Consumer Electronics Daily News

FCC Sets Rules for 700MHz Auction

The Federal Communications Commission formalized rules today for the upcoming auction of the 700 MHz spectrum, requiring at least one-third of the valuable spectrum be left with open-access rules. The rules mean that whomever wins the auction must allow any device to connect to the network at the 22MHz spectrum -- a move that gives wireless telephone customers the ability to connect handsets from any carrier.

“With today’s decision, consumers will soon enjoy the right to attach devices and download applications of their choosing to a portion of this spectrum," Consumer Electronics Association President and CEO Gary Shapiro said in a statement. "We urge the commission to ensure that the auction of this spectrum remains on track so that consumers can quickly begin enjoying the benefits realized by the timely conclusion of the DTV transition.”

The move by the FCC is seen as a middle ground compromise with major telecommunications providers who sought no conditions on the auction, and consumer advocates -- as well as Google, Inc. -- which were pushing for stricter rules to force the winning bidder to open the up spectrum to competitors at wholesale rates.

The auction, which is expected to raise more than $10 billion, will commence early next year. For more information, click here.

Integra Offers Custom Installers DTC-9.8

Integra, a leading manufacturer of home theater components designed specifically for the custom installer, is now shipping the THX Ultra2-certified DTC-9.8, a audio-video preamplifier/processor designed to meet the complex needs of system integrators and custom installers while providing state-of-the-art features and performance for the home theater enthusiast.

With a three-zone processor featuring HDMI v. 1.3a switching, HQV Reon-VX video processing, complete 7.1-channel processing including onboard decoding for lossless and HD audio formats, and an extensive suite of multizone/multisource and system integration control, the DTC-9.8 is Integra's new flagship processor.

"With processing and switching capabilities that allow installers to squeeze every possible bit of performance out of the latest HD audio and video sources, this will be a market-leading component," says Integra Director of Sales Keith Haas. "Add to that a remarkable combination of integration options, including Ethernet-based control compatibility and three-zone A/V distribution, and we believe there is nothing anywhere near this price point that can compete with the DTC-9.8."

According to Integra, the unit features four HDMI inputs and two outputs, and handles full 1080p and Deep Color™ 36-bit video signals. Additionally, the controller includes the acclaimed Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX onboard video processing, capable of scaling and transcoding all video source material to 1080p output over HDMI.

The DTC-9.8 is available now with an MSRP of $1,600. For more information, visit www.integrahometheater.com or call 800-225-1946.

iTunes Tops Three Billion Songs Sold

Apple Inc., announced today that more than 3 billion songs have been downloaded and purchased from the iTunes Store, reaffirming the company's dominant position in the digital music distribution market.

“[W]e’d like to thank all of our customers who have contributed to this incredible milestone,” Apple’s Vice President of iTunes, Eddy Cue, said in a statement. The world’s most popular online music, TV, and movie store, iTunes features a catalog of more than five million songs, 550 TV shows and 500 movies, and it recently surpassed both Amazon and Target to become the third largest music retailer in the US.

For more information, click here.

In-Wall USB From Cables to Go

The USB SuperBooster Wall Plate from Cables To Go is a new patent-pending device that extends the functional distance of a USB signal up to 150ft and eliminates visible cables to provide a professional appearance in any installation.

The SuperBooster uses standard Cat5/Cat5E/Cat6 patch cords to extend the functional distance of a USB signal between the device and host computer. According to Cables to Go, other than these cables, no other parts are required, making it the first self-supporting wall plate extender device on the market. Installation is quick and easy, the company reports, with no special tools beyond a screwdriver required.

For more information, click here.

Stinger Ships Pro Hybrid Capacitors

Stinger, AAMP of America’s high-performance car audio accessories division, is now shipping the 2007 PRO Hybrid Capacitor. Designed to be install-friendly, the compact SPC505 and SPC5010 deliver exceptional initial and reserve power to high amperage systems. The 5 Farad SPC505 is 7.5 x 5.125 x 2.875 inches. The 10 Farad SPC5010 is 10.5 x 5.125 x 2 inches. Both capacitors accept two 1/0 or four gauge inputs/outputs or a combination of one each. 

According to AAMP, the capacitors combine the benefits of electrolytic and carbon capacitors and provide extremely fast cycling and high power along with tremendous power reserve. Their unique angular design includes a four-digit red LED voltage display and black anodized aluminum housing for a neutral look that goes great in any install. Built-in inputs/outputs and a small footprint also make for easier installations.

The SPC505 and SPC5010 are available now for $279.99 and $419.99, respectively. For more information, visit www.stingerelectronics.com.

FireWire Makes a Resurgence in CE

A growing number of 1394-equipped consumer electronics devices -- including DVD recorders, DVD drives, camcorders and HDTVs -- from leading manufacturers such as Sony, Toshiba and Fujitsu are sharing shelf space alongside USB 2.0-based devices, fueling speculation that the connection standard could move out of obscurity for most consumers.

While nearly every modern consumer PC comes equipped with a 1394 connection, known commonly as FireWire (an Apple-owned trademark for the connection that has been widely utilized in Macs, and was even a part of the first generation iPod), few PC towers have more than a single 1394 port. On the typical consumer Dell or HP computer rig, USB 2.0 ports outnumber 1394 ports five to one.

