NEC’s New µPD9280GM to Sharpen Full HD Image and Video Quality

NEC Electronics announced its new super-resolution application-specific standard product (ASSP), the µPD9280GM, that can reduce blurring that occurs when low-resolution images and video are expanded and displayed in 1920 x 1080-pixel high-definition (HD) monitors.

Based on the company’s single-frame super-resolution technology, the new ASSP achieves crisp images in HD TV broadcasts by boosting 720 x 480-pixel standard definition (SD) image data. It is also capable of supporting one billion colors (30-bits color depths), which enhances color vividness and accuracy of display. The rapid development of high-performance digital audio/visual (AV) devices, such as mobile phones and digital TVs, has left consumers with the challenge of how to view low-resolution images on their new high-definition electronic products. For example, 1920 x 1080-pixel HD televisions have six times the resolution compared to the 720 x 480-pixel SD image data, which results in blurred images.

NEC Electronics and NEC Central Research Laboratories jointly developed a new technology that enables very high-resolution processing with just one frame of image data. In November 2008, NEC Electronics announced the first super-resolution ASSP (part number µPD9245GJ) for HD image processing. To address the demand for full HD image processing, the company now offers the new µPD9280GM super-resolution ASSP.

The new ASSP extends its color quality from 24-bit color supporting 8 bits per component of red, green, and blue (RGB) color, to 30-bit color. While 24-bit color is only capable of displaying 15 million colors, 30-bit color (aka Deep Color Note) can display one billion possible colors with smooth color gradation. With increased operating frequency of 150 MHz, compared to the previous 108 MHz, this improved operating frequency supports advanced processing of image data and boosts images with higher resolution even on full HD television broadcasts.

Conventional image-resolution technologies used a multiframe technique to process image data, which required large-capacity external memory making it expensive and difficult to create hardware capable of real-time processing. NEC Electronics’ super-resolution technology enables high-resolution processing with just one frame of image data. Reducing the processing load eliminates the need for expensive, external high-capacity memory.

NEC Electronics expects this new ASSP will help to better archive valuable images, data and memories previously recorded with only low-resolution technology in various applications, from security camera and automotive backup camera to medical endoscope. The company plans to continue developing super-resolution system-on-chips (SoCs), by leveraging its super-resolution IP cores that can be embedded into ASICs or other ASSP products, such as NEC Electronics’ Enhanced Multimedia Architecture (EMMA) and image-signal processors for mobile phones, the Camera Engine series. With this wide range of products, the company intends to continue to enhance the super-resolution lineup and plans to reach sales revenue of 10 billion yen in 2010.

Samples of NEC Electronics’ µPD9280GM super-resolution ASSP are available now at US$20 each. Mass production is scheduled to begin in July 2009, starting from 100,000 units per month, expecting to reach approximately 1,000,000 units by 2010.

Fujifilm and GE Healthcare form Strategic Alliance in Life Sciences

Fujifilm entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with GE Healthcare, a unit of General Electric. It will develop, manufacture and supply advanced biomolecular imaging systems to GE Healthcare. The products will be sold worldwide under the GE brand in the life science research and drug discovery markets.

Life science research has advanced rapidly in recent years with the advent of tools for genomic and protein research such as biomolecular labeling, detection and analysis. These technologies have helped reveal the functions of proteins, thereby contributing to scientists’ understanding of disease processes. The use of life science instrumentation and reagents in bioscience research is growing, and the demand for new and innovative enabling technologies is expanding.

“By forming the alliance, both companies will make the most of our complementary capabilities to continue to contribute to the advancement of genomic and protein research, and to help enhance the quality of life of people worldwide. GE Healthcare’s global presence as a supplier of reagents and instruments, and its competence in biological applications within the life science field combined with Fujifilm’s leading imaging technologies, R&D and manufacturing capabilities will provide our customers with comprehensive system solutions for research, drug discovery and bioanalytical applications,” stated Yuzo Toda, Director, Corporate Vice President, General Manager of Life Science Products Division, Fujifilm.

“ We are delighted to work with Fujifilm to expand our support to bioscience research in biomolecular imaging system solutions,” said Nigel Darby, General Manager of Biotechnologies, Life Sciences, GE Healthcare. “Fujifilm’s high quality technology platforms fit well with our proprietary labeling technologies and the adjacent fields in the imaging workflow that GE Healthcare currently addresses. Furthermore, the integration of the imaging platform with our global service organization will give strong and valuable customer support.”

Fujifilm will supply image analyzing systems for bioscience research to GE Healthcare, and GE Healthcare will market and sell them under the GE brand. GE Healthcare will be responsible for marketing/sales of the systems worldwide, and will provide total solutions including instruments, ECL and DIGE labeling reagents, and applications support. Additionally, GE Healthcare will provide instrument services for the systems.

Fujifilm and GE Healthcare will collaborate to develop image analyzing systems that are optimized for customer applications.

IBM to Make it Easier to Move to IBM System z Mainframe

IBM announced new services and programs to help more companies migrate from Sun and HP servers to IBM’s System z, particularly on the Linux platform.

The new Server Consolidation and Migration Services offering, which includes patent-pending technology, can reduce the time and effort in moving applications IBM mainframe infrastructure.

IBM’s introduction of The Server Consolidation and Migration Services reflects continued investment by IBM in Linux on System z. Nearly 2,800 of the 5,000 unique applications available on the System z platform are Linux-based. Linux accounted for about half of the roughly 1,000 new or updated applications produced for the IBM mainframe in 2008. More than 40 percent of new System z customers last year installed Linux.

The System z Linux environment has proven popular with businesses as a means to consolidate workloads and deploy new mission-critical mainframe applications that are well suited for Linux. Often, these Linux applications on System z work in concert with the z/OS environment to enable an end-to-end solution within the same mainframe.

IBM also announced a program - z Rewards - that offers financial incentives to help customers take advantage of these migration services. Under the new z Rewards program, companies that purchase or upgrade to a new qualifying z10 Enterprise Class or Business Class mainframe in order to consolidate competitive Sun and HP systems can earn points that can be redeemed for certain IBM migration services.

