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December 30, 2005

Xbox 360 Gets Chilled in Vegas at CES - CoolIT Systems Unveils Liquid Chilled Xbox 360

CoolIT Systems Inc. today announced that they are showcasing the world's first truly liquid cooled Xbox 360 in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show from January 4 – 8, 2006.

Calgary, AB (PRWEB) December 30, 2005 -- CoolIT Systems Inc. today announced that they are showcasing the world's first truly liquid cooled Xbox 360 in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show from January 4 – 8, 2006.

The retrofitted Xbox 360 will be on display at the CoolIT Systems booth 70556 in The Sands Expo Center throughout the duration of the CES Show. The display will feature a side-by-side comparison of the CoolIT MTEC liquid chilled Xbox 360 to the standard Xbox 360 to demonstrate superiority for temperature, noise level and ultimate performance.

Geoff Lyon, CEO of CoolIT commented, “Whether it’s a PC or Gaming Console, the avid gamer is constantly raising the bar for performance. I think it’s now obvious that only the most technologically advanced cooling system will be capable of keeping up with the heat production of today’s CPU’s and GPU’s.” Lyon then added, “The exclusive MTEC technology, allows us to provide enormous cooling power in a very compact form factor suitable for maintaining stable temperatures and ensuring optimum performance.”

The Microsoft Xbox 360 has been the topic of much discussion since its release on November 22. Aside from its short supply through Christmas and fantastic gaming abilities, many headlines have been about problems related to the excessive thermal output of Microsoft’s latest gaming console product. In an effort to provide gaming consumers with a high performance option, CoolIT Systems has designed a retrofit product that will transform the stock forced air cooling system with a state-of-the-art liquid chilled system that employs the exclusive MTEC technology pioneered by CoolIT Systems.

The CoolIT Booth will also showcase several newly released retail products including the Freezone CPU Cooler compatible with both AMD and Intel processors and the USB Beverage Chiller. More information about CoolIT Systems can be found at www.coolitsystems.com

Press contact info for CoolIT Systems:
Tel: 866-621-COOL (2665)
Fax: 403-770-8306

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:36 AM | Comments (0)

December 29, 2005

LoadPod Launches DVD Movie Loading Service for Video iPods

LoadPod offers DVD movie loading for video iPod users in eight major U.S. cities. This one-of-a-kind service allows video iPod users to watch full-length movies on their iPod.

(PRWEB) December 29, 2005 -- LoadPod, the nation's leader in iPod loading services, has launched a DVD movie loading service for users of the new Fifth Generation "video iPod" in eight major U.S. cities.

LoadPod picks up the customer's video iPod and DVD collection at the customer's home or office, and returns the iPod fully loaded in a few days. Movies are encoded into 320x240 display format, ideal for the video iPod's screen, and take up an average of less than one gigabyte of iPod space apiece. iPod Movie Loading service is currently available in New York City, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.

LoadPod invented the iPod loading industry in early 2004 when it became the first and only nationwide service to load a customer's existing music CD collection into their iPod via in-person service. Today, LoadPod is proud to extend its services to include loading a customer's existing DVD movie collection into their video iPod. As with all LoadPod services, iPod Movie Loading requires no shipping, traveling, labor, or hassle on the part of the customer. Customers can place their iPod Movie Loading order via the LoadPod website starting today at http://www.loadpod.com/movieloading.html

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:29 AM | Comments (0)

December 28, 2005

LASERline Introduces Apple iPod Nano Accessory to Protect from Scratching

After reports of Apple iPod nano scratching, LASERline launches silicone iPod nano accessory.

New York (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) December 28, 2005 -- After increasing media reports about the Apple iPod nano’s susceptibility to scratches, LASERline introduced an iPod nano accessory that repels dust and scratches. LASERline’s Silicone Skins are made of light-weight, high-grade, waterproof silicone elastomer that won’t break, snap, tear, pill or split like rubber.

The LASERline silicone skins are translucent membranes that fit snugly around the Apple iPod nano. The shock-absorbing material protects against accidental bumps as well
as annoying fingerprints and scratches. The skins have an anti-static feature which repels the dust that can scratch and harm an iPod. Because the skins are waterproof, rain, snow or sweat are not problems, so users can take their music with them wherever they go in complete comfort and style.

“This is a stylish and affordable way to protect your investment,” says Jack Graham, vice president of sales for LASERline. “And we have Silicone Skins to fit all iPod models not just the nano.”

Apple iPod nanos are so portable they can be slipped into a shirt pocket or the small coin pocket of a user’s jeans -- but left unprotected, they are subject to annoying scratches that can distort the screen and impact their sleek look. The LASERline Silicone Skins are the perfect iPod nano accessory.

LASERline Silicone skins for the Apple iPod nano are available in a variety of colors including: pale baby pink, icy blue, pearly white and not-so-basic black. Customers can also purchase the skins in convenient two-packs of white/black, pink/purple and blue/green. Five-packs of white, black, blue, green and pink are also available.

LASERline Silicone skins are available online at iPod nano accessory skins for $14.99 and come with a free neck lanyard and wrist strap.

About LASERline
LASERline offers an extensive line of portable and home or office media storage as well as an ever-growing product line of media accessories. LASERline designers create products that offer innovative solutions for the electronic industry. The company puts enormous forethought into the front-end design of its products so the end product is stylish, functional and cost-effective. Their complete line of Apple Nano iPod accessories can be seen on their website at www.laserline.com.

Contact:
Kimberly Grustas
IDG
860.489.9912

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:54 PM | Comments (0)

Farnam Emphasizes Complete Thermal Systems

New air heater control systems combined with the most innovative heating element designs on the market create a winning combination for heater manufacturers.

(PRWEB) December 28, 2005 -- Complete Thermal Systems to be emphasized by Farnam Custom Products as a new product capability. The company has long engineered and provided heating elements, air heaters, and surface heaters for Original Equipment Manufacturers. These traditional products are custom heaters designed to address a client's specific needs in the most effective and successful way possible.

Farnam's Business Development manager, Dean Hamel, explained that "Farnam always considers the client’s entire thermal system and engineers the most effective components possible for the client's specific set of circumstances and requirements. We've always had to think in terms of systems. It's just a natural evolution to develop complete thermal systems for clients. It's a turn key service or package we now offer."

These thermal systems may typically include heaters, temperature sensors, blowers, thermal controls, pressure or flow switches, and other safety devices as required. These systems are usually integrated into an enclosure or housing designed to fit a specific function in a client's product.

Some examples of recently developed systems are: an environmental temperature control system for a CT Scan manufacturer – a mobile shrinking station for a packaging machinery manufacturer – a complete dry air system developed for an industrial spray paint systems manufacturer.

Hamel says having one source design and provide an integrated thermal system appeals to many clients. "It's hard to find a source that understands thermal systems who will develop a custom system to precisely meet all the customers requirements, test the system, and then assure that it always delivers the performance and reliability needed by the client. And we do this very effectively." Farnam, in Asheville, NC, is an ISO 9001 certified company.

View the Farnam-Custom website for more information including case studies and other company news.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:53 PM | Comments (0)

December 26, 2005

Toumaz Technology Limited Signs Manufacturing Agreement with Infineon Technologies AG

Toumaz Technology Limited signs manufacturing agreement with Infineon Technologies AG.

Abingdon, United Kingdom, (PRWEB) December 25, 2005 -- Toumaz Technology Limited has signed an agreement with Infineon to use Infineon’s advanced 130 nanometre RF CMOS process to manufacture Toumaz’s Generation 1 and Generation 2 Sensium chips. Toumaz is the first external customer to be offered the use of this process and is planning to tape out the first prototype chip in mid January. As part of the agreement Infineon will license certain IP, predominantly digital blocks and cores, to Toumaz for integration into the Sensium devices.

The 130 nanometre RF CMOS process which is currently being run at Infineon’s Altis Semiconductor fabrication facility in Essonne, France, is expected to be replicated at another European site.

The Sensium is an ultra low power sensor interface and transceiver for applications in the medical and professional healthcare area. The device achieves ultra low power through the use of patented AMx™ technology for signal processing and includes a reconfigurable sensor interface and RF transceiver block. The Advanced Mixed Signal (AMx™) approach to system-on-chip integration features sub-threshold CMOS analog signal processing coupled with digital closed-loop control for self-calibration and re-tuning. Using a proven RF foundry maximises the predictability and accuracy of the sub-threshold analog processing blocks.

Thomas Pollakowski, VP and General Manager of Infineon’s business unit ‘Connectivity” explained: “Infineon offers over three decades of experience in development, design, and manufacturing of world class communication systems. With the newly invoked foundry program we are granting external customers access to our RF-CMOS, Bipolar, and SiGe process technology which have been concertedly developed with available application specific IP. With Toumaz we have found a partner with a very exciting application allowing Infineon to demonstrate its foundry capabilities.”

Commenting on the agreement, Keith Errey, CEO of Toumaz Technology, said, “As a fabless semiconductor business, managing the supply side is critical to our success. Having Infineon as a foundry partner not only provides access to the best available semiconductor manufacturing technology for our applications but also offers a wealth of expertise and back-end support, thus ensuring faster times to market and lower costs for Toumaz.”

This is a very strong validation of the Toumaz technology and the strength of our design team. An early return in advance of actual product sales is good news for our investors and confirms management’s view of the attractiveness and value of the low power technology.”

About Toumaz Technology Ltd.
Toumaz Technology Limited is a developer of advanced RF, analogue and mixed signal semiconductors. The focus of the business is low power devices based on the company’s proprietary AMx™ (Advanced Mixed Signal) technology which addresses the needs of lower power consumption for mobile and wirelessly connected systems.

About Infineon
Infineon Technologies AG, Munich, Germany, offers semiconductor and system solutions for automotive, industrial and multimarket sectors, for applications in communication, as well as memory products. With a global presence, Infineon operates through its subsidiaries in the US from San Jose, CA, in the Asia-Pacific region from Singapore and in Japan from Tokyo. In fiscal year 2005 (ending September), the company achieved sales of Euro 6.8 billion with about 35,600 employees worldwide. Infineon is listed on the DAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX). Further information is available at www.infineon.com.
This news alert is available online at http://www.infineon.com/news/

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:59 AM | Comments (0)

OneWorld Computers Introduces Apple’s iPod Like Famous Luxpro MP3 Player in Bangladesh Market

OneWorld Computers introduces famous Luxpro MP3 player in Bangladesh market being the exclusive distributor of Luxpro Corporation in Bangladesh. This famous Luxpro MP3 player bears a strong resemblance to Apple’s iPod shuffle but with less price tag and thus is expected to attract the local consumers.

Dhaka, Bangladesh (PRWEB) December 25, 2005 -- OneWorld Computers has introduced Luxpro MP3 player in the local market being appointed as the exclusive distributor of Luxpro Corporation in Bangladesh. This famous Luxpro MP3 player bears a strong resemblance to Apple’s iPod shuffle but with less price tag.

