Tag Archives: Japan

SANYO Launches New ‘eneloopy’ Battery Checker

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In celebration of the global sales achievement of 100 million cells, SANYO Energy (S) Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO), is pleased to announce that it is launching a new ‘eneloopy’ battery checker this month.

After, Singapore, India is the first country outside Japan to launch the ‘eneloopy’ battery checker and enjoys the eco-benefits of these additions.

First launched in November 2005, the remarkable global sales achievement of 100 million cells attests to the popularity of the rechargeable ‘eneloop’ batteries and the successful promotion of a lifestyle that encourages reducing, reusing and recycling.

Sharing his thoughts on the new product offering, Mr. Takehiro Matsui, Senior Manager of SANYO Energy said, “We are very happy to have come this far after years of investment and dedication to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle. It is rewarding to know that our efforts have paid off with us hitting our target of one million cells earlier than what we expected. We hope to share this joy with consumers with more new product offerings in the near future.”

Fun way to check your battery’s power

The new ‘eneloopy’ battery checker takes the form of the ‘eneloop’ mascot – ‘eneloopy’ – which bears a dog character. In 2006, a dog-shaped battery checker was created to be used as a campaign gift in Japan and has been popular in various sales campaigns ever since. In response to consumers’ demand, SANYO has decided to make this product commercially available in commemoration of the global sales achievement of ‘eneloop’ reaching 100 million cells.

Led Indicator

Green: Fully charged

Orange: Partially charged

Red: Needs to be recharged

Light Off

No remaining power

The battery checker boasts an LED indicator on the eneloopy’s nose to show the power status. By inserting an AA-size ‘eneloop’ in the dog’s body and pressing the switch on the chest, the LED on the nose indicates the remaining battery level using four different colours. Two functional items in the form of food dishes and two bones are also bundled with the dog. By using a food dish as a spacer, an AAA-size ‘eneloop’ can be inserted into the “eneloopy” for battery-level checking. The bone serves as a tool for taking out a battery from the dog’s body.

SANYO will continue to spread its company vision, ‘Think Gaia’, by expanding the ‘eneloop’ series throughout the world so as to encourage adoption of a way of life that conserves our resources and protects our environment.

The ‘eneloopy’ battery checker will be available at a recommended retail price of Rs.1060 (including GST) from JSK Marketing, Mumbai from mid-December 2009.

Hong Kong: East Asian Games can only get bigger and better

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The following is issued on behalf of the 2009 East Asian Games (HK) Limited:

When the 1st East Asian Games were launched on May 9-18, 1993 in Shanghai there were only 12 sports, attracting 1,283 athletes to compete for the 170 gold medals at stake.

The same nine nations participating in this years 5th East Asian Games – China, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Macau and Guam – were also involved.

The 12 sports on the programme were aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowling, boxing, football, gymnastics, judo, rowing, weight-lifting and wushu. Soft tennis was introduced as a demonstration sport.

China, which had been flexing its muscles for some time in the world of sport, quite naturally walked away with 105 gold, 74 silver and 34 bronze. Hong Kongs first and only gold medal went to rower Ho Kim-fai.

Exactly four years later, it was the turn of Korea to play host and 13 events were organised in the port city of Pusan. With the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea deciding to give the Games a miss, Kazakhstan was invited to take their place.

And they did surprisingly well, taking home 24 of the 190 gold medals on offer. Again, it was China that stormed to the top of the table with 62 gold, Japan had 47, just edging out host Korea who had two less. Hong Kong did go away with the customary sole gold.

At the Pusan Games, bowling was relegated to an exhibition sport while soft tennis and taekwondo were introduced as competition events.

When the 3rd East Asian Games opened in Osaka, Japan, in May 2001, the number of sports had grown to 15. Badminton was excluded and replaced by bowling and the addition of handball, for the first and last time.

The Japanese also decided to relegate rowing to a demonstration sport and hockey made its first appearance as a demonstration event.

Australia was invited to participate as a non-member and a record 2,804 athletes turned up for the nine-day event. Again, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea was absent and Kazakhstan continued to fill their spot.

Hong Kong came to these Games as Hong Kong, China – the first time after the handover – and went away with a surprising three gold, one silver and three bonze. Even Macau managed to win its first-ever gold laurel.

The quadrennial Games next moved to Macau, China, and were staged in the autumnal months of October and November. By now, the number of sports had reached new heights V 17 in all, with the debut of dragon boat, dance sport, tennis, karate-do, hockey and shooting as competition events.

Dropped from the list were badminton, boxing, wrestling, volleyball and judo. However, rowing made a return.

China again showed its supremacy at these Games with a haul of 223 medals – 127 of which were gold. Hong Kong managed to bag 13, two of them gold. Host Macau did extremely well with 11 gold.

The Macau Games will go into the record books as Chinas Yang Lian lifted a stunning 117kg in the womens 48kg clean and jerk competition to set a new world record.

The spotlight will now be turned on Hong Kong where 22 events V 16 of them Olympic competitions V have been organised. Dropped from the programme are dragon boat and karate-do and replaced by rugby sevens, windsurfing, squash, table-tennis, cue sport, cycling and the return of badminton.

There are no marks for guessing which country will walk away with the biggest haul, but one thing is for sure, while the usual galaxy of star athletes will dazzle, novas will explode on the Hong Kong horizon. Whether new heights will be reached will be known at the end of each days competition. The stage and playing fields are all ready for Hong Kongs biggest ever sporting get-together. Let the show begin…

VIZ Media Announces New DVD Releases For January 2010

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San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in January 2010. This includes the first box set of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN in regular and special editions, the next installments in POKÉMON ELEMENTS, as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.
SHONEN JUMP releases include:
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Special Edition Box Set 1 • Rated ’T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN • Available January 26
Naruto Uzumaki is back! After two and a half years of training on the road with Jiraiya of the Sannin, Naruto is back in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, and he’s ready to show off his new skills. He and Sakura team up to take on their old master Kakashi, who’s pretty impressed with their progress. They’ll have plenty of opportunity to put it into action when news arrives from the Sand Village that Gaara, Naruto’s former rival and now Kazekage of the Sand, has been kidnapped! And the culprits are the very same group who are after Naruto–the Akatsuki! The Special Edition Box Set features 13 episodes on 3 discs and also includes a collectible NARUTO Shippuden Mininja figure.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 1 Standard Edition • Rated ’T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN • Available January 26
DVD-only collection featuring 13 episodes from the hit series on 3 discs; (collectible figure is not included.)
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 5 • Rated ’T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available January 12
Team Guy and Team Kakashi finally reach the Akatsuki hideout, only to encounter a tricky five-seal barrier that triggers an even stranger trap. While Team Guy face some pretty tough opponents–themselves!–Kakashi and Naruto must take off after Deidara who has absconded with Gaara. Sakura and Granny Chiyo are left behind to confront Sasori of the Red Sand. Granny Chiyo may be the only one with the ability to see through his many complex traps and skilled puppetry, but even one scratch from his poisoned weapons could mean instant death!
BLEACH Volume 24 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available January 19
Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya is assigned to lead the defense of the Soul Society and mobilize the Soul Reapers to find and kill the intruding Bounts. But the Bount leader Jin Kariya has gathered a huge mob of ruffians and plans to use them in his quest for revenge. Meanwhile, it is discovered that Maki Ichinose, the banished Soul Reaper helping the Bounts, has infiltrated the Seireitei and has been secretly manipulating their data. What strategies will play out, and how can Ichigo and his allies stop them?
New POKÉMON Releases Include:
POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 7: Psychic • Rated ’A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $9.98 US/ $14.99 CAN • Available January 26
POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 8: Dragon • Rated ’A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN • Available January 26
Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages.
Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Source: WEBWIRE

