Ford Motor Company is preparing to debut a new version of its breakthrough MyKey® technology that – for the first time – will allow parents to block explicit satellite radio content in the vehicle, much like parents are able to prevent children from viewing certain types of television and Internet content.
The new feature will debut next year as standard equipment on the Ford Taurus and Ford Explorer, and will eventually be available across a variety of Ford and Lincoln vehicles. MyKey – designed to help parents encourage safe teen driving habits – is an easily programmable key that can limit a vehicle’s top speed, limit radio volume and encourage safety-belt usage by muting the radio until front occupants buckle up.
The radio-blocking feature works by screening out all programs labeled by Sirius® Satellite Radio as “explicit.” While similar technology is used for blocking inappropriate content on televisions and computers, never before has such an option been available for radio programming in vehicles.
Among the 16 stations MyKey will be able to block: Howard Stern stations, Playboy Radio, Liquid Metal, Hip Hop Nation, Hardcore Sports Radio, Maxim Radio, Blue Collar Radio, Raw Dog Comedy and VIRUS.
Ford’s current MyKey system – standard on most North American vehicles after launching in summer 2009 – allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed to 80 mph, with chimes sounding at 45, 55 and 65 mph. The upgraded MyKey technology will now allow parents to limit a vehicle’s top speed at any of four different settings – 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph.
“Ford wants to give parents peace of mind that their kids are following practical household rules in the car,” says Graydon Reitz, director, Ford Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering. “Parents obviously like this type of feature, and many teens are okay with it when they hear parents may give them the keys more often if the car comes with a technology such as Ford’s MyKey.”
In a poll conducted for Ford by Penn, Schoen & Berland, nearly 60 percent of parents of teen drivers said the new MyKey feature that allows for blocking explicit radio content is an important technology. The survey also indicated that 85 percent of parents with teen drivers find the speed-limiting feature important.
The additional top-speed limits available in the next generation of MyKey will help parents set appropriate limits as their teens transition from driving in town to traveling on the highway. Additional features already available on MyKey limit audio volume, encourage safety-belt usage by muting the radio until front occupants buckle up, and provide earlier low-fuel warnings.
In the poll, more than half of parents also said they would allow their teens to use the family vehicle more often if it were equipped with MyKey. Meanwhile, 45 percent of teens surveyed would approve of MyKey restrictions if it meant the possibility of additional driving privileges.

Tuning into teen safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teens are more likely to take risks such as speeding – a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. Teens also are less likely to wear safety belts than older drivers.

“Like graduated licensing laws, MyKey helps parents set reasonable limits for teens as they’re building driving skills,” Reitz said. “We developed MyKey’s functions in such a way as to quickly spread it across multiple vehicle lines, giving us the ability to go mass market in the spirit of other Ford innovations such as SYNC®.”
Holding the key
MyKey allows the parent to program any key through the intuitive MyFord Touch™ interface. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately identifies the MyKey code, which enables certain default driving modes, including:
· Persistent Ford Belt-Minder® with audio mute. Ford’s Belt-Minder system typically provides a six-second reminder chime every minute for five minutes. With MyKey, the Belt-Minder chime continues at the regular interval and the audio system is muted until the safety belt is buckled. A message center display, “Buckle Up to Unmute Radio,” also appears on the instrument cluster

· Earlier low-fuel warning. Rather than a warning at 50 miles to empty, MyKey provides a warning at 75 miles to empty

· If MyKey is in the ignition, features such as park aid and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert cannot be deactivated

Additional MyKey features that can be programmed through the vehicle’s MyFord Touch menu:
· Parental control of explicit radio programming
· Limited top speed of 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph
· Traction control system, which limits tire spin, cannot be deactivated
· Limited audio volume to 44 percent of maximum
· A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph
Using MyKey to encourage teens to avoid speeding can provide an added benefit – improved fuel economy. Ford research shows that driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph consumes 15 percent less fuel, and mastering other eco-driving habits, such as avoiding jackrabbit starts and excessive idling, can help improve fuel economy by more than 50 percent.

Deluxe Digital Cinema Inc., a subsidiary of Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc., and EchoStar Satellite Services, L.L.C., a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), today announced the formation of Deluxe/EchoStar LLC, a joint venture to build an advanced digital cinema satellite distribution network targeting delivery to digitally equipped theaters in the U.S. and Canada.

This Deluxe/EchoStar Network brings the full power of the digital satellite technology directly to the local multiplex. With Deluxe as the leading worldwide provider of services in film and digital media to the entertainment industry and EchoStar’s veteran experience as a satellite services provider, Deluxe/EchoStar can deliver traditional 2D and 3D feature films, live events, special content, and other programming developed specifically for digitally equipped theaters at the highest quality and with the most coverage, reliably and efficiently.

“EchoStar Satellite Services has developed a strong partnership with Deluxe, one built on a common foundation of superior service and innovative thinking,” said Dean Olmstead, president of EchoStar Satellite Services. “Deluxe/EchoStar marks the next evolution in theatrical distribution and exhibition and gives distributors and movie theaters confidence in partnering with a proven digital cinema network.”

