnership. The agreement enables the new ADS Tech Instant VideoMPX USB 2.0 video capture device to capture, record and edit high-quality DivX video files.
Instant VideoMPX is a complete hardware/software solution that lets Windows XP users capture the high quality of uncompressed video over a high-speed USB 2.0 connection. Once video is captured, the bundled VideoStudioO 8 video editing software from DivX Licensed Software partner Ulead® enables the creation, recording, and editing of videos in the popular DivX format. Simply by setting the capture options, users can record direct to DivX to create content that can be played back on their PC and then burned to a CD, saved to flash memory media or played on a DivX Certified device.
'By including DivX technology with Instant VideoMPX, consumers will be able to record two hours of video on a single 700MB CD without sacrificing quality,' said ADS Tech's President Mike McCoy. 'This is a key benefit for the millions of users who have notebooks and other portable video playback devices that support the DivX format.'
Often called the 'MP3 of video,' DivX is among the world's most popular video technologies with over 120 million global users. The superior compression and visual quality of DivX video enables users to store and distribute DVD-quality videos at 1/10th the size of MPEG-2, the DVD standard. Through the DivX Certified program for consumer electronics devices, over 20 million DVD players, portable video players and handheld devices from major manufacturers will ship in 2004 that support the full playback of DivX video files.
'DivXNetworks is pleased to partner with ADS Technologies to bring DivX functionality to the high-performance Instant VideoMPX device,' said DivXNetworks' Senior Manager of OEM Sales Chester Ng. 'By giving their users the ability to compress and record their home videos in DivX and then transfer those files throughout the full DivX Ecosystem of platforms and devices, ADS Tech is creating a complete connected video experience.'
About DivXNetworks
DivXNetworks is a consumer-focused video technology company positioned at the center of multimedia convergence. The company's core offering is the DivX ® video codec, among the world's most popular video compression technologies with over 120 million users worldwide. Often called 'the MP3 of video,' the patent-pending DivX video technology offers DVD-quality at 10 times greater compression than MPEG-2 files, enabling full length films to easily fit on a CD or be delivered over broadband connections. DivX video technology powers a range of applications that span the convergence value chain, from a secure IP-based video-on-demand solution to next-generation consumer electronics products and video software applications. DivXNetworks is headquartered in San Diego, California, with satellite offices in Los Angeles and San Jose, CA, Taipei, Taiwan, Tokyo, Japan, Guildford, England and Dortmund, Germany. For more information, visit http://www.divxnetworks.com.
About ADS Technologies
ADS Technologies is a world leader in Universal Serial Bus and IEEE-1394/FireWire solutions. Since 1992, the company has introduced high-quality multimedia, networking and presentation products at consumer-friendly prices. The company's award-winning USB product line includes eleven complimentary peripherals and its USB Port for Desktops is the world's best-selling USB PCI host card. PYRO 1394DV, the first consumer-priced digital video editing solution on the PC market, has been widely adopted by owners of digital video camcorders for its ease-of-use for first time DV editors, its functionality and its low cost. ADS Technologies' products are distributed by Ingram Micro in the United States, Canada and Europe. ADS Technologies' products are available in nearly 3,000 consumer electronic and computer retail stores and through OEM private label customers around the world who market ADS Technologies products under their own brand name. For more information, please visit the Web site at http://www.ADStech.com or phone: 800.888.5244. In Southern Europe, contact ADS Tech at tel: 33 01 43 90 19 25 or email Eric Kebani at keric@adstech.com.
these things will become as common as the in-flight magazine
Ryanair to launch inflight entertainment
Tue 21 September, 2004 13:57
By Michael Smith
LONDON (Reuters) - Ryanair, Europe's biggest low-cost airline, will introduce inflight entertainment to its planes in November, which it expects to lift revenues by at least 14 million euros (9.5 million pounds) in the first year.
Passengers will have to pay 5 pounds or seven euros per flight if they want to access movies, cartoons and television shows on the portable units, which will not be built into seats as on full-service carriers.
The Dublin-based carrier said on Tuesday it would buy 6,000 units which would be introduced to its entire fleet in March after a trial on five aircraft in November.
Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said Ryanair expected to make at least 14 million euros from the units in the first 12 months.
"The sky is the limit here. The potential is enormous. I think these things will become as common as the in-flight magazine," he told reporters.
Ryanair RYA.I needs three percent of its passengers to use the units to cover its costs. Each plane will initially carry 24 entertainment units which would be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The units, which look like a small laptop, are the brainchild of former aircraft baggage handler Bill Boyer who sold the idea to his then employer, Alaska Airlines.
Boyer later founded APS, based in the industrial city of Tacoma, south of Seattle. Ryanair is now APS's biggest customer.
The entertainment units are Ryanair's latest push to tap new sources of non-ticket revenue. Ryanair passengers are also charged for drinks and food.
"At the moment the ice is free, but if we could find a way of targeting a price on it we would," O'Leary earlier told an airlines conference.
O'Leary has warned of a "bloodbath" in the low-cost airline industry this winter as carriers battle stiff competition and high fuel prices.
