I take this news as a huge positive. It further validates the univeral applicability of Ampex's patent suite in this arena (other product lines forthcoming) as more MAJOR players are acknowledging the Ampex power.
With regard to the smaller upfront cash than earlier settlements, Ampex probably traded future percentages of sales for the much needed cash at the time. Since they're no longer desperate, I suspect that the company will receive a VERY NICE tail from these settlements (easier for the companies to pay in the future than today, and better for Ampex if the future cash is much higher).
Additionally, Ampex is willing to state PUBLICLY that MORE players will be coming to the table within three months. In order to say so, one would imagine (given the delays with lawyers, etc.) that they are very close.
I bet that future quarters will show a giant jump in ongoing royalty revenue (with virtually no associated costs) from these deals.
I'm amazed that one of the industry players doesn't buy Ampex in order to shut out its competitors...
