Categories Cover Biometrics, Personal Electronics, Wireless Communication Products and More HONG KONG, June 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Global Sources (Nasdaq: GSOL) is set to identify the most exciting electronics made in Asia with the launch of the Global Sources Electronics Design Awards ( http://www.globalsources.com/elecawards ). The awards focus on electronics that transform people's lives, ranging from cellphones and MP4 players, to GPS and LCD TVs.
Entries will be evaluated on product design, innovative manufacturing, creative marketing and export success. Winners will be selected by an independent panel of judges -- industry analysts, academics and procurement specialists.
Global Sources' Electronic Business Unit President, Mark A. Saunderson, said: "Japan, Taiwan, Korea and now mainland China are at the very forefront of the digital revolution. Manufacturers in these regions design many of the advanced products that define our modern lifestyles. Their vision is transforming science fiction into reality."
"These awards identify and celebrate the very latest and most exciting products Asia and Greater China suppliers have to offer -- designs that set the bar for quality and sophistication the world over."
The 13 Global Sources Electronics Design Awards categories are:
-- Biometric products -- Computer products -- High-performance AV -- Home electronics -- In-car electronics -- Networking products -- Office electronics -- Optoelectronics -- Personal electronics -- Power supplies -- Surveillance products -- Wireless communication products -- Wireline communication products Winners will be announced at China Sourcing Fair: Electronics & Components ( http://www.chinasourcingfair.com ) at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo in October. The show is expected to attract over 30,000 professional electronics buyers.
For more about the Electronics Design Awards, visit http://www.globalsources.com/elecawards .
About Global Sources
Global Sources is a leading business-to-business (B2B) media company and a primary facilitator of two-way trade with Greater China. The core business is facilitating trade from Greater China to the world, using a wide range of English-language media. The other key business segment facilitates trade from the world to Greater China using Chinese-language media.
The company provides sourcing information to volume buyers and integrated marketing services to suppliers. It helps a community of over 600,000 active buyers source more profitably from complex overseas supply markets. With the goal of providing the most effective ways possible to advertise, market and sell, Global Sources enables suppliers to sell to hard-to-reach buyers in over 230 countries.
The company offers the most extensive range of media and export marketing services in the industries it serves. It delivers information on 1.8 million products and more than 150,000 suppliers annually through 13 online marketplaces, 12 monthly magazines, over 100 sourcing research reports and nine specialized trade shows which run 22 times a year across seven cities.
Suppliers receive more than 13 million sales leads annually from buyers through Global Sources Online ( http://www.globalsources.com ) alone.
Global Sources has been facilitating global trade for 36 years. In mainland China it has over 1,700 team members in 44 locations, and a community of over 1 million registered online users and magazine readers for Chinese-language media.
http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/06/06/prnewswire200706060437PR_NEWS_B_MAT_NY_HKW003.html
Friday, June 15, 2007
Electronics Exports Predicted to Rise by 16%
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy predicts the size of the world electronics industry will grow 5.8 percent to US$1.54 trillion and exports of Korean-made electronics will increase by 16 percent to $133.1 billion.
This is according to a ministry report released on Wednesday, one day ahead of the Electronics Trend Prediction Seminar at the Korea Electronics Technology Institute. The ministry forecasts the electronic parts market will grow by 6 percent, followed by home electronics at 4.5 percent and industrial electronics at 4.4 percent.
According to the report, home IT devices will evolve into a ubiquitous system that people will be able to use whenever and wherever. It also says the market for 10-megapixel digital cameras and digital multimedia broadcasting devices will grow the most among mobile devices.
In the display sector, the ministry believes that flat panel and organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices will be commercialized rapidly. Small electronics such as game consoles and digital cameras will have strong sales, the ministry forecast in the report.
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200706/200706070019.html
Harvey Electronics Appoints New Interim CEO
Harvey Electronics, Inc. ("Harvey" or the "Company" NASDAQ Capital Market symbol HRVE) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Michael E. Recca as the Company's Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Recca will step into the role of Martin McClanan, who has completed his Interim CEO contract with the Company effective June 5. Mr. McClanan will become an advisor to the Company.
Mr. Recca has been a member of the Board, and previously Chairman of Harvey for nearly 10 years. He has remained an active participant in the rejuvenation and financial turn around efforts at Harvey. He has accepted the Interim Chief Executive position in anticipation of the completion of the acquisition of Myer-Emco, Inc.
Mr. McClanan will be returning to his home on the West Coast. McClanan said, "I am proud of the progress we have made at Harvey since last November. We have seen notable improvements in the marketing, internet activity, training and in the "in-store" experience at the Company. I am optimistic about how these initiatives will put the Company in a position to return to growth and profitability. I am, and will remain, an enthusiastic supporter of the Company."
Andy Stackpole, Chairman of Harvey, commented, "From the outset, Martin's role with Harvey was intended to be a short-term one with the goal of guiding us through the initial phases of our turnaround and the acquisition of Myer-Emco. Having accomplished these goals, the entire Board and I wish to extend our deep appreciation to Martin for the positive changes he has made in such a short period of time."
"We are also pleased that we have someone with Mike Recca's knowledge and history with the Company to guide us through the integration of Harvey and Myer-Emco. Mike has played an instrumental role in the Myer-Emco transaction and has the experience to work with both Gary Yacoubian, our future President and COO and the entire management team, to ensure that the synergies we anticipate from combining the two businesses will be realized as smoothly and expeditiously as possible following the completion of the Myer-Emco transaction."
Harvey Electronics is a leading retailer and custom installer of high quality, exclusive home theater, audio and video products in the New York metropolitan area. The Company operates nine locations; in Manhattan at Fifth Avenue and 45th St, inside ABC Carpet and Home and a Bang & Olufsen showroom 927 Broadway near Union Square, in New Jersey; in Eatontown, Bridgewater and Paramus; in Greenwich Connecticut and on the North Shore of Long Island in Greenvale/Roslyn.
New York Magazine named Harvey "Best in New York in 2007" the best place to buy home theater in New York. Audio Video International, a well-respected trade publication, had named Harvey Electronics a national "Top Ten Retailer of the Year", seven years in a row.
We invite you to visit a Harvey or one of our Bang & Olufsen showrooms, and be sure to ask about our unique custom installation services. Contact Information: Harvey Electronics Michael E. Recca, 917-846-1917 Interim Chief Executive Officer or Joseph J. Calabrese, 201-842-0078 ext. 2502 Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?Feed=BW&Date=20070607&ID=7009059
MIT Team Powers Light Bulb Without Wires
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- In a perfect world, there'd be no wires. They clutter the view, get tangled behind desks and limit how far networks can reach. That's why the telegraph gave way to the radio. Cell phones unstrung telecommunications. Wi-Fi liberated computer data.
Now even the last knotty wire that seemed destined to remain -- the power cord -- could be on its way out.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers announced Thursday they had made a 60-watt light bulb glow by sending it energy wirelessly, potentially previewing a future in which cell phones and other gadgets get juice without having to be plugged in.
The breakthrough, disclosed in Science Express, an online publication of the journal Science, is being called "WiTricity" by the scientists.
The concept of sending power wirelessly isn't new, but its wide-scale use has been dismissed as inefficient because electromagnetic energy generated by the charging device would radiate in all directions.
Last fall, though, MIT physics professor Marin Soljacic (pronounced soul-ya-CHEECH) explained how to do the power transfer with specially tuned waves. The key is to get the charging device and a gadget to resonate at the same frequency -- allowing them to efficiently exchange energy.
It's similar to how an opera star can break a wine glass that happens to resonate at the same frequency as her voice. In fact, the concept is so basic in physics that inventor Nikola Tesla sought a century ago to build a huge tower on Long Island that would wirelessly beam power along with communications.
