"I've found that with the advent of digital video recorders in the home, more people are programming to weed out the commercials," says POP Sound mixer Mitch Dorf. "TiVo is changing how we are viewing television. I don't think it will change how we view today or tomorrow, but I do get the feeling that advertisers are really taking a hard look at this and are looking at the theater as an incredible venue ... to really have a target audience to advertise their products too and even more so to tie in with a broadcast commercial spot."

With that in mind, Post checked in with a half dozen facilities to hear what challenges they're facing these days and how they're being solved.

DYNAMIC SHIFTING FOR ESPN

Nathan Dubin, mixer and sound designer at LA Studios (www.lastudios.com), is a veteran of many commercial spots. One of his most recent projects was a package of promos for ESPN and its Sunday night NFL football game. What's important for Dubin is dynamics, and during the ESPN spots he mixed for action that went from a quiet kitchen to a party atmosphere into the announcer and music portion of the spot. "So, how do we translate that dynamic shift across the entire spot, but at the same time, hear and recognize what's going on in the least loud scene, which is the first shot? That was definitely the challenge in this package," he reports, "and all three of the spots had that same kind of scenario. With use of automation for the most part, and compression as well, I think we came to a happy medium of a spot that's still interesting but cuts on the air."

While LA Studios and Dubin have been using hardware and software from the now-defunct DSP for the past number of years, the company is upgrading to Fairlight Constellation systems throughout the facility. "About a year ago we realized we needed to pick a new system and were picking between Fairlight or Pro Tools," he explains. "Those seem like the only two appropriate options for what we do, and in the end we chose to go with Fairlight. We have a lot of confidence in the R & D staff at that company, we like that their product is really focused and tailor made for what we do, and we're excited about the new platform."

For the ESPN spots, Dubin also used an Eventide Harmonizer, and processing within the DSP was done via Steinberg WaveLab. "I used some convolution reverb, which is a new technology of sampling spaces, and then using that space to put sounds in, as compared to algorithms that create delays to create a reverb effect," Dubin explains. Time compression and expansion plug-ins were also used in these spots.

From Dubin's experience, one of the most important ingredients in any successful spot is perceived loudness going from a show to a commercial break. "That's what the client is most interested in," he reports. "For a long time, I think right-fully, advertisers have believed this is the way to gain the attention of the viewers. So, that is almost an inherent part of my job; it's what's most important for my client. At the same time, an interesting spot dynamically could definitely be as effective as just a sheer loud spot. What if you draw somebody's attention by forcing them to listen harder? If you achieve that I think you've done a benefit for your product."

Weighing 1 lb and small enough to fit in pocket, Model 02 is available with 1.5 GHz VIA C7M ULV processor, 60 GB HDD, 1 GB RAM, and integrated mobile broadband data capability. Unit incorporates backlit keyboard, 5 in. indoor/outdoor readable display, and capacitive TouchScrollers(TM) for input and navigation. Complete wireless connectivity, including EV-DO Wireless WAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth, ensures user has access to Internet, email, and networked applications.

********************

The World's smallest Windows Vista(TM) Capable Personal Computer

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 / -- CES Keynote Speech -- Bill Gates today showcased OQO's next generation ultra-mobile PC, the model 02, in his keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Weighing a mere one pound and small enough to fit in a pocket, the model 02 is the world's smallest Windows Vista capable computer. The model 02 is up to four times faster and has a display more than six times brighter than its groundbreaking predecessor, the model 01+. Redesigned from the ground up, the model 02 features a new ergonomic backlit keyboard and capacitive TouchScrollers(TM) for easy input and navigation. The model 02 incorporates complete wireless connectivity - including EV-DO Wireless WAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth - ensuring the user has high speed and uncompromised access to the internet, email, and networked applications.

"The OQO model 02 is a no-compromise PC instantiated as a work of art that fits in your pocket, feels good in your hands and gives you a physical connection to your own data plus the whole broadband internet," said Jory Bell, OQO founder, "Mobility is the new way of computing, for true anytime/anywhere productivity."

With prices starting at just $1,499, the model 02 lineup can be customized to fit the needs of each user or organization. The model 02 is available with a 1.5GHz processor, 60GB hard disk drive, 1GB of RAM, and integrated mobile broadband data capability. Every model 02 is configured with OQO's breakthrough software that provides one touch access to many of the computer's settings and functions including the ability to change screen resolution on- the-fly with dedicated zoom keys.