Shares in Ryanair were trading 0.96 percent firmer at 4.21 euros in Dublin.
Budget Airline Pilots £5 in-Flight Videos
By Louise Barnett, PA News
No-frills airline Ryanair is to launch on-board entertainment costing passengers £5 per flight, the company announced today.
A selection of Hollywood films, chart videos, cartoons, comedy classics and audio CDs will be available on five Stansted-based aircraft.
Passengers will be charged an introductory price of £5 or seven euros per flight to access the videos and music after the pilot project’s November launch.
If successful, Ryanair will roll the scheme out to its entire fleet by March 2005.
The airline’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, today said: “Ryanair is delighted to be the first low fares airline in the world and the first short-haul airline in Europe to offer all our customers the latest Hollywood movies on our in-flight video system.
“From November onwards, in-flight movies won’t be confined to rich people travelling in business class on long-haul flights.”
Films scheduled to be shown on Ryanair flights in November include the comedy Dodgeball, the action movie The Day After Tomorrow and the romantic comedy The Girl Next Door.
Tickets for the low-cost airline’s new routes from London Stansted to Spain and Portugal went on sale today.
The Stansted to Valencia route will be launched on November 2. It will be followed by a new service to Almeria on January 19. Flights to Porto and Seville will start in February.
Mr O’Leary said: “This year Ryanair will carry over four million passengers on our routes to Spain and next year we expect to see that figure rise to 5.5 million.”
The pilot in-flight entertainment project is subject to Ryanair’s acquisition of the APS in-flight video system.
Ryanair adds Iberian routes and in-flight videos
Ryanair has announced four new low fares routes from London Stansted to Spain and Portugal.
21/09/2004 - 09:18:42
The new routes will commence on dates between November 2, 2004 and February 25, 2005.
This brings to 78 the number of routes offered by Ryanair from London Stansted and to 12 the total number of airports served in the Iberian Peninsula from London.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said: “We opened our first route to Spain in November 2002 and, with this announcement today, Ryanair will serve more Spanish airports directly from London than any other airline.
"We are also delighted to launch our first scheduled route from London to Portugal with a twice-daily service to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. This year Ryanair will carry over 4 million passengers on our routes to Spain and next year we expect to see that figure rise to 5.5 million."
Ryanair also announced the launch on-board entertainment costing passengers €7/£5 per flight.
A selection of Hollywood films, chart videos, cartoons, comedy classics and audio CDs will be available on five Stansted-based aircraft.
If successful, Ryanair will roll the scheme out to its entire fleet by March 2005.
iPod scroll-wheel secrets revealed
By Macworld staff
Tuesday - September 21, 2004
Apple's iPod has received praise from all corners for its elegant design and ease-of-use, but the one aspect of the digital-music player that neatly ties these two features together, the scroll-wheel, wasn't actually designed by the company.
Touch-pad experts Synaptics designed the scroll-wheel of Apple's iPod, albeit in accordance with Apple's stringent design requirements, reveals MP3 Insider.
Synaptics is responsible for making 70 per cent of the touch-pads on laptops The article notes that when you move your finger more quickly across the touchpad on a laptop, the mouse moves more quickly across the screen, "iPod's scrollwheel works via the same principle, which is one reason it's so effective at blasting through long song lists," says the report.
The article plots the evolution of the scroll-wheel from the original one that physically rotated and was not touch-sensitive; to the motionless, touch-sensitive scroll-wheel that enabled Apple to make a thinner iPod; and finally to the click-sensitive scroll-wheel that allows for song-scrolling and playback control.
Synaptics' contract with Apple means it cannot offer the round touch-pad technology to any other MP3 companies, but recently it has devised a straightened-out version of it for Creative's Zen Touch.
Booming Market for MP3 Players According to IDC's Latest Forecast
Tuesday, September 21 2004 @ 04:56 AM
Compressed audio players – also known as MP3 players – are available in portable, home and automotive form factors and from major and minor consumer electronics manufacturers and PC vendors. Broad consumer acceptance of MP3 players is being driven by a variety of factors, including falling price points, the availability of music from legitimate online music services, and the integration of compressed audio support in a wide variety of digital devices, including DVD players and gaming devices. The worldwide compressed audio player market is booming, and is expected to reach nearly $58 billion in revenues by 2008, representing a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%.
"Compressed audio players – also known as MP3 players – are coming into the mainstream as portable flash player prices fall and capacities rise, the iPod mini and other small form factor portable jukeboxes come to market, and more and more devices, including DVD players and gaming devices, support compressed audio as a secondary feature," says Susan Kevorkian, senior analyst, Consumer Markets. "New opportunities abound for chip vendors, device manufacturers and paid music service providers to guide mainstream music consumers into this rapidly evolving market."
Key developments in the worldwide and U.S. compressed audio player markets include:
The worldwide portable flash player market exploded in 2003 and is expected to grow from 12.5 million units in 2003 to over 50 million units in 2008, fueled by falling flash memory costs and the availability of players at multiple storage capacities.
Apple, which has been a portable jukebox market leader since introducing the iPod in late 2001 and iPod mini in early 2004, will see new competition in the portable jukebox player market during the forecast period from vendors offering devices based on 1.0in. and smaller hard drive form factors.
