TAIPEI, TAIWAN: GIGABYTE Technology Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards and other computing hardware solutions, has begun shipping the totally redesigned GIGABYTE 6 series motherboards featuring the new Intel B3 stepping chipsets.
Motherboards are expected to be available as early as next week, when shipments start to clear customs offices in markets around the world.
GIGABYTE 6 series SATA check utility
Immediately after learning about the B2 stepping Intel 6 Series chipset design error, GIGABYTE released the easy to use GIGABYTE 6 Series SATA Check utility that helps to optimize SATA performance by identifying the white SATA 6Gbps that can be used, while advising users not to use the affected Intel PCH SATA ports.
As the new B3 versions on 6 Series motherboards start to ship, GIGABYTE just released an updated 6 Series SATA Check utility that also identifies the chipset and its stepping (either B2 or B3).
Another way to identify a B3 stepping chipset motherboard is to look for the motherboard model name as the PC boots. The new B3 version 6 Series motherboard packaging features a large B3 Stepping logo that users will easily be able to identify.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Motion sensors for consumer and mobile apps
LYONS, FRANCE: “From $847 million in 2009, the motion sensor market will reach $2.56 billion in 2015” says Laurent Robin, Market & Technology Analyst at Yole Développement.
This report analyzes the motion sensor value chain and infrastructure and players for consumer business. Under this report, Yole Développement provides a deep understanding of application focus on key existing markets and most promising emerging ones: new features, technical roadmap, insight about future technology trends & challenges. This study includes market data on motion sensors for consumer and mobile products: key market metrics and dynamics.
Source: Yole Développement.
The inertial sensor market for consumer electronics is growing very quickly due to the fast adoption of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers in mobile phones, tablets, game stations and laptops. Indeed 20.3 percent annual growth is expected: from $847 million in 2009, the motion sensor market will reach $2.56 billion in 2015!
The MEMS accelerometer market will show very nice business opportunities in the coming years. Moreover, this market will be strategic because many applications are expected to rely on 3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis gyroscope in a single package within 2015. There is thus a strong synergy between accelerometer and gyroscope technologies and players.
The gyroscope market is really thriving thanks to the successful introduction of 3-axis devices by ST Micro and InvenSense. While adoption in handsets is only starting to surge, (with iPhone since June 2010 and now with Android smartphones) the gaming market is quickly growing and additional markets are emerging like tablets or remote controls.
Compasses are also gaining strong market traction. 2010 was an incredible year for digital compass in handsets, but the market will find growth outside of the mobile phone area as well: on gaming, on DSC for advanced geo-tagging.
It will be particularly interesting to monitor strategies of newcomers to compete against AKM who is way ahead in the market. Competition is gaining in intensity as the motion sensing market becomes increasingly attractive. More than 50 companies are targeting this business including large players and small companies. But in the consumer market only a few companies are really making money out of this business, while the others are struggling to make a decent profit.
Several levels of competition are shaping the market
* Competition among companies trying to offer a complete product family (accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers), either internally or with partners (ST is partnering with Honeywell for example on electronic compass).
* Competition among devices: accelerometer, gyroscopes and electronic compass can provide functions, either alone or in combination with each other. So companies have to propose the best sensor or sensor combination for a dedicated function.
* Competing business models: fabless companies (InvenSense for example) are competing against integrated device manufacturers (ST, Kionix, Panasonic, Epson Toyocom, Freescale…). Optimization of the production cost is one of the biggest key success factors. It is thus necessary for all players to work hard in order to really get the costs lower and produce on 8 inch wafer lines at a reasonable yield.
* Hardware competing against software: companies such as Movea start to impact the traditional supply chain model by bringing a novel expertise in software and sensor fusion.
* Technology competition: companies are proposing discrete devices (a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope) or sensor combination (acceleration sensor plus gyroscope, gyroscope plus electronic compass) either in a system-in-package or on a single die, along with a transition from a sensor offer to a solution offer (with sensor fusion).
Which company, business model, device… will win?
It is both a booming and fragmented market so multiple companies can have an important part of the business. Cost-effective production infrastructure is clearly important but as the market will be moving from device to functions, the software and “function delivery” part of the business will be more and more significant…
This area is exciting and still far from being mature. “We expect considerable evolutions in the next years as illustrated by the strong demand for more precise and long-term navigation solutions, including indoor pedestrian navigation”, explains Laurent Robin. In parallel to the current race to develop ultra-low cost versions of motions sensors, few start-ups are working on revolutionary motion sensing technologies by using different sensing principle or different way of combining motion sensors, with compatibility to a low cost production infrastructure.
This report analyzes the motion sensor value chain and infrastructure and players for consumer business. Under this report, Yole Développement provides a deep understanding of application focus on key existing markets and most promising emerging ones: new features, technical roadmap, insight about future technology trends & challenges. This study includes market data on motion sensors for consumer and mobile products: key market metrics and dynamics.
Source: Yole Développement.The inertial sensor market for consumer electronics is growing very quickly due to the fast adoption of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers in mobile phones, tablets, game stations and laptops. Indeed 20.3 percent annual growth is expected: from $847 million in 2009, the motion sensor market will reach $2.56 billion in 2015!
The MEMS accelerometer market will show very nice business opportunities in the coming years. Moreover, this market will be strategic because many applications are expected to rely on 3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis gyroscope in a single package within 2015. There is thus a strong synergy between accelerometer and gyroscope technologies and players.
The gyroscope market is really thriving thanks to the successful introduction of 3-axis devices by ST Micro and InvenSense. While adoption in handsets is only starting to surge, (with iPhone since June 2010 and now with Android smartphones) the gaming market is quickly growing and additional markets are emerging like tablets or remote controls.
Compasses are also gaining strong market traction. 2010 was an incredible year for digital compass in handsets, but the market will find growth outside of the mobile phone area as well: on gaming, on DSC for advanced geo-tagging.
It will be particularly interesting to monitor strategies of newcomers to compete against AKM who is way ahead in the market. Competition is gaining in intensity as the motion sensing market becomes increasingly attractive. More than 50 companies are targeting this business including large players and small companies. But in the consumer market only a few companies are really making money out of this business, while the others are struggling to make a decent profit.
Several levels of competition are shaping the market
* Competition among companies trying to offer a complete product family (accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers), either internally or with partners (ST is partnering with Honeywell for example on electronic compass).
* Competition among devices: accelerometer, gyroscopes and electronic compass can provide functions, either alone or in combination with each other. So companies have to propose the best sensor or sensor combination for a dedicated function.
* Competing business models: fabless companies (InvenSense for example) are competing against integrated device manufacturers (ST, Kionix, Panasonic, Epson Toyocom, Freescale…). Optimization of the production cost is one of the biggest key success factors. It is thus necessary for all players to work hard in order to really get the costs lower and produce on 8 inch wafer lines at a reasonable yield.
* Hardware competing against software: companies such as Movea start to impact the traditional supply chain model by bringing a novel expertise in software and sensor fusion.
* Technology competition: companies are proposing discrete devices (a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope) or sensor combination (acceleration sensor plus gyroscope, gyroscope plus electronic compass) either in a system-in-package or on a single die, along with a transition from a sensor offer to a solution offer (with sensor fusion).
Which company, business model, device… will win?
It is both a booming and fragmented market so multiple companies can have an important part of the business. Cost-effective production infrastructure is clearly important but as the market will be moving from device to functions, the software and “function delivery” part of the business will be more and more significant…
This area is exciting and still far from being mature. “We expect considerable evolutions in the next years as illustrated by the strong demand for more precise and long-term navigation solutions, including indoor pedestrian navigation”, explains Laurent Robin. In parallel to the current race to develop ultra-low cost versions of motions sensors, few start-ups are working on revolutionary motion sensing technologies by using different sensing principle or different way of combining motion sensors, with compatibility to a low cost production infrastructure.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Corel VideoStudio Pro X4 – new video editing software brings power and simplicity to movie making
BANGALORE, INDIA: Corel has introduced Corel VideoStudio Pro X4, the new version of its powerful video editing software that lets anyone create and share professional-quality videos. With outstanding speed and easy ways to bring great-looking movies to the screen, VideoStudio Pro X4 combines power and simplicity to break down the barriers to video editing.
Whether you’re a new user or have a long-time passion for video editing, VideoStudio Pro X4 is an ideal choice with its uncomplicated approach to movie making, impressive effects and outstanding speed-to-results.
This latest version includes all-new, creative features to enable anyone to add Hollywood-style effects to their movies. VideoStudio Pro X4 offers new Time-lapse tools that let you easily deliver the high-quality, photographic look of professional productions as your movie speeds your audience through time.
The new Stop Motion feature automates this traditional, time-consuming animation process, taking away the complexity of bringing objects like toys or figures to life. In addition, there are new capabilities that make it easy to create a 3D look from your 2D video, emulating the immersive feel of 3D movies on the big screen.
Making the editing process faster than ever, VideoStudio Pro X4 delivers unprecedented performance with new optimization for 2nd generation Intel Core (Sandy Bridge) and AMD Fusion processors. For users who may not have the latest hardware, VideoStudio Pro offers the unique Smart Proxy feature as well as support for CUDA, GPU acceleration and multi-core processing to provide quick and responsive editing.
Whether you’re a new user or have a long-time passion for video editing, VideoStudio Pro X4 is an ideal choice with its uncomplicated approach to movie making, impressive effects and outstanding speed-to-results.
This latest version includes all-new, creative features to enable anyone to add Hollywood-style effects to their movies. VideoStudio Pro X4 offers new Time-lapse tools that let you easily deliver the high-quality, photographic look of professional productions as your movie speeds your audience through time.
The new Stop Motion feature automates this traditional, time-consuming animation process, taking away the complexity of bringing objects like toys or figures to life. In addition, there are new capabilities that make it easy to create a 3D look from your 2D video, emulating the immersive feel of 3D movies on the big screen.
Making the editing process faster than ever, VideoStudio Pro X4 delivers unprecedented performance with new optimization for 2nd generation Intel Core (Sandy Bridge) and AMD Fusion processors. For users who may not have the latest hardware, VideoStudio Pro offers the unique Smart Proxy feature as well as support for CUDA, GPU acceleration and multi-core processing to provide quick and responsive editing.
Vizio maintains lead in US LCD TV market
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Riding a wave of demand for its light-emitting diode (LED)-backlit televisions, Vizio Inc. managed to maintain leadership in the US market for liquid-crystal display televisions (LCD TV) in the fourth quarter as well as for the entire year in 2010, according to new IHS iSuppli research.
US-based Vizio in the fourth quarter shipped 2.9 million LCD TVs, up 78.9 percent from 1.6 million in the third quarter. This gave the company a 27.6 percent share of unit shipments, up from 19.5 percent in the third quarter. Vizio’s lead over second-place Samsung expanded to 7.4 percentage points in the fourth quarter, up from 2.1 percentage points in the third quarter.
Topped by a strong fourth-quarter performance, Vizio padded its leadership of the US LCD TV market for the entire year of 2010. Company market share amounted to 21.3 percent in 2010, up from 18.3 percent in 2009. Vizio’s lead expanded to 2.5 percentage points over chief rival Samsung, up from 1 point in 2009.
“Vizio’s market share gains in the U.S. LCD TV market in 2010 were driven by strong consumer demand for the company’s LED-backlit sets,” said Riddhi Patel, director, television systems for IHS. “Vizio has been able to offer sets with this advanced feature while maintaining competitive pricing. Consumers are snapping up LED-backlit LCD TVs from Vizio and others because of their thinner profile, superior picture, lower power consumption and reduced prices.”
Vizio takes flat-panel lead in Q4 2010 but Samsung takes the year
Vizio in the fourth quarter of 2010 also managed to displace Samsung for leadership in the US market for flat-panel televisions, a category that combines the LCD TV and plasma segments. With its strong business in both plasma and LCD sets, Samsung historically has led this area. However, Vizio captured the lead because of aggressive shipments of feature-rich LCD TVs at attractive pricing through its distribution network.
Vizio in the fourth quarter shipped 2.9 million flat-panel sets, up 78.9 percent from 1.6 million in the third quarter and a 55.5 percent increase from 1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. This gave Vizio a 23.9 percent share of the US flat-panel market in the fourth quarter, up from 16.6 percent in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s share rose to 21.5 percent in the fourth quarter, up from 18.8 percent in the third. While its share rose, the increase was not sufficient to keep it from falling to second place in the U.S. flat-panel television market.
Samsung shipped 2.6 million flat panel sets in the fourth quarter of 2010, up 41.5 percent from 1.8 million in the third quarter and a 22.8 percent rise from 2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.
However, because Samsung led Vizio in flat-panel television shipments during the first three quarters of 2010, it maintained leadership for the year as a whole. Samsung accounted for 20.1 percent of US flat-panel shipments in 2010, compared to 18.4 percent for Vizio.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
US-based Vizio in the fourth quarter shipped 2.9 million LCD TVs, up 78.9 percent from 1.6 million in the third quarter. This gave the company a 27.6 percent share of unit shipments, up from 19.5 percent in the third quarter. Vizio’s lead over second-place Samsung expanded to 7.4 percentage points in the fourth quarter, up from 2.1 percentage points in the third quarter.
Topped by a strong fourth-quarter performance, Vizio padded its leadership of the US LCD TV market for the entire year of 2010. Company market share amounted to 21.3 percent in 2010, up from 18.3 percent in 2009. Vizio’s lead expanded to 2.5 percentage points over chief rival Samsung, up from 1 point in 2009.
“Vizio’s market share gains in the U.S. LCD TV market in 2010 were driven by strong consumer demand for the company’s LED-backlit sets,” said Riddhi Patel, director, television systems for IHS. “Vizio has been able to offer sets with this advanced feature while maintaining competitive pricing. Consumers are snapping up LED-backlit LCD TVs from Vizio and others because of their thinner profile, superior picture, lower power consumption and reduced prices.”
Vizio takes flat-panel lead in Q4 2010 but Samsung takes the year
Vizio in the fourth quarter of 2010 also managed to displace Samsung for leadership in the US market for flat-panel televisions, a category that combines the LCD TV and plasma segments. With its strong business in both plasma and LCD sets, Samsung historically has led this area. However, Vizio captured the lead because of aggressive shipments of feature-rich LCD TVs at attractive pricing through its distribution network.
Vizio in the fourth quarter shipped 2.9 million flat-panel sets, up 78.9 percent from 1.6 million in the third quarter and a 55.5 percent increase from 1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. This gave Vizio a 23.9 percent share of the US flat-panel market in the fourth quarter, up from 16.6 percent in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s share rose to 21.5 percent in the fourth quarter, up from 18.8 percent in the third. While its share rose, the increase was not sufficient to keep it from falling to second place in the U.S. flat-panel television market.
Samsung shipped 2.6 million flat panel sets in the fourth quarter of 2010, up 41.5 percent from 1.8 million in the third quarter and a 22.8 percent rise from 2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.
However, because Samsung led Vizio in flat-panel television shipments during the first three quarters of 2010, it maintained leadership for the year as a whole. Samsung accounted for 20.1 percent of US flat-panel shipments in 2010, compared to 18.4 percent for Vizio.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
IEEE announces Standards Interest Group (SIG) for India
CHENNAI, INDIA: IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional association, today announced the formation of the IEEE Standards Interest Group (SIG) for India.
In the works since last year, the IEEE SIG heralds a new chapter in India’s role in the global standards process and will provide a platform for increased involvement of the local technical community in global standards development.
The initiative is driven by IEEE sections in India with active support from IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA), the standards development organization of IEEE. Srikanth Chandrasekaran of Freescale Semiconductors would lead the IEEE SIG as its chair. Cloud Computing and Smart Grid have already garnered significant interest and momentum due to various factors including market demand.
Announcing the SIG, Judy Gorman, MD, IEEE-SA, said: ”India is among the largest and most promising markets in the world. A leader in the community of technology-developing countries, India boasts the world’s second largest engineering/technology professionals’ pool. Engaging India’s technical professional community in the standards process is therefore a must. The participation of Indian professionals will ensure challenges and factors unique to India are considered in global standards development. The IEEE SIG represents a significant step forward in the organization’s growing engagement with India. Besides providing an established forum to promote and help evangelize IEEE standards interests in India.”
Srikanth Chandrasekaran, chair of the India IEEE SIG said: ”While India’s growing technological prowess is acknowledged widely, there are many technical professionals that are not aware of the importance of standards in technology development, nor actively participate in the standards process. As India becomes the R&D/IT/design hub for multiple industries and verticals it is vital that IEEE engages the Indian technical community in standards development.
“We look forward to building on the initial momentum with active support from IEEE Standards Association—as one of the most credible global standards development organizations in the technical arena. This is surely a boon not just for the country but for its large and growing community of technical professionals.”
In the works since last year, the IEEE SIG heralds a new chapter in India’s role in the global standards process and will provide a platform for increased involvement of the local technical community in global standards development.
The initiative is driven by IEEE sections in India with active support from IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA), the standards development organization of IEEE. Srikanth Chandrasekaran of Freescale Semiconductors would lead the IEEE SIG as its chair. Cloud Computing and Smart Grid have already garnered significant interest and momentum due to various factors including market demand.
