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| CEA SmartBrief |
| September 11, 2008 |
CEA-CNET indexes: Cautious optimism on spending
There are optimistic signs for CE dealers for the holiday season in the three CEA-CNET indexes for August, with consumer confidence in technology as well as the overall economy continuing to strengthen.
"While there remain significant risks to the downside in the broad economy, we are beginning to see subtle, positive shifts in consumer sentiment," said Shawn DuBravac, CEA's economist. Dealerscope (9/10)
Epoq offers TV set for post-analog age
Epoq Multimedia has introduced a pair of portable digital LCD TVs that will receive over-the-air digital signals after the February 2009 DTV transition. Dubbed a "portable HDTV," the EPT-LC7AT is powered by a built-in lithium rechargeable battery and contains a 7-inch screen that displays 480p/720p and 1080i DTV signals for $279. TWICE (9/10)
Onkyo offers video-calibrated AVRs, first Blu-ray
Onkyo said it had shipped a pair of audio-video receivers with the same video-display calibration technology recently introduced by sister brand Integra, and announced plans to sell its first Blu-ray player in the fourth quarter. The TX-NR906 and TX-SR876 AVRs are priced at $2,199 and $1,599, respectively. TWICE (9/10)
Other News
Flat-panel pricing weighs on LG Display
Citing a mixture of falling prices coupled with weak demand, South Korea's LG Display said its third-quarter results would not meet earlier projections and offered a new estimate of a percentage rise in its LCD sales in the "mid-teens" instead of its original guidance in the "low 20s." The world's No. 2 LCD maker by sales is not alone: Other LCD companies have said they would decrease output because of declining prices. The Wall Street Journal (free content) (9/11)
Apple brass settle shareholder suit over options
Apple CEO Steve Jobs and other company executives and officers past and present have reached a tentative settlement in a shareholder lawsuit that alleged they received favorable stock option grants. The agreement is expected to be finalized next month. The Wall Street Journal (free content) (9/11)
AT&T, laptop makers embrace Qualcomm Gobi
AT&T has certified Qualcomm's Gobi mobile Web technology, and the companies tapped selected notebooks from Panasonic and Hewlett-Packard for access to the broadband network, AT&T and Qualcomm said Wednesday. Within weeks, AT&T plans to launch a marketing program with the laptop companies touting the service through which certified notebooks that run on AT&T's network will gain 3G connectivity without a USB card. infoSynch World (9/10)
HP's Pavilion DV6929 laptop is in the bag
In a new eco-friendly initiative, Hewlett-Packard is packaging a version of its HP Pavilion DV6929 in special messenger bags made of recycled materials that provide more protection than traditional packaging. The effort is available only at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club locations. TWICE (9/10)
Amazon's Kindle to publish exclusive first lady bio
Amazon.com has secured exclusive content rights for its Kindle e-reader to publish a biography of the next first lady. While the books on Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain already are written and will be on sale online well before the election, Kindle will publish a version with exclusive content on the wife of the next president. The Wall Street Journal (free content) (9/11)
Other News
The Buzz (CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)Teach your TV some cool new tricks. Interested in learning more about advertising in CEA SmartBrief? Contact Susan W. Kim at 703-909-7337 or skim@smartbrief.com.  |
Mini-laptops give sales boost to PC market
Global demand for affordable mini-laptop computers is driving strong sales for notebook computers, according to the latest quarterly sales figures from the research firm IDC, which reported a 37% rise in portable-computer sales for the second quarter, compared with a year earlier. In the U.S., laptop sales grew 17.7%, while sales of desktop computers and servers fell 4%. NYTimes.com (9/10) CNET (9/10)
Analysis: Buy your next TV online
If you're in the market for a new LCD or plasma television, you may want to make the purchase online rather than at a brick-and-mortar retailer, according to this price analysis. Many online retailers, such as Amazon, will frequently offer free-shipping deals, and, combined with no sales tax, e-tailers present a competitive pricing advantage. NYTimes.com (9/10)
Google's Chrome could cause problems for e-commerce
The arrival of Google's new Chrome browser will introduce new customization nightmares for e-commerce executives. Just as online sellers are introducing greater complexity in content and media, customers are getting more savvy with browser privacy settings. StorefrontBacktalk (9/8)
Industry Forum discounted hotel rates expire Sept. 12
Make your room reservations by Friday, Sept. 12, to qualify for discounted rates at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. Contact the Four Seasons at (877) 632-5000 and request the CEA room block today. Industry Forum is packed with business-development programming and the comprehensive research you expect from CEA. Learn more and register for the event at www.CE.org/industryforum.
CE product returns: Why they happen and how to reduce them
While the CE industry is a multibillion-dollar one, the returns generated also tally in the billions of dollars. This creates stresses for the many players in the market, including manufacturers and retailers. Attend this webcast addressing key issues, including the total dollar value of returns, exchanges, return rates by product category, issues under retailer control, the return process itself and brand loyalty.
For radio, denial's a river in which many could drown
Right now, all-digital signals are only allowed for local TV, cable TV, satellite TV, satellite radio and Internet radio. At some point, radio broadcasters and regulators alike will recognize that all-digital local radio broadcasts are not only in the public interest, but also what the public demands. This includes the availability of real-time audio streams that are essentially commercial free. Read more at CEA Digital Dialogue.
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