Roundtable Discussion; The Future of Mineral Sands. Watch the video here.
Yes surely these can only make progress from here, nothing wrong with company, just some bad natural events happened. Everyone was in the same "boat". Director also bought 20,000 guardian.co.uk http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/marketforceslive/2011/dec/02/ftse-rises-reed-misses-out But Pace put on 5.7p to 57.25p after Collins Stewart issued a buy note on the set top box maker, saying: Pace's major hard drive supplier Western Digital last night reported that it is resuming hard disc drive (HDD) production this week, earlier than it expected when the Thai floods first hit. It also forecast market-topping revenue of $1.8bn (compared with consensus of $1.2bn) for the current quarter to December 31. This can only be regarded as a positive development for Pace.
IRVINE, Calif. - Dec. 1, 2011 - Western Digital Corp. (NYSE:WDC) today is updating its financial outlook for the December quarter and the progress to date of its operations recovery effort in Thailand. The company is also providing its view of the industry conditions for the December 2011 quarter and beyond. Company Fiscal Q2 Outlook: For the December quarter, the company now expects revenue of at least $1.8 billion and gross margins above the high end of its business model range of 18 percent to 23 percent, and operating expenses of approximately $265 million, exclusive of unusual charges related to the floods, acquisition-related expenses and litigation. Unusual charges related to the floods are expected to be in the range of $225 million to $275 million for the December quarter, exclusive of any insurance recovery. The company expects to file a property damage claim of at least $50 million and an additional claim for business interruption during the December quarter. The accounting treatment of these claims is dependent on their status as of the end of the quarter. The company expects acquisition related charges in the December quarter of approximately $15 million. The company will be vigorously contesting the arbitration decision announced November 21, 2011, in the legal matter with Seagate and has not yet determined the accounting treatment associated with this matter. The company expects to maintain its net cash position flat with prior quarter end. Thailand Flood Recovery Effort: "The passion, perseverance, ingenuity and execution exhibited by the WD team has been extraordinary and enabled us to make substantial progress in partially restoring our operations in Thailand, well in advance of our earliest expectations when the floods hit," said John Coyne, president and chief executive officer of WD. "Much work remains to be done but we couldn't be more pleased with the effort and results thus far, including tremendous support from our supply partners and strategic customers." Specifically, the company indicated it: Re-started production of hard drives this week in one of its buildings in Bang Pa-in (BPI), Thailand, one week ahead of internal schedules. This facility had been submerged in some six feet of water since October 15, the estate was pumped dry on November 17, main power was restored on November 26 and production restarted November 30; Has removed all submerged slider manufacturing equipment from the BPI facilities for assessment, decontamination and refurbishment and has commenced decontamination and restoration of its remaining buildings in BPI; Expects to recommence head slider production in BPI in the March 2012 quarter (Q3 FY'12) and also begin production in a new WD slider fab location in Penang, Malaysia, in the same time frame; and The company's other Thailand hard drive facilities at Navanakorn remain under approximately two feet of water. The industrial estate is
That is interesting news to me that Pace boxes are used for BT vision. As per their latest quarterly results BT's broadband business is booming. Hopefully they are pushing the BT Vision service heavily: Ian Livingston, Chief Executive, commenting on the results, said: "We have increased cash flow, profits and underlying revenue2 in the quarter. This progress has been supplemented with positive operational performances in most of our businesses. We achieved a market leading 63% share of broadband net additions and another quarter of growth in fixed lines.