IBM migration services are delivered by IBM and IBM Business Partner consultants who have participated in helping clients who have already moved up to IBM.

The new offerings complement IBM’s expansion in September 2008 of its Migration Factory program for IBM Power Systems to System z. That program provides clients considering a move to System z with services that aid in their evaluation process. The new Server Consolidation and Migration Services offering provides new technologies and services to make such migrations easier.

IBM states that in the last year, more than 150 customers across a variety of industries worldwide has migrated from competitive systems to IBM mainframes.

Energy-Efficient Data Center on Syracuse University’s Campus

IBM, Syracuse University and New York State have entered into a multiyear agreement to build and operate a new computer data center on the University’s campus that will incorporate advanced infrastructure and smarter computing technologies to make it one of the most energy-efficient data centers in the world.

The data center is expected to use 50 percent less energy than a typical data center today, making it one of the “greenest” computer centers in operation.

Through its “Smarter Planet” initiative, IBM is helping clients take advantage of the fact that the world is becoming more instrumented, intelligent and interconnected. IBM is working with SU and New York State to use smarter technologies in the new data center. For example, the project will focus on the actual infrastructure of the data center itself, not just the computer hardware and software. A key element will be an on-site electrical co-generation system that will use natural gas-fueled microturbine engines to generate all electricity for the center and provide cooling for the computer servers.

The $12.4 million, 6,000-square-foot data center will feature its own electrical tri-generation system and incorporate IBM’s energy-efficient computers and computer-cooling technology. SU will manage and analyze the performance of the center, as well as research and develop new data center energy efficiency analysis and modeling tools. IBM will provide more than $5 million in equipment, design services and support, which includes supplying the electrical cogeneration equipment and servers such as IBM BladeCenter, IBM Power 575 and an IBM z10 systems. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is contributing $2 million to the project.

Through its vision of Scholarship in Action, the University is building on its historical strengths and pursing cross-sector collaborations with partners from all sectors of the economy-collaborations that simultaneously enrich scholarship and education and address the pressing issues of the world.

The project will address a critical concern for modern data centers run by businesses and organizations around the world: ever-spiraling energy consumption and cost driven by growing demand for computer services such as Internet communication, entertainment, global commerce and services. Data centers in the United States consume annually more than 62 billion kilowatt hours of electricity - equivalent to the amount used by approximately 5.8 million U.S. households - for a total cost of about $4.5 billion. If current trends continue, that usage could double by 2011.

The project will feature an on-site electrical tri-generation system that will use an array of natural gas-fueled microturbines to generate all the necessary electricity for the center and provide cooling for the computer servers. The data center will be able to operate completely off-grid.

IBM and SU will create a liquid cooling system that will use double-effect absorption chillers to convert the exhaust heat from the microturbines into chilled water to cool the data center’s servers, with sufficient excess cooling to handle the needs of an adjacent building. Server racks will incorporate IBM’s Rear Door Heat eXchanger “cooling doors” that use chilled water to remove heat from each rack far more efficiently than conventional room-chilling methods. Sensors will monitor server temperatures and usage to tailor the amount of cooling delivered by each Rear Door Heat eXchanger-further improving efficiency.

The project also will include the creation of a direct current (DC) power distribution system. In a typical data center, alternating current (AC) electricity is delivered by a central power plant through the local utility’s electric grid and then converted to DC to power the servers. This conversion process results in power loss. By directly generating DC power on-site, transmission and conversion losses are eliminated.

Syracuse University will conduct research and analysis of the data center’s power and cooling technologies and develop models and simulation tools to monitor, estimate, plan and control energy use to achieve the goal of reducing average data center energy use by 50 percent.

This will include determining the optimum data center layout and cooling system, thermodynamic models to predict energy consumption, analyses of plant and chiller energy efficiency, evaluating the energy savings advantages of on-site tri-generation systems and DC power supply for data centers, and testing and measurement of the performance of water-cooled server racks.

Xbox 360 Sees Record Growth in 2009

Microsoft announced that sales of Xbox 360 consoles have passed the 30 million mark globally, with its Xbox LIVE community swelling to more than 20 million active members.

After the biggest year in its history in 2008, Xbox 360 achieved the highest percentage growth in hardware sales of any console so far in 2009, up 28 percent over the previous year.

Increasing consumer desire to connect with friends, download and enjoy blockbuster movies and TV shows, and extend the life of their favorite games has been the primary driver behind the growth of Xbox LIVE membership and the reason Xbox continues to expand offerings on the platform.

“We’ve always been confident that Xbox 360 offers more entertainment value than any other console on the market, and these latest numbers show that consumers agree,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “We expect our growth to continue to accelerate. Our news at E3 next week will underscore our commitment to bringing blockbuster entertainment experiences to everyone and to growing the Xbox entertainment brand globally.”

Over the course of this console generation, U.S. consumers alone have spent $14.5 billion across all categories on Xbox 360 at retail. This number reflects strong interest in a comprehensive entertainment offering that includes the ability to connect with others socially and to digitally download entertainment, be it games, TV shows or movies. To date, consumers have downloaded nearly 1 billion pieces of gaming and entertainment content from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, including a broad array of premium high- and standard-definition movies and TV shows from top studios and networks around the world.

In addition, Xbox 360 continues to be the platform of choice for the industry’s top games, generating $5.9 billion in sales to date at U.S. retail for third-party publishers, which is more than those of current-generation consoles combined. Xbox 360 also leads current-generation consoles in game purchases, with consumers owning an average of 8.3 titles each.

Activity on Xbox LIVE, the online gaming and entertainment service, surged following the launch of the New Xbox Experience in November 2008. Since that time, the community has recorded a 136 percent increase in new members, TV and movie downloads have more than doubled, and purchases of games, Game Add-ons and more on Xbox LIVE Arcade have increased by 70 percent. Xbox LIVE reaches 26 countries worldwide and is in more homes than any satellite television provider. Before the end of the year, the number of Xbox LIVE members will surpass the number of subscribers to the largest cable provider.

