LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vivitek Corporation, a leading manufacturer of environmentally innovative visual display and presentation products, today introduces the company's first native 1080p data projector. The Vivitek D952HD incorporates high brightness levels with amazing color reproduction for remarkable picture quality."With the D952HD, Vivitek allows the business user to have the same incredible picture on the screen in the office as they do at home. This new 1080p data projector lets people see and present 1080p content the way it was meant to be seen."The Vivitek D952HD takes 1080p resolution from the home entertainment system to the office. The projector displays impressive color reproduction though Vivitek's VividWheel technology, along with a DLP chipset and BrilliantColor from Texas Instruments.With a brightness of 3500 lumens and a 2,400:1 contrast ratio, the D952HD delivers the features needed for a business environment, with the connectivity options and native resolution found in home theater projectors."As high-definition multimedia content becomes the norm in business settings, Vivitek wants to ensure that the image quality is shown off in the best possible light," said Christopher Yang, senior product manager at Vivitek. "With the D952HD, Vivitek allows the business user to have the same incredible picture on the screen in the office as they do at home. This new 1080p data projector lets people see and present 1080p content the way it was meant to be seen."Key Features/Specifications:Native 1080p (1920x1080) resolution3500 lumens and 2,400:1 Contrast RatioDLP and BrilliantColor technologies from Texas Instruments3000 hours of lamp lifeConnectivity options include: HDMI v1.3, VGA-in (x2), composite video, S-videoVividWheel for improved color reproduction and automatic gain controlTop-loading, sliding cover for quick and easy lamp replacementAvailability/WarrantyThe Vivitek D952HD will be available in April 2010 through authorized Vivitek dealers and distributors for an estimated MSRP of US$1,999. The projector carries a one (1)-year limited warranty on parts and labor.Vivitek 1080p data projector - D952HDPhoto: Company

Micro-Star International (MSI) has announced its USB 3.0-ready motherboard, the P55-GD85.The P55-GD85 supports Intel's latest 32nm, LGA1156-based Core i3/i5/i7 series processors, SATA 6Gb/s and SuperSpeed USB 3.0 protocols. The motherboard has built-in chips from Marvell and NEC to support SATA 6GB/s and USB 3.0 technologies, respectively.The motherboard also features MSI's exclusive OC Genie, SuperPipe and DrMOS, technologies for enhancing performance, the company said.MSI has also launched its latest X-Slim series ultra-thin notebook with a dual-core processor. The X420 features Intel's ultra-thin notebook platform equipped with the dual-core Intel Core 2 Duo together with ATI's Mobility Radeon HD 5430 3D external display adapter (with built-in 1GB DDR3 VRAM).The X-Slim X420 adopts a 14-inch display and weighs 1.88kg. With the MSI's exclusive 3D Boost Technology, the notebook can be switched to high-performance external display mode with a click of button and switched back to integrated display mode shutting down the external graphics card to preserve battery power.MSI's ECO Engine energy-saving technology allows users to switch between the power options they need to help extend the notebook's running time. MSI X-Slim X420 ultra-thin notebook specifications Item Detail OS Windows 7 Home Premium CPU Intel dual-core Core 2 Duo SU7300 or SU4100 processor Chipset GS45 + ICH9M-SFF Graphic ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5430 (Up to DDR3 1GB VRAM) Memory DDR3 1066/800 MHz (SO-DIMM slot x 2) LCD 14-inch HD (Glare type) 1366×768, 16:9 HDD 2.5-inch 250/ 320/ 500GB SATA Battery 4/8 cells (Optional) Wireless Intel Shirley Peak, Bluetooth V2.1 Webcam 1.3megapixels webcam Weight (kg) 1.88 (With 4-cell battery) Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, January 2010MSI USB 3.0-ready P55-GD85 motherboardPhoto: CompanyMSI X-Slim X420 ultra-thin notebookPhoto: Company

