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Tag: panasonic

  • Logitech's HDTV Webcam Enables Home Theater Skype Connection

    Logitech has long led the industry in wireless technology, with a mouse and keyboard sure to be found in most offices and homes in America. Now they’re launching pushing into new wireless territory with the TV Cam HD, a webcam that can be mounted on your home theater system.

    The TV Cam HD is a fully standalone device that comes stock with Skype built in. You place it on top of your current HDTV and log on to your Skype account wirelessly through your home network. And with the remote control, you can take care of the whole process from the comfort of your couch.

    Logitech didn’t rush this latest device, and the details prove that out. The wide-angle lens is a Carl Zeiss, and you’ll find four internal microphones to allow for group conversations. The inclusion of Skype on the TV Cam HD sets this release apart from prior Logitech releases such as the standard TV Cam., which required an HDTV set that was compatible with the camera and already installed with Skype. That became a problem, as many of the biggest HDTV brands, such as Samsung, Panasonic and LG, offer sets that do not support webcams on their own.

    Other popular integrated video conferencing units include the Biscotti and the Tely Labs TelyHD. The former works with Google Talk, and the latter with Skype. But Logitech’s version integrates so seamlessly with HDTV units that it may give those competitors some serious fits moving forward.

    Consumers can grab the TV Cam HD starting this month for $199, making it middle-of-the-pack as far as pricing. But if you spend a great deal of time on Skype and want to experience it in full HDTV quality, the purchase will be more than worth it.

  • MZA: Avaya Continues to Lead PBX Market

    The latest figures released by analyst firm MZA have shown that the Corded PBX market (excluding Micro PBX products) increased by 16% in Q2 2010 compared to Q2 2009 at a global level.

    According to MZA, these results show mixed fortunes depending on the sales region and point towards a turbulent road to recovery with fragile growth rates.

    The report finds that Western Europe, for example, which represented more than one-quarter of the overall global market, showed only weak levels of growth as volumes here increased by a meagre one percent in comparison to Q1 2010.

    One of the major contributing factors to this was the result for the UK market, ordinarily the second largest in the region, which declined in Q2 2010 by 5% compared to Q1 2010. However, in a reversal of fortunes, Germany demonstrated growth of 8% in Q2 2010 compared to Q1 2010 after it previously had dropped by 12% sequentially. According to analysts, both of these results illustrate the extremely volatile nature of the recovery in Western Europe.

    North America, on the other hand, posted an encouraging set of results this quarter, both in comparison to the same quarter of last year (up by 18%) and sequentially (up by 13%), although this still leaves the market adrift of its 2008 average quarterly run-rate of over three million extensions.

    Research by MZA shows that one of the biggest increases globally was recorded in Eastern Europe, where volumes have started to pick up following some of the toughest trading conditions. In Q2 2010, the market increased by 35% compared to Q2 2009. Much of the increase was driven here by Russia, where volumes are normalising but still have a long way to go.

    The second largest growth rate was registered in Asia Pacific (excluding Japan), where an increase of 19% in Q2 2010 was recorded over Q2 2009.

    Avaya continued to lead the world PBX market, growing market share from 13% in Q1 2010 to 15% in Q2 2010. Its leadership position was first attained as a result of the acquisition of Nortel.

    Cisco was in second position with a stable 12% market share while Panasonic moved from fourth position in the last quarter to third position in this, maintaining its 11% share. Panasonic continued to lead in the Below 100 Extensions sector with a steady 16% market share, ahead of NEC in second position and Avaya in third position. In the Above 100 Extensions market, Cisco was the market leader with a 24% market share, followed by Avaya.

    World IP Extensions Market

    The raport also finds that the IP extensions market grew by 27% compared to Q2 2009, which was greater than the 16% rise seen in the total extensions market. The Below 100 IP Extensions market grew by 33%, while the Above 100 IP Extensions market increased by 25%.

    In both instances, increases in the IP extensions market far outweighed the growth seen in the total market and also the growth in the Below 100 Extensions market continued to outpace the growth seen in the Above 100 Extensions market as the adoption of IP to the desktop becomes more widespread.

    Cisco maintained its leadership of the IP extensions market with a 33% market share, followed by Avaya at 21% and NEC with 10% market share.

