Daily Marauder

TECHNOLOGY

Hollywood studios may change the way they pay actors, directors and producers as DVD sales decline, says Sony Pictures chief Michael Lynton. “It’s not so much cutting salaries but making sure our partners share in the risk.” Studios can no longer count on DVD sales. (Iwantmedia 2/19, http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=asMEvVm92mtc 2/19)

HP has reported that its profit fell 13% in the first quarter, while overall revenue showed a less-than-expected increase of 1%. Despite the slowdown, its printer and tech-services divisions boasted 18.5% and 12.8% gains in profit margins respectively. The Wall Street Journal (2/19) , Financial Times (2/19)

Despite a 17% uptick in global flat-panel shipments, overall shipments of TVs slid 5% in the fourth quarter, the first drop in two years. Total revenue in the category dropped 7%. PC Magazine (2/18) , Digital Trends (2/18)

Young, multicultural consumers are on the leading edge, embracing new media platforms; especially video-enabled handled devices, according to a new Horowitz Associates’ Broadband Content and Services 2008 report. The study found that nearly nine in ten (86%) of 15 to 17 year-old Internet users have a handheld device, whether it is a cell phone (69%), an iPod or other MP3 player (66%), a PSP (31%) or a Smartphone (12%). One quarter (26%) of 15 to 17 year-old users pay for internet access on their cell phone, compared to 11% of 35 to 49 year-old users.  Similarly, one quarter (24%) of 15 to 17 year-old Internet users watch video on their handheld devices on a monthly basis. (Cynopsis 2/19)