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Wednesday 4 November 2009
MSI launches its first gaming motherboard
Micro-Star International (MSI) has unveiled a gaming motherboard, the Big Bang Trinergy, based on Intel's P55 platform.The Trinergy features Nvidia SLI technology through the nForce 200 SLI chip and QuantumWave audio processing technology.The Trinergy is also equipped with an external OC Dashboard that allows overclocking with a press of a button.Before the end of 2009, MSI will also launch the Big Bang Fuzion motherboard featuring Lucid's Hydra engine, which is designed to support connections between AMD and Nvidia GPUs in a single system.MSI Big Bang Trinergy motherboardPhoto: Company
Tuesday 3 November 2009
Samsung HDTV monitors eliminate line between work productivity and HD entertainment
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., October 27, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, the number one worldwide brand of LCD display products, today announced the debut of its entertainment-centric monitors, the 933HD+ and 2333HD. At an estimated street price of US$249.99 and US$329.99, respectively, both monitors produce picture perfect HD quality in a sleek design and are now available from Samsung resellers and retailers."With more homes having multiple entertainment centers, the 933HD+ and 2333HD are the perfect companions for users who want integrated HDTV functionality from a desktop monitor. The added bonus is that both these monitors are self-contained and functional right out of the box, and can quickly connect to any entertainment device," said Doug Albregts, VP, information technology division, Samsung Electronics America Inc.Compact TV with connectivityThe 19-inch 933HD+ and 23-inch 2333HD have all the benefits of a compact TV including a digital TV tuner with an optional cable or satellite connection and up to two HDMI connections, depending on model, to connect digital devices such as a Blu-ray player and gaming system. The integrated stereo sound system offers great sound and includes Dolby Digital (2333HD). The 933HD+ and 2333HD's slick glossy black finish features a rounded bottom edge with matching crystal-like acrylic bar.Multi-performanceWhether watching movies, sports or a powerpoint presentation, the 933HD+ and 2333HD offer Samsung's quality performance with a dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and 5 millisecond response rate. Movies can be fully appreciated in 16:9 widescreen formats without distortion or stretching and there is ample space to run multiple applications simultaneously. Settings, such as brightness, backlight and color effects, can be quickly customized with a touch of a key using the MagicColor, MagicBright, Color Effect and Image Size functions."With more users viewing HD broadcast, watching Blu-ray movies and playing video games on their monitors, the 933HD+ and 2333HD are space savers for those looking for a multi-purpose monitor to place in a tight space, like a studio apartment or dorm room," said Young Bae, director, information technology division, Samsung Electronics America Inc.933HD+ and 2333HD• 1360x768 (19-inch 933HD) and 1920x1080 (23-inch 2333HD) resolution • Dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1 • 16:9 aspect ratio • 5ms response time • Remote controlMonitors are available through Samsung resellers and distribution channels, which can be located by calling 1-800-SAMSUNG or by visiting www.samsung.com. Samsung Power Partners receive special promotions, lead referrals, training and technical support, as well as collateral and marketing materials. Samsung also recycles all monitors through its Recycling Directsm Program. To find out more about becoming a Samsung Power Partner or the Recycling Directsm Program, visit http://www.samsungpartner.com/.Samsung HDTV monitor - 933HD+Photo: Company
Monday 2 November 2009
Silicon Labs introduces infrared sensing ICs for human interface applications
AUSTIN, Texas, October 28, 2009 - Silicon Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: SLAB), a leader in high-performance, analog-intensive, mixed signal ICs, today announced its entry into the human interface market with the introduction of the QuickSense portfolio, including the Si1102 proximity sensor and the Si1120 proximity and ambient light sensor, the industry's fastest infrared sensing solutions. Optimized for power efficiency, the Si1102 and Si1120 enable touchless human interface sensing and superior detection range. Ideal for a wide variety of sensing applications, the Si1102/20 devices are well suited for products that can benefit from system power savings, tamper detection/proofing and gesture interpretation, such as portable electronics, IP phones, displays, kiosks, dispensers, interactive toys, clock radios, and other consumer and industrial products.The QuickSense Si1102 sensor enables an electronic device to quickly gauge its proximity to the user. For example, it can detect if a handset is near a user's face and adjusts the display and lighting accordingly. The QuickSense Si1120 infrared proximity and ambient light sensor can also detect the ambient light in the external environment, allowing