Display Alliance News 1.12.2011

Sprint Drops Galaxy Tab Price to US$299.99: That's with a two-year contract. The 7-inch 1024x600 Android 2.2 tablet has been a big hit with rumors that a LTE version is in the works. The next Samsung Galaxy Tab is expected to sport the company's Super AMOLED Plus display and Gingerbread and will be showcased during next month's Mobile World Congress according to Samsung Mobile's president JK Shin.

Engadget: In other Samsung news, the company's Vibrant 4G will feature a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, a dual cameras, a 1GHz CPU, and will run on T-Mobile's HSPA+ 21, which means a theoretical download speed of up to 21Mbps. Samsung will continue to tout its OLED superiority and pack it into all things smartphone and tablet.

Akihabara News: Greenhouse Japan introduced its GH-USD16K, a 15.6-inch 1366x768 monitor that connects to a PC via USB. Other display specs include: 400:1 contrast ratio, 220 nits, and 16ms response time. The great thing about Greenhouse's USB monitor is that you can connect up to six of them.

Pixel Qi: The company showcased 7-inch 1024x600 LCD panels during CES and acknowledged that it is working on a 9.7-inch 4:3 1024x768 version, which by the way will go into the next OLPC tablet.

DisplaySearchBlog:

On January 6, Qualcomm MEMS Technologies announced that it will invest about $975 million to build a factory in Taiwan to produce its mirasol display technology. The facility is expected to be operational in 2012. This new fab will be next to the Gen 4.5 fab that Qualcomm and Foxlink have been operating since mid 2009. The new fab will use the same size glass substrates as the Gen 4.5 fab. Although Qualcomm didn’t announce the capacity, the new fab is expected to be much larger.

Digital Signage Today: HP unveiled three digital signage LCDs at the National Retail Foundation BIG Show in New York City. The three are LD4201, LD4210, and LD4710 with embedded HP Media Sign Player technology for plug-and-play integration.

Its new HP LD4201 Digital Signage Display is aimed at business owners who manage their own in-store advertising and who don't need 24/7 functionality.

The commercial-grade HP LD4210 and LD4710 Digital Signage Displays are 42- and 47-inch diagonal models, respectively, [...] and offer continuous full HD native resolutions. They feature an Ethernet port for LAN/network connections to the displays and include HP Network Sign Manager software for on-the-fly settings changes from a single source via the network. DisplayPort –in and –out provide compatibility with HP's digital signage players and help simplify cabling requirements for video walls. The displays also come with a standard three-year limited warranty.

CES 2011: Sharp

Sharp showcased its LC-70LE732U, which is a 70-inch 3D LCD TV sporting its X-Gen LCD panel with Quad Pixel technology. Sharp's Advanced Super View (ASV) is used in combination with X-Gen, which enables darker black levels by improving pixel control to minimize light leakage that improve the overall contrast ratio. X-Gen also enhances aperture that allows for more light to pass through for an overall brighter LCD that also enables power savings. Quad Pixel technology is part of all Quattron sub-branded Sharp TVs that make use of four sub-pixels instead of the usual three. The four colors are Red, Green, Blue, and an additional Yellow. Sharp claims that the color gamut improves allowing the viewer to see colors never before seen on LCD TVs, such as sparkling gold, sunflower yellows, etc. The LC-70LE732U is expected to ship in May.

Like many other CE brands Sharp unveiled its Galapagos tablet. The Galapagos tablets are closer to e-readers and come in two sizes: 8-inch and 10.8-inch LCDs both powered by Linux.

CES 2011: Vizio

Vizio showcased its 21:9 CINEMAWIDE HDTVs packing a 2560x1080 pixel format in two sizes: 50 and 58 inches. The 21:9 aspect ratio is much wider than 16:9 and targeted at movie watchers that want an experience closer to watching film (think theaters) than HDTV. Philips first came out with 21:9 LCD TVs (see: Philips Cinema 21:9)

Another notable product introduction was the Vizio Tablet running Google's Android OS. The Vizio Tablet is about as thick as an iPad, but unfortunately mimics the glossy bezel as well. The Vizio Tablet sports an 8-inch LCD with a 1024x768 pixel format leading to a denser resolution than the 9.7-inch 1024x768 on the iPad. The LCD is not of the IPS (In-Plane Switching) variety so viewing angles aren't fantastic, but still quite usable.

Ionics EMS, Inc. Chooses Noventri Digital Signage For Employee Communications

Ionics EMS, Inc., a Philippine electronics manufacturer, improves employee communications with Noventri digital signage installed throughout the plant.

Click to read more ...

Digital Signage News UK 01.07.2011

LG 3D TV Endorsed by UK Sky TV

Korean LCD manufacturer LG has won an endorsement from Sky TV, the UKs satellite TV provider and main 3D TV advocates, thanks to its forthcoming product range.

LG’s, flicker free range of LW6500 LCD TVs will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this month but has already created much hype in the UK thanks to the endorsement by SKY 3D TV.

Viewers still need to use 3D glasses when watching the new LW6500 devices, but they are lighter and flicker free, thanks to their unique new technology.

At CES LG will be displaying 42in, 47in, 55in and 65in versions of the LW6500.

Call for Better Content to Help Further DOOH industry

CEO of market leaders in out of home advertising, JCDecaux, has called for content providers to be more creative to take advantage of the unique benefits of digital signage.

