CAMBRIDGE, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Light Blue Optics (LBO) today announced its first product - Light Touch - an interactive projector that turns any flat surface into a 10-inch touch screen. Light Touch not only frees multimedia content from the confines of the small screen, but also lets users interact with that content in the same way as they expect to on their other hand-held devices - using touch technology. Light Touch is a reference product and will be made available to Light Blue Optics' OEM customers and other strategic partners. An invite-only product launch will take place tomorrow evening (6 Jan 2010) at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 10) in Las Vegas.Light Touch incorporates LBO's proprietary holographic laser projection technology (HLP), creating bright, high-quality WVGA resolution video images that are always in focus. HLP enables extremely wide throw angles, resulting in large images being created at close proximity to the projector's aperture. HLP can also correct for distortion and optical aberrations in software, enabling novel table-top projection. A unique optical architecture delivers a Class 1 laser safety classification making HLP and devices that incorporate it eye safe.Light Touch includes an infra-red touch sensing system that transforms the projected image into a virtual 10-inch touch screen. The user can control the projector and interact with multimedia content and applications simply by touching the projected image. Light Touch runs Adobe Flash Lite 3.1, leveraging a large existing developer community and enabling the rapid development of innovative applications. WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity enable device to device communication and applications that connect directly to the internet such as social networking, multimedia sharing and electronic point of sale. Light Touch is equipped with 2GB of onboard flash memory and has a Micro SD card slot that supports up to 32GB. Light Touch can be wall powered or battery operated, with a run-time of 2 hours before recharging is required.Light Blue Optics' CEO, Chris Harris said, "At LBO, we believe that today's consumer is no longer a passive viewer of multimedia content. People expect to engage, interact and share content and our first product enables them to do that in new and exciting ways. The opportunities for Light Touch extend beyond consumer electronics into retail spaces, the workplace and the home - profoundly changing the way people interact with multimedia content and the built environment. By enabling such diverse and compelling use cases, LBO aims to become the world's leading supplier of miniature projection systems."Light Blue Optics projector with an interactive touch screen - the Light TouchPhoto: Company

LAS VEGAS, NV (CES) and IRVINE, CA – January 05, 2010 -- Vizio, America's No.1 LCD HDTV company, has unveiled their new high-performance XVT Pro series of 480Hz SPS 16:9 aspect ratio TruLED full HD3D HDTVs available in 72-inch, 55-inch and 47-inch sizes, as well as a 58-inch Cinema Wide HDTV that displays content in 21:9 aspect ratio. The 480Hz SPS 16:9 aspect ratio TruLED full HD3D HDTVs incorporate the very latest in advanced HDTV technology with 480Hz SPS, TruLED brilliant LEDs that pervade the entire screen, Smart Dimming circuitry controls hundreds of zones of LEDs per screen to the precise light level per picture frame. In addition, the set's full HD3D delivers stunning 3D images in full HD 1080p resolution, with other advanced features like Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) built-in high definition wireless (802.11n dual-band) and wired networking, a Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard, and wireless HDMI which allows the TV to receive HD video and audio from sources without an HDMI cable."Vizio's entry into custom and specialty electronics is great for the industry. Vizio has built strong brand recognition, so offering specialty retailers and custom installers exclusive access to a line with features they can market is a nice sales tool. Customers already know the Vizio brand and it's an easy transition to educating them about the benefits of their advanced 3D, LED technology and unique solutions such as (21:9) 2.35:1 native aspect ratio HDTVs," said Tom LeBlanc, senior writer/technology editor, CE Pro magazine."Our 2010 XVT Pro series offers a refreshing combination of the latest technology like 480Hz SPS TruLED coupled with must-have features like immersive fULL HD3D experience and Vizio Internet Apps (with built in wireless networking) and wireless HDMI and Bluetooth capabilities. We at Vizio are setting new standards for picture quality and user experience," said Laynie Newsome, Vizio co-founder and VP sales and marketing communications. "50% of consumers want a 3D home theater, according to Quixel Research, and our new XVT Pro series brings the latest technology to consumers who want the absolute BEST in class."Defining state of the art performance, these Vizio 72-, 55- and 47-inch Full HD3D TVs advance refresh rates to 480Hz SPS with Vizio's Smooth Motion technology. Their TruLED brilliant LEDs pervade the entire display (under 3-inch profile) and have Smart Dimming circuitry that controls hundreds of