LONDON, UK: Inview Technology, the world leading supplier of royalty free EPGs, and On Demand Group have signed an agreement to launch video streaming on the revolutionary Neelix platform allowing viewers unprecedented access to a huge on demand video library. On Demand Group will also offer blockbuster film packages to customers purchasing products containing Neelix in-store at point of purchase.
On Demand Video streaming will sit within the Neelix application bar which allows access to a wealth of internet content including music streaming, online radio, auction sites, news, weather, gaming and social networking.
Keith Wiggins, Inview Technology said, “We are pleased to be working with On Demand, they are a leader in their field and offering video streaming to our customers is hugely important.”
Tony Kelly, CEO of On Demand said: “We are excited by the opportunity to work with Inview. For On Demand Group it is a natural extension of our strategy to provide compelling TV On Demand content services to consumers, anytime - anywhere.”
On Demand Group is a leading video content supplier who operates services in 12 countries on 16 platforms, in 7 languages with access to thousands of films.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Global tablet device shipments to exceed 80 million annually by 2015
HAMPSHIRE, UK: The number of annual shipments for tablet devices will reach 81 million by 2015 as an increasing number of consumer electronics players and handset manufacturers enter the market, finds Juniper’s latest report.
The Android Operating system is allowing both new players and existing device manufacturers to join the market and product launches have taken place already from companies such as Dell with the ‘Streak’ and Samsung with the Galaxy Tab.
“Competition to Apple is likely to arrive in earnest in 2011, though by then Apple is likely to be ready to launch a new version of the iPad, reinforcing its market position,” says Anthony Cox, senior analyst at Juniper Research.
Further findings from the tablets report include:
• Apple, as first to market with its compelling hardware and content combination, will maintain market lead for the medium term.
• Although Android will be widely adopted by new entrants, products using QNX (for Blackberry), Windows Phone 7 and MeeGo will come to market in 2011.
• The netbook market will be pressured by tablets though it will remain resilient in the business market.
• Incumbent handset manufacturers such as Nokia are challenged through the increasing sophistication of Apple iOS and Android.
According to the report, handset manufacturers with the longest history in the market and a close association to a specific operating system face the most considerable challenges. The quality of both Apple’s iOS and the Android operating system has affected RIM, Microsoft and Nokia the most.
These companies have all developed new operating systems, but they are taking a long time to bring products to the market. This has allowed Apple to consolidate its lead and Android to become the operating system of choice for new players.
The Android Operating system is allowing both new players and existing device manufacturers to join the market and product launches have taken place already from companies such as Dell with the ‘Streak’ and Samsung with the Galaxy Tab.
“Competition to Apple is likely to arrive in earnest in 2011, though by then Apple is likely to be ready to launch a new version of the iPad, reinforcing its market position,” says Anthony Cox, senior analyst at Juniper Research.
Further findings from the tablets report include:
• Apple, as first to market with its compelling hardware and content combination, will maintain market lead for the medium term.
• Although Android will be widely adopted by new entrants, products using QNX (for Blackberry), Windows Phone 7 and MeeGo will come to market in 2011.
• The netbook market will be pressured by tablets though it will remain resilient in the business market.
• Incumbent handset manufacturers such as Nokia are challenged through the increasing sophistication of Apple iOS and Android.
According to the report, handset manufacturers with the longest history in the market and a close association to a specific operating system face the most considerable challenges. The quality of both Apple’s iOS and the Android operating system has affected RIM, Microsoft and Nokia the most.
These companies have all developed new operating systems, but they are taking a long time to bring products to the market. This has allowed Apple to consolidate its lead and Android to become the operating system of choice for new players.
Back-to-school season fails to boost China’s PC export market
EL SEGUNDO, USA: The back-to-school season has come and gone, and for PC OEMs in China’s export market, it was as if the playground bully took their lunch money, according to the market research firm iSuppli Corp.
China’s desktop PC exports in July fell 12.2 percent, with 2.6 million units shipped, down from 3.0 million in June and virtually unchanged from May. Not surprisingly, revenue from desktop PC exports in July also declined to $1.35 billion, down from $1.49 billion in June.
“China’s OEMs were overoptimistic regarding back-to-school PC demand,” said Kevin Wang, director of China Research at iSuppli. “With worries continuing about the global economic situation and impacting consumers’ buying habits, consumers are using older PCs and forgoing any upgrades in the near term.”
iSuppli believes China’s desktop PC export shipments continued to decline in August.
Notebooks fall too
Notebook exports also retreated, dipping slightly to 16.3 million units in July in a 3 percent month-on-month decrease.
In June, with inventory piling up, notebook OEMs began an inventory correction that then impacted notebook Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) exporters across the board in China Following such a development, No. 1 exporter Quanta and No. 2 exporter Compal both suffered major decreases in July.
For these companies as well as other exporters of notebooks in China, the end of the oversupply remains nowhere in sight. As a result, notebook exports have continued to decline through September.
Source: iSuppli, USA.
China’s desktop PC exports in July fell 12.2 percent, with 2.6 million units shipped, down from 3.0 million in June and virtually unchanged from May. Not surprisingly, revenue from desktop PC exports in July also declined to $1.35 billion, down from $1.49 billion in June.
“China’s OEMs were overoptimistic regarding back-to-school PC demand,” said Kevin Wang, director of China Research at iSuppli. “With worries continuing about the global economic situation and impacting consumers’ buying habits, consumers are using older PCs and forgoing any upgrades in the near term.”
iSuppli believes China’s desktop PC export shipments continued to decline in August.
Notebooks fall too
Notebook exports also retreated, dipping slightly to 16.3 million units in July in a 3 percent month-on-month decrease.
In June, with inventory piling up, notebook OEMs began an inventory correction that then impacted notebook Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) exporters across the board in China Following such a development, No. 1 exporter Quanta and No. 2 exporter Compal both suffered major decreases in July.
For these companies as well as other exporters of notebooks in China, the end of the oversupply remains nowhere in sight. As a result, notebook exports have continued to decline through September.
Source: iSuppli, USA.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tektronix enhances 'World’s Most Popular Oscilloscope' series, starting at $990
BANGALORE, INDIA: Tektronix Inc. has introduced the TDS2000C Series oscilloscopes that provide more features and performance to go with a new entry-level model with a starting price of just $990.
The “world’s most popular oscilloscope,” the TDS2000 Series is renowned for its industry-best performance with digital real-time sampling, important analysis functions and intuitive operation to help engineers and technicians get more done in less time.
With models ranging from 50 MHz to 200 MHz bandwidth, and with two or four channels, the Tektronix TDS2000C Series gives engineers the performance they need at an affordable price.
A number of the existing models now offer increased performance including 2 models that were 60 MHz are now 70 MHz bandwidth and two models that offered 1 GS/s sampling rates are now at 2 GS/s. All models include easy connectivity with USB ports, an expanded set of 16 automated measurements, a new limit test feature, intuitive operation with built-in help menus, and the industry’s only lifetime warranty.
“Eight out of 10 engineers use Tektronix oscilloscopes and the TDS2000 Series is a big reason why our instruments remain the world standard,” said Mike Flaherty, general manager Bench Instruments, Tektronix. “With the TDS2000C Series we are carrying over all the features that have made these oscilloscopes so popular while enhancing functionality and offering lower priced models, giving our customers the industry’s best value at a breakthrough price point.”
Even with features found in more advanced oscilloscopes, the TDS2000C Series starts at just $990 for a 50 MHz model with 2 channels. This represents a 25 percent price reduction from the previous lowest priced model, and is lower than similar models from other brand-name suppliers.
Every model in the TDS2000C Series features digital real-time sampling with at least 10X oversampling on every channel. Unlike other oscilloscopes on the market, the sample rate doesn’t reduce as additional channels are turned on, ensuring that each channel can accurately capture signals up to the oscilloscope’s full bandwidth.
The “world’s most popular oscilloscope,” the TDS2000 Series is renowned for its industry-best performance with digital real-time sampling, important analysis functions and intuitive operation to help engineers and technicians get more done in less time.
With models ranging from 50 MHz to 200 MHz bandwidth, and with two or four channels, the Tektronix TDS2000C Series gives engineers the performance they need at an affordable price.
A number of the existing models now offer increased performance including 2 models that were 60 MHz are now 70 MHz bandwidth and two models that offered 1 GS/s sampling rates are now at 2 GS/s. All models include easy connectivity with USB ports, an expanded set of 16 automated measurements, a new limit test feature, intuitive operation with built-in help menus, and the industry’s only lifetime warranty.
“Eight out of 10 engineers use Tektronix oscilloscopes and the TDS2000 Series is a big reason why our instruments remain the world standard,” said Mike Flaherty, general manager Bench Instruments, Tektronix. “With the TDS2000C Series we are carrying over all the features that have made these oscilloscopes so popular while enhancing functionality and offering lower priced models, giving our customers the industry’s best value at a breakthrough price point.”
Even with features found in more advanced oscilloscopes, the TDS2000C Series starts at just $990 for a 50 MHz model with 2 channels. This represents a 25 percent price reduction from the previous lowest priced model, and is lower than similar models from other brand-name suppliers.
Every model in the TDS2000C Series features digital real-time sampling with at least 10X oversampling on every channel. Unlike other oscilloscopes on the market, the sample rate doesn’t reduce as additional channels are turned on, ensuring that each channel can accurately capture signals up to the oscilloscope’s full bandwidth.
ANSYS India partners with Entuple and ATeN Systems
BANGALORE, INDIA: ANSYS India, a subsidiary of ANSYS Inc., announced at its 2010 ANSYS India Conference two new channel partnerships: Entuple Technologies and ATeN Systems and Technology.
The relationships will allow ANSYS to broaden its reach in India as well as to serve customers and prospects efficiently and effectively. ANSYS is a global innovator of simulation software and technologies designed to optimize product development processes.
Yves Dehouck, regional sales director for ASEAN, Australia and India and channel director Asia Pacific, ANSYS Inc., said: "To allow more people to use our software and get better results on product engineering, ANSYS continues to expand and enhance its network of channel partners and direct offices. Together, we are working to deliver the value of ANSYS engineering simulation solutions to a large and growing customer base. Entuple Technologies’ and ATeN’s solid sales and support capabilities, commitment to the engineering simulation marketplace and broad geographical coverage make them the ideal partners for addressing opportunities in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
"Additionally, their capabilities complement and strengthen ANSYS India and the ANSYS product line, which will help accelerate the use of engineering simulation, enabling innovation and advancement in product design."
Entuple Technologies is now ANSYS sales channel partner in India for the electronics design products suite. Teaming with Entuple Technologies, ANSYS is working closely with leading customers and prospects in the automotive, aerospace and defense, and industrial equipment and rotating machinery industries to address their electronic design automation (EDA) needs.
“Many technology companies in our region are maturing into complete system development, so the Ansoft product line from ANSYS — the electronics design product suite — presents a huge market to service. Entuple, with its market knowledge and reach, is well positioned to complement ANSYS in this segment. Our solution-based approach to product representation and support enhances our customer experience," said Mehta S. D., director of sales at Entuple Technologies.
ATeN Systems and Technology Pvt. Ltd. is now ANSYS India’s PAN India educational product distributor. ATeN is focusing on the academic sector, offering ANSYS academic products in India.
The relationships will allow ANSYS to broaden its reach in India as well as to serve customers and prospects efficiently and effectively. ANSYS is a global innovator of simulation software and technologies designed to optimize product development processes.
Yves Dehouck, regional sales director for ASEAN, Australia and India and channel director Asia Pacific, ANSYS Inc., said: "To allow more people to use our software and get better results on product engineering, ANSYS continues to expand and enhance its network of channel partners and direct offices. Together, we are working to deliver the value of ANSYS engineering simulation solutions to a large and growing customer base. Entuple Technologies’ and ATeN’s solid sales and support capabilities, commitment to the engineering simulation marketplace and broad geographical coverage make them the ideal partners for addressing opportunities in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
"Additionally, their capabilities complement and strengthen ANSYS India and the ANSYS product line, which will help accelerate the use of engineering simulation, enabling innovation and advancement in product design."
Entuple Technologies is now ANSYS sales channel partner in India for the electronics design products suite. Teaming with Entuple Technologies, ANSYS is working closely with leading customers and prospects in the automotive, aerospace and defense, and industrial equipment and rotating machinery industries to address their electronic design automation (EDA) needs.
“Many technology companies in our region are maturing into complete system development, so the Ansoft product line from ANSYS — the electronics design product suite — presents a huge market to service. Entuple, with its market knowledge and reach, is well positioned to complement ANSYS in this segment. Our solution-based approach to product representation and support enhances our customer experience," said Mehta S. D., director of sales at Entuple Technologies.
ATeN Systems and Technology Pvt. Ltd. is now ANSYS India’s PAN India educational product distributor. ATeN is focusing on the academic sector, offering ANSYS academic products in India.
Spectrum Control signs definitive agreement to acquire Summit Instruments
FAIRVIEW, USA: Spectrum Control Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of custom electronic products and systems, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Summit Instruments Inc.
Based in Akron, Ohio, Summit designs and manufactures custom accelerometers, gyros, inertial measurement systems, and related products and assemblies. The transaction is expected to close by the end of October. The total purchase price of the acquisition is approximately $5.2 million.
Dick Southworth, Spectrum Control's president and CEO, commented: "This acquisition, our fourth in the last eleven months, reflects our continued commitment to product and technology expansion. Summit's products include analog and digital accelerometers, analog rate gyros and sensors, inertial measurement systems, and a broad line of custom inertia sensor solutions.
"These complex products will expand and complement our existing sensors and control product offerings of precision position sensors and advanced thermal products which comprise our Sensors and Controls Business Segment. Currently, approximately 60 percent of Summit's revenues are generated from military and defense applications, including missile defense systems, and 40% are generated from numerous commercial uses, including wind turbines and test and measurement equipment. Recent annual revenues of Summit have approximated $4.5 million."
Based in Akron, Ohio, Summit designs and manufactures custom accelerometers, gyros, inertial measurement systems, and related products and assemblies. The transaction is expected to close by the end of October. The total purchase price of the acquisition is approximately $5.2 million.
Dick Southworth, Spectrum Control's president and CEO, commented: "This acquisition, our fourth in the last eleven months, reflects our continued commitment to product and technology expansion. Summit's products include analog and digital accelerometers, analog rate gyros and sensors, inertial measurement systems, and a broad line of custom inertia sensor solutions.
"These complex products will expand and complement our existing sensors and control product offerings of precision position sensors and advanced thermal products which comprise our Sensors and Controls Business Segment. Currently, approximately 60 percent of Summit's revenues are generated from military and defense applications, including missile defense systems, and 40% are generated from numerous commercial uses, including wind turbines and test and measurement equipment. Recent annual revenues of Summit have approximated $4.5 million."
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Epson to provide display controller platform that sharply improves e-paper product performance
TOKYO, JAPAN: Seiko Epson Corp. has developed a new display controller platform for electronic reading devices and other electronic paper products that provides laser-sharp image quality and rapid refreshes. The company will begin shipping the platform to e-paper-based product manufacturers in April 2011.
The display controller platform is built around core semiconductor chips and firmware used to control the driving of e-paper displays. These components are optimized to run together as a fine-tuned system.
The display control platform will enable e-paper product manufacturers to speed up their time to market by allowing them to efficiently develop products with fast display refresh times and the ability to display images as sharp and clear as any produced by a laser printer. Notably, the platform will facilitate the development of products for business and education applications, which typically require higher image quality and faster displays.
Epson is the world's no.1 supplier of controller ICs for e-paper displays, partnering with E Ink Holdings Inc. of Hsinchu, Taiwan, the world's number 1 supplier of e-paper. With more than a decade's worth of research and development in e-paper, Epson has accumulated a storehouse of technology and know-how, not to mention a large number of industry-leading patents.
Achieving a high-performance e-paper display normally requires fine-tuning of the display controller IC, peripheral devices, and firmware so that they operate optimally as a system. Currently, however, most e-paper product manufacturers combine supplier devices and components into a package with limited optimization. In addition, although current mainstream e-paper displays are 160 dpi, there are growing market needs for e-paper displays with higher resolution and high speed refreshes.
Epson is looking to change this situation and improve e-paper device performance by developing an optimized display controller platform for high-resolution e-paper displays. Toward this end, the company is leveraging its highly popular display controllers, along with its technological expertise, to tightly integrate the core devices, including the application processor, system power management IC and firmware. Further, it is combining them with the image processing technology that Epson originally developed for its photo-quality printers.
The display controller platform employs a newly developed e-paper display driving scheme that is unlike those used in current e-book readers. The new driving scheme capitalizes on high-speed image processing technology originally developed for Epson's photo-quality printers to enable e-paper displays with resolutions of 300 dpi and higher to be refreshed at high speed, which is ideal for higher education, professional office and general business environments.
E-paper devices outfitted with the display controller platform and a high-resolution e-paper display will render intricate content, such as "kanji" characters, mathematical formulas and engineering drawings, as well as illustrations, photographs and other images that require smooth gradations, much more clearly than current e-paper displays. They will also be able to flip through the pages of an e-book much faster than existing e-readers.
When combined with sensors, these devices will provide powerful handwriting recognition, a critical function for business applications. The sharp improvement in readability and usability are expected to fuel the popularity of e-paper products in Japan, China, and other regions where Chinese characters are used, as well as in business and education applications where huge amounts of data have to be processed.
In addition to its traditionally strong business in controller ICs for e-paper displays, Epson has identified the display controller platform as one of the electronic device businesses where the company will seek to fulfill its SE15 Long-Range Corporate Vision of creating platforms through the relentless pursuit of innovation in compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies.
