Flat Screen Tvs - Plasma Tvs - LCD Displays and HDTV

New Customers Can Save up to $200 by Subscribing To DishHD

EchoStar Communications Corporation and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service announced the roll-out of four new high-definition channels - HGTV HD, NFL Network HD, National Geographic Channel HD and Starz HDTV - bringing its total HD channel lineup to 29 channels - the most national HD channels offered by any pay-TV provider in the United States. In addition, EchoStar announced a price reduction on its MPEG-4 receivers and a bonus offer for its DishHD(TM) programming packages.

Customers who subscribe to DishHD Bronze or higher will now have access to both HGTV HD and NFL Network HD. HGTV HD, which is exclusively broadcast by DISH Network, offers in-depth home and lifestyle programming, including shows on gardening, home remodeling and interior design. NFL Network HD brings viewers a 24-hour simulcast of NFL Network's programming, including 168 game telecasts a year, news, press conferences, event coverage, and reality and historical series from the sport of football.

"DISH Network continues to offer the largest HD lineup in the U.S. with 29 channels," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "That's nearly three times the amount of HD channels the average cable provider offers."

DISH Network also introduces the National Geographic Channel HD, available to subscribers of DishHD Gold or higher. The channel will be available to all DishHD customers in a free preview on Ch. 9429 until July 7, 2006. National Geographic Channel HD brings the network's spectacular imagery to viewers in stunning clarity with all the innovative original programming and signature specials, ranging in topics from science and nature to technology and culture, that viewers have come to expect from the National Geographic Channel.

DishHD customers who subscribe to the Starz Movie Pack or DishHD Platinum will now get Starz HDTV, featuring films from Hollywood studios such as Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Miramax Films, Sony Pictures Classics, Revolution Studios, Samuel Goldwyn Films, Dimension Films and Screen Gems among other leading distributors.

DISH Network is now offering a free equipment upgrade to customers leasing its standard HD receiver. In addition, the up-front lease fee for DISH Network's HD digital video recorder satellite TV receiver has been reduced to $199.99, down from $299.99.

New customers can also save $200 if they subscribe to DishHD Bronze or higher through DISH Network's HD Bonus promotion combined with its current $100 Back offer. To take advantage of the HD Bonus promotion, new customers must submit a redemption form with their first bill to receive the benefits, which in turn provides a $20 credit on each subsequent bill for 10 months. Both the discounted lease upgrade fees and the HD Bonus will run through Jan. 31, 2007.

For more information about DishHD programming packages, DISH Network's HD receivers or current HD promotions, click here.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Communications Corporation serves more than 12.2 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit www.buymydish.com

Posted by Nana at 03:41 PM | DISH Network Expands HD Lineup to 29 Channels

Starz Entertainment Group Ignites Portable Internet Video Market With the Launch of Vongo Innovative Content Application Will Drive New Era in Portable Video

Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) today announced the premiere of VONGO -- a new video download application and service for broadband that delivers movies and other video content over the Internet for playback on Windows-based PCs, laptops, and select portable media devices, as well as on a TV.

"Vongo will provide the key content application that will drive a new era in portable video delivered over the Internet," said Robert B. Clasen, president and CEO of SEG. "By combining the wide array of programming choices on Vongo with a host of new portable media devices being announced this week at the Consumer Electronics Show, consumers will be able to seize control of their video and watch whatever, wherever and whenever they want."

Vongo subscribers will have unlimited access to more than 1,000 movies and video selections, as well as a live, streaming Starz TV channel, for a monthly cost of $9.99. Members may download movie and video selections to three eligible devices of their choice per account, allowing for multiple viewing options and family enjoyment. Additionally, select popular pay-per-view titles are available for $3.99 per movie. Vongo is currently available for broadband subscribers in the United States at http://www.vongo.com/.

Starz also announced the first in a series of planned agreements that will extend Vongo's reach as the premier broadband entertainment service for consumers. Initial partners include Sony CONNECT and Microsoft. Sony CONNECT will make Vongo a cornerstone of its new CONNECT Video service, to be launched later this year. SEG worked with Microsoft to ensure that subscription video content from Vongo provides the highest-quality viewing experience on Windows-based PCs, laptops, and select portable media devices, as well as on a TV.

"Based on the evolution of the digital entertainment space, we believe that Vongo will be the critical component in a new entertainment ecosystem; combining services, Vongo's advanced user interface (UI) and a new generation of devices to offer consumers a truly unique offering," said Bob Greene, senior vice president, advanced services for SEG.

Vongo Leverages Starz Exclusive Movie Rights

As one of the largest content aggregators in Hollywood, Starz has access to thousands of theatrical films including first-run hits ("Hitch," "The Aviator," "The Incredibles," "National Treasure," "Kill Bill Vol. 2," "Finding Neverland") and classics ("Pulp Fiction," "Boyz N' The Hood," "Night of the Living Dead," "Good Will Hunting," "Hoosiers," "Dances With Wolves," "Annie Hall") for Vongo upon launch from many of Hollywood's biggest studios.

Greg Maffei, CEO-elect of SEG parent company Liberty Media Corporation dded "Liberty is excited about this new service from Starz, not only because of its potential revenue stream, but because it positions us as the content leaders in this new era of portable video and personal consumer choice. This re-defines what it means to 'go to the movies,' because with Vongo, the movies go with you. The lessons learned in developing and launching Vongo can apply to other segments of our company and to our sister enterprises both in the US and overseas."

Clasen added, "Critical to this service are the Internet distribution rights we have acquired from our studio partners. We share with them a concern about the piracy over the Internet and so have built in a robust digital rights management system to ensure that only those who are authorized to use this service will do so. We also believe that by providing a convenient, affordable and legal way to access the best of Hollywood we will ensure that consumers will be much less likely to try to engage in video piracy."

Starz Entertainment Group is the exclusive subscription provider of first-run, classic and favorite films from leading Hollywood studios including Walt Disney Pictures, Miramax Films, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Films, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia Tri-Star, Screen Gems, Revolution Studios and more. Select recent films are available exclusively from Universal Pictures and New Line Cinema and library and classic titles are provided by a wide array of Hollywood studios. Clasen concluded, "Vongo subscribers have full access to the very best content from Hollywood's biggest studios. Our breadth of subscription movie content is unmatched anywhere on the Internet."

In addition to the movies available as part of the subscription service, Vongo will offer subscribers and non-subscribers alike access to pay per view movies for $3.99 per film. Offering PPV titles in the earlier release VOD window will broaden the range of movies offered on the service and give consumers greater selection and choice.

"Exclusive -- and virtually unlimited -- access to 800-1000 movies per month is the programming foundation of the Vongo service," said Greene. "Adding a PPV option will bring consumers even more movies and will do so sooner as a result of the earlier window from Hollywood. With concerts, extreme sports, and in time, TV series, we see an opportunity to bring additional value and enjoyment to Vongo members, but subscription movies will remain the driver of the service. Vongo will expand significantly its non-movie content in time as we listen to feedback from our members and the content community."

Additional programming available to Vongo subscribers includes full-length music concerts ("INXS: Live Baby Live," "The Hives: Live in Las Vegas," "Prince - Sign 'o' the Times," "The Who: Live in Boston," "Brian Wilson: On Tour"), and Extreme Sports ("Warren Miller's Cold Fusion," "Real Action Sports," "Ride Guide"). At launch, Vongo will offer a live, East Coast feed of the Starz TV channel in its "Watch Live Now" category, with an eye towards adding other television-based content, including series in the future.

"Movies, sports and news are the main drivers for Internet content. So far, sports and news have found an opportunity to distribute content via the Internet, but due to the Hollywood rights issues, subscription movie content has been slower to come to market -- until now," said Greene. An important strategy in the development of Vongo is to engage in a number of strategic alliances with technology, media and device companies in order to extend the reach of Vongo as far as possible. "When we started working on this product 18 months ago, we reached out to industry leaders to engage them in the development of the service," said Greene. "By providing the critical content element, we are helping to create an entire ecosystem of products and services that will provide consumers with unmatched convenience and flexibility. These systems will be easy to use in multiple different settings."

Vongo Looks to Microsoft for Security and Portability -- Where Do You Vongo?

Starz is using Windows Media technologies to power the Vongo service for their ability to provide subscribers with the highest-quality playback experience, whether enjoyed at home on a Windows-based PC or on the go using eligible portable media devices or laptops.

"This is a significant development in the enjoyment of Internet-delivered video content," said Greene. "We believe the ability to easily, securely and legally move Vongo content to the TV and portable devices will be key drivers for Vongo's 'video on the go' consumers -- particularly as those important segments of the marketplace develop."

"With Vongo, Starz brings a wealth of premium and exclusive television and feature film content to hundreds of millions of Windows users," said Blair Westlake, corporate vice president of the Media, Content & Partner Strategy Group. "Powering Vongo with our Windows Media technologies not only gives consumers the best-quality video, but also gives them the flexibility to enjoy their content when and where they want, at home or on the go."

"The combination of Vongo's programming and Microsoft's digital rights management system and media player software has produced the catalyst for this new era of personal video," said John Pollard, senior director in the Mobile & Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft. "With this new service consumers have greater freedom to choose what they want to watch from anywhere at anytime."

Sony CONNECT with Vongo for Distribution

"We are very pleased to be working with Sony CONNECT," said Greene. "Our visions about video delivery over broadband are very much aligned, and we are excited about the marketing opportunities that Sony CONNECT will bring to the table."

In addition, Starz has partnered with a host of other providers in the development of Vongo. "We have built Vongo from scratch in partnership with 'best of breed' vendors and partners," Greene noted. "With Sony CONNECT, Microsoft, and other key alliances to be announced soon, we present the first examples of the broadband-delivered video ecosystem we have built around Vongo to catalyze the development of this marketplace."

Complements and Expands Core Business

Greene concluded that research conducted by SEG over the past year demonstrates that an Internet service will not cannibalize existing distribution systems including cable, satellite, and telco services. "Vongo expands the pie, as approximately 70% of Starz Ticket customers were not subscribers to Starz and approximately 50% were non-premium subscribers altogether. We developed Vongo so that we could provide our existing affiliates the ability to offer great movies directly to their broadband customers. We will work with them to find ways to offer Vongo, including packaging high-speed broadband connections with Vongo to attract even more consumers to this new way of accessing and enjoying content."

He also noted that Starz Ticket, launched in 2004 with RealNetworks Inc., will continue as a service, but that the focus for Starz will be on Vongo. "Starz Ticket on Real Movies provided us with a great chance to see how the market would react to broadband delivery of video. We learned an enormous amount in a real world environment and have incorporated all those lessons into the new Vongo service."

Vongo is available in the United States in beta form beginning today at http://www.vongo.com/. The product will be showcased for interested media at CES in partner booths as well as at the Digital Media Experience at the Bellagio hotel on Jan. 4th from 7 - 10 p.m.

Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) is the largest provider of premium movie services in the United States. SEG offers 13 digital movie channels including the flagship Starz® and Encore® channels with approximately 14 million and 25 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment Group airs more than 750 movies per month across its pay TV channels and is a forerunner in offering its subscribers advanced services such as Starz HDTV, Starz On Demand® and Vongo(SM). Starz Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, http://www.starz.com/.

Posted by Nana at 07:33 AM | Starz Entertainment Group Launches Vongo Video Download Application And Service | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Research and Markets has announced the addition of The Changing Face of Studio Video Sales: Grow New Markets, Push High Definition, Get Interactive to their offering.

The major Hollywood studios are facing a changing landscape for the consumption of their home video products.

Sony Corporation is "betting the farm" on High Definition TV and HDTV products, including the next-generation Blu-Ray disc format. Sony's strategy may be strong enough to drive them into a dominating position for the future of digital home entertainment, and the other major Hollywood studios may simply be along for the ride.

Microsoft and Intel are also lobbying strongly to play a part, with their Connected Digital Home solutions. Microsoft and Intel have voiced strong support for HD-DVD.

Nobody can be sure how it is all going to play out. By 2009, the forecast model predicts a worldwide retail value of US$ 50 Billion, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 5.4% for annual sales value of Hollywood Video Content sold at retail. The DVD value will hold its own but much of the growth will be due to:

- Portable Player products

- Next-Generation optical discs

- Movie & TV Downloads

It is expected that the three alternative delivery formats to gain momentum in 2006, and continue growing through 2009. The coming few years will be very interesting ones for the Hollywood studios.

The Changing Face of Studio Video Sales: Grow New Markets, Push High Definition, Get Interactive found the following:

By 2009, a worldwide retail value of US$50 Billion is forecasted for annual sales of Hollywood video content sold at retail.

By 2009, 41% of US TV Households will be watching movies on HDTV displays.

DVD players that support HDMI deliver High Definition quality today, so next-generation High Definition optical products will need to provide "something more".

Over 40% of Japanese households will have wide-screen HDTV sets by 2009, and Europe and other Asian markets are already seeing robust sales of HDTV displays.

Portable player products and online download services are likely to lead industry growth, especially in Europe and Asia.

The bulk of the Hollywood movie and TV show DVD market value comes from just six countries: Japan, the United States, Canada, the UK, France and Germany.

The intense media interest in next-generation optical disc formats is selling lots of magazines, but will not have much impact on the Hollywood "packaged goods" business until late in the decade.

The Changing Face of Studio Video Sales: Grow New Markets, Push High Definition, Get Interactive covers the market for movie studio video sales. It includes analysis of technology and market trends for the number of TV Households, by region, that have at least one wide-screen HDTV-capable video display. The report also forecasts annual retail sales of Hollywood video products by category and by region through 2009. Profiles of major players in the home video industry are also provided.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c29289

Posted by Nana at 06:09 PM | DVD Disc Sales Value Slows, But New Technologies Will Spur International Growth | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

UpZide Labs AB and Tensilica(R), Inc., announced a development agreement in the area of VDSL2 data-path design. Under the agreement, UpZide will develop a reference design utilizing multiple Xtensa(R) LX processors from Tensilica to implement the VDSL2 (second generation Very high-speed Digital Subscriber Line) standard. Because the standard is evolving, it's essential that the VDSL2 data-path component be designed with the flexibility required to adapt to all possible changes. By designing with highly configurable Xtensa processors rather than RTL (register transfer level code), and by extending the instruction set to handle the data-intensive demands of the VDSL2 standard, UpZide will be able to make available for license a fast, efficient, and programmable solution for this rapidly growing market.

