Blu-ray Market Continues to Grow Rapidly.
Thursday, September 02, 2010

According to a recent report from optical storage equipment manufacturer Singulus Technologies AG, in the 1st half of 2010 sales of Blu-ray Discs came to 5 million and thus increased by 153 % compared with the 1st half 2009. In addition to the 2 % rise of DVD sales to 45.7 million units (following 44.9 million units in the 1st half 2009), the new record level is primarily due to the constantly increasing Blu-ray market. After 2 million sold discs in the 1st half 2009 already 5 million Blu-ray Discs were sold until the end of June 2010, which means an increase of 153 % or a 3 million unit rise in absolute terms. The German Association for Audiovisual Media (BVV) reported these figures on August 12, 2010. In the US, the rise is similar: Swicker & Associates, a market research institute, performed a study on behalf of the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG) in the US. Sales of Blu-ray Discs increased by 112 % in the 2nd quarter compared with the same quarter one year ago. For the 2nd half of the year similar growth rates are expected. The third dimension is in the spotlight: At the international consumer electronics fair IFA (September 3 to 8, 2010) in Berlin, most of the major brands will present 3D television sets. Many producers, in particular Panasonic and Sony, are wholeheartedly focusing on the new technology. Movies, TV programs and games in 3D will be the bestsellers in the coming months and years - the box office success of the 3D spectacle “Avatar” paved the way for this trend. Blu-ray players can play 3D movies in HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Since the current technology projects individual pictures for each eye to achieve the 3D effect, the data volume also increases by approximately 50 percent. Blu-ray Discs can store up to 50 gigabyte. This is sufficient for a long movie including surround sound, different language versions, etc. The 3D Blu-ray is the only available and also cost-efficient medium to store high-definition movies with 3D technology and to deliver this content to the consumers. Since the decision in favor of the Blu-ray was made in 2008 and SINGULUS also acquired the Blu-ray activities from the competitor Oerlikon, practically all major disc producers worldwide work with SINGULUS’ BLULINE production equipment. Only Sony is still supporting its proprietary manufacturing technology.

DVD6C Announces New Licensing Program.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010

The DVD6C Licensing Group (DVD6C) consisting of nine leading developers of DVD technology and formats -- Hitachi, Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc. -- today announced that it has revised its worldwide patent licensing program beginning on and after January 1, 2010, including offering a new license agreement (the "New DVD6C License Agreement"), which offers reduced royalty rates on certain products and additional licensing options. Key changes to the new licensing program include the following:

- Reduced royalty rates for DVD Recorders (i.e., the DVD-RAM Drive, DVD-RW Drive, DVD-R Drive and DVD Video Recorder licensed DVD Product categories) from (i) the greater of 4% of the net selling price or US$6.00 per recorder to (ii) a flat rate of US$4.00 per recorder on or after the effective date of the New DVD6C License Agreement; provided, however, that such reduced royalty rates will apply retroactively as of January 1, 2010 for licensees who sign the New DVD6C License Agreement by October 31, 2010.

- Reduced royalty rates for DVD Players (i.e., the DVD-Video Player, DVD-ROM Drive and DVD-Audio Player licensed DVD Product categories) from (i) the greater of 4% of the net selling price of the player (up to a maximum of US$8.00 per player) or US$4.00 per player (US$3.00 per player for licensees licensed on or after January 1, 2005) to (ii) a flat rate of US$2.00 per player effective on or after the later of (i) the effective date of the New DVD6C license Agreement and (ii) January 1, 2011.

- Shortened initial term of the license, which now runs to the end of 2012.

- Clarification that Blu-ray Disc ("BD") products are not covered by the new license, irrespective of whether they include DVD functionality.