The portable and home MP3 CD/MiniDisc player categories will grow only modestly during the forecast due to stagnating portable and home CD player markets, growing consumer awareness of and falling price points on portable flash and jukebox devices, and cannibalization by DVD players and DVRs of standalone home compressed audio players.
The availability of subscription and pay-per-download paid music service providers (MSPs) will drive demand for compressed audio players by providing an exciting new source of music content for consumers and because paid MSPs are expected to partner with device manufacturers on consumer education and marketing programs.
The "Other" category of devices that support compressed audio encoding and decoding as a secondary feature, such as DVD players, gaming devices, DVRs, and mobile phones, is expected to lead unit shipments and revenue for the overall compressed audio player market during the forecast period. These devices are also expected to represent competitive substitutes for audio-only devices.
This study, Worldwide Compressed Audio Player Forecast 2004–2008: MP3 Reaches Far and Wide (IDC #31811), provides an analysis and forecast of the worldwide and U.S. compressed audio player markets. The study has two central sections. The Situation Overview reviews current market trends and discusses recent developments in the market. The Future Outlook section outlines IDC's assumptions about market trends during the forecast period, and presents forecast data and analysis for the period 2003–2008.
Samsung unveils 2-gigabyte chip
Samsung Electronics announced three breakthroughs in key technologies that promise greater data storage and faster processing for computers and mobile devices such as MP3 audio players.
In the first breakthrough, the world's leading semiconductor maker said it has developed the industry's first 60-nanometer 8-gigabit NAND Flash memory chip for data storage. One nanometer is equal to one billionth of a meter.
The new flash memory will allow storage of up to 16 hours of DVD quality video or 4,000 MP3 audio files or songs on a single memory card.
"For the first time in the industry, we have succeeded in commercializing next-generation 60-nano technology," Hwang Chang-gyu, president of Samsung Electronics' semiconductor division, told reporters.
"The new NAND flash memory will enable the development of various mobile appliances," he said.
Samsung's NAND flash business has shown strong growth, with sales expanding from $400 million in 2001 to $2.1 billion last year.
This year Samsung expects to double the volume of NAND sales and thereby to secure a 65 percent global market share.
The company said mass production of the 8-gigabit NAND chip will begin late next year, following the first-quarter 2005 launch of the 4-gigabit NAND flash memory device.
The second breakthrough concerns Samsung's development of the world's first 2-gigabit DDR2 SDRAM by using existing, 80-nanometer micro-processing technology.
The high density, double-data-rate or DDR2 chip will enhance server and workstation performance and enable faster deployment of memory-intensive applications such as real-time video conferences, remote medical services, two-way communications and 3-D graphics, the company said.
What is particularly notable is that the chip was produced using existing 80-nano technology. It was widely believed in the industry that the development of such a high-capacity memory chip would be possible only by using processing technology on a scale of 65 nanometers or less.
"This development has shown that the expansion of semiconductor capacity is also possible by improving design and process technology, rather than micro-process technology alone," Hwang said.
He attributed the success to a combination of three-dimensional transistor technology and the company's state-of-the-art architecture.
Market research firm Gartner Dataquest forecasts that the market share for DDR2 technology will grow from 11 percent this year to 50 percent by year-end 2005, making DDR2 the mainstream DRAM product.
Samsung plans to launch mass production of its 80-nano process 2-gigabit DDR2 SDRAMs in the second half of 2005.
In the third announcement, the company said it has developed the world's fastest 667-megaHertz central processing unit (CPU) chip for mobiles.
In the second quarter, Samsung's memory-chip sales totaled 3.57 trillion won ($3.1 billion), a gain of 13 percent from 3.16 trillion won in the first quarter.
During the third quarter ending this month, memory chip sales are expected to be higher than the second quarter despite weaker NAND flash memory chip prices, the company said.
However, Hwang said global semiconductor sales growth will likely slow to less than 10 percent in 2005, when a sales glut is may undercut prices. Growth in 2004 is expected to be in the 20 percent range, he said.
"The pace of growth will definitely slow for memory chips, mainly due to increased supply," said Hwang, without giving separate figures.
Samsung joins other leading chipmakers in forecasting slower growth next year. Intel Corp., the world's biggest semiconductor maker, and Texas Instruments Inc. both lowered their forecasts this month.
Morgan Stanley last week lowered its estimate for 2005 growth in semiconductor industry revenue to a range of 8 to 12 percent, from an earlier forecast of 13 to 18 percent.
To cope with slowing growth, Samsung plans to increase its focus on chips geared for mobile phones and other devices for handsets, rather than computers.
"In the absence of some killer application, there is not much hope for PC-related chip demand growth other than replacement demand, which in itself isn't that great," said Kim Ki-bong, chief investment officer at CJ Investment Trust Management Co. "Shifting toward chips for mobile products is inevitable."
Compiled from wire services
digEplayer 1.3 kg
Yes Solo 1.4 kg
(portable version closest to our player)
The Archos model is basically a pvp with a 5 or 6 inch screen (approx) hence the lighter weight
IPod Rivals Square Off Against Apple
By Brian Garrity / September 18, 2004
NEW YORK (Billboard) - The next wave of iPod competitors is coming.
