Nvidia has announced the immediate availability of the GeForce GTX 570, the latest addition to its GTX 500 series of DirectX 11 GPUs designed for PC gaming enthusiast platforms. The GeForce GTX 570 brings a new level of DirectX 11 price/performance to the enthusiast PC gaming market while maintaining quiet acoustics and is available from add-in card partners, including ASL, Asustek, Colorful, ECS, EVGA, Gainward, Galaxy, Gigabyte, Innovision 3D, Jetway, Leadtek, MSI, Palit, Point of View, PNY, Sparkle, Zotac and others, said Nvidia.Nvidia claimed that the GTX 570 delivers the fastest performance for DirectX 11 games in its class. When compared to the closest competitive product, the GTX 570 is up to 128% faster in today's newest DirectX 11 tessellated games, and even 30% faster in previous-generation DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 games as well.With full support for Nvidia 3D Vision and Surround technologies, the GeForce GTX 570 GPU also provides the graphics horsepower and video bandwidth needed to experience games and high-definition Blu-ray movies in eye-popping stereoscopic 3D on a single display or spanning across three screens for an immersive gaming environment.In additional news, Nvidia has also announced that its SLI technology has been licensed by top-tier motherboard manufacturers including Intel, Asustek, Gigabyte, MSI and EVGA, for use on their Intel P67 Express Chipset-based motherboards designed for the upcoming Intel Sandy Bridge processors.Nvidia GeForce GTX 570 graphics cardPhoto: Company

Nvidia has announced the immediate availability of the Nvidia NVS 300 business graphics solution, a graphics processor designed for the enterprise that delivers visual fidelity across up to eight displays while consuming minimal power.With nearly 25% more efficient power utilization, the NVS 300 graphics processor is designed for mission-critical applications ranging from command and control centers, to securities trading floors, to digital signage installations, Nvidia noted.The NVS 300 graphics processor simplifies IT administration, offering the most versatile display connectivity available in a low-profile, space saving graphics card design. Regardless of the display type (LCD, DLP or plasma) or system type (standard tower PC, workstation or small form factor system), the NVS 300 delivers excellent image quality, supporting VGA, DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI at resolutions as high as 2560 by 1600, Nvidia said.With built-in, new Nvidia Mosaic technology, and Nvidia nView Desktop Management Software that support single or multi-display environments, the NVS 300 graphics processor improves user productivity by enabling efficient management of the Windows desktop across multiple displays. Nvidia Mosaic technology provides seamless taskbar spanning, as well as transparent scaling of any application across up to eight displays. Nvidia Mosaic technology can be used to enable one or more NVS 300 cards to drive either many independent displays simultaneously, or one ultra-high resolution display.The Nvidia NVS 300, priced at US$149, is available in PCI Express x16 and x1 configurations from major business PC and workstation vendors, and from authorized distribution partners including: PNY Technologies in the Americas and Europe, ELSA in Japan, and Leadtek in Asia Pacific.Nvidia NVS 300 business graphics cardPhoto: Company

