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Trillium7
Neutron is not a fly by night or made up company. THEY ARE CURRENTLY SELLING e.Digital products, yet because they used a different name for the O-1000 (BTW other companies did as well) the information is poo poo'd.
Remember the PR's touting a major distributor carying e.Digital products? Well we have a company that might be getting their products that way, yet it is treated with distain.
We should all be mature enough to take good, bad and indifferent news about e.Digital, without going over the edge or being so defensive.
http://www.neutronexpress.com/mfg_cat_prod.cfm/2260/1505/E__DIGITAL
Sony Music develops technology to prevent illegal CD copying
.c Kyodo News Service
TOKYO, Nov. 20 (Kyodo) - Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. said Wednesday it will release next January music compact disks (CDs) equipped with a new technology to prevent illegal copying and protect copyrights.
The CDs using the new technology are encoded to prevent illegal copying, but can be decoded and downloaded into personal computers if users obtain a key from the company over the Internet, it said.
Once the CDs are properly downloaded, users can listen to the music repeatedly on their personal computers but cannot copy them onto other CDs.
The company will provide the decoding key to users for free for the first downloading, but will charge about 200 yen per tune for the second and further downloading.
Sony Music will promote the technology to other music companies in the hope that it will become the industry standard, company officials said. Major music firm Avex Inc. appear to be considering adopting it, the officials added.
Unlike Sony Music's new technology, the existing technology can allow no CDs to be downloaded into personal computers.
11/20/02 05:21 EST
MPEG Claims ``A Major Step Forward'' in Making aacPlus A Core Component Of MPEG-4 Audio
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2002--
Texas Instruments, Loudeye, And M4IF Indicate Their Support for the New Standard Based On SBR From Coding Technologies
Coding Technologies, the industry's leading provider of audio compression technologies for the mobile, digital broadcasting and Internet markets worldwide, announced today that the MPEG organization has promoted the aacPlus technology to final proposed draft amendment status as part of MPEG-4 Audio. Called "High-efficiency AAC" by MPEG, Coding Technologies has already released updated aacPlus libraries to match the current specification. In addition, industry leaders Texas Instruments, Loudeye, and M4IF have offered their support for the improved MPEG-4 Audio standard.
aacPlus is the combination of MPEG AAC and Coding Technologies' SBR (Spectral Band Replication) technology. SBR is a unique bandwidth extension technique, which enables audio codecs to deliver the same quality at half the bit rate. SBR is a backward and forward compatible method to enhance the efficiency of any audio codec; putting the "PRO" in mp3PRO and the "Plus" in aacPlus. As a result, aacPlus delivers streaming, as well as download, CD-quality stereo at 48 kbps and excellent quality stereo at 32 kbps. This level of efficiency fundamentally enables new applications in the markets of mobile and digital broadcast.
"We are thrilled that aacPlus is on track to become the core component of MPEG-4 Audio," stated David Frerichs, Coding Technologies. "aacPlus was introduced as the new MPEG-4 Audio reference model in 2001 and it's incredible to have such great momentum within MPEG, as well as to receive endorsements from these industry leaders."
"Texas Instruments is pleased that aacPlus is becoming part of the MPEG-4 specification," said Curt Waters, Manager of the Cellular Media Business at Texas Instruments. "By providing high audio quality at lower bit rates, aacPlus is well-suited to provide multimedia content for wireless applications."
"Our customers expect us to provide content services in whatever format they select," said Lambert Jemley, Vice President of Marketing at Loudeye Corp. "We are happy to hear that aacPlus is now being finalized in MPEG-4 and we are ready to encode with the new standard."
"It is great to see SBR technology becoming a part of the MPEG-4 Audio standard," said Rob Koenen, President of M4IF. "High Efficiency AAC is clearly the most efficient audio codec available and it is encouraging that Coding Technologies is deploying aacPlus today so people can stream CD-quality stereo at only 48kbps using cutting-edge, open standards-based technology."
Coding Technologies is licensing libraries and reference source code for MPEG-4 aacPlus on Mac OS X, Win32, Linux, and multiple DSPs. Developers can contact Coding Technologies directly for immediate access to evaluation kits.
About Coding Technologies
Coding Technologies provides the best audio compression for mobile, broadcasting, and Internet. SBR(TM) (Spectral Band Replication) from Coding Technologies is a backward and forward compatible method to enhance the efficiency of any audio codec; putting the "PRO" in mp3PRO and the "Plus" in aacPlus. SBR is a fundamental enabler of the Digital Radio Mondiale open standard and is on track to become a core component of MPEG-4 Audio. Coding Technologies is a privately held company with offices in Sweden, Germany, and Silicon Valley. Founded in 1997 in Stockholm, the company later merged with a spin-off of the renowned Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, the inventor of MP3. Coding Technologies customers include XM Radio, Thomson Multimedia, Musicmatch, and Texas Instruments. For more information, visit www.codingtechnologies.com.
About Texas Instruments
For information on Texas Instruments, please visit www.ti.com.
About Loudeye Corp.
For information on Loudeye Corp., please visit www.loudeye.com.
About M4IF
For information on the M4IF, please visit http://www.m4if.org.
CONTACT:
Coding Technolgies
Gerald Moser, 49 911 928 91-0 (Press Contact)
press@codingtechnologies.com
or
mPRm Public Relations
Karen DeMarco, 323/933-3399 (USA Press Contact)
kdemarco@mprm.com
SOURCE: Coding Technolgies
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page. URL: http://www.businesswire.com
11/19/2002 08:04 EASTERN
Gateway Rocks the House With Rhapsody Digital Music Service
First PC Maker to Offer Rhapsody Service Now Loading Software on All Consumer Desktop PCs
POWAY, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delivering on its promise to give customers easy ways to find and enjoy their favorite digital music, Gateway, Inc. (NYSE:GTW) today begins shipping all its consumer desktop PCs with Gateway Rhapsody installed. Gateway Rhapsody is a music subscription service that gives customers the power to find and listen to the music they love, discover new artists and musical genres, and burn favorite tracks to CD while they're online. Gateway is the first PC maker to offer the Rhapsody music service.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020930/LAM050LOGO )
Powered by Listen.com , Gateway Rhapsody puts an entire record store's worth of music at subscribers' fingertips for a low fee of $9.95 per month. Subscribers can enjoy unlimited access to the world's largest legal library of digital music, create their own custom Internet radio stations and listen to more than 50 professionally programmed, commercial-free Internet radio stations. Their Gateway Rhapsody music collections, playlists and radio stations are available from any computer with an Internet Connection, and they can even take their music on the go by burning selected tracks on custom CDs for just 99 cents per track.
In addition to Gateway Rhapsody software, Gateway desktop PCs for consumers now will be shipped with an interactive demonstration of the Rhapsody service installed. With a few mouse clicks, customers can easily preview and sign up for the service online using their new PC. Buyers of Gateway desktop PCs also receive a coupon code for one free month of Gateway Rhapsody service(1). Music fans can also sign up for Gateway Rhapsody service via the Gateway Digital Music Zone at http://www.gateway.com/digitalzone/music , which highlights Gateway's digital music capabilities as well as other digital entertainment products and services.
"The popularity of digital music is exploding, and Gateway has been a leader in helping people tap into the world of online music in ways that are exciting for them and fair to recording artists," said Greg van den Dries, Gateway senior vice president of digital solutions. "With Gateway Rhapsody, we're taking it a step further by giving our customers access to the world's largest selection of digital music, and the software to make finding, listening to and burning that music as simple and fun as possible."
Consumers who sign up for Gateway Rhapsody get unlimited access to a library of music that includes more than 250,000 tracks from all five of the world's largest music companies, including BMG, EMI Recorded Music, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, and more than 100 independent labels.
