Connected Australia

Official voting for “LG Unsigned” winner begins

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:05:00 GMT

The voting for theLG Unsigned national band search top three finalists, Enola Fall, Aeons and The Cracks, officially went live this week.

Haier launches new website

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:39:00 GMT

Haier has launched a new website with a new URL, that offers a fresh look and format and enables consumers to gather information on the company’s entire product range.

Military bans game that 'kills' US soldiers

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:58:00 GMT

Military bases across the US have prohibited the sale of a new video game that allows the gamer to play the role of a Taliban fighter, and “shoot” US soldiers in Afghanistan, according to smh.com.au.

CEDIA Expo 2010 approaches

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:29:00 GMT

This year at the CEDIA Expo 2010, the world’s number one trade show for the residential electronics industry, set for September 22-26 in Atlanta, over 400 exhibitors will display their latest technologies and offer free training on the products.

Loewe focus on home entertainment at IFA 2010

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:27:00 GMT

This year IFA 2010 in Berlin, Loewe's exhibition stand focused on individual home entertainment systems, with Internet and television, multiroom and networking, and 3D television taking centre stage, opening up more than a million possibilities to compose an individual system.

Sony PS3 update puts an end to 'Jailbreak' hacks

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:24:00 GMT

Following recent reports of hacking devices that allow illegitimate games to be played on PlayStation 3 consoles,Sony has released an update for its PS3.

Oracle CEO says lawsuit is 'vindictive'

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:21:00 GMT

As reported yesterday, Hewlett Packard (HP) the world’s biggest computer and printer manufacturer is suing its ex-CEO Mark Hurd to prevent him from taking a position at rival company Oracle Corp.

LG's shows technology that 'makes life better' at IFA

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:19:00 GMT

At IFA this year in Berlin, LG Electronics (LG) has presented a mix of home entertainment products designed around innovation and connectivity to show consumers “just how good life can be”.

3D phenomenon expodes at IFA 2010

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:12:00 GMT

It has been a very intense and exciting week for the consumer electronics industry, with the IFA 2010 event in Berlin coming to a close yesterday, following six days of product and information exhibits from the worlds leading manufacturers.

NBN deal: City residents, be patient

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:05:00 GMT

Australians in major capital cities eager to experience the new and improved broadband will need to wait longer, and pay extra, to access the national broadband network (NBN) under the deal between Labor and the independents, according to smh.com.au.

Nikon S80: slim, chic and responsive

hostaccount — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:52:00 GMT

Nikon Australia has released the S80; a COOLPIX S-series model that incorporates advanced touch panel functions in a stylish design, priced at $499.

Facebook lowering student grades

hostaccount — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:20:00 GMT

It comes as no surprise that students who use social networking sites such as Facebook while doing homework or study receive lower grades, a new study confirms.

HP sues Hurd over new position at Oracle

hostaccount — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:10:00 GMT

Hewlett Packard (HP) is suing its ex-CEO Mark Hurd who left the company last month, attempting to prevent him from taking a position at rival company Oracle Corp, according to news.com.au.

RBA leaves rate unchanged

hostaccount — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:58:00 GMT

At its meeting yesterday, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to leave the cash rate unchanged, at 4.5%, for the fourth consecutive month, as expected by economists.

Labor’s in, NBN on its way

hostaccount — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:24:00 GMT

After seventeen days of deliberation, Prime Minister Julia Gillard will lead the Labor party as they continue in government, with the decision of the independents spurred by Labor’s proposed national broadband network (NBN).

DJs and Myer cut costs in time for yearly results

hostaccount — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:37:00 GMT

Major retailers David Jones (DJS) and Myer will focus on cost cutting as they approach the release of full-year results later this month, according to the Australian.

Omega Appliances GM steps down

hostaccount — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:49:00 GMT

Omega Appliances general manager, Andrew Cronin, has decided to leave the company after 21 years of loyal service.

NBN speeds receive a boost

hostaccount — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:19:00 GMT

The ongoing political debate, over the speed required to satisfy users of the proposed national broadband network has thickened, with infrastructure provider Nextgen Networks saying it will service regional areas with rates of 100 gigabits per second, according to the Financial Review (FR).