Nissan Releases New Minicar Roox

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YOKOHAMA. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announces the release of the Roox minicar, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide.
Roox Highway Star
The most distinctive features of the new Nissan Roox are its spacious interior, elegant design and convenient features, such as the double sliding rear doors that provide for convenient entry and exit and a large, low-floor height luggage space. The name Roox was coined from room and max to convey its exceptionally roomy interior.
While Roox’s comfortable family car cabin is designed to change people’s impression of minicar interiors in Japan, its exterior design also brings an eye-catching new face to the segment. Roox incorporates the design characteristics of Nissan’s Highway Star Minivan series, including Serena and Elgrand, providing a striking and elegant appearance.
The new Roox is also designed to offer efficient operation and performance. The K6A engine-equipped models (except for turbo models) deliver both excellent environmental and driving performance, achieving top-in-class*1 fuel efficiency of 21.5km/L*2. With a 15% or 20% improvement in fuel economy over the 2010 standards, these models are certified SU-LEV*3 (vehicles which emit 75% fewer emissions than the levels mandated by Japan’s 2005 exhaust emission regulations). Roox non-turbo models qualify for Japan’s preferential tax scheme for environment-friendly vehicles, with automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax reduced by 50%.
Nissan collectively refers to models that qualify for these preferential tax breaks as the Nissan ECO Series (NECO Series). Including Roox, 18 models*4 have already qualified. Nissan hopes to stimulate consumer demand for eco-friendly vehicles by offering customers a broad selection of products to choose from.
An Imposing Appearance and a Comfortable, Practical Interior
The new Nissan Roox lineup includes two distinctive series designs. The Highway Star series features exterior cues shared with the popular Nissan Highway Star minivans. Utilizing a chrome grille and a sharp headlight design, the exterior provides an imposing yet elegant appearance. The Roox Highway Star is available in a choice of six body colors – including two special colors, Mysterious Violet and Luna Gray.
The Roox E/G series presents a high-quality, spacious feeling expressed most prominently by its long, horizontal front grille. It is available in a choice of six exterior colors, including special colors Bloom Pink and Aqua Veil Blue.
As fitting for a vehicle designed to be enjoyed everyday by the whole family, the Roox combines comfort with practicality. Nissan Roox offers ample room and seating for four adults, and, with its cabin measuring 1365 mm wide and 2085 mm in length, the most spacious interior in its class.
All models feature Fine Vision meters and a well-coordinated use of chrome and piano-black interior finisher trim to produce a feeling of premium quality. The Roox Highway Star series features a sporty, elegant black interior treatment with special Fine Vision meters and chic fabric seat materials. The Roox E/G series utilizes an elegant beige interior appearance with soft, glossy seat materials creating a bright, open atmosphere.
Remote-controlled double sliding rear doors are standard on all models. When open, rear access dimensions measure 580 mm wide and 1230 mm high. A low-mounted rear step, with a height of 340 mm (2WD models) aids effortless passenger entry and exit. Roox’s low cargo floor, with a ground clearance of 535 mm on 2WD models, combines with the large luggage space and wide opening to provide easy loading of oversized objects.
Power-sliding rear doors, which can be opened or closed automatically with a button located on the Intelligent Key, are standard on both sides of the Highway Star Turbo model, while the Highway Star and G series offer the power-sliding feature on the rear passenger side door only. A sliding door auto closer, which automatically shuts the door properly if the door is half-shut, is standard on all models, along with a slide door stopper that locks the door fully open for safe entry and exit when the car is parked on a hill.
Other standard convenience features include an Intelligent Key, which allows users to lock/unlock the doors simply by carrying the key fob, and a Push Engine Starter that can start or stop the engine with the touch of a button. A convenient drink cooler, fitted inside the upper glove box of the passenger seat, comes standard on all models and utilizes cool air from air conditioner to keep beverages at a desired temperature.
Standard safety equipment includes SRS air bag systems for the driver and front passenger on all models, while SRS side air bag systems for the driver and front passenger are standard on all models except for E.
Driving Pleasure with an Eye Toward the Environment
Roox models equipped with the K6A engine models (except for turbo models) deliver both excellent environmental and driving performance, including the previously mentioned class-leading fuel efficiency and SU-LEV emission certification.
A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with a sub-transmission that increases gear ratio and neutral idle control, helping reduce excessive fuel consumption while idling, is adopted to improve fuel efficiency. Also standard on all models is a vehicle operation information display, which shows real-time and average fuel consumption to help encourage eco-driving.
Roox models with the K6A intercooler turbo engine offer 47kW (64PS) of power, providing responsive driving performance.
Roox is supplied to Nissan by Suzuki Motor Corporation on an OEM basis.
Sales target: 3,500 units/month
Price range: 1,244,250 yen to 1,714,650 yen, including consumption tax
Sales launch events: December 5 (Sat.) – 6 (Sun.), 12 (Sat.) – 13 (Sun.), 2009
1. *1: Minicars whose height is 1700 mm and above.
2. *2: Fuel economy of non-turbo 2WD and 4WD models which qualify for a 50% tax reduction of automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax; 2WD: 21.5km/L, 4WD: 21.0km/L
3. *3: For vehicles emitting 75% fewer emissions (SU-LEV) than the levels mandated by Japan’s 2005 exhaust emission regulations and also achieving a 15% or 20% improvement in fuel economy over the 2010 fuel economy standards:
50% reduction of the automobile acquisition tax on vehicles newly registered by March 31, 2012 and a
50% reduction of the automobile weight tax on vehicles newly registered by April 30, 2012.
4. *4: As of December 1, 2009, eighteen vehicles qualify for Japan’s preferential tax scheme for environment-friendly vehicles; i.e. Moco, Otti, Roox, March, Note, Cube, Tiida, Tiida Latio, Wingroad, Serena, Dualis, X-TRAIL, Lafesta, Fuga, AD/AD Expert, NV200 Vanette, Atlas F24 and Atlas H43.

Source: WEBWIRE

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. Helps Duelists Protect Their Favorite Cards with New Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s Trading Card Game Card Sleeves and Portfolios

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High-Quality Glossy Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s TRADING CARD GAME SleevesAvailable for the First Time in North America
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KDE), the makers of the wildly popular Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG), know Duelists enjoy showing off their card collection just as much as crushing an opponent. With this in mind, KDE is pleased to make available to players in the United States new high-quality card sleeves with the most current and remarkable Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s monster, starting with “Majestic Star Dragon” from Stardust Overdrive!
The card sleeves are the first products to be released in a proposed new line of card game accessories from KDE in 2010. The card sleeves, (MSRP $3.99), are the perfect way to show off your collection to other Duelists. The 50-card pack of sleeves is enough to protect most Duelists’ Decks.
In addition, the company is also releasing a binder-sized ten-page card portfolio (each page has nine pockets) designed to protect and highlight individual collections. The nine-pocket U.S. version is in contrast to previously released versions, which hold only four cards per page. The nine-pocket “Majestic Star Dragon” Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG portfolio will have an MSRP of $9.99.
The new Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG card sleeves and nine-pocket portfolios will be available in January 2010.
For more information on Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME or the new card sleeves and portfolios, please visit www.yugioh-card.com.
About The Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG
The Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME is the #1 trading card game in the world with over 22 billion cards sold. It is a game of strategy, where players create individual Decks of cards collected from Structure Decks and Booster Packs. Two players engage in a Duel while using cards that represent powerful monsters, magical Spells and surprising Traps. Duelists with well-constructed Decks, dominating monsters, solid strategy and good fortune are the victors in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG. Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. is the exclusive licensee and rights holder to the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG in North America and Latin America.
About Konami
Konami is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties and traditional trading card games. Konami’s software titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, DanceDanceRevolution and Castlevania, among other top sellers. Konami is also the manufacturer of the wildly popular Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME, which has sold more than 22 billion cards worldwide. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. Konami Corporation is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, Konami Digital Entertainment, and Inc. in the United States and Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany. Konami Corporation is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami can be found at www.konami.com.