The VDSL2 standard provides broadband connections at speeds of up to 100 Mbps symmetrical, which is fast enough to deliver the "triple play" applications of voice, data and video to a wide audience. This technology is seen as key to delivering VoIP (voice over Internet protocol), VoD (video on demand) and HDTV (high-definition television) simultaneously over standard telephone lines.

"The evolving VDSL2 standard puts extreme requirements on system-on-chip designs; some can even be considered contradictory," according to UpZide's CEO, Dr. Mikael Isaksson. "Compared to existing VDSL, VDSL2 must offer both longer range and support the delivery of higher bandwidth services at low production costs, high port density and low power consumption. Tensilica's Xtensa processors will allow us to deliver these challenging requirements along with the flexibility inherent in a programmable solution.

"UpZide brings to the partnership unique expertise gained from designing several VDSL platforms in various semiconductor technologies, including FPGAs, ASICs and DSPs, since 1995. Tensilica's Xtensa processors are ideal for this project because they can be optimised precisely for this application, making them much faster and energy efficient than standard control processors, enabling UpZide to design a processor-based solution with the power-area efficiency previously only attainable with hard-coded RTL design methodologies," Dr. Isaksson added.

"VDSL2 design is challenging. It needs to be processor-based so it can be future proof to quickly respond to changes in standards and to different customer requirements," stated Steve Roddy, vice president of marketing at Tensilica. "That's why we're happy to support UpZide's VDSL2 design efforts. Their extensive expertise with VDSL should give them a head start in the VDSL2 market."

About UpZide

Based in Sweden, UpZide's core business is to offer embedded software, system-on-chip designs and expert services to chipset manufacturers and system integrators, enabling them to enter the market with standard compliant communication system solutions. UpZide was founded in 2001 by the key individuals that developed the Zipper DMT technology, a concept that is currently a cornerstone of the international VDSL standard, as well as the evolving VDSL2 standard. See www.upzide.com.

About Tensilica

Tensilica was founded in July 1997 to address the growing need for optimized, application-specific microprocessor solutions in high-volume embedded applications. With a configurable and extensible microprocessor core called Xtensa, Tensilica is the only company that has automated and patented the time-consuming process of generating a customized microprocessor core along with a complete software development tool environment, producing new configurations in a matter of hours. For more information, visit www.tensilica.com.

Posted by Nana at 11:20 AM | UpZide and Tensilica to Cooperate on VDSL2 Data-Path Design; Solution to Provide HDTV Bandwidth Over Phone Lines | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cnet has an article that highlights the fact that consumers need to aware that having HDTV doesn't really mean automatic HD quality for all the programming they view.

The sharp picture quality that wows you on that expensive HDTV in the electronics store isn't necessarily what you'll see once you get the set into your living room. Read more at cnet ...

Posted by Nana at 10:23 PM | Cnet Article - Clearing up the HDTV picture | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In a bold step forward to delivering stunning home theater to the masses, Kreisen, (www.kreisen.com), the manufacturers of quality affordable high definition television displays, today announced the availability of their premier line of high definition television ( HDTV ) 40-inch liquid crystal display ( LCD ) televisions. Packed with the latest features, this stylish new flat panel display represents the flagship model for the new entrant and is flanked by an equally impressive 37-inch model. Both LCDs are shipping immediately.

Impressively priced at a low $3,499 MSRP for the 40-inch and $2,999 MSRP for the 37-inch, both sets feature an outstanding 1000:1 contrast ratio and 1366 x 768 resolution high definition ( HDTV ) 1080i and 720p display. The sleek new 40-inch offering is one of the largest LCDs with a built in NTSC TV tuner available on the market today and a welcome addition to any home or office décor and audio/video system. To complement the wealth of features already standard, these LCDs boast 16:9 aspect ratios with a multitude of inputs to allow the set a warm welcome in any environment.

“We are excited to bring to market these extremely versatile LCD TVs at such a low price. We are proof positive that one does not need to sacrifice quality or availability of features for affordability. LCDs are becoming an accepted standard in the personal home theater and office multimedia market segments over their plasma rivals,” said Samson Lee, CEO of Kreisen. “Our high definition TVs are ideally suited to deliver the total visual experience with the latest features at an affordable price point.”

With more sizes to be announced soon, Kreisen features top grade LCD panels designed by Samsung and LG Philips, two of the industry’s leading companies. In an effort to stay ahead of the industry, Kreisen will soon announce built in sub-woofers and high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP) with high-definition multi-media interface (HDMI) as well as built-in advanced television systems committee (ATSC) tuners to deliver dazzling images and dynamic sound of digital TV broadcasts.

Kreisen LCD TVs are immediately available from a quickly growing list of popular consumer electronics retailers including Amazon (www.amazon.com)

About Kreisen LCD TVs
Headquartered in San Jose, California, Kreisen is a leading manufacturer of affordable, advanced, high definition liquid crystal display ( LCD ) televisions for use in home entertainment, business, and education. Kreisen’s line of flat-panel HDTVs comes standard with premium features such as digital luminance and color transient improvement (DLTI/DCTI) technology to dramatically improve image details for sharper, more natural pictures. Additionally, the digital perfect creation (DPC) engine, co-developed with Germany’s Micronas, a world renowned maker of digital video and audio signal processors, ensures optimized screen output. All Kreisen LCD TVs feature double window (DW) scan, picture-in-picture (PIP), built in equalizer, auto volume leveler (AVL), and an array of input and output connections for the most versatile viewing options. Kreisen is marketed through a rapidly growing network of consumer-direct online partners, and regional and national retail stores in North America by EnCross Enterprise, Inc.

For more information, visit Kreisen online at (www.kreisen.com) or call 1-866-KREISEN.

Posted by Nana at 09:17 PM | Kreisen Delivers the First Affordable 40-Inch HDTV LCD | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Surprise, Surprise! Looks like people are already hacking TivoToGo (Tivo To Go). Check out pvr blog for a list of interesting stuff people are doing.

Posted by Nana at 11:50 PM | TivoToGo Hacks | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New analysis from TDG Research suggests that IPTV will quickly evolve from a Telco-Only play to hybrid offerings with DBS, DTT and even Cable TV providers.

IPTV, or the distribution of a television service over broadband access lines, will take a turn towards full commercial deployment in 2005. The 2004 launch of services such as Maligne TV and CanalSat DSL in France, FastWeb in Italy, and the announced 2005 TV-over-DSL launch by BellSouth, SBC and Verizon in the United States have propelled this new technology onto the front page of industry attention. "The Business of IPTV: Global Analysis & Forecasts," a new study from TDG Research, suggests that the majority of global IPTV growth will be fueled by hybrid deployments that combine digital satellite or terrestrial TV services with IP-based TelcoTV offerings.

“The television markets around the world vary greatly in terms of incumbent pay television offerings and broadband penetration,” says Hervé Utheza, consulting analyst with TDG Research and a digital media industry executive. “The chances of TelcoTV’s success will vary greatly depending upon the extent to which these two services have penetrated individual geographic markets. In other words, when it comes to identifying the real opportunities for IPTV on a global basis, understanding the specificities of the regional markets is paramount. Hence, our new study covers three specific geographic regions and 28 countries.”

Other important findings of the study include:
•    Worldwide IPTV subscribers will pass the 20 million mark around 2010, a volume dominated by hybrid architectures deployments as opposed to stand-alone TelcoTV VoDSL solutions. IPTV-generated revenue will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 102% between year-end 2004 and year-end 2010.
•    The cross-over point between MPEG-2 video transmission bandwidths and sustained broadband access bandwidths in volume deployments has now been reached, making it possible to deliver a quality digital video service to consumers over a broadband connection. Moreover, more efficient video codec chipsets are now starting to be available in ASIC technology thus making it possible for consumer premise equipment (CPE) to reach low-cost, volume-deployment level prices.
•    The power of IP as a digital video transport technology will rapidly expand beyond TelcoTV operators to affect multiple network topologies. Satellite operators will augment their broadcast offerings with IPTV-based “on-demand” services in order to compete with cable TV players. Additionally, Digital Terrestrial Television or DTT adoption will also benefit greatly from IPTV-based premium offerings.
•    For satellite TV service operators, IPTV will provide a means of extending their current broadcast offering to including on-demand movies and programming, thus allowing them to compete with cable’s new video-on-demand services. IPTV and its more efficient codec technologies are also expected to facilitate the continued growth of HDTV channels, while being poised to enable an extension of their core DBS service beyond the satellite set-top box – for example, to mobile consumer devices connecting to the main satellite receiver.
•    For cable operators, IPTV technologies will play a determining role in the advent of cheaper set-top boxes (STBs), network equipment, and multiplexing devices. In the United States, the New Generation Network Architecture (or NGNA) effort led by CableLabs will be the foundation for the extension of IP-based core networks, able to indifferently deliver video, data and voice over the same network equipment, as close as possible to the consumer home, thus reducing the “last-mile” plant investment.
•    The primary competitive determinants for consumer adoption will be (1) breadth of content offerings, (2) pricing of services, and (3) creation of unique compelling bundled offerings.
•    Early IPTV differentiators will include an “a la carte” pricing model, a move that will put pressure on the traditional business practices of incumbent PayTV operators.
•    TelcoTV adoption around the world will vary greatly, as the penetration of PayTV and broadband differs. In markets such as the United States where PayTV penetration approximates 80%, careful attention must be given to program pricing and packaging, as well as identifying specific target markets.
•    Despite the increased use of IP-based video transport technologies, independent web sites and Internet-based IP TV and video services will remain a niche proposition and may be aggregated or acquired by the larger IPTV operators.

TDG’s new IPTV competitive analysis and forecast, "The Business of IPTV: Global Analysis & Forecasts," is the most comprehensive treatment of global IP-video opportunities available today. The analysis combines a critical examination of the business of IPTV, deconstructing more than fifteen existing IPTV service vendors, the economics of various network and CPE configurations, and detailed forecasts for 28 countries in North America, Europe, and AsiaPac. The report also includes provisional profit/loss analyses using three different incumbent PayTV and broadband penetration models.

About TDG Research
TDG Research is a “think tank” of consumer technology analysts charged with providing timely, actionable intelligence designed to best position new consumer technologies for rapid diffusion. Our team is committed to providing market research and strategic consulting services based on conservative, real-world analysis and market forecasts grounded in consumer research. For more information about TDG Research, visit our website at www.tdgresearch.com or email email protected from spam bots.

Posted by Nana at 11:10 PM | Global IPTV Revenue Will Top $17 Billion by 2010 | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

America has spoken: high-definition television has taken its place, alongside friends and food as one of the most important factors for Super Bowl viewing. In a recent survey, more than a quarter of Americans said that HDTV has become one of the most critical elements of the Super Bowl experience. The results of the poll, conducted by ICR/International Communications Research on behalf of Comcast, the country's leading cable, entertainment and communications company, also show that, for men, watching the game in high definition (34%) is as important as the food (37%).

High Def is the Name of the Game
When asked which type of play they would most like to see in high definition, respondents ranked the touchdown pass (26%) first, with an interception return (19%) coming in close behind. A high-definition quarterback sack (12%) ranked third; a popular choice likely influenced by the crystal clear "crunch" that comes with Dolby 5.1 surround sound. As for the various elements viewed during the Super Bowl, fans listed the game (33%), the halftime show (25%) and instant replays (17%) as the things they most looked forward to watching in high definition. By gender, men placed cheerleaders second (21%), only after the game itself (38%), while women look forward to watching the halftime show (37%) in high definition as much as the game (28%).

Broken Records and Replays of Replays
Who did respondents want to see in the Big Game, on the big screen, in six times greater clarity? It appears there is a direct correlation between the desire to see a touchdown pass in high definition and the quarterback who set the single season NFL record for touchdown passes. Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts) was the runaway winner with 20 percent of the vote. The rest of the pack was even, garnering 14-15 percent each, and included Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons), Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), Tom Brady (New England Patriots) and Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles). If given the chance to view the Super Bowl using a Comcast digital video recorder (DVR), "armchair officials" said the reverse and replay function would be used most often to watch replays of replays (28%) and scrutinize touchdowns (28%). After those two responses, fans said that the game's legendary commercials (16%) would get the most replay action.

Getting into the (High Def) Zone
Heading into 2005, consumers are extremely excited about HDTV; however, many consumers still are unclear about what's needed to enjoy the HD experience. The Super Bowl HDTV survey follows an HDTV awareness survey conducted by Comcast in December that asked consumers their impressions and understanding of HDTV. In that survey, 40 percent of respondents said that they didn't know if "just plugging in" an HDTV would bring high-definition programming to their living rooms.

To help address questions consumers may have as they consider adding HDTV to their Super Bowl experience, Comcast offers the following tips:

• The stands are filling up. The total number of HDTVs shipped to retailers should hit 13.8 million by the end of this year. That number is nearly double the 7.8 million HD sets shipped from 1998 until the end of 2003. (Consumer Electronics Association)
• Count the threads on the pigskin. For the ultimate viewing experience, HDTV offers six times the picture clarity of traditional analog. HDTV provides the clearest picture available today.
• Don't mistake a bench-sitter for a franchise player. To get HDTV's crystal clarity, make sure the digital television carries an HDTV resolution of either 720p (progressive) - better for smaller sets - or 1080i (interlaced) - best for big screens.
• Read the scouting report. Make sure you understand what HD programming your service provider can offer and what equipment is needed. Questions to ask include: Are premium movie channels available in high definition? Is there an extra charge for these? Is ON DEMAND included and available in high definition? Does any special equipment need to be purchased to receive or record HD programs?
• Get the homefield advantage. Only cable can provide local channels in HD. A high-definition channel requires about five times the bandwidth of a standard definition channel and, right now, that's too much for satellite to handle.
• Pick up a hot prospect. Digital Video Recorders can be included in a Comcast HD subscription. With a DVR, consumers can pause and rewind live action on the television to create personal replays and can easily record all their favorite programs in HD.
• The "Digital Team" gets more popular every year. Programming in HD has grown considerably in just the last few years. For example, Comcast's HDTV service includes high-definition broadcasts of most major networks, ESPN, Discovery HD Theater, HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, STARZ!, INHD and INHD2 as well as several regional sports networks.

The Super Bowl is not the only thing fans want to watch in high definition. HD movies are also a hot ticket, and fans overwhelmingly chose Remember the Titans as the football film they would most like to see in high definition (29%). The second choice for men was On Any Given Sunday (20%) and, for women, Jerry McGuire (18%).

