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Watts Current
SPRING 2006

FLORIDA’S VOICE IN ELECTRONICS

"WATTS CURRENT" is the official newsletter of the
Florida Electronics Sales & Service Association, Inc.
and is published bi-monthly.
EMAIL: fesa@fdn.com

We Support NESDA

Awarded Best State Publication 1993,1996 & 2000
Visit Vance Baldwin Electronics
www.vancebaldwin.com
F.E.S.A. Officers for 2005/2006
--------------
President
Pat Eubanks
 5323-3 Firestone Rd.
email: fesa@fdn.com Jacksonville, FL 32210
Fax: (904) 772-9492 Phone: (904) 772-1420
--------------
1st Vice President Ethan A. Allen 10878 Carroll Rd.
email: allisonallen2@aol.com Bryceville, FL 32009
Fax: (904) 266-4597 Phone: (904) 355-0267
--------------
2nd Vice President Neil Mengel 4745 San Juan Ave.
email: mengel_n@popmail.firn.edu Jacksonville, FL 32205
Fax: (904) 388-3456 Phone: (904) 388-3456
--------------
Treasurer Billy F. Williams, EHF 1409 Glendale Rd. W.
email: billyw@fdn.com Jacksonville, FL 32216
Fax: (904) 772-9492 Phone: (904) 725-9789
--------------
Secretary Larry Scott, CET 507 S. Lake Parker Ave.
email: JazzL532@aol.com Lakeland, FL 33801
Fax: (863) 687-2323 Phone: (863) 688-3172
--------------
Immediate Ken Cisson CET 7247 Adele Ct.
Past President email: keltron1@aol.com Jacksonville, FL 32277
Fax: (904) 745-6545 Phone: (904)-744-4496
--------------
Watts Current John N. Eubanks, CET 5323-3 Firestone Rd.
Editor and Publisher email: fesa@fdn.com Jacksonville, FL 32210
Fax: (904) 772-9492 Phone: (904) 772-1420
--------------
Home Page Editor Bob Williams PO Box 17835
and FESA Web Master email: bobw@duckman.net Jacksonville, FL 32245
--- Note ---
FESA or Watts Current neither endorses any company, product or service - nor guarantees the validity of statements made in any advertisement - appearing in any advertisement or article included in this publication. Watts Current is published quarterly. All articles to be published in "Watts Current" must be received by John Eubanks, Editor, 5323-3 Firestone Rd., Jacksonville, Fl 32210 by the following dates: 2/15, 5/15, 8/15, and 11/15 in order to be printed in the next newsletter. Otherwise, they will be published in the following issue, as appropriate. Please send any inquires or comments to the Editor. Please excuse any grammar or punctuation errors you may find as this newsletter is entirely composed and published by association volunteers.
Visit PTS Electronics
www.ptscorp.com
President's Message

Members and Friends,

Time sure passes quickly, while nothing remains the same. There always seems to be more to do than there is time to do it or maybe I’m just too slow. Seems as just yesterday we enjoyed another FESA Christmas party and already we are getting ready for our FESA Picnic. It will be held again this year at the Bryceville community Center in beautiful downtown Bryceville, FL on Saturday June 17 at 1:00 PM EDT. Everyone is invited and encouraged to call Ethan or Viola at 904-266-4597 and register for this family and friends event.

We are also planning to attend the upcoming NESDA Convention (NPSC-2006) in San Francisco, CA the last week of July by regularly shopping for airfare bargains. It was really looking bleak until recently roundtrip fares appeared for $289.00. Needless to say we purchased them. Even better they aren’t with the airlines that has a union considering an upcoming strike at the present time.

We are looking forward to several family milestones this year. Our youngest Son, James is engaged and they are in the process of setting a wedding date. Rather Ironic since this year we will also celebrate our golden wedding anniversary. Will get invitations out just as soon as things become settled with locations and times set.

Well...you may see why I can honestly say, there isn’t time to get everything done, especially since we must stop work on all this, to get our income tax sent in...because the tax man cometh and he don’t wait for anyone.

Sincerely,
Pat Eubanks
President FESA
How Will We Get...Where we are going?
Opinion

This is an age old question that every generation ponders. Of course you must have accumulated some experience for this to occur, otherwise you may focus upon the task at hand while standing in the middle of a technological explosion. Sorta like plowing with a mule in a field full of tractors. You know you gotta be old for such thoughts to pop into your mind. Hope may spring eternal but it gets rather shady when the past seems brighter than the future. Of course that is comparing the known with the unknown.

