GCF, the Global Certification Forum, is on schedule to release an LTE device certification scheme before the end of 2010 – in time for a wave of commercial LTE networks going live in late 2010. Designed to give operators confidence in the interoperability of LTE devices across different networks, GCF's unified scheme will embrace both FDD and TDD versions of LTE.Established in 1999, GCF has a total membership of more than 200, including many of the world's most influential telecommunications companies from the operator, device manufacturer and test industry communities. With its "test once, use anywhere" ethos, GCF certification accelerates time to market for new devices based on 3GPP standards while reducing costs for manufacturers, operators and, ultimately, end-users. For both GSM and 3G, GCF certification has underpinned international roaming.Bringing sophisticated new technologies such as LTE within the scope of GCF Certification is a massive undertaking involving the selection, prioritization and validation of more than 280 conformance tests in the first instance. In addition a comprehensive field trial regime is being developed. The test industry plays a vital role through the timely investment in the required new test platforms and test facilities.To meet the needs of the US, Japanese and European markets, LTE Certification will initially encompass the FDD frequency bands at 700MHz, 2100MHz and 2500MHz respectively. For TDD, certification is currently being developed for the 2300-2400MHz and 2570-2620MHz bands that have been allocated for LTE in China. GCF is structuring LTE certification so that, as the need arises, it can be extended quickly and efficiently to other frequency bands.The development of conformance testing has been divided into three distinct areas: RF; the E-UTRA protocol; and the Evolved Packet Core protocol. A total of six teams have been established to develop the conformance criteria for each of the three areas across the FDD and TDD variants.The prioritisation and definition of conformance testing are now virtually complete for both FDD and TDD and the validation of agreed conformance tests is beginning to gather momentum. GCF is working very closely with RAN5, the 3GPP group responsible for developing mobile device conformance test standards, to ensure that the scheme remains aligned with the very latest developments in 3GPP.The development of LTE certification enjoys the active support of GCF members from around the world. Operators from Japan and China are providing overall leadership for the conformance testing efforts for FDD and TDD respectively while six leading manufacturers have stepped forward to lead the work items that make up each of the FDD and TDD strands of the projectRequirements for field trials – a unique feature of GCF Certification – are being prioritized into two phases by GCF's Field Trial Agreement Group (FTAG). With a target completion date of June 2010, phase 1 requirements will include between 80 and 90 new field test scenarios consistent with the functionality anticipated in the first commercial LTE devices. Around 40% of the test cases have already been written.Several major operators, manufacturers, test companies and the GSMA Devices Group are working together on the development of LTE field trial procedures."Certification will play a critical role in the long-term commercial success of LTE," said Adriana Nugter, GCF Operations Manager. "GCF has been formally working on LTE Certification since March 2008 and by focusing the efforts of experts from across the operator, manufacturer and test communities, we are confident that certification will be in place in time for a wave of operator launches anticipated towards the end of the year."GCF will provide an update on the progress of LTE device certification to "Readying for the Launch of Next Gen Networks" at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Thursday 18 February 2010.

Korea-based solar cell manufacturer Shinsung Holdings (CEO KyunSeop Kim) has broken the barrier of 18% mono-crystalline solar cell efficiency using a screen printing method.For several decades the world record of mono-crystalline solar cell efficiency was below 18%, but Shinsung Holdings has demonstrated an improvement of their solar cell efficiency by 2pp since the establishment of their solar cell factory in October 2008.Shinsung Holdings has over 30 years of experience in the semiconductor field and applies special techniques in the manufacturing of solar cells. The technical experts of Shinsung Holdings have aimed to improve the solar cell conversion efficiency through cooperation and competition with specialists in the semiconductor and solar cell fields. Thus Shinsung Holdings has rapidly closed the technical gap to secure its global competitiveness within a short period of time.A more surprising fact is that the solar cells are now entirely produced on homemade (Korean) manufacturing equipment. Shinsung Holdings is the only Korea-based company to date than can make a claim on this remarkable accomplishment."18% efficiency in solar cell mass production is high technology and currently not achieved even by leading global solar cell manufacturers. I expect this to be the pivotal point in increasing brand value through high efficiency mass production. Shinsung Holdings will achieve 19% conversion efficiency within 2010," announced Jeff Kim, Vice President and Director of Manufacturing of Shinsung Holdings.The importance of competitive mass production of 18% efficiency solar cells is that they can be manufactured without the need for material investment in new or different equipment, and through the optimization of individual manufacturing processes.Shinsung solar cellPhoto: Company

VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV Company, was demonstrating a 24-inch Portable HDTV that leverages Celeno Communications' beam forming Wi-Fi chipset to deliver enhanced whole-home wireless HDTV experience. Celeno's Wi-Fi chipset enables a paradigm shift in the use case for LCD panels, giving consumers the unprecedented flexibility to place and move their portable thin LCD panels anywhere in the home, based on need, breaking free from the constraints of HDMI cables.A paradigm shift in TV usability A portable HDTV solution is comprised of two components: a compact Wireless A/V "base station" with TV tuner and A/V inputs such as HDMI and analog A/V interfaces, and an HDTV with nothing but an AC power cord. The stationary wireless base station distributes the HD video signals over the air to be displayed on a thin, portable, wireless LCD panel that can be located anywhere in the home. Celeno has recognized this important market trend and responded with a robust Wi-Fi based solution that delivers whole-home wireless distribution of Full-HD content even through multiple walls and ceilings. Consumers can then enjoy their TV anywhere in the home, even in rooms or locations where a set top box cannot be placed or where Coax jacks are not typically installed, such as kitchen counters, secondary bedrooms, garages, or even the backyard.Wi-Fi is best suited for the taskThis innovative solution utilizes H.264 real time compression technology and Celeno's standards-based Wi-Fi for the wireless connectivity of the HD signals between the "base station" and the HDTV. Standards based Wi-Fi technology is the ultimate radio technology for wireless TVs allowing for convergence of HD video, over the top Internet video and remote user interface distribution over a single home networking technology. There are multiple competing radio technologies for the task, however Wi-Fi and H.264 is the only combination that delivers robust enough transmission for multi-room distribution as well as providing the same infrastructure for both HD video and Internet based video."The new generation of thin and light HDTVs has created consumer demand for a whole home portable TV solution that can be easily moved with a built in handle and only requiring a power outlet," said Matthew McRae, VP of Products at VIZIO. "Using Celeno's Wi-Fi chipset to distribute HD quality video over standard 802.11n is a compelling solution to enable portable TVs that still have access to all of the user's video sources such as Blu-ray, Cable TV or Satellite TV."Technical detailsCeleno's powerful transmit beam forming Wi-Fi chipset is embedded into the wireless TV and base station and employs the OptimizAIR technology suite to achieve HD performance well beyond regular 802.11n. The solution is tuned to meet the stringent requirements for Full-HD video distribution:Range: By leveraging transmit digital beam forming technology at the silicon level, the CL1300 Wi-Fi chip achieves whole-home coverage, through multiple walls and ceilings.Robustness: Implementing real time transmission shaping and antenna switching, the CL1300 adapts itself to the changing environment, guarantees zero errors and overcomes channel fading, dead zones and signal interferences.Throughput: CL1300 TDM scheduled MAC achieves high video throughput and zero packet error rate to eliminate retransmissions, latency and jitter.Interference resiliency: adaptive interference detection, fast channel selection and 20MHz operation overcomes radio signal interferences and abandons noisy radio channels in real time in favor of new clean ones."Celeno's Wi-Fi is not your typical 802.11n. The CL1300 employs cross layer optimization of multiple techniques and features to extend wireless performance for multi-room HD video streaming", explained Gilad Rozen, Celeno's CEO "We are proud to be selected and work with VIZIO on advanced wireless TV solutions."Celeno wireless HDTV solution CL1300Photo: Company

Sony has launched its new entry-level A450 Alpha-series DSLR camera for sale in the Taiwan market at a recommended retail price of NT$19,980 (US$624) and will launch four Cybershot series digital cameras, the TX7, W380, W350 and W320 on January 21, according to Sony Taiwan.A450 is equipped with a 14.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and 2.7-inch 230,400-pixel LCD screen, Sony Taiwan indicated. Sony Cybershot digital camera specifications TX7 W380 W350 W320 Resolution of image sensor 10.2-megapixel CMOS 14.1-megapixel CCD Optical zoom 4x 5x 4x Screen 3.5-inch 920,000-pixel touch LCD 2.7-inch 230,400-pixel LCD Resolution of video recording 1080i 720p HD VGA Recommended retail price (NT$) 13,980 9,980 7,980 4,980 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2010Sony Alpha series DSLR camera A450Photo: Company