Gateway has emerged as a leader in helping consumers enjoy digital music technology. Since April, Gateway has offered free, legal music downloads on http://www.gateway.com , in addition to acting as a proponent of the legal uses of digital media technology.
Gateway will utilize its national network of nearly 300 Gateway retail stores from Alaska to Florida to demonstrate Gateway Rhapsody to consumers. Gateway stores soon will feature stations where consumers can preview the service, assisted by the company's staff of friendly, trained sales representatives, and get a postcard with a promotional code good for a free 30 day trial of the Rhapsody service.(1) Gateway stores already serve as destinations for cutting-edge Gateway PCs, plasma TVs, digital cameras, MP3 players, digital video gear, software and other digital media products.
"We're excited to be working with Gateway, which leads the technology industry in giving customers the tools they need to access the digital music they want while respecting the rights of artists and copyright holders," said Sean Ryan, president and chief executive officer for Listen.com. "Gateway is making it just as easy to sign up for Rhapsody as it is to buy Gateway's award-winning PCs, offering the service with all new desktop PCs, through its retail stores and via the Digital Zone of its Web site. Now, an entirely new group of consumers can enjoy their favorite music through Rhapsody."
More information about Gateway's products and services is available by calling 800-221-9616, via the company's Web site at www.gateway.com or at one of the Gateway(R) stores nationwide.
About Gateway
Gateway, Inc. (NYSE:GTW), a personal technology company, improves people's lives through a combination of the latest and best hardware, communication tools, applications, training and service, all offered with a custom financing package. The company takes a localized approach, utilizing its Web site, call centers and nationwide network of Gateway retail stores to build direct relationships with consumers, small and medium businesses and government and education institutions. In 2001, Gateway's products and services received more than 45 awards and accolades and the company was ranked number one in repurchase brand loyalty for PCs(2). For more information, visit Gateway's Web site at http://www.gateway.com .
(1) Limited time only. Major credit card required. 30 day promotional period begins from date of sign up. To avoid being charged a monthly fee, cancel before promotional period ends. At the end of the 30-day trial period, Rhapsody will charge $9.95 per month. For details please log onto www.gateway.com/rhapsody .
(2) Source: MetaFacts Technology User Profile, 2001 Annual Edition.
Based on a survey of 6,799 home PC owners.
About Listen.com
Listen.com is a leading online music company that develops and distributes Rhapsody, a digital music subscription service. Launched in 2001, Rhapsody gives consumers unlimited access to the world's largest library of digital music on the PC and via home networks and Net-connected home stereo systems today, and on wireless devices in the future. Rhapsody combines on-demand music, customized and professionally programmed Internet radio, and engaging music information and editorial recommendations.
Rhapsody is available through Listen.com and a network of companies that offer co-branded versions of the service, including Audiogalaxy, Cablevision Systems Corporation's Optimum Online(R), Charter Communications, DIRECTV Broadband, Down Beat, JamBase, Lycos, Time Warner Cable's Road Runner high-speed ISP, Sony's Musiclub, Speakeasy and Verizon Online. Founded in 1998, Listen.com is based in San Francisco. Visit www.listen.com for more information.
Listen.com, the Listen.com logo and Rhapsody are trademarks of Listen.com, Inc. All other company names are the property of their respective owners.
Make Your Opinion Count - Click Here
http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X74723323
SOURCE Gateway, Inc.
CO: Gateway, Inc.; Listen.com
ST: California
SU: PDT LIC
http://www.prnewswire.com
11/19/2002 08:00 EST
chwdrhed
I did communicate with RP briefly on two occasions about this subject. Due to time passing, RP was working off memory as the documents had been archived.
To me it boils down to Jabra having an beginning of a good product(s), but Norris lacked the capital to do much with it. The new investors spent millions of dollars to develop what eventually led up to the point that the company was sold for the millions of dollars that peak peoples interest. Without their money, it would not have been possible.
During that time there was stock splits, as well as the share price dropping to near nothing. RP also stated the any funds from the sale of stock were included in the companies financials. Where or how I do not know, but he did state that they were indeed accounted for. The company being "private" makes it impossible for me to go further than talking to RP.
This is the best I can recall from a few weeks back. Trying any further to explain what my communications with RP, just opens up more questions from those who want to further pursue this. Questions I cannot answer. It seems others are going to ask more about this.......
If it truly bothers anyone, call RP. He was more than willing to talk about this subject..........
InterTrust OKs $453M Acquisition
.c The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - InterTrust Technologies Corp. Wednesday said it has agreed to be acquired for $453 million by a group including Sony Corp.'s U.S. unit and Royal Philips Electronics NV of the Netherlands.
InterTrust, which is locked in a patent fight with Microsoft Corp., specializes in a field called digital-rights management.
DRM software enforces rules on the usage of computerized text, music, movies or other content. The technology, for instance, could be used to prevent digitized music from unauthorized copying.
Under the agreement, Fidelio Acquisition Co., which includes Sony of America, Philips and other investors, will acquire InterTrust for $4.25 a share.
The offer is a 26 percent premium to InterTrust's Tuesday closing price of $3.37.
News of the deal sent InterTrust's shares surging 96 cents, or 29 percent, to $4.33 by midday Wednesday in Nasdaq Stock Market trading.
InterTrust's board has unanimously approved the acquisition.
InterTrust, founded in 1990 by entrepreneur Victor Shear, has suffered along with other DRM specialists from competition from free Internet services, such as Napster and Kazaa.
The Santa Clara, Calif., company, which once negotiated to build its copyright-protection software into Microsoft's Windows operating system, accuses the software giant of violating its patents, and company officials have discussed damage figures in the billions of dollars.
11/13/02 14:04 EST
EMI in multiple online distribution deals
LOS ANGELES, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Music giant EMI Group Plc Wednesday said it signed deals with nine digital music distributors to sell its music as digital downloads through dozens of Internet service providers, portals and retailers.
EMI reached agreements with Alliance Entertainment Corp. Ecast; FullAudio Corp.; Liquid Audio Listen.com's Rhapsody; MusicNet; Pressplay; Roxio Inc. and Streamwaves. Under the deals, effective Dec. 1, the distributors will sell tens of thousands of pieces of music through services like AOL Time Warner Inc.'s AOL; Yahoo Inc. EarthLink Inc. Verizon Online and Microsoft Corp.'s MSN, among others.
Distributors will let customers permanently download EMI music on their personal computers and give them the technical capability to burn, or record, a limited number of personal copies and transfer copies to portable devices like MP3 players.
The deal also marks the first time that long-popular artists like the Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra will be available in a digital-download format. Works from other artists like Billy Idol, Blondie, David Bowie, Coldplay, Joe Cocker, Duran Duran and Everclear will be available through these deals.
An EMI spokeswoman said while the company was an original investor in MusicNet, it had not licensed its work to the subscription service in a permanent, downloadable format. EMI had already made its recordings available to more than 60 companies, including partners named in Wednesday's deals, but mainly in temporary-download or streaming-audio formats.
11/13/02 14:33 ET
LawyerLong
Kidding? No way. People who have been long and have posted true blue for years are now posting some questions and concerns. Most of these are not RB scum trying to trick their way on this board.
We all know the difference between someone who has questions/concerns and frustrations, from those that are bashers.
I can handle what these folks have to say...for awhile. Now a few weeks from now the same posts are still happening I will gladly be on your side.
db is to strict in their feelings toward anything negative. The world does not work that way IMO.
db24 IMO YOU are the one out of line! eom
packers1
I for one have no problem with you or what you have been posting. The best to you and yours.
berge
I have always been an Apple user...however I just bought two of my sons PC's (their choice). There is NO comparison IMO. Apple OSX makes Windows XP seem amateurish ...... so layered.
