Micron Technology has unveiled a new portfolio of solid-state drives (SSD) for the fast-growing flash-based notebook market. Dubbed RealSSD C400, the new series is the first SSD product line to incorporate Micron's 25nm NAND flash technology, creating a broad portfolio of capacities ranging from 64GB to 512GB. The drives will be available in 1.8-inch and 2.5-inch form factors.As with its predecessor, the new RealSSD C400 also supports the SATA 6Gb/s interface, which opens up the data path between the host processor and the SSD delivering improved overall system responsiveness including faster boot times and speedier application loads. The new drives reach read speeds up to 415MB/s, which is 17% faster than Micron's previous generation drives. With write performance varying by capacity, the new 512GB drive achieves up to 260MB/s write speeds, which is more than 20% faster than the fastest C300 drive.Micron said it is currently working with notebook manufacturers to qualify the new RealSSD drives under the C400 product name. With samples of the RealSSD C400 drives available now, the company expects mass production to begin in February.Bringing the drives to business customers and consumers, Crucial, a division of Micron, will begin selling the portfolio under the name, m4 SSD. The Crucial m4 SSD product line is expected to be available online and through select global channel partners in the first quarter of 2011."SSDs are bringing excitement back into personal computing," said Dean Klein, vice president of memory system development at Micron. "Micron is accelerating this enthusiasm with our new RealSSD portfolio, providing even greater performance and higher capacities than our previous generation SSDs."Micron RealSSD C400Photo: Company

Chicago - (Business wire) - NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the 23-inch MultiSync EA232WMi, a 16:9 model designed for corporate, financial, healthcare, engineering, CAD and other professional applications.Replacing the popular MultiSync EA231WMi, the new MultiSync EA232WMi maintains an IPS panel for superior color, viewing angles and image quality. Additionally, it adds LED-backlit technology, which provides more energy efficiency and less power consumption, heat and carbon dioxide emissions. The display's ambient light sensor and ECO Mode can further help save energy and prolong product life."The MultiSync EA232WMi provides our elite IT customers with several improvements over its predecessor," said Lynn Gu, product manager for NEC Display Solutions. "Its LED backlight and mercury-free composition make it greener, and it is lighter in weight, consumes less power and is a recipient of TCO 5.1, the newest TCO compliance rating. We work diligently to develop products that operate hand-in-hand with users, and the ergonomics, technologies and energy efficiency built into the MultiSync EA Series accomplish that objective."The MultiSync EA232WMi includes the following features:23-inch, 16:9, IPS panel with LED backlighting1,920x1,080 Full HD25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratioAdvanced connectivity with DisplayPort, DVI-I and VGAFully adjustable stand with 110mm height-adjust, tilt, swivel and pivotIntegrated 4-port USB 2.0 hubSpace-saving, down-firing speakers with audio jackAmbient light sensor, ECO Mode, carbon footprint meter and cost meterEnergy Star 5.0 and TCO 5.1 compliantEPEAT GoldThe MultiSync EA232WMi ships with a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty and will be available in January 2011 at an estimated street price of US$299.NEC MultiSync EA series 23-inch LCD monitor, the EA232WMiPhoto: Company

Samsung Electronics has completed development of what it claims is the industry's first DDR4 DRAM module, using 30nm-class process technology.The new DDR4 DRAM module can achieve data transfer rates of 2.133 gigabits per second (Gbps) at 1.2V, compared to 1.35V and 1.5V DDR3 DRAM at an equivalent 30nm-class process technology, with speeds of up to 1.6Gbps. When applied to a notebook, it reduces power consumption by 40% compared to a 1.5V DDR3 module.The Samsung DDR4 makes use of a new technology dubbed "pseudo open drain (POD)," which has been adapted to high-performance graphic DRAM to allow DDR4 DRAM to consume just half the electric current of DDR3 when reading and writing data.By employing new circuit architecture, Samsung's DDR4 will be able to run from 1.6Gbps up to 3.2Gbps, compared to today's typical speeds of 1.6Gbps for DDR3 and 800Mbps for DDR2.Samsung revealed that in late December, it provided 1.2V 2GB DDR4 unbuffered dual in-line memory modules (UDIMM) to a controller maker for testing. The company now plans to work closely with a number of server makers to help insure completion of JEDEC standardization of DDR4 technologies in the second half of 2011.Samsung claimed it has been leading the advancement of DRAM technology ever since it developed the industry's first DDR DRAM in 1997. In 2001, the company introduced the first DDR2 DRAM and in 2005, it announced the first DDR3 DRAM using 80nm-class technology.Samsung 30nm DDR4 modulePhoto: Company

