Saturday, August 05, 2006
XM Satellite Radio Signs Alpine, Pioneer and Sharp to Manufacture and Distribute First-Ever U.S. Satellite-Direct Radios for Cars and Homes
XM(tm) also signs agreement with STMicroelectronics
to provide chip SETS for radios
XM Satellite Radio Inc. today announced agreements with leading radio manufacturers, bringing satellite radio a giant step closer to American consumers and paving the way for the first innovation in radio since the introduction of FM 40 years ago. Hugh Panero, President and CEO of XM, announced that the company has signed agreements with Alpine Electronics, Inc., Pioneer Electronic Corporation, and the Sharp Corporation to manufacture and distribute XM-capable radios and audio systems for the U.S. market. This equipment will enable consumers to receive XM's coast-to-coast, multi-channel, satellite-delivered digital radio service. In addition, STMicroelectronics, the world's leading supplier of solid-state devices to car radio manufacturers, will design, build and market computer chips to process the digital signal for these new XM radios.
"Tuning in XM Satellite Radio became very real today," said Mr. Panero. "These are the first announced U.S. manufacturing agreements for satellite radio, and I am very proud of XM's partnerships with the world's leading radio and audio-system manufacturers and leading car computer chip maker. First, there was AM, then FM and, with the help of these great companies, we will offer XM in the year 2000 and together revolutionize radio."
Under these agreements, Alpine and Pioneer, which together represent more than one-third of 1997 total car radio after-market sales, will design, build and distribute XM radios for the automobile market. Sharp, one of the world's leading makers of MD-related products and one of world's premier home audio manufacturers will provide XM audio systems for the home market. These radios and audio systems will be able to receive AM, FM and XM broadcasts, and possess other features such as CD players.
"These are our most significant announcements to date," commented Mr. Panero, who has made a series of major announcements since taking the company's leadership reins in June 1998.
Motorola Licenses SCM Microsystems Technology to Enable Security and E-Commerce Applications in Its Streamaster Multimedia-Processing Platform
Licensing Agreement with SCM Microsystems Will Enhance
Multimedia Devices and Bring Conditional Access Module and
Smart Card Technologies to the Home
SCM Microsystems (Nasdaq:SCMM) today announced that Motorola has licensed its CI pack+ and SmartOS(TM) solutions for integration into the company's popular Streamaster(TM) multimedia-processing platform. SCM Microsystems' technologies enable OEMs who purchase the Streamaster development platform to use any available conditional access PC Card module and/or smart card on a broad range of potential Streamaster-based products, such as set-top boxes.
Renewable and interoperable conditional modules are ideal for accessing interactive digital TV services without adding the burden of service specific development and qualifications to the Streamaster-based products. Smart card connectivity enables easy, secure integration of e-commerce and home banking applications. The integration of the CI pack+ and SmartOS technologies within the Streamaster platform will provide consumers with the convenience of selecting the interactive services they wish to receive as well as an open interface for future services.
"This agreement encompasses two of the key trends that are unfolding in the world of technology today," said Alyxia Do, industry analyst with Frost & Sullivan, Mountain View, Calif. "One of these trends is the convergence of communications, computing and consumer electronics into a new generation of powerful digital set top boxes. These boxes support a rich array of services, ranging from telephony and Internet access, to video and audio entertainment, to home banking and home networking."
"Another trend is the evolution of the smart card into the 'network smart card,' which is a card that serves as the common link between individuals and thebe flexible and powerful enough to support the evolving services and conditional access schemes used by set tcommodate network smart cards' rapid evolution and rich variety of services," she concludes.
Cisco And Motorola To Form Strategic Alliance To Build Internet-Based Wireless Networks
Anytime, Anywhere Access To A New World
Of Combined Internet, Voice and Video Wireless Services
Cisco Systems Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, and Motorola Inc., the worldwide pioneer in wireless communications for nearly 70 years, announced today the first phase of a strategic alliance to develop and deliver a New World framework for Internet-based, wireless networks. This collaboration will deliver the first all-IP platform for the wireless industry, which will unite different standards for wireless services worldwide, and introduce an open Internet-based platform for integrated data, voice and video services over cellular networks.
