Business and Financial News

 

Men 18 to 34 Years Old Are Key Online Video Viewers

New consumer research, Emerging Video Services, from Leichtman Research Group, found that 4% of all adults over age 18 in the United States watch video online at home daily and an additional 14% at least once a week. Comparatively, 93% of adults spend at least one hour a day, on average, watching TV. While total online video usage has increased in the past year, the percentage of adults watching online video remains relatively unchanged.

Key findings of the study, based on a survey of 1,250 households nationwide, include:

bulletMen aged 18-34 account for 41% of those who view video online on a daily basis, while comprising just 14% of the online subscribers sample
bulletMen aged 18-34 account for over two-thirds of adults who view YouTube and other user-generated content daily
bulletJust 8% of those who watch video online strongly agree that they now watch TV less often

Bruce Leichtman, President of Leichtman Research Group, says "As with most forms of media and entertainment, online video is following the traditional 'heavy hand' model of a minority of users driving the majority of the usage. Rather than replacing TV, in the near-term, emerging video services like online video are best viewed as opportunities to complement and augment traditional TV viewing options."

 

Hispanic Ad Growth to Outpace General Market

According to a new study from Kagan Research, Hispanic advertising growth is expected to outpace that of the general market, reaching $5.5 billion in gross advertising revenue by 2010. The study forecasts bigger revenue growth curves for cable nets in the next several years, with projected growth of 32% from 2002 to 2010, versus 12.5% for broadcast networks.

Deana Myers, senior analyst for Kagan Research, says "The rapid rise in population and purchasing power has made the Hispanic TV and radio audience a highly desirable market for networks, content owners and advertisers..."

Some of the key findings of the report include:

bulletAlthough the Hispanic demo has lower multichannel penetration than the general population, the services are expected to gain ground in the coming decade. Multichannel penetration of Hispanic TVHH is projected to grow to 71.7% in 2010.
bulletTV station players can expect solid revenue growth rates, while radio stations are projected to outpace their English Language peers between 2006 and 2010.
bulletProgramming is a potential growth area for all distribution outlets. Cable networks will increase program expenses most quickly, while broadcast networks are likely to have slower growth.

 

MoneyTV, Week of 2/23

 

- MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures.

Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net.

The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net.

Featured companies on this week's show include:

HealthSonix, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: HSXI) CEO Michael Ivezic spoke of the company's science of using sound pressure waves to administer sub-sensory micro-vibration, for treatment of pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia and muscular injuries.

Seamless Wi-Fi, Inc. (OTCBB: SLWF) CEO Al Reda announced production of their S-XGen portable hand held computer.

The Green Baron.com Editor-in-Chief Matt Chipman discussed what effect renewed inflation jitters may have on small cap stocks.

RFID, Ltd.. (PINKSHEETS: RFDL) VP Jonas Olmsted spoke of the company's luggage tag, which can keep track of where airline travelers' luggage is at all times, using radio frequency identification technology.

Plasticon International, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: PLNI) CEO James Turek discussed the company's plastic rebar supports, which eliminate some of the deterioration problems inherent with reinforced concrete.

Manhattan West Mortgage CEO Roger Schlesinger spoke of how your home, paid off, can be your retirement nest egg. He also offered a free publication to MoneyTV viewers.

Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally in the USA to 70 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30 AM PT, 8:30 AM ET, 9:30 AM ET, 3:30 PM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET.

MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 5:00 PM.

MoneyTV is also broadcast on UPN-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM.

MoneyTV is also available in Thailand on the Broad TV Network.

A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net.

MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVII, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3- to 4-month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.

 

Dalet to introduce new products at NAB 2007
Turn-key tapeless TV production system and open workflow engine to be introduced at the world’s largest electronic media show


New York, NY – February 23, 2007 – Dalet Digital Media Systems today announced that it will showcase several new solutions and releases at NAB 2007, held in Las Vegas, NV, from April 16 to 19, on stand SL4305.

:: Enterprise Edition – the workflow engine for open systems ::
Showcased for the first time at NAB, Dalet Enterprise Edition is the first workflow engine designed for open broadcast systems. Based on a media asset management architecture that guarantees high scalability, it offers a comprehensive set of media ingest, production and distribution tools for radio, television and interactive media, all within a single, ergonomic user interface.

Because the Dalet Enterprise Edition architecture is CODEC-independent, it enables broadcasters and media driven organizations to deploy a wide range of SD and HD workflows:

“With the on-going war between HD formats, it’s essential to be CODEC-independent. As a software company, we partner with the best CODEC developers in the industry," explains Nicolas Hans, Director of Marketing at Dalet Digital Media Systems. "This gives us the flexibility to pick and choose the best technology available and to fast-track it to the core of our products. For our customers, this really means that whichever formats come to rule, their Dalet media asset management platform will have the ability to support it.”

Dalet Enterprise Edition includes flexible file-based migration tools to leverage HD video servers and tapeless media sources such as Panasonic P2 and Sony XDCAM. In addition, it ensures tight integration with leading Non-Linear Editing (NLE) systems to combine specialized HD rendering platforms within the Dalet workflow engine.

Thanks to its web services-based Application Programming Interface (API), Dalet Enterprise Edition can be integrated into Services-Oriented Architectures (SOA): this empowers system integrators and IT departments and allows them to embed digital media services offered by Dalet Enterprise Edition into corporate-wide applications. Already deployed at several television and radio broadcast facilities around the world including RTPA in Spain or HOC in Canada, Dalet Enterprise Edition facilitates the management of digital media in large scale environments.

:: Dalet NewsPro for Omneon ::
Designed in partnership with Omneon, Dalet NewsPro for Omneon is a plug-and-play digital production and playout system for small to mid-size newsrooms that use MOS-compliant newsroom computer systems such as AP ENPS (TM). This end-to-end platform combines tapeless ingest with collaborative desktop video editing and powerful voice-over tools; it adds a flexible asset management and media migration engine to ensure playout on Omneon video servers and to facilitate archiving. Packaged as a turn-key solution, Dalet NewsPro for Omneon can be deployed in record time.

:: Dalet NewsWire 2.0 – the next generation scripting and newsroom system ::
With its open architecture and standard IT infrastructure, Dalet NewsWire 2.0 is the next generation scripting and newsroom system. It provides all the usability journalists and producers come to expect from a best-of-breed newsroom (advanced planning, dual column editing, and optimized ergonomics) with the advanced functionalities system administrators and engineering require (support for Unicode, advanced device tracking and graphics control, MOS compliance, automated XML gateways). Already deployed at several television stations including CBS Sports in the US, DR in Denmark and RTM in Malaysia, Dalet NewsWire 2.0 provides the ideal scripting platform for both news and feature programming.

Screenshots and pictures are available on request.

About Dalet Digital Media Systems
Founded in 1990, Dalet is a leading developer of software solutions that facilitate the management of audio and video assets for broadcast, entertainment, government, education, corporations and non-profit organizations.

Dalet solutions are used in 50 countries by over 1,700 customers including the largest public broadcasters (ARD, BBC, CBC, Deutsche Welle, Media Corporation of Singapore, NPR, RFI, Radio Suisse Romande, VOA), commercial networks (Arab Radio and Television, BFMTV, Emap, Emmis Broadcasting, Prime TV and XM Satellite) and government organizations (Queensland Courts, The Scottish Parliament).

Dalet is traded on the EURONEXT stock exchange (Eurolist C): ISIN: FR0000076176, Bloomberg DLT:FP, Reuters: DALE.PA.

 

 

American Express Incentive Services Expands Portfolio of Partnering Opportunities

 

- American Express Incentive Services (AEIS), exhibitor at the 2007 Prepaid Card Expo, is expanding its partner opportunities to help clients meet the growing demand for customized prepaid solutions. The AEIS suite of partnership opportunities includes license partners, reseller partners and merchant partners.

License partners gain access to DirectSpend(SM), a patented prepaid card acceptance process that allows clients to strategically direct cardholder spend to a specific merchant or group of merchants (U.S. Patent Numbers 5,689,100 and 5,956,695). Sheree Herr, vice president of licensing at AEIS, explains, "Using DirectSpend allows the unique capability to create debit or credit cards targeting select merchants. AEIS views this license opportunity as one of the many channels to expand the market for DirectSpend products."

Over 300 reseller partners currently leverage American Express branded prepaid solutions to help their clients drive results. "Today, AEIS works with reseller partners throughout the U.S. and Canada to provide American Express platformed products to the B2B marketspace," said Brian Thornsberry, vice president of channel sales. "Our products drive business and performance objectives while allowing our resellers and their clients to develop relevant prepaid solutions that enhance their brand identity and target spend at strategically selected merchant locations."

The growing AEIS merchant portfolio is comprised of top retail, travel and entertainment establishments in the U.S. and Canada. "We are constantly seeking partnerships with leading merchants to provide card recipients with a truly rewarding experience," said Tracy McFadden, AEIS vice president of DirectSpend marketing and merchant partnerships.

For more information on business opportunities with AEIS, visit http://www.aeis.com/home/Partnerships. AEIS will be exhibiting at booth number 534 at the Prepaid Card Expo, scheduled Feb. 26-28 in Las Vegas, Nev. at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

About AEIS

AEIS, a joint venture between American Express Travel Related Services Company Inc. and Maritz Inc., provides business-to-business reward solutions including prepaid cards, American Express Gift Cheques and Web-based reward management. Its products address a broad array of applications such as employee reward and recognition, sales incentives and consumer promotions while helping clients drive consumer and employee behaviors, build loyalty and increase brand awareness. AEIS is headquartered in Fenton, Mo., and is a licensee of U.S. patents 5,689,100 and 5,956,695. Licensing of these patents to strategically direct prepaid cardholder spend to a specific merchant or group of merchants is available.

 

NOKA Chocolate Rated Best in U.S. by World's Largest Business Daily

NOKA Chocolate Surpasses All Others at Distinguished Tasting in New York City

 NOKA Chocolate, ranked '#1 luxury chocolate in the world' by the food editors of TASTE, now also carries the distinction of being rated the best chocolate in the United States. NOKA Chocolate received the honor at a tasting in New York City sponsored by The Nikkei, the world's largest business daily newspaper.

Nikkei America, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of The Nikkei, brought together the committee of nine judges, ranging from food journalists to expert chocolate enthusiasts who evaluated 23 of America's best-known chocolates. Each judge was asked to rank the top 10 chocolates. The panel selected NOKA Chocolate's Vintages Collection as the overall favorite for its fragrant, authentic cacao flavor.

"NOKA Chocolate is honored to receive this international recognition, particularly since Asia and the Pacific Rim are important growth markets for us," said Noah Houghton, president of NOKA Chocolate. "We are dedicated to the highest quality and purest form of chocolates, so we are pleased our special collection was so well received at this prestigious event."

The Vintages Collection is a compilation of the finest, single-estate dark chocolates (minimum 75% cacao) that reveals the true essence of the chocolates' origins and provides a journey through the finest cacao regions in the world: Venezuela, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Trinidad.

NOKA presents its sophisticated chocolates and truffles in two innovative, keepsake packaging options: beautifully textured, black and silver paper Encore Boxes and captivating, stainless-steel Signature Gift Boxes. NOKA also offers the Grand Cru Collection, handcrafted truffles made with rare, single-estate dark chocolate and fresh organic cream. Collection prices range from $16 to $234. Orders may be placed online at www.nokachocolate.com or by calling 877.270.8209. NOKA Chocolate is also available at select Neiman Marcus locations.

Editor's Note: High resolution photos of NOKA's Vintages Collection -- Encore Box selections are available at www.dpkpr.com/attachments/files/59/encgroup2.jpg, and Signature Box group photos are available at http://www.dpkpr.com/attachments/files/62/sig%20group1.jpg.

About NOKA Chocolate

NOKA Chocolate is an artisan chocolatier dedicated to handcrafting truffles and chocolates made with rare, single-estate dark chocolate. The company was founded by passionate advocates for gourmet chocolate who are devoted to encouraging an appreciation for chocolate quality and purity as well as the optimal tasting and gifting experience. For further information, visit NOKA's online boutique at www.nokachocolate.com.

 

 

Confidence Up, But Political Insecurity Up For February

BIGresearch reports that (consumer confidence continues to climb in February, with 53.2%of consumers confident/very confident in chances for a strong economy, up from 50.5% last month and the highest reading since April 2002 (56.9%). However, insecurity regarding political and national issues increases a point from January to 18.3%.

At the same time, 38.7% of consumers say that they've become more practical in the last six months, down almost a point from 39.6% last month and more than three points from '06. But those motivated by end-of-winter sales, are focusing on needs over wants less than last month.

While 31%of consumers agree with the "live for today, because tomorrow is so uncertain," philosophy, 40.4% plan to pay down debt, two points higher than last month, and almost one third are increasing savings.

With year-over-year average national gas prices on the decline, one in three consumers say fuel prices have made "no major impact" on spending, but 37.3% are taking fewer shopping trips, 35.6% shop closer to home, and 31.1% are bargain hunting by shopping for sales more often.

And, if seeking key benefits for advertising to fast food consumers, location is tops for McDonald's and Burger King, menu selection for Wendy's customers, price for Taco Bell loyalists, and healthy menu options for Subway fans.

Top Reasons For Frequenting First Choice Fast Food Restaurant (% of respondents)

McDonald's

Wendy's

Burger King

Taco Bell

Subway

1.Location

65.0

1.Selection

60.4

1.Location

59.3

1.Price

69.3

1.Healthy Menu

70.5

2. Price

57.2

2. Price

58.7

2. Price

54.5

2.Selection

61.9

2.Location

54.9

3. Fast

56.9

3. Location

57.2

3. Fast

52.9

3.Fast

51.3

3.Selection

53.7

Source: BIGresearch, February 2007

 

 

CORRECTION - King & Spalding

 

- February 19, 2007 -- In the news release, "King & Spalding Worldwide Revenues Reach a Record $582 Million," issued Friday, February 16, 2007, by King & Spalding, we are advised by the company that the last sentence of the first paragraph should read "The firm also announced a 14.7 percent increase in revenue per lawyer in fiscal 2006, to $782,000" rather than "The firm also announced a 14.7 percent increase in revenue per partner in fiscal 2006, to $782,000" as originally issued. Complete corrected text follows.

King & Spalding Worldwide Revenues Reach A Record $582 Million

Profits per Partner up 25 Percent to a Record $1.3 Million

ATLANTA, GA -- February 16, 2007 -- King & Spalding, a leading international law firm, announced today record worldwide revenues of $582.448 million and record profits per partner of $ 1.312 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006. These performances represented increases of 13.2 percent and 25.0 percent, respectively, over the prior year. The firm also announced a 14.7 percent increase in revenue per lawyer in fiscal 2006, to $782,000.

"Our continued growth in the past fiscal year is the result of the efforts of the 800 King & Spalding lawyers worldwide," said Robert D. Hays, Jr., chairman of the firm. "I believe we have been successful because we provide our clients with the best legal advice, superior service and a deep understanding of their industries. In addition, we have a firm culture that enables us to partner with our clients to address their sophisticated legal needs and business issues."

Among the factors contributing to King & Spalding's performance in the past year were continued success and expansion in the health care, pharmaceutical and energy practices as well as growing client demand in the areas of Islamic finance, energy, real estate, private equity and international arbitration in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa. In response to that demand, the firm recently opened an office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In addition, the firm is entering its third year of a process improvement program that has brought about greater efficiencies in many areas firm wide.

Hays said the firm was strong in virtually every practice area in 2006 and is well-positioned to serve companies with a high volume of work and ongoing need for legal services.

About King & Spalding

King & Spalding is an international law firm with more than 800 lawyers in Atlanta, Dubai, Houston, London, New York and Washington, D.C. The firm represents half of the Fortune 100, and in a Corporate Counsel survey in August 2006 was ranked one of the top ten firms representing Fortune 250 companies overall. For additional information, visit http://www.kslaw.com/.