Seoul, Dec. 27, 2010 - LG Electronics will unveil the 72-inch LZ9700, the world's largest Full LED-backlight LCD 3D TV (FULL LED 3D TV) at CES 2011 in Las Vegas. The LZ9700 gives viewers life-sized action in both 2D and 3D.Fitted with LG's full LED technology, the LZ9700 is illuminated by a full panel of LEDs directly behind the screen. The full LED screen size also makes the picture more expansive, enabling viewers to experience picture quality with detailed images as big as, or larger than, real life, the vendor said.The LZ9700's 3D takes on added depth and draws viewers even further into its immersive viewing experience. In addition, TruMotion 400Hz delivers a fast processing rate for smooth 3D images, the vendor added."The LZ9700 combines the ultimate in LG's picture quality with our latest developments in 3D TV," said Havis Kwon, president and CEO of LG home entertainment company. "With the LZ9700, LG is poised to take the lead in the TV market with the world's largest full LED screen that delivers a truly outstanding TV viewing experience."This TV is also fitted with LG's Smart TV functions. Via a simple Home Dashboard, this smart TV delivers premium content from global providers as well as the locally sourced shows and movies. It also provides access to LG's collection of TV apps. And thanks to LG's Magic Motion Remote Control, the LZ9700's functions are simple to find and operate, the vendor said.The LZ9700 will be available to customers early 2011; additional details to follow in local markets.Main features:Full LED-backlight LCD 3D TV72-inch classTruMotion 400HzMicro Pixel Control (Local Dimming)Smart TVMagic Motion Remote ControlSmart share (DLNA, Media Link, USB, etc.)LG full LED 3D TV, the LZ9700Photo: Company

AMD has introduced its next generation mobile graphics technology, the AMD Radeon HD 6000M series, delivering AMD's highest performing notebook graphics for those who want to experience games, entertainment, and productivity on the go.Harnessing AMD's second-generation of Microsoft DirectX 11-capable mobile graphics architecture, the AMD Radeon HD 6000M series provides users with: Models offering up to 1.3 teraflops of compute power for a gaming experience on up to six displays using AMD Eyefinity technology; AMD HD3D technology for stereo 3D entertainment; and AMD EyeSpeed technology for improved video and application performance.AMD Radeon HD 6000M series graphics represent support for notebook brands with existing and upcoming 2011 AMD mainstream notebook platforms planned to feature Eye-Definition Gaming with DirectX 11 support and AMD Eyefinity technology, plus amazing AMD HD3D Technology-all designed to accelerate mobile performance.AMD Radeon HD 6000M series GPUPhoto: Company

