Business and Financial News 2

 

 

 

 

The J. M. Smucker Company to Merge P&G's Folgers Business into the Company in an All-Stock Transaction
ORRVILLE and CINCINNATI, Ohio, June 4, 2008 -- The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) and The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) announced today the signing of a definitive agreement to merge the Folgers coffee business ("Folgers") into The J. M. Smucker Company in an all-stock reverse Morris Trust transaction valued at approximately $3.3 billion, including the assumption of an estimated $350 million of Folgers debt. As part of the transaction, Smucker will issue a one-time special dividend of $5 per share to Smucker shareholders as of the record date, prior to the merger, a clear indication of the strength of the combined businesses. Following this one-time special dividend, P&G shareholders will receive approximately 53.5 percent of Smucker in a tax-free stock-for-stock merger.

Folgers is the leading producer of retail packaged coffee products in the United States with a 150 year history. Folgers' broad portfolio of products are sold primarily under its flagship Folgers(R) brand. This brand joins a widely recognized portfolio of brands that include Smucker's(R), Jif(R), Crisco(R), Pillsbury(R), Eagle Brand(R), Hungry Jack(R), Robin Hood(R) and Bick's(R). The proposed transaction creates a powerful portfolio of brands and an even stronger Smucker Company with annual sales approaching $5 billion, and greater scale that will benefit all of its businesses. With the addition of Folgers, the total size of the categories in which Smucker participates increases to approximately $15 billion as compared to $1 billion in 2002. The addition of Folgers, a billion dollar brand, is consistent with Smucker's strategy to own and market number one food brands in North America.

The merger provides investors with a compelling financial story and further strengthens Smucker's ability to deliver enhanced shareholder value over time. Smucker believes that the addition of the Folgers business will benefit Smucker and its shareholders in several important ways, as detailed below: 

    -- Assuming Folgers was owned for all of Smucker's fiscal year 2009:

        -- Net sales are expected to increase to approximately $4.7 billion.
        -- It is estimated that the transaction would be accretive by
           approximately 9 percent to fiscal year 2009 earnings per share,
           excluding merger and integration costs, and after giving effect to
           the impact of the special dividend to Smucker shareholders, as
           discussed in Transaction Details below.
        -- Smucker expects to realize synergies in excess of $80 million.
        -- The profit contribution from Folgers and fully realized synergies
           of over $80 million are expected to result in estimated earnings
           before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA")
           of $820 million.  This represents an increase in the EBITDA margin
           of nearly 300 basis points.

    -- Results for fiscal year 2009 will depend on the actual closing date.
       Assuming the transaction closes early in the fourth quarter of calendar
       2008:

        -- Fiscal 2009 net sales are estimated to approximate $4 billion.
        -- Fiscal 2009 earnings per share, before one-time costs associated
           with the transaction, are estimated to range from $3.45 to $3.50.
        -- Fiscal 2010 earnings per share, before one-time costs associated
           with the transaction, are estimated to range from $3.62 to $3.72.


    -- Longer term, sales for Smucker are expected to increase 6 percent per
       year with acquisitions continuing to play a strategic role.  The
       ability to leverage the sales growth results in an expected earnings
       per share growth rate of 8 percent or greater.

    -- Smucker will continue to maintain a strong balance sheet with a
       conservative leverage profile and substantial incremental free cash
       flow, after capital expenditures ("FCF").  Smucker is expected to
       generate pro forma FCF of approximately $400 million, which is 12
       percent accretive on a per share basis.  The enhanced cash flow will
       allow Smucker to continue its historic strong dividend practice,
       typically in the range of 40 percent of earnings, to pursue accretive
       market-leading brand acquisitions, and to fund future share
       repurchases.

Executive Comments

"Folgers is a perfect strategic fit within our portfolio of leading and iconic North American food brands," said Tim Smucker, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Smucker. "Folgers will become our tenth number one brand in North America and will further enhance the high quality, great tasting, diverse product offerings that consumers expect from Smucker. We are proud to welcome the talented Folgers employees to the Smucker Company where brands and people are about more than making and marketing products. We believe the many common values shared by our organizations represent a great foundation for a smooth integration."

"Coffee is the perfect complement to breakfast or dessert -- two areas we know a lot about," said Richard Smucker, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Smucker. "Like Smucker's, Jif, Crisco, and Pillsbury, the Folgers brand has exceptional equity with consumers. The addition of Folgers will also enhance our ability to reach out to consumers at retail through complementary, multi-brand merchandising activities. We are excited about the addition of Folgers and the many dimensions this transaction brings in our quest to meet and exceed consumer expectations."

"Since adding Jif and Crisco in 2002, we have continued to expand our portfolio by completing ten brand acquisitions," added Tim Smucker. "We have developed a core competency of integrating our acquisitions in a timely fashion and growing the brands. As an example, Jif has experienced an annualized sales growth of 7 percent, increased its share of market by 7 share points, and introduced a variety of new products."

"Strategically, P&G has exited certain categories in order to focus on our core businesses and enhance the growth profile of the portfolio," said A.G. Lafley, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Procter & Gamble. "The structure and terms of this transaction deliver on the goals we stated for the separation of the coffee business from P&G. This transaction maximizes the after-tax value of the coffee business for P&G shareholders and minimizes earnings per share dilution."

"Smucker has proven to be an excellent steward of Jif and Crisco since taking ownership of the brands from P&G in 2002 and I am confident that Folgers will continue to thrive as part of The J. M. Smucker Company," added Lafley. "Smucker's core beliefs, values, and principles are very much the same as those of P&G. We cannot think of a better long-term home for P&G's former coffee employees and brands than Smucker."

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, P&G will distribute Folgers to P&G shareholders in a tax-free transaction, with a simultaneous merger with Smucker. P&G expects the Folgers separation to occur via a split-off and plans to finalize the transaction structure in the early fall of 2008. In the merger, current P&G shareholders will receive approximately 53.5 percent of Smucker shares and current Smucker shareholders will own approximately 46.5 percent of the combined company upon closing. Upon closing, Smucker will have approximately 118 million shares outstanding. As part of the transaction, Smucker will be assuming an estimated $350 million of Folgers debt. The transaction is expected to be tax-free to both companies and P&G shareholders. In addition, Smucker shareholders as of the record date, prior to the merger, will receive a special dividend of $5 per share. The record date for the special dividend will be determined by Smucker at a future date.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of calendar 2008, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory and Smucker shareholder approvals. Smucker expects to incur approximately $100 million in one-time costs related to the transaction over the next 12 to 24 months.

Following completion of the transaction, the expanded Smucker Company will add over 1,250 employees including sales, marketing, coffee procurement, product development, supply chain and administrative functions in Cincinnati and manufacturing plants in New Orleans, Louisiana; Kansas City, Missouri; and Sherman, Texas, along with a key distribution center in New Orleans.

Smucker was advised by Banc of America Securities LLC; William Blair & Company, L.L.C.; Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP; and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. P&G was advised by Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., The Blackstone Group L.P., Jones Day and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.

Conference Call

P&G and Smucker will jointly host a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the Folgers transaction. The webcast, as well as a replay in downloadable MP3 format, can be accessed from the companies' websites at www.smuckers.com and www.pg.com . An audio replay will be available following the call and can be accessed by dialing 800-289-0579 or 719-457-2550, confirmation code 4697060 and will be available until Monday, June 9, 2008.

About The J. M. Smucker Company

The J. M. Smucker Company is the leading marketer and manufacturer of fruit spreads, peanut butter, shortening and oils, ice cream toppings, sweetened condensed milk, and health and natural foods beverages in North America. Its family of brands includes Smucker's(R), Jif(R), Crisco(R), Pillsbury(R), Eagle Brand(R), R.W. Knudsen Family(R), Hungry Jack(R), White Lily(R), and Martha White(R) in the United States, along with Robin Hood(R), Five Roses(R), Carnation(R), Europe's Best(R) and Bick's(R) in Canada. The Company remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth and Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century ago. Since 1998, the Company has appeared on FORTUNE Magazine's annual listing of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the United States, ranking number one in 2004. For more information about the Company, visit www.smuckers.com .

The J. M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks, except Pillsbury is a trademark of The Pillsbury Company, used under license and Carnation is a trademark of Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., used under license.

The J. M. Smucker Company Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These include statements regarding estimates of future earnings and cash flows and expectations as to the closing of the transaction. Other uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions within the U.S., strength of commodity markets from which raw materials are procured and the related impact on costs, the ability to obtain regulatory and shareholders' approval without unexpected delays or conditions, integration of the merged businesses in a timely and cost effective manner, retention of supplier and customer relationships and key employees, the ability to achieve synergies and cost savings in the amounts and within the time frames currently anticipated, and other factors affecting share prices and capital markets generally. Other risks and uncertainties that may materially affect the Company are detailed from time to time in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Forms 10-Q, 10-K, and 8-K.

About The Procter and 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), Gain(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 138,000 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.

The Procter & Gamble Company Forward Looking Information

All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this release, are forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on financial data, market assumptions and business plans available only as of the time the statements are made, which may become out of date or incomplete. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other factors. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and investors must recognize that events could differ significantly from our expectations. In addition to the risks and uncertainties noted in this release, there are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by some of the statements made. These include: (1) the ability to achieve business plans, including with respect to lower income consumers and growing existing sales and volume profitably despite high levels of competitive activity, especially with respect to the product categories and geographical markets (including developing markets) in which the Company has chosen to focus; (2) the ability to successfully execute, manage and integrate key acquisitions and mergers, including (i) the Domination and Profit Transfer Agreement with Wella, and (ii) the Company's merger with The Gillette Company, and to achieve the cost and growth synergies in accordance with the stated goals of these transactions; (3) the ability to manage and maintain key customer relationships; (4) the ability to maintain key manufacturing and supply sources (including sole supplier and plant manufacturing sources); (5) the ability to successfully manage regulatory, tax and legal matters (including product liability, patent, and intellectual property matters as well as those related to the integration of Gillette and its subsidiaries), and to resolve pending matters within current estimates; (6) the ability to successfully implement, achieve and sustain cost improvement plans in manufacturing and overhead areas, including the Company's outsourcing projects; (7) the ability to successfully manage currency (including currency issues in volatile countries), debt, interest rate and commodity cost exposures; (8) the ability to manage continued global political and/or economic uncertainty and disruptions, especially in the Company's significant geographical markets, as well as any political and/or economic uncertainty and disruptions due to terrorist activities; (9) the ability to successfully manage competitive factors, including prices, promotional incentives and trade terms for products; (10) the ability to obtain patents and respond to technological advances attained by competitors and patents granted to competitors; (11) the ability to successfully manage increases in the prices of raw materials used to make the Company's products; (12) the ability to stay close to consumers in an era of increased media fragmentation; (13) the ability to stay on the leading edge of innovation and maintain a positive reputation on our brands; and (14) the ability to successfully separate the company's coffee business. For additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected herein, please refer to our most recent 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports.

Additional Information

In connection with the proposed transaction between Smucker and P&G, Smucker will file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Such a registration statement will include a proxy statement of Smucker that also constitutes a prospectus of Smucker, and will be sent to the shareholders of Smucker. Shareholders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and any other relevant documents when they become available, because they will contain important information about Smucker, Folgers and the proposed transaction. The proxy statement/prospectus and other documents relating to the proposed transaction (when they are available) can be obtained free of charge from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . The documents (when they are available) can also be obtained free of charge from Smucker upon written request to The J. M. Smucker Company, Shareholder Relations, Strawberry Lane, Orrville, Ohio 44667 or by calling (330) 684-3838, or from P&G upon written request to The Procter and Gamble Company, Shareholder Services Department, P.O. Box 5572, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5572 or by calling (800) 742-6253.

This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any security holder of Smucker. However, P&G, Smucker and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of The J. M. Smucker Company may be found in its 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 26, 2007, and its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed with the SEC on July 9, 2007. Information about the directors and executive officers of The Procter & Gamble Company may be found in its 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on August 28, 2007, and its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed with the SEC on August 28, 2007.

SOURCE The J. M. Smucker Company; The Procter & Gamble Company

http://www.smuckers.com

 

 

Digital Anarchy Releases ToonIt! 1.1 for Faster Processing of Video Footage Into a Cartoon Look

New Update Takes Advantage of Multi-Processor Machines for Notable Speed Increase During Render

San Francisco, CA — June 3, 2008 — Digital Anarchy, a leading provider of visual effects software for Adobe, Avid, and Apple products, today announced the version 1.1 update for ToonIt! Film/Video and ToonIt! Avid. Version 1.1 speeds up the rendering of ToonIt! by taking advantage of multi-processors. This allows users to quickly render cartoon-like images from film and video footage. The filters use advanced algorithms from Toonamation to create flat shades of color with full control over details like outlines, shading styles and halftone effects.

The ToonIt! 1.1 update adds a few new features, bug fixes, and speeds up rendering time by taking advantage of multi-processor machines. ToonIt! 1.1 renders 70-90% faster than version 1.0.2 and over 300% faster when using After Effects CS3 and a quad-core machine. Standard Definition footage takes about 1 sec/frame using After Effects CS3 and a quad-core.
 
Jim Tierney, president of Digital Anarchy, said, “ToonIt! has been incredibly well received, but many users have complained about the speed. So we spent some time optimizing it and retooling it for multi-processor machines. This has given ToonIt! a tremendous speed boost. When used with the great multi-processor support in After Effects CS3, the speed increase is pretty amazing. We’re very excited about this update.”

With these four plugins, artists can customize the ‘toon’ effect for almost any image with styles like Flat Cartoon, Graphic Novel, Line Art, and Pen & Ink. One of the main features of ToonIt! is its ability to create a smooth animation over time with very little jitter and minimal temporal artifacts. While other cartooning software frequently produces an undesirable ‘vibrating’ image when played back at full speed, ToonIt! filters reduce these graphic issues and produce very consistent, pleasing results from one frame to the next.

Pricing and Availability

ToonIt! Film/Video is priced at USD $299. ToonIt! Avid is priced at USD $295. Both products are on sale for USD $259 through June 15, 2008. Version 1.1 will ship with all new orders. The 1.1 update is free to existing users, who should visit the company’s website for update instructions at: http://digitalanarchy.com/toonVID/request.php

ToonIt! Film/Video works in After Effects 5.5 and higher (including AE CS3), Final Cut Pro 4.5 and higher, Motion 2.1 and higher, and Premiere Pro 2.0 and higher. ToonIt! Avid works in Avid host applications that support the AVX1 and AVX2 standards. Both products run under Macintosh 10.3.9 and higher (including 10.5) and runs natively on Intel Macs. The products run under Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, Vista 32-bit  and Vista 64-bit systems. Demo filters and samples are available at www.digitalanarchy.com.

About Digital Anarchy

Digital Anarchy is a privately owned company operating out of San Francisco, Calif., that creates high-quality creative software for broadcast designers, 2D animators and professional photographers. These tools solve a wide range of design issues, from creating text effects and background design elements, to masking out bluescreens for commercial still photography. Digital Anarchy products work in conjunction with a wide range of products from companies like Adobe, Apple and Autodesk. For more information, please see the company’s website at www.digitalanarchy.com or call 415-586-8434.

Digital Anarchy is a registered trademark of Digital Anarchy Inc. All other brand names, product names, service marks, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
 

 

 

OtterBox, Colorado Company to Support Neighboring Tornado Victims

 

Fort Collins, COLO— Less than ten miles from the headquarters of Otter Products, LLC., tornadoes instantaneously turned lives upside down. Homes, vehicles, and belongings were lost, hundreds were injured and one man even lost his life. To help a nearby family or families rebuild after the devastation, OtterBox announces they will donate 10% of online proceeds from sales in June 2008.

Talking to people around town and at the office after the storm, it was evident the close connections to those afflicted by the tornadoes.

“We are looking for a family or families through the Red Cross, churches and other organizations to offer our assistance to,” said Curt Richardson, CEO of Otter Products, LLC. “The OtterBox team is a family and we want to pull together to offer what resources we can to help those who have lost so much.”

Whether making a monetary donation or going to assist in these areas, OtterBox employees are ready for the challenge.

“So many people along the Colorado Front Range fell victim to these destructive tornadoes and OtterBox wants to do everything we can to help,” said Richardson. “As part of these communities we feel especially inclined to offer our support.”

Visit www.otterbox.com to “Donate Now” to the American Red Cross to help tornado victims or purchase online during the month of June and 10% of your purchase will go to help a family or families in need.
 

 

Dress The Drink™ Announces Product Launch

Company introduces luxury garnishes for beverages

Las Vegas, NV (May, 2008 )- Dress The Drink™ announced today the launch of their new drink kit. This drink kit is unlike anything available to the consumer for enhancing beverages with flavor and beauty. Cindy McClure, President of Dress The Drink™ states “This product was developed from an epiphany at 3am and once we began, there was no question of its success. Timing is everything and that is proven with the current hype and promotion for Sex And The City. Dress The Drink has been placed on the fast track as the VIP sponsor for Manolos & Martinis on May 18th, as well as the after party on May 30th.

Joining Cindy on this walk outside the box is Scott, VP of Marketing and Kevin, VP Product Development. Each of them brings their expertise in the food and beverage industry to the table, rounding out a highly skilled and talented team. “It is not just about my company and its success, but it is also our vital business relationships that truly catapult our product”, says Cindy.

From our clear acrylic and stainless case to the jars and spoons, it is clear to see this is makeup for your drink. Dress the Drink ™ kit includes: edible silver flakes, crushed red hots, rock candy pebbles, crushed toffee, toasted coconut flakes and 2 outrageous flavors of rimming sugar. We topped it all off with individual serving spoons, reusable drawstring bags and serving suggestions with product brochure in the lid. We offer you sophisticated enhancements to the overall look and appeal of your next intimate or casual gathering. Take the next step and Dress Your Drink with Dress The Drink™. Priced at 59.99, this combination of ingredients will enhance 150 drinks.

Never before has it been so easy to Dress The Drink™

To learn more about Dress The Drink ™, visit: www.dressthedrink.com

 

 

 

FUEL PRICES, ECONOMIC CONCERNS CHANGE HOW AMERICANS

DRIVE AND MAINTAIN THEIR CARS

 

3M Car Care's "Elbow Grease Economics: A Study of American Driving Trends"

Shows that Car Owners Are Driving Less and Tackling More Repair Projects

ST. PAUL, MN (May 14, 2008)--With fuel prices still on the rise, American car owners are rolling up their sleeves to save money on their driving and car maintenance expenses. 

 

While Americans have abdicated much of their car maintenance and even cleaning to automotive service providers over the past two decades, a new study from 3M Car Care finds that the current economic environment is causing a dramatic shift in how Americans care for their cars.

 

In the "Elbow Grease Economics", a study of more than 5,000 American consumers, 3M Car Care found that a surprising number of car owners are taking their car maintenance into their own hands -- and on their own driveways.

 

And with the election on the horizon, survey respondents voted on which presidential candidates were most likely to wash or work on their own car -- Barack Obama won with 46 percent of the vote, while John McCain followed at 44 percent and Hillary Clinton trailed at just 10 percent.

 

3M Car Care has introduced an entire line of consumer car care products, all based on its high-performance professional products, to make it easier for consumers to take care of routine maintenance and car appearance projects.  It also offers easy to use kits for tune-ups, headlight restoration and other tasks with all of the products needed for the job in one package.  There also are a number of new products that make the projects easier, such as 3M Performance Finish which lasts for up to 50 washes with no white residue, 3M Scratch Remover to restore vehicle finish and 3M Fuel System Cleaner to improve mileage.

 

Key findings of 3M Car Care's "Elbow Grease Economics" include:

 

·        Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of Americans are washing their own car to save money -- or having someone in their household do it -- and 33 percent are doing the detailing themselves.  Even female baby boomers are getting into the car wash spirit -- some 69 percent say they would now do the task at home to pinch pennies

 

·        Homes with pre-teen and teenage children are taking advantage of the built-in labor pool, with some 69 percent of 45-54 year old women indicating they or someone in their household wash their own cars

·        Families making between $50,000 and $75,000 ranked highest (68 percent) in tackling their car washing at home to save money

 

Other tasks car owners are tackling include repairing or replacing windshield wipers or headlights (57 percent), using fuel additives to improve fuel efficiency (17 percent), using at-home tune-up kits instead of paying for tune-ups (16 percent) and making repairs to their car's exterior (11 percent).

 

·        Americans also say they are driving less to deal with today's higher fuel prices, with 68 percent spending less time on the road.  Women lead the pack on preserving fuel, with 71 percent cutting their car time vs. 65 percent of men.  Carpooling also appears trendy, with Gen Y and Gen X car owners -- some 30 percent of adults 18-34 and 36 percent of women 18-34 -- sharing rides to shave expenses.

 

·        Households making less than $35,000 per year were very focused on cutting their fuel costs -- with 76 percent driving less and 56 percent keeping their cars well-tuned to improve fuel mileage.

 

·        Car owners are paying more attention to getting more from their car, with 51 percent keeping their cars well-tuned to improve fuel efficiency and nearly 10 percent using fuel additives.  Nearly 20 percent of car owners ages 18-34 are looking for a new car that gets better fuel mileage.

 

·        As it relates to new car sales, more than three-fourths of car owners (77 percent) plan to hang on to their current vehicles -- with 31 percent planning to drive their cars until the wheels fall off and 46 percent set to keep their car as long as it runs well and looks good.  Only 4 percent of car owners say they are going to buy another car regardless of the economy while 11 percent are prepared to buy another car as soon as they can afford it.

 

·        Car owners are nostalgic when it comes to washing their cars.  Some 42 percent ranked it as their favorite summertime chore from a list of six tasks when they were growing up, and some 36 percent of those respondents still put washing cars at the top of their list for warm weather tasks today.

 

This 3M Car Care "Elbow Grease Economics" survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive via its QuickQuery omnibus on behalf of 3M Car Care between March 20-24, 2008 among 2,543 U.S. adults (aged 18 years and older). No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

 

About Harris Interactive

 Harris Interactive is a global leader in custom market research. With a long and rich history in multimodal research that is powered by our science and technology, we assist clients in achieving business results. Harris Interactive serves clients globally through our North American, European and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

 

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

 A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.

 

 

 

Shuttle Partners with Autodesk as Authorized Developer
City of Industry , CA , May 2, 2008

Shuttle Inc. – leading designer and manufacturer of small form factor (SFF) computers and accessories today announced its partnership with Autodesk, the world leader in 2D and 3D design software.

As an Autodesk Authorized Developer, Shuttle offers solutions specially engineered to meet the ever-increasing visual computing demands of architects, engineers, video editors, and other professionals with its premium workstation line.

Shuttle’s XPC Prima series workstations – P2 3500w and P2 3800w – are now optimized for the Autodesk family of products, including AutoCAD®, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Map 3D, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk Maya.

 

For details on Shuttle’s workstations, please visit:

P2 3500w: http://us.shuttle.com/P2_3500W_1.aspx
P2 3800w: http://us.shuttle.com/P2_3800W_1.aspx

 

 

White Castle Celebrates 'Daylight Cravings Time' - 2 Free Slyders for Each Customer Who Visits Any White Castle Restaurant Between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., Sunday March 9, 2008!

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 5 -- All White Castle restaurants will offer 2 free hamburgers to each customer visiting in the wee hours of the morning on Sunday March 9, 2008, between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. standard time, just prior to the time change.
Harkening back to late night visits that many cravers remember with fondness, this limited time, one hour promotion is a salute to loyal White Castle customers. The company is encouraging cravers everywhere to make it a special occasion, gather friends and family and enjoy the free burgers before returning home to turn the clocks forward.
 

"We're open 24 hours," said Jamie Richardson, White Castle Director of Marketing. "On March 9, we refuse to lose an hour so we're offering two free burgers to cravers who come in for this late night celebration. When it comes to being proactive, Cravers are ahead of the pack -- so what better way to acknowledge this than with some free tasty burgage on us."
 

The offer applies to customers visiting a White Castle restaurant between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2008 only, limit 2 free hamburgers per person. The promotion will be supported with in-store posters and reader board messages.
 

White Castle was founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. The company owns and operates over 400 units in 11 states and is considered to be the first fast food hamburger chain. For more information go to www.whitecastle.com.
 

 

Source: White Castle System, Inc.


 

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

 

 

 

Internet Merchants Association Ecommerce Expo March 2-5 Features Dozen Expert Speakers, Wall Street Panel & 75 Roundtables

The Second Annual  Internet Merchant’s Association is set for March 2-5 in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort. The agenda will feature more than a dozen expert speakers, a prestigous panel of Wall Street analysts, plus more than 75 roundtable discussions.

 “We’re delighted to announce an extensive agenda that will focus in on such timely topics as ecommerce, search engine optimization, web statistics, market intelligence, cross channel selling and even video presentations,” says Steve Grossberg, IMA President in previewing the agenda for the Second Annual IMA Ecommerce Expo. For more information on the speakers and the topics and last minute reservations go to www.imamerchant.org

 

Dozen VIP Speakers @ IMA Ecommerce Expo:

VIP Speakers for the IMA Ecommerce Expo include top executives from such firms as A Genius Marketing, Amazon, Channel Business Advisor, Endicia, Google, Infopia, Microsoft Office, Orange Soda, QL2, Sage Rock/Engine Ready, Talk Market and Vendio. 

Wall Street Panel & Roundtables Add Breadth to IMA Programming

Grossberg announced that there will also be a special Wall Street panel at the IMA Ecommerce Expo on Monday March 3 at 3 pm. The Wall Street analysts set to speak include: Robert Peck, Bear Stearns, Jim Friedland, Cowen and Co. LLC and Derek Brown, Cantor Fitzgerald.

In addition the more than 300 attendees a the IMA Ecommerce Expo can select from a strong list of more than 75 roundtable discussions to attend on Tuesday and Wednesday between 12 noon and 2 p.m. in Tradewinds Rooms D & E.

The Internet Merchants Assn (www.imamerchant.org) is a nonprofit 501.C6 organization.

 

IMA’s Platinum Members include: Amazon,  ASD/AMD Trade Shows


 ChannelAdvisor, eBay, Endicia, Infopia, Orange Soda, PayPal , QL2. Talk Market and


 Vendio ,

IMA Gold Members are  aGenius Marketing.  Alliance Inspection Management


 AuctionChex. Auctiva. buySAFE. dawdle,, Engine Ready Inc, Frooition, Google. JDT  

 

Technologies, Refund Technology, SageRock, Solid Cactus, SpaceWare Inc, Stone Edge  

 

Technology, Zoovy  and 1 Choice 4 Your Store

 

 

For more information on the agenda for the IMA Ecommerce Expo go to www.imamerchant.org. Press please contact Joyce Schawrz, JCOM, 310-822-3119 or joycecom@aol.com. A limited number of press credentials are still available for the expo.

 

DCIA COMMENT ON PETITION FOR RULEMAKING
TO ESTABLISH RULES GOVERNING NETWORK MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
BY BROADBAND NETWORK OPERATORS
 
WC Docket No. 07-52
 

   
 

February 13, 2008
 
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554 
 
Dear Commissioners:
 
The Distributed Computing Industry Association (www.DCIA.info) is a non-profit trade organization focused on commercial development of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing and related distributed computing technologies.
 
More than 100 companies are currently Members of the DCIA, representing P2P and social networking software developers and distributors, content rights holders, Internet service providers (ISPs) and service-and-support companies. DCIA Membership is organized accordingly into three Groups: Operations, Content, and Platform.
 
The DCIA conducts working groups and special projects, such as the Consumer Disclosures Working Group (CDWG), P2P Digital Watermark Working Group (PDWG), P2P PATROL, P2P Revenue Engine (P2PRE), and the P4P Working Group (P4PWG). The P4PWG, which was established in July 2007, is relevant to this proceeding and will be described below. The DCIA also publishes the weekly online newsletter DCINFO.
 