From the front, the Luxpro MP3 player (EZ Tangent) is physically quite identical to Apple's iPod shuffle, straight down to the control pad and white headphones. But even with the less price tag, this player has lot more to offer than the iPod shuffle from features perspective!

Luxpro MP3 player (EZ Tangent) contains a 128 pixel by 64 pixel OLED screen, supports simultaneous music playback with Lyrics display, provides 19 equalizer patterns, and capable of playing MP3s, WAV files and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files. On top of these, it includes an FM tuner and a digital voice recorder that the iPod surely lacks. The Luxpro MP3 player also serves as a portable USB flash drive with up to 1GB of storage space to back up personal files and exchange them between computers.

The Luxpro MP3 player (EZ Tangent series) is now available for a suggested retail starting price of TK 5,990 (BDT) and includes the necklace earphone. Currently, these players are available through all Etcetera Bangladesh retail stores in Dhaka.

About OneWorld Computers
Headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, OneWorld Computers is a provider of computer and computer accessories thru partnering with the leading manufacturers worldwide. The company product line includes its own branded unique space saving All-in-One LCD PC as well as world famous Inland branded computer accessories.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:59 AM | Comments (0)

DRAM Contract Prices Stay Flat in 2HDec but Chipmakers are Joyful about Potential Rebound, DRAMeXchange Says

DRAMeXchange foresees some DRAM makers should continue quoting DDR2 at a lower rate than DDR in order to encourage DDR2 sales. As chipmakers vary among each other on respective DDR/ DDR2 production ratio with relative customers demand also varies at the meantime, the quotes for DDR and DDR2 should report with slight difference among players.

(PRWEB) December 24, 2005 -- Although DRAM makers attempted to propose slight DRAM contract price raise in 2HDec with reference to the hike of recent spot prices and solid customers demand, they were disappointed by the final quotes with most prices were settled flat. Of which, one Germany and Taiwan based chipmaker stood firm on respective quotations and related contract price negotiations should be delayed to Christmas eve.

DRAM contract prices start trending down from September with the drop of DDR module reaches 22% and DDR2 reaches 32%. DRAM makers force to reshuffle capacity allocation and product mixture amid the severe price drop pressures, as evident in the DRAM supply bit growth that was trimmed down to 2.65% in November, versus the 10% sequential bit growth that records during September and October.

US-based PC OEMs usually see a massive drop of DRAM inventory levels in December along with the seasonality impact with DRAM contract prices should drop in a relatively large rate along with the demand drop. The scenario swings this year with contract prices keep staying stable, thanks to the previous DRAM price drops. This implies contract prices should bottom out with a price rebounding chance about to emerge.

A majority of DDR and DDR2 modules, no matter for the desktop or notebook segments, stay flat in 2HDec with modules for servers even enjoy growth. Most DRAM makers are optimistic about the price trend for the next update and project price raise.

DRAMeXchange foresees some DRAM makers should continue quoting DDR2 at a lower rate than DDR in order to encourage DDR2 sales. As chipmakers vary among each other on respective DDR/ DDR2 production ratio with relative customers demand also varies at the meantime, the quotes for DDR and DDR2 should report with slight difference among players.
For detail DRAM and NAND Flash spot price records, please visit: www.dramexchange.com

Contact:

Jocelyn Chen
DRAMeXchange
Tel: +886-2- 77026888 ext 620
Fax: +886-2-7702-6989

About DRAMeXchange:

DRAMeXchange is a global primary provider of futures intelligence, in-depth analysis reports and advisory services on DRAM and flash memory industry with coverage including current business, spot trading prices, and market trends, capital spending and wafer capacity trends, the impact of DRAM/flash memory products on the market, and other relevant PC industry information.

Founded in 2000, DRAMeXchange serves more than 45, 00 clients, including main information officers and other senior IT executives in corporations, as well as technology firms and the investment community. DRAMeXchange helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment communities make fact-based decisions on memory purchases and business strategy. For more information, visit www.dramexchange.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:57 AM | Comments (0)

December 23, 2005

iFurn.com to Add Alphason Designs to Their Wide Selection of High Quality Plasma Screen TV Stands and Entertainment Furniture

iFurn.com, a division of Norris Enterprises, added a new line of high quality plasma screen TV stands to their selection. This brand new line of contemporary TV and Audio stands from Alphason adds a level of depth to the website’s great collection of entertainment products.

(PRWEB) December 23, 2005 -- iFurn.com, a division of Norris Enterprises, added a new line of high quality plasma screen TV stands to their selection. This brand new line of contemporary TV and Audio stands from Alphason adds a level of depth to the website’s great collection of entertainment products.

Some of the items in this new line of products include:

• Flat panel TV stands
• Audio towers with built in CD racks
• Contemporary styled speaker stands

Alphason Designs, a company formed in 1985 in Lancashire England, got their start making high quality turntables and loudspeakers. These products appealed to music fans with the finest ears. Alphason’s turntable products reached high status as some of the finest audio products in the world. This status lead the company to turn to commercial furniture so everyone could enjoy their audio and television equipment at the highest quality possible. In addition to the improvement of sound quality, Alphason products possess a visual appeal that has yet to be seen in other entertainment products. Each item encompasses a space age design to appeal to anyone with a contemporary taste.

iFurn.com is proud to add Alphason’s high quality products to their vast collection.

About iFurn.com

Norris-Enterprises started on the internet in Wichita Kansas in 1997. Tracy Norris, a local Chiropractor, started a web company called Pain-Reliever.com, which is a national supplier of pain relieving products. Norris eventually decided to branch out into furniture, and started iFurn.com. iFurn, is a distributor for several furniture manufacturers, and sells everything from office furniture to children’s furniture.

iFurn.com prides itself in its customer service and the quality of items it sells.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:46 AM | Comments (0)

Mobasoft, LLC Announces Enhanced Pod-casting via Audio Merge Service

By using an online post-production audio merge service, online podcast listeners are able to actively provide feedback, participate in polls and surveys, and can connect to relevant web sites which offer more information for products or services which may be reference during the podcast show.

(PRWEB) December 23, 2005 -- Mobasoft, LLC announced today, the immediate availability of the Audio Merge service, which enables podcast producers to deploy their audio with web based enhancements. When online listeners play back a project through the use of the audio merge service, they are able to actively provide feedback, participate in polls and surveys, and can connect to web sites which offer more information for products or services which may be reference during the podcast show.

For the Pod-casting community, the traffic analysis reporting features are quite informative. Analysis reports include the number of loads, the number of plays, and the number of downloads. For each page displayed during playback of the podcast, pod-casters may view data regarding the number of impressions, click-through percentages, poll and survey results, and the number of comments sent.

"In my opinion, looking at a bunch of different players that are out there, this one offers more options for the pod-caster than any of the other ones out there. As a matter of fact, I don't think anything even comes close," said Rob Walch, of Podcast411.com, during a recently released podcast episode.

Audio Merge is currently in beta test development and is being driven by customer feedback and is part of Mobasofts commitment to deliver the latest product features. A scaled down version of the player will be available soon, and will offer the pod-caster to capture playback and usage statistics, and provide their audience with quick access to various portions of each published episode. Pod-casters may become a member of the site during beta testing for no charge by visiting http://www.audiomerge.com

Founded in 2002; Mobasoft, LLC is rapidly becoming a leader in web-based application development for business computing.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:45 AM | Comments (0)

Digigami Announces Competitive Upgrade from "BitVice MPEG-2 Encoder" to MegaPEG.X

Digigami today announced a competitive upgrade program for current owners of BitVice MPEG-2 Encoder for Macintosh. Any current owner of BitVice qualifies for this special, time-limited offer. Pricing starts at just $59.00 for MegaPEG Pro SD and Digigami's top of the line encoder MegaPEG HDTV is only $299.00 under the competitive upgrade offer.

Long Beach, CA (PRWEB) December 23, 2005 -- Digigami today announced a competitive upgrade program for current owners of BitVice MPEG-2 Encoder for Macintosh. Any current owner of BitVice qualifies for this special, time-limited offer. Pricing starts at just $59.00 for MegaPEG Pro SD and Digigami's top of the line encoder MegaPEG HDTV is only $299.00 under the competitive upgrade offer.

Upgrade to Broadcast-Quality HD Encoding For All DTV/HD/DVD Post-Production

"The BitVice MPEG-2 encoder is a popular product among Macintosh DVD authoring professionals. As good as it is, we find many Macintosh video professionals turning to MegaPEG.X for their high-end HD encoding jobs and for the most challenging DVD compression projects," said Digigami CTO Gen Kiyooka.

"Under our competitive upgrade program it is inexpensive and easy for existing BitVice customers to upgrade their studios to the state of the art MPEG-2 compression tools found in MegaPEG HDTV.

With it's superb analysis tools, using the MegaPEG HDTV mpeg-2 encoder with BitVice provides users with the necessary analysis/feedback for demystifying the compression process. Conceptual jargon such as quantization, peak and average bitrate all are available as visual, easy to read charts and graphs in MegaPEG HDTV. The analysis tools included with MegaPEG HDTV work with MPEG-2 files produced by any software or hardware MPEG-2 encoder, including BitVice."

MegaPEG.X also adds many other extremely practical features to BitVice, such as the ability to create MPEG audio and muxed CBR and VBR MPEG movies. Digigami MegaPEG Pro HD and MegaPEG HDTV are among the very few modern MPEG-2 encoders that can create high definition bitstreams which rival H.264 quality at similar bitrates.

The competitive upgrade promotion is available to all owners of BitVice and similar competitive products. The promotion consists of a one-page, simple, interactive qualification form which prepares a mail-in order-form. To qualify, owners of BitVice need only provide an original copy of a sales receipt or a front cover from one of their manuals, a valid serial number, or any other proof-of-purchase that Digigami deems valid.

Pricing and Availability
Digigami "BitVice MPEG-2 Encoder Competitive Upgrade" Promotion Page:
http://www.digigami.com/store/bitvice-mpeg-2-encoder-mac.php

The promotional price for a 4-seat MPEG-2 Encoding Render Farm is just $149.00. The promotional price for the "Digigami 3-in-1 Master Your Moving Picture Bundle" (SD - standard definition) is just $99.00. The promotional price for the "Digigami 2-in-1 Master Your Hi-Def Picture" Bundle is $249.00. MegaPEG HDTV, Digigami's high-end encoding station, is just $299.00 under the special offer.

About Digigami
Digigami is a privately held company headquartered in the greater Los Angeles area. Digigami was founded in 1994 and released its first MPEG-1/MPEG-2 encoder, MegaPEG, in 1996 along with an early Netscape plug-in that plays streaming video in MPEG, AVI, QuickTime formats. For the past 10 years, Digigami has been continuously improving its MPEG video compression technology; MPressionist HDTV, MegaPEG HDTV and MoviesForMyPod are the most recent Digigami products.

For details and pricing information on all Digigami products, please visit our Web site at http://www.digigami.com/.