Announcing the SIG, Judy Gorman, MD, IEEE-SA, said: ”India is among the largest and most promising markets in the world. A leader in the community of technology-developing countries, India boasts the world’s second largest engineering/technology professionals’ pool. Engaging India’s technical professional community in the standards process is therefore a must. The participation of Indian professionals will ensure challenges and factors unique to India are considered in global standards development. The IEEE SIG represents a significant step forward in the organization’s growing engagement with India. Besides providing an established forum to promote and help evangelize IEEE standards interests in India.”
Srikanth Chandrasekaran, chair of the India IEEE SIG said: ”While India’s growing technological prowess is acknowledged widely, there are many technical professionals that are not aware of the importance of standards in technology development, nor actively participate in the standards process. As India becomes the R&D/IT/design hub for multiple industries and verticals it is vital that IEEE engages the Indian technical community in standards development.
“We look forward to building on the initial momentum with active support from IEEE Standards Association—as one of the most credible global standards development organizations in the technical arena. This is surely a boon not just for the country but for its large and growing community of technical professionals.”
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Outlook for worldwide digital IP, cable, and satellite STB industries in 2011 and beyond
TAIWAN: According to the MIC, Taiwan TrendTracker, in 2011, it is estimated that pay satellite STB will advance 2.5 percent year-on-year to 0.7 million units and account for 43 percent of the total satellite STB shipment.
FTA (Free To Air) satellite STB shipment volume advanced 1.7 percent to 53.8 million units and accounted for 57 percent of the total. It is anticipated that the global satellite STB shipment volume will score a 1.8 percent CAGR during the period 2010-2015.
It is anticipated that full-year worldwide satellite STB shipment value will hit approximately $4.708 billion in 2011, up 2.3 percent year-on-year.
In 2011, pay satellite STB shipment value is anticipated to reach approximately $3.297 billion, growing at 1.4 percent year-on-year and to account for around 30 percent of the total satellite STB shipment. It is anticipated that the global satellite STB shipment value will have a 1.2 percent CAGR during the period 2010-2015.
FTA (Free To Air) satellite STB shipment volume advanced 1.7 percent to 53.8 million units and accounted for 57 percent of the total. It is anticipated that the global satellite STB shipment volume will score a 1.8 percent CAGR during the period 2010-2015.
It is anticipated that full-year worldwide satellite STB shipment value will hit approximately $4.708 billion in 2011, up 2.3 percent year-on-year.
In 2011, pay satellite STB shipment value is anticipated to reach approximately $3.297 billion, growing at 1.4 percent year-on-year and to account for around 30 percent of the total satellite STB shipment. It is anticipated that the global satellite STB shipment value will have a 1.2 percent CAGR during the period 2010-2015.
Western Digital wins HDD battle for 2010
NEW TRIPOLI, USA: The HDD market recorded a growth of 17.1 percent in unit shipments to 653.5 million units in 2010, according to our report The Hard Disk Drive Industry: Market Analysis and Processing Trends
The market for 2010, as in 2009, was about product mix. Western Digital (WDC), which has focused on non-desktop applications, primarily the 2.5-inch form factor for mobile and CE, took over the lead in 2010 from Seagate (STX), which has focused on the desktop and the enterprise markets. In 2010, mobile PCs grew 29 percent, while desktop PCs grew only 8 percent.
Source: The Information Network.
In the mobile HDD sector, Western Digital led the 2010 market with a 27.5 percent share followed by Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (HIT) with a 26 percent share and Seagate with a 20.4 percent share.
Media Tablets, already cannibalizing Netbooks and Smartbooks, will impact Hard Disk Drive sales as units contain Solid State Drives (SSDs) instead of HDDs, according to The Information Network.
More than 54 million media tablets will sell in 2011, each containing a solid state drive (SSD) instead of a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD market, already reeling from more than 17 million media tablets sold in 2010, will be impacted by the displacement of HDD-based notebook PCs by media tablets.
In 2011, media tablets are expected to penetrate the entire global community, thereby impacting PC sales and hence HDDs sales in other geographic regions. In 2014, according to the report, the Asia-Pacific region will account for more than 50 percent of media tablet sales.
The market for 2010, as in 2009, was about product mix. Western Digital (WDC), which has focused on non-desktop applications, primarily the 2.5-inch form factor for mobile and CE, took over the lead in 2010 from Seagate (STX), which has focused on the desktop and the enterprise markets. In 2010, mobile PCs grew 29 percent, while desktop PCs grew only 8 percent.
Source: The Information Network.In the mobile HDD sector, Western Digital led the 2010 market with a 27.5 percent share followed by Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (HIT) with a 26 percent share and Seagate with a 20.4 percent share.
Media Tablets, already cannibalizing Netbooks and Smartbooks, will impact Hard Disk Drive sales as units contain Solid State Drives (SSDs) instead of HDDs, according to The Information Network.
More than 54 million media tablets will sell in 2011, each containing a solid state drive (SSD) instead of a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD market, already reeling from more than 17 million media tablets sold in 2010, will be impacted by the displacement of HDD-based notebook PCs by media tablets.
In 2011, media tablets are expected to penetrate the entire global community, thereby impacting PC sales and hence HDDs sales in other geographic regions. In 2014, according to the report, the Asia-Pacific region will account for more than 50 percent of media tablet sales.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Kingston announces independently validated server premier memory for Super Micro server boards
MUMBAI, INDIA: Kingston Technology Co, Inc. has announced a series of ValueRAM Server Premier memory solutions that have been independently validated for use with Super Micro Computer Inc. server boards. The independent certification was undertaken by Advanced Validation Labs (AVL), a technology services company specializing in testing and validating pre- and post-production memory. AVL fulfills the validation and testing needs of major OEMs and motherboard manufacturers worldwide.
“System builders and integrators have long used Supermicro’s high-quality server boards in a multitude of platforms,” said Ann Bai, DRAM Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston. “Our Server Premier line offers unique features in addition to being fully AVL-validated and compatible with these builds. To make it easier for our mutual customer base to get more information and find the right Kingston memory solutions for Supermicro boards, we havve developed a special Web page.”
The Web page, www.valueram.com/supermicro, lists current tested platforms and qualification data. Kingston’s ValueRAM Server Premier is manufactured using a locked bill-of-materials (BOM) for customers who require the brand and revision of PCB and die to always remain the same from qualification through actual server deployment. AVL certification guarantees 100-percent memory compatibility with the Supermicro boards listed on the Web site.
Kingston ValueRAM Server Premier memory modules have a lifetime warranty and are backed by free technical support. Customers are notified in advance of impending BOM changes via a Product Change Notification (PCN) process.
“System builders and integrators have long used Supermicro’s high-quality server boards in a multitude of platforms,” said Ann Bai, DRAM Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston. “Our Server Premier line offers unique features in addition to being fully AVL-validated and compatible with these builds. To make it easier for our mutual customer base to get more information and find the right Kingston memory solutions for Supermicro boards, we havve developed a special Web page.”
The Web page, www.valueram.com/supermicro, lists current tested platforms and qualification data. Kingston’s ValueRAM Server Premier is manufactured using a locked bill-of-materials (BOM) for customers who require the brand and revision of PCB and die to always remain the same from qualification through actual server deployment. AVL certification guarantees 100-percent memory compatibility with the Supermicro boards listed on the Web site.
Kingston ValueRAM Server Premier memory modules have a lifetime warranty and are backed by free technical support. Customers are notified in advance of impending BOM changes via a Product Change Notification (PCN) process.
Monday, February 21, 2011
INNOVIN launches 2nd edition of first ever 3D virtual fair dedicated to wine and spirits
FRANCE: After the success of the first edition of the virtual wine and spirits trade fair that welcomed more than 4000 visitors on the website www.winefair.com, INNOVIN, a French company boosts the second edition of this unique international trade show from March 14-18, 2011.
The objective is to facilitate and promote business relationships among professionals from the global wine industry, through an interactive interface and a 3Denvironment that offers lively and friendly real-time business relationships.
These five days will be exclusively dedicated to wine professionals. Visitors and exhibitors have five days to meet participants and buyers of wine and spirits, in a dynamic 3D environment. WineFair.com is a multilingual website for visitors and exhibitors from around the world, who wish to be connected to the major players of the sector. This virtual fair will enable visitors and exhibitors to take advantage of low cost international two-way communication.
At the forefront of technology, WineFair.com provides the latest interactive communication tool: Webcam, audio conference or chat. On each stand you will find business cards, videos of exhibitors, brochures, wine and vineyard descriptions. If the exhibitor is not available or absent, the visitor can consult the brochures, product descriptions and download the business card. After the success of live conferences during the first Edition, Wine Fair 2011 will intensify the activity. Numerous conference speakers will introduce current issues of the wine industry
As well as being ecologically sound, exhibitors can adapt their schedules to suit their plans and also get the advantage of avoiding the need to travel. For that purpose, each stand will have a schedule, so both producers and visitors can plan according to their needs. Each visitor will be identified before they have access to the fair, allowing exhibitors to understand everybody’s requirements better.
The objective is to facilitate and promote business relationships among professionals from the global wine industry, through an interactive interface and a 3Denvironment that offers lively and friendly real-time business relationships.
These five days will be exclusively dedicated to wine professionals. Visitors and exhibitors have five days to meet participants and buyers of wine and spirits, in a dynamic 3D environment. WineFair.com is a multilingual website for visitors and exhibitors from around the world, who wish to be connected to the major players of the sector. This virtual fair will enable visitors and exhibitors to take advantage of low cost international two-way communication.
At the forefront of technology, WineFair.com provides the latest interactive communication tool: Webcam, audio conference or chat. On each stand you will find business cards, videos of exhibitors, brochures, wine and vineyard descriptions. If the exhibitor is not available or absent, the visitor can consult the brochures, product descriptions and download the business card. After the success of live conferences during the first Edition, Wine Fair 2011 will intensify the activity. Numerous conference speakers will introduce current issues of the wine industry
As well as being ecologically sound, exhibitors can adapt their schedules to suit their plans and also get the advantage of avoiding the need to travel. For that purpose, each stand will have a schedule, so both producers and visitors can plan according to their needs. Each visitor will be identified before they have access to the fair, allowing exhibitors to understand everybody’s requirements better.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Dishtv heralds new chapter in Indian broadcasting space
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Setting up yet another first in the broadcasting industry in India, Dishtv, India's largest direct-to-home company is all set to redefine the Indian television industry by announcing the launch of 30 individual channels in High Definition. With as many as 30 channels offered in high definition, the Indian TV viewership is primed to reach the next level of digital entertainment.
Dishtv now has an enhanced product portfolio of 267 channels in standard definition and 30 channels in high definition, which is substantially higher than any competing DTH operator in both HD as well as SD transmission.
Jawahar Goel, MD, Dishtv India, said: "Being the pioneers as well as the thought leaders in the DTH industry, we are committed to offering innovations through unique and premium services to our subscribers. The availability of one or two HD channels on various platforms did not impact the market. Now, with the launch of 30 HD channels, Dishtv is officially scripting the HD revolution in India. Today, we are heralding a new era in Indian broadcasting and will build this category through content expansion, consumer education and high end product service."
R.C. Venkateish, CEO, Dishtv India added: "With 30 High Definition channels, Dishtv will be able to put forward a significant differentiated offering to its subscribers. We have the largest HD channel portfolio giving us a significant competitive advantage and quantum leap over competition. We expect this to translate into significant gains in terms of market share, ARPU as well as total revenue for the company. The addition of ESPN feed on our HD format will immensely enrich the experience of cricket fans as they get ready for the most eagerly anticipated sporting event this year."
Dishtv will offer all cricket fans the highly anticipated ICC World cup 2011 on high definition, which offers viewers a near- stadium experience. Other than the World Cup feed, the channels which Dish truHD offers include Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee News, Zee Studio, Zee Café, HBO, Movies Now, Discovery, National Geographic, Animal Planet, Zee Talkies, Zee Bangla, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada, Times Now, ET Now, Cartoon Network, POGO, Ten Sports, AXN, MTV, VH1, WB, Pix, TLC, Ten Cricket, UTV Action, UTV Movies, Sony, Colors.
With the Indian broadcasting system going in for a sea change, the Indian consumers are showing a very positive acceptance towards HD enabled systems and the availability of Full HD content through the DTH platform. Though many of the DTH players in the industry have launched the high definition format, most of them do not have more than 3-5 HD channels to offer to their subscribers. As a front runner in the DTH sector, Dishtv will offer 30 HD channels on its HD format.
Dish truHD will be offered at a price of Rs. 2390 which will include one month's Platinum subscription and all 30 HD Channels. Alternatively, Dish truHD packs will be available in two variants- Base pack of 15 channels @ Rs 125/- per month and A-La Carte of 15 channels @ Rs 100/- per month. Dish truHD will also showcase the World Cup and the French Open through a special pack @ Rs 150/- for the both the tournaments.
Dishtv now has an enhanced product portfolio of 267 channels in standard definition and 30 channels in high definition, which is substantially higher than any competing DTH operator in both HD as well as SD transmission.
Jawahar Goel, MD, Dishtv India, said: "Being the pioneers as well as the thought leaders in the DTH industry, we are committed to offering innovations through unique and premium services to our subscribers. The availability of one or two HD channels on various platforms did not impact the market. Now, with the launch of 30 HD channels, Dishtv is officially scripting the HD revolution in India. Today, we are heralding a new era in Indian broadcasting and will build this category through content expansion, consumer education and high end product service."
R.C. Venkateish, CEO, Dishtv India added: "With 30 High Definition channels, Dishtv will be able to put forward a significant differentiated offering to its subscribers. We have the largest HD channel portfolio giving us a significant competitive advantage and quantum leap over competition. We expect this to translate into significant gains in terms of market share, ARPU as well as total revenue for the company. The addition of ESPN feed on our HD format will immensely enrich the experience of cricket fans as they get ready for the most eagerly anticipated sporting event this year."
Dishtv will offer all cricket fans the highly anticipated ICC World cup 2011 on high definition, which offers viewers a near- stadium experience. Other than the World Cup feed, the channels which Dish truHD offers include Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee News, Zee Studio, Zee Café, HBO, Movies Now, Discovery, National Geographic, Animal Planet, Zee Talkies, Zee Bangla, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada, Times Now, ET Now, Cartoon Network, POGO, Ten Sports, AXN, MTV, VH1, WB, Pix, TLC, Ten Cricket, UTV Action, UTV Movies, Sony, Colors.
With the Indian broadcasting system going in for a sea change, the Indian consumers are showing a very positive acceptance towards HD enabled systems and the availability of Full HD content through the DTH platform. Though many of the DTH players in the industry have launched the high definition format, most of them do not have more than 3-5 HD channels to offer to their subscribers. As a front runner in the DTH sector, Dishtv will offer 30 HD channels on its HD format.
Dish truHD will be offered at a price of Rs. 2390 which will include one month's Platinum subscription and all 30 HD Channels. Alternatively, Dish truHD packs will be available in two variants- Base pack of 15 channels @ Rs 125/- per month and A-La Carte of 15 channels @ Rs 100/- per month. Dish truHD will also showcase the World Cup and the French Open through a special pack @ Rs 150/- for the both the tournaments.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sony’s new handheld game player faces diminished prospects because of smart phones
EL SEGUNDO, INDIA: At a special PlayStation event held in Japan at the end of January, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan announced plans for its next-generation handheld gaming and multimedia device. The next-generation portable (NGP), as it is currently codenamed, represents a significant upgrade in technology across graphics capability, connectivity and interface compared to the original PlayStation Portable (PSP).
IHS believes that the market opportunity for a specialist device such as the NGP is shrinking rather than growing, and that short- and medium-term market conditions are less supportive of the release of a high-end handheld console. At the end of the fourth year after its release, the NGP is expected to accrue a total installed base of 22.8 million units. In comparison, the PSP achieved a base of 30.7 million, 34.8 percent higher, during the same length of time.
The competitive landscape for handheld and on-the-move gaming has been highly disrupted in recent times, with disruption occurring on the device, content and distribution levels. From a device perspective, smart phones are now aggressively intercepting a wide range of consumers further up what is described as the consumption chain.
The consumption chain is increasingly dominated by mainstream devices that are used for a wide range of everyday activities and that also happen to serve games content. On the move, this represents a convergence of activities into single devices, a trend that will result in usage away from specialist devices by the mainstream consumer and onto smart phones.
On smart phones, not only is games content plentiful, it is cheap as well. This combination will deliver a hammer blow to specialist devices like the NGP. The overlap between the average future NGP user—males aged 14 to 35 with high disposable income—as well as the high-end smart phone user is substantial. Because of this, IHS believes that the opportunity for NGP is narrowing, especially in Western markets.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
IHS believes that the market opportunity for a specialist device such as the NGP is shrinking rather than growing, and that short- and medium-term market conditions are less supportive of the release of a high-end handheld console. At the end of the fourth year after its release, the NGP is expected to accrue a total installed base of 22.8 million units. In comparison, the PSP achieved a base of 30.7 million, 34.8 percent higher, during the same length of time.
The competitive landscape for handheld and on-the-move gaming has been highly disrupted in recent times, with disruption occurring on the device, content and distribution levels. From a device perspective, smart phones are now aggressively intercepting a wide range of consumers further up what is described as the consumption chain.
The consumption chain is increasingly dominated by mainstream devices that are used for a wide range of everyday activities and that also happen to serve games content. On the move, this represents a convergence of activities into single devices, a trend that will result in usage away from specialist devices by the mainstream consumer and onto smart phones.
