Business News Holding

Tag: hardware-and-technology

  • Broadcom First to Ship True Single Chip Blu-ray Solution

    Broadcom today announced that it is the first silicon provider to ship a true single die Blu-ray Disc chip.

    According to the company, the BCM7630 offers an “unprecedented level of integration” combining optical front-end and back-end video decoding and display technologies in a single die solution.

    In addition it supports internet streaming applications including Netflix 2.0, Pandora Internet Radio, BD-Live, Vudu, CinemaNow movie services and others.

    Also announced today is the BCM7632, which supplements the capabilities of the BCM7630 by adding support for the playback of 3D Blu-ray movies. It also provides additional support for 3D Blu-ray Disc players in stereoscopic full 1080p resolution

    Broadcom says internet streaming over Wi-Fi is fast becoming a mainstream requirement. The BCM7630 and BCM7632 support Broadcom’s market-leading Wi-Fi and Bluetooth solutions providing manufacturers with a system solution that features integrated wireless support, as the company claims.

    The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth solutions can also be used for remote controls.

    "Blu-ray Disc players are poised for continued growth in the coming year, and our next generation Blu-ray solutions will help bring to market a new line of players for 2010 that meet consumer demand for connected applications such as Netflix 2.0, Pandora Internet Radio, Vudu and CinemaNow," said Dan Eiref, Vice President & General Manager of Broadcom.

  • Toshiba Launches Highest Density Embedded NAND Flash Memory Modules

    Toshiba announced the launch of a 64 GB embedded NAND flash memory module, the highest capacity yet achieved in the industry.

    The new device combines sixteen 32Gbit (equal to 4GB) NAND chips fabricated with Toshiba’s 32nm process technology, and also integrates a dedicated controller.

    The chip is the flagship device in a new line-up of six embedded NAND flash memory modules that offer full compliance with the latest e•MMC standard.

    Toshiba is the first company to succeed in combining sixteen 32Gbit NAND chips. The company has applied advanced chip thinning and layering technologies to realize individual chips that are only 30 micrometers thick.

    Full compliance with the JEDEC/MMCA Version 4.4(V4.4) standard for embedded MultiMediaCards supports standard interfacing and simplified embedding in products, reducing development burdens on product manufacturers.

    “Demand continues to grow for embedded memories with a controller function that minimizes development requirements and eases integration into system designs. Toshiba has established itself as an innovator in this key area. The company was first to announce a 32GB e•MMCT compliant device, and is now reinforcing its leadership by being first to market with a 64GB generation module,” says Toshiba.

    The company informed that samples of the 64GB module are available from today, and mass production will start in the first quarter of 2010.

  • LG Teams Up with SkyLife to Take the Lead in 3D TV

    LG announced a partnership with Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting – SkyLife, one of the biggest 3D content providers.

    SkyLife aims to be the top digital satellite 3D broadcaster in Korea. The company plans to invest USD 25 million in creating 3D content in collaboration with LG.

    LG says the partnership will focus on developing technology that helps produce 3D images that don’t cause eye strain or dizziness – an issue that has plagued previous technologies.

    The company plans to introduce a wide range of 3D TVs ranging in size from 42- to 72-inches next year, following the 47-inch LCD 3D TV (47LH503D) this year. They also plan to include 3D functionality in their flagship models for next year.

    According to LG, the new series features an ultra-slim bezel which is expected to maximize the 3D effect. LG’s 3D technology will also find its way into 150-inch projectors in the coming year.

    Both LG and SkyLife have agreed to invest in creating 3D content. Starting with 3D broadcast-ing for the FIS Snowboard World Cup, both will continuously produce or distribute 3D content from sport to educational programs and movies from overseas, as they claim.

    The trial is initially commencing in Korea but LG is aiming to build up a global 3D TV market that includes the US and Europe. The company has aggressive sales targets of 400,000 units in 2010 and 3.4 million units in 2011.