 

 

Love Knows No Borders

comScore Networks recently reported that 22 percent of Internet users, age 15 and older, visiting online personals sites in December 2006 were in France, followed by the British with 20 percent and the Americans with 13 percent.

Bob Ivins, managing director for comScore Europe, pointed out that Internet dating methods people use to connect with others show distinct cultural preferences in each country, with France having the highest proportion visiting online personals sites. He said "...We note that local nuances are critical to success, as demonstrated by the fact that each country has a fairly distinct list of top sites in the category. Interestingly, usage of dating sites seems to peak in the summer months in each country; July in the U.K. and U.S. and September in France."

In the U.K., the most popular site is DatingDirect.com (recently acquired by France's most popular personals site MeetIC) with 1.4 million U.K. visitors in December '06. Yahoo! Personals leads the category in the U.S., with 4.5 million U.S. visitors, age 15 or older. In addition, the only site included in the ranking of the top online personals sites in at least two countries is Match.com.

Top Personals Sites in the U.K. (Visitors Age 15+ December 2006 Home and Work Locations)
Web Properties Unique Visitors (000)
Total Web Users in U.K. (Age 15+)

29,788

Personals Category Total

5,836

DATINGDIRECT.COM

1,427

LOOPYLOVE.COM

960

GIRLSDATEFORFREE.COM

618

Match.com Sites

510

INTERRODATE.CO.UK

452

Source: comScore World Metrix

Note: Excludes traffic from public computers such as Internet cafes and access from mobile phones or PDAs and traffic from (other) sites powered by Match.com

Top Personals Sites in France (Visitors Age 15+ December 2006 Home and Work Locations)
Web Properties Unique Visitors (000)
Total Web Users in France (Age 15+)

24,409

Personals Category Total

5,317

MeetIC

2,258

Easyrencontre

724

CAPFRIENDS.FR

369

2BECOME1-FR.COM

337

MSN Dating & Personals

299

Source: comScore World Metrix

Note: Excludes traffic from public computers such as Internet cafes and access from mobile phones or PDAs.

Top Personals Sites in the U.S. (Visitors Age 15+ December 2006 Home and Work Locations)Source: comScore Media Metrix
Web Properties Unique Visitors (000)
Total Web Users in the U.S. (Age 15+)

152,350

Personals Category Total

20,555

Yahoo! Personals

4,153

Match.com Sites**

3,970

TRUE.COM

3,086

Spark Networks

2,504

SINGLESNET.COM

2,173

Source: comScore World Metrix

Note: Excludes traffic from public computers such as Internet cafes and access from mobile phones or PDAs.

 

Jampro Responds to Critical Requests from Three stations with Emergency Shipments of Coax and Components

 

 Jampro Antennas of Sacramento, California recently responded successfully to urgent requests for its Pro Line rigid transmission line and related components from three stations located in California and Hawaii. The Company sent emergency express shipments to commercial stations KBMB-FM in Sacramento and KKRV-FM in Seattle to facilitate continuing operations at both facilities. KMKK-FM, a new station on the Hawaiian island of Maui, required the coax and hardware to complete installation of a Jampro JMPC 8-bay antenna.

 

Bob Groome, Domestic Sales Manager for Jampro commented on the announcement: "We're well known as a leading maker of antennas and RF systems for the broadcast industry, but it's lesser known that we are also a major manufacturer of rigid transmission line systems and components that are geared to turn-on-a-dime and fast-ship to anywhere in the world."

 

Jampro makes Pro Line rigid 50 Ohm impedance coaxial transmission line systems available in 20-foot or custom lengths. The 6-1/8" size is also available in 75 Ohm impedance. Hard line is available unflanged, or with flanges on one or both ends with one connecting bullet, hardware set and O-Ring supplied.  Brass flanges fit standard EIA antennas, transmitters, coax switches, patch panels or other brands of coax. Flanges offer fixed, swivel, 45 and 90-degree configurations.  In addition, Jampro stocks most every other transmission line component and accessory that tower engineers and installers need for professional results. This includes O-rings silicone to quickstep reducers to T assemblies to coaxial transfer switches and multi-pole patch panels.  Besides its Pro Line, Jampro also supplies Heliax and Heliflex styles of coaxial cables and accessories in diameters from 1/2 to 9 inches.  Many rigid line sizes and their components are factory stocked and can be express shipped the same day for next day delivery. Because Jampros USA factory is located in California, orders can be placed and shipped while many Midwestern or east coast suppliers of similar equipment have already closed for the day.

 

 

 

 

About Jampro

Jampro Antennas / RF Systems Inc., established to answer the need for quality broadcast systems at a reasonable price, is a leading supplier of antennas, combiners & filters and RF components for every application in the broadcast industry.  Reputed for innovation and customization, Jampro builds each system to the specifications of the individual broadcaster. From the first system delivered in 1954 to those installed today, the Company is committed to consistent performance and quality founded on solid engineering. Today, over 15,000 broadcasters worldwide benefit from the quality and performance provided by Jampro systems.

 

Additional information on JAMPRO can be obtained at www.jampro.com.

 

 

Clixme Targets $10.5 Billion in Rich Media Spending, Releases New Flash Client for Rich Media Ads

 

PROVIDENCE, RI -- (MARKET WIRE) -- February 16, 2007 -- VOIP5000, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: VPFI), a provider of click to call services under the Clixme name as well as other VoIP applications for online businesses, announced today that it has completed development and is currently offering a new flash client, making it possible to ad its click to call service to any flash enabled media advertisement.

This new flash client allows advertisers to effortlessly place Clixme's click to call service right ontop of their actual broadband video advertisements and rich media ads. Customers seeing the ads, can initiate click to calls in a single step, rather than a two step process which includes clicking on the ad and then initiating a call request from the next page.

"With this new flash client, advertisers will be able to convert customers to phone calls directly from their advertisements," said CEO Fotis Georgiadis. "In the online advertising world, closing the gap between showing an ad and having a customer take action has been one of the greatest hurdles to overcome. Customers watching a video commercial online, now can be on the phone speaking with a salesperson in less than 30 seconds when that ad is CLIXME enabled," he continued.

ZenithOptimedia reports that online ad spend growth was seven times that of the overall ad market. Additionally, display advertising, including broadband video, is among the fastest growing and is forecast to account for $10.5 of the anticipated $24.5 billion to be spent online this year.

"With an online rich media spending expected to be worth almost $ 10.5 billion this year, we saw an opportunity to deliver a service that promoted instant contact and higher conversions for rich media advertisers," said Mr. Georgiadis. "Use of rich media such as video and full motion creatives using flash has continued to out pace traditional online ad delivery," he continued.

About VOIP5000, Inc.

VOIP5000, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: VPFI) develops and markets VoIP applications and services for business and consumer use. Its flagship service, Clixme.com, provides click to call services to businesses in the U.S. and Canada. Businesses can sign up and find out more about Clixme at http://www.clixme.com

Note: All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, may include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions that such matters necessarily involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual operating results to differ materially from such statements, including, without limitation: (i) competition, (ii) fluctuations in demand and supply of our target markets, including Internet-based telephone operations (iii) risks associated with new business ventures. Investors are advised to seek professional advice and conduct a complete due diligence regarding this, or any other company being considered for investment purposes. Investing in securities, particularly in issues priced at less than $1 per share, involves substantial risk and may result in a partial or complete loss of investment capital. Press releases issued by the company should not be interpreted as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy company stock.

 

More Email Marketing Planned in 2007

A new survey of 1,500 marketing professionals by Datran Media reports that, while sixty percent of consumers who make immediate purchases from email messages did so because messages contained products they were already considering, only one-third of promotional email marketers said relevance was one of their top-three goals.

The study quotes Jupiter Research Vice President and Lead Analyst David Daniels, as saying, in the Jupiter report ROI of Relevance, "Despite additional campaign costs, relevant campaigns increase net profits by an average of 18 times more than do broadcast mailings."

Focusing on marketers' plans to employ email marketing, the survey found that 72 percent of the marketers surveyed indicated that they plan to employ email marketing more in 2007. Specifically indicating email marketing's importance as a CRM and acquisition channel:

bullet70.5 percent reported plans to increase spending on email acquisition
bullet63 percent on retention campaigns

Among the leading brand marketers who participated in the survey, Art.com Director of CRM, Kelsey Lowitz, said "Email marketing is a powerful communication and revenue channel that allows us to engage in real-time, relevant conversations with repeat and new buyers alike. To date, we've seen our email marketing programs result in increasingly satisfied and loyal customers who return and refer us to friends as well as a corresponding increase in new customer registrations."

In addition to boosting email marketing programs, the survey also found that:

bulletMore than half of the respondents outsourced email marketing
bulletEmail optimization techniques, including landing pages, subject line testing and triggered messaging, were unanimously ranked as "very important."
bullet83 percent of respondents indicated they were confident that email ROI will increase during the new year

 

Ad Rankings For Your Super Bowl File

If you missed the complete ad review, or real time reactions to the ads by USA Today, here's a data summary to close out the season. In addition, there's a link at the conclusion of this Brief to view each of the ads individually, for which advertisers paid up to $2.6 million for a 30-second spot.

USA TODAY assembled 238 adult volunteers in Houston and McLean, Va., and electronically charted their second-by-second reactions to ads during the Super Bowl. Opinions Unlimited and Shugoll Research chose the volunteers, who used handheld meters to register how much they liked each ad, and a computer continuously averaged the scores. The scores shown in the chart are the highest average for each ad.

10 Most Popular Ads From USA TODAY's Super Bowl Ad Meter

Company

Description

Length(sec)

Qtr

Score

Budweiser

Crabs worship Bud ice chest.

30

4th

8.56

Budweiser

Stray dog and the Clydesdales.

60

2nd

8.29

Bud Light

Rock, Paper, Scissors game for beer.

30

1st

8.28

Doritos

Guy in car, girl show Doritos qualities.

30

1st

7.95

Bud Light

Immigrants learn to ask for Bud Light.

30

1st

7.87

Bud Light

Wedding shortened by auctioneer.

30

1st

7.83

Bud Light

Ape loses out on beer while posing.

30

3rd

7.76

FedEx

FedEx truck on the moon.

45

1st

7.74

Snickers

Mechanics enjoy candy bar.

30

1st

7.57

Bud Light

Scary hitcher gets ride for Bud Light.

30

3rd

7.51

Source: USA TODAY, February 2007

 

The Rest Ranked by Average "Like" Score

Company

Description

Length(sec)

Qtr

Score

Blockbuster

Rabbit uses (real) mouse to order.

30

1st

7.44

NFL

Fans mourn end of season.

30

4th

7.43

Coca-Cola

No more regrets for old man.

30

2nd

7.36

Snapple Green Tea

Fan researches mystery ingredient.

30

4th

7.27

Taco Bell

Lions chat about new Taquitos.

30

3rd

7.26

CareerBuilder.com

Dodging darts in office jungle.

30

2nd

7.10

Emerald Nuts

Robert Goulet and low energy danger.

30

3rd

7.07

General Motors

Factory robot dreams he's fired.

60

2nd

7.06

E-Trade

What one finger can do.

30

4th

7.05

Schick

Quattro tested in gym workout.

30

1st

6.99

Coca-Cola

Video game guy does good deeds.

60

2nd

6.96

T-Mobile

Fan doesn't recognize Charles Barkley.

30

3rd

6.91

Toyota

Tundra accelerates, stops at cliff.

30

1st

6.81

Disney

Movie trailer for Wild Hogs.

30

2nd

6.74

Bud Light

Slapping replaces fist bumping.

30

2nd

6.71

Sierra Mist

Beard comb-over doesn't work.

30

1st

6.66

CareerBuilder.com

Fight for promotion in office jungle.

30

3rd

6.54

CareerBuilder.com

Performance review in office jungle.

30

4th

6.52

Coca-Cola

Black History Month tribute.

30

2nd

6.50

Chevrolet

Bare-chested guys wash HHR.

30

2nd

6.47

Coca-Cola

Inside a Coke vending machine.

60

3rd

6.44

Bud Select

Jay-Z, Don Shula play 3-D football.

30

4th

6.30

Frito-Lay

Black History Month tribute.

30

2nd

6.30

Doritos

Checkout girl gets excited.

30

2nd

6.18

FedEx

Can't judge people by their names.

30

3rd

6.16

Sierra Mist

Karate students defend soft drink.

30

1st

6.15

Disney

Movie trailer for Meet the Robinsons.

30

3rd

6.10

Prudential Financial

What rocks can do for you.

30

4th

5.96

Izod

PerformX sportswear in the snow.

30

4th

5.89

Sprint

Mobile broadband connections.

30

2nd

5.81

Chevrolet

Stars sing songs with Chevy in lyrics.

60

1st

5.78

E-Trade

Bank robs customers.

30

3rd

5.70

Lionsgate

Movie trailer for Pride.

30

1st

5.63

Toyota

Tundra tows load on see-saw ramp.

30

3rd

5.63

Hewlett-Packard

PC, motorcycles, American Chopper star.

30

4th

5.60

Honda

Fuel efficiency of Hondas.

30

4th

5.49

Honda

Elvis' Burning Love for new CR-V.

30

4th

5.38

GoDaddy.com

GoDaddy marketing department parties.

30

1st

5.28

King Pharma.

Guy in heart suit attacked by risks.

60

2nd

5.23

Van Heusen

Man dressed for any occasion.

30

3rd

5.04

Nationwide Ins.

Kevin Federline dreams of rap career.

30

3rd

4.94

Weinstein Co.

Movie trailer for Hannibal Rising.

30

4th

4.77

Source: USA TODAY, February 2007

 

5 Least Popular Ads

Company

Description

Length(sec)

Qtr

Score

GoDaddy.com

2nd airing of marketing department.

30

4th

4.71

Garmin

GPS navigator vs. paper map monster.

30

2nd

4.34

Flomax

Prostate drug lets men bike, kayak.

60

4th

4.22

Revlon Colorist

Sheryl Crow sings new song.

60

3rd

4.09

Salesgenie.com

Salesgenie.com helps sales success.

30

1st

4.05

Source: USA TODAY, February 2007

And, how did the (some of) the advertisers fair with regard to market share of web visits on Super Bowl Sunday... The advertiser websites with the largest increases in market share of visits on Super Bowl Sunday versus Feb 3, 2007 were:

Super Bowl Advertiser Websites Ranked by Change in Market Share of Visits, Feb. 4, 2007 vs. Feb. 3, 2007

Advertiser/Product

Domain

Change in Market Share

King Pharmaceuticals/AHA

www.beatyourrisk.com

1727%

Budweiser

www.bud.tv

1401%

Salesgenie.com

www.salesgenie.com

534%

Pepsi

www.pepsi.com

374%

Snickers

www.snickers.com

234%

Bud Light

www.budlight.com

195%

Go Daddy

www.godaddy.com

74%

Doritos

www.crashthesuperbowl.com

69%

Van Heusen / IZOD

www.pvh.com

66%

Budweiser

www.budweiser.com

56%

Garmin

www.garmin.com

44%

Hannibal Rising

www.hannibalrising.com

35%

Emerald Nuts

www.emeraldnuts.com

33%

Taco Bell

www.tacobell.com

29%

Career Builder

www.careerbuilder.com

25%

Source: Hitwise

 

 

The Home Depot Announces Strategic Evaluation of HD Supply

ATLANTA, Feb. 12  The Home Depot(R), the world's largest home improvement retailer, today announced that the Company and its board of directors have decided to evaluate strategic alternatives for its HD Supply(SM) business, including a possible sale, spin or initial public offering of the business. The Company said there can be no assurance that any transaction will occur or, if one is undertaken, its terms or timing. The Company has retained Lehman Brothers as its financial advisor to assist in this process. The Company stated that it does not expect to update its progress or disclose developments with respect to the exploration of HD Supply strategic alternatives unless the board of directors has approved a definitive transaction.
 