Cisco and Motorola plan to jointly invest as much as $1 billion over four to five years to deliver a wireless Internet. Both companies plan to cross-license technology and develop complementary products. Additionally, the companies plan to establish four Internet Solutions Centers worldwide to drive innovation within the wireless industry and encourage third-party companies to develop and create new services and products based on open Internet standards.
"The Motorola/Cisco alliance will be the final piece to fully utilize the IP framework with the packetized voice and data network we and Motorola incorporated into the iDEN(R) system at its inception," said Craig O. McCaw, renowned industry leader.
"We have discussed the Motorola/Cisco IP architecture and believe that it has great promise and are interested in acting as a potential test bed," said Keith Paglusch, senior vice president of Technical Services and Network Operations for Sprint PCS. "Anything that reduces network operating costs, provides for more efficient transport, or adds additional functionality to the network is very much in line with our strategic focus," Paglusch said. Other industry leaders such as Cellnet, Nextel and AirTouch also have voiced support for this new effort.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Rosen Products and Best Buy Team to Launch New AutoVideo by Rosen; Rosen's First Consumer Product Exclusively at Best Buy Stores Nationwide
Rosen Products, in partnership with Best Buy Co. Inc. (NYSE:BBY), is releasing its first direct-to-consumer entertainment system, AutoVideo by Rosen, at more than 350 Best Buy stores nationwide beginning this month.
Rosen comes to the consumer market with a stellar reputation and more than a decade of experience in designing and manufacturing high-end state-of-the-art flat-panel displays for corporate aviation and automotive OEM applications. Installation of AutoVideo by Rosen will be performed by Best Buy at the store. Best Buy is promoting AutoVideo by Rosen as part of its "Go Mobile" campaign, which runs May through early July.
"Rosen is truly excited to be working with the Best Buy team. Our joint goal is to provide the customer with a near-seamless transition from the family room to the vehicle," said Rosen President Terry Melvin. "Together, we offer a powerful combination of both quality product and extraordinary customer service."
Phil Kalleberg, senior buyer for Car Audio and Electronics at Best Buy, said: "According to a recent Best Buy survey, Americans are spending an average of 13 hours in their car every week. AutoVideo is a great way to enjoy that time and make driving more fun. Best Buy is dedicated to providing our customers with products like AutoVideo that show the connections between technology and life."
AutoVideo by Rosen is a complete, state-of-the-art entertainment system with Rosen's trademark quality in form, fit and function. AutoVideo by Rosen is designed for use in sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and minivans (which research estimates have determined make up 50 percent of all new light truck sales today) with options for 5.6" or 6.4" fold-down displays, a DVD or VHS player and wireless RF headphones. The system is set up to receive TV signals and easily accommodate video game systems provided by Nintendo, Sony and Sega.
For more than a decade, Rosen Products has designed and supplied flat-panel displays in corporate aviation for customers such as Boeing, Bombardier Lear, Cessna, Dessault Falcon, Gulfstream and others. In automotive, Rosen systems may be found in a number of OEM luxury SUVs and minivans, including the General Motors Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Venture, Oldsmobile Silhouette and Pontiac Montana, the Mazda MPV, Mercedes M Class, Toyota Sienna and others.
Seaguard Electronics and AlarmNetwork Announce the SKYALERT Early Warning and Alarm Central Station Automation and Event Specific Subscriber Contact a
The SKYALERT Early Warning System(TM) Provides the Worldwide Convergence and Integration of Internet, Notification, Audio and Video
Surveillance, Wireline and Wireless Alarm Signaling Technologies
Seaguard Electronics, LLC and its subsidiary AlarmNetwork Thursday announced the immediate availability of the security industries premier SKYALERT(TM) Central Station Early Warning, Signaling and Event Specific Subscriber Contact and Alarm Notification System.
The SKYALERT(TM) service provides many competitive and technological firsts and advantages to the professional security industry, over older, less capable automation systems with the seamless integration of many converged technologies including parallel automated subscriber contact and event specific alarm notification, wireless alarm signaling, Internet-based audio and video surveillance and signaling and mobile GPS asset protection and location services.