The new step described in Science was that the MIT team put the concept into action. The scientists lit a 60-watt bulb that was 7 feet away from the power-generating appliance.
"It was quite exciting," Soljacic said. The process is "very reproducible," he added. "We can just go to the lab and do it whenever we want."
The development raises the prospect that we might eliminate some of the clutter of cables in our ever-more electronic world. Is that necessarily a good thing? Soljacic acknowledged "that it's far from obvious how crucial people will find this."
But at least one benefit could be that if devices can get their power through the air, they might not need batteries and their attendant toxic chemicals.
Before that can happen, the technology has a ways to go.
The MIT system is about 40 percent to 45 percent efficient -- meaning that most of the energy from the charging device doesn't make it to the light bulb. Soljacic believes it needs to become twice as efficient to be on par with the old-fashioned way portable gadgets get their batteries charged.
Also, the copper coils that relay the power are almost 2 feet wide for now -- too big to be feasible for, say, laptops. And the 7-foot range of this wireless handoff could be increased -- presumably so that one charging device could automatically power all the gadgets in a room.
Soljacic believes all those improvements are within reach. The next step is to fire up more than just light bulbs, perhaps a Roomba robotic vacuum or a laptop.
The MIT team stresses that the "magnetic coupling" process involved in WiTricity is safe on humans and other living things. And in the initial experiments on the light bulb, nothing bad happened to the cell phones, electronic equipment and credit cards in the room -- though more research on that is needed.
The harmlessness apparently extends both ways: The researchers noted that putting people and other things between the coils -- even when they block the line of sight -- generally has no effect on the power transfer.
http://www.dailypress.com/technology/ats-ap_technology15jun07,0,5259251.story?coll=sns-technology-headlines
Now even the last knotty wire that seemed destined to remain -- the power cord -- could be on its way out.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers announced Thursday they had made a 60-watt light bulb glow by sending it energy wirelessly, potentially previewing a future in which cell phones and other gadgets get juice without having to be plugged in.
The breakthrough, disclosed in Science Express, an online publication of the journal Science, is being called "WiTricity" by the scientists.
The concept of sending power wirelessly isn't new, but its wide-scale use has been dismissed as inefficient because electromagnetic energy generated by the charging device would radiate in all directions.
Last fall, though, MIT physics professor Marin Soljacic (pronounced soul-ya-CHEECH) explained how to do the power transfer with specially tuned waves. The key is to get the charging device and a gadget to resonate at the same frequency -- allowing them to efficiently exchange energy.
It's similar to how an opera star can break a wine glass that happens to resonate at the same frequency as her voice. In fact, the concept is so basic in physics that inventor Nikola Tesla sought a century ago to build a huge tower on Long Island that would wirelessly beam power along with communications.
The new step described in Science was that the MIT team put the concept into action. The scientists lit a 60-watt bulb that was 7 feet away from the power-generating appliance.
"It was quite exciting," Soljacic said. The process is "very reproducible," he added. "We can just go to the lab and do it whenever we want."
The development raises the prospect that we might eliminate some of the clutter of cables in our ever-more electronic world. Is that necessarily a good thing? Soljacic acknowledged "that it's far from obvious how crucial people will find this."
But at least one benefit could be that if devices can get their power through the air, they might not need batteries and their attendant toxic chemicals.
Before that can happen, the technology has a ways to go.
The MIT system is about 40 percent to 45 percent efficient -- meaning that most of the energy from the charging device doesn't make it to the light bulb. Soljacic believes it needs to become twice as efficient to be on par with the old-fashioned way portable gadgets get their batteries charged.
Also, the copper coils that relay the power are almost 2 feet wide for now -- too big to be feasible for, say, laptops. And the 7-foot range of this wireless handoff could be increased -- presumably so that one charging device could automatically power all the gadgets in a room.
Soljacic believes all those improvements are within reach. The next step is to fire up more than just light bulbs, perhaps a Roomba robotic vacuum or a laptop.
The MIT team stresses that the "magnetic coupling" process involved in WiTricity is safe on humans and other living things. And in the initial experiments on the light bulb, nothing bad happened to the cell phones, electronic equipment and credit cards in the room -- though more research on that is needed.
The harmlessness apparently extends both ways: The researchers noted that putting people and other things between the coils -- even when they block the line of sight -- generally has no effect on the power transfer.
http://www.dailypress.com/technology/ats-ap_technology15jun07,0,5259251.story?coll=sns-technology-headlines
Cobra Electronics Announces Election of S. Sam Park to Its Board of Directors
Strategy & Business Development Leader at Celanese Corporation Selected for Global Business Experience CHICAGO, June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cobra Electronics Corp. (Nasdaq: COBR) today named S. Sam Park, a longtime executive with Texas chemical manufacturer Celanese Corporation, to Cobra's Board of Directors. Mr. Park was formally elected to the position by Cobra's board this week.
"We are extremely pleased to have Sam bring to Cobra his 20-plus years of experience in business development and strategic planning," said Jim Bazet, Cobra's President and CEO. "His extensive overseas business experience, particularly his track record of success in Asia, speaks well to the breadth and depth of his ability to develop vendor relationships across geographic and national boundaries. In particular, his counsel and insight into the challenges and opportunities of managing Asian vendor relationships will be instrumental in assisting Cobra to execute its growth initiatives. On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to welcome Sam, and we look forward to bringing his advice and global experience to benefit Cobra's business operations."
Mr. Park, 51, has most recently served as General Manager of Celanese (China) Holding Company, Ltd. He also served as Manager of Strategic Analysis and Managing Director at Dallas-based Celanese Corporation (CE-NYSE), a $5.9 billion diversified chemical and plastics manufacturer, with global business operations in North America, Asia, and Europe. During his more than two decades with Celanese, Mr. Park has served in numerous executive leadership roles and responsibilities, including significant experience with cross-border merger and acquisition transactions in Asia. An experienced negotiator, Mr. Park also served pivotal roles in forging several cross-border joint business ventures in China, Japan, and Singapore. His business leadership experience also extends to such areas as systems, internal audit, and accounting and finance. He has also lived and worked in Germany, and has been extensively involved in numerous multi-national and cultural projects.
Mr. Park began his career at General Electric Credit in 1978, where he served as a credit manager in the company's management development program.
About Cobra Electronics
Cobra Electronics is a leading global designer and marketer of communication and navigation products, with a track record of delivering innovative and award-winning products. Building upon its leadership position in the GMRS/FRS two-way radio, radar detector and citizens band industries, Cobra identified new growth opportunities and has aggressively expanded into the GPS, mobile navigation and marine markets. The Consumer Electronics Association, Forbes and Deloitte & Touche have all recently recognized Cobra for the company's innovation and industry leadership. To learn more about Cobra Electronics, please visit the Cobra site at http://www.cobra.com.
Safe Harbor
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to factors such as the acceptance of Cobra's new and existing products by customers, the continued success of Cobra's cost containment efforts and the continuation of key distribution channel relationships. Please refer to Cobra's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a more detailed discussion of factors that may affect Cobra's performance.
http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/06/07/prnewswire200706071629PR_NEWS_B_WES_AQ_AQTH126.html
"We are extremely pleased to have Sam bring to Cobra his 20-plus years of experience in business development and strategic planning," said Jim Bazet, Cobra's President and CEO. "His extensive overseas business experience, particularly his track record of success in Asia, speaks well to the breadth and depth of his ability to develop vendor relationships across geographic and national boundaries. In particular, his counsel and insight into the challenges and opportunities of managing Asian vendor relationships will be instrumental in assisting Cobra to execute its growth initiatives. On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to welcome Sam, and we look forward to bringing his advice and global experience to benefit Cobra's business operations."
