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- Philips makes LCD backlighting switch
Philips has announced that it will abandon its current use of fluorescent backlights for its flat-panel TVs in lieu of emerging LCD backlighting technology. "If we want to continue developing this backlighting technology, we’ll have to make new investments. At the same time, LEDs (light emitting diodes) are getting ripe for the market and they enable thinner TV sets, so we’ve chosen to invest in those," a Philips spokeswoman said. The Washington Post/Reuters (3/12)
- Hitachi to sell HP business PCs under own name
Hitachi has inked a new deal with fellow PC-maker Hewlett-Packard to sell HP business computers under the Hitachi moniker. The deal is the latest move for Hitachi as it seeks to refocus its efforts on its flat-panel TVs, hard-disk drives and power systems. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (3/12)
- Motorola postpones iRadio release
Motorola has indefinitely postponed the launch of its iRadio, citing technology and revenue concerns as primary holdups. IRadio would allow for Internet radio stations to be downloaded via cell phones and played back over a variety of options, including car radios. Chicago Tribune (free registration) (3/12)
- Yahoo!, AT&T continue to chat up their partnership
Fending off reports that their partnership may be in jeopardy, AT&T and Yahoo! issued a statement saying they are negotiating an extension to their broadband contract. The companies also are looking for ways to extend their partnership to the mobile space, a Yahoo! spokesman said. Yahoo!/Reuters (3/9)
- Sony camera shares photos in real time without the cords
Sony has unveiled the DSC-G1, its first wireless digital camera. The 6-megapixel offering from Sony uses the Digital Living Network Alliance standard, which works with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and is capable of sending photos to up to four DLNA-capable cameras in real time. Yahoo!/NewsFactor Network (3/9)
- Technology "shreds" personal data in record-sharing
An IBM engineer has developed technology called anonymization, which "shreds" information so that companies can share personal information without compromising personal data. In an interview, the engineer, Jeff Jonas, describes the system and how it works. Yahoo!/InfoWorld/IDG News Service (3/9)
- Palm, RIM add a splash of color
Palm and Research in Motion are looking to appeal to consumers by designing color into their handheld devices. AT&T is rolling out a ruby-red BlackBerry Pearl and a crimson-colored Treo 680. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (3/12)
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- Trekkie’s bachelor pad pairs sci-fi and CE
Tony Alleyne’s Star Trek-themed apartment represents a three-year labor of love for the man whose motto is, "bliss is a room without wires." Aside from the Patrick Stewart-voiced doorbell, Alleyne’s apartment touts voice-activated lighting systems and a Library Computer Access and Retrieval System, all of which combine to re-create the Star Trek experience. Electronic House (3/2007)
- Other News
- HomeDock Deluxe from DLO offers all-in-one iPod experience
Electronic House (3/2007)
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- Sony looks to simplify video-to-DVD transfers
Sony’s DVDirect VRD-MC3 looks to cut much of the hassle out of converting old videocassettes into new and modernized DVDs. The black-and-white encased device is capable of handling most media inputs and can convert files into a variety of different formats, including extra-capacity dual-layer disks. The New York Times (3/8)
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- Sears looks to the past in new store "laboratory"
The first-of-its-kind Sears store at Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Ga., is an experiment of sorts. Sears is testing a medley of ideas under one roof, including using the historic elegant script Sears logo, walls painted with architectural drawings of catalog homes, images from turn-of-the-20th-century Sears Roebuck catalogs and moving cashiers near the exits, in an attempt to tap into its heritage and set itself apart from current big-box retailers. Chicago Tribune (free registration) (3/12)
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- Rep. Issa added to Washington Forum Keynote Lineup
The Hon. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., U.S. House of Representatives and former CEA chairman, will present his keynote on Monday, March 26, at CEA Washington Forum. The Forum already sports keynotes by James Carville and Mary Matalin, as well as a special environmental keynote by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. Issa was just one of several new speakers announced this week for Washington Forum. John Lawson, president and CEO of the Association of Public Television Stations, and Marcellus Alexander, executive vice president of NAB Television, have both signed on to speak about the DTV transition. With more than 40 speakers on critical CE issues, you can’t miss Washington Forum. Sign up today — online registration ends in four days.
- CEA SmartStat
Home builders now employ custom installers with the same frequency (62%) as security installers (65%) and electrical contractors (63%). Source: CEA Market Research, 5th Annual State of the Builder Technology Market Study, January 2007.
- Washington Forum Sponsorship Opportunities
Act now to spotlight your brand at CEA’s Washington Forum (March 26 and 27, in Washington). This is your company’s key opportunity to reach a wide spectrum of CE industry influencers and decision makers. Washington Forum is the primary CE event for government officials, policy influencers and industry leaders and executives. The event covers the full spectrum of policy issues confronting our industry and its partners. It also offers attendees access to retailers, manufacturers and service providers in a non-sales environment as they convene for member meetings, informative conference sessions, and to debate hot-button policy issues. Act today, sponsorship opportunities are limited.