Jeremy Male, speaking at a breakfast meeting where he announced a doubling of JCDecaux’s 6 sheet inventory across the UK for 2011, also said that in the world of Dooh, more than 65% or current campaigns were developed for older media. He suggested that content providers needed to get away from ‘just selling posters’ and start to utilise real-time messaging and news as the best way to reach large audiences.



CES 2011: Samsung

Samsung 9 Series LED-Backlit LCD Monitor: The unique feature is an off-set asymmetric stand with a Touch of Color. Source: Samsung Tomorrow

Samsung and RealD Together Announce RDZ: RDZ LCD TVs makes the LCD panel itself an active switching and allows for non-active switching RealD glasses to be worn. The benefit is watching 3D at the LCD's full pixel format.

Samsung Infuse 4G: An Android 2.2 smartphone with a new Super AMOLED Plus display. Compared to the non-Plus version the Super AMOLED Plus technology has 50% more sub-pixels that improves contrast and outdoor readability. The Infuse 4G has an 8 megapixel camera on the back and a front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera. The HSPA+ ("4G") smartphone is powered by a 1.2GHz single-core Hummingbird CPU.

Samsung 9 Series Notebook: 13.3-inch notebook PC by Samsung is claimed to be the thinnest and lightest in the world. It weighs 2.89 pounds and 0.68 inches thick. There is no optical drive, but has: Ethernet, HDMI, USB, Core i5 2537M CPU, 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM, and backlit keyboard. The 13.3-inch LCD sports a LED backlight with a brightness of 400 nits. Priced at about $1600.

Samsung Sliding PC 7 Series: The Sliding PC is a Windows 7 hybrid tablet with a QWERTY keyboard. The 10.1-inch LCD features a 1366x768 pixel format, 340 nits and touch capability. Other specs include: 32GB or 64GB SSD, 2GB RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium, USB, HDMI, 4-in-1 card reader, ambient light sensor, and 1.3 megapixel webcam. Priced at $699.

Samsung LED 8000 Series LCD TV: Comes in four sizes: 46, 55, 60, 65. The metal bezel is just 0.2-inch thick. The 8000 series has an unique feature that supports Bluetooth 3D glasses, instead of the typical IR-based connectivity. Other specs include: Micro Dimming Plus, 240Hz, 1920x1080, WiFi, and are Skype ready.

Samsung 7000 Series LCD TV: Comes in three sizes: 46, 55, 60. The bezel is just as thin as the 8000 series at 0.2 inches and supports Bluetooth 3D glasses. Other specs include: 1920x1080, WiFi, Skype ready, 3D playback.

CES 2011: Sony

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc with Reality Display: The Xperia Arc is an Android smartphone sporting a 4.2-inch LCD with a 854x480 pixel format called the Reality Display thanks to a Bravia Engine that enhances colors and details just like it does on Bravia TVs.

Sony Glasses-Free 3D Portable Blu-ray Prototype Player: The parallax 3D 10.1-inch LCD sports a 1366x768 pixel format and doesn't require glasses to view content in 3D.

Sony 3D Head-Mounted Prototype Goggles: Features a 720p OLED display for each eye.

27 New Bravia HDTVs

Bravia XBR-HX929 Series 3D Capable HDTV: Requires active-shutter 3D glasses; sports a 1920x1080 pixel format, local-dimming LED backlight, Corning's Gorilla Glass, WiFi N, Internet connectivity, IR, RS-232c, 720p Skype ready, X-Reality Pro engine. Comes in three sizes: 65-inch XBR-65HX292 (August availability), 55-inch XBR-55HX929, and 46-inch XBR-46HX929.

Bravia HX820 Series 3D Capable HDTV: Available in May and sports a 1920x1080 pixel format, edge-lit LED backlight, WiFi N, 720p Skype ready, X-Reality Pro engine, and MotionFlow XR 480 (480Hz). Comes in two sizes: 55-inch KDL-55HX820, and 46-inch KDL-46HX820.

Bravia NX720 Series 3D Capable HDTV: 1920x1080 with edge-lit LED backlight, WiFi N, 720p Skype ready, MotionFlow XR 240 (240Hz), X-Reality engine, and comes in three sizes: 60-inch KDL-60NX720, 55-inch KDL-55NX720, and 46-inch KDL-46NX720.

Bravia HX729 Series 3D Capable HDTV: 1920x1080 with edge-lit LED backlight, X-Reality Pro engine, MotionFlow XR 480 (480Hz), WiFi N, 720p Skype ready, Internet connectivity, IR, RS-232c, and comes in three sizes: 65-inch KDL-65HX729, 55-inch KDL-55HX729, and 46-inch KDL-46HX729.

Bravia EX720 Series 3D Capable HDTV: 1920x1080 with edge-lit LED backlight, X-Reality engine, MotionFlow XR 240 (240Hz), WiFi with optional USB wireless LAN adapter, 720p Skype ready, Internet connectivity, and comes in five sizes: 60-inch KDL-60EX720 available in April, 55-inch KDL-55EX720, 46-inch KDL-46EX720, 40-inch KDL-40EX720, and 32-inch KDL-32EX720.

Bravia EX620 Series HDTV: Available in February. 1920x1080 edge-lit LED backlight, X-Reality engine, MotionFlow 120 (120Hz), WiFi with optional USB wireless LAN adapter, Internet connectivity, and comes in three sizes: 55-inch KDL-55EX620, 46-inch KDL-46EX620, and 40-inch KDL-40EX620.