On smart phones, not only is games content plentiful, it is cheap as well. This combination will deliver a hammer blow to specialist devices like the NGP. The overlap between the average future NGP user—males aged 14 to 35 with high disposable income—as well as the high-end smart phone user is substantial. Because of this, IHS believes that the opportunity for NGP is narrowing, especially in Western markets.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
French Pavilion at BES EXPO 2011
NEW DELHI, INDIA: BES Expo 2011, International Conference and Exhibition on Terrestrial & Satellite Broadcasting, 17th in the series of events, is being organized by Broadcast Engineering Society (India) from 24th to 26th February 2011 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The event will host a French Pavilion, the only international Pavilion at the show, organized by UBIFRANCE, French agency for international development, bringing together leading companies from the French broadcast industry. The participating French companies are looking forward to showcase their high-tech broadcast solutions and evaluate business opportunities in the Indian market.
The French Pavilion at the trade show brings together nine leading companies from the French broadcast industry. This presence includes renowned companies such as ENVIVIO, ECRIN VIDEO & BROADCAST, FRANCE24, WORLDCAST SYSTEM, NETIA, SOUND4, TEAMCAST, WINMEDIA and AETA AUDIO SYSTEM.
France 24 is a leading news channel present in 180 countries and broadcasting in three languages: French, English and Arabic. The main objective is to promote advancement and dissemination of knowledge & practices of broadcasting in the field of Radio & TV and to share their expertise with broadcast engineering professionals in India. The Pavilion offers a comprehensive platform for these companies to showcase their innovative, state-of-the-art technology and share their expertise and professional know-how in the growing media & broadcast industry.
Here is a brief profile of all the participants of the French Pavilion:
FRANCE 24: The French news channel, broadcasting 24/7 in three languages: French, English and Arabic, in 180 countries, reaching more than 125 million households, and 1 Million rooms, is also available virtually on every screen! With an original tone and a fresh new perspective, the channel offers a worthy alternative to conventional news sources.
WORLDCAST SYSTEMS: Leading provider of professional, reliable and innovative broadcast systems to the global radio and TV market. Encompassing leading brands such as APT, Ecreso and Audemat, WorldCast Systems offers a wide range of high performing products for content delivery, transmission and monitoring.
NETIA: A GlobeCast company, is a leading provider of software solutions that enable efficient management and delivery of content to a full array of media platforms. Relied on by more than 10,000 users in 200 installations in more than 40 countries, NETIA solutions allow content producers and owners to manage content from ingest to delivery, targeting multiplatform outlets including the Internet, VOD, IPTV services, and mobile devices.
SOUND4: PCI Broadcast Sound Processing (patented Technology) -Voice Processing - Audio IP – Professional Soundcard – NAB 2007 and 2008 : Award in Las Vegas – Sound4 has developed a line of Broadcast sound processors (FM,HD,DAB,DRM,Webradio) inside PCI cards intended to be installed in a PC architecture. In 2010 Sound4 launched a new voice product range and received the Innovation Trophy by the side of prestigious companies such as Sony and Panasonic.
TEAMCAST: TeamCast is a renowned member of the broadcast ecosystem worldwide, with innovative technology offerings based on a solid expertise in Digital TV, Mobile TV and Satellite transmission.
TeamCast is organized into two business units: TeamCast Technology (OEM technologies) and TeamCast Solutions (Test & Measurement, DVB-S2 and Video Links) which have strong technical credentials and supply product technologies to R&D laboratories, equipment manufacturers, service/infrastructure providers in the digital broadcast marketplace. TeamCast’s range of products covers all major standards: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, ISDB-T, DTMB, CMMB.
WINMEDIA: Founded in France in 1995, the WinMedia Group develops and markets software solutions for Broadcast and Archiving. Its main product, the software suite WinMedia Software, meets all the needs of the production chain Broadcast: Recording, editing, music planning, routing advertising assistants setting wave and freelance. To date, more than 2200 systems are in operation throughout the world. The company has its offices in Canada, South America, Europe and Asia.
AETA AUDIO SYSTEM: For over 20 years, the former AETA group has been developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative professional audio solutions for the broadcast industry. With a large part of its turnover dedicated to R & D, the company proved to be a pioneer and released many “World Premiere” like the first codec with 4SB ADPCM coding algorithm. With more than 10000 codecs sold around the world, the company ranks in the major players list.
ENVIVIO: Envivio makes the world’s video content universally enjoyable by all viewers, on any device, across any network, at any time. From live news and sports to catching up with a favorite TV series, Envivio solutions for multi-screen video-over-IP delivery make it possible to supply the video that people want, at the best possible quality, to any of the ever-expanding variety of screens where people turn for entertainment. Headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Envivio has a global staff with local expertise in the technical, regulatory and market guidelines encountered around the world.
ECRIN VIDEO & BROADCAST: Ecrin Video & Broadcast is a leading manufacturer of professional video compression solutions. Ecrin V&B targets video quality at low bandwidth market & Broadcast solutions around compression. More than 20 years of industrial experience allows Ecrin V&B to provide high quality and reliability to professional video systems. From HD down to Telco formats, Ecrin V&B streaming Encoder, Decoder, Transcoder and Archiver solutions support all standards for Broadcast, IPTV, WebTV and Telco operations.
The Indian media sector has been amongst the fastest growing sectors in the country over the last two decades. India is currently on the threshold of an entertainment revolution spawned by economic liberalization and the subsequent advent of broadcast industry. Given the emphasis on rapid developments in this field, the French companies from media and broadcast industry are committed to identify new opportunities and challenges and chalk out strategies for business collaborations.
The event will host a French Pavilion, the only international Pavilion at the show, organized by UBIFRANCE, French agency for international development, bringing together leading companies from the French broadcast industry. The participating French companies are looking forward to showcase their high-tech broadcast solutions and evaluate business opportunities in the Indian market.
The French Pavilion at the trade show brings together nine leading companies from the French broadcast industry. This presence includes renowned companies such as ENVIVIO, ECRIN VIDEO & BROADCAST, FRANCE24, WORLDCAST SYSTEM, NETIA, SOUND4, TEAMCAST, WINMEDIA and AETA AUDIO SYSTEM.
France 24 is a leading news channel present in 180 countries and broadcasting in three languages: French, English and Arabic. The main objective is to promote advancement and dissemination of knowledge & practices of broadcasting in the field of Radio & TV and to share their expertise with broadcast engineering professionals in India. The Pavilion offers a comprehensive platform for these companies to showcase their innovative, state-of-the-art technology and share their expertise and professional know-how in the growing media & broadcast industry.
Here is a brief profile of all the participants of the French Pavilion:
FRANCE 24: The French news channel, broadcasting 24/7 in three languages: French, English and Arabic, in 180 countries, reaching more than 125 million households, and 1 Million rooms, is also available virtually on every screen! With an original tone and a fresh new perspective, the channel offers a worthy alternative to conventional news sources.
WORLDCAST SYSTEMS: Leading provider of professional, reliable and innovative broadcast systems to the global radio and TV market. Encompassing leading brands such as APT, Ecreso and Audemat, WorldCast Systems offers a wide range of high performing products for content delivery, transmission and monitoring.
NETIA: A GlobeCast company, is a leading provider of software solutions that enable efficient management and delivery of content to a full array of media platforms. Relied on by more than 10,000 users in 200 installations in more than 40 countries, NETIA solutions allow content producers and owners to manage content from ingest to delivery, targeting multiplatform outlets including the Internet, VOD, IPTV services, and mobile devices.
SOUND4: PCI Broadcast Sound Processing (patented Technology) -Voice Processing - Audio IP – Professional Soundcard – NAB 2007 and 2008 : Award in Las Vegas – Sound4 has developed a line of Broadcast sound processors (FM,HD,DAB,DRM,Webradio) inside PCI cards intended to be installed in a PC architecture. In 2010 Sound4 launched a new voice product range and received the Innovation Trophy by the side of prestigious companies such as Sony and Panasonic.
TEAMCAST: TeamCast is a renowned member of the broadcast ecosystem worldwide, with innovative technology offerings based on a solid expertise in Digital TV, Mobile TV and Satellite transmission.
TeamCast is organized into two business units: TeamCast Technology (OEM technologies) and TeamCast Solutions (Test & Measurement, DVB-S2 and Video Links) which have strong technical credentials and supply product technologies to R&D laboratories, equipment manufacturers, service/infrastructure providers in the digital broadcast marketplace. TeamCast’s range of products covers all major standards: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, ISDB-T, DTMB, CMMB.
WINMEDIA: Founded in France in 1995, the WinMedia Group develops and markets software solutions for Broadcast and Archiving. Its main product, the software suite WinMedia Software, meets all the needs of the production chain Broadcast: Recording, editing, music planning, routing advertising assistants setting wave and freelance. To date, more than 2200 systems are in operation throughout the world. The company has its offices in Canada, South America, Europe and Asia.
AETA AUDIO SYSTEM: For over 20 years, the former AETA group has been developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative professional audio solutions for the broadcast industry. With a large part of its turnover dedicated to R & D, the company proved to be a pioneer and released many “World Premiere” like the first codec with 4SB ADPCM coding algorithm. With more than 10000 codecs sold around the world, the company ranks in the major players list.
ENVIVIO: Envivio makes the world’s video content universally enjoyable by all viewers, on any device, across any network, at any time. From live news and sports to catching up with a favorite TV series, Envivio solutions for multi-screen video-over-IP delivery make it possible to supply the video that people want, at the best possible quality, to any of the ever-expanding variety of screens where people turn for entertainment. Headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Envivio has a global staff with local expertise in the technical, regulatory and market guidelines encountered around the world.
ECRIN VIDEO & BROADCAST: Ecrin Video & Broadcast is a leading manufacturer of professional video compression solutions. Ecrin V&B targets video quality at low bandwidth market & Broadcast solutions around compression. More than 20 years of industrial experience allows Ecrin V&B to provide high quality and reliability to professional video systems. From HD down to Telco formats, Ecrin V&B streaming Encoder, Decoder, Transcoder and Archiver solutions support all standards for Broadcast, IPTV, WebTV and Telco operations.
The Indian media sector has been amongst the fastest growing sectors in the country over the last two decades. India is currently on the threshold of an entertainment revolution spawned by economic liberalization and the subsequent advent of broadcast industry. Given the emphasis on rapid developments in this field, the French companies from media and broadcast industry are committed to identify new opportunities and challenges and chalk out strategies for business collaborations.
Kyocera intros two TASKalfa color products
FAIRFIELD, USA: On the heels of fulfilling a growing business imaging need by launching the extremely well-received Black and White TASKalfa 305 / 255 last month, Kyocera Mita America Inc., one of the world's leading document solutions companies, today introduced two new color counterparts, the TASKalfa 255c and TASKalfa 205c Color Multifunctional Products (MFPs).
These new MFP devices offer efficient, business color with core functionality including the features businesses require most, with highly simplified operation. Kyocera’s SMARTtech, Simple Management and Replacement Technology, continues to put the customer in command of their business by increasing productivity, and overall ease of use.
In support of today’s launch, Kyocera has expanded its broad, nationwide advertising and marketing campaign supporting the new SMARTtech products under the banner of “Innovation Made Simple”. The campaign boasts the unique TCO benefits of Kyocera’s award-winning technology these MFPs will deliver, according to company executives.
“SMARTtech innovation gives Kyocera the ability to expand the market for customers wanting to add color to their office by lowering the entry price for our highly-reliable products,” said Michael Pietrunti, president and CEO, Kyocera Mita America. “Positive response for our introductory SMARTtech launch last month points to the fact that there is broad market appeal for powerful, but simplified MFPs.”
These new MFP devices offer efficient, business color with core functionality including the features businesses require most, with highly simplified operation. Kyocera’s SMARTtech, Simple Management and Replacement Technology, continues to put the customer in command of their business by increasing productivity, and overall ease of use.
In support of today’s launch, Kyocera has expanded its broad, nationwide advertising and marketing campaign supporting the new SMARTtech products under the banner of “Innovation Made Simple”. The campaign boasts the unique TCO benefits of Kyocera’s award-winning technology these MFPs will deliver, according to company executives.
“SMARTtech innovation gives Kyocera the ability to expand the market for customers wanting to add color to their office by lowering the entry price for our highly-reliable products,” said Michael Pietrunti, president and CEO, Kyocera Mita America. “Positive response for our introductory SMARTtech launch last month points to the fact that there is broad market appeal for powerful, but simplified MFPs.”
Netronome announces highly-scalable family of SSL inspection products
RSA Conference 2011, SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Netronome, the leading developer of network flow processors, announced the addition of three new products to its industry leading line of SSL Inspector appliances.
The new products include fixed-configuration 1U appliances as well as modular 1U and 2U platforms. The resulting unmatched price, performance and interface options make SSL inspection a viable option in every unprotected network location.
“Government and enterprise network administrators recognize that the increasing use of SSL encryption has created a critical blind spot in their security architecture,” said Jarrod Siket, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Netronome. “Until now, they had to make tradeoffs between the benefits of encryption and the risks it introduces. Our new appliances remove the performance and cost hurdles to deploying SSL inspection in every part of the network, ending the risks caused by SSL.”
A large percentage of network traffic is consumed by business, SaaS, social media and peer-to-peer applications that default to SSL encryption. These encrypted sessions bypass the security coverage provided by the vast majority of intrusion detection systems, firewalls, data loss prevention systems and other cyber security applications. Netronome SSL Inspector appliances solve this problem by actively searching for SSL traffic, guaranteeing that all encrypted communications are detected and optionally inspected while maintaining up to 10 Gbps of network throughput.
The expanded product line of SSL Inspector appliances feature:
Interface flexibility: The platforms offer the highest number of 10/100, 1 GigE, and 10 GigE interfaces available in 1U and 2U systems.
Multi-segment support: Each platform supports multiple network segments, providing SSL inspection for the largest number of networks available in a 1U or 2U platform.
Unmatched price and performance options: The product line includes fixed configuration 1U appliances and modular 1U and 2U platforms that create the ideal combination of price, performance and port counts, enabling deployment in every network location from the branch office, enterprise WAN, data center and backbone.
Powerful hardware acceleration: The SSL Inspector appliances are powered by Netronome NFP-3240 network flow processors. The hardware acceleration and bulk cryptography engines provide stateful and context-aware inspection of all communications at line-rate with sub-50uS latency.
Netronome SSL Inspector appliances are available to end-user customers and OEM partners today. Additionally, the platform building blocks of processors, software and tools are available in a production-ready reference design for OEMs of security appliances.
The new products include fixed-configuration 1U appliances as well as modular 1U and 2U platforms. The resulting unmatched price, performance and interface options make SSL inspection a viable option in every unprotected network location.
“Government and enterprise network administrators recognize that the increasing use of SSL encryption has created a critical blind spot in their security architecture,” said Jarrod Siket, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Netronome. “Until now, they had to make tradeoffs between the benefits of encryption and the risks it introduces. Our new appliances remove the performance and cost hurdles to deploying SSL inspection in every part of the network, ending the risks caused by SSL.”
A large percentage of network traffic is consumed by business, SaaS, social media and peer-to-peer applications that default to SSL encryption. These encrypted sessions bypass the security coverage provided by the vast majority of intrusion detection systems, firewalls, data loss prevention systems and other cyber security applications. Netronome SSL Inspector appliances solve this problem by actively searching for SSL traffic, guaranteeing that all encrypted communications are detected and optionally inspected while maintaining up to 10 Gbps of network throughput.
The expanded product line of SSL Inspector appliances feature:
Interface flexibility: The platforms offer the highest number of 10/100, 1 GigE, and 10 GigE interfaces available in 1U and 2U systems.
Multi-segment support: Each platform supports multiple network segments, providing SSL inspection for the largest number of networks available in a 1U or 2U platform.
Unmatched price and performance options: The product line includes fixed configuration 1U appliances and modular 1U and 2U platforms that create the ideal combination of price, performance and port counts, enabling deployment in every network location from the branch office, enterprise WAN, data center and backbone.
Powerful hardware acceleration: The SSL Inspector appliances are powered by Netronome NFP-3240 network flow processors. The hardware acceleration and bulk cryptography engines provide stateful and context-aware inspection of all communications at line-rate with sub-50uS latency.
Netronome SSL Inspector appliances are available to end-user customers and OEM partners today. Additionally, the platform building blocks of processors, software and tools are available in a production-ready reference design for OEMs of security appliances.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
AdoptSMT Group to launch European feeder trade-in program with Hover-Davis
GRODIG, near SALZBURG, AUSTRIA & ROCHESTER, USA: AdoptSMT Group Europe and Hover-Davis announced the immediate start of a European wide Feeder Trade-In program. The program is offered by the AdoptSMT Group with the support of Hover-Davis.
Siemens Siplace users can maximise their investment and minimise their cost in the new generation of Siplace-compatible Hover-Davis Tape Feeders, while enjoying all the proven Hover-Davis advantages.
• Smooth and vibration free stepper motor indexing assures smooth and controlled component handling.
• Hover-Davis 8mm feeders cover the complete range of components including 0201’s doing away with the need for both specialized “gold” and “silver” feeders.
• Modular construction and completely user serviceable.
• Electronic calibration versus mechanical calibration on OEM feeders.
• No preventive maintenance or lubrication required.
• Standard two year warranty.
Trade-in deals are a standard practice at AdoptSMT Group, Europe’s number one source for pre-owned SMT equipment. Now Siplace users can also benefit by being able to offset trade-in prices against the purchase of new feeders.