I don’t know about you but I’m not so sure everything "new" is improved! I’m not sold on the "globalization" theory either although I can’t find nothing "made in the USA" anymore. That might be a rather inaccurate literal assessment since "nothing" seems to be the only thing made in the USA these days. Everything is made in China now...except "nothing"...which we are still the worlds leading producers of.

We will soon see Chinese automobile dealerships. Eager to know what a Geely is! Wow I can hardly wait recalling the introduction of the Japanese vehicles. You couldn’t help but notice them... then...they were so "dinky" appearing alongside all our big old American Muscle Cars. Some claim these to be superior to our American automobiles although I am not one of them. Doesn’t much matter because the American automobiles are cloning the imports due to claims...constantly drummed by the mainstream media. Sure is ironic...that American products are thought to be so inferior...that we have begun to produce automobiles that resemble all the foreign made ones.

What did this get us? Ever notice the number of vehicles classified as trucks on the road now? Started in the 1970’s with the oil embargo. The media began to parrot a huge demand for smaller more fuel efficient vehicles. Who had those products? All those dinky looking vehicles were promoted through a politically imposed fuel shortage along with a healthy dose of media fear mongering but the American public didn’t automatically follow those media Judas goats. Instead they turned to trucks, especially pick up trucks...which at the time were priced lower than automobiles including most of those dinky media promoted ones. That was the public’s solution because lower vehicle cost offset the higher fuel costs. Soon every vehicle manufacturer noted the increased demand for trucks and all began producing more of them but the cost of trucks began to rise and have not stopped...Never heard of a Cadillac or Lincoln truck...but it has happened!

A point to remember. The American consumer always expects products purchased to be long term investments. In other words they were accustomed to purchasing products that had long useful lives. Put that aside for the moment to recall the reported poor quality of 1970 –1980 American made automobiles compared with those foreign made ones. Everyone knows how that played. Other than a Yugo anything was rated superior in quality...to those made in the USA.

After 25 years lets review a few things . When you see vehicles today... a question that may enter the mind...Where did all the bumpers go? The U.S. Government made a requirement for all bumpers to withstand a 5 mph collision. It was supposed to enhance safety but it simply ended up...replacing bumpers with a bulge. Then as the mid-sized automobile market emerged to try to fill the phony promotions for smaller automobiles because those dinky ones obviously weren’t the answer...the spare tire’s had to be downsized so it could be stowed in a smaller trunk area. Funny they even put these 50 mile spare donuts in large sedans although they have plenty of trunk space!

It still ain’t working...only creating more new models of full sized trucks from which to select that continue to sell even as their costs rise significantly. Now the cry is to villainies fuel consumption of these larger vehicles by condemning American’s who purchase them calling them "fuel hogs" who inflate oil imports. They are trying to increase fuel economy on them by making some larger vehicles lighter...switching to a front wheel drive configuration and using more plastic in construction. Since this isn’t working either ...they feel compelled to further vilify Truck/SUV owners by claiming them to be dangerous to all the mid-size and compact (dinky) car owners on our highways.

Now that you can see these efforts...take note of how well this is working. Ford & GM are struggling...reportedly because they have no fuel economical models the public reportedly seeks...but trucks are still their best sellers. Of course purchase costs of the media darling hybrid models presently eliminates any fuel consumption advantage. An obvious and thus inescapable factor that flaws the entire proposition. Observing traffic around us reveals another media unpopular fact...the majority of older vehicles on the road today...ain’t those superior built foreign (dinky) models….it’s the poorly constructed American vehicles that were labeled inferior from the 70’s & 80’s and earlier that are "still trucking". I’m fortunate enough to have a 1957 Chevy...that I still get parts for...can you believe that? Wonder how this could be? Where did all that superior quality go? To the Car crusher? Why? Plastic may stay in the landfills forever but it sure ain’t staying on our American roads too long.... Editor
Visit Andrews Electronics
www.andrewselectronics.com
Hitachi Divisions Merged

Mar 14, 2006 Hitachi America will combine its Digital Media Division (Brisbane, California, U.S.) and Home Electronics Division (San Diego, California) to form the Ubiquitous Platform Systems Division (UB), which will focus on both consumer and enterprise digital media products and services.Hitachi America, Ltd. (Brisbane, California, U.S.) is a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (Tokyo).