As a leader in e-paper devices, Epson is committed to making major ongoing contributions to the popularity and future market growth of e-paper products, by improving their performance and developing new business applications.
The display controller platform is built around core semiconductor chips and firmware used to control the driving of e-paper displays. These components are optimized to run together as a fine-tuned system.
The display control platform will enable e-paper product manufacturers to speed up their time to market by allowing them to efficiently develop products with fast display refresh times and the ability to display images as sharp and clear as any produced by a laser printer. Notably, the platform will facilitate the development of products for business and education applications, which typically require higher image quality and faster displays.
Epson is the world's no.1 supplier of controller ICs for e-paper displays, partnering with E Ink Holdings Inc. of Hsinchu, Taiwan, the world's number 1 supplier of e-paper. With more than a decade's worth of research and development in e-paper, Epson has accumulated a storehouse of technology and know-how, not to mention a large number of industry-leading patents.
Achieving a high-performance e-paper display normally requires fine-tuning of the display controller IC, peripheral devices, and firmware so that they operate optimally as a system. Currently, however, most e-paper product manufacturers combine supplier devices and components into a package with limited optimization. In addition, although current mainstream e-paper displays are 160 dpi, there are growing market needs for e-paper displays with higher resolution and high speed refreshes.
Epson is looking to change this situation and improve e-paper device performance by developing an optimized display controller platform for high-resolution e-paper displays. Toward this end, the company is leveraging its highly popular display controllers, along with its technological expertise, to tightly integrate the core devices, including the application processor, system power management IC and firmware. Further, it is combining them with the image processing technology that Epson originally developed for its photo-quality printers.
The display controller platform employs a newly developed e-paper display driving scheme that is unlike those used in current e-book readers. The new driving scheme capitalizes on high-speed image processing technology originally developed for Epson's photo-quality printers to enable e-paper displays with resolutions of 300 dpi and higher to be refreshed at high speed, which is ideal for higher education, professional office and general business environments.
E-paper devices outfitted with the display controller platform and a high-resolution e-paper display will render intricate content, such as "kanji" characters, mathematical formulas and engineering drawings, as well as illustrations, photographs and other images that require smooth gradations, much more clearly than current e-paper displays. They will also be able to flip through the pages of an e-book much faster than existing e-readers.
When combined with sensors, these devices will provide powerful handwriting recognition, a critical function for business applications. The sharp improvement in readability and usability are expected to fuel the popularity of e-paper products in Japan, China, and other regions where Chinese characters are used, as well as in business and education applications where huge amounts of data have to be processed.
In addition to its traditionally strong business in controller ICs for e-paper displays, Epson has identified the display controller platform as one of the electronic device businesses where the company will seek to fulfill its SE15 Long-Range Corporate Vision of creating platforms through the relentless pursuit of innovation in compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies.
As a leader in e-paper devices, Epson is committed to making major ongoing contributions to the popularity and future market growth of e-paper products, by improving their performance and developing new business applications.
Integral Systems provides real-time HD full motion video over IP
SAN DIEGO & COLUMBIA, USA: Integral Systems Inc. announced at the International Telemetering Conference 2010 (ITC 2010) that RT Logic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integral Systems, has introduced the Telemetrix 500 Full Motion Video Over IP System (T500FMV).
The T500FMV transports visually lossless Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) full motion video over IP with minimal processing latency. Bandwidth efficient H.264 compression enables customers to leverage their existing infrastructure for video relays.
Applications requiring the transport of full motion video data across IP-based networks benefit from accomplishing end-to-end transport in the shortest possible time.
Typical examples include any application in which an operator-in-the-loop views full motion video from remote unmanned system sensors to facilitate real-time control of the device. In "sense and avoid" situations, the remote operator's situational awareness depends on real-time, high-quality video for quick reaction, mission assurance and safety.
"The RT Logic T500FMV brings leading-edge performance and quality to remote control and surveillance applications," said Derek Jones, T500FMV Product Manager, RT Logic. "Industry standard H.264 compression enables the most efficient use of available network bandwidth."
The T500 family of systems is built on a non-proprietary server-based architecture, enabling seamless integration with GigE and 10-GigE networks. In addition to full motion video, the T500FMV optionally transports audio and other analog/digital data sources over IP – a "one-box solution" for customer's most critical data. If network reliability is a concern, the T500FMV's integrated record/replay capability protects critical data during network outages.
The T500FMV is well suited for applications that have limited network bandwidth and are sensitive to latency, such as manual video tracking of fast objects moving over changing terrain. The appropriate compression algorithm is configurable for the application. Raw video mode can also be selected to eliminate any compression artifacts and effectively eliminate latency. A choice of network protocols enables ready integration of the T500FMV into any network.
The T500FMV transports visually lossless Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) full motion video over IP with minimal processing latency. Bandwidth efficient H.264 compression enables customers to leverage their existing infrastructure for video relays.
Applications requiring the transport of full motion video data across IP-based networks benefit from accomplishing end-to-end transport in the shortest possible time.
Typical examples include any application in which an operator-in-the-loop views full motion video from remote unmanned system sensors to facilitate real-time control of the device. In "sense and avoid" situations, the remote operator's situational awareness depends on real-time, high-quality video for quick reaction, mission assurance and safety.
"The RT Logic T500FMV brings leading-edge performance and quality to remote control and surveillance applications," said Derek Jones, T500FMV Product Manager, RT Logic. "Industry standard H.264 compression enables the most efficient use of available network bandwidth."
The T500 family of systems is built on a non-proprietary server-based architecture, enabling seamless integration with GigE and 10-GigE networks. In addition to full motion video, the T500FMV optionally transports audio and other analog/digital data sources over IP – a "one-box solution" for customer's most critical data. If network reliability is a concern, the T500FMV's integrated record/replay capability protects critical data during network outages.
The T500FMV is well suited for applications that have limited network bandwidth and are sensitive to latency, such as manual video tracking of fast objects moving over changing terrain. The appropriate compression algorithm is configurable for the application. Raw video mode can also be selected to eliminate any compression artifacts and effectively eliminate latency. A choice of network protocols enables ready integration of the T500FMV into any network.
DiBcom celebrates 10 years of success
PARIS, FRANCE: DiBcom, the market leader in digital and mobile TV reception components, celebrates its 10th birthday this year.
More than 25 million components sold all over the world!
This year, DiBcom has broken the 25 million barrier for components delivered, by offering components at the cutting edge of technology which can be integrated into all types of products. The programmable Octopus platform offers a high performing, flexible, economic solution which is compatible with all global TV standards.
Automobile TV receivers
DiBcom is the first company to have introduced in-car DTT reception and works with leading car manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes. DiBcom also equips Mio and Garmin Navigation devices to receive television.
USB keys and portable computers
DiBcom made a major contribution to the development of DTT reception for PCs by launching one of the first chips adapted for this market. Alongside Hauppauge, DiBcom has provided numerous solutions for the PC and were also one of the forerunners for the Apple market by developing a solution with Elgato.
Multimedia devices and mobile telephones
DiBcom put the first digital terrestrial television chip on the market which enables DTT reception, particularly on LG mobile phones. In partnership with Alcatel Lucent, Eutelsat and Solaris, DiBcom also introduced the first DVB-SH chip capable of receiving a mobile TV signal via satellite.
DTT decoders
DiBcom has been providing DTT reception solutions with the highest levels of integration for Digital TV Set Top Boxes which can access television signals, either via the internet or DTT. DiBcom achieved 80 percent market share in 2010 in South America.
“Offering high quality of reception on every type of video screen is the foundation of DiBcom’s vision for the fixed and mobile TV markets,” says Yannick Lévy, CEO of DiBcom. “We are proud to have supplied our technology to the visionaries of these markets throughout the world for the last 10 years, ” he concluded.
More than 25 million components sold all over the world!
This year, DiBcom has broken the 25 million barrier for components delivered, by offering components at the cutting edge of technology which can be integrated into all types of products. The programmable Octopus platform offers a high performing, flexible, economic solution which is compatible with all global TV standards.
Automobile TV receivers
DiBcom is the first company to have introduced in-car DTT reception and works with leading car manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes. DiBcom also equips Mio and Garmin Navigation devices to receive television.
USB keys and portable computers
DiBcom made a major contribution to the development of DTT reception for PCs by launching one of the first chips adapted for this market. Alongside Hauppauge, DiBcom has provided numerous solutions for the PC and were also one of the forerunners for the Apple market by developing a solution with Elgato.
Multimedia devices and mobile telephones
DiBcom put the first digital terrestrial television chip on the market which enables DTT reception, particularly on LG mobile phones. In partnership with Alcatel Lucent, Eutelsat and Solaris, DiBcom also introduced the first DVB-SH chip capable of receiving a mobile TV signal via satellite.
DTT decoders
DiBcom has been providing DTT reception solutions with the highest levels of integration for Digital TV Set Top Boxes which can access television signals, either via the internet or DTT. DiBcom achieved 80 percent market share in 2010 in South America.
“Offering high quality of reception on every type of video screen is the foundation of DiBcom’s vision for the fixed and mobile TV markets,” says Yannick Lévy, CEO of DiBcom. “We are proud to have supplied our technology to the visionaries of these markets throughout the world for the last 10 years, ” he concluded.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Flextronics Global Services expands operations in Europe and India to support customer demand
SINGAPORE: To better support increased market demand for existing Fortune 500 OEM customers, Flextronics Global Services (FGS), a business unit of Flextronics announced that it has opened two new facilities in Milan, Italy and Delhi, India.
The 240,000 square feet Milan facility is the first FGS operation for forward logistics and value added services (VAS) in this region, while the newly opened 20,000 square feet Delhi facility offers fulfillment and managed logistics support for OEMs expanding their operations in Northern India. The Delhi location augments an already well-established footprint of facilities throughout India.
From its Milan location, FGS will provide order fulfillment and other strategic services for its global OEM customers that market a range of popular consumer electronics products. This facility is expected to initially serve the Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swiss markets.
From its newly-built Delhi location, FGS will provide a full range of services to support top OEMs that include fulfillment managed logistics services. From Delhi, FGS will also provide value-added services including engineering support and product upgrades for high-end office automation products, communication equipment and mobile phones.
We are very excited to announce our new facilities and additional capabilities, which help us to meet the growing needs of customers in these regions," said John O'Sullivan, president, FGS.
"Our facility in Italy enables FGS to serve key markets and provides us with an increased operational presence to expand in the region. The new facility in Delhi, along with the existing Flextronics' facilities in Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai has greatly strengthened our capabilities in India, allowing us to better meet increased customer demand for turnkey end-to-end solutions such as warranty redemption, product postponement and other value-added post-manufacturing supply chain services."
FGS offers one of the most extensive portfolios of post-manufacturing services in the world, including distribution and supplier managed inventory, reverse logistics and repair, product transformation and service part logistics.
The 240,000 square feet Milan facility is the first FGS operation for forward logistics and value added services (VAS) in this region, while the newly opened 20,000 square feet Delhi facility offers fulfillment and managed logistics support for OEMs expanding their operations in Northern India. The Delhi location augments an already well-established footprint of facilities throughout India.
From its Milan location, FGS will provide order fulfillment and other strategic services for its global OEM customers that market a range of popular consumer electronics products. This facility is expected to initially serve the Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swiss markets.
From its newly-built Delhi location, FGS will provide a full range of services to support top OEMs that include fulfillment managed logistics services. From Delhi, FGS will also provide value-added services including engineering support and product upgrades for high-end office automation products, communication equipment and mobile phones.
We are very excited to announce our new facilities and additional capabilities, which help us to meet the growing needs of customers in these regions," said John O'Sullivan, president, FGS.
"Our facility in Italy enables FGS to serve key markets and provides us with an increased operational presence to expand in the region. The new facility in Delhi, along with the existing Flextronics' facilities in Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai has greatly strengthened our capabilities in India, allowing us to better meet increased customer demand for turnkey end-to-end solutions such as warranty redemption, product postponement and other value-added post-manufacturing supply chain services."
FGS offers one of the most extensive portfolios of post-manufacturing services in the world, including distribution and supplier managed inventory, reverse logistics and repair, product transformation and service part logistics.
Rugged 6U VPX SBC from Aitech delivers integrated on-board I/O resources
CHATSWORTH, USA: Aitech Defense Systems Inc., the world's first and largest independent manufacturer of open architecture electronic boards and subsystem level products for harsh, environmentally-demanding defense and aerospace applications, has introduced a unique, rugged 6U VPX SBC (single board computer) that offers the selection between PCI Express or Serial Rapid IO (SRIO) and a host of on-board I/O ports.
Using an integrated dual core PowerPC processor, the new single-slot C110 combines low power performance with increased memory capabilities, making the board ideal for Radar system boot computers, Sonar processors, Video and Graphics engines and single board process and machine control applications.
Because it is built to OpenVPX (VITA 65) and VPX (VITA 46.0) specifications, the C110 is fully compliant with legacy VME operations, such as VME64 per VITA 46.1, while supporting advanced VME protocols including 2eSST and 2eVME.
Four x4 ports, are configurable to either Serial RapidIO (SRIO) or PCI Express (PCIe), make up the VPX core backplane fabric. Via the I2C bus, the VPX connectors also provide system level management monitoring of the board's status, including monitoring key, rail voltages and temperatures.
The C110's extensive on-board I/O resources include four Gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, two SATA 2.0 ports, six asynchronous serial ports and eight GPIO (general purpose discrete I/O) channels. Additionally, the board comes with two PMC/XMC slots and an optional Aitech I/O module (AIOM) slot for the installation of user-customized I/O interfaces.
The MPC 8640D processor features dual e600 cores operating at 1.25 GHz, each with 64 kB of L1 and 1 MB of L2 on-chip, high speed cache. Additional memory includes a large, fast 2 GB bank of dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM with ECC, 128 MB of user Flash for firmware, user application and data storage functions as well as 8 GB of high density NAND Flash memory for mass storage.
Withstanding extreme military shock and vibration over an extended temperature range of -55 degrees C to +85 degrees C (Mil-Spec), the new C110 remains reliable in extreme environmental conditions. A sophisticated thermal management design enables optimal heat dissipation across the board and heat rejection from the card edges, regardless of whether the board is conduction- or convection-cooled.
Using an integrated dual core PowerPC processor, the new single-slot C110 combines low power performance with increased memory capabilities, making the board ideal for Radar system boot computers, Sonar processors, Video and Graphics engines and single board process and machine control applications.
Because it is built to OpenVPX (VITA 65) and VPX (VITA 46.0) specifications, the C110 is fully compliant with legacy VME operations, such as VME64 per VITA 46.1, while supporting advanced VME protocols including 2eSST and 2eVME.
Four x4 ports, are configurable to either Serial RapidIO (SRIO) or PCI Express (PCIe), make up the VPX core backplane fabric. Via the I2C bus, the VPX connectors also provide system level management monitoring of the board's status, including monitoring key, rail voltages and temperatures.
The C110's extensive on-board I/O resources include four Gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, two SATA 2.0 ports, six asynchronous serial ports and eight GPIO (general purpose discrete I/O) channels. Additionally, the board comes with two PMC/XMC slots and an optional Aitech I/O module (AIOM) slot for the installation of user-customized I/O interfaces.
The MPC 8640D processor features dual e600 cores operating at 1.25 GHz, each with 64 kB of L1 and 1 MB of L2 on-chip, high speed cache. Additional memory includes a large, fast 2 GB bank of dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM with ECC, 128 MB of user Flash for firmware, user application and data storage functions as well as 8 GB of high density NAND Flash memory for mass storage.
Withstanding extreme military shock and vibration over an extended temperature range of -55 degrees C to +85 degrees C (Mil-Spec), the new C110 remains reliable in extreme environmental conditions. A sophisticated thermal management design enables optimal heat dissipation across the board and heat rejection from the card edges, regardless of whether the board is conduction- or convection-cooled.
Sarnoff awarded subcontract for TerraSight ground stations for PGSS use
PRINCETON, USA: Sarnoff Corp. has been awarded a subcontract by NEANY Inc. issued under a prime contract with the Naval Air Systems Command to provide TerraSight Ground Stations (TGS) for use in the Persistent Ground Surveillance System (PGSS).
The TerraSight Ground Stations will run Sarnoff’s TerraSight video exploitation software.
PGSS is a rapidly fielded system that includes a sensor-equipped, helium-filled aerostat platform. The system increases intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities and provides a more complete surveillance picture through inclusion of information from new sensor systems.
TerraSight is a field-proven, advanced C4ISR-enabling solution that provides the theater with a common operating picture that fuses multiple real-time video and data feeds from a variety of sensors. Video and data feeds are then overlaid onto a 3D terrain map in real time.
“US Central Command has stated an urgent need to protect forward operating bases,” said Mark Clifton, Sarnoff’s Acting president and CEO. “The TerraSight Ground Station will help PGSS quickly and cost effectively get into the field and provide full situational understanding where it’s needed most.”
The TerraSight Ground Stations will run Sarnoff’s TerraSight video exploitation software.
PGSS is a rapidly fielded system that includes a sensor-equipped, helium-filled aerostat platform. The system increases intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities and provides a more complete surveillance picture through inclusion of information from new sensor systems.
TerraSight is a field-proven, advanced C4ISR-enabling solution that provides the theater with a common operating picture that fuses multiple real-time video and data feeds from a variety of sensors. Video and data feeds are then overlaid onto a 3D terrain map in real time.
“US Central Command has stated an urgent need to protect forward operating bases,” said Mark Clifton, Sarnoff’s Acting president and CEO. “The TerraSight Ground Station will help PGSS quickly and cost effectively get into the field and provide full situational understanding where it’s needed most.”