"The OQO model 02, which incorporates VIA's recently released C7M ultramobile processor, represents a dramatic leap forward in personal computer design. OQO's unprecedented systems engineering and software integration has pushed the boundaries of fully mobile, high performance, ultra low power computing," said Wen-Chi Chen, president and CEO of VIA Technologies.

OQO Defines the UMPC Pro Category

The OQO model 02 is the first computer in the UMPC Pro category. OQO accomplished this feat by squeezing enterprise class features and functionality into a pocketable ultra mobile form factor. The model 02 puts the power of a networked computer into the hands of mobile workers, allowing them anytime / anywhere access to all the information on their hard drive while preserving total Windows compatibility and enterprise-class Windows security.

"OQO's innovative model 02 computer brings the capabilities of Windows Vista to a truly mobile form factor," said Bill Mitchell, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft's Mobile Platforms Division. "The OQO model 02 enables a revolutionary new mobile computing paradigm for the professional or enterprise user." The model 02 also includes Origami Experience(TM), the most recent interface for UMPCs that optimizes entertainment and communications on the smallest class of personal computers running Windows Vista.

Mobile professionals also demand a no-compromise solution at their desks. The new model 02 docking station delivers that solution. The dock, based on OQO's patented cradle, adjusts the model 02 position for desktop viewing, and can also easily collapse for portability. The docking station allows users to work at their desks with a full size display, keyboard, mouse, and wired networking, and then take their data and applications on the road with no synchronization required. The dock also includes an integrated slot loading optical drive enabling software installation, data archiving, and audio/video playback at the user's fingertips.

Designed to enable devices that extend desktop experience to mobile devices, 11 x 11 mm Mobile Station Modem(TM) MSM7225(TM) features dual-processor architecture for third-party OS support. Included UMTS Release 6 modem features 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, 5.76 Mbps HSUPA, and Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS). Along with integrated assisted and standalone GPS, solution also offers direct broadcast support for MediaFLO, DVB-H, and ISDB-T as well as range of peripherals.

********************

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 12 -- QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and other advanced wireless technologies, today announced a new chipset solution designed to expand mobile broadband Smartphones beyond the enterprise segment into mainstream consumer markets. QUALCOMM's Mobile Station Modem(TM) (MSM(TM)) MSM7225(TM) chipset is designed to make the smartphone more affordable and available to an increasing number of subscribers by enabling sub-$200 mobile broadband Smartphones. The MSM7225 chipset features a dual-processor architecture for third-party operating system support and high-speed HSDPA and HSUPA data modems. Sampling is scheduled for the third quarter of 2007 with devices based on this solution expected to be in production by the first quarter of 2008.

"QUALCOMM's new MSM7225 chipset will enable devices that extend the desktop experience to mobile devices at very affordable price points," said Dr. Sanjay K. Jha, chief operating officer, QUALCOMM and president of QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. "Together with the wide availability of mobile broadband networks around the world, our third-generation HSUPA chipset will change the dynamics of the Smartphone market and allow more users around the world to enjoy increased productivity."

The MSM7225 chipset, which leverages significant hardware and software design innovations from the industry's first HSUPA solutions -- QUALCOMM's MSM7200(TM) and MSM7200A(TM) chipsets -- will play an instrumental role in accelerating the momentum behind the deployment of HSUPA. The chipset will help proliferate a wide range of new services such as video sharing, photo sharing, VoIP and real-time gaming with a wide range of hardware and software capabilities:

o Support for today's most popular third-party operating systems including Windows Mobile(R) and Linux

o UMTS Release 6 modem features including 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, 5.76 Mbps HSUPA and Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS)

o Rich multimedia, including 5.0 megapixel camera, 30fps WQVGA video recording and playback and compatibility with a wide range of audio/video codecs

o Direct broadcast support for MediaFLO, DVB-H and ISDB-T

o Integrated Assisted- and Standalone-GPS

o Integration of a wide range of peripheral features, such as High-Speed USB, Bluetooth(TM) 2.0, WiFi and VGA display panels, with multiple SDIO ports

The MSM7225 solution features an 11mm x 11mm package size for slimmer form-factors. The future availability of a package-on-package (PoP) stacked memory option will further reduce the size and thickness of Smartphones based on the MSM7225 chipset.

