Consumer Electronics Daily News

EHX Spring 2009 Keynotes, Highlights Unveiled

EHX Spring 2009 opens its doors on Wednesday, March 11 and the Consumer Electronics Association is providing new details on some of the conference's most anticipated events and features:

EHX Wake Up Call Breakfast – Can Home Technology Help Rebuild the Housing Market? 
After a dismal 2008 in the housing market, what should we expect for 2009? Will home technology play a role in helping the housing market recover? Get an outlook on the market through new CEA market research. Moderators: CEA Researchers Shawn DuBravac, Economist and Steve Koenig, Director, Industry Analysis 

Keynote Presentation – Take Control: 49 Gutsy Survival Tips in 49 Minutes 
This no-holds-barred presentation by former CEDIA president Steve Hayes, vice president of dealer profitability at SnapAV, will offer 49 pragmatic takeaways on how to survive and thrive during the recession. 

Demo Alley
Demo Alley is an exclusive EHX showcase, where top A/V manufacturers come together. Each of the rooms is evaluated by the editorial staffs of CE Pro and Electronic House magazines to determine best audio, best video, and how each room communicates the benefits and value of its systems.

Media Center University 
MCU offers two days of practical how-to training on the technical and management keys to succeeding with media centers as a core product discipline of your custom electronics integration business. The program runs over the course of two days and is broken into four half-day segments. On Friday, all attendees are invited to the MCIA Open House. 

The EHX Spring 2009 conference and expo is March 11-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit www.ehxweb.com.

Vudu Intros Download-to-Own HD Movie Service

Digital movie delivery service Vudu has reportedly added on-demand HD movie downloads for purchase, making it the first company to extend download-to-own services to HD content, according to the Hollywood Reports.

The service will reportedly commence with independent films from companies such as Magnolia Pictures, FirstLook Studios and Kino. Amond the 1,400 HD movies that Vudu offers for rent through its set-top box service, 50 HD titles will be available initially for purchase, Reuters reports.

Titles are expected for sale between $14 and $24 at launch, and there are reports that Vudu will couple the purchase options with an online "Storage Vault" that allows users access to more content than may be physically available on their local hard drive.

For more information, click here.

CEA: Consumer Confidence Unchanged in February

Consumer confidence in the overall economy was virtually unchanged in February, according to figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association and CNET. Despite positive growth in certain categories, such as digital displays, the CEA-CNET Indexes also show that consumer expectations about technology spending continue to fall.

The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) reached 166.4 in February, which is relatively unchanged from January, when the index measured 166.6. The index is down over 12 points from this time last year.

“We are now 14 months into the recession, and consumers remain anxious about the future,” said Shawn DuBravac, CEA’s Economist and Director of Research. “Unemployment continues to rise and the two key sources of financial wealth – real estate and stocks – remain muted.”

Consumer confidence in CE and technology dropped nearly nine points in February 2009 to 68.4, the lowest level since the CEA-CNET Indexes were initiated in January of 2007. The 8.9 point drop was the third largest single-month decline for the CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE). The ICTE, which measures consumers’ confidence in consumer electronics and technology, is down over 21 points from this same time last year.

“Consumers continue to delay discretionary purchases, and we are in the midst of one of the worst drops in consumer spending in the last 40 years,” says DuBravac. “The drop in February is not completely surprising considering the decent strength in consumer spending on technology in January. While consumer spending is down across the board, we are still seeing positive growth in several product categories such as digital displays, accessories and video games.”

For more information, visit www.ceacnetindexes.org.

Mitsubishi Readies 2 New Digital Computer Monitors

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division, has debuted its newest 1080p digital TV and computer monitors, the LDTV146 and LDTV152. Both are designed for digital signage applications in retail stores, airports, bars, restaurants, conference and class rooms, lobby areas, movie theaters and other environments. These high-definition LCD TV monitors are 46 inches and 52 inches respectively (measured diagonally) with a backlight estimated to last 30,000 hours, providing an expected lifespan of almost seven years with 12-hour per day usage.

“Mitsubishi Electric is well known for its high-quality, long-lasting televisions and large format displays,” said James Chan, Senior Director, Product Marketing, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division. “And now, the wait is over. Our new monitors capitalize on that expertise and are made available to the commercial world as well. These premium monitors for commercial usage are the perfect marriage between design and performance.”

Mitsubishi's LDTV146 and LDTV152 feature full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution for clear high-quality video and text images, and their 500-nits brightness allows easier viewing in high ambient light environments such as store windows. A 10,000:1 contrast ratio provides pure color sharpness, while a 10-bit LCD panel produces high color accuracy and precision in digital video applications.

The new premium TV monitors come in an ultra-thin glossy black bezel design and offer advanced 120hz processing and superior color frame, making them attractive inside and out. They are built with various digital inputs to connect to a myriad of devices such as a computer with digital output, HDMI™ or DVI-D, Blu-ray Disc™ player, cable box and more.

For more information, visit www.mitsubishi-presentations.com.

