Panasonic has unveiled what it claims is the world's first Blu-ray Disc (BD) recorders that can play back BD-Video discs. The Blu-ray DIGA DMR-BW200 and DMR-BR100 can record high-definition (HD) imagery on BD-RE rewritable discs and dub from the built-in hard-disk drive (HDD) to BD discs at 4x speed without compromising video or audio quality, according to the company. Packed with innovative features, the new BD recorders will first be available in Japan from November 15, stated Panasonic.The new models support single-layer 25GB and dual-layer 50GB BD discs (BD-RE and BD-R). Users can record up to six hours of HD programs on a 50GB BD disc. In addition, the DMR-BW200 and DMR-BR100 come with a built-in HDD with 500GB and 200GB capacity, respectively.The DMR-BW200 is equipped with a total of seven TV tuners including two tuners each for terrestrial, BS and 110-degree CS digital broadcasts and one analogue TV tuner. This enables users to record two digital TV programs simultaneously on the HDD. Users can also record one program on the HDD while recording one on a BD-RE disc.Both the DMR-BW200 and DMR-BR100 can record and reproduce images in high quality. The new DIGAs' image processing engines include Panasonic's own HD Optimizer that automatically detects and suppresses noise that is unique to digital broadcasting. The engines also incorporate a video converter that can record images with details when down-converting from HD to SD (standard definition) to store on DVD discs. The reverse is also the case—when connected to a TV via an HDMI cable, the converter can up-convert SD content to HD to reproduce high resolution images.The two models feature Playback Navigation that can automatically sort programs recorded using weekly or daily programmed recording function into appropriate folders. They also provide easy operation with VIERA Link single remote control. When used with other home theater components that support the VIERA Link, users can operate the components including a recorder, TV and home theater receiver with just one remote.In addition, the DMR-BW200 supports i.LINK that enables users to copy D-VHS high-definition videos onto the built-in HDD. Users can create a library of high-definition videos by transferring from the HDD to BD discs. The two models also have an SD memory card slot to provide connectivity with other SD enabled products.All these innovative features are packed in a compact form of 430×85×330mm. The 85mm height is the thinnest in the industry and the compact and slim design matches perfectly with flat-panel TVs, according to the company.The DMR-BW200 and DMR-BR100 support a variety of media including HDD, BD-RE, BD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-R DL and DVD-RW for recording, and HDD, BD-RE, BD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, +R, DVD-R DL, +R DL, DVD-RW, +RW, DVD-Video, BD-Video, music CD, CD-R and CD-RW for playback.Panasonic DMR-BR100Source: CompanyPanasonic DMR-BW200Source: Company
Micro Star International (MSI) on September 19 unveiled its P965 Platinum motherboard, which the company claims is the industry's first motherboard based on Intel's P965 chipsets supporting ATI Technologies' CrossFire dual-card graphics technology for the gaming market.MSI P965 Platinum has two PCI Express (PCIe) x16 slots to enable ATI CrossFire mode at 16+4 speed, with the latest ATI CrossFire Ready Radeon X1K graphics cards, according to the company. MSI P965 Platinum: Specifications Item Details Photo CPU Intel LGA-775 Pentium 4 (3xx, 5xx, 6xx, 8xx, 9xx), Core 2 Duo and Pentium 4 Extreme Edition FSB 1066/800/533 MHz Chipset Intel P965 with ICH8R southbridge Memory Dual-channel DDR2 533/667/800 (for up to 8GB) RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 SATA port 6 SATA ports with transfer rate up to 3Gb/s PCIe slot One PCIe x16, one PCIe x4, two PCIe x1 and two 32-bit v2.3 master PCI bus Audio 8-channel audio codec Realtek 883 LAN Realtek RTL8111B IEEE1394 VIA 6308 chipset Mounting 9 mounting holes Dimension ATX form factor: 30.5x24.5cm Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, September 2006
LG.Philips LCD announced on September 14 that it has developed what it claims is the industry's first TFT LCD panel for next-generation mobile phones.The 2-inch LCD panel has a faster response time than existing mobile phone displays, allowing it to play back sharp high-quality video from next-generation digital broadcasts and mobile communication technology, including DVB-H and WiBro, according to LG.Philips, adding that the display's 16ms response time is 36% faster than the fastest TFT LCD panels currently used for mobile phones.Most TFT-LCD panels used in phones today have response times of 25ms, causing afterimages and ghosting, which reduce the picture quality for high-definition video. However, the high speed response LCD panel developed by LG.Philips LCD shows videos clearly and without any afterimages, said