Consumer Electronics Daily News

Edgetech Demos PC Edge at CTIA

The third day of the 2007 CTIA Show brought with it a revolutionary new device from Edgetech International, Inc. -- the PC Edge. Edgetech International plans to have thousands of these new designed units by mid May.

Falling somewhere between a smartphone and ultra-mobile PC in size, the PC Edge has a full QWERTY keyboard and the exterior is back-lit when power on for phone-like use. But what makes the unit stand out is the hyperlink to remote PC access, hyperlink to Web-based desktop and hyperlink to Web-based storage. Combined with a built-in modem and programming designed to maximize full-screen use of the Web-based controls, The PC Edge offers DSL-type speed and nearly full PC functionality and in a slim, handheld unit. Without the need to power a full operating system and internal hardware, the PC Edge has battery life (and battery recharge times) akin to cell phones rather than laptops or UMPCs.

"We are pleased with the new look of The PC Edge," says Jaime Barbosa, Edgetech's Marketing Manger. "The additional capabilities differentiate the PC Edge from any other device on the market."

The PC Edge will be available in mid-May, a price-point has not yet been disclosed. For more information, visit www.thepcedge.com.

Does New Apple Campaign Miss the iPod Market Potential?

Why Stop At Just One?

It's an interesting question, and one currently being asked by Apple through a new marketing campaign in its stores. The soft-sell campaign looks urges current iPod owners to expand their collection to include all sizes and varieties of device -- from the largest Video iPods to the diminutive Flash-based Shuffles -- to maximize the benefits of each.

But what analysts say is most interesting about the question is not what it asks of consumers, rather what it implies for the CE giant -- that Apple is missing a major market segment with their current iPod lineup, and acknowledging the softening market for their dominant product. According to Unity Marketing, in 2006 only 22 percent of affluent adults over 40 had purchased an iPod. While the move to sell additional players to the under-40 crowd of current iPod users may prove successful, the company is missing a big opportunity to sell to first-time MP3 buyers that are over 40, Unity President Pam Danziger tells Forbes Magazine.

With the simplicity and ease of use that has been the hallmark of Apple products and the iPod specifically, a more concerted effort to market directly to the over-40 crowd, and in particular Baby Boomers, could prove an invaluable way to bolster traditional iPod sales, especially in the face of the impending iPhone release.

Apple has not said if the Why stop at just one? campaign will move from in-store displays to a broader online campaign or other avenues.

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SIRIUS Bringing TV to Your Minivan

SIRIUS Satellite Radio and the Chrysler Group are reportedly moving forward with a plan to offer broadcast TV in select 2008 DaimlerChrysler minivan models with a SIRIUS technology demonstrated at International CES 2007.

Known as Backseat TV, the service will be decidedly child-oriented at launch, MediaPost's Marketing Daily reports, with content from the Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon.

The first two vehicles to offer Backseat TV are the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans, which are coming to showrooms this summer. Th add-on package for SIRIUS Backseat TV costs $425 and includes a free year of service. After the first year, SIRIUS will reportedly offer the service at $7 per month when packaged with SIRIUS Satellite Radio at $12.95 per month. The company, however, has not commented on whether or not the TV broadcasts will be available to a wider audience (new or existing SIRIUS radio subscribers) and the automotive after-market.

Included in the Chrysler add-on are TVs mounted on roof rails that can swivel for viewing from the front or rear, as well as a option to link the broadcast to the MyGIG screen on the front console. Unlike vehicle-based satellite TV services offered in the past, which typically feature bulky receivers mounted atop the vehicle and spotty reception, the SIRIUS technology uses two small, hockey puck-like receivers on top of the vehicle for uninterrupted reception.

CTA Ships Digital Photo Frames

CTA Digital Inc., will begin shipping its expanded line-up of digital photo frames next week. The offering has been expanded to include the 15-inch Digital Photo Frame (pictured), seven-inch Digital Photo Frame and Heart Shape Picture Frame Necklace.

At 1024 x 768 resolution, the 15-inch TFT active matrix LCD screen is one of the largest on the market. Both the 15- and seven-inch models are compatible with CF/MD/MS/SD/MMC/SM cards, as well as provide support for MPEG and MP3 files, making it possible to create slideshows with music. They also come complete with USB port for easy file transfer to and from a computer.

The Heart Shape Picture Frame Necklace has a 1.1-inch LCD screen, comes with a built-in rechargeable lithium battery and internal memory to store up to 60 images. The wearable accessory comes in pink, white and black.

For more information about these or other CTA products, visit www.ctadigital.com or email sales@ctadigital.com.

