Toshiba pushes forward with it's 3D televisions that do not require glasses. Sales of the TV start in Japan this week. Toshiba plans for global launch of these televisions 40" and over next year.
More details are expected to be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January of 2011.
Quality of the 3D experience has been a large concern for many, and they have stayed away from Autostereoscopic TV development. Instead they have continued forward with the sets that require glasses.
Personally I see this as the debate between watching 3DTV all the time or not. If I was expecting to be able to watch everything and WANT to watch everything in 3D I would not want to have to wear glasses. As with the current movie experience, there is no issue with wearing glasses for a limited time to experience high quality 3D. I believe 3D is a feature, not an all time viewing experience.
Toshiba is taking the line that the world will shift to watching 3D more often than not, and will not want to wear glasses and do not expect to. They feel this will put the Japanese companies back in front on the technology curve. This is an advantage they feel they have lost to the South Korean TV manufacturers such as LG Electronics Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co.
The illusion of depth without special glasses is very hard to achieve. Viewing angles are the problem, there are only a limited number without glasses. Step outside of those zones and the image will be fuzzy or blurred, and a very bad viewing experience. Most believe the technology hurdles in the way for glasses free 3DTV will be in the way for 5 to 10 years.
As a side note, Toshiba has pushed out their Google TV. They will introduce sometime next year, but did not explain any of the reasons for the delay. Google Inc. has also pulled the plug on their plans to show at the Consumer Electronics Show this year. Numerous reports have been coming out about the IPTV and the challenges with using the product.
I have posted previously about the challenges of 3DTV and IPTV. Numerous challenges remain to have these features become user friendly.
JZ!
Friday, December 24, 2010
3DTV sales not jumping out of the TV Screen
A year ago the industry would have jumped up and down and hailed 3DTV as the savior of step up television sales.
Now as with most technology being pushed on customers, price cutting is the latest attempt to achieve sales that simply have not happened based on customer demand.
Lack of movies, content to watch, and pricing that adds up quickly with TV, glasses, 3D blu-ray, have had customers saying "No Thanks".
3DTV is still expected to be one of the hot topics at this years Consumer Electronics Show which is just around the corner in Las Vegas.
Flat Panels in general have seen aggressive price drops from many years. This year has been a year in which shoppers have not seen 30-40% prices drops. Inventory on LED backlit and IPTV as well as 3DTV have been slow movers. All had high expectations from the vendors. Bundle promotions and other activity have not been as affective in moving the goods as everyone has hoped. Now with new models shipping next March, the need to move the inventory is rising.
Discounts have been seen from 16% to as high as 52% off, but the TV is still going to cost you over $1,600. On average 3DTV is in a set with other expensive features and these sets are still $2,500 to $3,000.
This is in comparison to value TVs of the same size at $1000 or less.
Until 3DTV has meaningful content to watch, and the industry figures out how to explain to consumers so there is no confusion, the uptick will be slow on sales. People want it, they are paying for it everyday in the movie theater. This will convert to the home, but a better job needs to be done with explaining it properly.
It is a feature, not a TV type. It is not a way to watch TV 24/7 or intended to be.
We all up sized our TVs to as big a set as we could to bring the movie like experience home. We did not do it originally with the intent to watch everything all the time in a Home Theater type of environment. Even now home audio sales continue to struggle, and people are buying big screens, but not a complete Home Theater.
3DTV needs to be clearly shown for the entertainment value it will provide while watching Movies / Sports / Concerts / Discovery events.
Hopefully the industry doesn't devalue the feature in it's attempt to get back on track with inventory.
Not everyone needs 3DTV, not everyone needed at 65" Projection Television. Those that did want/need it paid for the technology and enjoyed the benefits they provided to them.
Blu-Ray movies should not be in the $1.99 bin, 3D Blu-Ray should not be at Blu-Ray prices, just as 3D movies, IMAX movies cost more than a regular movie experience. Those that see value and appreciate the entertainment experience will pay for it.
Industry should not expect to push the curve and hit the masses overnight and profit from it.
JZ!
Now as with most technology being pushed on customers, price cutting is the latest attempt to achieve sales that simply have not happened based on customer demand.
Lack of movies, content to watch, and pricing that adds up quickly with TV, glasses, 3D blu-ray, have had customers saying "No Thanks".
3DTV is still expected to be one of the hot topics at this years Consumer Electronics Show which is just around the corner in Las Vegas.
Flat Panels in general have seen aggressive price drops from many years. This year has been a year in which shoppers have not seen 30-40% prices drops. Inventory on LED backlit and IPTV as well as 3DTV have been slow movers. All had high expectations from the vendors. Bundle promotions and other activity have not been as affective in moving the goods as everyone has hoped. Now with new models shipping next March, the need to move the inventory is rising.
Discounts have been seen from 16% to as high as 52% off, but the TV is still going to cost you over $1,600. On average 3DTV is in a set with other expensive features and these sets are still $2,500 to $3,000.
This is in comparison to value TVs of the same size at $1000 or less.
Until 3DTV has meaningful content to watch, and the industry figures out how to explain to consumers so there is no confusion, the uptick will be slow on sales. People want it, they are paying for it everyday in the movie theater. This will convert to the home, but a better job needs to be done with explaining it properly.
It is a feature, not a TV type. It is not a way to watch TV 24/7 or intended to be.
We all up sized our TVs to as big a set as we could to bring the movie like experience home. We did not do it originally with the intent to watch everything all the time in a Home Theater type of environment. Even now home audio sales continue to struggle, and people are buying big screens, but not a complete Home Theater.
3DTV needs to be clearly shown for the entertainment value it will provide while watching Movies / Sports / Concerts / Discovery events.
Hopefully the industry doesn't devalue the feature in it's attempt to get back on track with inventory.
Not everyone needs 3DTV, not everyone needed at 65" Projection Television. Those that did want/need it paid for the technology and enjoyed the benefits they provided to them.
Blu-Ray movies should not be in the $1.99 bin, 3D Blu-Ray should not be at Blu-Ray prices, just as 3D movies, IMAX movies cost more than a regular movie experience. Those that see value and appreciate the entertainment experience will pay for it.
Industry should not expect to push the curve and hit the masses overnight and profit from it.
JZ!
UCONN Women Longest College Basketball Streak
UCONN Huskies broke the UCLA men's team's record of 88 wins with their 93-62 win over Florida State. This game as with many others had the big lead, loud and proud crowd, and a large lead held until the end.
It was reported during the final minutes that the crowd chanted "89!", and now they have the most consecutive wins in Division 1 basketball history.
At 88 the coach Geno Auriemma was pretty fired up and lashed out about the press and coverage of the team. Indicating he displeasure with the lack of coverage and appreciation for Women's Basketball. How is he feeling now?
Well President Barack Obama gave him a call. It was reported that he told the President "It's an incredible thing these kids have done".
The record is not official. There currently is no combined Men's / Women's records. Huskies beat the Women's back at 82 games. Previous record was held by Division III Washington University of St. Louis which won 81 straight games from 1998 to 2001.
Huskies have also now tied the most consecutive home wins at 69.
The Huskie women had new shirts that said "89". They celebrated and danced to the song "All I Do Is Win" and took their picture at midcourt.
Congrats UCONN!!!! Keep it going!!!!!!
JZ!
It was reported during the final minutes that the crowd chanted "89!", and now they have the most consecutive wins in Division 1 basketball history.
At 88 the coach Geno Auriemma was pretty fired up and lashed out about the press and coverage of the team. Indicating he displeasure with the lack of coverage and appreciation for Women's Basketball. How is he feeling now?
Well President Barack Obama gave him a call. It was reported that he told the President "It's an incredible thing these kids have done".
The record is not official. There currently is no combined Men's / Women's records. Huskies beat the Women's back at 82 games. Previous record was held by Division III Washington University of St. Louis which won 81 straight games from 1998 to 2001.
Huskies have also now tied the most consecutive home wins at 69.
The Huskie women had new shirts that said "89". They celebrated and danced to the song "All I Do Is Win" and took their picture at midcourt.
Congrats UCONN!!!! Keep it going!!!!!!
JZ!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Consumer Electronics Sale at Sears Dec 18th
Please see the invitation below from the President of Electronics at Sears for Dec 18th.
Dear Valued Partner,
I want to personally invite you to the Sears Consumer Electronics 10% Off* Sale this Saturday, December 18th.
It’s the perfect opportunity to get those last minute gifts that you’ve been meaning to purchase for a few weeks now. At this event you’ll find almost everything in the electronics department – from regular priced items to items on sale and clearance—is an extra 10% off.
You can also take advantage of this great sale online by entering the promo code “Extra10Wishes” at checkout.
Please feel free to share with our family and friends!
We truly appreciate your support and hope you are having a very Happy Holiday Season!
Thank You,
Karen Austin
SVP & President, Consumer Electronics
*Excludes TVs under 40”, Video game hardware, Bose, Onkyo, prepaid calling cards, iTunes, Sony DSLR, lenses, iPod, converter boxes, computers, LG, Samsung, Sony.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Best Buy TV sales still soft
Best Buy just reported it missed its quarter numbers.
One of the noted areas that missed was TVs. It missed by double digit unit decline and mid single digit sales revenue decline.
The inventory reported at this team does not seem to be much higher then in prior years, but with a miss in the low double digit in units it is hard to imagine they are where they want to be. Some estimate they are 12% over inventory.
There appears to be market share loss to competitors such as Amazon and Wal-Mart. Best Buy's overall market share has been reported to have declined 100 bps in the quarter.
Best Buy has also guided Feb reporting below expectation.
JZ
One of the noted areas that missed was TVs. It missed by double digit unit decline and mid single digit sales revenue decline.
The inventory reported at this team does not seem to be much higher then in prior years, but with a miss in the low double digit in units it is hard to imagine they are where they want to be. Some estimate they are 12% over inventory.
There appears to be market share loss to competitors such as Amazon and Wal-Mart. Best Buy's overall market share has been reported to have declined 100 bps in the quarter.
Best Buy has also guided Feb reporting below expectation.
JZ
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Samsung reducing production of LCD Panels
Samsung Electronics has announced that it will reduce the utilization rate of the factory to lower the output of LCD panels. This is due to weak demand and to help the global supply glut.
This is a reversal from years past in which dropping price to prop up demand has been the action taken to resolve oversupply issues. This is a much healthier approach overall and one the industry has needed for some time.
Weakest markets right now are Europe and the U.S. If other panel providers follow (actually quite a few have greatly reduce factory utilization already without any announcements) it could help provide an industry recovery. (Sony could use this after 7 years of negative profit on their TV business).
Both South Korean panel makers, LG & Samsung, saw profit drop nearly in half from 2nd quarter to 3rd quarter this year, largely because of weak panel prices.
Interesting is that both LG and Samsung have won approval to build brand new panel factories in China. Which would add to the total glut, not take away. There has been some talk that they are flexible about the timing of when the factories will be complete and ramp up production from them. AUO is also moving to build a factory in China as well, adding to the possible oversupply vs. real demand for LCD panels.
JZ
This is a reversal from years past in which dropping price to prop up demand has been the action taken to resolve oversupply issues. This is a much healthier approach overall and one the industry has needed for some time.
Weakest markets right now are Europe and the U.S. If other panel providers follow (actually quite a few have greatly reduce factory utilization already without any announcements) it could help provide an industry recovery. (Sony could use this after 7 years of negative profit on their TV business).
Both South Korean panel makers, LG & Samsung, saw profit drop nearly in half from 2nd quarter to 3rd quarter this year, largely because of weak panel prices.
Interesting is that both LG and Samsung have won approval to build brand new panel factories in China. Which would add to the total glut, not take away. There has been some talk that they are flexible about the timing of when the factories will be complete and ramp up production from them. AUO is also moving to build a factory in China as well, adding to the possible oversupply vs. real demand for LCD panels.
JZ
Monday, November 8, 2010
LCD TV Inventory Under Control
LG is now the second company to come out and discuss their Inventory Position on TVs.
They don't expect to see any desperate moves in LCD pricing, and will not be slashing prices to move product.