Is it plausable that JC was pulled away at the last moment before the SHM in order to work/close on a huge deal???????
This sums up our impact on the MP3 market to date
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Home_Audio/MP3_Players/MP3_Player_Reviews/
Do we know for sure DGN has the capital to pull these plans off?
moxa1
If Mr. Collier is still President as you say he, why didn't the company respond to the many e-mails about this subject in a more clarifying way? By the many e-mails sent to them today, they knew shareholders were concerned on this subject. Wendy and RP went out of way IMO to not disclose any details about Mr. Colliers current status with e.Digital.
How hard would it have been for one of them to include in their e-mail responses that Collier was still President and COO? Total bush league on their part IMO.
New MUSICMATCH Jukebox is a Portable Music Powerhouse
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2002--
New CD Labeler Kit and MUSICMATCH Jukebox 7.5 With Portable Device Enhancements Kick Off Exciting Fall Lineup of New Products and Services
MUSICMATCH(R), the global leader in personalized music software and services, today introduced MUSICMATCH Jukebox 7.5 and the MUSICMATCH CD Labeler Kit giving consumers everything they need to quickly and easily take their music anywhere.
Both new products are available today at www.musicmatch.com.
In the MUSICMATCH tradition of creating the best media player for music lovers, the new jukebox includes a new portable device manager with full support for iPod for Windows, device drag-and-drop, CD burning enhancements and optimized SuperTagging performance. Building its lineup of new fall products and services, MUSICMATCH also introduces a new digital music product, the MUSICMATCH CD Labeler Kit for easily creating and printing custom music CDs.
"MUSICMATCH has seen digital music use change dramatically over the years, and 2003 will see expanded music portability and CD creation, which is where we are innovating today," said Christopher Allen, senior vice president of marketing at MUSICMATCH. "Our new version makes it easier than ever for consumers to take all their music with them anywhere."
MP3 portability is one of the most popular aspects of digital music, and MUSICMATCH offers significant enhancements to its award-winning program for ease in taking music off the computer. In addition to easily recording and managing music, MUSICMATCH Jukebox 7.5 gives people one place to create music CDs with graphics and personality, and transfer tracks and playlists to nearly every MP3 player on the market.
The new MUSICMATCH Jukebox portable device manager lets music fans synchronize their music library to their MP3 player in a single click, and iPod for Windows users can seamlessly integrate their library and device using Apple's AutoSync technology. In addition, the portable device manager sports a new drag and drop interface for quickly and easily copying music onto most MP3 players, including the popular Creative Nomad Jukebox and Diamond Rio.
MUSICMATCH Jukebox 7.5 also offers an easier-than-ever interface and enhanced Super Tagging that makes it even simpler to add track information to an entire library of songs. New enhancements make CD creation better than ever, with the ability to print up to 150 track titles on a single CD label. The new MUSICMATCH Jukebox is designed for music fans that want the most popular and acclaimed MP3 player for managing music.
New MUSICMATCH CD Labeler Kit for Powerful CD Creation
MUSICMATCH worked closely with MicroVision, makers of the popular SureThing CD Labeler Kit, to offer the fully integrated and powerful MUSICMATCH CD Labeler Kit. The MUSICMATCH CD Labeler Kit includes everything the music fan needs to create great looking custom CDs -- easily and quickly -- and is fully integrated with MUSICMATCH Jukebox.
Music fans can create CD labels, jewel case inserts and booklets with artist information and photos, personal graphics and stock art, with every element of the label design fully customizable including the background image, text styles and fonts. A unique feature resulting from the MUSICMATCH and MicroVision collaboration is that now, the title, artist and song names will transfer from MUSICMATCH Jukebox and can be laid out automatically on the label giving the user a complete and professionally designed CD label in seconds and with very little effort.
Pricing and Availability
MUSICMATCH Jukebox Plus 7.5 is now available for $19.99, while MUSICMATCH Jukebox Basic 7.5 can be downloaded at no charge from www.musicmatch.com. The MUSICMATCH CD Labeler Kit is also available for $24.99 from the MUSICMATCH Web site.
About MUSICMATCH
MUSICMATCH, founded in 1997 and based in San Diego, is the global leader in personalized music software and services that let people find and listen to the music that best match their unique tastes. The company invented the digital jukebox concept in 1997, and since then has registered more than 28 million users of MUSICMATCH Jukebox, the number-one selling music software program. For additional information on MUSICMATCH, visit http://www.musicmatch.com.
MUSICMATCH(R) is a registered trademark of MusicMatch Inc.
MUSICMATCH Jukebox(TM) and MUSICMATCH Radio MX(TM) are trademarks of MusicMatch Inc.
CONTACT:
MUSICMATCH
Katy Saeger, 858/485-4337
ksaeger@musicmatch.com
SOURCE: MUSICMATCH
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page. URL: http://www.businesswire.com
11/06/2002 08:04 EASTERN
Online Music Sales Tumble
By RON HARRIS
.c The Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The growing popularity of CD burning and illegal song-swapping over the Internet has caused online music sales to tumble this year, according to a survey to be released Monday.
Online sales of prerecorded music lagged behind last year's totals through the third quarter by $185 million in sales, or 25 percent, according to the study conducted by research firm comScore Networks.
Music sales via the Internet this year have reached $545 million through the third quarter, well behind last year's total of $730 for the same time period.
The study showed former Napster users flocked to alternative file-sharing networks such as Kazaa and Morpheus. After Napster went offline for good in the summer of 2001, Morpheus' user base grew from less than one million in June 2001 to 7.2 million in March 2002, comScore found.
Phil Leigh, an analyst for Raymond James & Associates, said consumers increasingly are seeking the instant gratification from free downloads with which online CD orders can't compare. And the ability to burn those downloads to blank CDs offers computer users even more personalization and choice that CDs don't offer, Leigh said.
``The primary message of the CD burner is the consumer doesn't want to be straightjacketed into buying a prepackaged CD,'' Leigh said. ``I think what we're seeing is not only the death of the physical form factor, but the death of the prepackaged concept.''
There also are legitimate ways to buy downloads online, such as Listen.com's Rhapsody service as well as MusicNet and pressplay, two joint ventures launched by the major recording companies to counter illegal song-sharing.
But those services have yet to release any figures on how many people have actually signed up and it is hard to gauge their popularity in the face of free downloads from Morpheus and Gnutella network programs.
Leigh said free downloads and CD burning have liberated the consumer ``so that she can have what she wants on a disc, and not three (songs) she wants and five she doesn't.''
The study only considered online purchases of physical recorded media such as CDs and cassette tapes for its study and did not look at paid music downloads.
In September, the chief executive of the Recording Industry Association of America testified before a House hearing on music piracy and peer-to-peer networks. Hilary Rosen said that public education about the illegality of unauthorized file-sharing was of the utmost importance.
``I wish I could tell you that there is a silver bullet that could resolve this very serious problem,``Rosen said. ``There is not.''
11/04/02 00:16 EST
I am ssddened to hear the news about JV. A kind soul on these boards. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
God bless.