So that customers can experience the benefits for themselves, AdoptSMT has demonstration feeders available at their six European office locations. In addition their experienced European field sales personnel have demonstration feeders with them.
The AdoptSMT Group has been world wide agent for Hover-Davis for many years, providing Hover-Davis tape feeders with pre owned equipment. Now this Trade-In Program makes Hover-Davis feeders available to Siplace users who don’t wish to invest in new pick and place machines, but who need to optimize the performance of their existing lines by using the new generation feeders. Hover-Davis tape feeders are the preferred choice for maintenance, service engineers and operators alike.
Siemens Siplace users can maximise their investment and minimise their cost in the new generation of Siplace-compatible Hover-Davis Tape Feeders, while enjoying all the proven Hover-Davis advantages.
• Smooth and vibration free stepper motor indexing assures smooth and controlled component handling.
• Hover-Davis 8mm feeders cover the complete range of components including 0201’s doing away with the need for both specialized “gold” and “silver” feeders.
• Modular construction and completely user serviceable.
• Electronic calibration versus mechanical calibration on OEM feeders.
• No preventive maintenance or lubrication required.
• Standard two year warranty.
Trade-in deals are a standard practice at AdoptSMT Group, Europe’s number one source for pre-owned SMT equipment. Now Siplace users can also benefit by being able to offset trade-in prices against the purchase of new feeders.
So that customers can experience the benefits for themselves, AdoptSMT has demonstration feeders available at their six European office locations. In addition their experienced European field sales personnel have demonstration feeders with them.
The AdoptSMT Group has been world wide agent for Hover-Davis for many years, providing Hover-Davis tape feeders with pre owned equipment. Now this Trade-In Program makes Hover-Davis feeders available to Siplace users who don’t wish to invest in new pick and place machines, but who need to optimize the performance of their existing lines by using the new generation feeders. Hover-Davis tape feeders are the preferred choice for maintenance, service engineers and operators alike.
Gujarat Telelink (GTPL) ushers in cable digitization with next-gen Cisco STBs
BANGALORE, INDIA: Cisco has been chosen by Gujarat Telelinks Pvt Ltd (GTPL) to usher in cable digitization across the key states of Gujarat, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Jharkhand. As part of this digitization program, GTPL will deploy more than 300,000 next-generation digital set-top boxes from Cisco over the next 12 months in these markets.
Digitization will help GTPL transform into a lifestyle-experience provider and help enable services like residential TV, HDTV, gaming, digital video recording, video on demand and future ‘connected home’ services to retail consumers. The new digital platform will also allow cable and Internet service providers to offer enhanced services to consumers and increase their subscription revenue.
Aniruddh Sinh Jadeja, GTPL MD, said: “Digitization will help us address several issues that have been dogging the industry and strengthen our competitive edge in the market over direct-to-home players. Combining GTPL’s expertise as a cable and Internet solutions provider with Cisco’s leadership in Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network technology will enable us to offer improved value-added services such as digital video recording, video on demand and a host of other experiences to our subscribers.”
Vish Iyer, VP, Service Providers, Cisco India & SAARC, said: “Our engagement with GTPL is a matter of great pride and excitement and has brought about several firsts in the industry, potentially changing how subscribers consume and experience television and other digital services across key markets that GTPL has a presence in. Changing consumer preferences in the home entertainment segment is leading to a rapid growth of cable digitization in India. Our engagement with GTPL demonstrates Cisco’s ability to help transform cable service providers into experience providers, offering superior content and enhanced interactive services to consumers.”
In addition to being one of the largest cable digitization projects in the country, the engagement resulted in a product built with the optimum feature set and at affordable price points for India.
Digitization will help GTPL transform into a lifestyle-experience provider and help enable services like residential TV, HDTV, gaming, digital video recording, video on demand and future ‘connected home’ services to retail consumers. The new digital platform will also allow cable and Internet service providers to offer enhanced services to consumers and increase their subscription revenue.
Aniruddh Sinh Jadeja, GTPL MD, said: “Digitization will help us address several issues that have been dogging the industry and strengthen our competitive edge in the market over direct-to-home players. Combining GTPL’s expertise as a cable and Internet solutions provider with Cisco’s leadership in Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network technology will enable us to offer improved value-added services such as digital video recording, video on demand and a host of other experiences to our subscribers.”
Vish Iyer, VP, Service Providers, Cisco India & SAARC, said: “Our engagement with GTPL is a matter of great pride and excitement and has brought about several firsts in the industry, potentially changing how subscribers consume and experience television and other digital services across key markets that GTPL has a presence in. Changing consumer preferences in the home entertainment segment is leading to a rapid growth of cable digitization in India. Our engagement with GTPL demonstrates Cisco’s ability to help transform cable service providers into experience providers, offering superior content and enhanced interactive services to consumers.”
In addition to being one of the largest cable digitization projects in the country, the engagement resulted in a product built with the optimum feature set and at affordable price points for India.
iVOD to exceed EST in US online movie market in 2013
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Reflecting consumers’ increasing preference for renting movies rather than owning them, US movie Internet video on demand (iVOD) revenue will rise to exceed that of electronic sell-through (EST) for the first time ever in 2013, according to new IHS Screen Digest research.
US movie iVOD revenue will increase to $341.7 million in 2013, up 120.2 percent from $155.2 billion in 2010. Meanwhile, U.S. movie EST revenue will rise at a much lower rate, expanding by 43.6 percent to reach $331.1 million in 2013, up from $230.6 million in 2010. iVOD movie growth will continue to outpace that of EST to reach $439.1 million in 2015, compared to $396.8 million for EST.
These revenues do not include consumer spending on Netflix subscriptions, which provide a complementary subscription-streaming proposition for older movies not in the new release window.
“EST historically has dominated transactional online movie revenue,” said Arash Amel, research director, digital media, for IHS. “However, starting in 2010, US online consumers began to embrace iVOD and shift their spending from buying movies to renting them. The switchover from EST to iVOD also has been driven by online movie providers’ efforts to promote the rental model. Together with the continued popularity of subscription-streaming service Netflix, we are witnessing a new ‘access’ model appear for online movies in which library titles are consumed as part of an all-you-can-eat subscription, while new releases are rented.”
The Apple iTunes store, the leader in the online movie market, has seen its new devices—the iPad and new Apple TV—significantly drive the iVOD business. iTunes held its 55 percent share of US movie iVOD in 2010 in the face of tough competition, although its movie EST market share eroded to 74 percent by Microsoft’s entry into that business. Other players also are throwing their weight behind iVOD, including Wal-Mart, which finds itself in the unusual position of being an emerging player.
The relatively slow growth for movie EST revenue in 2010 is chiefly attributed to the inconvenience and limitations of the current business model, which provides a more cumbersome consumer solution than both rental streaming and illegal downloading.
The market in 2010 witnessed service providers offering increased bundling and price promotions, in an effort to bolster movie EST unit sales.
“Unless there are major changes in the current model for movie EST, the US market is destined to never reach the half-billion-dollar level,” Amel said. “In the absence of something happening, like selling the movies more quickly after theatrical release—even ahead of Blu-ray and DVD—or making the EST experience as convenient for consumers as the type of ‘anytime, anywhere, any device service’ that Netflix currently provides, the U.S. EST market for movies will run out of steam.”
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
US movie iVOD revenue will increase to $341.7 million in 2013, up 120.2 percent from $155.2 billion in 2010. Meanwhile, U.S. movie EST revenue will rise at a much lower rate, expanding by 43.6 percent to reach $331.1 million in 2013, up from $230.6 million in 2010. iVOD movie growth will continue to outpace that of EST to reach $439.1 million in 2015, compared to $396.8 million for EST.
These revenues do not include consumer spending on Netflix subscriptions, which provide a complementary subscription-streaming proposition for older movies not in the new release window.
“EST historically has dominated transactional online movie revenue,” said Arash Amel, research director, digital media, for IHS. “However, starting in 2010, US online consumers began to embrace iVOD and shift their spending from buying movies to renting them. The switchover from EST to iVOD also has been driven by online movie providers’ efforts to promote the rental model. Together with the continued popularity of subscription-streaming service Netflix, we are witnessing a new ‘access’ model appear for online movies in which library titles are consumed as part of an all-you-can-eat subscription, while new releases are rented.”
The Apple iTunes store, the leader in the online movie market, has seen its new devices—the iPad and new Apple TV—significantly drive the iVOD business. iTunes held its 55 percent share of US movie iVOD in 2010 in the face of tough competition, although its movie EST market share eroded to 74 percent by Microsoft’s entry into that business. Other players also are throwing their weight behind iVOD, including Wal-Mart, which finds itself in the unusual position of being an emerging player.
The relatively slow growth for movie EST revenue in 2010 is chiefly attributed to the inconvenience and limitations of the current business model, which provides a more cumbersome consumer solution than both rental streaming and illegal downloading.
The market in 2010 witnessed service providers offering increased bundling and price promotions, in an effort to bolster movie EST unit sales.
“Unless there are major changes in the current model for movie EST, the US market is destined to never reach the half-billion-dollar level,” Amel said. “In the absence of something happening, like selling the movies more quickly after theatrical release—even ahead of Blu-ray and DVD—or making the EST experience as convenient for consumers as the type of ‘anytime, anywhere, any device service’ that Netflix currently provides, the U.S. EST market for movies will run out of steam.”
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Exar releases advanced development tools for industry's fastest USB 2.0 compliant UART series
FREMONT, USA: Exar Corp. announced the availability of advanced development tools supporting the industry's fastest USB 2.0 compliant UART series.
"Created with system architects in mind, and building on the market success of the USB UART series, these development tools will accelerate design implementation and time-to-market," said Rakesh Bhatia, director, strategic marketing, Interface Products Line. "Leveraging these tools, system architects can significantly reduce, or eliminate costly driver development efforts."
Supporting the USB UART series -- XR21V1410, XR21B1411, XR21V1412, and the XR21V1414 – the tools include evaluation boards and schematics for each device. In addition, layout and Gerber files are also available for these board designs. All board designs have passed USB 2.0 compliance and are listed on the USB-IF website.
Software drivers are available for Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and CE. These drivers are Microsoft WHQL® certified. Drivers are also available for Mac and Linux operating systems.
Exar's I/O Lab is an innovative web-based configuration tool that enables system designers to configure the XR21B1411 in a novel way. This Graphical User Interface (GUI) aids the designer to visualize how the General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins are configured at power-up so that they can be tailored to fit the needs of their design.
In addition to setting the GPIOs, the system architects can also configure various USB UART parameters such as Vendor ID, Product ID, Maximum Power Consumption, Remote Wake-up support, Manufacturer Strings, Product Strings, and default UART settings. The configuration file can be downloaded to program the XR21B1411 using the software driver and OTP programming GUI provided by Exar.
"Created with system architects in mind, and building on the market success of the USB UART series, these development tools will accelerate design implementation and time-to-market," said Rakesh Bhatia, director, strategic marketing, Interface Products Line. "Leveraging these tools, system architects can significantly reduce, or eliminate costly driver development efforts."
Supporting the USB UART series -- XR21V1410, XR21B1411, XR21V1412, and the XR21V1414 – the tools include evaluation boards and schematics for each device. In addition, layout and Gerber files are also available for these board designs. All board designs have passed USB 2.0 compliance and are listed on the USB-IF website.
Software drivers are available for Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and CE. These drivers are Microsoft WHQL® certified. Drivers are also available for Mac and Linux operating systems.
Exar's I/O Lab is an innovative web-based configuration tool that enables system designers to configure the XR21B1411 in a novel way. This Graphical User Interface (GUI) aids the designer to visualize how the General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins are configured at power-up so that they can be tailored to fit the needs of their design.
In addition to setting the GPIOs, the system architects can also configure various USB UART parameters such as Vendor ID, Product ID, Maximum Power Consumption, Remote Wake-up support, Manufacturer Strings, Product Strings, and default UART settings. The configuration file can be downloaded to program the XR21B1411 using the software driver and OTP programming GUI provided by Exar.
Legacy Electronics selects Sioux Falls, South Dakota for company expansion
SAN CLEMENTE, USA: Legacy Electronics’ chief executive officer, Jason Engle, announced his company’s decision to establish new sales and administrative staff offices in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
In addition, the firm plans to expand its electronics manufacturing operations to Sioux Falls or a neighboring community, said Engle, who is currently in South Dakota searching for a suitable production facility.
“Through independent research and several meetings with officials in South Dakota, we confirmed our choice,” said Engle.
“We want to thank the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the Sioux Falls Mayor’s office for their assistance, and for introducing us to the state’s top leaders and resources. We met with local officials in several states to determine where we might best meet our needs to reduce costs and continue to serve the needs of our customers, the design engineers and system integrators. At the same time, we want quality of life for our employees. South Dakota met every requirement for a great place to do business and to live,” added Engle.
In addition, the firm plans to expand its electronics manufacturing operations to Sioux Falls or a neighboring community, said Engle, who is currently in South Dakota searching for a suitable production facility.
“Through independent research and several meetings with officials in South Dakota, we confirmed our choice,” said Engle.
“We want to thank the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the Sioux Falls Mayor’s office for their assistance, and for introducing us to the state’s top leaders and resources. We met with local officials in several states to determine where we might best meet our needs to reduce costs and continue to serve the needs of our customers, the design engineers and system integrators. At the same time, we want quality of life for our employees. South Dakota met every requirement for a great place to do business and to live,” added Engle.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Fraunhofer presents HD communication over 4G networks to eliminate distance barriers
BARCELONA, SPAIN: Fraunhofer IIS, the world’s authoritative source of audio and multimedia technologies, is presenting HD communication over an LTE-A (Long Term Evolution Advanced) 4G cellular network, featuring low delay, CD quality audio and HD video at Mobile World Congress 2011 (stand 2E41). Fraunhofer’s technology allows users to experience completely natural mobile phone conversation, just as if the participants were sitting in the same room.
Fraunhofer’s solutions for high quality HD communication over LTE includes its Audio Communication Engine, which combines several components to vastly improve the sound quality and clarity of mobile phone calls. This audio package includes high-quality, low-delay audio codecs, robust acoustic echo control and a low delay IP streaming system. Fraunhofer also shows its matching low delay video solution based on PC hardware. This combination of technologies delivers the highest audio and video quality along with imperceptible latency, enabling 4G network operators to provide a dramatically improved communications experience compared to current network technologies.
“As next generation networks roll out, Fraunhofer provides a next generation communication experience by combining its low delay video technology and Audio Communication Engine to deliver a much more enjoyable and productive experience while on the phone,” said Harald Popp, head of the department Multimedia Realtime Systems, at Fraunhofer IIS. “With consumers’ increasing demand for HD quality, Fraunhofer is meeting expectations by delivering a new communication experience to mobile subscribers who can forget about distance, as voices sound as clear and natural as if talking to someone in the same room.”
Fraunhofer’s low delay video technology consists of low delay, high-quality video encoding and decoding based on H.264. This enables high quality HD video at 4G compatible bit-rates.
Fraunhofer’s Audio Communication Engine includes the MPEG audio communication codec “AAC Enhanced Low Delay” to ensure CD quality audio at very low coding delays and bit rates. Second, robust, multi-channel echo control software reliably removes echoes, providing hands-free convenience and complete freedom to move around a room. Finally, a specially matched IP streaming stack and error concealment tools allow for high-quality audio even under adverse network conditions.
Fraunhofer will demonstrate its HD communication technologies for CD-quality phone calls over a LTE-A network at the Fraunhofer IIS Stand 2E41 in Hall 2 at Mobile World Congress 2011.
Fraunhofer’s solutions for high quality HD communication over LTE includes its Audio Communication Engine, which combines several components to vastly improve the sound quality and clarity of mobile phone calls. This audio package includes high-quality, low-delay audio codecs, robust acoustic echo control and a low delay IP streaming system. Fraunhofer also shows its matching low delay video solution based on PC hardware. This combination of technologies delivers the highest audio and video quality along with imperceptible latency, enabling 4G network operators to provide a dramatically improved communications experience compared to current network technologies.
“As next generation networks roll out, Fraunhofer provides a next generation communication experience by combining its low delay video technology and Audio Communication Engine to deliver a much more enjoyable and productive experience while on the phone,” said Harald Popp, head of the department Multimedia Realtime Systems, at Fraunhofer IIS. “With consumers’ increasing demand for HD quality, Fraunhofer is meeting expectations by delivering a new communication experience to mobile subscribers who can forget about distance, as voices sound as clear and natural as if talking to someone in the same room.”
Fraunhofer’s low delay video technology consists of low delay, high-quality video encoding and decoding based on H.264. This enables high quality HD video at 4G compatible bit-rates.
Fraunhofer’s Audio Communication Engine includes the MPEG audio communication codec “AAC Enhanced Low Delay” to ensure CD quality audio at very low coding delays and bit rates. Second, robust, multi-channel echo control software reliably removes echoes, providing hands-free convenience and complete freedom to move around a room. Finally, a specially matched IP streaming stack and error concealment tools allow for high-quality audio even under adverse network conditions.
Fraunhofer will demonstrate its HD communication technologies for CD-quality phone calls over a LTE-A network at the Fraunhofer IIS Stand 2E41 in Hall 2 at Mobile World Congress 2011.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Scams are in the air…this Valentine’s day!
INDIA: With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many of us single people return to thoughts of finding love online. But while your head is in the online clouds, you should know - and sorry to sound like a parent - that cyberscammers may be there with you looking to take advantage of your vulnerable heart.
