INDUSTRY LATEST FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

Home Cinema Choice - reporting with the latest INFO

06 September 2010Blu-ray Screenshot Gallery: Alien Anthology - Alien

This week we're taking a film-by-film sneak peak at the long-awaited Blu-ray debut of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment's Alien Anthology Blu-ray boxset, staring today with Ridley Scott's seminal 1979 sci-fi/horror classic Alien. Scheduled for release in the UK on October 25, this eagerly-anticipated six-disc set includes all four films in the legendary franchise, plus so many additional features that they had to include an extra two Blu-ray discs just to fit it all in. Click here for a full rundown of the specs. We'll have a full review of the Alien Anthology Blu-ray boxset in #188 of HCC, on sale October 21, but in the meantime we thought you might appreciate an exclusive look at a gallery of screenshots taken from Alien. And don't forget to come back tomorrow for an exclusive first look at the Aliens Blu-ray... CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VERSION Previous Blu-ray Screenshot Galleries... Se7enRobin Hood: Director's CutForbidden Planet & Mars Attacks!Studio Canal Collection - Wave Three
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06 September 2010IFA SPECIAL: Sharp adds extra yellow to 3D with new Quattron TVs

Sharp used its IFA press conference to highlight two 3D additions to its AQUOS Quattron range of LCD TVs. The new LE925 Series consists of the LC-60LE925E and LC-46LE925E and are expected to go on sale across Europe this month, prices to be confirmed. In addition to Sharp's four-primary-colour technology (which, in the company's own words, 'adds yellow to the red, blue and green primary colours to dramatically improve the ability to faithfully reproduce colours'), the new TV range has combined the proprietary FRED (Frame Rate Enhanced Driving) high-speed drive technology with side-mount scanning LED backlighting. The upshot of this, so Sharp claims, is 'a significant improvement in brightness of approximately 1.8 times greater than conventional three-primary-colour LCD panels' that 'enables users to enjoy impressive 3D images with minimal crosstalk'. Rest assured, we'll put all of these claims to the test in the HCC Test Labs as soon as we get our hands on a review sample. Sharp also used the event to announce a couple of new sponsorship deals. First up was a collaboration with Warner Bros. to use imagery from the forthcoming CG-animated feature Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole in print ads for its 3DTV lineup in Europe. Unfortunately, the company was less forthcoming about whether or not this might lead to any exclusive 3D Blu-ray disc bundles further down the line. The second announcement was that Sharp had just signed a EUROTOP sponsorship agreement with football body UEFA to become a top partner and support events including UEFA Euro 2012.
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06 September 2010IFA SPECIAL: Samsung takes on the iPad with its DivX HD-certified Galaxy Tab

Everybody knew it was coming, but Samsung still managed to impress attendees to its IFA press conference with the unveiling of the Galaxy Tab. Described by Samsung head of portfolio management, telecommunications Europe, Thomas Richter as 'not just another tablet PC... we call it a smart media device', the Android-powered tablet is the first in the world to receive DivX certification, allowing users to enjoy DivX HD video content on its 7in 1024x600 WSVGA TFT display. Weighing in at just 380g, and measuring a diminutive 19x120x12mm, the Galaxy Tab runs Android 2.2 and will be available with either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded further (up to an addition 32GB) thanks to a MicroSD port. There's also a standard 3.5mm headphone port, so you don't bother other commuters with the noise from the videos you are watching on it, which can also be used for handsfree kit connection allowing mobile phone functionality without having to look like you're trying to emulate an old Dom Joly sketch. Heck, there's even a front-facing 3MP camera (equipped with an LED flash) for those of you who get a little snap-happy from time to time. Other features include 3G HSUPA connectivity, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, microSIM connectivity and it even plays Flash too. There's no word as yet on an official UK release date beyond Samsung's slightly vague 'in the coming months' or price at this time. However, if the rumours are to be believed and the company goes aggressive on pricing at under £300, then Apple might have a fight on its hands before the year is out.
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03 September 2010IFA SPECIAL: Toshiba announces the future of Cell TV - it's called CEVO-Engine