Source: WEBWIRE

Honda Sets All-Time October Record for Auto Production in Asia and China

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Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of October 2009.

Production in Japan for the month of October 2009 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 12th consecutive month (since November 2008).

Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 13th consecutive month (since October 2008), although production in Asia and China respectively set all-time records for the month of October.

Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 12th consecutive month (since November 2008).

Japan Domestic Market Sales

Total Japan domestic market auto sales for the month of October 2009, experienced a year-on-year increase for the fourth consecutive month (since July 2009).

New vehicle registrations experienced a year-on-year increase for the seventh consecutive month (since April 2009).

Sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 11th consecutive month (since December 2008).

- Vehicle registrations – excluding mini-vehicles

Fit was the industrys second best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of October 2009, with sales of 15,444 units. Freed was the industrys fifth best-selling car with sales of 9,147 units. Insight was the industrys ninth best-selling car with sales of 7,047 units.

- Mini-vehicles – under 660cc

Life was the industrys seventh best-selling car in the mini-vehicle category for the month of October 2009, with sales of 4,123 units. Zest was the industrys tenth best-selling car with sales of 2,999 units.

Exports from Japan

Total exports from Japan in October 2009 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 13th consecutive month (since October 2008).

About Honda

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (TSE:7267/NYSE:HMC/LSE:HNDA.L) is one of the leading manufacturers of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacture of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide. The result is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, producing a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with over 19 million customers annually. For more information, please visit http://world.honda.com .

Source: JCN Newswire

Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for October 2009

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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced global production, as well as domestic sales and export figures for October 2009.

Production: Global total and Japan

Total global production for October came in at 85,080 units, a decline of 29.6 percent over the same month last year and the fifteenth consecutive monthly decrease since August 2008. Production volume in Japan at 46,416 units was 43.0 percent down year-on-year, the twelfth consecutive decline, with passenger car output at 40,580 units down 45.4 percent year-on-year and commercial vehicle output at 5,836 units down 17.8 percent year-on-year.

Sales in Japan

Vehicle sales in Japan in October totaled 12,550 units, 12.5 percent down on the same month last year and the first year-on-year decrease in three months. Sales of passenger cars at 9,421 units were 16.1 percent down year-on-year while sales of commercial vehicles at 3,129 units were 0.2 percent up year-on-year. Registered vehicle sales volume at 4,875 units was 29.1 percent up on the same month last year, bolstered primarily by 126.9 percent and 117.1 percent increases respectively in year-on-year sales of Colt and Colt Plus models. Minicar sales volume at 7,675 units was 27.4 percent down year-on-year despite a 20.1 percent rise in Minica sales driven by the introduction of the Black series.

Production overseas

Overseas production volume totaled 38,666 units, 2.1 percent down over October last year and returned to the string of year-on-year decreases that had been interrupted by the first rise in 15 months in September. By region, output in North America at 2,524 units was 52.5 percent down year-on-year. In Europe, output at 2,077 units was 77.2 percent down year-on-year as the ending of scrap incentives in Germany impacted the market. In Asia, output at 31,168 units was 34.5 percent up year-on-year helped by 96.4 percent and 261.0 percent increases respectively at China Motor Corp. in Taiwan and South East (Fujian) Motor in China.

Export shipments from Japan

Total exports from Japan of 24,857 units were 53.1 percent down in October 2008 and marked the twelfth consecutive year-on-year decrease. Exports to Asia at 3,730 units were 24.6 percent up year-on-year on the back of stronger sales in China and Malaysia. Export shipments to North America at 5,272 units rose by 17.7 percent over the same month last year helped by strong sales of the Outlander in both the U.S. and Canada. Exports to Europe at 3,529 units were 86.0 percent down year-on-year, again due mainly to very slow sales in Russia.

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE: 7211) was established in 1970 and is one of the few automobile companies in the world that produces a full line of automotive products ranging from 660-cc mini cars and passenger cars to commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The company also operates consumer financing services and provides this to its customer base. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com .

Source: JCN Newswire

Hong Kong: Sun to shine on early EAG events

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The following is issued on behalf of the 2009 East Asian Games (Hong Kong) Limited:

The first days events in the Fifth East Asian Games are set for a bright start with a fine sunny day and gentle breeze being forecast for Hong Kong tomorrow (December 2).

With the official opening of the 2009 Games still four days away, a number of popular events will begin tomorrow. Three events are indoors and football will kick off at the Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground. Basketball will be held in the Western Park Sports Centre, volleyball at the Hong Kong Coliseum and table tennis at Queen Elizabeth Stadium.

As World Cup fever begins to grip the globe, there is no denying the popularity of football. Six of the nine competing nations will field their best players. It is expected that Korea, Japan and the DPR Korea, who have qualified for the South African finals in six months time, are the favourites. But Hong Kong, playing on home soil and to a home crowd, may have an eye on the crown.

Volleyball teams from seven competing nations will spike up the hit-and-smash action within the Hong Kong Coliseum for the next eight days as favourites China and Japan aim for gold. The dark horse in the field may be Korea or its northerly neighbour.

The Chinese juggernaut is also expected to steamroll through the table tennis tournaments in the mens, womens, doubles and mixed doubles events. Hong Kong favourite sons, Ko Lai-chak and Li Ching, will try to emulate their past Olympic glory. They know that when they step up to play, the home crowd will cheer them on to medal contention.

The basketball courts of Western Park Sports Centre will see keen cross-court charges and dunks between top teams of China, Korea, Mongolia and Japan. The seven-day preliminary games culminate in the Hong Kong Coliseum on December 11 when the top two teams go for gold.

A spectacular ceremony, using the magnificent Hong Kong harbour as a backdrop, will be staged on Saturday evening (December 5) and State Councillor Madam Liu Yandong and the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, will declare the Fifth East Asian Games officially open.

In all, almost 2,300 athletes from eight regional nations – China, Mongolia, the Democratic Republic of Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Korea, Macau and Guam – join the 438 athletes from Hong Kong to lock horns in 1,700 competition events.

And after two weeks of sporting excellence 262 gold medallists will go away with fond memories while the rest, with shattered dreams, can only hope to do better at the next sporting pit-stop or wait for the next Games.

Hong Kong: Film Archive to hold conference on history of early Chinese cinema (with photos)

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Is 2009 the 100th anniversary of the Hong Kong cinema? Is the short film Stealing a Roast Duck, which was made in 1909, the first film in Hong Kong? What constitutes a Hong Kong film and how to define first film? Until recently, little effort had been made on the preservation of film. As such, many early films, records and related documents were lost, making an understanding of early Chinese cinema extremely difficult.