Now you have two major TV vendors indicating Inventory is in control and pricing will not be out of control.
Holding back and waiting on that deal may not work this holiday season. If you see something you want, you may want to consider getting it quick before it is gone.
JZ
They don't expect to see any desperate moves in LCD pricing, and will not be slashing prices to move product.
Now you have two major TV vendors indicating Inventory is in control and pricing will not be out of control.
Holding back and waiting on that deal may not work this holiday season. If you see something you want, you may want to consider getting it quick before it is gone.
JZ
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sony CFO Speaks
Could the industry be seeing the error of its ways?
Sony's CFO Masaru Kato has indicated that Sony will sell less, vs. building up inventory and dropping price for another year of losses for the company.
I guess Sony has finally decided (at least the CFO) that chasing market share for the sake of chasing it is not a viable business model. 7 years of losses for the TV division have put some new ways of thinking about how to run the business. Building to market share expectations doesn't work. Building on a model and supporting the business and a model weeks of supply against actual sales trend has more logic and tendency to drive business results you can take to the bank.
As one of the leaders I have worked with in the past would always say "Business done for fun is better left undone"
Sony is not a non-profit organization, it cannot support new R&D to bring new products that US or any other market would want if it cannot reinvest profit into R&D. It needs to be able to support its overhead.
Could the days of the spoiled US consumer on Electronics be over? Could we be starting down the path to break the cycle of losing money on new product launches just to hit a unit sales / market share number which has resulted in large loses in the industry? Look at the number of brands that are gone, or are basically non-existent today due to this cycle? It has not only impacted TV Vendors, but look at the number of quality Electronic Retailers that are no longer here today as well.
I applaud the stance the Sony CFO is taking, and I hope he can hold off the Marketing team and Sales team that continue to drive to a unit number for the year for Sony. If they chase this number, Masaru Kato's attempt to go down a new logical path and financially sound path will be derailed.
As much as the consumers feel they are rewarded by plummeting prices on technology, be careful what you wish for. Research and Development of new technology that has improved our lives over the years can not be supported and continued with negative income. Innovation begins to go to a crawl. We have not had a new revolutionary product in some time. We are in an evolution cycle for the majority of Consumer Electronics products.
DVD to Blu-Ray, Flat Screens to Flatter Screens, Iphone 3 to 3G , to 3Gs to Iphone 4. Notebook to Tablet
To develop something completely new, consumer electronics companies need to be able to feed the research and development teams. Not chasing Units / Market Share / and running a factory 100% capacity if there isn't someone willing to buy what is being produced.
Sony CFO has spoken - will other follow - will Sony really hold back and forgo some sales to keep inventory and profits in line? Only the holiday season will tell.
I for one hope that the Sony CFO and company can hold its position, if the industry can change the current destructive path it is on, I see a brighter future for all.
JZ
Sony's CFO Masaru Kato has indicated that Sony will sell less, vs. building up inventory and dropping price for another year of losses for the company.
I guess Sony has finally decided (at least the CFO) that chasing market share for the sake of chasing it is not a viable business model. 7 years of losses for the TV division have put some new ways of thinking about how to run the business. Building to market share expectations doesn't work. Building on a model and supporting the business and a model weeks of supply against actual sales trend has more logic and tendency to drive business results you can take to the bank.
As one of the leaders I have worked with in the past would always say "Business done for fun is better left undone"
Sony is not a non-profit organization, it cannot support new R&D to bring new products that US or any other market would want if it cannot reinvest profit into R&D. It needs to be able to support its overhead.
Could the days of the spoiled US consumer on Electronics be over? Could we be starting down the path to break the cycle of losing money on new product launches just to hit a unit sales / market share number which has resulted in large loses in the industry? Look at the number of brands that are gone, or are basically non-existent today due to this cycle? It has not only impacted TV Vendors, but look at the number of quality Electronic Retailers that are no longer here today as well.
I applaud the stance the Sony CFO is taking, and I hope he can hold off the Marketing team and Sales team that continue to drive to a unit number for the year for Sony. If they chase this number, Masaru Kato's attempt to go down a new logical path and financially sound path will be derailed.
As much as the consumers feel they are rewarded by plummeting prices on technology, be careful what you wish for. Research and Development of new technology that has improved our lives over the years can not be supported and continued with negative income. Innovation begins to go to a crawl. We have not had a new revolutionary product in some time. We are in an evolution cycle for the majority of Consumer Electronics products.
DVD to Blu-Ray, Flat Screens to Flatter Screens, Iphone 3 to 3G , to 3Gs to Iphone 4. Notebook to Tablet
To develop something completely new, consumer electronics companies need to be able to feed the research and development teams. Not chasing Units / Market Share / and running a factory 100% capacity if there isn't someone willing to buy what is being produced.
Sony CFO has spoken - will other follow - will Sony really hold back and forgo some sales to keep inventory and profits in line? Only the holiday season will tell.
I for one hope that the Sony CFO and company can hold its position, if the industry can change the current destructive path it is on, I see a brighter future for all.
JZ
Friday, October 22, 2010
Technology Roadblock! Give it away!
I was not all that amazed today when I read that leaders in the TV industry felt dropping price is the only way to hit targets this year.
As the US economy suffers, Unemployment sticking at 9.6%, do we really think PRICE is going to increase sales enough, when people are simply putting off a new TV purchase. The size the current one is OK and it works just fine? Yes it may not be 3D, it may not have IPTV, it may not be a new LED slim form factor with some minimal power savings. Interesting enough, we all seem to be missing the fact that the US consumer has woken up from the punch drunk days of spending when the economy was so good.
What do I mean by this? It is rather simple, people are spending on what they NEED more than what they WANT. Even more of an impact is that they have learned to even adjust the amount that they WANT. What they want is not as feature reach as it has been in the past. Goals for achieving new items have been reset to a new level. (The one who dies with the most toys WIN - and it doesn't have to bee the fanciest toys anymore)
I have coined this as the "It's good enough" point of view. If I currently own a perfectly good working 8.0 mega pixel camera, why would I toss it and buy a 10.0 - 12.0 mega pixel camera. I am not taking the time to learn about the other technology of smile ,eye, face recognition that is in the new camera, or the new lens, or light sensor and so on, so based on the basics of ANY item what I have is GOOD ENOUGH.
The day of moving a TV to another room before it dies as the excuse to put another (previously driven more by size than feature anyway) large and more featured set in the home are seeing it's days numbers. First my IT'S GOOD ENOUGH point of view. Next the current housing situation, and the downsizing their homes. Average home sizes have been reduced, not increasing, offsetting the ability for the industry's to belief there will be more TVs per home and larger TVs per home. TVs per home have increase from 2.1 to 2.7 TVs, but I do not expect that to continue, and would not be surprised if it goes in reverse.
What do most people want from their TV. Great picture at a reasonable price. The TV alone without content does NOTHING. 3DTV lacks content, and people still fear the quality, as well as the need to wear glasses. It is one thing when a person decides to go to the movies and watch for about 2 hrs. No multitasking is intended. You are there to watch the movie, you want to see it in 3D, and your willing to pay for it. At home you may want the big screen, everyone has seemed to abandon caring about the sound, and you like to multitask when you watch movies , sports , news , shows. (popularity of DVR and ability to pause live TV). This puts 3DTV in the back seat at your house. Putting on glasses at home is not about how it LOOKS, but what you can or can not do at home while watching TV is impacted.
IPTV has an incredible laundry list of challenges in front of it. Speed, connectivity, content, interface and usability. In the US we don't have the speed due to a non-existent Broadband program in the US. Our speeds are incredibly slow. (We still have people using DIAL UP!). If you have Broadband it could still be on Wireless A or B or G, as there has not been any reason to go to N and N wasn't a solid choice until recently. Wired? Well same issue with all these flat panels sitting on some sort of shelving vs hanging. The power and other connection are not located up on the wall. Cost of that installation is preventing the majority of people placing / moving this on the wall. Same issue exists with Internet. Most people have installed the HARD wire connection of the Internet in the office or loft where the computer is, not where any other Consumer Electronics are. (TV, DVD, and such). Wireless - not fast enough / Wired - to costly to move. New homes help, but as we all know new housing will not rebound for some time, and would only be a SMALL slice of people purchasing new TVs.
LED - Thin TVs - as mentioned above - if you are not hanging it on the wall - WHO CARES?!?!
Feel green, great, get an LED, but similar to the Automotive industry, how much are you willing to pay to be green? Just like the CAR you will NOT save enough in energy to justify the price increase at current markup for LED today.
So what do we see in the market, an overall soft TV market for the majority of the year in the US. We don't have a switch from Analog to HDTV a valid reason to upgrade a TV. We are not moving from HUGE crts or rear projection TVs to FLAT, another significant change the people where willing to spend money for. Now we are moving back into Evolutionary changes vs. Revolutionary changes.
To make all of this worse the industry sets targets (based on sales AND PROFIT) and when they do not look like they will achieve the targets for units and market share they chase the SALES and throw away any PROFIT.
Why continue to develop new product to lose money?!?!?! Bit of a death spiral for most companies trying to survive. If all of these companies had to survive on the Profit or Loss of just the Electronics category alone, I would argue that most would be gone.
We are not developing (for the most part) technology that customers WANT. This is a broad statement and is pointed more at TVs. Companies are struggling to cram another way to make money vs. off the item itself to offset the self inflicted pain of selling cheap when units do not sell up to expectation (IPTV). The industry has put the cart in front of the horse in this attempt, ignoring the fact that the quality / connectability / content are all severely lacking. 3DTV is severely lacking in Content, ignore the concern on glasses, I can't get a decent movie if I wanted to. (Hollywood is still trying to solve the issue with Blu-Ray and why it isn't selling and can't spend time money on 3D movies for the home yet).
Some success in the industry is coming from companies that are taking the time to find ways to bring customers items that make their life more enjoyable and improve the way they do things. Simplifying MUSIC, making it easy to have your entire music collection in your hand. Making it easy to access more content and get that content easily. A company that has taken the PC and put it in a portable format that has a proven interface that people enjoy using. Putting application on a portable device that makes it easy to interact socially and connect with others. Take pictures and send over the cellular network. Take video and send. All through nice devices with touch screens, easy for must of us to understand without ever reading a manual (true sign of a well built device - If you need to put a sign of PUSH or PULL on a door you didn't design it very well).
What would sell more TVs? More Technology? Devices that are EASIER to use, to connect, to share with others. There has been little change or improvement on the way we interact with a TV (remote control).
The biggest issue is we do not properly inform customers of all the great STUFF that is in the technology. Since they can not understand the benefits of what they could buy, they can not apply a VALUE. If I don't know what GOOD something will bring to my life I will not be able to decide how MUCH I am willing to pay for it.
The result - when it is cheap enough - sure I'll buy it. It may have 20 things in it that I won't use, but it's OK because I didn't pay a premium for it. (as some Tier 1 TV vendors have stated recently about the expectation that they will need to drop prices to sell - 3DTV, IPTV, LED)
The industry needs to take a serious look at the vicious cycle we are in that is driving down profit, and ability to take that profit and reinvest in new technology.
JZ
As the US economy suffers, Unemployment sticking at 9.6%, do we really think PRICE is going to increase sales enough, when people are simply putting off a new TV purchase. The size the current one is OK and it works just fine? Yes it may not be 3D, it may not have IPTV, it may not be a new LED slim form factor with some minimal power savings. Interesting enough, we all seem to be missing the fact that the US consumer has woken up from the punch drunk days of spending when the economy was so good.
What do I mean by this? It is rather simple, people are spending on what they NEED more than what they WANT. Even more of an impact is that they have learned to even adjust the amount that they WANT. What they want is not as feature reach as it has been in the past. Goals for achieving new items have been reset to a new level. (The one who dies with the most toys WIN - and it doesn't have to bee the fanciest toys anymore)
I have coined this as the "It's good enough" point of view. If I currently own a perfectly good working 8.0 mega pixel camera, why would I toss it and buy a 10.0 - 12.0 mega pixel camera. I am not taking the time to learn about the other technology of smile ,eye, face recognition that is in the new camera, or the new lens, or light sensor and so on, so based on the basics of ANY item what I have is GOOD ENOUGH.
