DTV, digital set-top box and digital video recorder manufacturers won’t face complying with new “stand-by mode” energy conservation standards sought by Sen. Baucus (D-Mont.). Although federal EPA standards don’t exist for such products, Baucus unsuccessfully submitted amendment to economic stimulus package (HR-3090) that would require EPA to begin rulemaking on issue by Jan. 1, 2007. Amendment was deemed out of order on stimulus bill, which was passed by House Oct. 24 and stalled in Senate Nov. 15. If bill was to be introduced and eventually passed, stand-by mode standards would be developed for analog TVs and other household appliances within 2 years of its enactment. It’s unknown whether Baucus intends to introduce energy measure as standalone bill or attach it to another legislative measure.
Sanyo will make digital cameras in China, company announced Fri. It will build at various joint ventures there in order to meet growing demand and contain costs. Sanyo also makes digital cameras in Indonesia, Japan, S. Korea. Company didn’t announce volume for Chinese production, but said its worldwide output for current fiscal year was 5.4 million units, up from 3.24 million in previous year.
Hitachi set up online procurement system with other Japanese companies that it said would cut its procurement costs 20% by next year. Hitachi said system already included 20 companies, including TDK, that would pay it commission for brokering bulk orders at discount prices on their behalf.
Gray market Xbox consoles were expected in Hong Kong today (Mon.) -- just 3 days after U.S. launch of Microsoft videogame system. Company has cited piracy concerns in China and Hong Kong as reason it hasn’t yet decided whether it will release Xbox in region, Hong Kong press report said. Gray market, or “parallel import,” products are illegal in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, all 8 retailers that carry videogames at Wan Chai shopping center said they expected consoles from U.S. sources, report said. Sony has yet to release PlayStation 2 in Hong Kong, but residents there get console without difficulty from overseas, including Japan.
Organizers of 2002 Game Developers Conference said event’s Web site (www.gdconf.com) went live Fri. Site’s launch also marked opening of media registration. Conference is March 21-23 in San Jose.
“There are hundreds of millions of dollars in pork barrel spending” in conference report (H.-Rpt. 107-278) on FY 2002 Commerce, Justice and State Depts. appropriations bill (HR-2500), Sen. McCain (R-Ariz.) said. McCain, who cast lone dissenting vote against measure Nov. 15, expressed particular concern with Advanced Technology Program (ATP) of National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) which would get $184.5 million under bill. ATP provides financial and technical support to R&D projects, but not to product development, of industries ranging from computers and communications to batteries and electronics imaging. McCain said White House had asked Congress to suspend ATP funding until Dept. of Commerce re-evaluated program: “The Secretary of Commerce has not released the results of that review nor any recommended changes to the program to the Commerce Committee. As we all know, the nation currently is involved in both war and economic downturn, and this $184.5 million should be spent on higher priorities than a welfare program for special corporate interests.” NIST spokesman referred questions to Commerce, which hadn’t responded by our Fri. deadline.
Activision said it shipped Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 ($49.99) for release to coincide with system introduction Nov. 18 of GameCube. Company said title was top seller for PlayStation 2 for week of Nov. 3.
Electronics Boutique-affiliated EBWorld.com teamed with Internet promotion firm Gigex to launch new service said to allow visitors free broadband access to hottest downloads online. Service at EBWorld.com went live Fri.
Navitrak deployed Kopin 0.24” microdisplay in its new GPS- based portable Digital Navigation Asst. CyberDisplay, which serves as viewfinder, has 320x240 resolution. DNA is Navitrak’s first portable GPS device and brings it into competition with market leader Garmin.
Shelley Klingerman advanced to mgr. of mktg. services, Sony Disc Mfg… Janet Baker named dir.-sales, retail and distribution, Winstar Home Video.