Bravia EX520 Series HDTV: Available in February and sports a 1920x1080 pixel format, edge-lit LED backlight, X-Reality engine, WiFi with optional USB wireless LAN adapter, 720p Skype ready, Internet connectivity, and comes in three sizes: 46-inch KDL-46EX520, 40-inch KDL-40EX520, and 32-inch KDL-32EX520.

Bravia BX420 Series HDTV: Available in February and sports a 1920x1080 pixel format, CCFL backlight, USB, ambient light sensor, and comes in three sizes: 46-inch KDL-46BX420, 40-inch KDL-40BX420, and 32-inch KDL-32BX420.

Bravia BX320 Series HDTV: Available in February and sports a 1366x768 pixel format, CCFL backlight, USB, ambient light sensor, and comes in two sizes: 32-inch KDL-32BX320, and 22-inch KDL-22BX320.

To be continued...

CES 2011: Philips LCD TVs

Philips just announced its line of new LCD TVs with LED backlights at CES 2011: the 4000, 5000, and 6000 series.

The 4000 series come in three sizes: the $749 40-inch 40PFL4706, the $999 46-inch 46PFL4706, and the $1499 55-inch 55PFL4706. All three feature LED backlights.

The 5000 series also come in the exact three sizes: $679 40PFL5706, $899 46PFL5706, and $1099 55PFL5706. These models sports a 1920x1080 pixel format, 120Hz frequency, and wireless connectivity. Available in April/May.

The 6000 series adds 3D and come in three sizes, too: $999 40PFL6706, $1299 46PFL6706, and $1699 55PFL6706. Available in September.

CES 2011: 3M Multi-Touch Displays

3M just announced its multi-touch displays based on projected capacitive technology (PCT): a 32-inch and a 23-inch, building on the company's existing 22-inch model. According to 3M:

3M PCT multi-touch technology is currently one of the only multi-touch solutions made by a leading manufacturer that can register more than 10 simultaneous touch events with a 6-millisecond response time, making it one of the most accurate and robust solutions available to users.

At CES Unveiled yesterday I had the opportunity to play with both of these displays and indeed the response times were remarkably fast. The 32-inch has a response time of 7ms and the 23-inch a bit faster at 5ms. The reason why response times are so fast is because the capacitive sensors are scanning 160-180 times per second. Touch accuracy was excellent thanks to 5400 capacitive sensors! Both 32-inch and 23-inch models feature a 1920x1080 pixel format. Compatible operating systems include Windows 7, Vista, XP and Linux. The two showcased at CES Unveiled were running on top of XP. The larger 32-inch model was running the excellent UI from Perceptive Pixel. 3M sees its main target markets as financial, health, military and hopes to break into the consumer gaming market. 3M will sell these PCT displays directly and through distributors with availability slated for first quarter 2011.

CES 2011: Lenovo

During the press-only CES Unveiled event today, Lenovo showcased a number of notebooks, netbooks and a tablet. Here are the list of some of the products that Lenovo showcased today and will be showcasing during CES 2011:

IdeaPad Y Series

The IdeaPad T570d is a 3D notebook that comes with a pair of polarizer 3D glasses. The 3D 15.6-inch LCD sports a 1366x768 pixel format, a LED backlight, 2.0 megapixel webcam and is powered by NVIDIA's GeForce 555M with 1GB. CPU choices range from an i3 to an i7. External display connectivity is via HDMI. The T570 is the non-3D version of the T570d. The smaller T470 sports a 14-inch LCD with a 1366x768 pixel format.

IdeaPad V Series

There are three models in the V series: the 13.3-inch V370, 14-inch V470, and the 15.6-inch V570. All three are powered by Intel's Core i7 CPU. Graphics connectivity is via HDMI.

IdeaPad Z Series

There are also three models in the Z series: the 13.3-inch Z370, 14-inch Z470, and 15.6-inch Z570. Video out is via both VGA and HDMI.

IdeaPad U1 Hybrid with LePad

The LePad is a 10.1-inch slate with a 1280x800 pixel format that runs on Lenovo's version of Android 2.2 called LeOS and powered by a 1.3GHz Snapdragon CPU. The U1 base comes packed with an 1.2GHz i5-540UM CPU with an optional i7 and runs Windows 7. When the LePad is detached from the U1 the OS switches from Windows 7 to Android, which is quite nifty. The 10.1-inch on the LePad makes use of capacitive touch. Lenovo will wait to use Android 3.0 before the IdeaPad U1 Hybrid with LePad comes Stateside. That also means the LePad will be upgraded to a dual-core CPU, which is a requirement for Android 3.0 Honeycomb.

IdeaCenter All-In-One

The C205 (photo above) is a single-touch 18.5-inch all-in-one running Windows 7. The pixel format is a bit limited at 1366x768. Lenovo put some thought into the design, which looks like a black iMac. Other specs include: 1.6GHz AMD E-350, ATI HD 5450 with 1GB, integrated webcam, and DVD burner. Priced at $449.99 slated for a June release.

The A320 is the thinnest and sports a 21.5-inch 1920x1080 LCD powered by a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5. The B520 is more powerful with a Core i7 CPU and larger with a 23-inch 1920x1080 LCD. The B320 is a 21.5-inch 1366x768 all-in-one powered by a Core i5. The A320, B520 and B320 all start at $699.