Monday, October 25, 2010
Focus on cost-efficient storage to result in lower power and cooling costs in near term
FRAMINGHAM, USA: In a follow up to the industry's only in-depth analysis of the costs to power and cool enterprise storage worldwide, International Data Corp. (IDC) has found that these costs are likely to level off in the 2013-2014 timeframe.
The temporary plateau in storage power and cooling costs will be brought about by several key trends: the migration to smaller (2.5in.), more energy efficient enterprise-class hard disk drives (HDDs); greater utilization of existing storage capacity; and the continued adoption of solid state drives (SSDs) and various other storage efficiency technologies (e.g., data deduplication, compression, and thin provisioning).
"There is no doubt that the economic straits of 2008 and 2009 modified the attitudes and behaviors of IT managers and system OEMs, greatly accelerating interest in and the adoption of more cost-efficient storage strategies," said David Reinsel, group vice president for Storage Systems at IDC.
"While the direction of these efforts is good, and the inflection point toward lower costs is notable, it's not likely the trend will be sustainable. Once the migration to cost-efficient hardware and strategies is complete, the steady expansion in capacity will result in renewed growth in energy costs."
Enterprise storage remained a key area of investment for CIOs and IT managers throughout the economic downturn, driven by the continuous pressure to store more and more data. Annual capacity shipments within enterprise storage (external) increased 38 percent year-over-year in 2009, while shipments of HDDs into external enterprise storage increased by 10 percent year over year.
However, interest in storage efficiency technologies grew throughout the period as IT budgets turned flat or declined. While storage efficiency technologies can bring about one-time efficiency gains and savings within the datacenter, migrating to components that consume less power, and hence generate less heat, offers important energy savings over the long term.
In addition to smaller form factor HDDs and low-power SSDs, another important part of the storage efficiency strategies has been the shift toward slower-spinning SATA drives, which have a 2x storage capacity advantage over traditional high performance enterprise drives. Combined, these technologies will play a critical part in slowing the growth in enterprise storage power and cooling costs, and the associated carbon footprint, over the next several years.
The temporary plateau in storage power and cooling costs will be brought about by several key trends: the migration to smaller (2.5in.), more energy efficient enterprise-class hard disk drives (HDDs); greater utilization of existing storage capacity; and the continued adoption of solid state drives (SSDs) and various other storage efficiency technologies (e.g., data deduplication, compression, and thin provisioning).
"There is no doubt that the economic straits of 2008 and 2009 modified the attitudes and behaviors of IT managers and system OEMs, greatly accelerating interest in and the adoption of more cost-efficient storage strategies," said David Reinsel, group vice president for Storage Systems at IDC.
"While the direction of these efforts is good, and the inflection point toward lower costs is notable, it's not likely the trend will be sustainable. Once the migration to cost-efficient hardware and strategies is complete, the steady expansion in capacity will result in renewed growth in energy costs."
Enterprise storage remained a key area of investment for CIOs and IT managers throughout the economic downturn, driven by the continuous pressure to store more and more data. Annual capacity shipments within enterprise storage (external) increased 38 percent year-over-year in 2009, while shipments of HDDs into external enterprise storage increased by 10 percent year over year.
However, interest in storage efficiency technologies grew throughout the period as IT budgets turned flat or declined. While storage efficiency technologies can bring about one-time efficiency gains and savings within the datacenter, migrating to components that consume less power, and hence generate less heat, offers important energy savings over the long term.
In addition to smaller form factor HDDs and low-power SSDs, another important part of the storage efficiency strategies has been the shift toward slower-spinning SATA drives, which have a 2x storage capacity advantage over traditional high performance enterprise drives. Combined, these technologies will play a critical part in slowing the growth in enterprise storage power and cooling costs, and the associated carbon footprint, over the next several years.
While 3D TV captures consumer attention, industry tunes into connected TV
SANTA CLARA, USA: While much of the news coverage surrounding TV features concentrates on 3D, the quiet revolution of connected TV is reaching new heights with over 40 million units expected to ship in 2010.
According to the DisplaySearch Q3’10 Quarterly TV Design and Features Report, the category is forecast to grow to over 118 million in 2014. TV set makers continue to develop new service platforms to offer a variety of new formats for TV viewing, while broadcasters are also launching their own standards and portals this quarter, such as Hbb.TV and YouView.
Fig. 1: DisplaySearch Connected TV Forecast (2009-2014).
Source: DisplaySearch Quarterly TV Design and Features Report.
“It’s an exciting time for the connected TV sector,” said Paul Gray, DisplaySearch Director of European TV Research. “It’s a battleground where TV set makers, internet video companies, free-to-air broadcasters, pay-TV and the IT industry are all rushing to stake their claims. IPTV is moving from being a technology to becoming recognizable service offerings.”
Despite the growth of the connected TV segment, no clear front-runner has emerged. The Quarterly TV Design and Features Report reveals that only around 10% of the connected TVs sold in Japan have joined a network so far, while expectations for North America have been scaled back as the TV market struggles in the region this year.
Gray added: “It has been a long, challenging journey so far, especially with new competitors like Google TV joining the battle. Set makers will have to acquire new skills such as negotiating content deals in order to succeed. I think most of the TV supply chain senses that this is a seismic shift in the usage of TV that will be far more significant than 3D, which will not alter TV function or usage patterns.”
It is expected that the connected TV market will split, with basic connected sets carrying enhanced services such as Hbb.TV, YouView and VuDu, while the smart TV segment will encompass configurable apps, sophisticated search and navigation engines, and advanced user interfaces.
DisplaySearch defines a smart TV as one that can retrieve content from beyond walled gardens, has intelligent search and recommendation, is upgradeable by its owner, and is able to network seamlessly with other devices in the home.
According to the DisplaySearch Q3’10 Quarterly TV Design and Features Report, the category is forecast to grow to over 118 million in 2014. TV set makers continue to develop new service platforms to offer a variety of new formats for TV viewing, while broadcasters are also launching their own standards and portals this quarter, such as Hbb.TV and YouView.
Fig. 1: DisplaySearch Connected TV Forecast (2009-2014).
Source: DisplaySearch Quarterly TV Design and Features Report.“It’s an exciting time for the connected TV sector,” said Paul Gray, DisplaySearch Director of European TV Research. “It’s a battleground where TV set makers, internet video companies, free-to-air broadcasters, pay-TV and the IT industry are all rushing to stake their claims. IPTV is moving from being a technology to becoming recognizable service offerings.”
Despite the growth of the connected TV segment, no clear front-runner has emerged. The Quarterly TV Design and Features Report reveals that only around 10% of the connected TVs sold in Japan have joined a network so far, while expectations for North America have been scaled back as the TV market struggles in the region this year.
Gray added: “It has been a long, challenging journey so far, especially with new competitors like Google TV joining the battle. Set makers will have to acquire new skills such as negotiating content deals in order to succeed. I think most of the TV supply chain senses that this is a seismic shift in the usage of TV that will be far more significant than 3D, which will not alter TV function or usage patterns.”
It is expected that the connected TV market will split, with basic connected sets carrying enhanced services such as Hbb.TV, YouView and VuDu, while the smart TV segment will encompass configurable apps, sophisticated search and navigation engines, and advanced user interfaces.
DisplaySearch defines a smart TV as one that can retrieve content from beyond walled gardens, has intelligent search and recommendation, is upgradeable by its owner, and is able to network seamlessly with other devices in the home.
CTS expands Thailand EMS capabilities
ELKHART, USA: CTS Corp., a leading supplier of electronics manufacturing services, will significantly expand its existing manufacturing site in Ayutthaya, Thailand. CTS will nearly double its capacity by adding 30,000 sq. ft. of space to its facility near Bangkok.
CTS Thailand is currently the Asia center for high-technology printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), supporting medical and other high reliability sectors. The investment will enable CTS to expand its value add services, providing complex box build and high level mechanical assembly.
The building expansion will be completed by mid-2011, when CTS Thailand will consolidate its position as a major provider of complex EMS services in Southeast Asia.
It will continue to support customers in the higher reliability medical, military, communications and industrial electronics sectors who need lower cost manufacturing support in Asia. CTS Thailand is also ISO13485 (Medical), AS9100 (Aerospace) and TL9000 (Telecommunications) certified.
CTS Thailand is currently the Asia center for high-technology printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), supporting medical and other high reliability sectors. The investment will enable CTS to expand its value add services, providing complex box build and high level mechanical assembly.
The building expansion will be completed by mid-2011, when CTS Thailand will consolidate its position as a major provider of complex EMS services in Southeast Asia.
It will continue to support customers in the higher reliability medical, military, communications and industrial electronics sectors who need lower cost manufacturing support in Asia. CTS Thailand is also ISO13485 (Medical), AS9100 (Aerospace) and TL9000 (Telecommunications) certified.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Tektronix raises bar for oscilloscope sampling rates, signal integrity
BANGALORE, INDIA: Tektronix Inc. has announced the DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series of digital and mixed signal that deliver 100 GS/s sampling rate performance; enabling lower noise along with increased data points on 5x oversampled 20 GHz acquisitions.
This world’s best over-sampling performance in a high bandwidth oscilloscope delivers significant real-world benefits including more accurate signal integrity measurements for such high-speed serial standards as PCI Express Gen 3. Other enhancements include a new, faster compute platform and a more stable timebase, ideal for radar applications.
High-performance oscilloscopes with bandwidth of greater than 4 GHz are used in a variety of high-speed serial, wideband radar, fast optical communications systems, high-end embedded systems, and high-energy physics applications.
As designs move to faster and faster data rates, the margin provided by the measurement system becomes a critical factor. The DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series, with its unprecedented 5x oversampling, delivers the performance and signal fidelity designers need to ensure that their latest cutting edge components and systems meet design specifications.
“With few exceptions, the most important requirement for a high-performance oscilloscope is that it have a high sample rate that in turn leads to a lower noise floor and less jitter, thus providing a better performing instrument for signal integrity measurements,” said Brian Reich, GM, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix.
“The DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series, with its 100 GS/s acquisition performance, gives our customers even more measurement margins that they can put to use today to increase their designs’ performance levels and lower manufacturing costs.”
Along with a two-fold increase in sampling rate compared to the “B” Series it replaces, the DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series features a faster compute platform. This new platform offers faster processing for longer data records such as jitter, noise, BER (bit error rate) measurements and statistics. Boot and application start up times are also significantly quicker.
This world’s best over-sampling performance in a high bandwidth oscilloscope delivers significant real-world benefits including more accurate signal integrity measurements for such high-speed serial standards as PCI Express Gen 3. Other enhancements include a new, faster compute platform and a more stable timebase, ideal for radar applications.
High-performance oscilloscopes with bandwidth of greater than 4 GHz are used in a variety of high-speed serial, wideband radar, fast optical communications systems, high-end embedded systems, and high-energy physics applications.
As designs move to faster and faster data rates, the margin provided by the measurement system becomes a critical factor. The DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series, with its unprecedented 5x oversampling, delivers the performance and signal fidelity designers need to ensure that their latest cutting edge components and systems meet design specifications.
“With few exceptions, the most important requirement for a high-performance oscilloscope is that it have a high sample rate that in turn leads to a lower noise floor and less jitter, thus providing a better performing instrument for signal integrity measurements,” said Brian Reich, GM, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix.
“The DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series, with its 100 GS/s acquisition performance, gives our customers even more measurement margins that they can put to use today to increase their designs’ performance levels and lower manufacturing costs.”
Along with a two-fold increase in sampling rate compared to the “B” Series it replaces, the DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series features a faster compute platform. This new platform offers faster processing for longer data records such as jitter, noise, BER (bit error rate) measurements and statistics. Boot and application start up times are also significantly quicker.
Smart Guard Systems bags prestigious Coimbatore City surveillance project
AHMEDABAD, INDIA: Smart Guard Systems, the first and only Indian company to design and manufacture network based IP surveillance products and solutions, has bagged the contract for Coimbatore City Surveillance project.
This complex project will involve the deployment of more than two hundred cameras, of which 60 cameras will be Speed Dome cameras with feature of 360° rotating view and zoom.
Smart Guard will supply 200 one channel encoders and Video Management Software to Coimbatore City Surveillance Project, through its channel partner Netcom Online Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. The Encoder will be needed to convert analog systems into the IP Surveillance and Smart Monitor Nova; a robust Video Management Software required for Centre Monitoring.
Moreover, Smart Monitor Nova will facilitate the monitoring of the live feed of various cameras to be located at different places of Coimbatore City.
The cameras and encoders to be installed at various traffic signals and important points in Coimbatore city will transmit this video on wireless infrastructure. A Video Management Software will be set up at control room, enabling SGS’ Surveillance Solution to make the city highly safe and secure.
Smart Guard’s 1-Channel encoder SSS200FZ will play a significant role in this project, work alongside with the existing analog systems. The encoders provide easy integration with traditional analog systems, ensuring a smooth migration towards an IP solution. In addition to that, user can record audio and video simultaneously with the help of high performance DSP based chipset’s hardware compression.
The encoder features dual streams and supports variable bit rate and frame rate with no loss on image quality in the process. The encoders are built on the embedded Linux operating system for secured operations.
In addition to that, Smart Monitor Nova the robust and enterprise level software for Smartguard supports multiple codecs like MJPEG, MPEG4 and H.264. It also accepts HD and megapixel video streams from Network Cameras and encoders. The Video Management Software helps to view live video from multiple sources locally and remotely over the Internet, record video from multiple sources and play it back later, locally or remotely and export previously recorded video to preserve it and to present it as evidence.
Furthermore, the Video Management Software supports major brands of network (IP) cameras, devices and servers and easily integrate with unlimited number of cameras and clients. The Software has many other advanced features, which will be helpful in this project.
This complex project will involve the deployment of more than two hundred cameras, of which 60 cameras will be Speed Dome cameras with feature of 360° rotating view and zoom.
Smart Guard will supply 200 one channel encoders and Video Management Software to Coimbatore City Surveillance Project, through its channel partner Netcom Online Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. The Encoder will be needed to convert analog systems into the IP Surveillance and Smart Monitor Nova; a robust Video Management Software required for Centre Monitoring.
Moreover, Smart Monitor Nova will facilitate the monitoring of the live feed of various cameras to be located at different places of Coimbatore City.
The cameras and encoders to be installed at various traffic signals and important points in Coimbatore city will transmit this video on wireless infrastructure. A Video Management Software will be set up at control room, enabling SGS’ Surveillance Solution to make the city highly safe and secure.
Smart Guard’s 1-Channel encoder SSS200FZ will play a significant role in this project, work alongside with the existing analog systems. The encoders provide easy integration with traditional analog systems, ensuring a smooth migration towards an IP solution. In addition to that, user can record audio and video simultaneously with the help of high performance DSP based chipset’s hardware compression.
The encoder features dual streams and supports variable bit rate and frame rate with no loss on image quality in the process. The encoders are built on the embedded Linux operating system for secured operations.
In addition to that, Smart Monitor Nova the robust and enterprise level software for Smartguard supports multiple codecs like MJPEG, MPEG4 and H.264. It also accepts HD and megapixel video streams from Network Cameras and encoders. The Video Management Software helps to view live video from multiple sources locally and remotely over the Internet, record video from multiple sources and play it back later, locally or remotely and export previously recorded video to preserve it and to present it as evidence.
Furthermore, the Video Management Software supports major brands of network (IP) cameras, devices and servers and easily integrate with unlimited number of cameras and clients. The Software has many other advanced features, which will be helpful in this project.
Mitsubishi Electric launches 5.7-inch color TFT-LCD module for industrial use
TOKYO, JAPAN: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. has launchedits 5.7-inch, QVGA color TFT-LCD module with a white light emitting diode (LED).
This industrial-use model features high brightness, long backlight life and a built-in LED driver in a low power consumption LCD module design. Sale of the module begins on December 1, 2010 through this Mitsubishi Electric sales website.
In recent years, TFT-LCD modules are widely used in a variety of applications such as factory automation, measurement equipment and commercial and industrial inventory control. These applications require modules to be slim, compact, and lightweight, and also call for high brightness with low power consumption and longer operational life. With this addition to its lineup of industrial-use TFT-LCD modules, Mitsubishi Electric aims to meet the needs of its customers.
The product features are as follows:
Long-life backlight with high brightness and low power consumption
* At a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, the LED backlight has a typical operating life of 100,000 hours.
* 450 cd/m2 high brightness for better visibility in bright environments.
* Total power consumption (including backlight) is reduced to 1.83 W, which is 44 percent less than the previous model.
Built-in LED driver
* An LED driver is built into the module to achieve a more compact design and lower product cost.
* High-voltage inverter not required.
Slim, lightweight construction design of less than 9mm
* Improved backlight structure design reduces thickness to 8.8mm, which is 32 percent thinner than the previous model.
* Module weight is 165 grams, which is 14 percent lighter than the previous model.
* Mitsubishi Electric's standard AA057QB03 model.
Environmentally conscious construction
* The TFT-LCD module is fully compliant with the European Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS) directive, and is completely mercury-free.
This industrial-use model features high brightness, long backlight life and a built-in LED driver in a low power consumption LCD module design. Sale of the module begins on December 1, 2010 through this Mitsubishi Electric sales website.
In recent years, TFT-LCD modules are widely used in a variety of applications such as factory automation, measurement equipment and commercial and industrial inventory control. These applications require modules to be slim, compact, and lightweight, and also call for high brightness with low power consumption and longer operational life. With this addition to its lineup of industrial-use TFT-LCD modules, Mitsubishi Electric aims to meet the needs of its customers.
The product features are as follows:
Long-life backlight with high brightness and low power consumption
* At a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, the LED backlight has a typical operating life of 100,000 hours.
* 450 cd/m2 high brightness for better visibility in bright environments.
* Total power consumption (including backlight) is reduced to 1.83 W, which is 44 percent less than the previous model.
