Business News Holding

Tag: hardware-and-technology

  • Zoran's New Processors Spell Thinner HDTVs


    HDTVs may seem wafer thin already but don’t expect the drive for even slimmer models to stop anytime soon.

    The Zoran Corporation has just announced a pair of new HDTV processors that should help set manufacturers shave a tad more off their future sets.

    Its new SupraHD processors eliminate multiple components from the DTV system design by integrating the TV microcontroller, 8VSB demodulator, audio codec, audio multiplexer, analog video multiplexer and a stack of other functions, including advanced audio processing and color management capabilities, into the single-chip solution.

    If that wasn’t enough, Zoran said its high integration enables a more energy-efficient design, which allows DTV manufacturers to meet the federal Energy Star requirements.

    Jun Kawaguchi, director of the HDTV product line in Zoran’s Home Entertainment division, said the continued integration of DTV functionality into one SoC had many advantages for both TV manufacturers and end users.

    As well as reduced costs and power consumption, he told hdtv.biz-news.com that another benefit of the new SupraHD-785 and SupraHD-775 processors was that they enabled improvements to set design.

    "Lower power, smaller PC boards allow design flexibility that permit thinner, smaller and lighter TVs," he said.

    Kawaguchi said that by integrating multiple components into one chip, the PCB dimension can be reduced and production costs minimized.

    He said reduced costs to manufacturers usually meant lower costs to consumers as well.

    Other factors included improved engineering cost and schedule, which meant TV manufacturers had less engineering development burden, as multiple functionalities can be addressed by one product.

    This reduces the engineering workload for manufacturer, and also accelerates engineering schedules, according to Kawaguchi.

    The SupraHD® 775 and SupraHD® 785 processors integrated functions include the following:

    • TV Microcontroller and unified memory design
    • Market-proven Cascade® ATSC / NTSC / QAM demodulator
    • Audio analog-to-digital converter with 6 stereo pair inputs
    • Audio digital-to-analog converter
    • Three HDMI v.1.3 inputs
    • Advanced audio processing including virtual surround sound and audio expansion capabilities
    • Advanced color management
    • Two 1080P YPbPr analog video inputs
    • WUXGA PC analog video input
    • Three S-video inputs and four composite video inputs with 3D comb filter
    • Integrated dual channel LVDS transmitters with xvYCC Wide Color Gamut support
    • Content adaptive 1080i deinterlacer for interlaced analog video inputs
    • Six stereo pair analog audio inputs
    • Two stereo pair analog audio outputs
    • Picture-in-Picture function
    • USB 2.0 input
    • MPEG noise reduction provides block-free reception of digital transmission

  • Firmware Update May Limit Blackberry Storms


    A security issue could lead to shortages of Verizon’s Blackberry Storm on its US launch day today.

    The last minute hitch has forced both maker RIM and exclusive operator Verizon to update the firmware and reduce supplies of phones, according to a report on BGR.

    It says that one Verizon store due to receive 100 units is now to get only 40.

    While supplies are expected to be distributed nationwide, there will be less of them and shortages are expected in some areas.

    Third-party retailers, such as Best Buy, are now being given second priority and could have their in-store dates pushed back to reduce shortage problems at carrier stores.

    The hitch is hardly the start RIM would have wanted for its first touchscreen Blackberry – and now main rival contender to Apple’s iPhone.

    Apple racked up a million sales if its 3G handset worldwide in its first weekend alone.

    Aside from supply difficulties, advance reviews of the Storm have generally been very favorable.

    Aspects where the handset has advantages over the iPhone include features such cut-and-paste text, a "clickable" capacitive touchscreen, full turn-by-turn GPS navigation and removables such as the battery and microSDHC memory cards.

    The lack of WiFi is seen as a big disadvantage, as is the dearth of apps available compared to what is offered by Apple’s App Store.

    With both smartphones priced similarly – around USD $200 and USD $70 per month for service – price isn’t going to be a determining factor.