Lenovo S Series Netbooks

There are two: the S205 and S100. The S205 is a 11.6-inch netbook with a 1366x768 pixel format while the smaller S100 packs a 10.1-inch LCD. Both weigh just 2.2 pounds, will be available in March with a starting price of $329.

CES 2011: ASUS Press Conference Notes

CES madness started today. I attended the ASUS press conference at the lovely Aria hotel. ASUS CEO Jerry Shen introduced several tablets:

ASUS Eee Pad Slider

The Slider sports a 10.1-inch IPS LCD with a 1280x800 pixel format. Like the name, the display slides up as you push it back revealing a QWERTY keyboard and slides back into slate form when pushed forward. The Slider will be running on Google's Honeycomb Android OS. The 10.1-inch tablet features dual cameras: 5 megapixel on the back with LED flash and a front-facing 1.2 megapixel. It can playback 1080p HD content. Connectivity options include a mini-HDMB and mini-USB ports with a micro-SD card slot. The Slider weighs just 2.2 pounds and is 0.5 inches thick. Pricing isn't official but expect to be around $500 to $800 with availability in the April-May timeframe.

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer

The Transformer sports the same 10.1-inch IPS LCD as the Slider. What makes the Transformer different is that the display on the netbook/tablet can be detached. The tablet portion of the Transformer will run Android 3.0 and make use of a dual-core Tegra 2 CPU and packs two cameras. Like the Slider the Transformer can playback 1080p HD content. The tablet by itself will run eight hours and 16 hours aided by the battery that's on the chassis. Pricing hasn't been officially announced but will be between $400 and $700 with availability in the April-May timeframe.

ASUS Eee Slate EP121

The Eee Slate EP121 is a powerful 12.1-inch tablet packing an Intel Core i5-470M CPU, 4GB RAM, and 64GB SSD. The 12.1-inch 1280x800 IPS LCD sports capacitive touch and works with a Wacom digitizer. The Slate EP121 runs Windows 7, has a front-facing 2 megapixel camera with LED flash and outputs video via HDMI. Pricing is around $1000 and availability is expected to be later this month.

ASUS Eee Pad MeMO

The Eee Pad MeMO is a 7-inch tablet running Android 3.0 powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon 8260 CPU. The capacitive touch 7-inch LCD sports a 1024x600 pixel format. Other features include: dual cameras (5 megapixel in the rear with LED flash and 1.2 megapixel in the front) and a capacitive stylus. Pricing starts at $499 and will be available in June.

ASUS is serious about the tablet market. The Slate EP121 is seriously powerful with an i5 CPU. Both the Slider and Transformer tablets are unique and should fill the hole left between a netbook and a slate tablet. It is also interesting to see that ASUS has selected IPS as the technology of choice for its displays on the larger three.

Noventri and Clareo Partner To Provide Digital Signage for Dallas BBQ

For Immediate Release:
Media Contact: Judy L. Hoffman ~ judyh@noventri.com ~ 1-800-359-1858

Clareo Networks and Noventri Partnership Brings Digital Signage to Dallas BBQ

Clareo Networks provides New York-based restaurant, Dallas BBQ, with Eco-Series SF-100e digital signage technology to power vertical displays throughout restaurant.

Click to read more ...

Display Alliance News 1.3.2011

Restrictions on Building Panel Fabs in China can be Changed

DigiTimes:

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has allowed AU Optronics (AUO) to set up a 7.5G TFT-LCD panel production plant in Kunshan, China, but its Korea rivals received their own government's approvel much earlier. Taiwan's terms are also stricter in order to keep the most advance production technology on the island. Taiwan panel makers are described as competing with Korea panel makers with their hands tied. But Taiwan's economics minister Shih Yen-Shiang has remarked that if there is a consensus in society that Taiwan makers should be allowed to build even more advanced fabs in China, the MOEA could revise its restrictions on panel generations.

Chimei Innolux LCD Panels with LED Backlights to Reach 50% in First Quarter 2011

DigiTimes:

LED-backlit applications LCD TVs, monitors and notebooks reached 40% of Chimei Innolux's (CMI) total panel shipments in the fourth quarter of 2010, up from 25-30% in the third quarter, and are expected to reach 50% in the first quarter of 2011.

Qualcomm Gets Approval to Build Mirasol Plant in Taiwan

DigiTimes:

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has announced that Qualcomm will construct a production plant for small- to medium-size Mirasol displays at the Longtan site of the Hsinchu Science Park (HSP) in northern Taiwan in 2011 with investment totaling almost US$1 billion.

Lower Than Forecast Sequential Growth in Fourth Quarter 2010 Notebook PC Shipments

DigiTimes:

First-tier Taiwan-based notebook ODMs have downward adjusted on-quarter growth in fourth-quarter 2010 shipment volume from originally projected 3-3.3% to below 3% [...]

Clevo to Increase Notebook Shipments to Brazil

DigiTimes:

Clevo expects its monthly notebook shipments to rise to 150,000 units during the first quarter of 2011 mainly due to orders from three new channel clients in Brazil [...]

Lord & Taylor Gives NYC Flagship Digital Signage Facelift

Digital Signage Today:

The project, launched in early 2010, featured a redesign of the 650,000-square-foot location on Fifth Avenue. Pro-Motion provided music and digital display systems controlled by a next-generation user interface – while working within strict zoning requirements for this 96-year-old historic building.

