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

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.