From fake online dating profiles used to fool you, to phony eCards with links to malware, be aware of cybercrooks who will pull on your heart strings to try and get what they want—your money and sensitive information.
To help you stay safe on Valentine’s Day and year-round, here is a look at some of the top romance scams and threats, followed by safety tips in honor of your heart:
Be aware online daters - Romance scams and threats
Ø Online Dating Scams: Millions of people use online dating sites to broaden their networks and meet potential mates, but not everyone on these sites are sincere—some are scammers hoping to lure you in with false affection, with the goal of gaining your trust, and eventually, your money.
In a typical scam, the cybercrook will create a fake online dating profile, complete with attractive photos. Then, they reach out to you one-on-one via email, chat, text or phone, trying to establish a relationship and gain your trust. Once trust is established, they may ask for money for a plane ticket to visit, or give you a sob story. For instance, the scammer may say that they have a life threatening illness, or need money to pay rent. Either way, they play on your emotions to get what they want.
o Military Ploy: In this version of an online dating scam, the cybercrook pretends to be a soldier and strikes up a relationship with a female online dater. Once a relationship is established—perhaps over weeks or months—the scammer asks the victim to apply for military leave so he can visit, and fill out official-looking military paperwork, for a fee, which he promises will be refunded. Some scammers even ask for money for medical supplies, or claim they need help to take care of a child.
o Mail Order Bride Scams: Traditional mail order bride services, where men pay to meet a foreign bride, have gone digital. New online sites offer users access to potential mates from around the world, for a monthly membership fee. The trouble is these sites provide fertile ground for scammers, who setup profiles and begin corresponding with users in the hopes of extracting money. The “bride” may say she needs money for tickets or a visa to come visit, and then never appears, or fakes a family emergency and asks the victim for monetary help.
Ø Love Exploits: These threats have you looking for love in all the wrong places—like dangerous websites designed to steal your information. One recent example of this is the Koobface worm, which targeted Match.com users by sending messages that appeared to be from other users, inviting them to look at photos and videos on a Match.com look-a-like site. When users tried to log in to the malicious site, it recorded their usernames and passwords and attempted to install a Trojan.
Another recent love exploit was the “KamaSutra PowerPoint” threat, which arrives via spam, offering recipients a tantalizing PowerPoint show of sexual positions. The PowerPoint slide deck itself is safe (although it contains images you would likely not want your co-workers, family members or roommates to see on your screen), but once downloaded, it stealthily installs malware on your computer.
Ø Valentine’s Day Spam and eCards: Scammers know that the holidays are the perfect time to send out themed messages and eCards, knowing they will grab your attention. Spam messages with subject lines such as “The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift” may contain a link to a dangerous website that asks for personal information. And, a message that appears to be an eCard from a loved one could actually download malware on your machine when you click on the link, leaving you with an infection, rather than affection.
Although these romance scams are quite common, there are some easy steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.
In honor of your heart - how to stay safe
* When signing up for online dating, go with a well-known dating site and get referrals from friends on which sites they use.
* Once signed up to a dating site, stay incognito for a while. That way, if you run into someone who’s dishonest or makes you uncomfortable, you stay safe.
* Design your dating profile with care—think about the image you want to project and NEVER, under any circumstance, post personal information, such as your full name, address and phone number.
* Vet potential dates by checking to see that their profile information matches other online information, such as their LinkedIn or Spokeo profile.
* When meeting a date for the first time, make sure to meet in a public place and DO NOT give them your personal address. Trust your instincts—if there are red flags, you are not imagining things. End the date.
* If a potential date asks you for a loan or any financial information, immediately report them to the dating site.
* NEVER EVER click on links in emails or eCards from people you do not know
When you receive an eCard, check the destination address of the link to make sure it is going to a legitimate eCard site – if you don’t trust it, DO NOT click it.
* To help protect you from malware, use a comprehensive security software, such as McAfee Total Protection, and keep it up-to-date.
From fake online dating profiles used to fool you, to phony eCards with links to malware, be aware of cybercrooks who will pull on your heart strings to try and get what they want—your money and sensitive information.
To help you stay safe on Valentine’s Day and year-round, here is a look at some of the top romance scams and threats, followed by safety tips in honor of your heart:
Be aware online daters - Romance scams and threats
Ø Online Dating Scams: Millions of people use online dating sites to broaden their networks and meet potential mates, but not everyone on these sites are sincere—some are scammers hoping to lure you in with false affection, with the goal of gaining your trust, and eventually, your money.
In a typical scam, the cybercrook will create a fake online dating profile, complete with attractive photos. Then, they reach out to you one-on-one via email, chat, text or phone, trying to establish a relationship and gain your trust. Once trust is established, they may ask for money for a plane ticket to visit, or give you a sob story. For instance, the scammer may say that they have a life threatening illness, or need money to pay rent. Either way, they play on your emotions to get what they want.
o Military Ploy: In this version of an online dating scam, the cybercrook pretends to be a soldier and strikes up a relationship with a female online dater. Once a relationship is established—perhaps over weeks or months—the scammer asks the victim to apply for military leave so he can visit, and fill out official-looking military paperwork, for a fee, which he promises will be refunded. Some scammers even ask for money for medical supplies, or claim they need help to take care of a child.
o Mail Order Bride Scams: Traditional mail order bride services, where men pay to meet a foreign bride, have gone digital. New online sites offer users access to potential mates from around the world, for a monthly membership fee. The trouble is these sites provide fertile ground for scammers, who setup profiles and begin corresponding with users in the hopes of extracting money. The “bride” may say she needs money for tickets or a visa to come visit, and then never appears, or fakes a family emergency and asks the victim for monetary help.
Ø Love Exploits: These threats have you looking for love in all the wrong places—like dangerous websites designed to steal your information. One recent example of this is the Koobface worm, which targeted Match.com users by sending messages that appeared to be from other users, inviting them to look at photos and videos on a Match.com look-a-like site. When users tried to log in to the malicious site, it recorded their usernames and passwords and attempted to install a Trojan.
Another recent love exploit was the “KamaSutra PowerPoint” threat, which arrives via spam, offering recipients a tantalizing PowerPoint show of sexual positions. The PowerPoint slide deck itself is safe (although it contains images you would likely not want your co-workers, family members or roommates to see on your screen), but once downloaded, it stealthily installs malware on your computer.
Ø Valentine’s Day Spam and eCards: Scammers know that the holidays are the perfect time to send out themed messages and eCards, knowing they will grab your attention. Spam messages with subject lines such as “The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift” may contain a link to a dangerous website that asks for personal information. And, a message that appears to be an eCard from a loved one could actually download malware on your machine when you click on the link, leaving you with an infection, rather than affection.
Although these romance scams are quite common, there are some easy steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.
In honor of your heart - how to stay safe
* When signing up for online dating, go with a well-known dating site and get referrals from friends on which sites they use.
* Once signed up to a dating site, stay incognito for a while. That way, if you run into someone who’s dishonest or makes you uncomfortable, you stay safe.
* Design your dating profile with care—think about the image you want to project and NEVER, under any circumstance, post personal information, such as your full name, address and phone number.
* Vet potential dates by checking to see that their profile information matches other online information, such as their LinkedIn or Spokeo profile.
* When meeting a date for the first time, make sure to meet in a public place and DO NOT give them your personal address. Trust your instincts—if there are red flags, you are not imagining things. End the date.
* If a potential date asks you for a loan or any financial information, immediately report them to the dating site.
* NEVER EVER click on links in emails or eCards from people you do not know
When you receive an eCard, check the destination address of the link to make sure it is going to a legitimate eCard site – if you don’t trust it, DO NOT click it.
* To help protect you from malware, use a comprehensive security software, such as McAfee Total Protection, and keep it up-to-date.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
3LCD hits milestone in projection industry: Shipping of 70 million chips
TOKYO, JAPAN: Year 2010 ended with a flourish for 3LCD, hitting another important milestone in the projection industry. Last month, 3LCD celebrated its being the first projection technology in the world to have shipped more than 70 million chips.
3LCD is one of the cutting-edge technologies feeding most of the projectors used for education, commercial and home cinema applications. Introduced for the first time in 1988, this technology has widely contributed to the main innovations regarding image quality, proven reliability, low consumptions and overall performances. The 3-chip method guarantees brilliant and natural images with a high Colour Light Output value.
Being a consolidated industry with a more-than-twenty-year experience and benefiting from the support of important leading companies in the market, 3LCD continues to be the cutting-edge technology for projection needs all over the world.
"Last year was really productive and thrilling for us and gave us the chance to anticipate several important innovations" declared Rina Bhuva, senior manager Strategic Marketing, 3LCD. "At the beginning of this year, we announced the first LED projector in the world and the first Reflective HTPS liquid crystal chip by 3LCD; this milestone concerning the shipping of 70 million chips is another evidence of the support from our vendors and customers, without which we couldn't keep growing."
3LCD continues to offer a number of technology advantages over the competition, including:
3-Chip Optical Engine: All 3LCD projectors use a 3-chip optical engine to deliver incredibly bright, true-to-life color.
High Color Light Output: 3LCD projectors deliver high Color and White Light Output so images, video and text always look their very best.
No Color Wheel: 3LCD projectors do not rely on a spinning color wheel to produce color and do not suffer from "the rainbow effect" or "color break-up."
Road-Tested Reliability: 3LCD technology has consistently been the choice of users who demand long-life performance and reliability.
3LCD is one of the cutting-edge technologies feeding most of the projectors used for education, commercial and home cinema applications. Introduced for the first time in 1988, this technology has widely contributed to the main innovations regarding image quality, proven reliability, low consumptions and overall performances. The 3-chip method guarantees brilliant and natural images with a high Colour Light Output value.
Being a consolidated industry with a more-than-twenty-year experience and benefiting from the support of important leading companies in the market, 3LCD continues to be the cutting-edge technology for projection needs all over the world.
"Last year was really productive and thrilling for us and gave us the chance to anticipate several important innovations" declared Rina Bhuva, senior manager Strategic Marketing, 3LCD. "At the beginning of this year, we announced the first LED projector in the world and the first Reflective HTPS liquid crystal chip by 3LCD; this milestone concerning the shipping of 70 million chips is another evidence of the support from our vendors and customers, without which we couldn't keep growing."
3LCD continues to offer a number of technology advantages over the competition, including:
3-Chip Optical Engine: All 3LCD projectors use a 3-chip optical engine to deliver incredibly bright, true-to-life color.
High Color Light Output: 3LCD projectors deliver high Color and White Light Output so images, video and text always look their very best.
No Color Wheel: 3LCD projectors do not rely on a spinning color wheel to produce color and do not suffer from "the rainbow effect" or "color break-up."
Road-Tested Reliability: 3LCD technology has consistently been the choice of users who demand long-life performance and reliability.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
McAfee Q4 threat report identifies new attacks on mobile devices
INDIA: McAfee Inc. has released the McAfee Threats Report: Fourth Quarter 2010, revealing a steady growth of threats to mobile platforms. The number of pieces new mobile malware in 2010 increased by 46 percent compared with 2009.
The report also uncovered 20 million new pieces of malware in 2010, equating to nearly 55,000 new malware threats every day. Of the almost 55 million total pieces of malware McAfee Labs has identified, 36 percent was created in 2010. Concurrently, spam accounted for 80 percent of total email traffic in Q4 2010, the lowest point since the first quarter of 2007.
“Our Q4 Threats Report shows that cybercriminals are keeping tabs on what’s popular, and what will have the biggest impact from the smallest effort,” said Vincent Weafer, senior vice president of McAfee Labs. “In the past few quarters, malware trends have been very similar in different geographies, but in the last quarter we’ve seen a significant shift in various regions, showing that cybercriminals are tapped in to trends worldwide. McAfee Labs also sees the direct correlation between device popularity and cybercriminal activity, a trend we expect to surge in 2011.”
Mobile threats, botnet infections increase
Threats to mobile platforms are not new. However, as more consumers use mobile devices and tablets in their daily lives and at work, cybercriminals have taken note. During the last several years, McAfee Labs has seen a steady growth in the number of threats to mobile devices.
Some of the most interesting mobile threats of Q4 2010 were SymbOS/Zitmo.A and Android/Geinimi. SymbOS/Zitmo.A was a high-profile threat that struck early in the quarter. The creators of the Zeus botnet repurposed an old version of a commercial spyware package. Android/Geinimi, a Trojan inserted into legitimate mobile applications and games for the Android platform, was one of the most important threats of the quarter.
With the adoption of so many new mobile platforms, combined with the lack of security awareness and mobile safeguards, McAfee Labs expects cybercriminals to use botnet infections to target mobile devices. In Q4 2010, Cutwail was dethroned as the global leader in botnet activity, with Rustock the most prevalent in many parts of the world, and Bobax closely trailing behind the two.
Malware on the rise; spam in a “transition period”
The onslaught of malware seems to have no end, and the proliferation of both handled and IP-enabled devices’ affect on this growth remains to be seen. The top malware threats in Q4 2010 were very different in various geographies, due in part to the larger trend that threats now tend to match the types of users, habits and events that are specific to a region.
Favorites for cybercriminals worldwide this quarter consisted of AutoRun malware (Generic!atr), banking Trojans and downloaders (PWS or Generic.dx), as well as web-based exploits (StartPage and Exploit-MS04-028).
Spam hitting its lowest levels in years can be attributed to a “transition period,” with several botnets going dormant during a time of year when spam volumes are usually on an upward path. In Q4, McAfee Labs learned the Bredolab botnet had been closed along with parts of the Zeus botnet. Around the Christmas holiday, spam from the Rustock, Lethic, and Xarvester botnets all disappeared, while the spam leaders this quarter were the Bobax and Grum botnets.
More devices mean more web threats
As more users access the Internet from an ever-expanding pool of devices—computer, tablet, smartphone or Internet TV—web-based threats will continue to grow in size and sophistication. In Q4, some of the most active threats included Zeus-Murofet, Conficker and Koobface, and the number of potentially malicious domains grew at a rapid pace.
Phishing URLs in the form of the IRS, gift cards, rewards accounts, and social networking accounts were also among the most popular. McAfee Labs found that within the top 100 results of the top daily search terms, 51 percent led to malicious sites, and on average each of these poisoned results pages contained more than five malicious links. McAfee Labs expects attacks using the techniques of search-engine abuse and trend abuse to focus more specifically on new types of devices in 2011.
Adobe product vulnerabilities are top distribution method of choice for cybercriminals
In 2009, McAfee Labs predicted that vulnerabilities in Adobe product would become the clear choice of malware authors and cybercriminals for distribution malware and compromising systems and networks. This prediction has come true. Throughout 2010 malware developers have heavily exploited weaknesses in both Flash and especially PDF technologies.
McAfee Labs databases reveal that malicious PDFs targeting Adobe Acrobat topped the number of unique samples by a wide margin, making them the favorite target of client-side exploitation. McAfee Labs is certain that the “Adobe” trend will continue this year, as more mobile devices and non-Microsoft operating systems support various Adobe technologies.
Hacktivism gains traction
The main hacktivist actor in Q4 2010 was the “Anonymous” activist group. Its members engaged in various cyberdemonstrations against copyright protection groups early in the quarter and against WikiLeaks censors and detractors later in the quarter. The boundary between hacktivism and cyberwarfare continues to blur.
The report also uncovered 20 million new pieces of malware in 2010, equating to nearly 55,000 new malware threats every day. Of the almost 55 million total pieces of malware McAfee Labs has identified, 36 percent was created in 2010. Concurrently, spam accounted for 80 percent of total email traffic in Q4 2010, the lowest point since the first quarter of 2007.
“Our Q4 Threats Report shows that cybercriminals are keeping tabs on what’s popular, and what will have the biggest impact from the smallest effort,” said Vincent Weafer, senior vice president of McAfee Labs. “In the past few quarters, malware trends have been very similar in different geographies, but in the last quarter we’ve seen a significant shift in various regions, showing that cybercriminals are tapped in to trends worldwide. McAfee Labs also sees the direct correlation between device popularity and cybercriminal activity, a trend we expect to surge in 2011.”
Mobile threats, botnet infections increase
Threats to mobile platforms are not new. However, as more consumers use mobile devices and tablets in their daily lives and at work, cybercriminals have taken note. During the last several years, McAfee Labs has seen a steady growth in the number of threats to mobile devices.
Some of the most interesting mobile threats of Q4 2010 were SymbOS/Zitmo.A and Android/Geinimi. SymbOS/Zitmo.A was a high-profile threat that struck early in the quarter. The creators of the Zeus botnet repurposed an old version of a commercial spyware package. Android/Geinimi, a Trojan inserted into legitimate mobile applications and games for the Android platform, was one of the most important threats of the quarter.
With the adoption of so many new mobile platforms, combined with the lack of security awareness and mobile safeguards, McAfee Labs expects cybercriminals to use botnet infections to target mobile devices. In Q4 2010, Cutwail was dethroned as the global leader in botnet activity, with Rustock the most prevalent in many parts of the world, and Bobax closely trailing behind the two.
Malware on the rise; spam in a “transition period”
The onslaught of malware seems to have no end, and the proliferation of both handled and IP-enabled devices’ affect on this growth remains to be seen. The top malware threats in Q4 2010 were very different in various geographies, due in part to the larger trend that threats now tend to match the types of users, habits and events that are specific to a region.