Digigami product names are trademarks of Digigami, Inc. Apple, Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro and Velocity Engine are the trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. BitVice is a trademark of Innobits AB. MainConcept is a trademark of, well, MainConcept. Altivec is a trademark of Freescale Semiconductor Inc. MPEG is the colloquial acronym for the international video compression standard created by the Motion Pictures Experts Group aka ISO/IEC-11172 (MPEG-1) and ISO/IEC 13818 (MPEG-2).

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:44 AM | Comments (0)

Wasps, Sand Flies, Moquitoes? Bite Back This Summer with New Bite-Away Product

So far it was highly impossible to guarantee a fast and effective treatment after insect bites Now there is a solution: Bite-Away. The new innovative product works through a specially triggered heating impulse – without any chemicals – and it even fits in the smallest pocket. Ideal for people with allergies.

Auckland, New Zealand (PRWEB) December 23, 2005 -- For many people summer means the best time of the year. Life takes place outdoors: Whether it’s on the beach, in the mountains or just having a relaxed barbeque time, we all thoroughly enjoy this time of the year.

But when spending time outdoors – especially close to water and by consuming sweets or drinks, the little sand flies, mosquitoes, bees and wasps are not far. Stings are not only annoying and mean itching and swelling but can be really dangerous for people with allergies!

So what to do if the little pest has bitten? We say: bite back!

So far it was highly impossible to guarantee a fast and effective treatment – while travelling for example; we have hardly any ice packs or other tools at hand.

Now there is a solution: Bite-Away. The new innovative product works through a specially triggered heating impulse – without any chemicals – and it even fits in the smallest pocket.

The Bite-Away sting healer is a patented high tech product from Germany and has been developed for effectively treating all kinds of insect stings and bites immediately on the spot. When using the Bite-Away right after a sting, it prevents the itching as well as the swelling. Even when using it later or after hours, it will still drastically reduce the itching and swelling.

The Bite-Away works purely naturally by concentrated heat. The golden plate of the device is pointed directly on the sting location and by the push of a button heats up to 50 degrees Celsius. Controlled by an integrated microchip, the heat impulse destroys the protein molecules of the insect poison fast, uncomplicated and safe within just 3-6 seconds.

This innovative gadget is brand new in our country. It works with two standard AA batteries and you can use it for up to 200-300 applications – after that – just replace the batteries! With two different usages and button selections to chose from, the device can be safely used for kids as well as for adults.

Introductory pricing is set at 49.80 NZD (incl. Gst), with a later retail price of 59.90 NZD (incl. Gst) and the item can be ordered directly online under www.wellness-shop.co.nz

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:43 AM | Comments (0)

Regift Your Old Computers on December 28th in Birmingham, Alabama

Vulcan Park Foundation to host “Ecycling” Drive: Wednesday, December 28, Noon-6pm, 1701 Valley View Drive in Birmingham, AL.

Birmingham, AL (PRWEB) December 23, 2005 -- Why keep an old computer laying around if a new one is received for Christmas? On Wednesday, December 28 from noon – 6 pm, the public is encouraged to drop off any used computers, laptops, cell phones and a number of other accepted items to Vulcan Park to be “ecycled.” Volunteers will be on site to assist in the unloading of donated equipment and provide each consumer with a tax receipt. Co-sponsored by TechBirmingham and Vulcan Park Foundation (VPF), this “ecycling” drive is to encourage local residents to recycle their used electronic equipment for the benefit of local non-profits within the greater Birmingham community.

Accepted items include: Desktop computers, Laptop computers, Computer monitors, Keyboards and input devices, Printers, Scanners, Digital cameras, PDAs and handheld devices, Game systems, Printer cartridges (laser and inkjet), and Cell phones.

While most of the items received will be recycled and demanufactured, many will be refurbished. All usable desktop computers will be refurbished and redistributed to select community-based computer learning centers whose programs would benefit from an additional supply of computers. All laptops will be considered for use by Vulcan Park Foundation for educational use in conjunction with Vulcan Park’s wireless Internet service. Such laptops, along with the park’s wireless Internet capability, will allow VPF the opportunity to integrate Internet use in existing children’s workshops, create new educational opportunities designed specifically for learning about “WiFi,” and offer the community access to a valuable resource.

ABOUT VULCAN PARK:
Vulcan Park is home to the world's largest cast iron statue and features spectacular views of Birmingham. We tell the story of Birmingham's past, present and promise for the future. See www.VulcanPark.org for more details or call (205) 933-1409.

ABOUT TECHBIRMINGHAM:
TechBirmingham is a non-profit entity aimed at growing Birmingham’s technology economy. It is a not-for-profit entity formed to lead, support, and coordinate the start-up, attraction, growth, retention, and expansion of technology-based businesses, investments, and jobs for the entire Birmingham metropolitan region. For more information about ecycling, see www.EcyclingDay.org.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:42 AM | Comments (0)

DRAM Demand Grows Mild But High-Density Flash Reports Enlarged Drops, Says DRAMeXchange

Despite demand did spurred demand growth from early December amid the soon coming Christmas impact, DRAM supply trended in a divergent mode as chipmakers found the rapid price drops had edged chip prices to their cost bottom. Demand was encouraged by the growing tight memory supply at the spot market over the week December 13-20 with some speculative transactions being observed.

(PRWEB) December 23, 2005 -- Despite demand did spurred demand growth from early December amid the soon coming Christmas impact, DRAM supply trended in a divergent mode as chipmakers found the rapid price drops had edged chip prices to their cost bottom. Demand was encouraged by the growing tight memory supply at the spot market over the week December 13-20 with some speculative transactions being observed.

DRAMeXchange observes that prices of mainstream DRAM chips remained flat during Dec. 7-13 with module houses started to collect parts. As prices rebounded last week, most traders and distributors hold their inventory and the speculation demand had boosted prices grow further on Dec. 16 2005.

Supply of eTT (UTT) chips and the Hynix made 512Mb 64Mbx8 chips showed particular shortage last week. The major domestic eTT chip supplier who rejected to sell chips under US$1.85 since early December have stimulated memory buyers to collect those available chips which quoted below this price tag from the market, thus boosting related prices up almost 9% sequentially from US$1.86 to US$2.02.

DDR 32Mbx8 400MHz has been up from US$2.0 to US$2.11 from Dec.14 to Dec. 20. DDR 512Mb 64Mbx8 was up from US$3.85 to US$4.16. Marketers showed more interest to source for DDR2 chips, as evident in the stable spot prices of both major and NMB (non-major-brand) chips prices. Major and NMB DDR2 512Mb chip prices were stabilized at US$3.72 and US$3.03 respectively on Dec.20.

Encouraged by the upward pricing trend for both DDR and DDR2 chips, Samsung ramped up its supply of SDRAM chips including SDRAM 1Mx16, 4Mx16 and 8Mx16. However, demand was not pick up significantly with transactions volume turned even lower.

Ample 16Gb NAND Flash supply drags price down further

NAND Flash spot prices keep heading south last week with prices of low-density parts slowed down but the high-density 16Gb enlarged. Spot prices for 1Gb slipped 2% at US$7.54; 2Gb slipped 1% at US$14.76; 4Gb slipped 1% at US$25.98; 8Gb slipped 2% at US$44 and 16Gb slipped 5% at US$74.56 on December 19.

NAND Flash Category Price on Dec. 19
1Gb US$ 7.54 (-2%)
2Gb US$14.76 (-1%)
4Gb US$25.98 (-1%)
8Gb US$44 (-2%)
16Gb US$74.56 (-5%)
▲ NAND Flash Spot Price on Dec. 19, Source: DRAMeXchange

Memory makers keep growing demand last week. OEMs who aim to grab the last batch of orders that they might land before Christmas boosted pushed them to source for the low-density parts (4Gb and below) amid the continuous price drops at these segments. Spot prices were once being boosted, thanks to the urgent inquiries from these vendors. However the price ups scared away demand immediately and pot prices were then once again forced to lower to accommodate demand.

The ample 16Gb NAND flash supply dragged related spot price down as much as 5% at US$74.56 last week, versus the previous 3.9% sequential drop. This price level is set even lower than the contract quotes that some smaller scale customers obtained and this level is edging to the price range of second tier players’.

DRAMeXchange foresees NAND Flash spot prices to slide further as most NAND Flash makers and module houses set their deal date earlier in December and attempt to lower inventory by releasing more stocks. Some chipmakers may even ship unpacked chips in wafer form. Under the severe price pressure, only those OEMs who place urgent orders for low-priced chips or those demands for immediate delivery shipment could be spot at the market.
For detail DRAM and NAND Flash spot price records, please visit: www.dramexchange.com.

About DRAMeXchange:

DRAMeXchange is a global primary provider of futures intelligence, in-depth analysis reports and advisory services on DRAM and flash memory industry with coverage including current business, spot trading prices, and market trends, capital spending and wafer capacity trends, the impact of DRAM/flash memory products on the market, and other relevant PC industry information.

Founded in 2000, DRAMeXchange serves more than 45, 00 clients, including main information officers and other senior IT executives in corporations, as well as technology firms and the investment community. DRAMeXchange helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment communities make fact-based decisions on memory purchases and business strategy. For more information, visit www.dramexchange.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:41 AM | Comments (0)

Low Rate Electronics

Can you find low rate electronics in market now a days? Let us give you some solutions for that.

(PRWEB) December 23, 2005 -- Simpletk.com offers electronics at a discount.

Residents of United States are getting online to buy latest technology. With the new savings on advance technology from simpletk you can save over $250 on every purchase. Simpletk.com allows buyers to save on everything from Ipod to computers. A regular customer was quoted saying “I purchased my computer and was amazed at the savings inside”. This is because every electronics purchased from simpletk.com includes $50 rebate and over $250 savings on each item.

The convenience of www.simpletk.com is amazing. You order your item, you receive $50 rebate plus over $250 savings on each item. The website simpletk.com provides a place for buyers to view details of every product they want. Buyers can find the best rates on electronics with simpletk.com.

The electronics are available 24 hours. Customers are urged to buy any kind of electronics before rates go up.

Simpletk.com is owned and operated by the local business cheapbuy.org.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:40 AM | Comments (0)

Are You Tired of Internet Fraud?

Can you find low rate electronics in market now a days? let us give you some solutions for that.

(PRWEB) December 23, 2005 -- Cheapbuy.org offers electronics at a discount.

Residents of United States are getting online to buy latest technology. With the new savings on advance technology from cheapbuy you can save over $500 on every purchase. cheapbuy.org allows buyers to save on everything from Ipod to computers, radar detector to cb radios. A regular customer was quoted saying “I purchased my computer and was amazed at the savings inside”. This is because every electronics purchased from cheapbuy.org includes $50 rebate and over $500 savings on each item.

The convenience of www.cheapbuy.org is amazing. You order your item, you receive $50 rebate plus over $500 savings on each item. The website cheapbuy.org provides a place for buyers to view details of every product they want. Buyers can find the best rates on electronics with cheapbuy.org

The electronics are available 24 hours. Customers are urged to buy any kind of electronics before rates go up.