All SKYALERT(TM) services are available as an end-to-end solution including hardware systems and may be easily integrated into any alarm central monitoring station worldwide, enabling it to provide its customers in the commercial, residential and mobile/fleet monitoring industries with the most advanced and sophisticated automation and notification services available.
The patent pending SKYALERT(TM) system can provide alarm signaling and confirmed notification to or from any device, source or technology including the latest generation of WAP-enabled cellular and wireless devices.
SKYALERT(TM) is the only fully automated alarm central station contact and event specific notification system which provides Internet programmable consumer features and notification services with simultaneous alarm messaging over any number of traditional telephone, cellular, numeric and text paging, fax and e-mail services to an unlimited number of subscriber programmable contact points, typically within five seconds of an alarm system event.
William J. Tsumpes, Seaguard Electronics' Chairman & CEO, noted: "We are very excited about the release of the new SKYALERT(TM) services and the enhanced features and benefits they bring to the alarm central station operator as well as the consumer.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Toshiba Selects Crystal's Audio IC for Tecra Notebook and Portege Ultraportable Multimedia PCs
The multimedia capabilities of Toshiba's Tecra 500, 710, 720 and 730 Series and Portege 650CT include Zoomed Video (ZV) technology for advanced applications such as MPEG full-motion video playback and Crystal's highly integrated audio subsystem for industry-leading audio fidelity. With this combination, Toshiba's new notebooks give mobile users multimedia performance that equals or surpasses even the most advanced desktop systems. The new PCs are marketed in the U.S. by the Computer Systems Division of Toshiba America Information Systems (TAIS).
Crystal's audio subsystems are the most comprehensive and widely used integrated audio solutions. Crystal's audio ICs are the industry's most complete Windows 95 compatible audio subsystems, and the only single-chip that offer complete Plug-and-Play compatibility, full-duplex operation, and true 16-bit CD-quality sound for motherboard applications. The CS4232 is the first in a family of pin-compatible devices that now includes the CS4236 with FM synthesis and the CS4237/CS4238 that add 3-dimensional sound. The product family also features advanced power management (APM), comprehensive SoundBlaster Pro compatibility and external digital volume control.
Crystal's audio subsystems incorporate APM technology that accommodates a variety of intelligent software- and hardware-driven power-saving modes from standby mode to full powerdown. From the power-saving mode, the user can resume operation in a matter of seconds, including listening to audio where the user left off. APM is especially important to notebook applications, helping extend battery life.
PacketVideo to Demonstrate Mobilemedia Solutions With Partners At 3GSM World Congress 2002
PacketVideo Corp. will demonstrate the latest advancements in their mobilemedia products in conjunction with a number of its partners at 3GSM World Congress in Cannes, France from 19-22 February 2002.
PacketVideo can be found in their own suite (10.01 Hall 2) or in more than a dozen partner stands, including:
Hewlett Packard (Stand A1, Hall 1)
PacketVideo and Hewlett Packard will demonstrate a variety of mobilemedia applications, including sports highlights, live security and traffic. PacketVideo's mobilemedia system in partnership with Hewlett Packard's Mobile E-Services Architecture (MESA) provides new mobile e-services like M-Goal, M-Traffic, M-Watcher and M-Ticketing applications. Hewlett Packard is a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services and is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to individuals and businesses.
IBM (Stand K8, K9 Hall 4)
PacketVideo and IBM are working together to provide mobile operators with multimedia services. A PacketVideo executive will be presenting in the IBM theatre on Tuesday the 19th at 6.00 p.m., Wednesday the 20th at 10.00 a.m., and Thursday the 21st at 11.45 a.m. IBM is the world's leading e-business company, offering a wide range of services, solutions, software and technologies that allow businesses to take full advantage of the exploding wireless market.
Infineon (Stand A19/20 Hall 1)
Infineon and PacketVideo will demonstrate the integration and optimization of PacketVideo's standards compliant mobilemedia decoding software, pvPlayer(TM), for Infineon's first mobile Internet application processor demonstrator. Infineon Technologies offers semiconductor and customized solutions for applications in the wired and wireless communications markets, for security systems and smartcards, for the automotive and industrial sectors, as well as memory products.