Favorites for cybercriminals worldwide this quarter consisted of AutoRun malware (Generic!atr), banking Trojans and downloaders (PWS or Generic.dx), as well as web-based exploits (StartPage and Exploit-MS04-028).
Spam hitting its lowest levels in years can be attributed to a “transition period,” with several botnets going dormant during a time of year when spam volumes are usually on an upward path. In Q4, McAfee Labs learned the Bredolab botnet had been closed along with parts of the Zeus botnet. Around the Christmas holiday, spam from the Rustock, Lethic, and Xarvester botnets all disappeared, while the spam leaders this quarter were the Bobax and Grum botnets.
More devices mean more web threats
As more users access the Internet from an ever-expanding pool of devices—computer, tablet, smartphone or Internet TV—web-based threats will continue to grow in size and sophistication. In Q4, some of the most active threats included Zeus-Murofet, Conficker and Koobface, and the number of potentially malicious domains grew at a rapid pace.
Phishing URLs in the form of the IRS, gift cards, rewards accounts, and social networking accounts were also among the most popular. McAfee Labs found that within the top 100 results of the top daily search terms, 51 percent led to malicious sites, and on average each of these poisoned results pages contained more than five malicious links. McAfee Labs expects attacks using the techniques of search-engine abuse and trend abuse to focus more specifically on new types of devices in 2011.
Adobe product vulnerabilities are top distribution method of choice for cybercriminals
In 2009, McAfee Labs predicted that vulnerabilities in Adobe product would become the clear choice of malware authors and cybercriminals for distribution malware and compromising systems and networks. This prediction has come true. Throughout 2010 malware developers have heavily exploited weaknesses in both Flash and especially PDF technologies.
McAfee Labs databases reveal that malicious PDFs targeting Adobe Acrobat topped the number of unique samples by a wide margin, making them the favorite target of client-side exploitation. McAfee Labs is certain that the “Adobe” trend will continue this year, as more mobile devices and non-Microsoft operating systems support various Adobe technologies.
Hacktivism gains traction
The main hacktivist actor in Q4 2010 was the “Anonymous” activist group. Its members engaged in various cyberdemonstrations against copyright protection groups early in the quarter and against WikiLeaks censors and detractors later in the quarter. The boundary between hacktivism and cyberwarfare continues to blur.
Symantec data loss prevention 11 addresses increasing threats to IP
BANGALORE, INDIA: Symantec Corp. announced it will offer Symantec Data Loss Prevention 11, which will focus on simplifying the detection and protection of enterprises’ most valuable information – their intellectual property.
This major new release of Symantec’s market-leading data security suite aims to enable enterprises to mitigate the growing threat of the well-meaning insider by helping build a culture of security by automating implementation of IT policies and measurably reduce risk of a data breach. It expects to make the remediation process after a security incident more efficient and effective with new Data Insight enhancements and additional security measures at the endpoint.
“IT teams have traditionally focused on external hackers or malicious insiders, ignoring a major risk of the well-meaning insider – whose motivations and reactions to IT security policies are different,” said Shantanu Ghosh, vice president, India Product Operations, Symantec. “We’ve heard from our customers that a more accurate detection of intellectual property and risk-based prioritization of their actions are the fundamental elements of an effective information protection program.”
More data, more risk
Unstructured data is growing at a rate of more than 60 percent[1] per year and is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and protect. An organization’s most valuable information – its intellectual property – is often buried within a growing volume of unstructured documents, many of which are not sensitive.
Unstructured data stores are also typically less secure than other data repositories, making them more vulnerable to data loss from both internal and external threats. As evidenced by targeted attacks such as Hydraq and other high profile losses of confidential documents, intellectual property is more vulnerable than ever before.
Easier to fix with data insight enhancements
Symantec Data Loss Prevention 11 plans to include enhancements to Symantec Data Insight which will streamline the remediation process by identifying the locations where data is at the greatest risk and automatically notifying the associated data owners.
The new Risk Scoring feature will prioritize folders for remediation based on the amount and sensitivity of data they contain as well as the folder’s accessibility. The new Data Owner Remediation capability will help facilitate data security awareness and protection by automatically sending email alerts to owners of the data at risk in shared storage, thereby increasing the effectiveness of an organization’s data protection initiatives.
Added protection at the endpoint
Symantec Data Loss Prevention 11 is expected to deliver multiple endpoint enhancements, including features designed to give organizations the flexibility to allow the use of a wider range of applications and storage devices while maintaining a strong data security posture.
Application File Access Control is designed to ensure user-driven applications such as iTunes, Skype and WebEx can be used by employees without exposing sensitive data. The Trusted Devices feature will enable the use of a wide range of storage devices while assuring that sensitive data can be copied only to approved devices, such as devices issued and tracked by the company.
Also new in this release is Endpoint FlexResponse, which is designed to make it easier for customers to extend data protection at the endpoint by integrating other Symantec and third party solutions, such as encryption and Enterprise Rights Management (ERM).
Symantec Data Loss Prevention 11 is scheduled to be available in the first half of 2011.
This major new release of Symantec’s market-leading data security suite aims to enable enterprises to mitigate the growing threat of the well-meaning insider by helping build a culture of security by automating implementation of IT policies and measurably reduce risk of a data breach. It expects to make the remediation process after a security incident more efficient and effective with new Data Insight enhancements and additional security measures at the endpoint.
“IT teams have traditionally focused on external hackers or malicious insiders, ignoring a major risk of the well-meaning insider – whose motivations and reactions to IT security policies are different,” said Shantanu Ghosh, vice president, India Product Operations, Symantec. “We’ve heard from our customers that a more accurate detection of intellectual property and risk-based prioritization of their actions are the fundamental elements of an effective information protection program.”
More data, more risk
Unstructured data is growing at a rate of more than 60 percent[1] per year and is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and protect. An organization’s most valuable information – its intellectual property – is often buried within a growing volume of unstructured documents, many of which are not sensitive.
Unstructured data stores are also typically less secure than other data repositories, making them more vulnerable to data loss from both internal and external threats. As evidenced by targeted attacks such as Hydraq and other high profile losses of confidential documents, intellectual property is more vulnerable than ever before.
Easier to fix with data insight enhancements
Symantec Data Loss Prevention 11 plans to include enhancements to Symantec Data Insight which will streamline the remediation process by identifying the locations where data is at the greatest risk and automatically notifying the associated data owners.
The new Risk Scoring feature will prioritize folders for remediation based on the amount and sensitivity of data they contain as well as the folder’s accessibility. The new Data Owner Remediation capability will help facilitate data security awareness and protection by automatically sending email alerts to owners of the data at risk in shared storage, thereby increasing the effectiveness of an organization’s data protection initiatives.
Added protection at the endpoint
Symantec Data Loss Prevention 11 is expected to deliver multiple endpoint enhancements, including features designed to give organizations the flexibility to allow the use of a wider range of applications and storage devices while maintaining a strong data security posture.
Application File Access Control is designed to ensure user-driven applications such as iTunes, Skype and WebEx can be used by employees without exposing sensitive data. The Trusted Devices feature will enable the use of a wide range of storage devices while assuring that sensitive data can be copied only to approved devices, such as devices issued and tracked by the company.
Also new in this release is Endpoint FlexResponse, which is designed to make it easier for customers to extend data protection at the endpoint by integrating other Symantec and third party solutions, such as encryption and Enterprise Rights Management (ERM).
Symantec Data Loss Prevention 11 is scheduled to be available in the first half of 2011.
Digital cinema screens rise 121.8 percent in 2010
USA: IHS Screen Digest research has been finalized for the total global digital screens and 3-D screens in 2010 and has been updated in terms of forecasted growth through 2015.
The total number of digital screens worldwide was 36,242 in 2010, up from 16,339 at the end of 2009, a growth rate of 121.8 percent. There were 10,083 digital screens in Europe, marking 28.2 percent of the global figure; 16,522 in North America, accounting for 46.2 percent of the worldwide total; and 7,703 in Asia, representing 21.6 percent of the global figure.
A total of 21,936 3-D screens existed in 2010, equaling 60.5 percent of all digital screens. This is a rise from the 55 percent in 2009, but it is expected to drop slightly in 2011 to 57.5 percent. The growth in 3-D screens outstrips the total growth, standing at 144.3 percent over the year. Europe makes up 34.3 percent of all digital 3-D screens, while North America accounts for 38.6 percent and Asia 21.2 percent.
Total digital screens are forecast to exceed 100,000 by 2015, of which 41.7 percent will be 3-D equipped. By that year, IHS Screen Digest research forecasts that total convertible screens—i.e., modern screens—will stand at 127,000, up from an estimated 113,700 at the end of 2010.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
The total number of digital screens worldwide was 36,242 in 2010, up from 16,339 at the end of 2009, a growth rate of 121.8 percent. There were 10,083 digital screens in Europe, marking 28.2 percent of the global figure; 16,522 in North America, accounting for 46.2 percent of the worldwide total; and 7,703 in Asia, representing 21.6 percent of the global figure.
A total of 21,936 3-D screens existed in 2010, equaling 60.5 percent of all digital screens. This is a rise from the 55 percent in 2009, but it is expected to drop slightly in 2011 to 57.5 percent. The growth in 3-D screens outstrips the total growth, standing at 144.3 percent over the year. Europe makes up 34.3 percent of all digital 3-D screens, while North America accounts for 38.6 percent and Asia 21.2 percent.
Total digital screens are forecast to exceed 100,000 by 2015, of which 41.7 percent will be 3-D equipped. By that year, IHS Screen Digest research forecasts that total convertible screens—i.e., modern screens—will stand at 127,000, up from an estimated 113,700 at the end of 2010.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Global businesses switch to web conferencing in fight to cut costs
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Businesses across the globe will increasingly rely on web conferencing instead of travelling to meet face-to-face in a bid to cut costs in the aftermath of the recession, predicts Ovum.
In a new report*, the independent telecoms analyst forecasts that spending on web conferencing will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 18 percent over the next five years. The report shows that globally businesses’ spending on web conferencing will hit $2.7 billion by 2015, more than double the $1.2 billion reached in 2010. In Asia-Pacific, web conferencing reaches $534 million in 2015, with a CAGR of 23.5 percent since 2010.
Demand for web conferencing in China and India is surging, showing a total growth of 257 percent and 277 percent respectively, in the five year period. Korea is set to grow by 164 percent, Hong Kong by 143 percent and Australia by 149 percent.
Asia Pacific will see demand growing faster than the global average because of greater economic development and a higher base of potential new corporate business customers, particularly in developing markets.
Richard Thurston, Ovum senior analyst and author of the report, said: “Web conferencing is bringing about a radically different way of working for businesses across the globe. Web-based meetings enable enterprises to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues and business partners without leaving their office. This means a radical scaling back of face-to-face meetings and therefore corporate travel.
“Web conferencing is growing rapidly in popularity among companies of all sizes, meaning they can hit both their cost and carbon reduction targets, while increasing worker productivity and decreasing time to market. Business executives are increasingly recognising these benefits.”
Growth in web conferencing is also being driven by globalisation and mobile and home-based working, which are causing workers to become more geographically spread. There is also strong interest in a new breed of technology that has recently been released. One of the critical advances is the use of video, meaning employees can see each other as they communicate.
“We are seeing a revolution in workplace communications, and at the heart of this is video-based web conferencing,” said Thurston. “The technology is maturing and can now offer a quantifiable and much stronger return on investment. Because of this, we expect rapid growth in web conferencing to occur over the next five years.”
In a new report*, the independent telecoms analyst forecasts that spending on web conferencing will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 18 percent over the next five years. The report shows that globally businesses’ spending on web conferencing will hit $2.7 billion by 2015, more than double the $1.2 billion reached in 2010. In Asia-Pacific, web conferencing reaches $534 million in 2015, with a CAGR of 23.5 percent since 2010.
Demand for web conferencing in China and India is surging, showing a total growth of 257 percent and 277 percent respectively, in the five year period. Korea is set to grow by 164 percent, Hong Kong by 143 percent and Australia by 149 percent.
Asia Pacific will see demand growing faster than the global average because of greater economic development and a higher base of potential new corporate business customers, particularly in developing markets.
Richard Thurston, Ovum senior analyst and author of the report, said: “Web conferencing is bringing about a radically different way of working for businesses across the globe. Web-based meetings enable enterprises to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues and business partners without leaving their office. This means a radical scaling back of face-to-face meetings and therefore corporate travel.
“Web conferencing is growing rapidly in popularity among companies of all sizes, meaning they can hit both their cost and carbon reduction targets, while increasing worker productivity and decreasing time to market. Business executives are increasingly recognising these benefits.”
Growth in web conferencing is also being driven by globalisation and mobile and home-based working, which are causing workers to become more geographically spread. There is also strong interest in a new breed of technology that has recently been released. One of the critical advances is the use of video, meaning employees can see each other as they communicate.
“We are seeing a revolution in workplace communications, and at the heart of this is video-based web conferencing,” said Thurston. “The technology is maturing and can now offer a quantifiable and much stronger return on investment. Because of this, we expect rapid growth in web conferencing to occur over the next five years.”
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tektronix expands wideband RF/microwave signal generation choices
BANGALORE, INDIA: Tektronix Inc., a leading manufacturer of oscilloscopes, announced a new capability for the AWG7000C Series of Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWG) that delivers the industry’s only commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) solution for creating wide modulation bandwidth RF/Microwave signals to 2.5 GHz and improved rise/fall time of 35 ps for High Speed Serial signals.
With a significantly lower price point, the wide bandwidth option allows customers to purchase a dual channel 12 Gsps solution that will create fast rise/fall time, wide modulation bandwidth signals for less than $100,000.
Introduced last Fall, the Tektronix AWG7000C Series instruments are designed to meet high-performance signal generation needs across a number of market segments including RF/Microwave design and characterization tasks in avionics, radar, and short range wireless communications, such as ultra wideband (UWB), WirelessHD and WiGig. With the need to continually create wide-bandwidth signals, the AWG is a critical component in the modern test suite.
“This new capability for the AWG7000C Series continues our tradition of listening to customers and meeting their needs with the most capable and versatile wideband RF/Microwave signal generation solution in the industry,” said Bob Hiebert, director of Marketing, Sources/Analyzer Product Line, Tektronix. “For wideband signal creation, our arbitrary waveform generators are the only commercially available solution to provide an accurate, repeatable wide bandwidth signal without the need for custom-designed equipment or golden DUTs.”
Through use of direct synthesis, the AWG7000C accurately creates wideband “bandwidth on demand” waveforms up to a 4.8 GHz carrier frequency with the new Option 02. For greater frequency performance, the AWG7000C can still be configured with the higher data rate option that doubles the data rate to 24 Gsps and produces even higher 9.6 GHz carrier signals.
To replicate real-world signal behavior, the AWG7122C can generate signals up to 1 GHz of modulation bandwidth with 54 dBc, 2.5 GHz of modulation bandwidth with 46 dBc spurious free dynamic range (SFDR). Dynamic jump and sub-sequencing capabilities enable the creation of complex waveforms that respond to ever changing external environments.
Tektronix AWGs are integral components in complete Tektronix test solutions for both RF/Microwave and High Speed Serial designers when used with either RFXpress or SerialXpress software application packages. RFXpress simplifies the creation of complex wideband signals for Radar, EW and communications applications. SerialXpress enables creation of the exact waveforms required for design characterization and validation, margin and conformance testing of high-speed serial data receivers and considerably simplifies signal creation and jitter simulations, thus reducing overall development and test time.
The AWG7000C Series are available immediately for order.
With a significantly lower price point, the wide bandwidth option allows customers to purchase a dual channel 12 Gsps solution that will create fast rise/fall time, wide modulation bandwidth signals for less than $100,000.
Introduced last Fall, the Tektronix AWG7000C Series instruments are designed to meet high-performance signal generation needs across a number of market segments including RF/Microwave design and characterization tasks in avionics, radar, and short range wireless communications, such as ultra wideband (UWB), WirelessHD and WiGig. With the need to continually create wide-bandwidth signals, the AWG is a critical component in the modern test suite.
“This new capability for the AWG7000C Series continues our tradition of listening to customers and meeting their needs with the most capable and versatile wideband RF/Microwave signal generation solution in the industry,” said Bob Hiebert, director of Marketing, Sources/Analyzer Product Line, Tektronix. “For wideband signal creation, our arbitrary waveform generators are the only commercially available solution to provide an accurate, repeatable wide bandwidth signal without the need for custom-designed equipment or golden DUTs.”
Through use of direct synthesis, the AWG7000C accurately creates wideband “bandwidth on demand” waveforms up to a 4.8 GHz carrier frequency with the new Option 02. For greater frequency performance, the AWG7000C can still be configured with the higher data rate option that doubles the data rate to 24 Gsps and produces even higher 9.6 GHz carrier signals.
To replicate real-world signal behavior, the AWG7122C can generate signals up to 1 GHz of modulation bandwidth with 54 dBc, 2.5 GHz of modulation bandwidth with 46 dBc spurious free dynamic range (SFDR). Dynamic jump and sub-sequencing capabilities enable the creation of complex waveforms that respond to ever changing external environments.
Tektronix AWGs are integral components in complete Tektronix test solutions for both RF/Microwave and High Speed Serial designers when used with either RFXpress or SerialXpress software application packages. RFXpress simplifies the creation of complex wideband signals for Radar, EW and communications applications. SerialXpress enables creation of the exact waveforms required for design characterization and validation, margin and conformance testing of high-speed serial data receivers and considerably simplifies signal creation and jitter simulations, thus reducing overall development and test time.