Cereal Bowl Pouring on Digital Menu Boards

Digital Signage Today:

The Cereal Bowl restaurant chain recently announced that it has opened its first all-digital restaurant in New Brunswick, N.J. Its digital signage is comprised of four indoor LCD digital menu boards and an integrated POS solution with digital customer-facing displays and remote log-in access.

Global LCD TV Market to Grow 31% in 2010

DisplaySearch:

[...]  total TV shipments in 2010 will reach more than 247 million units, a staggering 17% increase from 2009 and the best growth seen since the start of the flat panel TV transition.

However growth expectations for 2011 will slow to 13% Y/Y.

Display Alliance News 12.30.2010

CPT Chairman Urges Taiwan Government to Loosen Previous-Generation Restrictions on Panel Investment in China

DigiTimes:

CPT was interested in going to China, but China-based TV vendors have already begun entering the panel industry, along with Samsung Electronics, LG Display and other Taiwan-based panel makers. It is estimated that there are about eight players investing in 5G and above production plants in China currently. Furthermore, based on the Taiwan government's rules, panel makers need to keep their most advanced production plants in Taiwan, which means CPT could only set up a 5G plant in China, which would be uncompetitive. For these reasons CPT has decided to delay any plans.

In other CPT news, the company will set up a touch panel production line in Fuzhou, China with mass production scheduled for May 2011.

ITO Glass Supply to Remain Short in First Half of 2011

DigiTimes:

ITO glass supplier AimCore Technology expects the shortage of ITO glass to continue into the first half of 2011, and in order to meet client demand, AimCore has started capacity expansion which is scheduled to join production in the third quarter of 2011, according to company president Alex Chiang.

According to the US Geological Survey known reserves overwhelmingly located in China will be exhausted by 2020 at the current rate of consumption. LCD manufacturers are currently developing ITO alternatives.

BOE Signs Loan of CNY10.5 Billion for 8.5G TFT LCD Plant

DigiTimes:

China-based BOE Technology has announced that its subsidiary Beijing BOE Display Technology has signed a syndicated loan of CNY10.5 billion (US$1.59 billion) for its 8.5G TFT-LCD panel production plant [...]

Securing financial wherewithal to build a 8.5G LCD fab is one thing, acquiring senior engineers with 8G and larger LCD lines is another and more difficult.

Connected TVs Forecast to Account for 21% of Global TV Shipments in 2010

DisplaySearch:

Growth of connected TVs was fueled by the Japanese market in 2010 with strong market growth driven by the Eco Points system, and very high penetration of connected TVs, driven by domestic brands’ strategies and by high levels of broadband access. Emerging markets will play a key role in the future growth of this segment, with Eastern Europe forecast to grow from 2.5 million connected TVs shipped in 2010 to over 10 million in 2014. DisplaySearch findings also suggest that 12% of flat panel TVs sold in China in 2010 will have internet capability.

Google TV has been a flop, but there are other products such as Apple TV, Roku and others that connect TVs to the Internet. Nonetheless, most TV viewing today is a passive lean-back experience and change in our TV behavior will take time.

Compal to Use New Panel Plant for In-House Tablet PC Development

DigiTimes:

Taiwan-based notebook maker Compal Electronics has announced will spend NT$1.4 billion (US$47.67 million) to acquire Chunghwa Picture Tubes' (CPT's) 4.5G color filter (CF) plant via its wholly-owned subsidiary HengHao Technology, and company spokesperson Gary Lu has pointed out that the plant will be used for Compal's tablet PC products in the short term. With assistance from the subsidiary, Compal will be able to shorten its R&D time for tablet PCs, while strengthen the device's competitiveness.

Princen Internet Diensten Develops Web-based Digital Signage Tool

Digital Signage Today:

Digital signage company Adtraxion Systems, in partnership with online portal provider Princen Internet Diensten, have announced the PG Portal, which the companies say allows customers to publish, maintain and manage digital signage with minimal effort and from any location with Internet connectivity.

Streamlining and simplifying digital signage content management is becoming a crucial component to successful digital signage deployments. Web-based or browser-based tools such as those from Princen allows wider penetration of digital signage.

Verizon Unveils Details of Home Control System

CEPro:

As expected, telephone and FiOS TV provider Verizon is rolling out its own "connected home" home control system, to compete with those from ADT, Comcast and others, and will include some energy management functions such as thermostat, energy readers, smart appliance and smart power strip control.

The goal is to reduce energy consumption through easy-to-measure analytics and controllability in the home. This also means the need for in-home displays with simple informatics.

Display Alliance News 12.29.2010

HannStar Adds Additional Investment in Nanjing Touch Panel Module Plant

DigiTimes:

HannStar Display has announced it will make an additional investment of US$65 million in a touch panel module subsidiary in Nanjing, China to build up production lines for cover glass and thin glass.

Most notebook PCs, smartphones, some LCD monitors and LCD TVs make use of cover glass to create that edge-to-edge look. Thin glass will become more in demand as most of these display products get thinner and thinner.

Notebook Makers Do Not Rule Out Supporting Upstream Partners to Avoid Labor Shortages

DigiTimes:

As labor shortages in coastal areas of China in 2011 are expected to be even more serious than in previous years, sources from notebook makers said that they will not rule out the possibility of sending workers to support upstream component partners, who are expected to suffer the most impact from any shortages.