screen backlighting to be dimmed, for example, saving power. When paired with the F700 and F800 touch sense microcontrollers (MCUs), the QuickSense solution enables smart motion sensing, giving designers a complete array of human interface technologies for their applications and fundamentally improving the end-user experience.Historically, designing advanced human interface features into end products has been challenging and has introduced performance and power trade offs. Silicon Labs' patented technologies and decade of infrared product design and manufacturing expertise has created a new method that eliminates the tradeoffs. Unlike competing approaches that require the infrared LED to be pulsed multiple times over a long period for accurate measurements, the Si1102/20 devices use a patented single-pulse proximity measurement technique to achieve up to a 4000x improvement in power efficiency, resulting in longer battery life, a critical feature in portable applications. With up to a 50cm range (unaided by lenses), the Si1102/20 can easily power down displays and other functions when the user is not present. This power-saving capability is particularly appropriate for products such as appliances, security panels and IP phones.The Si1120 device enables an innovative, patent-pending touchless proximity slider for gesturing, allowing end users to navigate without a physical touch but with simple gestures. The superior sensitivity that enables this touchless control feature has the added benefit of offering robust performance under a wide range of lighting conditions. It also enables the use of low-cost or low-profile infrared LEDs, often resulting in a significant system cost savings.The Si1102 and Si1120 infrared sensor family is supported by the QuickSense Studio, a common development framework for all of the QuickSense devices including the F700 and F800 touch sense MCUs. The QuickSense Studio configuration wizard allows designers, using an intuitive software GUI, to select which functions they want implemented such as capacitive touch sense buttons, sliders and wheels, and then easily auto-generate the software to set up and calibrate these functions. Designers can also test their implementation and review a graphical display of the system performance."Silicon Labs' QuickSense human interface portfolio gives developers a robust, low-power human interface solution that's easily configurable with a straightforward development environment," said Mark Thompson, vice president and general manager of Silicon Laboratories. "No other supplier is able to match the speed and accuracy of our sensors or to combine intelligent optical sensing with touch sense MCUs, making Silicon Labs a single source for advanced, easy-to-use human interface technology."Pricing and AvailabilityThe Si1102 and Si1120 devices are available now in an 8-pin ODFN package and are priced at US$0.90 and US$1.05 respectively in 10k quantities.
Monday 2 November 2009
HDI begins manufacturing of high-definition laser-driven 2D/3D TVs
October 30, 2009 - Los Gatos, CA - HDI Ltd announces it has entered into a manufacturing agreement to mass produce their proprietary 100-inch diagonal laser-driven 2D/3D switchable dynamic video projection televisions. HDI Ltd's 2D/3D switchable system delivers a stunningly superior 2D image, with a 50% greater resolution than today's digital cinemas, and derives its greater-than-high definition stereoscopic 1920 x 1080p "3D" image quality from two RGB laser-illuminated liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) micro display imagers. At full 1080p HD, the HDI Ltd screen refreshes at 360 fields per-second on each eye, the fastest refresh rate on any mass produced television or projector.HDI Ltd has completely eliminated the adverse effects, such as migraines, dizziness, nausea, and motion sickness, long associated with inferior and expensive shutter glasses and substandard 3D technology. HDI Ltd delivers the most immersive, comfortable, and natural 3D viewing experience in the world with low-cost and light-weight proprietary polarized glasses. Technology journalist Richard Hart called HDI Ltd's picture quality, "the smoothest yet, and smoothness means no headaches," and Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computers, stated, "Without a doubt, the best demonstration of 3D technology I have ever seen."In addition, HDI Ltd displays draw 80% less power than existing 2D plasma displays of the same size, offer a 95% reduction in manufacturing pollution, and a 100% reduction in harmful chemicals and radioactive components currently used in existing televisions. At 10-inches thick, HDI's 100-inch diagonal display weighs 75% less than equivalent Plasma and LCD displays, and is anticipated to have a street price potentially 60% less than current 2D flatscreen plasma and LCD displays.HDI's September 2009 announcement of their potential new standard for switchable 2D/3D television technology came on the same day several major manufactures announced plans to release new energy-guzzling plasma televisions with 3D capabilities via shutter glasses, all of which featured price tags as much as 100% or more than current 2D televisions.