    LG says they will focus on extending the initiative in North America and Europe from 2010 and will launch 3D TVs in South and Central American and Asia from 2011. The market is expected to expand worldwide as the London 2012 Olympics are currently slated to be aired in 3D.

    3D TV market is expected to increase sharply as internal global surveys indicate that as many as 58 percent of consumers want to purchase 3D TVs. Up to 75 percent of consumers who have seen 3D images said that they’d like to watch them again.

    DisplaySearch predicts the volume of the 3D TV market to increase to USD 1.1 billion in 2010, USD 2.8 billion in 2011, USD 4.6 billion in 2012, and as much as USD 15.8 billion by 2015.

  • JVC Launches Dual Wireless and Super-Slim Soundbar Systems


    JVC     today introduced a pair of soundbar home theater systems. Among them is the world’s first dual wireless soundbar system that features a wireless subwoofer and wireless surround speakers.

    The other is highlighted by a “super-slim soundbar” and a thin, wall-mountable amplifier.

    JVC’s new dual wireless soundbar system is the TH-BA3, a 280-watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system that includes a sound bar, wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speaker kit comprised of wireless left and right surround speakers and a wireless receiver.

    The sound bar contains four speakers – one each for the left and right main channels and two for the center channel. Also built into the sound bar is the power amplifier, surround decoding, system controls and the transmitter for the wireless surround speakers.

    It offers one analog and two optical digital inputs and decodes Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby ProLogic II surround signals.

    JVC says the TH-BS7 system is designed to match the slimmest of flat panel HDTVs. It includes a sliver of a soundbar that measures 1.4 inches (36mm) tall, a wall-mountable amplifier/control unit and a wireless subwoofer.

    The design allows the 180-watt, 4.1-channel TH-BS7’s soundbar to boast a frequency range of 200 – 20,000 Hz that falls to 200 – 10,000 Hz at 360 degrees off-axis.

    The soundbar features four JVC Direct Drive speakers – left and right main channels and left and right surround channels – each driven by 20 watts. The two surround channels are processed using JVC’s Front Surround technology (a surround sound effect without the need for rear speakers).

    The system’s amplifier/control unit measures 1.2 inches deep and can be wall mounted. It decodes Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II, and offers one analog and three optical digital inputs. The system’s wireless subwoofer features a six-inch woofer powered by a 100-watt amplifier.

    The price is $549.95 for TH-BA3, and $599.95 for TH-BS7.

  • TeliaSonera Launches World's First LTE Network

    Today, as the first operator in the world, TeliaSonera launched 4G services commercially to customers in Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway.

    The two pioneering 4G city networks cover the central city areas and will be used for mobile data.

    The Stockholm 4G network is supplied by Ericsson and the Oslo’s by Huawei. The modems at launch come from Samsung.

    According to Kenneth Karlberg, President and Head of Mobility Services at TeliaSonera, the use of mobile broadband in the Nordic countries is exploding and customers need higher speeds and capacity.

    “This is why we launch 4G services in both Stockholm and Oslo. We are very proud to be the first operator in the world to offer our customers 4G services," he said.

    TeliaSonera has three nation wide 4G/LTE licenses; in Sweden, Norway and also recently in Finland. The network roll out is in progress to offer 4G to Sweden’s and Norway’s largest cities, as the company claims.

    The firm also informed that evaluation of suppliers for TeliaSonera’s common 4G core network and radio networks in the Nordic and Baltic countries is in progress and vendors will be selected in the beginning of 2010.

    4G is the fastest mobile technology available on the market, with speeds up to ten times higher than today’s turbo 3G.

  • VeriFone Announces iPhone Secure Payments Solution

    VeriFone announced PAYware Mobile, a payment solution for the iPhone that brings card processing capabilities to small businesses.

    According to the company, PAYware puts “mainstream payment processing capabilities” in the hands of small business merchants who need a mobile card acceptance solution for enterprises such as home repair, small cafes, door-to-door sales, or virtually any other type of business.