Panasonic and Unwired Planet Collaborate to Create Internet-Enabled Mobile Phones; Efforts to Result in Internet and Email Enabled Mobile Phones
The effort will result in devices that integrate Panasonic's worldwide line of mobile phones for GSM, PDC, and PHS, with Unwired Planet's micro-browser. The resulting mobile phones will allow users to access Internet-based information services, Email, as well as information from corporate intranet applications.
"We have fully committed ourselves to develop products most suited for the rapidly growing personal mobile computing market in the world," said Susumu Harashima, senior managing director in charge of the telecommunications business group of Matsushita Communication. "We believe that Unwired Planet's HDML-based micro-browser technology is an ideal solution for our objectives."
"We are excited at the prospect of collaborating with Panasonic on HDML based mobile phones," said Alain Rossmann, chairman and chief executive officer of Unwired Planet. "We feel that Panasonic's advanced mobile phone technology provides an ideal basis for the integration of HDML-based micro-browser technology."
Matsushita Communication Industrial Company, Limited is an affiliated company of Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, Limited, whose charter is to address mainly telecommunications, professional/industrial audio-video, automotive electronics, and information systems industries. In the telecommunications product arena, Matsushita Communication Industrial is a leading supplier of infrastructure products of PHS, a part of PDC (Japan digital cellular system) and a variety of business communication systems, as well as cellular, cordless and pager terminal products. The company is known as the largest supplier of PDC cellular phones and PHS handsets for the Japanese market, as well as a leading supplier of GSM handsets for the global market.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Sony And General Motors Team Up To Create The Ultimate Mobile Family Entertainment Center
Sony Limited Edition GMC Suburban Featured As A
Marquee Gift Item For The 1997 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book
Sony Corporation of America and General Motors Corporation today announced that the two companies have integrated the latest achievements in Sony hardware and software technology into one of GM's premier sport utility vehicles, creating a marquee gift for the 1997 Christmas Book from Neiman Marcus.
The 1998 Sony Limited Edition GMC Suburban is a one-of-a-kind holiday gift stocked with an extraordinary array of Sony electronic and entertainment products and featuring unique exterior and interior styling. Production is limited to 100 vehicles. Owners will receive Sony Music CDs, Columbia TriStar home video cassettes and PlayStation(TM) games, as well as invitations to Sony entertainment events throughout the year.
"The Sony Limited Edition GMC Suburban represents the convergence of technology, entertainment and design," said Matthew Mazer, Senior Vice President of the Sony Corporation of America entity coordinating the overall project. "This combination of three powerful brands--Sony, GMC and Neiman Marcus -- in one extraordinary vehicle has tremendous value for all of the companies and a definite appeal to buyers of high-end luxury vehicles."
Harlan Bratcher, Senior Vice President, Sony Retail Entertainment said, "All of us at Sony Retail Entertainment are thrilled to see to fruition this project which we initiated last fall. We have furthered our existing connection with Neiman Marcus and instituted important new collaborations with a number of other Sony companies, as well as General Motors, to bring about this exceptional branding partnership."
Sony has loaded the vehicle with an array of electronic features unmatched in the automotive field. Components of the 480-watt audio video system include three amplifiers, a controller unit with CD player and an AM/FM tuner, a separate cassette player for rear seat passengers, five sets of headphones, a 10-disc CD changer, three sets of wide-range speakers in the side doors and one set in the rear overhead panels, plus two subwoofers located in the rear door.
Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions Buys Ultrak's Closed-Circuit TV Business
LEWISVILLE, Texas & MINNEAPOLIS--Aug. 8, 2002--Ultrak Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTK) and Honeywell (NYSE: HON) Automation and Control Solutions (ACS) announced today that Honeywell ACS has agreed to purchase Ultrak's closed-circuit television (CCTV) business for $36 million in cash plus the assumption of trade liabilities.
Honeywell will pay Ultrak $30.6 million at closing and the remaining amount in three installments over an 18-month period. The transaction is subject to Ultrak shareholder approval and is expected to close in approximately two to three months.