Great Buying Opportunity, top up or double up, I don't expect to get this chance again. Waters drain quickly and bounce is waiting. Be brave and make some quick cash. I am going for it at 80p
Pace plc today announced that it has been selected by MultiChoice Africa to support MultiChoice's launch of its GOtv offering, which is bringing digital TV services to terrestrial subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The GOtv service is being delivered to customers via Pace's next generation set-top boxes, capable of receiving DVB-T2 standard transmissions. The new set-top box is the first to deliver the latest digital terrestrial television into Sub-Saharan African homes, increasing consumers' service reliability and content choice, and making digital TV a mass-market reality for the first time. The DVB-T2 set-top box gives terrestrial television viewers the ability to receive more channels, will provide reliable and better quality television service to viewers across Sub-Saharan Africa, and will ensure a better service reception level. The device will also enable new services including Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs) and multi-language features. The launch of the DVB-T2 set-top box supports the migration of analogue to digital terrestrial transmission and will enable the attainment of analogue switch off scheduled for 2015. The DVB-T2 infrastructure will also provide a platform for operators to further develop their services in the future. The new generation of Pace set-top boxes has supported the launch of GOtv in Lusaka, Zambia in June and Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda in August, with further market launches planned by MultiChoice over the coming months. Pace, a leading developer of technologies, products and services for global broadband and broadcast markets, has a strong heritage in the creation and supply of DVB-T2 technology. In 2008, Pace developed the first set-top box prototype capable of receiving and displaying T2 content, and in May 2010 introduced the first DVB-T2 PVR set-top boxes to the UK market with Freeview HD. Pace also played a central role in drafting the DVB-T2 global standard, and helped to update the UK's D-book technical specification to include the T2 standard. Shane McCarthy, General Manager at Pace, comments: "As a pioneer in DVB-T2 technology and a long-time partner to MultiChoice, Pace has both the technical knowledge and the local market understanding to deliver the most effective next generation service to MultiChoice and its subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa. This launch is a critical step in bringing digital TV services into thousands more homes in this region and we're delighted to help drive this change." Collins Khumalo, President of MultiChoice Africa added: "We're really excited about the launch of DVB-T2 transmissions and the opportunity it offers us to provide a greater variety of programming to our subscribers through a more reliable broadcasting system. Pace's history in DVB-T2 technology makes it the perfect partner to deliver this."
At IBC 2011, Pace plc (Hall 1, B19) will unveil its full portfolio of products and services for global broadcast and broadband markets, designed to give operators full control over how and when they innovate and develop their services. This portfolio is designed to provide tailored solutions to cable, satellite and telco operators, regardless of their location or market stage - from early digital service rollout to advanced connected home, multi-screen services. With the theme 'Making it all work', the Pace stand will offer operators the opportunity to understand how to navigate the complexities of delivering a great home entertainment experience across multiple devices around the home. Demonstration highlights will include: Cutting-edge set-top box and gateway devices, including a new set of powerful HD set-top boxes that can be used as IP clients within a home network The Pace Media Gateway, a highly advanced next generation smartbox that seamlessly interconnects payTV and broadband content with any screen in the home, opening up new revenue opportunities for operators Elements software platform, which supports the design, delivery and management of digital content and services into and around the home to ensure an outstanding consumer experience anywhere, anytime, across any device Examples of leading-edge customer services, enabled by Pace technology and support IBC will also provide the first view of Pace's full service range, designed to support operators as they plan, launch, support and expand subscriber services. The portfolio has been built out of Pace's extensive experience of delivering digital services to broadcast and broadband operators throughout the world, and includes product delivery, technically skilled call centres and other customer care support, and consulting services. IBC 2011 marks a milestone for Pace, as the company delivers on its strategy to broaden out its capabilities beyond its core set-top box business into gateways, smartboxes, software and services. At the same time, Pace's traditional business has continued to grow; the company remains the global market leader in set-top boxes and has now shipped over 120 million set-top boxes (STBs) globally, underlining Pace's global leadership in the digital TV market. Neil Gaydon, CEO of Pace, says: "2011 has been a major year for Pace in terms of product and service development, delivering on our vision of the connected home. Our IBC 2011 theme - 'Making It All Work' - stands out against the industry noise to clearly define our proposition and our intention to simplify the complexity behind the scenes for our customers. "We have worked with some of the world's most successful payTV operators and developed the steps to drive forward a streamlined, simple and, above all, enjoyable consumer experience. For us, IBC 2011 is about detailing where Pace is going this year and beyond, building further on our capabilities in set-top boxes, gateways
Today 1st September. Vague takeover rumours continued to do the rounds on a number of companies, including Pace. After Samsung was linked with a potential approach last week, the Japanese group Panasonic became the latest addition to the list of possible suitors by market gossips as the set-top box manufacturer put on 3.6p to 105.5p.