Early rate rise, unlikely

hostaccount — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:58:00 GMT

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to leave interests rates unchanged when it meets today, but data released yesterday indicates that economists are divided on the chance of further rises this year, according to the Financial Review (FR).

iPods cop the blame for pedestrian death rise

hostaccount — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:05:00 GMT

iPods are in the firing line, being labeled as a contributing factor to the 25% rise in pedestrian fatalities in NSW, according to smh.com.au.

PS3 hack device that is free, and legal

hostaccount — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:15:00 GMT

Following the pricey and highly controversial PS Jailbreak hacking device reported on last week that allows PlayStation 3 users to copy games, a new kind of USB stick has surfaced, according to news.com.au.

Harvey Norman MacLean set to expand in 2011

hostaccount — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:52:00 GMT

The purchase of an adjoining property by Harvey Norman MacLean premises owner Rokamba P/L, will see the retailer begin an expansion of its floor space during 2011.

Toshiba recalls 41,000 laptops due to burn risk

hostaccount — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:40:00 GMT

Toshiba has recalled 41,000 laptops globally due to a risk of fire from overheating around the AC power adaptor, though the company says there have been no reports of incidents from Australian consumers.

Survey spells more bad news for retailers

hostaccount — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:25:00 GMT

Retailers are reeling at the news that 75% of consumers will spend less, seek out sales or cut their spending drastically in the coming 12 months; as uncovered in research commissioned by the Australian Retailers Association and Interconsult.

Centro posts narrower loss for FY2010

hostaccount — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:21:00 GMT

The Centro Properties Group is continuing its struggle to get out of debt, last week posting a $652.7 million annual loss for the year ended June 30.

Ballina Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre given the nod

hostaccount — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:18:00 GMT

After months of delays due to ongoing legal action, construction of the Ballina Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre is due to begin in a matter of weeks.

JB Hi-Fi and David Jones in running for top retail award

hostaccount — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:16:00 GMT

Category winners for the ORACLE Australian Retailer of the Year 2010 have been revealed, with JB Hi-Fi and David Jones winning their categories and in competition for the top honour.

Tom Peters tells Narta to become more 'intimate' to win

hostaccount — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:15:00 GMT

It was the last day of the Narta 2010 Seminar aboard the Seabourn Spirit and we were berthing at Venice when Tom Peters launched into his presentation from left field.

Christmas is covered with Sony’s 3D BRAVIA and Cyber-shot

hostaccount — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:34:00 GMT

Sony has every Christmas wish-list covered, unveiling its “All I want for Christmas is…” range of products at a launch at Sydney’s swanky Establishment Bar yesterday; with the show well and truly being stolen by Sony’s new 3D offerings.

LG NANO tech TV’s to debut at IFA

hostaccount — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:42:00 GMT

LG has given a tantalising preview of some of the technology it will be premiering at this year’s IFA expo in Berlin, revealing the latest addition to its flat-panel TV range - the LEX8.

Sony e-readers land in Australia

hostaccount — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:28:00 GMT

www.connectedaustralia.com reported yesterday that Sony was in the process of developing e-readers for the Australian market, and today it can be revealed that the devices have officially arrived in the country.

Men caught selling stereo equipment in white vans

hostaccount — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:13:00 GMT

In a case reminiscent to the “White Van Scam” revealed by www.connectedaustralia.com just a couple of months ago, two men have been arrested for allegedly selling high-end stereo equipment from white vans in south-west NSW.

Panasonic celebrates no blur with new TVC

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:40:00 GMT

Panasonic will launch its first Full HD 3D VIERA advertising campaign in a matter of days, alerting consumers to the advantages of its Neo Plasma technology and its ability to deliver sharp 3D without blur.

Take a look … at TEAC’s new website

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:16:00 GMT

TEAC Australia has seriously revamped its website, updating features as well as improving navigation and content in an effort to better user convenience.

Sony developing e-readers for Aussie market

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:10:00 GMT

Sony is positioning itself as a staunch competitor in the e-reader market, having revealed the latest devices in its range yesterday and detailed the widening of their availability into a number of new countries, including Australia.

