Verizon’s FiOS set-tops will be 3D-ready, and the telco plans to offer service through its fiber network later this year. But getting 3D programming from competitors that develop and distribute content remains an issue, Verizon said, saying “integrated operators should not withhold programming options from the marketplace."

A group of 47 IT and communications companies, trade associations and environmental groups urged the Obama administration Monday to craft policies to ensure that households and businesses have access to “timely, useful and actionable information on energy use.” Giving people the ability to monitor and manage their energy use through computers, phones or other devices, would “unleash the forces of innovation in homes and business,” and help “power millions of people to reduce greenhouse gas emission,” saving consumers billions of dollars, the group said in a letter to President Obama.

Sharp will start production of 3.4-inch 3D LCDs in its fiscal first half that started April 1, but it’s unknown whether those displayswill be at the heart of Nintendo’s 3DS handheld game system. Sharp and Nintendo officials have declined to comment on our reports that Sharp will be supplying the displays for the 3DS handheld (CED March 31 p5).

Details emerged Friday on a laser-driven 100-inch 3D projection TV whose developer calls it more energy-efficient and potentially less costly than a flat-panel plasma display of the same size (CED April 2 p9). The laser projection system also features built-in realtime 2D to 3D conversion, maker HDI Ltd. said.

Monster is suing Sakar International for patent infringement as it cracks down on what it claims are “knock offs” of the Beats by Dr. Dre Studio headphones.

Canada wants energy labeling for TVs that gives information about energy costs and use. Natural Resources Canada proposed EnerGuide labeling regulations that would require TVs imported into the country or “shipped inter-provincially” to carry the labels. The move follows EnergyGuide labels for TVs being weighed by the Federal Trade Commission. NRCan is proposing that labels be mandatory for TVs made after June 30, 2011.

Some analysts warned that Apple’s iPad may strain AT&T’s network, but a carrier spokesman said it’s ready. A Wi-Fi-only was to be released Saturday in all Apple stores and most Best Buy stores, to be followed next month by a version that can also use 3G. Meanwhile, media companies are rushing to deliver iPad applications. ‎

Borders Group is setting up an “Area-e” section inside all its stores that will be dedicated to the growing e-book and e-reader category, interim CEO Mike Edwards said in a Thursday earnings call. The company has “a unique opportunity” with e-books and e-readers “as a device neutral, content-focused digital book provider,” he said. Rival Barnes & Noble has its own nook e-reader.

The FCC should be careful as it takes up the Broadband Task Force’s recommendation that TV providers include a broadband gateway device to not ignore some of the unique features of direct broadcast satellite service providers’ technology, said DBS companies. The commission will begin to take up the issue April 21.

SAN FRANCISCO -- 3D will help Sony increase PS3 sales to early adopters after a price cut widened the console’s appeal well beyond core gamers, said Peter Dille, Sony Computer Entertainment America’s senior vice president for marketing and the PlayStation Network. The PS3’s North American marketing campaign, featuring the tagline “It only does everything,” will be broadened to include promotion of 3D this summer for the arrival of Sony Bravia TV sets with the technology and then a few months later for PlayStation Move motion control, he said Thursday at the MI6 game-marketing conference.