The new division comes into being officially on April 1 and will be headed by Kenji Nakamura, most recently vice president and general manager of the Home Electronics Division. Hiroshi Tsuganuma, vice president and general manager of the Digital Media Division, was named general manager, America Department, International Sales Division, Consumer Business Group, Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo.



Serving the Cross-Over Market

"The Ubiquitous Platform Systems Division is being formed to provide a single, integrated contact point for Hitachi's range of digital display products in the U.S. and more closely align operations in the U.S. with those of Hitachi's Ubiquitous Platform Systems operations in Asia and Europe," said Masahide Tanigaki, president and CEO of Hitachi America, Ltd. "The UB Division will serve customers in traditional professional and consumer markets, and also seek opportunities in the emerging 'cross over' electronics sectors where platforms for digital content are beginning to proliferate.

"The 'cross over' market," Tanigaki explained, "is the emerging space where the consumer market and the business market overlap and converge. Professional-grade computer and digital technologies are 'crossing over' and being implemented into the home environment at a dramatic pace. Hitachi and other electronics manufacturers therefore have a new opportunity and challenge to not only grow the traditional professional and consumer markets but also develop this new area in response to a quickly changing customer environment."

Press release from Hitachi America.
Union Electronic Distributors
www.ued.net
Yamaha appoints Vance Baldwin Electronics as a Full Line Authorized Parts Distributor!

Vance Baldwin Electronics is pleased to announce the addition of Yamaha to our already extensive line of quality manufacturers. "We are very excited about this new opportunity to supply original replacement Yamaha parts to the service community. We hope that appointing Vance Baldwin Electronics as a Full Line Authorized Parts Distributor will help make Yamaha a better choice for retailers and rental organizations around the country." says Robert Coolidge, Senior Vice President of Vance Baldwin Electronics. "Yamaha Electronics is excited to have selected Vance Baldwin as its first Authorized Parts Distributor. With their extensive experience in the consumer electronics parts industry, they will help make Yamaha as well as their dealers and service centers more efficient and further enhance Yamaha's premier level of service and support", Says Bruce Bernstein, Manager CRM & Operations of Yamaha Electronics Corporation, USA.

"Since 1887, when it began producing reed organs, the Yamaha Corporation in Japan has grown to become the world's largest manufacturer of a full line of musical instruments, and a leading producer of audio/visual products, semiconductors and other computer related products, sporting goods, home appliances and furniture, specialty metals, machine tools, and industrial robots.

Yamaha now owns 59 subsidiaries and affiliates in overseas markets in addition to numerous related companies in Japan. Additionally, Yamaha owns and runs its unique resort facilities throughout Japan so as to enhance our customers' leisure and cultural activities. Also, Yamaha provides a place for studying music, sets opportunities for presenting one's own compositions, and creates an environment for the enjoyment of a variety of musical endeavors." For more information about Yamaha, please visit www.yamaha.com.

For more information about Vance Baldwin Electronics, visit www.vancebaldwin.com or call Toll Free at (800) 432-8542.

Press release by Vance Baldwin/ April 14th 2006
Visit B&D Enterprises
www.bdent.com
Washington State Hands E-Waste Costs to Manufacturer

OLYMPIA, Washington, March 8, 2006 (ENS) - By wide margins in both houses, the Washington State legislature Monday passed the most comprehensive electronic waste recycling bill in the country, establishing a program to provide residents with a free and simple way to recycle computers and TVs.

Governor Christine Gregoire will now have 20 days to sign or veto the bill. The legislation requires manufacturers to finance the collection, transportation and recycling of computers, monitors, and TVs from consumers, small business, schools, small governments, and charities in the state.

As a result, the recycling program will be run without additional taxes or fees for consumers. This approach of "producer responsibility," used by many countries in Europe and Asia, provides a financial incentive for manufacturers to make products that will cost less to recycle by being less toxic and easier to recycle.

Manufacturers may either create their own recycling programs, or participate in a centralized "standard plan" run by a quasi-governmental, third party agency.

Washington is the fourth state to pass an electronics recycling bill in the U.S., but the new Washington bill is more comprehensive than the others. Both Maine and Maryland passed producer responsibility bills, and California passed a bill requiring consumers to pay fees on purchases to go into a recycling fund.

"This is now the most extensive product stewardship bill in the US," said Ted Smith, chair of the national Computer TakeBack Campaign. "This is even stronger than the program in Maine, because it covers more products, it closes the door on the exporting of e-waste to countries like China and India, and it won't allow the use of prison labor for e-waste disassembly."