Sony weighs in on 3D footy finals

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:05:00 GMT

Following the ACMA’s decision yesterday to grant the Seven and Nine Networks a licence to air the AFL and NRL Grand Finals in 3D, Sony heavyweight Toby Barbour has voiced his pleasure with the result.

Industry can survive FPD market collapse

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:57:00 GMT

In his presentation yesterday, badged ‘Unique Window of Opportunity’, GfK managing director Gary Lamb attempted to give Narta delegates the hope that they could survive the massive downturn in the FPD market.

TomTom celebrates Spring with map update

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:46:00 GMT

TomTom is ushering in Spring by releasing the latest Australian map update for its extensive GPS service and range.

Tamron continues EISA winning streak

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:41:00 GMT

Tamron and Maxwell Industries are celebrating Tamron’s fifth consecutive win at the EISA awards, after its SP70-300mm lens won the award for European Zoom Lens 2010-2011.

Aussie gamer loses case against Sony

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:35:00 GMT

A young South Australian man who sued Sony for a PS3 firmware upgrade which he claimed led to the gaming console not perform as advertised, has had his case against the electronics giant dismissed.

Panasonic teams with Seven to deliver 3D AFL final

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:31:00 GMT

Panasonic has joined forces with the Seven Network and the Australian Football League to bring this year’s Toyota AFL Grand Final to fans in High Definition 3D.

ACMA reverses decision on 3D NRL broadcast

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:07:00 GMT

The Nine Network was reprimanded earlier this week by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), who said the network would not be given permission to air the NRL Grand Final in 3D despite widely promoting its plans to do so. The ACMA has changed its tune however, and granted Nine the licence required for it to broadcast the match in 3D on October 3

FPD market collapse: the elephant in the living room

hostaccount — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:57:00 GMT

The environment was luxurious and the skies sunny, but GfK managing director Gary Lamb changed the game yesterday at the 2010 Narta Seminar, when he addressed the issue at the back of everyone's mind on this trip: the ravaged FPD market.

Lowepro Adventura ideal for adventurous DSLR owners

hostaccount — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:12:00 GMT

The latest editions to Lowepro’s extensive camera bag range are the Adventura TLZ’s, which offer impressive protection and a perfect fit for all the best-selling compact DSLR’s on the market.

Sharp recalls 9,000 32-inch LCD’s

hostaccount — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:39:00 GMT

US: Sharp Electronics and theU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have commenced a voluntary recall of 9,000 32-inch Sharp LCD TV’s due to a risk of injury to consumers.

DJ’s harassment case came close to settlement

hostaccount — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:37:00 GMT

Correspondence between Kristy Fraser-Kirk and David Jones’ legal team has been revealed by the Sydney Morning Herald, demonstrating the harassment case was close to being settled in the days leading up to Fraser-Kirk’s filing of a landmark $37 million damages suit against David Jones and ex-CEO Mark McInnes.

Harvey Norman inks deal with Irish hockey team

hostaccount — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:26:00 GMT

Harvey Norman has revealed a new sponsorship deal that will see the retailer lend its weight to the Belfast Giants ice hockey team.

Retailers not buoyed by stronger July figures

hostaccount — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:08:00 GMT

The Australian Retailers Association says that many retailers do not feel as if they are through the worst of a bad year in retail yet, despite stronger retail trade figures for July being released by the ABS yesterday.

Consumers return to spending in July

hostaccount — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:13:00 GMT

Consumer spending was up during July leading retailers to breathe a small sigh of relief; with retail sales growing a seasonally adjusted 0.7% for the month and beating many analyst expectations.

Harvey Norman to roll out new $2m POS system

hostaccount — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:09:00 GMT

Harvey Norman has signed an agreement with AdvanceRetail for the supply and implementation of a new point of sale (POS) system worth around $2 million.

PICA offering cash to “Bring Your Photos to Life”

hostaccount — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:57:00 GMT

With less and less people choosing to print their photos, PICA has designed a competition to highlight the importance of doing so to keep memories safe, with all winners to be awarded cash prizes paid in US dollars.

