Archive for May, 2006
Continuing its history of developing digital cameras that look as good as the pictures they take, Fujifilm today announced the launch of the FinePix Z3, the latest model in Fujifilm’s slim and stylish Z-Series of digital cameras and the successor to the FinePix Z1.
With an updated body and a new, funky second color - metallic blue - to go along with the traditional silver, the FinePix Z3 appeals to the most fashion-conscious consumer searching for an ultra-portable digicam that looks good as it takes great pictures.
Taking memorable, high-quality photographs while out on the town with friends at a restaurant or other nighttime spot is a challenging exercise for any owner of a compact digital camera. These picture-worthy moments often are snapped in close proximity to the subject and in low light, conditions that can lead to blurry photos, ‘washed out’ subjects and backgrounds lacking in detail.
With a 6th generation, 5.1 MegaPixel Super CCD sensor and a 2nd generation RP (Real Photo) Processor on board, the delete button may be one of the least-used controls on the FinePix Z3.
The FinePix Z3 combines higher light sensitivities (up to ISO 1600) with faster shutter speeds to stabilize pictures and reduce blur caused by both camera shake and subject movement. To make it easy for FinePix Z3 users to achieve blur-free results, Fujifilm has added a convenient ‘Picture Stabilization’ button to the FinePix Z3.
The FinePix Z3’s Intelligent-Flash system, or “i-Flash”, is more advanced than similar flash systems because it can detect more accurately the subtle lighting differences within a scene, and then light the subject accordingly with a variety of flash intensities. If the subject is off center and standing under a streetlight, the i-Flash system will correct the exposure automatically. i-Flash leads to pictures with more natural looking subjects and backgrounds that are full of bright and crisp detail.
“Natural Light” Shooting Mode preserves the scene mood and enhances background detail by shooting with faster shutter speeds at higher light sensitivities (if necessary) with a suppressed flash. This mode is perfect for low light moments that would otherwise be ruined by a powerful flash or situations where the use of flash is inappropriate.
Users can also experience the benefits of Natural Light through a feature called the ‘Dual Shooting Mode’. In this mode the FinePix Z3 quickly shoots two images in rapid succession - one with and one without the flash - saving both. This convenient function, which is unique to Fujifilm digital cameras, allows for an on-the-spot picture comparison by the user, who can decide which photo is preferred.
In addition to these innovations, the FinePix Z3 has a number of other noteworthy features:
* A reinforced, scratch-resistant, 2.5-inch LCD with a 230,000-pixel resolution and Fujifilm’s glare-reducing CV Film for better viewing in direct light.
* A high-quality, non-extending, refractive 3x optical zoom lens from Fujinon that keeps the FinePix Z3 thin.
* Fourteen pre-programmed scene positions that trigger optimal settings based on the surrounding conditions.
* VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound
* The FinePix Z3 features 10MB of internal memory, a convenient feature that ensures extra storage space should the user want to squeeze in a couple of additional shots once their xD Picture Card is full.
“The FinePix Z3 has combined Fujifilm’s rich photographic legacy with the style and sophistication that made the FinePix Z1 such a popular digital camera,” explained David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. “With industry leading innovations such as Picture Stabilization and the i-Flash system, along with its sleek design and cool new color, the FinePix Z3 is sure to turn heads.”
The FinePix Z3 will debut in July 2006 at a retail price of $279.95.
May 30th, 2006
Dell and Google have announced that all Dells PC will start shipping with a suite of Google software preinstalled. Eric Schmidt, chief executive of Google hinted at the possibility of more to follow in the partnership at a later date.
The current deal will see Google desktop search installed on all Dell PCs and a co-branded web homepage. Google will also be the default search engine in Internet Explorer.
As most Dell customers leave their PCs in the same configuration as they come out of the box, this should see even more penetration for Google into the home PC market. The Windows equivalents will also be installed, but will not boot up unless the users changes the relevant settings - so, not at all then in all probability.
“Windows lacks certain features, and Dell figured out a way to add them,” said Schmidt.
May 26th, 2006
SageTV Media Center becomes the first full- featured personal video recorder/media center software product to offer placeshifting capabilities enabling users to access their live or recorded TV, music and photos on any PC when they are away from home.