Toshiba has put an end to speculation about the shape its Japanese Cell TV might take in the European market by launching CEVO-Engine at the IFA show in Berlin. Speaking at a press conference before the show, Toshiba's head of European marketing Sascha Lange explained the company's approach to advanced 3D systems. Using multiple processors to realise both 'high picture quality and advanced functions', CEVO-Engine is designed to support high picture quality, networking, recording, and flexible software development. The first CEVO-Engine TV, the 55LZ1, is designed by award-winning Danish consultants Jacob Jensen, and will be launched early next year. Its features will include Active Vision 400Hz processing, a range of picture presets and professional calibration functions, a 512-cluster LED backlit screen, and an Intelligent 3D function to adjust brightness and colour automatically for 3D material. It will also have a 3D interpolation feature to bring side-by-side 960-line 3D up to 1920 line standards. One CEVO-Engine processor will be dedicated to processing 2D into 3D. The set will also support Toshiba Places and Toshiba Marketplace - online services for downloading premium content - and Hbb TV, a European standard for hybrid internet/TV services. Price details have not yet been finalised but a figure 'below 5,000 Euros' was suggested. IFA SHOW REPORT POSTED LIVE FROM BERLIN USING AN ASUS EEE PC    
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02 September 2010IFA SPECIAL: Sony announces Qriocity music and movie services

One of Sony's biggest announcements at the pre-IFA press conference was the launch of Qriocity, a network service platform that will provide streaming music and movies to Sony?s network-enabled devices. Fujio Nishida, President Sony Europe said, ?Via Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services that are ?powered by Qriocity?, including video, music, game applications, and e-books over time, and through these services, and in combination with its networked devices, Sony aims to bring new and exciting entertainment experiences to customers.? Explaining that 'Services are a crucial part of the entertainment experience', Nishida explained that while Bravia Internet Video would continue to offer access to specific services from localised partners, Qriocity would be a 'cloud'-based service offering hundreds of movies on demand from top Hollywood studios and local content providers, plus the Music Unlimited service with access to thousand s of music tracks and synchronisation to Sony networked devices. 'This will change the way in which we all enjoy our digital music' he predicted. Available in the autumn in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K, Qriocity media providers include 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Lionsgate, MGM, NBC, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Walt Disney and Warner Bros. Movies will be available in HD and SD, and can be rented for 14 days. Prices have yet to be announced. Network-enabled BRAVIA TVs and Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray home cinema systems and the PlayStation 3 will support the service, with portable devices to follow.  "Video On Demand powered by Qriocity? has been available in the US since April 2010. IFA SHOW REPORT POSTED LIVE FROM BERLIN USING AN ASUS EEE PC - PHOTOS BY CASIO EXILIM DIGITAL CAMERA     
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BLU-RAY - The Very Latest HD INFO

Ofcom - Latest INFO from the UK's Communication Regulator

28 June 2010Proposals for product placement on TV and paid-for references to brands and products on radio

News release published 28|06|10
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24 June 2010Ofcom opens debate on net neutrality

News release published 24|06|10
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17 June 2010Cheaper charges for UK consumers to end phone contracts

News release published 17|06|10
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17 June 2010Ofcom Awards Seven New Community Radio Licences

News release published 17|06|10
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10 June 2010High definition brings fans closer to World Cup action

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T3.com News - reporting the latest INFO for all technologies