Canon USA, a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector, the company's first high-resolution installation projector for the medical education market. This new projector includes a DICOM simulation mode that simulates the results of devices compliant with the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Part 14 standardized display function for display of grayscale images. DICOM is a global information-technology standard that is used in virtually all hospitals to ensure the interoperability of systems used to produce, store, display, retrieve or print medical images."No matter the type of medical images being displayed, the combination of Canon's leading imaging technologies in the new REALiS WUX4000 D coupled with DICOM simulation mode brings medical educators a precise, practical and easy-to-use display option for lecture or classroom settings," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive VP and general manager, consumer imaging group, Canon USA.The inclusion of the DICOM Simulation mode, which offers 21 different levels of grayscale gradation, and Canon's fourth-generation proprietary AISYS-enhanced LCOS optical system helps medical educators to clearly display detailed and intricate images to larger audiences without compromising image accuracy. The REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector also offers a choice of three optional Genuine Canon high-resolution interchangeable lenses for different throw distances and projection screen sizes and features a motorized lens shift, zoom and focus for improved end-user operability.The Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector delivers WUXGA-resolution (1920×1200) widescreen 16:10 aspect ratio images at 4000 lumens and includes a built-in Canon Color-Correction IC, which together with the AISYS-enhanced LCOS system, provides highly accurate color reproduction and precision luminosity adjustment without affecting the display of neighboring colors. In addition, the Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector's lamp and air filter can be replaced from the side of the projector, and its PS optical filter element can be replaced from the top of the unit for added convenience and economy.Multimedia device compatibilityIndustry-standard digital and analog terminals and connectors ensure the Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector's compatibility with a wide range of video and computer devices. Signal inputs include HDMI version 1.3, DVI-D and analog PC terminals, two audio inputs, and one audio output for external amplification and speakers. A built-in five-watt speaker is also included, while a convenient user memory feature stores up to ten different setting combinations based on the content being shown. Five memory settings are for computer sources, such as DVI-D, analog PC, and HDMI (PC) and the other five settings are for video sources, such as component and HDMI (video). A network-ready RJ-45 port allows for authorized users to manage and control multiple projectors from any PC on the network. An RS-232 serial connection allows for monitoring the projector locally through a third-party control system and a hand-held remote control enables users to control four WUX4000 D projectors individually or simultaneously. Lens shift and gamma control buttons are also included on the remote control.The new Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector is scheduled to be available in March 2011, for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of US$9,999. It will be backed by Canon USA's three-year limited warranty and its exclusive projector protection program (Triple P). Triple P is a free service program that provides a loaner projector of equal or greater value in the event that a qualifying unit is in need of repair. Triple P is available on all Canon projector models during the three-year Canon USA limited warranty period.Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projectorPhoto: Company

The number of 3G users in China should reach 270.9 million in 2014 despite slower-than-expected acceptance of the new telecom service at the start of operations in 2009, according to the Digitimes Research.Digitimes Research noted that 3G licenses were issued to China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom in 2008 after another round of major consolidation in the country's telecom market. China Mobile received a license for the homegrown standard of TD-SCDMA, while China Telecom and China Unicom were licensed for CDMA2000 and WCDMA, respectively.The year 2009 could be described as a period of infrastructure construction. Not only were base stations being deployed as service provision was rolled out to customers, but product supply chains for the TD-SCDMA, CDMA and WCDMA standards were also all far from robust."The upshot of this was that even if consumers were tempted to try out 3G services, they were faced with an annoyingly restrictive choice of handset terminals," said Roger Huang, a senior analyst of Digitimes Research. "Moreover, despite the fact that 3G services in China had been in planning for many years before their eventual launch, applied services capable of actually utilizing the advantages of 3G involved a considerable trade off in other respects for all three carriers during this initial period."Consequently, while the carriers made bold claims in 2009 about drawing in 30 million new 3G users during their first year of operation, this target was revised downward by the middle of the year, and the final number of 3G users by the end of 2009 was just 10.2 million, according to Digitimes Research.But as network deployment nears completion, the range of terminals increases and carriers begin to offer tariff plan support, Digitimes Research predicts that the number of 3G users in China will reach 44.8 million by the end of 2010, a threefold increase on the 2009 figure, with China Mobile best placed to take the lion's share.There are several factors that may accelerate the growth of China's 3G market, within which devices will play a pivotal role. A basic entry-level terminal now costs more than CNY3,000 (US$450) in 2010, let alone a phone with more advanced functions, with the result that 3G usage is limited to the top of the user base pyramid."For this reason, all three of China's major telecoms operators must play a more proactive role in the supply chain and appeal to more manufacturers to invest in development, so as to hasten the drop in terminal prices," said Huang, author of Digitimes Research's latest Special Report, "China 3G telecoms, suppliers and market."Source: Digitimes Research, November 2010