“We began testing sites around the country with EchoStar about a year ago to determine how best to develop the network,” said Cyril Drabinsky, President and CEO, Deluxe Entertainment Services Group. “The results confirmed that delivering feature films through our satellite network would provide optimum quality and reliability for our customers and present an open platform for easily accommodating a variety of digital delivery services,” added Drabinsky.

DeLorme, the innovation leader in mapping and GPS technologies, will demonstrate pre-release models of its eagerly-awaited Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator at the 2010 Teva Mountain Games, scheduled for June 3-6 in Vail, CO. Actual product release is expected in July of this year.

The Earthmate PN-60w is the world’s first handheld GPS that enables Type & Send text messaging via satellite. A special interface on the PN-60w connects it wirelessly with the SPOT Satellite Communicator, which was designed exclusively for DeLorme. Messages are created on the PN-60w’s internal keyboard, then relayed via satellite for delivery using established SPOT technology.

Because messages are conveyed via satellite, and are not dependent on cellular phone coverage, the PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator keeps users reliably connected even in remote locations around the world. Both devices are designed to be ruggedized and waterproof and thus better suited than most cell phones for the rigors of outdoor use.

The Teva Mountain Games will be the first opportunity for the public to see the two devices together in action. The DeLorme and SPOT exhibits will be side-by-side in the Gear Town area, located in downtown Vail.

“We’re excited to introduce the Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator to serious outdoors enthusiasts at the Teva Mountain Games,” said DeLorme Product Manager Chip Noble. “The ability to navigate confidently in remote locations and stay connected with customized satellite messaging means peace of mind wherever you go.”

Users can type and send text messages to individual email addresses, cell phones, buddy lists, and social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Fire Eagle, SpotAdventures.com, or Geocaching.com. In case of emergency, SOS messages can be sent with the user’s GPS coordinates embedded. In addition, family and friends can track a user’s progress via Google’s free online maps.

The Earthmate PN-60w comes with DeLorme Topo North America GPS maps and desktop software included, with topographic and street coverage of the U.S. and Canada. It also displays high-resolution aerial imagery, official USGS and Natural Resources Canada topo maps, and NOAA nautical charts, all available from DeLorme via low-cost subscription. Navionics lake maps and marine charts (sold separately) can also be displayed.

The text messaging, track progress, and emergency SOS/911 features are all activated via subscriptions from SPOT.

Effective immediately, DBL will begin marketing SPOT-1 to customers nationwide. This state-of-the-art personal messenger with GPS tracking, once activated by a satellite subscription, will send the exact coordinates of your location to International Emergency Response Center or 9-1-1. If your exact coordinates cannot be obtained, the device will send a distress signal instead. Other excellent features include personal messaging capabilities that reaches out to friends and family to request for help or to let them know you are okay. In addition, SPOTcastingSM sends a message to your account every 10 minutes, allowing your friends and family to view your entire route through GoogleMapsTM. Designed for maximum reliability, Spot performs a self diagnostic test every time it is powered on. It works worldwide and even in the most remote areas where cell phone service is scarce.

“This new and innovative product and technology introduced by Spot has revolutionized the navigational market,” stated Tim Coakley, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for DBL Distributing. “Its tremendous versatility coupled with its unique functionality greatly appeals to customers within our navigational product segment.”

SPOT-1 was included in DBL’s new Spring/Summer catalog featuring nearly 520 product lines, 5,200 new items and over 20,600 products. To order SPOT-1, please call DBL’s dedicated sales staff at 800.733.6766 or order online at www.dbldistributing.com.

Toshiba UK is giving away five free high definition (HD) DVDs to anyone who buys one of its new range of laptops that come with built-in HD DVD players. Anyone buying a new Toshiba HD laptop will now be able to kick-off a high definition movie collection with a choice of titles including Children of Men, Full Metal Jacket, Chronicles of Riddick, Hulk and The Prestige.

Toshiba’s HD DVD laptops give you the freedom to experience the next generation in movie viewing whether you’re on the move or at home in the room of your choice. All of Toshiba’s HD laptops come with high definition widescreen displays of up to 17 inches, but can also be used like a standalone HD DVD player and output high definition video to watch on an HD TV.

HD DVD delivers dynamic images that are incredibly real, accurate and vibrant, with up to six times the image resolution of standard DVD, as well as truly immersive audio for a multi-dimensional sonic experience. With a wide range of laptops featuring HD DVD technology, Toshiba has a high definition model to suit every pocket and taste:

Qosmio G40 – If you’re serious about movies, music and gaming then the Qosmio G40 is the laptop for you. Designed for entertainment the G40’s 17” ultra bright LCD screen delivers an incredibly crisp, detailed picture of up to 1080p and the Harman Kardon speakers and Dolby Home Theater serve up impressive and powerful audio.
Satellite X200 – Purpose built for the serious gamer, the Satellite X200 is packed with specialist graphics and audio technology at an affordable price, including the latest NVIDIA SLI graphics technology, Harman Kardon® five speaker sound system and Dolby® Home Theater™ technology.
Satellite P200 – The Satellite P200 is designed to deliver the latest in multimedia entertainment whatever your price bracket. Designed for music, gaming and movies it features a crisp 17” Toshiba TruBrite® widescreen display with 1440×900 resolution for life-like video playback.
Satellite Pro P200 – The Satellite Pro P200 range is designed to be the ideal laptop if you’re looking to replace a desktop PC. With the power and responsiveness of the latest Intel Core2 Duo processors and Intel Turbo Memory the Satellite Pro P200 is more than capable of running several demanding applications at once.
Satellite A200 – The perfect choice for anyone who wants a great value all-round laptop with all the latest multimedia features, without having to compromise on design. It includes a 15.4″ widescreen Toshiba TruBrite® display, the latest Intel® processors and Toshiba Easy Keys that let you select, stop and start videos, music and other multimedia content at the press of a single button.
Satellite Pro A200 – A perfect choice for small or medium sized businesses, the Satellite Pro A200 is a great all-rounder that was designed to look good as well as perform well, at home and at work. With a 15.4″ widescreen Toshiba TruBrite® display and the latest Intel® processors the range comes in a variety of different specifications so you can get the most value from your budget.

The Toshiba five free HD DVDs offer closes on the 31st January 2008.

I’ve been an XM customer since day one way back in 2000. I’ve since left my subscription behind when I purchased a new vechicle and went with Sirius for the NFL programing. It’s tough being a Steelers fan in California. My wife still has her XM and I often do an audio comparison. I like XMs sound better, but prefer Sirius’ programming. Both ditched its Christian Alternative stations (another reason I left XM because at the time, Sirius DID have one,) which sucks, but Sirius still weighs better for my needs than XM.

When SvenOnTech received the press release on the proposed merger and we reported on it, I must say, I was bummed to read the release. I do not need a single satellite provider in my wife’s and my car. Nope. Don’t need higher bills and less choice. That’s what you get with a monopoly and that’s what you’ll get with this merger. Thankfully, there are some Democrats and Republicans in Congress that feel the same way. Finally! In fact, they have signed a letter and sent it to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin urging both to stop the merger, stating:

On its face, we believe that sanctioning the marriage of the only competitors in the satellite radio market would create a monopoly, which would be devastating to consumers.

This letter wasn’t just signed by a bunch of junior lawmakers either, former House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO), Rules Committee Chair Louise Slaughter (D-NY), and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) where among the 72 names on the letter. Let’s hope the letter comes in loud and clear.

There were a lot of things happening at CES last month in Las Vegas, including Delphi’s introduction of the all new Premium Sound System designed to work with multiple radio receivers. This means that consumer can listen to their favorite radio stations through any XM satellite receiver in their homes, vehicles, or even in the great outdoors.

Not only does the Premium Sound System have great functionality with multiple receivers, it utilizes all the latest technologies. This includes advanced acoustics, precise speakers, digital processing, advanced amplification, and a state of the art power supply. What does all that stuff do? It provides a crystal clear full natural sound, even at low volume levels thanks to Delphi’s bass enhancer. You probably won’t be able to find this kind of performance elsewhere in a unit of this size.

The Premium Sound System is compact and very user friendly, none of the hassle of trying to figure out how it works or any nonsense like that. It provides portability with an integrated XM antenna and handle. All you have to do is dock an XM receiver and you have the music or radio show you want. You can even listen using headphones if you want to. The Premium Sound System can also be connected to a different device, such as an MP3 player.

Massimo Baldini, Delphi’s global satellite radio business line manager said that: “The Delphi Premium Sound System offers the ultimate in flexibility for consumers who own different to XM receivers…Delphi has a rich heritage of innovation in radios, which started with the first in-dash, factory-installed radio in 1936, and continues today with several industry leading firsts in satellite radio technology, enabling us to produce a portable sound system of the highest quality.”

The new Delphi system is priced at $179 and will be available later this Spring.

Looks like XM has its work cut for it now that Sirius has just released it’s, excuse the pun, serious portable player, the Stiletto 100. With live reception, built-in Wi-Fi (which allows you to log into Sirius Internet radio), and the ability to purchase songs from Yahoo! Music Jukebox that strike your fancy when you hear it, this is one neat little unit to say the least. If you’re wondering what the 100 in the name means, that implies it’ll record up to 100 hours of Sirius programming for later use. Yes, I can record my Steelers games now during church service. With scheduling built into this unit, I can only say one thing, “Sweet!”

The Stiletto 100 also allows for users own MP3 and WMAs to be played and stored on the unit with easy synchronization via My SIRIUS Studio software that is included with the portable satellite player.

Measuring 4.7” x 2.0” x 1”, Stiletto 100 stores up to 100 hours of live SIRIUS Satellite Radio programming (2 GB), has a large 2.2” bright display, Aurora graphic user interface and a six-way navigation control that provides easy one handed access to all features and content. Stiletto 100, with a MSRP of $349.99, will include the radio, standard battery, slim battery, AC power adaptor, headset antenna, ear buds, PC cable, My SIRIUS Studio™ software and Yahoo! Music Jukebox™ software.

Sirius tells SvenOnTech that the Stiletto 100 will be available “this month” so that should be by tomorrow, no?