"Today's announcement is a continuation of the strategic review we did in November," said Frank Blake, chairman and CEO of The Home Depot. "We are undertaking this action today because of our desire to increase our focus on our retail business. With annual revenues of approximately $12 billion, HD Supply is a healthy, growing and vibrant business, and we are undertaking this evaluation to determine whether there are strategic alternatives with respect to HD Supply that would optimize shareholder value."
 

HD Supply is the wholesale distribution business of The Home Depot, and has nearly 1,000 locations nationwide and in Canada, and employs more than 26,000 associates. HD Supply has leading positions in the infrastructure, construction and maintenance supply industries.
 

About The Home Depot
 

The Home Depot(R) is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,159 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, 10 Canadian provinces, Mexico and China. Through its HD Supply(SM) businesses, The Home Depot is also one of the largest diversified wholesale distributors in the United States, with nearly 1,000 locations in the United States and Canada offering products and services for building, improving and maintaining homes, businesses and municipal infrastructures. In fiscal 2005, The Home Depot had sales of $81.5 billion and earnings of $5.8 billion. The Company employs approximately 355,000 associates and has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as the No. 1 Most Admired Specialty Retailer and the No. 13 Most Admired Corporation in America for 2006. The Home Depot's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 index. HDG
 

Forward Looking Statements
 

Certain statements contained herein may be "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on currently available information as of their dates and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements and other information contained herein, including risks and uncertainties associated with whether or not any transaction will occur or, if one is undertaken, its terms or timing. Forward-looking statements speak only as of their respective dates, and The Home Depot specifically disclaims any obligation to update them except as may be required under the federal securities laws. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties is contained in The Home Depot's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including The Home Depot's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 

Source: The Home Depot

 

P&G Launches First Season-Long Multi-Brand Racing Promotion
Six P&G Brands Team up to Offer 10 Lucky Fans a VIP Race Weekend Package

CINCINNATI-Feb. 9, 2007--The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) is kicking off the 2007 stock car racing season with a new consumer promotion featuring six P&G brands featured in the P&G brandSAVER500. Throughout the 2007 racing season, the P&G brandSAVER500 will put consumers on the fast track to great savings on the brands they love, while offering the chance to win hundreds of racing-themed prizes, including VIP race weekend packages.

The P&G brandSAVER500 sweepstakes marks the first multi-brand, season-long stock car racing initiative for P&G and will incorporate six brands including Bounty(R), Gillette(R), Old Spice(R), Prilosec (R), Pringles(R) and ThermaCare(R). A dedicated website, www.PGbrandSAVER500.com, has been created for the sweepstakes. On the website, fans will have an opportunity to ask questions of Liz Allison, the foremost female authority on stock car racing. She has joined the team to help build an innovative on-line community of female racing fans. Allison spent 17 years learning the ins and outs of racing as the wife of superstar driver Davey Allison, and has written several books including The Girls Guide to NASCAR. She will provide customized audio and video, educational racing information, and Questions and Answers for female fans looking to learn more about racing.

This exciting new promotion, which begins on February 9, offers 10 lucky race fans the chance to win a VIP Race Weekend Package that will include a trip for two to the stock car race of their choice and the opportunity to meet select P&G drivers. In addition, there will be over 300 racing-themed prizes awarded to consumers throughout the duration of the sweepstakes.

Consumers can enter the sweepstakes by visiting www.PGbrandSAVER500.com. Coupons for the six participating brands will feature a five digit race code, with a clearly identifiable checker flag icon, for consumers to enter online. In addition race fans can enter UPC codes from participating products as part of the P&G brandSAVER500 Online Race, which also enters them into the overall sweepstakes. A random drawing will take place in October to identify the 10 grand prize winners. For more information on how to enter and win visit www.PGbrandSAVER500.com.

About The Procter & Gamble Company

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R), Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella(R), Gillette(R), and Braun(R). The P&G community consists of over 135,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands

 

Radio Revenue Finishes Up in 2006

According to the Radio Advertising Bureau the Grand total Radio revenues increased 1 percent in 2006 over 2005, boosted by a 10 percent increase in non-spot dollars over that same time period. Total combined local, national and network sales figures were flat for 2006 compared to 2005. National business grew 5 percent in a year-over-year comparison. Local ad sales figures fell 1 percent, 2006 over 2005. Network Radio decreased 2 percent year over year, 2006 versus 2005.

Fourth quarter 2006 grand total revenues for Radio grew 3 percent when compared to that same quarter from a year ago.

To put the intermediate and long-term growth of the Radio industry into proper perspective, the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) introduced an Ad Sales Index that equates base year 1998 to 100. The RAB sales indexes for full-year 2006 are: local, 137.7; national, 146.8; and total combined local and national, 139.7.

Ongoing, the RAB will report quarterly Radio revenue in dollar amounts beginning with the 2007 results. Monthly percentage growth rates will continue to be available on the RAB website at www.RAB.com.

Radio Advertising Bureau Index Of Radio Revenue Pool Numbers

Dec. 2006 Vs. Dec. 2005

Year-To-Date Jan. - Dec. 2006 Vs. Jan. - Dec. 2005

4th Quarter 2006 Vs. 4th Quarter 2005

Local Revenue

Local Revenue

Local Revenue

All Markets

-1%

All Markets

-1%

All Markets

0%

Local Sales Index

116.4

Local Sales Index

137.7

 

 

National Revenue

National Revenue

National Revenue

All Markets

6%

All Markets

5%

All Markets

12%

Nat'l Sales Index

126.4

Nat'l Sales Index

146.8

 

 

Local & Nat'l Revenue

Local & Nat'l Revenue

Local & Nat'l Revenue

All Markets

0%

All Markets

0%

All Markets

3%

Combined Sales Index

118.7

Combined Sales Index

139.7

 

 

Non-Spot Revenue

Non-Spot Revenue

Non-Spot Revenue

All Markets

8%

All Markets

10%

All Markets

12%

 

Grand Total Revenue

Grand Total Revenue

Grand Total Revenue

All Markets

1%

All Markets

1%

All Markets

3%

Source: Radio Advertising Bureau, January 2007

(

2006 Overall Radio Revenue Growth (In billions)

 

Local

National

Network

Total Spot

Non-Spot

Grand Total

2006

$15.478

$3.553

$1.112

$20.143

$1.522

$21.669

% Chg

-1%

5%

-2%

0%

10%

1%

2005

$15.634

$3.384

$1.135*

$20.071

$1.384

$21.455

Source: Radio Advertising Bureau, January 2007

 

Frequent YouTube Visitors Watch Less Television

A recent Harris Poll of 2,309 U.S. adults, of whom 363 are frequent YouTube viewers, conducted online by Harris Interactive between December 12 and 18, 2006, found that almost one in three of these frequent YouTube users say they are watching less TV as a result of the time they spend there. However, 73 percent of frequent YouTube users say they would visit the site less if it started including short video ads before every clip. 42 percent of online U.S. adults say they have watched a video at YouTube, and 14 percent say they visit the site frequently.

Of all frequent YouTube users:

bullet66% claim they are sacrificing other activities when on YouTube
bullet36% say their visits to the site are most likely to have been at the expense of visiting other websites
bullet32% say their time spent watching TV is next most likely to have taken a hit
bullet20% think that YouTube also pre-empts email and other online social networking
bullet19% defer work/homework
bullet15% aren't playing video games
bullet12% are not watching DVD(s) and not spending time with friends and family in person

YouTube usage is greatest among the group already hardest to reach through television advertising: young males. 76% of 18 to 24 year old males say they have watched a video at YouTube, and 41% visit YouTube frequently.

Aongus Burke, Senior Research Manager of Harris Interactive's Media & Entertainment Practice, says "...YouTube ...has really emerged as a major force in, and problem for, the traditional entertainment industry. Not only is YouTube using a lot of their own content to steal the eyeballs they want the most, the site has provided a launching pad to wholly new forms of user-generated video entertainment that are gaining popularity quickly."

In the last year, TV networks have successfully experimented with airing of TV episodes with commercials on their websites. Nearly as many online adults (41%) say they have watched a video at a TV network website as they have at YouTube (42%). It seems like TV networks can get away with advertising more easily. Nearly three-quarters of adults who frequently visit YouTube say they would visit it a lot (31%) or a little (42%) less often if a short commercials before every clip were included.

Burke concludes that "...consumers as a rule are not averse to watching commercials online in order to catch an episode of a TV show they would otherwise miss. Yet those who are accustomed to finding and watching everything for free at YouTube may have developed a very different set of expectations for the site."

Online Video Viewership By U.S. Adults (% of Respondents; Multiple Response OK)

Ages

 

Adults

18 to 24

25 to 29

30 to 39

40 to 49

50 to 64

65 and over

 

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

Watched TV Online

74

85

87

76

78

62

56

Watched TV on:

YouTube

42

73

55

44

45

23

13

TV network

41

35

51

39

47

39

31

News site

35

27

40

36

42

32

32

Yahoo

25

30

33

26

29

18

13

Google

24

38

30

22

24

19

14

MySpace

19

45

33

19

16

7

3

iTunes

7

16

9

8

5

3

1

Somewhere else

19

19

15

24

19

17

16

Never watched video online

26

15

13

24

22

38

44

Source: The Harris Poll, January 2007

 

Online Video Viewership By U.S. Male Adults (% of Respondents; Multiple Response OK)

Ages

 

Males

18 to 24

25 to 34

35 to 49

50 to 64

65 and over

 

%

%

%

%

%

%

Watched TV Online

77

86

85

81

66

66

Watched TV on:

YouTube

47

76

53

53

29

15

TV network

43

37

47

49

40

36

News site

38

28

46

41

33

39

Yahoo

31

37

33

35

25

17

Google

31

50

31

28

25

19

MySpace

20

41

25

20

10

3

iTunes

8

17

9

8

4

1

Somewhere else

24

24

29

25

20

18

Never watched video online

23

14

15

19

34

34

Source: The Harris Poll, January 2007

 

Online Video Viewership By U.S. Female Adults (% of Respondents; Multiple Response OK)

Ages

 

Females

18 to 24

25 to 34

35 to 49

50 to 64

65 and over

 

%

%

%

%

%

%

Watched TV Online

70

85

85

70

58

45

Watched TV on:

YouTube

36

69

52

33

17

9

TV network

38

32

47

38

37

24

News site (e.g. CNN.com)

32

25

35

37

31

23

Yahoo

18

20

28

20

11

8

Google

17

22

23

17

12

9

MySpace

18

49

28

13

4

3

iTunes

6

15

9

4

2

2

Somewhere else

14

12

11

17

14

13

Never watched a video online

30

15

15

30

42

55

Source: The Harris Poll, January 2007

 

 

Time Spent On YouTube By U.S. Adults Having Ever Watched A Video On YouTube

 

% of YouTube Viewers

Uses YouTube Frequently

33%

More than 2 hours a week

2

1-2 hours per week

7

Frequently, but less than 1 hour per week

24

Only visited YouTube once or a few times

67

Source: The Harris Poll, January 2007

 

Time Spent Doing Other Things As Result Of Time Spent At Youtube (% of Respondents frequently viewing YouTube; Multiple Response OK)

 

% of Frequent YouTube Viewers

Spending Less Time on something because of YouTube viewing (all respondents)

66%

Spending Less Time:

Using other websites

36

Watching TV

32

Emailing, chatting online, blogging, etc

20

Working or doing homework

19

Playing video games

15

Spending time in person with friends/family

12

Watching videos on DVD

12

Reading magazines/newspapers

11

Talking to other people on the phone

9

Going to the movies

7

Exercise

1

Other

2

Not spending less time doing anything because of time at YouTube

34

Source: The Harris Poll, January 2007

 

 

THE NIELSEN COMPANY COMPLETES SALE OF BUSINESS MEDIA EUROPE TO 3i

 

  The Nielsen Company said today it has completed the sale of its VNU Business Media Europe (BME) unit to 3i, Europe s leading private-equity and venture-capital firm.  Terms were not disclosed.

 

Nielsen, formerly known as VNU Group B.V., announced in early October that it was exploring strategic alternatives for BME, including a possible sale of the business.  The company announced an agreement in principle to sell substantially all of BME to 3i on December 18.

 

Nielsen said its stake in a joint venture with Jaarbeurs that produces trade shows in the Netherlands and China was not included in the sale.

 

BME, a leading business-to-business publisher, operates through wholly owned subsidiaries in the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.  It delivers news and information in such areas as technology, business and finance, and recruitment.  BME publishes more than 70 print titles, including Intermediair, Computing, Computable, Accountancy Age and Management Team, and offers a range of associated e-media and websites, including VNUnet, an online news and information network for the IT industry.

 

 

About The Nielsen Company

 

The Nielsen Company is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek), trade shows and the newspaper sector (Scarborough Research). The privately held company has more than 42,000 employees and is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. For more information, please visit, www.nielsen.com.

 

 

 

MoneyTV, Week of 2/9

 

 MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures.

Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net.

The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net.

Featured companies on this week's show include:

Universal Express, Inc. (OTCBB: USXP) CEO Richard Altomare discussed a variety of subjects including the Jackson memorabilia auction, Saudi Funding, an analyst report and naked short selling.

Open Energy Corporation (OTCBB: OEGY) CEO David Saltman spoke of a project proposal the company had made to Wal-Mart Corporation.

RBC Dain Rauscher Senior VP Irwin Shapiro expressed his concerns over a shrinking of US manufacturing jobs.

GuestMetrics, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: GESM) CEO Brian Barrett announced the company had signed several new restaurants over the last 60 days.

The Green Baron.com Editor-in-Chief Matt Chipman speculated about a continued bull market in 2007.

Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally in the USA to 70 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30 AM PT, 8:30 AM ET, 9:30 AM ET, 3:30 PM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET.

MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 5:00 PM.

MoneyTV is also broadcast on UPN-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM.

MoneyTV is also available in Thailand on the Broad TV Network.

A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net.

MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVII, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3- to 4-month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.

 

 

 

Search Engine Ad Spending Forecast Up 39 Percent in '07

According to the second annual report on ad spending from Outsell, Inc., U.S. advertising is expected to grow 5.8 percent in 2007. The national study of advertisers, controlling about $6.5 billion of spending, shows that companies plan to increase their online spending by 18 percent this year, faster than for any other major media type. Advertisers also plan to raise their spending for advertising on search engines by 39 percent, the fastest of any online media method.

The survey of 1,010 advertisers and media types including online, print, events, TV/radio/movies, an overview of the reported findings includes:

bulletWhile the largest recipient of ad dollars (40 percent), print advertising will continue to lose share as online's share grows to 20 percent
bulletOnline advertising spending for pay-per-click (PPC) ads will fall one percent in 2007, while cost-per-action ads' share will grow eight percent and online sponsorships' share will rise 12 percent (
bulletForty-nine percent of advertisers have reduced or plan to reduce their PPC spending because of click fraud, up from 37 percent in the Spring of 2006. Advertisers rate online advertising very effective for branding, contrary to common wisdom that online is effective at generating leads, but is weak for branding(
bulletThe share of TV/radio/movie ad spending will decline about 3.5 percent this year. Advertisers are redirecting more trade magazine ad dollars to events than they are moving to paid search

 

DXG ANNOUNCES DXG-506V 5 MP CAMCORDER/CAMERA IN NEW FASHION COLORS GEARED FOR YOUTH MARKET

 

Make a Fashion Statement in Pink, Blue, Black & Silver

Easiest-to-Use Camera - Post Your Video, Music & Photos on Online Social Communities

 

City of Industry, CA, February 5, 2007 - DXG USA (www.dxgusa.com), one of the fastest growing digital camera manufacturers, announced today the new DXG-506V 5 Megapixel combo digital camcorder/camera/MP3 player/voice recorder/webcam -- all in one, with built-in 32 MB of storage.  The DXG-506V has a cool camcorder-shaped design and comes in 4 trendy colors:  Deep-Sea Blue, Metallic Pink, Midnight Black, and Classic Silver. 