Mr. Park, 51, has most recently served as General Manager of Celanese (China) Holding Company, Ltd. He also served as Manager of Strategic Analysis and Managing Director at Dallas-based Celanese Corporation (CE-NYSE), a $5.9 billion diversified chemical and plastics manufacturer, with global business operations in North America, Asia, and Europe. During his more than two decades with Celanese, Mr. Park has served in numerous executive leadership roles and responsibilities, including significant experience with cross-border merger and acquisition transactions in Asia. An experienced negotiator, Mr. Park also served pivotal roles in forging several cross-border joint business ventures in China, Japan, and Singapore. His business leadership experience also extends to such areas as systems, internal audit, and accounting and finance. He has also lived and worked in Germany, and has been extensively involved in numerous multi-national and cultural projects.
Mr. Park began his career at General Electric Credit in 1978, where he served as a credit manager in the company's management development program.
About Cobra Electronics
Cobra Electronics is a leading global designer and marketer of communication and navigation products, with a track record of delivering innovative and award-winning products. Building upon its leadership position in the GMRS/FRS two-way radio, radar detector and citizens band industries, Cobra identified new growth opportunities and has aggressively expanded into the GPS, mobile navigation and marine markets. The Consumer Electronics Association, Forbes and Deloitte & Touche have all recently recognized Cobra for the company's innovation and industry leadership. To learn more about Cobra Electronics, please visit the Cobra site at http://www.cobra.com.
Safe Harbor
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to factors such as the acceptance of Cobra's new and existing products by customers, the continued success of Cobra's cost containment efforts and the continuation of key distribution channel relationships. Please refer to Cobra's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a more detailed discussion of factors that may affect Cobra's performance.
http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/06/07/prnewswire200706071629PR_NEWS_B_WES_AQ_AQTH126.html
Tyco Approves Spin Off of Healthcare, Electronics Units
Tyco International said its board has formally approved its separation into three publicly traded companies through a dividend distribution to shareholders.
The distributions will be made on June 29 and Tyco International shareholders will receive one share of and one share of Tyco Electronics for each of their shares, the company said. The board also approved a one-for-four reverse split that will become effective once the dividend distribution is done.
Tyco [TYC 34.0 --- UNCH (0%) has said the separation, costing up to $1.6 billion, will let each company better focus on building value by setting its own strategy for acquisitions, alliances and use of resources, while giving investors clearer choices.
The company, which announced the tax-free break-up in January 2006, had expected to complete it early in the second quarter, but pushed back the date as it awaited the go-ahead from U.S. regulators.
Former chief Dennis , who in 2005 began serving a prison sentence for looting Tyco, proposed a break-up in 2002. Those plans were put on ice as Tyco worked to repair its image, which had come to be defined by a notorious $6,000 shower curtain and a $15,000 umbrella stand bought for with company funds.
Tyco CEO Ed Brine will continue to lead the company, whose portfolio will include the fire and security and engineered products segments, including the DAT home alarm business. Rich Meal will head Tyco Healthcare, which is being renamed , while Tom Lynch will be CEO of Tyco Electronics.
"We are now in the final stages of completing this complex transaction which will provide these businesses with the focus and flexibility to achieve their long-term growth potential," Brine said in a statement.
Tyco also filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday to withdraw the debt offerings that the three entities registered for in connection with the separation.
Tyco spokesman Paul said there was no need for the debt issues as the company has "debt financing in place to allow us to complete the spin-offs of and Electronics.
"We're moving forward on that basis to complete the separation as planned," said.
After the break-up, Tyco International has said it will explore the possible sale of its infrastructure services business, whose 2006 sales totaled $1.2 billion.
Tyco Electronics, whose 2006 sales totaled $12.8 billion, makes passive electronic components used in cars, telecommunications and computers. It is based in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. Tyco Electronics said in a May regulatory filing it might look to sell its power systems segment, which serves the communications industry and had 2006 sales of about $500 million.
, with 2006 sales of $9.6 billion, makes sutures, needles and imaging products, and is the world's biggest maker of acetaminophen. will be based in Mansfield, Massachusetts.
Tyco Electronics has applied to trade under the symbol "TEL" on the New York and Bermuda exchanges, while will trade as "CO." Tyco International will remain "TEC."
Microsoft and LG Electronics Announce Broad Patent-Licensing Agreement
REDMOND, Wash., and SEOUL, South Korea, June 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. and LG Electronics (LGE) today announced that they have entered into a patent cross-license agreement to further the development of the companies' current and future product lines. Microsoft has focused on patent agreements in the recent past to develop a best-practices model for protecting intellectual property (IP) and respecting the IP rights of others, as well as building bridges with an array of industry leaders, including consumer electronics, telecommunications and computer hardware providers.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
Through the agreement, LGE will be able to use Microsoft(R)-patented innovations in its products, including Linux-based embedded devices. Microsoft will have access to LGE's patents and will license other patents developed by LGE that are now owned by business solutions provider MicroConnect Group. The specific financial terms of the agreement are confidential, but the parties are disclosing that Microsoft will be making a net balancing payment to LGE and MicroConnect for patents related to operating systems and computer systems. LGE will be making ongoing payments to Microsoft for the value of Microsoft patents as they relate to Linux-based embedded devices that LGE produces.
"This agreement and our good relationship with Microsoft enable LGE to provide improved telecommunications solutions to our customers," said Jeong Hwan Lee, executive vice president of the Intellectual Property Center at LGE. "We believe that the license arrangement with Microsoft provides appropriate recognition of the value of LGE's computer system-related patents, which includes patents directed to computer architecture utilized in game consoles and other products. We believe in the importance of respecting the IP rights of others and that patent collaboration and protection is a best business practice the whole industry should be engaged in."
"MicroConnect is pleased to be able to make a contribution to the strengthened IP relationship between LGE and Microsoft," said Alan Loudermilk, founding partner of MicroConnect.
"This agreement is another example of how Microsoft is continuing to build bridges with others in the industry through intellectual property licensing," said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president, Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft. "We are pleased to be working with an industry leader and partner like LGE to meet our mutual business goals and customer needs."
In the past 12 months, Microsoft has announced similar agreements with companies such as Fuji Xerox Co. Ltd., NEC Corp., Nortel Networks, Novell Inc., Samsung and Seiko Epson Corp. to help build bridges between the world's leading computer hardware, software and telecommunications solutions providers.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, employing more than 82,000 people working in over 110 operations including 81 subsidiaries around the world. Comprising four business units -- Mobile Communications, Digital Appliance, Digital Display and Digital Media with 2006 global sales of US $38.5 billion -- LG Electronics is the world's largest producer of CDMA handsets, air conditioners, optical storage products, DVD players. For more information, please visit http://www.lge.com .
LG Electronics Digital Media Company is a leading producer of DVD players and home theater systems. It has been the world's best-selling optical storage maker for 9 consecutive years. The company provides digitally integrated products such as audio-video systems, car infotainment, optical storage products, notebook PCs, and PDAs, and is focusing on next-generation businesses.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Microsoft is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
http://www.eetimes.com/showPressRelease.jhtml?articleID=X615180
Care, cases could save tech toys
Question: I plan to take my MP3 player, digital camera and cellphone to the beach this summer. How can I protect them from damage?
Answer: If you follow a few common-sense tips, you can hit the sand and surf with most of your portable electronics and still bring them home in one piece.
Waterproof cases from companies like Otterbox, Pelican and Anvil will protect your devices not only from moisture, but also sand and dust, according to Jennifer Boone of the Consumer Electronics Association.
With "shoot-through" cases that feature thinner plastic, you can still snap pictures or spin the wheel on your iPod, she said. But keep electronics out of the sun because the cases don't protect from heat damage.