Cheapbuy.org is owned and operated by the local business in Newjersey.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:38 AM | Comments (0)

December 22, 2005

Shopping Mavens Get High-Tech Reinforcement for Final Push to Christmas, Using Mobile Devices to Find Gifts in Nearby Shops

The publishers of "Where to Wear," a connoisseur’s directory of merchandise in every “in” store in shopping capitals around the world, released today a high-tech electronic guide for New York City that scans stores in the vicinity and reports which ones have hits on the user’s shopping list.

New York (PRWEB via MobilityNewswire) December 22, 2005 -- Desperate times call for desperate measures, and with Christmas just days away, shoppers can now resort to a mobile-tech guide that sniffs out gifts as they walk.

The publishers of "Where to Wear," a connoisseur’s directory of merchandise in every “in” store in shopping capitals around the world, released today a high-tech electronic guide for New York City that scans stores in the vicinity and reports which ones have hits on the user’s shopping list.

“This is the Google of shopping – except you don’t have to do searches, you don’t have to ask for every item over and over and you don’t even have to be thinking about it,” said Jill Fairchild, founder of Where to Wear and daughter of fashion publishing mogul John Fairchild. “It just happens on your handheld. It’s becoming all about accessibility and this is like having a personal shopper at your fingertips.”

The Where to Wear “spot guide” downloads to Palm OS PDAs or smartphones. Using built-in maps and location awareness, a user can choose one or more items from a particular shopping list, and the device will scan through thousands of store listings to show which places have the item, and where they are on the map.

“There's plenty of shopping time, you can even be a hero, if you have the info,” said Jim Brady, self-described compulsive shopper and CEO of Earthcomber, the developer of the GPS-targeting shopping guide, during a hasty demonstration. “Watch this.”

Tapping the map at the intersection of Spring and Crosby just above the Village, more than a dozen miniature shopping bags dotted the screen, marking nearby stores that had “hits” for Brady's list of outerwear, cashmere, retro, wearable art and Western.

Tapping “Western,” four shops appeared, including “Western Spirit,” where Where to Wear's insiders promised, “You don't need to be a Texan to dress like a cowboy,” and inventoried moccasins, hats, boots, buckles and pearl-buttoned shirts on three floors.

The shopping guide is available – instantly - as a download at www.Earthcomber.com, where a number of other mobile guides from publishers such as Mobil Travel Guides, Moon and Damron are available. The cost for the Where to Wear shopping guide is $9.95.

Where to Wear will be releasing guides for other American cities in January and cities abroad later in 2006, the publishers said.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:38 AM | Comments (0)

Digigami Demonstrates VBR HD MPEG-2 Encoding Competitve with H.264

Digigami today announced its new MegaPEG HD MPEG-2 VBR encoder is capable of matching and, in some cases, exceeding the picture quality while offering reduced bitrates compared to current H.264 encoders.

Long Beach, CA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) December 22, 2005 -- Digigami today announced its new MegaPEG HD MPEG-2 VBR encoder is capable of matching and, in some cases, exceeding the picture quality while offering reduced bitrates compared to current H.264 encoders.

Recently, Sony Pictures senior VP of advanced technologies, Don Ecklund, was blasted for his assertions about MPEG-2 video quality in defense of Sony's decision to release HD MPEG-2 encoded feature films on Blu-Ray discs. Digigami's own research and actual MPEG encoder output (sample movies available at http://www.digigami.com/megapeg/hdtv_samples.php) verify Ecklund's claims that MPEG-2 can and will continue to achieve quality/bitrates comparable to H.264 for the next generation of optical disc formats, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVD.

New Advances in MPEG-2 VBR Encoding squeeze Hi-Def MPEG-2 on standard DVD

Proponents claim H.264 is capable of HD encoding feature films at the same bitrates as standard definition DVD. To the extent that this is true, the capability is not unique to H.264. The new Digigami HD encoder can produce 720p content with an average bitrate of 3-7 mbit/s, which is equivalent to the bitrates used in today's standard definition DVD titles. Comparing with H.264 we can see there is no advantage; an improved MPEG-2 encoder can perform this feat well. Score one for MPEG-2.

"In our tests here at Digigami, we find that our MPEG-2 encoder is actually outperforming H.264 by a wide margin on 720p/1080p film content. Typically, our HD MPEG-2 encoder can produce VBR files two thirds to one half the bitrate produced by current H.264 encoders. On our website we have compressed material which supports this assertion. A recent example is a 400MB H.264 720p video blog that we recompressed to 172MB MPEG-1 VBR. In our testing, only highly saturated, brightly colored material (atypical of most content) is improved by H.264 - owing primarily to the use of 4:2:2 color."

Improves Widely Used MPEG-2 Rather Than Hopping H.264 Bandwagon

Digigami took a different approach to improving their video encoder technology. Firstly, the company built a powerful analysis tool (http://www.digigami.com/mpressionist/), which allows employees and customers to quantitatively analyze any existing compressed MPEG-2 footage. The results of different encoders, including H.264 encoders, can be compared quantitatively. Secondly, Digigami used these tools to analyze a large number of commercial DVD titles encoded by different encoders and mastering houses. Based on the findings, they made improvements to the company's core MPEG-2 encoder which eliminates inefficiencies of previous generation encoders - the same goal as H.264. However, these improvements require no changes to MPEG-2 HD televisions, which is the reason for having an ISO standard in the first place.

Pricing and Availability
The Digigami MegaPEG HDTV VBR MPEG-2 encoder is currently shipping and is available for Mac OS X, and runs on most modern Apple hardware. The price is $995.00, which includes everything you need for multi-pass interactive VBR encoding of feature film content. Digigami technical support provides assistance in achieving superior quality and file sizes with both HD and SD encoding.

About Digigami
Digigami is a privately held company headquartered in the greater Los Angeles area. Digigami was founded in 1994 and released its first MPEG-1/MPEG-2 encoder, MegaPEG, in 1996 along with an early Netscape plug-in that plays streaming video in MPEG, AVI, QuickTime formats. For the past 10 years, Digigami has been continuously improving its MPEG video compression technology; MPressionist HDTV, MegaPEG HDTV and MoviesForMyPod are the most recent Digigami products.

For details and pricing information on all Digigami products, please visit our Web site at http://www.digigami.com/.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:37 AM | Comments (0)

December 21, 2005

Fastrax Appoints RUTRONIK as Distributor of Fastrax GPS Technology

Fastrax Ltd., a leading provider of open and portable OEM GPS Software Development Kit environments and programmable OEM GPS receivers, today announced a distribution agreement with RUTRONIK Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH, one of Europe's leading distributors for electromechanical components.

Helsinki, Finland and Ispringen, Germany (PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -– Fastrax Ltd., a leading provider of open and portable OEM GPS Software Development Kit environments and programmable OEM GPS receivers, today announced a distribution agreement with RUTRONIK Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH, one of Europe's leading broadband distributors for active, passive and electromechanical components in addition to displays and embedded boards.

RUTRONIK represents leading electronics manufacturers in a wide range of product categories. The company will distribute Fastrax GPS products in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Switzerland.

"At RUTRONIK, our aim is to combine innovation with outstanding expertise and a wide market presence. Fastrax' state-of-the-art OEM GPS receivers are an excellent addition to our product portfolio, and we are delighted to welcome the company to our worldwide network of industry-leading suppliers," said Thomas Rudel, Managing Director, Sales and Marketing, RUTRONIK.

"RUTRONIK is a leader in the highly competitive European electronics distribution sector. We look forward to the new collaboration and expect that this agreement will further strengthen our position in the global market for OEM GPS products," said Mr. Fredrik Borgstrom, responsible for Fastrax's European sales.

Fastrax OEM GPS receivers offer industry-leading benefits in performance, size, power consumption and versatility. Fastrax products enable the implementation of position-aware features into practically any device. The GPS modules are ideally suited for both industrial tracking systems and small battery-operated products such as mobile phones, asset tracking devices, handheld computers and sports accessories.

The Fastrax iSuite 3 SDK can be used to rapidly modify the features and functionality of a GPS receiver, allowing receiver performance and power management to be tailored for any usage scenario. By utilizing the spare CPU and memory resources of the GPS receiver, the Fastrax iSuite 3 SDK can significantly reduce the bill of materials and non-recurring expenses of GPS products.

Fastrax contact:
Fredrik Borgstrom
Sales Manager, Europe
Tel. +358 40 564 4498

Fastrax agency contact:
Netprofile Tech PR
Juha Rantanen
Tel. +358 9 6812 080

Rutronik contact:
Edgar Huber
Head of Marketing and Communications
Tel. +49 7231 801 628

About Fastrax Ltd
Fastrax provides industry-leading receivers and software solutions for optimal utilization of GPS (Global Positioning System) and other GNSS location services (Global Navigation Satellite Systems). Fastrax transforms GPS technologies into highly scalable iTrax and iSuite solutions with open interfaces, combined to ultra low power consumption and miniature hardware design. With industry-leading performance, Fastrax GPS receivers navigate continuously even in extreme conditions. Receivers are ideally suited to both industrial location applications and high-volume consumer products such as cell phones and sports accessories. Fastrax Engineering Services provide expert services in application design. Headquartered in Finland and founded in 1999, the company is privately owned and backed by leading venture capital investors CapMan, Eqvitec, Startupfactory and Innocap, with a strategic investment by Suunto Corporation, a subsidiary of Amer Sports Corporation, one of the world's leading sports equipment companies. More information: www.fastrax.fi.

About RUTRONIK
RUTRONIK Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH is one of Europe's leading broadband distributors for active, passive and electromechanical components in addition to displays and embedded boards. The markets that the company primarily targets include the automotive, telecommunications, consumer goods and industrial electronics industries. Wide-ranging services, competent transfers of expertise in the areas of product development and design, as well as logistics and supply chain management solutions round off its customer and future-oriented range of goods and services. The company, established by Helmut Rudel in Ispringen, Germany in 1973, employs about 1,000 staff throughout Europe and is looking to achieve sales of EUR 425 million in fiscal year 2005.
More information: www.rutronik.com.

About GPS
Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide satellite navigation infrastructure funded and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense, originally developed for U.S. military purposes. GPS provides satellite signals that enable GPS receivers to calculate their exact position and velocity. The GPS infrastructure has three segments. The space segment consists of 24 satellites that orbit the earth every 12 hours. The control segment consists of tracking stations located around the world, with the master control station located at Falcon Air Force Base in Colorado. The user segment consists of GPS receivers and users utilizing the information provided by the system. GPS is widely used in applications such as marine navigation.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:18 AM | Comments (0)

Doctor Sound Makes Home Theater Dreaming Easier and Reality a Click Away

Doctor Sound Home Theater announces the launching of their new Web site, www.drsoundinc.com. Doctor Sound specializes in designing and installing home theater and entertainment systems, intercom systems and even central vacuums.

Lewisville, Texas (PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- Have you ever dreamed of having the ultimate home entertainment center? Where do you turn for creative ideas and trustworthy, cost effective solutions?