06 September 2010News@8:HTC Vision spotted and Ping gets 1m users

It's been another busy day for the tech world - here's the best of the day's news in digestible format:   HTC’s latest put through paces: The FCC has managed to spill the beans on what could be the HTC Vision/Vanguard, sporting a QWERTY slider and possibly a 1.2GHz processor. In other HTC news O2 has confirmed you can download the Android 2.2 FroYo update for the O2 locked HTC Desire. Finally, UK pricing for the BlackBerry Torch has been leaked, with handset pricing ranging from £49 to £399.   Ping makes positive start: It seems Apples own social networking feature has had a good start after 1m people have signed up to Ping in 48 hours, this figure is out of the 3 million that have installed the new iTunes 10.  In other social news the BBC has decided to go social with it’s new version of BBC iPlayer. By creating a login you can share and comment about shows with your friends through Twitter and Facebook.   3D not as important as internet on TV: According to last weeks T3 Reader Poll customers would rather have the internet on their next TV rather than 3D technology. With WiFi now on many units there’s a possibility that customers feel safer going for a tried and tested tech, believing that 3D is still in its infancy.   Samsung Galaxy Tab coming to Vodafone: Vodafone has confirmed it will be selling the Samsung Galaxy Tab, although only shown as ‘coming soon’ on its website rumour points to an October release. The next generation of Apple iPad’s could have FaceTime after a debug screenshot was found showing the capability on a current iPad. Posted by Thomas Tamblyn
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06 September 2010NASA launches iPad app

Here's an app that should please everyone who grew up wanting to be an astronaut. NASA has launched an application for iPad packed with mission information allowing us to boldly go without leaving our living rooms.   The NASA App HD is free to download from the App Store, which is surprising as the Space Agency could use a few quid with President Barack Obama bringing down the curtain on the shuttle program.   ---------------------------------------------- Best apps from the T3 App Chart - Best iPad apps reviewed - Guardian Eyewitness review - Best apps on all platforms ----------------------------------------------   As well as up-to-date mission information, you can access NASA's photo and video library as well as explore the universe, by clicking on a planet to bring up associated missions and information. You can also live stream from the NASA TV channel, but that's only for US subscribers.   The app is an upgrade on what's already available for the Apple iPhone and is available now.   Link: T3 App Chart Posted by Chris Smith
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06 September 2010What's on the editor's desk competition returns tomorrow

Returning once again, your favourite technology magazine and website T3 will tomorrow be giving you the chance to win a feast of mystery tech prizes in our weekly competition ‘What’s on the editor’s desk?’   Running across the T3 Facebook and Twitter pages we will be presenting you, the loyal T3 readers with three riddled clues to see if you can guess ‘What’s on the editor’s desk’ and claim yourself a tasty tech treat. From handsets to headphones, games to general gadgetry, each and every Tuesday we will be giving it all away as long as you can solve the puzzle and work out what’s in our mystery box.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related Links: - Editor's desk competition: Winners revealed - T3 launches new weekly competition 'What's on the Editor's desk?' - Win some great prizes in the T3 competitions - Follow T3 on Facebook - Follow T3 on Twitter --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Kicking off with the opening clue at 10am sharp you will be able to pit your wits against the T3 riddlers and bag yourself some booty. The second clue will follow at 11am before the final hint lands on our social streams at midday. From there you will have until 3pm to get your answers in before we pick the lucky winner.   Entries can be made by either commenting on the Facebook post or by messaging us on Twitter @T3dotcom with the hashtag #edsdesk. A winner will be picked at random from all the correct answers and if no correct answers are received the week’s prize will rollover until the next edition of 'What's on the editor's desk'.   To be in with a chance of winning today’s great and exclusive prize, sign up to the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds today so you are primed and ready to follow the clues to the T3 treasure tomorrow.   Previous prizes - An ECO Kitsound Infinity-X Solar Powered Speaker worth £40 - A powertraveller motormonkey in-car travel charger from Cotswold Outdoor worth £20 - A Doro Prosound hs1910 DECT wireless headset worth £110 - Five pairs of ACS ER20 ear plugs worth £65 Posted by Luke Johnson
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06 September 2010BT FON app offers free unlimited mobile internet