The Computer TakeBack campaign, a national coalition of groups advocating e-waste recycling, estimates that as much as 80 percent of the hazardous e-waste collected for recycling is actually shipped overseas to developing countries, which mostly lack adequate infrastructure to safely process it.

The legislation, SB 6428, had an unusually wide range of supporters - Republicans and Democrats, businesses and environmentalists, manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, charities and local governments.

"The overwhelming show of support behind this proposal is due to its common sense approach and the hard work of all the partners - a wide and diverse coalition, as well as legislators from both sides of the aisle," said Mo McBroom, policy director for the Washington Environmental Council, one of the key groups supporting the bill.

Article provided by Florida EPA Department of Hazardous Waste
CEA DRIVES INCREASED EFFORTS TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS ON TRANSITION TO DIGITAL TELEVISION

Industry Agrees on Voluntary Label Program for Analog TVsWashington, D.C., March 15, 2006 – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®) today announced a broad-based, member-driven voluntary effort to help inform consumers about the nation’s transition from analog to digital television (DTV). The effort will include a voluntary labeling program for TVs that have only analog TV tuners, as well as general consumer education about the transition to digital.

"We have reached an important milestone in the transition to DTV with the adoption by Congress of the February 17, 2009 date for the switch over to all digital broadcasting," said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. "CEA has long supported a cut-off date but our job is not yet done. CEA and its members are now focused on continuing to educate consumers about this exciting new era in television. "

The CEA Executive Board asked the Video Division Board to draft and agree upon voluntary language for a Consumer Advisory Label to help inform consumers about television sets that are equipped with only an analog (NTSC) tuner. The language agreed upon is as follows:

Notice: This TV has only an ‘analog’ broadcast tuner so will require a converter box after February 17, 2009 to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna, because of the nation’s transition to digital broadcasting on that date, as required by Federal law. (It should continue to work as before with cable and satellite TV systems, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players and similar products.)

The Consumer Advisory Label will be placed prominently on analog only TVs. CE manufacturers also will agree to include such language permanently and conspicuously on the outside of the retail packaging of analog-only TV. CEA and TV manufacturers are working with retailers and others on implementation dates and overall DTV consumer education, in order to have the broadest impact.

CEA forecasts that U.S. consumers will purchase more than 18 million DTV sets and displays this year, marking a 50 percent increase over 2005 sales. Just within the first 8 weeks of 2006, more than 1.6 million DTV units have been sold to dealers. This represents a 60 percent increase over the same period in 2005. By the end of 2006, CEA forecasts total DTV unit shipments will be over 48 million. 2006 also marks a landmark year in which DTV units – even HDTV units – will outsell analog television sets.

CEA also will continue its award-winning efforts to educate consumers about the DTV transition. CEA’s wealth of voluntary education and promotional initiatives includes websites, printed collateral and media outreach. CEA currently operates various websites that promote the DTV transition through consumer and retailer education. Resources can be found at www.ce.org/hdtv. CEA will also reach out to consumer advocacy and other organizations representing hard to reach populations to ensure the educational materials reach a broader audience.

"We look forward to working with manufacturers, retailers, government and all other industries involved in the switch to DTV to develop and implement a vast array of consumer educational programs," concluded Shapiro. ... Article from CEA
VPEA Presents 2006 MAC MID-ATLANTIC CONFERENCE

"Independent Service – A Certified Success" The 2006 Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) will be held June 9-11, 2006. The Mid-Atlantic Conference is the Independent Service Industry’s premiere annual event in the eastern part of the United States. Those who regularly attend understand the significant value of this event.

The theme of the 2006 MAC is "Independent Service – A Certified Success". Through the years, independent service has partnered with various manufacturers to meet the challenge of maintaining the products of technology for the consuming public. One of the best ways for those servicers to stay on the cutting edge of technology is through continued study and certification. The conference offers technical and management training along with the enjoyment of sponsored meal functions and entertainment. This years MAC offers even more as it will provide the opportunity for certification of technicians and managers. There is no greater opportunity to gain access to Manufacturers, Distributors and Third Party Administrators – and opportunities for professional certification - than the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Conference.

The 2006 MAC is being held at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center (VBRH), where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The VBRH offers luxurious accommodations and spectacular views from any of their oceanfront suites. This unique facility mixes business with pleasure like no other resort.