Intel has demonstrated a new 7-foot-6-inch multi-user, multi-touch Intel Intelligent Digital Signage concept at the National Retail Federation Convention (NRF) in New York. Intel said the prototype device could change the way people interact with digital signage technology in environments such as stores, airports, banks and hotels.Multiple consumers can use this side-by-side window display simultaneously to explore augmented reality-enabled maps of each floor of the store, on which retailers can superimpose images such as coupons and sales promotions next to product visualizations on the glass, improving the customer's shopping experience, Intel said.Intel's digital signage concept also brings a new opportunity for advertisers through the use of anonymous video analytics. As a viewer looks at the system screen, a built-in camera analyzes data such as gender and age, audience composition, time-of-day and other criteria, which enables the system to display tailored content and graphics based on estimated demographics. The system anonymously sends audience information to advertisers who can use that information to understand the type of content and messages that are most popular with viewers. This, in turn, helps advertisers target their advertising to maximize the impact on the audience.The media player platform, integrated in Intel's concept, is running on the recently released Intel Core i7 processor and the Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 2011 platform optimized for digital signage applications. The jointly developed platform is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2010.Digital signage systems based on 2010 Intel Core processors would also include Intel vPro Technology with Intel Active Management Technology, allowing administrators to manage systems remotely even when powered down, which reduces operational costs and increases energy savings, Intel noted.Intel Intelligent Digital Signage concept Photo: Company

Gigabyte Technology has announced its latest H55/H57 series motherboards, based on Intel's H55 and H57 chipset with support of USB 3.0 and DisplayPort.The motherboards also include Gigabyte's Ultra Durable 3 design that features functions such as Smart6 PC management tools, Dynamic Energy Saver 2 utilities for power saving and DualBIOS.Gigabyte's GA-H55M-USB3 and GA-H57M-USB3 motherboards support the latest SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology through an onboard NEC uPD720200 host controller.With transfer rates up to 5Gbps, users are able to experience an almost 10 times improvement over USB 2.0. In addition, the technology is backwards compatible with the USB 2.0 specification. The onboard NEC SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology also provides new power management features, said Gigabyte.The Gigabyte's GA-H55M-USB3 and GA-H57M-USB3 motherboards feature a 3x USB power boost, delivering greater compatibility and extra power for USB devices. Gigabyte's exclusive USB power design is also able to regulate output over the full voltage range, which greatly enhances USB device compatibility. In addition, dedicated lower resistance fuses ensure lower voltage drops, and provide more stable and plentiful power delivery, the company highlighted.Gigabyte GA-H57M-USB3 motherboardPhoto: Company