British Telecom has today announced a smartphone app that will automatically connect BT Total Broadband customers to its network of 1.6 million Wi-Fi hotspots, giving free, easy access to the web whilst on the move.   Available for Apple and Android powered devices the free to download BT FON app allows BT’s home broadband subscribers to take advantage of the unlimited free mobile internet offered by the company’s BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspots, the largest Wi-Fi network in the UK.   --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related Links: - BT broadband ad banned - BT packs Wi-Fi access for holiday campers - T3 App Chart | Best all platform tool apps for free ---------------------------------------------------------------------------   Having downloaded the app and input their BTinternet email username and password users can choose to be automatically logged in anywhere without the concern of rocketing roaming charges and data use bills. A mapping service is also available and updated weekly to allow users to conveniently find their nearest hotspot.   If unlimited internet on the go wasn’t generous enough, BT has pledged to donate 50p to the charity Children in Need for each copy of the app that is downloaded up to a donation of £10,000.   Speaking on the new BT FON app, John Petter, Managing Director of BT Retail Consumer, said: "Millions of BT Total Broadband customers already get free access to the UK’s biggest Wi-Fi network. This free app makes accessing Wi-Fi so simple you don’t even have to think about it. This represents real value to our customers at a time when more and more people are using their mobile phone to access the internet.” Posted by Luke Johnson
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06 September 2010Android 2.2 available for O2 locked HTC Desires today

The continued roll out of Google’s Android 2.2 operating system for the HTC Desire handset has hit another network as O2 confirms its customers can now download the OS via an over the air update.   Android 2.2, also known by its codename FroYo, was initially launched for unlocked, network-free Desire handsets last month before service providers began intermittently bringing the coveted OS to their network-locked devices.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related Links: - HTC Desire review: The expert verdict in full - HTC Desire Android 2.2, FroYo, updates begin this weekend - Google Android 2.2, FroYo review: First impressions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   O2 Desire users are now reporting that they are being prompted to install the new OTA update with issues of freezing and reboot failures accompanying the Android upgrade for a number of users.   Vodafone which was the first network to offer the FroYo update to its locked users came under criticism after it initially offered its own operating skin instead of the Android 2.2 OS with users left unable to uninstall Vodafone 360 until the real FroYo update arrived weeks later.   Are you a Desire user on O2? Let us know if you have installed the FroYo operating system to your device and any issues you encountered via the T3 Twitter and Facebook pages.   Posted by Luke Johnson
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T3.com Reviews - Group Test INFO

06 September 2010Panasonic Lumix FX700 review

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06 September 2010JVC Picsio GC-FM2 review

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05 September 2010Sony Bloggie Touch hands-on review

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02 September 2010Samsung Galaxy Tab hands-on review

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02 September 2010Panasonic HDC-SDT750 hands-on first look

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TRADE ~ DisplaySearch: Worldwide Market Research Leaders

01 September 2010LCD TV Panel Makers Target 40% LED Penetration by Q4?10

The continuing transition to LED backlights is motivating LCD TV panel manufacturers to develop their supply chains in order to reduce the cost of LED-backlit panels. [...]
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31 August 2010Q2?10 TV Shipments Show Continued Growth, But Some Regions Weakening

Overall TV shipments continued to show resilience, bouncing back from dismal 2009 levels, but there were some indications of trouble in key markets. [...]
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30 August 2010Agenda for First-Ever IFA DisplaySearch Business Conference Finalized

DisplaySearch, the worldwide leader in display market research, and IFA, the global trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances today unveiled the final agenda for its upcoming IFA DisplaySearch Business Conference during IFA 2010. [...]
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30 August 2010AUO, ASUS, Corning, Lenovo, and LG Display to Keynote DisplaySearch China FPD Conference

DisplaySearch, the worldwide leader in display market research and consulting, today announced that executives from AUO, ASUS, Corning, Lenovo and LG Display will serve as keynote speakers for the upcoming 2010 DisplaySearch China FPD Conference... [...]
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11 August 2010Q2 Large Area TFT LCD Shipments Reach Record High of 170M