Management Education This year management personnel will have the opportunity to receive instruction for the Certified Service Manager (CSM) exam, with testing afterwards. The CSM certification was developed by the National Electronics Service Dealers Association (NESDA) to provide a means to verify the knowledge needed to manage a modern service business.

The conference also features a trade show where exhibitors will display electronic products, including test equipment that can make servicing easier and more cost efficient. This year’s exposition features Cumberland Electronics, NESDA, Panasonic, PTS Electronics, Tritronics and Union Electronics.

On Saturday, servicers will have the opportunity to gain direct access to participating manufacturers and third party administrators during the Manufacturer’s Round Table Meeting. Peter Florance, VPEA President, will moderate a question-and-answer session between attending servicers and industry representatives. Attendees also have the opportunity to interact with these representatives on an individual basis to discuss and seek help for any special problems

Technical Training The variety of training provided on Friday and Saturday is unparalleled. The top manufacturers teach attending technicians how to understand and service the current high-tech products. The manufacturers committed at this time to participate at the 2006 MAC are Hitachi, JVC, LG/Zenith, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Thomson and Toshiba. An added bonus to this year’s conference is the Certified Electronics Technician (CET) examination. Technicians have the opportunity to study for, and then take the test administered by the International Society of Certified Technicians (ISCET). Those who pass raise their professional standards by becoming CETs.

Food, Fun and Fellowship Do you enjoy golfing? Tritronics is sponsoring a best-ball golf outing on the Thursday preceding the conference. The morning tee-off will be at The Signature at West Neck. Natural wetlands and thirteen lakes accent this Arnold Palmer Signature designed masterpiece.

There are many sponsored meal functions and coffee breaks included with your 2006 MAC registration packet. The gourmet quality of food provided to us is made possible by the contributions of Andrews Electronics, Mitsubishi, National Electronics Warranty (N.E.W.), Panasonic, Pioneer, PTS Electronics, Sony, Thomson, Tritronics and Union Electronics. In a casual dining atmosphere, attendees are able to socialize with old friends and given the chance to meet new ones.

Friday night’s dinner features the Keynote Address given by Frederic Paradis, CSM and NESDA President. After dinner, plan to attend and participate in a Casino Night, which includes a special guest appearance by a look-and-sound-alike of the legendary Elvis Presley. Our sponsors, Cumberland Electronics and Philips, invite you and your family to play craps, roulette, blackjack and the ever-popular poker game, Texas Hold’em. Both parents and children, win or lose, have an opportunity to win door prizes.

Each night, following a day of training, unwind and relax in the Hitachi sponsored Hospitality Room. Take this opportunity to schmooze with your fellow attendees and discuss common business issues.

Explore Your Surroundings If the 2006 MAC does not provide enough activity for you, then the VBRH and the surrounding area beckons you. The hotel has an indoor/outdoor pool, well-equipped spa and private beach. For any additional dining pleasures, the hotel features two excellent options. The TradeWinds Restaurant is elegant, but casual with a spectacular view of the bay. The other choice is the more relaxed Café by the Bay, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you intend to go off-site, the VBRH can provide transportation to nearby sites such as the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Virginia Marine Science Museum, Nauticus Marine Museum (adjoining the open-and-free-to-the-public battleship Wisconsin), the Chrysler Museum of Art, Douglas MacArthur Memorial and Museum, the Adam Thoroughgood house, Old St. Paul’s Church, and the boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean. If money is burning a hole in your pocket, a shopping trip to the Lynnhaven Mall, Waterside Complex or Norfolk’s MacArthur Center, may be the solution to your problem.

A Certified Success The 2006 MAC has it all. Management and technical training, trade shows, sponsored events and certification. Take advantage of the opportunities to speak with fellow servicers and industry representatives. Distinguish yourself by becoming a Certified Electronics Technician or Certified Service Manager. Those who attend and the companies who participate determine the success of this popular event.

Will you certify your future as an independent servicer? Be in attendance at the Mid-Atlantic Conference on June 9-11, 2006 in Virginia Beach and become a certified success.
Visit Herman Panson Electronics
www.hermanpanson.com
REQUEST FOR FESA MEMBERSHIP

DATE_________


NAME_________________________________

COMPANY NAME________________________

ADDRESS_______________________________

CITY/STATE_________________ZIP_________

PHONE NO.______________________________

NO.OF EMPLOYEES_____________

Dues Per Year: 1 Person Service Center= $25.00/ 2/3 Person Service Center=$30.00/ 4/6 Person Service Center=$35.00/ 7/9 Person Service Center=$40.00/ 10 & up =$45.00. This rate schedule is for independent membership and may be affected by a chapter or affiliate in your region.