A new generation of smaller, sleeker and cheaper MP3 players from the likes of Sony, Rio, Creative and Rave MP are hitting the market this fall, and they all have Apple Computer's white-hot digital music player in their sights.
The iPod has a stranglehold on the market. But consumer electronics rivals are banking on a jump in sales of their alternatives this season, thanks to the proliferation of other companies trying to sell and market digital music.
"The market is definitely heating up," Rio VP of marketing Dan Torres says. He predicts that music service providers will be a "key driver" of device sales.
Digital music services from MSN, Sony Connect, Wal-Mart, Napster and MusicMatch are not compatible with the iPod -- all but Sony's use Microsoft's Windows Media format.
But device-makers are racing to the market with a range of products they hope will solve the portability issues for iTunes alternatives -- and eat into the iPod's market share in the process.
EXPANDING PORTABILITY
Ted Cohen, senior VP of digital development and distribution for EMI, believes there is room for multiple players in the portability market. "We haven't even touched the surface yet of what the appetite is for portable devices," he told Billboard in a recent interview.
Indeed, many of the new iPod alternatives are not trying to compete with Apple's player at the high end. Instead, they cater to consumers who are choosing between less expensive, lower-storage-capacity flash-media players that carry hundreds of songs and pricier, entry-level hard-drive players that hold more than 1,000 songs.
"Not everyone needs a 40-gigabyte player," one label executive notes, "and that's where companies are seeing opportunity."
The biggest name chasing Apple this fall is Sony.
The company just released a new 20GB hard-drive player, the Network Walkman NW-HD1, and it is banking that its brand power will make it a strong alternative to Apple.
The NW-HD1, which retails for around $400, is starting to show up at stores including Target, Circuit City and Sears.
Sony touts the palm-sized player's battery life -- 30 hours, more than twice the iPod's -- and Sony-patented shock protection.
On top of a range of portable CD players and MiniDisc players that play back digital music files, the company just released a new flash-drive player, the Network Walkman NW-E75, for less than $200.
Likewise, Rio -- Apple's biggest competition in digital music players -- is attacking the market this year with hard-drive and flash players.
Rio is coming at Apple on the hard-drive side with a rival to the iPod Mini -- the $249 Rio Carbon. Rio says its device has 20% more memory than the Mini and 20 hours of battery life compared with eight hours for the 4GB Mini.
Rio is also introducing an updated version of its flash player, the Rio Forge. The device targets users with active lifestyles, and the 256MB version costs $169.
GoVideo is taking a similar strategy with its new line of Rave-MP flash and hard-drive players. It has distribution with the likes of Costco and Wal-Mart and plans to price its products aggressively. Its new 256MB flash-drive player costs $129, while a 5GB player expected to hit the market later this year will cost an estimated $229.
HOT FLASH
Device-makers and music industry executives point out that with flash memory storage prices dropping, flash players figure to be a significant portion of the digital music player business.
"Flash is going to be here for a while, because it's more affordable," Kelly Davis, product manager for Sony Electronics,says. "People are trying to get more capacity for their dollar."
Rio's Torres points out that cheaper flash prices are also leading some consumers to purchase more than one digital music player -- a flash player for the gym and active situations and a hard-drive player for power use.
Meanwhile, many music services competing with Apple are attempting to be compatible with as many of these devices as possible. Leading the way is Microsoft's MSN Music Store, which claims compatibility with more than 70 different devices.
Reuters/Billboard
© Copyright 2004 Reuters. Reuters content is the intellectual property of Reuters or its third-party content providers. Any copying, republication, or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.
rr Yes I did
You stated that the "It's over and done" I posted to show that " licensed from e.Digital Corp (O/S and engineering)" APS also orders the players from e.Digital.
I do not know "how much" we get from every player. How much does Apple make on an ipod? Ford on a Mustang? Vons on a head of lettuce? It is substantial as will be seen by next qtrs reporting.
You are wrong. Repent Go and sin..eerrr...post no more!
Each APS digEplayer(TM) VOD unit is about the same weight and size of a typical portable DVD player. Units contain a 40-gigabyte hard drive and utilize the latest technology licensed from e.Digital Corp (O/S and engineering), DivX (compression) and DRM (security).
Enough already...Quit being an A$$...Unbelievable
New jetBlue IFE menu
http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/news_releases.mhtml?d=63978
PVR in the Car
By Bill Howard
October 5, 2004
If you weren't the first on your block with in-car DVD, you'll get a second chance to be a hero with your kids. Some 2005 vehicles from General Motors will have a PVR (personal video recorder) option. With the new Mobile Digital Media System you can record TV shows, movies, and music on a 40GB hard drive cartridge that shuttles between home and car.
It's part of the roof-mounted "entertainment rail" in GM's line of crossover sport vehicles—Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, and Saturn Relay—which already come with DVD players. The new media system will cost about $500 to $750. It's an extension of the PhatNoise music system in Audis, VWs, and now Mazdas, and sold by Kenwood as the Music Keg.