Built-in LED driver
* An LED driver is built into the module to achieve a more compact design and lower product cost.
* High-voltage inverter not required.
Slim, lightweight construction design of less than 9mm
* Improved backlight structure design reduces thickness to 8.8mm, which is 32 percent thinner than the previous model.
* Module weight is 165 grams, which is 14 percent lighter than the previous model.
* Mitsubishi Electric's standard AA057QB03 model.
Environmentally conscious construction
* The TFT-LCD module is fully compliant with the European Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS) directive, and is completely mercury-free.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tektronix raises bar for oscilloscope sampling rates, signal integrity
BANGALORE, INDIA: Tektronix Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of oscilloscopes, announced the DPO/DSA/MSO70000C series of digital and mixed signal oscilloscopes that now deliver 100 GS/s sampling rate performance; enabling lower noise along with increased data points on 5x oversampled 20 GHz acquisitions.
This world’s best over-sampling performance in a high bandwidth oscilloscope delivers significant real-world benefits including more accurate signal integrity measurements for such high-speed serial standards as PCI Express Gen 3. Other enhancements include a new, faster compute platform and a more stable timebase, ideal for radar applications.
High-performance oscilloscopes with bandwidth of greater than 4 GHz are used in a variety of high-speed serial, wideband radar, fast optical communications systems, high-end embedded systems, and high-energy physics applications.
As designs move to faster and faster data rates, the margin provided by the measurement system becomes a critical factor. The DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series, with its unprecedented 5x oversampling, delivers the performance and signal fidelity designers need to ensure that their latest cutting edge components and systems meet design specifications.
“With few exceptions, the most important requirement for a high-performance oscilloscope is that it have a high sample rate that in turn leads to a lower noise floor and less jitter, thus providing a better performing instrument for signal integrity measurements,” said Brian Reich, general manager, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. “The DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series, with its 100 GS/s acquisition performance, gives our customers even more measurement margins that they can put to use today to increase their designs’ performance levels and lower manufacturing costs.”
Along with a two-fold increase in sampling rate compared to the “B” Series it replaces, the DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series features a faster compute platform. This new platform offers faster processing for longer data records such as jitter, noise, BER (bit error rate) measurements and statistics. Boot and application start up times are also significantly quicker.
“With the DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series Tektronix delivers performance in all the right places where it will help us characterize designs with more speed and precision,” said Mark Marlett, principal engineer at Xilinx. “With adequate oversampling, we get more data points in our measurement results to accurately understand rise time performance on fast signals. With the 70000 Series, we gain confidence using real data versus having to guess with lesser sampling rates.”
In any digital oscilloscope, there is a strong correlation between sampling rate and internal noise -- a high sampling rate results in less noise which in turn leads to more margin for the user. As shown by extensive comparison testing, the DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series with 100 GS/s operation delivers up to 20 percent reduction in noise compared to the 50 GS/s setting on the same instrument.
This world’s best over-sampling performance in a high bandwidth oscilloscope delivers significant real-world benefits including more accurate signal integrity measurements for such high-speed serial standards as PCI Express Gen 3. Other enhancements include a new, faster compute platform and a more stable timebase, ideal for radar applications.
High-performance oscilloscopes with bandwidth of greater than 4 GHz are used in a variety of high-speed serial, wideband radar, fast optical communications systems, high-end embedded systems, and high-energy physics applications.
As designs move to faster and faster data rates, the margin provided by the measurement system becomes a critical factor. The DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series, with its unprecedented 5x oversampling, delivers the performance and signal fidelity designers need to ensure that their latest cutting edge components and systems meet design specifications.
“With few exceptions, the most important requirement for a high-performance oscilloscope is that it have a high sample rate that in turn leads to a lower noise floor and less jitter, thus providing a better performing instrument for signal integrity measurements,” said Brian Reich, general manager, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. “The DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series, with its 100 GS/s acquisition performance, gives our customers even more measurement margins that they can put to use today to increase their designs’ performance levels and lower manufacturing costs.”
Along with a two-fold increase in sampling rate compared to the “B” Series it replaces, the DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series features a faster compute platform. This new platform offers faster processing for longer data records such as jitter, noise, BER (bit error rate) measurements and statistics. Boot and application start up times are also significantly quicker.
“With the DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series Tektronix delivers performance in all the right places where it will help us characterize designs with more speed and precision,” said Mark Marlett, principal engineer at Xilinx. “With adequate oversampling, we get more data points in our measurement results to accurately understand rise time performance on fast signals. With the 70000 Series, we gain confidence using real data versus having to guess with lesser sampling rates.”
In any digital oscilloscope, there is a strong correlation between sampling rate and internal noise -- a high sampling rate results in less noise which in turn leads to more margin for the user. As shown by extensive comparison testing, the DPO/DSA/MSO70000C Series with 100 GS/s operation delivers up to 20 percent reduction in noise compared to the 50 GS/s setting on the same instrument.
Anchor Electricals showcases home automation systems
CHENNAI, INDIA: Anchor Electricals, India’s top maker of the electrical construction materials, fully owned subsidy of Panasonic will be showcasing Panasonic FULL–2WAY Remote Lighting Control System at the India Green Building Council, 2010 to be held at Chennai.
A product from the house of Panasonic Japan, Full2 way remote lighting control system is being marketed and supported in India by Anchor Electricals Pvt Ltd. Panasonic Intelligent Automation products and state-of-the-art automation control equipment are designed to meet a wide range of needs, including demanding size, service life and reliability requirements. They are used for the automation of the private and public buildings.
The Green Building Congress is India's flagship event on Green Buildings and is an ideal platform to learn more on the latest & emerging trends in green buildings taking place around the globe. FULL–2WAY is wiring system that provides you the advanced lighting control method.
Lighting control is the future of lighting and offers building owners and manager’s one of today’s greatest opportunities for saving energy with better lighting environment and reduced energy costs. It is targeted to reduce the energy consumption for the medium and the large scale projects.
Manoj Dalal Deputy National Marketing Head Anchor, said: “Green Building Congress is a brilliant industry platform for showcasing the new innovations. Anchor has always been committed to introducing newer technologies for improving the lives of our customers. We are pleased to showcase our newest offering that will change the industry dynamics.”
Panasonic, the worldwide leader in technology and innovation, has been successfully running a unique green initiative christened as “Eco Ideas”.
With the vision of becoming the number one green innovation company in the electronics industry, Panasonic under Eco Ideas programme not only develops more energy-efficient, state-of-the-art products but also encourages customers to live eco-conscious lifestyles with an aim to reduce CO2 emissions in households and manufacturing units.
At Panasonic, designers and engineers constantly endeavor to ensure that each evolution of product is better than its previous version by following stringent process to ensure environmental compatibility by deploying technology to design products that are more energy efficient, water efficient and long lasting.
A product from the house of Panasonic Japan, Full2 way remote lighting control system is being marketed and supported in India by Anchor Electricals Pvt Ltd. Panasonic Intelligent Automation products and state-of-the-art automation control equipment are designed to meet a wide range of needs, including demanding size, service life and reliability requirements. They are used for the automation of the private and public buildings.
The Green Building Congress is India's flagship event on Green Buildings and is an ideal platform to learn more on the latest & emerging trends in green buildings taking place around the globe. FULL–2WAY is wiring system that provides you the advanced lighting control method.
Lighting control is the future of lighting and offers building owners and manager’s one of today’s greatest opportunities for saving energy with better lighting environment and reduced energy costs. It is targeted to reduce the energy consumption for the medium and the large scale projects.
Manoj Dalal Deputy National Marketing Head Anchor, said: “Green Building Congress is a brilliant industry platform for showcasing the new innovations. Anchor has always been committed to introducing newer technologies for improving the lives of our customers. We are pleased to showcase our newest offering that will change the industry dynamics.”
Panasonic, the worldwide leader in technology and innovation, has been successfully running a unique green initiative christened as “Eco Ideas”.
With the vision of becoming the number one green innovation company in the electronics industry, Panasonic under Eco Ideas programme not only develops more energy-efficient, state-of-the-art products but also encourages customers to live eco-conscious lifestyles with an aim to reduce CO2 emissions in households and manufacturing units.
At Panasonic, designers and engineers constantly endeavor to ensure that each evolution of product is better than its previous version by following stringent process to ensure environmental compatibility by deploying technology to design products that are more energy efficient, water efficient and long lasting.
Envivio Genesis architecture reshapes multi-screen video delivery
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Envivio, the leading provider of live and on-demand multi-screen IP video processing and delivery) solutions, will unveil its new Envivio Genesis architecture for video head ends and Content Delivery Networks (CDN) at the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo (booth 1537) Oct. 20-22 in New Orleans.
The visionary new solution relies on two essential components: the Envivio multi-screen head end for high quality audio/video processing and compression, and the Envivio Network Media Processors (NMP) in charge of packaging, encryption and distribution inside the CDN.
The encoded media is delivered from the head end to the NMPs in the intermediate Envivio Genesis mezzanine format, enabling operators to use a single head end to handle all of their processing requirements, regardless of the number and type of target devices and networks.
"Operators are thinking about more than just the act of delivering TV entertainment to multiple screens. They are searching for solutions that will enable them to streamline workflows, add new devices to their network quickly, tackle scalable video coding needs, and address the security concerns of their content partners," said Envivio president and CEO Julien Signès.
"With our 'processing in the network' approach, Envivio is applying nearly a decade of multi-screen experience to provide answers to the questions that are critical to the long term success of operators. Our Genesis architecture provides intelligent, simplified workflows and delivers flexibility to adapt and add support for a steadily changing variety of devices, streams and formats."
The visionary new solution relies on two essential components: the Envivio multi-screen head end for high quality audio/video processing and compression, and the Envivio Network Media Processors (NMP) in charge of packaging, encryption and distribution inside the CDN.
The encoded media is delivered from the head end to the NMPs in the intermediate Envivio Genesis mezzanine format, enabling operators to use a single head end to handle all of their processing requirements, regardless of the number and type of target devices and networks.
"Operators are thinking about more than just the act of delivering TV entertainment to multiple screens. They are searching for solutions that will enable them to streamline workflows, add new devices to their network quickly, tackle scalable video coding needs, and address the security concerns of their content partners," said Envivio president and CEO Julien Signès.
"With our 'processing in the network' approach, Envivio is applying nearly a decade of multi-screen experience to provide answers to the questions that are critical to the long term success of operators. Our Genesis architecture provides intelligent, simplified workflows and delivers flexibility to adapt and add support for a steadily changing variety of devices, streams and formats."
OmniVision launches advanced automotive megapixel color high dynamic range image sensor
SANTA CLARA, USA: OmniVision Technologies Inc., a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, announced its most advanced automotive image sensor to date, the OV10630.
The new system-on-a-chip sensor combines megapixel 1280 x 800 resolution (including 720p HD video) with the industry’s best color high dynamic range (HDR) and low-light sensitivity. Ideally suited for wide field of view and multi-camera applications, the OV10630 also incorporates special features and output formats for automotive machine vision applications.
With its proprietary capability to simultaneously deliver high image quality and superior scene information content, the OV10630 is ideal for automotive applications that perform vision and sensing functions concurrently.
The 1/2.7-inch OV10630 is built on a 4.2-micron pixel OmniPixel3-HS architecture, enabling best-in-class low-light sensitivity of 3.5V/lux-sec to capture detail-rich, HD-quality color video in any environment.
Using a proprietary new HDR concept and processing technology, the new automotive sensor delivers excellent scene reproduction in the most demanding lighting conditions, achieving a dynamic range of 110dB in black-and-white, and more than 100dB in color.
The OV10630 not only has the ability to accurately reproduce high-contrast scenes, but also employs auto dynamic range control to adjust to changing lightning and scene conditions to produce a clear, detailed and low-noise color image in any automotive situation. The sensor’s proprietary approach to generating HDR images also dramatically reduces or eliminates many typical HDR image sensor artifacts such as motion ghost artifacts and other unwanted effects.
A highlight of the sensor is its range of special features and output formats that allow the OV10630 to be used for many different automotive camera systems and other applications that run multiple machine and vision-based applications simultaneously.
It enables multi-camera systems (up to and including 360-degree view) to incorporate additional functionality, including right angle and panoramic view and such sensing functions as lane departure warning, object detection and collision warning and avoidance.
“The OV10630 achieves a new benchmark in automotive image sensing applications, further out-distancing the closest competing devices in terms of performance,” said Inayat Khajasha, senior product marketing manager for automotive products at OmniVision. “Its ability to deliver color HDR images in HD format, even under the toughest operating conditions, makes it a very attractive choice for next-generation automotive applications.”
The OV10630 has an active array of 1280 x 800 pixels, providing 720p HD video at 30 frames per second. It supports a digital video parallel port, providing fully-processed, display-ready color HDR video output in 8- or 10-bit YUV format, or 18-bit combined RAW RGB output with complete user control over formatting and data transfer.
Fully unprocessed RAW data is also available in two 10-bit format images. The sensor also incorporates a number of automotive-specific features to support system health, including a temperature sensor with automatic disabling capabilities.
The OV10630 is currently sampling and is undergoing AEC-Q100 qualification. It is scheduled to enter mass production in the second quarter of calendar 2011.
The new system-on-a-chip sensor combines megapixel 1280 x 800 resolution (including 720p HD video) with the industry’s best color high dynamic range (HDR) and low-light sensitivity. Ideally suited for wide field of view and multi-camera applications, the OV10630 also incorporates special features and output formats for automotive machine vision applications.
With its proprietary capability to simultaneously deliver high image quality and superior scene information content, the OV10630 is ideal for automotive applications that perform vision and sensing functions concurrently.
The 1/2.7-inch OV10630 is built on a 4.2-micron pixel OmniPixel3-HS architecture, enabling best-in-class low-light sensitivity of 3.5V/lux-sec to capture detail-rich, HD-quality color video in any environment.
Using a proprietary new HDR concept and processing technology, the new automotive sensor delivers excellent scene reproduction in the most demanding lighting conditions, achieving a dynamic range of 110dB in black-and-white, and more than 100dB in color.
The OV10630 not only has the ability to accurately reproduce high-contrast scenes, but also employs auto dynamic range control to adjust to changing lightning and scene conditions to produce a clear, detailed and low-noise color image in any automotive situation. The sensor’s proprietary approach to generating HDR images also dramatically reduces or eliminates many typical HDR image sensor artifacts such as motion ghost artifacts and other unwanted effects.
A highlight of the sensor is its range of special features and output formats that allow the OV10630 to be used for many different automotive camera systems and other applications that run multiple machine and vision-based applications simultaneously.
It enables multi-camera systems (up to and including 360-degree view) to incorporate additional functionality, including right angle and panoramic view and such sensing functions as lane departure warning, object detection and collision warning and avoidance.
“The OV10630 achieves a new benchmark in automotive image sensing applications, further out-distancing the closest competing devices in terms of performance,” said Inayat Khajasha, senior product marketing manager for automotive products at OmniVision. “Its ability to deliver color HDR images in HD format, even under the toughest operating conditions, makes it a very attractive choice for next-generation automotive applications.”
The OV10630 has an active array of 1280 x 800 pixels, providing 720p HD video at 30 frames per second. It supports a digital video parallel port, providing fully-processed, display-ready color HDR video output in 8- or 10-bit YUV format, or 18-bit combined RAW RGB output with complete user control over formatting and data transfer.
Fully unprocessed RAW data is also available in two 10-bit format images. The sensor also incorporates a number of automotive-specific features to support system health, including a temperature sensor with automatic disabling capabilities.
The OV10630 is currently sampling and is undergoing AEC-Q100 qualification. It is scheduled to enter mass production in the second quarter of calendar 2011.
SiOnyx raises $12.5 million in series B financing
BEVERLY, USA: SiOnyx Inc., a leading innovator in high-performance photonics, today announced that it has successfully completed its series B financing, closing at $12.5 million.
New investors Coherent Inc., Crosslink Capital and Vulcan Capital joined existing investors Polaris Venture Partners and Harris & Harris to complete the round. There are no resulting changes to SiOnyx's board of directors.
"The addition of a strategic partner and two top-tier venture capital firms to our series B syndicate underscores the tremendous economic potential of SiOnyx's innovation," said Stephen Saylor, CEO of SiOnyx. "Our early success in delivering record-breaking performance in applications from simple light detection to thin-film photovoltaics has fueled our momentum. With this new funding, SiOnyx will launch our first commercial products and expand the suite of solutions offered to our strategic partners."
SiOnyx is commercializing a fundamentally new semiconductor processing technique that represents a breakthrough in the development of smaller, cheaper, high-performing silicon photonic devices. The company recently demonstrated record-breaking photosensitivity in collaboration with the Army Research Office (ARO) and is currently working with a number of industry and government partners to advance the use of its technology.
"Coherent's investment in SiOnyx, one of our strategic partners, reflects our confidence in the company and its technology to help us capture new opportunities in the photovoltaic industry as it continues to expand towards grid parity," said John Ambroseo, Coherent president and CEO.
Vulcan Capital, the venture investment firm founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is impressed by SiOnyx's novel technology platform. Venture partner Jill Watz added, "We expect the disruptive nature of SiOnyx's technology to create entirely new product categories and deliver powerful performance enhancements to the multi-billion dollar market for silicon photonics."
Based on a novel laser implant method first discovered at Harvard and commonly referred to as 'Black Silicon,' SiOnyx's patented semiconductor process dramatically enhances the performance of light-sensing devices across a range of applications in the consumer, industrial, medical and defense industries.
New investors Coherent Inc., Crosslink Capital and Vulcan Capital joined existing investors Polaris Venture Partners and Harris & Harris to complete the round. There are no resulting changes to SiOnyx's board of directors.