Please include your dues with your completed application, this will constitute your agreement to abide by the Constitution and BY-Laws of FESA. Members will continue to receive Watts Current.

For a Non Member Watts Current Subscription Only. Include your check for $12.00, write Watts Current subscription on this form and return it to:

Billy F. Williams EHF
1409 Glendale Rd. W.
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: (904) 725-9789
Visit NESDA
www.nesda.com
FESA SERVICE INVOICES

PRICE LIST - MEMBERS ONLY

INVOICES ARE CARBON FOUR PART WITH CLAIM AND HARD FILE COPY
ZONES 4 & 5

#1 (SMALL)
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
63.50 125.00 183.00 218.00 275.00

IMPRINT
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
26.50 48.00 69.00 85.00 102.00

Sub Total
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
90.00 173.00 252.00 303.00 377.00

S/C
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
7.50 12.50 15.00 20.00 22.50

TOTAL
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
102.50 190.50 272.00 328.00 404.50

UPS PREPAID FREIGHT COLLECT


Please note: The price increase announced previously is now in effect. We delayed the increase until the forms previously contracted have been depleted. All form requests from this time forward will be at the posted prices, freight collect. We no longer have a supply of the LARGE invoices. We are in the process of locating new a source for our large invoices.

Until we find a new source the FESA-Large invoices are NO Longer Available.


NEW ORDERS TAKE 3 TO 4 WEEKS --- INCLUDE IMPRINT INFO WITH CHECK REPEAT ORDERS TAKE 2 TO 3 WEEKS RUSH ORDERS WILL NOT BE PLACED UNTIL I RECEIVE YOUR CHECK! MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO F.E.S.A ALL SERVICE INVOICE ORDERS SHOULD BE MAILED WITH YOUR CHECK DIRECTLY TO THE FESA TREASURER:

Mr. Billy F. Williams EHF
1409 Glendale Rd. W.
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone & Fax: (904) 725-9789

NOTE: Small Invoices are 5:5/8"W X 9:1/8" H / You must be a Member of FESA to order forms from FESA.
Mitsubishi Harnesses Colored Lasers to Produce New-Generation Lightweight HDTV

By MICHEL MARRIOTT Published: April 3, 2006
As if shopping for new flat-panel, high-definition television is not hard enough, Mitsubishi is scheduled to announce this week that it has developed commercial television that uses colored lasers to display bright, deep images on large, thin, lightweight screens — surpassing images seen on film. The television sets, which Mitsubishi is calling the first of their kind, are expected to reach stores sometime late next year.

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A design prototype of Mitsubishi's big-screen TV, to be shown Friday.

At the heart of the first generation of this new television is an existing rear-projection technology called digital light processing. In the past, this technology, developed by Texas Instruments, used white-light mercury lamps as the television's light source. With laser television, separate red, green and blue lasers are used in conjunction with an HDTV chip, said Frank DeMartin, vice president for marketing and product development at Mitsubishi.

He and Mitsubishi engineers said this provided a new look in large-screen units, signaling a move to lighter, slimmer profiles for rear-projection television. In terms of performance, Mr. DeMartin said, laser television promises a greater range and intensity of colors. He said the new sets would be made with compact, sculptured cabinets and remain relatively light because the screens would be advanced plastics rather than the glass common in plasma television flat-panel units.

The screens will be so lightweight that the need for frames will be significantly lessened, Mr. DeMartin added. This will give the television a cleaner, practically all-screen look.

Its lighter weight, about half that of plasma models with comparable screen sizes, will also have a smaller footprint, he said. For example, a 50-inch plasma or L.C.D. television requires stands up to 17 inches deep to rest securely, Mr. DeMartin said.

Laser television technology is not new. For years, engineers have experimented in laboratories and research centers, seeking to illuminate television images with lasers. But the most optimistic outlook had been for laser television to be available in two to three years. Power and costs were barriers to bringing the technology to the marketplace.

But Marty Zanfino, the director of product development for Mitsubishi, said those issues had been resolved, resulting in large-screen laser television that is expected to be competitively priced with plasma television in sizes of 52 inches and larger.