    The solution includes a PA-DSS approved payment app and a card reader that slips over the iPhone to accommodate card swipes and allow merchants to avoid “card-not-present” fees.

    The card reader utilizes a secure magnetic stripe read-head and firmware certified to the Federal Information Processing Standard FIPS 140-2. Card details are immediately encrypted during the card swipe process, meaning no sensitive data ever reaches the payment app, eliminating the possibility of compromise either on the iPhone or when information is transmitted over WiFi or cellular wireless.

    Transactions initiated by PAYware Mobile will be managed through VeriFone’s PAYware Mobile secure gateway and routed to one of many credit card processors for authorization and settlement.

    VeriFone assures that the combined hardware and software provides “the strongest card payment security available for the iPhone”, including the company’s VeriShield Protect encryption solution as a standard feature.

    The solution will be available through existing bank acquirer and ISO channels, as well as direct from VeriFone. The company says they also expect to eventually make PAYware Mobile available wherever mobile phone accessories are sold. Customers who sign up directly with VeriFone without existing merchant accounts will be directed to a “variety of payment processor options”.

    The hardware and software solution will begin shipping January 15 and is available free to those who sign up for a PAYware Mobile secure gateway service agreement.

  • Seagate Introduces Its First Enterprise SSD: Pulsar

    Seagate introduced the Seagate Pulsar drive, the first product in its new enterprise SSD family.

    Designed for enterprise blade and general server applications, the Pulsar uses SLC (single-level cell) technology, delivers up to 200GB capacity, and is built in a 2.5-inch form factor with a SATA interface. It leverages non-volatile flash memory rather than spinning magnetic media to store data.

    According to Seagate, its new SSD achieves a peak performance of up to 30,000 read IOPS and 25,000 write IOPS, 240MB/s sequential read and 200 MB/s sequential write.

    “Its SLC-based design optimizes reliability and endurance and helps provide a .44% AFR rating with a 5-year limited warranty. As an additional safeguard, the Pulsar drive leverages Seagate’s enterprise storage expertise to protect against data loss in the event of power failure,” the company says.

    The drives are available in 50GB, 100GB and 200GB capacities.

    “Our strategy is to provide our customers with the exact storage device they need for any application, regardless of the component technology used. We are delivering on that strategy with the Pulsar drive, and you can expect additional products in the future from Seagate using a variety of solid state and rotating media components,” said Dave Mosley, Seagate executive vice president.

    Joseph Unsworth, research director at Gartner said, “The enterprise SSD market is now primed and well-positioned for growth from both a revenue and unit perspective, with Gartner estimating unit growth to double and sales to reach $1 billion for calendar year 2010.”

    “Superior enterprise SSDs provide transformational capabilities when optimized in storage and server environments,” he added.

  • Boxee and D-Link Unveil The Boxee Box

    At the Boxee Beta Unveiling event in Brooklyn, Boxee revealed that D-Link has been named first choice as the hardware partner to release a Boxee Box – Boxee branded set-top box.

    The device brings HDMI-support, WiFi, Ethernet, an SD card slot and two USB 2.0 ports. It also comes with optical audio, RCA audio and RF remote and plays any non-DRM media.

    According to the companies, the Boxee Box, which has already won a Best of Innovations award from the Computer Electronics Association, “reinterprets what TV should be, delivering all the movies, TV shows, music and photos from a user’s computer, home network and Internet to their HDTV with no PC needed.”

    The full product will be shown at CES 2010 and it is supposed to hit the store shelves in Q2 2010 for about $200.

    Boxee social media center, and its free, open source downloadable enables to stream content from websites like Netflix, MLB.TV, Comedy Central, Pandora, Last.fm, and flickr.

    Boxee is in public Alpha for Mac, Linux, and Windows. This Monday the company launched the Beta and plans to open it up to the public on Jan 7th (also at CES).