To encourage a better understanding of Hong Kong cinemas early history and its relationship with Chinese cinema, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) will stage a conference entitled History of Early Chinese Cinema(s) Revisited from December 15-17 at the Convocation Room, 218 Main Building of the Hong Kong University and the Resource Centre of the HKFA.

More than 20 scholars and film researchers from mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and the United States will discuss different aspects of the issue, including early pioneers, film industry during the silent era, Japanese influence on early Chinese cinema, the relationship between film and audience, film music, film genres and the development of film language.

Presented by the HKFA, the conference is held in association with the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities & Social Sciences (inc. the Centre of Asian Studies) of the University of Hong Kong and is sponsored by the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Illinois as well as the Centre for Media and Communication Research of the School of Communication of Hong Kong Baptist University. It will be conducted mostly in Mandarin. Admission is free. People can make reservations at 2119 7372 (HKFA) or 2859 2460 (the University of Hong Kong)

To tie in with the conference, HKFA will present the Developing Images – Early Chinese Films from December 16-20 at the Cinema of the HKFA, showcasing some of the early Chinese and Hong Kong films available as well as the American and European films made in 1909. Some of the screenings are accompanied with live music by the silent-film accompanist Ernesto Maurice Corpus.

1909 was a mythic year for Hong Kong cinema as the short film Stealing a Roast Duck was supposedly made then, marking the beginning of Hong Kong cinema. Yet, no solid evidence had been produced to support that claim. A Hundred Years Ago presents a sample of European and American films from 1909, providing reference when contemplating the early Chinese cinema, including Julius Caesar, A Trip to Jupiter, The Fable of Psyche, In Love with the Bearded Woman, Two Naughty Boys and The Country Doctor.

Early film pioneer director Lai Man-wai put together a small crew in the 1920s to shoot documentaries in Hong Kong and China, following and recording Sun Yat-sens efforts in the reunification of China. The footage, including precious records of Suns Northern Expedition, was edited into feature length and shown publicly as A Page of History (1941). The film deteriorated over the years and in the 1970s, Lais descendents managed to salvage 34 minutes of the footage. The restored print was donated to the HKFA a few years ago.

Hong Kong has undergone tremendous changes culturally and socially in the past 100 years. Unfortunately moving images of the changes in the early decades are extremely rare. Early Images of Hong Kong includes three collections of shorts: Views of Hong Kong (1936), Hong Kong Sceneries (1930-1940) and Pre-war Images of Hong Kong donated to the HKFA by Ms Dolores Wang Chuen-chu, whose family members risked their lives safeguarding the films during the Japanese Occupation. Also, The Edison Shorts (1898) represents the earliest available moving images of Hong Kong and scenes of Shanghai and Macau.

Benjamin Brodsky was a Russian-born American who made films in China and Japan and had supposedly teamed with Lai Man-wai and Lai Buk-hoi to make Stealing a Roast Duck and Zhuangzi Tests His Wife. Although the two films cannot be found, Travel with Brodsky will present shorts that he made in China, including The Chinese Revolution (1912) and the commissioned work Seeing China as it is by the YWCA (1909). The program also includes a documentary about this fascinating figure – Search for Brodsky (2009).

Shot over a span of 10 years, A Trip Through China (1917) records life in the new Republic. Brodskys images reveal a pictorial sophistication, a storytellers touch and a sense of humour. The film received favourable reviews in New York Times and Variety during its American release.

Directed by Zhang Shichuan and written by Zheng Zhengqiu, the delightful comedy Labors Love (1922) is the earliest Chinese film available. It offers a glimpse of turn-of-the-century city life, with depictions of small businesses, street thugs and gambling dens.

The Pearl Necklace (1926) is the cautionary moral tale that examines the perils of vanity. Its directed by C Y Lee, an engineer who directed many of the Great Walls films.

Both starring Lam Cho-cho, Way Down West (1927) and A Poet from the Sea (1927) were directed by notable Chinese director Hou Yao. He brilliantly interprets the classic novel Romance of the West Chamber with a fertile imagination and state-of-the-art special effects, turning Way Down West into a dreamy fantasy. This print is a tinted version recovered from the Netherlands. A Poet from the Sea is available now only in fragmented condition. Hou made the film to portray the conflict between material life and spiritual life and he also played the role of the alienated poet who tries to escape from modern civilisation. The incomplete version shown, was recovered in Europe and restored by Cineteca di Bologna.

The popularity of the martial arts novels had paved the way for the booming of martial arts films in the 1920s. Swordswoman of Huangjiang (1930) is the first chapter in a popular series, based in turn on a popular novel. The beginning and the end are missing from this survived print, yet the exuberance of the genre is already evident, with various forms of special effects employed to visualise the fantastic nature of the martial arts imagination.

All the films are silent films, except A Page of History and Search for Brodsky which are in Mandarin. Most films have English intertitles or subtitles. Julius Caesar, The Fable of Psyche and In Love with the Bearded Woman are accompanied by live English interpretation.

Tickets priced at $30 for the screenings are available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price concessionary tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Reservations can be made by phone on 2734 9009, or on the Internet at www.urbtix.hk.

Detailed programme information can be obtained in the leaflets distributed at all performing venues of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. For enquiries, please call 2739 2139 or 2734 2900 or browse the website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp.

Canon Marketing Japan to Distribute Sectra MicroDose Mammography

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Regulatory News:
Sectra (STO:SECTB) today announces a partnership agreement with Canon
Marketing Japan, Inc., an affiliate of Canon Inc. Canon Marketing Japan
is headquartered in Tokyo and has offices in all of the major cities in
Japan. The company employs nearly 20,000 people and has annual sales in
excess of JPY 800 billion (USD 9 billion).
Under this agreement, Canon Marketing Japan will become a distributor of
Sectra’s digital mammography system, Sectra MicroDose Mammography, in
Japan.
“Canon Marketing Japan is an ideal partner for the distribution of our
mammography products, since the company is known throughout the world
for its high quality standards, has a large existing customer base and a
highly respected position in Japan,” says Torbjörn Kronander, President
of Sectra’s medical operations. “This is a strategically important move
to strengthen our operations in the second largest mammography market in
the world.”
“Sectra MicroDose Mammography, uniquely characterized by its
photon-counting technology, was the obvious choice for us. Its
exceptional characteristics offer unsurpassed low dose and superior
image quality, which are crucial for success in the Japanese market,”
says Mr. Hiroshi Shibuya, Senior Managing Director of Canon Marketing
Japan. “We can confidently address market needs with this unique and
highly differentiated product.”
About Canon Marketing Japan
Canon Marketing Japan Inc. is the
independent marketing arm of Canon Inc. – wholesaling and retailing a
broad range of products developed and manufactured by Canon as well as
exceptional products of foreign companies. In addition to the parent
company, the Canon Marketing Japan Group currently includes 23
consolidated subsidiaries. Its operations are concentrated in the
following business areas: business solutions, consumer equipment and
industrial equipment. The Group seeks to boost revenue and income
through more efficient operations. It therefore makes concerted efforts
to expand high-revenue businesses and reduce costs through superior
inventory and logistical systems. Equally important, the Group is firmly
committed to strict compliance and effective, customer-oriented
management. http://cweb.canon.jp/about/index-e.html
About Sectra’s medical operations
Sectra develops and sells
IT-systems and products for radiology, mammography and orthopaedic
departments. More than 1,000 hospitals worldwide use the system daily,
together performing over 50 million radiology examinations annually.
This makes Sectra one of the world leading companies within systems for
handling digital radiology images (PACS). In Scandinavia, Sectra is the
market leader with more than 50% of all film-free installations. Outside
Scandinavia, Sectra’s system is installed at customers in North America
and most major countries in Europe and the Far East.
Our press releases, images and product information are available at www.sectra.com/medical/
pressroom. Please also visit our social newsroom at newsroom.sectra.com.
About the Sectra Group
Sectra successfully develops and sells
cutting-edge products in the expansive niche segments of medical systems
and secure communication systems. The company was founded in 1978 and
has its roots in the Linköping Institute of Technology in Sweden. Today,
Sectra has offices in twelve countries and operates through partners
worldwide. Sales in the 2008/2009 fiscal year totaled SEK 863 million.
The Sectra share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm AB exchange. For
more information, visit www.sectra.com.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.co

Source: Business Wire

Particle Beams Once Again Accelerated in Large Hadron Collider at CERN

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Particle beams are once again zooming around the worlds most powerful particle acceleratorthe Large Hadron Colliderlocated at the CERN laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland.

