Consumer Electronics Daily News

Nintendo Teams Up with Hulu Plus to Offer Thousands of Current TV Shows and Classic Movies on the Wii Console

Wii owners with broadband Internet access now have a new way to watch their favorite TV shows and movies. Starting today, Wii owners can subscribe to Hulu Plus for $7.99 a month and instantly stream current-season hit TV shows such as Family Guy, Glee, New Girl, Vampire Diaries, The Office, The Biggest Loser and Modern Family, as well as full back seasons of hit shows like Community and Grey’s Anatomy. Kids can enjoy a growing library of favorites, including Arthur, Wild Kratts and Dinosaur Train, and families can browse through hundreds of popular movies from Miramax and more.

“Wii offers the most entertainment fun for everyone in the family, with an impressive selection of streaming movies and TV shows in addition to an unparalleled lineup of games that can’t be played anywhere else,” said Tony Elison, Nintendo of America’s senior director and general manager of Network Business. “The Wii console is the hub of the living room, and with the addition of Hulu Plus, millions of households now have even more options for streaming premium TV shows and movies.”

“We want to be everywhere, on every screen where people want to watch their favorite shows and discover new ones on their own schedule. Wii is not only one of the most important entertainment devices in the living room, but one of the most heavily anticipated and requested platforms by users and subscribers. Teaming up with Nintendo gives millions of households across the U.S. an immediate way to access some of their favorite current season shows on-demand in their living room through Hulu Plus,” said Pete Distad, VP of Marketing and Distribution at Hulu.

Users who have a broadband Internet connection can visit the Wii Shop Channel to download the Hulu Plus application at no extra charge. The application will allow users to navigate using the Wii Remote controller and search for their favorite TV shows, movies, clips and more. Hulu Plus offers a variety of content, including Hulu Latino, which offers hundreds of hours of current and classic Spanish-language programming, including the entire current season of prime-time TV shows from Univision, Galavision and Telefutura.

For the first month of launch, users who download Hulu Plus for Wii and do not already have an existing Hulu Plus account will get a two-week free trial.

Hulu Plus is also coming to the Nintendo 3DS system later this year, bringing full current-season TV series and popular movies to entertainment fans whenever they want.

For more information, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii or http://www.hulu.com.

Consumers Who Bought a TV, Monitor, or Notebook Computer That Contained a LCD Screen May Be Affected By Settlements Totaling Over Half-a-Billion Dollars

The following is being released by Kinsella Media, LLC, court-approved notice provider for the LCD Flat Panel litigation.

Settlements totaling over $538 Million have been reached with seven out of ten Defendants in litigation involving the price of thin film transistor liquid crystal display flat panels ("TFT-LCD").  The lawsuits claim that the Defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain or stabilize prices of TFT-LCD Flat Panels resulting in overcharges to consumers who bought televisions, monitors and notebook computers containing the panels. The Defendants deny these allegations.  The Court has not decided who is right.

Consumers who purchased televisions, monitors and notebook computers from someone other than the manufacturer of the flat panel, are known as Indirect Purchasers of the LCD panel, and their rights may be affected by this litigation.

The settlements will pay over $538 Million to consumers in 24 states and the District of Columbia and governmental entities in eight states.  The settlements also provide for nationwide injunctive relief to stop the Defendants' alleged behavior. 

Consumer damages classes are certified in AZ, AR, CA, FL, HI, IA, KS, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NM, NY, NC, ND, RI, SD, TN, VT, WV and WI, and DC.  The Attorneys General of AR, CA, FL, MI, MO, NY, WV and WI are also participating in the case on behalf of their citizens and governmental entities.

The Settling Defendants are Chimei Innolux Corporation; Chunghwa Picture Tubes Ltd.; Epson Imaging Devices Corporation; HannStar Display Corporation; Hitachi Displays, Ltd.; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; and Sharp Corporation. 

The lawsuits continue against three Defendants that have not agreed to settle -- AU Optronics Corporation; LG Display Co. Ltd. and Toshiba Corporation; and their U.S. affiliates.

The settlement funds are not available for distribution now.  However, consumers can register online to receive a claim form when one becomes available. 