The sale includes assets and certain liabilities related to Ultrak's CCTV business in the United States, Germany, Italy, Poland, South Africa, Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Approximately 300 of Ultrak's current 520 employees will join Honeywell. In addition, Honeywell has agreed to license the Ultrak name.
"Expanding our capabilities in the CCTV market is the logical next step in the evolution of our integrated safety and security solutions for the residential, commercial, industrial and government markets," said Kevin Gilligan, President and CEO of Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions. "The acquisition of Ultrak's CCTV business will complement our industry-leading security offering of access controls and sensors, and provide us with stronger capabilities to grow in the expanding CCTV market."
"This transaction allows Ultrak to focus on our new strategy and will enormously strengthen the financial base of the company," said Niklaus F. Zenger, Chairman and CEO of Ultrak.
Ultrak will retain its access control business, consumer/do-it-yourself business, industrial video-product business, mobile video-product business and alarm-management business.
Pointbase Teams With Microware To Capture Explosive Growth In Java-Based Mobile Wireless Data Applications
PointBase, Inc., the leader in mobile wireless 100% Pure Java(TM) data management products, today announced that it is teaming with Microware Systems Corporation, a leading provider of embedded real-time operating software, to jointly address the emerging market for mobile wireless data applications. Microware has joined PointBase's QuickPoint Program and the companies are working together to provide data management, data synchronization, and operating system support for the full spectrum of mobile wireless applications currently entering the market. By 2003 data-intensive applications for both personal and enterprise productivity will be widely deployed on the billions of Internet-enabled phones, digital pagers, PDAs, and mobile computing platforms in the market by that time.
"The market for mobile data products and services is consistently listed among the top five growth markets of this decade, and most industry observers believe that the Java development platform will play a dominant role in this space," said Bruce Scott, president and CEO of PointBase, Inc. "Microware and PointBase have complementary technologies that jointly are the first to deliver everything manufacturers need to embed Java-based mobile data capabilities in their devices. This is a very powerful platform for developers who want to extend enterprise data out to mobile wireless devices and PDAs."
Earlier this month, Microware released the next generation of its PersonalJavaä Solutions for its fully featured and stable OS-9(R) RTOS for cellular and smart handheld devices, digital TV, and Internet appliances. Because PersonalJava 3.0.1 and PointBase data management products are all developed on the Java platform, developers of embedded applications will be able to integrate the advanced data management and SQL with their mobile and device applications quickly and easily. They complement one another perfectly: Microware provides a secure RTOS system required to run an embedded application, while PointBase provides the data management and synchronization capabilities.
"We chose to partner with PointBase because they are the premier provider of embedded 100% Pure Java databases," said Ken Kaplan, president and CEO of Microware. "Our technologies represent the future of embedded devices and the Internet. This market is set to explode, and Microware and PointBase give developers the edge they need to get to market first."
Monday, July 31, 2006
Delphi Automotive Systems Demonstrates Tomorrow's Technology Today at Consumer Electronics Show
Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH) is introducing an array of Mobile MultiMedia (MMM) technologies and products to the consumer electronics industry at the annual Consumer Electronics Show this week in Las Vegas.
Under the theme, "The Planet is Your Passenger," Delphi is demonstrating a host of its revolutionary Communiport(R) integrated communication and entertainment systems. These Systems make many things possible in the mobile environment. Delphi is demonstrating these products on a host of different makes, models and manufacturers' vehicles to present its systems integration capabilities.
"Delphi Automotive Systems is the global source for mobile workstyle and lifestyle communications and multimedia technologies," said Dave Wohleen, president of Delphi Delco Electronics Systems.
Workstyle/lifestyle technologies from Delphi include multimedia hardware, content and delivery including advanced audio and video equipment. In addition, the technologies include satellite-based Internet access as well as entertainment programming and vehicle technologies ranging from navigation to entertainment.
"The Mobile MultiMedia market is expanding rapidly and Delphi Automotive Systems is in a leadership position," Wohleen said. "We are responding to this revolutionary trend with a complete offering of technologies and products that are being demonstrated this week at the Consumer Electronics Show."
"Growing consumer demand for these products is being driven by the desire to have more convenience, connectivity and entertainment options while driving," Wohleen said. "These factors, coupled with the affordability of powerful microprocessors and advances in wireless communications, flat panel displays and voice processing, make these products very attractive."