On Nov. 20 at 4pm EST, a clockwise circulating beam was established in the LHCs 17-mile ring.

After more than one year of repairs, the LHC is now back on track to create high-energy particle collisions that may yield extraordinary insights into the nature of the physical universe.

The LHC is a machine unprecedented in size, in complexity, and in the scope of the international collaboration that has built it over the last 15 years, said Dennis Kovar, U.S. Department of Energy Associate Director of Science for High Energy Physics.

I congratulate the scientists and engineers that have worked to get the LHC back up and running, and look forward to the discoveries to come.

American scientists have played an important role in the construction of the LHC. About 150 scientists, engineers and technicians from three DOE national laboratoriesBrookhaven Lab, Fermilab and Berkeley Labbuilt critical accelerator components.

They are joined by colleagues from DOEs SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and the University of Texas at Austin in ongoing LHC accelerator R&D. The work has been supported by the DOE Office of Science.

Circulating beams are a major milestone on the way to the ultimate goal: data from high-energy particle collisions in each of the LHCs four major particle detectors.

Over the next few months, scientists will create collisions between two beams of protons.

These very first LHC collisions will take place at the relatively low energy of 900 GeV. They will then raise the beam energy, aiming for collisions at the world-record energy of 7 TeV in early 2010. With these high-energy collisions, the hunt for discoveries at the LHC will begin.

“It’s great to see beam circulating in the LHC again,” said CERN Director General Rolf Heuer.

“We’ve still got some way to go before physics can begin, but with this milestone we’re well on the way.”

In all, an estimated 10,000 people from 60 countries have helped design and build the LHC accelerator and its four massive particle detectors, including more than 1,700 scientists, engineers, students and technicians from 97 U.S. universities and laboratories in 32 states and Puerto Rico supported by the DOE Office of Science and the National Science Foundation.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

Photos and videos from todays event are available at: press.web.cern.ch/press/lhc-first-physics/

Information about the US participation in the LHC is available at uslhc.us.

Follow US LHC on Twitter at twitter.com/uslhc.

About Berkeley Lab

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located in Berkeley, California. It conducts unclassified scientific research and is managed by the University of California.

Visit our News center at newscenter.lbl.gov.

About Brookhaven National Laboratory

Brookhaven National Laboratory is operated and managed for DOE’s Office of Science by Brookhaven Science Associates and Battelle.

Visit Brookhaven Lab’s electronic newsroom for links, news archives, graphics, and more: bnl.gov/newsroom.

About Fermilab

Fermilab is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory, operated under contract by the Fermi Research Alliance, LLC. The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science is the nation’s single-largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences.

Visit our Web site at fnal.gov.

About CERN

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is the world’s leading laboratory for particle physics.

It has its headquarters in Geneva. At present, its Member States are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

India, Israel, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United States of America, Turkey, the European Commission and UNESCO have Observer status.&/

Source: Chicago Press Release

British Conductor and Harpsichordist Nicholas Kraemer Leads Chicago Symphony Orchestra Dec. 10-12

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British conductor and harpsichordist Nicholas Kraemer returns to Symphony Center to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in a program highlighting three composers of the 18th centuryTelemann, Haydn and Mozartas well as 20th-century master Richard Strauss.

Performances are Thursday, Dec. 10, at 8pm, Friday, Dec. 11, at 1:30pm and Saturday, Dec. 12, at 8pm.

Well known as an authority of Baroque and Classical period music, Nicholas Kraemer is equally successful leading music by composers of the 20th century and today; his repertoire ranges from Vivaldi and Monteverdi to Britten and Musgrave.

Kraemer, familiar to Chicago audiences as principal guest conductor of Music of the Baroque, made his CSO debut in November 2007 with works by Handel, Haydn and Telemann, earning critical acclaim for his stylish, lively interpretations.

His December concerts contain Haydns Symphony No. 88one of the composers finest and the first in which he uses trumpets and timpani in a slow movement; Mozarts spirited Divertimento in D Major, K. 131; selections from Telemanns second volume of imaginative Tafelmusik, which Kraemer will lead from the harpsichord; and Strauss elegiac Metamorphosen, composed at the end of World War II as a heartfelt lament on the destruction of his beloved opera houses and cultural monuments of Germany.

Nicholas Kraemer began his career as a harpsichordist and soon moved from playing Baroque continuo at the back of the orchestra to directing from the keyboard at the front. While performing with the English Chamber Orchestra in the 1970s, his repertoire widened to encompass the 19th and 20th centuries.

He formed Raglan Baroque Players in 1978 and served as its music director, and he held conducting posts with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra and London Bach Orchestra.

In addition to his current position with Music of the Baroque, he is permanent guest conductor of the Manchester Camerata in England.

Kraemer regularly conducts ensembles, orchestras and opera companies throughout the world, including the Hall Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic and National Orchestra of Wales, Berlin Philharmonic, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Royal Symphony Orchestra of Seville, Toronto Symphony, Detroit Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Ensemble Kanazawa in Japan.

Upcoming debuts include the West Australian Symphony and Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

Committed to working with young musicians, Kraemer has directed orchestras and choirs of Venezuelas El Sistema programs and has led master classes at the Aspen Music Festival; he regularly conducts the Northern Sinfonias Young Sinfonia and in 2010 will lead Handels Belshazzar in a collaboration of the Manchester Camerata and the Royal Northern College of Music.

His discography includes dozens of concertos by Vivaldi with both the City of London Sinfonia and Raglan Baroque Players; music of Locatelli, Tartini and Pergolesi as well as Handels Rodelinda with Raglan Baroque Players; several works by Thea Musgrave with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra; and choral works by Scarlatti, Mozart, Handel and Haydn.

He also has contributed to several feature films, most notably as Baroque music director for The Madness of King George.&/

Source: Chicago Press Release

MAIA Intelligence Wins Laurels at Red Herring Asia 2009 Top 100 Awards

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Red Herring recognizes MAIA Intelligence, a BI Software Provider as the “Most Promising” Company Driving the Future of Innovative Technology with Red Herring 100 Asia 2009 Award

Mumbai, India, November 30, 2009 — MAIA Intelligence, a software product company in Business Intelligence (BI) reporting analysis space with more than 10000 users of 1KEY BI, announced that it has been awarded the coveted Red Herring Top 100 Asia, an award given to the top 100 private technology companies based in the Asia region each year. The award recognizes MAIA Intelligence amongst the 100 most innovative private technology companies in the Asia Pacific region that play a leading role in innovation and technology. Former winners such as Facebook, Google, eBay, Skype and YouTube were discovered in their early days by Red Herring editors, who identified these companies as leaders in changing the way we live and work.