AMD, at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2011, launched a new class of accelerated processor that combines with strong compute capabilities - the AMD Fusion family of accelerated processing units (APUs) in a single die design. It features multi-core CPU (x86) technology, a powerful DirectX11-capable discrete-level graphics and parallel processing engine, a dedicated high-definition video acceleration block, and a high-speed bus that speeds data across the differing types of processor cores within the design.New generations of desktop, notebook and HD netbooks are now available based on AMD Fusion APUs at affordable price points, the vendors said. Tablets and embedded designs based on AMD Fusion APUs are expected be available later in the first quarter of 2011. The new range of product features include stutter-free HD video playback, breakthroughs in computational horsepower to handle the most demanding applications, DirectX 11-capable graphics and all-day battery life.AMD expects leading manufacturers Acer, Asustek Computer, Dell, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Lenovo, Micro-Star International (MSI), Samsung Electronics, Sony and Toshiba to announce plans to deliver AMD Fusion APU-based systems.The 2011 low power platform (Brazos) enhances the everyday computing experience and is available beginning today in two APU variations: E-series and C-series. These APUs feature the new x86 CPU core codenamed Bobcat. Bobcat is AMD's first new x86 core since 2003.The 2011 mainstream platform is primarily intended for performance and mainstream notebooks and mainstream desktops. It will feature the 32nm A-series Llano APU, which includes up to four x86 cores and a DirectX 11-capable discrete-level GPU, and is scheduled to ship in the first half of 2011 and appear in products mid-year, AMD said. AMD: New low power APU specifications Low power APUs Model TDP Core count Frequency E-series (Zacate) - Designed for mainstream notebooks, all-in-ones, and small form factor desktops E-350 18W 2 1.6GHz E-240 18W 1 1.5GHz C-series (Ontario) - Designed for HD netbooks and other emerging form factors C-50 9W 2 1.0GHz C-30 9W 1 1.2GHz Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2011

VIA Technologies has announced a new graphics card designed specifically for the embedded market with the VIA eH1, a DirectX 10.1 compliant, multi-display card that thrusts any system with a PCI Express slot.The VIA eH1 comes with a three year product longevity guarantee and is the most power-efficient discrete graphics and video solution on the market today, VIA claimed. The VIA eH1 AIB features an advanced DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 3.1, OpenGL ES 2.0 compatible 64-bit architecture and offers multi-stream 1080p HD video decoding and stereoscopic 3D rendering capability.The VIA eH1 is a low profile PCI Express add-in-board designed for next generation embedded applications in a range of segments including digital signage and advertising, POS, POI, gaming or any embedded application where graphics and HD video is streamed on two displays, the vendor said.The VIA eH1 features the S3 Chrome 5400E GPU and is complimented with 512MB of DDR3 memory. VIA eH1 graphics card specifications Item Detail Port PCI Express 2.0 bus interface Memory 512MB DDR3 Output Dual-link DVI and HDMI (with HDCP) Resolution Up to 2560 by 1600 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2011VIA eH1 graphics cardPhoto: Company

At the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, LG Electronics (LG) will unveil the LW6500, a Cinema 3D TV.LG's Cinema 3D technology does not require shutter glasses, so images displayed on the LW6500 are entirely free of flicker, and the LW6500 received a "flicker free" certification from Intertek and TÜV, two certification bodies. The company said the LW6500 is the first 3D TV to receive this designation.The 3D glasses weigh 16 grams and have no electrical parts and are free of electromagnetic waves and never need to be recharged. The glasses do not need to be synchronized so viewers can watch the LW6500's screen from any angle. And because the glasses are far less expensive than shutter glasses, viewers can buy as many pairs as they need for family and friends. The LW6500 also features 3D light boost, a thin film covering the screen that ensures 3D images are shown at maximum brightness.The LW6500 will be rolled-out in select markets soon after its introduction at CES.LG Cinema 3D TV, the LW6500Photo: Company