Mobile MultiMedia technologies being showcased by Delphi include:
*MP3 music playback capability, one of the fastest growing electronic entertainment mediums in history; * Mobile Internet Browsing, with e-mail and text-downloading using the new Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and Wireless Mark-up Language (WML); and * Bluetooth universal connectivity, which allows hands-free, on-board operation of portable cell phones and other portable computing devices based on the new standardized Bluetooth wireless interface technology.
Microsemi Class-D Surround Sound Amplifier Powers SONICblue's New GoVideo Ultracompact DVD Home Theater System
-- Drives five full range speakers, plus a subwoofer
-- Compact circuitry, cool operation enable all-in-one receiver, tuner, DVD/VCD/SVCD player
Microsemi Corp. (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of power management integrated circuits, today announced that its patented AudioMAX(R) Class-D amplifier technology has been chosen to power SONICblue's new GoVideo(R) DHT7000 Digital Home Theater system.
Microsemi's 5.1 surround sound stereo amplifier solution requires minimal space and, due to greater than 80% efficiency, virtually eliminates heat that would be intolerable for an all-in-one system as compact as the DHT7000 from GoVideo.
Priced under $300, the GoVideo DHT7000 is an ultra compact and powerful home theater system, giving users 260 watts of output power, a DVD player, CD player, and an AM/FM receiver all in a compact 13.2-inch x 2.6-inch x 10.6-inch package.
AudioMAX Class-D stereo power amplifier controllers deliver a full 20Hz to 20kHz high fidelity audio performance. Typical distortion (THD+N) is less than 0.05%. The full line of AudioMAX controllers provide compact, low heat solutions for battery operated portable audio, multi-channel powered DVD players, home theater amplifiers, surround sound game systems, automotive amplifiers, and wireless and multimedia speakers.
"Our mission at SONICblue(TM) is to connect people with entertainment and the DHT7000 exemplifies this pursuit," said Ed Brachocki, vice president of product marketing audio and video products at SONICblue. "Designed to create a digital home theater anywhere there is a television, its compact, unobtrusive components are perfect for living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms or dorm, where it delivers outstanding audio quality thanks to the Microsemi digital amplifiers and our unique circuit designs."
Microsemi is a leading developer of high fidelity Class-D audio controllers that cover the most popular range of power requirements in consumer electronics applications. Its AudioMAX line includes both single-channel and multiple-channel solutions.
Motorola Creates New Group to Focus On Automotive Communications
Motorola announced today that it was creating a new business group to more intensely focus resources on the growing worldwide opportunity in the emerging automotive communications industry, and to ensure that customers are easily able to access the full scope of Motorola's capabilities. The new group -- Telematics Communications Group (TCG) -- will bring together several product businesses and development efforts currently occurring across the corporation. They include the businesses developing telematics hardware and software, the wireless phones that are "built in" to vehicles, Global Positioning System (GPS) products and infotainment software and servers. Marios Zenios, corporate vice president, has been named general manager of TCG, and it will be part of Motorola's Automotive, Component, Computer and Energy Sector (ACCES).
Joe Guglielmi, senior vice president and president, ACCES, said the decision to create this new group-level effort is tied to the growth Motorola has seen in its automotive communications, or telematics, related business and growing interest from consumers and automotive manufacturers in these products.
"Consumers have been particularly interested in the initial safety features, such as emergency calling and roadside assistance," said Guglielmi. "These products enable a driver to contact a service center at the push of a button and they enable the service center to pinpoint the location of the vehicle via Global Positioning System (GPS) technology." In addition to emergency calling and roadside assistance, the early products have also included such features as navigation information and remote door unlock service.
According to Guglielmi, "As products continue to evolve they are expected to begin offering a much wider variety of entertainment and information services, Internet access and automatic vehicle diagnostics. In fact, the potential benefits these products may offer the mobile public are limited only by imagination and the ability of companies like Motorola to translate imagination and technology into viable products." Industry insiders predict that products will offer services ranging from an audio reading of stock reports and email to recommending restaurants and reserving theater tickets to displaying movies for the kids in the back seat.
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