The day of moving a TV to another room before it dies as the excuse to put another (previously driven more by size than feature anyway) large and more featured set in the home are seeing it's days numbers. First my IT'S GOOD ENOUGH point of view. Next the current housing situation, and the downsizing their homes. Average home sizes have been reduced, not increasing, offsetting the ability for the industry's to belief there will be more TVs per home and larger TVs per home. TVs per home have increase from 2.1 to 2.7 TVs, but I do not expect that to continue, and would not be surprised if it goes in reverse.
What do most people want from their TV. Great picture at a reasonable price. The TV alone without content does NOTHING. 3DTV lacks content, and people still fear the quality, as well as the need to wear glasses. It is one thing when a person decides to go to the movies and watch for about 2 hrs. No multitasking is intended. You are there to watch the movie, you want to see it in 3D, and your willing to pay for it. At home you may want the big screen, everyone has seemed to abandon caring about the sound, and you like to multitask when you watch movies , sports , news , shows. (popularity of DVR and ability to pause live TV). This puts 3DTV in the back seat at your house. Putting on glasses at home is not about how it LOOKS, but what you can or can not do at home while watching TV is impacted.
IPTV has an incredible laundry list of challenges in front of it. Speed, connectivity, content, interface and usability. In the US we don't have the speed due to a non-existent Broadband program in the US. Our speeds are incredibly slow. (We still have people using DIAL UP!). If you have Broadband it could still be on Wireless A or B or G, as there has not been any reason to go to N and N wasn't a solid choice until recently. Wired? Well same issue with all these flat panels sitting on some sort of shelving vs hanging. The power and other connection are not located up on the wall. Cost of that installation is preventing the majority of people placing / moving this on the wall. Same issue exists with Internet. Most people have installed the HARD wire connection of the Internet in the office or loft where the computer is, not where any other Consumer Electronics are. (TV, DVD, and such). Wireless - not fast enough / Wired - to costly to move. New homes help, but as we all know new housing will not rebound for some time, and would only be a SMALL slice of people purchasing new TVs.
LED - Thin TVs - as mentioned above - if you are not hanging it on the wall - WHO CARES?!?!
Feel green, great, get an LED, but similar to the Automotive industry, how much are you willing to pay to be green? Just like the CAR you will NOT save enough in energy to justify the price increase at current markup for LED today.
So what do we see in the market, an overall soft TV market for the majority of the year in the US. We don't have a switch from Analog to HDTV a valid reason to upgrade a TV. We are not moving from HUGE crts or rear projection TVs to FLAT, another significant change the people where willing to spend money for. Now we are moving back into Evolutionary changes vs. Revolutionary changes.
To make all of this worse the industry sets targets (based on sales AND PROFIT) and when they do not look like they will achieve the targets for units and market share they chase the SALES and throw away any PROFIT.
Why continue to develop new product to lose money?!?!?! Bit of a death spiral for most companies trying to survive. If all of these companies had to survive on the Profit or Loss of just the Electronics category alone, I would argue that most would be gone.
We are not developing (for the most part) technology that customers WANT. This is a broad statement and is pointed more at TVs. Companies are struggling to cram another way to make money vs. off the item itself to offset the self inflicted pain of selling cheap when units do not sell up to expectation (IPTV). The industry has put the cart in front of the horse in this attempt, ignoring the fact that the quality / connectability / content are all severely lacking. 3DTV is severely lacking in Content, ignore the concern on glasses, I can't get a decent movie if I wanted to. (Hollywood is still trying to solve the issue with Blu-Ray and why it isn't selling and can't spend time money on 3D movies for the home yet).
Some success in the industry is coming from companies that are taking the time to find ways to bring customers items that make their life more enjoyable and improve the way they do things. Simplifying MUSIC, making it easy to have your entire music collection in your hand. Making it easy to access more content and get that content easily. A company that has taken the PC and put it in a portable format that has a proven interface that people enjoy using. Putting application on a portable device that makes it easy to interact socially and connect with others. Take pictures and send over the cellular network. Take video and send. All through nice devices with touch screens, easy for must of us to understand without ever reading a manual (true sign of a well built device - If you need to put a sign of PUSH or PULL on a door you didn't design it very well).
What would sell more TVs? More Technology? Devices that are EASIER to use, to connect, to share with others. There has been little change or improvement on the way we interact with a TV (remote control).
The biggest issue is we do not properly inform customers of all the great STUFF that is in the technology. Since they can not understand the benefits of what they could buy, they can not apply a VALUE. If I don't know what GOOD something will bring to my life I will not be able to decide how MUCH I am willing to pay for it.
The result - when it is cheap enough - sure I'll buy it. It may have 20 things in it that I won't use, but it's OK because I didn't pay a premium for it. (as some Tier 1 TV vendors have stated recently about the expectation that they will need to drop prices to sell - 3DTV, IPTV, LED)
The industry needs to take a serious look at the vicious cycle we are in that is driving down profit, and ability to take that profit and reinvest in new technology.
JZ
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Why Connected TVs Will Be About the Content, Not the Apps
See below from Jeremy Toeman - Very good point of view on how to have consumers care about Connected TVs.
Right now you have IPTVs selling that almost no one is using.... he points out why they are not using, or not buying below.
JZ
About 3 hours ago 7
Jeremy Toeman has worked in the field of convergence between computers, the Internet and TV for over 10 years. He is a founding partner of Stage Two, a consumer technology product experience firm in San Francisco, and can be found blogging at livedigitally.com.
Right now you have IPTVs selling that almost no one is using.... he points out why they are not using, or not buying below.
JZ
About 3 hours ago 7
Why Connected TVs Will Be About the Content, Not the Apps
Jeremy Toeman has worked in the field of convergence between computers, the Internet and TV for over 10 years. He is a founding partner of Stage Two, a consumer technology product experience firm in San Francisco, and can be found blogging at livedigitally.com.With the recent launches of the revamped Roku and the new Apple TV, Samsung’s connected TVs in stores already, and Google TV and the Boxee Box looming large on the horizon, the connected device space is officially heating up. New Internet TV devices, be they connected TVs, smart set top boxes, digital media streamers, or whatever else, are offering consumers virtually limitless access to content by bringing the best — and of course the worst — the Internet() has to offer straight into the living room.
But beyond just “get more content on your TV,” we’re starting to see a lot of energy focused on “apps on your TV.” Right now, wired TVs and Wi-Fi enabled Blu()-ray players come equipped with everything from YouTube() (cool) to TED Talks (awesome) to Pandora() (sweet) to Twitter() (huh?).
When it comes to video and music apps (entertainment), the value proposition is clear: more content on my TV. But what’s the value of non-entertainment apps? And how can the device makers communicate that value?
Disclosure: The author has worked and/or consulted for many companies in this space, including those mentioned here and their direct competitors. A complete client list is available here.
Take a look at this photo I took at Costco recently. This is how Samsung is selling the Smart TV experience to consumers.
The four apps featured on the box are Twitter, Facebook(), Dailymotion and AccuWeather.com. In order, most mainstream Costco shoppers will see this as: a stream of hashtag-infused sound bites, farm updates from their high school friends, an unfamiliar video site and a weather app that replicates what they already get on the Weather Channel, their smartphones and laptops. This is supposed to make someone want to buy a premium, top-of-the-line TV?
The point of this is not to pick on Samsung; almost every player in the connected TV space is erroneously highlighting apps when they should be highlighting content. Other than Dailymotion, which is at least a video content offering (albeit far from mainstream), what can the others offer? It’s not being communicated in this ad.
The current industry vision for Twitter on your TV is essentially a direct port of a Twitter client into your living room that adds almost no content to the experience. In this scenario, your television faithfully recreates the Twitter experience for wired couch potatoes. Never mind that people already have Twitter on their phone, iPad, laptop, and already do tweet from the couch. Never mind that tweeting from your TV would likely require a full keyboard –- or worse, some sort of onscreen keypad. Never mind that browsing links to websites optimized for computer and mobile screens is never fun on a television. Replicating Twitter as-is on a connected TV it is not a win for anyone. And yet, this is what all the manufacturers are doing.
Twitter can work on the TV, though, if you think about the content that a Twitter feed inherently presents.
Imagine a TV Twitter “client” that is focused on a visual content delivery experience. Rather than reading or replying to tweets, a content-focused approach to Twitter on your TV would pull out the rich media that people are sharing. What if you could, for example, subscribe to the TED Twitter feed and watch all the videos that it shares automatically on your television? What if the TV Twitter client automatically pulled out the YouTube videos your friends shared on Twitter or the Twitpic() images and automatically put them in an easily browsable gallery? What if it didn’t feel like Twitter at all?
Living room users don’t care about trivial updates and hashtags. They care about media and entertainment (or infotainment). For TV apps to succeed, they need to provide engaging content to the audience. For connected TV apps to resonate with casual users and gain wide adoption, they must recognize that it’s all about content in the end. This, of course, requires more imagination, more innovation and a bit more work. But it can be done, and the future of connected device apps depends on developers enthusiastically marching down this path.
Why am I convinced that content is king for the digital home? Because consumers have traditionally paid a premium for more access to media in their living rooms. As TV evolved from three to 500 channels, and later introduced VCRs, DVD players and DVR, it was the access to content, and not the technology itself, that fueled mass adoption. When content providers offer more choices, users are willing to pay more for increased access to new media.
Interactive TV has tried and failed for 20 years because it has always focused on features and functions instead of content. So how can connected devices and media companies push new, app-delivered content?
First, start foregrounding that content. In marketing, benefits beat features, which beat raw specs. By embracing the “Now With Apps!” marketing mantra, consumer electronic companies are highlighting features. They might as well be advertising the shipping weight of their devices or the HD processor inside. The function of smart devices in the digital living room is to entertain people.
Second, everyone from app developers to smart device manufacturers to marketing and ad executives must humanize this new technology. Tell a story. Engage people’s emotions. Draw users in by making technology personal. The average user doesn’t get excited that his or her TV has a Flickr() app. But most people would like to see photos of their friends and family on the TV. Average users can’t easily identify with a Pandora app, but the idea of your TV playing the kind of music you want to hear sounds appealing. There’s probably even a place for showing pictures of cats with funny captions — just don’t call it an app.
Saying the name of the TV app doesn’t sell it. Sure, if you are reading this blog, many of those apps make sense, but for shoppers at Costco, it looks like word salad. The future of the digital home is exciting, to be sure. In order to effectively launch a smart living room, the industry as a whole needs to focus on the experiences people can have with new technology and not rattle off a bullet list of apps.
Electronics companies and entrepreneurs must understand the psychology of the couch. It is the one location where people want to be entertained, often passively. They spend all day in front of phones, e-mail, Twitter and Facebook. When they kick back on the couch, the last thing they want to see is a list of unread e-mails and a loading screen.
That’s why a winning way to make and market connected TV in 2011 is delivering content, not apps.
But beyond just “get more content on your TV,” we’re starting to see a lot of energy focused on “apps on your TV.” Right now, wired TVs and Wi-Fi enabled Blu()-ray players come equipped with everything from YouTube() (cool) to TED Talks (awesome) to Pandora() (sweet) to Twitter() (huh?).
When it comes to video and music apps (entertainment), the value proposition is clear: more content on my TV. But what’s the value of non-entertainment apps? And how can the device makers communicate that value?
Disclosure: The author has worked and/or consulted for many companies in this space, including those mentioned here and their direct competitors. A complete client list is available here.
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
Take a look at this photo I took at Costco recently. This is how Samsung is selling the Smart TV experience to consumers.
The four apps featured on the box are Twitter, Facebook(), Dailymotion and AccuWeather.com. In order, most mainstream Costco shoppers will see this as: a stream of hashtag-infused sound bites, farm updates from their high school friends, an unfamiliar video site and a weather app that replicates what they already get on the Weather Channel, their smartphones and laptops. This is supposed to make someone want to buy a premium, top-of-the-line TV?