Gateway already sells Archos, Nomad and Sonicblue HDD JB's..even a 10GB D-Link HDD JB
Gateway Recommended: Digital Audio
:
Brand & Model Price
ARCHOS TECHNOLOGY
JUKEBOX STUDIO 20 20GB $220.95
Jukebox Multimedia 20 $334.95
Jukebox Recorder 20 $246.95
Jukebox Multimedia 20 Photo Bundle $349.95
Jukebox Studio 10 $176.95
Jukebox Recorder 15 $202.95
Jukebox Recorder 10 $194.95
Creative Labs
NOMAD JUKEBOX 10GB BLUE $222.95
D-Link e
DSB-R100 USB FM Radio $31.95
ROQ-IT DMP-HD610 USB Player 10GB $204.95
DMP-CD100 MP3 CD PLAYER $94.95
DMP-120 MP3 Player USB $91.95
ROQ-IT 32 DMP-210 MP3 Player 32MB $72.95
Roq-It 64 MP3 Player $113.95
Diamond
RIO ONE 32MB DIGITAL AUDIO PLAYER $87.95
RIO VOLT SP250 CD PLAYER MP3/WMA $158.95
RIO 800 $146.95
RIO 600 MP3 PLAYER 64MB USB $112.95
SONIC BLUE RIO RIOT 20GB $304.95
Mojo CD-MP3 Jukebox $108.95
Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc
VOYETRA TURTLE BEACH AUDIOTRON $290.95
Another company with pre loaded content in player.
(Cendyne is best known for their CD DVD drives)
CenDyne Gets Groovy With the Gruvstick MP3 Recorder and Player; Eye-Catching Design, Single-Unit Construction and Display Set the Gruvstick Apart
SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 2002--CenDyne Inc. today debuts the Gruvstick, an ingenious MP3 Player that includes the battery pack and USB port on a single unit enabling quick and easy music downloading and playback.
The Gruvstick's easy-to-read display, along with its capability to be used as a USB storage device and a voice recorder, make it a must-have for music enthusiasts, students and corporate users alike.
Available with either 128MB or 64MB of memory, the stylish Gruvstick is about the size of a lipstick and connects directly to PCs via a built-in USB port. Transferring files, downloading music, and sharing digital photos takes only seconds, and is done without the use of cables or software.(a) The Gruvstick's voice recorder is a handy tool for creating shopping lists or recording personal memos while on the road.
"The Gruvstick is small enough to wear around your neck and so versatile it replaces the need for multiple devices to hold MP3 audio and other files," said Ed Meadows, president, CenDyne. "Our customers will keep it with them to enjoy music, use it to bring digital photos to family and friends, or carry an important data presentation to a meeting. With the Gruvstick, taking your music, photos and files with you has never been this convenient."
So that CenDyne customers can immediately enjoy their new purchase or gift, the Gruvstick comes preloaded with four songs from two hot new bands. The songs are Jake Sullivan's "Midi Slave" and "Lonely," and Stalemate's "A Clean Well Lighted Place" and "Perfect World."
The sleek Gruvstick has a silver-blue finish and weighs only 30 grams, making it ideal for use while exercising, gardening or shopping. Both the 128MB and 64MB versions include the following key features:
Display
Unlike some other MP3 players, the Gruvstick has a display, so users can read MP3 ID3 Tag data that shows artist and song information. It also displays data files and the number of recorded voice messages.
Single unit
The USB connection and battery-pack are on the main
unit, so there's no risk of forgetting a key part of the device. The built-in battery provides up to 12 hours of usage.
Cable-free connection
The Gruvstick's built-in USB port connects directly to PCs without the use of cables or software (Windows ME and above).
Ample storage
128MB version holds up to four hours of digital music, 128 digital photos or the equivalent data of 88 floppy disks.
Five-step equalizer
The crystal-clear sound of the Gruvstick can be further optimized by music enthusiasts with the five-preset equalizer.
Voice recorder
Create shopping lists on the go or save more than eight hours of personal reminders.
Hands-free
Use the free neck cord or carry the Gruvstick on a key chain. A set of comfortable ear phones is also included.
The 128MB and 64MB Gruvstick products are now available at leading technology and electronics retailers at an estimated retail price of $179 and $129, respectively. The 128MB Gruvstick is also being sold with Gruv-X, a tiny audio transmitter that enables the user to hear the MP3, MP3PRO or WMA file via to a nearby FM radio receiving the Gruv-X signal. The Gruv-X is available for purchase separately at an estimated retail price of $29.99.
About CenDyne Inc.
Located in Santa Ana, CenDyne markets and sells computer peripherals through retail and online outlets across the United States including: Amazon.com, Buy.com, BJ Wholesales, Circuit City, Costco, Fry's Electronics, Hastings, Ingram Micro, Micro Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, OfficeMax, RadioShack.com, Sam's Clubs and Staples.
CenDyne has received numerous accolades and industry awards for its outstanding products that provide a great value for consumers, including CRN's Ultimate PC Award in 2002 and PC World's World Class Award in 2000. For more information, go to the company's Web site at www.cendyne.com or call the company at 714/556-1020.
(a) No software required for Windows ME and above. Windows 98SE and lower require software drivers, which are available on the enclosed CD.
CONTACT:
CenDyne Inc., Santa Ana
Edward Meadows (Media), 714/556-1020
E-mail: emeadows@cendyne.com
or
Odle Communications
Kelly Odle (Media), 714/283-4086
E-mail: kelly@odlecomm.com
SOURCE: CenDyne Inc.
EMI Recorded Music Signs Agreement with Audible Magic as Preferred Provider Of Audio Fingerprinting Services
First Major Label to Contract with a Provider of Content-Based Identification (CBID) Technology
LOS GATOS, Calif., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Audible Magic Corporation, a leading provider of content management and media information services, announced today it has entered into an agreement with EMI Recorded Music as its preferred vendor for audio fingerprinting technology. The agreement, the first between a major label and a provider of content-based identification (CBID) technology services, indicates a strong endorsement of Audible Magic and its range of solutions for identifying, monitoring and tracking multimedia content.
The two companies anticipate implementing an initial project in Q4 utilizing Audible Magic systems, which can monitor and identify the delivery of digital audio content in all formats, including compressed audio such as MP3 files. Audible Magic will also provide EMI recorded music with technical consulting on a range of content management and media issues that can be addressed using audio fingerprinting.
EMI will supply Audible Magic with music from its existing catalog, as well as all of the company's new releases, for addition to the Audible Magic song database, which is one of the largest in the world. EMI Recorded Music will also recommend use of Audible Magic's information services to its affiliates and licensees of EMI content. Some of these services include auditing and tracking of EMI content usage by licensees, real-time playlist monitoring for traditional and Internet broadcasters, audio content identification services for consumer entertainment software and devices, and monitoring of peer-to-peer traffic on networks.
"We're excited about entering into this relationship. We believe Audible Magic's systems will provide us with the ability to understand and capitalize on the opportunities offered by the evolving digital marketplace," said Jay Samit, senior vice president, new media, EMI Recorded Music. "Audible Magic has emerged as the only viable vendor in their market segment with a wide range of applications and technologies ideal for our needs. It's to EMI's advantage to move quickly and clearly to form a partnership with this strong industry ally."
"Record companies need to utilize the best and most sophisticated tools available to manage and grow their business in these tough times," said Vance Ikezoye, CEO, Audible Magic. "We believe that this agreement demonstrates EMI's vision for enhanced online marketing and promotional activities and the ongoing protection of its copyrights."
About Audible Magic, Inc.
Audible Magic Corporation provides technology and services to the media and entertainment industries that enable secure and reliable identification of audio content. Its core assets include patented audio identification technology, content monitoring applications, and a reference database of 3.4 million songs. This database provides access to one of the most complete catalogs of North American Music and a growing international catalog via agreements with Loudeye Technologies and numerous other content companies and societies. Using this database, the company provides the leading anti-piracy service for the media replication industry with RepliCheck, a music verification service. In addition to EMI, Audible Magic has agreements with performing rights organization SESAC, and the CMJ Network (recognized leader for coverage of college, new, and emerging music). The company also provides comprehensive advertising monitoring solutions for broadcast radio. Audible Magic's patented content-based ID systems are applicable across all media types, from Internet to traditional broadcast and present a single seamless solution for audio and video identification and monitoring. For more info, visit Audible Magic's web site at www.audiblemagic.com.