Monday 2 November 2009
TAOS champions ambient light sensing technology in HDTVs to improve picture quality and conserve energy
November 2, 2009 (Plano, TX) - Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions, Inc. (TAOS; www.taosinc.com) announced today that the company is providing key technology to the HDTV industry that is directly benefiting consumers who purchase flat panel display HDTVs. A recognized pioneer and market leader in ambient light sensing (ALS) technology, TAOS, Inc is championing the use of ALS sensors in flat panel TVs (both LCD and plasma) to provide improvements in display picture quality while simultaneously conserving energy by reducing power consumption, thereby reducing the consumer's annual utility bill. For more than a decade, TAOS, Inc has pioneered and perfected the use of ALS sensors in a broad range of consumer electronic products from mobile phones to notebooks/laptops to digital cameras/camcorders to portable MP3/DVD players to video games.As a member of the LCD TV Association, TAOS, Inc is working closely with its other members to promote ALS sensor use in HDTVs and encourage TV manufacturers to participate in the Association's Green TV logo program. Launched in 2008, this program promotes "green technology" and global energy conservation, currently through the implementation of ALS sensors in LCD TVs to automatically adjust TV set brightness in response to ambient room brightness, thereby reducing system, power consumption by at least 30%.TAOS, Inc has developed a white paper for consumers titled "Turning HDTVs Green" - which is being distributed to media outlets on a nationwide basis - that provides an overview of the HDTV industry, the changes that are driving the need for increased energy conservation and describes existing technologies such as automatic brightness control which uses the TAOS automatic - or ambient - light sensing to provide the dual benefits of improved display picture quality and increased energy-efficiency in flat panels TVs."When purchasing an HDTV, the consumer primarily cares about big-screen picture quality and price. TAOS automatic light sensing (ALS) technology delivers in both areas by automatically adjusting the HDTV display brightness to suit the surrounding light levels and providing a proven and highly cost-effective solution that also reduces energy consumption and the consumer's overall utility bill," said Jerry Koontz, TAOS, Inc Director of Marketing.The TAOS "Turning HDTVs Green" white paper can be downloaded by clicking here.
Thursday 29 October 2009
Brickcom to highlight megapixel network cameras at CPSE 2009
Brickcom, a Taiwan-based branded company specializing in wireless and IP surveillance solutions, will showcase its latest megapixel IP cameras with video analytics at CPSE 2009 between November 1-4 in Shenzhen, China.Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) is an emerging trend in IP surveillance since it provides convenient and efficient management for the surveillance system, according to Brickcom. The company said it has delivered IVA functions in a lineup of IP cameras, such as people counting, motion detection, forbidden area, added and missing object, etc.Brickcom has system integrators and distributors worldwide, providing flexible customization with offering to accommodate different business models. Products include network cameras, network video recorders and a full range of accessories.Brickcom has recently launched its CB-100A and WCB-100A series of megapixel network security cameras designed for 24-hour home security and surveillance. Both models feature viewing live motion images from anywhere via the Internet.Unlike general webcams, Brickcom said its recently-launched network security cameras are stand-alone and do not need to be connected to a computer. Through the models' built-in web server, users are capable of accessing over a LAN or Internet connection for real-time viewing and intercom functions. The megapixel cams support MPEG4, MJPEC and H.264 video codecs to provide resolutions at 640×400 or 1280×800 for high-quality video and real-time viewing.In addition, Brickcom's IP cameras are able to transmit video to portable devices via other technology, for instance, WiMAX, NAS, Digital Frame and power line.Brickcom WCB-100A megapixel network cameraPhoto: Company
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Toshiba launches highly sensitive CIS with BSI
TOKYO - Toshiba Corporation today announced the launch of a new CMOS image sensor that will bring 14.6 million pixels to digital still cameras and to mobile phones supporting video imaging. The sensor, the latest addition to Toshiba's "Dynastron" line-up, is also the company's first to integrate the enhanced sensitivity offered by back-side illumination technology (BSI). Sampling of the new sensor will begin in December and mass production will follow from the third quarter of 2010 (July-September).BSI brings new levels of responsiveness to CMOS imaging. Lenses are deployed on the rear of the sensor on the silicon substrate, not on the front, where wiring limits light absorption. This positioning boosts light sensitivity and absorption by 40% compared to existing Toshiba products, and allows formation of finer image pixels.Toshiba has made full use of the advantages of BSI to realize image pixels with a pitch of 1.4 microns, and to pack 14.6 million of them into a 1/2.3-inch sensor that meets the high level imaging and processing requirement, and that will also bring a new level of image quality to mobile phones. Toshiba will use the new sensor to promote its full-scale entry to digital camera market, and will continue to develop BSI products as a mainstream technology.The new sensor will be mass produced at Toshiba's Oita Operations, on industry leading 300mm wafer lines deploying 65nm process technology. Initial production will be at a volume of 500,000 sensors a month.CMOS image sensors are a focus product of Toshiba's System LSI business. Until now, their main application has been in mobile phones, where Toshiba could leverage its high density integration and low power consumption technologies. With the introduction of BSI CMOS sensors, Toshiba will reinforce the sensor business by expanding application to include digital cameras.