China is the manufacturing center for all things with displays and a labor shortage will impact the global market. Integrators like Quanta Computer and Compal Electronics are highly automated, which alleviates the need for adding more workers when demand spikes.

Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) Agrees to Sell 4.5G Color Filter Plant to Compal Subsidiary

DigiTimes:

Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) will sell a 4.5G color filter (CF) plant to a Compal Electronics subsidiary for NT$1.4 billion (US$47.67 million), the companies disclosed today.

CPT's CF plant has a monthly capacity of 70K 730x920mm glass substrates per month with most of the capacity for in-house consumption. In-house CF production capability is important to reduce manufacturing costs as CF from merchants are more costly.

Notebook Vendors Seeing R&D Delays for Android 3.0 Tablets

DigiTimes:

Notebook vendors have expressed concerns about the launch schedule of their Android 3.0 tablet PCs as Google is currently giving priority for Android 3.0 support mainly to smartphone players such as Motorola, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, High Tech Computer (HTC) and Nokia, leaving notebook vendors facing delays in their R&D schedules.

Google is betting that smartphone manufacturers are better poised to develop tablets using its Android 3.0 operating system that is geared for tablets. According to this report, notebook brands will be put on the sidelines. This is a stressful situation for notebook brands since tablet sales have been eating into notebook sales.

China May See LCD Panel Oversupply in the Second Half of 2012

DigiTimes:

Local and foreign players are scrambling to build next-generation large-size TFT LCD panel fabs in China, which is expected to become the largest LCD TV market in the world in 2011. Digitimes Research senior analyst Tony Huang thinks that oversupply may occur in China in 2011, but that will depend on whether China-based makers can ramp up their production as scheduled.

Currently China has 5G lines, which are limited in production capacity for larger LCD TVs. China will become the largest LCD TV market in 2011 according to DigiTimes and wants to develop LCD manufacturing infrastructure within the country to fulfill local demand. However, if capacity is built too quickly there is a chance for oversupply resulting in a pricing collapse. That's not all bad though since historically lower prices have catalyzed lower priced LCD TVs and demand.

Taiwan Display Industry Not Yet Open to China Investment

DigiTimes:

While Taiwan-based panel makers are hoping to solicit equity investment from China-based customers so as to secure orders, the display industry was not listed among the industries that will be opened to China investment initially, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

One component of competitive advantage in LCD manufacturing is intellectual property, which is concentrated in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. By locating LCD manufacturing plants in China the aforementioned countries are worried that key technology will be diluted reducing competitive advantage.

Tatung Monitor Shipments Reach High in 2010

DigiTimes:

LCD monitor shipments of Tatung are expected to set a record high of three million units in 2010, and with orders from Hewlett-Packard (HP), Tatung's monitor shipments could increase more than 30% to over four million units in 2011, according to industry sources.

Tatung is the seventh largest LCD monitor manufacturer in Taiwan and Tatung-branded TVs are ranked third in Taiwan.

HiTi Digital Aims to Set Up One Millions Photo-Printing Kiosks Globally in 2015

DigiTimes:

HiTi Digital, which makes photo/card printers and related consumable materials, and develops HiTi-branded printing software solutions, plans to set up a retail network of over 10,000 photo-printing kiosks - including those operated by photo studios - around Taiwan in 2011 and one million kiosks around the world in 2015, according to the company.

Touch Screen Shipments on Track for More Than 30% Y/Y Growth in 2010

DisplaySearch:

The mini-note/slate PC category is the fastest growing application for touch screens in 2010, with 6.3 million shipped in the first half. Touch suppliers are very optimistic about this application, with more than 20 million units planned in the second half of the year. There is uncertainty about the timing, as some shipments may be delayed to Q1’11. A majority of the mini-note/slate PC touch shipments are from Wintek, who led in the segment, followed by TPK Touch Solutions.

Mini-note/slate PC touch suppliers top five ranking in 1H'10: Wintek, TPK, EELY, Liyitec, Cando. As tablets become more mainstream in 2011 touch screen shipments will continue to grow. Apple is expected to unveil is next iPad, which will undoubtedly lift the entire tablet market.

Foxconn Acquires Hitachi Dispplay

DisplaySearch Blog:

Hon Hai is part of the Foxconn group, the largest contract electronics manufacturer in the world and the parent of Chimei Innolux (the product of a merger of CMO, TPO, and Innolux), as well as a group of LCD and touch-panel related subsidiaries. Hitachi Displays, a 75/25 joint venture between Hitachi Ltd. and Canon, is a manufacturer of small and medium size LCD panels, focusing on IPS and LTPS (low-temperature poly-silicon) technologies.

The reports indicate that Foxconn will acquire 45% of Hitachi Displays, reducing Hitachi Ltd’s stake to 30%. There are also indications that the investment plans include a new Gen 5.5 fab using LTPS and IPS technologies to produce smart phone and other small/medium panels.

IPS is the favored wide-viewing angle LCD technology by Apple and is used in the iPhone 4, iPad, Cinema Displays and iMacs.

Making Digital Signage Work in Shopping Malls

Digital Signage Today:

Shopping malls, with their diverse audiences and variety of stores, can be ideal places for digital signage. But in such a crowded, noisy space, it can be hard for the signage to stand out. When deploying digital signage in a mall, it's important to consider: Location, Content, Demographics.