The integration of PVR and placeshifting functionality in a single system yields better video quality and faster navigation than a separate placeshifting box connected to a PVR while also costing significantly less than purchasing two separate solutions.
The new placeshifting functionality is available immediately as a $30 add-on to both the Windows and Linux OEM editions of just-released SageTV Media Center Version 5.0.
“Placeshifting lets you enjoy your personal digital media library anywhere in the world, and combining PVR and placeshifting capabilities solves the performance, complexity and cost problems created by standalone placeshifting solutions,” said Mike Machado, CEO of Sage TV. “You don’t need an extra piece of hardware on your network, you doï’t need to pay monthly subscription fees for a PVR service, you avoid the losses in video quality caused by having to rerecord the recorded video, and you don’t have to wait while the box sends IR commands to a PVR, records the TV signal and sends it for decoding.”
With SageTV’s new placeshifting feature, users can watch live or recorded TV from their home network as well as access their music and photo libraries from any PC with an Internet connection - whether in a hotel, office, airport, Wi-Fi cafe, at the pool or beach, or simply visiting family in another city. Watch your hometown news or ballgames from out of town, see a ‘Desperate Housewives’ or ‘Survivor’ episode from your PVR, play your favorite Nine Inch Nails or Nickelback tunes, and share your latest family snapshots wherever you are. No tuner card is required on the remote PC, and no extra hardware or software is required at home.
In addition, SageTV’s new placeshifting function can be used to stream video to any computer or TV in the home, including PCs located in weak wireless signal areas or those equipped with older 802.11b Wi-Fi. Only the PC equipped with the core SageTV Media Center application needs a tuner card.
Unlike standalone placeshifting products that cannot support different programming simultaneously, SageTV Media Center allows family members at home or away, or in different locations in the house, to watch the programs of their choice without being affected by each other’s viewing habits. With one tuner in the SageTV-equipped PC at home, one user can watch any live or recorded TV while the other watches any recorded TV. With two tuners, both parties can also watch either live or recorded TV at the same time.
These features extend the functionality of SageTV Media Center, a full-featured PVR that enables users to record a single show or whole season of their favorite television programs on their PCs; pause, rewind and fast-forward live or recorded cable, satellite or antenna TV shows; and record multiple shows on multiple tuners simultaneously. Integrated 14-day U.S., Canadian and European program guides are available directly from the SageTV interface, eliminating the need to switch to a separate online application to plan one’s TV viewing and recording.
For end users, SageTV eliminates the need to subscribe to a monthly digital video recording service or buy a new Windows XP MCE PC or Windows XP MCE operating system to obtain PVR/media center capabilities. For OEMs, the application makes it possible to build advanced multi-stream PVR products that also provide access to all music, photo and movies on the network from a single interface on Windows PCs or Linux PCs and embedded set-tops.
Version 5.0 of SageTV Media Center for Windows and SageTV Media Center Linux OEM Edition is available immediately at www.sagetv.com. The special introductory price for both the core application and the new placeshifting feature is $99.95, a $10 savings over purchasing the $79.95 PVR/media center software and $30 placeshifting option separately. A complete package including the SageTV application with placeshifting plus an Hauppage tuner card is $179.95. Additional concurrent placeshifting connections are available for $30 each.
Minimum system requirements include an Intel Pentium III 600 MHz or AMD Athlon 600 MHz computer with Microsoft Windows 98SE, 2000 SP3 or higher, ME or XP (Home, Pro or MCE) and 128MB RAM (256MB recommended).
May 23rd, 2006
Embedded Automation announced today that it has released two new Media Center PCs as part of their mHome product line, mTheater HD and mTheater MC.
Both mTheater models have been designed to fit nicely in the living room alongside other home theater components, manage all forms of digital media in the home, and are ‘home automation ready’.
mTheater HD and mTheater MC come in the same, sleek, A/V style case to give the appearance of a conventional home theater component (e.g. DVD player, receiver). However, on the inside mTheater is loaded with the latest technology for the management of digital pictures, music, movies, and more. mTheater also provides tremendous flexibility for how and when TV is enjoyed with the ability to pause and record live TV, and easily set recording schedules so favourite shows will never be missed.