       Background – DCIA Interest in this Matter
 
DCIA Member companies are engaged in developing and deploying competitive commercial services that use P2P and related technologies, including downloadable file sharing, live P2P streaming, swarming, caching, torrenting, content acceleration, peer-to-peer television (P2PTV), and hybrid P2P content delivery network (CDN) offerings, among others. DCIA Member companies are also engaged in creating, aggregating, and delivering content, representing music, video, games, and software categories. And finally, DCIA Member companies are engaged in providing and supporting Internet access services, including the most rapidly expanding and highest value area within the telecommunications sector, broadband or high-speed offerings.
 
In June 2007, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told the D5 Conference that, “Within five years, all media will be delivered across the Internet.”
 
DCIA Member companies and other competitive distributed computing applications and services represent the technologically most advanced and fastest growing segment for such delivery of digital content over the Internet.
 
In November 2007, Vuze, Inc., which became a DCIA Member company and participant in the P4PWG in January 2008, independently filed a Petition for Rulemaking requesting that the Commission initiate proceedings to clarify what constitutes “‘reasonable network management,’ by broadband network operators and to establish that such network management does not permit network operators to block, degrade, or unreasonably discriminate against lawful Internet applications, content, or technologies,” as used in the Commission’s Internet Policy Statement.
 
Vuze was motivated to file its petition as a result of actions allegedly taken by Comcast Corporation, the largest US cable multiple system operator (MSO) and a leading broadband ISP, which were reported upon by the Associated Press earlier in 2007. Comcast became an observer of the P4PWG in February 2008.
 
According to Vuze, "When a user is sending packets to others and not downloading them, Comcast shuts down the connection between that user and other non-Comcast users by interfering with communications at the transport layer. Comcast does this by hacking into its own network and using a clandestine 'man-in-the-middle' tactic whereby each party is sent a communication reset (RST) message, which falsely tells the other party to shut down the connection. A particularly troubling aspect of these tactics is that, through a third party, Comcast is engaging in deep packet inspection (DPI) and then inserting false RST messages into transmissions between two network users."
 
With the understanding that this matter shall be treated as a “permit-but-disclose” proceeding in accordance with the Commission’s ex parte rules pursuant to sections 1.405 and 1.419 of the Commission’s rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.405, 1.419, the DCIA respectfully files the following comments regarding that petition.
 
It should be noted that the views expressed in this document reflect those of the DCIA as a whole. Individual DCIA Member companies' views may differ.
 
       The DCIA Supports the FCC's Internet Policy Statement
 
The DCIA strongly supports the FCC policy statement: consumers should be entitled to lawfully access the content of their choice, to run applications and use services of their choice, and to benefit from competition among network providers, applications and services providers, and content providers.
 
These principles emphasize the importance of an open Internet as a vehicle for empowering consumers, putting users at the forefront of deliberations as to whether broadband networks are operating appropriately, without discriminating against institutional users of network resources; and whether such applications and services, as well as content providers themselves are operating appropriately, without abusing these network resources.
 
Reports from the experiences of our Member companies across the spectrum of such activities support the premise that it is timely for the Commission to explore in greater depth its Internet Policy Statement, as it is currently doing in the context of this proceeding that covers a wide range of “broadband industry practices.”
 
The DCIA gladly offers the trade association's resources to support fact-finding activities, such as public hearings and related undertakings, to ensure that the FCC gathers sufficient relevant data to be able to act in the best interests of all constituents on this issue. We also request the Commission's support and encouragement of collaborative intra-industry private sector efforts as exemplified, although not exclusively represented, by the P4PWG.
 
While open P2P software is unfortunately often associated with unauthorized file-sharing of copyrighted material, today it is increasingly used by a growing number of licensed content distributors. Major content library and catalog copyright holders have begun to embrace the utility of P2P technology for distributing large audio and video and software files efficiently, rapidly, and securely.
 
P2P applications, working independently or in concert with other content delivery solutions, enable rights holders – ranging from major motion picture studios and music labels to independent professional producers of a wide variety audio and video works to consumer publishers of user-generated content (UGC) – to distribute their material to a global audience in a simple and cost-effective fashion.
 
Business models associated with commercial P2P applications further enable rights holders to monetize their content through methods ranging from paid-download to subscription to advertising-supported. Content owners of virtually all sizes can offer their works to viewers for free, at no charge with advertising support, packaged in a variety of ways for one-time-only or recurring subscriptions, or a la carte as stand-alone items for consumption at whatever prices they choose.
 
P2P technologies can bring greater scalability to what has previously been, by Internet standards, a relatively inefficient market for the distribution and monetization of entertainment and information content.
 
With an ever-expanding variety of content and flexible options for monetizing its distribution, P2P-based offerings have the potential to help deliver on one of the most attractive promises of the Internet, in which users can access virtually any content available as well as produce and distribute their own content to the world.
 
       Network Management Issues from the DCIA's Unique Perspective
 
The steady growth in digital distribution of rich media by a rapidly expanding field of competitors, particularly those using various forms of distributed computing technologies, however, is also creating new challenges and higher stakes.
 
The FCC, therefore, has an important role to play in ensuring that the Internet continues to develop to its fullest potential as an open, competitive environment for innovative services that will benefit consumers.
 
Peak usage of current generation high-bandwidth-using P2P and hybrid-P2P applications and services challenges carriers by driving the need for significant capital investments. In some cases, P2P applications can degrade the network performance of other consumer applications, which increases the carrier’s customer care costs.
 
The increasing use of such applications and services to transmit high-value rich media content, supported by paid-download, subscription, and advertising-supported business models, raises the stakes for all involved in these new distribution systems. Projections range from the tens to the hundreds of billions of dollars of commerce annually for US-based companies operating in this space during the next five years.
 
The combination of these factors, and their potential impact on other important uses of the Internet for communications, research, and other vital business and personal purposes, which include advancing First Amendment values as well as serving as an engine for economic activity, further warrants the Commission’s attention to these important issues.
 
       DCIA's Collaborative Approach –  The P4P Working Group (P4PWG)
 
The P4P Working Group (P4PWG) was established in July 2007 at the recommendation of DCIA Member companies Verizon Communications and Pando Networks, industry leading firms representing ISPs and P2P software distributors respectively, after separately reviewing advanced research taking place at leading American academic institutions, led by Yale University.
 
The intention of establishing the P4PWG was to formulate an approach to P2P network traffic management as a joint optimization problem. The objective of certain participating ISPs, for example, was to minimize network resource utilization by P2P services. The objective of certain participating P2P software firms, conversely, was to maximize throughput. The joint objective of both ISPs and P2P software developers was to protect and improve their customers' experience.
 
P4P was defined as a set of business practices and integrated network topology awareness models designed to optimize ISP network resources and enable P2P-based content payload acceleration.
 
The mission of the P4PWG was codified as, "To work jointly and cooperatively with leading ISPs, P2P software distributors, and technology researchers to ascertain appropriate and voluntary best practices for the use of 'P4P' mechanisms to accelerate distribution of content and optimize utilization of ISP network resources in order to provide the best possible performance to end-user customers."
                                                                
Objectives of the P4PWG include providing ISPs with the ability to optimize utilization of network resources while enhancing service levels for P2P traffic; providing P2P software distributors with the ability to accelerate content delivery while enhancing efficient usage of ISP bandwidth; providing researchers developing P4P mechanisms with the support to advance and the ability to publish their work; determining, validating, and encouraging the adoption of methods for ISPs and P2P software distributors to work together to enable and support consumer service improvements as P2P adoption and resultant traffic evolves while protecting the intellectual property (IP) of participating entities; and establishing appropriate and voluntary best practices for the deployment of P4P mechanisms to meet the above identified objectives in a way that can be sustained by all of the necessary participants.
 
Participants in the P4PWG include ISPs, P2P software distributors, technology researchers, DCIA Member companies, and information technology (IT) firms involved in digital media platforms.
 
Participants share the view that the Internet is the media delivery platform of the future; new technologies are needed to scale the Internet for higher quality and greater capacity media delivery; and P2P networks represent a disruptive and attractive market opportunity.
 
From 2000 through 2006, P2P was often considered a rogue technology, more associated with copyright infringement than with highly efficient, secure commercial distribution of digital content. Typical activity in this space tended to be relegated to the operation of standalone open P2P networks by their respective software developers and distributors.
 
2007 marked a turning point for the emerging P2P industry, with P2P beginning to become part of the content delivery infrastructure in large scale deployments, and content owners increasingly indicating a preference for integrated P2P and content delivery network (CDN) solutions. Major content and CDN players started to select P2P technology partners to enhance their service offerings.
 
Meanwhile, Internet traffic between the years of 2000 and 2007 saw P2P grow from virtually non-existent to representing fifty-to-sixty-five percent (50-65%) of downstream traffic and seventy-to-eighty percent (70-80%) of upstream traffic.
 
       How the P4PWG is Addressing the Problem
 
Steadily increasing consumer adoption of P2P services, along with the practice of random peering, has caused traffic to spread across points of presence (POPs) and domains requiring greater than necessary network resource usage (e.g., using bandwidth of more links) resulting in higher than needed network operational costs, and at times degraded performance of other applications.
 
ISPs have addressed the growing predominance of P2P traffic not only by upgrading their network infrastructures and deploying P2P caching devices and content acceleration solutions, which are constructive performance-enhancing approaches to this trend in consumer adoption; but also in some cases by terminating P2P user connectivity, rate-limiting P2P traffic, and similar practices that have led some parties to raise concerns about the propriety of those techniques.
 
P2P companies with sufficient resources have retaliated by using random ports, encrypting their traffic, and implementing similar work-arounds to protect their quality of service (QoS).
 
A fundamental problem has been that traditional ISP feedback/controls for application traffic, such as routing and rate-control through congestion-feedback mechanisms (e.g., packet drops) are ineffective for P2P.
 
Due to the highly dynamic, scattered traffic pattern caused by dynamic, unguided peer selection characteristics of many P2P networks, a more advanced mechanism is needed for ISPs to communicate with P2P applications about their network structures and policies.
 
At its highest level, the P4PWG represents the opportunity for partnerships among ISPs and P2P networks to address this. There are currently eighteen active participating companies in the P4PWG representing ISPs, P2P software distributors, researchers, and service-and-support companies. In addition, there are now eighteen observers, representing vendors, MSOs, content providers, and other interested parties.
 
The P4PWG seeks to create a framework to enable better ISP and P2P coordination. Guided P2P connections will yield benefits to all affected parties, including an improvement of throughput to P2P users, enablement of ISPs to manage link utilization, reduction of the number of links transited by content, and a transitioning of traffic from undesirable (expensive/limited capacity) links to more desirable (inexpensive/available capacity) links.
 
Benefits to commercial interests will include an industry-wide solution based on open standards and best practices that will be characterized by cooperative win-win attributes.
 
P4P can provide the way to solve a pending bandwidth crisis before it becomes a serious threat and provide a means to collaboratively and cooperatively address future capacity concerns. There is the potential to have carrier-grade P2P with P4P, which in turn can open opportunities for innovative new services, once it has been established that the fastest path from point A to point B on a network is via P4P-enhanced P2P.
 
Benefits to consumers will include faster downloads, higher QoS, and potential assurances of not being subject to service interruptions or degradation.
 
In short, P4P can enable content delivery that is more efficient for both the consumer and the network operator compared to alternative architectures.
 
       What the P4PWG has Accomplished to Date
 
With traditional client-server content delivery networks (CDNs), each recipient's networked device requires an individual session with the server housing a given content file as its originating source for all distribution. More users result in worse performance and higher costs.
 
Decentralized P2P alleviates this, but is blind to different network resource impacts at the Internet transit, regional router, and edge network levels.
 
Network-aware P2P, enhanced with P4P, has the potential to reduce the network transport costs at each level of the network, while also optimizing the traffic flow so that users receive better performance. If P4P achieves these benefits, it can bring about a “win-win” situation for carriers, consumers, software companies, and content providers.
 
The framework for P4P as it is being developed by the P4PWG is intended to support performance improvements for both ISPs and P2P companies.
 
Scalability is emphasized along with flexibility to support a large number of P2P users, many P2P architectures (including tracker-based and trackerless systems), and multiple networks in dynamic settings. Consumer privacy is protected as a fundamental condition of P4P. P4P will be formalized as an open standard that can be utilized by any P2P firm and any ISP.
 
The following data is exchanged in P4P: Participating P2P companies implement pTracker software enhancements that communicate with ISP-controlled iTrackers. ISPs provide network maps to their iTrackers; the iTrackers provide a “weight matrix” to P2P applications (without revealing proprietary ISP topology information). Information flow occurs with the peer querying the pTracker, the pTracker asking the iTracker for guidance, the iTracker returning high-level peering recommendations, and the pTracker selecting and returning a set of active peers, according to these suggestions. iTrackers can be run by trusted third parties, P2P networks, or ISPs.
 
The aim of P4P is a reduction in data delivery average “hop count,” which will equate to lower costs to ISPs. P4P will also yield a dramatic improvement in data delivery speed, which will result in faster downloads for users and improved QoS for P2P services.
 
The P4PWG is free to join, open and inclusive. It operates with a public website to communicate information industry-wide, a participant-only wiki to facilitate collaborative project management work, monthly meetings / conference calls, and e-mail list participation. After several sets of simulation studies conducted over the past six months that demonstrated very significant potential, a field test is now underway after which, based on continued positive results, an industry-wide communications and education campaign will commence.
 
       Larger Issues Regarding Network Management Practices
 
Currently, however, outside of the work of the P4PWG, there exists a situation where some (but not all) US and international ISPs reportedly engage in bandwidth-shaping and related traffic-interrupting techniques resulting in degradation of service levels for certain applications and services providers, including P2Ps, which may impair their commercial viability or drive them to engage in retaliatory counter-measures to work around such practices.
 
On the one hand, this raises the question of whether broadband network operators should be permitted to restrict or block traffic carried on their networks. On the other hand, this also raises the question of what responsibilities application and service providers should have in terms of the amount of bandwidth and other network resources their innovative offerings consume, and the impact that such consumption has for an ISP’s aggregate customer base, particularly in the distribution of increasingly large files, which is the case with high-definition (HD) full-length motion pictures and television program series, certain videogames, large music collections, and other rich media properties.
 
The core question underlying both of these issues is what constitutes “reasonable network management?”
 
       DCIA Concerns and Recommendations to the Commission
 
The DCIA is concerned about allegations that the distribution of rich media content by independent third parties can be unfairly impeded by some network operators who would prefer to restrict their Internet subscribers to content in which the network operator has a financial interest. The alleged degradation and blocking of content delivered by certain distribution technologies also calls into question whether consumers are effectively able to access the content of their choice, run applications and use services of their choice, and benefit fully from competition among network providers, applications and services providers, and content rights holders – in a manner consistent with the Commission’s broadband principles.  Indeed, some parties have argued that by degrading the high-quality content or slowing the speed of delivery, or in other ways reducing the QoS by which such competitors differentiate themselves in the marketplace, network operators could unfairly create a competitive edge.
 
The DCIA believes that, as a general matter, ISPs need the ability to reasonably manage their networks, but such network management practices should take into account the actual impact that Internet traffic has on the network and should be utilized equitably on Internet traffic, while recognizing that different applications can impact the network differently.  Likewise, application, content, and service provider practices should be based on their actual requirements for use of bandwidth and other network resources and they should not consume bandwidth and other network resources inequitably.
 
The DCIA also believes that ISPs should explain to their customers, in plain English, how the ISP’s network management practices may materially impact the customers’ Internet experience.  At the same time, however, ISPs should not be required to disclose network management practices that are competitively sensitive or proprietary, nor should they be required to disclose information that would undermine their ability to keep their networks and customers secure.
 
The DCIA further believes that the best way to accomplish these goals is for all of the relevant stakeholders to work collaboratively toward mutually beneficial solutions.  To that end, we recommend that the Commission encourage network operators, Internet companies, content rights holders, consumer groups, and other interested parties to discuss a variety of reasonable network management practices using private sector forums such as the P4PWG as well as public platforms.
 
With respect to the current petitions pending before the Commission, the DCIA encourages the Commission to ensure that its examination of any broadband ISP operator’s network management practices is properly grounded on a clear and well-established factual record, while avoiding speculative rulings that unnecessarily limit the flexibility required by ISPs and P2Ps to develop innovative solutions in the rapidly evolving and expanding marketplace for digital distribution of rich media content.
 
The purpose of such an examination should be to ensure that the Commission’s four broadband principles are being followed by providers of networks, services, applications, and content and that those principles are fostering continued innovation and advancement of consumer-benefiting services in a free and competitive marketplace.
 
Network management practices should be implemented equitably for the collective benefit of all Internet users.
 
Network management practices should not be used as a pretext for unlawfully discriminating against particular types of applications, content, or services that ISPs may view as potential sources of competition.  By the same token, applications and services that require significant bandwidth and other network resources to deliver their large rich-media content payloads should bear some meaningful responsibility for consuming disproportionate amounts of network resources to the potential detriment of an ISP’s collective customer base, and ISPs’ network management practices should be permitted to take into account and manage their networks to address any such impact.
 
In light of the rapid growth in this area, the scope of its impact on important consumer services and the commercial value of the offerings thereby represented, and the potential impact of this area of activity on other vital Internet services, the Commission should seek to provide consumers, ISPs, and applications, services, and content providers with clarity regarding what to expect with respect to broadband network management practices.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
Martin C. Lafferty
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Distributed Computing Industry Association (DCIA)

 

Distributed Computing Industry Association
2838 Cox Neck Road
Suite 200
Chester, MD 21619
410-476-7965
www.dcia.info  

 

New Water Purification Product from Reliance Products and Procter & Gamble now Available in Retail Stores
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- A new water purification technology by Reliance Products L.P., one of Canada's largest providers of outdoor hydration and sanitation products, and Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is now available in retail stores throughout the United States. The product, PUR(TM) Purifier of Water (http://www.purpurifierofwater.com), is a powdered water clarifier and disinfectant designed for outdoor recreation and emergency preparedness use. PUR Purifier of Water provides clean drinking water at a very low cost per liter, and can be purchased in complete water treatment kits, or as additional replacement treatment packs.

"We're pleased to join forces with Procter & Gamble in order to extend the many benefits of PUR Purifier of Water technology," said Reliance Products CEO Charles Schiele. "This partnership allows us to commercialize a disruptive technology in the field of water purification, which will now be available for emergency preparedness and outdoor recreational needs."

"The US launch is exciting because people will now be able to see and understand the way PUR Purifier of Water turns dirty water into clear and purified water," said Greg Allgood, Ph.D., Director, Children's Safe Drinking Water program at P&G. "The US effort will help fund our philanthropic efforts by providing two liters of water in the developing world for every package purchased in the US."

P&G will also help support the Children's Safe Drinking Water program by launching an initiative called GIVE PUR WATER. This will include TV advertising, interactive elements, a public relations campaign and print coupons to about 58 million households. The coupon booklet called P&G brandSAVER will be in a majority of U.S. newspapers on March 2 and April 6, and includes a $2.50 coupon towards purchase of the PUR Clean Drinking Water Kit. People will also be able to donate directly to the cause via the website http://www.givepurwater.org .

Using some of the same ingredients used in municipal water systems, PUR Purifier of Water is engineered to be a mini-water treatment plant in a packet. The product removes dirt, cysts, and pollutants, and kills bacteria and viruses in contaminated water. By removing the dirt and sediment through a flocculation process, PUR Purifier of Water gives a visible signal that water is clean and ready to drink. PUR Purifier of Water will be the only powdered water treatment product sold in the United States that eliminates sediment, cysts, viruses, bacteria and pollutants. PUR Purifier of Water is simple to use, provides a fresh taste similar to most household tap water, and is ready to drink after 30 minutes at a minimal cost per gallon treated.

Working together, P&G and Reliance Products will contribute to the Children's Safe Drinking Water program with every PUR product purchased. Any profits to P&G from sales of the packets in the United States will be used to support efforts to provide the PUR packets in the developing world. P&G established the Children's Safe Drinking Water program in 2003. Since its start-up, the program has provided over 900 million liters of clean drinking water to people in developing nations with PUR Purifier of Water. The product has been proven to purify and cleanse water in some of the harshest conditions imaginable including during the Southeast Asia tsunami, the Pakistan and Indonesian earthquakes, and floods in India, Bangladesh, Haiti, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

About Reliance Products L.P.

Reliance Products L.P. is one of the largest rigid and collapsible container companies in the world, servicing the chemical and food markets since the 1960's. Reliance currently is the largest supplier of environmentally friendly, reusable, water containers for the consumer market. With distribution through the largest stores, mass merchants and specialty outdoor retailers, Reliance products are available in most communities in North America. Reliance enjoys global distribution and has been a supplier to international relief organizations for years. Additional information about Reliance Products is available at http://www.relianceproducts.com .

About Procter & Gamble

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. The P&G community consists of over 138,000 employees working in more than 80 countries worldwide. P&G is committed to improving life for children in need, ages 0-13, through its global corporate cause, Live, Learn and Thrive, and its Children's Safe Drinking Water program. http://www.csdw.org .

SOURCE The Procter & Gamble Company
 

 

 

MoneyTV, Week of 1/4

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - January 04, 2008) -
Highlighted Links
 

http://www.moneytv.net

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 program include:

Gold Reef International, Inc. (CNQ: GRIN) CFO and Co-Founder Lou Kost Jr. spoke of the gold exploration company he founded with Poker Hall of Fame member Crandall Addington. The company is making available commercially, an exploration data management system, Metal Miners Plus, which the company says provides superior field data management.

Semotus Solutions, Inc. (AMEX: DLK) CEO Anthony Lapine gave an update on the company's AMEX listing.

The Green Baron Report Editor-in-Chief Matt Chipman provided outlook into what the stock markets may do in 2008.

OptionPros CEO Nuri March spoke of the company's real estate option contracts and discussed the real estate market outlook for 2008.

Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB: CBAI) CEO Matthew Schissler spoke of recent funding and plans to continue acquisition activity.

RBC Dain Rauscher Senior VP Irwin Shapiro discussed the bond market outlook for 2008.

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 Executive Producer and Anchor Don Baillargeon is also the host of MoneyRap Radio, heard weekly on the Business Talk Radio Network. For more information, visit http://www.moneyrap.com

MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVIII, 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 hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman, the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.

 

 

 

ISIS Introduces BNC Version of RGBHV Super Switch

 INNOVATION 16x16 Switchers Now with BNC Connectors

Grass Valley, CA - The ISIS Group, Inc. announced the introduction of a new 16x16 RGBHV routing switcher in the INNOVATION line.  The new model offers the same wide bandwidth, supporting all formats from VGA (640x480) through QSXGA (2560x2048), the same flexibility and rugged construction as the popular INNOVATION multimedia switchers. 

"Customers tell us that they select the INNOVATION line for its rugged construction, bandwidth, and competitive pricing - and they want those same features for fixed installations, where footprint isn't a significant concern.  The new model, with BNC connectors, is easy to install where long cable runs make the HD15 connectors on our other models less desirable," says Steven Block, ISIS CEO.  "Our distributors lobbied hard for this version, and we've seen an early, positive response from customers."

The new switcher, designed specifically for multimedia applications, uses the latest crosspoint technology to extend bandwidth and slew-rate performance, allowing it to work with the most demanding resolutions.  It is rugged enough to meet the requirements of military applications, and flexible enough for stadium and theater installations and video wall displays.  It features hot-swappable, front-loading modules, a redundant power supply option, and a choice of local, remote, or GUI controls to ensure professional performance in any venue.  Like all ISIS products, this switcher carries a full seven-year warranty. 

About The ISIS Group, Inc:

 ISIS Group manufactures high-performance video, audio, and signal management and processing solutions for the television, post-production, and multimedia industries worldwide.  In 2004, ISIS acquired Graham-Patten Systems, a Grass Valley company with an established reputation as the world's leading developer of high performance digital audio products for the professional video industry.  Both companies are known for technical innovation, product reliability, and outstanding customer support.  Information about ISIS Group is available at http://www.isis-group.com and Graham-Patten is at http://www.gpsys.com

 

 

Setting Up a Toshiba HD DVD with HD Capable TV
Written by Joyce Chow
How long does it take to set up an HD DVD player? The Toshiba HD DVD player sat in the box with The Bourne Supremacy HD DVD sitting next to it. The television, a Toshiba that is high definition capable.
 
Opening the box, I had an assortment of cables, ready to go. Scanning the manual for the Toshiba HD-A2, the most recommended is using an HDMI connection. HDMI, high-definition multimedia interface, connects both digital audio and video.
 
The HDMI cable was connected between the HD DVD player and the tv. The tv input source was changed to HDMI and I went through the various options.
Why was there no picture? And then I looked at the HD DVD player. There was no light. The HD DVD player was plugged in, the tv turned off and then on again. Still there was no picture. The light on the HD DVD player was cobalt blue, signaling that it was on. Bourne Supremacy was playing and I could see the time clicking off, still there was no picture.
 
Looking through the manual, I noticed that you need to sync the remote with the tv. Looking at the number of choices, I wondered how many codes I would have to enter. There are 28 possible codes if you have a Toshiba tv. After I had entered several codes I didn‘t hear any confirming beeps, then noticed further up on the page that the Toshiba code was already set.
 
Glancing through the manual, I reviewed the troubleshooting pointers. The HDMI input had been selected on the tv. The HDMI output was the only output from the tv going towards the HD DVD player. Then I realized, the cable for the HDMI input on the back of the HD DVD player was not connected. It had loosened when I turned the player around after connecting the cable. Once connected, the tv was turned off, the hd dvd player unplugged, after waiting about a minute, each were powered on again.
 
Still there was no picture. What else was there to do? I began looking at the manual again and looked to see the time passing on the HD DVD player. Suddenly, there was a picture on the screen. I had been waiting for the boot up, the time necessary to load the large amount of information on the HD disc.
It had been just over half an hour since I started and already I was seeing the HD DVD player work with my tv. Excited, I looked down and once again saw the insert about obtaining firmware updates.
 
Firmware updates can be obtained over the internet through the Ethernet port on the back of the HD DVD player or by contacting Toshiba Customer Solutions. Sounds easy enough, but the router is down the hall in another room and it’s not exactly set up for wireless. I can connect multiple Ethernet cables for the initial firmware update, but changing it to being always on would cause reconfiguring how the cable internet and wireless is set up. Ideally, the HD DVD player is always connected to the internet. The purpose, besides firmware updates is for access to special HD DVD sites, for example linking to future movie trailers or enhanced content.
 
Happy to have the HD DVD connected, for now, I would just leave it and enjoy the Bourne Supremacy movie. Next on the list, a firmware update, setting the clock and connecting the audio. Well, it was just over half an hour to set up the picture.
 
Editor’s Note: Based upon numerous presentations of high definition players, I know what to expect in picture quality based upon the high definition player and the monitor. There is a noticeable improved quality with matched components, for example a Toshiba tv with a Toshiba HD DVD player.

 

 

Written by William Herman Jr.

Hooking up a HD-DVD player

Thanks to Black Friday, more than 750,000 HD DVD players are in U.S. households, the North American HD DVD Promotional Group announced Nov. 27. The group cites retailer reporters for the data, which includes Xbox 360 HD DVD player add-ons.

As a result of a sale I am now the proud owner of a HD player.

As many that drop by here know I can fly a jet, sail a boat and have several Doctorates and can make computers do everything but dance a Irish Jig, so hooking up a device that my 11 year old can do in a matter of minutes should be a simple task. (As all males know you would never ask your 11 year old to hook up your set because they think you know very little to being with and this would just re-enforce this knowledge with them)

I, like so many Americans have multiple televisions in my home, 6 , and as of this moment none of which are high def. I have three DVD players and two VHS players, all of which are currently hooked into television sets.