According to the Group, interested parties will remain free to negotiate individual license agreements with DVD6C's member companies, rather than entering into a single portfolio license or license for a category of products. The member companies have committed to provide such licenses under fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms and conditions.Please note that BD products, irrespective of whether they include DVD functionality, are not covered by the New DVD6C License Agreement. Licenses for the DVD portions of BD products granted to existing licensees under the prior DVD6C License remain unchanged until the existing licensees enter into the New DVD6C License Agreement. For further information and royalty rates regarding the new DVD6C licensing program, please visit the 6C web site, www.dvd6cla.com.

Epson Launches Reflective HTPS Panels.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Seiko Epson Corporation today announced that it has developed and begun volume production of what the company claims is the world's first reflective high-temperature polysilicon ("reflective HTPS") TFT liquid crystal panels for 3LCD projectors. The new panels, which measure 0.74 inches on the diagonal, support full high-definition (1920 x 1080 pixels) content. The increasing availability of high-resolution, high-quality source images due to the growing popularity of HD media players and digital HD broadcasts are pushing demand for more convenient large-screen viewing options in the home. Higher contrast is in demand especially for movies, where the reproduction of natural-looking colors and deep blacks is critical. According to Epson, the new liquid crystal panels fuse reflective display technology with the storehouse of HTPS technology Epson has accumulated in shipping more than 60 million panels for 3LCD projectors. They provide a device-level contrast ratio of 100,000:1 or higher while taking full advantage of the ability of HTPS panels to reproduce bright, natural-looking images and deliver rich gradations. The new reflective HTPS panels are based on the structure used for transmissive HTPS panels. The main structural difference is that reflective panels have a reflective electrode instead of a transparent electrode on the TFT substrate. The C2 Fine technology that enabled high contrast ratios in transmissive HTPS panels has been optimized for the reflective HTPS panels, and Epson's unique planarization technology is used to make the reflective layer almost perfectly flat so as to control the scattering of light. The result is panels that offer a device-level contrast ratio of 100,000:1 or higher. To learn more about HTPS panels, visit
www.epson.jp/e/products/device/htps/

Short Range Wireless IC Shipments Rise.
Monday, August 30, 2010

The market for short range wireless ICs is forecast to expand this year; total shipments of Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, 802.15.4 and Wi-Fi ICs will increase approximately 20% compared to 2009. “Bluetooth ICs still lead the short-range wireless IC market,” says ABI Research industry analyst Celia Bo. “Unit shipments are expected to exceed 58% of the total short-range wireless IC shipments in 2010. Wi-Fi ICs rank second place in this market, making up approximately 35% of the total shipments, with the rest of the shipments accounted for by NFC, UWB and 502.15.4 ICs.” Cellular handsets and accessories are taking a significant portion of the market for Bluetooth-enabled products in 2010, accounting for almost 75% of total shipments. This is followed by the notebook and UMD segments, taking approximately 12%. The demand for Bluetooth-enabled consumer electronic and home entertainment products is expected to grow steadily over the next five years. Shipments of portable media players are forecast to grow tenfold in 2015 as compared to 2010, and the total shipments of networked game consoles and handheld game consoles are expected to show a 14% CAGR between 2010 and 2015. Bo adds, “Combination chip solutions that integrate two or more short-range wireless technologies will be broadly deployed in hundreds of millions of electronic devices due to their advantages of lower cost and smaller chip size, paving the way for expansion of the short-range wireless IC market.” The Bluetooth+FM radio integration solution is taking the highest market share among the major integration solutions of “combo” chips today, followed by Bluetooth+Wi-Fi+FM radio and Bluetooth+FM radio+GPS solutions. Bluetooth’s integration with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless technology will be adopted widely from next year and is projected to account for more than 50% of total Bluetooth combo IC shipments in 2015.