LG bids farewell to Carli Wilson

hostaccount — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:54:00 GMT

LG has revealed it recently farewelled marketing manager for mobile communication ANZ, Carli Wilson.

Kay Spencer: “we are now in a new cycle”

hostaccount — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:45:00 GMT

In her presentation, Narta managing director Kay Spencer went straight to the reality that is facing suppliers and retailers at this seminar. “We have headed into tough times,” she explained “with major changes in distribution structure, efficiencies and supplier retailer relationships.”

John Wipfli tells delegates to stick together

hostaccount — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:42:00 GMT

In his opening speech at the Narta Seminar which kicked off yesterday morning, chairman John Wipfli again underlined the relationship between supplier and retailers as being key to the industry’s future, while also making the dire prediction that there will be a further 30% drop in prices in 2011.

Sony secures ban on 'PS Jailbreak' hack

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:53:00 GMT

Sony has secured an injunction that prohibits three Australian distributors from selling a world-first hack, that lets PlayStation 3 (PS3) users run pirated games on the console, according to smh.com.au.

Gamer suing Lineage II for addiction

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:39:00 GMT

US: Game manufacturers take heed: a US Federal judge has allowed a gamer, who claims he is heavily addicted to, and dependent on online video games to proceed with his lawsuit against the “Lineage II’s” South Korean manufacturer, NCSoft Corp according to news.com.au.

Touchable 3D TV in development

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:14:00 GMT

Japanese research teams have revealed they are developing a 3D TV system that allows viewers to touch, pinch and poke the 3D images coming at them from the TV.

DJs sexual harassment case hits the Court today

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:56:00 GMT

The largest sexual harassment case Australia has seen will play out in Sydney’s Federal Court today, with the lawyers for David Jones (DJs) former CEO Mark McInnes, facing the retailer’s ex-publicist Kristy Fraser-Kirk for the first time.

ASIC crackdown on profit reporting rumoured

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:42:00 GMT

Experts are warning that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) may soon force companies to focus on the bottom line when reporting their profits, amidst a growing trend by companies of emphasising the best figures in their financial results.

New director for Reject Shop

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:21:00 GMT

The Reject Shop appointed Dennis Westhorpe to the position of company director, after Brian Beattie recently retired from the position.

Survey: Online customer-churn still an issue

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:17:00 GMT

A national survey about customer service experience, commissioned by RightNow has revealed that online retailers are among Australia's best service providers, according to Inside Retailing.

Reject Shop revels in 23% profit rise

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:14:00 GMT

The Reject Shop has revealed a full year net profit of $23.4 million, up 22.9% on the previous year, in what appears to be a reflection of the consumer willingness to spend more of their dollars on bargain-priced goods.

ARA: New government needs to support independent retailers

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:12:00 GMT

In the wake of the undecided federal election, the Australian Retailers Association has issued a statement on the importance of finding a swift resolution to the hung parliament being experienced by Australia in an effort to allow retailers to “get on with business.”

Camberwell Electrics finds a way to stand out from the crowd

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:04:00 GMT

The Herald Sun Melbourne Home & Garden Show was held on the same weekend as last week's federal election, but despite this timing Camberwell Electrics owner Hans Vanderstadt said his store's presence at the event delivered an invaluable point of differentiation from the "big guys."

Narta takes industry seminars to the next level

hostaccount — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:50:00 GMT

The Narta Group's2010 Pre-IFA Seminar launched strongly in Italy on Saturday evening, August 28, when around 180 guests gathered on the deck of the Seabourn Spirit (right) to hear the group's chairman John Wipfli officially welcome them to the event.

Harvey Norman FY profits rise 8%

hostaccount — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:30:00 GMT

Retail giant Harvey Norman has reported an 8% rise in its full-year profit, saying it feels optimistic about its current year outlook due to the recovery in consumer sentiment.

LASER appoints Maher as NZ country manager

hostaccount — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:08:00 GMT

IT accessories and consumer electronics company,LASER, has welcomed Debbie Maher to the role of country manager for New Zealand.

Sony joins Toshiba in the race for glasses-free 3D

hostaccount — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:55:00 GMT

Earlier this week Toshiba revealed that it is developing 3D TV technology that doesn’t require the need for special glasses; with Sony revealing overnight that it too is working on similar technology.