"The addition of a strategic partner and two top-tier venture capital firms to our series B syndicate underscores the tremendous economic potential of SiOnyx's innovation," said Stephen Saylor, CEO of SiOnyx. "Our early success in delivering record-breaking performance in applications from simple light detection to thin-film photovoltaics has fueled our momentum. With this new funding, SiOnyx will launch our first commercial products and expand the suite of solutions offered to our strategic partners."
SiOnyx is commercializing a fundamentally new semiconductor processing technique that represents a breakthrough in the development of smaller, cheaper, high-performing silicon photonic devices. The company recently demonstrated record-breaking photosensitivity in collaboration with the Army Research Office (ARO) and is currently working with a number of industry and government partners to advance the use of its technology.
"Coherent's investment in SiOnyx, one of our strategic partners, reflects our confidence in the company and its technology to help us capture new opportunities in the photovoltaic industry as it continues to expand towards grid parity," said John Ambroseo, Coherent president and CEO.
Vulcan Capital, the venture investment firm founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is impressed by SiOnyx's novel technology platform. Venture partner Jill Watz added, "We expect the disruptive nature of SiOnyx's technology to create entirely new product categories and deliver powerful performance enhancements to the multi-billion dollar market for silicon photonics."
Based on a novel laser implant method first discovered at Harvard and commonly referred to as 'Black Silicon,' SiOnyx's patented semiconductor process dramatically enhances the performance of light-sensing devices across a range of applications in the consumer, industrial, medical and defense industries.
Quantenna, Swisscom and NETGEAR release world’s first reliable video over Wi-Fi 4x4 MIMO deployment
FREMONT, USA: Quantenna Communications Inc., a leader in ultra-reliable Wi-Fi video networking for whole-home entertainment, announced that its Full-11n 4x4 MIMO 802.11n chipset has been selected by NETGEAR for a video-bridge solution that Swisscom has used to complete field trials of the first high-definition (HD) video-over-Wi-Fi service from a major worldwide provider.
The collaboration between Swisscom, NETGEAR and Quantenna is the result of a development partnership between the three companies. In 2008, Swisscom began working with Quantenna to define and develop video service-delivery technology that provides whole-home coverage at very high data rates, which is mandatory for services and applications such as HDTV.
NETGEAR, whose first video bridge was introduced in January 2008 at CES, joined the partnership in 2009 to deliver a video bridge that uses Quantenna’s Full-11n product to transport multiple HD video streams from residential gateways to multiple set-top boxes around the home with the highest possible reach and performance. Swisscom will use the NETGEAR video bridge with Quantenna’s Full-11n solution to deploy its whole-home broadband wireless video networking service this month.
“We are excited to be the world’s first major carrier to deploy HD video-over-Wi-Fi services using reliable 4x4 MIMO technology. The close collaboration between Quantenna, NETGEAR and Swisscom resulted in an innovative technology capable of guaranteeing the performance and reliability that our subscribers need for an excellent experience,” said Stéphane Dufour, executive in charge of strategy and innovation with Swisscom.
“Quantenna and NETGEAR have worked closely to ensure that Swisscom’s wireless broadband video service exceeds customer expectations for quality and reliability,” said Michael Clegg, vice president and general manager of the service provider business unit at NETGEAR. “NETGEAR’s new WHDE3004 video bridge leverages Quantenna’s industry-leading 4x4 MIMO technology to deliver the most satisfying consumer experience possible while reducing customer support requirements and minimizing truck rolls and overall deployment costs.”
Quantenna’s third-generation 802.11n chipset fully supports the IEEE802.11n standard with advanced 4x4 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) capabilities as well as dynamic digital beamforming, mesh networking and wireless channel monitoring and optimizing. These features work together to deliver performance improvement across five times the coverage area as compared to earlier WLAN technology.
Wi-Fi networks that use Quantenna chipsets are capable of delivering the same quality as wired Ethernet, anywhere in the home, while guaranteeing compatibility with existing and future IEEE 802.11n-compliant products. The chipsets also minimize system latencies for real-time applications such as online multi-player role-playing games using bidirectional video-game controllers.
“Quantenna is excited and proud to be part of the world’s first major 4x4 MIMO video-over-Wi-Fi service deployment by a leading worldwide carrier,” said David French, Quantenna CEO. “Our technology gives Swisscom a platform for deploying a variety of triple-play voice, data and video services, with the option to support new service models such as centralized, multi-room DVRs and remote DVR/STB maintenance and management.”
The collaboration between Swisscom, NETGEAR and Quantenna is the result of a development partnership between the three companies. In 2008, Swisscom began working with Quantenna to define and develop video service-delivery technology that provides whole-home coverage at very high data rates, which is mandatory for services and applications such as HDTV.
NETGEAR, whose first video bridge was introduced in January 2008 at CES, joined the partnership in 2009 to deliver a video bridge that uses Quantenna’s Full-11n product to transport multiple HD video streams from residential gateways to multiple set-top boxes around the home with the highest possible reach and performance. Swisscom will use the NETGEAR video bridge with Quantenna’s Full-11n solution to deploy its whole-home broadband wireless video networking service this month.
“We are excited to be the world’s first major carrier to deploy HD video-over-Wi-Fi services using reliable 4x4 MIMO technology. The close collaboration between Quantenna, NETGEAR and Swisscom resulted in an innovative technology capable of guaranteeing the performance and reliability that our subscribers need for an excellent experience,” said Stéphane Dufour, executive in charge of strategy and innovation with Swisscom.
“Quantenna and NETGEAR have worked closely to ensure that Swisscom’s wireless broadband video service exceeds customer expectations for quality and reliability,” said Michael Clegg, vice president and general manager of the service provider business unit at NETGEAR. “NETGEAR’s new WHDE3004 video bridge leverages Quantenna’s industry-leading 4x4 MIMO technology to deliver the most satisfying consumer experience possible while reducing customer support requirements and minimizing truck rolls and overall deployment costs.”
Quantenna’s third-generation 802.11n chipset fully supports the IEEE802.11n standard with advanced 4x4 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) capabilities as well as dynamic digital beamforming, mesh networking and wireless channel monitoring and optimizing. These features work together to deliver performance improvement across five times the coverage area as compared to earlier WLAN technology.
Wi-Fi networks that use Quantenna chipsets are capable of delivering the same quality as wired Ethernet, anywhere in the home, while guaranteeing compatibility with existing and future IEEE 802.11n-compliant products. The chipsets also minimize system latencies for real-time applications such as online multi-player role-playing games using bidirectional video-game controllers.
“Quantenna is excited and proud to be part of the world’s first major 4x4 MIMO video-over-Wi-Fi service deployment by a leading worldwide carrier,” said David French, Quantenna CEO. “Our technology gives Swisscom a platform for deploying a variety of triple-play voice, data and video services, with the option to support new service models such as centralized, multi-room DVRs and remote DVR/STB maintenance and management.”
Haier intros terrestrial integrated DTVs incorporating AltoBeam DTMB demodulators
BEIJING, CHINA: Haier, a leading Chinese TV maker, released the H320 series of DTMB-ready LED TVs to the China market during the National Day Holiday (October 1, 2010). Enabled by AltoBeam’s latest DTMB demodulators, the ATBM884x family, the H320 series offers world-class performance in Synchronous Frequency Network (SFN) demodulation, complex and dynamic multi-path receiving, and interference rejection.
The DTMB, China’s homegrown terrestrial DTV standard, was released in 2006. Since the beginning of 2010, the grand-scale DTMB infrastructure buildup has been accelerated. In addition, the DTMB test spec has been published, and the DTV technical center has been established, all indicating the arrival of a high growth period for terrestrial DTV in China after years of preparation.
Indeed, according to the State Agency of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) plan, the deployment of DTMB transmission systems in all 337 Chinese cities will be completed by the end of 2010, and formal broadcasting will be started in the first quarter of 2011, based on a nation-wide roll-out plan. TV viewers will then be able to watch High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) digital channels on ATMB884x-equipped TV sets.
“We are excited to have had the opportunity to assist Haier, one of the leading global TV makers, to develop high performance DTMB products,” said Dr. Steve Chaohuang Zeng, CEO of AltoBeam. “Having anticipated the rapid expansion of DTMB signal coverage in China, prior to the H320’s market debut, Haier had conducted a broad range of evaluation and field tests on the series to ensure superior receiving quality under a variety of complex real-life conditions, and we are glad that AltoBeam has been part of this great effort.”
“The industry-leading ATBM884x demodulators exceed all spec parameters (draft) defined by the Ministry of Information Industry and Technology (MIIT), and have been adopted by many mainstream Chinese and international TV makers,” added Qi Deng, VP of International Sales for AltoBeam. “As always, we are committed to supporting TV makers to bring the best viewing experience to the end users.”
The DTMB, China’s homegrown terrestrial DTV standard, was released in 2006. Since the beginning of 2010, the grand-scale DTMB infrastructure buildup has been accelerated. In addition, the DTMB test spec has been published, and the DTV technical center has been established, all indicating the arrival of a high growth period for terrestrial DTV in China after years of preparation.
Indeed, according to the State Agency of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) plan, the deployment of DTMB transmission systems in all 337 Chinese cities will be completed by the end of 2010, and formal broadcasting will be started in the first quarter of 2011, based on a nation-wide roll-out plan. TV viewers will then be able to watch High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) digital channels on ATMB884x-equipped TV sets.
“We are excited to have had the opportunity to assist Haier, one of the leading global TV makers, to develop high performance DTMB products,” said Dr. Steve Chaohuang Zeng, CEO of AltoBeam. “Having anticipated the rapid expansion of DTMB signal coverage in China, prior to the H320’s market debut, Haier had conducted a broad range of evaluation and field tests on the series to ensure superior receiving quality under a variety of complex real-life conditions, and we are glad that AltoBeam has been part of this great effort.”
“The industry-leading ATBM884x demodulators exceed all spec parameters (draft) defined by the Ministry of Information Industry and Technology (MIIT), and have been adopted by many mainstream Chinese and international TV makers,” added Qi Deng, VP of International Sales for AltoBeam. “As always, we are committed to supporting TV makers to bring the best viewing experience to the end users.”
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Inview, Novatek launch innovative digital TV platform - NEELiX
LONDON, UK: Inview Technology, the world leading supplier of royalty free EPGs, has signed a licence agreement with Novatek to launch their revolutionary lightweight Neelix platform across millions of products worldwide.
Novatek is the leading global flat panel display solution provider offering a full range of display driver ICs & SoC solutions. The collaboration between Novatek and Inview will create a competitively priced DVB-T hybrid platform.
Specifically engineered for resource constrained environments, NEELiX incorporates a fully integrated EPG, media browser and personal schedule tool. A recommendation engine searches out broadcast and internet content that is relevant to individual user viewing profiles, viewing history, friend's recommendations and video ranking. It also boasts a wide range of TV and STB applications that provide easy access to internet content without having to use a browser or search engines.
Robert Han of Novatek said: “As a global key silicon supplier we are constantly under price pressure and are pleased to offer new features that don’t cost the end user more money. The Inview approach is unique because they combine a whole range of TV and STB applications and wrap them in a very accessible and user friendly electronic program guide at no extra cost.”
Keith Wiggins, Commercial Director for Inview, added, “This platform will revolutionise the consumer electronics marketplace and significantly raise customer expectations as to what they can receive on their TVs and STBs.”
Novatek is the leading global flat panel display solution provider offering a full range of display driver ICs & SoC solutions. The collaboration between Novatek and Inview will create a competitively priced DVB-T hybrid platform.
Specifically engineered for resource constrained environments, NEELiX incorporates a fully integrated EPG, media browser and personal schedule tool. A recommendation engine searches out broadcast and internet content that is relevant to individual user viewing profiles, viewing history, friend's recommendations and video ranking. It also boasts a wide range of TV and STB applications that provide easy access to internet content without having to use a browser or search engines.
Robert Han of Novatek said: “As a global key silicon supplier we are constantly under price pressure and are pleased to offer new features that don’t cost the end user more money. The Inview approach is unique because they combine a whole range of TV and STB applications and wrap them in a very accessible and user friendly electronic program guide at no extra cost.”
Keith Wiggins, Commercial Director for Inview, added, “This platform will revolutionise the consumer electronics marketplace and significantly raise customer expectations as to what they can receive on their TVs and STBs.”
Kingston SSDNow V+ 180 for road warriors
MUMBAI, INDIA: Kingston Digital Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Co. Inc., has released the Kingston SSDNow V+180 range, bringing performance, endurance and productivity of solid state drives (SSD) to the 1.8” form factor.
Part of the second generation Kingston SSDNow V+ range, the Kingston SSDNow V+180 is designed for today’s ultra-mobile devices, and with road warriors in mind.
“Kingston Technology has listened to its customers, delivering the SSDNow V+180 Series,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston. “Enterprises, SMBs and consumers can upgrade ultra-thin notebooks, certain notebooks, netbooks, and tablet PC with a 1.8” form factor to enjoy supercharged performance, enhanced endurance and boosted productivity.”
Independent IT analyst IDC estimates that the number of mobile workers will hit 1 billion by 2011, driven by technology advances such as high speed networking, and the desire for greater work/life balance. Today’s road warriors demand the highest performance and durability in the smallest and most mobile configuration. Kingston’s SSDNow V+180 Series brings speed and endurance to the ultra-portable 1.8” form factor:
* Kingston’s SSDNow can out-perform hard disk drives (HDD) by up to five times, enabling boot times up to 60 percent faster and allowing users to load, switch and run multiple applications at the same time more effectively.
* SSD’s hugely enhanced endurance brings confidence, particularly when users are on the road and away from IT support. The Kingston SSDNow V+ Series is up to eight times more shock-resistant than hard disk drives and because they have no moving parts, they are less prone to mechanical failures.
* Less power-hungry than HDDs, SSDs also enhance battery life, meaning users work faster for longer.
The Kingston SSDNow V+180 is available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities, and is the latest addition to the Kingston SSDNow V+ Series family. It is backed by a three-year warranty and free tech support.
Part of the second generation Kingston SSDNow V+ range, the Kingston SSDNow V+180 is designed for today’s ultra-mobile devices, and with road warriors in mind.
“Kingston Technology has listened to its customers, delivering the SSDNow V+180 Series,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston. “Enterprises, SMBs and consumers can upgrade ultra-thin notebooks, certain notebooks, netbooks, and tablet PC with a 1.8” form factor to enjoy supercharged performance, enhanced endurance and boosted productivity.”
Independent IT analyst IDC estimates that the number of mobile workers will hit 1 billion by 2011, driven by technology advances such as high speed networking, and the desire for greater work/life balance. Today’s road warriors demand the highest performance and durability in the smallest and most mobile configuration. Kingston’s SSDNow V+180 Series brings speed and endurance to the ultra-portable 1.8” form factor:
* Kingston’s SSDNow can out-perform hard disk drives (HDD) by up to five times, enabling boot times up to 60 percent faster and allowing users to load, switch and run multiple applications at the same time more effectively.
* SSD’s hugely enhanced endurance brings confidence, particularly when users are on the road and away from IT support. The Kingston SSDNow V+ Series is up to eight times more shock-resistant than hard disk drives and because they have no moving parts, they are less prone to mechanical failures.
* Less power-hungry than HDDs, SSDs also enhance battery life, meaning users work faster for longer.
The Kingston SSDNow V+180 is available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities, and is the latest addition to the Kingston SSDNow V+ Series family. It is backed by a three-year warranty and free tech support.
SMART intros new class of interactive whiteboard
CALGARY, CANADA: SMART Technologies has announced the SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard, a next-generation series that will provide the most natural and intuitive user experience yet on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard.
The new 800 series extends the company's leading interactive whiteboard product line to offer true student collaboration. The SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard supports multiuser writing and common multitouch gestures currently recognized in Microsoft Windows 7 and Mac Snow Leopard.
SMART Notebook collaborative learning software will support certain features, such as freestyle interactions, touch gestures and full object awareness upon the release of SMART Notebook 10.7 software – expected by March 2011 – which will allow SMART Board 800 series users to take full advantage of gestures within SMART Notebook lesson activities.
Using SMART Notebook 10.7 software will enable freestyle interaction, where two students can work together on the same interactive lesson activity and perform different tasks simultaneously – such as writing with digital ink and manipulating digital objects – anywhere on the interactive whiteboard surface.
Multitouch SMART Notebook lesson activities, specifically-designed for use on the SMART Board 800 series and available through the SMART Exchange website (exchange.smarttech.com), enable enhanced collaboration, giving more students hands-on time at the interactive whiteboard. The 800 series – which includes the models 880 and 880i, and the widescreen 885, 885i and 885ix models – will begin shipping in North America on November 29, 2010 and globally on January 30, 2011.
SMART's own DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology enables many of the features offered by the SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard. DViT technology uses proprietary digital cameras and sophisticated software to recognize a finger touch, stylus, pointer or other object input on the interactive whiteboard surface.
The digital cameras are positioned in each corner of the interactive whiteboard frame, and communicate input information back to a digital signal processor to determine the exact point of contact. The SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard is the first touch-enabled front-projection interactive whiteboard to utilize DViT technology. The 800 series interactive whiteboard is part of SMART's broad range of education solutions that includes the SMART Document Camera, SMART Notebook Math Tools software, SMART Response interactive response system and more.
The SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboard – the most popular interactive whiteboard in the world – will also continue to be available globally.
"Using the new SMART Board in our classrooms has made the teaching and learning experience much more engaging and interactive," says Clark Peters, Principal of Penhold School in Penhold, Alberta, Canada. "The new interactive whiteboards are so intuitive, more teachers and students are using them more often – teachers love the intuitive nature, the writing surface, and the seamless experience, while students are truly collaborating in their learning, which is very exciting."