Intel Previews Intel Xeon ‘Nehalem-EX’ Processor

Intel previewed a new Intel Xeon processor codenamed “Nehalem-EX,” the heart of the next generation of intelligent and expandable high-end Intel server platforms, which will deliver a number of new technical advancements and boost enterprise computing performance.

In production later this year, the Nehalem-EX processor will feature up to eight cores inside a single chip supporting 16 threads and 24Mb of cache. Its performance increase will be dramatic, posting the highest-ever jump from a previous generation processor.

Nehalem-EX will add new reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) features traditionally found in the company’s Intel Itanium processor family, such as Machine Check Architecture (MCA) Recovery. Together with new levels of performance, both high-end processors should speed the move away from more expensive, proprietary RISC-processor based systems.

Ideal for server consolidation, virtualized applications, data demanding enterprise applications and technical computing environments, Nehalem-EX will offer up to nine times the memory bandwidth of the previous-generation Intel Xeon 7400 platform. Nehalem-EX will also double the memory capacity with up to 16 memory slots per processor socket, and offer four high-bandwidth QuickPath Interconnect links. Nehalem-EX will provide tremendous scalability, from large-memory two-socket systems through eight-socket systems capable of processing 128 threads simultaneously without the need for third-party chips to “glue” the platform together. Additional scalability options including greater sockets counts will be possible with third-party solutions.

Intel delivers the most complete server portfolio: The Xeon 5500 series delivers leading performance, energy efficiency and flexibility for infrastructure applications. Nehalem-EX will greatly improve on today’s Intel Xeon 7400 scalable performance, flexibility and advanced RAS features for data demanding enterprise applications and server consolidation. Itanium delivers the highest scalability and most advanced RAS features for the most demanding environments.

The Nehalem-EX advantages are: Intel Nehalem Architecture built on Intel’s 45nm high-k metal gate technology process; up to 8 cores per processor and up to 16 threads per processor with Intel; scalability up to eight sockets via Quick Path Interconnects and greater with third-party node controllers; QuickPath Architecture with four high-bandwidth links; 24MB of shared cache; integrated memory controllers. The new processor also features Intel Turbo Boost Technology; Intel scalable memory buffer and scalable memory interconnects; up to 9x the memory bandwidth of previous generation; support for up to 16 memory slots per processor socket; advanced RAS capabilities including MCA Recovery; and 2.3 billion transistors.

With new RAS capabilities for high-end enterprises, Nehalem-EX can accelerate IT adoption of Intel-based platforms over RISC-based platforms by delivering a lower total cost of ownership, higher performance, lower electricity bills and the ability to standardize on a flexible IT environment. The Intel Itanium processor delivers mainframe-class reliability for mission-critical workloads and enables the greatest scalability, especially for highly threaded workloads. Itanium offers greater than eight-socket system configurations and is ideal for applications that access the largest memory pools.

Nehalem-EX is scheduled for production in the second half of 2009.

Microsoft Expand Zune Entertainment Service and Confirms Zune HD Media Player

Microsoft announced the evolution of Zune, the company’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, to a new platform and new markets.

Zune will extend its video service to Xbox LIVE internationally this fall. This marks an important development in the Zune strategy and brings the Zune brand to more than 17 million international Xbox LIVE subscribers. In addition, Microsoft confirmed the next generation of the Zune portable media player, Zune HD. Available in the U.S. this fall, Zune HD is the first portable media player that combines a built-in HD Radio receiver, high-definition (HD) video output capabilities, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Wi-Fi and an Internet browser.

Zune HD comes with a built-in HD Radio receiver so users can listen to higher-quality sound than traditional radio on the go. Users also will have access to the additional song and artist data broadcast by HD Radio stations as well as additional channels from their favorite stations multicasting in HD. The OLED touch screen interface allows users to flip through music, movies and other content with ease, and the 16:9 widescreen format display (480×272 resolution) offers a premium viewing experience on the go. The HD-compatible output lets Zune HD customers playback supported HD video files from the device through a premium high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) audiovisual docking station (sold separately) direct to an HD TV in 720p. Zune HD will include a full-screen Internet browser optimized for multitouch functionality. It is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for instant streaming to the device from the more than 5 million-track Zune music store.

“The Zune music player is an integral part of the overall Zune experience, and we’re proud to be growing and extending our offering beyond the device,” said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV, Video and Music Business Group. “Delivering on Microsoft’s connected entertainment vision, this news marks a turning point for Zune as it brings cross-platform experiences and premium video content to living rooms around the world.”

Zune will be a premium partner in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, bringing an exciting catalog of TV and film to the platform. Zune will occupy the first slot within the Xbox user interface in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, exposing the Zune brand experience to millions of new consumers for the first time. At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) next week, attendees will see firsthand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE to create a game-changing entertainment experience.

LG Display Develops Full HD 3D Monitor Panel

LG Display announced that it has succeeded in developing a Full HD 23-inch 3D LCD panel with enhanced brightness for monitors.

The 3D panel employs LG Display’s proprietary technology to realize Full HD images with twice the brightness of conventional 3D LCD panels. The product boasts the world’s highest brightness among 3D displays.

3D LCDs apply time-sequential technologies so that the right and left eyes see different images. This makes the images look three-dimensional for human eye. In conventional 3D LCDs, the technologies were generally installed outside the panel or into the viewing glass.

However LG Display embedded most of the 3D technologies directly in the panel, which enabled this product to make 3D viewing brighter and overcome the previous technical limitations. Specifically, 3D viewing is possible with low-priced polarized glasses—translating into economical benefits for the consumers, while conventional 3D LCD panels usually require special viewing glasses which are costlier.

“The display industry players are shifting their focus from two-dimensional to three-dimensional technologies in order to deliver more vibrant and true images. LG Display will step up development of 3D technologies and products to provide customers and consumers with differentiated value,” said LG Display’s CTO and Executive Vice-President In-Jae Chung.

LG Display will showcase its new Full HD 23-inch 3D LCD panel with enhanced brightness and more during the upcoming Society for Information Displays(SID) 2009 in San Antonio, Texas U.S.A.