Sanyo’s ultra short focus projectors

hostaccount — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:40:00 GMT

SANYO has announced the launch of two new ultra short focus projectors, the PDG-DWL2500 and the PDG-DXL2000, available from September 2010 and October 2010 respectively.

TiVo records a loss for Q2

hostaccount — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:34:00 GMT

TiVo, the company responsible for pioneering the digital video recorder, has recorded a $US15.3 million loss for the second quarter despite reporting results that beat Wall Street expectations.

Woolworths profit soars 10%, CE sales up for the year

hostaccount — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:48:00 GMT

Australia’s largest grocery retailer has today delivered a 10.1% rise in full-year profit, on the back of stronger sales in its food and liquor and consumer electronics segments.

Panasonic adds to home audio range, just in time for Father’s Day

hostaccount — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:49:00 GMT

Panasonic has revealed two new additions to its home audio range in an effort to give consumers a wider choice when it comes to audio in the home, launching a Micro System and the company’s first ever Sound Bar Home Cinema System.

Garmin issues worldwide recall of 1.3m nüvi’s

hostaccount — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:28:00 GMT

GPS manufacturer Garmin has issued a voluntary worldwide recall on 1.3 million nüvi GPS systems, which the company says has the potential to overheat and cause a fire hazard.

Ovum strengthens with senior analyst

hostaccount — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:58:00 GMT

Ovum has appointed Nicole McCormick as the company's new senior analyst for consumer mobile communications, for the Asia-Pacific region. McCormick will be leading Ovum's research, providing strategic advice to wireless operators, vendors and regulators. Her responsibility includes publishing in-depth monthly research and regular comments on leading topics within the consumer mobile sector.

Hodgson heads over to HTC

hostaccount — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:54:00 GMT

Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC has welcomed Ben Hodgson as its new Australia and New Zealand country manager.

Sony transforms the DSLR

hostaccount — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:49:00 GMT

Sony's latest DSLR offerings look set to revolutionise the camera market due to the incorporation of the company's newly-developed Translucent Mirror Technology, which ensures the ultimate still imaging and movie recording performance.

Australian retailers flock to Photokina

hostaccount — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:45:00 GMT

Next month, over 250 Australians are expected to travel to Cologne, Germany to explore Photokina, the largest photo imaging exhibition the world has to offer. The event which includes educational lectures, trade visitor programs, ‘Meet the Professionals’ and 'Acadmeny meets Photokina', will be held from September 21 to September 26, 2010.

Harvey not happy: Kogan is a 'con'

hostaccount — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:44:00 GMT

The war between retail giant Gerry Harvey and online retailer Ruslan Kogan over the quality and price of television sets continues.

A changed Digital Life Expo, to offer more than ever

hostaccount — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:41:00 GMT

Tthe Digital Life Expo will be known as the Imaging & Entertainment Expo from 2011 onwards, as part of the PMA's efforts to capitalise on the growing union between imaging products and home and mobile entertainment devices. www.connectedaustralia.com spoke with Photo Imaging Council of Australia director, Paul Curtis (pictured) and PMA director Peter Rose (pictured below), about the changes and the impact they will have on the event.

Coalition ponders broadband options

hostaccount — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:43:00 GMT

While opposition leader Tony Abbott remains quiet on any potential changes to the Coalition’s broadband policy to sway regional independents, an analysis shows he could increase rural services in the next three years without exceeding budget, according to smh.com.au.

Breville sales down, but profit up

hostaccount — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:11:00 GMT

Breville Group (Breville) has released its financial results for the year ended June 30, 2010 reporting a decline in sales revenue of 2.6%, but a 92.1% increase in reported profit after tax.

ACCC enforcing mandatory product safety reporting

hostaccount — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:08:00 GMT

From January 1 2011, the ACCC will be requiring that all Australian businesses notify it within 48 hours if they become aware that a product they have supplied has caused serious injury, illness or death.

F&P board concerned by economic forecasts

hostaccount — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:45:00 GMT

On the same day that Fisher & Paykel revealed its EBIT may only reach the low end of the predicted NZ$45 million to NZ$52 million range, company chairman Ralph Waters verbalised the board’s concern about the impacts of any further deterioration in economic conditions.

