Disparity in form factor between Blu-ray and HD DVD discs -- for months the ultimate differentiator between the 2 systems -- also has been the snag in current format unification efforts (CED May 17 p1), with each side so far unwilling to capitulate to the other on physical disc structure.
Toshiba postponed until mid-2006 a U.S. introduction of flat-panel TVs based on the surface conductor electron emitter display (SED) technology it’s developing jointly with Canon, Vp Scott Ramirez told Consumer Electronics Daily.
The FCC denied a Duane Morris, LLP, request for clarification of how resolution of a pending rulemaking could affect permitted use of Automated Maritime Telecom System (AMTS) spectrum. The petitioner, which represents clients interested in the upcoming AMTS Auction 61, had said such information would help auction bidders. The rulemaking at issue came in 2004, when the Commission proposed to amend its rules to let AMTS licensees provide private mobile radio and commercial services for units on land. It also proposed changes to other AMTS-related rules that are now pending. Morris sought clarification of how the AMTS rules would apply to a licensee using the spectrum for telemetry, saying potential bidders need “basic information required to participate in the auction.” But the FCC denied that request as premature: “Petitioner asks us to speculate on the effects of rules that have not been adopted and conditions that not occurred. Without knowing what, if any, rule changes will be adopted in the pending proceeding… it would be premature to address the concerns raised by petitioner at this time.”
As more consumers go to cellphones only, dropping home land lines, Arbitron has been researching the trend’s impact on the survey process. The research suggests the company can find ways to recruit cellphone-only homes into Arbitron’s radio ratings survey. This summer Arbitron will test measuring this segment. “It will give us an empirical basis for understanding the impact on response rates, listening levels and the quality of the diary reporting,” the firm said. Arbitron estimates 7% of U.S. households are cellphone-only.
Inmarsat said it earned $6.3 million during the first quarter, vs. a loss of $10 million during the same period of 2004. The firm said its maritime sector contributed $66.2 million in revenue, and the land sector added $35 million. Inmarsat said cost reductions implemented in early 2004 offset cost increases related to launching Inmarsat’s BGAN network, as operating costs dipped to $43.5 million in 2005 from $46.8 million last year.
CBP has posted to its Web site a notice announcing a new Automated Commercial System (ACS) entry process for trucks that arrive at one U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) northern border port of entry, with an entry filed at another northern border port of entry.
People's Daily Online states that effective April 1, 2005, China will begin levying higher tariffs of up to 30%, equivalent to the tariff rates for complete vehicles, on certain auto part imports, including those completely knocked down (CKD) and semi-knocked down (SKD). Except for those specified in the rule, the article states that other forms of auto part imports will continue to be eligible for tariff rates of between 13 - 17%. In addition, starting from July 1, 2006, the higher tariffs will be extended to any imports of auto parts valued at 60% or more of the total price of a complete vehicle. (PDO, dated 03/07/05, available at http://english1.people.com.cn/200503/07/print20050307_175863.html ), also see http://www.investweb.cn/policy/PolicyDetail.aspx?id=687 )
TORONTO -- Westaim subsidiary iFire Technology is continuing its search for a joint venture partner for volume production of flat-panel displays based on its thick-film dielectric electroluminescent (TDEL) technology, iFire executives said here Wed. at the company’s annual meeting.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council has issued projected quota levels and embargo dates, should CITA impose safeguard quotas on China origin textiles and apparel in categories 340/640, 345/645/646, 349/649, 350/650, 620, 638/639 and 647/648, as petitioned (requested) by the U.S. textile industry. For example, for China 340/640, the projected safeguard quota level is estimated to be approximately 2,000,000 dozen, and once implemented (estimated to be June or July 2005), is estimated to embargo in approximately three months. (HKTDC Alert, dated 04/29/05, available at http://www.tdctrade.com/alert/us0508.htm )
Satellite industry officials want the FCC and Congress to protect satellite spectrum this year, when legislators address emergency responders’ spectrum needs as required by the Intelligence Reform & Terrorism Prevention Act, they said in comments to the FCC. The FCC is considering the comments as it prepares a report to Congress due Dec. 17, on federal, state and local public safety providers’ spectrum needs.