 

With compact styling, the DXG-506V digital camcorder is perfect to take on the road for recording video with sound or for snapping photos to send to friends or to post on your homepage or favorite community sites, such as Myspace, Facebook, and Youtube.  The camcorder is geared towards teens, young adults and parents, where price, quality and style are most important. 

 

Designed with minimal buttons for increased ease-of-use, with trendy colors and an affordable suggested retail price of only $149, the DXG-506V digital camcorder has the convenience and look that consumers want, plus the features of a more expensive 5 Megapixel camcorder/camera -- without the premium price-tag. 

 

Record Video, Take Pictures, Listen To Your Music Wherever You Go

 

With the familiar compact camcorder look and feel, the DXG-506V makes video recording easy with near DVD-quality MPEG-4 video (up to 640x480 at 30 frames per second), in addition to capturing digital photos of up to 12 Megapixels. 

 

When hooked up to a computer via USB cable, the camcorder can also be used as a webcam for video chat or video conferencing with your friends, family, and co-workers.  In addition, MP3 music and audio files can also be transferred from your computer to the DXG-506V, so you can bring your music with you wherever you go.  The camcorder can also be used as a digital voice recorder, perfect for college students and business people, to record lectures, meetings, personal reminders and to-do lists.

 

You can entertain your friends at parties by connecting the DXG-506V to your TV to view your own worlds funniest videos and slideshows on a large screen.  And because of the included 32MB of internal memory and SD Card slot, the DXG-506V also functions as a portable storage device for saving all kinds of crucial documents. Besides posting and emailing your favorite photos, you can also print up to 8 x 11 photos, either directly from the camcorder without a computer (with the included PictBridgeTM technology) or with a computer; or you can bring the cameras removal SD card to a local drug-store kiosk or photo store for prints, calendars, and holiday cards.

 

DXG-506V Features:

bullet5.1 Megapixel digital camera and camcorder in one
bulletMP3 Player
bulletDigital Voice Recorder
bulletWebcam
bulletPortable Storage Device
bullet4 Fashionable Colors
bullet32MB of onboard internal memory
bulletBuilt-in SD slot
bulletPictBridge direct printing without computer
bullet4X digital zoom
bullet1.7 TFT LCD flip-out display screen
bulletBuilt-in flash in 3 modes
bulletWhite Balance and EV Compensation features
bulletMacro Mode

 

The DXG-506V is available in four great colors, Deep-Sea Blue, Metallic Pink, Midnight Black, and Classic Silver.  It comes with a camera case, wrist strap, earphones, editing software, USB and AV cables, manual, and AAA batteries.  The DXG-506V has a suggested retail price of $149 and is available immediately through leading retailers.

About DXG USA

DXG USA The Digital Camera Company is one of the fastest growing digital camera manufacturers in the United States, selling attractively-designed digital cameras for the youth and mainstream markets. Compact, fashionable and affordably priced, DXG digital cameras are setting trends for quality and utility. DXG USA is a fully-owned subsidiary of DXG Technology Corporation, one of the worlds leading manufacturers and designers (OEM/ODM) of digital cameras and camcorders. With over 20 years of experience manufacturing digital technology products under other brand names, DXG now designs and manufactures cameras under its own name. DXG Technology has won numerous design and innovation awards and employs over 4,000 people worldwide.

 

For more information on DXG USA, please visit www.dxgusa.com.

 

 

 

NIELSEN AND NETRATINGS ANNOUNCE MERGER AGREEMENT

New York and Haarlem, the Netherlands February 5, 2007 The Nielsen Company (formerly VNU) and NetRatings, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTRT) announced today that they have entered into a merger agreement by which Nielsen, which already owns approximately 60 percent of NetRatings, would acquire the NetRatings shares it does not currently own at a price of $21.00 per share in cash, for a total purchase price of approximately $327 million.  The NetRatings board of directors approved the merger agreement following the unanimous recommendation and approval of an independent special committee of the NetRatings board of directors.  The transaction price represents a 44.1 percent premium over NetRatings closing price on October 6, 2006.

 

"The special committee carefully reviewed the transaction in consultation with our financial and legal advisors, and the merger agreement was the result of extensive negotiations between the parties.  We believe that the merger is in the best interests of NetRatings' minority shareholders," said Arthur F. Kingsbury, chairman of the special committee of the NetRatings board of directors.  The special committee was advised by Lehman Brothers Inc. and Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

 

David Calhoun, chairman and chief executive officer of Nielsen, said: "This transaction will provide fair value to NetRatings shareholders while also allowing Nielsen and NetRatings to better coordinate their strengths for the benefit of our mutual clients."

 

The merger is expected to be completed in the second quarter of calendar year 2007, subject to customary conditions and approvals.  The exact timing is dependent on the review and clearance of necessary filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The transaction is subject to shareholder approval of NetRatings, but Nielsen has agreed to vote all of its NetRatings shares in favor of the merger, thereby assuring approval at the NetRatings shareholders meeting relating to the merger.

 

About The Nielsen Company

The Nielsen Company is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek), trade shows and the newspaper sector (Scarborough Research).  The privately held company has more than 42,000 employees and is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA.  For more information please visit www.nielsen.com.

 

About NetRatings

NetRatings, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTRT) delivers leading Internet media and market research solutions, marketed globally under the Nielsen//NetRatings brand. With high quality, technology-driven products and services, Nielsen//NetRatings is the global standard for Internet audience measurement and premier source for online advertising intelligence, enabling clients to make informed business decisions regarding their Internet and digital strategies. The Nielsen//NetRatings portfolio includes panel-based and site-centric Internet audience measurement services, online advertising intelligence, user lifestyle and demographic data, e-commerce and transaction metrics, and custom data, research and analysis. For more information, please visit www.nielsen-netratings.com.

 

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to anticipated financial and operating results, the companies' plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements including words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "will," "should," "may," and other similar expressions. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Nielsen's and NetRatings's management and involve a number of significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause or contribute to such material differences: change in general economic conditions; the performance of financial markets and interest rates; the ability to obtain governmental approvals of the transaction or to satisfy other conditions to the transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; increased competition and NetRatings business and financial results. Information about potential factors that may affect NetRatings' business and financial results is included in its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2005 and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, including, without limitation, under the captions "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors That May Affect Our Performance." Each of these documents is on file with the SEC and is available free of charge at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Readers of this press release are referred to such filings.

 

In connection with the proposed merger, NetRatings will file a proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Stockholders of NetRatings are urged to read the proxy statement regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available, because it will contain important information. Stockholders will be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement as well as other filings containing information about Nielsen and NetRatings, when available, without charge, at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). In addition, copies of the proxy statement can be obtained, when available, without charge, by directing a request to NetRatings, Inc., 120 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036, Attention: Susan Hickey, 212-703-5900.

 

NetRatings, its directors and executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding NetRating's directors and executive officers is available in NetRatings proxy statement for its most recent annual meeting, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2006. Information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement, the Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission when they become available.

 

 

 

Bango

February 5, 2007

 

See how WWE has extended its brand to mobile

wwe

World Wrestling Entertainment, Discovery Networks and Channel 4 TV all have one thing in common - they have all extended their brand onto the mobile internet.

Why? Because they want to deepen the relationship they have with their consumers on mobile. Whether your mobile presence will be funded by content sales, advertising or is a marketing investment, Bango will make it work for you on the mobile internet. Here's how we can help you:

bulletGive you the tools to promote your content
bulletAnalytics to help you learn about the visitors to your site
bulletGlobal payments platform to maximize your revenues.

Click here to access your FREE practial guide on going direct-to-consumer on mobile. Find out more about how businesses with digital content can maximize their potential to develop a direct, interactive relationship on mobile and sell content directly to consumers, outside of the operator portal.
 

Kind regards,
Sarah Keefe - VP Marketing Communications


 

 

World Wrestling Entertainment case study

Bango removes the complexity of going to the mobile internet by understanding what you need to do to be successful. Read the WWE to see what WWE achieved. .

Only Bango can do this

Bring users to your site from mobile networks across the US and world-wide

Track customer behavior and measure the success of campaigns

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Be up and running with Bango in hours
 

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Tel: +1 866 528 6897
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Bango

 

Phoenix Processing Releases Version 3.0 -- Web-Based Mortgage Banking Software

 

BURLINGTON, WI --  -- February 05, 2007 -- MDC Inc., the developer of the Phoenix Processing System, which manages Mortgage Banking Correspondent, Wholesale and Retail Pipeline Management needs, announces the Release of Phoenix Processing version 3.0. Phoenix Processing offers an exceptional streamlined Mortgage Banking processing.

The Phoenix Processing System offers the following feature sets: 100% Web-based Solution, HMDA Tracking & Reporting, Loan Status, Vendor Tracking and extensive Reporting Tools. These are just a few features that Phoenix Processing version 3.0 has to offer.

"Phoenix Processing sets a new standard in Mortgage Banking Software. Phoenix Pipeline Management Tools are integrated and completely web-based," Bill Mathis, president of MDC Inc., and Chief Software Architect of the Phoenix Processing, says. "We've Integrated XML and MISMO standards into Phoenix Processing version 3.0, allowing for more effective business logic standardization and integration with other mortgage banking tools, creating a more effective Mortgage Pipeline Solution." These solutions include Mortgage Pipeline Work-flow Management, Phoenix External Processing Solution and Phoenix Internal Mortgage Pipeline Solution.

"What also sets Phoenix aside from its competition is that it drastically minimizes the number of persons required to manage your mortgage pipeline. This greatly improves our client's cost of doing business," Bill Mathis adds.

Phoenix Processing System can be found online at http://www.phoenixprocessing.com or we can be reached at 262.767.8780.

 

ESPN, Yahoo! and FOX Top Sports Viewing Online

A deeper look at the sites, demographics, advertisers and ad specs for Online sports viewers the first week in January.

Top 10 Online Sports Destinations (Week ending January 7, 2006 US, Home and Work)

Brand or Channel

Unique Audience (000)

Active Reach (%)

Time Per Person (hh:mm:ss)

ESPN

8,171

6.13

0:16:09

Yahoo! Sports

7,561

5.67

0:20:05

FOX Sports on MSN

7,170

5.38

0:11:32

NFL Internet Network

5,454

4.09

0:10:56

eBay Sports

4,132

3.1

0:06:44

CBS Sportsline.com Network

4,083

3.06

0:15:10

AOL Sports

3,700

2.78

0:12:53

SI.com

3,604

2.7

0:09:53

MLB.com

2,039

1.53

0:08:06

NBA Internet Network

1,487

1.12

0:04:30

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView

 

Demographic Data For Sports Category (Month Of December 2006 US, Home And Work)

Category

Target

Unique Audience (000)

Audience Composition (%)

Total

 

70,064

100

Male

 

39,917

56.97

Female

 

30,147

43.03

Age

2 - 11

2,343

3.34

 

12 - 17

5,216

7.44

 

18 - 24

4,023

5.74

 

25 - 34

10,746

15.34

 

35 - 49

25,266

36.06

 

45+

31,007

44.26

 

55+

14,210

20.28

 

65+

5,033

7.18

HH Income

$ 0 - 24999

3,138

4.48

 

$ 25000 - 49999

13,404

19.13

 

$ 50000 - 74999

18,339

26.18

 

$ 75000 - 99999

14,403

20.56

 

$ 100000 - 149999

12,263

17.5

 

$ 150000+

7,379

10.53

 

No Response

1,137

1.62

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView

Data on the Entertainment Industry, Sports Leagues and Teams Segment Week ending January 7, 2006 US, Home and Work

Top 20 Advertisers

 

Impressions (000)

Share of all Impressions

NBA

2,272

16.9%

Cablevision Systems Corporation

1,895

14.1%

Florida Panthers Hockey Club

886

6.6%

The University of Tennessee

787

5.8%

Pittsburgh Penguins

740

5.5%

Fairfield University

631

4.7%

Fair Grounds Race Course

628

4.7%

Syracuse University

504

3.7%

iN DEMAND

457

3.4%

University of Cincinnati

407

3.0%

Baseball Factory

394

2.9%

Comcast Corporation

387

2.9%

Harlem Globetrotters

308

2.3%

Zuffa

307

2.3%

The Cleveland Browns

300

2.2%

USC Trojans

222

1.6%

Las Vegas Wranglers

174

1.3%

Chicago Blackhawks

170

1.3%

Sugarbowl

160

1.2%

Seton Hall University

141

1.0%

Total

13,456

100.0%

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

 

Top Ad Sizes

 

Dimensions

Impressions (000)

Share of all Impressions

Wide Skyscraper

(160x600)

1,942

14.4%

Full Banner

(468x60)

1,665

12.4%

Vertical Banner

(120x240)

1,632

12.1%

Half Banner

(234x60)

1,527

11.3%

Leaderboard

(728x90)

1,527

11.3%

Button #2

(120x60)

1,270

9.4%

Square Button

(125x125)

1,051

7.8%

Medium Rectangle

(300x250)

918

6.8%

Non-Standard Dimension

 

517

3.8%

Square

(250x250)

388

2.9%

Button #1

(120x90)

351

2.6%

Skyscraper

(120x600)

256

1.9%

Micro Bar

(88x31)

247

1.8%

Vertical Rectangle

(240x400)

138

1.0%

Rectangle

(180x150)

27

0.2%

Total

 

13,456

100.0%

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

 

Ad Delivery Types

Ad Delivery

Impressions (000)

Share of all Impressions

In-Page

13,456

100.0%

Total

13,456

100.0%

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

 

Google today announced that the Google Mini (1) now offers
sophisticated search features for finding and sharing information
within small businesses and departmental groups, including document
and user-level security, as well as access to any business content
through Google Onebox for Enterprise (2).

When the Google Mini was introduced two years ago, it set a new
standard for sophisticated search features in a small, simple and
affordable appliance, said Dave Girouard, vice president and general
manager, Google Enterprise.  As search becomes more critical to
businesses of all sizes, we continue to add even more sophisticated
search features that, until now, had only been available to large
businesses.

Starting at just $1995, the new Google Mini introduces:

Secure Search: Specially enhanced to support the
information-sharing
needs inside of small businesses and departmental workgroups, the
Google Mini offers document and user-level security across all
business content. Google's access control capabilities integrate with
existing security systems, ensuring that employees can access only
information they are authorized to view.

Google OneBox for Enterprise: Introduced last year as part of the
Google Search Appliance (3), the Google OneBox for Enterprise
feature
lets businesses provide secure access to any information such as
contact and calendar info, HR benefits, sales leads, or purchase order
status through the convenience of a Google search box.

Google OneBox for Enterprise is a feature developed in partnership
with some of the world's leading enterprise application vendors. With
Google OneBox for Enterprise, employees can search across a greater
variety of corporate information stored in such business systems as
Business Objects, Cognos, Cisco, Employease, Microsoft Exchange,
Netsuite, Oracle, Salesforce.com, SAP, SAS, and others.  Organizations
can also create OneBox modules to access applications built in-house.

Site Search Improvements: Site administrators can now link the
Google Mini search results page with Google Analytics (4) to provide
more detailed information about how people use search on their site in
order to improve the overall site experience. The new Google Mini also
automatically generates sitemaps - allowing webmasters to expose more
public content for crawling and indexing by Google.com.