Consumers who do not wish to remain in this litigation must exclude themselves in writing, postmarked by April 13, 2012, to the Settlement Administrator at the address below. Consumers who exclude themselves, or live outside of the 24 states and the District of Columbia, retain all rights they may have to sue the Defendants on their own for monetary damages. 

Consumers who remain in the litigation may object to the Settlements in writing, postmarked by April 13, 2012, to the Settlement Administrator at the address below.

The Court will hold a hearing on May 18, 2012 to consider whether to approve the Settlements.

A trial against the non-settling manufacturers is scheduled to begin on April 23, 2012.  Another trial involving the claims of the Attorneys General of AR, FL, MO, MI, WV and WI is set to begin on November 5, 2012.  Additional trials involving the claims of the Attorneys General of CA and NY may take place at a later date.

This is only a summary of the litigation.  Consumers are encouraged to visit www.LCDclass.com to get more information about the litigation, obtain copies of the Settlement Agreements, and to register to receive a claim form when it becomes available.  Consumers may also call: 1-855-225-1886 or write to: LCD Class, P.O. Box 8025, 
Faribault, MN 55021-9425 to get additional information.

VTech Brings Parents a Bundle of Joy with New Line of Competitively Priced, Feature-Rich Baby Monitors

VTech® Communications Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of VTech Holdings Ltd. (HKSE: 303;  the world's largest manufacturer of cordless telephones for home and electronic learning products for children), today launched a new line of baby monitors: the Safe & Sound™ Full-Color Video and Audio Monitor (VM321) and the Safe & Sound Digital Audio Monitor (DM221). Both VTech baby monitor systems offer robust features at affordable price points, enabling parents to maximize their monitoring options with less impact to their wallets.

VTech has combined its expertise in wireless home communication with its knowledge of innovative children's electronics products to deliver a highly functional and affordable line of baby monitors.  The new baby monitor line features digital communication technology, which improves range, sound quality and reduces interference from other home devices, so that parents can easily hear sounds and see the images from the baby monitor.

For parents wanting to be completely in tune with their little ones, the VTech Safe & Sound Full-Color Video and Audio Monitor (VM321, MSRP: $149.95) provides a full audio/visual monitoring solution that gives parents peace-of-mind with up to 1,000 feet of range between the camera and parent unit. The system features high-quality video resolution (transmitting up to 22 frames per second) on a sizeable 2.8-inch video screen with a 320 x 240 pixel display (compared to a 2-inch display for the competition's slightly more expensive models).

Other unique features include a split video screen, enabling simultaneous viewing from up to four separate cameras with the purchase of additional cameras (VM310, MSRP: $49.95), along with infrared night-vision capability for viewing when the room is completely dark. The Safe & Sound Full-Color Video and Audio Monitor also features a two-way intercom system to let the little one hear parents' voices, polyphonic lullabies to play, a temperature sensor to ensure parents can keep rooms heated or cooled appropriately and vibrating alerts to noise in the baby's room for notification when the parent unit is attached with the belt clip or in a pocket. Finally, the system offers a six-level LED sound indicator to adjust volume and a rechargeable battery on the parent unit, avoiding the need to continuously stock and replace batteries.

For parents needing a more affordable solution, the VTech Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor (DM221, MSRP: $39.95) offers up to 1,000 feet of range and features Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) 6.0 technology, ensuring high-quality and reliable sound that prevents wireless interference from other electronic devices and security from digital snooping. Parents won't miss a gurgle or hiccup with vibrating sound alerts, sound indicators, backlit display on the parent unit and a belt clip for constant monitoring.  In addition, the intercom system allows immediate two-way communication to sooth the baby when restless. VTech offers up to 18 hours of battery life and rechargeable batteries, ensuring continuous monitoring all night, even if the family is on the go.

"Parents want peace of mind when their babies aren't in their arms, and VTech is giving them a solid alternative with monitoring products that deliver the best value for their dollar," said Matt Ramage, senior vice president, product management, VTech Communications. "Our leadership in wireless communication for the home enables us to be competitive in both quality and price, providing parents with a reliable, feature-rich solution to keep tabs on their little ones, as they go about their days and nights."