New video and broadband software gives operators full control to develop their services how and when they want Pace plc today announced the launch of Elements, a new software platform for the broadcast and broadband industries. Elements supports the design, delivery and management of digital content and services into and around the home, enabling operators to provide an outstanding consumer experience anywhere, anytime, across any device. The platform's open, modular design gives control to the operator, allowing them to add new features to their services quickly and cost effectively, and to integrate it with other parts of their infrastructure as needed. Elements: Gives operators the power to simply and cost-effectively innovate at the speed they want, in the way they want for their subscribers. Opens up new revenue opportunities by giving service providers the tools to quickly deploy exciting new applications and features across different devices. Examples include creating new live TV experiences by personalising your own football viewing, recommending must-see moments to friends, and instantly pulling and sharing team stats, as well as popular social networking and over-the-top (OTT) content. Delivers advanced search capabilities that help consumers quickly and easily discover and access different types of content across multiple sources within a managed service. Includes a cloud-based user interface, so that subscribers can personalise their video experience and access content in a consistent way across a broad range of connected devices. Links with Pace's management systems for remote monitoring and control of operator and home networks, removing the complexity traditionally faced by service providers when delivering converged services to multiple devices. Has an open, modular design that easily integrates with a wide range of other vendors' software and devices. This allows operators to build Elements into their existing infrastructure, and augment their systems rapidly and easily, as needed. Mark Loughran, Regional Pace President, said: "Consumers are demanding new services, but want home entertainment to be a straightforward, enjoyable experience - as simple as turning on a light switch. This challenge demands a new way of thinking." "Elements is an important leap forward. It puts our customers in the driving seat, giving them complete power over how they develop their services. By taking control of their platform and the consumer experience it delivers, operators can grow their subscriber base, find new ways to monetise, and stay one step ahead of their market." Today the platform consists of three modular products, customisable according to operators' specific requirements. These extend from the operator's network into consumers' homes, supporting all aspects of multi-device content management, delivery and user experience, as follows: Cobalt - A range of powerful cloud-based softwa
I'm sure there going to be a few interested paties for any takeover, these have huge potential worldwide and a very good product with it. So we may see a nice price battle going on. Expectover £2 - 2.50 easily
Pace (LSE: PIC), a leading developer of technologies, products and services for global broadband and broadcast markets, today launched a set of powerful new HD set-top boxes that energise the home network, delivering an advanced viewing experience for payTV subscribers. The devices can be used as standalone HD set-top boxes or as IP clients within a home network. This enables operators to supply a single set-top box now, but with the option to incorporate it into a wider home network as they develop their services. Pace's new set-top boxes offer full HD and 3D capabilities and are IP ready, so able to receive OTT, On Demand and broadcast content. Whatever an operator's preferred home networking method, the clients seamlessly integrate into Wi-Fi, Powerline or coaxial networks. As standalone devices, they provide payTV subscribers with immediate access to a wide variety of high quality content, while also offering operators a flexible platform that serves as a conventional HD set-top box today, or a home networking client tomorrow. This allows operators to deliver new services and move towards a converged home offering without the need to replace their deployed hardware. Darren Fawcett, chief technical engineer, Pace, commented: "PayTV companies across the globe want to provide entry level set-top boxes at one end, but also cater for the consumer who wants to light up all screens with a great payTV experience. The challenge for operators is how to achieve the right economics and a consistent quality of experience, while ensuring their systems are simple to install and operate." "Pace's stylish new range helps operators to meet this challenge in the appropriate stages, without the need for unsightly and expensive new cable installations. By lowering the costs associated with introducing and developing home networks, Pace is helping to place payTV providers firmly at the centre of the connected home." The new set-top boxes are Wi-Fi, Powerline and coaxial network ready, and receive content via IP and traditional broadcast. The devices are available in various designs, according to customer requirements, all with the ability to deliver a converged broadband and broadcast big screen experience. Options include an 802.11n wireless HD IP client, a Powerline home networking HD IP Client and an ethernet/MOCA HD IP Client. The devices are the latest addition to Pace's expanding product and service portfolio, which enables operators to evolve digital services at the speed they want, how they want. This portfolio includes a wide range of pioneering set-top boxes and gateways, sophisticated software, highly specialised customer care call centres, and business consulting and product delivery services. These products and services are designed to support telco, cable and satellite operators in different global markets, regardless of their technology needs or market stage.
a) Pace is undervalued at around EV/EBITDA = 5 b) Today's and Friday's RNSs were for directors just selling enough shares to cover the cost (mainly top-rate income tax) of vesting their options and they kept the rest of the shares so this news is either neutral or slightly positive. I think theres huge potential with these shares now and I for one have bought in again. Looking for at least 150p
RENEWED bid speculation brought set-top box maker Pace into focus yesterday. Pace shares climbed 3¾p to 115p on brisk trading but they remain well below the level before its latest profits warning in May, prompting gossips to talk up possible predatory interest from private equity or Korean industrial giant Samsung.
