Daily Marauder

TECHNOLOGY

Consumer-electronics makers, such as Vizio and Seagate, as well as retailers such as Best Buy are stepping up efforts to help consumers purchase the right products and not ones that will have to be returned. Returns, which cost companies an estimated $13.8 billion last year, have become a major obstacle in the supply chain. (The Wall Street Journal 5/8)

Samsung is the top manufacturer of LCD television sets … again, according to a report from research group DisplaySearch. The company fell behind Sony in the final quarter of last year, but turned things around in the first quarter of 2008: It now has a slim 12.8%-to-12.7% lead over Sony. (TheRetailBRIDGE.com 5/8, CE Pro 5/7)

Korea’s Namsung America is selling a two-way platform, dubbed “Biddle,” that turns Blu-ray disc players into networked devices that could deliver HD content, targeted ad messages and other interactive services to TV screens. Though this development could potentially allow consumers to access HD content directly, Biddle is also being pitched to telecom, cable and satellite companies. (Multichannel News 5/7)

Neil Young became the poster boy for Sun Microsystem’s Java On2 technology that gives Blu-ray discs their interactivity. The rocker announced plans to release his entire music catalog on Blu-ray, beginning with a 10-disc set from Reprise/Warner Bros. Records in the fall, spanning ‘63 to ‘72. Fans with the latest Java-capable Blu-ray players will be able to download lyrics, photos, tour info and additional songs from the broadband connected devices. (Cynopsis 5/8)

Pioneer introduced a pair of Blu-ray players Wednesday designed to complement Kuro. The Elite BDP-05FD ($799) and the BDP-51FD ($599) Bonusview receivers — set for a summer launch — feature HDMI 1.3, picture-in-picture and support for a range of high-resolution Dolby audio formats. (Electronic House 5/7, Electronista 5/7)

Canton will bring six new speakers to market as it overhauls its Karat line of speakers. The new models will replace discontinued items, with prices starting at $600, the company said. The line will feature upgraded drivers and crossovers as well as Wave Surround technology. (CE Pro 5/7)

Left to right: Karat 795 DC, 790 DC, and 770 DC