The point of this is not to pick on Samsung; almost every player in the connected TV space is erroneously highlighting apps when they should be highlighting content. Other than Dailymotion, which is at least a video content offering (albeit far from mainstream), what can the others offer? It’s not being communicated in this ad.
Where’s the Value in Twitter on Your TV?
The current industry vision for Twitter on your TV is essentially a direct port of a Twitter client into your living room that adds almost no content to the experience. In this scenario, your television faithfully recreates the Twitter experience for wired couch potatoes. Never mind that people already have Twitter on their phone, iPad, laptop, and already do tweet from the couch. Never mind that tweeting from your TV would likely require a full keyboard –- or worse, some sort of onscreen keypad. Never mind that browsing links to websites optimized for computer and mobile screens is never fun on a television. Replicating Twitter as-is on a connected TV it is not a win for anyone. And yet, this is what all the manufacturers are doing.
Twitter can work on the TV, though, if you think about the content that a Twitter feed inherently presents.
Imagine a TV Twitter “client” that is focused on a visual content delivery experience. Rather than reading or replying to tweets, a content-focused approach to Twitter on your TV would pull out the rich media that people are sharing. What if you could, for example, subscribe to the TED Twitter feed and watch all the videos that it shares automatically on your television? What if the TV Twitter client automatically pulled out the YouTube videos your friends shared on Twitter or the Twitpic() images and automatically put them in an easily browsable gallery? What if it didn’t feel like Twitter at all?
Living room users don’t care about trivial updates and hashtags. They care about media and entertainment (or infotainment). For TV apps to succeed, they need to provide engaging content to the audience. For connected TV apps to resonate with casual users and gain wide adoption, they must recognize that it’s all about content in the end. This, of course, requires more imagination, more innovation and a bit more work. But it can be done, and the future of connected device apps depends on developers enthusiastically marching down this path.
How Connected Device Companies Can Win
Why am I convinced that content is king for the digital home? Because consumers have traditionally paid a premium for more access to media in their living rooms. As TV evolved from three to 500 channels, and later introduced VCRs, DVD players and DVR, it was the access to content, and not the technology itself, that fueled mass adoption. When content providers offer more choices, users are willing to pay more for increased access to new media.
Interactive TV has tried and failed for 20 years because it has always focused on features and functions instead of content. So how can connected devices and media companies push new, app-delivered content?
First, start foregrounding that content. In marketing, benefits beat features, which beat raw specs. By embracing the “Now With Apps!” marketing mantra, consumer electronic companies are highlighting features. They might as well be advertising the shipping weight of their devices or the HD processor inside. The function of smart devices in the digital living room is to entertain people.
Second, everyone from app developers to smart device manufacturers to marketing and ad executives must humanize this new technology. Tell a story. Engage people’s emotions. Draw users in by making technology personal. The average user doesn’t get excited that his or her TV has a Flickr() app. But most people would like to see photos of their friends and family on the TV. Average users can’t easily identify with a Pandora app, but the idea of your TV playing the kind of music you want to hear sounds appealing. There’s probably even a place for showing pictures of cats with funny captions — just don’t call it an app.
Saying the name of the TV app doesn’t sell it. Sure, if you are reading this blog, many of those apps make sense, but for shoppers at Costco, it looks like word salad. The future of the digital home is exciting, to be sure. In order to effectively launch a smart living room, the industry as a whole needs to focus on the experiences people can have with new technology and not rattle off a bullet list of apps.
The Living Room State of Mind
Electronics companies and entrepreneurs must understand the psychology of the couch. It is the one location where people want to be entertained, often passively. They spend all day in front of phones, e-mail, Twitter and Facebook. When they kick back on the couch, the last thing they want to see is a list of unread e-mails and a loading screen.
That’s why a winning way to make and market connected TV in 2011 is delivering content, not apps.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sony TVs not really made by Sony anymore
Sony continue to shift to more outsourcing of it's TV line. Even high end models have now been announced as being outsourced.
Foxconn Electronics has been expected to produce the Sony framless unltra-thin models. Wistron is expected to produce their Google TV that is just in the process of release.
Foxconn Electronics has been expected to produce the Sony framless unltra-thin models. Wistron is expected to produce their Google TV that is just in the process of release.
Sony's LCD TV outsourced orders are expected to reach 70-80% of its total shipments in 2011, of which its Taiwan-based manufacture partner Foxconn is expected to receive orders of 15-18 million units, exceeding its fellow Taiwan-based competitor Wistron.
In order to save its TV business and return it to profit, Sony has been selling its overseas LCD TV manufacturing plants, increasing its outsourcing and expanding its lineup of lower-cost models. Amid the increasing market share and sales, Sony has turned profitable and ended the embarrassing situation of six years of losses. Sony is expected to reach its shipment goal of 25 million LCD TVs for the 2010 fiscal year ended March 2011, and the shipments may increase to 26 million units for the year, of which 40-50% will be outsourced.
Sony originally planned to increase its LCD TV shipment goal for 2011 to 40 million units. However, the company has lowered the goal to 36 million units amid weakening demand in the global market. In terms of manufacturing strategy, 20-30% of the total shipments will be in-house designs and the rest will be divided equally between ODM and OEM, of which high-end frameless models will be produced by Foxconn and hit the market in the first half of 2011. This will be the first time for Sony to outsource high-end models to Taiwan-based makers.
Sony indicated that its outsourcing strategy for LCD TVs will remain unchanged and will continue to focus on increasing competitiveness, but the company declined to comment on its orders to an individual manufacturer. Observers in the TV industry noted that Sony will release significant orders to Foxconn as the Taiwan-based maker took over the LCD TV assembly plants in Mexico and Slovakia, making Foxconn the largest manufacturer for Sony with 16-18 million units of orders. Although OEM orders will remain as the majority party of the total orders from Sony, Foxconn's affiliate LCD panel maker Chimei Innolux (CMI) is expected to benefit and supply TV panels for about 40-50% of the total orders.
JZ
Technology American adults own
A recent survey by Pew research center's internet and American Life Project showed the following results.
85% own Cell Phones
59% own Desktop computers
52% own Laptop computers
47% own MP3 player
42% own Video Game system
5% own an Ereader
4% own a tablet computer
Report shows a shift to people accessing the Internet through mobile phone and quickly moving to tablet computers as well.
These are considered 7 key items for the information age. Expectations are that tablet sales will reach 19.5 Million units in 2010. 30-52% of Americans in 2006 owned a PC or Laptop, this is now up to 75% in 2010.
Tablets are expected to take a large share of sales away from Netbooks, mini notebooks, inexpensive laptops.
An opportunity called out with this new wave of mobility and mobile technology is security. Security professionals will have a great opportunity in providing level of control and security, but need to be mindful of not stifling the flexibility and mobility of employees.
Report also allows everyone to determine which lines may have the most upside potential in the short term. It also allows producers of each product category the ability to see the need to move into a replacement cycle or downward trend on categories. Question is which technologies have the ability to stick around and be replaced by more features items, and which technologies are at risk of being replaced all together by new technology (impact tablets will have on laptops).
JZ
85% own Cell Phones
59% own Desktop computers
52% own Laptop computers
47% own MP3 player
42% own Video Game system
5% own an Ereader
4% own a tablet computer
Report shows a shift to people accessing the Internet through mobile phone and quickly moving to tablet computers as well.
These are considered 7 key items for the information age. Expectations are that tablet sales will reach 19.5 Million units in 2010. 30-52% of Americans in 2006 owned a PC or Laptop, this is now up to 75% in 2010.
Tablets are expected to take a large share of sales away from Netbooks, mini notebooks, inexpensive laptops.
An opportunity called out with this new wave of mobility and mobile technology is security. Security professionals will have a great opportunity in providing level of control and security, but need to be mindful of not stifling the flexibility and mobility of employees.
Report also allows everyone to determine which lines may have the most upside potential in the short term. It also allows producers of each product category the ability to see the need to move into a replacement cycle or downward trend on categories. Question is which technologies have the ability to stick around and be replaced by more features items, and which technologies are at risk of being replaced all together by new technology (impact tablets will have on laptops).
JZ
Monday, October 18, 2010
Video Game Sales take hit in September
Video Game software sales fell in September 6% down to $614 Million.
Video Game hardware took a larger hit down 19% to $383 Million.
Non-traditional video game spending is up, though this is hard to measure NPD has released its first report.
The move is, in part, defensive. NPD tracks and publishes monthly data on video game store sales, and has taken flak from video game executives for failing to account for new and increasingly popular ways of buying games.
The study marks the first time that NPD has released non-traditional video game sales figures and provides evidence that consumer spending on video games is 40 percent larger than it previously believed.
It estimated that non-traditional sales are at least $2.6 billion and as high as $2.9 billion, NPD said. The figures include used video game sales.
"This is an industry that is going through some pretty serious dramatic changes to its business model," said David McQuillan, NPD's games president. "We have to change along with them to properly reflect the overall trends going on within the market."
Many customers are buying games through downloads or by visiting online social networks to play games offered by companies such as Zynga.
Apple Inc's iPhone has also become a major gaming platform, with users buying games through the App Store.
JZ
Video Game hardware took a larger hit down 19% to $383 Million.
Non-traditional video game spending is up, though this is hard to measure NPD has released its first report.
The move is, in part, defensive. NPD tracks and publishes monthly data on video game store sales, and has taken flak from video game executives for failing to account for new and increasingly popular ways of buying games.
The study marks the first time that NPD has released non-traditional video game sales figures and provides evidence that consumer spending on video games is 40 percent larger than it previously believed.
It estimated that non-traditional sales are at least $2.6 billion and as high as $2.9 billion, NPD said. The figures include used video game sales.
"This is an industry that is going through some pretty serious dramatic changes to its business model," said David McQuillan, NPD's games president. "We have to change along with them to properly reflect the overall trends going on within the market."
Many customers are buying games through downloads or by visiting online social networks to play games offered by companies such as Zynga.
Apple Inc's iPhone has also become a major gaming platform, with users buying games through the App Store.
JZ
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Health Care Fear / Savings drives people to work longer
Two out of Five has said they will work longer , delaying their retirement date. This is due to a fear of Health Care costs and savings shortfalls.
They survey of over 9,000 people also showed that 40% planned to retire later than they did 2 years ago. Most responded that they will work at least another 3 years longer than they had planned.
Another point shown in the survey was that almost twice as many workers are paying off debt than they were last year, and that almost twice as many are reviewing how much they need to save for retirement.
Half of all respondents cut their daily spending, while six in 10 over-50s delaying retirement cited poorly performing 401(k)s as a factor.
The economic downturn means more than half of all workers are willing to accept larger paycheck deductions in return for guaranteed retirement benefits, the survey found.
JZ
They survey of over 9,000 people also showed that 40% planned to retire later than they did 2 years ago. Most responded that they will work at least another 3 years longer than they had planned.
Another point shown in the survey was that almost twice as many workers are paying off debt than they were last year, and that almost twice as many are reviewing how much they need to save for retirement.
Half of all respondents cut their daily spending, while six in 10 over-50s delaying retirement cited poorly performing 401(k)s as a factor.
The economic downturn means more than half of all workers are willing to accept larger paycheck deductions in return for guaranteed retirement benefits, the survey found.
JZ
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Holiday Shopping Shocker!
Here is shocking news released based on a Holiday Spending Survey from Accenture.
Customer are looking for DEEP DISCOUNTS - WOW!
Again - not about Brand, Features, Quality, and so on - but it is PRICE!
The reports says 83% intend to spend the same or less this holiday season. Discounts will be a big motivator to spend. 87% reported they would not buy with at least a 20% discount on the item. 25% of the people reported it would take at least a 50% discount to get them to buy.
With retailers being very conservative with their discounting and managing inventory instead, this could be a very slow season. Consumer continue to save, and stores continue to hold back discounting.
Even though consumer are stating the must have large discounts to buy, the number of people stating they will NOT shop on black Friday has gone up 5% over last year.
For those shopping on line - FREE SHIPPING is the big motivator. 43% , 8% more than last year stated they are looking for that specific offer.