However, new utilization of the 1394 standard in consumer electronics is fueling a resurgence in FireWire's popularity. Digital Tech Consulting forecasts 21 percent growth in the standard's usage because of its efficiency and speed in transferring video and audio.

The DTC report predicts that the worldwide total of 1394-equipped devices in several important categories will grow by more than 20 percent in 2008 and into 2010 including digital cable set top boxes, which will total at least 11.9 million units worldwide by 2010; digital televisions, 1.35 million units; and PC peripherals, almost 11.3 million. Other 1394-enabled product categories with 20 percent or more annual growth include DVD-equipped PCs; non-PC optical disc devices; and DVD aftermarket kits.

For more information, visit www.dtcreports.com.

Sony, 3M Settle Battery Dispute

Sony Corporation and 3M have announced a global settlement regarding a lithium ion battery cathode patent dispute filed in March 2007 against Sony and other companies in the Minnesota District Court and United States International Trade Commission. According to 3M, under the settlement Sony Corporation and Sony Electronics Inc., are now licensed sources of batteries containing 3M's cathode technology. The financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

3M's cathode materials contain nickel, manganese and cobalt, and are key to the development of lithium ion batteries that have become the de facto standard for consumer electronics devices, such as laptops and cell phones, which require significant, steady power above and beyond conventional battery supplies.

For more information, click here.

Key Digital Intros A/V Switchers

Key Digital Systems, Inc., is now offering installers two new switchers -- the KD-MSV8x8 video matrix switcher and the KD-MSA8x8 audio matrix switcher. Both models are capable of switching up to eight different sources to eight different zones, making them ideal for large-scale installations with multiple inputs.

The KD-MSV8x8 video matrix switcher accepts component, composite or S-Video (using an optional adaptor cable) inputs, Key Digital Systems reports. The RGBHV mode is possible by using two input and output sections for each RGBHV source, and a video bandwidth of over 500MHz enables sources with resolutions up to 1080p for full HD performance.

"[M]any residential homes with large family rooms, and numerous viewing areas are using multiple displays," says Michael Lakhter, Key Digital's VP of Sales. "Our new matrix switchers can answer the needs for almost all audio/video designs from the simplest to the most complex system."

For more information, visit www.keydigital.com.

Samsung Readies New P&S Cameras

Samsung Camera is working extra hard today, unveiling three new models in its NV series advanced point-and-shoot digital cameras, as well as a fourth digicam that also doubles as a portable media player.

First is the eight megapixel NV8, 10 megapixel NV15 and 12 megapixel NV20 (left). All three new cameras feature the sleek design and innovative Smart Touch interface that have become the hallmarks of the NV Series. Each of the premium NV cameras feature Schneider optics with a 3x optical zoom. On the back of the cameras’ brushed black, stainless steel bodies is a 2.5” LCD screen.  All three can shoot at ISO 3200, and boast an improved Advanced Shake Reduction feature as well as Samsung’s new Auto Contrast Balance and Image Noise Reduction modes, and come complete face detection technology to distinguish up to nine faces and automatically adjust focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. The NV20 has an MSRP of $399 MSRP, and the NV15 has an MSRP of $299 -- both will be available in the fall. The U.S. availability and pricing of the NV8 has yet to be announced.

Next up is the eight megapixel i85 (right). About the size of a credit card, the i85 is a brushed-silver aluminum body with 3” high-resolution LCD screen and a bevy of special features. In addition to 5x optical zoom, 1/2,000 sec shutter speed and super macro focus of 1cm, the camera includes full PMP functionality. Between taking pictures and video, users can watch movies and play music on-the-go. In addition to PMP, the i85 also features Samsung’s innovative World Tour Guide function, which provides travel information covering 4,500 regions in 30 countries– helping users to plan trips and find their way while on the road. The i85 has a U.S. MSRP of $349 and will be available this fall.

For more information on any of the new cameras, visit www.samsungcamerausa.com.

Catch the CEDIA Keynote If You Can

FBI Expert Frank Abagnale -- Whose Life Was Featured in the Movie Catch Me If You Can -- to Deliver Keynote Speech at CEDIA EXPO 2007

More than 11.8 million Americans, or one in 20 adults, have been victimized by identity theft, making it one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. To talk about the problem, and how it relates to those in the electronics industry, the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) will welcome keynote speaker Frank Abagnale, reformed thief and now respected authority on identity theft and other forms of fraud, to the CEDIA EXPO 2007 Opening Keynote Breakfast. The breakfast will be held on September 6, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

Abagnale is one of the world’s most respected authorities on the subjects of forgery, embezzlement and secure documents. For more than 25 years, he has lectured to and consulted with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations and government agencies around the world. The subject of the 2002 film Catch Me If You Can, between the ages of`16 and 21 Abagnale successfully masqueraded as an attorney, airline pilot, pediatrician and college professor, and he passed bad checks worth more than $2.5 million dollars in 26 countries.

For more information, visit www.cedia.org/expo.