Since anyone my age, I am a boomer, can easily figure all you should have to do is to un-plug an old unit and plug in a new one this is what I set out to do. (Mistake 1)

I chose the 27 inch Sharp I have in front of my bed to add the HD unit too. (Mistake 2)

I opened the box and took out all the parts then went to the back of my cable box. With the cables in my hand I saw to my horror that the cables that I had in the box did not fit the cable box. On top of that my television has front hook-ups not rear. (Mistake 3)

My television was hooked directly by a co-lax cable directly to the cable box so no need to ever use the front hook-ups. I never thought of simply asking the sales person if it was compatible with anything that I own before I got the HD player.

When you buy a HD unit you should always ask what cables are included with the box, (they can use composite video cables, S-Video an HDMI cables,) ask if they are compatible with the set your planning to hook them up with and what you will need to hook your set up with if none of the above are supplied are work with your set. (Mistake 4) I did none of this and the batteries supplied with the unit didn’t work an I had no spares.

I hooked the cable I was supplied with to the front of my set, it had only a mono-hook-up on the front leaving one plug in dangling in front of my set. A major eye sore a front plug in set

Next I turned on the set or more to the truth tried to turn it on because my control did not work because of dead batteries. I went to a 99cent store and picked up some triple A batteries and turned the set on. (Mistake 5)

My set would not work with channel 3 or 4 for the hook up and I went back to the set and tried to figure out what I had done wrong. Turns out with this model I had to use the input channel to get a picture.

Once I had figured this part out I did the set up for the unit which was not much fun considering to make the control unit work with my television set I had put each code in individually till I found one that worked. Took three tries of running all the codes to come up with one that would turn my set on and off.

Now I was ready for the great moment of truth, would it play a HD-DVD? I pushed play and on the screen up came the menu for “Serenity”.

The picture looked great on my set but since it was not a HD-TV I have no point of reference as to what the picture should look like to begin with.

After killing most of a day to do what my little one could have done without even looking at the manual I had that proud moment that men have when they have won a major battle against technology.

Then I tried to turn the HD player off. It turns the unit off but it then goes into a very red stand-by mode. Just what I wanted, a red light shinning at me all night long.

I did manage to get this feature of the HD-Unit corrected. I un-plugged it till I needed to use it again.

Also found out that in the process of hooking the Hd player up I locked channel 3 out of my set so I could not watch my cable programs without unlocking 3 again.

The moral is if you have children let them hook up your consumer electronic units for you. When you do buy a unit tell the sales people what your going to hook it up to, ask what cables are in the box with the unit and what you need to make it work.

Hopefully Santa will have a large HD-TV in my sock for Christmas so I can see what “Serenity” looks and sounds like properly.

 

 

ALPINE ELECTRONICS UPS THE ANTE FOR IN-CAR CONNECTIVITY AND GREAT SOUND BY SHIPPING NEW 2008 HEAD UNITS

 Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy about what they want for the in-car environment. Not only do they want access to their digital sources while on the road, they also demand a quality listening experience from these sources. Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, today announced it is shipping four new 2008 in-dash head units that make it simple for consumers to get the most out of their driving experience. With easy connectivity to the latest digital media and entertainment sources such as iPod®, satellite radio, HD Radio™ and Bluetooth®, the new 2008 head units offer innovative solutions for every consumer.

With the iPod becoming synonymous with today’s digital lifestyle, all four of these new head units offer easy iPod connection through Alpine’s KCE-422i Full Speed Connection™ for iPod cable. The KCE-422i comes packaged with the two new Ai-NET head units (CDA-9884 and CDA-9886). All four head units feature Percentage Search, which takes the iPod’s music library and divides it evenly into six groups that are accessible through the six preset buttons on the head unit. This unique feature lets users jump to a section of their music library instead of individually scrolling through each file.

“The shift to a digital-based world is here, and Alpine is keeping in tune with consumers’ needs,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, Marketing, Alpine Electronics. “The new CD head units combine the best in digital connectivity with the ability to achieve a great listening experience in the vehicle.
 
CDA-9886
The CDA-9886 is a robust CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA head unit with simplified, faster iPod connectivity and file navigation via the included KCE-422i iPod cable and Percentage Search function. Built on Alpine’s proprietary Ai-NET BUS platform, the head unit can connect to various digital media sources and formats, including HD Radio™, XM® or SIRIUS® satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity for hands free calling, USB mass storage devices and CD changers, for a truly integrated in-car digital experience. (Separate adapters and/or subscriptions required.)

The CDA-9886’s three pairs of 4V pre-amp outputs make it easy to build a fully amplified system, and provide the lowest noise floor for the discriminating audio enthusiast. The unit also features a built-in 18W x 4 RMS amplifier (at the CEA 2006 Power Rating), a high-pass crossover, blue illumination and backlit buttons. Using Alpine’s own BioLite® display, the CDA-9886 can display icons of each source that is connected to the unit, along with two lines of text and a choice of viewing options. It comes with a remote control and is also steering wheel remote ready.

CDA-9884
In addition to intuitive iPod command via the included KCE-422i iPod cable and Percentage Search, the CDA-9884 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA receiver is built on Alpine’s Ai-NET BUS platform, enabling full control of digital media sources and formats directly from the head unit, such as HD Radio, XM or SIRIUS satellite radio, HD Radio and Bluetooth. (Separate adapters and/or subscriptions required.)

The CDA-9884 features a 12 segment dot matrix LCD display, three pairs of pre-outs (2V), built-in 18W x 4 RMS amplifier (at the CEA 2006 Power Rating), a high-pass crossover and blue or red selectable illumination for the buttons. It is remote control ready and steering wheel remote ready.

CDE-9874
The CDE-9874 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA head unit makes it easy to connect to external sources through its front panel auxiliary input. It is ideal for those looking for a CD head unit that also offers quick, easy iPod connection and Bluetooth capabilities (separate adapters required). iPod users will appreciate the advanced human-to-machine interface (HMI) that uses the rotary encoder and built-in Percentage Search function, making it simple to find iPod content quickly. With the KCE-300BT Bluetooth adapter, consumers can enjoy hands-free cell phone use, as well as streaming music from a Bluetooth device enabled with A2DP or AVRCP protocol. The receiver features two pairs of pre-outs (2V) with selectable subwoofer control, built-in 16W x 4 RMS amplifier (at the CEA 2006 Power Rating), a high-pass crossover and clean blue and red fixed illumination.

CDE-9872
The new CDE-9872 CD-R/-RW/MP3 receiver offers Full Speed iPod connection and Percentage Search for quick, easy iPod file navigation (separate KCE-422i cable required). The head unit also features one pair of pre-outs (2V) with selectable subwoofer control, built-in 16W x 4 RMS amplifier (at the CEA 2006 Power Rating), a high-pass crossover and blue and green fixed illumination.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Alpine head units are available at authorized Alpine dealers.
 
CDA-9886 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA receiver
Availability – Now; Suggested retail index – $350   

CDA-9884 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA receiver
Availability – Now; Suggested retail index – $230   

CDE-9874 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA receiver
Availability – Now; Suggested retail index – $180

CDE-9872 CD-R/-RW/MP3 receiver
Availability – Now; Suggested retail index – $150

KCE-422i Full Speed Connection for iPod cable
Availability – Now; Suggested retail index – $30

KCE-300BT Bluetooth Interface Module
Availability – Now; Suggested retail index – $220  

 

 

Ikegami GF CAM (GF Series)

 

 
Inter BEE 2007
 
Click here to see downloadable versions Ikegami GF Cam GF Series Camcorder (Photo: Business Wire)

CHIBA CITY, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ikegami GF Series is a new line of tape-free solutions that are based on Toshiba's flash memory technology and Ikegami's camera technology. The series supports a wide range of video production tasks from shooting to editing to delivery, in a seamless manner.

Ikegami is demonstrating the GF CAM camcorder at Inter BEE 2007, an international broadcasting equipment exhibition, in Makuhari.

The GF CAM uses a new standard flash memory pack called GF PAK, and supports Serial ATA and USB2.0 interfaces to enable high-speed data transfers.

Compared to the conventional ENG camera for electronic news gathering, the GF CAM is designed in such a way that its gravity point is set low and its shoulder pad has a greater contact area, allowing the cameraman to shoot stably.

The GF CAM uses a 2/3-inch CCD, which is the industry's most advanced, and also uses our state-of-the-art digital signal processor for video processing. So, we're very confident that the GF CAM can produce high-quality video. We also newly developed a codec system for the camcorder, which can support various types of formats flexibly.

The GF CAM also features Packless Recording. Since the camera has buffer memory large enough to store 30 seconds of video, if a new GF PAK is replaced within 30 seconds, it's possible to continue shooting for a long period of time.

Inter BEE TV : http://www.inter-bee.com/en/tv/

 

Advanced Elastography Features Available on HI VISION™ 900 Premium Ultrasound System

 
RSNA 2007
CHICAGO---Hitachi Medical Systems America anticipates a surge of excitement within the ultrasound community, when more than ten live sessions and written posters evaluating the emerging technique of ultrasound elastography are presented at this year’s Scientific Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.

Elastography is rooted in the practice of palpation, one of the oldest concepts in medicine. When an abnormal mass is discovered in a patient, an important aspect of the initial clinical examination is physically palpating the mass to assess its stiffness. Hitachi’s Elastography takes this concept one step further by using ultrasound to perform sophisticated and sensitive measurements of relative stiffness and creating detailed images depicting this information.

Hitachi’s Real-time Tissue Elastography (E-mode) is capable of depicting a wide range of tissue stiffness using a conventional color map, either side by side with the B-mode image or superimposed onto it. Its 2nd generation features include a Strain Ratio Measurement allowing clinicians to compare two regions of interest and quantify the relative relationship between their elasticity in the form of a strain ratio.

Hitachi will demonstrate their E-mode capabilities in conjunction with the HI VISION 900 Premium Ultrasound System, Hitachi’s newest ultrasound offering. The HI VISION 900 also offers a wide array of features designed to streamline work flow, including programmable protocols, live volumetric (4D) acquisition with available MPR reconstruction, and four interfaces for operator control.

The HI VISION 900’s unique E-mode capabilities complement its advanced B-mode imaging techniques that deliver extraordinary penetration, image clarity, and tissue detail through HdTHI dual band harmonics, advanced speckle reduction, and Coded B-mode imaging.

Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT)(TOKYO:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 384,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2006 (ended March 31, 2007) consolidated revenues totaled 10,247 billion yen ($86.8 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products, and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.

 

Hitachi Enhances Echelon 1.5T MRI Scanner with the TIGRE Pulse Sequence for Dynamic Studies

 
RSNA 2007
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hitachi Medical Systems America has begun offering a new pulse sequence, called TIGRE™, for its short-bore late-generation 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. TIGRE makes it possible for Echelon to obtain dynamic abdominal and bilateral breast studies with higher temporal and spatial resolution.

“When we designed Echelon, we incorporated patient friendly features,” according to Shawn Etheridge, Director, MR Marketing. “For one thing, the magnet allows nearly all studies, including those of the brain, to be done with the patient entering the magnet feet first. This scanner essentially provides a high performance short-bore magnet without some of the drawbacks typically associated with that design.”

Another feature that enhances the patient experience according to Hitachi is HOAST™ (Higher-Order Active Shim Technology). HOAST assures uniform RF fat saturation even in a large FOV, and drives excellent saturation in those cases where many other scanners require uncomfortable patient positioning. Echelon also includes the all plane/all coil RADAR™ patient motion compensating technique, minimizing the need for patient restraint.

Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT) (TSE:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 384,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2006 (ended March 31, 2007) consolidated revenues totaled 10,247 billion yen ($86.8 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products, and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.

Hitachi Commercializes OASIS, the Highest Field Strength Open MRI

 
RSNA 2007
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hitachi Medical Systems America commercialized OASIS, its new patient-centered open architecture MRI scanner, at the Scientific Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. This system, with its superconducting 1.2T vertical field magnet, was cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September of this year.

“OASIS has the highest field-strength whole body vertical field magnet available,” points out Shawn Etheridge, Director, MR Marketing, at Hitachi Medical Systems. “Couple that strength with the sensitive Zenith™ receiver coils and 1.5T imaging electronics, and you net high-field clinical performance.”

According to Etheridge, the OASIS Zenith RF coils are the culmination of 20 years of vertical field MRI experience, incorporating highly sensitive volume solenoid coil detection and driving up to eight RF channels for large FOV uniformity. The OASIS standard special features include Higher-Order Active Shim Technology (HOASTTM), ensuring high magnetic field uniformity during scanning to achieve excellent fat saturation over large FOVs. OASIS also includes RAPIDTM parallel imaging, TRAQTM time-resolved MRA, Hitachi’s all coil/all plane RADARTM patient motion compensating technology and a 33mT/m – 100T/m/sec gradient system.

Hitachi has long been known for a patient-centered equipment philosophy, and according to the company, OASIS continues this tradition. OASIS is equipped with such patient–centered features as a 270ş viewing angle and a 82cm wide patient table.

According to Hitachi, OASIS will change the market perception of open MRI, delivering high-field diagnostic confidence, plus patient comfort and a differentiation opportunity for MRI providers.

OASIS: The Patient Magnet

Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT) (TOKYO:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 384,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2006 (ended March 31, 2007) consolidated revenues totaled 10,247 billion yen ($86.8 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products, and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.

 

Girls Crown Barbie® Toys as This Holiday Season’s ``Most Requested''

Additionally, Mattel Tops Hottest Holiday Gift Lists for Girls and Boys with Classic Favorites and Hi-Tech Gadgets

 

 
Click here to see downloadable versions One of the hottest toys in the entire toy industry and one of the most exciting tech gadgets introduced for girls this holiday is Barbie Girls(TM). (Photo: Business Wire)
Click here to see downloadable versions

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.----As the holiday season’s busiest shopping weekend kicks off today, gift-givers will be heading into the Barbie® aisle to find the season’s “most requested toy” for girls. For the fifth year in a row, Barbie® toys were named the No. 1 requested holiday gift by girls, per the National Retail Federation, shining this year with the hugely innovative, tech-y Barbie Girls™ device and a new line of princess-themed dolls and playsets based on the popular new DVD “Barbie™ as The Island Princess.” Additionally, several other Mattel Brands’ toys have been named by toy, parenting, technology and retail experts as the season’s must-haves. Among this year’s big names on both industry hot lists and kids’ wish lists are: Hot Wheels® cars and tracksets, CARS toys, Polly Pocket™ dolls and playsets, Hannah Montana Mattel® DVD Board Game, U.B. Funkeys™ and High School Musical dolls and games.

“This holiday season Mattel toys are topping must-have holiday lists everywhere. Our holiday toy line-up delivers what today’s kids want, combining popular themes and the hottest properties with new technology and fun play experiences,” said Neil Friedman, president, Mattel Brands.

What Girls Want

This year’s top choice among girls – Barbie® brand – has something for every girl – from techy gadgets to pretty princesses. One of the hottest toys in the entire toy industry and one of the most exciting tech gadgets introduced for girls this holiday is Barbie Girls™. The multi-functional Barbie Girl™ device functions as a portable music/MP3 player, next generation fashion doll and a “key” to unlock exclusive play features and trillions of character and room combinations on the popular BarbieGirls.com website. Barbie Girls™ was recently named one of Toy Wishes Magazines “Hot Dozen” toys, named on the eToys 2007 Hot Holiday Toy List and has received The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. Another Barbie® favorite is “Barbie™ as The Island Princess,” offering little princesses a magical assortment of toys that have received recognition from industry insiders, such as the iParenting Media Award, listing in The Toy Insider Gift Guide and About.com’s Top 10 Toys of 2007. The popular “Barbie™ as The Island Princess” made-for-DVD movie also continues to top the Nielsen Entertainment VideoScan Top Kid Video Charts.

Mattel Brands also offers toys and games based on the hottest entertainment properties for girls – “Hannah Montana” and “High School Musical.” The Hannah Montana Mattel® DVD Board game is based on the hottest tween TV show and highest rated series in Disney Channel history and features popular scenes and chart-topping songs featured in the show, as well as girls’ favorite characters – including Miley (aka Hannah.) And, fans of the smash hit Disney Channel Original Movie “High School Musical” are loving High School Musical dolls, designed in the likenesses of the hugely popular characters. The dolls are dancing their way off store shelves, in many cases selling out entirely.

What’s Big for Boys

From Hot Wheels® and Tyco® R/C to CARS and DC Super Friends™, Mattel’s toys for boys have been given the nod from parenting associations, such as the Hot Wheels® Dragon Fire™ track set which received the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and the Matchbox® Mega Rig® Wrecking Rig™ Vehicle honored as the Preferred Choice Award “Toy of the Year Finalist” and Today’s Parent Top Toys for 2007.

And, Radica’s hi-tech U.B. Funkeys™, which combines vinyl toy collecting with the world of gaming, is a big favorite among boys, making the eToys 2007 Hot Holiday Toys List and many others, such as KOL Hot Holiday Toys 2007.

Family Favorites

Mattel’s Games and Radica® are delivering must-haves for game enthusiasts and tech fanatics. Family favorites such as the Disney Pictionary® DVD Game and the High School Musical 2 Mattel® DVD Game each secured “All-Star” honors from Toy Wishes Magazine holiday issue. And, Radica’s 20Q™ Junior scored high on industry lists, including the Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year Award.

Mattel Girls’ Brands Take Top Holiday Honors

     

Barbie®

(Dolls, Toys, Role Play & Playsets)

 

About.com (Best Dolls of 2007, Top 10 Toys of 2007 and Top Toys of 2007 – Girls)

AllAboardToys.com (Best Toys for 2007)

Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award (Toy of the Year Finalist)

eToys 2007 Hot Holiday Toys List (3 and Up)

Indy’s Child Gift Guide

iParenting Media Award (2007 Greatest Products Winner)

KOL Hot Holiday Toys 2007

National Retail Federation 2007 Holiday Intentions and Actions Survey

PC Magazine “10 Hottest Kid-Friendly Gadgets”

RedBook Magazine’s “Hot 20”

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

The Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide

TopToysGuide.com Top 10 Toys for Girls

Toy Wishes All-Star & Hot Dozen

Toys “R”Us 2007 Hot Toy List (8-11 years)

UK Toy Retailers Association 'Dream Toys' List

Web Marketing Association’s 2007 WebAwards Best Toy & Hobby Website

     

“High School Musical”

and “High School Musical 2” Dolls

 

  About.com (Best Dolls of 2007 and Top Toys of 2007 – Girls)

AllAboardToys.com (Best Toys for 2007)

eToys 2007 Hot Holiday Toys List (6-10 years)

Toy Wishes All-Star

     
Polly Pocket™

(Dolls, Vehicles & Playsets)

  Indy’s Child Gift Guide

iParenting Media Award (2007 Greatest Products Winner)

Seal of Excellence Award (Creative Play for Girls category)

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

UK Toy Retailers Association 'Dream Toys' List (Girls Top 12 Toys for Christmas)

     
Little Mommy™

Real Loving Baby™ Doll

  Georgia Family Best Toys 2007

iParenting Media Award (2007 Greatest Products Winner)

Wal-Mart Top 12 Toys of Christmas List

     
Pixel Chix™

(Interactive Games & Accessories)

  About.com Top Toys of 2007 – Girls

KOL Hot Holiday Toys 2007

Toy Wishes All-Star

UK Toy Retailers Association 'Dream Toys' List (Hip 'n' Kool Top 12 Toys for Christmas)

Mattel Boys Toys Attract Industry Accolades

     
Hot Wheels®

(Vehicles, Tracks & Playsets)

  Georgia Family Best Toys 2007

KB Toys Hot Holiday Toy List

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

Toy Wishes All-Star

     
Matchbox®

(Vehicles & Playsets)

  Canadian Toy Testing Council Best Bet Award 2008

Georgia Family Best Toys 2007

iParenting Media Award (2007 Greatest Products Winner)

Preferred Choice Award (Creative Adventures for Kids category, Toy of the Year Finalist)

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

The Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide

Today's Parent Top Toys for 2007

Toy Wishes All-Star

     
Tyco® R/C   FamilyFun Magazine Finalist

Georgia Family Best Toys 2007

KOL Hot Holiday Toys 2007

Seal of Excellence Award (Outdoor R/C Toys category)

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

Toy Wishes All-Star

     
CARS

(Vehicles & Playsets)

  AllAboardToys.com - Best Toys for 2007

KB Toys Hot Holiday Toy List

Toy Wishes All-Star

UK Toy Retailers Association 'Dream Toys' List (Boys Top 12 Toys for Christmas)

     
DC Super Friends™

(Action Figures & Vehicles)

  Indy’s Child Gift Guide

iParenting Media Award – 2007 Greatest Products Winner

Parents Magazine Best Toys of the Year List

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

Mattel Games Make Must-Have Gifts

     
Flippin’ Frogs™ Game   The Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide

Parents Magazine Best Toys of the Year List

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

     
Disney Pictionary® DVD Game   iParenting Media Award – 2007 Greatest Products Winner

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

     
Hannah Montana Mattel® DVD Game   Toy Wishes All-Star

AllAboardToys.com - Best Toys for 2007

KOL Hot Holiday Toys 2007

     
High School Musical 2 Mattel® DVD Game   Toy Wishes All-Star

KOL Hot Holiday Toys 2007

     
Scene It?® DVD Games   The Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide (for Harry Potter™ 2nd Edition DVD Game)

Toy Wishes All-Star (for Disney 2nd Edition DVD Game)

     
Ratatouille Kitchen Quake™ Game   UK Toy Retailers Association 'Dream Toys' List (Games Top 12 Toys for Christmas)

Radica Tops Hi-Tech Holiday Wish Lists

     
U.B.Funkeys™   eToys 2007 Hot Holiday Toys List (8 and Up)

UK Toy Retailers Association 'Dream Toys' List (Hip 'n' Kool Top 12 Toys for Christmas)

The Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide

PC Magazine “10 Hottest Kid-Friendly Gadgets”

iParenting Media Award – 2007 Greatest Products Winner

KOL Hot Holiday Toys 2007

     
Girl Tech Video Journal™   UK Toy Retailers Association 'Dream Toys' List (Hip 'n' Kool Top 12 Toys for Christmas)

The Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide

iParenting Media Award – 2007 Greatest Products Winner

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

Parents' Choice Award

     
Brain Games™   Indy’s Child Gift Guide
     
20Q™   UK Toy Retailers Association 'Dream Toys' List (Games Top 12 Toys for Christmas)

Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year Award (Travel Games category) for 20Q Junior

     
Say What?™   UK Toy Retailers Association 'Dream Toys' List (Dream Dozen and Games Top 12 Toys for Christmas)

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE:MAT)(www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl®, Radica® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price® brands, including Little People®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. Mattel is recognized as one of the 100 Most Trustworthy U.S. Companies by Forbes Magazine and is ranked among the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by CRO Magazine. Committed to ethical manufacturing practices, Mattel marks a 10-year milestone in 2007 for its ever-evolving Global Manufacturing Principles and focus on sustainable business practices. With global headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.

Mattel, Inc. © 2007 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

© Disney

© 2007 Mattel, Inc. and/or Origin Product Ltd. The POLLY POCKET trademark is owned by Origin Products Ltd. Other trademarks and trade dress are owned by Mattel, Inc. or Origin Products Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

DC SUPER FRIENDS and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.

 

 

Toshiba is Exhibiting the GF Station

 

 
Inter BEE 2007
CHIBA CITY, Japan---Toshiba is exhibiting the GF Station, a GF Series product that has both recorder and video server capabilities, at Inter BEE 2007, an international broadcasting equipment exhibition, at Makuhari Messe. The company collaborated with Ikegami to develop the tape-free GF Series, which supports video production tasks ranging from shooting to editing to transmission.

The GF Station supports various high-definition and standard-definition formats, and also includes ample format conversion features for up-converting, down-converting and cross-converting. The user can operate jog and shuttle dials just as if using them with a conventional VCR system. The GF Station also features a 3.5-inch LCD monitor to help the user easily make various adjustments.

"This is not just a VCR replacement. It has built-in flash memory. With this product, we have in mind a workflow innovation for broadcasting stations. The concept of the product is that it is a VCR-like unit that will be connected to a network in the future." (Toshiba Corporation, Social Infrastructure Systems Company, Broadcasting System Technology group, Director Haruyoshi Suzuki)

The GF Station is equipped with a flash memory board that incorporates the VIDEOS flash memory video server technology, which is highly regarded as a video transmission server. The board has 128 gigabytes of memory to support recording or playing high-definition video for about 4 hours. Toshiba expects the GF Station to be used for many situations, including use at studios and in-vehicle use, as a location-independent general-use video server.

Inter BEE TV : http://www.inter-bee.com/en/tv/

 

 

Retailers Off to a Bumpy Start Online on Black Friday, Reports Keynote

bulletTechnical Quality at 30 Leading Web Sites Measured by Keynote Indicies
bulletOne-Third of Retail Sites Measured Struggle with Pressures of High Holiday Traffic
bulletIndustry-Wide Online Slow-Downs Impact Search and Check-Out Processes
bulletKeynote to Monitor Retail Sites Throughout Holiday Season
SAN MATEO, Calif.--Keynote Competitive Research, the industry analysis group of Keynote (Nasdaq:KEYN), today provided an update on the technical performance (responsiveness and reliability) of leading retail Web sites over the course of Black Friday, one of the busiest online (and offline) shopping days of the year, and the results were mixed for online retailers. Media interested in receiving Keynote reports over the holiday season on online retail Web site performance should email Dan Berkowitz at dberkowitz@keynote.com or Dan Cahill at dcahill@roaringcommunications.com.

“Our monitoring of retail site performance has shown a definite slow-down in site performance over the course of Black Friday for many leading sites,” said Shawn White, director of external operations for Keynote. “Almost a third of the thirty leading retail sites we monitor for our holiday shopping index experienced significant slow-downs that impacted the product search and check-out processes – and presumably will impact online sales.”

Online shopping will represent about $30 billion in sales this holiday season, according to eMarketer, and about 30% of all holiday shopping will be done online this year, up strongly over last year, according to the National Retail Federation and its Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.

“Consumers are increasingly turning to the Web for their holiday shopping, and thus the success of a retailer’s holiday season is increasingly tied to their site’s performance,” said White.

Keynote reported that one-third of the thirty (30) sites it monitors for its holiday retail index showed significant slow-downs as a result of the increased Black Friday traffic. Keynote’s reporting is based on The Keynote Retail Performance Indicies, transaction performance indices comprised of leading online shopping sites across three retail categories: apparel, electronics and books & music. The Keynote Retail Transaction Performance Indicies measure and benchmark the performance for a standard online shopping transaction for 30 leading retail sites, including the product search, shopping cart, and check out process performances on those sites. The data used in Keynote’s indices is collected in real time on an hourly basis from 10 major cities across the U.S., providing an up-to-the-minute barometer of online consumer experience during the holiday shopping season.

“All sites are experiencing some slow-down, which is natural given the increased number of online shoppers today. The average site’s slow-down is almost imperceptible to the consumer with high-speed access. However, those sites that experience significant slow-down usually will have problems with their product search, product information and check-out processes. We saw close to a dozen sites with such problems today.”

Keynote experts note that 5% to 10% slow-downs in traffic on Black Friday and Cyber Monday are common, and likely will not impact the consumer’s online experience or check-out and sales. The worst performing sites on Black Friday were showing up to a 400% slow down, which Keynote experts caution will lead to consumers abandoning a product search or check-out. Keynote said its monitoring showed that well-known brands such as Buy.com and Lowes experienced significant slow downs that impacted their product search and check-out processes.

Keynote recorded slow-downs and some retail site problems beginning at 9:00 AM Eastern Time on Friday and expected to continue through 10:00 PM Eastern, peak Internet usage times when consumers from coast to coast are accessing retail Web sites. Monday (November 26th), known as Cyber Monday, is also expected to be a busy online shopping period as many consumers go back to work or routines and shop from the convenience of their home or office.

In a positive note, Keynote reported that none of the leading sites it monitors appeared to go completely dark on Friday, whereas several leading sites experienced periods with complete outages last holiday season.

“Online traffic and online shopping continue to grow, continue to grow as part of consumer habit,” said White. “And retailers are responding by planning in advance for the online holiday shopping season, building site capacity and testing load and performance months and months before the season. That’s paid off for most retailers, but a surprising number still have a ways to go,” said White.