"The Super Bowl has become one of the primary drivers for consumer investment in home entertainment equipment and watching the game in HD is the next best thing to sitting on the 50-yard line in Jacksonville," said Dave Watson, executive vice president of operations for Comcast. "Consumers have many choices when it comes to buying an HD television - from the type of sets available for purchase, to the growing amount of programming available, some of which are unique to cable. We want to help consumers navigate through the many buying choices available today and make it as easy as possible to enjoy the HD experience."

Comcast "Special Teams" Ready to Go
As consumers prepare for Super Bowl Sunday, Comcast has a presence in nearly 1,000 retail locations and representatives are available at many of those sites to help answer questions about HDTVs and HD service. Visitors to Comcast's website (http://www.comcast.com) also can access an HD tutorial with Frequently Asked Questions and an HD demo, as well as sign-up for service online.

The Comcast survey was conducted by ICR/International Communications Research of Media, PA, between December 27 and 31, 2004, using a random nationwide sample of 750 households. The results are based on the responses of households with televisions.

About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (http://www.comcast.com) is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable networks, and in the provision of programming content. The Company is the largest provider of cable and broadband services in the United States, serving more than 21 million cable television customers and more than 6 million high-speed Internet customers. The Company's content businesses include majority ownership of Comcast Spectacor, Comcast SportsNet, E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, G4techTV, The Golf Channel, International Channel and Outdoor Life Network. Comcast Class A common stock and Class A Special common stock trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbols CMCSA and CMCSK, respectively.

Posted by Nana at 11:56 AM | Comcast Cable Survey Shows More Than Half of Fans Consider High Definition and Big Screen TV When Deciding Where to Watch the Big Game | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

ATI Combines Its Award-Winning Graphics Technologies with Microtune's Silicon Tuner Technology in PC Video Products That Deliver Sophisticated Broadcast, Home Theatre, Gaming and PC Entertainment

Microtune(R), Inc. (Nasdaq:TUNE) today announced that it is supplying its single-chip tuner technology to ATI Technologies Inc. for incorporation into ATI's newly announced TV WONDER(R) ELITE and ALL-IN-WONDER(R) family of multimedia/PC video add-in cards. Microtune's MicroTuner(TM) MT2050 provides the radio frequency (RF) tuning and receiving 'gateway' for, among its other PC/TV products, ATI's:

ATI Combines Its Award-Winning Graphics Technologies with Microtune's Silicon Tuner Technology in PC Video Products That Deliver Sophisticated Broadcast, Home Theatre, Gaming and PC Entertainment

Microtune(R), Inc. (Nasdaq:TUNE) today announced that it is supplying its single-chip tuner technology to ATI Technologies Inc. for incorporation into ATI's newly announced TV WONDER(R) ELITE and ALL-IN-WONDER(R) family of multimedia/PC video add-in cards. Microtune's MicroTuner(TM) MT2050 provides the radio frequency (RF) tuning and receiving 'gateway' for, among its other PC/TV products, ATI's:

Hitachi High-Technologies is pleased to announce the launch of the world's first professional HDTV MPEG2 Decoder PCI card capable of decoding HD MPEG-2 TS streams of up to 200Mbps. No longer will you be limited to handling video streams of only 80Mbps, the MD1S60DG-PCI card will give you the extended capability of decoding HDTV DVB-ASI transport streams of up to 200Mbps in both 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 formats. The calibre of the HD-SDI stream output picture quality is outstanding and true to the broadcast industry that this card supports. Ideal applications for the card include digital cinemas and theatres enabling the delivery of film quality pictures, HD contribution and mobile HD.

Main features of the HD MPEG-2 Decoder are demonstrated by its ability to decode both 4:2:2 and 4:2:0 formats in a TS of up to 200Mbps and its flexibility to auto-sense all major HD video formats, including 1080i at 25, 29.97 and 30fps; 1080p at 23.97, 24fps and 720p at 59.94 and 60fps. Profile and Levels: MP@HL, 422P@HL and MP@H14L. Two audio channels are supported decoding MPEG-1 Layer II audio with AES-EBU outputs. In a short-PCI card profile, the main card dimension is 175mm x 107mm excluding the BNC connectors for transport stream input and audio/video output. It is also possible to drive the card in standalone mode with a PCI-bridge adaptor card.

With High Definition TV making its mark on the industry Hitachi High-Technologies is pleased to respond to the overwhelming request for an MPEG2 HD Decoder capable of decoding the HD video streams from low bit-rates of less than 15Mbps up to very high bitrates of up to 200Mbps on a PCI card. The MD1S60DG-PCI meets all these criteria and beyond with its excellent specification and will be an invaluable tool in the production of richer and more diverse HDTV programming.

Posted by Nana at 05:22 PM | Hitachi High-Technologies Launches First HD MPEG-2 PCI Decoder Working Up To 200Mbps | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

By Michael Kanellos
Staff Writer, CNET News.com

TI, the third-biggest chipmaker in the world, is aggressively working with TV manufacturers, bureaucrats, producers and movie theaters to promote high-definition programming and technology, with a particular emphasis on dropping the cost of HDTV sets and building digital cinemas.

"We're working with our customers to move the price (of HDTV sets) to $1,000," Texas Instruments CEO Rich Templeton said in a meeting with reporters at the tail end of the Computer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. "This is the year of HDTV."

TI's interest in high-definition entertainment stems from its digital light processors (DLPs), a line of chips used in rear-projection TVs and projectors. In DLPs, transistors manipulate thousands of tiny mirrors to create an image that then appears on-screen (there are HD DLP TVs and DLP TVs for regular programming).

more...

Posted by Nana at 09:51 PM | Texas Instruments revs up TV, theater | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Company Announces Industry's First HDTV Media Hub, Next-Generation HP Digital Entertainment Centers, and a Full Line of New TVs and Projectors

In advance of the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, HP today kicked off the next phase of its digital entertainment push by announcing a set of products and partnerships that build on the company's strategy to deliver simplicity, innovation, personalization and mass-market pricing.

"Digital entertainment is about enabling consumers to enjoy, manage and interact with all kinds of content from any source in a simple, easy way," said Carly Fiorina, HP chairman and chief executive officer. "Our expertise in imaging and printing, consumer devices and computing technologies combined with our R&D capabilities uniquely position HP to solve the complexity of integrating the physical and digital worlds and take the digital lifestyle mainstream."

The company announced an expanded family of entertainment hubs. First, HP announced it will add high-definition ATSC tuning capabilities to its current HP Digital Entertainment Center (DEC), which is designed for PC enthusiasts who want to combine e-mail and Internet access with digital entertainment capabilities. HP's new DEC products fuse the best of PC and audio-visual elements. Two models are expected to ship this spring with different storage, graphics card and tuning options.

Second, HP announced the industry's first HDTV media hub

Entropic Communications will be at CES (Booth 26815) to show of their home networking for digital entertainment technologies. Their c.LINK technology enables the networking of digital entertainment media from PCs, set-top boxes, digital video recorders such as TiVo, and other consumer electronics over the standard coaxial cable already installed in virtually all U.S. households.

See their Press Release Below:

Video-on-demand movie services are expanding from the familiar pay-per-view model, as companies such as Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) have begun offering subscription packages featuring web-based downloads of popular entertainment directly by broadband to the PC with STARZ! Ticket on Real Movies.

Initially offered for viewing only on the PC, consumers with heavy investments in plasma screens and HDTVs are looking for display options beyond the desktop, and that's where Entropic comes in. Entropic's technology permits networking of digital entertainment from PCs, set-top boxes, digital video recorders, and other consumer electronics over the standard coaxial cable already installed in virtually all U.S. households.

A demonstration of downloaded high-definition movie content from Starz Entertainment Group, stored on a PC hard drive, and transmitted over the in-home coax to a HDTV screen in another room, will take place at next month's CES in Las Vegas in Entropic's Booth 26815.

"We're interested in expanding the horizons of people who want to download high-quality content from the web onto their PCs," said Bob Greene, SEG senior vice president, advanced services. "Partnering with Entropic on this demo shows what a powerful model this can be, as STARZ! movies stored on a PC's hard drive can be accessed and shown on any set connected to the cable jack in the wall."

Entropic's c.LINK-270 chipset, when built into a variety of consumer electronics such as set-top boxes, digital video recorders, and televisions permits seamless networking over the existing coaxial cable infrastructure at speeds as high as 270Mbps. The high speed and reliability of coax make it the ideal medium for networking high-bandwidth applications such as video.

"We believe that traditional service providers such as cable MSO will continue to offer VOD for hundreds of titles, many of which will be available in HDTV format," said Patrick Henry, Entropic's president and CEO. "However, there will be tens of thousands of titles of more niche content, including old-run TV programs and movies, that will be available over the web. STARZ! Ticket on Real Movies reliably delivers this content to the home in a very secure way, and Entropic's technology moves the content around the home in a very reliable and secure way using the in-home coax."

Entropic is a founding member of the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA(TM)), formed to standardize technologies for linking consumer entertainment devices over existing coax cabling. Other members include Cisco Systems, Comcast, EchoStar, Matsushita Electric (Panasonic), Motorola, RadioShack Corporation, and Toshiba. For more information: www.mocalliance.com.

About Starz Entertainment Group

Starz Entertainment Group (SEG) is the largest provider of premium movie services in the United States with approximately 167 million pay units. SEG offerings include the Starz Super Pak(R), with up to 13 digital movie channels and more than 750 movies per month, Starz On Demand(R), the only on-demand pay TV subscription service available on the cable and satellite platforms, and its broadband equivalent, STARZ! Ticket(SM). SEG also offers a suite of advanced video offerings, including STARZ! HD(SM), Encore HD(SM), and Starz On Demand HD(SM). Starz Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NYSE: L, LMCb), www.starz.com.

About Entropic Communications

Entropic Communications is a privately held semiconductor company based in San Diego, Calif., enabling home networking for digital entertainment. Entropic's products allow consumers to easily share digital entertainment throughout the home by leveraging the existing coax infrastructure to fundamentally change the way content such as movies, music, and images are stored and networked by the average user. For more information: www.entropic.com.

Posted by Nana at 02:20 PM | Entropic to Demonstrate Sharing of HDTV Movie Downloads From Starz Entertainment Group Over In-Home Coax Network at CES | TrackBacks (0)

ATI's HDTV Wonder HDTV PCI tuner card gives you the ability to add HDTV viewing capabilites to your home PC. At less than $200, this is one of the cheapest ways to upgrade to HDTV without a $1000 investment.

Gary Krakow over at MSNBC has a very good review of the HDTV Wonder HDTV tuner card.

ATI’s HDTV Wonder package consists of their HDTV PCI card that goes inside your computer, a remote control for your new HDTV tuner and a directional indoor HDTV antenna which looks a lot like Terk’s HDTVi that I’m using in my living room (except the Terk also includes rabbit ears for analog TV). The PCI card is capable of receiving broadcast HDTV stations and regular standard definition analog TV stations all broadcasting over-the-air in your neighborhood. The card can also handle analog cable TV but not digital and HDTV Cable or satellite signals.more...

You'll also find more information at http://ati.com/products/hdtvwonder/index.html

Posted by Nana at 11:20 PM | Review: HDTV Wonder HDTV PCI tuner card | TrackBacks (0)

The prime TV buying season is now upon us, and if a television is on your shopping list, you should be thinking HDTV. The federally mandated transition to an all-digital broadcast system is getting closer all the time (the target is the end of 2006); and if you have to get a DTV-ready set anyway, why not go for one that's capable of displaying the beautiful, high-resolution images of high-definition?

Money No Obstacle
If you've been holding off because you preferred not to spend the thousands that the first high-definition sets cost (and that the sexiest plasma and LCD models now command), it's time to take another look at products and price tags: Today you can find HD sets for as little as $500. Here are some strategies for saving on your HDTV purchase, as well as a selection of products in the $500-to-$2000 range.

The first thing to consider is whether you need a true HD set--one with a built-in high-definition tuner--or whether an HD-ready set will suffice (see "Learn the HD Lingo"). HD-ready sets can cost a few hundred dollars less than comparable true HDTV sets, and they make sense if you'll be using an HD cable or satellite box and consequently don't need a built-in tuner to obtain over-the-air HD. more...

Posted by Nana at 11:36 PM | How to buy a cheap HDTV | TrackBacks (0)

eLCOS Microdisplay Technology will be introducing the latest release of its 1080p eHD70 display panel -- featuring an ultra-high 4000:1 panel contrast ratio -- at International CES 2005 in Las Vegas from January 6-9, 2005. The new eHD70 combines VAN (Vertically Aligned Nematic) liquid crystal technology with eLCOS Microdisplay's proprietary digital technology -- Dynamic Digital Drive -- for a vibrant, sharp picture. eLCOS panels will be demonstrated in a 60 inch TV, which can be seen by appointment. CEO Warren Shih will also be on hand to discuss the company's product roadmap, technology improvements, and 2005 initiatives.

The eHD70 produces a 1080 x 1920 progressive-scan resolution, the highest HDTV resolution available today. The eHD70 is designed for use in a three panel system architecture for either front or rear projection displays.

eLCOS Dynamic Digital Drive technology enables digital voltage from the video input signal to the eLCOS SRAM pixel circuit, which creates exceptionally high-fidelity images at a true native 1080p resolution. Dynamic Digital Drive is also immune to common display artifacts such as image burn-in and data line crosstalk.

eLCOS Vertically Aligned liquid crystal technology features an intrinsic 4000:1 panel contrast ratio and lifetime of over 90,000 hours. eLCOS Chief Technology Officer Ed Hudson explained, "The inorganic alignment layer is a key enabler of high-yielding long-lifetime VAN technology. Our milestone achievement addresses a market demand for an attractive, reliable, and affordable HDTV solution."