Display Alliance News 12.28.2010

LG Display Ships 1.5 Million iPad Panels in November, Samsung Ships 1.2 Million Units

DigiTimes:

LG Display is estimated to land orders for 35 million iPad panels in 2011, and Samsung and Chimei Innolux (CMI), who is scheduled to join Apple's iPad supply chain in the first quarter of 2011, will each receive orders for 15 million units.

That puts total iPad shipments in 2011 at 65 million, quite a bit more than the 45 million or so estimated for 2010. The higher expectation for 2011 shouldn't come as a surprise as most in the industry are expecting Apple to introduce an iPad that will work on Verizon networks in 2011.

MSI to Showcase its WindPad Tablet PC at CES 2011

DigiTimes:

MSI will unveil two new WindPad tablets. The WindPad 100W features the Wintel platform and the WindPad 100A with the ARM/Android platform. They are natively equipped with modules such as G-Sensor gravity detecting devices, an ALS light sensor, and Wi-Fi.

Most IT brands will jump into the tablet market next year. Although Windows 7 is far from optimal as a touch tablet operating system, it is rumored that Microsoft might introduce a tablet-optimized OS during CES 2011. With Apple expected to release its second iPad next year it will be interesting to see the tablet market heat up.

Apple, RIM, HTC to Account for 50% of Global Smartphone Shipments in First Quarter 2011

DigiTimes:

Taiwan-based makers or handsets or components, based on orders received, have estimated that Apple, RIM and HTC will ship, respectively, 19-20 million, 14-15 million and 8-9 million smartphones in the first quarter of 2011, together sharing more than 50% of global smartphone shipments of 80-85 million units.

The State of Out-of-Home Digital Signage

Digital Signage Today:

[...] digital out-of-home advertising is more effective than ever. DOOH is ubiquitous, with 47 percent of viewers who have seen a digital place-based video in the past month specifically recalling advertisements. DOOH also is effective, with 19 percent of viewers who have seen a digital out-of-home advertisement making an unplanned purchase after seeing an item featured on a digital screen.

Singapore Youth Olympic Games 2010 Uses Scala Digital Signage in Village

Digital Signage Today:

Scala announced that it powered the visual communications network at the Youth Olympic Village (YOV) at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) held in Singapore in August 2010.

To ensure information was broadcast through the entire YOV, 96 Samsung screens ranging from 40 inches to 46 inches were positioned around the campus. Half of the screens were located in the Village Square, the central hub of activity, and the remaining screens were placed in the Residential Zone.

Inside Ryan Phillippe's $7.5M L.A. Home

CE Pro:

According to Realestalker, "apparently Mister Ryan is one of those people for whom luxury means having a flat screen mounted on the wall in just about every damn room of the house."

Display Alliance News 12.27.2010

LG, Samsung to Grow Smartphone Market Share

DigiTimes:

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have gained footholds in the global market of smartphones in 2010 with Galaxy S and Optimus One respectively, and will launch many smartphone models to strengthen their market status in high-end and entry-level as well as mid-range to entry-level segments respectively, according to Taiwan-based handset makers.

Samsung will continue to push AMOLED display technology while LG will make use of IPS, for now.

Beyond TCO: Digital Signage

Digital Signage Today:

When considering TCO for screen hardware, think about a.) What type of content you’ll be running on the screen. High-motion video will require a higher Hz rate, and plasma may be a good option b.) Power consumption. Plasma uses more power than LCD which uses more power than LED. c.) Quality. The rule of thumb is to go with commercial grade screens, although I’ve seen many installs use consumer grade screens if there is infrequent use of the network (arenas, etc.).

Chimei Innolux Expands LTPS Capacity

DigiTimes:

Chimei Innolux (CMI) reportedly has started expanding its LTPS production line as the capacity from the 3.5G plant (originally from TPO Displays) and Tainan plant will not fulfill demand from clients in 2011.

One line of thinking is that CMI wants to become a supplier to Apple's iPad program. According to DigiTimes, the 9.7-inch IPS LCD is manufactured using a LTPS process.

TV Panel Prices Hit Bottom in Fourth Quarter 2010

DigiTimes:

Panel inventory has returned to normal as a result of year-end shopping and demand for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. CCFL-backlit models are expected to be cleared out, while new LED-backlit models will hit the market in the first quarter of 2011.

TV sales performance now depends on whether or not demand from China in the first quarter of 2011 will be strong enough compared to expectations. If sales do not materialize inventory will rise and prices for LCD TV panels with LED backlights will continue to decline.

Display Alliance News 12.23.2010

DigiTimes "Taiwan Market: Taiwan Mobile Launches Own-Brand Tablet PCs"

Taiwan Mobile has launched an own-brand tablet PC, the myPad P1 in the Taiwan market. The tablet, which is manufactured by China-based ZTE, supports Android 2.1 and is priced at NT$8,900 (US$298).

Many companies will try to duplicate the success of Apple's iPad and many will fail. The iPad is not just pretty hardware. The tight integration between hardware and operating system combined with a robust development platform that thousands of developers are using generates a unique success story that will be hard to follow. The iPhone ecosystem also acts as a catalyst.

Digital Signage Today "Canadian Pharmacy Network Prescribes ScreenScape": ParmaChoice chose ScreenScape for a new community-based digital signage network to educate customers more effectively while they are visiting. ScreenScape is a location-based digital signage network.