Both mTheater models also ship ‘home automation ready’ with Embedded Automation’s leading home management software, mControl, and a starter kit for lighting control 2. mControl manages whole house lighting, security, IP camera, HVAC, and IR communication, in addition to a host of other features for increased convenience and accessibility.
mTheater HD has been optimized for HDTV. This is accomplished with Intel’s latest chip design, the Pentium D (Dual Core processor), an over-the-air HD tuner card, antenna, and 500GBs of hard disk space. Hard disk space is very important for HDTV as it requires over 10GBs of space per hour of programming. mTheater HD is also an Intel Viiv compatible device.
“HDTV awareness and enjoyment have increased significantly with the penetration of HDTV-Ready displays and the increased availability of HDTV programming,” says Maury Lum, Sales and Marketing Manager for Embedded Automation. “Major cities in the US can have a number stations being broadcast over-the-air digitally, with an increasing amount of the content in HD quality. This, in combination with the advances in home automation technology and reductions in price was the impetus for Embedded Automation to provide a single platform to service both needs,” says Lum.
May 23rd, 2006
Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Handset Embedded Memory Development Report, 2005-2006″ to their offering.
After precisely describing handset embedded memories, this report analyses the structure and trends of this market. Then it gives full details about handset embedded memory manufacturers. With diversified functions and augmented performance of mobile phones, the ratio of the cost of handset’s memory is increasingly rising, reaching the highest in some high-end phones and smart phones. Thus, it is necessary to study handset memory elaborately.
The average capacity of handset memory reached 180MB in 4Q, 2004. The fast growth is maintained and the figure will be doubled to 415MB by Q2, 2006.
In a handset, three areas require embedded memories. Firstly, RAM is needed for the temporary data storage of MCU and DSP. Secondly, NOR flash memory is used for storing system code of handset software. And the third is NAND flash memory which is used for the storage of extended data. In general, RAM is a kind of volatile storage while NOR and NAND are both characterized by non-volatile storage.
Presently, RAM memories mostly adopt the form of PSRAM whose capacity is around 32MB-64MB. PSRAM can be divided into three types. Initially, CellularRAM was strongly supported by those companies: Hynix, Winbond, NanoAmp Solutions, Renesas, Micron, Infineon and Cypress. In second place, COSMORAM is actively supported by Toshiba, NEC and Fujitsu. Thirdly, Samsung uses UtRAM. Because of its structure and features, the capacity of PSRAM can hardly exceed 256MB in a PCB of 108 square millimeters. And RAM with more than 256MB has to be supported by SDRAM. Many smart phones have already adopted the RAM with 512MB. In the future, PSRAM will gradually decline while SDRAM will gain widespread popularity.
Key manufacturers such as Cypress, NEC, Toshiba and Mitsubishi which were formerly involved in handset-used PSRAM and SRAM cannot provide or manufacture SDRAM. Consequently, their competitiveness is greatly weakened. In comparison, manufacturers such as Hynix, Elpida, Infineon and Micron, which previously took up with DRAM production, began to embark on SDRAM production. Similar to RAM, NOR memory lacks high density in spite of excellent code execution performance. Compared with NAND, NOR’s low density hampers its development. NOR with 128MB-256MB or the maximum 512MB can be provided for low-end phones and medium-end phones. Once NOR’s capacity exceeds 512MB, taking smart phones with outstanding performance for instance, manufacturers prefer to adopt NAND because NOR has a much higher cost and a relatively big-sized body. However, NAND has many defects such as the system being unable to start up directly. Concerning stability, there are hidden troubles such as bit-flipping, bad blocks and limited life in NAND. In addition, NAND adopts a non-standard interface and needs software management, which increases the cost of the system. Although this problem can be addressed through some structural methods, some technologies are required for the settlement of the above hidden troubles. M-SYSTEM helps NAND a lot to replace NOR. With the addition of software and hardware design (DiskOnChip) of M-SYSTEM, NAND flash memory can be equally used as NOR. At present, M-SYSTEM is mainly applied in smart phones or mobile phones with U-disk function. The relatively high price of M-SYSTEM hampers its development.