Space is limited, so please call ahead to reserve a time to view eLCOS display technology during International CES 2005. Contact:
• Roland Lue (roland@elcos.com) at 408-504-5314
• Tammy Hwang (thwang@elcos.com) at 650-279-2963

     eHD70 Performance Matrix
     Display Device           eHD70
     Panel Active Matrix      1952 pixels x 1112 pixels-32 alignment pix
                              (H + V)
     Active Array Dimensions  15.81mm x 9.01 mm (0.7" Diagonal)
     Pixel Pitch              8.1 um
     Pixel Cell Type          SRAM
     Contrast Ratio           4000:1 @ f/2.8 illumination (panel-only)
     Reflectivity             75%
     Response Time            < 10 milliseconds (Rise time + Fall time)
     Liquid Crystal Mode      Vertically Aligned Nematic (VAN)
     Alignment Layer          Inorganic thin film
     Si Backplane Process     CMOS 0.25 micrometer
     Controller               TPM2 Dynamic Digital Drive

About eLCOS:

eLCOS Microdisplay Technology (www.elcos.com), a fabless design house for LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) microdisplays, is a venture capital-backed company with headquarters in Sunnyvale, CA. eLCOS is a leader in next-generation display technology by providing advanced, all-digital, dynamic video display solutions. All eLCOS products utilize proprietary patent-pending digital imaging technology to ensure the purest colors and the most lifelike pictures. eLCOS' team of talent includes the pioneers of digital LCOS technology. eLCOS has offices in the United States, China, and Taiwan.

Posted by Nana at 02:34 PM | eLCOS to Launch 1080p VAN eHD70 LCOS Microdisplay With 4000:1 Contrast at CES 2005 | TrackBacks (0)

Voom could be up for sale soon. It would be interesting to see who snaps it up.

The Long Island-based cable operator said Tuesday that its board had decided to suspend pursuing a spinoff of its Rainbow Media Enterprises subsidiary. In place of the RME transaction, says Cablevision, the company will "pursue strategic alternatives" for its satellite TV service.

...it appears from the traditional "strategic alternatives" code word, Cablevision will try to find a buyer for Voom or its assets. TheStreet.com

Posted by Nana at 02:22 PM | Cablevision planning to sell Voom? | TrackBacks (0)

CopperGate and Ucentric are offering a joint IP network solution for using existing coaxial cable and phone lines that will enable service providers to cut consumer premises equipment and installation costs.

CopperGate and Ucentric Team Up for Home IP Network Entertainment Applications Solution

Two companies to showcase joint home networking solution at the industry’s largest consumer electronics show

CopperGate Communications, a leading developer of chipset solutions for home networking, and Ucentric Systems, a leading provider of home media networking software for the digital home, today announced a joint Internet Protocol (IP) network solution for delivering whole-home entertainment applications using existing coaxial cable and phone lines. CopperGate’s CopperStream™ technology, in production today, has been integrated with Ucentric’s Whole-Home Media™ Software Suite to enable a highly reliable IP network capable of distributing high-definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) broadcast quality video sessions. The resulting system is ideally suited to Ucentric’s highly popular Whole-Home DVR™ (digital video recording) application, Whole- Home Music™, and distribution of photos to multiple display devices throughout the home. The integrated solution, which enables telco and satellite service providers to significantly cut consumer premises equipment and installation costs while increasing entertainment service offerings, will be featured at the upcoming International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2005 in Las Vegas, January 6-9.

“Ucentric has built a home entertainment platform that greatly enhances the consumer’s digital home entertainment experience, and at a cost that operators and manufacturers can easily adopt,” said Gabi Hilevitz, CopperGate CEO. “We are pleased to work with them to deliver a flexible system that uses a high speed IP backbone in the house to deliver high quality video, data and voice services on a secure and dependable network.”

CopperGate`s CopperStream products can carry 128 megabits per second of data over both coaxial cables and phone lines with up to 90% user data throughput. Guaranteed QoS provided by Automatic Bandwidth Allocation (ABATM) ensures delivery of data streams with predefined bandwidth, latency and jitter. These products are the first to comply with the HomePNA 3.0 specification, an extension of HomePNA 2, an ITU Standard.

“CopperGate’s industry-leading home networking products allow the distribution of multiple broadcast quality HD video streams – the essential and most difficult challenge for physical layer technologies to meet – over combined phoneline/coax networks. The availability of a mature, cost-efficient technology to support multi-session HD is a significant enabler for the New Digital Home,” said Michael Collette, Ucentric chief executive officer. “Our combined IP-based system for the Digital Home can now deliver a future-proof solution that meets today’s requirement and is built to expand to allow providers to support growing consumer demand for applications and services in the home that require this sort of bandwidth.”

Ucentric’s Whole-Home DVR™ application creates a single recording library, shared among multiple television sets that allows users to independently record, pause, play, rewind and fast forward live or recorded programming from any TV in the network. Additional applications available from Ucentric include Whole-Home Music™ and Whole-Home Photo™ applications that allow users to access, share, and transfer their complete digital music and photo collections to any connected device in the home.

About Ucentric Systems
Ucentric is a leading provider of networked media server software and applications for the new digital home. Its patented technology enables the secure, high quality digital distribution of HD and SD video signals from broadcast, satellite or cable sources to all connected rooms in the home. The Ucentric solution is uniquely capable of unifying networked television, including whole-home DVR with networked personal media (music, photos, home movies) and networked communications (broadband internet access and telephony) – all on a standards-based, cost efficient, interoperable IP networking platform that can easily scale to support any array of applications.

Ucentric is committed to supporting industry standards and is a member of the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Forum and actively supports CableLab’s Open Cable initiative. Based in Maynard, Massachusetts, Ucentric is backed by Polaris Venture Partners. For more information, please visit www.ucentric.com.

About CopperGate Communications
CopperGate Communications develops chipsets which are designed to transform home networking. CopperGate’s technology uses existing coax and phoneline wiring in the home to create a multimedia network for distributing services such as HDTV, video-on-demand, home-theater, browsing, online gaming, and toll-quality IP phone service. CopperGate offers Telcos and Satellite Providers a sustainable competitive advantage allowing providers to get services to market faster, with cost savings, and with better coverage in real homes. The third generation technology is based on a worldwide standard and features dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA™) providing guaranteed quality of service. Founded in 2000, CopperGate is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with offices in Newark California and Tokyo. For more information, please visit www.copper-gate.com.

Posted by Nana at 03:23 PM | Coppergate and Ucentric team up for home IP network entertainment applications solution | TrackBacks (0)

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. announced today the expansion of its family of commercial-use plasma displays, with the PDP-424MV enhanced definition plasma display. This new plasma joins the high definition PureVision PDP-614MX (61"), PDP-504CMX (50") and PDP-434CMX (43") plasmas, offering commercial users another option for their digital signage, boardroom and other business applications. With the addition of the PDP-424MV, Pioneer has a plasma display solution for any business application or budget.

"The PDP-424MV fills an important place in the public display market, adding to Pioneer's family of professional plasma displays," said Jim Krodel, director of industrial display for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "There is occasionally a need in the market to utilize a VGA panel for a specific installation. Now we have the ability to offer that product to our customers. As the industrial marketplace continues to grow, the ability to offer a VGA plasma helps Pioneer to maintain its position as one of the world's leading plasma manufacturers."

Features of the PDP-424MV include:

• 16:9 aspect ratio

• 853 x 480 resolution

• Encased Cell Structure utilizes a larger phosphor surface area to prevent light leakage, creating a brighter image.

• High-precision Capsulated Color Filter decreases light reflection for better viewing as well as filtering out unnecessary elements in red, green and blue light for purer color reproduction.

• Black Stripe ensures that the dark colors appear crisp and clear, even in bright environments.

• Four Gamma Modes allow for a more precise display of tone gradations, even for images with low lighting.

• Image Burn-in Management helps the display resist image burn-in.

• Point Zoom allows users to expand any portion of a PC image from one to nine times, in 64 incremental steps, emphasizing key points in a presentation.

• Video Wall function optimizes images depending on the input source when the four-segment multi-screen display is used.

• Color Detail Adjustment enables the plasma to alter the color of a specific item being displayed in an image without changing the characteristics of the image.

Pioneer's plasma displays offer significant longevity for a commercial user. Sixty thousand hours is an approximate time for the display panel to reach half of its original luminescence. This approximation may vary depending on source and type of content, settings, environment and use. This approximation does not provide or imply any warranty beyond the manufacturer's standard limited warranty.

The PDP-424MV is shipping this month at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $2499.

PureVision High Definition Plasma Displays

As one of the first companies to commercialize plasma technology, and the first company to offer a high definition plasma display in 1997, Pioneer offers a wide range of plasma products for commercial users. Headlining Pioneer's family of commercial-use plasma products are its PureVision widescreen XGA plasmas available in 43" or 50" sizes with patented technologies, including the PureDrive(R) for sharper images, deep encased cell structure for brighter displays and PureColor Filter for the most accurate color reproduction. When a larger size display is needed, commercial users can turn to Pioneer's 61" high definition PDP-614MX, which offers a wide viewing angle, and can accurately display personal computer signals ranging from VGA to UXGA.

Expansion Solutions Card Slots

Pioneer's 43" and 50" commercial plasma displays (PDP-434CMX and PDP-504CMX) feature an open architecture expansion slot that enables the user to insert a variety of expansion cards into the plasma itself, changing or enhancing the display's capabilities. These expansion cards work as part of Pioneer's Expansion Solutions(TM) program, which enables third-party developers to create expansion cards specifically for Pioneer plasmas for features including HD processing, video wall processing, wireless enabling, touch-screen capability and more. Pioneer's vision for its Expansion Solutions program is to provide a more future-proof environment for plasma displays by enabling users to modify their display to meet the rapid evolution of display and communication technology.

Pioneer currently offers two of its own expansion cards for its plasmas. The PDA-5003 and PDA-5004 optional video cards provide composite, s-video and component terminals for vivid, vibrant images. The PDA-5003 is equipped with stable BNC terminals, and supports an analog RGB signal through its component terminals. The PDA-5004 is equipped with RCA terminals, for connectivity with many external devices.

The Industrial Display Group of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is the leading provider of plasma and video display products for business use. Pioneer introduced the industry's first 50-inch high definition plasma display in 1997 and continues to deliver innovative display solutions for professional audio/video, information technology, trade show, broadcast, legal, medical, education and transportation applications. In an effort to provide the highest quality of customer care, Pioneer professional plasma displays that are purchased through an authorized dealer, include a one-year warranty with convenient on-site service and technical support.

Pioneer Electronics' headquarters is located in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(TM) and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) employs more than 36,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Posted by Nana at 03:12 PM | 42-Inch Pioneer Plasma Display is Newest in Family of Commercial-Use Plasma Products, Adds Dimension to Commercial Line | TrackBacks (0)

If you haven't gone shopping for a TV recently, you'll be amazed at the change. Tube TVs at national retailers like Tweeter are largely off the shelves now, replaced by LCD, plasma, DLP and, new for this year, SED, which some say offers next generation picture quality.

Why is HDTV now a "must have" versus a "nice to have"? Largely because there's actually stuff to watch on network and cable TV. The major cable providers, such as COX, Comcast, and Time Warner, offer many programs in HD, including the most popular, sports, including the 2005 Super Bowl.

Satellite is also offering more programming choices; VOOM, the first HDTV- only satellite service, launched in 2004. Today, you can already watch all these primetime programs in HD: American Dreams, Crossing Jordan, ER, Las Vegas, Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The West Wing.

"Sporting events are a perennial trigger for TV sales," said Kate MacKinnon, a Tweeter spokesperson. "This year we'll see the same frenzy around the Super Bowl and March Madness, but we also expect interest from shoppers who have witnessed firsthand the theater-like experience of watching their favorite primetime shows in HD with a home theater system designed just for them."

Tweeter, a national specialty retail of entertaining consumer electronics solutions, recently announced its "We Can Untangle Your Mind" ad campaign to acknowledge the complexity of buying TVs and other consumer electronics today.

New research from Leichtman Research Group found the percentage of households with a high definition-capable TV nearly doubled in the past year, with 7% of households in the US having an HDTV at the end of the third quarter of 2004. This adoption continues to be driven by higher-income consumers, but the mean household income of HDTV owners went down from $95,000 to $80,000 per year.

"Consumer adoption of HDTV has been strong over the past year, and will continue to grow substantially over the next several years. We expect that by the end of this year about 10 million households will have an HDTV, and that number will grow to 45 million by the end of 2008," said Bruce Leichtman, principal analyst for Leichtman.

Posted by Nana at 01:00 PM | The Picture is Clear: Millions More Homes Will Turn on HDTV in 2005 | TrackBacks (0)

Aggregate global demand for electronic displays is projected to increase better than 13 percent per year through 2008 to US$113.5 billion. Global demand for displays has surged over the past couple of years, in the face of strong demand for flat panel computer monitors and the initial generations of high-definition flat screen televisions. Further strong growth is expected, concentrated in the flat panel segment, where demand will increase at a robust pace of nearly 20 percent per annum. Aside from favorable aesthetics and ongoing improvements in resolution and picture quality, flat panel displays will benefit from their increasing cost-effectiveness relative to CRTs.

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) -- and so-called active matrix LCDs built on thin-film transistors (TFT-LCDs) in particular -- have enjoyed very strong growth in recent years, and as of 2003, LCDs as a whole accounted for just under 90 percent of the total world flat panel display market. LCDs have achieved especially strong penetration in the desktop computer monitor market. Further robust growth in LCD demand is expected through the latter part of the decade and beyond. Plasma displays and microdisplays have also enjoyed healthy growth over the past several years, and will continue to post strong gains. These display technologies hold particularly good prospects in high-definition television (HDTV) applications, as do LCDs. Advanced-technology organic light-emitting diode (OLED) flat panel displays hold much promise over the intermediate-to-longer term, but cost and technical hurdles to large-scale commercialization remain formidable.

Electronic display production is dominated by Asian nations, in particular four countries -- South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China -- which in 2003 accounted for a combined share of just under 79 percent of total world electronic display shipments, and for 95 percent of flat panel display output. They owe this position primarily to pre-eminence in the high-volume TFT-LCD segment of the business. Not surprisingly, these countries -- Japan, South Korea and Taiwan in particular -- also represent the largest exporters of electronic displays to the rest of the world.

Posted by Nana at 12:58 PM | The Freedonia Group says World Electronic Displays Demand to Reach $113.5 Billion in 2008 | TrackBacks (0)

What Is HDTV?

What is HDTV? How is it different from normal television?
HDTV is high-definition television, a method of digital broadcasting that results in high-quality pictures and Dolby Digital surround sound.

HDTV uses the same amount of bandwidth (6 megahertz) as used in the current analog system, but HDTV can transmit more than six times the information as the analog system. This translates to higher quality in picture and sound. more...