NAB Launches KeepMyTV.org.
Friday, August 27, 2010

The National Association of Broadcasters launched a new consumer-focused website this month, www.keepmytv.org, aimed at educating and empowering viewers during carriage negotiations between broadcast TV stations and pay-TV providers. The website's launch comes as pay-TV providers continue to seek legislative and regulatory action that would give their companies increased leverage during retransmission consent negotiations. Retransmission consent, established as part of the 1992 Cable Act, is the market-based negotiation process in which a pay-TV provider and a local television station reach a carriage agreement for the TV station signal. The new website notes that 98.5% of the highest rated television shows air on broadcast TV, and asks viewers, "What if your pay TV company no longer carried your favorite broadcast channels?" Keepmytv.org also notes the important local programming depended upon by millions of viewers, including local news and critical weather information programming that often serves as a lifeline during times of crisis. The website provides resources for viewers, including instructions for purchasing a broadcast antenna, which allows viewers to receive free broadcast programming, available in many areas in high-definition format. "All stations are now broadcasting in digital, which means the snowy picture of yesteryear is long gone," the website explains.

3D to Meet Hollywood at Digital Video Expo 2010.
Thursday, August 26, 2010

Digital content creation and media publisher NewBay Media has announced that next month’s Digital Video Expo will feature “Where 3D Meets Hollywood,” a separate afternoon conference on September 29th from 2:00-3:30 pm, focusing on emerging opportunities in the 3D format. Presented by Broadcasting and Cable and Multichannel News, “Where 3D Meets Hollywood” will bring together an elite think tank of Hollywood industry executives to consider the future of 3D content, and whether recent developments will lead to big-business…or if Hollywood is just facing a three-dimensional fad. “The buzz around 3D is currently at a fever pitch in the film and television industries, from smash hits such as ‘Avatar’ and 'Toy Story 3' to the imminent launch of several 3D television networks,” said David E. Williams, Conference Chair, Digital Video Expo, and Editor, DV Magazine. “We’ve gathered the industry execs who are working in the 3D trenches, and are uniquely qualified to provide our attendees with an up-to-the-minute review of where the opportunities, and challenges, lie in this format.”

Top executives and creatives scheduled to make presentations at “Where 3D Meets Hollywood” include:

Jeff Conroy – Executive Producer, Deadliest Catch
Tom Cosgrove – President & CEO, Sony-Discovery Communications-IMAX Joint Venture 3D Network
Marc Graboff – Chairman, NBC Entertainment & Universal Media Studios
Tony Vinciquerra – Chairman & CEO, Fox Networks Group
In addition, David Poltrack, President, CBS Vision, will present his latest research findings on the true potential market for 3D content and entertainment.

A separate registration fee is required to attend “Where 3D Meets Hollywood,” and is discounted through September 8th. For more information visit http://www.dvexpo.com. The Digital Video Expo runs September 28-30, 2010 at the Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena California.

Panasonic Named 3D Sponsor of Global Oceans Film & Conservation Summit.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Panasonic announced yesterday that it has become the Official 3D Sponsor of this week's BLUE Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit in Monterey, California. BLUE is a global film festival and conservation summit for underwater filmmakers, marine researchers and conservation leaders. The festival also provides the public the opportunity to experience the world's largest collection of ocean films. The company will demonstrate its end-to-end range of Full HD 3D solutions which includes the VT25 Series of Full HD 3D VIERA Plasma HDTVs, 3D Blu-ray Disc Players and the AG-3DA1 – the Full HD 3D professional camcorder much anticipated by independent film makers. Also on display will be a new underwater housing for the 3DA1 that will allow videographers to capture life beneath the surface of the ocean in Full HD 3D. Panasonic will also sponsor a panel discussion titled 3D: Nature's New Dimension on Friday, August 27 at the Portola Hotel & Spa moderated by Barry Clark, executive producer at Mandalay Media Arts. Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Panasonic's Chief Technology Officer for North America, will be among the featured panelists at the discussion. "Panasonic is proud to support the BLUE Oceans Summit and have the opportunity to share with many of the world's leading oceanographic filmmakers and experts our industry-leading work in 3D technology," said Panasonic's Tsuyuzaki. "The underwater world is among our planet's most fascinating and mysterious places. The arrival of the 3D era provides filmmakers with a tremendous opportunity to capture the beauty of the ocean in a realistic and immersive way that was not possible a few short years ago and share it with people worldwide so that they too may gain a greater understanding of how important our oceans are." For more information on all of the events and activities at the BLUE Oceans Summit, visit www.blueoceanfilmfestival.org/home.html.