The AWG7000C Series are available immediately for order.
HID Global drives expansion in RFID industry and logistics business
BANGALORE, INDIA: HID Global has appointed Jason Walden to drive the company’s Identification Solutions (IDS) RFID Industry and Logistics business in the UK, Ireland, Benelux and Scandinavia. Walden will be responsible for extending HID’s leadership in RFID tagging into the rapidly growing market for solutions that support asset-tracking, process automation, medical processes and identification of returnable transport items.
“Jason Walden’s background and expertise in RFID is an exciting addition to the HID team,” said Marie-Francoise Glotz, vice president of Industry and Logistics with HID Global. “We continue to make significant investments in the business and Jason’s appointment is another important step in expanding our position in the RFID tagging market.”
Walden brings nearly 15 years of experience to HID’s RFID Industry and Logistics business, including extensive knowledge in supply chain management, data collection systems and solutions that identify, track, and manage the deployment of critical assets for improved business efficiency.
“I am excited to play a key role in continuing to expand HID’s Industry and Logistics business,” said Walden. “2010 has been a banner year in the RFID space and HID Global’s extensive line of Genuine HID™ RFID solutions are optimized to meet a wide variety of global standards and customer requirements that are specific to this growing industry segment.
HID offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of field-proven RFID tags across diverse industrial vertical markets and has delivered more than one billion RFID tags worldwide. The company’s entire RFID tag portfolio features superior, out-of-the-box performance and reliability, enabling customers to enjoy efficiencies and cost savings.
“Jason Walden’s background and expertise in RFID is an exciting addition to the HID team,” said Marie-Francoise Glotz, vice president of Industry and Logistics with HID Global. “We continue to make significant investments in the business and Jason’s appointment is another important step in expanding our position in the RFID tagging market.”
Walden brings nearly 15 years of experience to HID’s RFID Industry and Logistics business, including extensive knowledge in supply chain management, data collection systems and solutions that identify, track, and manage the deployment of critical assets for improved business efficiency.
“I am excited to play a key role in continuing to expand HID’s Industry and Logistics business,” said Walden. “2010 has been a banner year in the RFID space and HID Global’s extensive line of Genuine HID™ RFID solutions are optimized to meet a wide variety of global standards and customer requirements that are specific to this growing industry segment.
HID offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of field-proven RFID tags across diverse industrial vertical markets and has delivered more than one billion RFID tags worldwide. The company’s entire RFID tag portfolio features superior, out-of-the-box performance and reliability, enabling customers to enjoy efficiencies and cost savings.
Apple iTunes remains dominant in US online movies in 2010, despite competitors' inroads
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Despite intensified competition from fierce rivals including Microsoft Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Apple Inc.’s iTunes store in 2010 managed to hold onto its dominance in the U.S. market for movie electronic sell through (EST) and Internet video on demand (iVOD), new IHS Screen Digest research shows.
The Apple iTunes online digital media store accounted for more than two thirds of US EST/iVOD movie consumer spending in 2010, at 64.5 percent, down from 74.4 in 2009. The company also maintained its control of three quarters of the US. EST business in 2010. Apple’s hold on its market share supremacy was all the more impressive given that the business underwent a significant expansion in 2010, with EST/iVOD movie revenue rising by more than 60 percent for the year.
“The iTunes online store showed remarkable competitive resilience last year in the US EST/iVOD movie business, staving off a growing field of tough challengers while keeping pace with an dramatic expansion for the overall market,” said Arash Amel, research director, digital media, for IHS.
“Apple faced serious competition from Microsoft's Zune Video and Sony Corp.'s PlayStation Store, as well as from Amazon and—most significantly—Wal-Mart. However, iTunes managed to grow because of the introductions of the iPad and the second-generation Apple TV, which have spurred the company's movie rental offerings and have invigorated the iTunes multi-screen ecosystem. We expect that in the United States, Apple's strong performance in iVOD will allow it to continue to bypass the video on demand services offered by many major cable operators.”
The table presents the IHS Screen Digest market share estimate for of the United States’ top EST/iVOD movie providers in 2010, ranked by share of consumer spending.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Major brands present major competition
Competition from Microsoft intensified in both the movie EST and iVOD segments in 2010 because of the highly successful launch of its Kinect 3D motion controller system for its Xbox 360 video game console. This resulted in a bumper fourth quarter for movie revenue on the Zune Video platform, cementing the No. 2 market rank for Microsoft. Microsoft in 2010 accounted for 17.9 percent of US movie EST/iVOD consumer spending, up from 11.6 percent in 2009.
Sony in 2010 maintained the number three position in the US market with a 7.2 percent share, up from 5.7 percent in 2009. However, the company is facing rising competition in the United States by Amazon VOD—and Wal-Mart’s Vudu service.
The Wal-Mart challenge
While these major players continue to ramp up the competitive pressure on Apple, the most fearsome rival for iTunes in the future could be a giant company that was only a small player in 2010: Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart's aggressive drive for market share for its US online movies service Vudu, has generated a spike in consumption for the service starting in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company announced $0.99 promotional pricing on iVOD movies and support for a wider range of living room devices, including Sony’s PlayStation 3 video game console.
“The future of the online movie business may come down to competitive battle between Apple and Wal-Mart,” Amel said. “Although Wal-Mart is not on the charts yet, the company soon will become a major player if its current momentum continues. The company already represents a critical source of revenue for the major Hollywood studios because of its massive sales of Blu-ray and DVD movies—and now is expanding this business into the online realm.”
Wal-Mart generated more than $3.5 billion in revenues to the studios from sales of physical movies in 2010, IHS Screen Digest research indicates.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
The Apple iTunes online digital media store accounted for more than two thirds of US EST/iVOD movie consumer spending in 2010, at 64.5 percent, down from 74.4 in 2009. The company also maintained its control of three quarters of the US. EST business in 2010. Apple’s hold on its market share supremacy was all the more impressive given that the business underwent a significant expansion in 2010, with EST/iVOD movie revenue rising by more than 60 percent for the year.
“The iTunes online store showed remarkable competitive resilience last year in the US EST/iVOD movie business, staving off a growing field of tough challengers while keeping pace with an dramatic expansion for the overall market,” said Arash Amel, research director, digital media, for IHS.
“Apple faced serious competition from Microsoft's Zune Video and Sony Corp.'s PlayStation Store, as well as from Amazon and—most significantly—Wal-Mart. However, iTunes managed to grow because of the introductions of the iPad and the second-generation Apple TV, which have spurred the company's movie rental offerings and have invigorated the iTunes multi-screen ecosystem. We expect that in the United States, Apple's strong performance in iVOD will allow it to continue to bypass the video on demand services offered by many major cable operators.”
The table presents the IHS Screen Digest market share estimate for of the United States’ top EST/iVOD movie providers in 2010, ranked by share of consumer spending.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.Major brands present major competition
Competition from Microsoft intensified in both the movie EST and iVOD segments in 2010 because of the highly successful launch of its Kinect 3D motion controller system for its Xbox 360 video game console. This resulted in a bumper fourth quarter for movie revenue on the Zune Video platform, cementing the No. 2 market rank for Microsoft. Microsoft in 2010 accounted for 17.9 percent of US movie EST/iVOD consumer spending, up from 11.6 percent in 2009.
Sony in 2010 maintained the number three position in the US market with a 7.2 percent share, up from 5.7 percent in 2009. However, the company is facing rising competition in the United States by Amazon VOD—and Wal-Mart’s Vudu service.
The Wal-Mart challenge
While these major players continue to ramp up the competitive pressure on Apple, the most fearsome rival for iTunes in the future could be a giant company that was only a small player in 2010: Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart's aggressive drive for market share for its US online movies service Vudu, has generated a spike in consumption for the service starting in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company announced $0.99 promotional pricing on iVOD movies and support for a wider range of living room devices, including Sony’s PlayStation 3 video game console.
“The future of the online movie business may come down to competitive battle between Apple and Wal-Mart,” Amel said. “Although Wal-Mart is not on the charts yet, the company soon will become a major player if its current momentum continues. The company already represents a critical source of revenue for the major Hollywood studios because of its massive sales of Blu-ray and DVD movies—and now is expanding this business into the online realm.”
Wal-Mart generated more than $3.5 billion in revenues to the studios from sales of physical movies in 2010, IHS Screen Digest research indicates.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
DisplayLink USB virtual graphics powers HP MultiSeat computing devices
PALO ALTO, USA: A year after the first DisplayLink zero client solutions made their way into the hands of global educators, the company announced their virtual graphics chip is designed into the updated HP MultiSeat Thin Client device.
In combination with a display, keyboard and mouse, the HP MultiSeat t150 along with the Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 operating system (OS) will allow a user to experience an individual computing session from a notebook or PC as the server as well as combine for up to 10 seats. Additionally, the HP MultiSeat t150 features a dedicated USB port for private viewing of data from USB drives/keys.
“HP and Microsoft have been leading the adoption of affordable, yet powerful, virtual computing solutions in the education and emerging market segments,” said Dennis Crespo, executive vice president of marketing and business development at DisplayLink. “A year later, we’ve proven the value of virtual multi-seat computing and look forward to also bringing it to small and medium businesses.”
The combined offering provides a true zero client experience that eliminates the need for an operating system, CPU or memory at the systems’ end points – and just requires peripherals, a thin client and a familiar standard USB 2.0 cable instead of any proprietary connection technology. And thanks to DisplayLink USB virtual graphics, no extra video cards need to be installed. No system administrator needs to be devoted to installation. It’s truly plug and play.
The HP MultiSeat Computing Solution reduces the overall carbon footprint of an organization, with reduced energy consumption of up to 80 percent and 90 percent environmental heat and noise reductions over traditional PC environments.
In combination with a display, keyboard and mouse, the HP MultiSeat t150 along with the Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 operating system (OS) will allow a user to experience an individual computing session from a notebook or PC as the server as well as combine for up to 10 seats. Additionally, the HP MultiSeat t150 features a dedicated USB port for private viewing of data from USB drives/keys.
“HP and Microsoft have been leading the adoption of affordable, yet powerful, virtual computing solutions in the education and emerging market segments,” said Dennis Crespo, executive vice president of marketing and business development at DisplayLink. “A year later, we’ve proven the value of virtual multi-seat computing and look forward to also bringing it to small and medium businesses.”
The combined offering provides a true zero client experience that eliminates the need for an operating system, CPU or memory at the systems’ end points – and just requires peripherals, a thin client and a familiar standard USB 2.0 cable instead of any proprietary connection technology. And thanks to DisplayLink USB virtual graphics, no extra video cards need to be installed. No system administrator needs to be devoted to installation. It’s truly plug and play.
The HP MultiSeat Computing Solution reduces the overall carbon footprint of an organization, with reduced energy consumption of up to 80 percent and 90 percent environmental heat and noise reductions over traditional PC environments.
Carl Zeiss receives IARPA R&D contract for GFIS technology
PEABODY, USA: Carl Zeiss announced that it has been awarded a $22.6 million contract to develop certain nano manufacturing and imaging applications based on its revolutionary ORION Gas Field Ion Source (GFIS) technology.
The contract was awarded to US-based Carl Zeiss NTS, LLC by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) under the Circuit Analysis Tool (CAT) program.
The CAT program is geared towards addressing challenges in nano manufacturing and imaging pertaining to circuit analysis for which existing techniques have no clear evolutionary path to the 22nm node and beyond. The nano manufacturing thrust of the CAT program is focused on the modification of the electrical behavior of an integrated circuit through the use of precise deposition and removal techniques that can cut and/or create new connections.
“IARPA has clearly identified key challenges where the development of critical analytical instrumentation has not kept pace with the rapid progress in the design and processing of nanostructures,” said Dan McGee, president of Carl Zeiss NTS LLC. “Carl Zeiss’ position as a leader and innovator in charged particle beam technologies is affirmed by this contract award and we look forward to solving these challenges for IARPA and the global nano manufacturing industry at large.”
The GFIS technology from Carl Zeiss offers significant benefits over the existing state-of-the-art in meeting advanced nano manufacturing requirements. A high brightness, sub-nm probe of inert ion species offers the ability to perform accurate, precise, and controlled edits on extremely small features (sub 10 nm) in high density components. A low lateral beam spread will result in tighter, better defined deposit geometries. In addition, Carl Zeiss’ unique GFIS technology enables superior nano-patterning fidelity without residual metallic contamination relative to conventional Ga-FIB based technologies.
This contract is sponsored and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
The contract was awarded to US-based Carl Zeiss NTS, LLC by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) under the Circuit Analysis Tool (CAT) program.
The CAT program is geared towards addressing challenges in nano manufacturing and imaging pertaining to circuit analysis for which existing techniques have no clear evolutionary path to the 22nm node and beyond. The nano manufacturing thrust of the CAT program is focused on the modification of the electrical behavior of an integrated circuit through the use of precise deposition and removal techniques that can cut and/or create new connections.
“IARPA has clearly identified key challenges where the development of critical analytical instrumentation has not kept pace with the rapid progress in the design and processing of nanostructures,” said Dan McGee, president of Carl Zeiss NTS LLC. “Carl Zeiss’ position as a leader and innovator in charged particle beam technologies is affirmed by this contract award and we look forward to solving these challenges for IARPA and the global nano manufacturing industry at large.”
The GFIS technology from Carl Zeiss offers significant benefits over the existing state-of-the-art in meeting advanced nano manufacturing requirements. A high brightness, sub-nm probe of inert ion species offers the ability to perform accurate, precise, and controlled edits on extremely small features (sub 10 nm) in high density components. A low lateral beam spread will result in tighter, better defined deposit geometries. In addition, Carl Zeiss’ unique GFIS technology enables superior nano-patterning fidelity without residual metallic contamination relative to conventional Ga-FIB based technologies.
This contract is sponsored and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
Monday, February 7, 2011
VESA issues updated embedded DisplayPort standard
NEWARK, USA: The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has announced a new version of the Embedded DisplayPort Standard (eDP).
eDP is a companion standard to the DisplayPort interface designed for embedded display applications, including notebook PCs, tablets, netbooks and all-in-one desktop PCs. eDP v1.3 includes a new Panel Self-Refresh (PSR) feature that was developed to save system power and further extend battery life in portable PC systems.
Industry market trends indicate that eDP is slated to replace LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling), the previous standard for LCD panel inputs. In December 2010, Intel and AMD announced that by 2013, the two companies will no longer support LVDS in favor of scalable and lower power digital interfaces, such as DisplayPort. Leading PC manufacturers Dell, Lenovo, Samsung and LG Display announced similar plans to phase out legacy technologies in the coming years.
With eDP now even more capable of saving total device power and battery life, industry analysts believe it is the ideal replacement for LVDS. “As OEMs prepare to retire legacy technologies, such as LVDS, eDP offers a feature-rich replacement that is cost effective and ready for high volume implementation,” says Brian O’Rourke, principal analyst, In-Stat. “This, combined with the growing demand for high performance mobile devices, suggests eDP will continue to gain traction among PC OEMs.”
The eDP v1.3 Standard adds clarity on how to use the new 5.4, Gb/s DisplayPort main link data rate, also known as HBR2 (High Bit Rate 2). eDP v1.3 is now available for purchase from VESA and is provided free of charge to VESA member companies. Portable PC devices utilizing the new eDP v1.3 PSR feature are expected to become available for purchase as early as 2012.
eDP is a companion standard to the DisplayPort interface designed for embedded display applications, including notebook PCs, tablets, netbooks and all-in-one desktop PCs. eDP v1.3 includes a new Panel Self-Refresh (PSR) feature that was developed to save system power and further extend battery life in portable PC systems.
Industry market trends indicate that eDP is slated to replace LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling), the previous standard for LCD panel inputs. In December 2010, Intel and AMD announced that by 2013, the two companies will no longer support LVDS in favor of scalable and lower power digital interfaces, such as DisplayPort. Leading PC manufacturers Dell, Lenovo, Samsung and LG Display announced similar plans to phase out legacy technologies in the coming years.
With eDP now even more capable of saving total device power and battery life, industry analysts believe it is the ideal replacement for LVDS. “As OEMs prepare to retire legacy technologies, such as LVDS, eDP offers a feature-rich replacement that is cost effective and ready for high volume implementation,” says Brian O’Rourke, principal analyst, In-Stat. “This, combined with the growing demand for high performance mobile devices, suggests eDP will continue to gain traction among PC OEMs.”
The eDP v1.3 Standard adds clarity on how to use the new 5.4, Gb/s DisplayPort main link data rate, also known as HBR2 (High Bit Rate 2). eDP v1.3 is now available for purchase from VESA and is provided free of charge to VESA member companies. Portable PC devices utilizing the new eDP v1.3 PSR feature are expected to become available for purchase as early as 2012.
Ricoh selects Vidyo to bring high quality video conferencing to unified communications and collaboration platform
TOKYO, JAPAN & HACKENSACK, USA: Ricoh Co. Ltd., a worldwide leader in digital office equipment and advanced document management solutions and services, and Vidyo Inc., the first company to deliver personal telepresence, announced a partnership under which Ricoh will integrate Vidyo’s innovative, high definition, multiparty video conferencing platform into Ricoh’s new unified communications framework.
As a result of this partnership, Ricoh will deliver two groundbreaking Unified Communications (UC) solutions later this year based on Vidyo’s award-winning platform.