Posted by Nana at 04:44 PM | Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About HDTV | TrackBacks (0)

Digital Television Information
WHIO-TV began transmitting its digital signal on channel 41-1 in October 2001. Digital television allows for a significantly improved viewing experience called High Definition television or HDTV, which includes higher resolution picture, CD quality sound and the expanded 16:9 aspect ratio screen image. WHIO-TV transmits a digital signal from our transmitter daily, but you can only receive the digital signal over the air with special receivers that are sold by area electronics retailers. If you would like to receive the signal through your cable operator please write or call your local cable provider to request that they carry our signal.

What is digital television?
The picture you currently receive is based on a 55-year-old analog transmission system. In December 1996, the FCC approved the U.S. standard for a new era of television - digital television. In a digital system, images and sounds are captured using the same digital code found in computers. The change to digital will not only significantly improve the quality of the television picture, but also make possible the over-the-air delivery of several simultaneous services to viewers. Digital television makes possible high definition television, multicasting and data transmission.

What is high definition television? more...

Posted by Nana at 04:42 PM | HDTV Frequently Asked Questions | TrackBacks (0)

If you want to watch "Law & Order" and "Monday Night Football" in all their high-definition splendor, you're going to need more than a high-def television. In fact, getting the TV might be the easy part.

It was for me, anyway. Pioneer sent me a gorgeous HD plasma to test-drive for a couple of weeks.

The PDP-4340HD is just about the best flat-screen TV that $7,000 can buy. It has a super-bright, 43-inch screen with color and detail that are right on the money. The reds don't bleed beyond the edge of an image, faces look like real skin and there's no smearing during fast-moving action scenes. more...

Posted by Nana at 04:41 PM | "Free" HDTV broadcasts could cost a bundle | TrackBacks (0)

Pending transaction further enhances Audiovox's position as a leading supplier of satellite radios

Audiovox Corporation today announced that its subsidiary, Audiovox Electronics Corp. (AEC) has signed a letter of intent to acquire certain assets comprising the business of Terk Technologies Corp. ("Terk") for a purchase price of $13.6 million plus a debenture based on achieving future revenue targets.

Terk is a leading provider of satellite radio receivers and digital antenna products. The Company has an agreement in place to provide existing and develop future car stereo aftermarket products for XM. Some of the Terk's other products include TV and AM/FM antennas with an emphasis today on High Definition (HD) technology. The companies anticipate based on due diligence that Terk's Net Sales for the year ended December 31, 2004 will be approximately $50 million.

Commenting on the deal, John Shalam, Chairman, President and CEO of Audiovox Corporation stated, "The proposed acquisition of Terk marks our first transaction since the sale of our Wireless business to UTStarcom. Terk brings significant expertise in the specialized satellite radio industry, which we have identified as a fast growth high tech market and we believe it will serve to strengthen our position for future growth in that segment."

Patrick Lavelle, President and CEO of AEC stated, "This purchase is yet another step we are taking to further expand our portfolio of technology driven products. It is synergistic to our existing distribution channels as well as internal operations. We already enjoy a leading market position in satellite radio and with the addition of Terk, believe we have further strengthened that position."

In addition to the Terk branded products, Audiovox will also assume the exclusive distribution rights in the United States for Vogel's line of high end LCD and Plasma TV mounting systems. Lavelle further stated, "We are also excited about the potential of the Vogel line due to the projected growth of the flat panel market in the U.S."

The consummation of the purchase is subject to a number of conditions including completion of a definitive agreement and fulfilling due diligence and other terms and conditions customary or applicable to this transaction. The Company anticipates a closing by December 31, 2004 or shortly thereafter.

Shalam concluded, "We continue to evaluate additional business opportunities that can contribute to our company's growth. With a clean balance sheet, little debt and access to capital, Audiovox is well positioned to be a player in the M&A market and it is our intent to continue to pursue strategic acquisitions that will help grow both our top- and bottom-line results."

About Audiovox

Audiovox Corporation is a leading international distributor and value added service provider in the consumer electronics industry. The Company currently conducts its business through Audiovox Electronics Corporation (AEC), a wholly owned subsidiary. AEC is a recognized leader in the marketing of automotive entertainment, vehicle security and consumer electronics products. The company is number one in mobile video and places in the top ten of almost every category that it sells.

Among the lines marketed by AEC are its mobile electronics products including mobile video systems, auto sound systems including satellite radio, vehicle security, and consumer electronics products such as portable DVD players, flat-panel TV's, extended range two-way radios, multi media products like MP3 players, and home and portable stereos. The company markets its products through an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, 12-volt specialists, mass merchandisers and an OE sales group. The company markets products under the Audiovox, Jensen, Acoustic Research, Advent, Code Alarm and Prestige brands. For additional information, visit http://www.audiovox.com.

Posted by Nana at 06:02 PM | Audiovox Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Terk Technologies Corp | TrackBacks (0)

Discovery Communications, the leading global real-world media and entertainment company, today announced it will extend availability of Discovery HD Theater(TM) in markets outside of the United States, affording viewers around the globe the opportunity to explore their world in illuminating visual detail through high definition television.

"With today's announcement, Discovery Communications extends its leadership position in the U.S. and the world by providing an all-HD network to international markets," said Judith A. McHale, president and CEO of Discovery Communications. "Discovery Communications is positioned to lead the HD programming arena internationally given the universal appeal of Discovery's brand, our proven expertise in launching international networks and our tradition of providing visually rich content to our viewers throughout the world."

In June 2002, Discovery Communications launched Discovery HD Theater(TM) in the U.S. Today, Discovery HD Theater(TM) is one of the most widely distributed HD networks in the country. The U.S. network, which offers HD programming from the company's top brands including leading networks Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, will be the model for the international network. The international network will be offered as a stand-alone channel or in programming blocks. The company plans to offer the network worldwide, focusing in markets where HDTV is gaining a foothold, such as Canada, Mexico, Korea, China, Japan, Germany and the UK.

Discovery Communications has established an extensive presence around the world. Offering customized schedules and a compelling blend of global and regional programming, the company currently operates 10 international television brands delivered via 85 feeds in 35 languages.

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. DCI has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 160 countries and territories with over one billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's 60 networks of distinctive programming represent 21 entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery HD Theater and FitTV. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education, Discovery.com and 120 Discovery Channel retail stores. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Liberty Media Corporation, Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

Posted by Nana at 07:08 PM | Discovery Communications to Offer HD Channel Internationally | TrackBacks (0)

During the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), January 6 -- 9, 2005, Brillian Corporation will hold private sessions to discuss its 2005 initiatives and demonstrate its latest products, including its award-winning 720p HDTV monitor, new high-performance 1080p HDTV monitor, and new near-to-eye product concepts.

Brillian's management team, including former Sony executive Bill Fox, Brillian's new senior vice president, Sales, will be on hand at the Las Vegas Hilton to answer questions and showcase the company's Gen II liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS(TM))-based products. The new 1080p HDTV monitor features a six-megapixel light engine, which projects the highest contrast and brightest images available today in an LCOS rear-projection TV. The technology's inherently high pixel fill factor, continuous gray levels, and extraordinary black-level performance create the industry's most stunningly realistic images.

Space is extremely limited and appointments are only available January 6 -- 8, 2005. To schedule an appointment, call or email:

• Edelman Public Relations: Chad Giron at +1.323.202.1052,
  chad.giron@edelman.com
  
• Brillian Corporation: Deanna Krause at +1.602.410.8681,
  deanna.krause@brilliancorp.com
  

About Brillian Corporation

Brillian Corporation designs and develops rear-projection HDTVs targeted at high-end video/audio OEMs, high-end video/audio retailers, ProAV/CEDIA distributors, and their base of dealers and custom installers looking for breakthrough performance and image quality. The company is the first and only provider of Gen II LCoS(TM) technology used in these products. In addition to its high-definition televisions, Brillian also offers a broad line of LCoS(TM) microdisplay products and subsystems that OEMs integrate into proprietary HDTV products, multimedia projectors, and near-to-eye products such as monocular and binocular headsets. Brillian's LCoS(TM) microdisplay technologies address the market demand for a high-performance display solution with high image fidelity, high-resolution scalability, and high contrast ratios. The company's website is www.brilliancorp.com.

Posted by Nana at 10:04 AM | Brillian to Showcase New Six-Megapixel 1080p HDTV Monitors at CES in Exclusive One-on-One Interviews | TrackBacks (0)

With HDTVs Topping Many Consumers' Gift Lists, Comcast Helps Identify the Information Consumers Need to Make the Right Choice at Holiday Time

In a recent survey of consumers' views and understanding of high-definition television (HDTV), 49% of Americans said that HDTV would be a critical component of their ultimate home entertainment experience and 43% said they do not expect to ever buy a standard television again. The results of the poll, conducted on behalf of Comcast, the country's leading cable, entertainment and communications company, also show that HDTVs are shaping up to be the gift that shoppers will be treating themselves to this month, with over half of respondents who say they are planning on buying an HDTV set this holiday season will buy one for themselves.

However, as consumers' interest in HDTV rises, so do questions about how to identify what equipment they need and the best way to get high-definition channels in their homes. When asked if it is true that someone gets the high- definition experience just by plugging in an HDTV, 40 percent of survey respondents said that they didn't know.

To help address these and other questions consumers may have as they shop for HDTV sets, Comcast is sharing the following tips to help consumers with their HD buying decisions this holiday season:

• The difference is clear. HDTV offers six times the picture clarity of traditional analog. HDTV gives you the clearest picture available today.

• All HDTV is digital, but not all digital TV is HDTV. To get HDTV's
  crystal clarity, make sure the digital television carries the HDTV
  resolution of either 720p (progressive) or 1080i (interlaced).

• Select the right resolution for your set size. 1080i resolution
  provides a better picture on larger screens, while 720p resolution is
  better suited for smaller screens.

• All HD providers are NOT equal. Make sure you understand what HD
  programming your service provider can offer and what equipment is
  needed. For example, can you get local network affiliate's HD signal
  or only the national network feed; are premium movie channels
  available in high definition at no additional charge; and does your
  provider offer on demand programming in high definition? Are you
  required to purchase special equipment to receive HD channels and can
  you record HD programming?
  

"We know customers are presented with a multitude of information about HD - from the types of sets to the increasing amount of programming choices, some of which are available only with cable," said Dave Watson, executive vice president of operations for Comcast. "We want to help cut through the clutter and make it as easy as possible for customers to enjoy the cable-powered home entertainment experience that's right for them."

Comcast is offering information and support for shoppers this holiday season. Comcast has a presence in nearly 1,000 retail locations and representatives will be available at many of those sites to help answer consumers' questions about HDTV and connect them to Comcast HD service. Visitors to Comcast's website (http://www.comcast.com) also can log onto an HD tutorial with Frequently Asked Questions and an HD demo as well as sign up for service online.

Comcast's HDTV offering includes high-definition programming from most major broadcast networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and PBS, when available from the local network affiliates; as well as Discovery HD Theater, ESPN HD, HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, STARZ!, INHD, INHD2 and regional sports networks, including Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, Mid-Atlantic, Chicago, and West, where available. INHD and INHD2 are available only to cable customers and offer an exceptional variety of sports, movies, travel, and nature programming.

Comcast makes it easy for customers to enjoy HD service. Customers with an HD-capable television can rent an HDTV-enabled Digital Cable set-top box so they do not need to purchase additional equipment to receive HD channels. Comcast also is now offering HD digital video recorders so customers can record their favorite HD programs. The company also offers select HD movie titles as part of its video-on-demand service.

The Comcast survey was conducted by ICR/International Communications Research of Media, PA, between November 17 and November 22, 2004 using a random nationwide sample of 750 households. The results are based on the responses of households with televisions.

About Comcast

Comcast Corporation (http://www.comcast.com) is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable networks, and in the provision of programming content. The Company is the largest provider of cable and broadband services in the United States, serving more than 21 million cable television customers and more than 6 million high-speed Internet customers. The Company's content businesses include majority ownership of Comcast Spectacor, Comcast SportsNet, E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, G4techTV, The Golf Channel, International Channel and Outdoor Life Network. Comcast Class A common stock and Class A Special common stock trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbols CMCSA and CMCSK, respectively.

Posted by Nana at 09:31 AM | Comcast Cable HDTV Survey: Americans High on High-Definition Television | TrackBacks (0)

ON DEMAND, Digital Video Recorders, HDTV and Comcast High-Speed Internet Available to Many Chicagoland Customers - Just in Time for the Holidays

CHICAGO, Dec. 14 Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, viewers in Chicagoland will soon have access to unprecedented control of what and when they watch television. Customers will also have the ability to put the Internet to work for them in fun and exciting ways. The future of television and broadband is now, as Comcast today announced the completion of its $350 million broadband network upgrade.

As a result of the upgrade, Comcast customers will have access to ON DEMAND and Digital Video Recorders to control their television viewing like never before, and High Speed Internet with download speeds of up to 4Mbps, plus outstanding online content and features.

"The days of 'appointment television' are over. With ON DEMAND and DVRs, Comcast home entertainment is all about customization, and watching what you want, when you want," said Joseph Stackhouse, Comcast senior vice president for the Greater Chicago Region. "Our DVRs are much more affordable than competitive products, like TiVo -- we don't charge for the box itself, and the monthly service charge is lower. And ON DEMAND is a value-add service that makes Comcast Digital Cable a more attractive, robust service than any satellite company could provide."

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) will be available to everyone in the Greater Chicago Region in early 2005, allowing customers to digitally record up to 40 hours of programming to watch and re-watch shows on their schedules. DVRs will be available for only $9.95 a month. And Comcast's dual-tuner DVRs make it possible to record one show while you watch another, or record two shows simultaneously.

Comcast Digital Cable customers automatically have access to ON DEMAND, available in many areas currently but with total distribution by early 2005. ON DEMAND offers thousands of programs from a wide variety of cable networks - as well as a growing library of new-release and favorite films - most at no additional cost. Video-on-demand technology is not available from satellite companies.

"People are busier than ever, and television and movies at home are among the best ways to relax -- especially when you can choose your own programming," said Stackhouse.

Also as a result of the upgrade, for the first time, all Greater Chicago Region consumers now have access to a broadband high-speed Internet connection. Comcast High-Speed Internet offers everyone in the region the Internet's richest selection of multimedia content like never before. The lightning-fast Internet connection is 100 percent pure broadband, featuring a host of included services such as Video Mail, that allows the sender to send a 45-second video message without clogging his or the recipient's hard drive with large files, and The Fan(TM) a free multimedia player built in to Comcast High-Speed Internet.