If you plan to relax poolside or near the surf, slip a piece of foam inside the case so your device will float if you drop it in the water, she said.
Any gadget with an open port, such as a headphone jack or DVD drive, is vulnerable, so make sure to close port flaps to keep sand out, Boone said. Take extra care with camcorders, she said.
For more serious beachgoers, electronics designed for more rugged conditions are available, such as underwater cameras, said David Carnoy, an executive editor at the technology Web site CNET.com.
Store all your devices in one place, like a cooler with no ice, to protect them, he said.
Wipe your hands clean of sunblock or tanning lotion before handling your electronics, especially those with rubberized skins that can become discolored, he said.
Allow devices to reach room temperature before using them again; bringing warm gadgets into an air-conditioned room can create condensation, Boone said.
http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/0608biz-nodamage0608.html
Answer: If you follow a few common-sense tips, you can hit the sand and surf with most of your portable electronics and still bring them home in one piece.
Waterproof cases from companies like Otterbox, Pelican and Anvil will protect your devices not only from moisture, but also sand and dust, according to Jennifer Boone of the Consumer Electronics Association.
With "shoot-through" cases that feature thinner plastic, you can still snap pictures or spin the wheel on your iPod, she said. But keep electronics out of the sun because the cases don't protect from heat damage.
If you plan to relax poolside or near the surf, slip a piece of foam inside the case so your device will float if you drop it in the water, she said.
Any gadget with an open port, such as a headphone jack or DVD drive, is vulnerable, so make sure to close port flaps to keep sand out, Boone said. Take extra care with camcorders, she said.
For more serious beachgoers, electronics designed for more rugged conditions are available, such as underwater cameras, said David Carnoy, an executive editor at the technology Web site CNET.com.
Store all your devices in one place, like a cooler with no ice, to protect them, he said.
Wipe your hands clean of sunblock or tanning lotion before handling your electronics, especially those with rubberized skins that can become discolored, he said.
Allow devices to reach room temperature before using them again; bringing warm gadgets into an air-conditioned room can create condensation, Boone said.
http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/0608biz-nodamage0608.html
Tyco Board, SEC Agree to Spin Off Health, Electronics (Update4)
Tyco International Ltd. will spin off its health-care and electronics units to shareholders at the end of the month after winning approval from its board and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The shares had their biggest gain in more than a year.
Stockholders as of June 18 will get one share of the health-care company, named Covidien, and one share of the electronics unit, Tyco Electronics, on June 29 for every four shares of the parent owned, Bermuda-based Tyco said in a statement yesterday.
Chief Executive Officer Edward Breen and his board moved in January 2006 to break up Tyco to improve returns for investors in the conglomerate built by former CEO L. Dennis Kozlowski, now serving time in New York State prison for stealing from the company. Tyco settled in May shareholder lawsuits stemming from that era for $2.98 billion. Breen had set the end of June as the deadline for the split after delaying from the first quarter.
``Today is clearly independence day, not only for these three businesses that were trapped in an overburdened corporate structure, but also for shareholders who have been waiting patiently for this day to come,'' said Dennis Jean-Jacques, a portfolio manager at Stamford, Connecticut-based Basso Capital, which owns about 500,000 Tyco shares.
Shares of Tyco, which is run from West Windsor, New Jersey, jumped $1.17, or 3.6 percent, to $33.80 at 4 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. It was the biggest gain since May 4, 2006. They have climbed 11 percent so far this year.
Eventual Total Value
The SEC approved the company's intent to split into three, Tyco spokesman Paul Fitzhenry said.
Jean-Jacques estimates Tyco is trading at about half its eventual total value, given that the three new companies have ``options'' to push their share prices higher after the split. Company executives said on May 10, for instance, that ``simplification'' of the new electronics company would increase returns.
Approval ``removes almost all of the remaining uncertainty surrounding Tyco's ability to successfully complete its spinoff process on its planned time schedule,'' wrote Scott Davis, an analyst at New York-based Morgan Stanley, in a note yesterday. He has an ``overweight'' rating on the stock.
Davis estimates Tyco's ``full value,'' referred to by analysts as sum of the parts, at about $39 a share. The company in January said it may cost as much as $1.6 billion to complete the split.
Bond Trustee
Tyco also filed with the SEC to withdraw the debt offerings that the three new entities registered in connection with the separation because Tyco has the financing in place to complete the spinoffs, Fitzhenry said.
Tyco is being sued by its bond trustee, Bank of New York Co., which is seeking a court order to resolve a dispute over how much bondholders should be compensated after the spinoffs.
The company sought to buy back about $5.6 billion of debt, receiving less than a third of the amount it tendered for. After the offer failed, Tyco said it would void bondholders' right to veto the breakup plan by waiving the ``majority consent'' covenant in its bond indentures.
The June 4 lawsuit continues a conflict that began last month with American International Group Inc.'s investment- management unit claiming that bondholders were entitled to about $95 million more than Tyco's offer. While the AIG suit has been withdrawn, a bondholder committee this month said it plans to file a new complaint.
Reverse Share Split
Shares of the new companies may start trading as soon as July 2, Fitzhenry said. Covidien will trade under the symbol COV and Tyco Electronics as TEL on the New York Stock Exchange.
The Tyco board also signed off on a one-for-four reverse share split for the parent company, which will become effective right after the spinoffs, the company said. Stockholders approved that move on March 8.
Immediately following the breakup, Tyco holders will own all the shares of Covidien and Tyco Electronics, the company said. Tyco has already named executives and boards for both new companies. Breen intends to stay on and run what's left of Tyco.
Covidien will be the world's second-biggest maker of disposable-medical products behind Johnson & Johnson, while Tyco Electronics will be the world's largest manufacturer of electronic connectors. Tyco International is the world's biggest provider of security and fire prevention systems as well as the largest maker of industrial valves.
Manipulating Earnings
Kozlowski and former Chief Financial Officer Mark Swartz are serving sentences as long as 25 years for stealing more than $150 million in unauthorized bonuses and defrauding Tyco shareholders of millions more.
Investors alleged in their suits that the two also orchestrated a scheme to manipulate the company's earnings. Kozlowski was forced to step down in 2002. Tyco agreed in April 2006 to pay $50 million to settle SEC claims over flawed accounting. The SEC had alleged that Tyco inflated operating income by $567 million through its ADT security unit.
An investor day will be held June 19 at 8 a.m. at the Equitable Center in New York City to discuss the three companies.
Breen, Tyco Electronics CEO Thomas Lynch and Tyco Healthcare Chief Executive Rich Meelia will attend to answer questions, Tyco said.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aOG7hVCGJwjw&refer=news
Nanoradio AB Raises 27 Million USD in New Funding
STOCKHOLM, June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Nanoradio AB, the market leader in low power WiFi (W-LAN) solutions, has secured a new financing deal worth 27 million USD. The investment has been made by Norwegian firm, Ferd Venture, together with the previous investors - a syndicate of four venture capital funds consisting of Nordic Venture Partners, Innovacom, Teknoinvest and Industrifonden.
"Until recently the WiFi business has focused on PCs and network access points but the most important trend is to now include WiFi in cellular handsets and consumer electronics. Demand for a wireless lifestyle is accelerating rapidly. We believe that Nanoradio will address a broad, rapidly expanding market and we see great potential in the company and its unique, feature-rich, WiFi solution," says Pal M Rodseth, Partner at Ferd Venture.
"Our product has made a great impact on tier 1 mobile phone manufacturers. The investment clearly indicates a big confidence in the company. Our investors' financial support enables us to focus on product development and maintaining our leading position in low power WiFi solutions, while better supporting our customers," says Par Bergsten, CEO of Nanoradio AB.