Ricoh’s new unified communications environment will enable users to collaborate using audio and video communications while sharing graphics, text and even handwritten documents. Ricoh expects the revenues from its UC business, the company’s first foray into video and audio communications, to reach $1.25B by 2015. The first two Vidyo-based Ricoh UC products to be launched this year will be a portable Unified Communications device and a similarly featured room system.
“In developing Ricoh’s UC offering, it was critical for us to identify ‘best of breed’ partners who have established track records for delivering innovative, ubiquitous solutions,” said Hidefumi Nakamura, GM, UCS Business Department, Ricoh.
“Vidyo was clearly our top choice for a video communications and collaboration platform. Vidyo’s intellectual property, and their new architecture utilizing H.264/Scalable Video Coding (SVC) for video conferencing, is the most advanced in the market. Our customers will benefit from the high level of quality and stress-free video communication that result from the unique integration of Ricoh and Vidyo offerings. ”
“Our partnership with Ricoh is a validation of the Vidyo platform by another leading global company that recognizes the quality and disruptive economics offered by Vidyo’s unique architecture,” said Ofer Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of Vidyo. “We are pleased that Ricoh has embraced Vidyo’s Platform and next generation architecture, demonstrating their commitment to advancing the Unified Communications and Collaboration market with the introduction of products that offer new capabilities and allow partners to innovate to deliver future-proof solutions.”
Vidyo is the first and only low-latency, highly error-resilient software-based, multi-party “telepresence” quality video conferencing that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere at any time via the Internet and other general IP networks. Its unique VidyoRouter architecture, based on the H.264 /SVC standard, provides rate and resolution matching for each endpoint while dynamically adapting to changing bandwidth. This means, Ricoh customers will receive the best quality video communication possible via any network. Vidyo’s technology is a key advancement in making natural, high quality video conferencing universally available over the Internet, 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi networks.
Vidyo platform partners include HP, Google, Hitachi, Teliris and Intel. In December of 2010, Vidyo announced that KDDI, a leading global carrier in Japan, will offer Vidyo-based services to its customers.
As a result of this partnership, Ricoh will deliver two groundbreaking Unified Communications (UC) solutions later this year based on Vidyo’s award-winning platform.
Ricoh’s new unified communications environment will enable users to collaborate using audio and video communications while sharing graphics, text and even handwritten documents. Ricoh expects the revenues from its UC business, the company’s first foray into video and audio communications, to reach $1.25B by 2015. The first two Vidyo-based Ricoh UC products to be launched this year will be a portable Unified Communications device and a similarly featured room system.
“In developing Ricoh’s UC offering, it was critical for us to identify ‘best of breed’ partners who have established track records for delivering innovative, ubiquitous solutions,” said Hidefumi Nakamura, GM, UCS Business Department, Ricoh.
“Vidyo was clearly our top choice for a video communications and collaboration platform. Vidyo’s intellectual property, and their new architecture utilizing H.264/Scalable Video Coding (SVC) for video conferencing, is the most advanced in the market. Our customers will benefit from the high level of quality and stress-free video communication that result from the unique integration of Ricoh and Vidyo offerings. ”
“Our partnership with Ricoh is a validation of the Vidyo platform by another leading global company that recognizes the quality and disruptive economics offered by Vidyo’s unique architecture,” said Ofer Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of Vidyo. “We are pleased that Ricoh has embraced Vidyo’s Platform and next generation architecture, demonstrating their commitment to advancing the Unified Communications and Collaboration market with the introduction of products that offer new capabilities and allow partners to innovate to deliver future-proof solutions.”
Vidyo is the first and only low-latency, highly error-resilient software-based, multi-party “telepresence” quality video conferencing that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere at any time via the Internet and other general IP networks. Its unique VidyoRouter architecture, based on the H.264 /SVC standard, provides rate and resolution matching for each endpoint while dynamically adapting to changing bandwidth. This means, Ricoh customers will receive the best quality video communication possible via any network. Vidyo’s technology is a key advancement in making natural, high quality video conferencing universally available over the Internet, 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi networks.
Vidyo platform partners include HP, Google, Hitachi, Teliris and Intel. In December of 2010, Vidyo announced that KDDI, a leading global carrier in Japan, will offer Vidyo-based services to its customers.
Canon celebrates production of 60 million EF lenses
LAKE SUCCESS, USA: Canon USA Inc., a leader in digital imaging, has helped celebrate the achievement of a new EF lens-manufacturing milestone with the production of Canon’s 60-millionth lens, an EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM.
Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex cameras began in 1987 at the Company’s Utsunomiya Plant, and has since expanded to a total of four production facilities including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in Japan. EF lenses reached the 10-million-unit milestone after approximately eight and a half years in production, followed by the 40-million-unit mark in April of 2008.
Due to the popularity of the EOS Digital series, production then increased and EF lenses achieved the 50-million-unit mark in December of 2009. Canon has since produced 10 million units just in 13 months and reached the 60-million-unit milestone in January of 2011.
First introduced in March 1987, along with Canon’s EOS SLR camera system, the EF lens system has over the years featured a range of innovative proprietary technologies to lead the industry. These include such world’s firsts1 as the Ultrasonic Motor-powered lens (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) to compensate for the effects of camera shake, Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology, and a super-telephoto lens that employs a diffractive optical element.
Last year, Canon successfully launched the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, featuring outstanding optical performance and Image Stabilization.
Canon’s current EF lens lineup is comprised of 65 models ranging from super-wide-angle lenses to super-telephoto zoom lenses, catering to the varying needs of photographers from first-time users to advanced-amateurs and professionals. The Company’s diverse selection of lenses offers several features including a number of zoom options ranging from standard to super-telephoto, Image Stabilizer-equipped lenses, large-diameter lenses, macro lenses and TS-E lenses featuring a special tilt-shift mechanism allowing manipulation of image perspective and distortion.
In addition, the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, the world’s first2 fisheye zoom lens, is planned for market release in March of 2011.
Canon will continue to proactively introduce innovative technologies, striving to provide superlative image quality and reliability in lens production.
Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex cameras began in 1987 at the Company’s Utsunomiya Plant, and has since expanded to a total of four production facilities including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in Japan. EF lenses reached the 10-million-unit milestone after approximately eight and a half years in production, followed by the 40-million-unit mark in April of 2008.
Due to the popularity of the EOS Digital series, production then increased and EF lenses achieved the 50-million-unit mark in December of 2009. Canon has since produced 10 million units just in 13 months and reached the 60-million-unit milestone in January of 2011.
First introduced in March 1987, along with Canon’s EOS SLR camera system, the EF lens system has over the years featured a range of innovative proprietary technologies to lead the industry. These include such world’s firsts1 as the Ultrasonic Motor-powered lens (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) to compensate for the effects of camera shake, Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology, and a super-telephoto lens that employs a diffractive optical element.
Last year, Canon successfully launched the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, featuring outstanding optical performance and Image Stabilization.
Canon’s current EF lens lineup is comprised of 65 models ranging from super-wide-angle lenses to super-telephoto zoom lenses, catering to the varying needs of photographers from first-time users to advanced-amateurs and professionals. The Company’s diverse selection of lenses offers several features including a number of zoom options ranging from standard to super-telephoto, Image Stabilizer-equipped lenses, large-diameter lenses, macro lenses and TS-E lenses featuring a special tilt-shift mechanism allowing manipulation of image perspective and distortion.
In addition, the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, the world’s first2 fisheye zoom lens, is planned for market release in March of 2011.
Canon will continue to proactively introduce innovative technologies, striving to provide superlative image quality and reliability in lens production.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
TiaLinx launches Cougar20-H mini-robot with long standoff capability to detect motion and breathing inside a compound
NEWPORT BEACH, USA: TiaLinx Inc., a developer of a remotely controlled mini-robot integrated with mm-wave miniaturized radars, announced the launch of the Cougar20-H. The mini-robot system is capable of performing dual functions as motion detection as well as probing for the breathing of a person in a compound that is remotely controlled at long standoff distances.
The lightweight and agile mini-robot with tractable arm has been integrated with TiaLinx's fine beam ultra-wideband (UWB), multi-Gigahertz radio frequency (RF) sensor array. The system provides long standoff surveillance of a premise to track movement as well as to detect motionless live objects. TiaLinx's real-time UWB RF Imaging development was sponsored by an SBIR Phase II from the Army's PEO AMMO, PM-CCS.
Through a software-controlled interface which is integrated into a laptop, Cougar20-H can be remotely guided from long distances to perform mission-critical tasks. Integrated multiple cameras allow day and night visibility of a premise under surveillance for enhanced situational awareness. Capability to probe the compound at standoff keeps the Cougar20-H out of harm's way.
The RF Scanner is mounted on a lightweight arm and transmits wideband signals that are highly directional and can penetrate reinforced concrete wall at an extended range. In the receiver, a signal detector circuit is employed to capture the reflections from targets. Amplitude and delay information are then processed in an integrated signal processor.
"Cougar20-H has the capability to sense-through-the-wall (STTW) at farther distances than Cougar10-L that was launched last month. Cougar20-H can also be remotely programmed at multiple way points to scan the desired premise in a multi-story building and provide its layout. In contrast only Cougar10-L is capable of scanning a premise horizontally for unexploded ordnance (UXO) as well as vertically to STTW," commented Dr. Fred Mohamadi, founder and CEO of TiaLinx.
"TiaLinx is constantly upscaling its UWB RF Imaging core competence to enable standoff sensing of a premise for enhanced situational awareness."
The lightweight and agile mini-robot with tractable arm has been integrated with TiaLinx's fine beam ultra-wideband (UWB), multi-Gigahertz radio frequency (RF) sensor array. The system provides long standoff surveillance of a premise to track movement as well as to detect motionless live objects. TiaLinx's real-time UWB RF Imaging development was sponsored by an SBIR Phase II from the Army's PEO AMMO, PM-CCS.
Through a software-controlled interface which is integrated into a laptop, Cougar20-H can be remotely guided from long distances to perform mission-critical tasks. Integrated multiple cameras allow day and night visibility of a premise under surveillance for enhanced situational awareness. Capability to probe the compound at standoff keeps the Cougar20-H out of harm's way.
The RF Scanner is mounted on a lightweight arm and transmits wideband signals that are highly directional and can penetrate reinforced concrete wall at an extended range. In the receiver, a signal detector circuit is employed to capture the reflections from targets. Amplitude and delay information are then processed in an integrated signal processor.
"Cougar20-H has the capability to sense-through-the-wall (STTW) at farther distances than Cougar10-L that was launched last month. Cougar20-H can also be remotely programmed at multiple way points to scan the desired premise in a multi-story building and provide its layout. In contrast only Cougar10-L is capable of scanning a premise horizontally for unexploded ordnance (UXO) as well as vertically to STTW," commented Dr. Fred Mohamadi, founder and CEO of TiaLinx.
"TiaLinx is constantly upscaling its UWB RF Imaging core competence to enable standoff sensing of a premise for enhanced situational awareness."
Friday, February 4, 2011
China market presents large opportunity for Corning
CORNING, USA: The greater China market represents a $2 billion opportunity for Corning Inc., Eric Musser, chief executive officer of Corning Greater China region, told participants at the company’s annual investor meeting in New York.
Within the past year Corning announced about $1 billion in new investments in China, including a plan to build the company’s first LCD glass melting facility and expand its light-duty substrate manufacturing operation. “Our total China sales exceeded $800 million last year. We are forecasting sales of at least $1.2 billion this year, and we could reach $2 billion in revenue by 2014,” Musser said.
China’s market trends are creating growth opportunities across Corning’s diverse businesses, he will point out. “We believe that China’s LCD TV end market represents more than 20% of the worldwide total. Consequently, LCD panel manufacturers have been investing in China-based production for the past several years. Corning is making significant investments in its LCD glass manufacturing capabilities to meet this increasing market demand.
“China became the largest consumer market for automobiles in 2009,” he added. “Stricter emissions regulations now being implemented in China are driving increased demand for Corning’s clean-air products, and we have expanded in-country capacity to meet this growing market opportunity.”
China has been Corning’s largest market for optical fiber in recent years. Musser will explain that Corning expects China to continue making significant investments in building out the nation’s wireless, FTTH, and enterprise networks for several additional years. “We anticipate China’s fiber-to-the-home subscriber base could grow at a compound annual rate of more than 150 percent and optical solutions in the data center space may continue at a 20 percent compound growth rate, both through 2014.”
China investments in the pharmaceutical industry are creating opportunities for Corning’s laboratory products as well. Corning recently announced plans to establish a new life sciences manufacturing and distribution facility in China and to expand its consumable labware product offerings.
Additionally, the company is also engaged in discussions with a number of Chinese customers interested in Corning’s thin-film photovoltaic glass for solar-energy applications.
“Corning has invested in China for more than 25 years. We have established leadership positions in each of our major businesses. With increased investments and technology innovation across each business, we should be able to continue growing in China and meeting the needs of the world’s largest consumer market,” Musser concluded.
Within the past year Corning announced about $1 billion in new investments in China, including a plan to build the company’s first LCD glass melting facility and expand its light-duty substrate manufacturing operation. “Our total China sales exceeded $800 million last year. We are forecasting sales of at least $1.2 billion this year, and we could reach $2 billion in revenue by 2014,” Musser said.
China’s market trends are creating growth opportunities across Corning’s diverse businesses, he will point out. “We believe that China’s LCD TV end market represents more than 20% of the worldwide total. Consequently, LCD panel manufacturers have been investing in China-based production for the past several years. Corning is making significant investments in its LCD glass manufacturing capabilities to meet this increasing market demand.
“China became the largest consumer market for automobiles in 2009,” he added. “Stricter emissions regulations now being implemented in China are driving increased demand for Corning’s clean-air products, and we have expanded in-country capacity to meet this growing market opportunity.”
China has been Corning’s largest market for optical fiber in recent years. Musser will explain that Corning expects China to continue making significant investments in building out the nation’s wireless, FTTH, and enterprise networks for several additional years. “We anticipate China’s fiber-to-the-home subscriber base could grow at a compound annual rate of more than 150 percent and optical solutions in the data center space may continue at a 20 percent compound growth rate, both through 2014.”
China investments in the pharmaceutical industry are creating opportunities for Corning’s laboratory products as well. Corning recently announced plans to establish a new life sciences manufacturing and distribution facility in China and to expand its consumable labware product offerings.
Additionally, the company is also engaged in discussions with a number of Chinese customers interested in Corning’s thin-film photovoltaic glass for solar-energy applications.
“Corning has invested in China for more than 25 years. We have established leadership positions in each of our major businesses. With increased investments and technology innovation across each business, we should be able to continue growing in China and meeting the needs of the world’s largest consumer market,” Musser concluded.
Samsung launches 'smart' solutions for education segment
BANGALORE, INDIA: Digital technology leader, Samsung India Electronics (P) Ltd. today unveiled its ‘Smart solutions’ for the education segment - latest display solutions and customized applications on the Galaxy tab that make the classroom room experience more interactive and ‘smarter’.
The new display solutions are an intrinsic part of Samsung’s IT B2B business portfolio and the Company is seeking to give a strong fillip to this business by integrating its IT and HHP B2B solution marketing this year. The Company today announced the launch of Interactive e- Boards that are designed to revolutionize the classroom experience for students and teachers alike.
Ranjit Yadav, country head – Mobile and IT, Samsung India Electronics said: “With our complete portfolio of display solutions - digital signage solutions, thin clients, i.e., boards and video wall solutions, we are well poised to service the institutional sector in display, whether it is the retail, corporate or the educational sector. The launch of the interactive e boards and the smart solutions that we are offering in this sector will make the classroom experience more exciting and interactive.”
As part of its initiative on providing ‘Smart Solutions’ for the education sector, Samsung plans to target 20000+ educational institutes in the country with both IT and Mobility solutions.
Samsung has launched the following:
* Smart Classroom with Large Format displays for showcasing digital content in the classroom,
* Smart Teacher, who would be provided with GALAXY Tab to maintain course curriculum, plan attendance, access school intranet for content,
* Smart Student, wherein students through their GALAXY Tab can access course syllabi, digital content over school intranet, and
Smart School solution for students in Professional colleges, namely NotePCs and Thin Clients.
The new display solutions are an intrinsic part of Samsung’s IT B2B business portfolio and the Company is seeking to give a strong fillip to this business by integrating its IT and HHP B2B solution marketing this year. The Company today announced the launch of Interactive e- Boards that are designed to revolutionize the classroom experience for students and teachers alike.
Ranjit Yadav, country head – Mobile and IT, Samsung India Electronics said: “With our complete portfolio of display solutions - digital signage solutions, thin clients, i.e., boards and video wall solutions, we are well poised to service the institutional sector in display, whether it is the retail, corporate or the educational sector. The launch of the interactive e boards and the smart solutions that we are offering in this sector will make the classroom experience more exciting and interactive.”
As part of its initiative on providing ‘Smart Solutions’ for the education sector, Samsung plans to target 20000+ educational institutes in the country with both IT and Mobility solutions.
Samsung has launched the following:
* Smart Classroom with Large Format displays for showcasing digital content in the classroom,
* Smart Teacher, who would be provided with GALAXY Tab to maintain course curriculum, plan attendance, access school intranet for content,
* Smart Student, wherein students through their GALAXY Tab can access course syllabi, digital content over school intranet, and
Smart School solution for students in Professional colleges, namely NotePCs and Thin Clients.
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