Comcast High-Speed Internet is delivered to customers' homes via our broadband network, and customers can talk on the phone and surf the Internet simultaneously. Customers also can watch cable television while using the service. The service is "always-on"; customers aren't required to dial-up to access the Internet.

"We are proud to be the first to offer broadband high-speed Internet throughout the Greater Chicago Region," said Stackhouse. "The fast broadband connection will allow Comcast customers to enjoy their hobbies -- from gaming and downloading music to online shopping and chatting -- more than ever before."

More than 10,000 miles of upgraded broadband networks and newly constructed routing centers will increase the reliability of all of Comcast services in the Chicagoland area. Most importantly, the upgrade will allow the company the ongoing ability to offer new products and services to almost 4.2 million homes.

"Our employees have worked very hard completing this upgrade over the past two years to ensure that Comcast offers not only fast and reliable service to Chicago, but also the latest in home entertainment technology," Stackhouse said.

ABOUT COMCAST CABLE

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast Cable is a division of Comcast Corporation, a developer, manager and operator of broadband cable networks and provider of programming content. Operating in 17 of the United States' 20 largest metropolitan areas, Comcast is one of the leading communications, media and entertainment companies in the world. Providing basic cable, digital cable, high-speed Internet and telephone services, Comcast Cable is the company to look to first for the communications products and services that connect people to what's important in their lives. The company's 55,000 employees, in six divisions, serve more than 21 million customers.

Comcast Cable serves more than 1.7 million customers in the Greater Chicago region. Comcast, whose regional offices are located in Schaumburg, Ill., employs more than 4,700 people in Illinois, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

Posted by Nana at 10:30 AM | Comcast's Completion of Chicago Region's $350-Million Broadband Network Upgrade Puts Viewers in Control | TrackBacks (0)

Reliable, high-speed IP network leverages existing coax to support state of the art Digital Home consumer experience

Ucentric Systems and Entropic Communications are teaming up to deliver whole-home digital entertainment networking using an Internet Protocol (IP) network in the home that leverages existing coaxial cable. Entropic IP networking silicon chipsets combined with Ucentric Whole-Home software platform allow multiple high-definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) sessions of DVR (digital video recording) functionality and sharing of personal media such as music and photos to multiple display devices throughout the home over a reliable, high- speed (270Mbps) IP network. The combined solution will be showcased at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2005 in Las Vegas, January 6-9.

"We're pleased to work with Ucentric to provide a reliable and engaging platform to move high-quality digital media throughout the home," said Patrick Henry, Entropic president and CEO. "Our combined solution allows CE manufacturers to take full advantage of Entropic's multimedia transport technology and Ucentric's modular and customizable software suite for delivering compelling, broadcast quality applications throughout the home on a robust and low-cost IP network."

"Entropic has been a leader in leveraging existing in-home cable to create secure and dependable multimedia networks that support broadcast quality video, including HDTV, high speed data, Internet, voice, and multi-room gaming," said Michael Collette, Ucentric chief executive officer. "IP networking for Whole-Home entertainment is critical in the mass deployment of home media servers and media sharing in that it overcomes the bandwidth issues of moving HD content around the home and affords the reliability of an IP network at the lowest possible cost to CE manufacturers."

Entropic's c.LINK-270 chipset, when built into a variety of consumer electronics such as set-top boxes, digital video recorders, and televisions permits seamless networking over the existing coaxial cable infrastructure at speeds as high as 270Mbps. The high speed and reliability of coax make it the ideal medium for networking high-bandwidth applications such as video.

Ucentric's Networked Media Center software platform includes a Whole-Home DVR(TM) application featuring a single recording library, shared among multiple television sets that allows users to independently record, pause, play, rewind and fast forward live or recorded programming from any TV in the network. Additional applications available from Ucentric include Whole-Home Music(TM) and Whole-Home Photo(TM) applications that allow users to access, share, and transfer their complete digital music and photo collections to any connected device in the home.

About Ucentric Systems

Ucentric is a leading provider of home media networking software for the new digital home. Its patented technology enables the secure, high quality digital distribution of HD and SD video signals from broadcast, satellite or cable sources to all connected rooms in the home, over low-cost, in-home wired or wireless networks. Ucentric's embedded software platform provides CE manufacturers and operators maximum integration and branding flexibility for enabling multi-TV DVR, whole-home music and other networking applications for advanced set-top boxes, home media servers and entertainment PCs.

Ucentric is a member of the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Forum and actively supports CableLab's Open Cable initiative. Based in Maynard, Massachusetts, Ucentric is backed by Polaris Venture Partners. For more information, please visit www.ucentric.com.

About Entropic Communications

Entropic Communications is a privately held semiconductor company based in San Diego, Calif., enabling home networking for digital entertainment. Entropic's products allow consumers to easily share digital entertainment throughout the home by leveraging the existing coax infrastructure to fundamentally change the way content such as movies, music, and images are stored and networked by the average user. For more information: www.entropic.com.

Posted by Nana at 01:09 PM | Ucentric and Entropic to Show IP Network for Whole-Home Entertainment at CES | TrackBacks (0)

Industry Veteran Brings Consumer Electronics Expertise, Key Relationships, and Proven Track Record

In a strategic move to further expand the depth of its management team, Brillian Corporation announced that Sony veteran Bill Fox has joined the Brillian executive team as senior vice president, Sales. Fox will work to secure relationships with top-tier original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and retailers for Brillian's rear-projection, high-definition televisions. Based on Brillian's proprietary Gen II liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS(TM)) microdisplays, these 65-inch HDTVs offer breakthrough picture quality, with contrast ratios as high as 2000:1, and are ideally suited to OEMs looking to gain share in the top end of the fast-growth HDTV arena.

"I am impressed with the management team, the strategic vision and the technology leadership behind Brillian's offering," said Fox. "Brillian presents a compelling solution by giving OEMs and retailers a way to quickly enter the HDTV arena with a quality product assured to enhance their brand equity. And, unlike most competitors, Brillian has U.S. manufacturing expertise, which enables close collaboration with OEM customers. The HDTV era is just now unfolding. There is room for Brillian in this market and there absolutely will be demand among consumers for the incredibly high-level picture quality its HDTV products deliver."

Widely known and respected in the consumer electronics industry, Fox most recently was senior vice president and group general manager of the A/V Sales Group for Sharp Electronics. Prior to that, Fox spent 23 years at Sony Electronics Inc., where he cultivated strong relationships with national and regional retailers, and many of the key players in the consumer electronics distribution chain. In more than two decades with Sony, he held a number of executive sales and marketing positions, including serving as senior vice president, Consumer Systems & Applications; overseeing marketing for the Home Entertainment Products Division, and heading sales for both the Eastern and Western regions of the U.S.

"Establishing relationships with leading OEMs and retailers is paramount to our success," said Vincent F. Sollitto, Brillian, CEO and president. "The addition of Bill to our leadership team is a critical next step to meeting our objectives. He brings an extraordinary track record in the consumer electronics industry having played a key role in building many of Sony's most successful products and businesses. His experience, contacts and market vision will be tremendous assets as we move forward in 2005."

About Brillian Corporation

Brillian Corporation designs and develops rear-projection HDTVs targeted at high-end video/audio OEMs, high-end video/audio retailers, ProAV/CEDIA distributors, and their base of dealers and custom installers looking for breakthrough performance and image quality. The company is the first and only provider of Gen II LCoS(TM) technology used in these products. In addition to its high-definition televisions, Brillian also offers a broad line of LCoS(TM) microdisplay products and subsystems that OEMs integrate into proprietary HDTV products, multimedia projectors, and near-to-eye products such as monocular and binocular headsets. Brillian's LCoS(TM) microdisplay technologies address the market demand for a high-performance display solution with high image fidelity, high-resolution scalability, and high contrast ratios. The company's website is www.brilliancorp.com.

Brillian is a registered trademark and LCoS is a trademark of Brillian Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Posted by Nana at 10:09 PM | Former Sony Sales Executive Bill Fox to Lead Brillian Sales | TrackBacks (0)

New Video Processor Chip Allows Manufacturers to Economically Bring to Market Next-Generation Set-Top Boxes, DVD Players and Digital Television Entertainment Systems With Advanced Video Compression Technology by Early 2005

Broadcom Corporation, a leading provider of highly integrated semiconductor solutions enabling broadband communications, today announced an advanced video decoder/audio processor chip that supports H.264 advanced video compression technology. An essential requirement for next-generation video/audio consumer products, the H.264-based compression technology (also known as MPEG-4 Part 10/Advanced Video Coding (AVC)) significantly reduces the bandwidth required to deliver high definition (HD) and digital video content over service operator networks and to store HD media on conventional DVDs and system hard disks.

The Broadcom® BCM7411 video processor chip is Broadcom's third- generation silicon implementation to support the H.264 video compression specification. Broadcom has been sampling previous generations of the chip to strategic customers since mid-year and anticipates customers will announce products incorporating the BCM7411 by early 2005. Before Broadcom's silicon solution, the only way to implement the H.264 compression standard was with software, which required a significant amount of processing power that was not cost effective for consumer applications. The BCM7411 is extremely efficient and specifically designed to enable manufacturers to cost effectively incorporate H.264 compression in a variety of high-volume product applications, including high definition DVD players, next-generation satellite and cable set-top boxes, personal video recording (PVR) products and IP set-top boxes. The key benefits that consumers will receive from equipment based on the BCM7411 include:

Cable Company to Carry Nuggets' HD Broadcasts, Starting With Saturday Night's Denver Nuggets-Miami Heat Contest

Comcast, the country's leading cable and broadband communications provider, will carry 40 Denver Nuggets NBA games this season in high-definition television through its partnership with Altitude Sports & Entertainment. Comcast HD customers in the Denver area will be able to watch Nuggets action in crystal-clear high-definition starting this Saturday night, when the Nuggets host the Miami Heat at the Pepsi Center.

Comcast is the only Denver TV provider currently slated to carry Altitude's HDTV simulcasts of Nuggets games. The HDTV simulcasts will run on Comcast HD channel 665 in the Denver metro area. Nearly all remaining home games, plus select road games, will be broadcast in the high-resolution, widescreen format for Comcast's HD customers in Denver.

"Comcast is very proud to provide these Nuggets' HDTV broadcasts in the Denver area," said Scott Binder, senior vice president for Comcast Colorado. "We continually work to provide new and valuable programming for our customers, and we're thrilled to make these Nuggets games a part of our robust, local HDTV offering."

Comcast's HDTV service in the Denver Metro area offers 13 channels, including local ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX high-definition broadcasts, with no extra equipment to purchase or outside antennas to install.

"If you've ever had the opportunity to see a game in HDTV, then you know that sports in high-def is the future," said Altitude President Jim Martin. "This is a major commitment by Altitude to provide the highest level of service to our fans and viewers -- as well as our affiliates throughout the region -- and we're very pleased that Comcast has chosen to be the first carrier of our HD productions."

Altitude Sports & Entertainment is offered to Comcast customers in Colorado through its standard cable service on channel 25 throughout the Denver metro area and on channel 78 in Pueblo, channel 42 in Longmont, channel 35 in Fort Collins, channel 43 in Greeley and on channel 28 in most of the mountain communities.

About Altitude

Launched in September 2004, Altitude is the television home of the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Mammoth, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Colorado Eagles, the Big Sky Conference, Air Force Academy, Metro State, ESPN Syndication (including Big 12 Conference, Mountain West Conference and Western Athletic Conference events), the RMAC, Utah Grizzlies, and the Univ. of Wyoming, as well as other local and regional sports and entertainment programming. A full list of Altitude programming and other information can be found at www.altitude.tv.

About Comcast Cable Comcast Corporation (http://www.comcast.com) is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable networks and in the provision of programming content. The Company is the largest provider of cable and broadband services in the United States, serving more than 21 million cable television subscribers and more than 6.5 million high-speed Internet customers. The Company's content businesses include Comcast SportsNet, Comcast-Spectacor, E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, G4techTV, The Golf Channel, International Channel Networks and Outdoor Life Network. Comcast Class A common stock and Class A Special common stock trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbols CMCSA and CMCSK, respectively. Comcast serves more than 680,000 customers and employs 3,800 people in Colorado.

For more information about Comcast's products and services, please call 303-930-2000 or visit the company's Web site at www.comcast.com.

Posted by Nana at 05:02 PM | Comcast to Carry 40 Denver Nuggets Games in High-Definition This Season | TrackBacks (0)

New All-Digital TV Studio Will Prepare Next Generation of Broadcast Professionals for HD Production

HAMDEN, Conn., Dec. 2, 2004 - Quinnipiac University is providing its students with an ideal training ground for the future of broadcast production with a newly constructed, fully digital high-definition TV studio that features an array of Sony HD broadcast equipment.

The technology is installed in the university's Ed McMahon Mass Communications Center, which is used to prepare students for broadcasting careers in news, sports, dramatic programming and documentary production. Using the new technology, Quinnipiac students and faculty will explore the academic, creative and practical aspects and applications of the emerging HD workflow.

"This new HD television studio demonstrates our university administration's commitment to giving students the tools they need to properly prepare themselves for a future career as they enter the highly competitive media profession," said Dr. David Donnelly, dean of Quinnipiac's School of Communications. "When they graduate, they will already be proficient working in HD while many of their peers could still be struggling to learn the basics."

The new studio features three Sony HDC-910 studio cameras, an HDW-730S HDCAM® camcorder for field acquisition, an MVS-8000A 2 M/E video production switcher with 4 channels of digital video effects, an HDWS-2000 studio VTR, an HDSX-3600 HD routing switcher, and a DMX-R100 digital audio mixing board.

The studio will be primarily used to produce the exceptional imaging possible for HDTV content at 1080i resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. While new projects will originate in HD, the Sony switcher and router will also be used for full compatibility with legacy 4:3 standard definition content to provide interoperability with archival material and imported content.

For Donnelly, the arrival of HD production at Quinnipiac realizes his long-standing vision for the future of television. Donnelly is a national authority on high definition television and served as a member of the Federal Communications Commission's Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service in the early 1990's to help set standards for HDTV.

Quinnipiac selected the Sony HD equipment after a comprehensive two-year process. Plans to replace Quinnipiac's aging analog studio equipment initially focused on a standard definition digital upgrade, but the possibility for creating an end-to-end all digital HD television studio became clear after a survey of the technology marketplace and head-to-head comparisons against competing technologies.