The NRX700 chipset solution is designed to meet the accelerating demand for Voice over IP. Demand is being driven by fixed-to-cellular convergence and the revolution in media content that is transforming the digital mobile media experience for users. The technology is supported by standards such as UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem). Nanoradio's offering features ultra-low power consumption, small size and low total WiFi solution cost.
Nanoradio is the first company in the world to support the emerging need for WiFi in headsets and other audio devices. The company has demonstrated a fully-functional WiFi stereo HiFi headset using the NRX700 chipset.
Nanoradio's target markets are mobile phones, portable media devices and other battery-driven handheld consumer devices. The combination of a highly skilled development team and world-class products has resulted in both design wins and volume sales to industry-leading mobile device manufacturers around the world.
About Nanoradio
Nanoradio AB was founded in March 2004 and is a Swedish semiconductor supplier targeting the Cellular handset- and consumer electronics market. The company is a "fabless" company providing wireless solutions that is, all manufacturing is outsourced. Nanoradio has developed a state of the art technology for integrated circuits with focus on the critical success factors for handheld products, namely, power consumption, physical size and total cost for customer. Nanoradio has a team of 70 people with extensive experience from the cellular and wireless industry as well as semiconductor industry and start-ups. Nanoradio has a global sales and support structure since 2005 with offices in Korea, USA and Japan. Nanoradios unique low power WLAN chipset makes high speed wireless access possible in portable electronics.
Further information on Nanoradio AB may be found on the World Wide Web at www.nanoradio.com
About Ferd Venture
Ferd Venture is part of the Ferd Group, which is one of Norway's leading investment companies. Ferd Venture primarily invests in Nordic ICT companies that are seeking capital for further commercialisation and growth, and which have the potential to sustain long-term competitive advantage. Ferd Venture has a team of 6 investment professionals based in Oslo, and has significant funds available for new investments.
http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/06/08/prnewswire200706080349PR_NEWS_B_GBL_HS_UKF009.html
"Until recently the WiFi business has focused on PCs and network access points but the most important trend is to now include WiFi in cellular handsets and consumer electronics. Demand for a wireless lifestyle is accelerating rapidly. We believe that Nanoradio will address a broad, rapidly expanding market and we see great potential in the company and its unique, feature-rich, WiFi solution," says Pal M Rodseth, Partner at Ferd Venture.
"Our product has made a great impact on tier 1 mobile phone manufacturers. The investment clearly indicates a big confidence in the company. Our investors' financial support enables us to focus on product development and maintaining our leading position in low power WiFi solutions, while better supporting our customers," says Par Bergsten, CEO of Nanoradio AB.
The NRX700 chipset solution is designed to meet the accelerating demand for Voice over IP. Demand is being driven by fixed-to-cellular convergence and the revolution in media content that is transforming the digital mobile media experience for users. The technology is supported by standards such as UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem). Nanoradio's offering features ultra-low power consumption, small size and low total WiFi solution cost.
Nanoradio is the first company in the world to support the emerging need for WiFi in headsets and other audio devices. The company has demonstrated a fully-functional WiFi stereo HiFi headset using the NRX700 chipset.
Nanoradio's target markets are mobile phones, portable media devices and other battery-driven handheld consumer devices. The combination of a highly skilled development team and world-class products has resulted in both design wins and volume sales to industry-leading mobile device manufacturers around the world.
About Nanoradio
Nanoradio AB was founded in March 2004 and is a Swedish semiconductor supplier targeting the Cellular handset- and consumer electronics market. The company is a "fabless" company providing wireless solutions that is, all manufacturing is outsourced. Nanoradio has developed a state of the art technology for integrated circuits with focus on the critical success factors for handheld products, namely, power consumption, physical size and total cost for customer. Nanoradio has a team of 70 people with extensive experience from the cellular and wireless industry as well as semiconductor industry and start-ups. Nanoradio has a global sales and support structure since 2005 with offices in Korea, USA and Japan. Nanoradios unique low power WLAN chipset makes high speed wireless access possible in portable electronics.
Further information on Nanoradio AB may be found on the World Wide Web at www.nanoradio.com
About Ferd Venture
Ferd Venture is part of the Ferd Group, which is one of Norway's leading investment companies. Ferd Venture primarily invests in Nordic ICT companies that are seeking capital for further commercialisation and growth, and which have the potential to sustain long-term competitive advantage. Ferd Venture has a team of 6 investment professionals based in Oslo, and has significant funds available for new investments.
http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/06/08/prnewswire200706080349PR_NEWS_B_GBL_HS_UKF009.html
LG Electronics Chooses PacificNet Epro to Deploy Human Resources Management Solution
BEIJING, June 8 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- PacificNet, Inc. (Nasdaq: PACT), a leading provider of gaming technology, e-commerce and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) services in China, announced today that its subsidiary EPRO TechSoft has been selected by LG Hong Kong to deploy the TechnoSoft Human Resources Management Solution. Epro's TechnoSoft Human Resources Management Solution is a comprehensive and powerful system specially designed for diversified businesses with economy of scale, such as banking and finance, public utility, trading, manufacturers, servicing and agencies, and transportation, etc. The solution automates and streamlines various payroll accounting, MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund), tax, leaves, attendance and time- recording workflows. Personnel management reports such as staff turnover, age and services, salary analysis and other customized reports can also be easily prepared. The decision to go electronic with payroll using Epro's TechnoSoft HRM enables LG Hong Kong to improve the efficiency of their Human Resource operations.
"We are proud to be retained by LG Electronics as their Human Resources Management Solution provider," said Joyce Poon, General Manager of PacificNet Epro's Consulting Division. "We value the opportunity to work with LG Electronics on this project. We are confident that our TechnoSoft solution will enable LG Hong Kong to improve its Human Resources Operations."
About LG Electronics, Inc
LG Electronics, Inc (Korea Stock Exchange: 657.SK) was established in 1958 as the pioneer in the Korean consumer electronics market. The company is a major global force in electronics and information and communications products with more than 64,000 employees working in 76 overseas subsidiaries and marketing units around the world. With annual total revenues of more than US $16.9 billion (non-consolidated), LG Electronics comprises three main business companies: Digital Display & Media, Digital Appliance, and Telecommunications Equipment & Handsets.
About PacificNet
PacificNet, Inc. (http://www.PacificNet.com) is a leading provider of gaming technology, e-commerce, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in China. PacificNet's gaming products are specially designed for Chinese and Asian gamers with focus on integrating localized Chinese and Asian themes and content, advanced graphics, digital sound effects and popular domestic music, with secondary bonus games and jackpots. PacificNet gaming products include: Multi-player Electronic Table Games - Baccarat, Sicbo, Fish-Prawn-Crab, and Roulette machines, Server-Based Games (SBG) with multiple client betting stations, slot and bingo machines, Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), Amusement With Prizes (AWP) machines, gaming cabinet and client/server system designs, online i-gaming software design, and multimedia entertainment kiosks. PacificNet's gaming clients include the leading hotels, casinos, and gaming operators in Macau, Asia, and Europe, while ecommerce and CRM clients include the leading telecom companies, banks, insurance, travel, marketing and business services companies and telecom consumers in Greater China such as China Telecom, China Mobile, Unicom, PCCW, Hutchison Telecom, Bell24, Motorola, Nokia, SONY, TCL, Huawei, American Express, Citibank, HSBC, Bank of China, Bank of East Asia, DBS, TNT, China and Hong Kong government. PacificNet employs about 1,200 staff in its various subsidiaries throughout China with offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macau and Zhuhai China, USA, and the Philippines.