Clive Peeters suspended from ASX quotation

hostaccount — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:22:00 GMT

Embattled retailer Clive Peeters has taken another hit today, with the ASX suspending it from quotation after a failure to pay its ASX annual listing fees.

Nikon presents new entry-level DSLR

hostaccount — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:48:00 GMT

Nikon has revealed the latest model to join its DX-format DSLR family of cameras; an addition that raises the bar for entry-level DSLR’s.

CBA index signals turning point in retail conditions

hostaccount — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:39:00 GMT

Despite registering a flat result for July, the Commonwealth Bank business sales indicator index is signalling a turning point for retailers, with analysts predicting a stronger second half.

PURE’s all-weather digital radio offering

hostaccount — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:00:00 GMT

PURE’s latest digital radio allows consumers to enjoy the benefits of internet-connected digital radio outside and in any weather condition.

Digital Life Expo headed in a new direction

hostaccount — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:32:00 GMT

From 2011 onwards, the Digital Life Expo will be known as the Imaging & Entertainment Expo, as part of the PMA’s efforts to take advantage of the growing union between imaging products and home and mobile entertainment devices.

Good Guys: avoid the queue, buy online

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:23:00 GMT

The Good Guys located at Eastern Valley Way in Chatswood has recognised the trend of online retailing, establishing an online solution to queues, with a ‘Buy online – Pick up in store’ function.

Olympus celebrates double EISA success

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:10:00 GMT

Olympus has been awarded two prestigious awards from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). The Mju Tough 8010 was named “European All-Weather Compact Camera 2010-2011”, and the M.Zuiko Digital ED was named the “European Micro System Lens 2010-2011”.

Hung parliament bad for consumer confidence

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:03:00 GMT

Australians have been told they may have to wait more than a week to find out the winner of the federal election, leading business groups to warn that a hung parliament could have serious impacts on consumer confidence and the economy.

David Brand moves on from LG

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:41:00 GMT

LG has revealed that its senior category marketing manager, David Brand, is moving on from the role he has held with the company for three years.

Bricks & Mortar: Ted's Cameras celebrates 40 years of retail

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:06:00 GMT

In 1970, long before the debut of the digital camera, Ted Todd opened the doors of his first camera store in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, one that still stands forty years later.

Big TV sales soar, small TV sales sink

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:59:00 GMT

US: Last June, small television sets received a boost following the government mandate to switch to digital broadcasting. But only a year later and amidst a stronger economy, sales of smaller TVs have slowed as consumers desire bigger screens and advanced features, according the NPD Group.

Westfield reveals huge profit turnaround

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:58:00 GMT

Following the reporting of a massive $1.669 billion loss for the same period in 2009, the Westfield Group has revealed a net profit of $961 million for the half year to June 30.

Dept. of Fair Trading cracks down on dodgy CE retailers

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:52:00 GMT

The NSW department of Fair Trading visited Tamworth late last week, as part of its state-wide compliance and safety inspection program designed to catch retailers selling unsafe, unapproved and counterfeit electrical goods.

China powers ahead online while we wait and see

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:52:00 GMT

While many Australian industry retailers and suppliers continue to drag their feet in online, the China e-Business Research Centre reports that Internet sales in China, the world's largest online market, soared 60% in the first half, as more consumers and businesses went shopping online.

Gerdes takes up post at E&S Trading

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:51:00 GMT

Narta member E&S Trading has appointed Chris Gerdes, to the newly-created position of purchasing manager.

Commoditisation remains the industry scourge

hostaccount — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:39:00 GMT

Australian retailers are deeply concerned about the damaging effects that commoditisation is reaping within the CE industry with one leading AV dealer, Len Wallis attributing the erosion of profitability being driven "not only by the bottom feeders like Kogan, but also the majors who are constantly battling it out for market share."

Hisense adds to its cut-price LCD range

hostaccount — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:35:00 GMT

Hisense has just revealed details of the two V86 model LCD TV’s that are set to join the company’s value-for-money range in the coming weeks.