    If you’re heading out today to get your hands on a Bold, please let us know of any shortages you come across.

  • DeFi To Offer Global VoIP For iPhone


    DeFi Mobile is to make its Global Access VoIP service available to iPhone owners – possibly by the new year.

    Users will have access to unlimited global calling, roaming, and long distance for a monthly subscription fee.

    While calls will require a WiFi connection, DeFi says it has struck global partnerships that ensure an extensive network of private and commercial connections.

    The service will also offer voice-to-email, caller-ID, call-forwarding, call-hold, and call-transfer.

    Customers will be given a choice of countries from which their DeFi contact number will originate from.

    With packages starting from USD $40 per month there will also be the option to add three contact numbers from different countries for USD $10.

    DeFi claims its Global Access is superior to standard mobile VoIP solutions in several significant ways.

    Among them is the fact that calls are routed over its managed network, which is says delivers superior call quality by eliminating the “jitter” and dropped calls synonymous with other VoIP operators.

  • Sagem Embeds GPS Receiver into SIM Cards


    Smartcard vendor, Sagem Orga has formed a partnership with BlueSky Positioning to integrate its A-GPS positioning technology onto conventional SIM cards.

    A GPS receiver and proprietary antenna are integrated into the SIM card, which the companies say then enables mobile operators to deploy applications without the need for software or hardware changes.

    The A-GPS provides accurate positioning information for the phone to emergency services in case of an emergency call as required by E112 and E911 legislation in the EU and the US respectively.

    It can also support generic location-based services such as navigation, "find a place or person" services, location-aware games, and many more.

    Navigations solutions are increasingly availabile on smartphones and mobile phones.

    Sagem Orga and BlueSky Positioning say the two broad technical approaches that can deliver the accuracy required for these services demand either significant investment in networks by the mobile operator or the purchase of new handsets by the end user.

    In a statement, they said the A-GPS SIM would allow mobile operators to significantly increase the cost effectiveness of their services and size of their marketing target when launching new LBS.

    François Blanchard, global account marketing manager at Sagem Orga, said the technology would help the mobile industry overcome the "key stumbling block" to the success of location-based services – affordable, accurate positioning technology.

    "The SIM is entering a new era where it can now be considered as a real service platform and a valuable device; the A-GPS enabled SIM card will reshape the way SIM card are perceived by MNOs and end-users," he said.

  • Internal Cloud Computing Option Avoids Outsourcing Concerns


    Data center software provider, Cassatt Corporation, has announced new service and technology offerings to help companies safely realize "internal cloud computing".

    Bill Coleman, chairman and CEO of Cassatt Corp, said this was an IT approach that delivers the benefits of cloud computing using the resources that organizations already have inside their data centers.

    He said cloud computing offers great promise by having third parties deliver the computing resources needed to run applications as an on-demand service, with a lot of the IT infrastructure invisible to the user.

    "However, at this point most IT professionals are not comfortable outsourcing Relevant Products/Services the mission-critical parts of their sensitive internal applications to an external cloud provider," he said.

    "They are concerned about availability, vendor lock-in, not having the control they need, and having to rebuild these applications from scratch with proprietary tools running on provider-specific platforms."

    To directly address these problems, the updated Cassatt offerings help customers implement cloud-style computing environments using their existing systems, inside the firewalls of their data centers without having to modify their current hardware or software.

    Coleman said the resulting "internal cloud" can provide the same operational efficiency, fault tolerance, and energy Relevant Products/Services savings promised by external clouds, but without the worries over security Relevant Products/Services, compliance, lack of control, or the need or delay required to change or replace their current applications.

  • Skype Launches Computer-free Videophone


    ASUS has launched the first Skype certified videophone allowing unlimited video calling over the Internet.

    The AiGuru SV1, part of the Eee Phone product family, has a 7" display and a built-in webcam, speaker and microphone.