AT&T to Deliver 3G Mobile Broadband Speed Boost

AT&T announced plans to upgrade the nation’s fastest 3G network to deliver faster mobile broadband speeds. The network upgrades are slated to begin later this year, with completion expected in 2011.

The upgrade to High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is part of AT&T’s plan for continued investments to deliver the nation’s best mobile broadband experience – the ideal combination of speed, coverage and best device line-up.

With its network built on the 3G UMTS technology, AT&T can boost the speed of its mobile broadband network and offer a wide variety of devices to take advantage of it well in advance of 2011-2012, when most industry observers expect 4G LTE networks and device availability to scale. AT&T plans to begin LTE trials in 2010, with deployment beginning in 2011.

In addition to the planned speed upgrade, AT&T is enhancing its mobile broadband coverage by nearly doubling the wireless spectrum dedicated to 3G in most metropolitan areas to deliver stronger in-building reception and more overall network capacity. Also, AT&T is adding thousands of new cell site backhaul connections to support the higher mobile broadband speeds enabled by HSPA 7.2 and LTE. The upgraded network platform could allow for theoretical peak speeds of 7.2Mbps.

AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network is now available in nearly 350 U.S. major metropolitan areas, with about 20 additional metro areas planned for deployment in 2009. The HSPA 7.2 technology will be deployed widely in the network, with the benefits of the network upgrade to be announced on a local basis as the faster speeds are turned up. AT&T will introduce multiple HSPA 7.2-compatible laptop cards and smartphones beginning later this year.

Other key projects in 2009 include: near-doubling radio frequency capacity, more bandwidth to cell sites, more cell sites, and Wi-Fi integration. Capital investment for these projects fits within AT&T’s previously outlined expectation of total capital expenditures for 2009, targeted toward the $17 billion to $18 billion range.

HSPA 7.2 is part of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies, which include GSM and UMTS. Emerging LTE technology is also part of the 3GPP technology roadmap, enabling AT&T’s network to offer backward compatibility, or the ability for users with qualifying devices to seamlessly switch among 4G LTE, 3G and 2G service areas to maintain the fastest-available connection. This availability will be critical for customers in the early years of LTE deployment across the industry, when access to LTE service will be geographically limited.

Orange and Alcatel-Lucent Help Heathcare Providers to Better Serve Patients and Elderly

Orange and Alcatel-Lucent have signed a cooperation agreement to address the healthcare challenges in Europe and emerging markets.

The two companies will develop and deliver innovative solutions enabling e-Health and enhanced assisted living with a focus on better serving patients and the elderly, increasing the efficiency of business processes for healthcare professionals, and reducing the cost of healthcare delivery.

With this announcement Orange and Alcatel-Lucent are leveraging their combined global expertise to provide solutions built upon reliable, future-proof communication networks to provide innovative e-health services of public and private health systems. Together they will harness their skills, knowledge, innovation and technology to develop services of quality for patients and healthcare professionals.

Orange currently provides solutions such as « Connected Hospitals » that simplify the work of medical teams by allowing access to patient information at the hospital and improving patient comfort. Similar solutions are also provided at the doctor’s office through solution for remote follow-up, online appointment booking, and services. This set of services, developed through Orange Labs’ skills and innovative capabilities, also enables patients to be monitored from the comfort of their homes instead of being hospitalized.

Alcatel-Lucent supplies its solutions to the heathcare providers - allowing them to improve patient care by eliminating information silos and, through its Telecare solutions, allow improved care of patients at home who suffer from chronic diseases. Leveraging a strong capacity for innovation through its Bell Labs research arm, Alcatel–Lucent is continuing to invest in the development of innovative healthcare solutions with partners such as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC) in the U.S. by putting the network in the core of the heath organization in order to facilitate access to quality care, safely, and allowing healthcare professionals to benefit from telemedicine contributions for their medical practice.

Lenovo and NVIDIA Energize Mini-Computing Market

NVIDIA and Lenovo advanced mobile computing by introducing a low-cost, small laptop that delivers up to 10 times faster graphics performance than small laptops. Featuring the NVIDIA ION graphics processor, the Lenovo IdeaPad S12 offers improved application support while still providing long battery life thanks to its energy efficient design.

Lenovo used NVIDIA ION’s design to create a thin, lightweight, low-power laptop with a 12-inch screen and improved application compatibility. The Lenovo IdeaPad S12 has the graphics horsepower to support high definition media and many PC games which will not run on most low-cost small PCs. NVIDIA ION enables these capabilities with the industry’s best graphics performance for low-power CPUs.

“NVIDIA ION is one of the latest technologies available for the PC industry for small, low cost laptop PCs, and we’re excited to be among the first to use it,” said Stephen DiFranco, vice president and general manager of consumer and commercial channels, Americas Group, Lenovo. “With its 12-inch display, full-size keyboard and rich multimedia options powered by ION, the IdeaPad S12 balances an improved computing experience along with the size and affordability many consumers are looking for today.”

“The Lenovo IdeaPad S12 with NVIDIA ION graphics is a game changer for the industry,” said Jeff Fisher, senior vice president of the GPU business unit at NVIDIA. “It’s a powerful testament to what a small PC can do if it’s optimized with ION. The thin and affordable S12 does everything you expect a PC to do including watching movies, playing games, flipping through vacation pictures or editing family videos.”

NVIDIA ION graphics support all versions of Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7, HD video including 1080p and Blu-ray movies, HD video through an external monitor via HDMI, DirectX 10 graphics with advanced digital display connectivity, and accelerated video enhancement and conversion using NVIDIA CUDA technology

The IdeaPad S12 netbook offers plenty of up and running time with up to six hours of battery life to support the mobile demands of netbook users. Because netbook users need to stay connected wirelessly, the netbook comes with WiFi connectivity and ready for 3G with an ExpressCard slot to enable connectivity. To hold the photos, music and videos users keep on their netbooks, the IdeaPad S12 netbook offers up to 160 GB of storage and 1 GB of memory. Lenovo’s OneKey Rescue System can help recover user data or device settings.