Shuttle received a "Best of CES 2010" award and was named by Computer Shopper as one of the top-10 products and technologies at the show in Las Vegas."CES has always been a place for forward-thinking companies to showcase their hottest new products, technologies, and game-changing innovations," said Nicolas Villalobos, Manager at Shuttle Computer Group in Los Angeles, "It's an honor to be a part of Shuttle's history in the making, and an even bigger honor to be recognized by media and industry insiders with this 'Best of CES 2010' award."Computer Shopper awarded the honor of "Best of CES 2010" to Shuttle for its SPA strategy that was launched at the event."The biggest architectural difference between modern notebook and desktop PCs is the lack of universal sizing and connection standards for many notebook components, especially motherboards," wrote John A Burek, Editor in Chief at Computer Shopper, "Shuttle is hoping to bring some of that same standardization to the notebook world with its Shuttle PCB Assembly (SPA) initiative. The core of SPA is a pair of standard form factors for notebook motherboards.""The idea here, with standardization, is to allow smaller notebook OEMs easier access to standardized parts and thus the ability to procure them in smaller quantities, less challenged by the bigger notebook makers' economies of scale," added Burek, "If SPA gets adopted by smaller notebook makers, it could portend a move toward more easily upgradeable notebooks, or, dare we hope for it, the build-your-own-notebook scenarios long sought by DIY-ers."

Shuttle was featured on ABC News 10 and was highlighted as "reinventing the notebook computer" in ABC News 10's coverage of the latest products and technologies."We used to have a motto when we created the first small form factor desktop with standard parts – Shuttle leads and others follow," said Nicolas Villalobos, manager at Shuttle Computer Group in Los Angeles, "With our new standardized form factor for notebooks, we're leading the innovation game once again and setting a standard for others to follow. We're redefining the way notebooks are built and in the end, this will not only benefit professional system builders, but also everyday consumers."ABC News 10 spotlighted the new notebook business strategy from Shuttle, which introduces a standardized form factor for notebooks, allowing for "close-to-universal part interchangeability" and "reinventing the notebook" as we know it today."While the popularity of notebook computers have been increasing over the years due to portability and ever-dropping prices, they've been suffering one of the things that make desktop models a much better choice for many: internal component interchangeability," writes Barry White at ABC News 10, "Shuttle seeks to change that.""The company has introduced their PBC assembly form factor which (depending on screen-size) will allow for close-to-universal part interchangeability," adds Barry White at ABC News 10, "While it is possible for somebody with a Toshiba, Dell or Hewlett-Packard (HP) notebook to contact their respective manufacturer for a replacement part, all too often by the time said part is in need of replacement the company has moved away from its form factor and no longer supports that model of laptop. Shuttle's PBC shouldn't face such issues."Click here for ABC News 10 interview

Micro-Star International (MSI) has released its R5670-PMD1G graphics card based on AMD's ATI Radeon HD 5670 GPU for mainstream markets.The MSI R5670-PMD1G adopts designs including GPU voltage adjustment, DisplayPort and military-class components.The MSI R5670-PMD1G graphics card is equipped with 1GB GDDR5 high speed memory and features MSI's exclusive Afterburner overclocking utility to enhance the GPU and memory clocks, as well as GPU voltage.The MSI R5670-PMD1G will also adopt military-class components, such as Hi-c cap and tantalum capacitors to ensure stability during overclocking, the company said. The all solid capacitor and all solid-state choke design can extend the lifespan of the graphics card and avoid high frequency noise generating from choke vibrations under high loading, MSI claimed.MSI R5670-PMD1G graphics cardPhoto: Company