For more information on VTech and its new baby monitor products, please visit http://www.babymonitors.vtech.com.

Frequency – First Smart TV Personal Video Aggregator

Frequency launched its personal video service for Samsung Smart TVs at CES, and versions for the web and the iPad. Frequency creates a personalized, portable internet video guide for consumers which they can watch on any connected device. The service is available for integration into connected TV and other video-enabled services and platforms. Contact info@frequency.com.

75-Inch LaserVue TV Receives 2012 Most Efficient ENERGY STAR Award

Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) today announced that its 75-inch LaserVue® TV was awarded the Most Efficient ENERGY STAR® designation for 2012, making it one of the most energy-efficient televisions 55-inches or larger sold in the United States.

The only laser TV in the world, Mitsubishi’s LaserVue model L75-A94is the largest TV to be recognized in the Most Efficient ENERGY STAR rankings. Thanks to its precise laser-light source, LaserVue delivers pure, cinema-like color at a fraction of the power consumption of similarly-sized flat panel TVs. The LaserVue L75-A94 operates at less than 85 watts, below the ENERGY STAR 5.3 requirement of 108 watts.

“Meeting the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria demonstrates the value of Mitsubishi’s innovative laser TV technology,” said John Hwang, senior product manager, Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America. “Based on size, viewing experience and energy efficiency, the LaserVue is a great choice for energy-conscious consumers and those who want an unmatched home theater experience.”

LaserVue produces twice the range of color displayed on most flat-screen TVs and a cinema-quality picture for a dramatic in-home theater experience. As the world’s purest light source, lasers require minimal energy to create an extensive range of rich, deep color, clarity and immersive depth of field.

“Mitsubishi’s pioneering work in laser technology led to our 2008 launch of the LaserVue line, and we’re proud to continue delivering an energy-efficient product that doesn’t compromise on performance,” said Hwang.

Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, introduced the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient program to encourage the rapid introduction of new, more energy-efficient products into the market by recognizing early adopters. Energy Star helps Americans save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. In 2010, the latest year for which data has been compiled, ENERGY STAR helped save Americans nearly $18 billion on their utility bills and cut emissions equivalent to those from 33 million cars.

AT&T Launches Enhanced U-verse App for iPad

AT&T* announced today that its AT&T U-verse for iPad App, which makes it easy for users to connect their iPad to their TV for an even better viewing experience, is available on the App Store. 

Recent studies indicate that the majority of tablet owners use their device simultaneously while watching TV, and with this app users can link their iPad to their choice of any U-verse TV receiver and access several great new features like:

• Extra content and information about the TV show you're watching, including series overview, episode synopsis, photos, cast and crew information, related TV shows and more.
• A full-featured, intuitive U-verse remote control with channel, guide, DVR, interactive app and on-demand controls, eliminating the need for extra (or lost) remotes throughout the home.
• Advanced search functionality to help you find the content you want.
• Recommendations on what to watch with ratings and reviews.
• Ability to share information about what you are watching with friends on Facebook.

And while you're on the go, you can:

• Watch hit TV shows and movies over any Wi-Fi connection. Choose from a library of popular content based on your U-verse TV package, including shows and movies from STARZ, ENCORE, TBS, TNT, truTV, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, with more choices added on an ongoing basis.
• Access the U-verse programming guide and DVR scheduling, similar to the functionality available on the U-verse app for iPhone and iPod touch.

You can view a video demo of the app here.

"Today, we are taking our best in class TV experience and taking it to a whole new level by joining two very powerful platforms: your TV and iPad," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility. "With our new app, AT&T U-verse customers have access to incredible functionality to make the TV experience much richer, from superior search and control functionality, to fresh content that tells you more about what you're watching, to the ability to share what you're watching with your friends through social networks. And, when they leave the home, our customers can take the U-verse experience with them."

Using the U-verse IP platform and in-home U-verse Wi-Fi network, customers can link the app to any U-verse TV receiver in their home. Using a simple one-time set up process for each U-verse receiver, customers just tune to channel 9301 and go through intuitive steps to name their U-verse receivers using a default name like "living room" or "bedroom," or create a personalized name, to enable the functionality and features.  