With the PC BIOS entering a new generation of UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) technology, Phoenix Technologies, the leading manufacturer of core system software, has launched the new SecureCore Tiano 2.1 (SCT2.1), offering a total solution to help clients join the UEFI line.During the SCT2.1 product launch presentation in Taiwan, executives provided a technology overview, explained the product features, introduced development tools, outlined educational training, and performed a demonstration using an actual machine. The response was overwhelming, with over 200 designers participating in the event.Phoenix Technologies' president and CEO Tom Lacey stated that Phoenix Technologies' results for focusing on the BIOS industry have already been shown; currently they have already received over 120 projects, and project teams are giving clients their full support to help them complete product development and testing. In the future they will continue to expand their operation scale and R&D investment in Taiwan to provide more comprehensive product service. Lacey also stressed that Phoenix Technologies has a close partnership with Intel, which helps Phoenix Technologies to develop industry-leading UEFI technologies.The Phoenix SCT2.1 offers a comprehensive BIOS solution using SDK as the core and four major complete solutions - development tools, educational training, professional service and plug-ins. The presentation allowed various department heads to explain the progress of the company's latest technologies and services to the participants.Five outstanding features of SCT2.1Phoenix Technologies' director Kevin Huang noted that there are five outstanding features of SCT2.1:- Easy power-on: The SCT2.1 module design and menu-driven settings not only simplify the R&D process; they also effectively reduce the power-on preliminary work time for every project. The continuing addition of industry-supported software and hardware specifications and excellent project teams means that on average they can achieve the client project's power-on requirements in less than 48 hours.- Best customization: Through a standardized SMBIOS interface, shared EC interface and POST hook or S3 hook, customization time which originally required three months is reduced significantly to just 3-4 weeks.- Quick Boot: SCT 2.1 can also provide optimized boot-up steps to breakthrough the speed barrier of next generation notebook platforms. According to standard testing results, SCT 2.1's Quick Boot time is approximately 3.5 seconds, while standard boot time is just a little longer, approximately five seconds.- High reliability: In order to provide clients with maximum reliability, over four times more reliability tests were performed on the SCT 2.1 compared to others in the industry. There is continuing investment in testing for support on peripherals such as storage devices, LAN, webcams and USB devices and others, which included testing for over 50 PCI and PCIe cards.- Innovative platform: SCT 2.1 is not only a core platform, but also an innovative one. Through BIOS plug-ins and in addition to core BIOS functions, SCT 2.1 can also bring value-added differentiation services to clients. Through the provision of these value-added services, clients can create new revenue sources and build new markets.Currently SCT 2.1 provides two plug-ins solutions - In-ROM Diagnostics and SecureGuard- In-ROM Diagnostics: A diagnostic tool which exists in the ROM; it can perform tests on main components such as hard drives, CPU, memory and boot path without the need for other storage devices. This is a tool developed together by Phoenix and its partners.- SecureGuard: A patented UEFI plug-in; it allows OEM manufacturers to provide restoration tools for important software components in the ROM environment.SCT2.1 strengthens core functions and expands software and hardware support territoryIn order to provide complete support for OEM/ODM, especially in times of fluctuating market conditions, Phoenix Technologies and silicon vendors maintain close partnerships, and continue to develop corresponding SecureCore Tiano products according to the latest processor structure development.Phoenix Technologies' senior engineering director Terry Chen gave a detailed explanation of SCT2.1's software and hardware support functions and core technology. Chen stated that SCT is a new generation BIOS firmware based on UEFI specifications. It provides high performance multi-layer structures from base, core, and execution to the system (see figure below). Because the BIOS file structure was rearranged, every directory clearly corresponds to SCT 2.1's structure; therefore it is easier for designers to begin the process of developing new projects. Chen stressed that continued engineering processes improvements were made to SCT 2.1; from building client requirements, specifications, and design to program coding, the entire RSDC process was taken into consideration. Also, mechanisms such as the header, version update notification and automated build test for the original files were strengthened in order to increase overall service quality.SecureCore Tiano is a next generation BIOS firmware based on UEFI specifications and provides a high performance multi-layer structure from base, core, and execution to the system.SCT 2.1 also added more BIOS setting flexibility, including variable extension and extended support for hard drives over 2.2 terabytes to perform 64bit OS startup through GUIDed Partition Table (GPT). It also allows OEM/ODM manufacturers to place special pre-boot applications in specific segments in order to achieve the application of system recovery image.As for the most popular tablet products, SCT 2.1 also added support for adding HID (Human Interface Device) in POST and Setup, including through touch panels and the usual mouse operations; this is great news for BIOS settings and changes of embedded systems and popular tablet PCs. At the same time, for the maturing USB 3.0 (which will soon become the industry standard) SCT 2.1 already supports a wide range of related manufacturers, including Fresco Logic, Renesas Electronics, VIA Labs Inc, Texas Instruments (TI) and ASMedia Technology, to satisfy different project needs.With the announcement of SCT2.1, various support tools are available to satisfy the production line and stage requirements for designingDuring the presentation, Phoenix Technologies senior R&D manager Jack Wang introduced the numerous development tools provided by SCT 2.1, including Flash Tool, BIOS Editor, Unlock Tool and Debugger Tool.The Flash Tool supports multiple languages and can be executed under DOS and Windows simultaneously. A new capsule update method was also added, which is able to perform Flash updates under the DXE stage and not in the OS - this can prevent improper operation, system crashes, or unexpected occurrences that could interrupt Flash updates; emergency restore for the BIOS can also be performed with this function. The new version of the BIOS Editor tool strengthens edit flexibility; clients who were unable to receive the original code can now perform module replacement and editing, as well as adjustment to the startup sequence of software and hardware and changing of the logo.The Unlock Tool and Debugger Tool are two important newly added tools for SCT 2.1. The first uses AES-128 security technology, and can be used as a backdoor PBA password generator. OEM manufacturers can set key passwords flexibly through methods such as command lines, user interface or embedding. After being unlocked, the PBA password will be cleared. This tool can solve unnecessary RMA problems and lower service costs.The Debugger Tool is a next generation debugging module. The company is currently in the process of applying for a related patent; prototype development has already been completed. In terms of hardware specification, it is equipped with multiple interfaces; on the platform side there are USB, I2C, GPIO and serial ports and on the host side there are USB and serial ports. When used as a single machine, it can be used for Port 80 redirection as an LCD message display screen (see figure below). Wang stressed that different debug stages PEI/DXE/SMM could be selected for RDM Reveal and automatic firmware update could be paused at any time through the USB interface to understand the system's executing status; these can vastly increase debugging efficiency.The SCT Debugger Tool currently undergoing patent application is equipped with multiple interfaces.Professional project services with the help of educational training to help clients quickly import projectsIn response to the launching of the all-new SCT 2.1 to the market, Phoenix Technologies also prepared a complete training course. Senior product marketing director Rebecca Yang stated that Phoenix Technologies initiated educational training for clients since the end of last year; in order to make training more comprehensive, and next year they will resume Phoenix University Training (PUT), a course with a long history. It is estimated that course content such as X86 architecture, UEFI 101 to basic SCT and advanced SCT will be provided every season for beginners and BIOS engineers according to the needs of designers.To find out more, please visit Phoenix Technologies' official website at http://www.phoenix.com/.