Siano Mobile Silicon has announced the launch of a new product targeting the digital TV markets of Latin America and Japan. The SMS2270 supports the ISDB-T high definition DTV standard, also known as ISDB-T "full-segment".After enjoying success in the mobile segment of the DTV market in Latin America, the new Siano product now addresses the home TV market, car TV, and high-definition portable TV applications.The integrated RF tuner and demodulator single chip from Siano allows clear reception even in tough conditions, such as when using a sub-optimized antenna, deep-indoor locations, and noisy electronic environment, the company said."Most countries in Latin America are pushing to accelerate the transition from analog to digital TV," said Alexandre Goldman, Telecom Research and Consulting Manager, Brazil for IDC. "A necessary condition for that is the availability of affordable digital TV sets and set-top boxes that can be used by the mass population in these countries. Siano's new receiver products support the increasing demand for a high quality, cost-effective front end solution."ISDB-T DTV services already cover most of the populations in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and other countries."Latin America is the first region where Siano operates not only in the mobile DTV space, but also in the home DTV market," said Alon Ironi, CEO of Siano. "The new SMS2270 positions Siano as the leading supplier of 'front end' solutions for ISDB-T devices."In addition to the ISDB-T DTV format, deployed in Latin America and Japan, the SMS2270 also supports the DVB-T format, which is deployed in Europe, Australia, and some places in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This allows manufactures of TV sets and set-top boxes to efficiently make products for multiple target markets using the same design and same component inventory, Siano highlighted.With a built-in USB 2.0 core as well as an MPEG2 Transport Stream interface, the SMS2270 is suited for PC cards and motherboards, as well as for TV sets and set-top boxes.The SMS2270 is available in samples to select customers, and is already in the development stage with a few customers developing electronic products using the new solution.

Seoul, Korea (November 24, 2010) - LG Display, a leading innovator of TFT-LCD technology, announced today that it has launched the 23-inch 240Hz LCD for monitors (dual monitor and TV use) that refreshes at a rate of 240 frames per second to deliver clear picture quality with no ghosting effect.The industry have been engaged in a heated race to improve the motion picture response time (MPRT), unveiling products with refresh rates of 120Hz or 240Hz which are respectively twice and four times as fast as broadcast signals (60Hz). However, the technology has mostly been applied to LCD panels for high-end TV panels that are 40-inch or larger. This is the first time that 240Hz technology was applied in a 23-inch product under mass production.The full HD 23-inch 240Hz LCD panel was developed by combining 120Hz technology (refreshes 120 images per second) with scanning backlight technology which enables a backlight to be repeatedly turned on and off.Boasting a refresh rate that is four times higher than regular 60Hz monitors and twice as high as 120Hz monitors, the 240Hz LCD significantly reduces motion blur to make it less strenuous on the viewer's eyes and deliver true-to-life images.LG Display's copper bus line technology was employed for fast processing of vast amounts of image data. As a result, the product has an motion picture response time of 8ms (millisecond), akin to a large premium TV, to eliminate motion blurring for fast moving images. Moreover, the 240Hz LCD features IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology for no distortion in color or images from any viewing angle which makes products ideal for TVs.In the past, monitors in the 20-inch range were mainly used for word processing, but expansion of the multimedia environment has extended their application to games, videos, and even second TV sets. The 23-inch 240Hz LCD panel from LG Display should allow consumers to enjoy vibrant images and picture quality they expect from a large-size TV on their monitor or a smaller, second TV.Ha Hyun Hwoi, LG Display's VP and head of the IT business unit, noted, "This product was designed to meet expectations of consumers who are already used to superior picture quality and high motion picture response time. LG Display will continue with efforts to introduce products that deliver new value to our customers and consumers."According to research firm DisplaySearch, the market for 26-inch and below LCD products, which are primarily for dual monitor/TV use, is expected to grow by more than 20% from 49 million units in 2009 to 60 million units in 2010.LG Display 23-inch 240Hz LCD monitorPhoto: Company