The Google Mini is offered in versions that search from 50,000 up to
300,000 documents, includes a year of support and is available for
purchase online. Thousands of small-business customers already rely on
the Google Mini to provide fast and relevant search results for their
businesses. To learn more about the new Google Mini, please visit
http://mini.google.com.

About Google Inc.

Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people
around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by
Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a
top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted
advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable
results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google
is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the
Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit
www.google.com.

Google, Google Analytics, Google Search Appliance and Google Mini are
trademarks for Google Inc. in the United States and/or other
countries.  Other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.

---

(1) The Google Mini is an integrated hardware and software product
designed to help your organization make the most of its digital
assets.
(2) Google Onebox for Enterprise is a front-end search capability that
lets businesses provide secure access to any information through the
convenience of a Google search box.
(3) The Google Search Appliance is an integrated hardware and
software product designed to give businesses the productivity-
enhancing power of Google search.
(4) Google Analytics is a webmaster tool that delivers detailed
information on how people search and interact with an organizations
site. This information allows webmasters to improve the overall site
experience.
 

 

MoneyTV, Week 0f 2/2

LOS ANGELES, CA February 02, 2007 -- MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures.

Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net.

The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net.

Featured companies on this week's show include:

Modern Technology Corporation (PINKSHEETS: MODC) Chairman Anthony Welch and Dr. David Rasnick discussed the company's AnuCyte Cancer Detection System, which the company says detects cancer by identifying chromosomal imbalance.

XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) CEO Tom Djokovich discussed the company's recent sales efforts and international trade show results.

Reporting from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Jack Bouroudjian analyzed current market conditions and offered a short term outlook.

Universal Express, Inc. CEO Richard Altomare spoke of the company's NASCAR entry, his recent trip to London and an acquisition by the company's Mad Packers division.

Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB: CBAI) CEO Matt Schissler spoke of recent developments in the cord blood industry and the effect they may have on CBAI.

BioCurex, Inc. (OTCBB: BOCX) Chairman Dr. Gerry Wittenberg discussed the company's RECAF cancer marker, which the company says can detect 90% of all cancers.

Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally in the USA to 70 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30AM PT, 8:30AM ET, 9:30 AM ET, 3:30PM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET.

MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 5:00 PM.

MoneyTV is also broadcast on UPN-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM.

MoneyTV is also available in Thailand on the Broad TV Network.

A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net

MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVII, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3 to 4 month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.

 

Consumer Control of New Media Upsets Ad Balance

According to BIGresearch's latest Simultaneous Media Usage Study of over 15,000 consumers, marketers in 2007 are faced with the new reality of a consumer controlled communication model, with the advent of the Time Magazine selection of "you" as the Person of the Year in 2006, and "the consumer" having been selected as the Agency of the Year by Ad Age.

Gary Drenik, President & CEO of BIGresearch, noted "The long awaited ascent of consumers as controllers of their media environment is apparent in several findings in the study and it's also disruptive to the age old media distribution model many advertisers have relied upon."

With media multitasking growing as consumers have less time and more media options, Joe Pilotta, VP, Research of BIGresearch, concludes that "The intermittent usage of media which occurs during simultaneous consumption creates a serious problem for marketers who rely on exposure to media models since the anticipated exposure is being shared with many other media options and may never occur."

Simultaneous Media Consumption

When:

% Who Use Other Media

Watching TV

67.9%

Listening to Radio

56.4%

Reading Newspapers

68.9%

Going Online

70.7%

Source: BIGresearch, 2007

The consumers in the survey don't seem to be on the same page as advertising expenditures. When asked which media most influence their purchase decision for various product categories, consumers' choices are rarely in line with advertisers expenditures, says the report

Top 5 Media Influences on Consumers Buying a Car

Purchase Influence

Consumers Influenced

Automotive Industry Ad Spend %

1. Word of Mouth

30.4%

NA

2. TV Broadcast

24.1%

47.1%

3. Read Article

21.3%

NA

4. Newspaper

20.2%

30.0%

5. Magazine

17.5%

11.3%

Source: Ad Age Domestic Spending by Category (2005) and BIGresearch, 2007

 

Top 5 Media Influences on Electronics Purchases

Purchase Influence

Consumers Influenced

Electronics/Home Furnishings Industry Ad Spend %

1. Word of Mouth

42.6%

NA

2. Read Article

34.1%

NA

3. TV Broadcast

32.3%

36.2%

4. Newspaper Inserts

32.0%

4.40%

5. In-Store Promo

27.2%

NA

Source: (Includes) Home Furnishings, Appliances and Electronics and BIGresearch, 2007

Pilotta notes that "...new media options such as online search, blogging, email, texting, video, streaming and social networks such as MySpace and Youtube have expanded the Word of Mouth universe and made traditional advertising less relevant for many."

The report finds that 94.2% of consumers regularly or occasionally give advice about products and services they purchased, and 90.8% regularly or occasionally seek advice about products and services before making a purchase.

 

D-LINK NOW SHIPPING MOBILE BROADBAND ROUTERS
FOR WIRELESS NETWORKING VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE


Ideally Suited for On-the-Go Consumers and Professionals,
Temporary Work Sites, Disaster Recovery Areas

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 5, 2007 -- D-Link, the end-to-end
networking solutions provider for consumers and business, today unveiled a
family of 3G mobile broadband wireless routers designed to make it even
easier for on-the-go consumers, field technicians and mobile
professionals to access and share an Internet connection virtually anywhere by
blending Wi-Fi(tm) networking technology and a wireless broadband network.

The D-Link 3G Mobile Wireless Routers allow users to create a
802.11g/b-compatible wireless hotspot anywhere within range of a cellular
network.

By plugging a compatible 3G notebook adapter into the D-Link 3G Mobile
Router's built-in card bus slot or a USB-enabled mobile phone, users
can get immediate access to EV-DO, UMTS or HSDPA networks.   The D-Link
router can then share this signal via 802.11g/b Wi-Fi technology to
notebooks, PCs or other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.  The D-Link routers are
available in two versions: the DIR-450 (EV-DO) and DIR-451 (UMTS/HSDPA). 

"These routers are ideal in situations where a wired broadband
connection, such as T1, cable or DSL, is not available," said Brian Larsen,
associate vice president of product development for D-Link Systems, Inc.
"For instance, once users insert a notebook adapter into their D-Link 3G
Wireless Mobile Router and create a wireless 'hotspot', they can then
check their email, browse
the Web, access their company network and share information with
colleagues in 'virtual meetings'.  This solution is significant to the market
by enabling communications at temporary work sites such as construction
or disaster areas, concerts and others."

For security, both versions support wireless security features to
prevent unauthorized access, including WEP, WPA and WPA2 that ensure a
secure Wi-Fi network regardless of the connected devices.   They also employ
dual active firewalls (SPI and NAT) to prevent potential Internet
attacks.

Both routers can be installed as a wireless network in minutes, and it
can easily configure the user's Internet Service Provider (ISP)
settings to quickly establish high-speed Internet connectivity.    The
built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 switch allows seamless connection of
Ethernet-based devices.  In the U.S., compatible ISPs for the DIR-450 include
ACS Wireless, Alltel, Cellular South, Embarq, Sprint and Verizon
Wireless.  For the DIR-451, UMTS carriers
include Orangenet, Vodafone, Exelcom and Maxis, and Cingular, T-Mobile,
Exelcom, Maxis, Vodafone, Celcom and Globe for HSDPA formats.

Small-to-medium-sized businesses can maximize their investment in a
mobile Internet access subscription by using the D-Link 3G Mobile Wireless
Router in place of a fixed broadband Internet solution that requires
paying additional fees for cable or DSL. The 3G routers not only give
additional communications freedom to the mobile user, they also offer the
carriers increased value-added revenue opportunities.

The DIR-450 (EV-DO) is compatible with the Kyocera KPC 650, Novatel
V620 and Sprint PC-5740 notebook adapters, and the Audiovox 8940, Kyocera
KX18 and Samsung A890 cell phones.   Compatible notebook adapters for
the DIR-451 are the Novatel Wireless Merlin U530 and U730, Option
Wireless GT 3G Quad, Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 and Sony Ericsson GC89.

Without a mobile broadband connection data card, the DIR-450 and
DIR-451 work as standard 802.11g wireless routers, such as the popular D-Link
RangeBooster G models.

Price and Availability

The DIR-450 is available now for the suggested retail price of $299.99
through D-Link's network of online retailers and at the D-Link online
store, www.dlinkshop.com.   The DIR-451 is targeted to begin shipping
later this quarter.

About D-Link
D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for small, medium and large
enterprise business networking. The company continues to strive for
excellence as an award winning designer, developer, and manufacturer of
networking, broadband, digital electronics, voice and data communications
solutions for the digital home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO), Small
to Medium Business
(SMB), and Workgroup to Enterprise environments. With millions of
networking and connectivity products manufactured and shipped, D-Link is a
dominant market participant and price/performance leader in the
networking and communications market. D-Link U.S.A., Canadian, and Mexico
headquarters are located at 17595 Mt. Herrmann Street, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708.
Phone (800) 326-1688 or (714) 885-6000; FAX (866) 743-4905; Internet
www.dlink.com.

D-Link and the D-Link logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of
D-Link Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other
countries. All other third party marks mentioned herein may be trademarks
of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2007 D-Link
Corporation/D-Link Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. *The D-Link 3G Mobile Router
products require third-party mobile Internet access subscription.  D-Link
does not guarantee compatibility with all 3G wireless networks or
third-party Internet PC cards.
 

 

REVENUE-SHARING JACKPOT FOR AMATEUR VIDEOS, PHOTOS, & MUSIC CLIMBS TO $50,000 WITHIN WEEKS OF LAUNCHING NEW SITE

 

First Batch of Checks Went out to Leapfrog Uploaders this Week

 

New York, NY, January 31, 2007 Spymac www.spymac.com today announced that it has sent out the first batch of checks to people who have uploaded content to its new Leapfrog Web 2.0 portal for video chat, movies, photos and music sharing.

 

 

Daily Cash Payouts & Large Monthly Jackpots

 

Spymac shares the money it makes from advertisers with the members who upload the most popular pictures, movies and music.

 

Our unique revenue sharing model has proven to be a hit with uploaders, said Holger Ehlis, Spymacs CEO.  Weve already sent out thousands and were now getting ready to pay out the large monthly jackpot to Januarys top contributors.  

 

Spymacs revenue sharing model pays members based on two factors: the collective amount of revenue their content helps to earn and the popularity of their uploads, allowing quality uploaders to earn much more money from jackpots than on other revenue-sharing sites.

 

International Social Networking Site and Media Hub

 

Spymac provides its users with unlimited storage space and several tools to help them spread and promote their uploads, and creators are encouraged to market their own submissions.

 

Users can easily share and embed slideshows of their uploads on MySpace, their blog, or other social networking sites to increase their chances of winning a piece of the jackpot, said Kevin April, CTO.

 

 In addition to sharing multimedia, users can video-chat, find new friends and grow a network.  Weve come a long way from the site we were years ago, said Ehlis, Weve grown mainstream and now focus on social networking and media sharing for everyone around the globe.

 

Available in 18 languages, Spymac is impacting users around the world by giving them the chance to win large daily and monthly Jackpots.  Regionalized versions of Spymac covering 95 percent of the entire online populace are available in English, Arabic, Portuguese, simplified & traditional Chinese, Czech, Italian, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Romanian, Lithuanian, Spanish, Turkish and Ukrainian.

 

Exponential Growth

 

Leapfrog was launched only weeks ago, and it is growing exponentially as word spreads that uploaders get real money for simply sharing their work on the site.

 

Last week, we were getting more than 500 uploads a day, and that number has quickly climbed to more than 1,000 uploads from around the world every 24 hours -- about a new upload every minute of the day, said April. 

 

Already in the first month, we have individuals making enough money that they can literally quit their day-job and spend all day creating videos and uploading to Spymac, joked Ehlis. We are paying out between $3,000 to $5,000 a day.

 

 About Spymac

 

Spymac Network, Inc., with offices in the U.S., Canada and Germany, has more than one million members in over 150 countries, and contains millions of discussion topics, pictures, movies and music.

For more information, visit http://www.spymac.com

 

 

BARBIE(R) CONTINUES TO COLOR THE WORLD PINK AS #1 DOLL(1)

Barbie(R) Does it All in 2007... Stars as Worldwide Face for M-A-C
Cosmetics, Grows Entertainment Powerhouse, Introduces the Next Generation
of Fashion Dolls

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.  (January 30, 2007) - Always a snapshot with what's
hot among girls, Barbie(R) doll proves, once again, to be the "top
doll."  Following a hugely successful 2006 holiday season as the "No. 1 toy
for girls" and a Toy Wishes Magazine "Hot Dozen" winner, the Barbie(R)
brand celebrates four consecutive quarters of growth in the U.S. and
looks forward to an even hotter pink 2007.  In 2007, Barbie(R) doll will
continue to reign as the No. 1 fashion-themed doll in the U.S. , as
well as the world1, and the No. 1 toy property in the U.S.2 and worldwide1
toy industry by unveiling a ground-breaking collection of innovative
and interactive dolls and toys, releasing chart-topping DVD movies and
kicking off hot partnerships that only Barbie(R) can boast, including
Apple/iPod(R), M-A-C Cosmetics and Hilary Duff.

"Girls love Barbie because she continually evolves as girls change. 
She remains No. 1 in the hearts and minds of girls and moms alike because
she reflects the interests, activities and aspirations of girls today,"
said Chuck Scothon, general manager and senior vice president, Mattel
Brands, Girls.  "We are proud of the great year the Barbie brand had in
2006 and we're even more excited about what Barbie will do in 2007. 
She shows girls that they can be anything they want to be - a princess, a
teacher or even astronaut - and she is a way for girls to play out
their dreams and fantasies in a way that is relevant to today's girls."

2006... A Pink Hot Year!

Celebrating a banner year in 2006, Barbie(R) exemplified why several
generations of girls around the world have been inspired by Barbie(R)
doll.  Barbie(R) doll walked the runway with Hilary Duff at LA Fashion
Week, extended the Barbie(TM) Luxe adult apparel/accessories collection
with names such as Tarina Tarantino and Anna Sui, announced a global
partnership with M-A-C Cosmetics, starred in a first-ever live stage
production, and signed a multi-year, multi-picture deal with Universal
Studios Home Entertainment - truly solidifying her rank as an entertainment
and fashion powerhouse.  Barbie(R) doll's nine blockbuster movies topped
the charts with more than 37 million units sold collectively worldwide 
and they were watched, on average, 12 times by girls around the world. 
And, with 64 million monthly visits worldwide  to Barbie(R) branded Web
sites, and Barbie.comSM continuing its ranking among the Top 5
Entertainment Websites for girls ages 2-11 , it is evident that girls of all
ages choose
Barbie(R).

2007... A Year of Firsts

Barbie(R) doll kicks off 2007 by thrilling fans with exciting
announcements and never-before seen innovations at American International Toy
Fair in February.  From several technology-centric dolls such as Chat
Divas(TM) Barbie(R) doll and Rainbow Adventure(TM) Elina(TM) Doll & DVD
Game to performance-based, feature-rich cheerleader dolls to an
imaginative, whimsical collection of wedding-, fairy- and princess-themed toys
to Barbie(R) doll's 100th career doll playset, Barbie(R) will give girls
a whole new way to play in 2007, while continuing to inspire girls with
confidence, creativity, courage and friendship.

"In 2007, Barbie will inspire girls with a toy line-up that brings her
to life like never before," said Jim Silver, editor of Toy Wishes
Magazine. "For the first time ever, Barbie can lip sync to music played with
an iPod and, as a fairy-themed doll, serve as an interactive controller
to a DVD game. Barbie is still the fashion queen, but she also does
cool things that today's girls will relate to and gives girls a new of way
of playing with fashion dolls."