It will take three or four years for NAND to replace NOR. Non-smart top-grade 2.5G handsets adopts NOR ranging from 256MB to 320MB. Again, NOR capacity of general 3G mobile phones is around 256MB. There will be one or two years for NOR flash memory to exceed 512MB. In reality, 2.5G handsets will be the mainstream in the next three or four years, especially because domestic handset manufacturers pay much attention cost savings. NOR’s capacity is currently led by 64-128MB.
NOR flash memory suppliers such as Sharp, SST and Spansion lack of NAND technology while other counterparts including Intel, STMicroelectronics, Renesas, Toshiba and Samsung are well experienced in NAND technology. Sharp and SST have decided not to set foot in the field of NOR. Only Spansion persists in developing ORNAND. The utilization efficiency of MCP flash memory is low and handset users can increase the capacity of NAND flash memory from 128MB to at least 1GB. In contrast, the utilization efficiency of micro hard disks can reach 100%.
Some manufacturers are also adopting the independent flash memory chip to guarantee the utilization efficiency. But the current cost is comparatively high. Micro hard disks will be advantageous in the 4GB-above market in the next three years.
May 19th, 2006
Panasonic and DivXnannounced today that Panasonic will incorporate the DivX codec into two of its 2006 DVD recorders.
The DMR-EH55S DVD-Recorder with HDD and the DMR-EH75VS DVD-VHS-HDD Recorder bring a range of popular functionality to consumers, including the playback of DivX encoded video files.
Both models feature HDMI single cable connection with up-conversion to 1080i. The Panasonic DMR-EH55 is a DVD recorder with a 200 GB built-in hard disc drive, SD slot and DV Input. The Panasonic DMR-EH75 is a combo VHS-DVD recorder deck with an 80GB built-in hard disc drive. They provide very versatile solutions to users who want extreme flexibility in the formats they use for content delivery.
Products that bear the DivX Certified logo have undergone a rigorous testing program to ensure interoperability, security and visual quality. DivX Certified products enable consumers to create, play and share high-quality video content across a range of devices and platforms.
“These innovative multi-function Panasonic DVD recorders, combined with our DivX video technology, enable users to watch a wide variety of compelling content, how and when they want,” said Bill Holmes, Vice President of Consumer Electronics at DivX, Inc. “We are excited that Panasonic has expanded DivX into their recorder line to bring this solution to home theaters around the world.”
“Continuing our commitment to providing the consumer with the best quality performance from their DVD recorder, Panasonic is utilizing DivX technology to insure that the user maximizes their experience,” said Alberto Reggiani, National Marketing Manager for DVD at Panasonic. “These new devices allow users to playback and record video, but with DivX, consumers also can access an entire world of quality digital video.”
May 18th, 2006
Samsung today announced that it is exhibiting the first commercial prototype of a Hybrid Hard Disk (HHD), the much-anticipated next generation hard drive for notebooks and PCs that integrates NAND flash memory with rotating magnetic storage.
“We see the HHD as the most advanced and cost-effective means of improving the performance of a notebook computer’s storage functionality,” said Jon Kang, senior vice president, technical marketing group, Samsung Semiconductor. “The Samsung HHD addresses the two biggest consumer desires: extending battery life and improving boot and resume performance.”
The hybrid storage device leverages the benefits of both magnetic and solid state storage without compromising the cost of the computer housing it.
The high densities of magnetic storage technology are preserved, while the exceptionally low power, high reliability and fast read/write access of advanced NAND flash technology enhance overall value at minimal additional cost. With an HHD, consumers receive a system that boots or resumes up to twice as fast as conventional HDDs, lasts 20-30 minutes longer on battery and is up to five times more reliable.
“Hybrid hard disks and Windows ReadyDrive Technology are integrated advancements that improve the performance and reliability of computers using Windows Vista, especially notebook computers,” said Mike Sievert, corporate vice president, Windows Client Marketing at Microsoft. “We are very pleased to see Samsung moving so rapidly with HHD technology to prepare for high-volume production in time for the Windows Vista launch.”
The Hybrid Hard Disk eliminates the need for the hard disk to constantly spin whenever a computer is operating on battery power, and is less susceptible to damage from jarring or being dropped since it is idle most of the time.