Doctor Sound, leader in home entertainment systems and home automation, announces the launch of their new website www.DrSoundInc.com.

Doctor Sound was founded in 1997 in Lewisville, Texas. Because Doctor Sound is dedicated to quality products and customer satisfaction, there are already many delighted customers in the Lewisville, Flower Mound, Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake areas of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Doctor Sound offers a wide variety of Home Entertainment Systems, from custom design and installation of home theaters, home wiring, intercom systems and even central vacuum installation.

The easily accessible Gallery of home entertainment solutions on www.DrSoundInc.com will help you visualize the many possibilities for your personal home entertainment system.

The owners want you to know, “Our mission in life, and in business, is to be honest, sincere servants of God, and to cherish our many blessings. We have enjoyed meeting such dynamic people through our business, and look forward to building relationships with many more clients as we continue to grow. We would love to help make your entertainment system a dream come true.”

The process is easy. It starts with a free quote. If necessary, an appointment for an In-Home Estimate will be arranged.
A design is developed for your approval.

The installation is scheduled at your convenience.
On completion, you receive a tutorial on your new specific system, complete with cheat sheets.

Remember, all Doctor Sound products come with an Exclusive 60 Day Operation Training Guarantee to help you maximize your understanding of the features available within your new system.
Please take a moment and visit this highly intuitive new website www.DrSoundInc.com

Carita Weaver, WSI Internet Consultant, is the web designer responsible for this excellent site. www.wsipowernet.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:16 AM | Comments (0)

Wireless Extenders Offers New Signal Booster at 800MHZ To Increase Cell Phone Coverage in Homes and Offices

Wireless Extenders, Inc. (www.wirelessextenders.com), a leader in developing new products that enhance wireless cellular communications, announced their latest product, the YX500-CEL. This reliable product captures and amplifies the 800MHz signal for cell phone users in homes or offices where cellular signal cannot penetrate.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- Wireless Extenders, Inc. (www.wirelessextenders.com), a leader in developing new products that enhance wireless cellular communications, announced their latest product, the YX500-CEL. This reliable product captures and amplifies the 800MHz signal for cell phone users in homes or offices where cellular signal cannot penetrate. This product joins the strong-selling YX500PCS and the YX600PCS versions that are compatible with all PCS (1900Mhz) phones.

According to research, over 35% of cellular phone users nationwide experience poor quality or loss of signal strength when using a cell phone in their office or home. Increasing the indoor coverage can translate into increased productivity and savings. Some of the benefits include extending the battery life, replacing landlines phones, reducing or eliminating dropped calls and increasing wireless applications such as instant messaging, 3G high-speed data picture mail and more.

“Now our products increase cellular coverage indoors on two different bands and work with most carriers including Cingular, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon,” says Lloyd R. Meese, President and CEO of Wireless Extenders, “In addition, our products allow consumers to remain wireless indoors – they require no cradles or wires like other available booster options.”

Wireless Extenders products are sold at major retail outlets such as CompUSA, Fry’s and Solid Signal.

About Wireless Extenders (www.wirelessextenders.com)
Wireless Extenders manufactures and distributes the YX series of cell phone signal boosters. They are available at many retail outlets including CompUSA (www.compusa.com ), Fry’s www.frys.com and Solid Signal (www.solidsignal.com ). With research and development headquarters in Atlanta’s Technology Park, the company has developed the first consumer-priced signal booster for the small office/home office (SOHO) wireless market. These signal boosters work with wireless carriers such as Cingular, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. Wireless Extenders, Inc. continues to develop new products to meet the demands of an increasingly wireless society by enhancing wireless signals. Upcoming additions to the popular YX series of cell phone signal boosters include products for the Nextel, units for automobiles, travel units and units for European frequencies

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:16 AM | Comments (0)

Kozio Announces Support for Freescale's PowerQUICC™ II Pro Communications Processor Family; Kozio Provides Hardware Validation Through the Entire Product Life-Cycle

Kozio, Inc., the leading provider of advanced embedded functional test and diagnostics capabilities ideally suited for board bring-up, manufacturing test and power-on self-test, today announced support for the Freescale Semiconductor (www.freescale.com) PowerQUICC™ II Pro family of communications processors based on PowerPC® cores.

Longmont, Colorado (PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- Kozio, Inc., the leading provider of advanced embedded functional test and diagnostics capabilities ideally suited for board bring-up, manufacturing test and power-on self-test, today announced support for the Freescale Semiconductor (www.freescale.com) PowerQUICC™ II Pro family of communications processors based on PowerPC® cores. Kozio broadens its line of supported processors for its production-ready embedded software products, enabling customers to quickly validate new board designs. Kozio’s products are the perfect solution for companies looking to save development effort while streamlining the process of preparing production-ready processor boards with increased reliability.

“We are thrilled to be adding to our support of Freescale processors as well as extending our alliance with Silicon Turnkey Express. This is an exciting time for us as our customers are realizing the value of adding extensive hardware testing and diagnostics to their overall product development,” stated Joseph Skazinski, Kozio’s president.

Kozio, a member of the Freescale Tools Alliance Program, provides advanced test capabilities for custom board designs based on the PowerQUICC II Pro processor with two week delivery times. Kozio’s latest release includes support for the MPC8343E, MPC8347E, MPC8349E, MPC8358E, and MPC8360E processors. Functional tests, diagnostics and programming capabilities are provided for the CPU, Flash memory, DDR SDRAM, NVRAM, PCI, I2C, GPIO, Ethernet Controllers, USB, local bus, UART, DMA Controllers, SPI and Interrupt Controller. Kozio software allows faults to be isolated down to the component level. Additional capabilities are available as needed, because each Kozio product delivery is custom tailored to each customer’s board design.

“Extensive hardware test capabilities provide a great enabler for Freescale customers, allowing them to get products to market faster,” said Mike Shoemake, business manager for Freescale’s Digital Systems Division. “Kozio software provides very attractive test capabilities for PowerQUICC processors, including the functional testing of high-speed serial interfaces.”

Kozio is partnering with Silicon Turnkey Express (www.silicontkx.com) and providing evaluation copies of Kozio’s kDiagnostics software package for STx’s GP2-PRO reference platform, a low-cost single-board computer using the Freescale PowerQUICC II Pro processor. The GP2-PRO provides an upgrade path from 82xx PowerQUICC II processor-based systems and provides integral cryptographic accelerator and Gigabit Ethernet features, making it ideal for network security and virtual storage applications. Kozio's evaluation copy of kDiagnostics includes functional tests for SATA, USB, Gigabit Ethernet and the core MPC83xx features.

“I see significant value in using Kozio test software for manufacturing PowerQUICC devices,” said Robert Applebaum, President of Silicon Turnkey Express.

Support for your custom hardware platform using a PowerQUICC II Pro processor is now available. As with all Kozio products, software can be customized to meet specific customer requirements.

About Kozio, Inc.
Kozio, Inc. develops software solutions that verify design and validate hardware for embedded single-board computer systems used in products such as ADSL gateways, wireless access points, network routers, voice solutions, security and test equipment, and aerospace systems. Kozio's products provide comprehensive test solutions, including diagnostics for board bring-up, automated manufacturing test, and built-in self-test software for manufactured products. Kozio's customers design, develop and manufacture boards used in computer-based electronic systems for the aerospace, networking, defense, test and wireless industries. Kozio products ease many embedded systems development challenges, from design through manufacturing and support, saving customers time and money. The company is privately held and based in Longmont, Colorado. For more information, visit www.kozio.com.

Kozio and kDiagnostics is a registered trademark of Kozio, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Contact: Joseph Skazinski, Kozio, Inc., (303) 776-1356,
or Brad Shannon, Shannon Marketing Communications, (970) 461-4906.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:15 AM | Comments (0)

The RFID Patent Pool: Playing Poker

RFID Consortium Charts Its Next Move.

(PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- By Mark Johnson, RFID Tribe -- It has been several months since the RFID Consortium announced its intent to form a patent pool for the intellectual property required for UHF RFID standards from EPCglobal and ISO. The RFID Consortium is charting its structure and creating its licensing rules.

Let the Game Begin:
The RFID Consortium publicly announced its intent to form a patent pool in August 2005 and followed with an announcement in September 2005 that it had selected MPEG LA, LLC as the administrator for the RFID patent licensing process.

The RFID Consortium official members are Alien Technology, Applied Wireless Identifications Group (AWID), Avery Dennison, Moore Wallace, Symbol Technologies, ThingMagic, Tyco Fire & Security and Zebra Technologies. The group of eight companies that are official members of the consortium has not grown since the August announcement according to Stan Drobac, vice president of RFID applications at Avery Dennison and spokesperson for the RFID Consortium.

Patent pool structures and consortia royalty sharing models vary. Drobac told RFID Tribe, "We are borrowing elements from multiple business models to construct our model.”

Playing Poker:
RFID Tribe talked with Andrew Updegrove, partner at Gesmer Updegrove LLP and editor of ConsortiumInfo.org. Gesmer Updegrove has advised more than 70 standards-setting and promotional consortia regarding their formation, member classes, dues structure, standards and certification processes, including the Near Field Communication (NFC) Forum and the Mobile Payments Forum.

Updegrove said. “The idea for patent pools is to cap the ‘tax’ on a device to allow for greater market adoption.” The tax in the form of a royalty is set at ‘what the market will bear’. The cap is typically either a percent of the device’s price or a flat fee per device.

There are several advantages to patent pool consortia. Patent pools enable efficiency when the market can obtain a single capped royalty for a device where equipment providers need only one license and deal with one entity for licensing. Consortium patent pool participants benefit by sharing in the consortium’s royalty stream according to a patent pool formula devised by the participating companies. In addition, patent pools level the playing field so that one firm pays the same royalty fee as its competitor for selling a device. Consortia tend to save valuable resources for member companies - they spend less time and less capital defending a lower number of lawsuits.

With much at stake, companies work diligently to set technology standards and to commercialize their intellectual property by pooling their patents with others. “Standards setting is a game of hardball” said Updegrove.

Due to anti-trust issues associated with patent pooling, some consortia in the United States send a letter to the US Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking an opinion. This letter details the consortium’s structure, membership model and licensing algorithms and asks the DOJ for an opinion on whether the consortium, as proposed, would violate anti-trust laws. The DOJ issues a non-binding letter back to the consortium rendering an opinion.

The DOJ letter is not required, but gives the consortium member companies a signal on whether their consortium will withstand potential legal challenges regarding anti-trust issues.

“Consortia and patent pools are like a poker game” said Updegrove. Anyone can play, anyone can drop out if they don’t like the game and any player can challenge another’s patents to “call a bluff.”

Successful consortia start with a population of “promoting companies” and grow their efforts to include “adopting companies” which adopt the licensing model. The RFID Consortium “promoting companies” began marketing their efforts with the August 2005 announcement, followed by the September 2005 announcement on selecting MPEG LA as the licensing administrator. As the poker game continues, potential member companies should receive invitations from consortium member companies to join the patent pool, followed by announcements defining the patent pool and regarding licensing enforcement.