Also in February, Barbie(R) will star as M-A-C Cosmetics' spring face
in the Barbie(TM) Loves M-A-C collection - a full spring color cosmetics
collection featuring Barbie(TM)-inspired hues, names and packaging and
an edgy, sophisticated M-A-C Barbie(R) doll.  In early March the
collection will roll-out worldwide.

Later in spring, Barbie(TM) will build on the successful Fairytopia(TM)
franchise with the release of the new made-for-DVD movie and toyline,
Barbie(TM) Fairytopia(TM) Magic of the Rainbow(TM) debuting on the small
screen on March 13, 2007. 

Finally, in April, Barbie(R) will globally launch something
unparalleled and never-before-seen in the toy industry - Barbie Girls(TM), the
next generation of fashion doll play. 

Always inspiring, always innovating and always leading, Barbie(R)
promises girls another exciting year in 2007! 

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in
the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products,
including Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The
Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels(R),
Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), Radica(R) and Tyco(R) R/C, as well as
Fisher-Price(R) brands (www.fisher-price.com), including Little People(R),
Rescue Heroes(R), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of
entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif.,
Mattel employs more than the 30,000 people in 43 countries and sells
products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. Mattel's vision is to
be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.

MATTEL, BARBIE and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by
Mattel, Inc. (C) 2007 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About M-A-C

M-A-C (Make-up Art Cosmetics), the leading professional cosmetic brand
was created in Toronto, Canada in 1984 and is now sold in over 60
countries worldwide.  M-A-C Cosmetics supports the special needs of the
professional make-up artist that meet the demanding lighting and studio
conditions under which the pros work.  The company's popularity has grown
through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from make-up
endorsement from make-up artists, models, celebrities, photographers and
journalists around the world.  M-A-C is for All Races, All Sexes, All Ages,
attitudinally hip, artfully irreverent, dedicated fully to the art of
self-decoration and the realization of the individual.  The M-A-C attitude
is best expressed by our artists, seen and felt in our stores.  For
more information on M-A-C, visit www.maccosmetics.com.

iPod(R) not included. iPod(R) is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
All rights reserved.

-------------------------------------------------
1. Cumulative Year End 2005 data gathered from worldwide sources using
similar categories and averaged to US Dollars (exchange rate as of Aug.
1, 2006)

2. The NPD Group / Consumer Tracking Service; Jan-Oct 2006, Annual
2005, Annual 2004, Annual 2003; Fashion Themed Dolls/Figs Category;
Properties

3. Sales reports by Mattel third party partners/distributors                

4. Web Trends (internal analytics reporting tool) through December
2006. These are total visits, not unique visits. Includes Barbie, MyScene,
International Barbie sites, International MyScene sites

5. Based on a custom listing report derived from comScore Media Metrix,
of Entertainment-Kids sites Girls 2-11 (December 2006), Barbie is
ranked #4" (1) Disney Channel (2,046,166 UV) (2) Disney.com (1,485,849 UV)
(3) Nick.com (1,372,273 UV) (4) Barbie.com (1,128,907 UV)  (5)
CartoonNetwork.com (967,101UV)

 

 

Uranium -- Award of Prospecting Permits Puts Trendfield Holdings SA in the Forefront

 

NIAMEY, NIGER -- January 30, 2007 -- The renewed interest in Niger uranium provoked a real rush within the mining industry for its exploration that contains potentially important reserves. One also notes that this rush exists for other mining substances such as oil, gold and tin.

This interest is explained primarily by the increase in the price of uranium, of which Niger is the third world producer. The Government of Niger proceeded with the allocation of prospecting permits after analyzing multiple requests lodged by several mining companies.

TRENDFIELD HOLDINGS SA, a fully owned subsidiary company of TRENDFIELD ENERGY & RESOURCES PLC, whose purpose is to participate in enhancing the mining potential of Niger, has been awarded by the Government two uranium prospecting permits by the Council of Ministers on the 17/01/2007.

Indeed, TRENDFIELD HOLDINGS SA acquired the permits known as TAGAZA II and TAGAZA IV adjoining on the existing permit of Teguidda containing proven reserves; these permits represent an area of 500 km2 each and are located in the North of In Gall, in the Department of Tchirozrine, Province of Agadez where twelve other permits were previously awarded to Australian, Chinese and Canadian companies.

TRENDFIELD HOLDINGS SA will undertake a research program on the two permits over a period of three years, the objective being to highlight economically viable deposits.

 

"New Orleans Oldies Station" Calls For Pattern Optimized Jampro Antenna on Frequency Matched Tower

New Orleans, LA (January 30, 2007) -- WTIX-FM, well known as "New Orleans Oldies Station" has placed an order for a Jampro model JHPC 8-bay antenna and a Frequency Matched Tower (FMT) to replace an antenna damaged during Hurricane Katrina that ravaged the Gulf area in 2005. Before shipment, the JHPC and FMT will undergo extensive testing at Jampro's far-field, full scale 700-acre Pattern Optimization Range in California where it will be tuned to WTIXs FM frequency and tested on a proprietary FMT section to provide a very predictable azimuth pattern. The FMT model name identifies tower development ideas in use by Jampro since the late 1980s to match the tower section to the stations operating frequency.

 

The JHPC is the High Power version in Jampro's famous "Penetrator" series. Rated at 50 kW maximum input, each bay consists of a Penetrator style radiating element with a 3-1/8 inch shunt feed line. In making the announcement, Bob Groome, Jampro's Domestic Sales Manager said, "Mike Costello of WTIX has been working with Jampro for many months with extensive advance planning to assure a successful installation. He not only wanted optimum coverage through our pattern optimization service, he also wanted utmost in durability for both tower and antenna.  Since the JHPC is ruggedly built, it is particularly suited to the extreme conditions and periodic high wind loads experienced down there."  

 

Not only is the JHPC is robustly engineered for long life and reliable performance it is made of high quality marine brass and copper. Each bay is supported by galvanized steel mounting bracket and DC grounded at every bay for maximum lightning protection. Silver plated inner conductor connectors provide maximum contact life and minimize power loss.

 

WTIX-FM is owned by Michael "Michael in the Morning" Costello (under the name of Fleur de Lis Broadcasting, Inc.) and operates at 94.3 MHz.

 

 

About Jampro

Jampro Antennas / RF Systems Inc., established to answer the need for quality broadcast systems at a reasonable price, is a leading supplier of antennas, combiners & filters and RF components for every application in the broadcast industry.  Reputed for innovation and customization, Jampro builds each system to the specifications of the individual broadcaster. From the first system delivered in 1954 to those installed today, the Company is committed to consistent performance and quality founded on solid engineering. Today, over 15,000 broadcasters worldwide benefit from the quality and performance provided by Jampro systems.

 

Additional information on JAMPRO can be obtained at www.jampro.com.

 

###

 

 

Powerful New Gateway PCs Featuring Microsoft(R) Windows Vista Help Enthusiasts, Students and Small Businesses Get the Most Out of Their PCs

-- With today's introduction of the Gateway(R) DX430 Series and the NX270S notebook PC coinciding with the worldwide launch of Microsoft Vista, consumers can now purchase a powerful multimedia desktop or notebook PC from Gateway preinstalled with the much anticipated new operating system.
 

Optimized for Microsoft Windows Vista, the Gateway DX430 Series can be configured with Home Basic, Home Premium or Ultimate(1). It also boasts a sleek new industrial design with personalization capabilities, user friendly features and advanced technology. Tailored for families, students and home offices, consumers looking for features and capabilities above and beyond typical Internet and productivity usage, it is the ideal system for editing videos, perfecting photos, playing games and running demanding multimedia applications.
 

The new Gateway NX270S notebook features numerous high-impact design features that enhance durability. It is perfect as a first notebook or an additional PC, and with its thin and light design, it is easy to carry around school campuses or when flying for pleasure or for business. Its visually stunning 14.1-inch WXGA widescreen TFT Active Matrix display provides a stellar view experience and ample room for viewing multiple applications or documents.
 

"Enthusiasts and small businesses alike will find the Gateway(R) DX430 perfect for home office needs, digital photo editing and a variety of multimedia applications. It can serve as a TV, DVD player and stereo, and its unique portable hard drive option makes it easy to transport or back up files," said John Schindler, director of consumer products, Gateway. "Road warriors and traveling professionals will find our new NX270 Series notebooks are sturdy enough to easily handle the everyday bumps and bruises of mobile computing, while powerful technologies on the inside easily handle their demanding needs."
 

And with North-American based telephone technical support for U.S. customers, they can be assured their calls will be handled by knowledgeable, experienced, well-trained and dedicated support agents close to home.
 

Gateway DX430 -- Personalization and Feature Rich Options
 

Interchangeable face plates let customers modify the design of the front panel on the system to suit their individual style. Customers can upgrade the standard black face plate to a tungsten or brushed graphite finish at a minimal cost. Additional designs will be available in the future. The finishes provide an elegant and sophisticated look to the PC, allowing them to be personalized to the customer's workspace.
 

Not just another pretty face, the enhanced design of the DX430 makes it easier than ever to use key components and to connect popular consumer electronic devices. The top front of the system provides easy access to a high-speed USB 2.0 15-in-1 digital media reader. And for models featuring the optional TV tuner, convenient front port options for both video and audio make it easy to transfer or play photos from digital cameras or camcorders, while flip down doors on the optical drives simplify upgradeability and serviceability. An assortment of portable hard drive choices will be made available making it easy to back up valuable data or transfer content from one PC to another via USB.
 

The feature-rich chassis supports the latest processor technology; storage solutions built around speed, size and dependability; and leading graphic support for a wide range of multimedia applications.
 

With the breakthrough speed of the Intel Core 2 Duo dual-core processor, consumers can spend more time creating and less time waiting, while Windows Vista and Intel(R) Viiv(TM) options provide greater ease of access and control of movies, photos and music. The Gateway DX430 Series can be customized with a range of Intel processors.
 

For hobbyists, young professionals, college students or families with huge libraries of digital media, the DX430 can be configured with a range of hard drives including 750GB perpendicular drives for leading-edge performance or with Western Digital Raptor 150GB 10,000 RPM drives(2). In February, Gateway will offer a portable hard drive that allows users to expand storage capacity by another 80GBs or 160GBs.
 

To safeguard irreplaceable personal photos and videos, customers have the option of configuring the DX430 with RAID 0, providing mirroring for protection, or with RAID 1, which delivers striping for speed benefits.
 

In addition, Gateway's hard drive cooling system provides increased reliability and stability for high performance systems. The cooling system is able to reduce the temperature of hard drives up to 24 degrees Fahrenheit versus systems without Gateway's cooling system. This reduction increases the reliability of the system's hard drives by up to 33.2 percent(3).
 

The system's optional PVR capabilities and high-definition tuner make it the ideal entertainment system. It comes with a choice of graphic cards for gamers, including the lightening fast Nvidia 7950 GT.
 

To protect the customer's data and investment, Gateway DX430 Series desktop PCs with a 32-bit version of Windows are pre-installed with a 90-day trial of McAfee Internet Security Suite(TM) (Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam, Anti-Spyware, Firewall and Parental Control)(4). All systems include a proactive service tool called BigFix,(R) which is included at no charge(5). With the customer's permission, BigFix identifies and sends messages offering updates to enhance the performance or capabilities of the PC.
 

Available beginning Jan. 29, direct from Gateway, the new DX430 Series desktop PCs can be configured-to-order with popular features and technology. Ready-to-ship configurations and pricing follow:
 

                    DX430B             DX430S            DX430X

  CPU               Intel Pentium D    Intel Core 2      Intel Core 2
                     915 processor      Duo E4300         Duo E6300
                                        processor         processor
  Chipset           G965               G965              G965
  Memory            512MB              1024MB            1024MB
  Hard Drive        160GB              160GB             160GB
  Media Reader      15-in-1            15-in-1           15-in-1
  Optical           CD-RW/DVD Combo    DVD-RW            DVD-RW
  Video             Intel GMA X3000    Intel GMA X3000   Intel GMA X3000
  Chassis           Micro ATX          Micro ATX         Micro ATX
  Mouse             Soft-touch USB     Soft-touch USB    Soft-touch USB
                     Optical Mouse      Optical Mouse     Optical Mouse
  Speakers          Optional           Gateway 2.0       Gateway 2.0
  Keyboard          Elite              Elite             Elite
                     Multimedia         Multimedia        Multimedia
  Limited           1-year             1-year            1-year
  Warranty(7)
  Monitor           Optional           19-inch           22-inch
                                        widescreen LCD    widescreen LCD
  Operating         Microsoft Vista    Microsoft Vista   Microsoft Vista
  System            Home Basic         Home Premium      Home Premium
  Productivity      Microsoft Works    Microsoft Works   Microsoft Works
  S/W               8.5                8.5               8.5
  List Price        $499.99            $849.99           $1099.99



  Gateway NX270S Notebook -- Sturdy Design, Premium Look and Feel

The Gateway NX270S notebook was designed to handle the everyday bumps and bruises of mobile computing and to look great while doing it. A Constant Torque barrel hinge reinforces the stability of the display and reduces movement when the display is open. The notebook's external features further protect the system's structural integrity, while also contributing to its distinctive design. The high-composite matte cover surface is scratch- and fingerprint-resistant, helping to maintain the notebook's clean, new look. The aircraft-grade, brushed aluminum palm rest is comfortable when using the keyboard, while it also provides the strength of high-impact, lightweight metal for reinforcement. Plus, the metal edge detailing creates solid structural protection against drops while providing the notebook's contemporary finish with a unique framed profile. Polished black lacquer treatments give the product rich detail and a deluxe appearance.
 

The notebook's visually stunning 14.1-inch WXGA widescreen TFT Active Matrix display is the perfect complement to unique design elements in the notebook. The display vibrantly showcases graphics, video and applications, while the widescreen format provides ample room for viewing multiple applications or documents. The Ultrabright display features a 1280 x 800 maximum resolution.
 

The Gateway NX270S comes equipped for essential mobility for notebook customers on a budget. It has an Intel Celeron 430 processor, 512MB of memory, a 60GB hard drive and a CD-RW/DVD combo drive.
 

The system can be easily connected to consumer electronics, peripherals and digital media cards with its 3 USB 2.0 ports and 4-in-1 media card reader. It also comes with Vista Home Basic. Ready for work, studies and entertainment on the go, integrated 802.11 b/g provides wireless access to the Internet. The notebook also includes an integrated V.92 56K modem and 10/100 Ethernet.
 

The NX270S is available now priced starting at $699.99. Like all Gateway notebooks sold via the company's direct sales channels, it can be customized with a range of options.
 

North America Based Telephone Technical Support
 

While many PC vendors go off-shore to save service costs, Gateway's telephone technical support for U.S. customers is 100-percent based in North America. Customers are assured their calls are handled by knowledgeable, experienced, well-trained and dedicated support agents close to home(6).
 

Warranty, Service and Support
 

The new PCs are supported by the company's standard limited warranty options(7), but to help customers adopt and get the most out of Vista, Gateway recommends Answers by Gateway, which provides 24/7 telephone support for assistance with questions that go far beyond the system's standard warranty. For instance, Gateway's experts can help resolve most "how-to" questions about setting up e-mail or a home network, connecting a printer or transferring a home movie. They can also provide help with non-Gateway technology products, assisting with questions related to software, wireless networks, televisions, printers and digital cameras from most major manufacturers. This ensures Gateway customers are getting the most out of their Gateway PC and that their system works seamlessly with all of their consumer electronic toys.
 

Additional service and support options are also available. Gateway's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. The company's extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.
 