Aviation News Today "Austin-Bergstrom To Upgrade Terminal Display": Clear Channel Airports (CCA) will replace the 10-year old advertising displays at Austin-Bergstrom International. Multiple LCDs, a 17-foot video wall, and digital information center combined with mobile apps are part of the new display program.

Digital Signage Today "Digital Signage, Kiosks to Make Big Splash at BIG Show"

The National Retail Federation's BIG Show is hitting New York Jan. 9-12 and as usual should feature a plethora of technology to serve the retail industry. This year marks the show's 100th anniversary, and it is bigger than ever.

Some of the companies at Retail's BIG Show: AML, Christie, Cisco, DT Research, IBM, Intel, NCR, NEC Display Solutions, Phoenix Kiosk, Starmount Systems, Stratacache, and Zebra Technologies.

DigiTimes "LG Display Expects Worldwide e-Book Reader Shipments to Reach 20-30 Million in 2012": LG Display CEO Young Soo Kown shared that the company is optimistic about the global e-book reader market in 2012.

The New York Times "Home 3D is DOA: Majority of US Won't Buy a 3DTV"

Less than 10 percent of consumers worldwide said they would be buying a 3-D TV over the next 12 months, with an additional 15 percent saying they probably will purchase a 3-D capable set during that time. But those global trends don’t extend to North America, where only 3 percent of consumers surveyed said they would definitely buy a 3DTV over the next year, with an additional 3 percent saying they probably will buy one.

In my opinion 3D is unnecessary. Our vision system combined with our brains already process 2D displays in 3D. Then there is timing: there are many that are just transitioning to wide TVs and Blu-ray. 3D effects are terrible with glasses and with them you get headaches. There is also a study that show 3D has negative effects on children's optical system. Oh and 3D is expensive too.

DigiTimes "Clevo Sees Strong Notebook Shipments in Q4'10"

Taiwan-based second-tier notebook maker Clevo expects its notebook shipments in the fourth quarter of 2010 to reach a new historical record at 560,000-570,000 units, benefiting from procurement orders as well as returning orders from previous clients. Since the company's notebook business requires shipments of 120,000-130,000 units to break even, the strong shipments in the fourth quarter should allow the company to profit, the company noted.

Digital Signage Management: How to Keep All the Plates Spinning

As digital signage network size and complexity grows, remote monitoring and control become essential. One of my earliest memories as a small child was sitting down with my folks to watch the "Ed Sullivan Show." Many may remember the variety show for the historic appearance of the Beatles and the beginning of the British invasion. Others still may remember the program for the host's famous catch phrase -something like, "We have a really big show" with the word "show" sounding exactly like the drawn out pronunciation of the word "shoe." 

Click to read more ...

Display Alliance News 12.22.2010

Digital Signage Today "DC Using Digital Signage for Public Transit Info"

The Washington, D.C., District Department of Transportation recently announced that it has unveiled the District's first multi-modal digital transportation display to provide travelers with real-time information about their transportation choices on one screen.

The first pilot screen was installed at the intersection of 14th and U Streets Northwest in the ground floor window of the Reeves Center. DDOT plans to install dual-sided 32-inch displays with a larger-scale deployment under consideration for 2011.

DigiTimes "HP Raises Q1'11 Notebook Shipment Forecast by 10%"

Hewlett-Packard (HP) recently raised its notebook shipment forecast for the first quarter of 2011 by 10% to 9.4-9.6 million units, up from the original forecast of 8.5-9 million units, as the company is turning optimistic about the China market and the Lunar New Year holidays [...]

Shipments of notebooks will increasingly be more dependent on the Chinese market relative to US and Western European markets. Historically there has been a 40:60 split in terms of shipments with the second half of the calendar year grabbing 60%. Now the split is shifting closer to 50:50 due to the growth of demand from China in the first quarter.

Businessweek "Holiday Windows: This Year the Fun Is Digital"

Starting on Nov. 22, giant snowflakes will dance with bubbles to the sound of bells and chimes on New York's Fifth Avenue, beamed by digital projectors onto the facade of Saks' flagship store.

A picture may be worth a 1000 words but a moving picture is worth even more especially when trying to attract customers in today's economy. The next step in retail digital signage would probably be interactivity where smartphones with certain apps can get information as to whether or not the store has items that are on your shopping list.

Digital Signage Today "DOOH Moving Into Store Window Displays"

Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman — department stores known for their extravagant holiday windows at their New York City locations — are incorporating digital out-of-home elements into their holiday window displays this year.

DisplaySearch via DigiTimes "LED TV Panel Prices See Significant Drop, Monitor and Notebook Panel Prices Remain Flat in 2H December"

Prices for LCD TV panels continue to drop in the second half of December with more significant price drop for LED-backlit models, while prices for monitor and notebook panels remain flat [...]

TV brands have done too great job of promoting LED-backlit LCD TVs because demand for LCD TVs with traditional CCFL backlights is drying up. LED-backlit LCD TV prices will need to come down further to drive growth in sales.

Digital Signage Today "Ontario Shopping Center Adds 70-inch Digital Directories From Vertigo"

The Scarborough (Ontario) Town Centre recently completed a two-year, $62 million renovation that also included digital mall directories and advertising display units from Vertigo Digital Display of Toronto. Scarborough Town Centre is the first installation in the world for nine of Vertigo's "Galleria" double-sided, 70-inch LCD digital directories, according to the announcement from Vertigo.