PacificNet Epro (http://www.EproTel.com.hk) is the industry leader and leading provider of outsourced call center, telemarketing, CRM, VAS and IVR services with over 15 years of field experience in greater China in the areas of outsourced call center services, training and consulting services, and call center management systems. PacificNet Epro's TechnoSoft HRM Solution is a Human Resource Management information software for diversified businesses, such as banking and finance, public utility, trading, manufacturers, servicing and agencies, and transportation, etc. It can handle multi-companies and multi-departments while cost-center operations with facilities solving jobs of payroll accounting and data integration, personnel administration, human resources management, tax, banks, leaves, attendance and recruitment, etc. Personnel management reports such as staff turnover, age and services, salary analysis and other customized reports can also be easily prepared.
http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/06/08/prnewswire200706081408PR_NEWS_B_MWT_CL_CLF042.html
"We are proud to be retained by LG Electronics as their Human Resources Management Solution provider," said Joyce Poon, General Manager of PacificNet Epro's Consulting Division. "We value the opportunity to work with LG Electronics on this project. We are confident that our TechnoSoft solution will enable LG Hong Kong to improve its Human Resources Operations."
About LG Electronics, Inc
LG Electronics, Inc (Korea Stock Exchange: 657.SK) was established in 1958 as the pioneer in the Korean consumer electronics market. The company is a major global force in electronics and information and communications products with more than 64,000 employees working in 76 overseas subsidiaries and marketing units around the world. With annual total revenues of more than US $16.9 billion (non-consolidated), LG Electronics comprises three main business companies: Digital Display & Media, Digital Appliance, and Telecommunications Equipment & Handsets.
About PacificNet
PacificNet, Inc. (http://www.PacificNet.com) is a leading provider of gaming technology, e-commerce, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in China. PacificNet's gaming products are specially designed for Chinese and Asian gamers with focus on integrating localized Chinese and Asian themes and content, advanced graphics, digital sound effects and popular domestic music, with secondary bonus games and jackpots. PacificNet gaming products include: Multi-player Electronic Table Games - Baccarat, Sicbo, Fish-Prawn-Crab, and Roulette machines, Server-Based Games (SBG) with multiple client betting stations, slot and bingo machines, Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), Amusement With Prizes (AWP) machines, gaming cabinet and client/server system designs, online i-gaming software design, and multimedia entertainment kiosks. PacificNet's gaming clients include the leading hotels, casinos, and gaming operators in Macau, Asia, and Europe, while ecommerce and CRM clients include the leading telecom companies, banks, insurance, travel, marketing and business services companies and telecom consumers in Greater China such as China Telecom, China Mobile, Unicom, PCCW, Hutchison Telecom, Bell24, Motorola, Nokia, SONY, TCL, Huawei, American Express, Citibank, HSBC, Bank of China, Bank of East Asia, DBS, TNT, China and Hong Kong government. PacificNet employs about 1,200 staff in its various subsidiaries throughout China with offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macau and Zhuhai China, USA, and the Philippines.
PacificNet Epro (http://www.EproTel.com.hk) is the industry leader and leading provider of outsourced call center, telemarketing, CRM, VAS and IVR services with over 15 years of field experience in greater China in the areas of outsourced call center services, training and consulting services, and call center management systems. PacificNet Epro's TechnoSoft HRM Solution is a Human Resource Management information software for diversified businesses, such as banking and finance, public utility, trading, manufacturers, servicing and agencies, and transportation, etc. It can handle multi-companies and multi-departments while cost-center operations with facilities solving jobs of payroll accounting and data integration, personnel administration, human resources management, tax, banks, leaves, attendance and recruitment, etc. Personnel management reports such as staff turnover, age and services, salary analysis and other customized reports can also be easily prepared.
http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/06/08/prnewswire200706081408PR_NEWS_B_MWT_CL_CLF042.html
June 16-18th at Tekserve: Tekserve and the Lower East Side Ecology Center Offer Free Electronics Recycling
During Father's Day weekend, Tekserve has teamed up with the Lower East Side Ecology Center to offer free electronics recycling on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm and Monday from 4pm-7pm. New Yorkers will be able to recycle any of their old electronics gear - computers, monitors, printers, scanners, fax-machines, copiers, network devices, keyboards, mice, hard drives, components, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, radios, stereos, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, and telephones - at Tekserve on 23rd Street near 6th Avenue (Old iPods can be traded in for a 10% discount on a new iPod). The components in many electronics can be incredibly hazardous to the environment - contributing up to 70% of the toxins found in landfills - so it's important that they are properly recycled.
For more details, visit tekserve.com/recycling or contact the Lower East Side Ecology Center at 212.477.4022 or info@lesecologycenter.org.
Since 1987, Tekserve has been New York's Premier Apple Specialist, offering Mac Sales, Service & Repair, iPods & Accessories, Mac Accessories, Pro Audio & Video Solutions, onsite service, seminars, data recovery, and corporate sales. Tekserve's convenient 23rd Street location and unique shopping experience make it a key stop in Manhattan.
The Lower East Side Ecology Center has offered community based recycling programs in NYC since 1987 and is one of the pioneers in computer recycling, a program started in 2003. The Center aims to bring recycling opportunities to diverse neighborhoods by offering three day recycling drives, staged at street corners, to capture electronics and to raise awareness about electronic waste.
http://www.forbes.com/businesswire/feeds/businesswire/2007/06/08/businesswire20070608005576r1.html
For more details, visit tekserve.com/recycling or contact the Lower East Side Ecology Center at 212.477.4022 or info@lesecologycenter.org.
Since 1987, Tekserve has been New York's Premier Apple Specialist, offering Mac Sales, Service & Repair, iPods & Accessories, Mac Accessories, Pro Audio & Video Solutions, onsite service, seminars, data recovery, and corporate sales. Tekserve's convenient 23rd Street location and unique shopping experience make it a key stop in Manhattan.
The Lower East Side Ecology Center has offered community based recycling programs in NYC since 1987 and is one of the pioneers in computer recycling, a program started in 2003. The Center aims to bring recycling opportunities to diverse neighborhoods by offering three day recycling drives, staged at street corners, to capture electronics and to raise awareness about electronic waste.
http://www.forbes.com/businesswire/feeds/businesswire/2007/06/08/businesswire20070608005576r1.html
Teletouch - Hawk Electronics Division First in Texas to Market the Award Winning myvu Personal Media Viewer for Apple Video iPod(R)
Teletouch Communications, Inc. (OTC.PK: TLLE), a leading U.S. cellular, mobile electronics and related services provider, today announced that its Hawk Electronics division recently signed a comprehensive reseller and distribution agreement with Westwood, MA-based Myvu Corporation (formerly MicroOptical Corp.) the developer and manufacturer of the revolutionary myvu(R) Made for iPod(R) personal media viewer.
The myvu personal media viewer is state-of-the-art eyewear that converts movies, music videos and images from any Apple iPod portable media player to a personalized "Big Screen TV" viewer. The myvu and it's CEO, Kip Kokinakis have been recently recognized as one of the top 50 worldwide Technology Pioneers by the World Economic Forum, and have recently been featured in a number of prominent publications including the Wall Street Journal and Time magazine. The product is now in all Hawk Electronics' stores in the Dallas / Fort Worth and San Antonio areas, and available just in time for Father's Day.
By connecting a myvu viewer that resembles futuristic sunglasses to an Apple iPod, users have instant, hands-free access to a big-screen personal viewing experience. The lightweight eyewear contains built-in video viewing and audio systems with earbuds for high-quality viewing and listening. The viewing experience is comparable to a large TV screen from six feet away. Myvu is designed with a sleek, thin form factor that allows users to see above, below and through the viewer creating "situational awareness" for mobile, on-the-go lifestyles. Myvu also comes with an ultra-thin battery pack that enables eight hours of video watching and doubles as a hard protective case for the Apple iPod.