Pace plc Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2011 Pace on track to meet revised May 2011 guidance Saltaire, UK, 26 July 2011: Pace, a leading developer of technologies, products and services for global broadband and broadcast markets, announces its results for the six months ended 30 June 2011. Financial Highlights1 -- On track to meet revised May 2011 guidance -- Revenues increased 21% to $1,187.1m (six months ended 30 June 2010: $978.2m) o Increase acquisition-related; organic revenue down 3.5% -- Gross margin 19.0% (six months ended 30 June 2010: 18.6%) o Organic gross margin 15.6% (six months ended 30 June 2010: 18.5%) o Acquisitions gross margin 31.7% (pro forma six months ended 30 June 2010: 27.5%) -- Profit before interest, tax, and amortisation (EBITA) $68.4m, giving return on sales of 5.8% (six months ended 30 June 2010: $73.3m, return on sales 7.5%) -- Basic EPS of 7.1c (six months ended 30 June 2010: 16.5c), with adjusted(2) basic EPS of 17.1c (six months ended 30 June 2010: 17.9c) -- Interim dividend increased to 1.25c (six months ended 30 June 2010: 1.12c) -- Net debt at $293.2m (at 31 December 2010: $311.1m) Operating Highlights -- Progress made since May 2011 IMS update: o Inventory management has been normalised, with the majority of the financial impact absorbed in H1 o The Networks business has been re-sized and is no longer loss-making o Impact of the Japanese Tsunami on potential availability of components has been largely mitigated; however a small number of at-risk components remain o Initial corrective measures have been implemented to address the profitability levels in Pace Europe -- Acquisition-related synergies were achieved earlier and are greater than anticipated -- Strategic review announced June 2011 underway; aiming to conclude around the time of the Group's Q3 IMS Commenting on the results, Neil Gaydon, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Our first half results put Pace on track to meet its revised May 2011 profit guidance3 of $150-170m for FY 2011. Progress is being made on each of the issues identified in May, and we continue to address those issues not fully resolved, particularly in Pace Europe. "Acquisition-related synergies have been achieved ahead of plan. Additionally, this period has seen continued free cash flow generation, leading to a reduced net debt position of $293.2m. "The strategic review announced last month is underway, with focus on Pace's strategy and opportunities for business improvements, aiming to conclude around the time of the Group's Q3 IMS." Outlook Given the Group's first half performance, including corrective actions identified and implemented, the Board reaffirms its May profit guidance of $150-170m for Full Year 2011.
Up today so maybe recovery back to 150p starting. Home Hub should be making an impact soon too. http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/technology/pace-debuts-home-content-hub/5007639.article
Shares in Pace (PIC.L), the world's largest maker of set-top boxes, gain 3.8 percent after traders highlight a newspaper report saying the British firm has won a key contract with an Indian pay-television provider. The Times in London says that it understands Pace has been working on a set-top box for Tata Sky, a joint venture between Indian conglomerate Tata and News International-owned (NWSA.O) Star TV. A spokesperson for Pace says the company is unable to comment on the report. Referring to the report, broker Seymour Pierce, says whilst it is urging caution in terms of the direct impact of any move into India, this should serve as a reminder to the market that there are new and growing markets for the products that Pace supplies. "We continue to regard the shares as undervalued," Seymour Pierce says, repeating its "buy" rating and 253 pence price target on Pace. Reuters Messaging rm://jon.hopkins.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net
III.co.uk & Others, Show some news of major investment groups buying into PACE again ??? Hope they know more than us, and we now see an upside to these shares. Theres no real reason for them to be down apart from a dwindling market.