According to Updegrove a typical path, for a consortium forming a patent pool might involve the following activities: pre-formation meetings held by the initial promoting companies, seeking a DOJ opinion letter, selecting a legal or operating structure, selecting a licensing administrator, setting the agreement for the patent pool, selecting an expert or experts to qualify the patents for inclusion in the pool, creating a call for patents, qualifying patents, documenting patents included in the pool, releasing a public announcement of the patent royalty, ensuring the licensing administrator protects patent pool IP and directing the licensing administer to manage the royalty stream.

Gaining Efficiencies:
According to Larry Horn, vice president of licensing and business development at MPEG LA, the “most efficient” licensing structure for the RFID industry is a place to obtain a single license for all the patents associated with a given standard. This saves transactional costs associated with negotiating with several firms and paying multiple license fees to use a technology. To achieve that most efficient structure requires that all of the patent holders for the technologies required to implement the RFID UHF standard would be a part of the RFID Consortium. Horn indicated that 100 percent participation is a goal but is not always possible. He has seldom seen any patent pool obtain all the patents for a given standard.

A recent study published in November 2005 examined licensing rules for 63 patent pools established between 1895 and 2001 ( “The Design of Patent Pools: The Determinants of Licensing Rules” by Josh Lerner, Marcin Strojwas, and Jean Tirole). The study found that pools consisting of complementary patents are more likely to allow members to engage in independent licensing. The study also found the requirement that firms license patents to the pool (grantbacks), should be associated with pools that consist of complementary patents and allow independent licensing.

License fees for the RFID Consortium have not been set. Horn commented that the license fees will be non-exclusive – the market retains the right to negotiate bilaterally with any of the firms in the patent pool for rights to use that firm’s technology. But most equipment providers who want to license the applicable RFID technologies will recognize the efficiency of licensing from the RFID Consortium’s patent pool.

Setting a Structure:
“The RFID Consortium has not yet selected a structure” said Bill Dolan, of Bell, Boyd and Lloyd, LLC, the law firm advising the RFID Consortium. The consortium may form as a limited liability company (LLC) or it may require members to sign patent pool agreements and create an administrative committee comprised of representatives from its member firms.

The RFID Consortium’s current agreement with MPEG LA, its licensing administrator, more closely resembles a memorandum of understanding (MOU) than a contract. RFID Consortium members are to be determined in the consortium’s early stages. A more detailed contract may be forthcoming when the consortium membership solidifies and when there is more definition regarding licensing details.

There are no patents in the pool at this point. Horn anticipates that the call for patents will come from MPEG LA in the first quarter of 2006.

The RFID Consortium will identify an independent expert to qualify patents as part of the patent pool. Horn says, “The expert is like an umpire in a baseball game calling strikes and balls for each pitch.” As patent holders submit patent claims through MPEG LA, the expert will make a call on each patent. The expert evaluates the patent to determine whether the patent is required to implement a given technology standard.

The RFID Consortium may send the DOJ a letter seeking an opinion on the consortium’s structure. Horn claims that the MPEG LA licensing model is widely accepted by the DOJ with respect to anti-trust issues and that there may not be a need to seek a DOJ letter of opinion for the RFID Consortium. That decision will be left to RFID Consortium members.

The following agreements are not completed, but are anticipated as the RFID Consortium progresses:
1. Agreement to pool patents using reasonable and non-discriminatory pricing (RAND). This is an agreement between the patent pool participants – the licensing administrator is typically not a party to this agreement. The agreement would detail license fees and royalty split algorithms.
2. Agreement in which RFID Consortium grants licensing rights to the licensing administrator (MPEG LA).
3. Licensing administrator agreement in which MPEG LA and consortium agree to the terms for services provided by licensing administrator and details of payments for those services.
4. License for the RFID Consortium’s pooled patents detailing the rights purchased by the licensee.

“My experience is that patent pools start with a base of patents that grow and gain momentum over time.” Horn said.

Technology standards, patent pools and efficient licensing structures are all part of the landscape as RFID technology matures and gains market acceptance. Eight companies have answered the call to “ante-up” and join the patent pool, optimistic that the RFID industry will benefit from a more efficient licensing model.

Copyright © 2005 RFID Tribe. All rights reserved. www.rfidtribe.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:13 AM | Comments (0)

December 20, 2005

Worlds First Full Speed USB Keystroke Recording Device or Keylogger, Looks Like USB Extension Cable.

Keystroke recording device that looks like USB extension cable. Records USB keystrokes in 512KB of non-volatile flash memory. Measures 60x18x18mm. Worlds first device to work with all USB keyboards on both PC and Mac.

Christchurch, Canterbury (PRWEB) December 20, 2005 -- DesignREM today announced the release of the worlds first device that records USB full speed keystrokes.

The keylogger device has 512KB of non-volatile flash memory, and looks like a USB extension cable.

Measuring just 60x18x18mm, the USB keylogger has two internal CPU's totalling 90MIPS of processing power. 90MIPS of processing power is more processing power than an iPod Nano contains.

Records keystrokes from all USB keyboards on both PC and Mac. Works on any operating system including Windows, Linux and Mac OS.

"Journalists and writers have shown a particularly strong interest - the ability to record the last 3 years of typing in secure flash memory is proving to be an invaluable backup tool." says Shane Tolmie, managing director of DesignREM.

"I can't tell you how many articles I have lost over the years when Windows flakes out," says Shane McGlaun, Computer Peripherals editor of www.about.com.

The founding director of DesignREM was also responsible for the invention of the worlds first PS/2 keylogger in 1999. This PS/2 keylogger device was later annexed in 2003 and sold separately by the current competitor, KeyGhost.

The KeyPhantom USB is entirely firmware upgradable via a Windows utility, allowing future expansion for recording generic USB traffic from devices such as bar code, thumb print, or magnetic stripe readers.

See www.keyphantom.com.

Animated product demo at www.keyphantom.com/demo (25 seconds long).

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:58 AM | Comments (0)

Speedline Announces Free Monthly Webinars to Tackle SMT Manufacturing Challenges

Speedline Technologies experts will tackle the SMT industry’s most pressing manufacturing challenges in a new series of free, monthly webinars. More info: Speedline Technologies experts will tackle the SMT industry’s most pressing manufacturing challenges in a new series of free, monthly webinars (www.speedlinetech.com/seminars).

FRANKLIN, MASSACHUSETTS (PRWEB) December 20, 2005 -- Speedline Technologies experts will tackle the SMT industry’s most pressing manufacturing challenges in a new series of free, monthly webinars.

Designed for OEM and CEM process engineers, each of the monthly one-hour Internet-based seminars will focus on challenges specific to a major surface mount technology manufacturing process – ranging from lead free printing to high speed underfill to practical DOE and SPC for electronics assembly to 0201 and 01005 component assembly – and more.

Experts from Speedline Technologies, the SMT industry’s single-source of process knowledge, solutions, and service, will host the online workshops. The webinars will include an educational presentation, discussion of new technologies and techniques, practical how-to advice, and a Q&A opportunity.

The 2006 schedule is:
• Thursday, January 19 - Lead Free Printing Process
• Thursday, February 16 - 0201 and 01005 Component Assembly Process
• Thursday, March 16 - Lead Free Reflow Soldering
• Thursday, April 13 - Adhesive Printing
• Thursday, May 18 - Pin in Paste (Intrusive Reflow)
• Thursday, June 15 - Lead Free Wave Soldering
• Thursday, July 13 - Challenges of High Speed Underfill
• Thursday, August 17 - Lead Free Printing Process
• Thursday, September 14 - Practical DOE and SPC for Electronics Assembly
• Thursday, October 19 - Cleaning Lead Free Residues
• Thursday, November 16 - MicroDot Dispensing
• Thursday, December 14 - 0201 and 01005 Component Assembly Process

All Web casts are free and will begin at 11 AM, U.S. Eastern time. For more information, or to register, go to www.speedlinetech.com/seminars or call 1-508-541-4749.

About Speedline Technologies
Speedline Technologies is the global leader in process knowledge and expertise for the PCB assembly and semiconductor industries. Based in Franklin, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company markets five best-in-class brands — Accel microelectronics cleaning equipment; Camalot dispensing systems; Electrovert wave soldering, reflow soldering, and cleaning equipment; MPM stencil and screen printing systems; and Protect global services, support, and training solutions.

Speedline Technologies is Frost & Sullivan’s “2005 Surface Mount Technology Company of the Year.” For more information, visit: http://www.speedlinetech.com or contact Speedline at:
• USA: Speedline Technologies, 16 Forge Park, Franklin, MA 02038 USA, Tel: 1-508-520-0083, Fax: 1-508-520-2288
• Europe: Speedline Technologies GmbH, Im Gefierth 14, 63303 Dreieich, Germany, Tel: +49 (0)6103/832-0, Fax: +49(0)6103/832-299
• Asia: Speedline Technologies Asia Pte Ltd, 150 Kampong Ampat, #05-08 KA Centre, Singapore 368324, Tel: 65-6286-6635, Fax: 65-6289-9411.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:57 AM | Comments (0)

LoadPod Offers Holiday Shoppers Same-Day Delivery on Gift Certificates

LoadPod gift certificates can be ordered as late as Saturday, December 24th and receive them in time for the holidays thanks to LoadPod's same-day delivery service.

(PRWEB) December 20, 2005 -- Last-minute holiday shoppers can order a LoadPod Gift Certificate for their favorite iPod user as late as December 24th, and a printable copy of the Gift Certificate will be emailed to the customer the same day. This same-day delivery allows shoppers to place their order at the last minute and still receive the Gift Certificate in time to use it as a holiday gift. LoadPod Gift Certificates are available in increments starting at $100 and can be used for any combination of iPod loading, iPod training, and any other service LoadPod offers.

For more information on LoadPod Gift Certificates, visit http://www.loadpod.com/gift.html

About LoadPod

LoadPod was founded in early 2004 as the first company to load a customer's CD collection into their iPod for them. The in-person service quickly caught on and grew to be nationwide by mid-2004, with the team of local service providers numbering in the hundreds and providing blanket service to every area code in the United States. Today, LoadPod has loaded millions of songs into thousands of iPods, and is the nation's leader in iPod loading services. LoadPod is proud to have single-handedly invented the iPod loading industry. The service works by picking up the customer's iPod and CD collection at their home or office anywhere in the United States, and returning it all to them five days later with the music fully loaded. At that time the music is also loaded into iTunes on the customer's computer so that the iPod's auto-sync is kept intact, allowing customers to continue to easily add new music to the iPod themselves in the future.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:56 AM | Comments (0)

Belden's Expanded Line of New Generation® Safe-T-Line™ Cables Ensures Continued Operation of Emergency Warning and EVAC Systems

Belden CDT Electronics Division, a world leader in the development of specialty cable products for the industrial, commercial, broadcast and residential markets, has expanded its line of New Generation® Safe-T-Line™ cables, which now includes circuit integrity (CI), CI-PLTC, and circuit integrity in conduit (CIC) cables.