Keynote’s retail index data is collected using Transaction Perspective® 8.0, Keynote’s market–leading Web site performance measurement and monitoring service. Further information on the Keynote Retail Performance Indices is available online at: http://www.keynote.com/keynote_competitive_research/performance_indice s/retail/retail_index.html (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

Retail Web Sites Included in the Keynote Retail Performance Indices

Apparel sites on Keynote’s indices include: Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE: ANF); Banana Republic (NYSE: GPS), Eddie Bauer (Nasdaq: EBHI); Foot Locker (NYSE: FL); Gap (NYSE: GPS); JC Penney (NYSE: JCP); JCrew; Macy’s (Federated Department Stores, NYSE: FD); Neiman Marcus; Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN); Saks Fifth Avenue (NYSE: SKS); Sears (Nasdaq: SHLD); and Zappos.

Books and music sites on Keynote’s indices include: AbeBooks.com; Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN); Barnes & Noble (NYSE: BKS); Borders (NYSE: BGP); Buy.com; Overstock.com (Nasdaq: OSTK); Target (NYSE: TGT); Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT).

Retail electronics sites on Keynote’s indices include: Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN); Best Buy (NYSE: BBY); Buy.com; CDW (Nasdaq: CDWC); Circuit City (NYSE: CC); Dell (Nasdaq: DELL); Office Depot (NYSE: ODP); OfficeMax (NYSE: OMX); Overstock.com (Nasdaq: OSTK); Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS); Toys R Us (NYSE: XKE); Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT).

About Keynote

Keynote Systems (Nasdaq:KEYN) is the global leader in on-demand test & measurement solutions for continuously improving the online experience. As an independent and trusted third-party, Keynote provides IT and marketing executives with an unbiased view into their Internet services from around the world. For over a decade, Keynote has been providing measurement data and testing capabilities that allow companies to understand and improve their customers’ online and mobile experience. Keynote has four test and measurement businesses: Web performance, mobile quality, streaming & VoIP, and customer experience/UX. In addition, Keynote’s industry analysis group called Keynote Competitive Research publishes proprietary studies measuring customer experience and service levels across a wide range of industries.

Known as The Mobile and Internet Performance Authority™, Keynote has a market-leading infrastructure of 2,400 measurement computers and mobile devices in over 240 locations around the world. Keynote also maintains one of the most representative panels of online users consisting of 160,000 consumers. Keynote’s on-demand, hassle-free infrastructure allows businesses to access services they need, when they need them to pinpoint and fix mobile quality and Internet problems before they impact customers.

Keynote helps over 2,700 corporate customers become “the best of the best” by helping them improve online business performance and mobile communications quality. Keynote’s customers represent top Internet and mobile companies including American Express, BP, Caterpillar, Dell, Disney, eBay, ESPN Mobile, E*TRADE, Expedia, FedEx, Microsoft, SonyEricsson, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and Vodafone.

Keynote Systems, Inc. is headquartered in San Mateo, California and can be reached at www.keynote.com or by phone in the U.S. at (650) 403-2400.

Keynote, The Internet Performance Authority and Perspective are registered trademarks and The Mobile and Internet Performance Authority and True Experience are trademarks of Keynote Systems, Inc. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2007 Keynote Systems, Inc.

 

 

 

Black Friday Shopping Tradition Changed Online
Written by Joyce Chow
 
Each year the day after Thanksgiving, I’ve risen early to join my family in the holiday tradition of Black Friday shopping. Bundled up and waiting outside, we’ve watched the sun rise waiting for stores to open. Shopping in groups, we’ve made it nearly a science, pursuing the great deals we just had to have.
 
Welcome to the year 2007. With Black Friday ads online and the ability to purchase online without having to endure waiting for hours upon hours in the cold to enter too crowded retail stores with limited quantities, I can happily slumber. The retailers that did, found me happily shopping in the warmth of my home.
 
Upon consideration, would I miss out on those door buster specials only available in the store? Am I going through withdrawal? Resolving, I will not appear at any retail store before 9 am. Should I also mention that a late Thanksgiving Eve tour of retailers, made the possibility of some Black Friday only purchases a reality?
 
Previously, Black Friday signaled the beginning of shopping for the holiday season for many families. This year, retailers got us in the mood earlier with holiday decorations beside Halloween decorations.
 
This year there are 5 weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so there’s an extra weekend for shopping and sales. If Thanksgiving weekend sales meets expectations, you can expect fewer sales. Better sales if it doesn’t. Based on what’s been seen thus far, I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the one-gunmanship of retailers this holiday season.

 

 

 

                                   

 

 

Choosing HD DVD or Blu-Ray
 
Written by Joyce Chow
 
Waiting out the high definition format battleground may be closer than you think. While the tide tips some days towards HD DVD and other days to Blu-Ray, high def is closer than you think.
 
High definition options in HD DVD and Blu-Ray formats are approaching consumer mass market affordability, with an abundance of choices. In a nutshell, it can be divided into two sides - Toshiba and the HD DVD format and Sony counting on its future with Blu-Ray.
 
Similar to VHS and Beta, the two formats are incompatible with each other so if you want to play both, you’re either buying a combination player or you have two different players. Think of it as Sony Playstation and Microsoft Xbox or Nintendo Wii. The good news in all of this is that either of the players should play standard dvds and may upconvert to a high definition picture.
 
Some movie studios are distributing DVDs in both formats or a combination HD/Blu-Ray disc as well as standard dvd formats, some are choosing one or the other. If you’re selecting a high definition player based on which studios they are aligned with, similar to selecting a PS3 or Xbox based on game titles, you’ll want to check current information for the Blu-Ray organization (www.blu-raydisc.com) or HD organization (www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com).
 
Choosing Blu-Ray
Pioneer has an internal blu-ray disc/dvd/cd combo drive for pcs for $299. You can watch movies in Blu-Ray while still having the ability to read and write to most DVD and CD formats.
 
Sony’s Playstation 3, aka PS3, has been considered the Trojan horse in Blu-Ray circles. Unfortunately, the Blu-Ray chip shortage hampered the shipments of PS3s and the $500 price tag discouraged some consumers.
 
Earlier in 2007, Blu-Ray players were $999, fortunately they’re available around beginning at $499 from Sony and Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, promotions have Sony Full HD 1080p Blu-ray disc players for $399.99
 
Sony laptops and computers with Blu-Ray players begin at $1599
 
Selecting HD DVD
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 HD DVD player at $179 is by far the most affordable possibility but requires a Microsoft Xbox console, which is several hundred if you don’t already have one. Surprisingly, this option has been barely mentioned as a footnote in dvd circles.
 
Toshiba’s HD-A2 has been promoted at $298(after an in-store rebate), breaking the $300 barrier. Black Friday prices are being offered as low as $199.99 with 7 free HD DVD movies.
 
Toshiba also leads the HD DVD camp with it’s laptops featuring the HD DVD players available at $1399.
 
Still debating between HD DVD and Blu-Ray
Instead of choosing HD or Blu-Ray, LG instead chose to offer both, in one player. At $999, you have both, so whether the Hollywood blockbuster you choose is in HD DVD or Blu-Ray you’ll be able to watch either.
 
If you’re still not ready to take the plunge, a standard dvd upconverter will bring greater definition to your dvd collection. A standard dvd upconverter will play standard dvds and is available for under $100.
 

 

 

 

Navigation Tops Lists for Holiday 2007
Written by Joyce Chow
The buzz for the holidays is navigation. Journalist after journalist at SEMA 2007 in Las Vegas, was searching for the latest in navigation. It wasn’t difficult to track down as it seems company after company was offering a version.
 
More than half of the companies present during Autofocus, produced by Pepcom Inc., were showcasing their portable navigation systems. Unlike the in-dash navigation systems that are installed, a portable navigation system allows portability amongst vehicles or even on foot. The invitation only media and analyst event the eve before the SEMA show floor opening, showcased the latest in high-tech products for the automotive market.
 
Although a main point of navigation system is to help you safely navigate, besides the basic versions with preloaded maps, each company has premium versions that helps you with better size and graphics - 2 or 3 D, Bluetooth, cameras, multimedia players, inputs for audio and video, and real time traffic possibilities.
 
The roundup of companies and features in the various versions displayed at Autofocus follow:
 
HP
iPaq 310 Series Travel Companion is a reminder of HP’s iPaq PDA or pocket pc in navigation
Features: high resolution 3D, 4.3” touch screen display for easy map navigation, turn by turn directions, guide to help you find Outlook contacts, tailor travel experience by downloading HP online planning services, SD memory card, USB connector, Bluetooth capability for hands-free conversations, digital entertainment with a music and video player and photo viewer
Suggested retail price is $449.99
 
Jensen
Audiovox’s NVXM1000 “Rock-n-Road” portable navigation system features XM satellite radio
Features: 4” color touch screen, turn by turn directions in 12 languages, 11 million points of interest, optional rear-view camera for safely backing up, XM mini tuner ready to bring the XM system into your car or home
Suggested retail price is $799.99
 
Magellan
Maestro 4250 and 3250 boast the thinnest industrial design at 17.8 mm and the fastest growing GPS brand in North America.
Features: 4.3“ (4250) or 3.5” screen(3250), built in AAA TourBook® integrated real-time traffic, exclusive voice command and control for commands such as “go home” or “nearest coffee”, Bluetooth hands-free calling, 6 million points of interest, Trip planning for multi-destination routing, Night View to optimize display viewing based on time of day, SiRF Star III GPS chips for the fastest GPS position acquisition in the industry
Suggested retail price is $499 for Maestro 4250 and $399 for Maestro 3250. Maestro price range of $269 to $499.
 
MIO
DigiWalker™ C230, 320 and C720t can imbed camera pics into navigation
Features: 3.5” TFT touch screen with standard voice guidance in 3 languages for over 1 million points of interest for the basic C230, 4.3” TFT touch screen with split-screen interface a SD card for digital audio files nd 1.7 million points of interest available only at RadioShack for the C320. The top of the line C720t has a 4.3” TFT touch screen, integrated two-mega pixel camera allowing users to embed GPS coordinates into images for navigation, business card recognition software inputs data by taking a picture of a business card, Traffic Messaging Channel (3 month paid subscription), text-to-speech driving insructions, split-screen interface, 12 million points of interest, digital video, audio and photo files with the SD card, and Bluetooth® capabilities.
Suggested Retail price is $ for the C230, $299.95 for the C320 and $599.95 for the C720t
 
Motorola
MOTONAV with the Motorola T805 and T815 add satellite navigation to your compatible Bluetooth enabled phone.
Features: maps on screen, turn by turn spoken and visual directions, may fit within your pocket to be used while walking or in the car, accessories included for mounting and charging in the car, night lighting mode (T815), 12 month MOTONAV national subscription included (T805).
Suggested retail price is approximately $150.
 
Nokia
You can have the entire internet in your pocket with navigation in the N810 Internet Tablet. Seen on the SEMA floor installed in a Scion both for the driver as well as installed in headrests for passenger viewing of digital entertainment.
Features: 4.13” WVGA display (800x480 pixels), wi-fi connectivity with internet calls, integrated VGA web camera, digital media player for listening to audio and video and viewing pictures, SD cards and compatible with miniSD and microSD, integrated QWERTY keyboard, upgradeable to Wayfinder’s voice-guided navigation for turn-by-turn directions,
Suggested Retail Price is $479 (estimated)
 
Panasonic
Introduced their first portable navigation system, the Strata at a press conference just before their Autofocus showing.
Features: slim size with 5” touch color panel), turn by turn directions in 3 languages, Voice Command function ability to navigate to preprogrammed destinations by voice, digital photo viewer, Bluetooth capability for hands-free cell conversations, Lane Assist helps avoid last-minute lane changes, 1.8 million points of interest in 51 categories, SD memory card
Suggested retail price is $499.95.
 
Sanyo
Easy Street NVM-4050 and NVM-4070 offers Traffic Message Channel
Features: 4 inch 16:9 widescreen LCD, 1.8 million points of interest, Traffic Message Channel (4070) reports real-time information on traffic with icons graphically displaying incidents on the navigation map (90 day trial included), text to speech navigation with turn by turn voice directions, Bluetooth hands free calling, built in FM transmitter, digital music and video players, SD memory card
Suggested retail price is $499.99 (4070-black) and $399.99 (4050 - dark charcoal gray)
 
Still confused about navigation? Consider how you would be using the navigation system, what is needed, and what may already be fulfilled through other electronic products you may own such as a cell phone or iPod and what integration you may want to include. Features that matter most include ease of use, quality and speed of route calculations for choices in route preferences such as faster time or shorter distance or quickness in recalculating after missed turns.
 
Minimally, having a navigation system that announces the street name instead of simply “turn left” may keep you safe with your eyes on the road. If you reside or visit an area where you’ll want to be aware of traffic conditions, having traffic or the capability to add it may upgrade you from a basic version. Traffic may be included or may be possible through a monthly or annual subscription.
While many of the systems are in the $400-$500 range, the range in navigation is broader and can be found as low as $150 on sale or upwards to $900. In the end, it’s likely a combination of price, function and availability that will direct you to your best navigation system.

 

 

By Notaspringchick

Costco Auto Buying Program
Costco has an auto buying program offering members fleet pricing for new cars. I’d read comments about it online, some extremely favorable and others saying that you could do better. At least, a starting point. While some may enjoy the car buying process, many don’t, leading to the creation of no haggle philosophy’s of General Motors’ Saturn and Car Max.
 
Utilizing Auto Trader, Consumer Reports and Edmunds as guides, my husband diligently searched for an sport utility vehicle for me to drive. My brother commented that our car shopping was all over the board. Even though I’d determined that a sport utility vehicle was ideal, we were not limited to one category nor manufacturer. If you were a car manufacturer, and had an SUV that was 4 or 6 cylinders, you were considered. It was not easy replacing a Mercedes-Benz coupe I’d grown attached to with over 200,000 miles.
 
My requirements were quite simple, something safe for Monte Bubbles to arrive at dog shows in while carrying all her gear. His requirements were different, considering miles per gallon with the ever increasing gas prices, financing considering dual self-employment, the amount of miles driven per year, causing the 10,000 miles per year leases to be thrown out the window, and last but not least, unadmittedly something that would look good next to his BMW convertible.
 
Costco members contact a toll free number to obtain a referral for a dealership. You’ll need your Costco membership number and the name of a vehicle you want prior to contacting them. If you’re not certain and are looking at more than one car from a manufacturer’s line you can let them know too. They’ll explain how the program works, receive your contact information and give you contact information for the dealership. The fleet manager will contact you within 24 hours, although you can contact them sooner. This first step takes about 5-10 minutes.
 
Next, you’ll meet with the fleet manager. They’ll review what car you’re looking for and then get right down to the numbers. When you meet with the fleet manager, they will often pull out a price sheet which tells them what pre-arranged Costco membership prices are over dealer invoice, typically $500 over dealer invoice. They’ll share dealer invoice and what your price will be. The price can vary from car to car or manufacturer to manufacturer. If you ask, they’ll print it out for you.
 
After that, the typical steps you would go through in buying a car is similar.
If you’re considering buying a new car, following are some pros and cons at utilizing the Costco Auto Buying Program:
 
PROS
-They give you a great starting point for pricing.
-They maintain a database showing who they’ve referred you to..
-The second request you make for a manufacturer only takes a few minutes as they’ve already explained how the program works
- There may be additional offers that the fleet manager is able to offer you better than the typical $500 over dealer invoice.
- No pressure sales by the fleet managers.
- Once you start conversations with a fleet manager, you do not need to obtain an additional referral for a different vehicle from the same manufacturer.

 

CONS

-They give you one recommendation at a time so if you’re looking to compare pricing from several you have to call back.

-Typically, you have go in and meet with the Costco fleet manager initially to obtain pricing.

-The dealership may not be the closest dealership to you. (for the multiple manufacturers I’ve contacted them about, none were the closest dealership. All however were within 7-30 miles from where I live)

-You may be able to obtain better pricing through negotiating than the through the program.

 

Costco’s auto buying program has pros and cons, but in the end, it does exactly as intended, it saves you time and money.

 

Gifts Cards A Phenom in The Hispanic Market

According to Comdata Stored Value Solutions fifth annual gift card survey of US consumers, Hispanics received gift cards with the highest average value, $71, compared to $41 for Caucasians and $60 for African-Americans. In addition, 26% of Hispanics surveyed report giving gift cards to children as a budgeting tool or in lieu of an allowance.

Other survey highlights related to Hispanics:

bullet40% of Hispanics report buying cards for themselves vs. 30% of Caucasians and 24% of African-Americans
bullet31% of Hispanics report purchasing gift cards at gift card malls, which provide a variety of card options at one location, compared with 26% of Caucasians and 33% of African-Americans
bulletHispanics add their own money to increase their purchasing power. 69% of those surveyed say they spend more than the amount of the card, compared with 52% of Caucasians and 44% of African-Americans
bullet38% of Hispanics buy cards via the internet, 31% at gift card malls and 6% at charity fundraisers and other events

And, considering gift cards among the entire population for the 2007 holiday season, the study includes these highlights:

bulletThe average gift card purchaser expects to spend $203 on gift cards for the 2007 holiday season, up from $186 in 2006
bullet38% of those surveyed who have never purchased a gift card are very or somewhat likely to purchase gifts cards this holiday season, representing an 81% increase in new card users
bullet53% of card users often or always spend more than the amount originally loaded onto their cards, and are most likely to redeem their cards over two visits, increasing store traffic
bullet85% purchase gift cards because they want the recipient to be able to select their own gift, while 57% don't know what to buy
bulletDepartment stores are the most popular place to purchase a card, followed by clothing and book stores, then restaurants

The children's gift card market was measured last year, and showed that:

bulletOne-third of all gift cards purchased last year were purchased for children or teens
bullet4% of cards purchased were for children under the age of five
bulletOf those who have purchased gift cards for children, 35% were the child's parents, followed by 30% who are aunts or uncles

 

 

Google Announces $10 Million Android Developer Challenge

Challenge to Inspire Innovation and Improve Mobile Experience

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.  – Google (NASDAQ: GOOG)
today announced the Android Developer Challenge, which will provide
$10 million to developers who build mobile applications for Android™,
the first complete, open, and free mobile platform.  The Challenge is
designed to support the developer community and spark innovation on
the Android platform by awarding cash prizes ranging from $25,000 to
$275,000 to developers whose applications are picked by a panel of
judges.

"We've built some interesting applications for Android but the best
applications are not here yet and that's because they're going to be
written by developers," said Sergey Brin, Co-founder and President,
Technology, Google.  "We'd like to reward these developers and
recognize them as much as possible."

"We believe that the Android platform offers developers a unique
opportunity to create truly innovative mobile software," said Andy
Rubin, Google's director of mobile platforms. "We're challenging
developers to stretch their imaginations and skills to leverage the
full capabilities of this new platform and to create something
amazing."

Android was announced on November 5 by the Open Handset AllianceTM, a
group of more than 30 technology and mobile industry leaders committed
to fostering innovation on mobile phones and offering a better
consumer experience. The Alliance will provide developers with a new
level of openness that enables them to work more collaboratively.
Today, the Alliance released an early look at the Android software
developer kit (SDK) that includes the documentation, sample projects,
development tools, emulator, and libraries that developers will need
to build an Android application.  Today's Android SDK announcement can
be found on the Alliance blog: http://android-developers.blogspot.com.

The $10 million total in the Android Developer Challenge will be
distributed equally between the Android Developer Challenge I and II.
Submissions for Challenge I will be accepted from January 2 through
March 3, 2008, and the 50 most promising entries will be recognized by
end of March with each receiving $25,000 awards to fund further
development. These 50 entries will then be eligible for even greater
recognition by applying by May 1, 2008 for ten awards worth $275,000
each and another ten worth $100,000 each. Recognition for the top apps
among those entries will be announced by end of May 2008.  Challenge
II will launch after the first handsets built on the platform become
available in the second half of 2008.

A panel of technology and mobile experts selected from the Open
Handset Alliance member organizations and the industry in general will
judge all qualifying entries. Awards will be given to the developers
whose applications leverage all that the Android platform has to offer
in order to provide consumers with the most compelling experiences.
Developers retain all intellectual property and other rights to their
applications.  Interested developers should:
1.    Download the SDK at http://code.google.com/android/download.html
2.    Build a great app.
3.    Submit an application between January 2 and March 3, 2008.

Additional information about the Android Developer Challenge can be
found at http://code.google.com/android/adc.html

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

 

 

Natural Products Expo East Attracts Record Attendance and Booth Sales

Show Poised for Move to Boston in 2008 to Accommodate Continued Growth

 

NEW YORK (October 2, 2007) — Natural Products Expo East (www.expoeast.com), the largest natural and organic products trade show and conference on the east coast, posted 7 percent growth in overall attendance this year with more than 25,000 attendees and 1,790 exhibits. With the natural and organic products industry growing at 9.7 percent annually and topping more than $56 billion in consumer sales, according to The Natural Foods Merchandiser’s™ 2007 Market Overview, Natural Products Expo East benefited from national trends toward healthier lifestyle choices, from grocery store to pharmacy to home. The show, held September 26-29 in Baltimore , Md. , is co-located with the Healthy Foods Conference and produced by New Hope Natural Media, a division of Penton Media, Inc.   

 

“The record-breaking success of this show reflects the escalating economic clout of natural, organic and healthy products,” said Fred Linder, president of New Hope Natural Media. “Natural Products Expo East once again provided the largest and most diverse opportunity on the east coast for entrepreneurs, retailers and manufacturers in this growing industry.”

 

The 23rd annual gathering was an active launching pad for new products, providing a glimpse of the healthy trends of tomorrow. The show’s New Products Pavilion played host to product introductions and events, including the 5th Annual New Products Showcase Awards. Winners of the 2007 New Products Showcase Awards were: BeeCeuticals Organics Bee-Yond Body Rub(Personal Care/Health & Beauty); FoodShouldTasteGood MultiGrain Tortilla Chips and Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils Organic Hempmilk (Food – tie); Nelsons Rescue Remedy Pastilles (Supplement/Herbs); Sweetriot 100% Dark Chocolate Cacao Nibs (Green/Environmentally-friendly); Wise-Acre, Inc. Frost Teas (Innovation); and  Zhena Gypsy Tea (Packaging).

 

In addition to the active trade show floor, Natural Products Expo East 2007 featured numerous educational and networking opportunities, highlighted by keynote speaker Paul Hawken, environmentalist, entrepreneur, journalist and author.   

 

“Natural Products Expo East ensures the continued success of my business,” said Zedrick Clark, president of Nature’s Food Market. “Whether I’m looking for a specific product or shopping a new category, this show allows me to make the best use of my time—there is no comparison for negotiating deals face to face.”

 

After 23 years in the mid-Atlantic region, Natural Products Expo East will relocate to Boston in 2008.  Scheduled for October 15-18 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center , the move accommodates the industry’s growth. The Boston location will provide increased proximity to the retail buying audience of the Northeast.

 

“With the growth of the show and the industry, we’re pleased to provide our clients with an exciting new venue in a progressive region that is important to the natural products industry,” said Erica Hulsman, show manager.

 

New Hope Natural Media (www.newhope.com), a division of the Penton Media, Inc., is the leading media resource and information provider for the natural, organic and healthy products industry with print, in-person/event, and e-business products and services.  Penton Media, Inc. is the largest independent business-to-business media company in the U.S. , serving more than six million business professionals every month. The company’s market-leading brands are focused on 30 industries and include 113 trade magazines, 145 Web sites, 150 industry trade shows and conferences, and more than 500 information data products. Headquartered in New York City , the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its coinvestors. For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.

 

 

 


 
  News from The ISIS Group and Graham-Patten Systems  
 September 27, 2007 We take your success personally 

In This Issue
bullet Simple Rules
bullet Product Spotlight: Audio Engineers Find a "Digital Ear"
bullet Meet the Producers: Steve Block, ISIS Group CEO
bullet Sneak Preview: Look for the INNOVATION GUI on our website - coming soon



Links to More Information

 

bullet Report: Your Digital Ear
 
bullet GUI and Control Panels for INNOVATION routers
 
bullet Graham-Patten distributors
 
bullet ISIS distributors - USA
 
bullet ISIS distributors - outside USA
 


 
Simple Rules
 

"Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time." - Arnold Glasgow. (Who IS Arnold Glasgow? After hours of web searches, I can't find out. If you have a bio for him, please send it to me!)

This quote captures the essence of our CEO's approach to business - and life! Read this month's interview wiith Steve Block. Graham-Patten supplies what's right to improve embedded audio monitoring - download the report about our de-embedders. The right way to evaluate a product is to use it - see the sneak preview about a new way to try out the INNOVATION GUI. And September is the right time to start thinking about next year's requirements. I've just begun planning for NAB2008, and I'll keep you informed as we prepare new products for the show.

Here's wishing you every success this month!

Product Spotlight: Audio Engineers Find a "Digital Ear"
 

Graham-Patten now offers five models of SoundPals de-embedders - all handy ways to monitor and troubleshoot embedded audio streams. Each compact unit provides 8 channels (or 4 AES pairs) of audio plus headphone connectors. Choose from models that de-embed from SD or HD, or ones that auto-sense SD or HD inputs. De-embed to analog or AES outputs.

Download your complimentary copy of Your Digital Ear: Troubleshoot, Monitor and Meter Embedded Audio with SoundPals Audio De-embedders - and discover how SoundPals de-embedders make your job easier.

Meet the Producers: Steve Block, ISIS Group CEO
 

This is the second in our series of interviews with ISIS people. You can also see past interviews.

Meet our "Chief Everything Officer" - Steve Block, one of the founders of The ISIS Group, Inc. Steve says "I've worked in several different industries, and I find this one the best by far. The people are . just generally decent human beings."

Read more about Steve's claim that he's "unbeatable in fantasy baseball."

Sneak Preview: Look for the INNOVATION GUI on our website - coming soon
 

If you are using any of the INNOVATION routers (Analog, SDI, RGBHV, or auto-sensing SD/HD SDI versions), you'll want the link coming in our October newsletter - it will let you download the INNOVATION GUI with a license for a fifteen-day trial.


 

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please send comments, suggestions and subscription requests to info@isis-group.com

Tess Pender, Director of Marketing

 

 

http://www.papajohns.com
September 24, 2007 11:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Papa John’s Offers a Taste of Tuscany in Any Neighborhood

New Tuscan specialty pizzas – Six Cheese and Roma Meats – available for a limited time only -- for just $11.99

LOUISVILLE, Ky.

-Craving a Tuscan getaway, but the boss won’t give you a week off work? Now, thanks to Papa John’s, anyone can get a taste of Tuscany for much less than the cost of round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations!

Beginning Monday, Sept. 24 through Monday, Oct. 22, Papa John’s customers can get their choice of a large Tuscan pizza – brand-new from Papa John’s – for just $11.99.

That’s the easy part. Now you just have to decide which Tuscan pizza to order!

The Papa John’s Six Cheese Tuscan pizza is served on a thin crust and loaded with a blend of six cheeses and Italian herb seasoning, while the Roma Meats Tuscan pizza is topped with spicy Italian sausage, Italian salami, Roma tomatoes, three cheeses, and Italian herb seasonings.

Since both are delicious, Papa John’s suggests saving yourself a headache and simply ordering one of each!

As with all Papa John’s pizzas and sides, the new Tuscan pizzas are available to order online at www.papajohns.com. Want to order your favorite meal with just two clicks of the mouse? Simply save your order with Papa John’s new online “Favorites Wizard” option so that the next time you log on to www.papajohns.com, you can quickly request “the usual,” without need to remember what exactly “the usual” is.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third largest pizza company. For eight years running, consumers have rated Papa John’s No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the highly regarded American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John's at www.papajohns.com.