Minerva Platform to be Integrated With Pace HD Set-top Boxes to Deliver Expanded Television Services Over Broadband Networks Pace (LSE: PIC), the leading developer of digital TV technologies for the payTV industry, today announces a partnership agreement with Minerva, a leading supplier of software solutions for the delivery of television services over broadband networks. The worldwide agreement will integrate Minerva xTVFusion middleware technology into Pace's HD set-top boxes, expanding the range of IPTV middleware and technology delivery options available to service providers. The partnership will allow Pace to offer a pre-integrated end-to-end solution to service providers across its global customer base. It will enable operators to seamlessly integrate IPTV services into the broadcast offering and provide a cost effective satellite and cable television delivery solution across Europe and South America. Minerva middleware, integrated with Pace technology, will allow service providers to cost effectively deliver a range of new IP services to subscribers including video-on-demand, restart-TV, network-based digital video recording, catch-up TV, and Internet video. Mike Pulli, President, Pace Americas, commented: "Deployed over networks serving more than 20 million homes worldwide, Minerva is at the forefront of the convergence between the Internet and television. This new relationship facilitates the opportunity for Pace to deliver the complete solution at a competitive price to serve increasing customer expectations worldwide. Building on additional middleware partnerships, Pace is able to deliver the best possible user experience for the home network, and lead the future of the converged home." Mauro Bonomi, CEO, Minerva Networks, added: "This partnership represents a superb opportunity for Minerva to work closely with Pace to deliver innovative solutions to broadband service providers worldwide. Together we will offer a complete best-of-breed platform that will help our global customers broaden their reach and capabilities."
Pace (LSE: PIC), a leading technology provider for the global payTV industry, today announces that its groundbreaking App Café platform is ready for deployment throughout the Americas. The Pace App Café offers cable subscribers access to popular Web-based applications via their set-top box for the first time, increasing the range of entertainment available via the television set. The Pace App Café is a unique service allowing cable operators to harness the potential of online applications within an integrated managed TV service. It offers applications in a storefront format for subscribers to download directly to their set-top boxes, enhancing their entertainment experience and solidifying the service provider's position at the heart of the home. Pace App Café enables payTV operators to offer a range of social networking, gaming and Video on Demand (VoD) applications. In addition, the company has worked with web-based TV technology platform, Clearleap, to offer IP-based video services delivered through customizable, white-labelled applications. This provides operators with a cost effective method of delivering unlimited hours of on-demand content to consumers over the high speed data path. Pace has also partnered with Universal Electronics to integrate its UEI Velocity remote control with QWERTY keyboard and UEI QuickSearch remote control setup application, enhancing the usability and navigation of the App Café and applications. The Pace App Café will provide subscribers with access to high-profile and popular online services including: Popular social networking services Internet radio and music Online photo and video sharing Weather Personal finance Sports scores Operator service and support Tim O'Loughlin, SVP of Sales and Customer Support, Pace Americas, commented: "There is a rapidly growing desire amongst consumers to access a range of different content on their TV and the Pace App Café is the perfect response. The App Café offers our service provider customers an extensive choice of applications, so that they can deliver the best possible range of services to their subscribers." The Pace App Café will be customised with each operator's unique brand and allows them to create custom applications. Operators will have administrative control over the available applications in their library, which they can then package as part of their existing service or make them an additional offering. The applications can pull their data feed from any Internet connection in the home or from the DOCSIS modems embedded in nearly all Pace set-top boxes. The onscreen presentation of each application is designed to work alongside the existing electronic program guide and VoD applications. Many of the applications have the ability to coexist with live or recorded television programming, so subscribers can get constant, real-time information updates while watch
Video of ComCast interface ThreeColoursRed 2 View Author's profile | Add to favourites | Ignore | Author's posts Here's a good link to give a better idea of what Comcast is doing, http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/comcast-to-show-off-new-xfinity-guide-with-facebook-tie-ins-thur/ it includes a 'How to' video for the customers testing the prototype boxes. Looks like a sleek user interface with more Internet integration and control than you normally see on a set-top box (e.g. more sophisticated search for content by e.g. subject or actor/actress name etc). I think this means that Pace is raising their game, and with AppleTV, GoogleTV around, that's very welcome. Personally, if I can have one set-top box that does 'enough' connected to my telly, that's fine - and this new box looks like it would achieve that.