At home, the cartridge connects via a USB dock to your PC. You record (in MPEG format) your favorite shows onto the disk using PVR software, and then move the cartridge to a dock in the entertainment rail. Movie downloads from a paid service like CinemaNow should also be possible, says PhatNoise chief technology officer Dan Benyamin.
If that's not enough, satellite radio provider Sirius says it hopes to be broadcasting video to cars by 2006. The first streams will be kids' programming, says Sean Gibbons, VP of new product development at Sirius. One more chance to shine in the youngsters' eyes.
Omnifi Reduces Digital Audio Player Prices
Friday, September 17 @ 07:00:00 PDT
Omnifi has announced significant price reductions on its DMP1 mobile digital audio streamer and its DMS1 home digital audio streamer.
Resulting from the continuing maturity of the digital media player market, Omnifi announced today that it is dropping suggested retail prices for its DMP1 mobile digital audio streamer and DMS1 home digital audio streamer. The DMS1 will now be offered at a suggested retail price of $199, down from $299, and the DMP1 is being offered at a suggested retail price of $349, down from $599.
Omnifi’s General Manager, Tom O’Mara, commented on how growing acceptance and subsequent demand led to this decision.
“With retail demand growing everyday, it’s now feasible to lower prices on current models, making it easier for our dealers to move substantially more product as we head into the holiday selling season,” said O’Mara.The DMS1 uses 802.11b wireless technology or ethernet to stream files –including MP3 and WMA – from PC hard drives to Omnifi receivers that are connected to standard home entertainment receivers or powered speakers.
The mobile DMP1 also uses 802.11b wireless technology to transfer audio files to a removable hard drive to systems installed in vehicles parked within 150 feet of the computer. The DMP1 consists of a controller and a removable hard drive with a protective housing. The hard drive housing can be mounted anywhere you would install a CD changer and the system's faceplate can be mounted anywhere in view of the driver.
Omnifi's digital audio products are available at online retailers such as Radio Shack, Crutchfield, and PC Mall and even Target.com, and can be found at Tweeter stores nationwide. Prices at these online retailers have not yet reflected the announced price reduction.
"Like any new and potentially profitable category, the digital media market was bound to evolve over time,” added O’Mara. “With this new price structure, we can help our retailers bring Omnifi to consumers who are quickly making digital media their format of choice.”
For more information visit www.omnifimedia.com.
HDD sure looks similar to F10/e.Digital product
http://news.designtechnica.com/article5404.html
New breed of portable media players means squinting at palm-sized video
Thu, Sep. 16, 2004
By Ron Harris
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO - It was a Holy Grail looming on the personal electronics horizon: a pocket-sized device with a workhorse battery and the capacity to hold hours of audio and video.
After all, because people already stuff multimedia files on their cell phones and personal digital assistants, or PDAs, why not give them one dedicated device to swiftly handle all their entertainment-on-the-go needs?
The answer will disappoint: The new breed of portable media players is finally here, but the devices are too small to comfortably watch movies on and too bulky to compete with my MP3 music player.
The $499 Creative Zen I tested, from Creative Labs Inc., is about twice as thick as a PDA, as well as longer and heavier, so it's not something you'd toss in your purse or pocket. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and iRiver Inc. make competing models (the companies would not provide test units).
They all use Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Portable operating system, which is really just Windows CE, the operating system commonly used in PDAs, minus some personal information management tools. Microsoft is hoping people will want to pop these devices open while they cycle at the gym or squeeze into a coach seat on a cross-country flight.
Zen sports 20 gigabytes of memory and plays loads of multimedia file types, including ``.wmv,' ``.asf,' ``.mpg,' ``.jpg' and ``.mp3.' It gets content from the desktop PC, via Microsoft's new Windows Media Player 10 application.
Multimedia content dragged into the library of the Media Player software was synched to my Zen when I connected via USB 2.0 cable. This electronic kiss between desktop and device is important and worked seamlessly.
The Zen's navigation screen is intuitive enough. There are four directional buttons on the upper left with a round ``OK' button in the middle to toggle me through the colorful menus. A nifty green button in the far corner flying Microsoft's four-colored flag takes you back to the equivalent of a home page listing ``My TV,' ``My Music,' ``My Pictures,' ``My Video' and ``Settings.'
When I clicked on ``My Pictures,' the folder I designated for synchronization appeared, as did my wedding photos inside. I'm can view photos one by one or play them as a slideshow.
But to have to first sync the machine with your desktop seems redundant. It's not as if I can plug my compact flash card into the Zen and see photos I've just taken, so I'm hardly sold on the value of the traveling photo album on Zen's 3.8-inch LCD screen.
For audio, the Zen is great for storage, and Creative promises 22 hours of straight battery life for audio playback. It delivered hours for me without losing one of the three battery level indicator notches on screen.
The Zen's onboard speaker is useless, though, under most circumstances. The volume range runs from 0 to 20, and you have to crank it to about 18 to hear anything. But at higher volume settings, the audio tends to distort. The sound through the headphones was fine.
Creative's rechargeable battery pack also promises seven hours of video playback.