AT&T U-verse TV was the fastest growing TV service in the country in 2011** and is the only 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service offered by a national service provider. AT&T U-verse TV ranked "Highest in Residential Television Service Satisfaction in the North Central, South and West Regions," according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Studies(SM).

The AT&T U-verse for iPad App is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
** Claim based on comparison of major TV providers' percentage growth in subscriber counts and national market share data over the last 11 quarters combined.

Verizon and Coinstar's Redbox Form Joint Venture to Create New Consumer Choice for Video Entertainment

Verizon and Coinstar, Inc. today announced the formation of a joint venture that will create a new choice for quality- and value-conscious consumers seeking a simple and affordable way to access the video entertainment they crave.  The venture's services will offer all of the convenience, simplicity and value of Redbox^® new release DVD and Blu-ray Disc^® rentals combined with a new content-rich video on-demand streaming and download service from Verizon.

The joint venture plans to introduce the product portfolio in the second half of 2012.  It will offer subscription services and more in an easy-to-use, flexible and affordable service that will allow all consumers across the U.S. to enjoy the new and popular entertainment they want, whenever they choose, using the media and devices they prefer.  Additional brand and product information will be revealed in the coming months.

"When you consider the core elements the parties bring to this venture – our powerful brands; our national rental kiosk footprint; our anytime, anywhere network presence; and our mutual commitment to customer-focused innovation – it's clear that Verizon and Redbox are a powerful entertainment team," said Bob Mudge, president of Verizon consumer and mass business markets.

"Consumers rely on Redbox for the latest new release movies at a great value, and our joint venture with Verizon will enable us to bring them even more value by offering expanded content offerings and greater flexibility for how and when they enjoy entertainment," said Paul Davis, chief executive officer of Coinstar, Inc.  "This alliance is the result of a deliberate and strategic process to identify a partner who shares our commitment to delivering innovative solutions to consumers.  We look forward to rolling out the shared benefits this venture will bring to consumers, retailers, and shareholders."

This venture between Verizon and Redbox will create the kind of national multi-platform product that customers are demanding from video entertainment service providers.  It will leverage Verizon's industry-wide relationships with entertainment content providers, its advanced cloud computing technologies and state-of-the-art IP network infrastructure to distribute video on-demand content to its customers. 

"The joint venture will combine the accessibility and value of Redbox with Verizon's vision for a borderless lifestyle – where consumers easily accomplish what they want or need to do, on their terms, through the power of the network," said Mudge.  "Together, we are erasing old technology boundaries, freeing people to spontaneously enjoy the entertainment they want, whenever they choose, using the devices and media they prefer, at home or away."

By offering instantly available online and mobile content with immediate access to physical media through rental kiosks, Verizon and Redbox will be uniquely positioned to deliver the best of both worlds – digital and physical – to consumers across the country.

The joint venture is a limited liability company with Verizon holding a 65 percent ownership share and Redbox holding a 35 percent ownership share at the outset.

Palomar Technologies Develops Wire-Bond-Free Direct Attach for LEDs

Palomar Technologies, the world-leading provider of precision microelectronics and optoelectronic packaging systems, today announced a precision eutectic process development for direct attach light emitting diodes (LEDs).

"Direct-attach LEDs are the next generation of solid-state LED emitters that deliver superior value for consumer products and markets that include TV backlighting, camera flash and a variety of general illumination needs," explains Donald Beck, General Manager of Palomar Technologies Assembly Services™. "Assembly Services is supporting more than 390 700µm LEDs that are attached with an Au/Sn solder to a single 50mm metal core carrier. Palomar Technologies' Pulsed Heat System is a major contributor to this development, allowing our precision die attach systems to control LED exposure much more effectively than most other processes. The bondpad-down design of direct-attach LEDs eliminates the need for wire bonds, yet improves the thermal management."

Palomar Technologies is exhibiting at the LED-focused show, Strategies in Light 2012, in booth #709 on February 7-9 in Santa Clara, CA. Julie Adams, Director of WW Assembly Services Sales will be on site to assist in discussions about Palomar Technologies' current LED packaging capabilities, including direct-attach LED eutectic bonding.