zones of LEDs per screen to the precise light level per picture frame in 480, 120 and 160 zones, respectively. The XVT Pro series offers an incredible 10 million to 1 mega dynamic contrast ratio for extraordinary picture quality that delivers incredible color, and even brighter whites and deeper blacks than ever before while displaying 1.7 billion colors using a 10-bit data input panel.For environments with bright ambient lighting, the 55- and 47-inch models feature a unique anti-reflective panel that produces better contrast with rich and deep blacks even in brightly lit rooms.Full HD3DUtilizing SENSIO 3D technology to deliver 3D content over conventional 2D infrastructure, the new Vizio XVT Pro full HD3D TVs display stunning 3D content that the user can view with XpanD active-shutter glasses (sold separately). Unlike other 3D TVs that use passive stereoscopic imaging, Vizio's full HD3D TVs can display full 1080p video to each eye by rapidly alternating between the left-eye and right-eye images within the same visual space. The special active-shutter glasses, which communicate with the television over Bluetooth, then transform each lens from opaque to transparent in perfect synchronization with the images displayed on the TV, which allows for delivery of the full frame rate capable by the television for the ultimate 3D HDTV viewing experience.These sets can produce 3D images from SENSIO encoded material on conventional DVD and Blu-ray players, as well as from future distribution channels such as pay per view, video on demand, DTV and HDTV broadcasts."We are pleased to be working closely with Vizio and be a part of the creation of a substantial install-base of consumers ready to watch 3D movies, live concerts, and sporting events from the comfort of their home," states Nicholas Routhier, president and CEO of SENSIO Technologies."We are excited to partner with Vizio as catalysts in the 3D revolution for the home," said Maria Costeira, CEO of XpanD. "The combination of XpanD Cinema active-shutter glasses and Vizio displays will provide an immersive, dynamic and cost-effective solution for Vizio XVT Pro owners."Wireless HDMIEliminating the need for an HDMI cable from source components to the display, the 72-, 55- and 47-inch XVT Pro series have an integrated wireless HDMI receiver built-in, using SiBEAM's robust 60 GHz technology to receive HD content from high definition sources such as Blu-ray players or set-top boxes with full HD 1080p resolution when paired with a separately available Vizio XVT Pro Wireless HDMI Adapter. The XVT Pro Adapter supports up to 4 HDMI sources and operates at 60GHz to avoid interference with other wireless devices in the home like cordless telephones and wireless networks that operate at 2.4 and 5 GHz.SRS StudioSound HDVizio XVT Pro TVs will feature SRS StudioSound HD - the ultimate all-in-one audio suite designed specifically for flat panel TVs. Years of excellence in audio, practical experience and patented technologies allow StudioSound HD to deliver the most immersive and natural surround sound ever using built-in TV speakers. The suite also delivers remarkably crisp and clear dialog, rich bass, an elevated sound stage and consistent, spike-free volume levels. StudioSound HD features optimized audio presets for movies, news, sports and music while also providing a built-in EQ toolset for peak audio performance.Vizio Inter Apps (VIA)All of the XVT Pro sets feature the Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) Connected HDTV platform, delivering unprecedented choice and control of web-based content directly to the television without the need of a PC or set-top box. Able to connect to the Internet using the built-in high definition wireless (802.11n dual-band) or a wired connection, accessing on demand movies, TV episodes, music and other online content is easy, using the included Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard that makes thumb-typing easy.58-inch Cinema wide displayTaking a major step forward in enabling viewers to experience a fully immersive widescreen film experience without a separate projector and screen, Vizio's first cinema wide display, the XVTPRO580CD offers the ultimate experience for the movie enthusiast. This 58-inch Razor LED display has a 21:9 aspect ratio, with an incredible resolution of 2,560x1,080p, allowing consumers to view 2.35:1 "Scope" aspect ratio films using the entire display area, with no loss of resolution and no black bars. With 1 million to 1 mega dynamic contrast ratio, Smart Dimming, and 120Hz with Smooth Motion technology, the XVTPRO580CD delivers brilliant details and rich colors to bring the cinematic experience into the home.Its striking wide appearance is further enhanced by its brushed aluminum chassis. The cinema wide display also includes VIA, built-in wireless (802.11n dual-band) or wired networking, and a Bluetooth universal remote control with sliding QWERTY keyboard. It is expected to ship later this year.Demonstrations of the Vizio XVT Pro products and the VIA platform will be held by appointment for key business partners, analysts and press in Las Vegas during private CES press meetings January 6 through 9 at the Wynn Hotel's Chambertin ballrooms. Interested content and service partners should contact Vizio at partners@Vizio.com or call (949) 428-2525 ext. 2554. XVT Pro 3D-ready 1080p TruLED 480Hz SPS LCD TVs Model Size Smooth Motion Smart Dimming HDMI 1.3 Inputs VIA/ Wi-Fi Blue- tooth Advanced True Wide Polarizer SRS Audio In Store MSRP XVTPRO720SV 72" 480Hz SPS 480 Zones 5 Yes Yes No Studio Sound HD Aug US$3499 XVTPRO550SV 55" 480Hz SPS 120 Zones 5 Yes Yes Yes Studio Sound HD Aug US$2499 XVTPRO470SV 47" 480Hz SPS 160 Zones 5 Yes Yes Yes Studio Sound HD Aug US$1999 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2010Vizio 3D-ready 1080p TruLED 480Hz SPS LCD TVs - XVT Pro 720SVPhoto: CompanyVizio Cinema58 LED-backlit LCD TV - XVT Pro 580CDPhoto: Company

