New version of DivX video compression released Thurs. runs 78% faster than previous edition when used with Intel Pentium 4 it was designed for, developer DivXNetworks said. MPEG-4-based DivX 4.11 version provides 720x480 pixel real-time encoding and decoding, developer said. Codec creates near-DVD quality video at up to 7 times greater compression than DVD-Video’s MPEG-2, and enables downloading of full-length feature movie in 30 min. or less through broadband connection -- www.divx.com/divx.

Konami of America said it shipped more than one million copies of eagerly-awaited PS2 game Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty to N. American retailers.

Interplay Entertainment posted $20.6 million loss (-50? per share) in 3rd quarter ended Sept. 30, compared with $100,000 profit (1?) year ago. Irvine, Cal., game maker said revenue dropped 87% to $4.2 million from $31.6 million. Interplay Pres. Herve Caen said: “Since we did not release a new title this quarter, our revenues were negatively impacted as compared to last year. In addition, our operating results suffered due to certain charges we took in connection with the cancellation of selected projects, which we believe would not meet acceptable profit margins.”

Only Xbox product in shorter supply at system’s introduction Thurs. in N. America than console itself was DVD remote kit, retailers told us. But at our deadline, it was unclear how many consoles Microsoft actually had shipped for start and company declined to provide number.

National Treasure Hunt has restored more than 12 lost TV shows and 100 vintage radio programs to BBC’s archives, U.K. broadcaster said. Programs included early recording sessions by Elton John and Paul Simon that either had never been recorded or had been erased when rights to air them ran out. BBC said programs were donated by collectors, former producers, overseas broadcasters. They will be digitally restored and archived for posterity -- www.bbc.co.uk/treasure hunt.

Energy Conversion Devices Chmn. Robert Stempel receives Soichiro Honda Medal from American Society of Mechanical Engineers honoring contributions in development of nickel-metal hydride battery technology.

Nintendo of America (NOA) said Thurs. it still was on track to ship 700,000 GameCube consoles for system’s N. American rollout Sun. NOA also said hardware shipments were “on track to reach 1.1 million by Dec. 23” and there would be almost 20 games available by holidays.

Radica Games signed worldwide licensing agreement with Binary Arts for rights to market Rush Hour-branded electronic games. Hong Kong game maker Radica said it planned to ship first product as part of agreement in fall 2002. Rush Hour is puzzle game that Radica CEO Pat Feely said had “sold over 2 million units in its original form.” Binary Arts is independent creator of brainteaser puzzles, games, toys. Radica said Rush Hour games would allow it to expand its presence in classic games segment of electronic handheld game market.

Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) signed agreement licensing its polyfluorene light-emitting polymer (LEP) technology to Dow Chemical for use in faster development of organic light-emitting displays (OLEDs). CDT has had similar license agreements in place with Dupont.

Marvel Enterprises said its Licensing Div. sales edged up 4% to $6 million in 3rd quarter ended Sept. 30 from $5.8 million year earlier and year-to-date sales leaped almost 50% to $22.7 million from $15.1 million. Marvel said increase was “primarily due to an increase in the number of large-scale agreements in the areas of interactive media, collectibles and videogames.”