Depending on how it turns out, it could be a last-minute season for those strong enough to hold out. If inventory at retail is under control , holding out won't matter.
JZ
Customer are looking for DEEP DISCOUNTS - WOW!
Again - not about Brand, Features, Quality, and so on - but it is PRICE!
The reports says 83% intend to spend the same or less this holiday season. Discounts will be a big motivator to spend. 87% reported they would not buy with at least a 20% discount on the item. 25% of the people reported it would take at least a 50% discount to get them to buy.
With retailers being very conservative with their discounting and managing inventory instead, this could be a very slow season. Consumer continue to save, and stores continue to hold back discounting.
Even though consumer are stating the must have large discounts to buy, the number of people stating they will NOT shop on black Friday has gone up 5% over last year.
For those shopping on line - FREE SHIPPING is the big motivator. 43% , 8% more than last year stated they are looking for that specific offer.
Depending on how it turns out, it could be a last-minute season for those strong enough to hold out. If inventory at retail is under control , holding out won't matter.
JZ
3D TV no glasses?!
Toshiba has announced launching a 3D TV that doesn't require any glasses. Great for everyone who has said they don't want to sit around for long periods of time with glasses on. Those that have said they can't multi task with glasses on.
Not so fast!
First - just like OLED screens - they are VERY expensive 12 inch TV for $1,440 and 20" for $2,880. The 20" is more expensive than a 40" 3D TV with glasses from Sony which is around $2,500 including the cost for glasses.
Second - they have not been successful in making a set larger than 20" that is consumer ready.
Third - current models 12" and 20" suffer from a loss of 50% of the resolution when producing this 3D image. Ouch!
On the positive side the sets have the capability of converting any 2D content to 3D content addressing the issue of what is not currently available in 3D which is a lot.
Toshiba has shown a 56" version at CEATEC - but there is no information about timing or price. Based on current information on the models being made available it is a long way away from release.
Some of these issues is why SED tv has never been produced for consumers although it significantly outperforms LCD tvs. OLED may go the same way, they are struggling to get the costs down and struggling to produce TVs over 32". Sony's 12" OLED TV was $2,500.
Time will tell - but for those that jump at new announcements, I wouldn't be so sure that 3DTV without glasses is really coming to your living room anytime soon.
JZ
Not so fast!
First - just like OLED screens - they are VERY expensive 12 inch TV for $1,440 and 20" for $2,880. The 20" is more expensive than a 40" 3D TV with glasses from Sony which is around $2,500 including the cost for glasses.
Second - they have not been successful in making a set larger than 20" that is consumer ready.
Third - current models 12" and 20" suffer from a loss of 50% of the resolution when producing this 3D image. Ouch!
On the positive side the sets have the capability of converting any 2D content to 3D content addressing the issue of what is not currently available in 3D which is a lot.
Toshiba has shown a 56" version at CEATEC - but there is no information about timing or price. Based on current information on the models being made available it is a long way away from release.
Some of these issues is why SED tv has never been produced for consumers although it significantly outperforms LCD tvs. OLED may go the same way, they are struggling to get the costs down and struggling to produce TVs over 32". Sony's 12" OLED TV was $2,500.
Time will tell - but for those that jump at new announcements, I wouldn't be so sure that 3DTV without glasses is really coming to your living room anytime soon.
JZ
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Halloween Spending
Reports are in and consumers have said the will spend some more this year on Halloween.
Average consumer expects to spend $66.28.
Age group that is most enthusiastic about the holiday are the ones between 18-24 years old.
About $67 dollars toward that holiday party they are planning to attend.
Have a safe holiday!
JZ
Average consumer expects to spend $66.28.
Age group that is most enthusiastic about the holiday are the ones between 18-24 years old.
About $67 dollars toward that holiday party they are planning to attend.
Have a safe holiday!
JZ
Monday, October 4, 2010
Microsoft 360 Kinect Update!
Some new information about the Kinect has been released by Microsoft.
Kinect will not have it's own internal processor. Also Kinect has a lower resolution camera and will track less body parts. These are both different from the models that were shown at E3 this year.
Kinect will use less than 1% of the X-box 360s processing power. They have stated it was hard to understand how much power it would need, but as game development progress the changes could be made.
Top graphic capability was the concern and the design is in line with that desire to bring the best experience to the gamer. Forza is a graphic showpiece and will shipping with Kinect and is still running at 60 frames per second without the Kinect having its own internal processor, as one example provided by Microsoft.
In regards to the number of points needed to be picked up by the Kinect, that was also adjusted with the development phase. The idea is to use all of the processing power most efficiently and effectively, and they say they have done so with these adjustments.
Personally it is a wait and see at this point. I was able to attend E3 and try the Kinect, but that experience is now up in the air. Until I try what basically is a rather overhauled device I won't know if the experience will be as enjoyable as it was at E3. That being said, I am going to pick it up and plan to use it extensively with the family.
Will update as more information is released!
JZ
Kinect will not have it's own internal processor. Also Kinect has a lower resolution camera and will track less body parts. These are both different from the models that were shown at E3 this year.
Kinect will use less than 1% of the X-box 360s processing power. They have stated it was hard to understand how much power it would need, but as game development progress the changes could be made.
Top graphic capability was the concern and the design is in line with that desire to bring the best experience to the gamer. Forza is a graphic showpiece and will shipping with Kinect and is still running at 60 frames per second without the Kinect having its own internal processor, as one example provided by Microsoft.
In regards to the number of points needed to be picked up by the Kinect, that was also adjusted with the development phase. The idea is to use all of the processing power most efficiently and effectively, and they say they have done so with these adjustments.
Personally it is a wait and see at this point. I was able to attend E3 and try the Kinect, but that experience is now up in the air. Until I try what basically is a rather overhauled device I won't know if the experience will be as enjoyable as it was at E3. That being said, I am going to pick it up and plan to use it extensively with the family.
Will update as more information is released!
JZ
Friday, October 1, 2010
America Research and Development issue
Is America losing it's Science Brainpower? US has always considered one of it's competitive advantages as the human scientist asset.
A report discussed on Capitol Hill has said that our ability to complete globally in science and technology is going down a very dangerous path.
Overall student performance in Math and Science is very poor in comparison to our counterparts in other countries. Other countries such as China are investing heavily in research and educations, which can be viewed as a future threat to American competitiveness. Though today America is still the leader in innovation and produces a large majority of the world's wealth.
JOBS - as I have mentioned in previous posts about the American Economy, holding on and growing American Brainpower promotes new JOBS and JOB GROWTH.
The health of the economy and job growth is directly tied to our ability to innovate.
New scientific discoveries drive new jobs - an example mentioned would be the research in solid-state physics which resulted in material used in GPS, Ipods, and medical scanners. Jobs where created to support the production and expansion of those products.
Over the past 5 years, people tracking this issue have said the matter has only gotten worse.Only 4 of the top 10 companies receiving US patents in 2009 were American companies.
"China graduated more English-speaking engineers last year than we did," said Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va. "The United States' share of high-tech exports has fallen from 21 to 14 percent, while China's rose from 7 to 20 percent."
The focus needs to be on Education. New progress needs to be made with research funding. Will our government take the steps necessary to keep us competitive?
JZ
A report discussed on Capitol Hill has said that our ability to complete globally in science and technology is going down a very dangerous path.
Overall student performance in Math and Science is very poor in comparison to our counterparts in other countries. Other countries such as China are investing heavily in research and educations, which can be viewed as a future threat to American competitiveness. Though today America is still the leader in innovation and produces a large majority of the world's wealth.
JOBS - as I have mentioned in previous posts about the American Economy, holding on and growing American Brainpower promotes new JOBS and JOB GROWTH.
The health of the economy and job growth is directly tied to our ability to innovate.
New scientific discoveries drive new jobs - an example mentioned would be the research in solid-state physics which resulted in material used in GPS, Ipods, and medical scanners. Jobs where created to support the production and expansion of those products.
Over the past 5 years, people tracking this issue have said the matter has only gotten worse.Only 4 of the top 10 companies receiving US patents in 2009 were American companies.
"China graduated more English-speaking engineers last year than we did," said Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va. "The United States' share of high-tech exports has fallen from 21 to 14 percent, while China's rose from 7 to 20 percent."
The focus needs to be on Education. New progress needs to be made with research funding. Will our government take the steps necessary to keep us competitive?
JZ
HP Hires Ex-SAP to CEO
I have to say I continue to be a bit surprised at the number of corporations that simply can not find or refuse to chose a candidate from within. I would not be surprised if one or more additional senior leaders at HP will look elsewhere as they have been passed over with this move.
HP named former SAP AG executive Leo Apotheker as the head guy now running the ship. It appears as HP is looking to strengthen its software sector with the latest move. HP has been a smaller player in this area over the past years. The rivalry with Oracle is expected to continue to grow as HP tries to be more meaningful in the software sector.
Leo Apotheker had been with the software maker SAP for more than 20 years. He had been known for raising the rate that SAP charged for product support during a bad economy. SAP later reduced those moves after customers threatened to walk away amid the higher fees.
Leo Apotheker plans to move to Palto Alto, CA for the new job. He is fluent in 5 languages and has never lived in the US full time prior to this.
HP moved quickly and now can hopefully put the CEO issue behind them. Leo Apotheker has some big shoes to fill and a large responsibility to keep driving HP as worlds largest IT company by revenue.
JZ
HP named former SAP AG executive Leo Apotheker as the head guy now running the ship. It appears as HP is looking to strengthen its software sector with the latest move. HP has been a smaller player in this area over the past years. The rivalry with Oracle is expected to continue to grow as HP tries to be more meaningful in the software sector.
Leo Apotheker had been with the software maker SAP for more than 20 years. He had been known for raising the rate that SAP charged for product support during a bad economy. SAP later reduced those moves after customers threatened to walk away amid the higher fees.
Leo Apotheker plans to move to Palto Alto, CA for the new job. He is fluent in 5 languages and has never lived in the US full time prior to this.
HP moved quickly and now can hopefully put the CEO issue behind them. Leo Apotheker has some big shoes to fill and a large responsibility to keep driving HP as worlds largest IT company by revenue.
JZ
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Comic-Con to stay in San Diego for at least 5 years
Just read that Comic-Con will be staying in San Diego for at least the next 5 years.
They had been looking at proposals to move the venue elsewhere, but with this decision will be staying in San Diego until 2015.
Comic-Con will be going on it's 42nd year. It has been held in San Diego since it began in 1970 at the U.S. Grant Hotel. In 1991 it moved to a newly built San Diego Convention Center.
"We are grateful for the tireless efforts all three cities put into their proposals," said Comic-Con spokesman David Glanzer. "In the end, we feel this decision is the best for all those who attend Comic-Con and for the organization itself. We are happy that the community has worked with us to ensure that we remain there."
Loving comics, and living in San Diego this is great news for me!!!!!
JZ
They had been looking at proposals to move the venue elsewhere, but with this decision will be staying in San Diego until 2015.
Comic-Con will be going on it's 42nd year. It has been held in San Diego since it began in 1970 at the U.S. Grant Hotel. In 1991 it moved to a newly built San Diego Convention Center.
"We are grateful for the tireless efforts all three cities put into their proposals," said Comic-Con spokesman David Glanzer. "In the end, we feel this decision is the best for all those who attend Comic-Con and for the organization itself. We are happy that the community has worked with us to ensure that we remain there."
Loving comics, and living in San Diego this is great news for me!!!!!
JZ
Nintendo Delays 3D Handheld
Amid concerns over manufacturing issues, Nintendo announced its 3DS handheld game player would not be on store shelves for the upcoming holiday season. News of delay on the 3-D device, which isn't expected until Feb. 26, sent the company's stock price plummeting nearly 9% on the Osaka Securities Exchange
Most had expected the US launch to be in 2011, but to find out the Japan launched had been pushed to Feb. 26 of 2011 was a surprise to most.
Nintendo continues to struggle with Game System Transitions. This will help put the spotlight on the Sony and Microsoft launches of motion based additions to their systems.