Mr. DeMartin said laser television would use about a third the power of conventional, large-screen models that depend on high-power lamps. In such television, he said, the lamps are required to be on at full power whenever the sets that use them are on. But Mitsubishi's new lasers, which are based in semiconductors, turn on and off when needed. For example, Mr. DeMartin said, when black is required in an image — still a challenge for some plasma-based television — the laser switches off.

These solid-state lasers, he added, will greatly outlast lamps. As a light source, he said, they are practically "permanent," meaning that the lasers should last for the set's lifetime.

A 52-inch model of the Mitsubishi laser television is scheduled to be demonstrated when the company shows its new lines on Friday in Huntington Beach, Calif. Mitsubishi is showing the new product at a time consumers are expressing interest in high-definition, flat-panel units.

Industry statistics show that consumers in the United States are buying large display television at twice the pace they did three years ago. Mitsubishi executives said Americans were buying five million high-definition television units a year, urged on by increased high-definition programming, the move to high-definition video consoles from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, and high-definition DVD players coming to market.

But unlike old technologies based on the cathode-ray tube, or C.R.T., which remained basically unchanged for decades, flat-panel television is continuing to evolve rapidly.

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, Toshiba and Canon demonstrated their jointly developed S.E.D. (surface-conduction electron-emitter display) televisions, new flat-screen units that essentially combine the best of C.R.T. emitter technology with digital flat-panel technology. The two companies recently postponed their introduction until next year.

"It's a story of complexity," Ted Schadler, a Forrester Research analyst, said of the dizzying array of choices prospective buyers face. He said there were more technologies, more shapes and sizes and more competing manufacturers' agendas.

While he said the S.E.D. and laser television technologies had "characteristics that are extremely interesting," he warned that consumers and retailers were going to have to do their homework as the flat-panel choices grew more complex.

"Television used to be very, very simple," he said. "You bought a big one or a small one that was black and white or color."

That has all changed, Mr. Schadler said. "Now we've got complexity like buying real estate or buying a car or something," he said. "It's just gotten tremendously complicated."

Article provided by CEA SmartBrief enewsletter
NET WIT
Redneck Horoscope

OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) - Although you appear crude, you are actually very slick on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. Stay away from Moon Pies.

CHITLIN (Jan 21 - Feb 19) - Chitlins come from humble backgrounds. A chitlin, however, can make something of himself if he's motivated and has lots of seasoning. In dealing with Chitlins, be careful. They can erupt like Vesuvius. Chitlins are best with Catfish and Okra.

BOLL WEEVIL (Feb 20 - Mar 20) - You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don't worry about it.

MOON PIE (Mar 21 - Apr 20) - You're the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. It's a cinch to recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies. Big and round are the key words here. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. It's not going to be easy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Or - maybe not.

POSSUM (Apr 21 - May 21) - When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about-it attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy, but seems to work for you. One day, however, it won't work and you may find your problems actually running you over.

CRAWFISH (May 22 - June 21) - Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you're always hanging around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to the golf course, the bathtub to the living room. You tend to be not particularly attractive physically, but you have very, very good heads.

COLLARDS (June 22 - July 23) - Collards have a genius for communication. They love to get in the "melting pot" of life and share their essence with the essence of those round them.. Collards make good social workers, psychologists, and baseball managers. As far as your personal life goes, if you are Collards, stay away from Moon Pies. It just won't work. Save yourself a lot of heartache.

CATFISH (July 24 - Aug 23) - Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, although one's whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You catfish are never easy people to understand. You prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.

GRITS (Aug 24 - Sept 23) - Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese or gravy or bacon or butter or eggs. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you well.

BOILED PEANUTS (Sept 24 - Oct 23) - You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best - your friends and loved ones - may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will probably affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.

BUTTER BEAN (Oct 24 - Nov 22) - Always invite a Butter Bean because Butter Beans get along well with everybody. You, as a Butter Bean, should be proud. You've grown on the vine of life and you feel at home no matter what the setting. You can sit next to anybody. However, you, too, shouldn't have anything to do with Moon Pies.

ARMADILLO (Nov 23 - Dec 21) - You have a tendency to develop a tough exterior, but you are actually quite gentle. A good evening for you? Old friends, a fire, some roots, fruit, worms and insects. You are a throwback. You're not concerned with today's fashions and trends. You're not concerned with anything about today. You're really almost prehistoric in your interests and behavior patterns. You probably want to marry another Armadillo, but Possum is another somewhat kinky, mating possibility.

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