the company.To create high-speed displays that meet the low power consumption requirements of mobile phones, LG.Philips LCD has developed different technology than is used in its large-size panels. This new product boasts a response time similar to LCD panels for notebooks and is also easy to mass produce, the panel maker said.LG.Philips LCD's vice president and head of the Small and Medium Displays Business Unit, Hyun He Ha, said, "This product breaks the 20ms response time barrier, which was thought to be the limit for mobile phone TFT LCD panels. As the first such TFT LCD product with a response time in the teens, we will be able to fill demand in the mobile display market for displays that can display high-resolution video and consume little power. We plan to start mass producing these panels this year."LG.Philips LCD launched its Small and Medium Displays Business Unit in January 2006 to strengthen its technology, product development skills and sales and marketing capabilities. This has allowed the company to further penetrate the attractive small- to medium-size panel market. The company has now set its sights on developing a product with both a fast response time and a wide-viewing angle based on in-plane switching (IPS) technology, according to LG.Philips.LG.Philips' LCD new handset-use panelPhoto: Company
Pioneer on September 14 announced the introduction of a series of new digital tuner-supported DVD recorders for the Japanese market. These new DVD recorders with built-in hard disk drives (HDDs) are slated to launch in Japan during mid-October to November, according to the company.The DVR-RT700D and DVR-DT75 DVD recorders are both equip with a built-in 250GB HDD while the DVD-RT900D and DVR-DT95 are equipped with a built-in 400GB HDD. The company also offers an add-on HDD, the HDD-S400, with a memory capacity of 250GB.Pioneer highlighted the compatibility of digital tuners in these four DVD recorders. With digital tuner support, the units have the capability to manage digital programs without connecting via a set-top-box (STB).No suggested retail price has been provided yet.Pioneer's DVD-DT75Photo: CompanyPioneer's DVR-DT95Photo: CompanyPioneer's add-on HDD, HDD-S400, with a LCD display screenPhoto: Company
Leading display vendors such as Hitachi, Sharp, Sony and Envision are highlighting a full range of new LCD TVs, PDP (plasma display panel) TVs and front projectors that support full high-definition TV (HDTV) signals at CEDIA EXPO 2006 in Denver, Colorado, US (September 14-17, 2006). Hitachi shows 42-inch full HD PDP TV Hitachi America, a subsidiary of Hitachi, is highlighting 42- nd 60-inch full HD PDP TVs. Featuring brightness of 1,000 cd/m2 and native resolution of 1,920x1,080, the 42-inch full HDTV delivers more than two million pixels. Prices and model number of the 42-inch TV are not yet available.The Japan-based company is also unveiling new 42- and 55-inch PDP TVs with resolution of 1,024×1,080. Both its 42- (42HDX99) and 55-inch (55HDX99) HD models feature a new Deep-Black Natural Color Filter technology that effectively absorbs ambient room light and reducing reflections for richer blacks and vibrant colors. Hitachi has begun shipping the 42HDX99 and 55HDX99, which are priced at US$3,099 and US$4,999, respectively, according to the company. Hitachi plans to introduce complete full HD TV lineups in 2007.Sharp introduces its first 1080p DLP projector Sharp is showcasing a series of full HD LCD TVs (37-, 42-, 46-, 52-, 57- and 65-inch ones) at CEDIA 2006, along with its first 1080p DLP front projector, according to the company. Sharp's new DLP projector (XV-Z20000) utilizes a single 0.95-inch DMD (digital micromirror device) chip from Texas Instruments (TI). The projector, with contrast ratio of 12,000:1 and a brightness of 1,000 ANSI lumens, has a resolution of 1,920 x1,080 for a 16:9 widescreen movie viewing. The XV-Z20000 will be available in October for a MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) of US$11,999.99.The company is also expanding its Aquos line-up with the introduction of three (42-, 46- and 52-inch) screen sizes. The new models are using LCD panels from Sharp's new eighth-generation (8G) Kameyama plant. Other features for the new TVs include dual high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) inputs and support of 1080p signals from Blu-ray devices. All three models will be available in October, the LC-42D62U for a MSRP of US$2,499.99, the LC-46D62U for a MSRP of US$3,499.99 and the LC-52D62U for a MSRP of US$4,799.99. Sharp 52-inch LCD TVPhoto: CompanySony adds new 1080p projector Sony is featuring a full HD projector and two 52-inch LCD TV models during the show. The new projector (VPL-VW50 model), based on the company's Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD) technology, offers a native 1,920x1,080 resolution and a 900-lumens brightness. Priced at US$4,999.99, the VPL-VW50 joins Sony's two existing 