Richmond, IN (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) December 19, 2005 -- Belden CDT Electronics Division, a world leader in the development of specialty cable products for the industrial, commercial, broadcast and residential markets, has expanded its line of New Generation® Safe-T-Line™ cables, which now includes circuit integrity (CI), CI-PLTC, and circuit integrity in conduit (CIC) cables. In the event of fire or emergency in high-rise buildings, Safe-T-Line CI and CIC cables are used to connect the Fire Command Center to various zones throughout the building. The cables are designed to help ensure continued operation of a building's emergency warning systems for sufficient time to allow occupants to evacuate in a timely, safe and orderly fashion.

The NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®, and many local building codes, mandate ongoing operation of Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications (EVAC) systems for two hours in structures where immediate evacuation is difficult or impossible, such as high-rise office buildings. Cables designated by the NEC as Circuit Integrity are riser-rated, which means they can be installed vertically and still withstand direct contact with flame. Cables designated as CIC may be installed in the area above a ceiling, but they must be contained within conduit. All of Belden's New Generation Safe-T-Line cables are designed, engineered and constructed to meet applicable electrical requirements for CI, CIC and CI-PLTC as established by NEC, NFPA and UL standards and codes.

Safe-T-Line CI cables have been tested to and passed the 2-hour UL 2196 Flame Test without the use of conduit. They cannot, however, be deployed in conduit and still maintain their 2-hour rating and thus are riser-rated only. Safe-T-Line CIC cables have been tested to and passed the UL 2196 Flame Test while installed in EMT conduit according to the Electrical Circuit Protective System (FHIT) #30 of the UL Fire Resistance Directory. Therefore, CIC cables are designated for use in plenum installations, but cannot be deployed outside of conduit. Belden also offers Safe-T-Line Circuit Integrity Power Limited Tray Cables (CI-PLTC) and higher pair/triad counts on a special order basis.

To ensure their respective 2-hour Flame Test compliance ratings, Belden Safe-T-Line cables feature thermoset elastomer insulation and flame-retardant, low smoke, zero halogen (LSZH) polyolefin jackets. The cables are available in solid, stranded shielded or unshielded construction in various AWG sizes to meet a wide range of application requirements.

And, because electrical codes dictate that CI and CIC cables must not be spliced between the Fire Command Center and the zone served, Belden offers its Safe-T-Line cables in 1,000-ft lengths, with longer lengths available upon request.

For more information about Belden's New Generation Safe-T-Line Cables, contact Belden CDT Electronics Division, P.O. Box 1980, Richmond, Indiana 47375, or call 1-800-BELDEN-4 to request New Product Bulletin NP205. FAX: 765-983-5294. Or visit the Web site: www.belden.com.

About Belden CDT Electronics Division
Belden CDT Electronics Division, a unit of Belden CDT Inc., is a leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of cable products for the entertainment, residential, industrial and security markets. It also provides highly engineered products for both the aerospace and automotive markets. Belden CDT Electronics Division is headquartered in Richmond, Indiana, it has manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe and distribution centers in the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Australia and the Netherlands. A majority of Belden's manufacturing, engineering and support functions are registered to the International Organization for Standardization.

Belden CDT Inc., formed in July 2004 through the merger of Belden Inc. and Cable Design Technologies Corp., is one of the largest U.S.-based manufacturers of high-speed electronic cables and focuses on products for the specialty electronics and data networking markets, including connectivity.

Media Contact:
Belden CDT Electronics Division
Frank Stone
1-800-BELDEN-4

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:54 AM | Comments (0)

December 19, 2005

Not Your Average Wireless Thingy: LTB Audio Systems Announces New 2.4GHz Digital True 5.1 Headphones Named Cinema 1 and Stereo Wireless Headphones Named 'Concert'

LTB Audio Systems, the leading manufacturer of true digital 5.1 headphone technology announces it will begin showing it’s new line of True Digital 2.4GHz wireless headphones including the revolutionary True 5.1 Version at this years International CES 2006 in Las Vegas. These wireless 2.4GHz true digital non-compressed audio headphone systems are already starting to become available in stereo at many retailers. The True 5.1 Model will reach stores in mid January.

Teterboro, NJ (PRWEB) December 19, 2005 -- LTB Audio Systems will be showing it’s new line of True Digital Wireless 2.4GHz headphone systems at CES 2006. The greatly anticipated True 5.1 model called Cinema 1 is designed to revolutionize home theater and consol gaming. The true 5.1 technology used in LTB wired headphones will now take a leap into a high fidelity digital wireless product that utilizes ac3 input from digital audio sources and creates a true 6 channel, distortion free listening experience with the convenience of personal headphones.

Utilizing Lithium Polyma high capacity batteries has enabled the Cinema 1 to be a long playing, quick charging companion to you personal media experience. “Once you put these on, it’s hard to image how you watched a movie without them” says product manager Tony Tong. LTB has already begun taking back orders for the cinema 1 model and has been shipping a similar digital stereo model call Concert since December 1st. The technology behind LTB’s wireless headphones is a mix of FSK modulation used in digital network technology and multi-band selections of channels. The True 5.1 Model is equipped with patented Independent Sound Chambers and SafeBass technology, used to protect ones ears against overwhelming Bass levels. LTB has combined several digital technologies in their new wireless line designed to create a definitive signal clarity that is unrivaled by other wireless headphone products on the market today.

LTB Audio Systems focuses attention exclusively on Digital Headphone solutions for Home Theater, Gaming and Audiophiles. The announcement of the new Concert wireless headphones will be followed within the coming weeks by the announcement of the world's first True 5.1 Six channel Wireless Digital Headphone system called Cinema 1 due out in December.
Customer's looking to find the LTB 5.1 Headphones can checkout Staples.com, QVC.com, Smarthome.com or Techdepot.com or Skymall.com. Also LTB has a company store at shopltb.com for Headphones and accessories. Also check the “where to buy” section on LTBaudio.com.

About LTB Audio Systems
LTB, which stands for Listen To Believe, represents a product line focused on providing leading edge audio and multimedia headphones designed to meet the optimal demands of the latest Digital Media in Games, and Movies as well as music and Hi Def Audio. LTB controls various key technology patents that have made them an upcoming leading manufacturer of True surround sound technology products. For more information visit LTB at www.ltbaudio.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:59 AM | Comments (0)

'Forecasts for Broadband Communications:' A New Analyst Paper by Technology Futures, Inc. (TFI)

Broadband will continue to be adopted at a rapid rate and higher broadband speeds will also increase dramatically. This 12-page analyst paper by Lawrence K. Vanston, Ph.D. (President, TFI) provides analyses and forecasts for each.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) December 19, 2005 -- Broadband will continue to be adopted at a rapid rate, and ultimately, reach levels of penetration comparable to other popular consumer electronics. Higher broadband speeds will also increase dramatically. By 2010, over 10% of U.S. households will likely subscribe to at least 24 Mb/s service, and by 2015 penetration should exceed 50%. Internet protocol video (IP video), especially high-definition (HD) IP video, is a key driver for higher data rates. This 12-page analyst paper by Lawrence K. Vanston, Ph.D. (President, TFI) provides analyses and forecasts for each.

According to Dr. Vanston, "Both Moore's Law and the move to IP video are driving an increase in data rates for broadband, and with entertainment, voice, and information all being delivered efficiently over Internet connections, near ubiquity is almost inevitable. The ability to provision very high data rates, reliably, economically, and universally, will be the key to carrier competitiveness in the future."

The paper is priced at $199. More information is available at http://www.tfi.com/pubs/p/p2005-fhbbs.html.

The material in this paper is adapted from TFI's report "Forecasts for Higher Bandwidth Broadband Services." The research was sponsored by the Telecommunications Technology Forecasting
Group (TTFG), a consortium of telephone companies comprised of Bell Canada, BellSouth Telecommunications, Qwest, SBC, Sprint, and Verizon.

Two graphs from the paper are available on TFI's website:

Broadband Households by Nominal Data Rate,
http://www.tfi.com/pressroom/pr/2004_broadband-fig1.html.

Provisional Forecast of U.S. Households Using High-Definition IP Video, http://www.tfi.com/pressroom/pr/2004_broadband-fig2.html.

A table of contents and a list of exhibits follow this press release.

This paper would be of interest to the following organizations:

--Telcos
--Cable Companies
--Wireless Broadband Providers
--Equipment Manufacturers
--Content Providers
--Municipal Broadband Providers
--Utility Broadband Providers
--Internet Service Providers

This paper would be of interest to those involved in:

--Strategic Planning
--Network Planning
--Technology Planning
--Finance
--Market Development
--Regulatory / Tax / Legal
--Depreciation and Assessment

We would be pleased to have this analyst report reviewed by your publication and/or be cited for articles examining the subject matter. Dr. Vanston would also be glad to be interviewed and
quoted for articles relating to the subject matter.

Author Lawrence K. Vanston, Ph.D., is an internationally-recognized authority in the use of technology forecasting in the telecom industry. His research reports and forecasts are used and referenced extensively worldwide. Dr. Vanston's views on telecom trends have also been cited in many major publications including "Telephony," "America's Network," and "Lightwave." The September 21, 1998 issue of "The Wall Street Journal" featured an in-depth interview entitled "Consultant's Call: Lawrence Vanston Makes Some Pretty Bold Predictions for the Future of Telecommunications. He Has Been Right Before."
Notably, the predictions therein have likewise come true. His full bio is available at http://www.tfi.com/staff/bios/vanstonl.html.

For more than 25 years, TFI has helped organizations plan for the future by offering outstanding technology forecasting, strategic planning, trend analysis, and strategic market research services in high-technology and telecom technologies. Drawing on proven, quantifiable forecasting methods and strategic applications, we combine the vision of the futurist with the down-to-earth judgment of the technologist. Let us be "Your Bridge to the Future."

We are always happy to comment on the subjects of technology and telecom trends. For a list of citations by our staff members, please see "TFI News" at http://www.tfi.com/pressroom/tfinews.html.
For our "Press Room," please see http://www.tfi.com/pressroom/index.html.

Press contact: Please contact Ms. Carrie Vanston at (800) TEK-FUTR, (512) 258-8898, or by e-mail with questions about the paper, and/or to arrange an interview with Dr. Vanston, or other technology and telecom experts at TFI.

Thank you for your attention.