Intel has announced a new line of ultra-small solid-state drives (SSD), the SSD 310, which delivers the same performance as its regular X25 series-class SSD but in one-eighth the size.Measuring 51mm by 30mm and 5mm thick, and weighing just 10 grams, the new compact SSD series enables accelerated performance in dual-drive systems when paired with larger-capacity hard drives.The Intel SSD 310 also supports SATA signals over a PCI Express (PCIe) mini-connector for on-board, compact storage in single-drive netbooks, tablets or handheld devices."The Intel SSD 310 series will allow us to provide the advantages of a full-performance Intel SSD paired with the storage of a hard disk drive in a small, dual-drive system," said Tom Butler, director of ThinkPad product marketing, Lenovo. "We've offered Intel SSD solutions for our highly innovative Lenovo ThinkPad laptops for some time, and now we're looking forward to incorporating this new solution across our ThinkPad line.""In order to meet the rigorous demands of our mobile users, we design for mission-critical tasks that require connectivity and handheld mobility in all-weather operations," said Mike Sarrica, vice president and general manager for DRS Tactical Systems. "The Intel SSD 310 series fits the bill by offering a reliable and high performing memory solution."The Intel SSD 310 series is available in capacities of 40GB and 80GB, respectively, priced at US$99 and US$179 in 1,000-unit quantities. The new drives are currently shipping to customers.Intel SSD 310 measuring 51mm-by-30mm and only 5mm thickPhoto: CompanySide view of Intel SSD 310Photo: Company