Lenovo’s expanded VeriFace facial recognition technology makes logging in a snap by recognizing the user’s face. If users want “on demand” functionality, they can go into the Lenovo Quick Start environment and check email, browse the Internet and more without waiting for the full operating system to boot.

The IdeaPad S12 netbook will be available in June. Pricing for models starts at $449. Models with the NVIDIA ION graphics will be available later this summer.

Epson Technology Enables Uniform Light Emission for Big-Screen OLED TVs

Epson established inkjet technology that enables the uniform deposition of organic material in the production of large-screen organic light-emitting diode (OLED) televisions.

The new technology represents a major step toward the realization of 37-inch and larger full-HD OLED TVs by resolving the uneven layering that had previously been an issue with the inkjet method.

OLED televisions are the odds-on favorite to supplant current technologies as the next generation display. Offering outstanding viewing characteristics, including high contrast, wide viewing angle and fast response time, OLED TVs are also lightweight, ultra-thin, and have low power requirements. A major roadblock preventing mass production of large-screen OLED TVs has been the lack of a technology capable of reliably forming uniform organic layers on large substrates. Vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE), currently the most widely used method of depositing organic materials, is surrounded by technical hurdles that have prevented it from solving the layer uniformity issue and making the jump to mass production of large panels. An inkjet process that deposits organic material in liquid form has long been viewed as the ideal alternative.

Epson has developed the solution in the form of an OLED display fabrication process that leverages the company’s proprietary Micro Piezo inkjet technology to achieve markedly greater accuracy in organic material deposition than the conventional technology. The process has been used in trial production to fabricate a highly uniform prototype panel. Extremely uniform layers are achieved by precisely controlling the selection and ejection of multi-size droplets of ink material on a substrate so that only the required volume of material is deposited. Epson’s technology improves both quality and throughput and brings the advent of large-screen OLED TV a significant step closer to realization.

A process for forming uniform, thin-film layers of organic material on glass substrates is essential for fabricating OLED TVs. Vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) is currently the most widely used method for forming thin films on glass substrates. This method, performed in a vacuum chamber, requires that a shadow mask be placed in close proximity to the substrate to define the pattern of material deposited on the substrate. VTE, however, has several drawbacks when it comes to fabricating large-screen OLED TVs. On large panels it can be difficult to maintain a uniform deposition rate, primarily due to displacement of the shadow mask when it is exposed to the high temperatures used in this process.

An inkjet printing process is theoretically the better solution for larger display sizes because it enables thin-film layers to be formed via the deposition of liquid organic materials. Employing the same drop-on-demand approach as an inkjet printer, Epson’s process accurately deposits organic materials in the precise locations and amounts required. Since inkjet systems use materials extremely efficiently, manufacturers can cut production costs. Used as an OLED TV fabrication system, inkjet technology, which does not require masks and thus involves fewer process steps than VTE, is widely expected to increase production throughput.

Details about this technology will be presented at SID 2009, the Society for Information Display’s international symposium, seminar and exhibition, to be held in San Antonio, Texas from June 2. Epson will exhibit a 14-inch OLED display having resolution equivalent to a 37-inch full-HD display. The prototype display was trial-manufactured using Epson’s inkjet process.

Sharp to Introduce Thinnest Solar Module for Mobile Devices

Sharp has developed and will introduce into the global market the new LR0GC02 Solar Module for Mobile Devices that features a thickness of 0.8 mm, the industry’s thinnest level.

Solar (photovoltaic) power generation is drawing attention worldwide as environmentally friendly clean energy, and is expected to see widespread use not only for residential use, but also to power mobile devices.

This newly developed solar module makes effective use of compact semiconductor packaging technology to achieve a thickness of just 0.8 mm, the thinnest level in the industry. The solar cells that make up the module are based on polycrystalline silicon and deliver a maximum power of 300 mW , and as an auxiliary power source for mobile devices, will contribute to saving energy. The maximum power output is 4.5 V, and the maximum load current is 67mA. The electrode pattern can be formed on the cell surface to meet the requirements of the device manufacturer, enabling the creation of modules with original designs, and leading to increased design flexibility for mobile devices. Its dimensions are 67.5 x 41.0 x 0.8 mm.

The sample price (tax included) is 3,000 yen. Mass production starts in July 10, 2009. Sharp will produce 100,000 units per month.

Sharp is working to promote the development of environmentally conscious, one-of-a-kind devices and modules.

NXP Tunes in PC TV with Half-Mini Card Triple-Mode Global Receiver

NXP introduced the world’s first triple-mode PC TV tuner in a low-power half-mini card form factor, providing access to the widest range of global content for an improved viewing experience.

The integrated NXP SAA7231 single-chip solution combines simultaneous decoding and capture of analog and digital TV broadcast signals with sophisticated power management, while supporting Windows 7 with Quad-Pulse remote control standards.

In supporting combinations of analog/ DVB-T/ ATSC or analog/ DVB-T/ DMBT-H reception, the new NXP SAA7231 will allow viewers across North America, Europe and Asia to enjoy improved high definition TV content directly through a notebook PC. The new NXP SAA7231 half-mini card design has been specifically developed to meet user demands for both improved functionality and enhanced battery life, offering a reduced form factor and lower power consumption for extended viewing and recording of TV on desktop and notebook PCs.

“By design, Windows 7 reflects customer’s top priorities and interests to make everyday tasks faster and simpler, for even the most demanding multimedia applications,” said Tony Mangefeste, Program Manager - TV, Video and Music Business Group at Microsoft. “The new NXP SAA7231 tuner enables a great viewing experience on their Windows 7 PCs.”

“Media lovers everywhere are now looking beyond the home television for their viewing entertainment, and now expect to be able to access the content that they want, where they want it,” said Bert van de Wakker, General Manager, Product Line PC Systems NXP Semiconductors. “NXP is committed to ensuring that people can enjoy the best possible viewing experience. and our new PCTV platform now combines the widest access to content with lowest power consumption. The new SAA7231 will enable a new audience of entertainment fans to enjoy their favorite shows on notebook PC with best-ever picture quality and the confidence the PC will last as long as the programme.”

