I've got a couple of questions regarding the S3 aquisition of EMPEG and hope that
someone can help me out. I know that those who currently own a MK1 or MK2 may be concerned
but my concerns/questions are for those of us just about to take the plunge..

1. Is my registration number still valid?

2. Can I still get a unit or are they 'on hold' while S3 get themselves sorted. If they
are still available - for how long? Will I still get my radio add-on or has development stopped on that?

3. Once S3 start working on the EMPEG will they modify the OS so that it can't be modified or used with 'developer releases?

I'm currently on the verge of buying a Blue 40gig version but I'm really concerned about the future of the product, not /if/ it has a future but more what happens to existing users after production units roll out. I'm sure that there are others out there wondering.... is it business as usual???

Andy

Don't be worried too much! I'm sure they'll keep on producing the unit and they are looking to make the tuners ready. So you probably will keep your queuenumber and get your unit as soon as your number comes up.

What I don't know is if the production/developement is on hold for a little while because of the reorganisation.


TeeMcBee
Got my Mk2! # 080000143

I was under the impression the queue has been cleared, and you could simply order direct. I'm sure Rob would be happy to take an order

One of the few remaining Mk1 owners... #00015

1. No need for a registration number - we cleared the backlog a while ago, and anyone can now order

2. Yes, you can order now (we have stock). The tuner module has been delayed awaiting stock - we're now manufacturing about 75 units with many more to follow as soon as additional stock arrives

3. I'm not sure you realise that WE are continuing to work on the empeg. We haven't sold out and left, we have become one of S3's largest development teams. We have no plans to change the architecture - it would be a lot of work for no commercial gain (quite the reverse!).

Rob

Nothing is on hold - for a while nothing will change at all, but in time we will be able to take advantage of S3's contacts and facilities to considerably increase production. In the meantime, the backlog is cleared anyway so until new marketing kicks in the low volume production shouldn't be a problem.

Rob

So everything looks well

The only concern is how the support in the further future will be - but meanwhile I'm sure you'll keep your standard. And maybe your clients will profit from S3's good contacts (eg. in getting the tuner model soon - as you posted something about it in the last days)

TeeMcBee
Got my Mk2! # 080000143

Greetings!

we have become one of S3's largest development teams

Wow! Knowing the staffing that empeg currently has, this is a surprise. I would have expected SonicBlue to have huge R&D and development groups for all of their different products...

Paul G.
SN# 090000587 (40GB Green)

No need for a registration number - we cleared the backlog a while ago, and anyone can now order

And you were going to announce this WHEN?



___________
Tony Fabris

Errr... on the main site, about a week ago?

One of the few remaining Mk1 owners... #00015

Errr... on the main site, about a week ago?

I just looked at the "News" page at the main site, and saw no mention of it. Although this page has that information, you have to navigate several levels deep before finding it.

Honestly, I expected to see an announcement of that magnitude on the Announcements page of the BBS, as well as in Rob's Order Invitation Update thread.


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Tony Fabris

With the increased production capabilities can we expect to see a significant price drop?

Sorry, I've been too busy to announce that everywhere - or rather, too understaffed to cope with a sudden deluge of orders (due to holidays and movements in temp staff). I have two new people starting next week which should get us back up to speed.

A lot of people found it anyway - the announcement isn't exactly hidden (on the front page of the store).

Rob

If that were to happen it would be later rather than sooner - we're continuing to manufacture with the existing contractors in the UK for the time being.

Consider also that right now we have no margin for dealers or distrubutors - we need to bring the build cost down by at least 30% just to maintain the current retail price.

Rob

we have no margin for dealers or distrubutors

Good, keep it that way. If you can drop the build cost, pass the savings on to future buyers. Of course, not displaying in retail stores will drop sales but that hasn't stopped direct computer sales like Dell.

Alex Lear

This product really has to get into car audio dealerships if it is to experience any significant market success. The vast majority of visitors at IASCA had never heard of us - purchasing online may be almost routine for the average computer geek, but most car audio enthusiasts go to a store. I think this is reasonable - I would personally never buy an audio product without hearing it first (yes, shocking as it seems, I would have missed out on the car player if I hadn't worked for the company!).

Rob