Consumer Electronics Daily News

PPC Accounces First Locking HDMI Cable

PPC has debutedthe first HDMI locking cable available on the market, the PPC Locking HDMI Cable. The PPC Locking HDMI Cable is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface, providing a connection between any audio/video source (set-top box, DVD player, A/V receiver, DTV, etc.) over a single cable. The PPC Locking HDMI Cable features exclusive patented technology to hold it onto a port with a strength that is three times greater than found in conventional connectors. The PPC cable minimizes loosening and fall-out, thereby providing the most reliable, highest quality, pure HDTV video resolution and digital audio quality that customers expect. 

With Category 2 cable status, PPC’s Locking HDMI Cable delivers 1080p without the hassle. Its professional grade status ensures customers are getting the highest picture quality available.  Easy to install, The PPC HDMI Locking Cable’s Perfect Flex ™ jacket and flexible cable provide push button operation and easy installation, with no tools required to install.

“For 65 years, PPC has built its reputation on finding innovative solutions and providing real value to our customers,” said Andy White, Vice President, Retail and Satellite, PPC.  “With our exclusive HDMI Locking Cable, the first available on the market, we’ve come up with a product HDTV customers have been waiting for.” 

The PPC HDMI Locking Cable is available immediately online at www.connect2ppc.com.

Sony Reorganizing CE, Gaming Divisions; Stringer Takes Over as President

Sony Corporation today announced a major reorganization and a new management team. The changes, effective April 1, will fundamentally reorganize the company’s electronics and game businesses to improve profitability and strengthen competitiveness in the midst of the continued global economic crisis. They will also accelerate the production of innovative networked products and services by strategically integrating these two business groups.

“Consumers want products that are networked, multi-functional and service-enhanced utilizing open technologies, and user experiences that are rich, shared and, increasingly, green,” said Chairman & CEO Howard Stringer, who will also now serve as the company's President. “This reorganization is designed to transform Sony into a more innovative, integrated and agile global company with its next generation of leadership firmly in place. The changes we’re announcing today will accelerate the transformation of the company that began four years ago. They will now make it possible for all of Sony’s parts to work together to assume a position of worldwide leadership and, together, achieve great things.”

At the heart of the reorganization is the formation of two new business groups:

• The Networked Products & Services Group will include Sony Computer Entertainment; personal computers (VAIO); new mobile products, including the current WALKMAN lines; and Sony Media Software and Services, which develops a common service platform across Sony products. networked products and services. Leading the Networked Products & Services Group will be Kazuo Hirai, who will become Executive Vice President of Sony Corporation and President of this group. 
• The New Consumer Products Group will include the current television, digital imaging, home audio and video businesses. The New CPG will focus on profitability and sustained growth by enhancing product innovation and competitiveness and improving the speed and efficiency of operations. The New CPG will also concentrate resources on further development and growth in emerging markets. Hiroshi Yoshioka will become Executive Deputy President of Sony Corporation and President of the New CPG. (He is currently Executive Vice President of Sony Corporation and President of the TV Business Group.) 

For more information, click here (warning: PDF link).

Black Box Releases Digital Media Distribution over Ethernet System

Sends Live Video and Audio over Existing Ethernet Data and Voice Networks

Black Box Corporation has introduced its high-definition, high-resolution video and audio over Ethernet (VAoE) media distribution system. This technology provides a very affordable and efficient method of sending live video and audio over Ethernet data and voice networks.

With the Black Box Video and Audio over Ethernet Extender System (part #s AC1140A, AC1140C, and AC1141A), anyone can leverage their existing Ethernet network to display video, digital signage, live TV, or many other video and audio applications.

“This breakthrough technology provides a very cost-effective alternative to today’s expensive solutions,” said Mario Calabro, Black Box Multimedia Products Manager. “With this system, all you need is a CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6 network infrastructure and you can transmit Hi-Def video and audio to one or more displays as far as 300 feet away. To go farther, you just add a standard network switch to the system.”