Shipments of large area (9.1? and larger) TFT LCDs climbed to achieve a quarterly record high 170 million units, with 9% Q/Q and 31% Y/Y growth rate. [...]
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TRADE ~ DIGITIMES: IT news from Asia

07 September 2010Novatek August revenues up over 10% on year

LCD driver IC vendor Novatek Microelectronics has posted revenues of NT$3.21 billion (US$100.63 million) for August, increasing 2.73% sequentially and 10.45% on year, according to a company press release.
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07 September 2010HTC August revenues down 1.75% sequentially

HTC has announced revenues of NT$24.18 billion (US$758.36 million) for August, a decrease of 1.75% sequentially but an increase of 115.26% on year. Accumulated revenues from January-August totaled NT$147.7 billion, up 61.16% from a year earlier.
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07 September 2010Auras reportedly lands orders for thermal modules used in Mac Pro

Taiwan-based Auras Technology has reportedly obtained orders for cooling modules used in Apple's workstation computer Mac Pro, with the gross margins being over 20% for such orders - much higher than the average of 10% for the company, according to the market watchers. In response, Auras declined to comment.
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07 September 2010IC designers may delay USB 3.0 chip launch

Taiwan-based IC design houses ASMedia Technology, a subsidiary of Asustek Computer; VIA Labs, a subsidiary of VIA Technologies; and Etron Technology as well as the US-based Fresco Logic originally planned to offer USB 3.0 chips for use in motherboards by the end of 2010, but the companies may fail to meet the expected schedule because they have not yet passed USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) certification, according to Taiwan-based motherboard makers.
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07 September 2010SPIL posts flat revenues in August

Siliconware Precision Industries (SPIL) saw sales stay almost flat sequentially in August 2010, according to data released by the company. Market watchers expect the chip packaging and testing house to collect consolidated revenues of NT$16.5 billion (US$517 million) in the third quarter.
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TRADE ~ CEA SmartBrief: Consumer Electronics Assoc. INFO

03 September 2010Navteq offers GPS directions that are more intuitive

Navteq has debuted a service called Natural Guidance, which the company says guides drivers with more intuitive directions.  -More- 
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03 September 2010Study: HDTV purchases will not slow 3-D TV adoption

Consumers in the U.K.  -More- 
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03 September 2010Panasonic shares details on its "Avatar" 3-D Blu-ray promo

Panasonic has announced that in December it will begin offering full HD 3-D Blu-ray discs of James Cameron's "Avatar" for tho -More- 
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03 September 2010Philips announces advancements on the 3-D front

At an event in Berlin, Philips announced that by the end of the year it will begin shipping a 3-D version of its 21:9 ultrawi -More- 
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03 September 2010Toshiba, Samsung will undercut iPad on price

Toshiba will ship an Android-based tablet this year, the Folio 100, which it will market in Europe, the company said.  -More- 
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TRADE ~ iSuppli - Market Research

06 September 2010Quiet Revolution: MEMS Thrives on Diversity in Industry, Medical, Energy and Optical Telecom- Revenue will grow 17 percent annually from 2009 to 2014

By Jérémie BouchaudCapitalizing on a gamut of hot-button issues ranging from global warming to aging populations, the market for high-value Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) is set for very rapid growth in a large number of highly diverse segments, according to market research ? rm iSuppli Corp. Revenue for high-value MEMS is projected to reach $1.6 billion in 2010, up 29.7 percent from $1.2 billion in 2009. Such revenue levels translate into equivalent MEMS shipments of 103.3 million units this year, compared to last year?s 86.8 million units.   
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02 September 2010How Much Business is Left for Telematics Suppliers and Service Providers in the US?- There is still money on the table, but it?s dwindling quickly

By Mark BoyadjisWhile most of the opportunity in the automotive telematics business for suppliers and service providers has been sewn up, there remain signi?cant openings for enterprising companies?but not for long, according to the automotive electronics research ?rm iSuppli Corp. Among the 10 major automakers in the United States., nearly all have a vehicle telematics platform in progress; an announced and soon-to-be launched program running; or an unannounced, still confidential effort that is in development. Although not all consumers buy cars from these brands, a majority of motorists do.   
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02 September 2010First Australian Circuit Chooses Digital Cinema Path-