QUALCOMM Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2006 FORTUNE 500(R) company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market(R) under the ticker symbol QCOM.

KOBE, Japan -- ECLIPSE by Fujitsu Ten Casts Excitement Over 2005 CES Show With Introduction of Second Generation "Must-Have" Automotive Audio Video Navigation Control Units

ECLIPSE unveils second-generation AVN products that integrate advanced navigation and multi-entertainment at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (booth LVCC North 1413). Maintaining sleek, compact double-DIN configurations to grace center consoles, the top-of-the-line AVN5495 and AVN5435 significantly enhance the total driving experience by incorporating refinements and advances both in navigation as well as entertainment, demonstrating ECLIPSE's leading position in automobile electronics. ECLIPSE was first in introducing the AVN concept of integrating audio, video and navigation capabilities into a single unit and continues to lead development in this sector, which addresses all the requirements of a vehicle's driver and passengers.

The AVN5495 incorporates a 30GB hard disk to store a comprehensive navigation database to efficiently access the navigation tasks. Together with the powerful CPU and dedicated graphics processing in the AVN5495, all navigation responses and mapping are accelerated. The HDD-navigation database is 10GB, with coverage extended to Hawaii and most of Canada.

AVN5435 navigation is DVD-based and incorporates a 64-bit bus RISC CPU to manage the unit's responsive navigation and mapping tasks, delivering impressive performance as well as accelerated graphics-processing power. The AVN5435 incorporates two optical disc mechanisms so that navigation can be accessed during entertainment without any interruptions. The DVD-navigation database is 8.5GB with coverage similar to the AVN5495.

Both the AVN5495 and AVN5435's fulltime visual map referencing continues the AVN legacy of exemplary performance, with the vehicle's position smoothly moving on the display, providing a highly accurate visual positional fix that aids in navigation.

Searching has been refined with numerous search modes offered for users to select from, including address with street name and number, points of interest, map searching, emergency, memory search including assignable sound tags and directivity to locations, previous location, intersection search by inputting two cross streets, freeway search with name and entrance/exit, searching by telephone number (AVN5495 only) and map coordinates.

Routing options are plentiful, including multiple recommendable routes; route previewing; detour inputs, to avoid problem areas; points of interest; and "must-travel" routing for all routes to include two most favored roads.

ECLIPSE makes use of its accumulated expertise in navigation by offering versatile assistance through voice announcements and guidance, with most major intersections announced; as are curves, turns and driving lanes, all with ample time for reaction and repeats. Lane directions are provided as the vehicle approaches a freeway exit with the recommended lane also displayed. The voice announcements are multi-directional, using eight compass directions that simplify complex intersections.

The highly responsive touch control display is ideal for navigational assistance, with the screen splitting to show zoom in and out displays to help orient the position. Maps of different scales can be shown for any selected combination of modes and zooming flexibility ranges from 150 feet to 250 miles. The split screen feature can also be switched off.

Multi-format entertainment features

The AVN5495 and AVN 5435 are designed to extract the best performance from popular program formats -- CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-Video and MP3. Both units utilize a low glare, high-quality, high-resolution 6.5" LCD display with a 16:9 viewing aspect ratio (selectable) ideal for movies. The AVN5495 has one DVD mechanism and the AVN5435 has two. Both units also incorporate the latest version of the popular ECLIPSE FM/AM tuner section. To maintain signals in the digital domain, the tuner section analog output is fed into a dedicated A/D converter before entering the DSP section.

The AVN5495's 30GB HDD has enough capacity to accommodate the navigation database as well as Music Juke, ECLIPSE's automated music library. Music Juke automatically "rips" tracks from a CD that is inserted into the AVN5495. Music Juke records track after track (employing ATRAC3(a) compression) from CDs until the maximum storage limit of approximately 3,000(a) tracks -- roughly equal to 250 CDs. Music Juke also supports play lists to allow music files to be easily grouped and instantly retrieved. CDDB is also present for CD title and track information. The popular Gracenote CDDB database (compiled November 2004) is used.