Accton Technology on October 4 announced the availability of its first certified Wi-Fi phone for Skype, the Accton VM1185T, to its OEM/ODM customers. The VM1185T Wi-Fi phone for Skype has been officially certified by Skype's engineering and certification center. The Skype certification is designed to reassure users that the product will be easy to use and will work well with Skype software, according to Accton. Skype Certified hardware products undergo rigorous testing for more than a month to ensure that they meet Skype's high usability and technical quality standards.Ken Lu, president of Accton Technology, said, "We are very pleased to announce that Accton Wi-Fi phone for Skype passed the comprehensive certification of Skype approval. This Wi-Fi Phone for Skype enables Accton to best meet the needs of wireless networks, with superior capacity and performance." The Accton Wi-Fi Phone for Skype provides innovative technology, which requires comprehensive integration of data, voice, power management and IP networking. The Skype design validation and testing process lasted four months. The Accton Wi-Fi phone is one of the first Wi-Fi mobile products for Skype that offers the flexibility to enjoy the benefits of Skype calling without turning on the computer. The Accton Wi-Fi phone for Skype comes with Skype included, enabling OEMs and ODMs to provide consumers with an easy connection to Skype via any personal, business or free public Wi-Fi access point that does not require browser authentication. Also, consumers can easily set up the phone with an automatic synchronization to a Skype account and Skype contacts. The device also supports common Wi-Fi encryption protocols including, WEP, WPA, and WPA2 with PSK support. Accton's Skype-certified Wi-Fi Phone is now available for its OEM/ODM customers, according to the company.Accton's VM1185T Wi-Fi Skype phonePhoto: Company
Taiwan-based Tul, which specializes in ATI-based graphic cards, on October 3 announced that its PowerColor X1650 PRO has been selected by the World Cyber Games (WCG) to be the official graphics card for the finals from October 18-22. Top gamers from 70 countries will be at the Autodromo Nazionale of Monza, in Italy, to compete for titles in FIFA Soccer 06. Gaming systems throughout the tournament will be equipped with the PowerColor X1650 PRO, according to the company.PowerColor X1650 PRO supports a core speed of 600MHz and is running 1400MHz of 256MB 128-bit DDR3 memory. The card enables HDR (High Dynamic Range) effects with anti-aliasing and features DirectX 9.0c, Open GL 2.0 and Shader Model 3.0.Tul PowerColor X1650 PROSource: Company
Toshiba on October 2 unveiled a slim HD DVD drive for notebooks, the SD-L902A, that can read and write to HD DVD, standard DVD and CD discs with sample shipments of the new drive scheduled to start by year-end.The SD-L902A integrates a blue-violet laser diode that can read and write to HD DVD-R discs and offers support for high-density HD DVD-ROM discs, including high definition (HD) movie and video images. The drive also offers the functionality of a super multi-drive, with high performance, high-speed read and write to all types of standard DVD and CD discs, according to the company.At only 12.7 millimeters in height, the SD-L902A meets the stringent space specifications for slim drives integrated into highly portable notebooks. This is due in part to HD DVD discs having the physical structure as standard DVD, allowing use of an optical pick-up head (PUH) with only a single objective lens. The result is a space-saving solution, and a drive able to read and write to HD DVD-R discs, to read HD DVD-ROM discs, and to read and write to standard DVD and CD discs.HD digital media are fast moving into the mainstream. Digital broadcasting is replacing analog, and consumers are increasingly buying large-size HDTVs. More and more people are also using digital video and want a platform for editing and working on their material. This trend is also spurring demand for PCs with HD optical drive capabilities, a demand that Toshiba meets with the SD-L902A.Toshiba will demonstrate the new drive at CEATEC JAPAN 2006 at Makuhari Messe from October 3-7. Look for the drive at the Toshiba booth (1A09) and the HD DVD Promotion Group booth (1A06).Toshiba's SD-L902A slim HD DVD drive for notebooksPhoto: Company
Optoma recently introduced four new DLP (digital light processing) business-use front projectors in the Taiwan market with three of the new models featuring XGA resolution (1,024×768), according to the company. Optoma cited figures from International Data Corporation (IDC) in saying that the company ranked second with a 16.4% market share in the Taiwan projector market in the second quarter of this year. Specifications of Optoma's latest DLP projectors Model number EP706 EP709 EP7150 EP719H Resolution 800×600 1024×768 1024×768 1024×768 Contrast ratio 2,000:1 2,200:1 2,500:1 2,500:1 Brightness (lumens) 1,800 1,800 2,000 2,500 Pricing (NT$) 19,999 29,999 39,999 44,000 Source: Company, compiled by DigiTimes, September 2006. Taiwan market: Top six projector vendor market share, 2Q06 Vendors Market share Epson 20.1% Optoma 16.4% BenQ 12.6% Panasonic 9.6% ViewSonic 8.6% Others 32.8% Source: Optoma citing data from IDC, compiled by DigiTimes, September 2006.The Optoma EP7150.Photo: CompanyThe Optoma EP709.Photo: Company
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