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SOURCE Audible Magic Corporation
CO: Audible Magic Corporation; EMI Music
ST: California
SU: CON
http://www.prnewswire.com
10/29/2002 06:01 EST
Courtesy packers1 From J & R
Thank you for your inquiry. They are still available through our toll-free mail order number at 1-800-806-1115. The product # is EDG ODYSSEY1000 (20 GB) priced at $369.99.
They may have been temporally pulled off our website to prevent a back log of orders until release. we have an ETA of 11/15/02.
Telematics execs seek a new route Will traffic news spark growth in navigation?
By Richard Truett
Automotive News / October 28, 2002
DETROIT -- Makers of electronic mapping systems are trying to correct a wrong turn.
While the availability of navigation systems has grown, few buyers have been willing to pay $2,000 for an electronic map they use infrequently. Only 175,000 of the vehicles sold in the United States in the 2001 model year had a navigation unit, according to J.D. Power and Associates. That represents just 1 percent of the 16.68 million vehicles sold in that model year.
It is going to take dramatically lower prices and devices that provide real-time traffic information to put telematics on the road to high volume and high profits in North America, according to executives from the electronics and auto industries who attended Convergence 2002 here last week.
Executives at the biennial conference on automotive electronics said consumers still need to be convinced they need the devices.
Suppliers' plans to fix the broken business model include:
Developing navigation systems that automakers can sell for $500 or less.
Making it easier to pay for telematics, either by charging a one-time fee or by linking per-use charges to a cellular phone.
Streamlining the telematics packages, offering fewer services but focusing on features motorists find most useful.
Creating devices that are easier to understand and operate.
Making telematics devices portable, or linking devices wirelessly with technologies such as Bluetooth.
Allowing drivers to choose from a menu of services and customize how the information is displayed.
At Convergence 2000, in-car navigation was a hot topic. Worldwide revenue from telematics was projected to be more than $24 billion by 2006. But a more recent study pegs anticipated revenue at just $12.3 billion by 2007.
High-value services
Real-time traffic information may be the breakthrough application that convinces American drivers of the viability of telematics, said Clifford Fox, vice president of in-vehicle application for Navigation Technologies Corp. of Chicago, a supplier of map databases.
In Europe, where real-time traffic information can be obtained simply by pressing a button on the radio, telematics has been widely accepted.
"You cannot sell a radio without TMC (the traffic message channel). It has to be there. The market demands it," said Walter Maisel, vice president of interior and infotainment for Siemens VDO Automotive.
Navigation systems in Japan have high penetration across all segments of the car market. The country's lack of a coherent addressing system has been a major factor for the systems' widespread appeal. But price is another; the systems can be purchased for as little as $1,000, although they range higher depending on features.
The launch of real-time traffic services about five years ago increased the appeal of the systems even more. Today, Toyota Motor Corp. estimates that half of its cars on the road in Japan have a navigation system.
Fox of Navigation Technologies says American drivers will value navigation and telematics systems once they get used to using them. "You have to take it from occasional use to daily use, and traffic helps take the system to daily use," he said.
Larry Sweeney, vice president of Tele Atlas North America Inc. in Menlo Park, Calif., another provider of map databases, said providing
real-time traffic information is a feature drivers would pay for if it were inexpensive and simple to obtain.
"I do think it is pretty evident that most of us are tired of adding more monthly bills," Sweeney said. "I think that these services are going to get bundled. It may be to your cell company or to the telematics provider."
Learning from the past
"We have made different mistakes," Maisel said. "We were saying everything is possible … browsing through the Internet, the latest surprise from the stock market. But that's not the highest demand for a car driver. We mixed too many things together."
Telematics and navigation systems, Maisel said, must offer services than enhance safety and don't charge for what is available free on the radio or the Internet.
Interior supplier Johnson Controls Inc. used the Convergence meeting to start showing automakers its latest idea of a less expensive navigation system.
Consumers aren't flocking to the full-featured, $2,000 systems with color maps and voice directions, said Philip George, director of business development for instrument panels, cockpits and floor consoles for Johnson Controls, which is based in Holland, Mich.
Some companies are focused on taking those systems, which rank at the top of the cost scale, and stripping out features and costs. "People don't want that. They don't want a piece of the package that is missing certain systems," George said.
Johnson Controls' strategy is to take its existing low-cost digital compass and information display technology and build it up.
By adding global positioning satellite technology and storing a smaller amount of data on a reprogrammable memory card, the system can provide navigation and point-of-interest information at less cost.
Siemens VDO Automotive is about one year away from supplying an original equipment "multimedia" radio that will lower the cost of telematics and in-vehicle navigation from about $2,000 to between $300 and $500.
That price is close to what is available on the aftermarket now. The difference, Maisel said, are the expectations consumers have of original equipment.
"Whenever you get a system through the carmaker, it has to be the highest standard of reliability," Maisel said. "Our demands on an OEM-installed system are much, much higher, even though it only provides the same level of functionality as an aftermarket system."
Sweeney of Tele Atlas says "patience" is the operative word. He views the acceptance of telematics as being on the same time span as other new technologies, such as videocassette recorders and cell phones.
Said Sweeney: "The trouble with Americans in particular is that we have very little patience. Everyone expected to be rolling in dough a lot faster than what was practically reasonable. When you are going out looking for investment money and you say, 'You know, it's really going to take 10 years,' the venture capitalists all run the other way." c
Amy Wilson and K.C. Crain contributed to this report
rstring
DIRECTORY FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS OPERATED NELCOLLEGAMENTO TO YOU MOUNT TITLES - DTC TO THE 31/05/2002
Aircraft Protective Systems, Inc.?
http://www.airprosys.com/
LL Lu on the OTCBB WOULD BE the final kiss of death.IMO eom
Sentinel
I agree, but looking at the dates those "potential customers" posted on, breaks my heart......as well as putting a serious dent in my portfolio. LOL
Most "new" computers have USB 2.0 AND or Firewire. Remember, there is plenty of "old stock" still in the pipeline that has to be sold. The price to upgrade to USB 2.0 is negligible in most older computers, so I do not see this as a problem.
Both came installed in my computer (6 USB 2.0, 1 Firewire). I choose to use USB 2.0. If I recall correctly, the 2.0 cables were less expensive than Firewire, and my Canon printer was set up for USB 2.0 Also being backward compatible is a huge advantage for 2.0, but that is JMO.
Belkin is a preeminent manufacturer of such products. Prices shown are suggested retail (except "blow out" section). Check out their site for an easy way to see what's available, comparisons, prices etc.
http://www.belkin.com/
rstring' Nice find.Thanks! eom
Sentinel
Nice find.The unit looks great.Our luck though....this guy did not review the voice navigation, at least what my old eyes could read.LOL
RioPort Agrees to Merge With Ecast, Inc. to Create Industry's Most Comprehensive Digital Media Delivery Network
SAN JOSE & SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2002-
Combined Company Melds Strength in Secure Digital Music Downloads for Personal Playback with Leading Broadband Content Delivery Platform for Public Venues; Closes $14 Million in New Funding
RioPort, Inc., the leading music application service provider for personal digital media delivery, and Ecast, Inc., a rapidly growing interactive media network for content delivery to out-of-home venues, today announced a corporate merger that strategically positions the new company to capitalize on the growing market for secure digital media commerce worldwide. The newly combined company, which will operate under the Ecast corporate name, has completed a $14 million financing round co-led by venture capital firms Oak Investment Partners and Doll Capital Management. Robbie Vann-Adibe will remain CEO of Ecast; Jim Long, current president and CEO of RioPort, will be general manager of Ecast's RioPort business.
