| December 3, 2008 | News covering the consumer electronics industry |
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- Study: Most major audio segments down through October
From January to October, unit sales of receivers, home speakers, home-theater-in-a-box systems and compact shelf systems fell 8%, 17%, 16% and 36%, respectively, according to the latest data from NPD Group. Only MP3-docking speakers were up: 3.3 million units were sold during the period, a 14% increase. TWICE
(12/2)      
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| CE in the Home |  |  |
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- Fox Sports executive says no free ride on 3-D programming
David Hill, chairman and chief executive officer of Fox Sports, said that if makers of TV sets wanted to see more programming in 3-D, they'll have to help pay for it. "You are not going to see 3-D -- if I have my way -- on broadcast television until the manufacturers of the sets that are making money are subsidizing us with every piece of equipment that we have to buy," he said. Fox is expected to broadcast college football's Bowl Championship Series game in 3-D at the Consumer Electronics Show. The Hollywood Reporter
(12/2)
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- Nokia gets touchy with new N97
Nokia has introduced its flagship N-Series touch-screen smartphone product today, the N97, as the global hardware leader tries to improve its sliding position in the high-end mobile market. With the N97, Nokia will take aim at Sony Ericsson's X1 and HTC's Touch Pro handsets, while charging about the same it did for its N95 and N96 flagship devices when they debuted. Reuters
(12/2)
- Expert advice: Use gift cards to buy new phones
Shoppers who want to buy a jazzed-up cell phone as a gift, but are wary of getting them locked into a contract, should consider giving that special someone a gift card, advise experts, who note that companies such as Apple and AT&T have ratcheted up their promotional campaigns toward that end. "There's no question that buying a cell phone as a gift is a more complex challenge. You can't give a phone without a contract, and that's a pretty big commitment," said Forrester Research analyst Charles Golvin. USA TODAY
(12/2), NYTimes.com
(12/1)
| Tech News | | |
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- New version of Eee Box nettop to get Celeron CPU
ASUS plans to introduce a version of its Eee Box nettop computer that is powered by an Intel Celeron CPU rather than the current Intel Atom. With the switch, the new version's hard-drive capacity will be 120GB, a significant improvement over the Atom's 80GB. Electronista
(12/2)
- Boston preps for citywide DTV-awareness push
Boston cable and broadcast TV companies next Tuesday will stage a daylong, citywide, multipronged effort to raise awareness about the transition to all-digital TV signals next February. Participating providers include Comcast, Charter Communications, RCN and Duncan Cable. TVNewsCheck (free registration)
(12/2)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
Super Buyers: The Key Broadband Segment Buying CE Products
This FREE white paper from international research firm, Parks Associates, addresses the segment of consumers purchasing the majority of CE products and their demographics and attitudinal behaviors regarding the purchase of consumer electronics. Understanding the influences influences on this segment and what purchasing factors are important to them. Download today!
Interested in learning more about advertising in CEA SmartBrief? Contact Susan W. Kim at 703-909-7337 or skim@smartbrief.com.
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| Retail Trends | | |
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- U.K. customers see mobile broadband/laptop offer taken away
U.K.-based Web site Broadband Expert is reporting that about half of the customers who tried to take advantage of a mobile broadband and free laptop deal being offered by providers and retailers in October and November were turned down because of bad-credit concerns. Rob Webber, Broadband Expert's commercial director, commented on the irony: "Companies are spending huge amounts on advertising campaigns promoting these offers, yet when the consumer comes to sign up, there is a strong chance they will be refused based on a credit check." Cellular-News.com (U.K.)
(12/2)
| CEA Zap | | |
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Home Theater Audio Design
CEA and CEDIA are developing a new recommended practice titled Home Theater Audio Design. The document will provide a base line for the design and installation of residential spaces to be used for home theater or multichannel music playback. While these two applications are the focus, many of the practices are applicable to multipurpose, two-channel and other acoustic spaces. To participate in this new effort and to join R10 Residential Systems, e-mail standards@CE.org.
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TV stars, athletes and musicians make appearances at CES
Legendary musicians, actors and sports icons come together at the 2009 International CES to experience -- and promote -- the hottest products and technologies in the consumer-electronics industry. CES is your chance to meet some of Major League Baseball's heaviest hitters, TV stars and some of your other favorite celebrities. Here's a quick peek of some stars scheduled for the coming CES, Jan. 8 to 11, in Las Vegas.
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CEA member benefits at 2009 International CES
CEA members reap twice the reward when they attend the International CES. As if attending and/or exhibiting at the world's largest annual trade show for consumer technology were not enough, CEA members have access to various lounges to enjoy refreshments, have their questions answered by CEA staff and conduct business in private meeting rooms. Exhibiting members receive various discounts and items such as a free-parking pass and VIP luncheon tickets. For more information about CEA member benefits, please contact membership@CE.org or visit our members-only site.
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