The hybrid (SAA7231 base) PC TV reception and capture device includes full IR remote control functionality for Windows Media Center in Windows 7 both the RC6 and Quad Pulse standards, providing the ideal foundation for PCs running Windows 7. The NXP SAA7231 also offers additional features including video improvements through 2D noise reduction, color decoding, FM radio reception and VBI data capture for the best-ever experience.

The SAA7231 accepts IF signals from up to three RF tuners for DVB-T, DVB-S and analog TV, and allows any combination of two broadcast stream signals to be decoded and captured concurrently. It features DVB-T channel decoding, NORDIG 1.0.2 compliant and meeting DBook and Digitenne requirements, DVB-S channel decoding, supporting DiSeqC 1.2 dish control, IF-demodulation of analog TV signals from direct IF or low IF and worldwide video and stereo decoding, color decoding with adaptive 2D comb filter separation, video improvements including 2D noise reduction, and VBI data capture and decoding (Teletext, Close Caption, CGMS-A, etc.).In addition to TV tuner signals, the SAA7231 also processes analog baseband audio/ video signals such as stereo, CVBS, S-video and YPbPr/RGB. For cost sensitive or space-restricted applications, the solution can share a single tuner for DVB-T and analog TV reception, with one system enabled at a time. The NXP SAA7231 is supported by a device driver package for Microsoft’s Broadcast Driver Architecture for Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

UNESCO and Sun Microsystems to Develop Education and Communities

In an effort to support social and economic development, UNESCO and Sun Microsystems signed a Collaboration Agreement at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 09. The agreement recognizes open source technologies as key to increase access to information, communications technologies and ICT skills training in under-served communities throughout the world.

The agreement is part of UNESCO’s ongoing effort to improve digital inclusion globally by partnering with the private sector. Under its terms, Sun Microsystems and UNESCO will promote the use of open source technologies, including OpenOffice.org and OpenDocument Format (ODF) standard, as a low-cost way to improve education with universal access to information and knowledge. They will also support the development of open and inclusive knowledge societies in developing and emerging economies.

“At Sun, we believe the momentum of open source and its power to bring people onto the network is unquestionable and has the power to help emerging economies spur indigenous innovation and improve the lives of their citizens,” said Beveridge. “This agreement will help nations around the world provide top notch engineering programs that never would have been available without the flexibility and collaboration of open source technologies.”

“UNESCO values the possibilities offered by all software models and advocates a diversity of choice to ensure that all can benefit from information and knowledge. We are glad to work with Sun to harness the power of free and open source software for extending and disseminating knowledge and to foster community approaches to software development,” said Mr. Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO.

The agreement includes the creation of a Centre of Excellence for Adoption of Open Technologies and collaboration on promoting adoption of OpenOffice.org and Open Document Format Tools. As part of these projects, Sun will provide availability, expertise and training materials for its open source software, while UNESCO will focus on promoting adoption of open technologies. UNESCO will work to identify institutions that would become partners for providing support and training in the use of OpenOffice.org and ODF.

Open source technologies are cost-effective, provide increased security, and deliver enhanced accessibility for citizens. By leveraging open technologies, organizations are no longer locked-in to expensive, long-term licensing contracts that typically require additional costs for new technologies to work with legal solutions. Today, most of the Internet runs on freely available, open-source software such as OpenOffice, Apache webserver, and the MySQL database.

Around the world, increasing numbers of people are adopting open source. In February 2009, the Ministry of Technology in the United Kingdom announced that it will begin directing the nation’s government agencies to adopt open source. It joined the governments of Vietnam, Brazil, The Netherlands, Denmark and South Africa among others that have recognized the power of open standards or open source technology solutions for the benefit of their citizens to reduce costs, lower barriers of entry, improve security and bridge the digital divide.

Sun’s collaboration agreement with UNESCO is part of the company’s broader initiative to bring more people on to the information network and gain access to the tools, skills, technology and innovation to realize their full potential.

IBM and Bulgarian Government to Create First Nanotechnology Center in Central and Eastern Europe

IBM and the Bulgarian government announced their cooperation in the area of nanoscience and a deal for IBM to support the creation of what will be the first Bulgarian nanotechnology center.

The General Framework Agreement defines the scope of cooperation between IBM and the Bulgarian government and ways to encourage industry, universities and the Bulgarian Academy of Science to work together in the emerging field of nanoscience. The government’s three-year program is aimed at creating different nanoproducts, micromachines and microsystems.

In a separate commercial agreement, IBM technology and business consultants will assist the Bulgarian government in establishing a new nanotechnology research facility which will use state-of-the-art equipment to explore and develop new innovations in nanoscience. To enable the computing-intensive projects, the new laboratory will draw on IBM’s Blue Gene - the most powerful Bulgarian supercomputer, owned by Bulgarian State Agency for Information Technology and Communications

“Realising high-tech projects like this is key in the current environment when it is important to not only focus on short-term measures, but to also create the basis for future recovery”, said Plamen Oresharski, Minister of Finance, Republic of Bulgaria. “We have a window of opportunity right now to transform industry to become more technology intense. This will not happen automatically, but requires dedicated effort, part of which is the current agreement with IBM.”

Once the center is created, its Bulgarian government intends to conduct applied research in the following areas: microfluidics and nanofluidics – to gain a better understanding of cells and tissues and other biological specimens to support drug toxicity testing and the development of new medicines; nanosystems for electronics and sensing – using nanoscale sensors and actuators to support the development of point-of-care diagnostics, environmental monitoring (such as atmospheric pollution analysis) and security; nanomaterials - advanced virtual substrates for compound semiconductors which could pave the way for future, nanoscale electronic circuitry.

“Bulgaria’s important step into the world of nanoscience creates a global opportunity for the country and the region,” said Marcelo Lema, General Manager, IBM Central and Eastern Europe. “IBM has been a leader in nanoscale science for many years and our participation in this project will support the accelerated success of the Bulgarian Nanotechnology Center. We see this type of collaboration as an emerging model for future industry-academic partnerships.”