December 2005

Technology Futures, Inc.
13740 Research Boulevard, Building C
Austin, TX 78750
(800) 835-3887 or (512) 258-8898
Fax: (512) 258-0087
www.tfi.com

"Forecasts for Broadband Communications"

Table of Contents:

Status and Forecast for Broadband Access
Drivers for Higher Bandwidth
Forecast of Households with Very-High-Speed Broadband Access
Forecasts for Broadband Video
Summary

List of Exhibits:

1. Forecast Broadband Households, Percentage of Households
2. Adoption of Various Consumer Communications Products and Services
3. Broadband Households in the United States and South Korea
4. Forecast of HDTV Households
5. Broadband Households by Nominal Data Rate, Percentage of Households
6. Trend in Residential Access Data Rates
7. Forecast Adoption of Standard and Very-High-Speed Broadband, Percentage of Households
8. TF Forecast of U.S. Households using IP Video
9. Provisional Forecast of U.S. Households Using High-Definition IP Video
10. Comparison of High Definition IP Video and 24 Mb/s Broadband Bandwidth Forecasts

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:57 AM | Comments (0)

Pacific Media Finds Larger Flat Panel TVs Boost Average Prices in October; Panasonic Holds Onto #1 Position, but Pioneer Closes the Gap

Pacific Media Associates (PMA), the global market information experts on large-screen displays, reports that unit sales for flat panel televisions and business displays in North America rose 15% in October, but that revenues increased by a greater margin of 18%. Average street price rose by 3% to $2,840 for the period.

Menlo Park, Calif. (PRWEB) December 16, 2005 -- Pacific Media Associates (PMA), the global market information experts on large-screen displays, reports that unit sales for flat panel televisions and business displays in North America rose 15% in October, but that revenues increased by a greater margin of 18%. Average street price rose by 3% to $2,840 for the period, as described in the company’s Flat Panel Display Tracking Service which provides true sell-through data on unit sales, prices, and inventories, based on a sample of retailers and resellers.

“In spite of falling prices for individual models, the average selling price for flat panel TVs actually went up in October. The rise in the overall street price was caused by a shift in the product mix in October, as sales increased for larger and more expensive models. Except for the Panasonic line, prices declined for nearly every top-selling model in October,” according to Pacific Media Vice President Rosemary Abowd. “The 50-to-55-inch category gained three unit share points; nearly one in five panels sold this month were 50-inch plasma models.
“Higher resolution products gained market share in October. Wide XGA models gained 4 points of unit market share, while EDTV models lost 5 share points and now represent only 10% of the total market, down from 30% in the first half of 2005.”

Panasonic remains #1 both in unit sales and revenues. But Pioneer gained 8 unit share points and 10 revenue share points, capturing 17% unit market share — nearly double September's unit share — on strong sales for the new PRO-1130HD.

Sony's new 40" Bravia LCD TV (KDL-V40XBR1) was the top-selling model for the month, helping Sony hold onto the #2 spot in unit market share and #3 position in revenue share.

Note: Data cited here is based on a sample of retailers and resellers, and is subject to sampling error.

About Pacific Media Associates
PMA specializes in global display market information, covering all large-screen display categories: front projectors, plasma and LCD TVs, and rear-projection displays. Their Large-Screen Displays Industry Service family of publications provides detailed worldwide quarterly updates (sell-in data) on large-screen display markets, newsletters on new product announcements and other key industry developments, and annual Web surveys of North American resellers/retailers and end users (including both organizations and individual consumers). Their Large-Screen Displays Tracking Service family of monthly reports offers timely sell-through data on unit sales, street prices, and inventories of large-screen displays sold by leading North American retailers, resellers, and distributors. PMA was established by Dr. William Coggshall, who was previously a co-founder of Dataquest and helped start the syndicated market research business. PMA is headquartered at 1060 Siskiyou Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Tel. +1 650-561-9020. Fax +1 650-561-9019. www.pacificmediaassociates.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:57 AM | Comments (0)

iPod Garage Releases Free Nanobook for iPod nano

The iPod Garage has released the Holiday 2005 Nanobook, the free downloadable guide to all aspects of the iPod nano. From exclusive commentary and tutorials by iPod Garage staff members, to more than one hundred hands-on reviews of iPod nano accessories, the Nanobookspans 159 pages and includes everything we know about the iPod nano.

(PRWEB) December 19, 2005 -- The iPod Garage has released the Holiday 2005 Nanobook, the free downloadable guide to all aspects of the iPod nano. From exclusive commentary and tutorials by iPod Garage staff members, to more than one hundred hands-on reviews of iPod nano accessories, the Nanobook spans 159 pages and includes everything we know about the iPod nano.

Sponsored by Macally, HandStands, and LoadPod, the Nanobook is the first-ever official iPod Garage book and features exclusive content from ten iPod Garage staff members. The Nanobook also features the winners of the first-ever iPod Garage photo contest, sponsored by Proporta. The Nanobook is a must-have for current and future iPod nano users everywhere. And best of all, it's free.

Download the free Nanobook now and use it to plan your holiday season and to learn more about one of the greatest iPod models ever released.

Download now: http://www.ipodgarage.com/NANOBOOK.pdf

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:56 AM | Comments (0)

Contract Manufacturer Barric Partners with XJTAG for Boundary Scan Solution

XJTAG system has enabled Barric to increase test coverage and speed up fault diagnosis on complex printed circuits - and significantly increase PCB yields. XJTAG selected ahead of competition due to its price, speed of development, reusability of scripts and excellent customer service.

CAMBRIDGE, England (PRWEB) December 18, 2005 -- Barric Limited (www.barric.co.uk), a UK based contract electronics manufacturer, has selected XJTAG as its boundary scan test solution partner. The XJTAG system has been implemented at Barric’s 12,000 square foot production facility at Diss in Norfolk, England.

The powerful and easy-to-use XJTAG boundary scan Development System meets the growing market need for a cost-effective solution for testing tightly-packed printed circuit boards populated with JTAG devices such as ball grid array (BGA) and chip scale devices, which cannot be tested by traditional methods.

According to Barric, since introducing XJTAG the company has seen production yields increase significantly. “The XJTAG system is an excellent and highly versatile product which has transformed the way we test complex printed circuit boards populated with BGA devices,” said Simon Bayley, technical director at Barric.

“XJTAG is easy to use, requires no training, enables rapid fault diagnosis and consistently gives us 80% test coverage across digital circuits,” added Simon Bayley. “We can now test our boards in a matter of minutes rather than hours and we have reduced the number of more complex board faults. This is good news for customers and for our overall efficiency as these boards typically contain large and expensive chips such as FPGAs, which we do not want to hold in our inventory any longer than necessary.”

Barric provides a range of electronics manufacturing services from prototyping and new product introductions through to printed circuit assembly, system build and repair. The company offers low volume, high mix, high-technology manufacturing and specialises in prototyping as well as short run and batch production of printed circuits.

“We opted for the XJTAG system ahead of competitive products due to its price, speed of development and because the technical support was excellent,” added Simon Bayley. “In addition, because the test scripts are device rather than board-centric in XJTAG, we are able to reuse them on different projects - this is a major benefit for a company that manufactures numerous different board designs for multiple customers each month.”

Barric works for variety of original equipment manufacturers across communications, medical, industrial and consumer markets. Having a sophisticated boundary scan solution is becoming a prerequisite and many customers are already using XJTAG during the board design and development stage.

“We manufacture a dozen or so different development boards for one Cambridge-based company and work closely with their designers to ensure that XJTAG is optimised to best effect,” said Sarah Green, test engineer at Barric. “Using XJTAG, the designer or developer can automatically select or ‘pack’ all the relevant data for a particular board – BSDL files, netlists, XJEase files, pin mapping files etc. – and forward this to our production team. This streamlines the whole development process and ensures that the yields are kept high and that any recurring issues are looped back to the design stage for rectifying.”

The powerful and easy-to-use XJTAG Development System is designed to cut the cost and shorten the development cycle of electronic products and provides a unique solution that can test JTAG as well as non-JTAG devices. XJTAG can test a high proportion of a circuit including ball grid array (BGA) and chip scale devices, SDRAMs, Ethernet controllers, video interfaces, Flash memories, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), microprocessors and many other devices. XJTAG also enables In-System Programming of FPGAs, CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices) and Flash memories.

The XJTAG Development System can migrate through the product life cycle from early design to field support and repair. XJTAG enables circuit designers to shorten the development cycle and prototyping process by facilitating early test development, early design validation of CAD netlists, fast generation of complex functional tests and test re-use across circuits that use the same devices. XJTAG test scripts are also re-usable and portable across different boards, due to the novel device-centric approach that the designers have adopted.

Simon Payne, chief executive at XJTAG, said: “XJTAG is becoming a popular choice for contract manufacturers who are under pressure to improve yields and because of the prevalence of BGA devices on modern printed circuits need to complement their in-circuit, functional or flying probe test equipment with a cost-effective boundary scan solution.”

Photos to accompany the story can be downloaded using the following links: Photo one shows (l-r) Patrick Kibble, commercial director at Barric shaking hands with Simon Payne, XJTAG's CEO with Simon Bayley, Barric's technical director between them.

http://www.xjtag.com/images/press/16-12-05c.jpg

Photo two shows (l to r) Barric's Sarah Green, test engineer (using XJTAG) alongside Simon Bayley, technical director

http://www.xjtag.com/images/press/16-12-05b.jpg

For more information about the XJTAG Development System, please contact XJTAG, The Irwin Centre, Scotland Road, Dry Drayton, Cambridge CB3 8AR, UK. Telephone +44 (0) 1954 213888, facsimile +44 (0) 1954 211565. Alternatively visit www.xjtag.com.

About Barric (www.barric.co.uk)
Barric Limited, a UK based contract electronics manufacturer, provides a range of electronics manufacturing services from prototyping and new product introductions through to printed circuit assembly, system build and repair for original equipment manufacturers across communications, medical, industrial and consumer markets. The company offers low volume, high mix, high-technology manufacturing and specialises in prototyping as well as short run and batch production of printed circuits. Barric operates a 12,000 square foot production facility at Diss in Norfolk, England.

About XJTAG (www.xjtag.com)
XJTAG is a specialist design and test tool developer. Its JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) development system offers a competitive solution for designers and developers of electronic circuits. Utilising XJTAG allows the circuit development and prototyping process to be shortened significantly by facilitating early test development, early design validation, fast development of functional tests and test re-use across circuits that utilise the same devices. The company is based in the UK at The Irwin Centre, Dry Drayton, Cambridge. XJTAG is part of the Cambridge Technology Group (www.cambridgetechgroup.com).

What is JTAG?
Advances in silicon design, such as increasing device density and, more recently, ball grid array (BGA) and chip scale packaging, have reduced the efficacy of traditional electronic circuit testing methods. In order to overcome these problems and others; some of the world’s leading silicon manufacturers combined to form the Joint Test Action Group (JTAG). The findings of this group were used as the basis for the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standard 1149.1: Standard Test Access Port and Boundary Scan Architecture and subsequently the standard became known as JTAG.

Media contact (for XJTAG):
Martin Brooke
Martin Brooke Associates
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 244500

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:55 AM | Comments (0)

Vishay Siliconix Announces New PolarPAK Double-Sided Cooling MOSFETs

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. today announced that it is shipping the first two power MOSFETs to be offered in its innovative PolarPAK package, which uses double-sided cooling to reduce thermal resistance, package resistance, and package inductance for a more efficient, faster-switching power MOSFET.

(PRWEB) December 17, 2005 -- Vishay Intertechnology