By David HancockAustralian cinema and entertainment group Hoyts has become the first Australian and New Zealand circuit to announce its planned digital cinema rollout, including equipment choices. Hoyts Cinemas has chosen to use projectors from Christie's Series 2 Solaria range (its supplier of 35mm projectors) across its 400 screens in two territories (38 in Australia and 11 in New Zealand), including the 4K option in some cases, the chip for which is being delivered to TI licensees now for in-cinema installtion in 1Q 2011. Doremi's DCP 2000 servers make up the basic hardware package. The Theatre Management System (TMS) selected is that developed and offered by Arts Alliance Media.   
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02 September 2010DRAM Revenues Soar in Q2, Continuing Banner-Year Performance- Samsung and others make signi?cant gains over the same period in 2009

By Mike HowardThe second quarter of 2010 was awesome for DRAM, with global revenue soaring to $10.8 billion on the strength of 5 percent bit growth and 9 percent Average Selling Price (ASP) appreciation, according to memory market research ? rm iSuppli Corp. DRAM revenue was up from the already impressive first quarter of 2010, when DRAM revenue hit $9.4 billion. The market more than doubled from the second quarter of 2009, when revenue amounted to $4.5 billion.   
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02 September 2010China Consumer Electronics Market Surges in Q2- Despite challenges with exports, country will remain the leading producer

By Horse LiuThe China consumer electronics industry surged in the second quarter, with booming domestic unit shipments of products including digital still cameras, cable Set-Top Boxes (STBs), Portable Media Players (PMPs) and air conditioners, according to market research ?rm iSuppli Corp. Air conditioners led the growth, as total shipments reached nearly 29 million units in the second quarter of 2009, up 46 percent from the second quarter of 2009. Meanwhile, the domestic cable STB market grew to 6.8 million units in the second quarter, recording a year-over-year growth of 33 percent.   
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TRADE ~ Freesat INFO via ERT Online - UK's Leading Trade Mag

TRADE ~ NEWS from S.I.D. [Society for INFO Display]

30 August 2010 Compal and LG Display Plan Joint Venture

Compal and LG Display Plan Joint Venture
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18 August 2010 Sunny Ocean Studios Enables 84-Inch Glasses-Free 3-D Display at Youth Olympic Games in Singapore

Sunny Ocean Studios Enables 84-Inch Glasses-Free 3-D Display at Youth Olympic Games in Singapore
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18 August 2010 Arkansas, Missouri, West Virginia, and Wisconsin Sue LCD Makers

Arkansas, Missouri, West Virginia, and Wisconsin Sue LCD Makers
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28 July 2010 AU Optronics Corp. Reports 2Q 2010 Financial Results

AU Optronics Corp. Reports 2Q 2010 Financial Results
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16 July 2010 Avnet Completes Acquisition of Bell Microproducts

Avnet Completes Acquisition of Bell Microproducts
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TRADE ~ TWICE [The Week In Consumer Electronics]

07 September 2010AFA Now Shipping Ben 10 Gaming Accessories

Los Angeles - AFA Interactive announced its licensed line of Ben 10 gaming accessories is now...
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07 September 2010Classe Revamps Delta Series Amps

Montreal - Classe will go to the CEDIA Expo to replace four of its five high-end Delta series...
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06 September 2010URC To Expand Home-Control Presence at CEDIA Expo

Harrison, N.Y. - URC will go to the CEDIA Expo to further expand its presence in the...
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06 September 2010LG, Best Buy To Promote 3D At NCAA Game

Englewood Cliffs, N.J. - LG Electronics said Friday it is joining Best Buy in promoting 3DTV...
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03 September 2010Funai Juggles Top Managers

Rutherford, N.J. - Funai disclosed this week that it has undergone a corporate...
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