Digital Delivery to Distribute TiVo Series3 HD Recorder for Custom Installs

Digital Delivery Group, on the nation's largest distributors of specialized CE products for systems integrators and custom installers, has announced a national distribution agreement with TiVo Inc., to provide sales, training and support services for the new TiVo® Series3™ HD Digital Media Recorder.

The TiVo products, dealer training and sales support will be provided to custom home electronics systems dealers and installers via DDG's 14 regional partners. The Series3 HD box allows consumers to record up to 32 hours of high-definition programming or 300 hours standard definition video programs while maintaining the full video and audio fidelity of the original broadcast. It is the world’s first THX®-certified digital video recorder, delivering audio and video that truly maintains the fidelity of the original broadcast.

"I am delighted that TiVo and Digital Delivery Group have formed an alliance to serve the custom integration market," says DDG's Executive Director David Kaplan. "TiVo’s Series3 HD box is a high performance content solution with a user friendly interface that sports many exclusive features and applications for the custom channel. It is the sort of innovative product DDG excels at bringing to our customer base."

Interested dealers should contact their regional DDG partner, visit www.digitaldeliverygroup.org or call 509-995-1203.

HDMI Amps/Splitters From Audio Authority

Audio Authority is now shipping a new line of HDMI Distribution Amplifiers/Splitters. The HDMI distribution amplifiers distribute audio and video signals from one source to multiple HDTV displays. An extensive signal distribution network is possible because the amplifiers may be cascaded up to three deep. These products can be used in conjunction with Audio Authority’s new HDMI switchers, making them ideal for retail demonstration networks as well as residential applications.

“While this is our first offering in the HDMI signal distribution category," says Audio Authority Sales Manager, Tom Higgins says, "the 1390 Series actually represents a third generation circuit design. We have been working with our design partners for some time to produce a product that meets our standards for reliable operation, and we feel very confident that this product is now ready to fulfill the needs of our customers.”

The amps and splitters are now available on Audio Authority’s Web site and dealer pricing available on request. For more information, visit www.audioauthority.com.

Digital Photo Frame Sales Increasing

A new report from Parks Associates takes a look at the growing market penetration of digital photo frames, and includes the staggering statistic that about 1.7 million digital photo frames were sold in the U.S. in 2006--a year-over-year growth rate of more than 400 percent.

"The most significant factors contributing to this growth are expanded retail availability, decreased price, and consumer interest in new gift ideas," says Harry Wang, Research Analyst, Parks Associates. "The digital photo frame market was a Cinderella story for many small vendors during the past holiday season. Many were happily surprised by the strength of consumer demand."

The numbers are likely to attract more retailers and large CE manufacturers, further driving this product category to mainstream status. "Our revised U.S. forecast calls for 50 percent cumulative average growth rate (CAGR) into 2010," Wang adds.

There is concern, with more than 30 vendors selling online and at brick-and-mortar retailers, this market could become overcrowded. "Some of the smaller players will drop out of the market soon because of resource bottlenecks and margin pressure," Wang says. "Manufacturers should take this opportunity to improve their product designs."

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'E for All' Nabs Nintendo as Post-E3 Event Takes Shape

IDG World Expo has added Nintendo of America as an anchor exhibitor for IDG World Expo's newest event: Entertainment for All Expo (E for All), scheduled for October 18-21 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The consumer show was announced several months ago and is looking to fill the void left in the wake of the revamped E3 Expo.

"The E for All Expo supports Nintendo's mission to reach as many types of consumers as possible to expand the world of video games to new audiences," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications. "Our Wii and Nintendo DS systems are all about gaming for the masses, and the E for All Expo will give consumers a chance to try out the hottest new Nintendo video games."

E for All Expo will offer consumers the opportunity to test-drive the latest in games and gadgetry, as well as purchase products they enjoyed over the course of the four-day event at onsite retail facilities. Additional attractions are in the works, including high-profile videogame tournaments, job fair/networking opportunities and the acclaimed Video Games Live concert. In addition to the Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the event will take advantage of soon-to-be-expanded LA Live/NOKIA Theatre area directly adjacent.

E for All Expo has been endorsed by the Entertainment Software Association, the purveyors of E3 which up until this year was the nation's largest video gaming tradeshow. Now known as the E3 Media and Business Summit, ESA has pared down its tradeshow aspects of the event and removed all programming geared to towards the public. Now that it has ESA's blessing, E for All Expo appears poised to take over the circus-like atmosphere that many thought was lost in the E3 restructuring.

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