Also on February 7-9, Palomar Technologies is exhibiting as a premier sponsor at IMAPS RF 2012 in booth #RF01, held in San Diego, CA. Bradley Benton, Western Americas Sales Manager, will be presenting an overview of Palomar Technologies' solutions and advanced RF automated packaging processes on February 8 at 1:00pm, local conference time.

Contact Palomar Technologies to arrange an on-site meeting at either Strategies in Light 2012 or IMAPS RF 2012.

Panasonic LFP30 Series of Professional LCD Displays Named a DIGI Award Winner by Digital Signage Magazine

Panasonic, a provider of professional plasma and LCD display and digital signage solutions, today announced its LFP30 Series of professional LCD displays was named a DIGI Award winner by Digital Signage magazine. The LFP30 Series won the Best New Generation Display Device, Large Screen category. The LFP30 Series are built as a reliable display solution for full-outdoor and semi-outdoor environments, distinguished by high brightness, low power consumption and a wide range of professional features.

The displays are resistant to harsh environmental conditions such as heat and humidity, extreme cold and, with its IP66 rating, are dustproof and highly water resistant. The LFP30 Series’ aluminum casing provides corrosion-resistance and additional structural strength. Unlike most outdoor displays, which require separate bulky and expensive enclosures, the LFP30 Series requires none. The LFP30 Series is available as the 42-inch TH-42LFP30W and the 47-inch TH-47LFP30W.

The trans-reflective liquid crystal design of the LFP30 Series screens ensures excellent visibility (1,000cd/^m2) in bright, outdoor locations, allowing the displays to reduce power consumption in these environments. Most outdoor digital signage solutions counter light reflection issues with an increased backlighting, which results in greater power consumption. The LFP30 Series’ low power consumption means that both sizes meet Energy Star Displays 5.1 standards.

These characteristics make the device perfect for environments such as:

• Open-air cafes and restaurants as menus and advertising panels
• Shopping malls as advertising panels and store guides
• Public transportation hubs as schedule, route guide and advertising panels
• Factories for production line control
• Sports facilities for training videos and fan information
• Quick-serve restaurants for menu boards and drive-thru lanes

“As the market for digital signage continues to grow, customers want to use display solutions in a wider range of environments,” said Rick Albert, Vice President, Flat Panel Displays-Hospitality, Panasonic. “As a result, Panasonic is building solutions that meet these needs. This award is recognition of the work Panasonic has done to design and engineer products that allow customers to get the most of their digital signage deployments, even in harsh conditions.”

The DIGI Awards recognize the resellers, integrators and service providers who have gone the extra mile to ensure success for their clients, thereby furthering the digital signage industry as a whole. Additionally, they recognize the best New Products for the digital signage and DOOH market.

“As Chair of the Judges Committee for the DIGI Awards, I want to congratulate all the Winners of 2012 DIGI Awards,” said David Keene, editor, Digital Signage Magazine. “The judges had a hard time selecting from the varied and excellent entries. We honed in on the entries that really stood out in showing us not just technology packages but how digital signage and DOOH best practices are playing out, in the field, with real-world solutions and products.”

The TH-42LFP30W and TH-47LFP30W are sold via authorized Panasonic resellers at estimated prices of $8,500 and $11,000, respectively. Sales inquiries for the LFP30 Series of professional LCD displays should be directed to sales.psc@us.panasonic.com or 877-803-8492.

For more information on Panasonic’s digital signage solutions go to http://www.panasonic.com/business-solutions/digital-signage.asp.

Frequency to bring video to you from everywhere

At CES this year, Frequency will launch the world's first personal video aggregation platform and the first three consumer products built on that platform: for the web, the iPad, and for connected TVs.

Frequency brings together video from everywhere across the internet, including news, entertainment, sports, technology, and hundreds of other categories, plus social networks like Facebook and Twitter, creating custom channels that are updated in real time. Using Frequency's intelligent tuner, users can tune into just what they want to watch, including big media brands and niche sites, broad categories and specific subjects, video from social networks, and smart channels that learn what users like.

Visit www.frequency.com or for a Frequency demo at CES contact simin@frequency.com.