Due to be completed next year, the Bulgarian Nanotechnology Center will occupy nearly 500 square meters of laboratory space and will support researchers and engineers working in close collaboration with Bulgarian universities.

“According to Lux Research, nanotechnology will impact $2.9 trillion worth of products across the value chain by 2014,” said Alex Rakov, Country General Manager, IBM Bulgaria. “I am extremely proud that IBM will help Bulgaria to be at the forefront of this trend and further support its efforts to become a knowledge based economy.”

Ericsson and TeliaSonera Unveil First Commercial 4G/LTE Site in Sweden

Ericsson and TeliaSonera have unveiled the first commercial Long- Term Evolution (LTE) site in Stockholm, Sweden - an important milestone in making the mobile digital highway a reality.

LTE will transform the mobile-broadband user experience, providing the ultra-high data speeds needed for services such as internet TV, mobile video blogging, on-line video games and the mobile office environment.

The site will be part of a commercial network scheduled to go live in 2010, bringing data rates far above what is possible in today’s mobile broadband networks and allowing Stockholmers to stay connected and enjoy high-quality, online services even while on the move.

“Being at the forefront of broadband evolution means our customers will be the first to benefit from this groundbreaking technology. This first LTE site is a key step towards further enhancing Sweden’s fastest mobile broadband network,” said Erik Hallberg, Senior Vice President and Head of TeliaSonera Mobility Services in Sweden.

LTE enables unprecedented performance in terms of peak data rates, spectrum efficiency and delay. Ericsson has already demonstrated peak rates of 160Mbps. LTE can be deployed both in new and existing frequency bands and is designed to minimize the cost of network operation and maintenance.

The evolution of mobile broadband is an integral factor in building sustainable cities that minimize the use of energy and reduce CO2 emissions.

Ovi Maps and Ovi Maps Player API Shape the Future of Social Location

Nokia presented the next step in its social location journey with the announcement of the latest version of Ovi Maps, becoming a dynamic and personalized canvas - sychronized and shared between the mobile and the web - upon which people will be able to add personal location-based content.

This also marks a shift from the one-size-fits-all static bitmap maps commonly found on the web, to using Nokia’s dynamic vector-graphic maps as a browser for all your personal map experiences - whether on the web or on your compatible mobile device.

Nokia also announced the release of the Ovi Maps Player API, a way to embed the dynamic Ovi Maps experience into any compatible website using basic JavaScript. This opens the Ovi Maps service and technology for third parties wishing to add greater contextual innovation to their websites for a deeper level of integration, sharing and collaboration with their audiences. Websites like lonelyplanet.com or social networking sites can include Ovi Maps which can be personalized with their users’ collections of content and then synchronized onto their compatible mobile devices.

“Ovi Maps is evolving from a consumer service to a live and dynamic platform for location-based services and content shared between the mobile device and the web. By adding this richer dimension to Ovi Maps we are both creating new experiences for consumers and new opportunities for developers,” says Michael Halbherr, vice president, Social Location services at Nokia. “The Ovi Maps Player API offers an open and easy-to-use map browser based on simple web technologies that can be embedded into any website. This is the first step toward an ecosystem where developers can access Nokia’s unique contextual assets, such as location, to create mobile applications that will redefine how we use our mobile devices. ”

“We are thrilled to be one of the first companies to be working with the Ovi Maps Player API”, says Stephen Palmer, President, Lonely Planet, EMEA. “This is a transformational partnership, which makes Lonely Planet content available regardless of time or place. Working with this new platform adds value to the Lonely Planet offering and together with Nokia we will help more travellers connect profoundly with their world, everyday.”

The latest version of Ovi Maps application on your device is enhanced through additional features and services, opening up a new world of possibilities with better maps than ever before: high resolution satellite and terrain maps - both in 2D and 3D views - 3D landmarks for over 200 cities, rotation, tilting, night view, and fly-overs and fly-throughs. Ovi Maps also offers enriched POI information by Lonely Planet, Michelin and Wcities, as well as a weather service that provides 24 hour and 5-day forecasts. Walk from one place to another by using Walk, pedestrian navigation with routing optimized for those on foot, providing better orientation in a city or outdoors. Or use Drive, fully fledged car navigation with enhanced safety and real-time traffic information covering now more countries.

With Ovi Maps on the web you can also search for addresses and POIs, find places and save them into Favorites, and organize them into Collections. Check the weather situation and preplan routes for walking or driving - and then save them. Your places, collections and routes can also be synchronized over-the-air between Ovi Maps on your compatible mobile device and Ovi Maps on the web.

Huawei and Portugal Telecom Develop Biggest Fiber-to-the-Home Network in Portugal

Huawei has been selected by Portugal Telecom for the development of the its Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network in Portugal.

Since 2007 Huawei, in collaboration with Portugal Telecom, has been developing laboratory tests and field trials with the objective of supplying new generation optical technology for the access network in Portugal. These tests are based on new Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology.

This project will allow Portugal Telecom to provide the Portuguese market with the most advanced access technology. Under the commercial offering Meo, Portugal Telecom is currently providing the new concept of television services based on IPTV. The development of the FTTH network will allow the operator to increase the efficiency and quality of these services and provide for example High Definition IPTV, enhanced high speed Internet and advanced IP telephone services. At the same time, the operator will be able to increase its number of subscribers and develop new services for the future.

“This new network that Portugal Telecom is implementing will allow the access to the highest debits and high reliability services and will fulfill the growing demand of our customers” explains Mr. Zeinal Bava, CEO of PT Group. “It will create a new way of working and will lead into a new era for creation, innovation and cooperation”.

Huawei has already engaged in more than 100 FTTx projects worldwide with almost 50 telecommunications operators. The GPON project with Portugal Telecom is based on the Huawei MA5600T platform. This solution meets operators’ requirements for the ultra-high bandwidth necessary for Multi-Play. Its Terabit architecture, Carrier-class IP services and comprehensive access features support most optical fiber and copper pair access technologies (such as GPON and VDSL2) in a single platform in order to help the operators undergo network transformation.