VIA Technologies has unveiled the VIA VL810 SuperSpeed Hub Controller, the industry's first integrated single chip solution to support the higher transfer rates of the new USB 3.0 specification, the company claimed.USB 3.0 allows for a maximum data transfer rate of up to 5Gbps, or ten times the throughput available to USB 2.0-based devices. Other enhancements provide for improved interaction between devices and the host controller, including advancements in power management.Developed by wholly owned subsidiary VIA Labs, the VIA VL810 expands a PC's USB capability by allowing more than one device to be connected to each host port. One upstream port and four downstream ports support not just SuperSpeed transfer rates (5Gbps), but are also backwards compatible with previous USB specifications and offer support for Hi-Speed (480Mbps), Full-Speed (12Mbps), and Low-Speed (1.5Mbps) traffic.Along with power management features that include the ability for devices to communicate latency tolerance to the host and for links to enter progressively lower power states when link partners are idle, the VIA VL810 is unique in that it is the first USB hub controller to use advanced 80nm CMOS technology, further lowering the chip's power usage, VIA claimed.VIA will showcase the controller at CES 2010.

MILPITAS, Calif., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-Asia/ – LSI Corporation (NYSE: LSI) has announced it is sampling the LSISAS2208 dual-core 6Gb/s SAS RAID-on-Chip (ROC) IC to OEM customers. The high-performance LSI SAS ROC is intended to support the forthcoming PCI Express 3.0 specification, currently under development within the PCI-SIG, and provide I/O performance levels that meet the needs of next-generation server platforms based on PCI Express 3.0 and flash-based solid-state drive (SSD) storage.The draft PCI Express 3.0 specification will extend PCI Express data rates up to 8.0 GigaTransfers per second per lane, doubling the host bandwidth that was achievable with previous generations. Integrating the latest enhancements in PCI Express and SAS technology, the third-generation LSI SAS ROC will deliver performance levels of up to 600,000 input-output operations per second (IOPS), allowing server platforms to take full advantage of the performance benefit of SSDs for applications such as Microsoft Exchange Server, databases, Web serving and business intelligence."Performance is becoming more critical in today's enterprise environments, especially as more enterprise-class solid-state drives are deployed," said Jeff Janukowicz, Research Manager, Hard Disk Drive Components and Solid State Drives at IDC. "Devices such as the next-generation LSI ROC, coupled with PCI Express 3.0-based server platforms, are designed to maximize the performance benefits of flash storage."The LSISAS2208 ROC integrates a 72-bit DDR3-1333 SDRAM interface, specialized hardware acceleration engines and a high-performance dual-core 800 MHz PowerPC processor for optimized RAID performance. In addition, the LSISAS2208 ROC incorporates enhancements such as single root I/O virtualization (SR-IOV) for greater performance in virtualized environments, improved system performance and data security, and more finely-tuned quality of service (QoS)."From server generation to server generation, leading OEMs have relied on the LSI SAS portfolio to meet their storage demands," said Bill Wuertz, senior vice president and general manager, Storage Components Division, LSI. "As the industry now begins to look towards the PCI Express 3.0 wave of server platforms, the new LSISAS2208 ROC will enable OEMs to take advantage of the performance capabilities offered by the new specification, once again demonstrating LSI's ability to help keep our customers at the forefront of industry inflection points."We are excited to see LSI implementing the latest PCI Express specifications in their next-generation products," said Al Yanes, PCI-SIG Chairman and President, commenting on the early adoption of the upcoming PCIe 3.0 technology. "LSI has been an active member of the PCI-SIG since its inception participating in numerous technical working groups and developing products which include PCI Express technology."Since the inception of SAS, LSI has delivered an industry-leading portfolio of products including controller ICs, expanders, host bus and MegaRAID adapters, RAID-on-Motherboard (ROMB) solutions and storage systems. Based on a 25-year track record of hardware and firmware expertise and extensive validation processes, LSI is the silicon-to-systems supplier of choice for OEMs that want to deliver a broad set of storage solutions.