Samsung Intros Pair of 12 Megapixel Cameras

Samsung Electronics America has two new 12 megapixel compact digital cameras boasting 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lenses. Samsung’s new TL320 raises the bar for innovation in the digital imaging industry as it is the world’s first digital camera to feature a three-inch AMOLED screen with HVGA resolution. The new HZ15W, Samsung’s second mega-zoom, point-and-shoot digital camera, offers consumers one of the most powerful lenses on a compact point-and-shoot with an impressive focal length of 24-240mm (35mm film equivalent).

The new TL320 goes above and beyond traditional compact point-and-shoot digital cameras, offering an impressive list of features that set the camera apart from the competition. The TL320 features a Schneider lens, renowned for quality and trusted by professionals worldwide, and offers consumers a more versatile 24mm ultra-wide angle focal length paired with a powerful 5x optical zoom.

Utilizing the same advanced technologies found in its revolutionary AMOLED televisions, Samsung was able to incorporate a three-inch, 460,000-dot HVGA AMOLED screen in the new TL320, the largest AMOLED screen on a digital camera to date. In comparison to a traditional TFT-LCD screen, the TL320’s AMOLED consumes less power and offers a higher contrast ratio of 10,000:1, producing darker black levels, more vibrant colors, and a brighter display which can easily be viewed outdoors and even in direct sunlight. Additionally, unlike a TFT-LCD, the TL320’s AMOLED screen has the ability to display images that can be reviewed at any angle, while fully maintaining the same color gamut.

The step up model from the HZ10W introduced in January at CES 2009, the 12 megapixel HZ15W offers consumers one of the most powerful lenses on a compact point-and-shoot digital camera, featuring a 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lens coupled with a generous 10x optical zoom. For blur-free images, especially when using the HZ15W at its maximum zoom, Samsung includes both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. Optical Image Stabilization can be used independently or shooters can choose Dual Image Stabilization, which combines the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.

Like the HZ10W, the HZ15W puts high-definition video recording in the palm of users’ hands. With the HZ15W, consumers have the ability to record high-definition video at a resolution of 720p, and utilize the camera’s full 10x optical zoom. Samsung also incorporates H.264 compression and offers consumers true HDMI connectivity, which allows the camera to be connected directly to an HDTV without the need for a cradle. Additionally, the HZ15W’s ultra-clear, three-inch LCD screen is sure to turn heads and gives consumers the ability to easily frame their shots and review their images and video in any condition, even in direct sunlight.

For more information, visit www.samsung.com.

SPiDCOM Unveils 'No-Limits' HomePlug AV SoC

SPiDCOM Technologies today announced that it will present its new SPC300 HomePlug AV SoC during CeBIT 2009. HomePlug AV technology is already widely deployed worldwide, a notable share of it being by European Internet Service Providers. SPC300 will accelerate the process; a second source being a constant demand from the industry players.

“The SPC300 HomePlug AV SoC product introduction is a landmark in the Powerline Communication industry because HomePlug AV technology really becomes multi-vendors today” says Radomir Jovanovic, President & CEO of SPiDCOM Technologies. “The SPC300, thanks to its “no-limits” design approach, will change the way product designers implement HomePlug technology by allowing innovative solutions with less complexity and lower cost.”

SPC300 is the first HomePlug AV “no-limits” platform. SPC300, based on a dual core architecture, sets no processor limits: The first 32-bit processor is dedicated to the physical layer management and to all the real-time requirements. It enables the SPC300 to adapt to changes in the electrical power lines and to react accordingly in order to keep the highest levels of performance possible. The second processor is dedicated to customer applications. SPiDCOM provides a Linux software and the development tools so that its partners can customize “no-limits” added-value applications and this way differentiate themselves from their competitors. They will do it with “no-limits” network interface, because SPC300 has a Gigabit Ethernet port.

For more information, visit www.spidcom.com.

VIZIO Asks FCC to Intervene in Funai Patent Dispute

VIZIO, Inc., has filed a request for the Federal Communications Commission to require Funai Electronics Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Funai Corporation, to comply with patent licensing conditions imposed by the FCC when it adopted the digital television standards for the United States. VIZIO has requested that the FCC order Funai to cease its unreasonable and discriminatory patent enforcement policies while the FCC considers a pending petition for declaratory ruling. The declaratory ruling seeks action and protection from excessive DTV patent charges that have collectively exceeded $1 billion.
 
"VIZIO pointed out that Funai is demanding windfall royalties for its single patent that are equivalent to the cost of licensing a group of over 30 patents owned by seven different companies. VIZIO told the FCC that if it does not act and VIZIO does not consent to Funai’s extortionate demands, Funai will continue threatening to exclude VIZIO televisions from the market just before the completion of the June 12, 2009 transition to digital television," the company said in a statement today.
 
“It is VIZIO’s policy to minimize unnecessary costs that are absorbed by U.S. consumers,” stated Laynie Newsome, VIZIO co-founder, VP Sales and Marketing Communications. “We respect the rights of intellectual property, thoroughly investigate all claims, and vigorously defend our legal rights when we feel a patent is invalid and not infringed.”