"As a longtime leader in mobile electronics, we're always looking for the latest gear to enhance the mobile lifestyle of our customers," said T. A. "Kip" Hyde, Jr., Teletouch President, and CEO of Hawk Electronics. "The myvu represents one of the very coolest products we've seen and is an exciting step forward in the arena of personal mobile media. We're excited to be the only local destination retailer where customers can come try out and purchase this innovative technology."
Myvu Made for iPod* comes complete with all the components needed for a private, large video viewing experience with built-in stereo audio, including:
-- Hi-Tech Wearable Viewing screen
-- Noise-reducing earbuds
-- Pendant with video controls
-- Ultra-slim lithium battery providing up to eight hours (or approx. 3 full-length movies) of viewing time
-- A premium travel case with room for the iPod
-- Two power/charging options: AC and car adapters
-- Two extra pairs of earbuds and nose pads, each in two different sizes; and
-- A quick-start guide
About Myvu Corporation
Myvu Corporation is the leading developer and manufacturer of innovative eyewear displays for today's mobile entertainment revolution. With its patented, proprietary technology, myvu is at the forefront of the electronics and video display industries. The company's video viewers, which represent an ergonomic breakthrough over conventional head-mounted displays, have received widespread industry recognition. Myvu is a privately held company based in Westwood, Massachusetts, with venture capital financing from Atlas Venture, Essilor International, The Hillman Company, Intel Capital and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. For more information, visit www.myvu.com.
About Teletouch Communications
For over 40 years, Teletouch has offered a comprehensive suite of telecommunications products and services including cellular, two-way radio, GPS-telemetry and wireless messaging products and services throughout the United States. Teletouch's wholly-owned subsidiary, Progressive Concepts, Inc. (PCI), is a leading provider of Cingular(R) cellular services (voice, data, entertainment), as well as other mobile, portable and personal electronics products and services to individuals, businesses, and government agencies. PCI operates a chain of retail stores and sells under the "Hawk Electronics" brand; Hawk-branded sub-agents; a direct sales force in Texas and Arkansas, and through the Internet at www.hawkelectronics.com and other sites. PCI also operates a national wholesale distribution business, PCI Marketing that serves smaller cellular and automotive retailers, car dealers and rural cellular carriers throughout the country. Dealers and vendors may go to www.pcimktg.com. Teletouch's common stock is traded Over-The-Counter on the Pink Sheets electronic exchange under stock symbol: TLLE. Additional information about Teletouch can be found at www.teletouch.com.
* iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc
All statements in this news release that are not based on historical fact are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which Sections were adopted as part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Forward-looking statements may address the Company's expected future business or financial performance, and future reporting of historic operating results the accounting for which has not been completed. Forward-looking statements often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," or "will." While management has based any forward-looking statements contained herein on its current expectations, the information on which such expectations were based may change. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to materially differ from such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not necessarily limited to, those set forth under the caption "Additional Factors That May Affect Our Business" in the Company's most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q filings, and amendments thereto. In addition, we operate in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks may arise. Accordingly, investors should not place any reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We disclaim any intention to, and undertake no obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statement.
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?Feed=BW&Date=20070608&ID=7014718
Samsung Elec to build $1.16 bln Russia digital TV plant
SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. said on Sunday it will build a 30 billion rouble ($1.16 billion) digital television plant in Russia by 2010 to meet growing demand from the region.
Samsung, which makes products ranging from semiconductor chips, LCD panels and handsets to home appliances, will break ground for the 47.3 hectare plant in Kaluga, southwest of Moscow, in July, its spokesman Anthony Lee said.
The South Korea-based company, competing with Japan's Matsushita Electric and hometown rival LG Electronics, is aiming to churn out 2.2 million digital TV sets at the new plant a year in 2010.
Panasonic-brand maker Matsushita said last year that it would begin liquid crystal display (LCD) television assembly in Russia, taking aim at strong growth potential in flat TV demand there.
Change in set-top boxes could increase cable bill
On the gizmo glamour scale, the TV set-top box is a bit of a frump -- something the cable company dumps on the doorstep, not the quarry of a shopping spree at Best Buy.
But next month, a new federal rule goes into effect that's aimed at creating a retail market for set-top boxes and fostering more competition and innovation in a business dominated by Schaumburg-based Motorola Inc. and one other company.
While that may sound like admirable policy, some cable equipment analysts doubt it will work well: They say consumers will be reluctant to pay a few hundred bucks for a box when they can rent one for a few dollars a month, as they do now. Electronics manufacturers, including TV industry upstart TiVo Inc., beg to differ.
What seems more certain is that consumers' monthly cable bills are likely to rise a few dollars after the new rule takes effect. That's because the cable box born from the regulation costs more to produce, a cost likely to get passed down to TV watchers, analysts and cable operators say.
The rule change pivots on security technology, which allows consumers to watch only the channels they've paid for. That technology is integrated into the set-top box. As of July 1, it will be separated via a "cable card" that's plugged into a slot in the back of a set-top box.
The rule change doesn't require cable customers to get a new cable box. Only boxes deployed after July 1 must have separable security. And cable companies can pre-install the security card before delivering boxes to new subscribers. That's what Comcast, Chicago's dominant cable provider and Motorola's largest cable customer, plans to do.
Separable security in cable boxes was mandated in a landmark 1996 telecommunications bill. But until recently, neither Congress nor the Federal Communications Commission put pressure on boxmakers and cable operators to implement the rule, said Mike Paxton, a cable and broadband industry analyst at tech researcher In-Stat.
Neither party has much of an incentive to change.
For cable operators, the integrated security system has done a bang-up job thwarting thieves, and it's helped them control the distribution of TV programming. For makers of set-top boxes -- well, no corporation is likely to rush into something aimed at giving it more competition.
The U.S. cable set-top box business is dominated by Motorola and Scientific Atlanta, a unit of communications equipment-maker Cisco Systems. In 2007's first quarter, Motorola had a commanding 41 percent share of the combined U.S. cable and satellite set-top business, according to ABI Research, a market researcher.
Policymakers felt that decoupling security from a set-top box would lead to more competition. Now, the world's biggest consumer electronics-makers can't compete because Motorola and Scientific Atlanta effectively have a lock on cable security technology in this country.
With the new rule, security will be an external element to the box, via the cable card. Motorola and Scientific-Atlanta make the security cards, which can then be plugged into a box made by another manufacturer.
"There will be nothing preventing a Samsung or Sony in effectively providing the electronics," said Lawrence Harris, an analyst at Oppenheimer & Co. And a Samsung-made or Sony-made set-top box could then be peddled through traditional electronics channels such as Circuit City or Best Buy stores.
Electronics manufacturers have pushed hard for separable security. "It's a really important thing," said Matthew Zinn, TiVo's general consul.
TiVo invented the digital video recorder, distributing it through satellite TV operators and electronics retailers. Seeing the popularity of TiVo's DVR, the cable operators followed. But for hardware, they turned to traditional suppliers Motorola and Scientific Atlanta.
"I doubt the cable industry would be using DVRs if TiVo had come out with them," Zinn said.
TiVo has been historically hurt by its lack of sales through cable networks. It stands to gain if a retail set-top market gets a boost from the new FCC rule.
But some cable industry analysts are skeptical that cable boxes and DVRs will be a big sellers at retail. "Retailers -- Wal-Mart, Best Buy -- have shown virtually no interest in set-top boxes," said In-Stat's Paxton. They take up valuable shelf space but offer retailers relatively low profit margins and little post-sale service revenue, he said.
The outlook isn't bright, either, for the other side of the retail equation -- consumers, said Paxton and other analysts.