    WiFi-capable, the videophone lets users make unlimited video calls for free to other Skype users without the need for a computer.

    The AiGuru SV1 is Skype’s first foray with a partner into the videophone category.

    But with more than 25 per cent of Skype-to-Skype calls including video, it would seem like a logical step.

    Designed to be simple to use, the AiGuru SV1 has an icon-based interface and intuitive button layout which should make it easy for anyone to make and receive Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls.

    Users can also join voice conferences, which could make the videophone attractive as an all-in-one voice and video conferencing solution for small businesses.

    The AiGuru SV1 also allows users to make and receive calls to and from fixed and mobile lines at cheap rates.

    Priced at USD $299.95, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 is now available in North America from Skype’s online shop, and will be available from ASUS authorized resellers later this year.

    Consumers in Europe can pre-order the videophone from Skype’s shop, priced at €269.95/£219.95, with shipment beginning next week.

    The videophone will also be available in retail outlets in Asia Pacific later this year.

  • Voxbone Offers Internet's First Global 'Country Code'


    Voxbone has announced iNum, a global telephone number that enables anyone to establish a local presence anywhere in the world.

    An abbreviation of international numbers, iNums use the new ‘country code’ +883 created by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) to let VoIP users anywhere in the world receive calls using standard phone numbers.

    Initially, the calls will mainly connect users of different VoIP services.

    Eventually, callers will be able to dial iNums directly from traditional phone lines in any location.

    Rodrigue Ullens, CEO and co-founder of Voxbone, said iNum was a new kind of phone number for a new kind of world that was about local presence and global relationships, not about distance or national borders.

    "We believe the new geography is defined by the markets, customers and vendors that businesses need to connect with most," he said.

    "We need ‘local’ communication with these people—whether calls originate on public-switched or VoIP networks, whether they are truly local or ‘virtually’ local."

    Ullens said the ITU approved Voxbone’s testing of iNum in June 2007.

    It began testing +883 numbers in remote networks then began a preview with several service providers, Jajah, Mobivox, Gizmo5, Ribbit, iotum, Rebtel, Voipbuster, Voxeo and Voipuser.

    Among wholesale voice carriers, Arbinet, Belgacom ICS, Level 3 Communications and Stealth’s Voice Peering Fabric are already routing +883 calls today.

    Since recognizing the new country code requires an update to the switch routing tables of all wholesalers, international carriers and retail providers, +883 calls must traverse participating carriers’ networks to connect.

    A list of all such carriers and their rates for iNum connection appears on the www.inum.net site.

    To create a number with “local” PSTN access around the world, Voxbone worked with the ITU to establish the 883 country code, in the same way that 44 is the country code that refers internationally to the United Kingdom and 1 to the United States.

    Voxbone provides iNum numbers for free to carriers and service providers, Ullens said.

    As the number wholesaler, Voxbone will receive calls to these numbers and deliver them to the appropriate service provider. In this way, it connects incoming calls from PSTN callers as well as calls between different VoIP islands.

    Some iNum participating carriers will resell iNum numbers to their customers so they can receive calls; other participants will merely route (terminate) calls to the new numbers.

    Most participating carriers will even deliver calls to iNum numbers free of charge to their users, effectively providing free connectivity between their network and remote networks.

    “Customers and prospects who see an advertised iNum telephone number that costs little or nothing to dial will be just as inclined to call an international business as they would any business physically located nearby or in-country,” said Ullens.

    “We see iNum encouraging more people to call globally, enabling business subscribers to have wider interactions with callers from new markets,” he added. “For carriers, iNum will increase call minutes and generate additional revenue through innovative global services.”

    Ullens described iNum as a natural extension of Voxbone’s role as an online DID (direct-inward-dial) warehouse.

  • Want VoIP Calls On Your Bluetooth Headset?


    Callpod has launched a "plug-and-play" Bluetooth device that connects with a headset or headphones to provide streaming music and voice over a 100 meter (328ft) range.

