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- Premium services integral to total entertainment experience
Consumers give high rankings to premium services when considering consumer electronics purchases, according to a new Consumer Electronics Association report. "Consumers clearly understand that getting the most out of their electronics purchase goes beyond delivery and installation — they need premium services to complete the total entertainment experience," CEA research director Joe Bates said. TWICE (3/12)
- Study: Computers give biggest productivity boost
A new study found that investments in computer technology boost worker productivity three to five times more than other investments in other sectors. The report concluded that the economic impact of information technology is less in the technology itself than in the ability of computer software, hardware and services to improve other sectors of the economy. The New York Times (3/13)
- The converter-box rebate explained
Philadelphia Daily News reporter Jonathan Takiff explains what the coupon plan for digital-to-analog converters means to the everyday TV viewer. Philadelphia Daily News (3/13)
- Canon shells out $253.5 million for R&D facility
Canon has announced plans for a new research facility that will focus on new factory automation and other technology to cut production costs. The $253.5 million building outside of Tokyo is expected to be completed by July 2007. Reuters (3/12)
- Eisner launches new multimedia studio
Michael Eisner announced the launch of Vuguru, an independent multimedia studio that will create and distribute original content for the Web and other digital platforms, including mobile phones. The studio, which is backed by Eisner investment firm Tornante, will create story-driven projects as well as support third-party content. New York Post (free registration) (3/13), The Hollywood Reporter (subscription required) (3/13)
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Innovative warranty solutions and best-in-class customer service make Service Net a leader in the service contract and warranty administration industry. We support leading manufacturers and retailers with a variety of programs that enhance brand loyalty and profitability. Click here to contact Greg Gadbois, EVP Sales for more information. |
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- Linux begins workplace-PC transition
Increased cost savings are breathing new life into the Linux operating system, as more companies are finding it compatible with workplace PCs. The latest company to ink deals with Linux, PSA Peugeot Citroen, said last month that it would start using Linux on 20,000 of its workers’ PCs. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (3/13)
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CONNECTIONS: The Digital Living Conference and Showcase May 1-3, Santa Clara. Hear Keynotes from CISCO, Yahoo! Digital Home, Motorola and more! Register by March 15th to secure early registration pricing. Stay up-to-date on industry developments by reading the latest research from Parks Associates. DOWNLOAD White papers |
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- Wal-Mart helps suppliers go "green"
Wal-Mart Stores has launched an online database to help suppliers meet goals for cutting packaging waste starting in 2008. Wal-Mart executives said the "packaging score card" would calculate the net environmental effect of a number of factors including fuel used to make and transport packaging materials and recycled components, and would assign a single number that gives the supplier a ranking compared with other companies. Forbes/Associated Press (3/12)
- AT&T opens wireless megastore
AT&T opened its first of 11 planned AT&T Experience stores, which are designed to let consumers interact with products and technologies. The stores are part of AT&T’s rebranding effort as it melds the Cingular brand under its corporate moniker. The New York Times (3/13)
- Mounting hardware equals financial success for retailers
Many retailers are hoping to capitalize on the burgeoning flat-panel market by increasing their stockpiles of mounting hardware. Increased offerings from K2 Mounts, Barkan and Chief are allowing retailers and consumers to find the perfect mounting match for their flat-panel purchase. TWICE (3/12)
- Other News
- Retailers take steps to unleash creativity
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (3/12)
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The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
CONNECTIONS: The Digital Living Conference and Showcase, May 1-3, Santa Clara Hear Keynotes from CISCO, Yahoo! Digital Home, Motorola and more! Register by March 15th to secure early registration pricing. Stay up-to-date on industry developments by reading the latest research from Parks Associates. DOWNLOAD White papers |
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- Global Growth — The Ins and Outs of Export Promotion and International Trade
Learn how federal agencies can aid your company’s growth in foreign markets by promoting trade and investment, strengthening industry competitiveness and ensuring free and fair trade at CEA Washington Forum. You’ll hear from a panel of officials from the Department of Commerce about the importance of the Information Technology Agreement on the CE industry. You’ll also get to hear about direct services that will assist in marketing your company overseas, help your sourcing and export needs and assist you in finding local buyers and partners. Attend this session and get one-on-one time with representatives from Market Access and Compliance, Manufacturing and Services, International Trade Administration, and US and Foreign Commercial Service. Sign up now — online registration ends in three days.
- Consumer electronics and broadcast industries applaud NTIA’s Converter Box Rules for 2009 DTV Transition
As the nation prepares to complete the transition to digital television, final rules announced by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration provide much-needed certainty to broadcasters, manufacturers, retailers and ultimately the American public. The digital-TV transition rules issued by NTIA — the arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce charged with overseeing a consumer coupon program for digital-to-analog converter set-top boxes — reflect the major consensus agreement of the Consumer Electronics Association, the National Association of Broadcasters and the Association for Maximum Service Television. The NTIA rules follow the joint recommendations of the manufacturers and broadcasters regarding the features of the basic converter boxes eligible for the coupon program, including agreement that optional functions that aid in the reception or navigation of over-the-air programs such as electronic program guides and "smart antenna" interfaces should not preclude converter boxes from eligibility in the NTIA consumer coupon program.