RioPort, which has offices in the U.S. and Asia, distributes online music downloads for all major record labels and handles content aggregation and delivery for online e-tailers including BestBuy.com, Musicland Group, and MTV.com. The company also provides firmware technology for consumer electronics concerns, including Sanyo, Compaq and Samsung, allowing for direct delivery of secure music downloads to their enabled devices.
Ecast's Interactive Media Network delivers and manages digital entertainment content on a pay-per-play basis to broadband-enabled devices, such as digital jukeboxes and entertainment consoles. Ecast-powered devices/products can be found in public venues nationwide, as well as in the UK through the company's partnership with Leisure Link, the world's largest operator of amusement equipment. The company distributes a wide variety of broadband entertainment content to the out-of-home market, including digital music from all of the major and independent labels; interactive games from some of the world's leading publishers; and sports, videos and news information from the leading sources on the Internet. While each company will continue to focus on its core competencies
-- RioPort for personal delivery to desktops and devices through its e-tail customers and Ecast for public venue delivery -- the merger clearly lays the groundwork for creating compelling new services for cross-promoting and merchandising digital content to consumers. For instance, in the future, consumers could potentially listen to a pay-per-play song selected from an Ecast-powered jukebox in a lounge, then log-onto their BestBuy.com account from the jukebox screen to purchase the track, which is downloaded directly to their secure, RioPort-enabled portable player.
"This merger creates a broader platform for the delivery of digital content and positions Ecast as a stronger service partner for all our customers -- content owners, operators, e-tailers, and consumer electronics manufacturers," said Robbie Vann-Adibe, CEO of Ecast, Inc. "Both Ecast and RioPort have proven our abilities to execute against the rapidly emerging digital media opportunity in our respective markets and we look forward to creating synergies that will benefit our customers and consumers worldwide."
"Both RioPort and Ecast have built strong relationships with key partners and developed the underlying services and technologies that our customers need as the content distribution business moves to digital delivery," said Jim Long, general manager of Ecast's RioPort Division. "The new Ecast is now a financially stronger company with the resources and expertise in place to become the leading digital media delivery network for all our constituencies."
"The RioPort-Ecast merger paves the way for some very interesting opportunities in digital music delivery," said Ted Cohen, vice president of Digital Development and Distribution, EMI Recorded Music. "EMI has partnered with both companies in the digital delivery arena and we look forward to working with them to explore integrated initiatives that combine their in- and out-of home platform to merchandise and promote EMI artists."
About Ecast:
Ecast, Inc., founded in 1999, provides a comprehensive platform for the secure delivery and management of digital content to consumers in both the in- and out-of-home marketplaces. The Ecast Interactive Media Network, available through broadband-enabled jukebox systems and entertainment consoles internationally, allows millions of users to enjoy a wide variety of content and applications including: digital music from all of the major and many popular independent labels; interactive games from some of the world's leading publishers; a photography capture application; and the best in sports, videos, news and more. Ecast's RioPort Division, with offices in the U.S. and Asia, focuses on the aggregation, delivery and management of secure digital content to personal devices, such as desktop computers, portable music playback devices and Internet-enabled appliances. Ecast customers include out-of-home venue operators in the U.S. and Europe; leading online e-tailers such as BestBuy.com, MTV.com and HP.com; and prominent consumer electronics manufacturers. For more information, visit http://www.ecastinc.com or call 877/451-1537.
CONTACT:
Ecast, Inc.
Andre Lawless, 415/277-3566
alawless@ecastinc.com
or
FDPR
Heidi Davis, 207/363-8575
heidi@fdpr.com
SOURCE: Ecast, Inc.
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page. URL: http://www.businesswire.com
10/16/2002 09:02 EASTERN
New Silhouette competitor from iRIVER (great reviews)
http://gear.ign.com/articles/374/374377p1.html
Rendezvous Future standard? Good read IMO
By Lucas van Grinsven
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Hooking up a printer to a personal computer has ruined many a weekend in the average household and it still causes grief, even after 20 years of PC innovations that have made processors and computersmuch more powerful.
Several initiatives have been launched to resolve the issue -- with varying degrees of success -- and Apple is now pushing a solution that aims to solve part of the problem when trying to get technology devices to work together.
Its technology, called Rendezvous, already comes pre-installed in the latest Apple gear and in high-end printers from Canon. The world's major printer makers, Hewlett-Packard, Epson, Lexmark and Epson have also embraced it.
As long as the Rendezvous technology is embedded in a printer, it will automatically advertise its presence after being plugged into a network, after which it can be used.
"You'll never have to configure a network printer again," Apple's Chief Executive Steve Jobs said at a recent Apple product show in Paris.
When using Rendezvous in an Apple test lab situation last week, printers and messaging buddies popped up and disappeared as I connected and disconnected devices on the fly.
Rendezvous, which is Apple's version of an open industry standard for zero configuration over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, is compelling enough for consumer electronics giant Philips from the Netherlands to start adding the protocol into its Hifi sets and televisions.
Songs stored on an Apple iPod portable music player could be played through a Philips stereo system, using a wireless connection, Philips Chief Executive Gerard Kleisterlee said in videotaped speech in Paris. Pictures stored on a PC or digital camera could be displayed on a television screen, he added.
The first consumer electronics products will come out in 2004, a Philips spokesman in Amsterdam said.
Rendezvous can also be used for other network services, such as instant messaging or file sharing.
One of Apple's engineers behind Rendezvous, Stuart Cheshire, pointed out that Rendezvous is not just about "ease-of-use." It also stands to simplify the spaghetti-like mess of various cables in a household or office. Rather than having video, S-Video, component video, stereo audio, 5.1 Dolby, Toslink optical audio cables and the like, any uniform computer connection will do, either through a wire or over the air with wireless LAN or Bluetooth.
Despite minor differences, Rendezvous resembles Universal Plug and Play, the standard that is pushed by software giant Microsoft, both an Apple rival and partner.
Philips believes the two are so close it will combine both in its products.
"We support Universal Plug and Play and will thereby support Rendezvous," the spokesman said.
WILL IT MAKE LIFE EASIER?
But will life for every-day computer users at home really become any easier with Rendezvous or Universal Plug and Play? Both technologies solve the issue of making a connection and advertising their services, but many network devices still need special software if they want to use each other.
This so-called "driver" software is one of the reasons why operating systems such as Windows have million of lines of computer code -- every printer type has its own driver software program and the one you need is often lacking.
"Once you are done with (detecting services), you are left back in the world of protocols," software engineer Todd Blume said at Tiger Island Software on the Internet discussion board of Sun Microsystems (http://archives.java.sun.com/jini-users.html).
However, there is also software to solve this problem in the form of Jini, a Java program that allows machines to send the appropriate driver software to each other. The U.S. Army has begun to use Jini technology because it needed a technology to quickly add new and unfamiliar devices onto a network that could be partly blown to pieces, Sun said.
When Jim Waldo, chief Jini software architect at Sun, heard about Rendezvous his reaction was that Apple's Rendezvous and Jini could benefit from each other.
Rendezvous will create a network between devices, and Jini will guarantee they can work together.
"There will be an attempt to use the Highlander Principle (there can be only one...) to put Jini and Rendezvous into an either/or situation. Which would be too bad, since I think that the two really could complement each other nicely," he said in the discussion group.
It is unclear whether the combination of both technologies will appear in real products any time soon.
10/15/02 13:31 ET
Apple's QuickTime 6 Downloads Top 25 Million
Strong Reception for Industry Standard MPEG-4
CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) (Nasdaq:AAPL) today announced that more than 25 million copies of QuickTime(R) 6 have been downloaded in less than 100 days, demonstrating strong demand for the open standard MPEG-4 format upon which QuickTime 6 is based. Combined with nearly 200,000 downloads of the free QuickTime Streaming Server and Darwin Streaming Server, Apple is the industry leader in providing end-to-end MPEG-4 streaming solutions.
