When XM Chmn. Gary Parsons told a Banc of America investment conference last week Sirius and XM could have an aftermarket interoperable all-in-one receiver ready “in a couple of years” (CED March 31 p1), his statement recalled projections senior executives at both companies 3-4 years ago that interoperability was possible in 3-4 years.
Conn’s sees “tremendous upside” potential in its new Dallas-Ft. Worth market and “is not at all discouraged” about its own fortunes amid the decision by Ultimate Electronics to close 10 stores there (CED March 24 p1), CEO Thomas Frank told financial analysts in the chain’s 4th-quarter conference call.
An aftermarket one-box radio that’s truly interoperable for Sirius and XM reception is possible within a couple of years, but interoperability as a feature is likely to have niche rather than widespread appeal, XM Chmn. Gary Parsons told a Banc of America investors conference Wed. in N.Y.C.
In a move widely anticipated as unavoidable, bankrupt Ultimate Electronics will close about 1/2 of its 62 stores and exit Ia., S.D., Tex. and Utah, the chain disclosed Wed. in an 8-K filing at the SEC.
The CE industry Fri. tried accentuating whatever positives it could glean from an FCC decision that largely went cable’s way, extending the integration ban on digital cable set-tops by a year to July 1, 2007 (CED March 18 p1).
The FCC will maintain its ban on cable deployment of integrated set-top boxes, it announced late Thurs., but it deferred the effective date one year to July 2007. The Commission said the delay was designed to give cable operators time to develop a downloadable security solution. The Commission also ordered the cable industry to report by Dec. 1, 2005 on progress being made toward the solution, and for NCTA and CEA to make regular reports on negotiations on a “plug and play” agreement.
CE industry reaction generally was positive to the announcement Mon. that Howard Stringer would become Sony’s first non-Japanese chairman, pending shareholder approval June 22. Those we polled said Stringer’s appointment would signal an infusion of fresh air for a company that urgently needed one.
Although Microsoft appeared to project a united front with cable when it joined with Comcast and Time Warner Cable to urge the FCC to delay the July 2006 integration ban “for some period ranging from 6 to 18 months” (CED Feb 28 p1), Microsoft has told the Commission it won’t support a postponement longer than 12 months, sources have told Consumer Electronics Daily.
As the CE and IT industries were telling the FCC they “remain steadfast” that the July 1, 2006, integration ban be maintained “as the Commission’s rules require,” Microsoft broke its silence on its downloadable security proposal with Comcast and Time Warner Cable that would delay the deadline for 6-18 months (CED Feb 18 p1). Microsoft denied it had flip-flopped in supporting the
“Effective implementation” of the July 2006 integration ban on digital cable set-tops “should not, again, be pushed back,” regardless of any new proposal from Comcast, Microsoft and Time Warner Cable on a downloadable conditional access system (CED Feb 28 p1), the Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition (CERC) told the FCC Tues. in an ex parte filing.