Monday 26 October 2009
Albatron launches 42-inch optical touch monitor
Albatron Technology has released a 42-inch Albatron optical touch monitor amid the launch of Windows 7.Adopting optical touch technology that put a camera on the screen above left and right to detect the movement of fingers, the monitor has no problem with the limit of touch panel size.The Albatron 42-inch monitor features 16:9 screen ratio and supports HDMI with high-definition resolution (1920x1080). The monitor also features 120Hz frame rate. With USB, RS232C, DVI and D-sub and other output ports, the Albatron monitor can connect PC for video and images. Albatron 42-inch OTM panel specification Specification Masurement Detail Panel inch TFT-LCD Size pixel 42" diagonal Resolution mm 1920*1080 pixels Pixel pitch mm 0.4845 (H)*0.4845(V) Active area 16:09 Brightness cd/m2 700cd/m2 (typical) Contrast ratio 1000:1 (typical) Response time ms 9 ms (Tr+Tf)(typical) Viewing angle Degree 89/89/89/89 (CR>=10) Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, October 2009Albatron 42-inch optical touch monitorPhoto: Company
Monday 26 October 2009
Sony introduces digital photo frame with built-in printer
Sony Electronics is launching a stylish multitasking S-Frame digital photo frame with printer (model DPP-F700). The sleek, all-in-one device allows photo viewing and printing for picture lovers who enjoy displaying and sharing copies of their special memories.Showcasing your favorite photos in vibrant color and crisp detail, the DPP-F700 features a 7-inch (measured diagonally) (16:10) LCD display with WVGA (800x480) resolution.The device prints 4x6-inch professional quality 300x300 dpi photos instantly in just 45 seconds.Allowing you to edit images before printing, the device's options include enlarge, reduce, crop, date stamp on/off, border/borderless (for single prints), and brightness, contrast, hue, and sharpness adjustment.In creative print mode, you can make a calendar with pictures (more than 30 templates), print an ID photo, and create a "layout print" with multiple images on one sheet. Using screen capture, you can print exactly what is displayed on the screen during a slideshow.The frame-printer device features about one gigabyte of internal storage capacity with an auto-resizing adjustment that downsizes photos to let you store up to 2,000 photos.Image transfer is a snap with direct USB input from your PC, as well as support for most memory cards, including Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Secure Digital (SD), SDHC, Multi-Media Card (MMC), Compact Flash, and xD-Picture Card media.Whether the device is set vertically or horizontally, the auto orientation sensor automatically rotates your photos into portrait or landscape format according to the placement.A wide range of view and print modes and many other functions can be managed from the included remote control. Multiple playback options offer flexibility to display photos as single images, as thumbnails for easy searching, or as a slideshow with ten built-in transitions.The new S-Frame model supports JPEG, TIFF, and BMP image file formats. Supplied accessories include a paper tray, AC adaptor, CD-ROM (print driver, PMB), operation manual, cleaning kit, and stand.Optional print packs include compatible SVM-F series: SVM-F40P (40 sheets of photo paper and cartridge), and SVM-F120P (120 sheets of photo paper and cartridges).The DPP-F700 digital photo frame-printer will be available for about US$200 in January and can be purchased online at http://www.sonystyle.com/, at Sony Style retail stores and at authorized dealers nationwide.Sony new digital photo frame with built-in printer, the DPP-F700Photo: Company
Friday 23 October 2009
G.Skill announces DDR3 memory at 1.35V
G.Skill International Enterprise, a Taiwan-based manufacturer of memory modules and solid state storage (SSD) devices, has released low-voltage DDR3 modules for Intel's Lynnfield Core i5 and Core i7 platforms. The new ECO series operates at 1.35V, compared to standard DDR3 modules at 1.65V.According to G.Skill's internal lab tests, 1.35V memory modules produce 16% lower temperatures than 1.65V ones.G.Skill said its new low-voltage modules, clocked at 1333MHz or 1600MHz, are available in 4GB (2GBx2) dual-channel kits.G.Skill DDR3 module at 1.35VPhoto: Company