    Called the Drone, it plugs into the USB port of a computer and audio is routed automatically.

    When a VoIP call comes in, Drone switches over to the call automatically.

    The Drone works with all Bluetooth headsets and headphones, supports all major VoIP platforms and is Mac and PC compatible.

    It will retail for USD $49.99.

    Performance details:

    • 100-meter (Class-1) range
    • VoIP and music streaming to any Bluetooth headset or stereo headphones
    • Automatically pairs with your headset or headphones
    • Seamlessly switch between music and VoIP calls
    • No software installation – Plug and Play
    • Optional software install for advanced functions such as data transfer
    • Upgradeable firmware

  • Flip Launches HD Version Of Mino Camcorder


    The incredibly popular Flip camcorder is going high def with the launch of the MinoHD.

    Flip makers Pure Digital says its new baby is the the world’s smallest HD camcorder – and at a mere 3oz it’s hard to disagree.

    Intended to make capturing and sharing HD video easy and affordable the MinoHD records up to 60 minutes of HD video and features Flip Video’s new FlipShare software, also announced today.

    This on-board software platform allows consumers to plug the camcorder’s signature flip-out USB arm into any computer for easy drag-and-drop video organizing, editing and sharing on YouTube, MySpace, AOL Video or via email.

    Priced at USD $230, the Mino HD is USD $50 more than the standard-def version. It will initially only be available in the US.

    Pure Digital has sold some 1.5 million of its simple-to-use digital camcorders since last year, helping revenues to grow by 44,667 per cent over the past five years.

    Unsurprisingly, this has made it the number one best-selling camcorder in the US, according to the latest rankings from leading market research firm the NPD Group.

    One difficulty is that sharing video in HD is difficult because sites like YouTube and MySpace still don’t play HD clips.

    That must surely change soon – or there will be great opportunities for Vimeo’s hi-def video sharing service to grab a large market share.

    Flip MinoHD Features:

    • Weight: 3.3 oz.
    • Resolution: HD 720p
    • 4 GB of internal memory to record up to 60 minutes of HD video
    • 1.5 inch anti-glare LCD display
    • Internal, lithium ion battery recharges when USB arm is connected to computer
    • One-touch recording with 2x digital zoom
    • Touch-sensitive buttons for recording, playback, fast forward, rewind, pause and delete
    • FlipShare software:

    -On-board application installs directly when connected to any PC or Mac
    -Drag-and-drop interface for easy browsing, playback, organizing and video archiving
    -Integrated online video publishing to YouTube, MySpace, and AOL Video
    -Free, unlimited private emailing of videos and video greeting cards
    -Custom movie editing, with the option to use your own music and add titles/credits
    -Capture still photos from any standard or high definition video
    -Order DVDs online and have them shipped anywhere in the world
    -TV connection for instant viewing (cable included)
    -Tripod Mount

  • When Will Wii Go HD?


    Nintendo’s lead game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, has been making comments that suggest Wii could go HD sometime soon.

    The ability to support true next-gen graphics on HDTVs is one area the Wii falls down on compared to competitors Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.

    Although rumors have appeared on the Internet that the Japanese company might be working on a version of the Wii capable of supporting HD gaming, no official statements have been delivered by Nintendo.

    Now Miyamoto, one of Nintendo’s most influential people, has expressed his opinion on a possible HD Wii console, according to Softpedia.

    The man responsible for hits like Mario and The Legend of Zelda said that technology is constantly changing and that Nintendo should change with it.

    “I’m afraid we cannot confirm what we are doing today,” he said.

    “But the fact of the matter is that technology is evolving all the time and in Japan, for example……all the analogue broadcast will be stopped and shifted into the digital broadcasting. So many things are taking place and we are working in terms of the changes of the technologies all the time.”

    Hardly confirmation but it would seem that an HD Wii has become a "when" not an "if".