 

September 24, 2007 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Dell to Partner with GOME on Retail Sales in China

Dell Direct Experience Now Available to Millions of Customers at China’s No. 1 Consumer Electronics Retailer
BEIJING--

Dell’s (NASDAQ:DELL) direct advantage and industry-leading technology will reach millions of in-store computer buyers across China thanks to a new partnership to sell the company’s latest products through GOME, China’s largest consumer electronics retailer.

Today’s announcement adds to Dell’s momentum with leading retailers in countries around the world. Dell will begin rolling out its systems in about 50 major metropolitan GOME stores during October and significantly expand its presence into the first half of next year. Additionally, Dell employees will be available in GOME stores to help customers with purchases and their overall experience.

“Starting in October, consumers can buy Dell products at GOME stores that will help satisfy customers’ diversified needs. Our partnership with Dell will strengthen our commitment in providing a superior customer experience, and is an important action to deepen our customer relationships,” Chen Xiao, president of GOME. “I am confident that we made the right decision to partner with a top-name brand to sustain our growth in China.”

Chen adds that Dell’s selection of GOME as its first retail partner in China shows that the large-scale consumer electronics retailer is becoming an increasingly important venue for customers purchasing IT products. The high-value products GOME offers are attracting more and more customers, especially from the younger generation. GOME’s extensive sales network, online store, reliable supply channel, shopping environment, professional sales staff, and good services are highly recognized.

“Chinese consumers are increasingly sophisticated in how they buy and use technology, so it is only natural that a global brand like Dell partner with GOME to provide a preferred shopping experience,” said Michael Tatelman, vice president of marketing and sales for Dell’s global consumer business. “For Dell, this is a great opportunity to extend connections with Chinese customers we may not have reached in the past. We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with GOME.”

Dell products available at GOME will include the award-winning notebooks and desktops such as the 13.3 inch XPS™ M1330, the XPS 720 performance desktop, Inspiron™ 1420 notebook, Dimension™ 9200 desktop and Inspiron 530 desktop.

The partnership with GOME is Dell’s latest retail distribution agreement aimed at reaching more customers worldwide. The company recently announced relationships with Bic Camera Inc. in Japan, Carphone Warehouse in the U.K. and Wal-Mart in the U.S.

About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they trust and value. Uniquely enabled by its direct business model, Dell is a leading global systems and services company and No. 34 on the Fortune 500. For more information, visit www.dell.com, or to communicate directly with Dell via a variety of online channels, go to www.dell.com/conversations. To get Dell news direct, visit www.dell.com/RSS.

 

 

 

Gemstar -TV Guide International, Inc.
September 24, 2007 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

TV Guide Launches Major National Consumer Advertising Campaign

Campaign Assures Passionate TV Fans, “We’ll Get You Through the Week,” Via TV Guide Magazine, TV Guide Online and TV Guide Network

Campaign Features 13 Innovative TV Commercials Tied to This Fall’s Most Popular Programs

 

LOS ANGELES----Gemstar -TV Guide International, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMST), a leading media, entertainment and technology company, announced today the launch of an innovative national consumer advertising campaign tied to the official kickoff of television’s new fall season. The multimillion-dollar campaign, which launches today and runs through November sweeps, positions TV Guide as the brand that helps viewers “get through the week” between episodes of their favorite television shows. It is unique in two important ways: the creative is show-specific, with each ad tied to one of 13 popular fall shows; and the media strategy is innovative in that the ads will air only during these specific shows, running in the last half of the episode, in order to let fans know at just the right time that TV Guide will get them through the week until the next episode airs.

The overall campaign idea is driven by TV Guide’s insight that TV fans are not so much passionate about television as they are about their favorite television show(s). TV Guide knows that these fans will go to great lengths to stay connected to that show once the episode is over. This campaign speaks directly to them, assuring the millions of passionate viewers that TV Guide will help get them through until the next episode, with anytime, anywhere access to relevant, unique and entertaining content about their favorite show(s) via TV Guide Magazine, TVGuide.com and TV Guide Network.

“With the continued enhancement of all our products, including the new TV Guide Magazine, the redesigned TVGuide.com Web site and hours of new original programming on TV Guide Network, we felt this was the perfect time to launch a high-profile, integrated campaign,” said Alan Cohen, chief marketing officer at Gemstar-TV Guide. “This effort is an important step in the continued revitalization of the TV Guide brand and in driving further awareness and usage of our products and services across the multiple platforms in which we operate.”

He continued, “Because of the unique way in which we have designed this campaign and orchestrated its media placement, we will reach exactly the TV fans we wish to influence. We know that TV enthusiasts have a strong desire to fill the seven-day ‘withdrawal period’ between episodes of their favorite shows. They crave fresh and entertaining information, the backstories and the side stories related to their favorite shows and stars, and they want it on their terms. We offer unequaled access to breaking news, inside scoop and celebrity interviews -- all available across our multiple consumer touch points. And with a weekly reach of 73 million consumers across its various platforms, TV Guide is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of these loyal fans.”

Tailored to each show’s title and premise, each ad utilizes a “countdown” element to highlight the length of time between episodes, and that, for true fans of the show, a week is a very long time to wait until the next episode. The ads then go on to assure the viewer that by tuning in to one of TV Guide’s platforms, they will be provided with a “fix” that will help them get through the week. The “fix” refers to TV Guide’s fresh and exclusive information on the shows, stars, characters and story lines as well as multimedia content including exclusive video, along with blogs and user communities where fans can go to interact about these shows. Each of the ads is punctuated with a cross-platform animated mnemonic, reinforcing TV Guide’s print, online and network offerings.

The campaign creatively plays to how consumers are using television today, and to two distinct advantages held by TV Guide: the long-standing relationships the company shares with the networks (all of which were involved in the process of developing brand-appropriate messaging for each program), and the unparalleled level of access that TV Guide’s reporters and editors have to news and information about the television shows.

“Everyone talks about the show to come, but until now no one has acknowledged the time between the shows for its fans,” said Peter Krivkovich, CEO of Cramer-Krasselt, the Chicago-based advertising agency that designed the campaign. “TV Guide is about keeping the fans connected with their favorite programs between episodes, and that’s the insight we mined to develop this campaign.”

The TV spots will appear weekly on the following shows (in alphabetical order): America’s Next Top Model, Brothers & Sisters, CSI, Dancing With the Stars, Desperate Housewives, Friday Night Lights, Grey’s Anatomy, Heroes, House, Prison Break, Survivor: China, The Office and Ugly Betty.

In addition to the TV spots, the campaign extends online, with banner and interactive units that support the viewer’s emotional connection to a show and their anticipation of the next episode. The media plan is a mix of high-reach entertainment sites, as well as show-specific pages within the broadcast and cable network sites that will reach viewers who are looking for a deeper connection to their favorite shows.

TV Guide is also taking the message “to the streets” beginning September 28 with a free “Daily Fix” themed program, in which TV Guide will give consumers in select coffee shops in L.A., N.Y. and Chicago free cups of coffee to “get them through the day,” while letting them know that the TV Guide brand will help “get them through the week.” The program also provides all patrons with the current issue of TV Guide.

TVGuide.com

TVguide.com will provide an abundance of exclusive multimedia content that is continually updated throughout the week, with enhanced show pages featuring:

bulletExtensive video clips
bulletBreaking news and related feature stories on the shows and their stars
bulletExtensive community features that allow fans to share their passion with other fans
bulletLive blogging during the show, after and next morning
bulletShow-specific countdown clock that lets fans know the exact time until the next episode airs

TV Guide Magazine

In addition to our extensive, ongoing coverage of the top shows, including breaking news and behind-the-scenes coverage, TV Guide Magazine will have a weekly section dedicated to the top shows that will feature engaging photos and content. The section will also direct fans to exclusive video and multimedia content about the shows on TVGuide.com and TV Guide Network.

TV Guide Network

TV Guide Network will provide extensive coverage of the 13 shows, including:

bulletSpecial 30-minute and hour-long programs. The exciting content includes exclusive “Where Are They Now” specials, behind-the-scenes scoop on the shows, and exclusive interviews and set visits.
bullet“Daily Fix” content will also be integrated into current segments on our weekly shows including our popular series inFANity.

About Gemstar-TV Guide

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading global media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes products and services that maximize the video guidance and entertainment experience for consumers. The Company’s businesses include: television, publishing and new-media properties; interactive program guide services and products; and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at www.gemstartvguide.com.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties related to the timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; our investments in new and existing businesses; the impact of competitive products and services; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Note to Editors: Gemstar, TV Guide, TVGuide.com and TV Guide Network are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies, products and services used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners

 

http://www.nytco.com
September 24, 2007 11:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The New York Times Runs Its First-Ever Spadia Ads

NBC Uses Innovative Opportunity To Promote Its Fall Season

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New York Times announced today that NBC has purchased four spadia advertisements in today’s newspaper. NBC bought the advertisements to promote its returning hit show “Heroes” and new shows “Chuck,” “Bionic Woman” and “Journeyman.”

The spadia, a page wrapped around the spine of a section of the paper that appears as a partial page, ran in the Metro, Business Day, SportsMonday and TheArts sections of today’s New York Times distributed in the New York metropolitan area. Further supporting NBC’s fall launch was a full page ad in the Main news section for the launch of “Life.”

The campaign also includes front strip and full-page back cover national ad buys for all sections except Main news and is the first time all four front/backs have been purchased in one day by the same advertiser. NBC’s ad buy constitutes an unusually large campaign for a single day, involving all sections of the paper, and represents more than 2,000 column inches.

“We are extremely excited that NBC chose to showcase its fall season in The New York Times by using these innovative advertising units,” said Denise Warren, senior vice president and chief advertising officer, The New York Times Media Group. “A campaign such as this comes about as a result of understanding our customers and offering them unique solutions to meet their needs.”

“We are always looking for innovative new ways to get our messages across,” said John Miller, chief marketing officer, NBC Universal Television Group. “The New York Times is a great strategic ally in creating their first ever spadia unit for our Monday premieres. These will be heroic units for a heroic line-up.”

Added Tim Farish, vice president of media for NBC, “We feel The New York Times did what they do best – take an idea and make it just a little bigger and a little bolder.”

Over the last year The New York Times has introduced several new premium advertising positions, including its front page business ad program and positions like checkerboards, book ends, checkerboard spreads and fireplaces.

About The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT), a leading media company with 2006 revenues of $3.3 billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 15 other daily newspapers, WQXR-FM and more than 30 Web sites, including NYTimes.com, Boston.com and About.com. The Company's core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

ANNOUNCING MAX TOY COMPANY
NEW TO STRANGECO DISTRIBUTION! size

STRANGEco is proud to announce that it is now the exclusive distributor of Max Toy Company, the brainchild of obsessive toy collector, magazine founder and artist Mark Nagata. Max Toy Company creates high quality vinyl figures in the tradition of classic Japanese character toys, with exclusive designs by Nagata, Bwana Spoons and others, as well as premier licenses from the golden age of Japanese kaiju.

 

 

Ask anyone who knows Mark Nagata to describe him and the two things that will come up are toys and art.

After attending the Academy of Art College in San Francisco during the late 80's and picking up a New York artist's rep, Mark embarked on a 10-year plus journey as a freelance commercial illustrator. Churning out hundreds of assignments over the years, coupled with deadlines from hell took a toll, both mentally and physically. "I had to reassess what was important in my life and refocus my abilities towards a new goal. " said Nagata.

"I'd been collecting Japanese toys all along, and suddenly realized it would be cool to have a magazine of some type devoted to them." So it's no surprise that Mark ended up creating and co- publishing Super7 Magazine. After successfully building the Super7 brand for nearly 4 years, it was time to move on. "I wasn't able to paint as much as I wanted, and I realized that the part of Super7 I enjoyed the most was creating toys and artwork, " reflects Nagata.

Thus was born Mark's new venture called Max Toy Company, named after his son, Max. With a nod to the Golden Age of Japanese toys, Max Toy Co. will continue the tradition of offering classic Japanese character toys by all the best toy companies. Max Toy Co. produces its own exclusive toys, both licensed and original.

In addition, Mark writes about Japanese Toys and is the toy editor for the bi monthly magazine called Otaku USA, available at all major bookstores. Now Mark has teamed up with StrangeCo to help wholesale and distribute its product to a much wider audience.

"StrangeCo is the leader in distributing Art Toys and really curate their offerings with care while expanding the brands identity. I think Japanese inspired toys is a growing aspect of the Art Toy market and I'd like to expand Max Toy Company products to these collectors. I'm looking forward to have Max Toy Company as a part of their select group of offerings."

Max Toy Co is a synthesis of toys and art ... both of Mark Nagata's life long passions.

 

For more information visit:

 

www.STRANGEco.com

CLICK HERE to visit the Max Toys Catalogue Page



 

ABOUT STRANGEco
Based in San Francisco, CA but catering to the world at large, STRANGEco is a dynamic force behind the growing phenomenon of the designer art toy movement.

After developing the successful online designer toy retailer, Kid Robot in 2002, co-founders Gregory Blum and Jim Crawford left in order channel their creative efforts in a different direction. Their hard work resulted shortly afterward with STRANGEco.

Working closely with artists they admire, the STRANGEco staff helps to develop character designs often only seen in two dimensions. The end results are beautiful original art pieces in three-glorious dimensions which fans can actually afford and collect. Notable artists STRANGEco has worked with include Mars-1, Jim Woodring, Friend With You, tokidoki, Nathan Jurevicius and many others.

 

 

 

 

Bombardier Q400 Aircraft Fleet Returning to Service

 

- Approximately 70 per cent of Q400 worldwide fleet in service

- More than 35 out of estimated 85 grounded Q400 aircraft back in service; number of aircraft returned to service continues to rise

- After meeting the requirements of Transport Canada's Airworthiness Directive (AD) related to the recent Bombardier Q400 aircraft landing gear issue, operators worldwide have been returning their aircraft to service. Approximately 70 per cent of the Q400 turboprop fleet is in service (or approximately 116 aircraft out of total fleet of 165 aircraft). Of the estimated 85 Q400 aircraft requiring detailed inspections, more than 35 aircraft are already back in service.

"Several airlines have reported that their Q400 aircraft have returned to normal service. This is excellent news. We expect that more aircraft will also return to service in the coming days. We remain committed to our customers and are providing them with the necessary technical assistance to resolve the issue," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft.

On September 13, Bombardier provided Q400 aircraft operators with detailed inspection procedures developed by Goodrich, the landing gear manufacturer, and approved by Bombardier. These inspection procedures address Transport Canada's airworthiness directive related to the aircraft's recent main landing gear issue.

Bombardier - with the support of Goodrich - continues to focus its efforts on assisting its customers to return to normal flight schedules as quickly as possible.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2007, were $14.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Bombardier and Q400 are trademark(s) of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

 

 

 

Actresses, Singers, Musicians and Athletes Come Together to Demonstrate the Wonders of Skin

New Vaseline® “Skin is Amazing” Campaign Invites People to Express Their Own “Skin Vision”

 

Click here to see downloadable versions "I have very freckly, sensitive Irish skin and I don't go in for a whole bunch of surgical procedures to make myself look younger or prettier, so taking care of my skin is a huge part of what I do for a living." --Minnie Driver, Actor (Photo: Business Wire)
Click here to see downloadable versions "Skin is a part of you and you have to be proud of what you have. I feel comfortable in my own skin." --Hilary Duff, Actress/Singer (Photo: Business Wire)

--Skin is amazing. Each day it performs many functions such as regulating our temperature or protecting us from the elements. It speaks volumes about us. It can reveal our heritage or communicate our emotions to the world. Now, celebrities including Minnie Driver, Hilary Duff, Kim Raver, Dave Navarro and Laila Ali are featured in a breakthrough Vaseline campaign which reveals up close and personal photographs and stories of their skin. Their images are appearing in the October issues of national magazines.

The famous people whose glowing skin stars in the Vaseline campaign lead lives that test their skin every day. Each photo displays a skin “attribute” meaningful to the celebrity. For example, Minnie Driver’s freckled skin reveals her Irish heritage, Dave Navarro’s tattoos transform his skin into a canvas to reveal a story of his life and Kim Raver’s pregnant belly demonstrates the wonder of how skin grows and grows with us.

The Vaseline “Skin is Amazing” campaign also invites people to think about their own relationship with their skin. Vaseline is asking Americans, “Do you see skin the way we do?” As a coat of armor, a touch point with the world, or maybe a map of your experiences? Consumers can log on to www.vaseline.com and enter the “Skin Vision” contest by submitting their own skin portrait – a photo of their skin in action that expresses everything their skin does for them and unique skin story. The winner will receive a trip for two to New York City for a photo session with a professional photographer and their skin portrait will appear in the next Vaseline ad in a national magazine. The contest begins September 15, 2007 and ends December 31, 2007. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. See www.vaseline.com/skinvisions for official rules.

Each person that enters will support the Vaseline donation to the Coalition of Skin Diseases which helps address the needs of the millions of people whose lives are affected by skin disease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kodak Brings High-Quality, Everyday Low-Cost Printing to Wal-Mart Customers

 

Consumers Continue to Recognize and Validate Kodak’s Revolutionary Low-Cost Ink Value Proposition
-Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK) today announced that it has extended the consumer reach of its breakthrough home inkjet printer line while reinforcing the product’s unique value proposition by making it available at Wal-Mart, America’s leading retailer. The KODAK EASYSHARE 5100 All-in-One (AiO) Printer (U.S. MSRP $129.99), is now available for purchase at 2,600 Wal-Mart stores nationwide.

With replacement ink cartridges priced at just $14.99 MSRP for color and $9.99 MSRP for black, the KODAK EASYSHARE AiO Printer delivers crisp documents and brilliant photos, offers print, scan and copy features, and saves consumers up to 50 percent* on everything printed in the home.

“This new offering is an extension of Kodak’s longstanding commitment to making technology easy, affordable and widely accessible to consumers,” said Phil Faraci, President of Kodak’s Consumer Digital Group. “Momentum is clearly building as our unique AiO is now widely available at Wal-Mart Superstores, along with Best Buy and Office Depot in the U.S., Dixon’s, Media Markt, PC World and Currys in Europe and JB HiFi and select Kodak Express stores in Australia.”

Kodak’s revolutionary inkjet business model continues to be embraced by consumers. In fact, a recent study** conducted by Ipsos, a leading global survey-based market research company, stated that consumers rank cheaper ink cartridges and higher-quality photos as the #1 and #2 most desired features and functionalities of an inkjet printer.

“Almost 70 percent of home printer users cite lower-cost ink as a top priority,” said Faraci. “Kodak designed our entire system with this in mind, and we remain focused on addressing this significant need.”

To help reinforce its commitment to making ink affordable, Kodak is offering Wal-Mart shoppers a limited-time offer: three additional high-yield, 5-ink color cartridges (a $45 value) at no additional cost when they purchase the KODAK EASYSHARE 5100 AiO Printer (U.S. MSRP $129.99), while supplies last. Kodak’s low-cost ink cartridges offer low cost-per-page, as recently confirmed by independent testing lab, QualityLogic, and Kodak’s cost-of-printing analysis. For more information on the savings, testing and analysis, visit: www.kodak.com/go/inkdata.

For reader information, please contact Annabelle Freeman at annabelle.freeman@kodak.com or 770-522-2120.

* Savings based on home printing of documents and photos using average ink cost of comparable consumer inkjet printers. Actual results may vary. For more information, visit www.kodak.com/go/inkdata.

** Ipsos study: Data were collected through an internet-based sampling and data collection methodology using the Ipsos US Internet panel and accurately reflects the online population (18 years and older). A total of 1,183 respondents completed the online questionnaire between April 3 and April 8, 2007. For more information, visit http://www.ipsosinsight.com/pressrelease.aspx?id=3609

About Eastman Kodak Company

Kodak is the world’s foremost imaging innovator. With sales of $10.7 billion in 2006, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak’s system of digital and traditional products and services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; Businesses effectively communicate with customers worldwide using Kodak Solutions for prepress, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; and Creative Professionals rely on Kodak’s technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or still images.

More information about Kodak (NYSE: EK) is available at www.kodak.com.

Editor’s Note: Kodak corporate news releases are now offered via RSS feeds. Many RSS aggregators or readers, including my.Yahoo.com, NewsGator, and Google Reader, can be used to view these feeds. To subscribe, visit www.kodak.com/go/RSS and look for the RSS symbol. In addition, Kodak podcasts are viewable at www.kodak.com/go/podcasts. Podcasts may be downloaded for viewing on iTunes, Quicktime, or other PC-based media players. Users may also subscribe to Kodak podcasts via the iTunes store by typing “Kodak Close Up” in the search field at the top of the iTunes Store window.

 

GE Money and Provident Bank Partner to Provide Credit Cards to Retail and Business Customers

Provident Bank Rewards Platinum MasterCard® and Business MasterCard Offered in Maryland, Virginia & Pennsylvania

-GE Money, the consumer lending unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), and Provident Bank (NASDAQ: PBKS), Maryland’s largest independent commercial bank, today announced they will offer a Provident Bank Rewards Platinum MasterCard® and ProductivitySM Card for Business MasterCard to its customers in Maryland, Virginia and Southern York County, PA.

“For more than 120 years, Provident Bank has been serving our communities and providing financial solutions and resources,” said Stephen Heine, Executive Vice President, Consumer Banking for Provident Bank. “We’re excited to partner with GE Money and MasterCard to provide Provident Bank customers convenient purchasing power and rewards advantages.”

The Provident Bank Rewards Platinum MasterCard credit card, issued by GE Money Bank and featuring Provident Bank’s brand, will be made available to Provident Bank’s retail customers through its 149 branches, Website and direct mail. Cardholders will earn Net Rewards points in the amount of one point for every dollar spent. Points may be redeemed for merchandise, travel, cash and gift cards, including the Provident Bank Gift Card.

“The Provident Bank Rewards Platinum MasterCard is a great way to deliver greater flexibility and attractive rewards – an important value proposition for cardholders,” said Scott Young, senior vice president for GE Money’s personal finance business. “Our expertise in providing partnership credit programs that deliver high value and service complement’s Provident Bank’s superior reputation as a commercial bank that offers innovative financial solutions.”

The Productivity Card for Business offers convenience and control for commercial customers. With spending profiles that dictate employee usage, online real-time transaction monitoring tools, and sophisticated exception reporting, the card supports the expense management goals of business users. The card also offers a rewards program and discounts with specific merchants.

“The GE Money business card has proven to be a successful product for dozens of regional banks throughout the country,” said Jeffery Dye, senior vice president for GE Money’s commercial card business. “We deliver the program support and technology while banks such as Provident control the branding and marketing to their customers.”

About Provident Bank

Provident Bankshares Corporation is the holding company for Provident Bank (NASDAQ: PBKS), largest independent commercial bank headquartered in Maryland. With $6.3 billion in assets, Provident serves individuals and businesses in the key urban areas of Baltimore, Washington and Richmond through a network of 149 offices in Maryland, Virginia, and southern York County, PA. Provident Bank also offers related financial services through wholly owned subsidiaries. Securities brokerage, investment management and related insurance services are available through Provident Investment Company and leases through Court Square Leasing and Provident Lease Corp. For more information, visit www.provbank.com.

About GE Money

With $190 billion in assets, GE Money, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), is a leading provider of credit services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers in 55 countries around the world. GE Money, based in Stamford, Conn., offers a range of financial products, including private label credit cards, personal loans, bank cards, auto loans and leases, mortgages, corporate travel and purchasing cards, debt consolidation and home equity loans and credit insurance. More information can be found online at www.gemoney.com.

GE (NYSE:GE) is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

©2007 General Electric Company, All rights reserved.

Strawberry Shortcake Brand Tops $2 Billion in Worldwide Retail Sales

Click here to see downloadable versions DIC Entertainment and American Greetings Corporation celebrate the success of evergreen girls' property Strawberry Shortcake. Photo Credit: Strawberry Shortcake is a registered trademark of Those Characters From Cleveland, Inc. Strawberry Shortcake character designs (c) 2004 Those Characters From Cleveland, Inc. Used under license. All rights reserved.

-The hit evergreen girls’ brand, Strawberry Shortcake, has reached a new milestone with more than $2 billion achieved in worldwide retail sales (cumulative 2003-2007) and continues to evolve as a multi-dimensional entertainment franchise. The announcement was made today by Josef Mandelbaum, President and CEO, American Greetings Properties, creator and owner of the brand, and Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO, DIC Entertainment, the exclusive worldwide licensing agent for Strawberry Shortcake.

With more than 300 licensees worldwide and available at every major U.S. retailer, the Strawberry Shortcake brand celebrates another banner year in 2007 with fresh themes and the introduction of new product lines, multiple DVD releases, a theatrical feature, books and music, as well as an upcoming broadcast network debut, major 4th quarter QSR promotion and continued online growth. DIC and American Greetings Properties will continue to work with partners to build the Strawberry Shortcake franchise with new brand themes (dance, western, music, fairytale and Hollywood glamour), content, categories and distribution channels in development through 2010.

“We are thrilled with the phenomenal success of Strawberry Shortcake over the past four years which has exceeded our expectations and secured its position as one of the top girls’ brands of all time,” says Heyward. “American Greetings has created a timeless brand and we salute them and our network of partners and agents who have contributed to this tremendous achievement.” He adds, “We look forward to the continued growth and success of the brand as we all work to deliver fresh and innovative ideas that will keep our retailer partners excited and fans coming back for more.”

"DIC and all of our licensees, such as Playmates Toys, Penguin Putnam, and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, have done a tremendous job in keeping Strawberry Shortcake fresh, relevant and top of mind with today's girls,” says Josef Mandelbaum, President and CEO, American Greetings Properties. “The $2 billion benchmark is a testament to the hard work our organizations have put into building this brand to the evergreen status it is today, ensuring that Strawberry Shortcake is truly 'growing better all the time.'"

In 2006, Playmates was named the new Master Toy Licensee for Strawberry Shortcake and re-launched an all-new line of Strawberry Shortcake toys. In 2007 and 2008, Playmates will continue to rollout new merchandise that ties in with the tentpole themes, as well as support the brand with national advertising campaigns. Penguin Putnam has 11 new books in release this year, and to date has sold more than 11 million books from the Strawberry Shortcake publishing program, which has published 70 titles (since 2003).

The entertainment platform for Strawberry Shortcake features new DVD titles, theatrical matinees, and for the first time, major broadcast television exposure. With more than 10 million units of Strawberry Shortcake shipped to date, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has released two new DVD titles, “Sweet Dreams Movie” and “Berry Blossom Festival,” along with an upcoming October release of “Let’s Dance,” to coincide with the fall 2007 “dance” tentpole theme. In spring 2007, Fox released a theatrical feature, “Berry Blossom Festival” on screens across the U.S., which marked the second theatrical release for the brand. “The Sweet Dreams Movie,” released in fall 2006, achieved the best performance ever for a children’s matinee-only release. Eight new DVD titles are planned for 2008 – 2009. Koch Records, which has sold nearly 500,000 Strawberry Shortcake CDs, released “World of Friends” CD in May and is gearing up for the September release of the “Let’s Dance” CD.

In September 2007, Strawberry Shortcake will make its major broadcast network debut on a new branded Saturday morning children’s programming block with 26 half-hour episodes. Strawberry Shortcake also airs on the syndicated programming block, DIC Kid’s Network. The Strawberry Shortcake website, www.strawberryshortcake.com, averages 200,000 unique visitors per month while growing 40% month over month.

The Strawberry Shortcake program continues to receive industry recognition, garnering three LIMA nominations this year for “Best Overall License of the Year,” “Best Character Brand License of the Year” and “Best Character Brand for Hard Lines.”

International Appeal

In the international arena, the Strawberry Shortcake merchandise program and broadcast exposure continues to build and to expand into new territories. In Europe, France has become the #1 market in Europe for Strawberry Shortcake where it continues to perform at retail and is the leading Saturday morning animated series on M6. Strawberry Shortcake is also performing impressively at retail in Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. On the licensing front, Proctor & Gamble has signed a multi-territory agreement (the U.K., Greece, Finland, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa) to distribute Strawberry Shortcake branded merchandise as part of their “feel and learn” line of product. Additionally, the Strawberry Shortcake Baby program is set to debut in France.