  • Panasonic Develops World's Largest 152-Inch Full HD 3D Plasma

    Panasonic annonced that it has developed the world’s largest 152-inch 4K x 2K (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) definition Full HD 3D plasma display. The display features a new plasma display panel (PDP) Panasonic developed with its new quadruple luminous efficiency technology.

    According to Panasonic, self-illuminating plasma panels offer "excellent" response to moving images with full motion picture resolution, making them suitable for rapid 3D image display.

    The company claims the new panel achieves a higher illuminating speed, about one fourth the speed of conventional Full HD panels.

    The panel also incorporates a crosstalk reduction technology, essential for producing clear 3D images. Compared to other display technologies that use line-at-a-time driving method, PDPs use frame-at-a-time driving method that gives PDP TVs an advantage in crosstalk reduction in principle.

    Panasonic has developed this technology to minimize double-image that occurs when left- and right-eye images are switched alternately. The development has resulted in the 3D compatible plasma display that can render clear and smooth high-quality pictures by accurately reproducing video sources.

    (photo Gizmodo)

    “The new 152-inch panel also uses a new technology that enables even and stable discharge,” as the company states.

    “Thanks to this discharge technology, the new panel can provide full HD images for left and right eyes formed with twice the volume of information as regular full HD images across the vast expanse of the screen equivalent to nine 50-inch panels with super high resolution (4,096 x 2,160) – four times the full HD (1,920 x 1,080) specification – while maintaining the brightness.”

    Because 3D plasma displays can reproduce highly realistic images, they are considered ideal not only for home theater use but also for a wide variety of uses such as business, medical, education and commercial applications.

  • Skype Teams Up with TV Makers and Goes HD

    Skype announced support for Skype video calls on PCs in 720p high definition, as well as Skype software embedded into internet-connected widescreen televisions from its consumer electronics manufacturer partners.

    The latest version of Skype for Windows can deliver up to 720p HD-quality video calling at 1280 x 720 resolution, at up to 30 frames per second.

    To make an HD video call, we will need a high-speed broadband connection, an HD webcam, a PC with a 1.8 GHz dual-core processor and Skype 4.2 Beta for Windows.

    New HD webcams are due to arrive at CES 2010. FaceVsion and In Store Solutions introduces new HD webcams that are optimized to work with Skype. The new Skype Certified HD webcams handle the video encoding and processing onboard, removing the need for a high-performance computer to encode the HD video.

    At CES, Skype also announced partnerships with LG and Panasonic to offer Skype–enabled HDTVs. Skype software will be embedded into Panasonic’s line of 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs and LG’s 26 new LCD and plasma HDTVs with NetCast Entertainment Access.

    Both lines are expected to be available in mid-2010. Both LG and Panasonic will offer specially-designed HD webcams that are optimized for Skype video calls as separate accessories that can be plugged into the televisions. These webcams support 720p HD and include special microphones and optics that can pick up sound and video from a couch-distance.

    The new HDTVs will deliver familiar Skype features including:

    • Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
    • Calls to landline or mobile phones at Skype’s rates
    • The option to receive inbound calls via a user’s online Skype number
    • Skype voicemail, if it is set up
    • Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties
    • Support for up to 720p HD video calls, depending on the availability of high-speed broadband and a HD webcam

  • Panasonic Develops 50-inch Full HD 3D PDP

    Aiming to bring Full HD 3D TVs to the market in 2010, Panasonic steps up its efforts in developing the related technology. The company has just developed a 50-inch Full HD 3D compatible plasma display panel (PDP) and high-precision active shutter glasses that enable the viewing of theater-quality, true-to-life 3D images in the living rooms.

    The new PDP and glasses evolved from Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Plasma Home Theater System that was developed in 2008 and comprised of a 103-inch PDP and a Blu-ray Disc player. The prototype PDP has a 50-inch screen, which is expected to become the most popular size for home theaters.

    This 50-inch PDP uses Panasonic’s newly-developed high-speed 3D drive technology that enables rapid illumination of pixels while maintaining brightness. The panel also incorporates a crosstalk reduction technology allowing for minimizing double-image (ghosting) that occurs when left- and right-eye images are alternately displayed.