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 6, 2010) – Panasonic Corporation, a world leader in the HDTV technology, has developed the world's largest 152-inch 4Kx2K definition Full HD 3D plasma display. The display features a revolutionary new plasma display panel (PDP) Panasonic developed with its new super-efficient quadruple luminous efficiency technology. The technology enhances PDP's unique advantages as self-illuminating device, contributing to delivering an overwhelming immersive experience to viewers. The Panasonic 152-inch Full HD 3D PDP creates a true Full HD 3D world by faithfully reproducing 3D content such as Hollywood 3D movie titles.Self-illuminating plasma panels offer excellent response to moving images with full motion picture resolution, making them suitable for rapid 3D image display. By employing the newly-developed ultra high-speed 3D drive technology, which adopts the super-efficient quadruple luminous efficiency technology, the new panel achieves a higher illuminating speed, about one fourth the speed of conventional Full HD panels. This technology enables high-quality Full HD 3D display on the ultra large 152-inch 4Kx2K (4,096x2,160 pixels) panel.The panel also incorporates a crosstalk reduction technology, essential for producing clear 3D images. Compared to other display technologies that use line-at-a-time driving method, PDPs use frame-at-a-time driving method that gives PDP TVs an advantage in crosstalk reduction in principle. Panasonic has successfully developed a unique technology to minimize double-image that occurs when left- and right-eye images are switched alternately. The development has resulted in the 3D compatible plasma display that can render clear and smooth high-quality pictures by accurately reproducing video sources.The ultra-large 152-inch Full HD 3D PDP, which delivers true 3D movie-theater experience, follows the development of the industry's first 103-inch class size Full HD 3D PDP Panasonic introduced in 2008 and the home theater size 50-inch class Full HD 3D PDP in 2009.This year, which is really the first year of 3D TV, 3D TVs are expected to accelerate the growth of the flat-panel television market by providing new values to customers.TV has evolved over the years through technological innovations. It started as a device to produce images to be simply watched and then it became a tool when connectivity with other AV devices is added. Now, with the 3D technology, it has developed into a device that delivers an immersive viewing experience, moving into literally an era of "next dimension."Panasonic launches its first Full HD 3D TVs in 2010 with PDP technology, which is highly suitable for 3D TVs, to offer the utmost picture quality. Panasonic's new 3D TVs will deliver a true full HD 3D quality to create new and exciting television experiences.Because 3D plasma displays can reproduce highly realistic images, they are considered ideal not only for home theater use but also for a wide variety of uses such as business, medical, education and commercial applications.Panasonic will make the first year of 3D TV as a springboard to boost its popularity, capitalizing on the company's ability to offer complete end-to-end solutions from professional 3D camcorders and Blu-ray disc authoring service to consumer use 3D TVs and displays and 3D-enabled Blu-ray disc players.Furthermore, Panasonic strives to accelerate the spread of 3D products and drive growth in the the flat-panel television market, focusing on the development of a 3D infrastructure including 3D content through increased cooperation with Hollywood studios and broadcasters. The company hopes to contribute to the enhancement of 3D related business and the development of a new industry, which may be called 3D economic system that can be brought about through interactions among the related businesses.Newly developed ultra high-speed 3D drive technology enables 3D display on ultra-large (152-inch), super high resolution (4Kx2K) panelsUsing the super-efficient quadruple luminous efficiency technology, Panasonic developed 3D ultra high-speed drive technology. Compared to the conventional full HD panels, the technology allows the new panel to achieve the same brilliance at about one-fourth speed. The new 152-inch panel also uses a new technology that enables even and stable discharge. Thanks to this discharge technology, the new panel can provide full HD images for left and right eyes formed with twice the volume of information as regular full HD images across the vast expanse of the screen equivalent to nine 50-inch panels with super high resolution (4,096x2,160) - four times the full HD (1,920x1,080) specification - while maintaining the brightness.The new advanced PDP delivers high-quality 3D images, with virtually infinite 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, accurate color reproduction and subtle gradation tones, on the ultra-large screen. With characters in the screen approach the viewers in life size, the new panel creates an overwhelmingly immersive experience.Cross-talk reduction enables clear, high-definition 3D imagesBecause displaying 3D images involves alternate displays of left- and right-eye images, reducing the overlap (cross-talk) between these images is essential for high-quality 3D images. Unlike 3D LCD panels that use line by line scanning method, PDPs use frame-sequential method that displays images frame by frame very quickly, giving PDPs a tremendous advantage in crosstalk reduction. Incorporating newly-developed phosphors with short luminescence decay time - one third the time of conventional phosphors - as well as illumination control technology, the cross-talk reduction technology has succeeded in minimizing double images.Enhancing the video reproduction capability of PDP, which has full moving picture resolution, the technology enables crisp and clear, high-quality 3D images by faithfully reproducing video sources.Full HD x 2 frame sequential methodTo reproduce 3D images, the new PDP uses the full HD x 2 frame sequential method that displays time sequential images, alternately reproducing discrete full HD (1,920x1,080 pixels) images for the left and right eyes on the display frame by frame. By adopting the method which is used in showing Hollywood 3D films in theaters, the new panel accurately reproduces high-quality 3D images in the living room.

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