Every time the cache is filled, the rotating drive spins to “flush out” or transfer data from the cache, spinning only a few seconds every 10-20 minutes. The Samsung HHD architecture uses the fastest flash device on the market as cache, Samsung’s OneNAND flash with 108MB/s read and 18 MB/s write data-rates. The functionality of the H-HHD is automated by the high performance HDD SOC which supports 3.0G Native Command Queuing SATA and an OneNAND interface. The HHD saves between eight and 25 seconds of boot-up time and extends battery life by about 8-10 percent depending on the model of computer.
In addition, the HHD allows PC manufacturers to deploy value-added features, such as direct media experiences with instant-boot functionality and accelerated processing for specified applications.
Samsung will sample its HHD with customers beginning next quarter and it will ship in large quantities by January, in conjunction with the Windows Vista rollout.
May 18th, 2006
Panasonic has announced that it has begun developing technology to record digital HD (high-definition) images onto SD Memory Cards, following the AVCHD standard for HD digital video cameras. The company is also constructing a new environment for editing and playing back the images.
With the expected adoption of HD broadcasting in many countries and the widespread sales of HD TVs, people will be able to view HD images at home with increasingly enhanced viewing environments. The development of new device technology for the home video market is prompting a major switch in recording media to discs and SD Memory Cards (solid-state memory), which are easier to use and more convenient than tape media.
This new HD video recording technology for SD Memory Cards will conform to the AVCHD standard, which uses a highly efficient compression encoding technology to record 1080i*1 or 720p*2 HD images onto 8-cm DVD discs. It will use MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 to compress video files, and Dolby Digital (AC-3) or Linear PCM for audio files. This combination makes it possible to develop HD video cameras that are compact yet deliver high-quality images and sounds.
“Believing that the SD Memory Card is the recording media best suited for video cameras, Panasonic has already released a professional-use HD video camera that uses SD Memory Card technology”, said Mr. Akihiro Nakatani, Director of Video Camera Business Unit, Panasonic AVC Networks Company. “Panasonic’s efforts to develop the technology to record HD images onto SD Memory Cards and construct a new playback and editing environment, in addition to its establishing the AVCHD standard for 8-cm DVDs, will serve to further stimulate development of products that take advantage of the characteristics of both media.”
May 11th, 2006
Sony has learnt from its mistakes and will try for a worldwide simoultaneous launch of the PS3 on November 17.
Having Giga-bit Ethernet and a pre-installed hard disk drive as standard in PS3, users will be able to download a variety of content as well as access on-line games and services over the network.
Equipped with basic input/output ports, PS3 supports a broad range of displays from conventional NTSC/PAL standard TVs to the latest full HD (1080i/1080p) flat panel displays, offering the joy of the most advanced computer entertainment content to homes around the world. For use in living rooms, maximum heat and noise reduction has been achieved with a noise level equivalent to that of the current slim-line PlayStation 2.
With the overwhelming computational power of the Cell processor, PS3 is capable of playing back content from Blu-ray (BD) disc at a bit rate of multiplex 48Mbps with ease, the maximum bit rate defined in BD standards.
The new controller for PS3 has been created by refining and improving the world’s most popular PlayStation controller which has shipped more than several hundred million units worldwide. The controller for PS3 employs a high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that is capable of processing all parameters within the controller itself, thereby eliminating the need for any additional settings on the display system. By applying this technology, it will become possible to freely control the PS3 system over the network.
May 9th, 2006
Following on from the success of gangster titles such as the GTA series and the Godfather, THQ has announced that they’ve won the prestigious license to develop a game based on HBO’s Sopranos series.
Xbox 360 and PS2 gamers will be able to take on the role on an illegitimate son of ‘Big Pussy’ and prove your worth to ‘da family’ by carrying out a variety of missions including collections and intimidation.
“We’re excited to work with HBO on creating a game that captures the spirit of the groundbreaking series — a modern classic that redefines the life of crime genre,” said Kelly Flock, executive vice president, Worldwide Publishing, THQ. “The Sopranos has become television legacy for this generation and now fans and gamers can become part of the story and see if they have the muscle and wit to become ‘made.’”
“It’s clear that fans want more of The Sopranos, and creating a game that puts the player in their world is a great way to satisfy them,” said Carmi Zlotnik, executive vice president, New Media Programming, HBO.
The storyline has been created in collaboration with David Chase, the show’s creator, to ensure it will live up to the high quality fans are used to.
May 5th, 2006
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