In Latin America, Strawberry Shortcake is available in all major territories, including Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and more, and Strawberry Shortcake Baby will debut this year in Brazil, Chile and Mexico. Additionally, Turner’s Pan Latin American Boomerang Channel will premiere Strawberry Shortcake this year.

Strawberry Shortcake is available in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea and will launch in 2008 in Japan.

First introduced in 1980 by American Greetings, Strawberry Shortcake became one of the biggest licensing programs of its time, generating more than $1 billion in retail sales between 1980 and 1985. American Greetings and DIC reintroduced the brand in 2003, immediately achieving tremendous results, with over $2 billion in retail sales since relaunch.

About American Greetings Properties

American Greetings intellectual property and outbound licensing division, American Greetings Properties, was established to develop multi-platform entertainment, licensing, merchandising and promotional campaigns for its classic properties, as well as develop a new series of character brands. The impetus for setting up the division was inspired by the success of two properties, Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake, which have each made $2 billion in retail sales, $4 billion collectively. For more information, visit www.agpbrands.com.

About American Greetings Corporation

American Greetings Corporation (NYSE:AM) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of social expression products. Along with greeting cards, its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, stationery, calendars, ornaments and electronic greetings. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $1.7 billion. For more information on the Company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.

About DIC Entertainment

DIC Entertainment, a fully-integrated global brand management company, is dedicated to creating, developing, producing, distributing, marketing and merchandising family-based intellectual properties. The Company serves as the worldwide licensor or agent for brands such as McDonald’s, Strawberry Shortcake, Madeline, Mommy & Me, and Eloise. DIC has distinguished itself by building one of the largest libraries of animation worldwide with approximately 3,000 half-hours of programming, including Inspector Gadget™, Strawberry Shortcake™, Horseland™, Sabrina™, Madeline™, Liberty’s Kids™, Sonic The Hedgehog™ and Care Bears™. This year, DIC will launch a new educational and informational Saturday morning children’s programming block, “Kewlopolis on CBS.” As a pre-eminent supplier of kid’s programming worldwide, DIC has developed strategic partnerships with key broadcast partners throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and Australia. In 2006, DIC acquired Copyright Promotions, a Pan-European licensing agency that represents the licensing rights of a broad portfolio of world-renowned companies including DreamWorks Animation, MGM, Marvel, Sony, Twentieth Century Fox, Viacom and The Football Association. DIC is headquartered in Burbank, California with offices in New York, Paris and

 

 

Carfax Advises Used Car Buyers About Shopping Smart

Scam Artists on the Prowl for Used Car “Suckers”; Carfax Experts on Hand at Delta 500 to Assist Consumers

-Labor Day Weekend marks the end of the used car buying season and Carfax vehicle history experts will be available to lend Utah shoppers a helping hand. Millions of great used cars are on sale this weekend from reputable dealers nationwide looking to clear inventory. However, crooked sellers are mobilizing to take advantage of consumers searching for a great Labor Day deal.

Vehicles with hidden problems, such as flood damage, are on the rise and may be for sale in your area, mainly from private sellers.

“Over the last five years, we’ve seen a significant increase in flooded cars for sale all over the U.S.,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “Furthermore, 30 Katrina cars were recently bought by unsuspecting consumers in Canada and a new influx of waterlogged wrecks will enter the market from the Midwest storms. Used car buyers need to be especially attentive to the vehicle’s history and results of a mechanical inspection.”

Carfax offers the following tips to help Labor Day shoppers buy smart:

bulletBuy from licensed, reputable dealers
bulletBe wary of cars sold curbside or in parking lots at “too good to be true” prices
bulletTake the car for a thorough test drive and inspect it inside and out for things like excessive wear or poor repairs
bulletAsk your dealer for a free Carfax Vehicle History Report or run one yourself at www.carfax.com and make sure the car qualifies for the Carfax Buyback Guarantee
bulletJust as importantly, have the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic prior to purchase

Carfax experts will be on hand at three locations for the Delta 500, Utah’s largest used car sale, to answer customer questions and offer shopping advice. For four days, used car buyers will have unprecedented access to Carfax experts at the Delta Center, Southtowne Expo Center and Valley Fair Mall.

“Shop with your head, not your heart,” continued Gamache. “Carfax One Owner cars and manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned cars offer great value and are often better maintained. Using resources like Carfax Xpert available in every Carfax Vehicle History Report and having your mechanic inspect the car and its safety systems, you’re sure to find a great deal on a safe, reliable used car this weekend.”

About Carfax

Millions of consumers rely on the most trusted provider of vehicle history information, Carfax, each year. Using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) found on vehicle dashboards and title documents, Carfax instantly generates a detailed Vehicle History Report on any used car or light truck. Carfax Vehicle History Reports™ provide information that can impact a consumer's decision about a used car or truck. Carfax is a wholly-owned subsidiary of R.L. Polk & Co. For more information, visit www.carfax.com.

 

Visa Helps Office Depot Customers Speed Through Checkout Lines

 

State-of-the-Art Visa payWave Reader Makes Electronic Payments up to 25-percent Faster for Customers

--Visa announced today that Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, will accept Visa payWave payments, an innovative contactless payment option, in Office Depot’s 1,100-plus retail store locations nationwide. With a strong consumer and small business customer base, Office Depot is the ideal setting for the first contactless payment deployments in the office supply industry. Office Depot will continue to accept traditional magnetic-stripe payment cards as well.

“Office Depot is committed to providing our customers with best-in-class service in everything we do,” said George Bryan, Vice President of Financial Services for Office Depot. “Our retail stores offer both a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience and Visa payWave is a great addition to our portfolio of services.”

Visa payWave technology enables customers to make a purchase by simply holding their Visa payWave card near a secure reader at checkout instead of swiping it. Consumers no longer need to fumble for cash or hand their card to a cashier for purchases. Most purchases under $25 will not require the customer to sign the receipt, further speeding up the transaction.

“Visa cardholders consistently say they prefer merchant locations that offer a variety of payment options, while maintaining speed and convenience,” said Brian Triplett, senior vice president, emerging product development, Visa USA. “Thanks to our partnership with merchants like Office Depot, we are able to give consumers the experience they demand.”

About Visa payWave

Visa payWave has been growing in popularity. To date, there are 7.3 million cards issued worldwide and more than 31,000 merchant locations in the United States accept Visa payWave. It is particularly useful in places where speed is important to customers and where cash has been the traditional means of payment. Visa payWave cardholders enjoy all the same security protections the industry has come to expect from Visa, including zero liability for fraudulent charges and Visa’s sophisticated anti-fraud technology. Cardholders making purchases at Office Depot with Visa payWave enjoy additional layers of security because the card never leaves the customer’s hand, can only be read close proximity and uses data that is unique to each contactless transaction.

About Visa

Visa USA is a leading payments brand and the nation's largest payments system, enabling banks to provide their consumer and business customers with a wide variety of payment alternatives tailored to meet their evolving needs. Visa USA is committed to increasing the choice, convenience, acceptance and security of Visa payments for all stakeholders – financial institutions, cardholders and merchants. As of March 31, 2007, in the United States, more than 521 million Visa-branded cards have been issued by more than 13,000 financial institution customers. Visa products generated $1.8 trillion in total volume in the United States during the four quarters ended March 31, 2007. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the globe. For more information, visit www.visa.com

About Office Depot

Office Depot provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company.

Incorporated in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., Office Depot has annual sales of over $15.4 billion, and employs approximately 52,000 associates around the world. Currently, the Company sells to customers directly or through affiliates in 43 countries.

Office Depot is a leader in every distribution channel -- from retail stores and contract delivery to catalogs and e-commerce. As of June 30, 2007, Office Depot had 1,186 retail stores in North America and another 369 stores, either company-owned, licensed or franchised, in other parts of the world. Office Depot serves a wide range of customers through a dedicated sales force, telephone account managers, direct mail offerings, and multiple web sites. With $4.7 billion in online sales during the last twelve months, the Company is also one of the world’s largest e-commerce retailers.

Office Depot’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP and is included in the S&P 500 Index

 

Redback Wireless Corp. Enters Mobile Multimedia Messaging Service Advertising & Marketing Industry

 

Company to Establish MMS Software in Growing North American Mobile Market

 

 - Redback Wireless Corp. (Redback), a provider of mobile advertising solutions, is pleased to announce it has entered the global Mobile Advertising & Marketing Marketplace and that it will be launching its proprietary Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) software in the coming months.

The company is developing a beta version of its platform, and will be branding www.redbackwirelesscorp.com as its showcase site. The company has created new conduits in the mobile marketplace for existing branding and marketing to leverage the intrinsic strengths of mobile advertising.

MMS is a standard for telephony messaging systems that allow sending messages that include multimedia objects (images, audio, video, rich text) and not just text messages as in Short Message Service (SMS). MMS is the evolution of Short Message Service (SMS) (SMS is a text-only messaging technology for mobile networks). With MMS, a mobile device is no longer confined to text-only messages. It can send and receive multimedia messages such as graphics, video and audio clips, and so on.

Ed Nijjer, President of Redback, commented, "Our strong management and expertise in mobile technologies, and our collective backgrounds in the Internet Advertising Industry will give us the competitive leverage needed to enter this burgeoning sector. We are excited to be part of an industry that has been estimated to be growing at an extremely fast pace."

Mr. Nijjer continued, "ABI Research forecasted that the total market for mobile marketing and advertising will reach $3 billion by the end of 2007. The research estimates that the mobile marketing and advertising total market, including search and video advertising, will reach $19 billion by 2011."

About

Redback Wireless Inc. is an IP message communications company focusing on the delivery of interactive messages and target advertising to end users anywhere and anytime. Its range of advanced mobile based IP applications and services are delivered and enabled by using the data capacity of advanced mobile data networks that are just emerging. Redback Wireless Inc. is a Utah registered company

 

 

MoneyTV, Week of 8/24

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 program include:

Seamless Wi-Fi, Inc. (OTCBB: SLWF) Executive VP Rich Schineller announced the company is making their S-SIB Seamless Secure Internet Browser available for a free download and trial for a limited time.

XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) CEO Tom Djokovich updated information about the company's plans to manufacture their own solar modules.

eTelCharge.com, Inc. (OTCBB: ETLC) Chairman & CEO Rob Howe announced the company is scheduled to launch the latest version of their product next month.

The Green Baron.com Editor-in-Chief Matt Chipman analyzed the effect recent market volatility may have on small cap stocks.

Manhattan West Mortgage CEO Roger Schlesinger talked about the sub-prime mortgage woes, the tightening credit markets and things that can be done to finance real estate.

The Jenex Corporation (TSX-V: JEN) CFO Don Felice announced the company has gained approval to market their cold sore preventative treatment in Europe.

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 hosts Donald Baillargeon and Skip Lindeman, the producers, publisher or parent company of MoneyTV.


 

 

Shell Stations Improve Visa Prepaid Cardholder Experience at the Pump

Implementation of Visa Partial Authorization at Service Stations Gives Customers Greater Convenience, Security and Choice in Payments

-Visa USA today announced that Shell stations are adopting Visa partial authorization, which allows drivers to more easily purchase gas at the pump using a Visa prepaid card. Shell is in the process of expanding this service at stations across the U.S.

Visa was first to develop this innovative solution, which can prevent declined transactions when the balance on a Visa prepaid card is less than the typical cost of a full tank of gas. The adoption of this solution by thousands of Shell stations nationwide will help to make Visa prepaid cards even easier for consumers to use at the pump.

The adoption of this technology at Shell will help improve customer convenience, a key factor in the Gasoline Retailing business. Visa partial authorization gives customers more choice in how they pay for gasoline at the pump.

According to Visa research, partial authorization can help average approval rates increase by up to 25 percent at automated fuel dispenser (AFD) merchants who use Visa’s solution. With this solution in place, gas stations can help ensure Visa prepaid cardholders have a positive and more convenient payment experience at the pump, instead of having to pay inside. It also helps AFD merchants avoid the potential loss of valuable sales.

“Visa is focused on building the prepaid category infrastructure to help ensure convenient acceptance and to give consumers greater flexibility to use Visa prepaid cards in more places,” said Todd Brockman, senior vice president, prepaid products, Visa USA. “With a major oil brand like Shell using Visa partial authorization, consumers can now more easily pay for gas at the pump with a Visa prepaid card. Expanding this functionality also allows financial institutions and merchants to better serve their customers.”

How Partial Authorization at the Pump Works

A consumer can use a wide range of Visa prepaid cards – including, but not limited to, Visa Gift and Incentive cards, Visa TravelMoney, Visa Buxx, Visa Payroll, and Visa General Purpose cards – to pay for gas at participating stations.

The cardholder inserts the Visa prepaid card at the automatic fuel dispenser to begin pumping gas. The Visa authorization service checks with the card issuer for funds available for the gas purchase.

If the card only has enough funds to pay for a portion of a total gas purchase, the transaction will no longer be declined, prompting the cardholder to “see attendant.” Instead, the pump can now be instructed to shut off when the funds on the Visa prepaid card reach zero.

Visa prepaid cards can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, and are protected from fraudulent or unauthorized transactions by Visa’s Zero Liability policy in the event the card is lost or stolen.1

About Visa USA

Visa USA is a leading payments brand and the nation's largest payments system, enabling banks to provide their consumer and business customers with a wide variety of payment alternatives tailored to meet their evolving needs. Visa USA is committed to increasing the choice, convenience, acceptance and security of Visa payments for all stakeholders – financial institutions, cardholders and merchants. As of March 31, 2007, in the United States, more than 521 million Visa-branded cards have been issued by more than 13,000 financial institution customers. Visa products generated $1.8 trillion in total volume in the United States during the four quarters ended March 31, 2007. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the globe. For more information, visit www.visa.com

About Shell

Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels, and has a network of approximately 6,000 branded gasoline stations in the Western United States. Shell Oil Company is a 50 percent owner of Motiva Enterprises LLC, along with Saudi Refining, Inc. Motiva Enterprises LLC refines and markets branded products through approximately 7,700 Shell-branded stations in the Eastern and Southern United States. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Shell Group (NYSE:RDS.A) and (NYSE:RDS.B). For more information, please visit www.shell.com.

1 U.S. issued cards only. Visa’s Zero Liability policy does not apply to commercial credit card or ATM transactions, or PIN transactions not processed by Visa. Issuers should encourage cardholders to notify their financial institution immediately of any fraudulent use. Any specific restrictions, limitations, and other details should be set forth clearly in the cardholder agreement.

 

 

 

Women's Mind-Set Defines Shopping Habits

According to a new online survey of over 3,000 women, ages 18-49, by AMP Agency, how a woman approaches shopping does not change as she grows older, shifts from life stage to life stage, moves from region to region, has children, or moves income brackets. A woman's approach to shopping is very much part of who she is: "it is part of her DNA."

The report states that there are distinct approaches to shopping, and identified and segmented women across four distinct mind-sets or "Shopping Genes" :

The Content Responsibles (Practical, Loyal, Efficient)

The Natural Hybrids (Confident, Balanced, Classic)

The Social Catalysts (Social, Smart, Trendy)

The Cultural Artists (Creative, Impulsive, Adventurous)

With a 418 Billion dollar annual sales opportunity, figuring out how women shop can help marketers determine how to connect with them in distinct and effective ways, opines the report.

The groups were based on the respondents' self-reported views of themselves and their place in the world according to respondents' answers to a series of "influencer" type questions. This is how an estimated 67,560,586 women in the United States between the ages 18-49 slice up in population and overall discretionary and nondiscretionary spending.

Social Catalysts: 24 Million / Spending $153 Billion

Natural Hybrids: 23 Million / Spending $133 Billion

Content Responsibles: 13.5 Million / Spending $70 Billion

Cultural Artists: 7.5 Million / Spending $62 Billion

Total: 67,560,586 Million / Spending $ 417,747,533,559 Billion

And, on an individual annual spending basis, says the report:

Cultural Artist will spend an average of $7,672 annually

Natural Hybrid $5,383 Annually

Social Catalyst $6,035 Annually

Content Responsible $4,778 Annually

While the trendsetting Cultural Artists rank at the bottom for overall spend, they are spending more on an individual basis. And when it comes to key influencer categories including Fashion, Beauty, Health and Wellness, and Food categories, the Cultural Artists spending reigns.

This 11% of consumers falls at the highest end of the influence spectrum as the super influencers. Almost half stated they frequently go shopping just to see what's new in the stores. They are always shopping and almost all of them (97%) are willing to try new and different things and generally, want to be the first to try new things on the market , with a significant 85% reporting so. Surprisingly, they do rely strongly on information from friends, particularly across fashion, technology and health and beauty.

The Natural Hybrid (34%), is a cross between a social and trend-following butterfly and a grounded domestic diva. They look for classic products, things that aren't too trendy and are long lasting. Though 80% like to try new products, only half say they are likely to be the first of their friends to try new things, while the other half would rather their friends try first and report.

The Social Catalyst (35%) group falls near the top of the influencer spectrum and can be one of the strongest brand advocates. They are the planners, organizers, take pride in their friendship status and tend consider themselves the experts amongst their group. Almost 80% of this group think a night on the town is money well spent, but they are likely to seek out bargains to keep up with the latest trends. Only a third, however, is willing to spend money on products that may appear to be a fad.

The Content Responsible (20%) group is neither a trendsetter nor trend spreader, and not much of a spender, but they can be lifelong and increasingly loyal customers. 80% agreed that social status was not an important part of their life. These Practical, Responsible, Loyal consumers crave a hassle free shopping experience. Shopping to them is not seen as fun past time, but rather an errand or chore.

Anastasia Toomey, VP Insights, AMP Agency, concluded, "...In the end, understanding these mind-sets can help brands improve upon existing relationship and start new ones with female shoppers."

For more information on AMP, and details of the report including marital status, number of children, ethnicity, working moms versus stay-at-home moms, household income, profession, area of residence and age, please visit here.

 

 

Agencies and Prospects May See Things Differently

Last week, our ResearchBrief quoted a study that suggested a disconnect between tech-sellers and tech-buyers in terms of information desired and the seller's presentation material and technique. Now, a newly released Business Intelligence Study from Pearlfinders finds sharp contrasts between what marketing agencies say and what marketing decision-makers are saying. Agree or not, the Study deserves some study.

A summary of the conclusions about prospecting noted in the report reveals these dichotomies:

In the main, clients don't feel that size matters... but in the main agencies do.

83% of clients don't feel geographical location is an issue... most agencies think it is

85% of clients don't feel agencies prepare enough... many agencies don't invest much in this area

75% of clients are buying solutions to their business problems... most agencies think the client is looking for advertising, or PR, or design

Clients want agencies to be far more proactive... most agencies like to sit in the bunker.

A major trend, and one which will undoubtedly impact on all marketing communications agencies, says the report, is the increase in demand from clients for better customer insights.... "proximity to the mind of the customer is critical."

The Intelligent New Business Survey seeks to understand how marketing communications agencies should best engage with prospective clients for the purpose of winning new business. Major categories of the study include: (1) what prompts them to search for a new agency, (2) the most effective ways for agencies to engage with them, and (3) the reasons they choose one agency over another.

In summarizing the responses that would cause an organization to look for a new agency, the study finds that:

48% of respondents said a drop in creative quality would definitely precipitate a review

51% of respondents might look for a new agency

87% said a breakdown in chemistry would, or might, prompt a review

93% of decision-makers said that if they noticed a lack of strategic thinking that this would cause a review

Compulsory or annual reviews seem to provide no statistical advantage one way or the other for this as a search trigger:

47% said it might prompt a search for a new agency, but

48% said it would have no effect on arrangements. It simply depends on the organization.

Nor do changes changes in ownership or the structure of an agency

41% thought it would prompt a review, yet

40% thought that it would not.

13% of respondents said they would never be prompted (the highest score in this category) to look for new agency support if there were a change to the incumbent's ownership or structure.

But 73% of decision-makers say that in order to stay abreast of ‘new thinking or emerging marketing channel / disciplines' that they would, or might be, prompted to look for new agency support. 15% would always be prompted to look for new agency support if there were new disciplines emerging, whatever the circumstances.

When asked about the most effective way for agencies to engage with the prospect:

92% said that they might respond if the agency had produced some research or insights into their category

85% said they would respond positively if the agency wanted to inform them about a recent case study in their category

75% said they might or would definitely ‘follow up' where an agency wanted to pitch a solution relating to one of their current business challenges

23% said they would be unlikely to respond to leveraging awards for marketing purposes, and 55% said they would never respond to this type of approach.

When queried about how prepared agencies were before they made approaches and how important this was to the respondents, the study found that:

61% thought the majority of agencies that approach them have not done any prior research on their company

85% thought the preparation was ‘only very rudimentary'. In fact, the majority strongly agreed with the statement that ‘agencies rarely posses enough knowledge of my company to make their unsolicited approaches worthwhile'

75% said they wouldn't respond to an approach if there were a lack of understanding about their particular business challenges.

67% would not, or would be unlikely, to follow up on an agency approach if the agency got their contact details wrong (name, job title, address etc.), while 16% didn't think this mattered

17% felt they wouldn't respond if the approach were from an agency outside of their state

In responding to why choose one agency over another, 58% of the respondents rated quality of customer insights as significant in the decision and all the respondents considered it the most important factor within the next two highest rankings. 75% thought level of client service in terms of speed and responding to ongoing needs, as ‘fairly significant'.

Cost control was rated very highly. Less important in the choice were the agency's size, geographic location, and its client list. A clear case for ROI, a flair for innovation and creative thinking scored highly.

The polling group rated choice criteria by order:

Quality customer insights

Chemistry

Creative work

Service level / response to needs ongoing

Cost control

Innovative / strategic thinking

Case for ROI

Client list

Strict adherence to brief

Seniority of account team

Location

Size

Bill Colbourne, CEO of Pearlfinders, said "Overall, the lesson learned from this survey is that clients want agencies to do their homework before pitching for their business." And the summary of the client's needs came from a respondent saying, "I'm looking for creativity, flexibility and value for my marketing dollars."

 

eTech Automates Eight Ohio PBS Affiliates

with NVERZION

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (August 21, 2007) – NVERZION, a leading provider of digital broadcasting and television station automation solutions, today announced that the eTech Ohio Commission, a national leader in educational technology access and integration serving Ohio's public television stations, public radio stations and radio reading services, has added a customized suite of NVERZION content distribution and automation solutions. These solutions will support the implementation of edge media servers at each of Ohio’s eight PBS affiliates including: WBGU, WCET, WGTE, WNEO, WOSU, WOUB, WPTD and WVIZ.

Beyond backup automation, NVERZION’s unique content distribution architecture provides an effective method of managing and distributing content between eTech Ohio and each affiliate, and between the affiliates themselves. By efficiently facilitating the transfer of large A/V files through their fiber optic network, eTech Ohio is implementing innovative solutions to meet the needs of their affiliates. At eTech Ohio’s network operations center, two NVERZION NTime solutions manage all time-based router events and Omneon Video Servers delivers A/V output to the eight affiliates.

“In response to our affiliates’ need for additional program feeds we have been working to implement asynchronous content delivery methods which take advantage of our robust statewide fiber optic network,” said Jillian Froment, Executive Director for eTech Ohio . “As we work to implement edge media servers, we have been working with NVERZION, and other vendors, to ensure that our automation, traffic and media storage systems are able to effectively interoperate to meet the needs of our affiliates.”

Each affiliate has also been provided with an Omneon Media Deck server and NVERZION backup automation software. NVERZION’s NGest product is used to manage the majority of the quality control and trimming of the A/V files and XPlorer is used to provide the station with the ability to manually move data through the storage system for greater control and flexibility. Distribution is managed by NVERZION’s XPansion software. Additionally, the ProTrack traffic system, which is currently in use by the affiliates, has been customized to integrate with NVERZION to allow it to act as the Master system for all content requests.

The solution gives the affiliates the ability to independently and efficiently archive and access files of their choice at the central repository, while assisting eTech Ohio in the management and monitoring of all traffic, content control decisions and content dissemination for greater efficiency and economy.

About eTech
The eTech Ohio Commission is a national leader in advancing learning through technology. Established by the state, eTech Ohio manages a telecommunications network that supports the distribution of educational content and online learning. An innovative resource, eTech Ohio can rapidly react to implement initiatives and technical solutions to support learning.

For more information on eTech Ohio, its programs and affiliates, please visit www.etech.ohio.gov

or contact Dan Fitzpatrick, Public Affairs Officer, at 614-485-6008

About NVERZION
NVERZION provides the tools that make digital broadcasting and television station automation a proven success. NVERZION offers the latest advancements in broadcasting by controlling the equipment that acquires, and distributes broadcast grade content through its progressive software solutions. This software combined with powerful broadcast equipment and engineering experience creates a network of efficient and reliable data control. Every NVERZION product is designed to take the guesswork out of system implementation by being intuitive and simple to use. And NVERZION backs everything they sell with worldwide training, service and support.

For more details on NVERZION products, please visit www.nverzion.com,

 

Blue Cow Relaxation Drink Will Be Distributed by Southern California's Premiere Beverage Distributor Joining the Ranks of Such Beverages as Vitamin Water, Snapple, Gatorade, Arizona Beverages, Nestle Waters and Campbell's Beverages

Haralambos Beverages Signs as Exclusive Distributor of Blue Cow Relaxation Drink in Southern California

Today, Mr. Anthony Haralambos, President of Haralambos Beverages, and George S. Smart, Chairman/Founder of Blue Cow, jointly announced they had reached an agreement where Haralambos Beverages would become the exclusive distributor of Blue Cow in all Southern California markets. Haralambos Beverage was the driving force behind the success of Glaceau's Vitamin Waters, and other key beverage products.

Blue Cow, the original and always best anti-stress relaxation drink in the United States, is beginning to launch its products starting in Southern California where it is currently in select Ralphs, Albertsons, 7-Elevens, AM/PM's and other fine stores.

About Haralambos Beverage

Haralambos Beverage Company began in1920 in a simple grocery store on Brooklyn Avenue in Los Angeles, operated by a young Greek immigrant named Thomas Haralambos. Through sweat and determination he survived the great depression and upon the repeal of prohibition in 1933 opened one of the area's first liquor distributorships, pioneering many of the most successful liquor brands of its time.

Today Tony Haralambos, representing the third generation of the family, is the President of the Company and Haralambos Beverages is one of the most innovative and successful family-owned and operated businesses on the West Coast. They now distribute select non-alcoholic beverages. The brands they handle read like the "Who's Who" of non-alcoholic beverages and in addition to Vitamin Water include Snapple, Gatorade, Arizona Ice Tea, Fuze and Nestle Waters; Blue Cow will now be added to this list.

About Blue Cow

Blue Cow (www.BlueCowDrink.com) is the "first and best anti-stress relaxation drink" on the market.

Blue Cow has zero calories, zero caffeine, zero carbs, and zero sodium and works quickly and safely to reduce stress without drowsiness; this product is safe for everyone, from the very young to the very old.

 

 

 

 

Top Video and Movie Sites, Viewers and Advertisers

A deeper look at most popular video and movie sites, exploring viewer demographics as well as advertisers and types of ads.