LG Display (LGD) has announced that it has developed what it claims to the world's thinnest LCD TV panel measuring 2.6mm. The development of extremely slim LCD panel was possible by applying the company's accumulated "slimming" technologies including the use of an ultra-slim, edge-lit LED backlight system and proprietary optical film technology, the company said.The 42-inch panel weighs less than 4 kilograms - making it ideal for wall mounted TVs, LGD said. The new product offers 120Hz refresh rate technology with full HD (1920x1080) resolution.In May, LG Display unveiled 42- and 47-inch LCD TV panels measuring 5.9mm - the world's thinnest panels at the time, the company said.LG Display said it will showcase the product and its display technologies in a private room at the Bellagio Hotel during the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2010 in Las Vegas.LG Display's 2.6mm thick 42-inch full HD LCD TV panelPhoto: Company

China-based Shenzhen Netcom Electronics has launched a microSD card with a density of 32GB, a capacity comparable to that of class 6 SDHC devices.A 32GB microSD card is twice as large as most mainstream handset memory cards that are compatible with the SD 2.0 standard. Such handset memory cards usually come in a range of capacities from 2GB to 16GB. Netcom is able to satisfy the needs of handset users who are eager to pick up a 32GB microSD card for additional memory.Netcom said its new 32GB microSD card is produced by stacking nine chips together. The nine-chip stack structure, as well as arranging the circuit path, make it difficult for most module makers to produce this type of memory card, which is no larger than the head of a nail (11x15x0.8mm, WxLxH). However, Netcom has the proven packaging technology capability to deliver the product to market.Founded in 1998, Netcom is dedicated to design and manufacturing of flash storage devices such as memory cards and USB drives. The company also develops digital media players such as personal media players (PMP).Netcom 32GB microSD cardPhoto: Company

IRVINE, Calif., Dec 15, 2009 -- Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced that it is the first silicon provider to ship a true single die Blu-ray Disc chip. The new Broadcom BCM7630 offers an unprecedented level of integration combining proven optical front-end and back-end video decoding and display technologies in a single die solution. In addition to industry leading Blu-ray performance, the BCM7630 also supports leading-edge Internet streaming applications including Netflix2.0, Pandora Internet Radio, Vudu, CinemaNow movie services and others. This unparalleled integration and functionality delivers a premium home entertainment experience to consumers.Also announced today is the BCM7632, which supplements the capabilities of the BCM7630 by adding support for the playback of 3D Blu-ray movies. The potential for watching 3D movies in the home has generated great excitement with more than a dozen 3D movies released in 2009. Although the 3D Blu-ray standard is not yet finalized, it is anticipated that the BCM7632 will comply with the final specification.