University officials also discovered that the tremendous opportunities afforded by HD could be realized for a relatively modest increase in investment.

The existing studio space was completely renovated to suit the needs of the new HD production environment. HB Communications Inc., of North Haven, Conn., managed the installation and system integration.

"We're extremely excited about the possibilities for pioneering HD education," said Donnelly. "Both our faculty and students are inspired by the opportunity to invent and develop the future of what is really a new medium."

Posted by Nana at 01:38 AM | Quinnipiac University Graduates to HD with Sony | TrackBacks (0)

By DAVE GUSSOW / St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times

You want a new high-definition TV. But choosing is far from a black-and-white choice.

The plasma looks really good, but, oh, that price. There's an LCD, but it's on the small side, or how about a conventional tube set with HDTV capability? And what exactly is LCoS and DLP?

Yes, it can be difficult to shop for a high-definition TV.

Or, as Mike Wood says, it can be easy.

"What looks good is what matters," said Wood, who is editor of Curtco's Digital TV magazine.

It's hard not to notice the TVs when walking past a display in an electronics store, all those vivid pictures looking real enough to touch.

The potential for sticker shock remains high, as some of the best, brightest and biggest sets can cost thousands. But, they're cheaper than they were a few years ago, and experts say people don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy high-quality HDTV.

"You can get one of these HDTV picture tube sets now for well under $1,000," said Jim Barry, a spokesman for the Consumer Electronics Association. Consumer Reports magazine listed some models as low as $550, easily competitive with comparably sized traditional analog sets. more...

Posted by Nana at 01:01 AM | Elite HDTV soars into mainstream | TrackBacks (0)

New Channels to be Added to VOOM's Lineup Include Home & Garden Television, Food Network, DIY-Do It Yourself Network, FINE LIVING and Great American Country

JERICHO, N.Y., Dec. 1 -- VOOM, the first comprehensive high- definition (HD) television service, announced today a deal with Scripps Networks to add five leading cable lifestyle channels to VOOM's package of standard-definition (SD) channels: Home & Garden Television (HGTV), Food Network, DIY-Do It Yourself Network, FINE LIVING and GAC-Great American Country. VOOM customers can now enjoy popular cable lifestyle programming on Food Network and HGTV including the "Iron Chef" series and "Divine Design." DIY, FINE LIVING and GAC will join the lineup on Rainbow 2, which refers to the 16 transponders on the SES AMERICOM AMC-6 satellite, previously leased from SES AMERICOM, a SES GLOBAL company.

"We are delighted to partner with Scripps Networks to offer VOOM customers attractive television brands such as HGTV and Food Network, two of the nation's most popular cable networks," said Tom Dolan, CEO of Rainbow Media Enterprises. "VOOM is committed to offering its customers diverse programming options, and the addition of the five Scripps networks is another significant step towards our goal of providing the best programming available in both HD and SD."

VOOM's HD package includes 39 HD favorites such as HBO HD, Cinemax HD, ESPN HD, Showtime HD, STARZ! HD, Playboy HOT HD, The Movie Channel HD, Bravo HD+ and Discovery HD Theater, as well as the VOOM HD Originals, an all- inclusive package of 21 channels created by Rainbow Media available exclusively to subscribers of VOOM. In addition, the service includes popular cable channels in SD such as TNT, Nickelodeon, Disney, TBS, CNN, A&E and AMC, as well as over-the-air digital local broadcast channels delivered in HD where available.

"As a leading provider of HD and SD programming, VOOM represents an ideal partner for Scripps Networks, particularly as our own high-definition content is under development," said John Baird, executive vice president of affiliate sales and marketing for Scripps Networks. "Additionally, the agreement with VOOM is Scripps Networks' first five-network deal, including our newest channel, Great American Country."

• Home & Garden Television -- HGTV celebrates the emotional center of life -- the home. Its wide variety of entertaining, story-driven programming is a combination of helpful information and insights from hosts who are recognized experts in their field.
• Food Network -- Food Network is a unique lifestyle network that strives to engage its viewers with likable hosts, personalities, and the variety of things they do with food. The network is committed to exploring new, different, and interesting ways to approach food -- through pop culture, adventure, travel -- while also expanding its repertoire of technique-based information.
• DIY-Do It Yourself Network -- DIY is an informational and motivational television source that arms viewers with do-it-yourself project instruction and ideas provided by experts in categories ranging from home improvement to automotive to gardening and crafts.
• FINE LIVING -- FINE LIVING offers 100% original lifestyle programming for people looking to pursue their passions and maximize their precious free time. Covering five lifestyle areas -- Adventure, Favorite Things, Transport, Personal Space and Every Day -- FINE LIVING simplifies the myriad of options for living a balanced and satisfying life.
• Great American Country -- GAC is America's country music source, with 24-hour programming featuring country music videos, live performances from the Grand Ole Opry and the latest country news and events.

VOOM, provided by Rainbow DBS, a subsidiary of Cablevision System Corporation, is the first television service to provide a comprehensive array of high-definition (HD) programming for the rapidly growing but underserved HDTV audience. With a lineup of 39 HD channels, VOOM delivers more HD programming than any other satellite or cable service provider. VOOM's HD lineup includes STARZ! HD, Encore HD, Showtime HD, Playboy Hot HD, ESPN HD, HBO HD and Cinemax HD, as well as an exclusive package of brand-new, commercial-free VOOM HD Originals such as WorldSport, Equator and Animania. The service also includes 90 of the most popular cable channels in standard- definition (SD), 18 digital music channels, and free over-the-air digital broadcast channels in HD, where available. VOOM is offered across the continental United States through local Sears retailers; at BrandsMart USA stores; at Electronics Expo stores; through leading online retailer, Crutchfield Corporation; and through O'Rourke Sales Company's independent electronics retailers with approximately 10,000 locations in all 50 states. Customers can also purchase the service by calling 1-800-GET-VOOM or by visiting http://www.voom.com .

About Scripps Networks

Scripps Networks is comprised of the lifestyle television brands Home & Garden Television, Food Network, DIY-Do It Yourself Network, Fine Living, and electronic retailer Shop At Home. Scripps is the leading developer of lifestyle-oriented content for television and the Internet, where on-air programming is complemented with online content. In addition, Scripps Networks is aggressively developing its emerging media, including video on demand, broadband and Hispanic programming. Scripps Networks' brands collectively are available in more than 95 countries on six continents. They also are distributed to 1,000 outlets on U.S. military bases and U.S. embassies around the world on the American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, and Nashville, Scripps Networks is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company a diverse media concern with interests in newspaper publishing, broadcast television, national television networks, interactive media, and television retailing. Scripps operates 21 daily newspapers, 10 broadcast TV stations, Scripps Howard News Service and United Media.

Posted by Nana at 01:43 AM | VOOM Significantly Enhances Lifestyle Programming With Addition of Five Channels From Scripps Networks | TrackBacks (0)

By WILSON ROTHMAN

The runaway success of the DVD notwithstanding, its arrival on the electronics scene was poorly timed. Most of the content published by the movie studios is in theater-style wide-screen format. You can watch a movie letterboxed - that is, squished - taking up only about two-thirds of the screen on a 19-inch tube TV, or you can watch it blown up on a giant wide-screen high-definition set.

Sweeter, maybe, but the screen of the HDTV is made up of 720 to 1,080 horizontal lines of resolution, while there are only 480 lines of picture stored on that DVD. Most people don't realize this, but DVD's are far from high-def.

This uncomfortable incongruity between the resolution of DVD's and newer TV's may be one reason that price, rather than quality, is what most people look for in a DVD player. Still, as each generation of player technology has gotten less expensive, a newer technology has emerged to drive up the price of deluxe models.

In the early days, that option was a Dolby Digital surround-sound decoder, which eventually found its way out of players and into audio receivers. The progressive-scan craze hit later, fueled largely by the myth that the feature would improve the quality of a DVD's picture on a standard-definition TV. Now that even the cheapest players in the pack boast progressive scan, a new premium DVD player has emerged, the all-digital HD upconverter, and it can sell for $100 to $200 above average prices. more...

Posted by Nana at 01:39 AM | For DVD's, a New Definition | TrackBacks (0)

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 -- Comcast today announced the launch of HDTV ON DEMAND for the entire Washington Metro/Virginia Region. Comcast HDTV customers in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland, Alexandria, Arlington, Reston and Prince William County in Virginia as well as the District of Columbia can watch newly released movies in high-definition.

Currently, Comcast HDTV customers can view "he Passion of the Christ" and "The Living Sea" in high-definition ON DEMAND. More titles will be added as they become available. The HD movies will be priced between $3.99 and $5.99 per selection, and once a customer orders the movie they own it for 24 hours and can view it as many times as they like during that period. To view an HD program ON DEMAND, a customer must have an HD television and a Comcast digital set-top box that is HD-capable.

"HDTV technology is unquestionably the hottest trend in the cable and telecommunications business," said Jaye Gamble, Regional Senior Vice President for Comcast's Washington Metro/Virginia Region. "Comcast continues to be a leader in rolling out new products and services in high-def. By making movies available in high-definition ON DEMAND, we are adding value to our HD service at no cost to the customer and giving them more choices of HDTV content to experience in their homes," added Gamble.

HDTV is a new standard of television featuring dramatically improved, highly detailed picture quality, improved audio quality (including surround sound) and a wide-screen, theater-like display. Some of the technical specifications include a much higher pixel count, a 6 MHz per channel wideband connection, and a 16:9 width to height ratio (vs. 4:3 traditional). HDTV technology provides video and audio that is clearer, sharper and more vibrant than standard video transmission systems.

Comcast currently offers up to 18 HDTV channels as part of the most robust high-definition service available. Customers have access to local networks such as WJLA (ABC), WRC (NBC) and WUSA (CBS) in HD. Viewers can also watch FOX, PBS and the WB in HD on Comcast. Sports fans also have great options to view high-def programming from ESPN HD and Comcast SportsNet HD. Other networks that are offered in HD include HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz!, InHD, InHD2, and Discovery Theater.

ON DEMAND is available to Comcast Digital Cable customers throughout the Washington Metro/Virginia Region. This service offers consumers an extensive, diverse and ever growing library of content with the ability to fast-forward, rewind, pause, stop and restart. Comcast's ON DEMAND library includes approximately 1,800 movies and programs from leading news, entertainment, sports and children's networks like NBC, CNN, PBS KIDS, Nickelodeon, HGTV and E! Comcast also recently signed an agreement that makes news from ABC News available to Comcast's 6 million high-speed Internet customers at no additional cost.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast Cable is a division of Comcast Corporation, a developer, manager and operator of broadband cable networks and provider of programming content. With a presence in 22 of the top 25 United States markets, Comcast is one of the leading communications, media and entertainment companies in the world. Providing basic cable, Digital Cable, high-speed Internet and telephone services, Comcast is the company to look to first for the communications products and services that connect people to what's important in their lives. The company's 59,000 employees serve more than 21 million customers.

Comcast's Washington Metro/Virginia Region serves close to one million households and has invested more than $600 million to upgrade more than 9,000 miles of fiber-optic cable.

Posted by Nana at 01:33 AM | Comcast Launches HDTV ON DEMAND Throughout the Washington Metro,Virginia Region | TrackBacks (0)

Consumers are showing a reasonable knowledge of and interest in HDTV, but it is still seen by many as beyond their means, according to a recent study conducted by global survey research firm, Ipsos-Insight.

"Awareness of HDTV and understanding of the related technology, products, and services is on the rise," said Lynne Bartos, a leader in the company's Cable, Media & Entertainment research practice. The Ipsos-Insight study found that 89% of Americans are aware of HDTV, up from 74% in 2002. Most of those who are aware of HDTV recall seeing an ad for HDTV in the past month (88%, up from 79% two years ago), while the percentage of consumers who have never heard of HDTV has dropped from 26% to 11%.

"Advertising and marketing by industry players is getting noticed, helped in part by word of mouth and sporting events, especially the recent Athens Summer Olympic Games which were presented in high definition," said Bartos. "But HDTVs are not yet in the consideration set of mainstream America. Nearly three-in-four say that HDTV is much too expensive for them to consider purchasing right now (72%, down from 76% two years ago). Other research we've conducted shows that HDTV purchase intent is flat, with 13% of Americans 'very' or 'somewhat' likely to buy HDTV in the near term, vs. 15% last year."

Among those who are familiar with HDTV (45%), most understand that HDTV can deliver a superior quality picture (94% "agree"), that HDTV comes with digital quality surround sound (87%), and that they get to watch content on a full widescreen picture (92%). Seventy percent of those who said they are familiar with HDTV also said they think they'd need a special set-top or converter box, up from 60% two years ago. Sixty percent believe that HDTV signals are widely available, up from 48%.

To peruse the full release with charts, go to: http://www.ipsos-na.com/news/pressrelease.cfm?id=2458

Posted by Nana at 06:24 PM | Consumers Flirting With HDTV, But Keeping A Safe Distance, Ipsos-Insight Study Reveals | TrackBacks (0)

Jiangsu-based Sunning Group, achain store giant of household appliance in China, has won the exclusive selling rights for two new models of high-definition TV with presetting function from Sony.

The two models TV are DA29X80 and DA34X80. They own the digitalvisualization technology and high-definition signal receiving presetting function. They are of fashion in design with high performance-price ratio, Suning said.

Sony positioned its new products in big or middle-sized cities.As the sales of Suning is growing rapidly and has flagship stores in big or middle-sized cities all over the country, it is suitable for selling new products for Sony.

Suning prices DA29X80 and DA34X80 at CNY 3,979 and CNY 5,949 respectively.

Early this month, Sony announced it would launch 42-, 50- and 60-inch LCD rear projection TV into market. 50-inch ones will debut in Suning at CNY 27,800, insiders said.

Posted by Nana at 01:28 PM | Suning Wins Exclusive Selling Rights for Two Sony HDTV | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Right now, only 4 percent of you are watching a television program in high definition T.V. But by 2010, it's estimated over 85 percent of you will tune in to HDTV. That leaves a lot of new televisions to buy.

Shopping for a TV is very different than just 5 or 10 years ago when most of the technology was essentially the same. Nowadays, there are real differences in how TV's work and what they cost. more...