"As educators around the world continue to make interactive technology solutions a part of their daily teaching and learning, they require easy-to-use tools that enhance the learning experience," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's CEO. "The innovative and intuitive features of the SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard will help teachers make effective use of class time, engage in meaningful collaboration and motivate all types of learners."
The new 800 series extends the company's leading interactive whiteboard product line to offer true student collaboration. The SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard supports multiuser writing and common multitouch gestures currently recognized in Microsoft Windows 7 and Mac Snow Leopard.
SMART Notebook collaborative learning software will support certain features, such as freestyle interactions, touch gestures and full object awareness upon the release of SMART Notebook 10.7 software – expected by March 2011 – which will allow SMART Board 800 series users to take full advantage of gestures within SMART Notebook lesson activities.
Using SMART Notebook 10.7 software will enable freestyle interaction, where two students can work together on the same interactive lesson activity and perform different tasks simultaneously – such as writing with digital ink and manipulating digital objects – anywhere on the interactive whiteboard surface.
Multitouch SMART Notebook lesson activities, specifically-designed for use on the SMART Board 800 series and available through the SMART Exchange website (exchange.smarttech.com), enable enhanced collaboration, giving more students hands-on time at the interactive whiteboard. The 800 series – which includes the models 880 and 880i, and the widescreen 885, 885i and 885ix models – will begin shipping in North America on November 29, 2010 and globally on January 30, 2011.
SMART's own DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology enables many of the features offered by the SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard. DViT technology uses proprietary digital cameras and sophisticated software to recognize a finger touch, stylus, pointer or other object input on the interactive whiteboard surface.
The digital cameras are positioned in each corner of the interactive whiteboard frame, and communicate input information back to a digital signal processor to determine the exact point of contact. The SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard is the first touch-enabled front-projection interactive whiteboard to utilize DViT technology. The 800 series interactive whiteboard is part of SMART's broad range of education solutions that includes the SMART Document Camera, SMART Notebook Math Tools software, SMART Response interactive response system and more.
The SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboard – the most popular interactive whiteboard in the world – will also continue to be available globally.
"Using the new SMART Board in our classrooms has made the teaching and learning experience much more engaging and interactive," says Clark Peters, Principal of Penhold School in Penhold, Alberta, Canada. "The new interactive whiteboards are so intuitive, more teachers and students are using them more often – teachers love the intuitive nature, the writing surface, and the seamless experience, while students are truly collaborating in their learning, which is very exciting."
"As educators around the world continue to make interactive technology solutions a part of their daily teaching and learning, they require easy-to-use tools that enhance the learning experience," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's CEO. "The innovative and intuitive features of the SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard will help teachers make effective use of class time, engage in meaningful collaboration and motivate all types of learners."
iSuppli ups iPad forecast as Apple’s component supply improves
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Amid indications that iPad component availability is improving, iSuppli Corp. is raising its shipment forecast for the product to 13.8 million units in 2010, up from its July outlook of 12.9 million.
Apple in its earnings announcement for the fiscal fourth said it shipped 4.2 million iPads during the three-month period ending September 25. The pronouncement indicates that Apple has been able to overcome limitations in component supply so that it can ramp up production.
“In its previous iPad forecasts, iSuppli noted that the only constraint on shipment growth now is production—and not demand,” said Rhoda Alexander, director of monitor research for iSuppli.
“The only factor limiting production is the availability of key iPad components, such as the Field Fringe Switching (FFS) LCD panels, projected capacitive touch screens and NAND flash. Despite ongoing yield issues, Apple's suppliers have steadily increased monthly production to meet Apple's demand. Production rates are now on target to meet the expected strong fourth-quarter sales.”
By end of year, iSuppli expects the iPad production rate to approach or exceed 2.5 million units per month.
With Apple bringing on additional suppliers in 2011, iSuppli also has increased its 2011 shipment forecast to 43.7 million units, up from 36.5 million, and expanded its 2012 outlook to 63.3 million units, up from 50.4 million previously.
The figure presents iSuppli’s revised iPad shipment forecast.
Source: iSuppli, USA.
Retail and education
Beyond its rising production, iPad sales also are benefitting from improvements in Apple’s retail strategy.
“In addition to its traditional channels, Apple now is expanding to sell the iPad through new retailers, including Amazon, Target, Verizon and Walmart,” Alexander said. “Apple has moved more rapidly than expected to push the iPad out to new retailers, which will give it maximum retail presence during the critical holiday sales period.”
Demand for the iPad is rising as users find new ways to use the product to replace tasks previously done on or with paper. Interest from the education sector is also increasing.
Apple has yet to offer incentives to the education segment to purchase iPads. However, the company is expected to offer those kinds of packages in 2011 and beyond, similar to deals that Apple currently offers on its laptops to students and teachers.
As usage increases in primary education, expect increased interest from students’ other family members, young and old.
Source: iSuppli, USA.
Apple in its earnings announcement for the fiscal fourth said it shipped 4.2 million iPads during the three-month period ending September 25. The pronouncement indicates that Apple has been able to overcome limitations in component supply so that it can ramp up production.
“In its previous iPad forecasts, iSuppli noted that the only constraint on shipment growth now is production—and not demand,” said Rhoda Alexander, director of monitor research for iSuppli.
“The only factor limiting production is the availability of key iPad components, such as the Field Fringe Switching (FFS) LCD panels, projected capacitive touch screens and NAND flash. Despite ongoing yield issues, Apple's suppliers have steadily increased monthly production to meet Apple's demand. Production rates are now on target to meet the expected strong fourth-quarter sales.”
By end of year, iSuppli expects the iPad production rate to approach or exceed 2.5 million units per month.
With Apple bringing on additional suppliers in 2011, iSuppli also has increased its 2011 shipment forecast to 43.7 million units, up from 36.5 million, and expanded its 2012 outlook to 63.3 million units, up from 50.4 million previously.
The figure presents iSuppli’s revised iPad shipment forecast.
Source: iSuppli, USA.Retail and education
Beyond its rising production, iPad sales also are benefitting from improvements in Apple’s retail strategy.
“In addition to its traditional channels, Apple now is expanding to sell the iPad through new retailers, including Amazon, Target, Verizon and Walmart,” Alexander said. “Apple has moved more rapidly than expected to push the iPad out to new retailers, which will give it maximum retail presence during the critical holiday sales period.”
Demand for the iPad is rising as users find new ways to use the product to replace tasks previously done on or with paper. Interest from the education sector is also increasing.
Apple has yet to offer incentives to the education segment to purchase iPads. However, the company is expected to offer those kinds of packages in 2011 and beyond, similar to deals that Apple currently offers on its laptops to students and teachers.
As usage increases in primary education, expect increased interest from students’ other family members, young and old.
Source: iSuppli, USA.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Envivio best-in-class convergence solution first choice for MSOs preparing multi-screen rollouts
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Envivio, the leading provider of live and on-demand multi-screen video processing solutions, will bring to the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo (booth 1537) Oct. 20-22 in New Orleans a complete demonstration of the three screen video head ends it is providing to three of the five largest cable MSOs in the United States.
Based on the market-leading 4Caster C4 encoding/transcoding multi-screen platform, Envivio’s solutions allow cable companies to convert gracefully to IP-based video delivery and enable them to deliver services to mobile, PC and TV screens from a single integrated platform.
“As they look beyond the set top box cable companies are exploring uncharted territory in terms of both services offered and technology needed,” said Arnaud Perrier, Envivio VP of solutions.
“Envivio is in the best position to help, combining proven high quality, high efficiency video compression and delivery technology with unmatched global experience in deploying multi-screen services. Our familiarity in enabling secure pay TV services in the mobile and Internet space correlates closely with the emerging opportunities available to cable companies.”
Based on the market-leading 4Caster C4 encoding/transcoding multi-screen platform, Envivio’s solutions allow cable companies to convert gracefully to IP-based video delivery and enable them to deliver services to mobile, PC and TV screens from a single integrated platform.
“As they look beyond the set top box cable companies are exploring uncharted territory in terms of both services offered and technology needed,” said Arnaud Perrier, Envivio VP of solutions.
“Envivio is in the best position to help, combining proven high quality, high efficiency video compression and delivery technology with unmatched global experience in deploying multi-screen services. Our familiarity in enabling secure pay TV services in the mobile and Internet space correlates closely with the emerging opportunities available to cable companies.”
Monday, October 18, 2010
Social networking while driving becomes a reality
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Just when you thought it was safe to go back on the road, a new driver distraction has arrived: social networking for motorists.
With use of social networking services among drivers on the rise, automakers and their technology suppliers are using voice-control solutions to improve safety, according to the automotive research firm iSuppli Corp.
“The automobile is no longer a communications dead zone that prohibits drivers from staying connected to friends and family via various options such as calling, texting and even tweeting and Facebooking,” said Anna Buettner, analyst and regional manager for EMEA automotive research at iSuppli.
“With the expanding array of communications options, many drivers are willing to take the risk of an accident simply because they want to read or reply to a text message or check and update their preferred social media site. iSuppli believes that voice-activated infotainment solutions can have a significant impact on minimizing driver distraction when engaging in social networking activities.”
US OEMs take the lead
Ford Sync has set the standard for voice activated in-vehicle communication systems. And now, by providing app developers with the Sync Applications Programming Interface (API), Ford is allowing users to access apps, such as OpenBeak, Pandora and Stitcher, within the car, all done in a safe manner, leveraging voice commands and steering-wheel controls so drivers keep their hands on the wheel.
Most recently, General Motors’ OnStar joined Ford in its efforts and announced—via Twitter—that it is developing new functionality in the coming months to its Gen 9 hardware platform, including integration with Facebook.
OnStar is scheduled to introduce an upgraded system soon that links vehicles to the social media site Facebook and translates text messages to voice, and vice versa. In other words, OnStar subscribers will be able to verbally update their Facebook status via audio recordings and/or listen to their most recent news feeds through the OnStar Virtual Advisor feature. They will then be able to respond, using one of four pre-set responses.
Meanwhile, the telematics service provider is also working on other solutions, with rumors that it is integrating the Trapster speed trap detection system, but this has not been officially confirmed by either General Motors or OnStar.
To further encourage drivers to keep their eyes on the road, OnStar also is conducting tests for voice-based texting. This feature would enable customers to have their text messages read to them using Bluetooth. Bluetooth allows users to connect their mobile device to their vehicle and receive automated text messages. With a single button press on the steering wheel, users can reply back to a text by verbally selecting one of four pre-set replies.
A cheaper and less elaborate solution to the problem of driver distraction caused by using Facebook, Twitter and applications alike may just be coming from the app world itself.
Numerous app developers have noticed that drivers are texting and using their favorite apps while driving and have created a number of products and services to manage driver distractions from mobile phone usage. And the number of apps that deal with this problem is expanding quickly.
Irreversible trend
“Automotive OEMs, suppliers and app developers are realizing that calling, texting and even social networking are part—or will be part—of everyday driving for an increasing number of motorists,” Buettner said.
“With the proliferation of smart phones, the trend seems irreversible. As with the take-off of Bluetooth for hands-free calling and mobile device integration, there are ways to curb such distractions and voice-recognition control may be the key for automotive applications. Finding and implementing a way to safely integrate social networking and other apps in the car is more feasible than fighting the trend, as is confirmed by Sync and OnStar’s latest moves."
Source: iSuppli, USA.
With use of social networking services among drivers on the rise, automakers and their technology suppliers are using voice-control solutions to improve safety, according to the automotive research firm iSuppli Corp.
“The automobile is no longer a communications dead zone that prohibits drivers from staying connected to friends and family via various options such as calling, texting and even tweeting and Facebooking,” said Anna Buettner, analyst and regional manager for EMEA automotive research at iSuppli.
“With the expanding array of communications options, many drivers are willing to take the risk of an accident simply because they want to read or reply to a text message or check and update their preferred social media site. iSuppli believes that voice-activated infotainment solutions can have a significant impact on minimizing driver distraction when engaging in social networking activities.”
US OEMs take the lead
Ford Sync has set the standard for voice activated in-vehicle communication systems. And now, by providing app developers with the Sync Applications Programming Interface (API), Ford is allowing users to access apps, such as OpenBeak, Pandora and Stitcher, within the car, all done in a safe manner, leveraging voice commands and steering-wheel controls so drivers keep their hands on the wheel.
Most recently, General Motors’ OnStar joined Ford in its efforts and announced—via Twitter—that it is developing new functionality in the coming months to its Gen 9 hardware platform, including integration with Facebook.
OnStar is scheduled to introduce an upgraded system soon that links vehicles to the social media site Facebook and translates text messages to voice, and vice versa. In other words, OnStar subscribers will be able to verbally update their Facebook status via audio recordings and/or listen to their most recent news feeds through the OnStar Virtual Advisor feature. They will then be able to respond, using one of four pre-set responses.
Meanwhile, the telematics service provider is also working on other solutions, with rumors that it is integrating the Trapster speed trap detection system, but this has not been officially confirmed by either General Motors or OnStar.
To further encourage drivers to keep their eyes on the road, OnStar also is conducting tests for voice-based texting. This feature would enable customers to have their text messages read to them using Bluetooth. Bluetooth allows users to connect their mobile device to their vehicle and receive automated text messages. With a single button press on the steering wheel, users can reply back to a text by verbally selecting one of four pre-set replies.
A cheaper and less elaborate solution to the problem of driver distraction caused by using Facebook, Twitter and applications alike may just be coming from the app world itself.
Numerous app developers have noticed that drivers are texting and using their favorite apps while driving and have created a number of products and services to manage driver distractions from mobile phone usage. And the number of apps that deal with this problem is expanding quickly.
Irreversible trend
“Automotive OEMs, suppliers and app developers are realizing that calling, texting and even social networking are part—or will be part—of everyday driving for an increasing number of motorists,” Buettner said.
“With the proliferation of smart phones, the trend seems irreversible. As with the take-off of Bluetooth for hands-free calling and mobile device integration, there are ways to curb such distractions and voice-recognition control may be the key for automotive applications. Finding and implementing a way to safely integrate social networking and other apps in the car is more feasible than fighting the trend, as is confirmed by Sync and OnStar’s latest moves."
Source: iSuppli, USA.
GIGABYTE Xpress Recovery 2 motherboards to protect your system
MUMBAI, INDIA: GIGABYTE Technology Co. Ltd announced that its top patented features will protect all its motherboards. The Xpress2, DualBIOS and SolidCapacitor will now feature in all GIGABYTE motherboards.
This is good news for GIGABYTE fans who like to tweak their systems but fear one bad move could ruin their system. The exclusive innovations of GIGABYTE will now offer protection to all its motherboards. Xpress Recovery 2 which is a patented technology of GIGABYTE is a revolutionary feature designed to improve system security.
With Xpress Recovery 2 the system and personal files can be easily backed up into unused area and be restored in just few steps if the system crashes. The DualBIOS which initially featured only in high end GIGABYTE motherboards is now being offered on its entire lineup of motherboards and not just the high end ones.
DualBIOS boards contain two BIOS chips. Should the primary chip fail for any reason, say a power outage during a BIOS update or a virus attack, the secondary BIOS automatically kicks in the next time the system is booted. GIGABYTE Solid Capacitors offer much higher quality and better reliability when compared to their electrolytic counterparts.
While both capacitors store and discharge electricity when needed, solid capacitors contain a solid organic polymer as opposed to the liquid electrolyte used in electrolytic capacitors.In terms of performance, solid capacitors generally last longer than electrolytic ones, especially at lower working temperatures.
Additionally, solid capacitors have a higher tolerance for higher temperatures and they also perform better with higher frequencies and higher current than electrolytic capacitors. The superior heat resistance and better electric conductivity will allow PC enthusiasts to tweak the highest levels of performance from their system without fear of excessive capacitor wear or exploding capacitors.
“Motherboards might get defected due to BIOS malfunctioning and faulty capacitors but not for GIGABYTE. As GIGABYTE introduces Xpress 2, DualBIOS and Solid Capacitor features, they have significantly differentiated their motherboards from the competitors” commented a system integrator.
“By introducing these three features, GIGABYTE has introduced a whole gamut of protection features for all their motherboards. This move has brought good business and encouraged us to sell more stable and reliable solution to the market,” he further added.
This is good news for GIGABYTE fans who like to tweak their systems but fear one bad move could ruin their system. The exclusive innovations of GIGABYTE will now offer protection to all its motherboards. Xpress Recovery 2 which is a patented technology of GIGABYTE is a revolutionary feature designed to improve system security.
With Xpress Recovery 2 the system and personal files can be easily backed up into unused area and be restored in just few steps if the system crashes. The DualBIOS which initially featured only in high end GIGABYTE motherboards is now being offered on its entire lineup of motherboards and not just the high end ones.
DualBIOS boards contain two BIOS chips. Should the primary chip fail for any reason, say a power outage during a BIOS update or a virus attack, the secondary BIOS automatically kicks in the next time the system is booted. GIGABYTE Solid Capacitors offer much higher quality and better reliability when compared to their electrolytic counterparts.
While both capacitors store and discharge electricity when needed, solid capacitors contain a solid organic polymer as opposed to the liquid electrolyte used in electrolytic capacitors.In terms of performance, solid capacitors generally last longer than electrolytic ones, especially at lower working temperatures.
Additionally, solid capacitors have a higher tolerance for higher temperatures and they also perform better with higher frequencies and higher current than electrolytic capacitors. The superior heat resistance and better electric conductivity will allow PC enthusiasts to tweak the highest levels of performance from their system without fear of excessive capacitor wear or exploding capacitors.