With the debut of six products based on the Intel Atom processor, Intel is making it easier for customers to go-to-market with differentiated, custom-made designs. The company today announced the configurable Intel Atom E600C series, which features an Intel Atom E600 processor (Tunnel Creek) paired with an Altera FPGA in a single package.The new Intel Atom processor provides greater flexibility and faster time-to-market for customers, who can now more readily handle design changes without complicated hardware changes, helping to lower development costs, Intel said. In addition, the new processor offers board space savings and better inventory control due to the single package, as well as a simplified manufacturing flow and single vendor support through Intel.Based on Intel architecture, the Intel Atom E600C processor series provides IT players with the flexibility to incorporate a wide range of standard and user-defined I/O interfaces, high-speed connectivity, memory interfaces and process acceleration to meet the evolving needs of embedded device market segments.The Atom E600C processor series comes with Intel's extended 7-year-long life-cycle manufacturing support, and industrial and commercial temperature options, which makes it ideal for market segments such as industrial machines, portable medical equipment, communications gear, vision systems, VOIP devices, high-performance programmable logic controllers and embedded computers.Kontron has Atom processor E600C-based prototype boards available now, with full production beginning in the second quarter of 2011.Formerly codenamed Stellarton, the Intel Atom processors E665CT, E645CT, E665C, and E645C are scheduled to be available within 60 days. The E625CT and E625C are on track to be available in the first quarter of 2011. Prices range from US$61 to US$106 in quantities of 1,000.Intel Atom E600C seriesPhoto: Company

Vizio has outperformed the industry as the number one shipper of LCD high-definition TVs in the third quarter of 2010 for both North America and the US markets. Vizio also took top honors as the leading shipper of LED-backlit HDTVs in North America in the third quarter on the strength of its TruLED and Razor LED products, the company claims. Vizio HDTV sales increased 15% on quarter while its leading competitor saw shipments fall 2%. Vizio saw significant sales increases with its 6-time award winning XVT lineup with Vizio Internet Apps (VIA), as well as in the Beyond TV category, headlined by the nation's bestselling SoundBar and Blu-ray players with wireless Internet apps."Third quarter has been a groundbreaking time for Vizio and an excellent demonstration of our commitment to creating innovative technologies," stated Randy Waynick, CSO, Vizio. "Customers have embraced our higher performance product lineup and carried over their brand loyalty to our Beyond TV products, making Vizio products like SoundBars and Blu-ray players best sellers as well."Adding to the meteoric growth of the brand, Vizio's Beyond TV Category, which includes SoundBars, Blu-ray players, headphones, wall mounts, wireless routers, and other accessories, saw tremendous increases in the third quarter. Market-leading SoundBars saw sales growth of 78% while sales of Vizio's popular Blu-ray players grew 746%. Offering a wide range of SoundBar solutions with innovative wireless subwoofers in 5.1 and 2.1 channel configurations and sizes for small to large-size TVs has allowed Vizio to dominate this market, capturing over 50% of the growing SoundBar market in the third quarter based on the CEA's MarketMetrics data.Vizio's innovative products and technologies have propelled the company to the top, driving the XVT Series to win six industry awards for best picture quality and VIA connected TV platform. The popularity and high regard for Vizio products is evident in the 1.602 million TVs shipped in the third quarter of 2010, a 15% sales increase from the 1.394 million TVs Vizio shipped in the second quarter of 2010."Vizio rose to number one in total LCD TV shipments in North America during the third quarter of 2010 with a 16.8% market share. Vizio accomplished this by posting a 30% on year increase in shipments, outpacing an industry that was flat in the third quarter. In addition, Vizio became the leading brand on a shipment basis for LED-backlit LCD TVs, a rapidly growing premium segment of the TV market, with almost 30% of the market," stated Paul Gagnon, director of North American TV research at DisplaySearch.The third quarter's results showed that consumers are looking for innovation as well as value for their HDTV purchases. Vizio Full HD LCD TVs grew 41% on year, 42-inch and above TVs grew 95% on year and Vizio Internet Apps TVs grew 113% sequentially."Vizio ranked first in the US LCD TV market in the third quarter of 2010 because of increased consumer acceptance of the brand, aggressive pricing and support for newer features such as LED backlighting and Internet connectivity," said Riddhi Patel, principal analyst, TV systems, for iSuppli."Consumers are looking to the Vizio brand to purchase their larger main living room TVs where they get the latest features at prices that allow them to step up to the next generation of entertainment," stated Tamaryn Pratt, analyst at Quixel Research. "This is evidenced by Quixel's top selling 40-inch and larger SKUs in the third quarter, where three Vizio models make the top-five list."