Additional to the delay, was the price. The price for the 3D DS was announced at $299, raising the concern of high sales volume. This is a very high price point for a portable game system.
Some game makers for the Nintendo system have also seen their stock prices fall with the release of this news.
JZ
Most had expected the US launch to be in 2011, but to find out the Japan launched had been pushed to Feb. 26 of 2011 was a surprise to most.
Nintendo continues to struggle with Game System Transitions. This will help put the spotlight on the Sony and Microsoft launches of motion based additions to their systems.
Additional to the delay, was the price. The price for the 3D DS was announced at $299, raising the concern of high sales volume. This is a very high price point for a portable game system.
Some game makers for the Nintendo system have also seen their stock prices fall with the release of this news.
JZ
Best Buy Holiday Plans
Will Best Buy's Holiday plans work? Here is the plan - and some questions - Let me know your opinion.
Best Buy has announced a connected holiday season. One where the CE product they offer, the Geek Squad and installation service, as well as price are the formula that will win with customers this season.
Though consumers have not been that focused on TVs, they expect that to be different this Fall. They plan to feature their Dynex and Insignia brand, but also expect to have new featured and aggressively priced TVs from the top brands in the industry.
Geek Squad / Service is set up to handle 4 channels. Stores, car installations, on-line, and phone support.
They have combined their PC and Home Theater experts to be able to handle the integrated installations needed today. Previously PC installs and Home Theater installs were handled separately and by separate groups.
Best Buy has also announced their Holiday Hiring plans. 29,000 seasonal employees. That is the same amount they hired last year, no plans to increase.
Now for the interesting part - NPD recently released a report showing how people are NOT living in a connected world.
75% of consumers did NOT connect or download content in the past 3 months.
Of those that did, 15% did from a computer, 6% from a video game player, 4% from a smartphone, 2% from a connected blu-ray, dvr type device.
Bottom line is that most consumers are not motivated by the current apps available to get connected.
So here in lies the concern - Best Buy is aggressively going after the connected customer - of those buying connected items 75% don't care to be connected.
Does Best Buy have the time / money / people to convince 75% of consumers to care about connectability?
Tough position for a retailer to be in, this is an Industry Issue - lot's of technology being produced, and very little take on usage. Industry needs to take the time to figure out why, and what needs to be done to bring products to the customers that they will actually use the benefits they bring.
Why develop new product if there is no ability to have people see the value of what benefits it brings - they only buy it when it is cheap enough, and 75% don't use the features the item even has.
Why make it in the first place?
JZ
Best Buy has announced a connected holiday season. One where the CE product they offer, the Geek Squad and installation service, as well as price are the formula that will win with customers this season.
Though consumers have not been that focused on TVs, they expect that to be different this Fall. They plan to feature their Dynex and Insignia brand, but also expect to have new featured and aggressively priced TVs from the top brands in the industry.
Geek Squad / Service is set up to handle 4 channels. Stores, car installations, on-line, and phone support.
They have combined their PC and Home Theater experts to be able to handle the integrated installations needed today. Previously PC installs and Home Theater installs were handled separately and by separate groups.
Best Buy has also announced their Holiday Hiring plans. 29,000 seasonal employees. That is the same amount they hired last year, no plans to increase.
Now for the interesting part - NPD recently released a report showing how people are NOT living in a connected world.
75% of consumers did NOT connect or download content in the past 3 months.
Of those that did, 15% did from a computer, 6% from a video game player, 4% from a smartphone, 2% from a connected blu-ray, dvr type device.
Bottom line is that most consumers are not motivated by the current apps available to get connected.
So here in lies the concern - Best Buy is aggressively going after the connected customer - of those buying connected items 75% don't care to be connected.
Does Best Buy have the time / money / people to convince 75% of consumers to care about connectability?
Tough position for a retailer to be in, this is an Industry Issue - lot's of technology being produced, and very little take on usage. Industry needs to take the time to figure out why, and what needs to be done to bring products to the customers that they will actually use the benefits they bring.
Why develop new product if there is no ability to have people see the value of what benefits it brings - they only buy it when it is cheap enough, and 75% don't use the features the item even has.
Why make it in the first place?
JZ
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
AOL purchasing TechCrunch
So the stories are flying around about AOL and their purchase plans of TechCrunch for $40-$50 Million.
TechCrunch will greatly improve the tech content on AOL.This is important as it is one of the most attractive advertising verticles.
In addition to picking up one of leading tech blogs, they will also get a M&A specialist Heather Harde who is currently TechCrunch's CEO.
Since AOL just lost a premium content executive in Marty Moe, Heather Harde could come in and run AOL's Weblogs business and possible roll-up strategy.
As I was writing this a press release has been sent out making it official.
Founded by Michael Arrington, TechCrunch operates a global network of dedicated properties from Europe to Japan, as well as vertically-oriented websites, including MobileCrunch, CrunchGear, TechCrunchIT, GreenTech, TechCrunchTV and CrunchBase. The TechMeme Leaderboard ranks TechCrunch as the No. 1 source of breaking tech news online, followed by AOL’s Engadget.*
*TechMeme Leaderboard, Sept. 28, 2010
TechCrunch will remain headquartered in San Francisco, CA, as a wholly owned AOL unit. Deal terms were not disclosed.
Consolidation it is , and continues.
JZ
TechCrunch will greatly improve the tech content on AOL.This is important as it is one of the most attractive advertising verticles.
In addition to picking up one of leading tech blogs, they will also get a M&A specialist Heather Harde who is currently TechCrunch's CEO.
Since AOL just lost a premium content executive in Marty Moe, Heather Harde could come in and run AOL's Weblogs business and possible roll-up strategy.
As I was writing this a press release has been sent out making it official.
Founded by Michael Arrington, TechCrunch operates a global network of dedicated properties from Europe to Japan, as well as vertically-oriented websites, including MobileCrunch, CrunchGear, TechCrunchIT, GreenTech, TechCrunchTV and CrunchBase. The TechMeme Leaderboard ranks TechCrunch as the No. 1 source of breaking tech news online, followed by AOL’s Engadget.*
*TechMeme Leaderboard, Sept. 28, 2010
TechCrunch will remain headquartered in San Francisco, CA, as a wholly owned AOL unit. Deal terms were not disclosed.
Consolidation it is , and continues.
JZ
BlackBerry PlayBook - Preview
Check out the video released on the BlackBerry Playbook.
Being called the first Professional-Grade Tablet
Can this replace a Business Traveler's Laptop?!
JZ
Toys R Us is Hiring for the Holiday
Toys R Us has announced the plan to hire 45,000 Seasonal Workers.
The hiring will temporarily double the domestic work force for the chain. Toys R Us has stated they plan on opening 600 seasonal Toys R Us Express Stores. They only opened 90 last year.
45,000 is up from 35,000 in the previous year an increase of almost 29%
10,000 of the employees with be for the Express Stores, while 35,000 will be for the 587 traditional toy store.
JZ
The hiring will temporarily double the domestic work force for the chain. Toys R Us has stated they plan on opening 600 seasonal Toys R Us Express Stores. They only opened 90 last year.
45,000 is up from 35,000 in the previous year an increase of almost 29%
10,000 of the employees with be for the Express Stores, while 35,000 will be for the 587 traditional toy store.
JZ
Monday, September 27, 2010
Jimi Heselden Segway Company Owner Dies
Jimi Heselden, the owner of the Segway company, has died after riding one of the two-wheeled machines off a cliff and into a river.
Picture above is the version he was riding on the grounds of his North Yorkshire estate.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said today: "Police were called at 11.40am yesterday to reports of a man in the River Wharfe, apparently having fallen from the cliffs above.
Bizarre end to a man last year ranked 395th on the Sunday Times Rich List.
JZ
Target new store format
Wal-Mart has started new smaller stores, and now we have Target going down the same path for urban markets.
Target will open a new format in Seattle in 2012. It has plans to take this new format to 10 other markets such as San Francisco, and Baltimore in the next couple of years.
New Urban format is larger than the Wal-Mart re sized store. Still 60,000 to 100,000 square feet, vs. the current store size which run 125,000 to 180,000 square feet.
They claim not to be a cookie cutter retailer, but have been most known for creating the racetrack , square format, that is the same in every Target store.
The new format and it's smaller size will be more focused on daily essentials.
Target also announced it would begin selling the Apple Ipad beginning Oct. 3rd.
As the big go small they come closer to more customers, still years in the making, but they are moving in.
JZ
Target will open a new format in Seattle in 2012. It has plans to take this new format to 10 other markets such as San Francisco, and Baltimore in the next couple of years.
New Urban format is larger than the Wal-Mart re sized store. Still 60,000 to 100,000 square feet, vs. the current store size which run 125,000 to 180,000 square feet.
They claim not to be a cookie cutter retailer, but have been most known for creating the racetrack , square format, that is the same in every Target store.
The new format and it's smaller size will be more focused on daily essentials.
Target also announced it would begin selling the Apple Ipad beginning Oct. 3rd.
As the big go small they come closer to more customers, still years in the making, but they are moving in.
JZ
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Jeff Zucker pushed out
In a recent article from the WSJ it has been made clear that Comcast Chief Operating Officer Steve Burke informed Jeff Zucker that at the close of the deal they wanted him to leave.
Jeff Zucker has stated that he is at peace with that. Rumor has it that Comcast could announce a new leadership structure in a few weeks.
Mr. Burke has been in charge of integration efforts. People are still unsure if he will be the choice for CEO. Part of the deal with GE is that they have the right to veto up to 2 choices for CEO to replace Mr. Zucker.
Comcast expects to tightly run NBC Universal and these changes to the executive represent that.
Mr. Zucker had just received an extension to his contract through 2013. It is rumored he will receive $7.8 Million to $12.3 Million per year in cash and bonuses, not counting equity rewards.
Mr. Zucker joined NBC straight out of college in 1986, at age 26 he was the executive producer of NBC's Today Show. He is know for expanding that highly profitable franchise.
Comcast has been quoted as saying Mr. Zucker led NBC with "integrity and purpose."
JZ
Jeff Zucker has stated that he is at peace with that. Rumor has it that Comcast could announce a new leadership structure in a few weeks.
Mr. Burke has been in charge of integration efforts. People are still unsure if he will be the choice for CEO. Part of the deal with GE is that they have the right to veto up to 2 choices for CEO to replace Mr. Zucker.
Comcast expects to tightly run NBC Universal and these changes to the executive represent that.
Mr. Zucker had just received an extension to his contract through 2013. It is rumored he will receive $7.8 Million to $12.3 Million per year in cash and bonuses, not counting equity rewards.
Mr. Zucker joined NBC straight out of college in 1986, at age 26 he was the executive producer of NBC's Today Show. He is know for expanding that highly profitable franchise.
Comcast has been quoted as saying Mr. Zucker led NBC with "integrity and purpose."
JZ
Saturday, September 25, 2010
3DTV Americans postpone purchases
Recent survey report is not good news for makers of 3DTVs.
Though consumers report that they really enjoy the feeling immersed in 3D, they do not enjoy the restricting feeling of wearing the glasses. New comments point to the fact that they do not like the fact that it reduces the multi-tasking they can do without having glasses on.
As it has been noted before, high cost and lack of content are also major concerns for consumers.
This new reports pointed out that 89% of the people that responded felt the glass would constrain other activities they usually do while watching TV.
77% have also stated they feel the 3D technology is only good for sports and special events and not for everyday TV viewing.
Most interesting and possibly alarming fact is that Purchasing Intent declined after customers that has said they intended to purchase in the next 12 month actually had a live demonstration.
The vendor community has put a large amount of money and effort into having live demonstrations available at retail stores with the intent to increase purchase intent, and it appears it is having the opposite impact.
The report was by the Nielsen Company and the Cable and Telecommunications Association for Marketing.
I agree with the content shortage issue, and I also agree that 3DTV is mainly for Movies / Sports and Special events. That being said, Home Theaters that are in customers homes where driven by the intent to recreate the MOVIE experience. Although customers may have only purchased the 40,50,60+ inch screen with the intent to recreate the movie experience they are watching pretty much all programing on these home theater set ups.