MAIA Intelligence 1KEY BI products and solutions enables organizations to convert data to decisions for the strategic, tactical as well as operational MIS reporting analysis needs at a fraction of the cost and overhead of a conventional BI. 1KEY Agile BI Suite stands out as a solution that is in the right place at the right time as all businesses focus on cost containment in the current climate while trying to grow and increase profitability.

Red Herring’s annual list of top private companies is an important part of the company’s tradition of identifying new and innovative technology companies and entrepreneurs.

Over hundreds of privately held technology companies throughout China, India, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia and Vietnam had submitted their applications for the prestigious award this year. Through a stringent application review process, Red Herring’s editorial team announced the selection of the MAIA Intelligence as the winner.

“It has been a challenging and revealing year for most companies across the globe, yet Red Herring received a very impressive list of nominations from Asia Pacific,” said Alex Vieux, CEO of Red Herring. “Companies that believe in constant innovation and consistent strategy, investing in people and technology, managed to overcome these difficult times and MAIA INTELLIGENCE PVT. LTD. is one of them. They will certainly thrive in the marketplace and become a formidable force in the future.“

Commenting on this occasion Mr. Sanjay Mehta, CEO, MAIA Intelligence said, “We are elated and greatly honored by winning the award at the Red Herring Asia 2009. With the rise of Asian players in the global economy, Red Herring believes that Asian companies will take the spotlight of world business in the next decade. It is an honor for me that MAIA Intelligence has reached this milestone and we are proud to be associated with the best in Asia.”

Sanjay further added, “We would like to thank all our customers, partners and MAIA team members for making this possible. MAIA Intelligence would continuously strive to help organizations take informed decisions at all levels by working on cutting-edge research in the field of BI,” said Sanjay.

Feeling proud of MAIA’s success, Sanjay said, “This prestigious award is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of the team that has created wonderful technology. Most of the work is ahead of us, but we can pause for a minute and enjoy the validation to our vision that this award represents. It strengthens our dream and gives us a boost to be more innovative,” he commented.

To honor the CEOs of Red Herring 100 Asia companies, Red Herring invited each one to present at its Asia 2009 event, November 10-11 in Shanghai, China.

Red Herring’s editorial board diligently evaluated more than 800 private companies through a careful analysis of financial data and subjective criteria, including technology innovation, financial performance, quality of management, execution of strategy, and dedication to research and development. MAIA Intelligence was the one amongst the ones who are leading the next wave of innovation.

About Red Herring:

Red Herring is a global media company uniting the world’s best high technology innovators, venture investors and business decision makers in a variety of forums: a leading innovation magazine; an online daily technology news service; technology newsletters, and major events for technology leaders around the globe. Red Herring provides an insider’s access to the global innovation economy, featuring unparalleled insights on the emerging technologies driving the economy. For more information, visit www.redherring.com.

About MAIA Intelligence:

Founded in 2006, MAIA Intelligence is a young, innovative company in powerful business intelligence reporting and analysis software product space. The company with its mission to democratize BI and take it from few expert users to the operational managers, frontline executives to back office team is on its way to become the company with the largest BI user base within India. MAIA is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and has been selected as one of the NASSCOM Top 100 IT INNOVATORS in 2007. MAIA’s 1KEY BI software has been tested and approved by Microsoft for ISV/software solutions. MAIA Intelligence is one of the first Indian ISVs to earn the “Compatible with Windows 7” logo. Microsoft published a case study on MAIA Intelligence and 1KEY products on its website.

MAIA recognized among Red Herring Finalist 100 for Asia in 2008 and was also named as India’s Most Trusted IT Vendor by a CIO survey by The CTO Forum. MAIA has been one of the first companies to be listed in the Microsoft start-up Accelerator program. MAIA’s 1KEY Agile BI Suite has been featured in Microsoft Solution Directory 2008. Readers of IT magazine voted MAIA as the 3rd Most Successful Startup Company in 2008 that will rock 2009. The product was also one of the only Indian BI to be recognized by NICSI (National Informatics Centre) and empanelled in BI Tender alongside MNC products. MAIA has been written in Gartner’s Hype Cycle for ICT in India, 2008 & BI Market Trends for 2008-09 APAC Reports.

MAIA corporate blog on Business Intelligence http://blog.maia-intelligence.com
Visit http://www.maia-intelligence.com for more information.

For more information, press only:

Dhiren Gala
MAIA Intelligence Pvt. Ltd.
+91 22 66888961
0 99202 49395
E-mail: [email protected]

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Transfer of the Epson Imaging Sales Function to the Sony Group

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– TOKYO, Japan, Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) and Sony Corporation (Sony) today announced that as of December 1, the sales function of the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business (excluding high-temperature polysilicon TFT LCDs, etc.) of Epson Imaging Devices Corporation (Epson Imaging) would be transferred to Sony and Sony Mobile Display Corporation (SMD).
On June 30, 2009, Epson and Sony announced the execution of an agreement to transfer to the Sony group certain assets of the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business operated by Epson Imaging. Placing foremost priority on the needs of its customers, Epson Imaging has continued its preparations as it has sought to transfer the sales function of that business to the Sony group by the end of the calendar year. As preparations are now complete, the sales function of that business will be transferred to the newly established SMD sales department and Sony group overseas sales offices on December 1. In accordance with this transfer, Epson Imaging will cease worldwide sales activities on November 30, and some of the staff employed in that business will be either transferred or seconded to the Sony group.
Expediting the assumption of the sales function will allow the Sony group to create a powerful small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business with a broad product lineup and a structure capable of responding even better to the needs of its customers.
The Epson group will work to assure a smooth and expeditious transfer, scheduled to be carried out by April 1, 2010, of certain manufacturing-related assets of Epson Imaging for that business, and will continue to work closely with the Sony group to facilitate the further growth and success of the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business.

Source: WEBWIRE

Infineon Extends Energy Efficient Lighting Portfolio; Introduces Low-Cost Driver Family for Half Watt LEDs