ROCHESTER, NY, Nov. 10 - Touch panel manufacturers searching for an alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) films found a new answer when Carestream Advanced Materials debuted a line of transparent conductive films today at FPD International 2010 in Japan. The new CARESTREAM Flexx transparent conductive films directly address flexibility, durability and cost issues typically associated with ITO films.Carestream Advanced Materials developed Flexx transparent conductive films by applying the company's 100 years of expertise in nanomaterial science and thin film precision roll-to-roll coating. The new film features a patented silver nanomaterial technology that allows for exceptional conductance and superior optical performance. The nanomaterial is coated onto a resilient polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film to create a film that is far more flexible and much less expensive to produce than ITO-based offerings."Device manufacturers have been limited by the drawbacks of ITO for a long time, including brittleness, high cost, relatively low durability and occasional scarcity of product," said Bruno Merry, general manager for Carestream Advanced Materials. "Our Flexx films exceed standards for optical transparency and offer customers many benefits that were not previously available.""Our PET-based product-which is manufactured using a high-yield, roll-to-roll precision coating process-is also far less brittle than ITO-based films," Merry added. "It is able to offer longer life performance for transaction terminals and other devices that are exposed to high-traffic use. Also, our films are easily etched using common methods, resulting in optical properties that are highly desirable for projected capacitive touch panels."Carestream Advanced Materials is targeting touch panels, OLED lighting and displays, flexible displays, printed electronics and photovoltaics with its new products. "We are initially offering 300 ohm/square and a 100 ohm/square products with an optional hardcoat, which is ideal for resistive and projected capacitive touch screen applications," Merry explained. "We will be introducing more products on various flexible substrates for a much broader range of applications in the next year."Flexx transparent conductive films are the first products brought to market by Carestream Advanced Materials. "Carestream Health became an independent company in 2007," said Paul Herro, director, Corporate Development, Carestream Advanced Materials. "While we have the energy and focus of a new enterprise, we also have the established manufacturing facilities and global logistics network of a Fortune 500 company. Our customers can count on us to be a highly responsive and stable provider."

Asustek Computer and Intel have launched a new and expanded WePC community and the application is open to anyone with a passion for technology, especially Asustek products with Intel Inside. Building on its mission to bridge innovation and technology with consumers' needs, the new WePC.com has more ways for fans to present their ideas, interact with community members and drive product development for two of the world's leading technology brands.As one of the first crowdsourcing communities, WePC.com empowered members to play an integral role in the PC design process of a number of cutting-edge technologies, such as intuitive touchscreen interfaces and kid-friendly netbooks. Last year at CeBIT, Asustek initiated the industry's first dual-panel concept notebooks, making intuitive control possible. The community also supported the direction for the development of future pad devices.The community features sections that are tailored to members' diverse interests, such as those who value impeccable sound quality in high-fidelity home entertainment computers. Another section is geared toward serious multitaskers and early adopters interested in the evolving technology for pad devices. A third area is designed for parents who want to share information about how technology works in both their kids' lives and family life.The new community enlivens members' experiences by offering challenges, contests and even more ways to participate. Fans can also join the conversation when they're on Facebook, since the WePC Facebook page complements the WePC community with related features and functionality.In addition, WePC members who want to be more actively involved can apply to be part of an exclusive group that will play an integral role as the community grows and receive special perks, such as direct access to Asustek and Intel, unique product testing opportunities and exclusive events.