Seiko Epson on December 16 unveiled the Perfection V600 Photo, a photo scanner model intended for professional photographers, for immediate launch in the Taiwan market at a recommended retail price of NT$10,990 (US$340), according to Epson Taiwan Technology & Trading.The Perfection V600 Photo can be used to scan photo prints, 35mm negatives, mounted slides and medium-format full panoramic film (6×22cm), Epson Taiwan pointed out. The scanner features a 6400×9600dpi resolution, and filters to remove tears and creases from damaged photos and dust and scratches from film, as well as Epson-developed power-saving Ready Scan LEDs, Epson Taiwan indicated.Epson Perfection V600 PhotoPhoto: Company

Lenovo Mobile Communication Technology has launched TD-SCDMA standard-based OPhone smartphone Lenovo O1, with immediate sales in all local markets in mainland China. The phone is based on Spreadtrum Communications's TD-SCDMA solution, and supports China Mobile OPhone OS smartphone operating system.Spreadtrum and Lenovo Mobile jointly developed Lenovo O1. This new handset runs on the China Mobile-developed intelligent terminal software platform - the OPhone platform. Lenovo O1 uses Spreadtrum's TD-SCDMA/HSDPA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE baseband chip SC8800S and radio RF chip QS3200. It is currently the first 3G OPhone-based smartphone that supports TD-SCDMA, combining China Mobile's integrated applications, openness, comprehensive entertainment, business applications and other major features for the mobile Internet, the company claimed.Lenovo O1 adopted Spreadtrum TD-SCDMA chip technology to support GSM/GPRS/EDGE/HSDPA and meets the demand for convergence of video, interactive e-mail and web browsing among others. The introduction of TD-SCDMA OPhone-based smartphones, represented by Lenovo O1, should greatly push forward the development cycle for China's TD-SCDMA devices, the company added.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the addition of two new short throw projectors, the NP510WS and NP610S, to its NP Short Throw Series. These portable units address the needs of educational facilities and corporate applications that require a short throw distance in classrooms and conference rooms.Designed with NEC customers in mind, the wide-format NP510WS and standard-aspect NP610S employ a variety of eco-friendly features that lengthen the life of the projector, saving money and energy in the process.The projectors utilize ECO Mode technology to extend lamp life up to 5000 hours, and lower power consumption and noise level (29dB) for nearly silent operation, ensuring a pleasant presentation for speakers and audiences alike. Power management controls contribute to energy savings by automatically turning the unit off when an incoming signal is not detected from any of the inputs, while quick start (3-4 seconds) and quick shutdown allow for immediate use and power off functionality without the need for a cooling period.The NP Short Throw Series includes new features such as longer filter usage time and a carbon savings meter whereby users can calculate the positive effects of operating the projector in ECO Mode, which is encouraged by an optional message at system startup."The next-generation NP Short Throw Series was purposely designed for ease-of-use in areas with small throw distances, such as classrooms, conference rooms and training rooms, where a bright image is needed," said Rich McPherson, Product Manager at NEC Display Solutions. "The NP510WS and NP610S are cost-effective products that include a multitude of technologies to help presenters give efficient and successful presentations."The NP510WS and NP610S projectors include the following features:- Short throw lens, which eliminates shadows on the screen along with projected light in the presenter's eyes created by traditional front projection systems- Virtual Remote (DDC/CI), which controls the projector directly from a computer without the need for additional control cables- Remote diagnostics, which enables the user to monitor and make adjustments to the projector remotely- Closed captioning, which enables users to display text information for the hearing impaired- Automatic Vertical Keystone Correction, which allows the projector to be tilted up or down and still produce a square image without the need to make manual image adjustments- Auto Power ON, which eliminates the need for a remote control by automatically turning the projector on when a signal is detected- AutoSense, which enables quick setup for users that need fast functionality by intuitively syncing the projector with most computer signals- Dual computer inputs (VGA and DVI-I with HDCP), which ensure quick switching between presentations- Integrated RJ45 connection, which provides for quick connection to the LAN (10/100 base-T capability)- Top cover lamp change, which provides easy lamp changes without removal of projector from the mount- Powerful 7-watt speaker, which fills the volume requirements for most classrooms and conference rooms- Optional wall mount kit, which provides flexibility during integration and allows for wall mounting- Optional control and signal interface box, which manages power on/off, input switching and volumeThe NP510WS and NP610S projectors will be available for January 2010 shipment at an estimated street price of US$949 and US$999, respectively. Both projectors come with a standard 2-year limited parts and labor warranty, including the first year with InstaCare (repair and return in three business days or next business day exchange).NEC Display Solutions short throw NP510WSPhoto: Company