    The company say its eventual goal is to let users integrate Boxee into their existing devices (TVs, game consoles, STB, and DVD/Blu-Ray players) where possible or to buy a Boxee Box if their existing hardware can’t run it.

    After launching in June of 2008, boxee has nearly 700,000 Alpha testers. In addition, dozens of content providers have built applications for their content on Boxee and a 3rd party developer made boxee available for the Apple TV.

    In 2009, the company hopes to reach 1 million users across computers, AppleTVs, and other devices that can be connected to a television.

  • Symantec Enhances Veritas Storage Foundation

    Symantec announced enhancements to Veritas Storage Foundation, Veritas Cluster File System and Veritas Cluster Server, the heterogeneous storage management and high availability solutions for UNIX, Linux and Windows environments.

    According to the company, this release enables organizations to capitalize on new storage technology, such as solid state drives and thin provisioning, “while continuing to reduce costs and complexity through improved performance and scalability.”

    Additionally, near instantaneous recovery of applications is now possible with Veritas Cluster File System through tight integration with Oracle, Sybase and IBM DB2 –allowing for “fast failover of structured information and near linear scalability.”

    “With this launch, Symantec is providing customers with the ability to effectively utilize the latest storage innovations—from SSDs to thin provisioned hardware and even virtual environments including Hyper-V—while also providing capabilities needed to optimize any storage or server platform,” said Josh Kahn, vice president of Product Management, Storage and Availability Management Group, Symantec.

    Storage Foundation automatically optimizes heterogeneous storage environments, including those that contain both SSDs and traditional disk storage. Symantec claims Storage Foundation is the only storage management solution that can automatically discover SSD devices from leading array and server vendors and optimize data placement on SSD devices transparently.

    The firm also claims its Veristas File System is the only cross platform, thin-friendly file system in the industry. It enables improved storage utilization by integrating with the thin provisioning ecosystem.

    Announced last year, the Veritas Thin Reclamation API enables automated space reclamation for thin provisioning storage arrays and is now fully supported by Symantec partners IBM, 3PAR and Hitachi Data Systems.

    Storage Foundation’s SmartMove technology together with Veritas Volume Replicator makes it easy for enterprises to migrate from thick to thin storage over any distance, as Symantec claims.

    Only the storage that is being used by the application is moved, making data and array migrations fast and efficient even across wide areas.

    With this release, Symantec also adds enhancements to Cluster File System and Cluster Server, providing improved availability of Oracle environments.

    “In contrast to traditional failover approaches, which require both application and storage to move to an alternate server, Cluster File System and Cluster Server provide concurrent access to information and require only the application to be moved,” said Kahn.

    As a result, organizations can now failover applications running single-instance Oracle or single-instance IBM DB2 “in seconds.”

  • Skype For SIP Now Available in Beta

    Skype announced that it is opening up the Skype for SIP beta program. It allows businesses to utilize Skype for SIP with their existing SIP-based PBX or Unified Communications systems.

    Skype for SIP beta enables businesses to receive and manage inbound calls from Skype users worldwide on SIP-enabled PBXs by either connecting the company Web site to the PBX via Skype click-to-call buttons or purchasing online Skype numbers.

    It also lets companies manage Skype calls using existing PBX or UC system features, such as call routing, conferencing, phone menus and voicemail (without additional downloads).

    Skype Business Control Panel, a Web-based tool, allows a company to control its Skype usage from a single point and enables centralized billing, allocation of Skype Credit, subscriptions and online numbers to users. It also gives companies the ability to manage internal employee accounts.

    Companies using Skype for SIP must purchase a monthly channel subscription from Skype based on the number of concurrent calls being made or received. Each channel allows for one inbound or one outbound call at any given time.

    Incoming Skype calls to the SIP-enabled PBX or UC system are free of charge to the Skype user. Calls to landlines and mobiles made using Skype for SIP are billed at Skype’s standard per-minute calling rates.

    The company informed that they have created special introductory price for the monthly channel subscription of $6.95 per channel.