Microsoft has partnered with a few content providers, and I used one of them, CinemaNow, to buy a documentary on Area 51 and a spooky thriller called ``Anima,' for $2.99 each. Most of the CinemaNow titles are B-movie fodder.
``Anima' weighed in at 318 megabytes and took about 20 minutes to download. The movie was encoded at 514 kilobits per second, meaning when you look at it on a SMALL screen like the one on the Zen, it's as clear and crisp as a bell. Any larger and it would pixelate badly, and it did when I connected the Zen to a television using the supplied cables. But if I've got a TV nearby, why use the Zen at all -- right?
Watching videos is fine when there's a close-up of an object or a person on the screen, but background details get really tiny. You also have to look at the unit head on, and any viewing from a slight angle is nearly impossible because of the unit's screen glare.
Another oddity came into play here. My download of ``Anima' continued to play on the Zen nearly a week after the 48-hour viewing window had expired. Creative's portable product brand manager, Linda O'Malley, said a realtime clock on the Zen should have prevented that. The copy on my desktop did indeed time out.
With Zen's $499 price tag, it's not exactly a steal. The gadget masters over at TigerDirect.com will sell me a 20-gig laptop with a DVD-ROM drive for only $100 more, and a portable DVD player with a 5-inch screen can be had for less than $200 at Target.
Using the Zen only made me want an iPod Mini and a new laptop instead. Convergence, at least for now, will have to take a backseat to usability.
------
On the Net:
http://www.creative.com/PortableMediaCenters
ViewSonic unveils home net gear
Globe and Mail Update
RICHMOND HILL, Ont. Sept. 16 — ViewSonic Corp. has unveiled wireless media networking products for sharing digital video, pictures and music across consumer electronics devices. The offerings include a wireless media adapter, the WMA100, along with two wireless media gateways, the 80GB WMG80 and the 120GB WMG120, to address growing needs for storing digital content and distributing it to any display throughout the home. Superior wireless video performance is provided through the WMA100's video processing technology, while the WMG80 and WMG120 offer a combination of wireless routing and network storage functionality, including the ability to simultaneously view different files in multiple locations.
The WMA100 offers video streaming utilizing scaling, decoding and decompression technology to wirelessly receive and display better-than-DVD-quality video. When connected to any display via VGA or DVI, the WMA100 automatically detects and scales transmitted video content to the screen's native resolution. DVI, composite-video, component-video, S-Video and VGA video outputs team with analogueueue and coaxial SPDIF audio outputs with Dolby 5.1 pass through to make the WMA100 the most versatile media adapter on the market.
Video file formats supported by the WMA100 include MPEG 1, 2 and 4. Audio file support includes MP3, unprotected AAC, WMA and WAV. Photos in JPEG, GIF or PNG formats can be displayed using the WMA100.
The wireless media gateways provide value by functioning as both an 802.11g wireless router and a network attached storage device with print server capabilities. When the WMA100 is combined with either the WMG80 or the WMG120, consumers can store and wirelessly deliver digital content to one or more displays in the home.
By storing content directly on the gateway, users will achieve better video streaming performance by eliminating the multiple distribution stops necessary when using a PC as a server. With the increased available bandwidth, glitch-free simultaneous distribution to two or more displays is possible.
Both models offer two USB ports to support USB printers and external storage devices. The gateways feature a quick and easy set-up wizard and compatibility with Windows 98 SE and beyond.
Available in the winter, the WMA100 has an street price of $399 (Cdn.). ViewSonic will offer bundles that provide complete home networking solutions. The WMG80-B1 includes one WMG80 and one WMA100 for an ESP of $939, while the WMG120-B1 includes one WMG120 and one WMA100 for an ESP of $1,069.
SigmaTel Chips Power GoVideo Hard Drive and Flash MP3 Players
Rave-MP ARC5.0 hard drive MP3 player
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 2004--SigmaTel, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGTL), the market leader for MP3 audio controller chips within portable MP3 players, announces that its D-Major(TM) MP3 audio controller was selected by GoVideo to power the new line of Rave-MP Portable MP3 players. This product family includes the ARC2.5 and ARC5.0 hard drive players, and the AMP128 and AMP256 flash drive players.
The ARC5.0 features a 5GB hard drive for up to 166 hours of music while the ARC2.5 holds a 2.5GB drive for up to 86 hours of music. Both hard drive players contain a rechargeable battery for over 10 hours of enjoyment. These players have a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection for fast downloads and supports both MP3 and WMA audio formats from most online services. Also included is an FM tuner with 20 presets and a microphone to record voice, live sound and FM radio.
The AMP256 and AMP128 flash players contain 256MB and 128MB of flash-based memory and are designed for the more rugged, workout oriented consumer. With the same features as the hard drive players, such as USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, support for WMA and MP3, FM tuner, and voice record, these flash players also offer SD/MMC memory expansion slots for additional storage.
"SigmaTel's D-Major solution offered the most flexibility and feature support for our designs," said Kevin Brangan, GoVideo's vice president of product marketing, digital audio. "Our reentry into the MP3 market was made easy by SigmaTel's development support and ease in implementation.