For more information, visit www.vizio.com.

3D Video Is Changing Consumer Content Experience

The more experience people have with 3D technology, the more interested they are in having more 3D options, according to a new joint study from the Consumer Electronics Association and the Entertainment and Technology Center at the University of Southern California. The study, 3-D TV: Where Are We Now and Where Are Consumers, also showed that 3D technology is positioned to become a major force in future in-home entertainment.

As with many successful technologies, such as HDTV, interest in 3D increases as consumers experience it first-hand. In the past 12 months, nearly 41 million U.S. adults report having seen a 3D movie in theaters. Of those, nearly 40 percent say they would prefer to watch a movie in 3D than that same movie in 2-D. That’s compared to just 23 percent who have not seen a 3D movie in the past 12 months.

“When it comes to current 3D technology, seeing truly is believing,” says Shawn DuBravac, CEA’s economist and director of research. “Today’s 3D offerings are changing the way consumers view video content, not unlike the early days of high-definition television, which redefined TV as we know it today.”

The study also found that today’s 3D technology is positioned to move into the home and is becoming a major purchasing factor of TV sets. Sixteen percent of consumers are interested in watching 3D movies or television shows in their home, while 14 percent are interested in playing 3D video games. All told, more than 26 million households are interested in having a 3D content experience in their own home. More than half of U.S. adults said having to wear special glasses or hold their heads still while watching a 3-D TV would have no impact on them purchasing a 3D set for their home. New 3D display technology that would require no special glasses was unveiled at the 2009 International CES, produced by CEA.

Another driver for purchasing a 3D capable set is content. Nearly 30 percent of U.S. adults said having access to 3-D content though cable, satellite, fiber-optics or over-the-air broadcasts would positively impact their decision to buy a 3D capable TV.

The study also found that consumers were willing to pay more for a 3D experience. Nearly half indicated they were willing to spend more for a television capable of displaying 3D content. In fact, 15 percent of consumers said they would spend roughly 25 percent for such a TV. The parallels between 3D and other successful technologies like HDTV suggest great potential for 3-D in the home.

3-D TV: Where Are We Now and Where Are Consumers is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $999 at www.ce.org.

iGo Cuts Workforce by 20 Percent

iGo, a provider of innovative portable power solutions, today announced that it has reduced its total headcount by approximately 20 percent. As part of the workforce reduction, Joan Brubacher has departed the company and will no longer serve as Chief Financial Officer. Darryl S. Baker, formerly the Company’s Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, has been appointed to Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer.

The workforce reduction is expected to reduce the company’s operating expenses by approximately $350,000 per quarter. The company expects to record a restructuring charge of approximately $400,000 in the first quarter of 2009 related to severance payments.

“The workforce reduction is a painful but necessary action in light of the recession and the resulting impact on our sales,” says Michael D. Heil, Chief Executive Officer of iGo, Inc. “We would like to thank Joan Brubacher and all of the other employees for their many years of hard work and dedication to the Company and we wish them well in their future endeavors. We are fortunate to have a very qualified individual to fill the position of Chief Financial Officer. Since joining the Company more than seven years ago, Darryl Baker has been an integral member of the management team. Darryl’s in-depth understanding of our financial systems, operations, and strategic plan makes him well suited to help lead the Company through this challenging time and execute on our long-term growth strategies.”

For more information, visit www.igo.com.

UEI Acquires Zilog's Technology, Related Assets

Universal Electronics Inc. purchased universal remote control software and other intellectual property and related assets and personnel from Zilog Inc. UEI has acquired certain of Zilog’s patents and other intellectual property and assets related to its universal remote control business, including Zilog’s full library and database of infrared codes, and software tools. In addition, UEI has hired Dr. Norman Sheridan, Zilog’s Executive Vice President of Technology and Operations and CTO and other business, sales and engineering personnel, including all of Zilog’s personnel located in India. In a related transaction, Maxim Integrated Products acquired two of Zilog’s product lines, namely, the hardware portion of Zilog’s wireless control business and Zilog’s secured transaction product line.

Paul Arling, UEI's Chairman and CEO, stated, “This acquisition will expand the breadth and depth of our customer base in both subscription broadcasting and original equipment manufacturing, particularly in Asia. Through additional patents and software, we have further strengthened our leadership position as a provider of wireless control solutions for which our customers will see immediate benefits. Also, we expanded our relationship with Maxim, a world-class and leading provider of high performance semiconductor products. Maxim will bring new options to UEI’s current array of diverse and powerful microcontrollers. We expect this transaction to be mildly accretive in the first year and grow more significantly in the long term.”

Arling continued, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Norm Sheridan and the entire technical teams in India and San Jose dedicated to universal remote control technology. These people, together with certain of Zilog’s key sales and application specialists located in the US and Asia, which we are also hiring, will be integrated into UEI’s existing world-class staff of professionals, resulting in a combined force of literally hundreds of years of experience in wireless control technologies and applications.”

For more information, visit www.uei.com.