Completely digital from end to end, the system transmits broadcast-quality video without amplifiers or any signal tuning. It works with any brand of single-link DVI or HDTV display and supports 480p, 800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions, no matter what the distance or the number of displays. “And because the extender system simulcasts video and audio synchronously, there’s no lag from the first display to the last,” Calabro added.

The extender system clones a host PC’s display using the DVI output from a graphics adapter, or accepts DVI or HDMI input from other sources. It also supports the live video streams from a camera. Altogether, the system provides up to six independent media streams including PowerPoint®, Flash, DVD or HDMI content over CATx cable.

Though no software is required for the signal conversion, the system includes an application for uploading and scheduling content. “Through this user-friendly interface, you can instantly publish and update content, as well as assign content distribution schedules to the system’s transmitter or receiver,” Calabro explained. “If necessary, you can also interrupt scheduled content to broadcast an emergency announcement or ad-hoc messaging. It’s that versatile.”

The Video and Audio over Ethernet (VAoE) products are part of Black Box’s extensive offering of digital signage solutions, including media players, extenders, splitters, converters and switches. For more information, visit www.blackbox.com.

Member Companies Revamping Blu-ray Licensing Process

Panasonic, Philips and Sony Working to Simplify License Process to Make it Easier, Less Expensive for Manufacturers to Offer Blu-ray

Blu-ray licensing hurdles are expected to get significantly lower come mid-2009, after major Sony, Philips, Panasonic and others announced a join plan through the Blu-ray Disc Association to rework the technology's licensing process, CNet reports.

All licensing for Blu-ray technology will reportedly be handled by a new licensing company based in the United States. Currently, manufacturers must obtain licensing agreements -- and pay fees -- to the developers of Blu-ray, DVD and CD technology in order to produce a Blu-ray player or burner. However, the new process would consolidate those licensing requirements under a single fee structure and ultimately save manufacturers time and money. Sony says the consolidation of the licensing efforts could reduce the total cost of royalty fees by 40 percent, CNet reports.

For more information, click here.

CEA Offering Attendee Discounts for EHX Spring

The Electronic House Expo (EHX), the CE Pro event now in its 10th year serving the custom electronics community, announced today its industry-leading lineup of exhibitors and unveiled exclusive new attendee discounts for this year’s EHX Spring 2009, which runs March 11-14 in Orlando, Florida.

EHX exhibitors will showcase thousands of the latest products, tools and solutions for every aspect of the custom electronics business. They will also be offering significant discounts and specials to EHX attendees, including exclusive discounts and specials for attendees who make purchases while at the show.

“While it's no secret the market is challenging, this is a resilient industry with an eye towards where their next opportunity lies,” said Jim Wagner, general manager of events, EH Publishing. “As a result, we've taken a fresh look at what we are providing on the expo floor. This year's expo is the most lively, entertaining, and innovative expo floor of any EHX events.”

“There is an air of anticipation from attendees this year,” Wagner continued. “Companies on the expo floor represent the most innovative new products from the best run and most creative companies in the market place today.”

A complete list of exhibiting companies is available online. For more information, visit www.ehxweb.com or www.ce.org.

Contour Debuts iSee Inked Cases for iPod

Contour Design is now offering the iSee inked, a collection of crystal clear cases with designer patterns etched directly into the case. Made up of a clear polycarbonate material the two-piece snap together cases are protected with a scratch resistant coating. The lightweight case (0.7 oz) also boasts full access to all controls and features a removable screen protector.

Contour’s iSee inked is available now for the iPod nano 4G in a wide variety of designs including: Swirls, Reverb, Argyle, Flourish, Squares, Circles, and Zebra. Order online at: www.contourcase.com for $24.95.

Contour Design (www.contourdesign.com) was founded in 1995 by an enthusiastic and passionate team committed to developing high-quality, user-friendly, ergonomic input devices for the computer industry. With the introduction of the Apple iPod, Contour Design became recognized as a leader by quickly introducing designer hardshell cases, thus creating a new functional fashion accessory for the consumer market. Today, Contour Design’s products include their award-winning protective shells for the iPod and iPhone, laptop cases, leather computer bags, and Bluetooth in-ear and in-car accessories, all available across North America and around the world.