Harris to Open Manufacturing Facility for Digital Television Transmitters in Brazil.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010

International communications and information technology company Harris Corporation has opened a new factory in Brazil to manufacture low- and mid-power UHF television transmitter products to support the region's transition to digital television. Located in Campinas, a region 80 miles northwest of Sao Paulo, the plant will produce Harris Maxiva UAX air-cooled solid-state transmitters for distribution to broadcasters across Brazil, as well as throughout Mercosur (the Common Market of the South) and other Latin American countries. According to the company, the strong growth potential of the Brazilian broadcast market was one reason Harris decided to invest in a local manufacturing presence.  In preparation for an analog shut-off date in 2016, Brazilian broadcasters are in the process of migrating to the ISDB-Tb digital format that has been adopted in the country.  To date, only 120 channels out of the approximately 10,000 television licenses that currently exist in Brazil have made the transition from analog to digital. The new plant will produce transmitters available in the low-to-medium digital power levels, as Harris expects that transmitters in this power range will comprise approximately 90 percent of the local market demand over the next five years.  "With the DTV rollout just beginning to gain momentum, and with the world's highest-profile sporting events coming to Brazil in 2014 and 2016, the timing of this initiative could not be better for Harris or our customers," says Nahuel Villegas, vice president, CALA Sales and Services, Harris Broadcast Communications.  "We are pleased to support this exciting time in Brazil's broadcast history with a local manufacturing presence that will enable us to maximize value for our loyal customers in the region."

Sony Develops Single Wire Interface Technology.
Monday, August 23, 2010

The Sony Corporation has announced the development of 'single wire interface technology', a hybrid transmission technology which facilitates both data and power transmissions through a single cable. This technology enables the internal wiring of an electronic device to be streamlined through a single cable (copper wire). Conventionally, the video, audio and control signals as well as the power transmission were spread out over several dozen cables within the movable mechanisms of devices like mobile phones and media players, in the hinges or other rotating parts. However, as these devices become ever more sophisticated in terms of advanced functionality and high resolution displays, more wiring connections have been used to accommodate the increasing volume of data being transmitted within devices. Accordingly, new problems began to emerge as connectors in devices became larger and it became more difficult to bend the connecting cables. According to the company, Sony's newly-developed 'single wire interface technology' has achieved bi-directional transmission of several kinds of signals, including video, audio and control signals, by using time division duplex and multiplex. In addition, the DC power is supplied on the same signal cable. Sony's unique encoding technology with DC balance enables both DC power supply and high speed data to be transmitted within a limited frequency bandwidth. Technical specifications (tentative values) of Sony's demonstration system include:

- Transmission signal: video (Display / Camera), audio, control signals
- Transmission speed: 940Mbps
- Power consumption: 10-80mW (0-940Mbps) during transmission, 0.3mW when on stand-by.
- Power supply voltage for analog IC: 1.5V/3.0V
- Transmission distance: 60cm
- Supplied current value: 600mA
- Operating ambient temperature: -20 - +85°C

In order to swiftly begin practical implementation of this technology, Sony has teamed up with ROHM Co., Ltd. ('ROHM'), for the joint development and technical validation for the analog portion of the test chip. Hereafter, Sony will grant ROHM a license for the IP of the digital portion of this newly-developed technology in order to advance the development of a single chip which includes both the analog and digital portions.