"The Rave-MP product line is a great addition to the already-popular MP3 player market," says Ron Edgerton, president and CEO of SigmaTel. "These products are a great example of SigmaTel's audio controller technology and of GoVideo's positive reputation within the consumer electronics market."
Rave-MP products are available online at www.rave-mp.com, and through select retail outlets.
For more information on SigmaTel solutions, please visit www.sigmatel.com. For more information on GoVideo product offerings, please visit www.govideo.com.
About SigmaTel:
SigmaTel, Inc. a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Austin, Texas, designs, develops, and markets proprietary, analog intensive, mixed-signal ICs for a variety of products in the consumer electronics and computing markets, including portable compressed audio players, such as MP3 players, notebook and desktop PCs, DVD players, digital televisions, and set-top boxes. SigmaTel provides complete, system-level solutions that include highly-integrated ICs, customizable firmware and software, software development tools, reference designs, and applications support. The Company's focus is on providing system-level solutions that enable customers to rapidly introduce and offer electronic products that are small, light-weight, power-efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. SigmaTel is ISO 9001:2000 certified and is committed to providing customers with high performance, quality products along with superior customer service.
Cautionary Language:
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current SigmaTel expectations. The words "expect," "will," "should," "would," "anticipate," "project," "outlook," "believe," "intend," and similar phrases as they relate to SigmaTel or future events are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current views and assumptions of SigmaTel, but are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, and there will be events in the future that SigmaTel is not able to accurately predict or control. For a discussion of factors that could impact SigmaTel's financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, please refer to recent SigmaTel filings with the SEC, particularly the 424(b)(4) final prospectuses filed September 19, 2003 and February 19, 2004, the Form 10-Qs that were filed on October 29, 2003, April 20, 2004 and July 20, 2004 and the Form 10-K that was filed on February 17, 2004.
Delta chief is optimistic
By RUSSELL GRANTHAM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/16/04
Delta Air Lines' chief executive officer said he expects to get a short-term deal with pilots to cope with a wave of early retirements, and he expressed guarded optimisim about chances of a broader cost-cutting accord to help ensure Delta's long-term survival.
• Made a new pitch to some of its creditors to help cut its massive debt load. Analysts say Delta needs deals with both pilots and creditors to avoid a Chapter 11 filing later this year.
• Revised its annual report to include new warnings by its auditor, Deloitte & Touche. The updated auditor's note said Delta's losses, labor issues and diminishing cash balance "raise substantial doubt about [Delta's] ability to continue as a going concern."
• Offered a preview of the new aircraft interiors it plans as part of the new long-term business plan rolled out last week.
Delta CEO Gerald Grinstein recently warned that a bankruptcy filing could come at the end of the month if an exodus of retiring pilots grounds aircraft and causes a further cash drain.
But after pilots union leaders agreed Tuesday to seek a deal that might allow Delta to use retired pilots to avert staffing problems, Grinstein raised Delta's odds of dodging that deadline.
The CEO said he has "high hopes, even expectations" that "the threat that was very imminent by the end of this month ... will be resolved," although he added that a deal probably won't come this week.
Grinstein's comments came in a lunch speech at Atlanta's Commerce Club. He showed clips from the movie "Apollo 13" and likened the airline's struggle to recover from three years of deep red ink to the effort to save the astronauts on the aborted moon mission. "Failure is not an option," he said, quoting a line from the movie.
The pilot retirement issue is separate from a broader, long-sought deal to cut pilots' industry-leading pay and make other cost-saving contract changes.
"More difficult is a long-term agreement," Grinstein said, adding that the concessions Delta wants would cut overall pilot compensation in half.
"They're having trouble getting their arms around it," he said, but "my conviction is that we will get that resolved, and I hope it will not be too far into the future because these are difficult times and our liquidity picture is changing."
Grinstein did not address efforts to win concessions from suppliers and creditors to ease the company's massive $20 billion debt load.
But late Wednesday Delta said it will offer up to $680 million worth of secured debt issues to current holders of $2.6 billion in unsecured debt securities. Basically the move appears to offers holders of the riskier unsecured debt a safer investment that is less costly to the company.
Delta recently asked for changes in the terms of an additional $1.3 billion in debt that would allow a similar move, but the creditors did not agree.
Under a new strategic plan Grinstein unveiled last week, Delta will cut up to 7,000 jobs, shut down its Dallas hub, and make other changes to cut costs and retool for a long-term recovery after huge losses that are driving the company to the brink of bankruptcy.
Delta is also trying to woo passengers with better aircraft interiors and promises to simplify its fares and frequent flier program.
A remodeled MD-88 Delta showed off at its maintenance base earlier Wednesday sported deep blue leather seats in coach, whiter LED reading lights, and upgraded lavatories and galleys.
The LED lamps won't need replacing for years, managers said. Replacing burned-out halogen reading lamps is the most frequent maintenance task in its cabins.
Delta also plans to remove ovens from the galleys on its 120 MD-88s. The weight reduction will save about $1 million annually in fuel costs, the airline predicts. Other changes include using carpet and interior panels that are more durable and easier to replace.