    As PDPs are self-illuminating device with full motion-picture resolution, they offer fast response time and are suitable to display fast-moving images. The high-speed 3D drive technology involves the development of new panel materials and LSIs that accelerate the pixel illumination while maintaining brightness.

    Panasonic also developed the crosstalk reduction technology using phosphors with short luminescence decay time and illumination control technology to reduce double-images that occur when left- and right-eye image are alternated on the panel. This technology contributes to achieving high-quality clear pictures with high-contrast and accurate color reproduction. As the new technologies can also be applied to improve the quality of 2D images, they have expanded PDP’s potentials for further evolution.

    To reproduce 3D images, Panasonic uses the Full HD x 2 frame sequential method that displays time sequential images, alternately reproducing discrete 1920 x 1080 pixel images for the left and right eyes on the display frame by frame. The frame sequential method is widely used in showing Hollywood 3D movies in theaters.

    The active shutter glasses employ Panasonic’s technology that controls the timing of opening and closing the shutter in synchronization with the left- and right-eye images alternately shown on the PDP. According to the company, this technology enables significant reduction of crosstalk that degrades the image resolution in 3D display. The glasses are designed to fit for a wide range of users from children to the elderly.

    Panasonic has been working to develop its original Full HD 3D technology to create synergy between PDPs, which excel in moving picture resolution and color reproduction, and Blu-ray Disc players, which are able to faithfully reproduce high quality Hollywood 3D movies.

    The company continues to work on developing 3D products, targeting to launch the products in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. in 2010.

    Prototype Full HD 3D TV and glasses will be displayed at CEATEC JAPAN 2009 to be held from October 6 to 10 in Chiba City, east of Tokyo.

  • Price Deals Fuelling Surge in HDTV Sales

    Sales of high definition plasma TVs have risen by 37 per cent in the third quarter compared to last year’s figures.

    A survey by DisplaySearch has shown that consumers are being enticed to buy plasma sets by sweeping price cuts, especially on 32-inch sets.

    The leading brand is Panasonic, with around 40 per cent of revenue on plasma TVs, followed by Samsung (29%), LG (22%), Pioneer (5%), and Hitachi (4%).

    The clear favorite in terms of screen-size for plasma is 42-inch sets (49%), although 50-inch sizes are increasingly popular (29%).
    Shipments of 32-inch screens accounted for 12% of the market.

  • High definition sports schedules continue to grow as coverage of major sporting events like Wimbledon and Beijing Olympics become more commonplace










    The US’s NBC network is to broadcast both the women’s Wimbledon final between the Williams sisters and the men’s match between Nadal and Federer on its HD channel.
    The addition of this year’s Centre Court battles is just the latest addition to a growing selection of sporting events being shown in high def.
    Sports programming is perfectly suited to high definition because of the fast motion and action in sports.
    The 16:9 aspect ratio of HD provides a vastly better perspective and coverage of a game than SD.
    Viewers can see, for instance, the entire ice in a hockey game or the baseball field in a baseball game.
    So impressive are the results that they influenced an estimated 2.4 million high-definition television sales prior to this season’s Super Bowl in the US.
    Aside from the tennis action, Panasonic has announced that it is to partner the Eurosport HD channel in a deal that ensures it uses the company’s equipment, including the HPX2100 and HVX201 high definition cameras during coverage of this summer’s Olympic Games.
    It also means Panasonic will get plenty of airtime on the station, promoting its VIERA line of HDTVs, as well as running local marketing events.
    Eurosport HD, which simulcasts with the standard definition Eurosport channel, began broadcasting in May this year.
    And with just 30 days to go before the events kick off in Beijing, the broadcast plans in the US are getting clearer.
    NBC Universal has the exclusive rights to the Olympics – for which it paid US$5.7 billion – and will produce over 3,600 hours of sporting coverage, all in high definition.
    The HDTV broadcasts will be carried on NBC, USA and Universal HD, but it remains unclear what time slots will be carried on each network.
    Ma Guoli, a Chinese Olympics broadcasting official, has said that he expects the Olympics to attract four billion viewers – one billion more than in Athens four years ago.
    Beijing Olympics Dissemination Corporation Ltd is expected to use 65 high definition relay vehicles and 1,000 high definition cameras, as well as building a broadcasting centre with an area of up to 80,000 square metres.
    “High Definition signals will be used for TV relays for all 28 Olympics events,” he said.