80% of TVs sold in U.S. in 2014 will be 3D-ready
Friday, August 20, 2010

According to a recent report from international research firm Parks Associates, there has been a modest increase in awareness of 3DTV among U.S. broadband households in 2010, but the mainstream viability of 3D depends on availability of premium video content and not one-off events such as the World Cup. The report, 'Trends in 3DTV' finds 13% of households are familiar with 3DTV, an increase from 10% from the previous quarter. In some cases, 48% of these households are willing to pay for 3D content, provided they have access to the right types of content, including movies and TV shows. "Efforts such as the ESPN 3D broadcast of the 2010 World Cup are great experiments and effective in building awareness of the technology, but they have not resulted in extraordinary 3D TV sales," said Pietro Macchiarella, research analyst, Parks Associates. "As content and service providers launch new 3D channels and Blu-ray discs, consumers will start to see more value in this technology, and shipments will increase as a result. By 2014, 80% of the TVs sold in the U.S. will be 3D-ready." The research indicates 3D movies generate the most interest from U.S. consumers. One-third or fewer of consumers are willing to pay for 3D television shows and sporting events, but nearly one-half are willing to pay for 3D movies. "Hollywood's push to increase its 3D production benefits consumer awareness of the 3D experience and stimulates interest in bringing it to the living room," Macchiarella said.

THX to Offer Two Levels of Video Calibration Training.
Thursday, August 19, 2010

THX Ltd. has announced that it will begin offering two levels of THX Certified Video Calibration workshop to CE professionals At CEDIA 2010. THX Certified Video Calibration 1 is a new one-day course covering the basics of video calibration, from user-controls and color management to gray scale adjustments. THX Certified Video Calibration 1 is an introductory course designed for those looking to join the ranks of professional calibrators. The course also serves as a prerequisite for THX Video Calibration 2, which is required to become a THX Certified Calibration Professional. Course curriculum includes topics such as:

• History of TV Technology
• Why We Calibrate
• What Makes a "Good Image"
• Signal Path and Optimization Strategies
• Calibration Process
• Contrast Ratios and Screen Uniformity
• Geometry & Convergence
• Contrast and Brightness
• Color, Tint and Color Decoding
• Sharpness and Enhancement Controls
• Introduction to THX Certified Displays and Projectors
• Introduction to 3D Color Management

Candidates who successfully complete the coursework and score at least 85 percent on the THX exam will achieve the title of "THX Certified Professional." They will also be listed on the THX directory of Certified Video Professionals, among other marketing support materials. The advanced course, THX Certified Video Calibration 2, features two-days of intense, hands-on calibration training using a variety of flat panel displays and projectors, as well as the most advanced calibration tools and software. Course curriculum topics include:

• Calibration Process and Integration of Signal Generators
• Advanced Grayscale and Gamma
• Software and Hardware Choices
• Competing Display Technologies
• Scaling Technologies
• Processing Issues; Progressive/Interlace
• De-interlacing with Examples from HD and DVD Benchmark Discs
• Environmental Issues
• Color Science and Color Standards
• Day and Night Modes
• Calibrating to Black and White Films
• Advanced Calibration of THX Certified Displays and Projectors
• 3D Color Management Systems - Color Standards and Science
• The Business of Calibration - Customer Management

To achieve the title of "THX Certified Professional Calibrator" candidates are required to successfully finish the course, pass the exam and complete a number of calibrations under the supervision of THX course instructors. They can then begin generating revenue by offering THX Certified Calibrations to customers. THX Certified Professional Calibrators also gain access to a private forum and other THX marketing and online services. "THX Certified Video Calibration workshops fill a critical gap in the CE industry by providing course curriculum that goes beyond lecture format to offer real, hands-on calibration training," said John Dahl, director of education at THX. "The expanded curriculum and addition of THX Video Calibration Levels 1 and 2 classes provides students in the CEDIA community more flexibility to attend classes at their convenience, and enables our training staff to extend lab hours to provide one-on-one instructional support." The CEDIA-accredited THX courses start the last day of the CEDIA Expo on Sunday, September 26. For more information about THX Professional Education workshops, visit www.thx.com/professional/home-theater-installer/

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