About Gateway
 

Since its founding in 1985, Irvine, Calif.-based Gateway (NYSE:GTW) has been offering award-winning PCs and related products to consumers, businesses, government agencies and schools with highest quality and service and best overall value. Gateway is now the third largest PC company in the U.S. and among the top ten worldwide. The company's value-based eMachines brand is sold exclusively by leading retailers worldwide, while the premium Gateway line is available at major retailers, over the web and phone, and through its direct and indirect sales force. See www.gateway.com for more information.
 

All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices exclude shipping and handling. Applicable taxes extra. (C)2007 Gateway, Inc. Gateway Terms & Conditions of Sale apply. Trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Intel and Core are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
 

  (1)  Not all Windows Vista features are available for use on all Windows
       Vista Capable PCs.  All Windows Vista Capable PCs will run the core
       experiences of Windows Vista, such as innovations in organizing and
       finding information, security, and reliability.  Some features
       available in premium editions of Windows Vista -- like the new
       Windows Aero(TM) user interface -- require advanced or additional
       hardware.  Check www.windowsvista.com/getready for details.
  (2)  Accessible capacity varies; MB = 1 million bytes; GB = 1 billion
       bytes.  TB = 1 trillion bytes.
  (3)  Accolade Engineering Solutions, December 2006.  The Arrhenius
       Acceleration Reaction Rate Model is used to estimate the improvement
       in mean time to failure (MTTF) based on temperature of the component.
       Configuration tested includes two hard drives.
  (4)  90 days of complimentary updates included.  Internet connection
       required.
  (5)  Internet connection required.
  (6)  Service methods subject to change without notice or obligation.
  (7)  Limited warranties and service agreements apply; visit gateway.com or
       call 1-800-846-2000 for a free copy.  Service agreements are issued
       and performed by third parties.  May not be available in all
       locations.  On-site service technician will be sent if necessary,
       following phone-based troubleshooting.  Availability varies.  Other
       conditions apply.

Source: Gateway, Inc.

 

Web site: http://www.windowsvista.com/getready
 

Web site: http://www.gateway.com/

 

17% of US Households Have High Def Capable Set - Mainly Upscale Households

New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group found that the one in six households in the United States now have at least one high definition-capable TV (HDTV), an increase from about one out of every fourteen households just two years ago.

LRG's latest research, based on a survey of 1,300 households throughout the United States, revealed:

bulletThe mean annual household income of HDTV households is 42% above average
bullet26% of households with annual incomes of over $50,000 have an HDTV compared to 7% of households with annual incomes below $50,000
bullet26% of HDTV owners have more than one HDTV - up from 11% last year
bullet29% of HDTV owners are likely to get another HDTV in the next year - up from 18% last year
bulletOnly one-third of adults have heard of the digital TV transition, scheduled for February 17, 2009

Millions of HDTV sets have been sold in the US in the past year, says the report, and more homes than ever are actually watching HD programming. Yet even with the price of HD sets decreasing, the report concludes that growth of HD is being driven by those who can most afford to buy one, which in an increasing number of instances, includes households with more than one HDTV set. With just two and a half years to go before the digital TV transition takes place, two-thirds of Americans remain unaware of the pending analog cut-off, helping to explain why this deadline has had little impact on the purchase of HD and digital TVs to date.

Weith 26% of HDTV owners having more than one set, up from 11% last year, Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst of the Leichtman Research Group, says "What is developing is an HD divide. If I'm a marketer, I realize I'm not just selling to new customers. I'm selling to a lot of existing customers."

HDTV Ownership

Annual HH Income

Have an HDTV

Under $30,000

6%

$30,000 - $50,000

8%

$50,000 - $75,000

17%

$75,000 - $100,000

25%

Over $100,000

38%

Source: LRGResearch

 

 

VDS PROVIDES FOX NEWS WITH SMS VOTING DISPLAY SOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENTIAL STATE OF THE UNION COVERAGE

 

VDS, a leading developer of broadcast automation software, content design and plug-in products has provided the Fox News Channel with technology for the real-time display of SMS text message polling data.

 

The system was first used to support Fox News coverage of the Presidential State of the Union Address on January 23rd. During a special broadcast of Foxs Hannity and Colmes show, viewers were invited to send a text message to a dedicated shortcode, indicating their opinion of the Presidents speech. The results were then displayed on-air throughout the broadcast.

 

 

 

The system pulls data in real-time from a back-end database and webserver provided by txtstation (www.txtstation.com). The data is then displayed in a lower-third format using a rendering engine provided by Viz-RT (www.vizrt.com).

 

The system provides an intuitive user interface specifically designed for ease-of-use in a control room environment. Operator controls are provided for displaying the initial poll questions as well as the real-time results. An integrated status display provides the operator with real-time data updates for all responses.

 

The use of SMS text messaging as a means of polling viewers can provide broadcasters with real-time feedback on breaking news events or program content. We see this as a powerful, inexpensive tool for bringing interactivity to traditional broadcast television., said Larry Mincer, President of VDS.

 

 

 

 About VDS
VDS is committed to providing automation and content design tools for the broadcast, cable television, internet, and post production markets. VDS designs products for the automated control of broadcast television systems, with an emphasis on graphics-related operations, content distribution and automation, and internet-to-video and video-to-internet systems. VDS content creation systems provide industry tools that deliver graphic design, universal file translation and integration capabilities.
 

Key VDS clients include Fox News, Discovery Networks, Viacom, the NFL, the NHL, the NBA, and Fox Sports.

 


 

 

Web Sites Increasing Local Newspaper Penetration Markedly

According to a special release from The Media Audit, newspapers are increasing their market penetration beyond 60, 70 and even 80 percent with the help of their websites. Ten daily newspapers have achieved a net reach of more than 80 percent. The full report will be available at the Newspaper Association of America Marketing Convention in Las Vegas, January 28-31.

Bob Jordan, president of International Demographics, says "To improve the net, newspaper(s) are... making impressive gains in attracting viewers to (their websites.) As recently as 2003 just 30 daily newspapers had attracted more than 20 percent of adults in their immediate market to their websites. Our current numbers show 49 dailies have attracted more than 25 percent of adults and 30 dailies have attracted 30 percent or more."

The New Orleans Times-Picayune leads the nation with a net reach in the metropolitan area they service of 87.3 percent.

bulletApproximately 593,800 adults said they read the Times Picayune during the past month
bullet287,500 adults said they visited the newspaper's website during the same period
bullet"The net gain, when the duplications between the two groups are eliminated, is approximately 43,900...," says Jordan

The other daily newspapers in the top ten and their percent of market penetration are:

bullet Omaha World-Herald, 84.1%
bulletBuffalo News, 83.3
bullet Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 83.3
bullet Louisville Courier-Journal, 82.0
bullet Charleston (SC) Post & Courier, 80.7
bullet Lexington Herald-Leader, 80.6
bulletThe State (Columbia SC) 80.3
bullet Peoria Journal Star, 80.2
bullet Rochester (NY) Democrat & Chronicle, 80.0

 

 

 

Ethanol and Energy From Woodchips: Green Energy Resources New Technology Offers Cheaper Fuel Source Than Corn

 

 Green Energy Resources (PINKSHEETS: GRGR) announced it will seek to capture the woodchip for energy marketshare on the US East Coast and California. Woodchips are gaining momentum as a superior and cheaper fuel source for ethanol and power energy production. Green Energy Resources UTCS wastewood to energy plan includes cellulostic fiber, woodchips and woodfiber fuels. President Bush in last week's State of the Union Address 'Biorefinery Initiative,' specifically acknowledged waste sources of woodchips for ethanol and energy. The announcement comes in the wake by industry and investment communities that corn will likely prove uneconomical for ethanol production in the US.

UTCS -- a technology breakthrough

UTCS technology software tracks, sources, inventories, and environmentally certifies millions of tons of wastewood generated in the US annually. UTCS can certify existing forest lands, plantations, tree farms, and urban wood waste streams as well as storm damage. The software performs emissions calculations for municipalities and trade opportunities. UTCS is a web-based software currently offering open enrollment for ethanol producers, power plant generators and municipalities. WWW.UTCS.COM.

Energy WoodChips -- a Trade Commodity

Green Energy Resources has re-initiated steps to establish commodity standards for "Energy Chips." Energy Chips will have benchmarks similar to coal and oil like West Texas and Brent sea. The plan is to list on a major commodity index and was first offered in 2005 by the company. Green Energy Resources has enlisted the aid of an international and award-winning emissions trade brokerage firm to fully develop the commodity standards and list on an index.

Green Energy updates

Green Energy Resources will attend and be a sponsor of Bioenergy Europe 2007 next week in London. The company is scheduled to finalize a new woodchip carrier at the conference. Green Energy Resources CEO, Joseph Murray will meet several international buyers and plans a joint press release for next week.

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, competitive factors, the ability to successfully complete additional financings and other risks.

 

 

AgilePath Announces SOA Funding and Budgeting Assessment Solution

Releases Version 2 of SOA Governance Reference Model(TM)

 AgilePath Corporation, a leading service-oriented architecture (SOA) management and technology consulting firm, announced the release of new SOA Funding and Budgeting assessment solution to augment its SOA Governance Playbook methodology. AgilePath's SOA Funding and Budgeting Assessment helps organizations establish appropriate funding models in support of their SOA initiatives and implement budgeting processes to support SOA strategy and planning, tooling and infrastructure investments, services design and development, and achieving reuse and sharing of services.

"Our SOA governance experience shows how critical IT funding and budgeting processes are in supporting SOA initiatives," said Eric Marks, President and CEO of AgilePath Corporation. "We quickly realized that SOA funding and budgeting was so significant that we developed a formal solution and methodology to address the processes by which organizations fund SOA and related initiatives. Ultimately, funding and budgeting processes set the stage for realizing many of the benefits of SOA, and therefore appropriate SOA funding models are essential for success."

AgilePath redefined the SOA governance landscape in February 2006 with its SOA Governance Reference Model, which established a vendor neutral framework for SOA governance based on organization and processes rather than software tools. From its SOA Governance Reference Model, AgilePath developed its SOA Governance Playbook methodology, which is the industry's leading model for establishing SOA governance processes and policies in support of an SOA initiative. AgilePath's SOA Funding and Budgeting Solution has its own discrete methodology and will include two modules: a SOA Funding and Budgeting Assessment, and a SOA Funding and Budgeting Model component, which will develop a comprehensive to-be funding model that supports a client's SOA strategy and SOA governance requirements while establishing explicit alignment to business and mission goals.

"AgilePath has once again extended its SOA Governance vision and thought leadership to address SOA challenges faced by our Fortune 1000 and Federal Government clients," stated Eric Marks. "AgilePath's SOA Playbook series of methodologies and solutions are the industry benchmark for comprehensive and insightful SOA solutions that are vendor independent and client-focused, and we will continue to forge ahead with our innovative agenda for the SOA industry."

AgilePath CEO Eric Marks has just begun work on a new SOA book focused entirely on SOA Governance. The working title is "SOA Governance and Beyond: Evolving Governance for a Services Driven Enterprise," and will be another Wiley & Sons book. This is Mr. Marks's third SOA book, and will be released in 2007. Mr. Marks's most recent SOA book, "SOA: A Planning and Implementation Guide for Business and Technology" (Marks and Bell, 2006), has become a top-selling SOA book in part because of its comprehensive industry-leading coverage of SOA governance.

About AgilePath Corporation

AgilePath Corporation is the leading vendor-independent management consulting firm focused exclusively on Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). Founded in 2003, AgilePath's mission is to help business and IT executives understand, plan for and implement SOA. AgilePath's thought leadership, business focus and patent pending SOA Playbook methodology lead to rapid ROI and business results via SOA. AgilePath is based in Newburyport, Massachusetts. For more information visit www.agile-path.com.

 

Procter & Gamble Acquires DDF Skin Care
 The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) announced today that it has acquired HDS Cosmetics Lab Inc., the company that manufactures and markets Doctor's Dermatologic Formula (DDF) skin care, from North Castle Partners, a private equity firm. The DDF line of products designed for specific skin concerns such as anti-aging, acne, hyperpigmentation and sun protection are sold in specialty retail, department stores and select spas throughout the United States and in several other countries.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070122/CLM157 )

"The addition of DDF to our existing portfolio provides us with the ideal opportunity to reach new consumers in new channels," said Paolo DeCesare, President, P&G Global Skincare. "This move also reflects P&G's corporate strategy to focus on skin care as a key growth category."

"When DDF was created in 1991 it was a pioneering brand, one of the first retail skin care lines created by a top dermatologist," DeCesare continued. "Today DDF is a leading dermatologist brand in the retail specialty channel and has a strong following of loyal consumers."

Building on DDF's strong positioning and credentials, P&G expects to infuse the line with a steady stream of innovation, add marketing expertise, and leverage its global reach and go-to-market capability to drive future expansion.

"We created DDF to bring forth the latest technologies, based on medical practices and protocols," said Dr. Howard Sobel, a leading New York dermatologist and founder of DDF. "I'm confident that with P&G's know-how and scale behind it, DDF can grow to reach even more women and men who are looking for professional solutions."

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About North Castle Partners

North Castle Partners is a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on investments in consumer-driven product and service businesses that benefit from "Healthy Living and Aging" trends. North Castle is a hands-on, value- added investor in high-growth, middle market companies in the (i) aesthetics & personal care, (ii) consumer health, (iii) fitness & recreation, (iv) home & leisure and (v) nutrition industries.

North Castle is led by a seasoned group of five partners and supported by eight additional private equity professionals. The North Castle team is further enhanced by eleven proactive operating advisors who bring a wide range of operational and investment capabilities as well as an extensive knowledge base and network. The strength of the North Castle team, combined with our focus and network, is creating significant competitive advantages in building world-class companies. North Castle is headquartered in Greenwich, CT. For more information, visit www.northcastlepartners.com.

About P&G Beauty

P&G Beauty products help make beauty dreams real and grooming enjoyable everyday for millions of women and men worldwide. With more than 100 brands available in nearly 130 countries, P&G Beauty delivered sales of more than $21 billion in fiscal year 2005/06, making it a leading global beauty company.

P&G's successful track record for growing acquired brands includes Pantene(R), Olay(R), Cover Girl(R), Herbal Essences(R), SK-II(R), Wella Professionals(R), and the fragrance licenses for Valentino(R), and Hugo(R). Visit www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G Beauty and its brands.

SOURCE Procter & Gamble Company
 

 

 

Made in IBM Labs: IBM Software to Safeguard Consumer Identity on the Web With "Identity Mixer"

Enables Secure Internet Purchases Without Disclosing Personal Information, Protects Against Identity Theft

- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced software that allows people to hide or anonymize their personal information on the Web, ensuring protection from identity theft and other misuse. Developed by researchers at IBM's laboratory in Zurich, Switzerland, the software -- called Identity Mixer -- will enable consumers to purchase goods and services on the Internet without disclosing personal information.

As consumers hand over personal details in exchange for downloading music or subscribing to online newsletters, they leave a data trail behind that reveals pieces of information about the size, frequency and source of their online purchases that can be traced back to the user. IBM's Identity Mixer software eliminates the trail by using artificial identity information, known as pseudonyms, to make online transactions anonymous. For example, the software allows people to purchase books or clothing without revealing their credit card number. It can confirm someone's spending limit without sharing their bank balance, or provide proof of age without disclosing their date of birth.

Unlike other identity management systems that transmit parts of a user's true identity, systems built using Identity Mixer software will help protect user privacy by sharing only pseudonyms, so real identity information can never be intercepted or exposed.

Identity Mixer works by allowing a computer user that has the software to get an anonymous digital credential, or voucher, from a trusted third party, like a bank or government agency such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. A bank would provide a credential containing a credit card number and expiration date, and when an online purchase is made, the Identity Mixer software digitally seals the information by transforming the credential so the user can send it to the online merchant. By using sophisticated cryptographic algorithms, the Identity Mixer software acts as the middleman confirming bank authorization for the purchase -- so the real credit card numbers are never revealed to the merchant. The next time a purchase is made, a new encrypted credential would be used.