As content increases I would expect to see some similar natural change even if the customer INTENT is not there, once the technology is in the home it will be interesting to see how often it is used.
Recently (previous blog of mine) RealD announced technology that can be added to the screen to use Polarized lenses, so the glasses are not powered, and stuck via IR with the TV. This would provide the freedom and multi tasking that customers are used to with their TV experience.
How and when and if the 3DTV options go polarized has yet to be seen.
This is a HOT topic for the TV industry over the next 3 to 5 years. With not much else NEW on the horizon for flat panel television this is a key issue to watch.
JZ
Though consumers report that they really enjoy the feeling immersed in 3D, they do not enjoy the restricting feeling of wearing the glasses. New comments point to the fact that they do not like the fact that it reduces the multi-tasking they can do without having glasses on.
As it has been noted before, high cost and lack of content are also major concerns for consumers.
This new reports pointed out that 89% of the people that responded felt the glass would constrain other activities they usually do while watching TV.
77% have also stated they feel the 3D technology is only good for sports and special events and not for everyday TV viewing.
Most interesting and possibly alarming fact is that Purchasing Intent declined after customers that has said they intended to purchase in the next 12 month actually had a live demonstration.
The vendor community has put a large amount of money and effort into having live demonstrations available at retail stores with the intent to increase purchase intent, and it appears it is having the opposite impact.
The report was by the Nielsen Company and the Cable and Telecommunications Association for Marketing.
I agree with the content shortage issue, and I also agree that 3DTV is mainly for Movies / Sports and Special events. That being said, Home Theaters that are in customers homes where driven by the intent to recreate the MOVIE experience. Although customers may have only purchased the 40,50,60+ inch screen with the intent to recreate the movie experience they are watching pretty much all programing on these home theater set ups.
As content increases I would expect to see some similar natural change even if the customer INTENT is not there, once the technology is in the home it will be interesting to see how often it is used.
Recently (previous blog of mine) RealD announced technology that can be added to the screen to use Polarized lenses, so the glasses are not powered, and stuck via IR with the TV. This would provide the freedom and multi tasking that customers are used to with their TV experience.
How and when and if the 3DTV options go polarized has yet to be seen.
This is a HOT topic for the TV industry over the next 3 to 5 years. With not much else NEW on the horizon for flat panel television this is a key issue to watch.
JZ
Friday, September 24, 2010
Sesame Street and Katy Perry
The debate on Katy Perry and her dress on the Sesame Street video continues.
The dress was designed by Giles Deacon
The majority opinion is that Sesame Street is being pretty silly over the issue considering Elmo doesn't even wearing pants, but now they are banning Katy Perry?
Executives at Sesame Street have expressed they were surprised by the reaction to the video that was leaked on line.
Executives quoted "We would never produce anything we thought was inappropriate. We were surprised not only by the amount of feedback, but how fast it came in. It was a lot,"
The Feedback was described as very split and very different
At the end the decision to pull was based on the feedback from the viewers which they state they have a very interactive relationship and respect that relationship.
The feel Katy Perry is a wonderful musical talent and that they had a great time putting the video together. They will figure out how to do another one.
JZ
The dress was designed by Giles Deacon
The majority opinion is that Sesame Street is being pretty silly over the issue considering Elmo doesn't even wearing pants, but now they are banning Katy Perry?
Executives at Sesame Street have expressed they were surprised by the reaction to the video that was leaked on line.
Executives quoted "We would never produce anything we thought was inappropriate. We were surprised not only by the amount of feedback, but how fast it came in. It was a lot,"
The Feedback was described as very split and very different
At the end the decision to pull was based on the feedback from the viewers which they state they have a very interactive relationship and respect that relationship.
The feel Katy Perry is a wonderful musical talent and that they had a great time putting the video together. They will figure out how to do another one.
JZ
Jeff Zucker vs. Comcast
With Jeff Zucker leaving NBC Universal in approx. 6 months it will be very interesting to see how things change in regards to areas that Mr. Zucker was known for.
One of the things Jeff Zucker was most known for was his hard line stance he took with technology companies and negotiating with those companies. He was quoted as saying "he wasn't sure if .99 cent video rentals for his TV shows was right for his company"
One of his comments he is best know for was in regards to the industry push to move from fixed/physical media to the digital form. He warned all media companies not to "end up trading analog dollars for digital pennies."
He is well known for being a brutal negotiator with Apple. As he exits about 6 months for now, how will the new executive team take a position with the technology industry? Comcast has expanded their ON DEMAND feature. I have had dealings with them in the past, and they believe if the depth and breadth of the ON DEMAND is there, the need for a DVR unit goes away. To do this they need the support of the media companies / competition.
Will they try to get more and take the honey approach during future negotiations after Jeff Zucker leaves is to be seen. Interesting to say the least. This is driving a lot of activity out there on the subject.
JZ
One of the things Jeff Zucker was most known for was his hard line stance he took with technology companies and negotiating with those companies. He was quoted as saying "he wasn't sure if .99 cent video rentals for his TV shows was right for his company"
One of his comments he is best know for was in regards to the industry push to move from fixed/physical media to the digital form. He warned all media companies not to "end up trading analog dollars for digital pennies."
He is well known for being a brutal negotiator with Apple. As he exits about 6 months for now, how will the new executive team take a position with the technology industry? Comcast has expanded their ON DEMAND feature. I have had dealings with them in the past, and they believe if the depth and breadth of the ON DEMAND is there, the need for a DVR unit goes away. To do this they need the support of the media companies / competition.
Will they try to get more and take the honey approach during future negotiations after Jeff Zucker leaves is to be seen. Interesting to say the least. This is driving a lot of activity out there on the subject.
JZ
Zucker leaving NBC Universal
When Comcast takes over Jeff Zucker, President and CEO of NBC Universal, has said he will step down.
Comcast has agreed to pay GE (parent company of NBC Universal) $30 Billion.
Given the timing of the deal, Zucker will most likely be with NBC Universal for about another 6 months.
Zucker has stated just as GE has had their ability to drive their vision with NBC Universal, Comcast needs to have the same opportunity to drive their vision for the company. The timing was right for him. He has said he has worked for them for 24 years, it is the only job he has had, the only professional career he has had.
Zucker was quoted as saying "I don't yet know what my future will bring. I've spent the last 24 years thinking only about NBC Universal, and never contemplated anything else. I haven't even begun to think about the next chapter," he said.
Good luck to you Jeff in whatever the future may hold for you
JZ
Comcast has agreed to pay GE (parent company of NBC Universal) $30 Billion.
Given the timing of the deal, Zucker will most likely be with NBC Universal for about another 6 months.
Zucker has stated just as GE has had their ability to drive their vision with NBC Universal, Comcast needs to have the same opportunity to drive their vision for the company. The timing was right for him. He has said he has worked for them for 24 years, it is the only job he has had, the only professional career he has had.
Zucker was quoted as saying "I don't yet know what my future will bring. I've spent the last 24 years thinking only about NBC Universal, and never contemplated anything else. I haven't even begun to think about the next chapter," he said.
Good luck to you Jeff in whatever the future may hold for you
JZ
Small Business owners on the Economy
Small business owners have voiced their opinion on the economy, and as one can expect, it is not pretty.
78 percent of small business respondents say the economy will either remain stagnant or get worse over the next twelve months.
That is worse than the general public which sixty-four percent of voters have the same opinion.
This is from an Aug. 10th NBC/WSJ Poll.
What is one of the largest issues for small business owners - LAWSUITS
78% feel if Congress allow trial lawyers to bring more lawsuits it will have negative impact on the economic climate impacting business. 92% have said the economy makes it extremely hard for them to absorb any additional cost relating to legal issues.
Final word is that 32% of small business owners are uncertain about the future of their company.
The folks may have said the recession officially ended June of 2009, but MANY feel we are still in the middle of it, not coming out of it.
JZ
78 percent of small business respondents say the economy will either remain stagnant or get worse over the next twelve months.
That is worse than the general public which sixty-four percent of voters have the same opinion.
This is from an Aug. 10th NBC/WSJ Poll.
What is one of the largest issues for small business owners - LAWSUITS
78% feel if Congress allow trial lawyers to bring more lawsuits it will have negative impact on the economic climate impacting business. 92% have said the economy makes it extremely hard for them to absorb any additional cost relating to legal issues.
Final word is that 32% of small business owners are uncertain about the future of their company.
The folks may have said the recession officially ended June of 2009, but MANY feel we are still in the middle of it, not coming out of it.
JZ
Retail Seasonal Job Hiring begins
Based on numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retailers hired over 453,000 last year. That is significantly up from 231,000 from 2008. Estimates are that the number will be at least as good as 2009 if not better.
It is a hard number for retailers. They want to make sure they have the help to handle the traffic, restock the shelves and take care of the customers during the busiest season, but avoid eating into profits with too many people and nothing to do.
Overall feedback from retailers such as Macy's , Toys-R-Us, Wal-Mart and Jo-Ann stores are that the numbers are slightly up over last year.
It may be only temporary, but our economy needs every job it can get!
JZ
It is a hard number for retailers. They want to make sure they have the help to handle the traffic, restock the shelves and take care of the customers during the busiest season, but avoid eating into profits with too many people and nothing to do.
Overall feedback from retailers such as Macy's , Toys-R-Us, Wal-Mart and Jo-Ann stores are that the numbers are slightly up over last year.
It may be only temporary, but our economy needs every job it can get!
JZ
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Blockbuster Files Chapter 11
I have known about the struggles inside of Blockbuster for several years now. They had gotten to the point that everyone was expecting this, the only issue of debate was when. As of this morning they have filed.
So how will it play out - The agreement with the Bond Holders is to reduce its debt from $900 Million to about $100 Million shedding $800 Million in debt. They will exchange that debt for senior equity in the reorganized company.
There will be no recovery for the current holders of subordinated debt, preferred stock or common stock.
Last piece is the ability for them to establish new financing. They have stated they have $125 Million in new debtor-in-possession financing from senior note holders.
I struggle with seeing Blockbuster making it out of Chapter 11. It is an icon in the US movie rental business, but is way late in moving into the digital realm. I don't think they have enough backing to make a dent in the business that is held well by other companies and other options like On-Demand. I wish them the best, over the years I have met many great people that work for that company. I have had the pleasure of sitting next to their merchants and retail panel speaking engagements.
Another company to watch!
JZ
So how will it play out - The agreement with the Bond Holders is to reduce its debt from $900 Million to about $100 Million shedding $800 Million in debt. They will exchange that debt for senior equity in the reorganized company.
There will be no recovery for the current holders of subordinated debt, preferred stock or common stock.
Last piece is the ability for them to establish new financing. They have stated they have $125 Million in new debtor-in-possession financing from senior note holders.
I struggle with seeing Blockbuster making it out of Chapter 11. It is an icon in the US movie rental business, but is way late in moving into the digital realm. I don't think they have enough backing to make a dent in the business that is held well by other companies and other options like On-Demand. I wish them the best, over the years I have met many great people that work for that company. I have had the pleasure of sitting next to their merchants and retail panel speaking engagements.
Another company to watch!
JZ
32" LCD/DVD Combo On Sale $409.99 Save $30
Integrated Slot-Loading DVD Player - Watch your favorite movies or listen to your favorite CDs without an external player. Just load it into the integrated player on your new TV. Built-In Digital Tuner - Catch your favorite DTV programs without the need of an external box. Wide Viewing Angles - With a 176 deg. horizontal viewing angle and a 176 deg. vertical viewing angle, any seat in the room becomes the best seat in the house. Lightning-Fast Response Time - With an 6.5ms panel response time, you'll experience realistic, lifelike motion with fewer motion artifacts or blur. Connections - HDMI (3), Component w/ Audio, USB, L/R Audio Output, Antenna Input, VGA, COAX, Headphones
Click on the image for more details!