"QuickTime 6 has taken off like a rocket, with over 25 million downloads in 100 days," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Why pay for a proprietary streaming solution when Apple is offering the first widely distributed end-to-end, open-standards-based streaming solution for free?"
"Jive Records used MPEG-4 to deliver a massive number of video streams of Britney Spears' on-line exclusive, 'I Love Rock and Roll,'" said Jeff Dodes, vice president of New Media for Jive Records. "QuickTime 6 has allowed us to deliver incredible quality audio and video from one of our hottest artists to her fans around the world."
"'Yankee Hotel, Fox Trot' has been WILCO's most successful album to date, blowing away all industry expectations, and we couldn't have done it without QuickTime and MPEG-4 on our site," said Tony Margherita, manager of WILCO. "We're even doing a live broadcast from the '930 Club' in Washington, D.C. this week using MPEG-4 because it's the best way to deliver quality content at a wide range of bandwidths."
"Discreet cleaner 6 for Apple Macintosh supports QuickTime 6 and addresses the growing demand for tools that encode to the MPEG-4 standard-continuing Discreet's long tradition of supporting the latest and greatest encoding standards," said Joseph Klingler, Discreet's senior director of Software Development.
Released on July 15, QuickTime 6 with support for MPEG-4 is Apple's industry-leading, standards-based software for developing, producing and delivering high-quality audio and video over IP, wireless and broadband networks. More than 126 million users downloaded the QuickTime Player via the Internet in the last year, while tens of millions more copies were distributed via digital cameras, software titles and enhanced music CDs. QuickTime 6 is available as a free download to Macintosh(R) and Windows users at www.apple.com/quicktime.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings.
NOTE: Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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SOURCE Apple Computer Inc.
CO: Apple Computer Inc.
ST: California
SU: SVY
http://www.prnewswire.com
10/15/2002 11:00 EDT
pressplay Expands Music Offering With BMG Content
BMG Becomes the Fourth Major Record Label to Offer Its Catalog
On the Leading Legal Music Service
Pressplay Members Will Be Able to Burn, Download, Stream and Transfer Songs From BMG Artists Including Elvis Presley, Barry Manilow, Christina Aguilera, OutKast, Kenny G., TLC, Whitney Houston, and Many More
LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- pressplay, the leading music service, today announced an agreement with BMG that brings that company's prestigious music catalog to the pressplay service. BMG becomes the fourth major music company to add its songs to pressplay's catalog of more than 120,000 songs from thousands of artists across all genres.
The agreement will add tens of thousands of tracks into pressplay from both frontline and catalog BMG artists including Christina Aguilera, Alabama, Brooks and Dunn, John Denver, Placido Domingo, Vince Gill, Whitney Houston, Kenny G., Barry Manilow, Monica, Lorrie Morgan, Sarah McLachlan, OutKast, Iggy Pop, Elvis Presley, Lou Reed, Run DMC, Frank Sinatra, The Strokes, TLC, Tyrese, Usher, Wu Tang Clan, Yanni, Yes and ZZ Top. Pressplay members will be able to burn these artists' songs to CDs, transfer them to portable devices or keep their tracks permanently on their computers, as well as enjoy unlimited streams and downloads.
"From Elvis Presley to Whitney Houston and Sinatra to The Strokes, the addition of BMG's great artists and music will add tens of thousands of songs for our members to enjoy online or offline, on their PCs or on the go," said Michael Bebel, president and chief executive officer of pressplay. "The addition of this fourth major music company is another important step forward for pressplay. Following the successful launch of our latest version, which includes commercial-free radio, pressplay continues to deliver to our members the features and music they want."
"We are pleased to make our music available through pressplay," said Michael Smellie, Chief Operating Officer, BMG. "This license agreement further demonstrates BMG's commitment to bringing music to consumers online in a way that is dynamic and respects our artists' rights."
Launched in the U.S. in December 2001, pressplay remains the only online music subscription service to offer subscribers broad portability options along with an unlimited number of streams and downloads. Pressplay also offers more than 25 professionally programmed stations on Radio pressplay. Pressplay is available through MSN, Yahoo, MP3.com, Roxio and Sony Musiclub. Last month pressplay also became accessible on the "services" tab of Microsoft's new Windows Media Player 9 Series, exposing tens of millions of Windows Media users to the pressplay service.
About pressplay
Launched in December 2001, pressplay is an equally held joint venture between Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group (a unit of Vivendi Universal), and has offices in Los Angeles and New York City. Music companies, including BMG, EMI Recorded Music, Madacy, Matador, Navarre, OWIE, Razor & Tie, Roadrunner, Rounder, Sanctuary, Sony Music Entertainment, TVT, Universal Music Group and Zomba separately provide their content to pressplay on a non-exclusive basis. Pressplay is marketed to consumers through relationships with MP3.com, MSN Music, pressplay Connect, Roxio, Sony Music Club and Yahoo!. An independent executive team with deep music, programming, technology and business experience leads the company.
About BMG
BMG is the global music division of Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's leading media companies, with annual revenues of $17.86 billion. BMG owns more than 200 record labels in 42 countries including Arista Records, RCA Records, RCA Label Group - Nashville, and Ariola. In addition, BMG owns one of the world's largest music publishing companies.
For further information please contact: Dana Harris of Fleishman Hillard, +1-212-453-2309, harrisd@fleishman.com, for pressplay; or Seth Oster of pressplay, +1-310-281-5027, seth.oster@pressplay.com; or Nathaniel Brown of BMG, +1-212-930-6790, nathaniel.brown@bmg.com
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SOURCE pressplay
CO: pressplay; BMG
ST: California, New York
SU: LIC
http://www.prnewswire.com
10/14/2002 16:31 EDT
More Than 75 Percent Of U.S. Households Likely to Buy Consumer Electronics This Holiday Season, According to CEA Survey
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 2002--
CE Retailers Should Expect Healthy Shopping Season Nearly On Par With 2001
More than three-quarters (78 percent) of all U.S. households are likely to purchase at least one consumer electronics (CE) product as a gift during the upcoming holiday shopping season, according to the results of the "9th Annual Holiday Purchase Patterns" survey released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
Retailers should expect booming sales of DVD players and digital cameras, as well as significantly increased levels of gift giving interest in home theater and home stereo, big screen TVs, and camcorders. On an unaided basis, U.S. adult consumers named 13 consumer electronics products among the 30 top items they would like to receive as gifts this year.
"The incredible variety of new consumer electronics product offerings in recent years has given shoppers more gift choices than ever," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. "Much of that growth has been fueled by the digital revolution, and it is apparent that consumers recognize the benefits of digital products. The added convenience, speed, portability and cost-efficiency of digital products has led to positions of priority on holiday shopping lists this season."
DVD Tops CE Gift Giving List for Second Year in a Row
DVD players, the fastest selling consumer electronics product in history, topped the list of CE gift items for the second consecutive year. Overall interest in purchasing DVD players rose 19 percent from last year.
The survey also found that digital cameras will be hot this holiday season. Nearly one-quarter of all U.S. households are at least contemplating a digital camera purchase, up 14 percent from last year. Third place on the list were personal portable tape and CD products.
Following the boom in video game system sales from last year's holiday season, video game peripherals top the computer wish list in 2002, as well as taking top ranking among items consumers plan to purchase for children.