A set-top box with a built-in DVR would cost $300 minimum, and more likely at least $400, Paxton said. Meanwhile, renting a similar box through a cable company costs $5 to $10 a month, he said. Plus, by renting, consumers can easily upgrade to a new box when a new technology like HDTV becomes available.
"Consumers have no interest in buying a set-top box," Paxton said. "They're very comfortable leasing the box."
TiVo's Zinn acknowledged that while many people are happy renting a box from a cable operator, others want more sophisticated options. As for the cost of a box, Zinn and other electronics-makers expect that to fall over time as the market develops.
"That's the way of electronics," Zinn said. "Things get much cheaper very quickly."
In the short term, the new FCC regulation will add to the cost of a set-top box. That's because a cable-card box involves more complicated engineering than a box with integrated security, said Mark DePietro, vice president of strategy for Motorola's digital video solutions operation.
Motorola says cable-card technology tacks on $70 to $75 to the cost of a box, regardless of whether it's a cheaper model or a more sophisticated DVR. Thus, the cost of Motorola's low-end digital box will effectively double.
Tivo's Zinn scoffed at Motorola's estimate. "That's nonsense," he said. "Seventy dollars may be the difference they are charging Comcast, but it's not the difference in cost." Zinn estimated the extra cost per box at around $20.
Whatever the cost, cable subscribers will end up paying part of it. "Customers will ultimately end up paying more," said Rich Ruggiero, a Comcast spokesman. He declined to elaborate on how much more.
Matthew Polka, president of the American Cable Association, said consumers with basic digital packages will likely see their monthly rental charges double, in order for cable operators to cover the doubling of the box's price.
Polka's group represents 1,100 smaller cable operators -- including 29 in Illinois -- many of whom serve rural areas. Those operators charge subscribers about $2.50 per month to rent a digital box in a basic package, Polka said, so consumers would end up paying an extra $30 a year if their rental rates are doubled.
The added cost for separating security should go away in a couple of years, though.
By then, the cable-card method of separating security will give way to a cheaper technology -- software downloads directly from the cable company to the set-top box.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sun_settop_0610jun10,0,1337296.story?coll=chi-business-hed
But next month, a new federal rule goes into effect that's aimed at creating a retail market for set-top boxes and fostering more competition and innovation in a business dominated by Schaumburg-based Motorola Inc. and one other company.
While that may sound like admirable policy, some cable equipment analysts doubt it will work well: They say consumers will be reluctant to pay a few hundred bucks for a box when they can rent one for a few dollars a month, as they do now. Electronics manufacturers, including TV industry upstart TiVo Inc., beg to differ.
What seems more certain is that consumers' monthly cable bills are likely to rise a few dollars after the new rule takes effect. That's because the cable box born from the regulation costs more to produce, a cost likely to get passed down to TV watchers, analysts and cable operators say.
The rule change pivots on security technology, which allows consumers to watch only the channels they've paid for. That technology is integrated into the set-top box. As of July 1, it will be separated via a "cable card" that's plugged into a slot in the back of a set-top box.
The rule change doesn't require cable customers to get a new cable box. Only boxes deployed after July 1 must have separable security. And cable companies can pre-install the security card before delivering boxes to new subscribers. That's what Comcast, Chicago's dominant cable provider and Motorola's largest cable customer, plans to do.
Separable security in cable boxes was mandated in a landmark 1996 telecommunications bill. But until recently, neither Congress nor the Federal Communications Commission put pressure on boxmakers and cable operators to implement the rule, said Mike Paxton, a cable and broadband industry analyst at tech researcher In-Stat.
Neither party has much of an incentive to change.
For cable operators, the integrated security system has done a bang-up job thwarting thieves, and it's helped them control the distribution of TV programming. For makers of set-top boxes -- well, no corporation is likely to rush into something aimed at giving it more competition.
The U.S. cable set-top box business is dominated by Motorola and Scientific Atlanta, a unit of communications equipment-maker Cisco Systems. In 2007's first quarter, Motorola had a commanding 41 percent share of the combined U.S. cable and satellite set-top business, according to ABI Research, a market researcher.
Policymakers felt that decoupling security from a set-top box would lead to more competition. Now, the world's biggest consumer electronics-makers can't compete because Motorola and Scientific Atlanta effectively have a lock on cable security technology in this country.
With the new rule, security will be an external element to the box, via the cable card. Motorola and Scientific-Atlanta make the security cards, which can then be plugged into a box made by another manufacturer.
"There will be nothing preventing a Samsung or Sony in effectively providing the electronics," said Lawrence Harris, an analyst at Oppenheimer & Co. And a Samsung-made or Sony-made set-top box could then be peddled through traditional electronics channels such as Circuit City or Best Buy stores.
Electronics manufacturers have pushed hard for separable security. "It's a really important thing," said Matthew Zinn, TiVo's general consul.
TiVo invented the digital video recorder, distributing it through satellite TV operators and electronics retailers. Seeing the popularity of TiVo's DVR, the cable operators followed. But for hardware, they turned to traditional suppliers Motorola and Scientific Atlanta.
"I doubt the cable industry would be using DVRs if TiVo had come out with them," Zinn said.
TiVo has been historically hurt by its lack of sales through cable networks. It stands to gain if a retail set-top market gets a boost from the new FCC rule.
But some cable industry analysts are skeptical that cable boxes and DVRs will be a big sellers at retail. "Retailers -- Wal-Mart, Best Buy -- have shown virtually no interest in set-top boxes," said In-Stat's Paxton. They take up valuable shelf space but offer retailers relatively low profit margins and little post-sale service revenue, he said.
The outlook isn't bright, either, for the other side of the retail equation -- consumers, said Paxton and other analysts.
A set-top box with a built-in DVR would cost $300 minimum, and more likely at least $400, Paxton said. Meanwhile, renting a similar box through a cable company costs $5 to $10 a month, he said. Plus, by renting, consumers can easily upgrade to a new box when a new technology like HDTV becomes available.
"Consumers have no interest in buying a set-top box," Paxton said. "They're very comfortable leasing the box."
TiVo's Zinn acknowledged that while many people are happy renting a box from a cable operator, others want more sophisticated options. As for the cost of a box, Zinn and other electronics-makers expect that to fall over time as the market develops.
"That's the way of electronics," Zinn said. "Things get much cheaper very quickly."
In the short term, the new FCC regulation will add to the cost of a set-top box. That's because a cable-card box involves more complicated engineering than a box with integrated security, said Mark DePietro, vice president of strategy for Motorola's digital video solutions operation.
Motorola says cable-card technology tacks on $70 to $75 to the cost of a box, regardless of whether it's a cheaper model or a more sophisticated DVR. Thus, the cost of Motorola's low-end digital box will effectively double.
Tivo's Zinn scoffed at Motorola's estimate. "That's nonsense," he said. "Seventy dollars may be the difference they are charging Comcast, but it's not the difference in cost." Zinn estimated the extra cost per box at around $20.
Whatever the cost, cable subscribers will end up paying part of it. "Customers will ultimately end up paying more," said Rich Ruggiero, a Comcast spokesman. He declined to elaborate on how much more.
Matthew Polka, president of the American Cable Association, said consumers with basic digital packages will likely see their monthly rental charges double, in order for cable operators to cover the doubling of the box's price.
Polka's group represents 1,100 smaller cable operators -- including 29 in Illinois -- many of whom serve rural areas. Those operators charge subscribers about $2.50 per month to rent a digital box in a basic package, Polka said, so consumers would end up paying an extra $30 a year if their rental rates are doubled.
The added cost for separating security should go away in a couple of years, though.
By then, the cable-card method of separating security will give way to a cheaper technology -- software downloads directly from the cable company to the set-top box.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sun_settop_0610jun10,0,1337296.story?coll=chi-business-hed
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