  • HDTV sets will need new features for sales to continue improving

    Manufacturers will have to install features currently only available as paid-for add-ons in top-of-the-range HDTV models if sales growth is to be sustained.
    That is the conclusion of a report by research firm DisplaySearch which suggests that sales of HDTVs will peak in the next two or three years.
    It goes on to say that sales will then fall unless manufacturers can add compelling features that consumers are willing to pay for.
    Calvin Hsieh, the director of research at DisplaySearch, said internet connectivity, full 1080p resolution, PVR capabilities and upgraded HDMI port specifications need to become standard fare by next year.
    “Our research shows that the growth of the market will peak between 2009 and 2011,” he said.
    “Thereafter, growth will be limited without the development of new, enhanced features for TVs.”
    Less than half the digital TVs sold in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East with screen sizes larger than 40 inches have 1080p resolution – Japan has the highest penetration, at 90 per cent.
    Mr Hsieh said that while internet access is beginning to show up in sets from Panasonic, Sharp, and Sony, among others, once network connections are integrated right into a chip instead of requiring an ungainly add-on box, more applications will emerge that take advantage of the connectivity.

  • Doubts cast on Autumn launch of Tru2way television set


    Industry experts have played down reports that Panasonic’s Tru2way TV has failed to pass tests after being submitted for certification.
    The manufacturer was expected to introduce Tru2way sets at selected retail outlets in test markets in September.
    It had submitted units for certification testing at the industry’s R&D consortium, CableLabs.
    Reports then emerged of “bugs” in the implementation which had resulted in the sets being failed.
    CableLabs issued a statement saying it was unable to comment on specific test results.
    However, it went on to say it was common for devices to require multiple test runs before achieving CableLabs Certification.
    “Manufacturers generally account for such timing in their product plans,” said the statement.
    “CableLabs conducts multiple test waves throughout the year in order to accommodate additional testing.
    “Panasonic has entered an upcoming certification wave, which provides ample time for products to reach the marketplace to meet the company’s rollout schedule.
    “Other tru2way products, including products from Samsung and ADB, have already been Certified by CableLabs.”
    Tru2way technology is the inclusion of set-top technology inside the TV set units themselves, so removing the need for an external box.
    Later, Panasonic released a statement saying they still expected to be selling the TVs for the Christmas season.
    "Panasonics Tru2way-enabled VIERA HDTV is in the certification process at CableLabs. Panasonic expects to deliver Tru2way-enabled VIERA HDTVs to the market in time for the holiday season," the statement said.

  • Europe must think globally if it wants to catch up with the US and Japan in HDTV


    If Europe wants to benefit from the growing HDTV market, broadcasters and production companies must take a broader view.
    That is the advice of Jaume Rey, director of Professional & Broadcast IT Systems Business Unit (PBITS), part of the Panasonic group.
    Speaking at a conference on “HD content in Europe”, he urged those involved in producing TV programmes to look beyond local markets.
    He noted that while European consumers have embraced HD acquisition technology, many viewers are still watching television on SD sets.
    “HD has expanded extensively throughout Europe in recent years and is now present almost everywhere,” he said.
    “The US and Japan are ahead of us in Europe though some European countries, such as the UK, France, and the Scandinavian countries have already invested and adopted the HD technology.
    “In countries such as Spain, broadcasters and production companies must show a lead in the introduction of HD.
    "In a growing market, manufacturers need to think globally instead of locally where content production and distribution is concerned.”
    Mr Rey said examples of innovative video distribution such as YouTube illustrated the wider view required and European countries should play a key role on this development because of the rich resources of the European cultural heritage.
    “Spain, in particular, with a 400 million potential market of Spanish speakers globally, should play a leading part,” he said.
    He was delivering the keynote speech at the Universitat de València CONTD Conference in València, Spain.
    Mr Rey ended his speech by pointing to a future in which HD technology will feed into a much wider range of productions, including videogames and virtual reality content production, as well as archive AV solutions.