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #14200), Jan. 6, 2010 – From black-and-white, to color, to digital, Sony Electronics is once again setting the new standard for how TVs look and perform introducing its 2010 Bravia LCD HDTV line featuring its first 3D HDTVs, a new innovative and stylish Monolithic Design Concept, and LED backlighting.The new Sony TVs are another example of how Sony is providing consumers with networked products that enhance the home entertainment experience by offering built-in Wi-Fi (802.11) for easy access to Bravia Internet video, Bravia Internet Widgets and personal content through Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified home networks.The line is made up of 38 models ranging in screen sizes from 60- to 22-inch. The LX900 series offers integrated 3D functionality with Sony's 3D active shutter glasses and built-in 3D transmitter, while the HX900 and HX800-series are 3D-capable using Sony 3D active shutter glasses and 3D transmitter (each sold separately). The 3D models incorporate a frame sequential display and active-shutter glasses that work together with Sony's proprietary high frame rate technology reproducing full high-definition 3D images."Sony's 3D HDTVs leverage the breadth and depth of the company's expertise to create an entirely unique experience at home that draws you closer to entertainment than ever before," said Jeff Goldstein, VP for Sony's TV business. "Sony will continue to own the living room by delivering TVs that work synergistically; both in function and design."Models in the LX900, HX900, NX800, and NX700 series feature Sony's all new Monolithic Design. The design concept aims to change the entire TV viewing environment by delivering the most innovative, stylish, and high-quality experience possible.With quality materials forming a simple, flush viewing surface with crisp edges and a smooth border, the models blend into the home's interior and allow viewers to focus completely on beautiful on-screen images without distraction from unnecessary decorative elements. Also, a unique six degree upward tilt option offers a more natural, comfortable viewing experience.Central to the slim profile Monolithic Design is Sony's edge-type LED backlight. Designed to deliver deep blacks and brilliant whites, the design allows for a slim form factor and an outstanding contrast ratio helping the new models impress not only when they are displaying beautiful images, but also when turned off as they blend into the home's decor.Bravia XBR-LX900 Series 3D HDTVAvailable this summer, the Bravia XBR-LX900 series features integrated 3D functionality and screen sizes including 60- (XBR-60LX900), 52- (XBR-52LX900), 46- (XBR-46LX900), and 40-inch (XBR-40LX900).The full HD 1080p models feature edge-type LED backlight, Sony's new Monolithic Design and Motionflow Pro 240Hz motion compensation technology, which helps produces smooth images in fast moving content such as sport and action movies. Sony's 240Hz technology also reduces the mixing of images of 3D content assigned to the left and right eyes, while the Bravia Engine 3 full digital video processor uses a collection of enhanced algorithms to significantly reduce noise, enhance overall image detail, and optimize contrast so every scene produces sharp, vibrant, life-like images.The LX900 models also feature Sony's new OptiContrast panel. Designed with a clear surface treatment and a resin sheet sandwiched between the LCD display panel and glass plate, the OptiContrast panel minimizes the reflection and refraction of external and internal light producing deeper images with superior black levels even in bright rooms.The models include integrated Wi-Fi for an easy connection to broadband home networks. Once connected, users can access thousands of streaming movies, videos, music and more from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Pandora, NPR, Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and over 25 total providers through the Sony Bravia Internet Video platform.Also, with the touch of a button, users can access the latest in news, weather, USA Today sports, Yahoo Finance, Twitter, Flickr photos, and FrameChannel through small applications called Bravia Internet Widgets. The widgets can be uniquely positioned anywhere on the TV screen for a custom viewing experience.The models also feature playback of personal content including digital pictures, video, and music through USB and DLNA certified network connections.Another new feature is Sony's Intelligent Presence Sensor with face detection. The sensor detects if you've stepped away from the TV or are not watching the screen and automatically dims the backlight. After an extended period, the TV will turn off if no one has re-entered the viewing area. Additionally, the Intelligent Presence Sensor's newly added Position Control feature detects a user's viewing position to deliver optimized video/sound balance, while the Distance Alert feature helps to keep small children at an eye-friendly distance.The models also offer Sony's Bravia Sync for easy operation with other Bravia Sync devices such as AV receivers and Blu-ray Disc players, and TVGuide on-screen channel guide.Bravia XBR-HX900 Series 3D Ready HDTVThe XBR-HX900 series 3D ready (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses and transmitter, both sold separately) full HD (1080p) models feature Intelligent Dynamic LED backlight and Sony's new Monolithic Design.The model's full-array LED backlighting improves contrast and dynamic range by local dimming that controls the LED backlight level by area so that detail is maintained in the dark areas, while other areas are driven near peak brightness. The technology reduces unnecessary light emission resulting in true and deep blacks compared to conventional LED backlit models.The models also feature Sony's new ambient sensor that automatically optimizes the TV's color and brightness according to the room environment and lighting conditions for optimized settings.Featuring screen sizes including 52- (XBR-52HX900) and 46-inches (XBR-46HX900), the model offers four HDMI 1.4 inputs, one component input, one composite input, one component/composite selectable inputs, and a PC input (HD15) with PC/TV picture-in-picture.The models also feature:• Monolithic Design• Motionflow PRO 240Hz motion compensation technology• OptiContrast• USB Wireless-LAN adapter for easy wireless network connection (sold separately)• Bravia Internet Video and Bravia Internet Widgets• Bravia Engine 3 with Intelligent Image Enhancer• USB and DLNA photo/music/video playbackBravia KDL-HX800 Series 3D Ready HDTVAlso 3D ready (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses and transmitter, sold separately), the Bravia KDL-HX800 series will be available this summer in screen sizes including 55-inch class (54.6-inches measured diagonally) (KDL-55HX800), 46- (KDL-46HX800) and 40-inch (KDL-40HX800).The full HD 1080p models utilize a Dynamic edge-type LED backlight with local dimming for improved contrast and dynamic range.Other features include:• Motionflow PRO 240Hz Technology for Smooth Motion• Ambient sensor• USB Wireless-LAN adapter for easy wireless network connection (sold separately)• Bravia Internet Video and Bravia Internet Widgets• Bravia Engine 3• USB and DLNA photo/music/video playbackSony 3D-capable LED-backlit HD LCD TV - Bravia XBR-LX900Photo: Company

Nvidia has launched its next-generation Tegra processor, specifically designed for the high-resolution needs of tablets.The new Tegra processor combines features such as web browsing, streaming 1080p video, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 support, and 3D user interfaces, while offering battery life for a whole day.The new Tegra features eight independent processors, including a dual-core ARM Cortex A9 CPU running up to 1GHz for mobile applications. These processors are used together or independently to optimize power usage at all times. With its ultra low-power design, Tegra delivers over 16 hours of HD video or 140 hours of music-on a single charge, according to Nvidia.Nvidia and the Verizon Wireless LTE Innovation Center are demonstrating a full 1080p HD Internet experience on touchscreen tablets based on the new Tegra processor.The tablet is designed by Innovative Converged Devices (ICD) utilizing the ultra-broad bandwidth of a Motorola 4G wireless modem, operating over a pre-commercial Verizon Wireless LTE network.The collaboration was fostered at Verizon Wireless' LTE Innovation Center, which provides an environment for companies to work together in developing innovative products that leverage 4G LTE technology.Nvidia new Tegra processorPhoto: CompanyA tablet PC based on Nvidia's new Tegra processorPhoto: Company