“Motherboards might get defected due to BIOS malfunctioning and faulty capacitors but not for GIGABYTE. As GIGABYTE introduces Xpress 2, DualBIOS and Solid Capacitor features, they have significantly differentiated their motherboards from the competitors” commented a system integrator.
“By introducing these three features, GIGABYTE has introduced a whole gamut of protection features for all their motherboards. This move has brought good business and encouraged us to sell more stable and reliable solution to the market,” he further added.
Envivio delivers 'TV without Boundaries' for Windows Phone 7
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Envivio, a leading provider of live and on-demand multi-screen video processing solutions, has added support for the new Windows Phone 7 operating system to its multi-screen video head ends based on the 4Caster C4 family of encoder/transcoders.
The enhancement will maximize video quality by using the industry’s highest quality H.264 compression—Envivio Extreme encoding—and provide support for the advanced playback and content protection features Telco operators and over the top service providers need to offer premium video services.
“The combination of the Envivio Three Screens video processing platform and Microsoft IIS Smooth Streaming has proven itself a winner for deployments around the world,” said Envivio vice president of marketing Boris Felts. “Providing support for Windows Phone 7 is a natural extension of the work we have already done with Microsoft and furthers Envivio’s commitment to enabling the best video services for the latest generation of smartphones.”
Envivio 4Caster C4 encoders use Envivio Extreme H.264 encoding to deliver content via Microsoft IIS Smooth Streaming to the IIS Smooth Streaming Client 1.1 installed on Windows 7 Phone devices. A dedicated interface between the 4Caster encoder and Microsoft PlayReady DRM Server, developed by Microsoft and Envivio, secures delivery of high-value VC-1 and H.264 encoded content while ensuring complete transparency for subscribers.
Envivio encoders process video at a variety of resolutions simultaneously to enable Live Smooth Streaming adaptive streaming, which ensures viewers receive uninterrupted video live play at the highest quality possible given variable network bandwidth and PC processing conditions. The solution enables advanced playback features including DVR controls for Live Smooth Streaming, multiple audio language support, offline playback support, and H.264/AAC support.
Windows Phone 7 support will be available as part of Envivio 4Caster C4 version 2.3 (live applications) and version 2.5 (offline, file-to-file applications) firmware upgrades announced by Envivio during the recent IBC 2010 in Amsterdam. The Envivio software is in the final stages of beta testing with partners worldwide and will be available for deployment in Q4 2010.
The enhancement will maximize video quality by using the industry’s highest quality H.264 compression—Envivio Extreme encoding—and provide support for the advanced playback and content protection features Telco operators and over the top service providers need to offer premium video services.
“The combination of the Envivio Three Screens video processing platform and Microsoft IIS Smooth Streaming has proven itself a winner for deployments around the world,” said Envivio vice president of marketing Boris Felts. “Providing support for Windows Phone 7 is a natural extension of the work we have already done with Microsoft and furthers Envivio’s commitment to enabling the best video services for the latest generation of smartphones.”
Envivio 4Caster C4 encoders use Envivio Extreme H.264 encoding to deliver content via Microsoft IIS Smooth Streaming to the IIS Smooth Streaming Client 1.1 installed on Windows 7 Phone devices. A dedicated interface between the 4Caster encoder and Microsoft PlayReady DRM Server, developed by Microsoft and Envivio, secures delivery of high-value VC-1 and H.264 encoded content while ensuring complete transparency for subscribers.
Envivio encoders process video at a variety of resolutions simultaneously to enable Live Smooth Streaming adaptive streaming, which ensures viewers receive uninterrupted video live play at the highest quality possible given variable network bandwidth and PC processing conditions. The solution enables advanced playback features including DVR controls for Live Smooth Streaming, multiple audio language support, offline playback support, and H.264/AAC support.
Windows Phone 7 support will be available as part of Envivio 4Caster C4 version 2.3 (live applications) and version 2.5 (offline, file-to-file applications) firmware upgrades announced by Envivio during the recent IBC 2010 in Amsterdam. The Envivio software is in the final stages of beta testing with partners worldwide and will be available for deployment in Q4 2010.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
HID Global announces veriCLASS embedded reader platform
IRVINE, USA: HID Global has announced its veriCLASS payment and ticketing embedded reader platform, the first comprehensive and scalable solution that gives developers everything they need to speed time to market for products that support both closed- and open-loop payment schemes plus all major contactless technologies and protocols in one system.
The platform is based on universally adaptable contactless reader technology, and includes a broad range of integration tools, support, and global product approvals and technology certifications. The associated Developer Tool Kit, online Developer Center and Embedded Device Manager enable integrators to take their own contactless solutions to market faster.
“Until now, it was difficult for payment and ticketing system manufacturers to offer a single reader solution that was capable of simultaneously supporting closed-loop payment schemes like automatic fare collection, and open-loop debit/credit card schemes on the same reader platform,” said Mark Scaparro, senior VP of Identification Solutions (IDS) with HID Global.
“With veriCLASS, we are raising the bar by offering an innovative, world-class product that, coupled with HID’s Developer Center, provides system integrators, terminal manufacturers, OEMs and solution providers with everything they need to bring finished solutions to market faster than ever before.”
The open veriCLASS platform supports all popular card technologies including MIFARE, DESFire and iCLASS, a broad range of protocols and payment schemes including FeliCa, EMVCo, Calypso, MasterCard PayPass, Visa payWave and American Express expresspay, and all major operating systems including Windows and Windows CE. Linux and Mac will be supported early 2011.
The scalable veriCLASS platform is designed for current contactless technologies and will accommodate contact cards as well as future payment technologies and functional requirements.
Remote servicing, diagnostics, firmware upgrades and life cycle management of embedded veriCLASS readers are all enabled by the Embedded Device Manager. The platform includes full CE and FCC modular approvals, enabling OEMs, system integrators and manufacturers of cashless payment and ticketing systems to accelerate certification of their finished solutions.
The platform is based on universally adaptable contactless reader technology, and includes a broad range of integration tools, support, and global product approvals and technology certifications. The associated Developer Tool Kit, online Developer Center and Embedded Device Manager enable integrators to take their own contactless solutions to market faster.
“Until now, it was difficult for payment and ticketing system manufacturers to offer a single reader solution that was capable of simultaneously supporting closed-loop payment schemes like automatic fare collection, and open-loop debit/credit card schemes on the same reader platform,” said Mark Scaparro, senior VP of Identification Solutions (IDS) with HID Global.
“With veriCLASS, we are raising the bar by offering an innovative, world-class product that, coupled with HID’s Developer Center, provides system integrators, terminal manufacturers, OEMs and solution providers with everything they need to bring finished solutions to market faster than ever before.”
The open veriCLASS platform supports all popular card technologies including MIFARE, DESFire and iCLASS, a broad range of protocols and payment schemes including FeliCa, EMVCo, Calypso, MasterCard PayPass, Visa payWave and American Express expresspay, and all major operating systems including Windows and Windows CE. Linux and Mac will be supported early 2011.
The scalable veriCLASS platform is designed for current contactless technologies and will accommodate contact cards as well as future payment technologies and functional requirements.
Remote servicing, diagnostics, firmware upgrades and life cycle management of embedded veriCLASS readers are all enabled by the Embedded Device Manager. The platform includes full CE and FCC modular approvals, enabling OEMs, system integrators and manufacturers of cashless payment and ticketing systems to accelerate certification of their finished solutions.
Global sensors market in consumer electronics (2010-15)
NEW YORK, USA: Reportlinker.com announced that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: GLOBAL SENSORS MARKET IN CONSUMER ELECTRONICS (2010 - 2015) MARKET FORECASTS BY TYPES & APPLICATIONS.
Increasing incorporation or demand for sensors in the consumer electronics devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, notebooks, MP3 players and game consoles, and falling prices of different sensors are the key drivers for the growth of sensors in consumer electronic market.
Significant up-gradation and development of the new sensors for consumer electronics market have been the main strategies followed by the key players such as Synaptics (US), OmniVision (US), Bosch (Germany) and ST Microelectronics (Switzerland).
The report forecasts the size of sensors in consumer electronics market over the period 2010-2015. The report analyzes the key trends of the market, sensors distribution in applications such as entertainment, information technology, communication, home appliances and others. It also discusses the key market drivers, restraints and opportunities of the sensors in the consumer electronics market. The report also provides profiling of over 30 key players of the industry.
Increasing incorporation or demand for sensors in the consumer electronics devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, notebooks, MP3 players and game consoles, and falling prices of different sensors are the key drivers for the growth of sensors in consumer electronic market.
Significant up-gradation and development of the new sensors for consumer electronics market have been the main strategies followed by the key players such as Synaptics (US), OmniVision (US), Bosch (Germany) and ST Microelectronics (Switzerland).
The report forecasts the size of sensors in consumer electronics market over the period 2010-2015. The report analyzes the key trends of the market, sensors distribution in applications such as entertainment, information technology, communication, home appliances and others. It also discusses the key market drivers, restraints and opportunities of the sensors in the consumer electronics market. The report also provides profiling of over 30 key players of the industry.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Gate Technology intros outstanding optical touch screen
LITTLE FERRY, USA: The Gate Technology announced that its optical touch screens will provide multi-touch capable digital multimedia screens and electric whiteboard system for e-learning, e-campus, e-school, and many more applications.
"We are proud to offer these high quality infrared optical multi touch screens to customers," says Harry Rhim, CEO and president of Synet USA, a distributor of the product in the States. "Their durability, accuracy, and low response time make them winners. All the single touch screens will have to switch to multi touch screens to catch up the current trend."
The main advantages of The Gate Technology's Optical Touch Screen are; quick response time, multi-touch, easy set up and various sizes offered. The response time of the multi-touch screens is 6 ms which is superior to other competitor products, which are generally over 10 ms. With high accuracy and low response time, The Gate Tech's multi touch screens will allow more smooth UI.
The Gate Technology's Optical Multi touch screen enables users to use any objects including gloves to operate, meaning it is weather proof. It is powered via USB plug-n-play allowing easy installation and configuration.
The Gate offers a variety of screen sizes, from 30 to 120 inches. It features clear glass for maximum clarity, and easy set up without extra tools. One can install the optical touch modules on to any kind of TVs and even non-TVs, when used with projectors. This gives a lot of flexibility in terms of the choice of displays.
"We are proud to offer these high quality infrared optical multi touch screens to customers," says Harry Rhim, CEO and president of Synet USA, a distributor of the product in the States. "Their durability, accuracy, and low response time make them winners. All the single touch screens will have to switch to multi touch screens to catch up the current trend."
The main advantages of The Gate Technology's Optical Touch Screen are; quick response time, multi-touch, easy set up and various sizes offered. The response time of the multi-touch screens is 6 ms which is superior to other competitor products, which are generally over 10 ms. With high accuracy and low response time, The Gate Tech's multi touch screens will allow more smooth UI.
The Gate Technology's Optical Multi touch screen enables users to use any objects including gloves to operate, meaning it is weather proof. It is powered via USB plug-n-play allowing easy installation and configuration.
The Gate offers a variety of screen sizes, from 30 to 120 inches. It features clear glass for maximum clarity, and easy set up without extra tools. One can install the optical touch modules on to any kind of TVs and even non-TVs, when used with projectors. This gives a lot of flexibility in terms of the choice of displays.
HID Global, Sony to form alliance to create contactless smart card readers for global PC market
BANGALORE, INDIA: HID Global and Sony Corp. have entered into a Memorandum of Intent for a strategic partnership to jointly develop an embedded contactless smart card reader platform for the global PC marketplace.
The jointly developed platform will be designed specifically for laptop manufacturers and will encompass Sony and HID Global contactless solutions and a broad range of other widely deployed technologies while supporting specific regional and application needs.
The new embedded reader platform will support Sony’s FeliCa contactless card technology, HID Global’s iCLASS credentials, as well as other broadly adopted technologies. Furthermore, the reader solution will support applications based on Near Field Communication (NFC).
Goals for the joint development, including a complete reference design and comprehensive developer support, are focused on minimizing product development requirements and speeding time-to-market schedules for PC manufacturers. Plans are in place to provide details and availability later this year.
“We are pleased to be working with Sony to develop a major new laptop-based reader platform for the contactless smart card market,” said Dr. Tam Hulusi, senior VP with HID Global. “This partnership leverages Sony’s industry-leading contactless smart card reader IC experience with HID Global’s widely deployed RFID technology for access control systems, extending the value proposition for contactless smart card credentials to the PC.”
“HID Global is an ideal partner in Sony’s drive to expand the use of contactless smart card reader technology, worldwide,” said Izumi Kawanishi, senior GM with Sony’s FeliCa Business Division. “This partnership is an important element in our program to extend FeliCa and NFC technology into new markets in the US and around the world, across a broad range of platforms ranging from cards to mobile phones and, now, laptop computers.”
The jointly developed platform will be designed specifically for laptop manufacturers and will encompass Sony and HID Global contactless solutions and a broad range of other widely deployed technologies while supporting specific regional and application needs.
The new embedded reader platform will support Sony’s FeliCa contactless card technology, HID Global’s iCLASS credentials, as well as other broadly adopted technologies. Furthermore, the reader solution will support applications based on Near Field Communication (NFC).
Goals for the joint development, including a complete reference design and comprehensive developer support, are focused on minimizing product development requirements and speeding time-to-market schedules for PC manufacturers. Plans are in place to provide details and availability later this year.
“We are pleased to be working with Sony to develop a major new laptop-based reader platform for the contactless smart card market,” said Dr. Tam Hulusi, senior VP with HID Global. “This partnership leverages Sony’s industry-leading contactless smart card reader IC experience with HID Global’s widely deployed RFID technology for access control systems, extending the value proposition for contactless smart card credentials to the PC.”
“HID Global is an ideal partner in Sony’s drive to expand the use of contactless smart card reader technology, worldwide,” said Izumi Kawanishi, senior GM with Sony’s FeliCa Business Division. “This partnership is an important element in our program to extend FeliCa and NFC technology into new markets in the US and around the world, across a broad range of platforms ranging from cards to mobile phones and, now, laptop computers.”
Kingston increases microSDHC card to 32GB
MUMBAI, INDIA: Kingston Digital Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Co. Inc., announced the shipping of its first 32GB microSDHC Class 4 card.
The ultra-large 32GB microSDHC card is the perfect mobile storage solution for entertainment and business applications as smartphone use integrates into everyday life.
“The need for additional portable storage has grown as the mobile phone has transitioned from a simple voice device to a powerful multifunctional tool which is used to email, listen to music, take photos and watch movies,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston.
“Mobile phones are about more than just staying in touch as we also use them to take pictures at our kids’ sporting events, shoot videos on vacation and post to social media sites. An extra 32GB of expandable memory takes these capabilities even further.”
Kingston’s 32GB microSDHC card is capable of storing nearly 29,000 photos, over 6,000 songs and more than 2,000 minutes of video. The card has worked flawlessly when tested on the latest crop of smartphones including the HTC Evo 4G and Shadow; Motorola Droid X; RIM (BlackBerry) Bold 9000; and, Samsung Instinct (SPH-M800).
Mobility and versatility are taken a step further as the card is available with a variety of adapters including SD and miniSD, allowing one card to be used in several devices. Kingston also ships the 32GB microSDHC card with a small USB reader for convenient data transfers. The 32GB microSDHC Class 4 card is backed by a lifetime warranty, free tech support and legendary Kingston reliability
The ultra-large 32GB microSDHC card is the perfect mobile storage solution for entertainment and business applications as smartphone use integrates into everyday life.
“The need for additional portable storage has grown as the mobile phone has transitioned from a simple voice device to a powerful multifunctional tool which is used to email, listen to music, take photos and watch movies,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston.
“Mobile phones are about more than just staying in touch as we also use them to take pictures at our kids’ sporting events, shoot videos on vacation and post to social media sites. An extra 32GB of expandable memory takes these capabilities even further.”
Kingston’s 32GB microSDHC card is capable of storing nearly 29,000 photos, over 6,000 songs and more than 2,000 minutes of video. The card has worked flawlessly when tested on the latest crop of smartphones including the HTC Evo 4G and Shadow; Motorola Droid X; RIM (BlackBerry) Bold 9000; and, Samsung Instinct (SPH-M800).
Mobility and versatility are taken a step further as the card is available with a variety of adapters including SD and miniSD, allowing one card to be used in several devices. Kingston also ships the 32GB microSDHC card with a small USB reader for convenient data transfers. The 32GB microSDHC Class 4 card is backed by a lifetime warranty, free tech support and legendary Kingston reliability
Friday, October 15, 2010
SMTC expands capabilities to meet demand for medical device outsourcing
TORONTO, CANADA: SMTC Corp., a global electronics manufacturing services provider, confirmed a strong commitment to continue the expansion into the medical device and life sciences market by achieving ISO 13485:2003 certification at its regional manufacturing centers in Toronto, Canada and San Jose, California and their low cost manufacturing operations in Chihuahua, Mexico.
SMTC provides advanced electronic manufacturing services to a growing number of OEMs in the medical and life sciences market sectors. OEMs look to engage a full range of SMTC value-added services including engineering support, material supply chain design and advanced procurement support, prototyping and product qualification, PCBA assembly through final product & system manufacturing, global distribution, product life cycle management and after-sales support.
"SMTC has a long history in the manufacturing of mission critical, high reliability products in specialized computing, enterprise grade telecommunications and transportation control applications. Our continued expansion in supporting medical and life science OEMs will leverage key aspects of our operational and supply chain capabilities and control processes which have allowed SMTC to develop a strong reputation of manufacturing high quality products," said John Caldwell, president and CEO, SMTC.
"The certification of our North American facilities to the ISO 13485:2003 standard affirms that our manufacturing operations are fully capable of meeting the high quality and process control requirements which are fundamental in the outsourcing of medical and life science products."