EQD Introduces New Line of AURIA HDTVs

EQD Corp., a new provider of visual display products, today announced its official entry into the LCD HDTV market with its AURIA line of high definition and Full-HD LCD TVs.

The AURIA line offers consumers and businesses exceptionally high quality and value due to EQD’s commitment to making HD television an affordable option for more viewers by offering market-leading pricing structure – with prices as low as 20 percent less than its closest competitor – as well as an unprecedented two-year warranty and excellent customer service. EQD has also pledged to donate a portion of its profits to the Armed Forces Foundation and Miracles for Kids charities.

The AURIA LCD TV line delivers HDTVs with 720p and full 1080p high definition performance, giving a precise and clear picture. Display sizes range from 16 up to 47 inches and offer high brightness and a dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1 on several models. AURIA TVs include integrated ATSC / NTSC / QAM TV tuners and a wide variety of connectivity options, including HDMI 1.3.

“As tough economic times are changing the HDTV landscape, and with the federally mandated switch to digital TV signals, EQD has entered the marketplace in a unique position that will allow us to provide high-quality, high-value Multiple Function Monitors (MFM) as HDTVs and PC displays at the lowest possible price,” says Steve Woo, CEO of EQD. “This business model will not only help us meet the needs of today’s consumers and businesses, but it will also allow us to give back to the community.”

The new AURIA LCD HDTV product line will be available in March/April of 2009. The full line of AURIA HD LCD TVs is available through major online retailers such as Amazon.com, Buy.com, Newegg, PC Mall and PC Connection. For more information, visit www.auria.tv.

AP: Seagate Dropping Patent Suit Against Stec

The Associated Press is reporting that Seagate Technology and Stec Inc., are dropping their lawsuit and countersuite against one regarding alleged patent violations.

Seagate cites the current state of the economy as the motivation for the end of the dispute, saying that, "the case is no longer worth the cost," the AP reports.

The dispute arose last year and concerns Stec SSD drives, which Seagate had alleged were in violation of four of the company's patents. Seagate sells rival HDD drives.

For more information, click here.

Dolby CEO Stepping Down

Dolby Laboratories, Inc., announced today that Bill Jasper, the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will retire on March 27, the last day of the company’s second fiscal quarter, from his executive posts after 30 years as a senior executive with Dolby. Jasper will continue to serve on Dolby’s Board of Directors. Company Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Yeaman, will succeed Jasper as the new President and CEO and will join the Board of Directors effective upon assuming the CEO role.

“Bill Jasper led Dolby Laboratories through its evolution from the small company that I started to the international organization it is today,” said Ray Dolby, founder. “The company has thrived under his leadership. I thank him for his resourceful and dependable service to our organization and wish him the best as he moves on to the next phase of his life.”

Jasper joined Dolby in 1979 as Chief Financial Officer and was named company President in 1983. Over the years, he has led the company through many of its technology transformations, including analog to digital, music to film, cassettes to DVDs, and audio-only to audio and video. Today, Dolby technologies enhance consumers’ enjoyment of digital entertainment in more ways than ever before.

For more information, visit www.dolby.com.

Nintendo Looks to U.S. Trade Rep to Combat Game Piracy

Nintendo has outlined a list of countries around the globe that remain leaders in denying adequate and effective protection of video game products. In its annual comments to the U.S. Trade Representative under the “Special 301” process, Nintendo has singled out countries where piracy is rampant and has asked the United States to take further steps to combat it.

Nintendo reports that piracy of its most popular products, the Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ systems, has increased during the year. Nintendo attributes this increase to the availability of circumvention devices, such as “game copiers” and “mod chips.” These devices skirt the product security embedded in Nintendo’s products and enable the play of illegal Nintendo software.

Included in the list of the offenders is China, Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and Paraguay -- all of which the gaming giant says do little to combat the sale of enabling technology and do not properly investigate and prosecute video game pirates.

For more information, visit www.nintendo.com.