1080p SXRD front projectors, the Qualia 004R1 and the VPL-VW100, and uses three 0.61-inch SXRD chips (one each for red, green and blue color reproduction), according to the company.The 52-inch TVs features a brightness of 450 cd/m2, a contrast ratio of 1,500:1 and supports full HDTV signals, with a resolution of 1,920x1,080 and a viewing angle of 178 degrees. The KDL-52XBR3 model features a black bezel finish while the KDL-52XBR2 features a silver bezel. Sony will start shipping the TVs in November globally for about US$6,800 and US$6,500, respectively. Sony 1080p front projector Photo: Company Sony 52-inch LCD TV Photo: Company Envision debuts 50-inch full HD PDP TVEnvision Peripherals Inc. (EPI), vendors of AOC- and Envision-branded displays, is introducing a 50-inch Envision (P50H260) PDP HD TV. The new PDP TV will be available in the US this fall with a suggested retail price of US$2,299.The Envision P50H260 features a resolution of 1,366x768, a contrast ratio of 8,000:1 and a brightness of 1,200 cd/m2, with a viewing angle of 160 degrees. The PDP TV also includes Clear QAM and ATSC tuners for digital transmissions decoding from cable, satellite and over air transmission without requiring a separate set-top box (STB).In addition, the company is showing a new 27-inch LCD TV (L27W461). Built with a resolution of 1,366x768, the 27-inch model has a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 and a viewing angle of 176 degrees. Its 8 ms response time is ideal for video games. The L27W461 has a suggested retail price of US$899, according to the company. Envision new 50-inch PDP TV Source: Company Envision 27-inch LCD TV Source: Company
Samsung Electronics today announced it has developed what it claims is the industry's first 40nm memory device. The new 32Gbit NAND flash device is the first memory to incorporate a charge trap flash (CTF) architecture, a new approach to further increase manufacturing efficiency while greatly improving performance, according to Samsung.The new CTF-based NAND flash memory increases the reliability of the memory by reducing inter-cell noise levels. Its simple structure also enables higher scalability which will improve manufacturing process technology from 40 nm to 30nm and even 20nm, said Samsung.In each 32Gb device, the control gate in the CTF is only 20% as large as a conventional control gate in a typical floating gate structure. With CTF, there is no floating gate. Instead, the data is temporarily placed in a "holding chamber" of the non-conductive layer of the flash memory composed of silicon nitride (SiN). This results in a higher level of reliability and better control of the storage current.The 32Gb NAND flash memory can be used in memory cards with densities of up to 64GB. One 64GB card can store over 64 hours of DVD resolution movies (40 movies) or 16,000 MP3 music files (1,340 hours).The CTF design is enabled through the use of a TANOS structure comprised of tantalum (metal), aluminum oxide (high k material), nitride, oxide and silicon. The use of a TANOS structure marks the first application of a metal layer coupled with a high k material to the NAND device.The TANOS CTF architecture, which serves as the foundation of the 40nm 32Gb CTF NAND flash announced today, was developed after extensive research by the Samsung Semiconductor R&D department. Samsung first revealed the TANOS structure through a paper at the 2003 International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM).The new 32Gb CTF memory was announced at the sixth annual Samsung press conference in Seoul.More specifications:http://www.samsung.com/PressCenter/PressRelease/PressRelease.asp?seq=20060911_0000286548Samsung announces the development of a new 40nm memory device.Photo: Company
High Tech Computer (HTC) on September 7 unveiled four new smart devices for worldwide sale starting in the fourth quarter of this year. The four smart devices include the HTC P3300 (codenamed Artemis), the company's first GPS-enabled PDA phone which features the latest TomTom navigation software, Navigator 6, the company said in a press release. The other three are the super slim-form factor HTC S620 (codenamed Excalibur), the HSDPA (high speed downlink packet access)-ready HTC P3600 (codenamed Trinity) and the HTC S310 (codenamed Oxygen) for the entry- to mid-range segments. The quad-band HTC S620, which features a QWERY keyboard, weighs only 130g with a battery and measures just 12.8mm thick, will compete with the Moto Q-series handsets from Motorola and the i320N from Samsung Electronics, according to market sources. All devices will be available under the HTC brand as well as in customized-version for partners, the company said, noting that T-Mobile will launch the HTC P3300 under T-Mobile's MDA Compact III model name.HTC also has recently added two new distributors, Portix and Expansys, for promoting its products in Hong Kong, and the company said it also plans to enhance its presence in Germany, Scandinavia, Russia and Spain by the end of this year.HTC's first GPS-enabled PDA phone, the HTC P3300.Photo: Company
Sharp Microelectronics Europe has added 7.5-inch TFT LCD panels (LQ075V3DG01) to its Strong2 product series with the LCD panels characterized by high image quality, an extended temperature range and low power consumption, according to Sharp.The new Strong2 LCD offers a luminance of 400 cd/m2, 260,000 colors and a contrast ratio of 600:1, and is suitable for outdoor use, stated the company, adding that the display is also designed for lower power consumption. The modules designed for mobile applications in the industrial sector and are used, for example, as a portable measuring device or medical handheld, stated the company.The Strong2 modules are considerably more resistant to changes in temperature and are more shock-resistant than conventional displays, claims Sharp. Both in operating and off mode the panels are able to withstand temperatures of -30 to +80 Celsius thanks to improved polarizers and RGB filters. The display is also less sensitive to shocks. For new materials and a new design of the housing of the LC display ensure that jolts and vibrations can be specifically absorbed. The background lighting is also characterized by a long life cycle of 50,000 hours. When necessary, the backlight as is usual with Sharp industry displays can be easily replaced, noted the company.Samples of the LQ075V3DG01 are available immediately on request worldwide via Sharp's sales offices and distribution partners. The start of series production is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2006. Key specifications of Sharp's new 7.5-inch LCD panel Item Detail Model number LQ075V3DG01 Screen size 19cm (7.5-inch) Resolution VGA (640x480) Dimensions 179x139.5x12.7 Luminance 400 cd/m2 Contrast ratio 600:1 Colors 260,000 Life cycle 50,000 hours Interface CMOS (6bit/RGB) Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, September 2006Sharp Microelectronics Europe rolls out a 7.5-inch TFT LCD panel.Photo: Company
Micro Star International (MSI) recently introduced a series of motherboards based Intel G965/Q965 chipsets. With full support for the new generation Core 2 processors, the new G965/Q965 series motherboards features digital home and digital office technologies, according to MSI.The MSI G965/Q965 series motherboards (MS-7241, MS-7276 and MS-7278) support dual-channel DDR2-800, Core 2 processors and fourth-generation graphics of the Intel GMA X3000/3000 family, which enables improved working frequency and memory share. In addition, the family supports DirectX 9.0c and Shader Model 3.0 to deliver better gaming experiences, with Clear Video technology allowing better movie clip quality, according to MSI.The motherboards also provide complete support for Windows Vista, according to MSI. The MS-7276 uses the ICH8DH for the south bridge and integrates all of the necessary functions for digital home and digital office technologies, including Intel PRO Gb LAN to get digital entertainment from the Internet and Intel Matrix Storage technology to quickly save and play various digital contents through RAID configurations, stated MSI.All the components of the MSI G965/Q965 series motherboards are Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant, according to the company.Specifications are available at MSI's website.The MSI MS-7276 motherboardPhoto: Company
Panasonic Mobile Communications recently announced that it has begun shipments of its FOMA P702iD mobile phones to NTT DoCoMo.Using the new "Hikari (Light) Drops" feature, in which LED lights faintly flicker on the surface of the handset, the user can enjoy smooth illumination changes in conjunction with sounds such as incoming calls or the pre-installed melodies and music, noted the company, adding that the brightness and color of the LED can be adjusted. The FOMA P702iD is available in two forms and four colors, stated Panasonic.The P702iD is compatible with DoCoMo's Chaku-Uta Full service, which enables the user to download full music tracks from i-mode sites. Up to 2GB of music content can be stored in the miniSD Card (sold separately), allowing the user to create their own music library. The P702iD provides enriched functions such as Push Talk Wakie-talkie communications and data security services and weighs approximately 109 grams, according to Panasonic. FOMA P702iD specifications Specification Detail Size (mm) 100×49×19.7 (when folded) Weight (g) ~109 Continuous talk time (min) ~140 Continuous standby time (hr) 500 Main display Size (inch) 2.2 Resolution 240×320 Number of color 262,144 Display technology TFT color LCD Sub display Size (inch) 0.8 Resolution 96×25 Display technology OLED Outer camera Technology CMOS Resolution ~1.3 megapixels Inner camera Technology CMOS Resolution ~100,000 pixels Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, August 2006The FOMA P702iDPhoto: Company