Posted by Nana at 01:26 PM | Choosing A New TV | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Targeted For 2005, Service Will Change Entertainment For Millions

San Antonio, Texas, Redmond, Washington, November 17, 2004

SBC Communications Inc. today announced an agreement with Microsoft Corp. to provide next-generation television services using the new Microsoft® TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition software platform.

The SBC IPTV deal with Microsoft, valued in excess of $400 million over 10 years, is the first of its kind for any U.S.-based telecommunications provider.

"Our service will change the way people experience TV. Finally, customers will watch what they want, when they want — from avirtually unlimited and interactive content selection," said Edward E. Whitacre Jr., SBC Communications Inc. chairman and CEO. "We will deliver integrated communications and entertainment services to enhance the digital lifestyle of our customers."

SBC Labs has been testing an IP-based television service built on the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition platform since June 2004. SBC companies and Microsoft will begin field trials in mid 2005 and plan commercial availability of the IP-based television platform in late 2005.

In the first quarter of 2005, construction is expected to begin on the SBC Project Lightspeed, the company's initiative to deploy fiber closer to customer locations to provide new, feature-rich, IP-based services, including IP television, voice over IP (VoIP), and ultra-fast Internet access. Project Lightspeed is expected to reach 18 million households by year end 2007.

"Project Lightspeed and the Microsoft and SBC relationship underscore what the future holds for consumers: a virtually unlimited opportunity for innovative, cross-device services and entertainment experiences enabled by the marriage of powerful broadband networks with the magic of software," said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. "The selection of Microsoft TV as the IPTV services platform provider for SBC recognizes Microsoft's leadership position in the rapidly emerging IPTV industry and the benefits it will bring to customers."

Microsoft TV IPTV Edition also provides strong security features and efficiency in delivering standard and high-definition TV programming to multiple TV sets in the home over the SBC fiber-enhanced network, while leaving ample bandwidth available for ultra-fast Internet access and VoIP services.

IPTV Potential Offerings

The new service will enable a next-generation digital video entertainment experience not previously realized in the mass market. The solution will take full advantage of the SBC expanding two-way broadband network to offer new, innovative services beyond today's existing broadcast-oriented digital TV networks.

Additionally, by using IP technology to deliver video, voice, data and other advanced services and applications over a single network connection, the services may be accessed and shared via any number of IP-enabled household devices, such as TVs, set-top boxes, PCs, PDAs or phones. Microsoft TV IPTV Edition also provides a comprehensive security system including subscriber and end-to-end digital rights management technology to protect the content across multiple devices.

The IP-based TV service is planned to include instant channel changing, customizable channel lineups, video on demand, digital video recording, multimedia interactive program guides, event notifications, content protection features and more.

"We will have a rich multimedia program guide that makes it easy to find the programs you want to watch, and provides full control over when and how you want to watch them," said Whitacre. "Channel surfing becomes easier because you can continue to watch your program while viewing live previews of other shows using innovative picture-in-picture (PIP) technology."

Some additional potential applications include:

Using two-way broadband networks, SBC companies could be able to send alerts and notifications to customers watching TV in new ways. Some examples include the ability to alert a customer of upcoming favorite shows, or Caller ID and instant messaging right on their TV screen.

The Microsoft TV IPTV Edition platform could enable new services and applications such as tuner-less picture-in-picture functionality. The PIP feature enables users to preview other shows and channels while the primary channel runs in the background.

Photos could be easily shared from a networked computer and played back through the TV.
To enable optimal use of bandwidth, SBC companies plan to use a switched video distribution system, which streams only the content the customer requests instead of broadcasting all channels to everybody at once. This cutting-edge technology frees up large amounts of bandwidth for other applications.

"Our video on demand will come with a substantial content library," said Whitacre. "The customer gains additional control over the content they want versus what is delivered to them. We get the flexibility of not being constrained by bandwidth."

To view a demo of potential services made possible by IPTV, please visit www.sbc.com/lightspeed.

Posted by Nana at 10:09 AM | SBC Communications Selects Microsoft TV For Advanced IP Television Service | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

CTL Corporation, today announced that it has introduced a new 22” wide-screen LCD television model under it’s Nexus brand name.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) November 17, 2004 -- CTL Corporation, today announced that it has introduced a new 22” wide-screen LCD television model under it’s Nexus brand name. The Nexus 2200 incorporates Emmy-award winning Genesis FAROUDJA DCDi video processing technology and can be used as both an HDTV television and as a computer monitor.

CTL envisions consumers utilizing the Nexus to replace bulkier conventional CRT TV’s in the home as well as by utilizing the product in a dual role as both an LCD Monitor for their computer and as a Television in the Home Office. Additionally, CTL has identified Corporate and Government demand for the product as an ultra-large display for data intensive computing.

“With a 16:9 aspect ratio, DVI, analog and component video input, detachable stereo speakers and a 1280 x 768 WXGA maximum resolution, we believe that the Nexus 2200 will meet the needs of a diverse group of customers,” said Erik Stromquist, CTL Executive Vice President.

The Nexus 2200 is currently available for purchase online at Goodguys.com, and will be available at other major Retailers and Ecommerce sites in the near future. CTL is introducing a 27” Nexus LCD TV/Monitor in December 2004 and a 32” Nexus LCD TV/Monitor in January 2005.

About Computer Technology Link Corporation
Computer Technology Link Corporation (CTL) is a global corporation with offices throughout North America and Asia. CTL’s various facilities manufacture, market and distribute Personal Computers, Workstations, Laptops, Monitors, LCD TV’s and Servers. CTL is committed to expanding international and domestic operations by continually evolving to meet the needs of an ever changing market. CTL is headquartered in Portland, Oregon with branch offices, subsidiaries and distribution facilities in Kent WA, South Korea and Malaysia.

More information about CTL and CTL’s products can be found at www.ctl.infoand www.ctlmonitors.com.

Posted by Nana at 10:06 AM | CTL Corporation Introduces the Nexus 2200 22” LCD HDTV Television And Computer Monitor | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Brillian Corporation, a pioneering developer of HDTVs based on the industry's first Gen II liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS(TM)) microdisplay technology, will showcase its BR6501m/i, 65-inch, rear-projection, 720p HDTV monitor at the Electronic House Expo (EHX) in Long Beach, California. Demonstrations will be held November 16 to 18, 2004 in booth #B1508 at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Based on Brillian's proprietary Gen II LCoS(TM) microdisplay technology, the BR6501m/i features a three megapixel (1280x720-pixel per panel) engine and offers the highest commercially available LCOS contrast ratios -- up to 2000:1 -- in a rear-projection HDTV. It features exceptional grayscale performance, deep black levels, high brightness, a 160-degree viewing angle, an ultra-fine-pitch 16:9 widescreen, artifact-free full-motion video through its three-panel architecture, outstanding audio performance with its high-end audio system, and an upgradeable hardware and software architecture, all in a sleek design that measures a mere 23-inches in depth.

For a demonstration at EHX or for additional product information, please contact Rainer Kuhn, vice president of Sales and Product Marketing, at rainer.kuhn@brilliancorp.com or by phone 303-332-6154.

Posted by Nana at 06:16 PM | Brillian to Exhibit High-Definition Television (HDTV) Monitor at Electronic House Expo | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The plasma display panel (PDP), liquid crystal display (LCD) and cathode ray tube (CRT) models, demonstrated for the first time at the 2004 International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show, are specifically engineered to allow hoteliers to deliver exciting digital HDTV programming, including pay- per-view (PPV) services, to their guests.

Combining LG's latest picture-enhancement innovations and state-of-the-art guest-friendly features, the lineup includes a new widescreen 42-inch PDP, 32-inch LCD and 30-inch CRT HDTVs. These sets feature encryption technology that provides digital content protection and integrated digital tuners, taking advantage of the industry-standard digital television reception technology that will be included in virtually all TVs in the United States over the next three years in compliance with FCC regulations.

"LG is committed to working with pay-per-view providers and industry leaders to build compatible technologies to meet the HDTV needs of the hospitality industry," said Ron Snaidauf, vice president of commercial products, LG Electronics USA, Inc. "These new models are the first in the industry to allow hoteliers the ability to provide high-value HDTV programming without the worries of piracy or descrambling issues."

DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT CRUCIAL TO HOTELS Senior Vice President Richard Lewis called digital rights management "the key to hoteliers getting access to fresh new digital content."

"Working closely with PPV and content providers, we have developed an end- to-end encryption system that breaks new ground in providing a secure means to deliver high-value digital content directly to hotel rooms," Lewis said.

High-definition pay-per-view movies and other high-value programs add a new dimension to the lodging industry's deployment of flat-panel displays, Lewis said, adding that movie studios have been reluctant to release this type of content due to piracy concerns. "Now we have an encryption system that is both compatible with existing PPV interface controllers and meets the needs of movie studios and satellite providers," he said.

Snaidauf explained that LG's new integrated PDP, LCD and CRT HDTVs, all with encryption technology and LG's PPV-compatible multiple-protocol interface (MPI), are designed to receive digital HDTV programming without the need for outboard tuners. The new integrated HDTVs are all equipped with LG's proprietary XD Engine(TM) technology, which takes low-resolution analog signals to near high-definition levels, providing better overall picture quality and an enhanced viewing experience.

FCC REGULATIONS WILL TRANSFORM IN-ROOM VIEWING
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations requiring virtually all TVs to include digital television (DTV) tuners by 2007 applies not only to consumer sets, but also to TVs installed in hotel rooms. Those DTV tuners, which receive HDTV broadcasts, are being phased-in now with 36-inch and larger TVs.

"That means the HDTV experience already in more than 12 million U.S. living rooms will soon become an enhanced guest experience in our 'home away from home,' the millions of hotel rooms across the nation," explained Snaidauf.

Just as consumers today are experiencing the benefits of digital TV, including its widescreen, high-definition images, hoteliers will be able to offer compelling HDTV content thanks to LG Electronics technology such as the industry's first in-room HDTV system.

With the new FCC DTV regulations taking effect, LG also is developing integrated hotel HDTVs, Snaidauf said, adding: "Now is the time for major chains to plan for the future, joining forces with a total in-room video solution supplier like LG, with leadership both in HDTV and in lodging TVs."

Posted by Nana at 06:03 PM | Hotel HDTVs Incorporate New Encryption Technology | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Japanese consumer electronics giant Sharp enters the next-generation DVD battle with a combined Blu-ray Disc and hard drive recorder.

Japanese consumers are now facing an even greater choice of Blu-ray Disc recorders with the introduction of Sharp's BD-HD100.

The new model offers two different recording options; a built-in hard drive with a capacity of 160 GB that is capable of recording 19 hours of digital high-definition broadcasts (HDTV), and 25 GB Blu-ray discs.

Production of the BD-HD100, which retails at Y320,000 ($3,000), will start at three thousand units per month and ramp up to more than double this figure in 2005, according to Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun newspaper.

Sharp claims that the BD-HD100 is equipped with the world's first Twin Blu-ray Disc/DVD Tray, enabling transfer of recordings between hard drive, Blu-ray Disc and DVD. Owners of the BD-HD100 could, for example, copy five DVDs onto one Blu-ray Disc.

Another feature of the BD-HD100 is the high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) output jack, described as a next-generation digital interface that enables output of digital signals exactly as they were recorded from digital high-definition broadcasts.

The BD-HD100 succeeds Sharp's combined DVD and hard drive recorders, such as DV-HRD1 and DV-HRD2, and is up against Blu-ray recorders from Sony and Matsushita Electric (Panasonic).

Posted by Nana at 11:02 AM | Sharp launches hybrid HDTV recorder | TrackBacks (0)

You want a new high-definition TV. But choosing is far from a black-and-white choice.

The plasma looks really good, but oh that price. There's an LCD, but it's on the small side, or how about a conventional tube set with HDTV capability? And what exactly is LCoS and DLP? more...

Posted by Nana at 09:17 PM | HDTV Buying Guide | TrackBacks (0)

MARKHAM, Ontario – ATI Technologies Inc. (TSX: ATY, NASDAQ: ATYT) announced today that the vast majority of commercially available integrated Digital Cable Ready (DCR) High Definition Televisions use ATI’s NXT2003™. The NXT2003 is the industry’s first single chip off-air DTV and unidirectional cable receiver. DCR HDTV sets are rigorously tested to insure quality operation. Eleven consumer electronic companies have announced digital cable certified HDTV sets. Of these, nine rely on ATI’s NXT series components for reliable high performance reception: Panasonic, Samsung, Toshiba, Hitachi, Sony, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc., Thomson, Inc., Sharp, and another major manufacturer yet to be announced.

Digital televisions that have the “Digital Cable Ready” (DCR) label conform to the United States’ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations that guarantee the TV will be able to receive digital programming from the majority of cable providers within the United States. A DCR television can be plugged directly into the cable system and receive analog and most digital services without the need for a separate set-top box. A CableCard, supplied by the local cable company, is plugged into the television to enable digital cable service.

“ATI is proud to enable and facilitate the DTV transition,” said Mike Gittings, Director of Marketing, DTV Products, ATI Technologies Inc. “Through vision and innovation, ATI is delivering the quality components that our customers demand. The NXT2003/4/5 product family provide the key technologies that enabled manufacturers to develop HDTV sets that comply with the FCC Tuner mandate and Cable Plug and Play Agreement. They also provide seamless migration for the bidirectional cable specifications and requirements.”

The NXT2003 is a member of a trio of high performance integrated circuits that were the first to combine digital terrestrial reception and cable compatibility on a single chip. The NXT2004 VSB/QAM Receiver (vestigial side band/quadrature amplitude modulation) is designed for a variety of applications including off-air and digital cable television receivers, set-top boxes, PCDTV and datacast applications where cost, low power and industry leading performance are a must. The NXT2004 VSB/QAM Demodulator is configurable to work in either the ATSC compliant 8 VSB mode for terrestrial broadcasting or in the ITU-J.83B/SCTE DVS-031 compliant 64 QAM or 256 QAM modes. The NXT2003 includes all of the functionality of the NXT2004 and adds a QPSK receiver for receiving the Forward Data Channel, required for unidirectional cable operation. The NXT2005 DTV Cable Transceiver and Terrestrial Receiver is capable of receiving VSB off-air signals and performing the bi-directional cable reception and transmission formats required by the emerging bi-directional cable TV standards.

Posted by Nana at 09:15 PM | Majority of New HDTVs Powered By ATI | TrackBacks (0)