AMD has introduced its lineup of next-generation DirectX 11-capable ATI Mobility Radeon Premium graphics chips for notebooks, including the highest-end ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870.The entire family of DirectX 11-capable graphics consists of ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5800, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5700, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5600 and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5400 series GPUs. This top-to-bottom family of Direct 11-capable notebook graphics chips introduces new features including ATI Eyefinity multi-display technology.ATI Eyefinity multi-display technology enables high resolution panoramic computing for notebooks, allowing mobile users to harness up to six monitors for improved gaming, productivity, and entertainment, AMD detailed.The GPUs will also feature Unified Video Decoder 2 (UVD 2) technology, for upscaling beyond 1080p and dual-1080p decoding of Blu-ray video and HD streams.The GPUs' 40nm structure and AMD's Vari-Bright technology for optimizing notebook display brightness to deliver up to 50% power savings over the previous generation's software can both help save battery power for notebooks, AMD said.The GPUs also support GDDR5 memory to deliver double the memory bandwidth over previous generation AMD discrete graphics.Notebooks featuring the new graphics technology are currently being previewed at CES 2010.AMD ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5800Photo: Company

Asustek Computer chairman Jonney Shih has unveiled the company's latest innovations, including the NX90 Bang & Olufsen ICEpower notebook by David Lewis, the Eee PC Seashell Karim Rashid Collection, and three concept devices inspired by Asustek's Cloud computing-based Waveface technology.Designed by B&O chief designer David Lewis, the NX90 features a polished aluminum exterior and palm rest that match the black keyboard and dual touchpads. The notebook also adopts two speakers featuring ICEpower technologies including Sonic Focus, which helps to ensure that all audio is reproduced as flawlessly as possible, the company claimed. The NX90 also offers dual touch pads allowing users to experience an intuitive DJ-like control.Asustek NX90 Bang & Olufsen ICEpower notebookPhoto: CompanyThe Eee PC Seashell Karim Rashid Collection features an exterior design of fluid waves with two color choices of pink or brown.Asustek Eee PC Seashell Karim Rashid CollectionPhoto: CompanyDeveloped in response to gamers' demands for an advanced mobile gaming machine, Asustek has showcased the ROG G73Jh notebook that adopts the latest Intel Core i7 processor, DirectX 11 capable ATI Radeon HD 5870 GPU, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, 8-channel HD audio with EAX 4.0 compatibility, on-the-fly overclocking, ambient lighting, and 1TB of storage space for gaming and multitasking performance.Asustek ROG G73Jh gaming notebookPhoto: CompanyAsustek has also introduced the Bamboo U33Jt, a new notebook clad in a bamboo exterior. Produced using an improved in-mold layer (IML) manufacturing process, each Bamboo U33Jt notebook bears its own distinctive, natural patterning that provides individuality in a green-inspired product.The Disney Netpal (Eee PC MK90H) combines technology and industrial design to deliver a children-friendly product featuring software that makes learning easy.The ultra-slim Designo MS246H LCD monitor features a 16.5mm sleek geometric design and integrates Full HD 1080p resolution, 2ms gray-to-gray response time, 50,000:1 contrast ratio and a unique ring stand with Ergo-Fit technology for easy tilt-adjustment.The RT-N16, a high performance Gigabit router compatible with IEEE 802.11n, adopts MIMO technology to provide up to 300Mbps WLAN throughput in an easy-to-configure product.The Touch AiGuru SV1T, is a videophone which features a large 7-inch touchscreen to speed up character input, making the user's video call a more intuitive and fun experience.Asustek will also showcase a project named Waveface, based on cloud computing.Asustek's Waveface-based products include the Waveface Casa, a large widescreen display that acts as both entertainment center and Internet portal. When not in use, a flexible, decorative cover obscures most of the screen, only exposing small areas that display contextually-relevant information.Asustek Waveface CasaPhoto: CompanyThe Waveface Light is an interface to the cloud that can be used in a conventional screen-keyboard configuration or as a flat, single-screen tablet. The device is equipped with a touch-sensitive screen and backed by a soft, flexible material.Asustek Waveface LightPhoto: CompanyThe Waveface Ultra, a high-portable device that can be strapped to one's wrist, the device provides anywhere, anytime access to information and services. Its display can be snapped flat to enlarge the viewing area.Asustek Waveface UltraPhoto: Company