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Neubiberg, Germany – Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) is extending its portfolio of energy efficient lighting ICs with a new family of low cost linear LED drivers. The new BCR320 and BCR420 product families address the burgeoning market for energy-saving and environmentally friendly light-emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions. Specifically designed for driving 0.5W LEDs with a typical current of 150mA to 200mA, these LED drivers feature a negative thermal coefficient contributing to a long lifetime of LEDs and a digital interface for a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal for dimming.
With the recent introduction of higher efficiency 0.5W LEDs this class of products is expected to be adopted in a wider range of applications. However, currently available resistor solutions for biasing LED current have significant disadvantages such as inhomogeneous light output and reduced lifetime of LEDs. Alternatively, switch mode drivers do not meet the required price point for 0.5W LED applications, and drive up the number of parts and the complexity of driver circuit.
The new BCR320 and BCR420 LED drivers are tailored to address these deficiencies for 0.5W LED applications, providing a very low cost and simple solution with a small form factor.
With both devices, the usage of inductors, capacitors and free-wheeling diode can be avoided resulting in cost savings and a very small PCB space requirement. The elimination of electrolytic capacitors can also contribute to the extended lifetime of the LED system.
Technical details on LED driver families BCR320 and BCR420: Benchmark in price-performance ratio
The BCR320 products are designed for a peak output current of up to 300mA. For continuous operation a maximum nominal current of 250mA is recommended. While this device has an internal breakdown voltage of typically 20V, it can be operated at supply voltages of 24V or higher since the driver is operated in series with the LEDs.
The BCR320 is targeted at general lighting, architectural and mood lighting applications. Another fast growing segment is shop lighting where 0.5W LEDs are preferred in order to spread the light and avoid glare. BCR320 devices have a negative thermal coefficient, which means that in case of temperature increase the current is lowered with a slope of 0.2% / K. The BCR320U and BCR321U versions are available in a very small SC-74 package (2.9mm x 2.5mm x 1.1mm) with 1W power dissipation. The BCR320P and BCR321P types will be offered in a SOT-223 package (6.5mm x 7.0mm x 1.6mm) providing a higher power dissipation of 2W. The BCR321U and BCR321P versions both offer a logic level input for dimming.
The BCR420 products have a higher internal breakdown voltage and a lower output current than the BCR320 devices. The internal breakdown voltage is typically 50V and the nominal output current is 150mA. The BCR420 LED drivers are intended for use in similar applications as mentioned above for a maximum drive current of 150mA. In addition, qualification for use in automotive applications, based on AECQ 101 certification, is ongoing. BCR420 and BCR421 products are available in SC-74 package. The BCR421 is the dimmable version with a microcontroller interface.
Availability and pricing
Volume production of the BCR320U and BCR420U LED drivers has started. Volume production for the BCR320P and BCR321P is expected in the first quarter of 2010. In quantities of a few thousand units, pricing for the BCR320 and BCR420 ranges between approximately Euro 0.18 and Euro 0.23 (USD $0.25 and USD $0.32) per unit.
Infineon offers a comprehensive range of LED driver solutions characterized by robustness and cost-effectiveness, meeting the evolving and expanding requirements of lighting applications. Further information on Infineon’s LED Driver ICs is available at www.infineon.com/leddriver
About Infineon
Infineon Technologies AG, Neubiberg, Germany, offers semiconductor and system solutions addressing three central challenges to modern society: energy efficiency, communications, and security. In the 2009 fiscal year (ending September), the company reported sales of Euro 3.03 billion with approximately 25,650 employees worldwide. With a global presence, Infineon operates through its subsidiaries in the U.S. from Milpitas, CA, in the Asia-Pacific region from Singapore, and in Japan from Tokyo. Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the over-the-counter market OTCQX International Premier (ticker symbol: IFNNY).

Source: WEBWIRE

FUJIFILM launches world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera

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FUJIFILM launches world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera

FUJIFILM India Pvt. Ltd., the wholly owned subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, Japan, one of the world’s largest photographic solutions company, today announced the launch and availability of FUJIFILM FinePix F70EXR, world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera in India.

FUJIFILM has introduced its award-winning EXR technology into the FinePix F70EXR, giving a significant improvement in image quality against other models. What’s more, it’s sleek and stylish as well, only 22.7mm thick and crafted into a beautiful sculpted shell (metal chassis) with a double-coated lacquer finish, it is a sure winner. The double-coated varnishing not only protects the camera from accidental knocks, but provides a jewellery-like finish as well. FUJIFILM FinePix F70EXR comes with Fujinon 10x zoom lens that produces crisp high resolution results throughout the focal range – be it 27mm wide-angle or 270mm telephoto.

This path-breaking approach to sensor technology models the EXR sensor on the human eye. For the first time the user can ‘flex’ the behaviour of the sensor according to the scene to the photographed. When the light is strong and even, the camera can be switched to HR (High Resolution) mode to ensure every small detail is captured. When light is strong but contrast, the sensor can switch to DR (Dynamic Range) mode to get the optimal balance between highlight and shadows. In low light the sensor will switch to SN (High Sensitivity and Low Noise) mode, to ensure clean noise-free pictures even in the darkest conditions. Users can also choose to default to HR, DR or SN mode for consistent shooting using one sensor setting whatever the light conditions may be.

Another exciting feature of the FUJIFILM FinePix F70EXR is EXR Auto which takes the guesswork out of setting the camera by doing everything for you. EXR Auto is essentially a very sophisticated set of program modes. The camera can automatically detect six different types of scenes – Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Backlit Portrait, Night, and Night Portrait. The camera will recognize the scene and not only will optimise focus, colour balance, exposure, flash and sensitivity, but will also automatically switch the sensor to HR, SN or DR mode depending on the lighting conditions of the scene.

According to Mr. Kenichi Tanaka, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, “FinePix F70EXR buyers will definitely benefit from the EXR Auto feature as it lets the camera do all the hard work allowing the photographer to concentrate on getting the best possible pictures. Moreover, most of the long zoom compact available as of now are a cross between the bigger and advanced models and smaller compact models. After thorough market research and testing, we have come up with a long zoom compact that’s not only perfect for general family use but also for prosumers. This is definitely the perfect camera for men and women alike.

Mr. A. Rajkumar, Country General Manager (DSC), FUJIFILM India, said, “Typically, one of the ways to distinguish ‘DSLR’ photography from ‘compact’ photography has been the use of ‘wide aperture’ to create mood and depth in a picture. These ‘professional’ shots are now possible on the FinePix F70EXR, which uses Pro Focus Mode to combine 2 or 3 burst shots together. Ideal for portraiture, nature photography or any subject which needs ‘lifting’ from its background, the FinePix F70EXR Pro Focus Mode provides satisfying professional results at the touch of a button.”

Other advanced features that make FUJIFILM FinePix F70EXR an excellent buy include the intelligent flash, high contrast LCD that’s viewable even in bright light and at 160 degree angle, dual image stabilization and face detection with automatic red-eye removal,

Hong Kong: Western Pacific regional meeting on herbal medicines held in Hong Kong (with photo)

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More than 30 representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific, drug regulatory authorities and research institutions in the region attended a meeting in Hong Kong today (November 26) on harmonisation of herbal medicines.

Organised by the Department of Health, the Seventh Standing Committee Meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Forum for the Harmonisation of Herbal Medicines (FHH), is being held for two days.

The latest progress on regulation of herbal medicines among members of the FHH were discussed and reviewed at the meeting.

Members of FHH include Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Vietnam. Canada also takes part as a special member.

The major objective of the forum is to protect and promote public health by recognising and developing standards and technical guidelines aimed at improving the quality, safety and efficacy of herbal medicines.

Tomorrow, the subcommittees under the Standing Committee will report their work on standardisation; quality assurance and information; and adverse drug reaction of herbal medicines.

The meeting is chaired by Director of Health, Dr PY Lam; and Regional Adviser in Traditional Medicine, Dr Narantuya Samdan; representing the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific.

Infineon and Nokia Announce Collaboration to Develop Leading LTE Solutions

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Infineon and Nokia have announced a collaboration to develop advanced radio frequency (RF) transceiver solutions to ensure compatibility and interworking of Nokia’s advanced licensable baseband modem technologies and Infineon’s leading RF solutions.

November 26, 2009 /India PRwire/ — Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY), one of the leading semiconductor companies for mobile phone solutions, and Nokia, the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile phones and services, today announced a cooperation to develop advanced radio frequency (RF) transceiver solutions. The agreement covers a non-exclusive collaboration to ensure the compatibility and interworking of Nokia’s advanced licensable baseband modem technologies and Infineon’s leading RF solutions.