ASUS New Style of Overclocking

ASUS shed brilliant light on the dark art of overclocking with the introduction of the ROG (Republic of Gamers) OC Station.

The OC Station is a pure hardware-based, bay-mounted device with a 3-inch display that takes OCing to a new level of ease, accuracy and sophistication. When used in conjunction with ROG motherboards, the OC Station grants users on-the-fly access to overclocking parameters, ROG-exclusive features, fan speeds, system information and even a photo slideshow function.

The OC Station provides users with quick access to system voltages and frequencies without having to enter the BIOS. Users can overclock their systems on-the-fly via a knob, even during busy benchmark runs or actual gameplay. The OC Station also interfaces seamlessly with the embedded iROG controller on ROG motherboards, enabling users to manage ROG-exclusive Features such as CPU Level Up and ASUS EPU-6 Engine at a hardware level. This allows users to achieve performance boosts and perform energy consumption tweaks instantly.

The OC Station’s 3-inch display makes reviewing the system’s settings a breeze. Characters are bright and large, making them easily readable from a good distance, and an adjustable faceplate which can be tilted upward 30 degrees ensures viewability while sitting down or standing. Similarly, the OC Station’s user-friendly interface—consisting of a large knob and clearly-labeled buttons—makes navigating through its comprehensive functions an effortless affair.

Bold and futuristic, the OC Station’s sports car-inspired design is a reflection of its value proposition: control, speed, precision and power. It is easily the most stylish OC controller on the market, a gleaming testament of ASUS’ belief that cutting-edge function should come in a cutting-edge form. The OC Station can be installed in virtually any PC case, where it occupies two 5.25-inch drive bays.

Motorola Enables Mobile Enterprise with Voice-over-Wireless-LAN Solution

Motorola announced the availability of its Total Enterprise Access and Mobility (TEAM) Voice-over-Wireless Local Area Networks (VoWLAN) and entry-level TEAM Express solutions across Europe.

The TEAM solutions are part of a portfolio designed to provide enterprise users with the mobile communications they need to improve customer service, collaboration and productivity.

With the increasing adoption of Wireless LAN (WLAN) networks across industries throughout Europe, more and more businesses are looking to further leverage their WLAN solutions. Integrating voice presents a significant opportunity to drive workforce mobility, increase productivity and reduce operating costs. This trend is reflected in a recent research report from Infonetics Research, which predicted that the number of single-mode WiFi phones used by enterprises in EMEA will grow at a rate of 28.2% (CAGR) through 2013

Motorola’s TEAM VoWLAN solution takes VoWLAN beyond voice with mobile email, calendar/contact sync, text messaging, Internet/intranet access, and the flexibility of Windows Mobile 6.1 for line of business applications. In addition to offering toll-quality telephony services integrated with the PBX and enterprise-grade push-to-talk (PTT), the TEAM solution can also interoperate with existing Motorola two-way radio systems.

Following best practices in networking, the TEAM VoWLAN solution can be integrated into existing WLAN and PBX infrastructure, creating a single common platform for the delivery of integrated voice and data services. The design of this solution can scale from a handful to up to 4,500 users, and will incorporate future TEAM solution capabilities, including dual-mode (VoWLAN and cellular) and the extension of services to other Motorola devices such as its range of voice capable mobile computers.

“The TEAM VoWLAN solution is designed from the ground up to provide the voice quality, interoperability, mobility, scalability, security and user experiences that enterprises want,” said Imran Akbar, vice president and general manager of Converged Enterprise Communications, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions business. “The TEAM solution is architected as a non-intrusive overlay and can be easily deployed without changes to existing infrastructure.”

The TEAM Express solution further broadens the portfolio with an entry-level voice solution for customers requiring only basic voice communication. The TEAM Express solution provides virtually instant Push-to-Talk (PTT) voice communication between different types of devices including voice-capable Motorola mobile computers, TEAM VoWLAN smartphones and Motorola two-way radios to improve worker efficiencies and responsiveness. The TEAM Express solution is a downloadable voice client that leverages existing WLAN infrastructure and requires no servers or PBX integration, providing a quick, easy to deploy path to interoperability.

The TEAM VoWLAN and TEAM Express solutions will be rolling out across Europe in the coming months through members of Motorola’s PartnerSelect program.

Zain Trials HSPA+ in Live 3G Network

Zain Saudi Arabia can enter the mobile broadband business, offering its subscribers a superior end user experience at a minimal cost outlay.

Paving the way for an all-IP flat architecture network of the future, the operator has realized improved data throughput speeds in a recently concluded trial. Nokia Siemens Networks, the operator’s turnkey network supplier implemented an Internet-HSPA (I-HSPA) software upgrade within Zain’s existing radio access network to deliver the benefits.

“We want to be the first to unleash the true potential of the Internet on users’ handsets,” said Eng.Ismail Fekri,COO, Zain Saudi Arabia. “However, we realized early that if we went head long into it, we could run into problems of heavy data usage and insufficient network resources. That is why we decided to test the solution first – in a live network environment and not a lab set-up. We now have full faith in the efficacy of the Internet-HSPA solution presented by Nokia Siemens Networks and are looking forward to a quick commercial deployment.”

The trial introduced a simple, flat architecture demonstrating how traffic can bypass the Radio Network Controller (RNC) and the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), to deliver improved data transmission speeds. Because of the re-routing, there is no need to build in additional capacity, in effect reducing the OPEX and CAPEX. Moreover, with flat architecture the operator is well prepared for the eventual move to Long Term Evolution (LTE). I-HSPA solution also shortens the network latency rates to 45ms enabling quicker response times and enhances the overall user experience availability of data services

“The trial is a definite milestone for us. Working in a live environment not only meant customization of existing network elements, but ensuring there was no outage during testing,” said Ahmad Othman, Head of “Zain Group” Customer Business Team at Nokia Siemens Networks. “We delivered on this and more, proving the simplicity and superiority of our solution. We are now looking forward to working with Zain to translate the benefits of this test to real commercial use, i.e. improving mobile broadband end user experience.”