JZ
RCA LCD TV - $569.99
Built-In Digital Tuner - Catch your favorite DTV programs without the need of an external box. Wide Viewing Angles - With a 176 deg. horizontal viewing angle and a 176 deg. vertical viewing angle, any seat in the room becomes the best seat in the house. Lightning-Fast Response Time - With an 6.5ms panel response time, you'll experience realistic, lifelike motion with fewer motion artifacts or blur. 16:9 Aspect Ratio - The LCD panel displays 16:9 widescreen programs in their native aspect ratio without the need for scaling or other video processing Connections - HDMI (3), Component w/ Audio, USB, L/R Audio Output, Antenna Input, VGA, COAX, Headphones
Click on the image above for more details!
JZ
3DTV News - New from RealD
Just when you thought it was safe to go out and purchase a 3DTV, RealD drops some major news today at the 3D Summit.
They will release new technology that does NOT require powered shutter glasses. The TVs will produce an image that can be picked up by polarized passive glasses similar to what you are wearing in the movie theater today.
They call it ZScreen technology, which is an electro-optical system built into the front panel of the TV.
Oakley has already announced offering these glasses this year uncorrected, or with prescription lenses.
What is not clear is which TV manufacturer will have a TV with the RealD technology in it. Vendors that currently are licensed are Toshiba, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and JVC.
What is won't do is make the technology cheaper. RealD has stated that you are just transferring the cost of the glasses into the TV. So even though the glasses will see a very large price drop no longer needing to be powered and work with IR sensors, the TV will have additional cost of the ZScreen technology in it.
Will need to review more as additional details come out.
JZ
They will release new technology that does NOT require powered shutter glasses. The TVs will produce an image that can be picked up by polarized passive glasses similar to what you are wearing in the movie theater today.
They call it ZScreen technology, which is an electro-optical system built into the front panel of the TV.
Oakley has already announced offering these glasses this year uncorrected, or with prescription lenses.
What is not clear is which TV manufacturer will have a TV with the RealD technology in it. Vendors that currently are licensed are Toshiba, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and JVC.
What is won't do is make the technology cheaper. RealD has stated that you are just transferring the cost of the glasses into the TV. So even though the glasses will see a very large price drop no longer needing to be powered and work with IR sensors, the TV will have additional cost of the ZScreen technology in it.
Will need to review more as additional details come out.
JZ
Unemployement rises in over 50% of the states
The Labor Department said that 10 states and Washington D.C. had no change in unemployment. 13 states did have a drop in unemployment, but 27 states saw it's unemployment rise last month.
East coast is doing better than west coast. East coast unemployment is 8.8% vs. West coast which is 10.8% , the national number is 9.6%.
With the lack of jobs the housing situation continues to be an issues in western states as well.
70% of homeowners are under water in Nevada. 50% of the homes in Arizona and 33% of the homes in California.
As I have stated in my previous posts, the US needs to create jobs so we can see a real recovery from the recession that was deemed over as of June 2009.
JZ
East coast is doing better than west coast. East coast unemployment is 8.8% vs. West coast which is 10.8% , the national number is 9.6%.
With the lack of jobs the housing situation continues to be an issues in western states as well.
70% of homeowners are under water in Nevada. 50% of the homes in Arizona and 33% of the homes in California.
As I have stated in my previous posts, the US needs to create jobs so we can see a real recovery from the recession that was deemed over as of June 2009.
JZ
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Recession Declared over June 2009
So the official date from the National Bureau of Economic Research, was June of 2009. Right away the talk is "WHAT?!".
So to more clearly define the date, they date is only stating the recovery began in that month and there was no longer falling economic activity spread across the economy. They are not saying it got easier for anyone. They are just stating the end of a defined recessionary period.
Interesting thing that is being stated is that they should concentrate on the labor market. I had the same opinion on my post from 6 days ago after reviewing some economic data, and how dependant US households are on Government support to stay above the poverty line.
Also to put a point on the announcement - the recession lasted 18 months. The worst recession since the Great Depression, but I am sure we all figured that out on our own.
JZ
So to more clearly define the date, they date is only stating the recovery began in that month and there was no longer falling economic activity spread across the economy. They are not saying it got easier for anyone. They are just stating the end of a defined recessionary period.
Interesting thing that is being stated is that they should concentrate on the labor market. I had the same opinion on my post from 6 days ago after reviewing some economic data, and how dependant US households are on Government support to stay above the poverty line.
Also to put a point on the announcement - the recession lasted 18 months. The worst recession since the Great Depression, but I am sure we all figured that out on our own.
JZ
NASA Earth Observatory
Great picture of the Shiveluch Volcano at the NASA website
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=45872
JZ
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=45872
JZ
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wilstorm Comics Shut Down end of year
Wildstorm has reported today it will cease operations at the end of December this year.
From a personnel standpoint the good news is they will all report into Jim Lee and John Rood at DC comics Digital comics team.
All Wildstorm titles, licensing and kid comics will go under the DC banner after the end of the year. Though we are not sure if and when any of those properties will show up next year.
How quickly 20 years past since the Wildstorm Brand was launched, but in these tough economic times it is hard to go it alone. Sale just have not been there to support the go forward business model, so I am not surprised by the news.
I wish the best for the team, I have read many good things about the team, and DC will have this asset to use and drive their business. Hope DC doesn't screw up a good thing!
JZ
From a personnel standpoint the good news is they will all report into Jim Lee and John Rood at DC comics Digital comics team.
All Wildstorm titles, licensing and kid comics will go under the DC banner after the end of the year. Though we are not sure if and when any of those properties will show up next year.
How quickly 20 years past since the Wildstorm Brand was launched, but in these tough economic times it is hard to go it alone. Sale just have not been there to support the go forward business model, so I am not surprised by the news.
I wish the best for the team, I have read many good things about the team, and DC will have this asset to use and drive their business. Hope DC doesn't screw up a good thing!
JZ
Silly Bandz Craze Continues
Out for just over a year or so now the Silly Bandz rubber band bracelets keep running out of stock! Some of the older ones that are hard to find are hitting collector status. Most people are asking - is it a "Fad" , or will it have staying power like the Slinky. Currently there are five different packs, Zoo, Sea, Pets, Dinosaurs and shapes. New packs are due out prior to the Holidays.
These are so popular there are Just Bieber Silly Bandz set to hit the market in the next few weeks! On their website they are saying it will be a 24 pack with shapes of music notes and "I heart JB" as well as shape of him singing.
Best thing about this hot craze for parents is the cost is cheap to keep your kids happy. You also know it is a hot product when schools are considering banning them calling them "too distracting". Parents check with your school before they run off with an armful of Silly Bandz!
Enjoy!!
JZ
These are so popular there are Just Bieber Silly Bandz set to hit the market in the next few weeks! On their website they are saying it will be a 24 pack with shapes of music notes and "I heart JB" as well as shape of him singing.
Best thing about this hot craze for parents is the cost is cheap to keep your kids happy. You also know it is a hot product when schools are considering banning them calling them "too distracting". Parents check with your school before they run off with an armful of Silly Bandz!
Enjoy!!
JZ
Retailer News - Kohls / Wal-Mart
Kohls continues to expand on the solar power installed to support their stores. Over 100 stores now have solar power which generates up to 50% of what the stores electrical requirements are. The are in the process of completing 500 Energy Star Stores. They estimate they are saved $50 Million in energy costs. Each store has about 1,400 panels, supplying enough power for 36 homes. Pretty impressive.
Wal-Mart continues to push into cities with smaller stores. These stores will only be about 20,000 square feet. They have searching for real estate in New York City, San Francisco and other cities. In General Wal-Mart has been downsizing their stores a bit with the new markets they have gone into. Avg use to be 195,000 square feet, down to about 150,000 square feet. The smaller size which is only for Urban areas is expected to be in the Marketside format they have been testing since 2008. They currently have 4 which average about 15,000 square feet. Wal-Mart is looking for new energy to break through the wall it has hit in the last 5 months with negative comp store sales.
JZ
Wal-Mart continues to push into cities with smaller stores. These stores will only be about 20,000 square feet. They have searching for real estate in New York City, San Francisco and other cities. In General Wal-Mart has been downsizing their stores a bit with the new markets they have gone into. Avg use to be 195,000 square feet, down to about 150,000 square feet. The smaller size which is only for Urban areas is expected to be in the Marketside format they have been testing since 2008. They currently have 4 which average about 15,000 square feet. Wal-Mart is looking for new energy to break through the wall it has hit in the last 5 months with negative comp store sales.
JZ
Monday, September 20, 2010
New Halo Reach Numbers
Just read on Mashable some impressive numbers for Halo Reach, it has already hit a $200 Million revenue on day one retail, but check these out:
31,000,000 games have been played since launch.
98,000,000 player games have been recorded.
8,214,338 Daily Challenges have been completed.
255,996 Weekly Challenges have been completed.
78,499,560,895 total credits have been earned.
953 years have been spent in match-made games.
1,365 years have been spent in campaign.
854,107 files have been uploaded.
577,804 recommendations have been sent to friends.
4,619,455 files have been downloaded.
Wowzers!!!!!
JZ
Wowzers!!!!!
JZ
NASA Shuttle moves out to the launch pad tonight.
Shuttle Discovery moves out to the launch pad tonight 8pm ET.
You can watch it LIVE on NASA TV. Take the link below:
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html
JZ
You can watch it LIVE on NASA TV. Take the link below:
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html
JZ
HOUSE new season starts tonight
This is absolutely a MUST watch for me.
Now I have to admit I am a bit concerned with them going down the whole relationship with Cuddy thing. Hope this doesn't spin this show out of control and take away from the CORE that makes it what it is.
Not sure I will watch it live - I always DVR the whole season, but I will watch it tonight.
One of my weekly drugs is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOUSE!
JZ
Now I have to admit I am a bit concerned with them going down the whole relationship with Cuddy thing. Hope this doesn't spin this show out of control and take away from the CORE that makes it what it is.
Not sure I will watch it live - I always DVR the whole season, but I will watch it tonight.
One of my weekly drugs is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOUSE!
JZ
Halo Reach Day 3
Worked my way through the second chapter on the Solo Campaign. Several opportunities for vehicle use in the second part.
Throughout this level my weapon of choice was the assault rifle (DMR apparently this is new as well). The ability to use the scope and get some headshots in, knock the enemies down a few pegs before getting up close and personal is very useful.
I had a good time taking the shot and running up to an enemy Revanant (new vehicle for Halo Reach) jumping on it, and taking it down by smashing the *&^% out of it. HUGE risk of being run over and squashed quickly, so not the smartest approach but a whole lot of fun.
Fighting the Mgalekgolo was a pain in the @$$ as it should be, man can they defend and take a boat load of damage before taking a dirt nap. Note it is good to let whichever PC character is with you distract them so you can get more shots off on their back and head as they fight. They cover up really well if they are focused on you.
Had some nice sticks, and made my way through to see the glorious ending - I will hold of describing the end to this section. I will not the cinema between spots and especially chapters is excellent. A great story unfolding, I just don't want to spoil any spots with explaining the sequence.
Chapter 3 starts out with MY FAVORITE sniper riffle - it took everything in me to stop there and call it a night. I will be jumping back in today. After Monday Night Football of course!
JZ
Throughout this level my weapon of choice was the assault rifle (DMR apparently this is new as well). The ability to use the scope and get some headshots in, knock the enemies down a few pegs before getting up close and personal is very useful.
I had a good time taking the shot and running up to an enemy Revanant (new vehicle for Halo Reach) jumping on it, and taking it down by smashing the *&^% out of it. HUGE risk of being run over and squashed quickly, so not the smartest approach but a whole lot of fun.
Fighting the Mgalekgolo was a pain in the @$$ as it should be, man can they defend and take a boat load of damage before taking a dirt nap. Note it is good to let whichever PC character is with you distract them so you can get more shots off on their back and head as they fight. They cover up really well if they are focused on you.
Had some nice sticks, and made my way through to see the glorious ending - I will hold of describing the end to this section. I will not the cinema between spots and especially chapters is excellent. A great story unfolding, I just don't want to spoil any spots with explaining the sequence.
Chapter 3 starts out with MY FAVORITE sniper riffle - it took everything in me to stop there and call it a night. I will be jumping back in today. After Monday Night Football of course!
JZ
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