"When people don't have to disclose their personal information on the Web, the risk of identity theft is dramatically reduced," explains John Clippinger, senior fellow at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School. "The ability to anonymize transactions using Identity Mixer has the potential to bolster consumer confidence, opening digital floodgates to new forms of Internet commerce."

Identity Mixer brings another dimension to IBM's industry-leading technologies that protect the privacy of consumers and businesses. IBM currently offers software, in use by large governments, healthcare organizations and financial institutions, which provides a way to compare data about their passengers, patients or clients to identify relationships, while never exposing people's sensitive information. The software irreversibly shreds personal artifacts such as names, addresses, phone numbers and social security numbers before the data is shared. The software analyzes the shredded information and alerts the company when a match is found between specific records, identifying only the record file number assigned by the software. It is then up to the organization to decide what amount of detail to share from the identified record. This protects the personal details within other records so they're not needlessly exposed during the comparison process.

Building Privacy into Eclipse Higgins Open Source Security Project

IBM will contribute its Identity Mixer software to Eclipse Higgins project, an open source effort dedicated to developing software for "user-centric" identity management. The current trend toward a user-centric approach means that individuals can actively and securely control who has access to their online personal information, such as bank account and credit card numbers, or medical and employment records, rather than having institutions solely manage that information as they do today.

"The ever-growing incidents of data loss, exposure, and theft on the Internet concern me," said Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Canada. "It's clear that the best way to protect sensitive information is never to reveal it at all. The ability of privacy-enhancing technology to mask sensitive personal information during online transactions makes real the privacy principle of data minimization, and will bring much needed privacy to the Web. I applaud IBM's leadership and openness in this area."

The Identity Mixer software will provide the required added layer of privacy to the Project Higgins framework for true user centric identity management. IBM plans to incorporate the Identity Mixer technology into its Tivoli software portfolio of federated identity management software.

Project Higgins was announced in February 2006 by the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School, IBM, Novell and Parity Communications. It was the first user-centric identity management effort to follow the open source software model, whereby hundreds of thousands of developers contribute and continually drive improvements through collaborative innovation. The open source Higgins effort will support computers running any operating system, as well as any identity management system.

The Eclipse foundation is one of the industry's most influential open source communities and includes major technology vendors, start-ups, universities, research institutions and individuals.

Made in IBM Labs

IBM is dedicated to driving the development of promising new technologies. The Zurich Research Lab is part of IBM's globally integrated approach to innovation -- a network of 63 major software development and research labs worldwide that develop, test and support a wide range of emerging and established technologies that span software and services. IBM believes that these technologies have the potential to transform the way people live and work. But they are not created in a vacuum by IBM alone. They are increasingly the result of collaborative innovation among IBM's R&D engagements and its customers, business partners, universities and other parties. It is IBM's goal to bring its renowned R&D resources closer to its customers worldwide.

Identity Mixer is one of a host of emerging technologies being publicly unveiled as part of the Made in IBM Labs initiative at an upcoming event at IBM's Silicon Valley Lab.

For more information, please visit www.ibm.com

 

Musical Phones

According to recently published research from Telephia, there are now 23.5 million mobile subscribers in the U.S. who have phones with integrated music players. The number of consumers with music-enabled phones is up five times from the same period in 2005 and nearly 20 percent of the new phones purchased in Q3 2006 were music capable.

Many of these subscribers report loading music on to their phones via their PC, but only a small number have actually downloaded music over the air from a wireless carrier music store. In Q3 2006, only about 8.5 percent of subscribers with capable phones reported any purchases of music via OTA downloads.

The report summarizes mobile data services as well:

bulletMobile data services business is growing in all areas. Data services revenue is up 88% YOY in the US, with revenues at nearly $3.5 billion in Q3 2006.
bulletThe number of wireless subscribers also continues to grow, topping at 221 million subscribers in Q3 2006, as compared to 195 million a year ago.
bulletWhile text messaging represents about 39% of revenue for all data services, MMS has posted triple digit growth rates in terms of both revenue and the number of mobile consumers sending and receiving MMS.
bulletMobile download content revenue (games, audio, applications, and video/TV) hit $727 million in the US in Q3 2006. Mobile video/TV revenue in particular had tremendous growth in 2006, posting revenues of $141 million in Q3 2006 and matching mobile game revenues.
bulletWhile the penetration of U.S. mobile video/TV subscribers is still small at 2.3 percent in Q3 2006, the number of mobile video/TV subscribers has doubled to 5.1 million since the beginning of the year.

Kevin Burden, Senior Manager, Mobile Devices, Telephia, says "...carriers are experimenting with pricing models and working to improve the user experience... The ability to facilitate impulse music purchasing will allow the wireless music stores to capture some portion of the larger digital music market..."

Uptake of Music Phones and Over the Air Download Services (U.S.)

 

Q3 2005

Q3 2006

Subscribers with music players on their handsets

4,603,688

23,495,033

As percent of all mobile subscribers

2.3%

10.5%

Subscribers who have downloaded

full tracks over the air

 

NA

2,004,228

As percent of subscribers with music players

on their handsets

 

NA

8.5%

Source: Telephia U.S. Device Census Report, (Q3, 2005-Q3, 2006)

Mobile phones with integrated music players have been in the U.S. market for more than two years and have gone through substantial improvements in memory capacity, file format capability and sound quality. Nearly all of the major device manufacturers are featuring music-capable phones as an important part of their current product portfolios.

Mobile operators have launched their music stores much more recently and OTA purchasing is still not available on all the major carriers. Sprint, introduced in October 2005, and Verizon Wireless in January 2006 represent the majority of the two million OTA downloaders. Of the more than $3.5 billion of carrier advertising dollars that was spent in 2006, $234.3 million or 6.7 percent, promoted music phones and music download services.

"... the widely anticipated product launch announcement from Apple this week... could greatly accelerate adoption of music phones and OTA purchasing," added Burden.

 

 

MoneyTV, Week of 1/26

 

- MoneyTV is the nationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews by hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman with company CEOs, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures.

Free information packages from the featured companies can be requested by sending an email to info@moneytv.net.

The television program can also be viewed online immediately at www.moneytv.net.

Featured companies on this week's show include:

Aladdin Trading & Company, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: ADTJ) President Ted O'Connor spoke of the company's two imported beers, their distribution and marketing. He also discussed how their smaller importing company has some advantages over much larger competitors.

Itronics, Inc. (OTCBB: ITRO) CEO Dr. John Whitney announced the company had achieved its first profitable quarter with its line of Gold 'N Gro fertilizers.

Semotus Solutions, Inc. CEO Anthony Lapine updated information about his company's merger progress.

The Green Baron.com Editor-in-Chief Matt Chipman spoke of the company's online newsletter and their criteria for selecting companies.

GuestMetrics Inc. (PINKSHEETS: GESM) CEO Brian Barrett announced the company had signed an LOI with Tilbury Corporation.

Seamless Wi-Fi, Inc. (OTCBB: SLWF) CEO Al Reda reported another 1,000 units ordered of its S-XGen personal hand held computer.

Manhattan West Mortgage CEO Roger Schlesinger speculated about the short term economy and the effect it would have on the real estate market.

Viewers of MoneyTV can receive free information in the mail about featured companies by calling the toll-free phone number on their TV screen. The weekly television program debuted in 1996 and is broadcast nationally in the USA to 70 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30 AM PT, 8:30 AM ET, 9:30 AM ET, 3:30 PM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET.

MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 5:00 PM.

MoneyTV is also broadcast on UPN-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM.

MoneyTV is also available in Thailand on the Broad TV Network.

A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net

MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVII, all rights reserved. MoneyTV does not provide an analysis of companies' financial positions and is not soliciting to purchase or sell securities of the companies, nor are we offering a recommendation of featured companies or their stocks. Information discussed herein has been provided by the companies and should be verified independently with the companies and a securities analyst. MoneyTV provides companies a 3- to 4-month corporate profile with multiple appearances for a cash fee of $11,500.00 to $17,250.00, does not accept company stock as payment for services, does not hold any positions, options or warrants in featured companies. The information herein is not an endorsement by the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.

 

Newspaper Blogs Are Instant "Letters To The Editor"

Nielsen//NetRatings finds that traditional publishers are adopting interactive forums like blogs, where web traffic to the blog pages of the top 10 online newspapers grew 210 percent year over year in December. The overall unique audience growth to these online newspapers was 9 percent year over year. Unique visitors to blog pages accounted for 13 percent of their December 2006 Web traffic, up 9 percentage points from 4 percent in December 2005.

Carolyn Creekmore, senior director of media analytics, Nielsen//NetRatings, said "...It makes perfect sense for online newspapers, where responding to a blog posting is like writing an instant letter to the editor."

Unique Audience For Top 10 Online Newspapers and their Blog Pages (U.S., Home and Work; UA x000)

 

Audience Dec 2005

Audience Dec 2006

YOY Growth

Top 10 Online Newspapers

27,371

29,940

9%

Blog Pages within Online Newspapers

1,217

3,776

210%

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, January 2007

The overall unique audience to the top 10 online newspapers skewed male, with 60 percent men and 40 percent women. Among newspaper blog pages, this skew intensified, with 66 percent men and 34 percent women. But both men and women are contributing to unique audience growth in this arena, with men increasing 226 percent and women increasing 183 percent year over year.

"(Though) men tend to be both early adopters of new technologies and avid consumers of news... women make up slightly more than half of the active Internet universe and we can expect them to play an increasingly significant role in blog consumption." said Creekmore

Gender Composition at Top 10 Online Newspapers and their Blog Pages (Dec. 2006; U.S., Home and Work)

Gender

Newspapers

Blog Pages

YOY Growth at Blog Pages

Male

60%

66%

226%

Female

40%

34%

183%

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, January 2007

Top 10 Advertisers in December 2006 are based on data from AdRelevance, Nielsen//NetRatings' advertising research service.

Top 10 Advertisers by Estimated Spending (December 2006)

 

Advertiser

Total Estimated Spending

Impressions (000)

1.

Experian Group Limited

$90,284,000

34,649,333

2.

AT&T Corp.

$39,857,400

10,535,951

3.

NexTag, Inc.

$32,120,900

15,221,834

4.

Verizon Communications, Inc.

$31,759,200

8,962,028

5.

Time Warner Inc.

$27,288,500

6,948,177

6.

Vonage Holdings Corp

$24,174,400

7,533,227

7.

Low Rate Source

$17,920,600

6,792,963

8.

Bank of America Corporation

$16,503,600

7,536,428

9.

Blockbuster Inc.

$16,056,700

7,309,783

10.

eBay, Inc.

$15,566,900

2,606,156

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, January 2007

 

 

 

Ford posts massive loss

Ford Motor Co. lost $5.8 billion in the fourth quarter amid slumping sales and huge restructuring costs, pushing the automaker's deficit for the year to $12.7 billion, the largest in its 103-year history.

The annual loss reported Thursday surpassed its previous record of $7.39 billion set in 1992. The 2006 loss amounted to $6.79 per share versus a profit of $1.44 billion, or 77 cents a share, in 2005.

It was far from the largest quarterly or annual corporate loss on record _ Time Warner Inc. reported a $97.2 billion loss in 2002, largely due to new accounting rules about how to value assets. Ford could not rely on accounting rules, however, to explain its staggering total, which represented a loss of $4,380 on each car or truck it sold in 2006.

Ford's loss also fell short of the biggest annual deficit in the auto industry. General Motors Corp. lost $23.4 billion in 1992.

Dearborn-based Ford predicted more losses for this year and in 2008, but said its restructuring plan is on track to return to profitability in 2009.

"We know where we are. We are dealing with it and we're on plan," Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally told reporters and industry analysts in a conference call.

The company, which lost $6 billion on North American operations alone, said it expects to burn up $10 billion in cash to run its business through 2009 and spend another $7 billion to invest in new products.

The fourth-quarter loss was the worst final-quarter loss in Ford's history and its second-worst quarterly performance. Ford lost $6.7 billion in the first quarter of 1992, due mainly to accounting rule changes on health care liabilities.

Excluding special items, Ford lost $1.50 per share in all of 2006, worse than Wall Street predicted. Fourteen analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected a loss of $1.35 per share for the year, excluding special items.

Its shares rose 16 cents, or 1.8 percent, to $8.36 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Ford, faced with increasing competition from overseas rivals such as Toyota Motor Corp., is banking on the restructuring to pull it through the next two years. Mulally, hired from aerospace giant Boeing Co., is leading the drastic efforts to turn around the company.

Ford mortgaged its assets to borrow up to $23.4 billion to pay for the restructuring and to cover losses expected until 2009. About 38,000 hourly workers have signed up for buyout or early retirement offers, and Ford plans to cut its white-collar work force by 14,000 with buyouts and early retirements.

 

Eagle Broadband Receives IPTV Set-Top Box Patent

New Patent Eliminates Risk of Content Pirating and Unauthorized Access

Officials with Eagle Broadband, Inc. (AMEX: EAG), a national provider of broadband, Internet Protocol (IP) and digital communications technology and services, today announced that the company has been awarded a new patent on its advanced set-top box technology that ensures secure delivery of digital television content.

The company's recently patented technology (U.S. Patent 7,159,044) virtually eliminates the risk of unauthorized network access and theft of digital content in hotels, condominium buildings and local cable companies that provide IPTV cable television services. Television programming and access to a main network can be "unlocked" by an in-room set-top box only if both the proper software and hardware (set-top box) are operating normally.

Without this feature, the functionality of set-top boxes can be easily manipulated by those with a basic understanding of how the technology works. By either manipulating the hardware or installing the software on other devices, a hacker could potentially access and/or record television programming, or even break into a hotel, condominium or cable company network.

Eagle's patented technology prevents such hacking by requiring the original hardware and software to run simultaneously before delivering digital content. If either part of the chain runs in an unexpected manner, this patented technology shuts off the hardware, thus locking out unauthorized access to the network.

This technology is expected to appeal to hotels and other digital content providers, as it will prevent the loss of revenue associated with pirated pay-per-view programming. The stronger network security is also an attractive feature to anyone providing IPTV content, including Eagle Broadband.

"This technology has been incorporated into Eagle's set-top boxes for some time, and we are pleased to receive a U.S. patent on it," said Brian Morrow, IPTV general manager and COO of Eagle Broadband. "This also is one reason why Eagle has been so successful in acquiring IPTV content rights from the major television studios and other content providers; they trust the security of our set-top box technology."

For more information on Eagle Broadband, visit www.eaglebroadband.com.

About Eagle Broadband, Inc.

Eagle Broadband is a technology company that develops and delivers products and services in three core business segments:

--  IPTV -- Eagle Broadband's IPTVComplete provides direct access to
    more than 250 channels of high-demand programming from popular
    entertainment providers, often using Eagle's high-definition, set-top
    boxes.
--  SatMAX -- Eagle Broadband's SatMAX provides indoor/outdoor
    communications utilizing the global Iridium-based (www.iridium.com)
    satellite communications system.  It offers both fixed and mobile
    solutions, including the emergency first responder SatMAX Alpha "SatMAX-in-
    a-suitcase" technology.
--  IT Services -- Eagle Broadband's IT Services Group is a full-service
    integrator offering a complete range of network technology products
    including VoIP, remote network management, network implementation services
    and IT project management services.
    

EAGG

Forward-looking statements in this release regarding Eagle Broadband, Inc., are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the company's ability to continue as a going concern, the company's liquidity constraints and ability to obtain financing and working capital on favorable terms, the continued acceptance of the company's products, increased levels of competition, new products and technological changes, the company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.