Top 10 Videos/Movies Destinations Week ending July 22, 2007 US, Home and Work
Brand or Channel Unique Audience (000) Active Reach (%)
YouTube

22,071

16.22
IMDb - Internet Movie Database

8,703

6.4
Netflix

6,068

4.46
Yahoo! Video

5,614

4.13
Moviefone

5,025

3.69
Google Video

4,940

3.63
Yahoo! Movies

4,418

3.25
BLOCKBUSTER

3,979

2.92
MSN Movies

3,500

2.57
MSN Video

3,264

2.4
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView

 

Demographic Data for Videos/Movies Category Month of June 2007 US, Home and Work
Category Target Unique Audience (000) Audience Composition (%)
Total

88,252

100
Male

44,648

50.59
Female

43,604

49.41
Age

2 - 11

4,401

4.99

12 - 17

10,073

11.41

18 - 24

6,056

6.86

25 - 34

12,820

14.53

35 - 49

28,309

32.08

45+

36,064

40.86

55+

17,127

19.41

65+

6,545

7.42
HH Income

$ 0 - 24999

4,925

5.58

$ 25000 - 49999

18,112

20.52

$ 50000 - 74999

23,090

26.16

$ 75000 - 99999

17,539

19.87

$ 100000 - 149999

14,577

16.52

$ 150000+

8,085

9.16

No Response

1,924

2.18
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView

Data on the Entertainment Movies Segment Week ending July 22, 2007 US, Home and Work

Top 20 Advertisers
Company Impressions (000) Share of all Impressions
General Electric Company

97,089

30.0%
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp

57,794

17.8%
Time Warner Inc.

44,840

13.8%
Viacom Inc

36,770

11.4%
The News Corporation Limited

26,611

8.2%
The Walt Disney Corporation

23,071

7.1%
Sony Corporation

16,901

5.2%
Metro-Goldwin-Mayer Inc.

12,599

3.9%
Classic Media, Inc.

1,948

0.6%
The Weinstein Company Inc.

1,158

0.4%
Cablevision Systems Corporation

1,025

0.3%
The Samuel Goldwyn Company

818

0.3%
Magnolia Pictures

800

0.2%
PictureHouse

536

0.2%
IndieVest, Inc.

384

0.1%
Yari Film Group

339

0.1%
Epiphany Films LLC

329

0.1%
Bombardier

290

0.1%
Cox Enterprises, Inc.

183

0.1%
Rogue Pictures

104

0.0%
Total

323,817
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

 

Top Ad Sizes
Dimensions Impressions (000) Share of all Impressions
Non-Standard Dimension

84,437

26.1%
Leaderboard

(728x90)

76,706

23.7%
Wide Skyscraper

(160x600)

54,013

16.7%
Medium Rectangle

(300x250)

48,707

15.0%
Half Banner

(234x60)

26,076

8.1%
Large Rectangle

(336x280)

12,857

4.0%
Vertical Rectangle

(240x400)

10,066

3.1%
Skyscraper

(120x600)

5,796

1.8%
Micro Bar

(88x31)

1,721

0.5%
Button #1

(120x90)

1,323

0.4%
Button #2

(120x60)

749

0.2%
Vertical Banner

(120x240)

552

0.2%
Full Banner

(468x60)

404

0.1%
Rectangle

(180x150)

298

0.1%
Square

(250x250)

113

0.0%
Total

323,818

100.0%
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

 

Ad Delivery Types
Impressions (000) Share of all Impressions
In-Page

295,101

91.1%
Expanding

18,885

5.8%
Over-Page

7,323

2.3%
Pop-Under

1,410

0.4%
Transitional

1,041

0.3%
Pop-Up

59

0.0%
Total

323,819

100.0%
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

Note: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance reporting data reflects advertising activity served on pages accessible via the World Wide Web and not within AOL's proprietary service.

 

Tech Marketers And Tech Buyers Not Reading The Same Script

The third in a study series of tech marketers and buyers, recently released by KnowledgeStorm, follows content and registration with the lead follow-up process, including the comparisons of buyer experience with seller perceptions.

For instance, in the mismatch between vendor follow-ups reported and those received, 26% of marketers say they "always" use sales calls and 42% always use courtesy calls for initial follow-up. But, 26% of buyers say they "never" receive a sales call and 23% say they never receive a courtesy call for initial follow-up.

In defense of the seller, technology buyers say that they provide valid phone numbers just 38% of the time. With the lower percentage of registrations containing valid phone numbers, many calls may be attempted, but are never received.

In the previous two "Connecting Through Content" studies, B2B marketers and business and technology buyers weighed in on the most desirable and influential types of content, where they post or look for content, how they use the content in various phases of the buying cycle and what types of content prospects are most likely to register for. This final study in the series examines what happens once that registration has been submitted-the critical point of the program's success or failure.

Despite some disconnects between marketers and buyers, the study found that there are opportunities for marketers including:

Ensuring that follow-up on registrations is not just timely, but delivered in ways most appealing to prospects

Greater involvement with sales to ensure early stage leads don't become missed revenue opportunities

Posting content more broadly to achieve maximum visibility with buyers at all stages of the buying cycle

Of the marketers surveyed:

40% hold the title of CMO, VP or Director of Marketing

37% are Marketing or Product Managers

The technology buyers' demographic profiles include the facts that:

52% are business professionals

48% are IT professionals

46% are involved with their company's technology at a strategic level

30% authorize IT purchases or have a major influence on purchases

Though the study offers insights and suggestions for performance, the bottom line is that when marketers first receive a registration, nearly half enter new registration information immediately into CRM systems for tracking, and 73% say that their companies follow-up within two days. However, the majority of buyers say that they receive follow-up just half the time or less. Technology buyers are not seeing the activity that marketers report conducting.

Summary of Key Findings:

95% of marketers use their own Websites as their primary or secondary source for generating registrations or leads, but 84% of technology buyers consider IT directories their primary or secondary source of content that requires registration.

Seventy-two percent of marketers state that the quality of registrations from their own sites is "very good" or "excellent", while only 30% rated other sources as high. However, 53% of technology buyers say they provide equally valid registration information regardless of site. Notably, 47% of buyers are less likely to provide valid information on sites in which they lack confidence, and the lowest ranking among these are vendor sites and online IT publications.

Sixty-five percent of technology buyers say they receive follow-up from vendors half of the time or less when they submit registration information. Of those buyers who do receive follow-up, 54% of them receive it within two days, while 73% of marketers report that their company follows up on registrations within one to two days.

The discrepancy is largest with sales calls, where 79% of marketers say that they "always" or "sometimes" make sales calls, yet technology buyers state that they receive such calls "always" or "sometimes" just 37% of the time.

Finally, the report concludes that marketers must ensure that timely and appropriate follow-up occurs. 73% of technology buyers say that the timeliness of a vendor's follow-up at least moderately affects their perception. However, only 38% of marketers follow-up with prospects within one business day. Another 35% follow-up within two business days.

In addition, 53% of buyers always prefer to receive a courtesy email and 53% said they never prefer to receive a sales call as initial follow-up. The study found that buyers tend to give a valid email address more often than any other piece of registration information.

And there's more, lots more... to access the report and learn more about KnowledgeStorm and MarketingSherpa, a partner in the study, please visit here.

 

 

Canon U.S.A. Adds Remarkable Speed to Two New Stylish and Easy-to-Use Scanners

Canon U.S.A, Inc. today announced two new color image scanners to the industry’s best-selling line-up, the CanoScan 8800F and CanoScan LiDE90. In the emerging world of digital imaging, consumers desire easy-to-use products like these new Canon scanners that offer exceptional image quality in a compact and stylish design, making archiving old shoeboxes of photos an enjoyable trip down memory lane.

In addition to the stunning image quality that has become synonymous with Canon scanners, speed takes on a whole new meaning with the Company's latest products. The Canon CanoScan 8800F Color Image Scanner is the first Canon scanner to come equipped with a high-luminance white LED lamp (instead of a traditional fluorescent lamp). The white LED technology virtually eliminates warm-up time1 and allows for scanning to begin instantaneously from sleep mode, and be completed three times faster than in previous models. By improving data reading methods, the scan speed at 300dpi (the most common resolution used for reflective scans) is only approximately seven seconds for an 8.5” x 11” color scan.2

The inclusion of seven “EZ Buttons” on the CanoScan 8800F Color Image Scanner and four on the CanoScan LiDE90 Color Image Scanner enables consumers to quickly copy, scan, e-mail or create a PDF file with just one push of a button. Perfect for the crowded desktop, the new CanoScan LiDE90 Color Image Scanner is the smallest ever in the popular LiDE scanner series.

“In the emerging scrapbooking and graphic design fields, the demand for feature-rich, high-quality scanners is very prevalent. With the introduction of these two scanners, Canon U.S.A. looks forward to maintaining its leading position within this market by providing consumers with products that exceed their expectations,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Consumers want to be able to preserve their memories and these new products allow for that to happen in a quick, easy and affordable fashion.”

CANON CANOSCAN 8800F COLOR IMAGE SCANNER

The CanoScan 8800F Color Image Scanner provides consumers with a solution for all photo archiving needs with the ability to scan up to twelve 35mm slides and negatives at a time along with standard documents and images. The maximum optical resolution for the CanoScan 8800F Color Image Scanner is 4800 x 9600 dots-per-inch (dpi).3 Equipped with Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement (FARE) Level 3 technology, which aids in automatic dust, scratch, fading and graininess reduction, consumers can be comfortable knowing memories can be preserved the way they were meant to be. With its height designed 17 percent smaller than its predecessor, the Canon CanoScan 8800F Color Image Scanner provides consumers with further desktop space to work on additional projects. The estimated selling price for the CanoScan 8800F Color Image Scanner is $199.99.4

CANON CANOSCAN LiDE90 COLOR IMAGE SCANNER

Using a Contact Image Sensor (CIS), and new drive system designs, the Canon CanoScan LiDE90 Color Image Scanner is considered to be one of the world’s thinnest scanners, and the smallest ever in the Canon LiDE scanner series. A stand is included, enabling the scanner to be positioned vertically so even less desktop space is required. This successor model to the popular CanoScan LiDE70 Color Image Scanner can reproduce images and documents with stunning quality thanks to a maximum optical resolution of 2400 x 4800 dpi.3 Only one USB 2.0 high-speed cable is necessary for connecting to a computer and providing the necessary power thus eliminating an extra wire from behind a desk. Additional features such as the Quick and Automatic Retouching and Enhancement (QARE) Level 3 technology for quick, automatic removal of dust and scratches from scanned images and an Advanced Z-Lid for scanning bulkier items, makes the task of scanning old photos for a students’ class project more enjoyable. The estimated selling price of the CanoScan LiDE90 Color Image Scanner is $79.99.4

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

1 The time required for the light source to reach sufficient operating temperature.

2 Scan speed indicates the time measured between pressing the scan button of the scanner driver and the on-screen status display turns off. Scan speed may vary depending on system configuration, interface, software, scan mode settings and document size.

3 Optical resolution is a measure of maximum hardware sampling, based on ISO 14473 standard.

4 Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

+ IFI Patent Intelligence Press Release, January 2007.

Contacts

Editorial:

ELPH Elegance Reigns Supreme: Canon U.S.A. Introduces Two New Digital ELPH Cameras That Are the Epitome of Substance with Style, Backed by a Plethora of Powerful Features

Canon U.S.A., Inc. today introduced two new compact PowerShot Digital ELPH Cameras – the top-of-the line 12.1-megapixel PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH and the status-setting 8.0-megapixel resolution PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH. Both cameras still have the alluring charm and color that keep them ahead of the aesthetic curve, but now they are also loaded with advanced features and functions, making them perfect for the trend-setting techie. For the consumer attending a sunny backyard soiree, a relaxing respite getaway or an electrifying night on the town, these two Digital ELPH cameras continue to hold court as the perfect combination of beauty and brains. Canon’s PowerShot Digital ELPH cameras verify the adage that you can never be too (feature) rich or too stylishly thin.

The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH and SD870 IS Digital ELPH cameras build on Canon’s original, iconic box and circle design while maintaining their own identity. The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH camera is sophisticated, sensual and strikingly elegant, while the PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH camera is sleek, sassy and serves as a fashion statement. Both Digital ELPHs are lightweight and compact, allowing them to fit unobtrusively into a small purse or shirt-pocket, and be whipped out easily to capture a memorable moment.

“Don’t be fooled by their stunning good looks,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH and SD870 IS Digital ELPH cameras are filled with top-performing features that deliver extraordinary results.”

The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH Camera is designed for the sophisticated point-and-shoot user looking for top-level functionality in a compact, elegant package. This camera continues the ELPH tradition with its full-body titanium good looks, featuring sinuous curves and advanced design, while standing on its own with optimal performance. The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH camera is equipped with upgraded features such as 12.1-megapixel resolution, 3.7x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer (OIS) for steady shooting and a next-generation version of Canon’s Genuine Face Detection technology. This pure titanium powerhouse has a DIGIC III image processor, red-eye correction, an optical viewfinder and a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD screen with scratch-resistant and anti-reflection coating for easy viewing at any angle. All of this packs a powerful punch, but takes it easy on the pocketbook at an estimated selling price of $449.99*.

The PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH Camera is ideal for style-conscious photo enthusiasts with impeccable taste who want their substance to keep pace with their style. The PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH camera is built on a foundation consisting of one-part Canon technology – 8.0-megapixel resolution, 3.8x wide-angle optical zoom with optical image stabilization and a DIGIC III processor with Advanced Face Detection Technology– and one-part fashion accessory – with its smooth curves, sleek mode dial and the option of a black or silver lens ring that’s sure to complement any taste or style. This sassy shooter’s wide-angle zoom lens makes it a snap to capture large group shots at a favorite hang-out, the wide expanse of a sandy beach on a vacation or the throngs of people at a red-carpet event. The extra-large three-inch PureColor LCD screen with scratch-resistant and anti-reflection coating also makes it easy to view and review these great shots. All this great photo-creating fun is available for an estimated selling price of $399.99*.

New Canon PowerShot Digital Camera Lines’ Shared Technological Advancements

DIGIC III

The "brain" of these new PowerShot cameras is DIGIC III, the gold standard on all new Canon digital cameras. The DIGIC III image processor accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including faster start-up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times that leave long-lag competitors in the dust. The DIGIC III chip design improves image quality and offers more efficient power consumption, resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

ADVANCED FACE DETECTION

With Canon’s new Genuine Face Detection technology, the camera can detect up to nine forward-looking human faces in a scene. The Face Detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces and not simply the closest object (based on Canon’s Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure and flash to ensure the best possible results. Using Canon’s Face Detection, photographers can keep up to nine faces in focus at any one time no matter where they are within the image. Working in concert with Face Detection, the “Red-Eye Correction” feature helps to detect and correct red-eye during playback mode. Images can be corrected manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. Canon’s new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture-taking moments, helping users ensure in-focus smiles, and assist in the elimination of over-exposed faces.

OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZATION

The extended zoom range of the camera makes optical image stabilization (OIS) essential. Canon's lens shift OIS provides an effective antidote to camera shake, particularly at longer zoom lengths or during long exposures when even the slightest hand-held shake is magnified to picture blurring proportions. Superior to electronic image stabilization systems that simply use software to mask movement, OIS actually shifts the lens proportionately to compensate for unwanted motion, making it easier to snap great images. The OIS found in Canon PowerShot digital cameras is based on technology developed for Canon’s renowned high-end professional EOS SLR cameras.

The steady effectiveness is further enhanced when paired with the new "Auto ISO Shift" feature which, at the touch of a button, can automatically increase the ISO speed setting as required to maintain fast shutter speeds when shooting in low-light conditions without a flash.

PRINTING MADE EASY

All Canon PowerShot digital cameras work seamlessly with Canon’s compact photo printers to deliver stunning high-quality borderless prints. Consumers simply connect their PowerShot digital camera to a Canon compact photo printer, press the Print/Share button, and moments later a brilliant, borderless 4” x 6” print begins to emerge; it’s that simple. Canon’s compact photo printers are PictBridge compatible, so they work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras to provide users with excellent image quality and ease-of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera.

HIGH-CAPACITY MEMORY CARD CAPABILITY

As an added convenience, Canon PowerShot digital cameras also accommodate MultiMedia MMC and MMC+ memory cards, as well as standard SD memory cards and the new, high-capacity SDHC memory cards. This way, consumers do not have to carry around multiple memory cards in order to be able to continue to save those special moments during extended vacations or high-photo-taking adventures. Canon PowerShot owners can travel in sleek style.

The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH and SD870 IS Digital ELPH Cameras are scheduled to be available in stores in September. Both new cameras kits provide everything a photographer needs to start enjoying these wonderful products as soon as they are purchased, including a rechargeable battery pack, battery charger, 32MB MMC memory card, and software as well as USB interface cable, AV interface cables and wrist strap.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.

*Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.


The Wait is Over: Canon U.S.A.’s Highly Anticipated EOS 40D Digital SLR Delivers High-Resolution Image Quality, High-Speed Shooting and High–End Functionality

Fastest in Class 6.5 FPS Shooting Speed, New Autofocus Sensor and Newly Enhanced 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Imaging Sensor Combine to Boost the EOS 40D’s Appeal While Maintaining its Accessible Mid-Market Pricing

Following months of intense anticipation by Digital SLR enthusiasts worldwide, the EOS 40D DIGITAL SLR Camera from Canon U.S.A., Inc. is scheduled to begin sailing into stores in early September. Building on the success of Canon’s perennially popular “prosumer” EOS 20D and 30D models, the EOS 40D advances the state-of-the-art for mid-range Digital SLR cameras, making it a natural first choice for advanced amateur photographers and entry-level professionals, and an ideal second body for more established photo pros. Indeed, given the level of feature upgrades and improvements, technological wizardry and user-requested creative controls, the Canon EOS 40D SLR’s “prosumer” appellation may refer more to its accessible price point than to the exceptional quality, clarity and resolution of the images it creates.

From the camera’s newly enhanced, 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor (designed and manufactured by Canon) and its proprietary and super-efficient DIGIC III image processor, to its completely redesigned autofocus sensor and fast, 6.5 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images), the EOS 40D SLR puts the fun in functionality and makes serious photo business a positive pleasure.

Indeed, at 6.5 fps, no Digital SLR in the EOS 40D mid-range class and price category has so high a continuous shooting capability1, making it ideal for shooting – and actually capturing – speed-sensitive outdoor and wild-nature shots as well as a wide variety of action and sports scenes. The speed of the EOS 40D SLR comes from Canon’s balanced combination of its latest processor, DIGIC IIII, DDR SDRAM high-speed memory, four-channel-per-line sensor readout, and two separate motors for shutter and mirror operation.

“This newest member of Canon’s Digital SLR family takes mid-range Digital SLRs to exciting new heights with enhanced resolution and image quality, faster shooting and processing speeds and better overall functionality than ever before,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera incorporates many Canon innovations and advancements that differentiate our products from the competition, while respecting and reinforcing our long-standing traditions of providing superior value and innovative imaging technology.”

Display’s the Thing

The most easily visible upgrade on the EOS 40D Digital SLR is the camera’s larger three-inch LCD screen (compared with the EOS 30D’s 2.5-inch monitor). Still, size is only the beginning of the difference between these two cameras’ displays. In order to increase viewing ease in outdoor conditions such as bright sunlight, Canon raised the brightness level of the EOS 40D camera’s 230,000-pixel LCD screen, broadened the color gamut and narrowed the viewing angle from 170 degrees to a still wide 140-degree perspective in all directions. An added advantage of the larger-sized display is the ability to use a larger font size for text, making it easier to read setting and menu options on the screen. The camera’s menu is organized in the same tabbed format as the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR.

Canon extends its “ease-of-reading” policy to the EOS 40D SLR’s viewfinder as well. The upgraded viewfinder increases optical magnification from 0.90x to 0.95x, expands the viewing angle from 251 degrees to 264 degrees and raises the eye point from 20mm to 22mm.

Enhanced Durability

Recognizing the often rigorous shooting conditions encountered by professional and advanced amateur photographers, Canon design engineers made the EOS 40D SLR’s magnesium alloy exterior even more ruggedly dependable than its predecessors with upgraded dust and weather resistant construction, particularly around the camera’s connection ports, battery compartment and single-slot compact flash memory card door. Should the user inadvertently open the compact flash card door while the camera is writing to the card, a warning will pop up on the LCD screen and an open door “alarm” will sound, but the image(s) will continue writing to the memory card without interruption. The EOS 40D SLR also retains many of the outstanding features of the EOS 30D model, such as its fast 0.15-second initial start-up, its extremely durable shutter (rated up to 100,000 cycles), its top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec and 1/250 maximum X-sync flash shutter speed setting.

Improved Image Quality

Although it is based on the image sensor used in the EOS Digital Rebel XTi, the EOS 40D Digital SLR’s 10.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been significantly improved thanks to the use of larger microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 3200. The EOS 40D retains the model 30D camera’s 1.6x focal length conversion factor (compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film) and is compatible with the full line-up of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company’s expanding selection of high-quality, affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors.

Adding to the improved virtuosity of the images captured by the EOS 40D SLR is the camera’s 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process. Able to recognize 16,384 colors per channel (four times the number of colors recognized by the EOS 30D SLR’s 12-bit conversion capability), the EOS 40D camera is able to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. The EOS 40D also incorporates the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced earlier this year with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR.

DIGIC III

DIGIC III is the latest generation of Canon’s proprietary image processing engine. DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded and, as an added bonus, is also responsible for the EOS 40D SLR’s high-speed performance, faster signal processing and even its efficient energy consumption.

sRAW

In addition to retaining the RAW image capture capabilities of its predecessors, the EOS 40D SLR now offers a more manageable “sRAW” recording format. In sRAW mode, the number of pixels is reduced to one-fourth that of a standard RAW image and the file size is cut in half, while retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images.

Improved Autofocus and Exposure Control

While the EOS 40D SLR maintains the nine-point wide area AF coverage first introduced on the EOS 20D camera, Canon has made significant improvements to its speed, precision and functionality, minimizing subject recognition problems in the process. The EOS 40D camera’s completely redesigned nine-point AF sensor provides cross-type AF measurement at all nine focusing points for maximum apertures up to f/5.6, and for the first time in any EOS camera, the central AF point offers enhanced precision for both vertical and horizontal subject contrast when using EF or EF-S lenses featuring maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. AF calculation speed with the EOS 40D camera is 30 percent faster than the EOS 30D model.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR retains the same 35-zone metering sensor as its predecessor. Available patterns include Evaluative metering, which is linked to all AF points and is set automatically in the Basic Zone modes, Centerweighted average metering, Partial metering and Spot metering, covering approximately 9 percent or 3.8 percent of the viewfinder at center, respectively. The camera’s E-TTL II autoflash and 12 exposure control modes (11 AE modes plus manual) are also unchanged from the EOS 30D SLR model. However, as a result of consumer input, Canon has added three Custom exposure modes. As an added convenience, particularly for wireless flash operations, users can adjust the flash settings of the Canon Speedlite 580EX II directly from the camera.

The Canon EOS 40D camera offers ISO speeds from ISO 100 to ISO 1600 in 1/3-stop increments. Users can also opt for a high-speed setting of ISO 3200. For the first time in any EOS camera, the 40D model offers Auto ISO capability in Creative Zone exposure modes. This valuable new feature adjusts the ISO speed to the optimal setting based on low light or shaky shooting conditions. Additionally, the EOS 40D provides full-time display of the active ISO speed setting, both in the viewfinder as well as on the top LCD data panel.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is also the first camera in its class to offer two interchangeable focusing screens in addition to the standard precision matte screen. Users can opt for a grid-type focus screen that makes it easier to verify horizontal or vertical alignment while determining image composition, as well as the Super-Precision Matte focusing screen that makes it easier to grasp the “sweet spot” of manual focusing when using a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or faster.

Enhanced Live View

Previously the province of the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR (one of Canon’s top-tier professional cameras), the Live View function now gives EOS 40D camera users an expanded and exceedingly convenient and comfortable set of shooting options. By permitting the framing and capturing of subjects using the camera’s LCD screen instead of the viewfinder, the shooter gains a 100 percent field view to more easily achieve the desired composition. A new Custom Function on the EOS 40D allows autofocus during Live View by pressing the camera’s AF-ON button. At that point, the reflex mirror goes down and AF is carried out in the normal way. Letting go of the AF-ON button resumes Live View functions. Also, in the Live View shooting mode the user can magnify the image by five or ten times in order to ensure that the shot is optimally focused. Live View is at its best during tripod shooting – particularly for close-up photography where precise focusing is imperative. As a side benefit, the Live View shooting mode helps to reduce vibration by lifting the reflex mirror out of the optical path well in advance of the exposure, improving image quality at slow shutter speeds. A new electronic 1st-curtain shutter function in Live View mode reduces release time lag and operational noise even further to avoid spooking wildlife or disturbing people nearby with unwanted camera sounds. Additionally, as the release time lag is miniscule, even instantaneous movements like a bird taking flight can be readily captured.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System

First introduced on the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera, the EOS Integrated Cleaning System is a prime example of trickle-up technology and is now becoming a standard feature on all new EOS Digital SLRs. The camera’s Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to literally shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. Users also have the option of engaging the “clean now” function at will or bypassing it altogether. Additionally, the EOS 40D SLR’s manual sensor cleaning function raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that has stuck to the low-pass filter. Dust that has been shaken or blown loose is then trapped by adhesive at the base of the sensor unit housing, preventing the problematic particles from reattaching themselves to the filter when the camera moves. The second part of the cleaning system is a software solution that maps the location of any spots that may remain on the sensor. The mapped information is saved as Dust Delete Data and attached to the image file. Subsequently, the offending dust information is subtracted from the final image during post processing with a compatible personal computer, using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software.

Improved Software

Among the most valuable features of the Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is its compatibility with Canon’s Picture Style Editor (PSE) 1.0 software. With PSE, shooters can actually design the look of their photographs by inputting their own preferred style, color and tone curves. The EOS 40D Digital SLR also ships with the latest versions of Canon's powerful software applications, including Digital Photo Professional 3.1 and EOS Utility 2.1, which now support the camera's Remote Live View and Dust Delete Data functions, as well as incorporating a broad range of additional improvements designed to improve image quality and speed up workflow. Also included are ZoomBrowser EX 5.8 and ImageBrowser 5.8 for easy browsing, viewing, printing and archiving with compatible computer operating systems, including Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows XP, as well as Mac OS X.

Accessories

New system accessories for the EOS 40D SLR include the redesigned high-capacity Battery Grip BG-E2N, which facilitates high-volume shooting and easier vertical shooting. Compatible with up to two BP-511A battery packs or a set of six AA-size batteries, the battery grip approximately doubles the number of shots that can be taken, compared with the battery power of the EOS 40D SLR alone. The BG-E2N grip features new sealing material around the battery compartment to better resist water and dust. The new model replaces the original BG-E2 grip and is compatible with the EOS 20D, 30D and 40D models.

Designed exclusively for the EOS 40D SLR, the new Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A*/** permits wireless transfer and back-up, as well as remote control of the camera in Live View mode. It can also be connected to various GPS receivers or Hi-Speed USB 2.0 external storage devices such as convenient flash drives or high-capacity hard drives with much larger storage capacity than the memory cards in the camera for instant back-up as images are captured. Compact and affordable, the WFT-E3A wireless transmitter also doubles as a vertical grip and requires its own BP-511A battery pack in addition to the battery installed in the camera body.

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Developed in response to consumer demand for a high-quality yet affordable optically image stabilized lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS standard zoom lens adds a phenomenally flexible lens to the EOS 40D SLR shooter’s imaging arsenal. While it features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor, this new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens offers the significant advantage of a true lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction.

The higher performance provided by Canon’s lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low-light, long-zoom or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What’s more, the shooter can see the image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady, more accurate framing and composition is possible, the AF point can be placed more precisely, and the photographer can concentrate on the optimal shot more comfortably.

Compact and lightweight, the optional EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS 40D SLR and any other EOS SLR that takes EF-S lenses including the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, EOS Digital Rebel XTi, EOS Digital Rebel XT and the original EOS Digital Rebel camera. An ideal complement to the EOS 40D SLR, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores in October at an estimated selling price of $199.99.i

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is scheduled for early September delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,299.00i. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,499.00i.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

FCC Disclaimer

*This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

FDA Disclaimer

**A Product Report required by 21 C.F.R. §1002.10 has not been submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration for this product. This product is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until the required report has been submitted.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.

iPricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

†IFI Patent Intelligence Press Release, January 2007

1 As of August 20, 2007

 

 

Canon U.S.A.’s New Powershot G9 Camera Combines Creative Control with Compact Convenience

New G-Series Camera Gives Serious Photo Enthusiasts the Power of a Professional Digital SLR in a Point-and-Shoot Package

Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced today that its acclaimed G-series has a new top-of-the line model – the PowerShot G9 digital camera. The PowerShot G9 digital camera offers serious shooters and value-minded professionals a feature-packed camera with many of the advanced photographic capabilities of a high-end Digital SLR camera, in a lightweight, compact package at an affordable price.