Executives said the airline is mulling more improvements that may include added legroom and more in-flight entertainment, such as satellite radio or video screens.
Bring Back Truly Portable Audio and Video, Urges ABI Research
OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 2004--Portable entertainment changed forever in 1979 when the Sony Walkman hit the market. It spawned an industry, and made personal mobile listening possible.
Today's equivalent is the MP3 player. But where's the music, and how do you get it? It's on the Internet, and you need a computer to buy it and transfer it to your player. That's a step backwards, away from the joy of truly portable procurement and listening.
"Today's so-called portables," says Vamsi Sistla, director of residential entertainment at ABI Research, "are still tied by an umbilical cord to the computer and a broadband connection. The industry should address these shortcomings."
A suggested rethink is included in ABI Research's new study, "The Emergence of Portable Audio, Video & Game Markets."
Consider this scenario. You head into a drive-in food stand. While waiting for your order, you connect your network-ready MP3 player to a wired or wireless vending station, right from the car. After your multimedia provider's normal authentication process, you download the latest multimedia in the time it takes to cook your burger.
You could restock your player at a sidewalk kiosk, or in a record store or an electronics retailer. You could do it in the supermarket checkout line, or at the gym, or even on a plane.
For market leaders such as Sony, Apple, Philips and Microsoft, for big retailers and name brands, and for Wi-Fi, RFID and NFC vendors this could mean many more customers, higher sales, and huge profits.
All that's needed is to make portable audio and video devices network-ready, and for content providers to build an access infrastructure to provide additional avenues for obtaining content. "I'm not excited by the prospect of an 80 GB MP3 player," says Sistla. "What gets me excited is a 20 GB player that can download media on the go."
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations that support annual research programs, quarterly intelligence services and market reports in wireless, automotive, semiconductors, broadband, and energy. Their market research products can be found on the Web at www.abiresearch.com, or by calling 516.624.3113.
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ReignCom’s portable multimedia player, PMP-100 to be on sale
Wednesday, 15 September 2004
ReignCom, a portable multimedia device maker releases PMP-100 on September 22, the company announced Wednesday. PMP or portable multimedia player 100 series allow users to enjoy video-audio materials on the move.
The series consist of PMP-120 (20GB) and PMP-140 (40GB) according to the storage capacity. The 20GB hard drive can store 25 x 700MB video files.
The screen capable of normal video resolution (640x480) is 3.5 inch TFT LCD with 260,000 colors and provides high-definition image files (MPEG4, Xvid encoded AVI/ASF). With the TV-out cable, the player can be connected to TV receivers or computer monitors at home. The device works for up to five hours on replaceable lithium ion batteries.
The device plays music files (MP3, WMA, ASF, WAV formats) as well and functions as ordinary MP3 players.
By Seong-ju Lee
http://www.telecomskorea.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=585&Itemid=2
Global Music Sales Down 7.6% Last Year
From Dow Jones/Associated Press
Global sales of recorded music fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2003, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.
The trade group said sales of recorded music in both audio and video formats fell 7.6% in value and 6.6% in units compared with 2002 and were valued at $32 billion on unit sales of 2.7 billion.
The market has declined by $6.2 billion since 1999, a fall of 16.3% at a constant exchange-rate basis, which eliminates the effect of currency fluctuations.
The group attributed the decline mainly to CD burning and illegal downloading, competition for consumer spending from DVDs and cellphones and economic uncertainty, particularly in Latin America and Asia
ArcSoft Announces Portable Media Player Reference Design Flexible, Cost-Effective Reference Design Based on Texas Instrument Chipset Offered to OEMs
FREMONT, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 14, 2004 -- Today, ArcSoft(R), a leading developer and provider of digital media software and firmware solutions for PC, PC-peripheral, mobile phone, consumer electronics and home entertainment manufacturers, announced the development of a portable media player, or PMP, reference design based on the new Texas Instrument DSP (Digital Signal Processor) chipsets. Combined with the easy-to-use ArcSoft TotalMedia(TM) desktop application and transcoding solution, the new PMP is expected to be able to play back virtually any multimedia content, including previously recorded TV programs.
"Our new PMP reference design series provides our OEM customers the next-generation portable multimedia entertainment solution. It integrates MPEG-4 video and MP3/WMA audio playback/recording, and digital photo and file storage into one compact device that can both fit into someone's pocket and budget," said Todd Rumaner, ArcSoft Chief Operating Officer.
"ArcSoft is leveraging award-wining desktop applications and universal multimedia processing technologies to provide the portable device manufacturer with flexibility and upgradeability within their architecture."
This reference design supports multiple-format flash cards and hard drives, analog or digital LCD, and is able to play back video at 30 frames per second.
About ArcSoft
ArcSoft, Inc. is a leading developer and provider of digital media software and firmware solutions for PC, PC-peripheral, mobile phone, consumer electronics and home entertainment manufacturers. Established in 1994, ArcSoft is a privately held company headquartered in Fremont, California, with regional commercial and development facilities in Europe and the Far East. For further details, please visit us at our corporate Web site: www.arcsoft.com.