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  • Sohu Selects 3Com's H3C For Next-Generation Data Center


    3Com is to build a next-generation data center for Sohu, one of China’s premiere online community destinations.

    Sohu made its decision after a two-month field test of 3Com’s recently launched H3C data center solutions — including the S12500 Series core switch line and the S5800 Series 10-gigabit switch series.

    Sun Dehe, vice president of the H3C network product line, said Sohu was impressed with the performance levels and reliability the data center network products’ unified architecture delivered.

    He said the first third-generation interactive Chinese search engine launched by Sohu requires:

    • a data center platform that can support storage of 10 billion Web pages
    • a Web page update and rating system
    • high-performance, concurrent access to and from numerous server clusters
    • flexible expansion in years ahead

    Dehe said that since a traditional data center architecture could not meet these requirements, Sohu decided to utilize the H3C next-generation data center architecture for its new Internet data center (IDC) equipment room.

    "H3C had a long-term plan in mind when it began developing its next-generation data center solutions for enterprise customers," he said.

    "For example, our unified switching architecture enables users to more easily design future-oriented applications – a characteristic required of Sohu’s data center.

    "We believe more customers will adopt H3C next-generation data center solutions to take advantage of this and other technological breakthroughs to maximize the efficiency and performance of their data centers."

  • D2 Technologies Showcases its mCUE Converged Communications Client with Embedded VoIP for Android


    D2 Technologies has demonstrated its mCUE converged communications client for Android-based devices at an event designed to promote the adoption of Google’s Android operating system beyond mobile phones.

    During this demonstration, the embedded IP communications software platform specialist showed OEMs and ODMs how embedded software products such as mCUE can enable VoIP, video chat and other IP communications capabilities in stationary Android-based embedded equipment and consumer electronics devices.

    The company showed how, with mCUE, these devices can offer premium multi-service unified communications capabilities and deliver simultaneous interoperability with any communication service provider, Instant Messaging (IM) community or social networking platform.

    The client enables all popular communication modes to be converged to a single communications user interface (UI), including circuit switched voice (PSTN or cellular), VoIP, Instant Messaging (IM), SMS and video chat.

    mCUE includes D2 Technologies’ carrier-class vPort MP VoIP platform that is completely integrated into the Android framework, Linux kernel and hardware platform BSP.

    The free event in Tokyo, Japan, was sponsored by the Open Embedded Software Foundation (OESF).

    Doug Makishima, vice president of marketing and sales at D2 Technologies, said the OESF’s goal of ‘Android Anywhere’ will facilitate the expansion of the Android platform beyond mobile phone applications to many different embedded applications and consumer electronics devices.

    He said as an embedded VoIP technology specialist, D2 is working closely with OESF members such as MIPS Technologies and RMI.

    The aim is to develop and promote the adoption of IP communications and VoIP technology extensions to the Android framework for digital consumer devices.

    "These include mobile internet devices (MIDs), DTVs, digital picture frames (DPFs), portable and home media players, and set-top boxes," he said.

    Developed by the Open Handset Alliance, the Android platform is a Linux-based software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key applications.

    D2 Technologies was the first to demo a complete communications interface, mCUE, on the HTC G1, the first commercial smartphone to market running on the Android mobile operating system.

    Formed in March 2009, the 25-member OESF is focused on expanding market reach for the Android platform.

    Founded by ARM, KDDI, Japan Cable Laboratories, Alpine Electronics and Fujitsu Software, the organization works with member companies on sharing technical information, co-development and co-marketing initiatives.

    The OESF and its member companies are working on standards and development of Android for embedded equipment such as consumer electronics and in-car navigation systems other than mobile phones.

  • VOXOFON Launches Mobile VoIP for Palm Pre


    VOXOFON has expanded the availability of its low-cost international calling services by offering a mobile VoIP application for the Palm WebOS platform.

    The application is aimed at the Palm Pre smartphone. VOXOFON plans to make the new application available on the Palm App Catalog later this year.

    After installation the callers can simply click on the VOXOFON icon on the phone screen to place a low-cost international call.

    The application works anywhere the phone has coverage and does not require a Wi-Fi connection. In addition, there are no monthly fees or contracts.

    Beginning at 1.3 cents per minute, with no additional fees, VOXOFON international calling services allow customers to call using their smart phone, computer, land line, or a cell phone.

    VOXOFON has been a leader in providing convenient mobile applications for its VoIP service, beginning with a web application for iPhone that was introduced in the summer of last year.

    In September 2008, VOXOFON was the first to announce an application for the Android platform – one that offered transparent cost optimization for international calls.

    The company followed with an identical application for BlackBerry smartphones in January of this year.

  • Mindspeed Extends Access VoIP Processor Family


    Mindspeed Technologies has announced the addition of two new devices to its Comcerto 300 Series of highly-integrated VoIP processors.

    The supplier of semiconductor solutions for network infrastructure applications said the new devices provide a performance/cost ratio targeted at eight and 16 port fiber-based access (FTTx) equipment.

    Kurt Michel, VoIP marketing director of Mindspeed’s multiservice access business unit, said that since the launch of the Comcerto 300 Series in January 2008, the devices have been selected by more than two dozen customers for over three dozen designs, across all major regional markets.

    A majority of these designs are within Tier 1 carrier FTTx equipment.

    "These new devices extend and complement a product family that has already experienced tremendous market acceptance with FTTx access equipment manufacturers worldwide since its launch 18 months ago," he said.

    According to Dell’Oro Group, access VoIP port shipments will grow at a 51 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR), from 11 million ports in 2008 to 85 million ports in 2013.

    It is expected that ninety per cent of the access ports in 2013 will be in multi-dwelling units (MDUs), Internet protocol digital subscriber line access multiplexer (IPDSLAMs) and multiservice access nodes (MSANs) for FTTx, a segment specifically targeted by the Comcerto 300.

    With carrier-grade Comcerto 300-based FTTx equipment deployments now in process, Michel said its customers can expect to gain a time-to-market advantage from the Comcerto 300 product offering, which includes both devices and production-tested VoIP processing software.

    He said Mindspeed’s total system solution removes much of the system complexity and risk, which often plagues new equipment development.

    The two new devices bring the benefits of the Comcerto 300 family to lower-performance/lower-density applications at a lower cost, while retaining software, application programming interface (API), and footprint compatibility with the rest of the Comcerto 300 family.

    The M82351 targets eight ports of complex VoIP, while the M82352 targets 16 ports, further improving the industry’s most scalable VoIP solution.

    Michel said the company is very pleased to have a product family that clearly addresses the critical needs of the FTTx equipment market, at a time when that market is experiencing rapid growth.

    "We also look forward to providing our Comcerto 300 customers a continually evolving set of advanced capabilities and features that the platform was designed to support – including high-speed fax relay and wideband (high definition) voice," he said.

    "We believe that these features will ensure that Mindspeed customers stay on the leading edge of next-generation network (NGN) evolution."

    Comcerto 300 Series access processors integrate a complete media access gateway in a single device by combining signaling and control processing, packet processing and a rich set of interfaces and features.

    Michel said that by enabling VoIP on a line card, the Comcerto 300 Series reduces system complexity and leverages the Ethernet-based access equipment architectures that already support xDSL termination line cards.

    He said the family is also well suited for Enterprise IP-PBX applications.

    The Comcerto 300 Series M82351 and M82352 devices are now available in two packaging options (RoHS/standard) for production volumes.

  • IPsmarx Partners with DIDX to Extend DIDs Reach


    IPsmarx Technology and DIDX have agreed a partnership with the aim of allowing VoIP service providers to extend their global reach.

    The VoIP solutions provider delivers Softswitch and Calling Card Solutions to operators in 63 different countries.

    Ludymar Reveron, sales manager with IPsmarx, said that by partnering with DIDX, their clients will now have the opportunity to take advantage of DIDs from all over the globe.

    They will also be able to integrate the DIDX API to their website.

    The agreement also means service providers can have automated DID ordering through the DIDX API.

    "By partnering with DIDX and offering integration with their API, our clients will have the advantage of expanding their client base globally and automating their sign up process, which will ultimately help them cut costs while expanding their markets," he said.

    Suzanne Bowen, vice president of Super Technologies and DIDX said the combination of DIDX API for local international phone numbers and IPsmarx solutions gives entrepreneurs, carriers, calling card businesses, and ISPs a global presence in 60+ countries and affordable quality CRM and billing.

  • LG Integrates Broadcom Bluetooth Technology, Enables HDTVs to Connect with Mobiles and Headsets


    LG Electronics has integrated Broadcom’s advanced Bluetooth technology into a new line of digital televisions (DTVs) that are now shipping.

    Having Bluetooth connectivity in its LH70 TV line of digital televisions allows the sets to connect with a wide range of Bluetooth devices, such as wireless stereo headphones and cell phones.

    With the latter, future applications include functioning as a TV remote control or a QWERTY keyboard input device for TV-based widgets and electronics commerce applications.

    The Bluetooth technology also allows the new LGE TVs to act as a wireless docking station for MP3-enabled cell phones and portable media players (PMPs).
    This enables music and other audio to play over TV speaker systems.

    It also allows ‘picture push’ capabilities that enable users to wirelessly move digital photos and other graphic files from Bluetooth-enabled camera phones to the LGE TV for viewing and sharing.

    Fernanda Summa, TV product manager at LG Electronics, said consumers are continuing to discover that Bluetooth is much more than just a wireless headset. She said the technology is rapidly gaining adoption in digital televisions.

    "Broadcom Bluetooth technology provides the right combination of features and performance for embedded and consumer electronics applications, delivering advanced multimedia capabilities and low power consumption driven by Broadcom’s expertise in mobile handsets," he said.

    Broadcom estimates that the total available market (TAM) for embedded Bluetooth solutions will be more than 938 million units by 2012.

    Craig Ochikubo, vice president & general manager of Broadcom’s wireless personal area networking line of business, said the increasing adoption of Broadcom Bluetooth technology into digital televisions and other consumer electronics devices is driving an emerging connectivity ecosystem.

    He said it allows existing products with Bluetooth connectivity like cell phones and wireless headsets to play new roles.

    "Broadcom is helping to drive this trend and we look forward to our continued collaboration with LGE to transform consumer interaction with these devices," he said.

  • US Blu-ray and HDTV Households Growing


    Blu-ray Disc player household penetration is up to 12.3 million in the US for the first quarter of 2009, a 71 per cent gain year over year, according to a survey.

    Research firm Centris also found that the number of American households with an HDTV is up to 50.5 million – a gain of 33 per cent from the first quarter of 2008.

    Both satellite and cable industries appear to have matured, however, with satellite subscribers up only slightly to 32 million and cable subscribers mostly unchanged at just less than 63 million.

    Centris’ US Communications and Entertainment report also notes large year over year gains in household penetration for all three next generation gaming systems: 15.2 million for the Nintendo Wii (up 85%), 11.4 million for Xbox 360 (up 28%) and 7 million for PlayStation 3 (up 52%).

    Centris president William Beaumont said that as with its previous research findings, there are several key observable trends as technology developments, marketing programs and the economy take their toll on the industries in which our clients compete.

    "In some areas, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in consumer use of home technology, which flies in the face of what one might expect in this economic landscape," he said.

  • Atlona Releases Swiveled HDMI and DVI Cables


    Atlona has released a new range of HDMI and DVI to HDMI cables that feature a swivel connector end which allows them to bend at 90 degrees in either direction.

    This connector design enables users to nearly flush mount their HDTVs – avoiding the problems posed when connecting standard HDMI cables to rear-facing HDMI ports.

    The Atlona line of HDMI 1.3b cables cut the distance needed for the HDMI connector ends by more than 50 per cent, extending just over 1 inch from an HDMI port.

    Michael Khain, head of Atlona’s product development department, said: "This is another product designed to solve a specific problem that a affects a lot of HDTV owners."

    Khain said the new swivel connector cables are being targeted at every market – from professional to residential AV.

    The HDMI and DVI cables include models AT14035-X (HDMI) and AT14022-X (DVI to HDMI). They are available now starting at USD $34.99 MSRP.

  • Onkyo Launches Home Theater Packages for Blu-ray and HD Video Systems


    Onkyo has introduced two new 7.1-channel home theater systems that it claims deliver leading edge AV processing and surround sound reproduction for HDTV and Blu-ray.

    The HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 each feature powerful AV receivers with 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, 130 watt-per-channel amplification, processing for every major audio format on the market.

    This includes the option of incorporating front height-channel reproduction with Dolby’s newly introduced ProLogic IIz processing.

    Each package also includes a high performance 7.1-channel speaker system with a powerful active subwoofer, and Onkyo’s exclusive U-Port single-cable iPod dock and charging system.

    The Onkyo HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 are now available at suggested retail prices of USD $899 and $699 each, respectively.

    Onkyo has also introduced a new BD-Live interactive Blu-ray Disc Player, model DV-BD507.

    The player delivers high definition 1080p video playback and high resolution multichannel audio over a HDMI 1.3a.

    The Onkyo DV-BD507 is currently available at a suggested retail price of USD $449.

  • Sky Picks Pace STB to Roll-out HD Content in Germany and Austria


    PayTV operator Sky has selected Pace’s HD technology for its set-top box deployments in Germany and Austria, which will begin rolling out in August.

    Pace has been a set-top box technology partner of Sky, formerly Premiere, for a number of years.

    The new DS830 STB gives Sky the full flexibility to roll-out HD services with support for both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4.

    Richard Slee, president of Pace, said the DS830 is a classic example of Pace’s ability to design best in class set-top boxes.

    "As it is rolled out, this box is set to become an important part of Sky’s payTV offering and will be the launch-pad for a universe of HD content," he said.

    "We look forward to the success of this product in the market and to the positive effects that its introduction will have on payTV market across German-speaking Europe."

    At the front-end, the fully DVB compliant DS830NP includes one DVB-S2 tuner and one demodulator.

    It incorporates NDS conditional access and Fusion middleware and has an external power supply unit to reduce box size.

    It also meets the criteria outlined in Pace’s own low environmental impact (LEI) initiative.

    Pace recently won the contract to provide an HD-capable set-top box to Latin America’s largest multi-service cable provider – Brazil’s cable operator NET Serviços de Comunicação.

    And in a separate announcement earlier this week, Pace revealed its interim results for the half year ended 30 June 2009, which showed revenue for the period increased to GBP £526.5m, up from £231.1m in the same period last year.

    Demand for Pace’s products drove strong volume growth to 8.5m units, compared to 2.8m units for the same period last year.