The PowerShot G9 digital camera features the same matte black, retro-hip design that G-series fans have come to appreciate, with a simplified control layout that is versatile yet easy to understand. This camera is loaded with Canon’s latest and most advanced technologies, while raising the bar with the addition of RAW Mode, usually reserved for larger and more expensive SLR cameras. Advanced photographers also have the option of using RAW+JPEG simultaneous capture functionality, giving photographers the best of both worlds – JPEGs for immediate use and RAW images for faithful image reproduction, and extensive, non-destructive image editing capability.

The PowerShot G9 digital camera features class-leading 12.1-megapixel resolution for stunning, deeply detailed images that allow enlargements up to poster size with cropping. A 6x optical zoom lens brings the photographer right into the action, and by incorporating Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS), excellent-quality images are assured in situations prone to camera shake and image blurring. So, whether you are shooting outdoors at dusk or inside without a flash, camera shake is detected and effectively canceled. Photographers will find it quick and easy to review and compare photos for printing with Canon’s Image Inspection Tool. And, because Image Inspection is now linked with Advanced Face Detection technology, they can save considerable time while reviewing, because the main subject is automatically detected and enlarged, eliminating the need to zoom and scroll manually, while at the same time making it simple to determine if facial expressions are pleasing before moving on to the next photo.

“The PowerShot G9 digital camera brings our highest levels of performance and usability to the G-series,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “By combining RAW Mode with our other key technologies in this camera, we’re providing a high-performing and affordable option to advanced photo enthusiasts who want the creative power of a Digital SLR in a smaller body form.”

The PowerShot G9 digital camera comes equipped with 23 shooting modes, allowing for a myriad of different photo preferences and conditions including Automatic, Manual, Shutter-speed-Priority, Aperture-Priority, and two Custom modes as well as special scene modes such as Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Sports, Indoor, Beach and Snow, offering users Digital SLR-like capability in a compact digital camera. The PowerShot G9 also features Canon’s powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, delivering superior image quality, ultra-responsive performance, extended battery life and advanced Face Detection technology, so users can be confident that the face they want, is the face that they capture. And, with a new large, three-inch PureColor LCD II screen and easy-to-access ISO and manual mode dials, customized shooting, reviewing and menu adjustments are especially convenient. The PowerShot G9 digital camera is also compatible with optional high-quality Canon wide-angle, telephoto and macro supplementary lenses, as well as EOS Speedlite flashes and a waterproof case rated to a depth of 40 meters/130 feet, giving photographers more robust photographic capabilities that are in line with professional and expensive SLRs.

True to Canon’s industry leadership position, the PowerShot G9 digital camera gives consumers interested in the ease of a compact camera many of the technological advancements that are the result of Canon’s 70-year heritage as an imaging innovator, differentiating it from competitive products.

New Canon PowerShot Product Lines’ Standard Advanced Technologies

DIGIC III

The "brain" of this new PowerShot camera is DIGIC III, the gold standard on all new Canon digital cameras. The DIGIC III image processor accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including faster start-up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times that leave long-lag competitors in the dust. The DIGIC III chip design improves image quality and offers more efficient power consumption, resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

ADVANCED FACE DETECTION

With Canon’s new Genuine Face Detection technology, the camera can detect, lock-on and track up to nine forward-looking human faces in a scene. The Face Detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces and not simply the closest object (based on Canon’s Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure and flash to ensure the best possible results. Using Canon’s Face Detection, photographers can keep up to nine faces in focus at any one time no matter where they are within the image. The PowerShot G9 camera also introduces an exclusive new function called Face Select and Track. With this feature, when multiple faces are detected, photographers can select any individual face they want the camera to specifically track and be a primary focus. This feature is ideal for many shooting situations such as birthday parties or graduation ceremonies, where many people are present, but the photographer is primarily interested in just one of them. Working in concert with Face Detection, the G9’s “Red-Eye Correction” feature helps to detect and correct red-eye during playback mode. Images can be corrected automatically or manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. All in all, Canon’s new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture-taking moments, helping users ensure in-focus smiles, and assisting in the elimination of over-exposed faces.

OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZATION (OIS)

The extended zoom range of the PowerShot G9 camera makes optical image stabilization (OIS) essential. Canon's lens shift OIS provides an effective antidote to camera shake, particularly at longer zoom lengths or during long exposures when even the slightest hand-held shake is magnified to picture-blurring proportions. Superior to electronic image stabilization systems that simply use software to mask movement, OIS actually shifts the lens proportionately to compensate for unwanted motion, making it easier to snap great images. The OIS found in Canon PowerShot digital cameras is based on technology developed for Canon’s renowned high-end professional SLR cameras.

The steady effectiveness is further enhanced when paired with the new "Auto ISO Shift" feature which, at the touch of a button, can automatically increase the ISO speed setting as required to maintain fast shutter speeds when shooting in low light conditions without a flash.

PRINTING MADE EASY

All Canon PowerShot digital cameras work seamlessly with Canon’s compact photo printers to deliver stunning high-quality borderless prints. Consumers simply connect their PowerShot digital camera to a Canon compact photo printer, press the Print/Share button, and moments later a brilliant, borderless 4” x 6” print begins to emerge; it’s that simple. Canon’s compact photo printers are PictBridge compatible, so they work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras to provide users with excellent image quality and ease-of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera.

HIGH-CAPACITY MEMORY CARD CAPABILITY

As an added convenience, Canon PowerShot digital cameras also accommodate MultiMedia MMC memory cards, as well as standard SD memory cards and the new, high-capacity SDHC memory cards. This way, consumers do not have to carry around multiple memory cards in order to be able to continue to save those special moments during extended vacations or high-photo-taking adventures. Canon PowerShot owners can travel in sleek style.

Powerful Software

The PowerShot G9 is bundled with the latest versions of Canon’s powerful digital imaging software, including ZoomBrowser EX 6.0 and ImageBrowser 6.0 for easy downloading, viewing and printing. RAW Image Task software is also supplied to facilitate high-quality processing of the PowerShot G9’s new RAW images.

In stores in October, the PowerShot G9 camera kit includes a lithium-ion rechargeable battery and battery charger, a 32MB MMC plus memory card, a USB interface cable, an AV cable, a neck strap, and Canon’s software suite at an estimated selling price of $499.99*.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.

*Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

†IFI Patent Intelligence, January 2007.


Canon U.S.A. Adds Two New Stylish, High-Quality Photo Printers to Its Renowned Line-Up

For the at-home or small office user who wants to combine high-quality and fast photo printing with excellent text printing, the PIXMA iP4500 Photo Printer and PIXMA iP3500 Photo Printer, announced today by Canon U.S.A., Inc., are two great choices. The PIXMA iP4500 Photo Printer boasts high-resolution, fast photo printing speeds and five individual ink tanks to deliver professional performance. The PIXMA iP3500 Photo Printer offers four individual ink tanks and a 4-inch x 6-inch photo lab quality borderless print in less than approximately 50 seconds,1 all at a value price point.

“These new printers deliver high-quality photo printing with exceptional text printing. Canon’s award-winning photo printer line now provides users with several choices over multiple performance and price ranges to satisfy a large variety of needs,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Together with our strong line of photo and business All-in-One printers, Canon offers the printing consumer more choices than ever.”

Building on Canon’s current line of highly touted photo printers, these two models offer two levels of quality and speed with elegant styling and exceptional printing features.

CANON PIXMA iP4500 PHOTO PRINTER

Designed for high-quality and fast photo and text printing, the PIXMA iP4500 Photo Printer features a maximum of 9600 x 2400 color dpi resolution2 and five Smart LED equipped individual ink tanks in the trailblazing Canon FINE print head. All these features together allow the printer to deliver print speeds of approximately 31 pages per minute (ppm) for black, 24 ppm for color and 21 seconds for a 4” x 6” inch photo lab quality borderless photo.1 Built-in automatic duplexing allows any user to print double-sided documents or photos without having to manually turn the paper. Imagine the ability to seamlessly turn a hefty 20-page report into a convenient and environmentally-friendly 10-page version. The PIXMA iP4500 Photo Printer has a stylish design with sleek curves and silver and black accents that enhances the look of any home or small office. The Canon PIXMA iP4500 Photo Printer will be available for an estimated selling price of $129.99.3

PIXMA iP3500 PHOTO PRINTER

For consumers who require an even more wallet-friendly product, the Canon PIXMA iP3500 Photo Printer offers exceptional features at a value price. Elegant piano black with silver accents adds style to function. It boasts a maximum of 4800 x 1200 color dpi resolution4 and Smart LED equipped individual ink tanks in a Canon-exclusive FINE print head. Printing speeds are exceptional at up to 25 ppm in black and 17 ppm in color with approximately 47-second 4” x 6” photo lab quality, borderless photo printing1. The iP3500 Photo Printer is even equipped with dual paper paths for greater convenience, eliminating the time consumed switching paper types. The Canon PIXMA iP3500 Photo Printer will be available for an estimated selling price of $99.99.3

Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering (FINE)

These new Canon Photo Printer products can produce stunning output thanks to FINE technology. Launched globally by Canon in 1999, the Canon FINE advanced print head technology is one of the keys to the impressive speed and high photo quality in PIXMA photo printers. FINE technology uses a high-performance multi-nozzle print engine that ejects consistent and microscopic ink droplets. The results are high-resolution photos with great detail and clarity in less time.

ChromaLife100 System

The FINE print head employed by the PIXMA iP4500 and iP3500 Photo Printers, together with select genuine Canon photo papers and select genuine Canon inks, comprise the Canon ChromaLife100 system for long-lasting photo prints. When using the FINE print head, select genuine Canon photo papers, and select genuine Canon dye inks, prints can resist fading for up to 100 years when stored in an archival quality photo album. The 100-year-lifespan rivals that of many traditional film-based photos, long considered by consumers to be the benchmark for image permanence. Prints produced on Canon Photo Paper Pro with ChromaLife100 have up to a ten-year gas fastness when exposed to open air. ChromaLife100 prints, when created using Canon Photo Paper Pro or Photo Paper Plus Glossy, have up to a 30-year light fastness when displayed under glass.5

Creative Park/Easy-PhotoPrint EX

More than ever consumers are diving into digital scrapbooking, photo albums, calendars and crafting projects. Canon's Creative Park Web site at www.canon.com/c-park offers 3-D paper craft projects, scrapbooking templates, novel greeting cards, educational materials, and the opportunity to learn more about digital photography. Easy-PhotoPrint EX photo printing software is included with both printers and makes printing multiple size prints on a variety of Canon papers a snap with an automatic optimization by Auto Image Fix. With the newly updated Easy-LayoutPrint application, consumers can even produce beautiful photo calendars, albums, and stickers, with little to no hassle. Other features such as cropping, increasing saturation and correcting red eye are also included to allow the user to make corrections to images without having to use additional software.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billionSpecifications are subject to change without notice.

†IFI Patent Intelligence, January 11, 2007

1 Photo print speeds are based on the default mode driver setting using photo test pattern(s) and select Canon Photo Paper. Print speed measured as soon as first page begins to feed into printer and will vary depending on system configuration, interface, software, document complexity, print mode, types of paper used and page coverage. PPM speeds are based on the highest speed printer driver mode using black and white and color text patterns. See www.usa.canon.com/printspeed for additional information.

2 Resolution may vary based on printer driver settings. Color ink droplets can be placed with a horizontal pitch of 1/9600 inch at minimum.

3 Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

4 Resolution may vary based on printer driver settings. Color ink droplets can be placed with a horizontal pitch of 1/4800 inch at minimum.

5 Based on accelerated testing by Canon under controlled temperature, humidity, and gas conditions. For the 100 year figure, Canon simulated storage in an album with plastic sleeves. For the 30 year lightfastness figure, Canon simulated display of a photo in a glass frame in an indoor location without direct sunlight or other high intensity light. The 10 year gas fastness figure is based on a testing ratio of gases typical to an indoor air composition (O3: NOx:SOx=3:19:1) with 100 times concentration in order to accelerate color fading. Canon cannot guarantee the longevity of prints; results may vary depending on printed image, drying time, display/storage conditions and environmental factors. See www.consumer.usa.canon.com/ChromaLife100 for additional details.

† IFI Patent Intelligence Press Release, January 2007



 

Monday, August 13, 2007

Miami Mobile Shoppers Top Coupon Users

Findings from a recent Cellfire study about mobile coupon redemption during the six month period ending June 30 say that Miami-Fort Lauderdale tops the list of markets with the highest per capita usage of mobile coupons, with Northern California and Texas taking the majority of the remaining top spots.

68 percent of coupons redeemed were from mobile shoppers between the ages of 18-34, followed by shoppers aged 35-44 with 18 percent. Food and entertainment topped the list of categories for which coupons were most frequently redeemed.

Brent Dusing, CEO of Cellfire, said "Young adults find great value in saving on the activities that fuel their lifestyles by redeeming offers using their mobile phone."

Top 10 Markets for Mobile Coupon Usage per Capita
Rank Market
1 Miami/Fort Lauderdale, FL
2 Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto, CA
3 Chico/Redding, CA
4 Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
5 Waco/Temple-Bryan, TX
6 El Paso (Las Cruces), TX (NM)
7 San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, CA
8 Jonesboro, AR
9 West Palm Beach/Fort Pierce, FL
10 Atlanta, GA
Source: Cellfire, August 2007

Analysis indicated the majority of discounts were redeemed on Saturday, Tuesday and Sunday in that order. Somewhat surprising is that Tuesday is typically one of the slowest days for retail, and yet one of the highest for mobile coupon usage, says the report

 

 

Knott’s Berry Farm to Host First Ever World Championship Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Eating Contest

Knott’s Teams with Drum Corp International and Major League Eaters for a Sticky Competition

Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park will be the site of the first ever world championship peanut butter and jelly sandwich eating championship on Wednesday, August 8 at 1:00 pm. The “PB&J Fest” was created to celebrate the start of the 2007 Drum Corps International Summer Music Games World Championship at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

The competition, which is sanctioned by Major League Eating, will include 16 professional and amateur competitors. In preparation for the contest Knott’s Berry Farm will make 300 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches using Peter Pan Peanut Butter and Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry jelly.

As part of the days festivities one of the competing drum corps, The Pacific Crest from Diamond Bar, will be performing throughout the park.

Drum Corp International is a recognized world leader in producing and sanctioning competitive marching music and related stadium events for the world’s most elite marching music ensembles. Over a typical season, top Drum Corps International units will feed their combined 5,000 performers and staff and make thousands of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches using 42,500 loaves of bread, 20,000 lbs. of peanut butter, and 25,000 lbs. of jelly – all washed down with 17,500 gallons of milk.

The competition will be held in Knott’s Calico Square and is included with park admission. To purchase tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm, visit knotts.com.

 

 

Apple iPhones Will Be Sold for 99˘ Only to the First Nine Customers at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the First 99˘ Only Stores® on Thursday, August 9th, 2007

99˘ Only Stores® invites all to join in celebrating our 25th anniversary! On Thursday, August 9th, 2007, make sure to be one of the first nine in line. That lucky group of shoppers will be able to purchase one innovative Apple 4GB iPhone for just 99˘ only! The next 99 customers can purchase a scooter for 99˘ only at the ribbon-cutting 25th anniversary celebration of our first store located in Westchester, CA.

Join 99˘ Only Stores® founder and chairman, Dave Gold and his wife, Sherry Gold, along with our very first customer and employees who have been with the company since 1982.

Invitees include Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Tyra Banks.

The store is 10,000 square feet and located at 6854 La Tijera Boulevard - one block west of La Cienega Boulevard.

The following 99 customers can buy a large glass vase - a $29.99 value - for 99˘ only! The next 999 customers can buy an official Year 2000 Millennium 36-pin collector’s edition set for 99˘ only! These amazing deals don’t stop here.

The next day on Friday, August 10th, the first 99 customers can buy a Day Runner 8.5” x 11” professional organizer - a $29.99 value - for 99˘ only! On Saturday, August 11th, the first 99 customers can buy a Brilliant Beginnings parent kit that includes toddler guidebooks plus two music CD’s - a $24.99 value - for 99˘ only! On Sunday, August 12th, the first 99 customers can buy a Friends® four-pack VHS movie set - a $19.99 value - for 99˘ only!

On Monday, August 13th, the first 99 customers can buy a twelve-piece cup and saucer set - a $14.99 value - for 99˘ only! On Tuesday, August 14th, the first 99 customers can buy an insulated Igloo Lunch Mate lunch bag - a $9.99 value - for 99˘ only! On Wednesday, August 15th, the first 99 customers can buy a pair of Innovage automatic/cordless powered scissors - a $19.99 value - for 99˘ only!

99˘ Only Stores® is the nation's oldest existing one-price retailer. 99˘ Only Stores® is celebrating 25 years of selling Everything, Everyday for 99˘ only in its 254 clean, attractively merchandised stores located in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. The company’s New York Stock Exchange symbol is NDN.

 

 

JCPenney Announces Grand Opening of 14 New Stores

Store Expansion Represents Critical Element of Company’s Growth Strategy

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) today opened 14 new stores nationwide, which is part of its plan to open 250 new stores from 2007 through 2011 in order to address the strong demand it sees for style and quality at smart prices. All stores are fully stocked with JCPenney’s trend-right merchandise, including an outstanding Back-to-School Assortment.

“We are delighted to be able to bring all that JCPenney has to offer, including an inspiring assortment of brands and services, to customers around the country as they prepare for the Back-to-School season and all of the important moments in their lives,” said Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, JCPenney chairman and chief executive officer. “Our location strategy offers us the flexibility to open stores where the opportunities best suit us, whether in a mall or off-mall. This flexible approach gives us a distinct competitive advantage and the greatest opportunity to attract new customers and address the strong demand we see for JCPenney’s offering in both large and mid-size markets.”

Stores celebrating grand openings today are in Alabaster, Ala.; Phoenix; Montrose, Colo.; Nampa, Idaho; North Aurora and Montgomery, Ill.; Colerain, Ohio; Midwest City and Moore, Okla.; Burlington, N.C.; Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Hampton, Va.; and San Antonio and Cypress, Texas. (Addresses, directions and store hours for these and all JCPenney locations can be found at jcp.com.)

Store Base Enhancement

JCPenney expects to open 250 new or relocated stores from 2007 through 2011. In addition, the Company will remodel approximately 300 stores over the same time frame (including 65 in 2007), supporting an easy, enjoyable shopping experience that is consistent with new stores.

Eighty to 90 percent of all new JCPenney stores opening through 2011, including 11 of the 14 opening today, will be off-mall stores, although the Company continues to pursue mall-based opportunities in attractive locations. The off-mall format, covering approximately 100,000 square feet on a single level, features wider aisles, new lighting designs, convenient price-check scanners and front linear checkout centers. The new store layout helps shoppers easily locate major brands such as The Original Arizona Jean Company, Chris Madden for JCPenney Home Collection, nicole by Nicole Miller, Worthington, Stafford, Bisou-Bisou, Nike and more.

Store Highlights and Services

Seven of the 14 new stores will feature a Sephora inside. The approximately 1,500-square-foot Sephora inside JCPenney locations offer the best of Sephora, including some of the most desired brands in makeup, skincare, fragrance, and accessory products such as Bare Escentuals® and Philosophy®. They are staffed by a team of beauty consultants thoroughly trained in the Science of Sephora. JCPenney now has 39 stores with Sephora inside and expects to have 47 such locations by the end of 2007.

For added convenience, the majority of new JCPenney stores offer an assortment of services under one roof, including all-occasion portrait studios; expert in-home custom decorating services; and full-service salons offering an array of professional salon and spa services, as well as products from leading beauty brands. In addition, customers are able to place orders or pick up catalog and Internet purchases at each store’s catalog desk.

JCPenney Afterschool Fund Grants

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization created by the J. C. Penney Company, Inc. to provide children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs, is contributing grants to local YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs of America in each of the new markets where JCPenney is opening. The grants will allow three local children in each market to participate in afterschool programs during the school year that will keep them safe and foster their academic, physical and social development. Each child receiving a grant will also receive a JCPenney gift card for school apparel.

About JCPenney

JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,048 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation's largest general merchandise catalog business. Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company's commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $19.9 billion in 2006 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney's "Every Day Matters" brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company's 155,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.

 

Target to Open Forty-Two New Stores

 

Upscale discounter celebrates grand openings on July 29

--On Sunday, July 29, Target will celebrate the grand opening of forty-two Target stores. Target stores will open in the following cities:

Naples North, FL

Fitchburg, WI

Philadelphia, PA

LaPlata, MD

Tustin, CA

Tempe, AZ

Mechanicsburg, PA

Boynton Beach, FL

Colorado Springs, CO

Cleveland West, OH

St. Paul, MN

Livonia, MI

Rowlett, TX

Stone Oak, TX

Richland Twp./Quakertown, PA

Port St. Lucie, FL

Ansonia, CT

Morgan Hill, CA

Washington, MO

South Brunswick, NJ

Apple Valley, CA

Richland Twp./Gibsonia, PA

Matteson, IL

Fairview Park, OH

Easton, MA

Titusville, FL

Sterling West, VA

Bossier City, LA

Prattville, AL

Alabaster, AL

Lexington, SC

Temple, TX

Pace, FL

Cicero, NY

Front Royal, VA

Brunswick, GA

Lincoln, NE

Westminster, CA

Glendale, CA

Bristol, VA

Moreno Valley, CA

Signal Hill, CA

In addition to offering the latest in trend-right merchandise, Target also brings a 45-year tradition of community involvement. Target demonstrates its commitment to its guests, team members and the communities it serves by donating more than $3 million each week to area nonprofit organizations, becoming involved in local volunteerism efforts through Target Volunteers, and orchestrating other special projects that help meet area social service, arts and education needs.

About Target

As of Sunday, July 29, Minneapolis-based Target will serve guests at 1,537 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives back more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

 

 

Envivio Introduces World’s First Multichannel IP Video
Encoder Supporting AVS for IPTV Deployments in China

4Caster C4 with AVS Option to be Demonstrated at IBC2007

– Further increasing its commitment to support IPTV service providers in China, Envivio Inc. today introduced the world’s first multichannel IP video encoder supporting AVS (Audio Video Coding Standard). In 2006, AVS was approved as the Chinese national standard. Available today, the telco-grade, quad-channel 4Caster™ C4 will be demonstrated encoding in AVS at IBC2007 in the Envivio stand #4.260.

“Supporting the build-out of the digital television infrastructure market in China remains a key focus for Envivio,” said Julien Signčs, President and CEO of Envivio Inc. “With the AVS enhancement to the 4Caster C4, we can now provide an all-IP infrastructure solution offering the latest in video technology for Chinese IPTV service providers.”

This is the second Envivio encoder to support AVS. The Envivio® 4Caster B3, introduced in March of 2007 at the Beijing International Convention Center, was the world’s first telco-grade encoder to support AVS for both broadcast and IPTV deployments. Attendees to the formal product introduction included members from the Chinese Ministry of Information and Industry, State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) and the Audio Video Coding Standard (AVS) Workgroup of China.

According to the Academy of Broadcasting Science and SARFT, China has the largest radio and television audience in the world and is witnessing a booming digital transformation. The TV ownership rate for families is at 98% and the number of TV audiences currently reaches 1.167 billion. Service providers are expected to support all-around digital broadcast services by 2010. Based on current development trends, it’s estimated that the transition from analog to digital broadcasting will create a market of several trillion US dollars.

The 4Caster C4 encoder is part of the Envivio Convergence Generation™ headend which powers an all-IP infrastructure. C4 supports IPTV standard definition video resolutions and CIF (Common Intermediate Format) Internet TV resolutions, simultaneously. The C4 can also simultaneously encode in AVC / H.264 as well as in the AVS, QuickTime and Windows Media formats. The design of the C4 allows service providers to protect their investment by providing a solution that can be easily configured to support a variety of formats within one unit. Operators may begin offering services in one format, such as AVS, and evolve to add other formats and services as needed.

Based on the latest quad-core Intel® processors, the flexible architecture adopted by Envivio for the 4Caster C4 allows a service provider to receive firmware upgrades from Envivio to quickly react to market demands for new features. New features and functions can be added easily to each encoder without the need to replace units deployed in the field.

Powering its vision of a converged world, Envivio continuously strives to introduce advanced compression products for traditional and emerging media by offering solutions to service providers which reduce their operational costs while offering subscribers compelling video services anytime and anywhere.

About AVS

The Audio Video Coding Standard (AVS) Workgroup of China, www.avs.org.cn/en, of which Envivio is a member, applied the standard to high-resolution digital broadcasts, high-density laser-digital storage media, wireless broadband multimedia communication, and Internet broadband streaming media.

About Envivio Inc.
Envivio Inc. is the leading technology provider of MPEG-4-based IP video convergence solutions for telcos, enterprises, and broadcasters. Supporting a wide range of network protocols, resolutions, bit rates and devices, Envivio is the only company to offer IP video convergence solutions from mobile to HD. In 2007, Envivio won the Frost and Sullivan’s Product Innovation award for the 4Caster M2 mobile TV encoder as well as the Entrepreneurial Company of the Year award in the world digital media infrastructure market. Envivio solutions deliver industry leading AVC/H.264 compressed video quality at the lowest bit rate for mobile TV, Internet TV, broadcast contribution and interactive IPTV. Service providers worldwide use Envivio solutions to reduce their operational costs while offering subscribers compelling video services anytime and anywhere. Visit www.envivio.com for more information.

Envivio is a registered trademark of Envivio Inc. All trademarks used herein, whether recognized or not, are the properties of their respective companies.

 

 

Phone Surveys Skewed by Cell-Only Homeowners

According to government statistics released last month, reports a recent PEWresearch study, 12.8% of U.S. households cannot now be reached by the typical telephone survey because they have only a cell phone and no landline telephone. Twenty years ago the survey research profession worried mostly about the roughly 7% of U.S. households that could not be interviewed because they had no telephone.

If people who can only be reached by cell phone were just like those with landlines, their absence from surveys would not create a problem for polling. But cell-only adults are very different.

The National Health Interview Survey found them to be much younger, more likely to be African American or Hispanic, less likely to be married, and less likely to be a homeowner than adults with landline telephones. These demographic characteristics are correlated with a wide range of social and political behaviors.

In early 2003, just 3.2% of households were cell-only. By the fall of 2004, pollsters and journalists were openly worrying about the potential bias that cell-only households might create for political surveys. The National Election Pool's exit poll found that 7.1% of those who voted on Election Day had only a cell phone, and these cell-only voters were somewhat more Democratic and liberal than those who said they had a landline telephone.

Given the speed with which the number of cell-only households has increased, there is growing concern within the polling business about how long the landline telephone survey will remain a viable data collection tool, at least by itself. At the annual meeting of the American Association for Public Opinion Research, a government researcher told the audience that the size of the cell-only group could approach 25% by the end of 2008 if the current rate of increase is sustained.

The Pew Research Center conducted four studies that included samples of cell phone numbers as well as landline numbers. The surveys covered a very wide range of topics, including use of technology, media consumption, political and social attitudes, and electoral engagement. Comparing the cell-only respondents with those reached on landlines allowed an assessment of the degree to which our traditional surveys are biased by the absence of the cell-only respondents.

Comparisons Between Landline Samples and Cell-Only Samples
Number of survey questions compared

46
Average (mean) difference between landline and cell-only samples across all 46 questions

7.8%
Range of differences (absolute value)

0% - 29%
Maximum change in final survey estimate when cell-only sample is blended in