Nokia and Infineon will work together to ensure that current and future generations of Nokia’s leading licensable modem designs work seamlessly with Infineon’s leading RF transceiver solutions, giving the industry access to complete modem solutions for HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) through LTE (Long Term Evolution) and beyond.

“We are grateful to expand our successful collaboration with Nokia beyond our current platform and RF activities,” stated Prof. Hermann Eul, Member of the Infineon Management Board. “Pairing Nokia’s advanced modem technology and Infineon’s best in class RF transceiver solutions, will give the industry access to very competitive chipset solutions.”

The collaboration involves teams from both companies working on the architectural and system challenges to ensure seamless interoperability and compatibility. The fruits of this cooperation will be a verified technology reference platform.

“Taking advantage of each company’s expertise as leaders in their respective fields, this cooperation will help to deliver standard-based, industry leading solutions for mobile internet devices,” said Pekka Sarlund, Vice President, Wireless Modem, Nokia.

Facilitated by this cooperation, both companies will jointly drive the interface standardization for LTE-Advanced enabling data rates of up to 1Gbit/s. Providing a validated system with an open interface will enable a fast roll out of new products and increase competition in the market for advanced modem chipsets.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Notes to Editor

Infineon Technologies AG, Neubiberg, Germany, offers semiconductor and system solutions addressing three central challenges to modern society: energy efficiency, communications, and security. In the 2009 fiscal year (ending September), the company reported sales of Euro 3.03 billion with approximately 25,650 employees worldwide. With a global presence, Infineon operates through its subsidiaries in the U.S. from Milpitas, CA, in the Asia-Pacific region from Singapore, and in Japan from Tokyo. Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the over-the-counter market OTCQX International Premier (ticker symbol: IFNNY).

Further information is available at www.infineon.com

For more information, please contact:
Abhinav Alok (Manager – Communications) (L) +91 (80) 4139 2000, (F) +91 (80) 4139 2333

Hong Kong: Vessels joining parade at EAG opening ceremony arrive in Hong Kong (with photos)

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The vessels joining a parade at the opening ceremony of the East Asian Games (EAG) have arrived in Hong Kong today (November 25) to pave way for the ceremony.

The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tang Tak-sing this afternoon inspected the vessel to be used as the floating stage for the ceremony. The vessel is moored at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. After that he went to the Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter to inspect the nine vessels designed to show the characteristics of the nine countries and regions participating in the EAG.

Mr Tsang expressed appreciation to the design and said he was confident that the boat parade would add glamour to the EAG opening ceremony.

He welcomed a city-wide support to the opening ceremony, inviting the people of Hong Kong to join this jubilant celebration on the night of December 5.

The vessels, showcasing the characteristics of the nine participating countries and regions of the EAG, were adorned and dressed up by Beijing Beiao Grand Cultural and Sports Events. The nine countries and regions are China, Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, Hong Kong China, Japan, Korea, Macau China, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei and Guam.

The opening ceremony of the 5th EAG will be held on December 5 night at the Victoria Harbour, starting from 8pm. Besides a parade of adorned vessels, it will also feature a cultural performance and special light effects as well as fireworks display.

Nokia Siemens Networks and LG complete first end-to-end interoperability testing of LTE

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Nokia Siemens Networks and LG have recently completed the first end-to-end LTE interoperability tests in the 2100 MHz frequency band, the spectrum where first commercial deployments are expected in Japan. The successful interoperability tests are another important milestone in the commercialization of LTE.
The first of a series of end-to-end tests were completed with successful data calls, and demonstrated the interoperability of Nokia Siemens Networks LTE radio equipment and Evolved Packet Core network elements with an LTE USB Datacard from LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in mobile communications.

“The availability of commercial LTE terminals and their proven interoperability with network infrastructure are prerequisites for any operator launching commercial LTE services,” said Go-hee Choi, Vice President of LG Electronics Mobile Communication Technology Research Lab. “LG is taking the next giant step towards technology leadership in LTE technology through the partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks, and will continue to collaborate to drive early LTE deployments worldwide.”
As a next step, field trials with LG’s LTE terminal will begin in Nokia Siemens Networks’ test network in Espoo and Ulm, followed by tests in operator networks. The trials will also be extended to cover other frequency bands such as 2600 MHz and AWS/700 in the next few months.
“We are committed to bring commercial LTE to operator networks and a new, faster-than-ever broadband experience for end-users. Successfully conducted interoperability tests takes us another step closer to realizing LTE commercialization,” said Marc Rouanne, Head of Radio Access, Nokia Siemens Networks.
Nokia Siemens Networks is committed to driving the commercial uptake of LTE, starting in 2010, with an end-to-end solution that provides a future-proof, easy and cost efficient path to LTE via a software upgrade only.
The tests covered several steps in end-to-end network configuration based on commercial LTE hardware, including the Flexi Multiradio Base Station, the Flexi NS and Flexi NG evolved packet core products, and standards-compliant software, together with LG’s LTE USB Datacard. They were conducted at the Nokia Siemens Networks LTE center of competence in Oulu, Finland, with support from the R&D team in Ulm, Germany.

Source: WEBWIRE

SANYO “eneloop bike” and “Solar Parking Lot” Receive Eco-Products Award from the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry

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Tokyo, SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) is pleased to announce that for its electric hybrid bicycle, “eneloop bike” and the development of a Solar Parking Lot it has been awarded an Eco-Products Award from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in the Eco-Products Category of the Sixth Eco-Products Awards, hosted by the Eco-Products Promotion Council in Japan. The ceremony where SANYO will receive this award will be held during Eco-Products 2009 on December 10, 2009. After the awards ceremony, a presentation regarding the product selected for the award will be held at the Tokyo Big Sight Conference Tower.
The Eco-Products Awards serve to support initiatives of companies and other organizations supplying eco-minded products by providing recognition for outstanding products and services that reduce the burden on the environment (Eco-Products). These awards were initiated in 2004 with the aim of providing accurate information about eco-products to both companies and consumers, in addition to supporting and promoting the development and distribution of eco-products throughout Japan. This is the third time that SANYO has received an award after receiving an Eco-Products Award (from the Minister of the Environment) for “eneloop” in the Eco-Products Category of the Third Eco-Products Awards and an Eco-Products Award (from the Minister of Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry) for the in-store integrated management system, “Eco Store System” in the Eco-Services Category of the Fifth Eco-Products Awards.
For this year’s Eco-Products Awards, SANYO demonstrated its electric hybrid bicycle as an easy transportation device suitable for urban living that promotes a low-carbon lifestyle and its initiative to develop a solar parking lot system as an infrastructure that will facilitate diffusion of electric hybrid bicycles.
The award-winning “eneloop bike” has excellent energy-creation and energy-saving functions. It incorporates a regenerative charge technology to enable “generating and storing of energy while running.” Compared to SANYO’s standard models, which do not incorporate the regenerative charge technology, “eneloop bike” is capable of traveling up to 1.8 times farther per charge. Further, it is a zero-emission vehicle and by switching from a motorized bicycle to an “eneloop bike,” an annual CO2 reduction effect of 21kg per unit can be expected.
The “Solar Parking Lot” that SANYO has developed using solar panels is currently undergoing a proving test at the Tokushima Prefectural Government Office. The “Solar Parking Lot” incorporates solar panels and a storage battery system to enable charging electric hybrid bicycle batteries and powering external equipment without using any type of fossil fuel.

Source: WEBWIRE