Uncertainty in the Economy Not Dampening Enthusiasm for Holiday Purchases
Despite a number of uncertainties facing the U.S. economy, a growing number of consumers feel economic conditions are the same or better than those they faced last year. In terms of the dollars consumers are allocating for gifts, 68 percent will likely spend the same amount or more this year, down slightly from 74 percent in 2001 and 71 percent in 2000.
"In line with consumers' plans to spend less this holiday shopping season, falling prices are allowing buyers to stretch their funds," said Sean Wargo, director of industry analysis for CEA.
Good news, considering most consumers have plenty of gifts to buy. On average, the typical U.S. household buys gifts for as many as 14 other friends/co-workers/relatives.
Holiday Online Shopping May be Boon to Sagging Computer Industry
While DVD players were the king of the holiday hill for the second consecutive year, a number of computer-related categories showed big increases in consumer interest. Sales of desktop computers, in particular, should get a holiday boost. Consumer interest in purchasing a PC as a holiday gift rose 27 percent over last year, and the computer ranked as the number two item for those likely to make an online purchase.
In addition, consumers aren't forgetting the computers they already have with PC upgrades and accessory items ranking number one among likely online shoppers. In total, one in five U.S. households expect to purchase a PC upgrade (RAM, hard drive, CD burner, etc.) as a holiday gift. Overall, one-third of all U.S. households expect to make an online gift purchase this holiday season.
For a list of available reports and purchasing information, visit www.eBrain.org or send an e-mail request to info@eBrain.org.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) represents more than 1,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels.
Combined, CEA's members account for more than $80 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Technology's Future. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
UPCOMING EVENTS
-- CEA Fall Conference and Industry Forum October 13-16, 2002, San Francisco, CA
-- Electronic House Expo - Fall November 11-14, 2002, Long Beach, CA
-- 2003 International CES - Defining Technology's Future January 9-12, 2003, Las Vegas, NV
-- Electronic House Expo - Spring February 26-March 1, 2003, Orlando, FL
-- CEA 2003 Winter Technology & Standards Forum February 24-February 28, 2003, Scottsdale, AZ
-- 2003 CEA Winter Summit March 4-6, 2003, St. Regis Aspen, Aspen, CO
-- HDTV Summit & the Academy of DTV Pioneers 2002 Awards March 10, 2003, Renaissance Hotel, Washington, DC
-- Asian Home Electronics Fair May 14-17, 2003, Shanghai, China
-- 7th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit June 18-20, 2003, Vail, CO
-- CEA 2003 Summer Technology & Standards Forum August 1-4, 2003, Location TBA
-- CEA Industry Forum & Fall Conference September 14-17, 2003, Carlsbad, CA
CONTACT:
Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Jeff Joseph, 703/907-7664
jjoseph@ce.org
or
Lisa Fasold, 703/907-7669
lfasold@ce.org
http://www.CE.org
SOURCE: Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page. URL: http://www.businesswire.com
10/14/2002 12:00 EASTERN
MP3.com reviews MamboX P350HDD. MAMBO but NO ODYSSEY yet???????
Mambo-X P350 hard-drive player/recorder
http://hardware.mp3.com/hardware/individual/3888.html
MSRP $249
Category Portables User Rating 5.00
Rating 5 = Great Product
See/Submit User Reviews
MP3.com Review
Pros:
Records MP3s and digital audio in real time.
Plays MP3s and WMAs.
Serves as portable hard drive.
Cons:
No backlight timer or contrast controls.
No auto-shutoff or auto-resume.
Only two recording settings.
The new is no lightweight. And if it weren't for a few silly quirks, it would be a real heavyweight. At $249, this 20MB unit is in a league with many of the newer portables in its class. It plays MP3s and WMAs with clean, distortion-free clarity. It records voice through a built-in microphone and audio via a line-in jack. With 8MB of memory buffer, we could not get it to skip. You can use it right of the box as a portable hard drive with Windows 2000 and up (drivers are on CD for W98SE). The mic is sensitive enough to pick up sounds across a room but even better at close-up voices. The 9.8-ounce case has rubber feet on the bottom, so it stays put when you set it on a table -- ideal for recording group conversations.
Recording quality in voice mode is as good as any cassette recorder and you can use an external mic. The included cable lets you record from any analog source. Oddly, this only seemed to work with their cable; our male-to-male mini-cable would not. As always, you should monitor audio input through headphones to make sure nothing's getting clipped. And in voice or audio mode, you can pause and restart recording in the same file -- something we haven't seen anywhere else. Audio files are saved numerically in a special folder created the first time you record, as are audio files. You can rename them using Windows Explorer or any file manager. In fact, you use a file manager to drag and drop files to or from the Mambo-X's drive. MusicMatch 7.1 is included for file transfers encoding and, but we didn't even install it.
The Mambo-X has all the other features you'd expect, like five preset and one-user programmable EQ; a large, bright backlit LCD; a "Navi-Dial" for easy navigation through folders; random/repeat modes, the ability to make playlists on the fly (that you also rename on your PC); and plenty of volume. A lineout jack outputs level audio to your home or car stereo system. A cool-looking corded remote with LCD display is an available option. An expansion port on the side is for future use with games and other devices.
With so much going for it, the Mambo-X has those quirks you should know about -- although none is serious enough to keep us from recommending it: You can't adjust the backlight timer or contrast. There's no auto-resume or auto-shutoff, so you have to restart from the root directory. The included earbuds should be replaced immediately with a better set or headphones. There's no balance control, but you can adjust the volume to each earbud -- although we're not sure why you'd want to. You can only record at 160kbps/44.1KHz or 64kbps/22.1KHz; most other recorders offer a choice of encoding levels. On the Mambo-X you'll get fine sound, but use more disk space for voice and audio. Our audio recordings picked up some static. That could have been caused by the internal hard drive or being near two desktop PCs when recording. Either way, we couldn't get rid of it. The battery meter disappears while you're recording, and you can't delete files on the fly to free up disk space. The only way to know how much space is left is through a file manager when you're connected to your PC via USB. Eight hours of battery life is claimed on a full charge -- our experience was more like six hours. An external battery pack is available. You can upgrade the firmware online.
While you can use the Mambo-X just about anywhere, it's a little large for workouts and jogging -- but not impossibly so. There's no belt clip, just a large, unpadded drawstring pouch. The unit seems rugged enough, but we recommend a padded case for outdoor use. If you're looking for a hard-drive portable in this price range, the Mambo-X makes a great dance partner.
Despite its few missteps, we still consider it a player that's hot to trot.
Company Hype
Mambo-X P350, the revolutionary multi-functional jukebox recorder, with its 20GB storage capacity, this hybrid player offers fantastic sound quality as a MP3/WMA/WAV jukebox player, a MP3 real-time recorder, a digital voice recorder with gigantic 700-hour capacity, a digital album that can hold up to 24,000 photos and unparalleled versatility as a USB data storage device.
It's so easy to use, you don't even need driver or software.Click here to learn more!
Zeek
Of course bookstores do most of their business in the first few weeks of the semester...that is when students pick up and buy their books!
At the time they are buying books, etc., I doubt MP3 players or other large purchases are on their agenda.
Later on, after they are settled, is when other type purchases are more likely to be made IMO.
Would it have been better to have our product ready 4 weeks ago? Of course, but it did not happen. The positive is it is ready now.
Dioneer DCP-450 will not be sold in US under their name
http://www.dioneer.com/en_product/450_1.asp
DCP-450 and 400 Admin 10-02-2002 141
We have been receiving lots of inquiries about the availability of DCP-450 and 400 as well.
We very much regret that lack of information has been bothering most of you.
Currently, we are expecting the launch of DCP-400 sometime in late October. Please check with your local vendors for the availability.
Unfortunately, by OEM agreements, it is prohibited to sell DCP-450 in the following countries: Europe, US, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia.