13 May 2008
Toshiba to use Cell processing in a new TV
Toshiba are to use Cell processing in a television expected to be released in 2009.
The Cell processor is the powerful CPU used in the PS3, co-developed by Toshiba, Sony, and IBM in 2005.
While few details are available, Toshiba says the Cell CPU will enable high-quality upscaling of standard-def content, playing and recording multiple TV programs at once, and HD decoding.
Amazon Unbox to upgrade service to include HD content
TiVo users are to get access to HD content from Amazon.com’s Unbox service, which currently only allows users to rent and buy SD movies.
The move will bring TiVo’s offerings into line with competitors such as Vudu and Apple TV, which already offer HD downloads.
Jim Denny, TiVo’s VP of product marketing, said the service would come into effect “in the not too distant future”.
13 May 2008
Sharp launches new line of professional LCD HD monitors
Sharp has broadened its line of professional LCD monitors with the announcement of its latest HD resolution display.
The new TL Professional LCD Monitor line, a full 1920 x 1080 two-megapixel HD resolution, joins the high-end PN Monitor series.
Sony says the new offering provides an affordable complement for display and presentation opportunities requiring accurate and precise image reproduction.
The TL series, including the 52-inch class (52.03” diagonal) TL-M5200 and the 46-inch class (45.9” diagonal) TL-M4600, offers high image quality, features and performance.
Sony says they are ideal for use in a wide range of settings including teleconferencing, CAD/simulation, digital signage, corporate, educational, training, hospitality, sports arenas, entertainment and house-of-worship.
Dan Wynne, senior director of marketing, Professional Display Division, Sharp Information and Imaging Company of America, said: “The large-format display market continues to evolve, with increased needs for advanced functionality and connectivity in a reasonably priced package.
“With the addition of this affordable monitor series, Sharp will reach a broader audience while offering superior image quality and improved compatibility, for reliability in a wider range of commercial applications.”
The TL series features a new thin, lightweight cabinet design for easy installation as well as RJ-45 LAN Control for increased network connectivity.
To ensure reliable operation and backlight life, Sharp has optimized the internal cooling with a unique fanless design and backlight system.
User-generated video (UGV) is growing faster than expected fuelled by significant expansion in the Chinese market, according to a study by high-tech market research firm In-Stat.
The spiralling growth rates have led to forecasts for UGV use and revenue shifting upwards since last year.
Researchers at In-Stat found that total worldwide UGV revenue is expected to eclipse US$1.19 billion by 2012, with an estimated 160 billion UGV served videos forecast for 2012.
And with expectations of higher quality content, such as HD video, and increasing file size maximums, the demands on bandwidth are expected to continue growing at a faster rate than the number of files/videos served.
Michael Inouye, In-Stat analyst, said: “User-generated video (UGV) and the video sharing sites that exemplify this form of content have spread across the globe.
“China is a prime example of UGV’s global reach and appeal, capturing a significant portion of the world market, making it second only to the US.
“In general, viewing of online video has increased in the US in the past year, although participation is still stratified by age.”
The study, “User-Generated Video, A Global Stage for you”, also predicts that individuals who use mobile phones to participate in online video sites are most likely to contribute to the market (both financially and in terms of content).