SMTC provides advanced electronic manufacturing services to a growing number of OEMs in the medical and life sciences market sectors. OEMs look to engage a full range of SMTC value-added services including engineering support, material supply chain design and advanced procurement support, prototyping and product qualification, PCBA assembly through final product & system manufacturing, global distribution, product life cycle management and after-sales support.
"SMTC has a long history in the manufacturing of mission critical, high reliability products in specialized computing, enterprise grade telecommunications and transportation control applications. Our continued expansion in supporting medical and life science OEMs will leverage key aspects of our operational and supply chain capabilities and control processes which have allowed SMTC to develop a strong reputation of manufacturing high quality products," said John Caldwell, president and CEO, SMTC.
"The certification of our North American facilities to the ISO 13485:2003 standard affirms that our manufacturing operations are fully capable of meeting the high quality and process control requirements which are fundamental in the outsourcing of medical and life science products."
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Global PC market maintains double-digit growth in Q3 despite weak results in some segments
FRAMINGHAM, USA: The global PC market grew 11 percent in the third quarter of 2010 (3Q10), nearly 3 percent below expectations.
According to the International Data Corp. (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, constrained consumer spending resulted in a tepid back-to-school season but commercial refresh remained largely on schedule and the overall market improved in September compared to the earlier part of the quarter.
Moreover, the market still exhibited positive sequential growth over the second quarter which is the hallmark of third quarter activity. Shipments for most markets were relatively close to expectations, with Japan surpassing the forecast. The US saw the largest difference with forecast growth, coming in at a 3.8 percent year-on-year increase, which was well below 2Q10 growth of 11.7 percent and 3Q10 projections near 11 percent.
Continuing from trends seen in recent quarters, Desktop volume was supported by commercial purchases while consumer fatigue was evident on the Notebook side, with Mininotebook PC shipments continuing the recent trend of slowing growth.
"Despite a sluggish start, the quarter ended with a good rally in September which could be a good prelude for what is ahead," said Jay Chou, research analyst with IDC's Worldwide PC Tracker Program. "Lower PC component costs, budding excitement around new media-centric form factors and continued business buying should still make for a competitive holiday season.”
"Apple's influence on the PC market continues to grow, particularly in the US, as the company's iPad has had some negative impact on the mininotebook market. But, the halo effect of the device also helped propel Mac sales and moved the company into the number three position in the US market," said Bob O'Donnell, IDC vice president for Clients and Displays.
Regional outlook
United States: Weak back-to-school sales and consumer fatigue characterized the market. The region grew 3.8 percent compared to a year ago, 7 percent below forecast, but still managed to record a positive sequential growth compared to the second quarter of 2010.
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA): As expected maintained healthy double-digit growth in the back-to-school period, driven by continued recovery across the emerging markets and increasing business renewals in Western Europe. However, mininotebook demand continued to drop as anticipated leading to softer consumer growth.
Japan: This was the only region to exceed forecast. Stronger than expected activity in the enterprise and SMB sector helped propel the market.
Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan): The region came in about 2 percent below projections at 13 percent yearly growth, as retail inventory in China and Indonesia impacted notebooks there. Desktops were slightly stronger than expected, but it was not enough to completely offset notebooks.
Vendor outlook
HP had a flat year overall but and managed to grow almost 3 percent in the US channel issues in Asia/Pacific were a contributing factor.
Acer Group saw inventory issues cause backlog in the channel. Acer grew slightly slower than the market – primarily a result of strong year-ago performance. This was most evident in the United States and Japan, which saw the slowest growth. Meanwhile, Acer continued to make rapid gains in emerging markets.
Dell grew nearly 10 percent overall and its business in emerging markets remains robust.
Lenovo was strong across the board and gained more than 30 percent. Its desktop sales benefited from continued business renewal projects and held on to have impressive gains in all regions, including its home turf in Asia/Pacific.
ASUS continued to make strong gains across most regions despite having some inventory issues. Strong performance in Asia/Pacific helped it achieve growth of more than 30 percent.
Toshiba grew above market and saw shipments increase more than 14 percent for the quarter as its notebooks continued to find good reception in the Asia/Pacific (excl. Japan) region. The company also saw solid growth in the US and EMEA as well.
According to the International Data Corp. (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, constrained consumer spending resulted in a tepid back-to-school season but commercial refresh remained largely on schedule and the overall market improved in September compared to the earlier part of the quarter.
Moreover, the market still exhibited positive sequential growth over the second quarter which is the hallmark of third quarter activity. Shipments for most markets were relatively close to expectations, with Japan surpassing the forecast. The US saw the largest difference with forecast growth, coming in at a 3.8 percent year-on-year increase, which was well below 2Q10 growth of 11.7 percent and 3Q10 projections near 11 percent.
Continuing from trends seen in recent quarters, Desktop volume was supported by commercial purchases while consumer fatigue was evident on the Notebook side, with Mininotebook PC shipments continuing the recent trend of slowing growth.
"Despite a sluggish start, the quarter ended with a good rally in September which could be a good prelude for what is ahead," said Jay Chou, research analyst with IDC's Worldwide PC Tracker Program. "Lower PC component costs, budding excitement around new media-centric form factors and continued business buying should still make for a competitive holiday season.”
"Apple's influence on the PC market continues to grow, particularly in the US, as the company's iPad has had some negative impact on the mininotebook market. But, the halo effect of the device also helped propel Mac sales and moved the company into the number three position in the US market," said Bob O'Donnell, IDC vice president for Clients and Displays.
Regional outlook
United States: Weak back-to-school sales and consumer fatigue characterized the market. The region grew 3.8 percent compared to a year ago, 7 percent below forecast, but still managed to record a positive sequential growth compared to the second quarter of 2010.
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA): As expected maintained healthy double-digit growth in the back-to-school period, driven by continued recovery across the emerging markets and increasing business renewals in Western Europe. However, mininotebook demand continued to drop as anticipated leading to softer consumer growth.
Japan: This was the only region to exceed forecast. Stronger than expected activity in the enterprise and SMB sector helped propel the market.
Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan): The region came in about 2 percent below projections at 13 percent yearly growth, as retail inventory in China and Indonesia impacted notebooks there. Desktops were slightly stronger than expected, but it was not enough to completely offset notebooks.
Vendor outlook
HP had a flat year overall but and managed to grow almost 3 percent in the US channel issues in Asia/Pacific were a contributing factor.
Acer Group saw inventory issues cause backlog in the channel. Acer grew slightly slower than the market – primarily a result of strong year-ago performance. This was most evident in the United States and Japan, which saw the slowest growth. Meanwhile, Acer continued to make rapid gains in emerging markets.
Dell grew nearly 10 percent overall and its business in emerging markets remains robust.
Lenovo was strong across the board and gained more than 30 percent. Its desktop sales benefited from continued business renewal projects and held on to have impressive gains in all regions, including its home turf in Asia/Pacific.
ASUS continued to make strong gains across most regions despite having some inventory issues. Strong performance in Asia/Pacific helped it achieve growth of more than 30 percent.
Toshiba grew above market and saw shipments increase more than 14 percent for the quarter as its notebooks continued to find good reception in the Asia/Pacific (excl. Japan) region. The company also saw solid growth in the US and EMEA as well.
Veeco wins key technology decisions from thin film magnetic head manufacturers
PLAINVIEW, USA: Veeco Instruments Inc. has been selected by leading global hard disk drive manufacturers for critical technology that enables higher areal density for next generation thin film magnetic heads.
“Recent orders for our NEXUS TAMR Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) System and the NEXUS Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) System, combined with proven eight inch wafer capabilities, demonstrate Veeco’s continued technology leadership position as a partner that enables disk drive manufacturers to increase storage capacity,” commented Robert P. Oates, executive VP, Data Storage.
“We are also working closely on other active technology programs, such as diamond-like carbon deposition for head overcoat and hard bias solutions. Technologies like these are critical to increasing areal density to 1 Tb/in2 and beyond.”
The NEXUS TAMR (Thermal Assisted Magnetic Recording) System leverages Veeco's production-proven high rate reactive alumina platform and proprietary process control. The NEXUS CVD system enables ruthenium deposition for advanced perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) for areal densities >500Gb/in2.
“Recent orders for our NEXUS TAMR Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) System and the NEXUS Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) System, combined with proven eight inch wafer capabilities, demonstrate Veeco’s continued technology leadership position as a partner that enables disk drive manufacturers to increase storage capacity,” commented Robert P. Oates, executive VP, Data Storage.
“We are also working closely on other active technology programs, such as diamond-like carbon deposition for head overcoat and hard bias solutions. Technologies like these are critical to increasing areal density to 1 Tb/in2 and beyond.”
The NEXUS TAMR (Thermal Assisted Magnetic Recording) System leverages Veeco's production-proven high rate reactive alumina platform and proprietary process control. The NEXUS CVD system enables ruthenium deposition for advanced perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) for areal densities >500Gb/in2.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
KPIT Cummins completes merger of In2Soft GmbH
PUNE, INDIA & MUNICH, GERMANY: KPIT Cummins, a leading product engineering and IT consulting partner to manufacturing companies, today announced that it has completed the merger of German vehicle diagnostics and telematics specialist In2Soft Gmbh.
The merger of Munich based In2Soft, is in line with KPIT Cummins’ stated growth strategy to sharply focus on select industries and achieve market leadership by creating best in class offerings for its global customers. This agreement is expected to result in increased profitability, greater efficiencies and increased market share.
Key highlights
* Capabilities in vehicle diagnostics: The worldwide automotive diagnostics market is slated to grow at a faster pace accelerated by the Euro 5/6 (Europe) and EPA (USA) regulations, WWH-OBD. In2Soft is a leader in new standards in diagnostics (MVCI, ODX, OTX, D-PDU API, DoIP) and offers a complete tool chain (as product) for diagnostic communication (wired, wireless, remote, internet) to several European OEMs and Tier1s.
* Expanded portfolio: KPIT’s customers across US, Asia Pacific (APAC) and emerging markets will get access to highly advanced automotive diagnostics solutions and In2Soft’s customers will be able to leverage KPIT’s product engineering capabilities across multiple automotive sub-systems.
* Enhanced access to OEM customers: Diagnostics is an important OEM offering, and addition of the diagnostics capability to the portfolio will provide KPIT an opportunity to deepen its relationship with German OEM customers.
* Strong Near-shore capabilities: This agreement will strengthen KPIT’s near-shore presence which is essential to service German and European customers.
Kishor Patil, MD and CEO, KPIT Cummins said: “Vehicle diagnostics are very high on automotive OEMs priority worldwide and we will now leverage the technology developed by In2Soft to service automotive OEMs across US and emerging markets in addition to Europe. With In2Soft we will build a local onsite and near-shore presence which is essential for key German customers. We expect a very profitable synergy with In2Soft and welcome the In2Soft team to the KPIT family."
Guven Kivran, MD, In2Soft, added: “We are very happy to join KPIT Cummins which is very sharply focused on the automotive industry. KPIT’s larger geographic presence across US, Europe and APAC will complement our strong relationships in the German automotive industry. We are confident that our combined and complementary strengths will help us create a leadership position in the diagnostics & telematics space and accelerate growth by creating more value for our customers."
The merger of Munich based In2Soft, is in line with KPIT Cummins’ stated growth strategy to sharply focus on select industries and achieve market leadership by creating best in class offerings for its global customers. This agreement is expected to result in increased profitability, greater efficiencies and increased market share.
Key highlights
* Capabilities in vehicle diagnostics: The worldwide automotive diagnostics market is slated to grow at a faster pace accelerated by the Euro 5/6 (Europe) and EPA (USA) regulations, WWH-OBD. In2Soft is a leader in new standards in diagnostics (MVCI, ODX, OTX, D-PDU API, DoIP) and offers a complete tool chain (as product) for diagnostic communication (wired, wireless, remote, internet) to several European OEMs and Tier1s.
* Expanded portfolio: KPIT’s customers across US, Asia Pacific (APAC) and emerging markets will get access to highly advanced automotive diagnostics solutions and In2Soft’s customers will be able to leverage KPIT’s product engineering capabilities across multiple automotive sub-systems.
* Enhanced access to OEM customers: Diagnostics is an important OEM offering, and addition of the diagnostics capability to the portfolio will provide KPIT an opportunity to deepen its relationship with German OEM customers.
* Strong Near-shore capabilities: This agreement will strengthen KPIT’s near-shore presence which is essential to service German and European customers.
Kishor Patil, MD and CEO, KPIT Cummins said: “Vehicle diagnostics are very high on automotive OEMs priority worldwide and we will now leverage the technology developed by In2Soft to service automotive OEMs across US and emerging markets in addition to Europe. With In2Soft we will build a local onsite and near-shore presence which is essential for key German customers. We expect a very profitable synergy with In2Soft and welcome the In2Soft team to the KPIT family."
Guven Kivran, MD, In2Soft, added: “We are very happy to join KPIT Cummins which is very sharply focused on the automotive industry. KPIT’s larger geographic presence across US, Europe and APAC will complement our strong relationships in the German automotive industry. We are confident that our combined and complementary strengths will help us create a leadership position in the diagnostics & telematics space and accelerate growth by creating more value for our customers."
Philips launches range of LED bulbs range for India
BANGALORE, INDIA: Philips Lighting India, the leading Lighting Company in India, today announced a breakthrough innovation in Lighting technology – the Philips LED consumer bulb range for the Indian market.
As part of this launch, the first indigenously developed LED bulb for India was unveiled. The new LED bulb which signifies the expansion of Philips Energy Efficient lighting portfolio will be available at the most competitive price in India or anywhere else globally.
Murali Sivaraman, vice chairman and MD, Philips Electronics India Ltd, said: “This is a milestone launch not just for Philips but also for India, as the new range gives India its first home-grown LED bulb and takes the country a step further in LED revolution. This new LED bulb will enable millions of Indian households to switch to the Future of Lighting and save on electricity bills and replacement costs, all with the highest quality standards.”
A pioneer in LED lighting technology in India, Philips has invested considerably in producing the most appropriate, tailor-made lighting solution for Indian homes. Developed at the Philips R&D center in Noida, the bulb adheres to India-specific environmental and infrastructural challenges such as voltage fluctuations, energy spikes and intermittent power supply.
In addition, the new bulb is a retrofit bulb that can conveniently replace the GLS bulb and be installed on the existing lighting fixtures in India without any additional expense. The bulb is a significant R&D achievement within Philips as it is the fastest innovation at Philips, globally – from the conceptualization till the actual production.
Talking about the key features of this bulb, Nirupam Sahay, senior director, Marketing, Philips Lighting India, said: “Unlike other lighting technologies that are analog, LED bulbs are completely digital. These are based on low-voltage technology and offer up to 80% energy savings compared to the traditional incandescent bulbs. The new bulb emits better quality and more versatile lighting and has an extra long life of more than 15 years. The bulb, like other LED sources, is one of the most sustainable lighting solutions.”
Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a revolutionary technology and has completely transformed the lighting industry worldwide and in India. The newly launched bulb makes the latest LED technology available to home users in India.
The newly launched portfolio includes the 5W retrofit bulb along with the 2W Candle and 7W Spotlight bulbs for various lighting applications inside homes. The 5W retrofit LED bulb is competitively priced at Rs. 649. Given that the life of the bulb is over 15 years and that there is 80 percent energy saving vis-à-vis incandescent bulbs, this is an extremely attractive price.
Presently, the bulb is being launched in the major metros such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata, and will be available in the top electrical outlets in each city, as well as through Philips Light Lounges and key modern retail outlets in these cities.
As part of this launch, the first indigenously developed LED bulb for India was unveiled. The new LED bulb which signifies the expansion of Philips Energy Efficient lighting portfolio will be available at the most competitive price in India or anywhere else globally.Murali Sivaraman, vice chairman and MD, Philips Electronics India Ltd, said: “This is a milestone launch not just for Philips but also for India, as the new range gives India its first home-grown LED bulb and takes the country a step further in LED revolution. This new LED bulb will enable millions of Indian households to switch to the Future of Lighting and save on electricity bills and replacement costs, all with the highest quality standards.”
A pioneer in LED lighting technology in India, Philips has invested considerably in producing the most appropriate, tailor-made lighting solution for Indian homes. Developed at the Philips R&D center in Noida, the bulb adheres to India-specific environmental and infrastructural challenges such as voltage fluctuations, energy spikes and intermittent power supply.
In addition, the new bulb is a retrofit bulb that can conveniently replace the GLS bulb and be installed on the existing lighting fixtures in India without any additional expense. The bulb is a significant R&D achievement within Philips as it is the fastest innovation at Philips, globally – from the conceptualization till the actual production.
Talking about the key features of this bulb, Nirupam Sahay, senior director, Marketing, Philips Lighting India, said: “Unlike other lighting technologies that are analog, LED bulbs are completely digital. These are based on low-voltage technology and offer up to 80% energy savings compared to the traditional incandescent bulbs. The new bulb emits better quality and more versatile lighting and has an extra long life of more than 15 years. The bulb, like other LED sources, is one of the most sustainable lighting solutions.”
Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a revolutionary technology and has completely transformed the lighting industry worldwide and in India. The newly launched bulb makes the latest LED technology available to home users in India.
The newly launched portfolio includes the 5W retrofit bulb along with the 2W Candle and 7W Spotlight bulbs for various lighting applications inside homes. The 5W retrofit LED bulb is competitively priced at Rs. 649. Given that the life of the bulb is over 15 years and that there is 80 percent energy saving vis-à-vis incandescent bulbs, this is an extremely attractive price.
Presently, the bulb is being launched in the major metros such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata, and will be available in the top electrical outlets in each city, as well as through Philips Light Lounges and key modern retail outlets in these cities.
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