LONG BEACH, USA: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. unveiled the BDR-2207, Pioneer’s most powerful and full-featured drive. The internal SATA drive can read and write to all BDXL disc formats, including BD-R and BD-RE triple-layer 100GB media, BD-R quad-layer 128GB media, as well as conventional recordable Blu-ray Disc (single-layer 25GB media and dual-layer 50GB media). In addition, the drive features PowerRead and Pioneer’s PureRead2, Auto Quiet mode, QuickStart, and Peak Power Reducer technologies.
The BDR-2207 is packaged with CyberLink software that gives users the ability to play standard Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D titles on correctly configured computers, as well as author and record high-definition Blu-ray Disc content and standard-definition DVD content.
“Consumers do so much with their computers that we wanted to create a drive that does pretty much everything you’ll need, whether it’s saving data or playing back content,” said Steven Cohn, director of Optical Sales for the Home Electronics Industrial Department at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Plus, the BDR-2207 is extremely fast and powerful to match the processing capability and speed consumers are used to with today’s computers.”
BDR-2207 advantages
PowerRead – Through its PowerRead feature the BDR-2207 provides smoother movie playback when a disc is marked with fingerprints or has minor surface scratches. When the drive is not able to read through these obstructed areas of a disc, it will quickly move forward to the next available data point, resulting in smoother Blu-ray and DVD movie playback.
PureRead2 – Clicking or popping sounds that might normally occur due to minor scratches and fingerprints on CDs can be prevented on some discs with the drive’s PureRead2 technology, which allows the drive to dynamically adjust its optical playback settings through the use of a unique algorithm.
Auto Quiet Mode – The drive also features an Auto Quiet mode that minimizes its operating noise based on the type of use. The rotation speed changes to a quieter mode (slower speed) when watching Blu-ray and DVD titles or listening to conventional audio CDs.
QuickStart – The amount of time between inserting a disc and the disc being ready for use has been reduced by up to 42 percent over previous generation models.
Peak Power Reducer – Some computers do not provide enough power to the drive during operation. In the case of a write operation, an error will occur and cause the disc to become useless. To prevent this, the Peak Power Reducer feature, when enabled, monitors the power and can reduce the drive’s peak power to ensure stable operation.
Bundled Software – For additional convenience, the BDR-2207 is bundled with the following CyberLink software: PowerDVD 10 BD3D, PowerDirector 9 and Power2Go 7.
The Pioneer BDR-2207 will be available in early May with a suggested retail price of $99.99.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Essar Group unleashes power of cloud with Windows Azure
INDIA: In an effort to offer its customers Web-based applications with high performance and scalability while maintaining low infrastructure and management costs, multinational conglomerate Essar Group has implemented Windows Azure,Microsoft’s cloud services platform, to deliver some of its applications.
A leader in various business sectors, including steel, energy, power, communications, shipping ports, logistics and construction, and with operations in more than 25 countries across five continents and revenues at $17 billion, Essar remains competitive in an aggressive marketplace through a focused effort on superior customer service.With its enterprise customers in mind, the company sought to enhance its offerings with a cloud version of some of its applications.
Microsoft Services approached Essar with a cost-effective solution in Windows Azure that allowed the company to obtain the benefits of both public and private cloud computing while also reducing the level of IT maintenance required to manage the applications on-premises. Because it is hosted in Microsoft datacenters, Windows Azure is able to provide developers with on-demand computing and storage, as well as the ability to scale and manage Web applications.
Essar expects that the delivery of its applications through Windows Azure will enable the company to increase profitability and reduce costs by as much as 65 percent. Because IT staff members are also no longer allocating time to infrastructure management, they can devote more time to mission-critical operations.
A leader in various business sectors, including steel, energy, power, communications, shipping ports, logistics and construction, and with operations in more than 25 countries across five continents and revenues at $17 billion, Essar remains competitive in an aggressive marketplace through a focused effort on superior customer service.With its enterprise customers in mind, the company sought to enhance its offerings with a cloud version of some of its applications.
Microsoft Services approached Essar with a cost-effective solution in Windows Azure that allowed the company to obtain the benefits of both public and private cloud computing while also reducing the level of IT maintenance required to manage the applications on-premises. Because it is hosted in Microsoft datacenters, Windows Azure is able to provide developers with on-demand computing and storage, as well as the ability to scale and manage Web applications.
Essar expects that the delivery of its applications through Windows Azure will enable the company to increase profitability and reduce costs by as much as 65 percent. Because IT staff members are also no longer allocating time to infrastructure management, they can devote more time to mission-critical operations.
Zenith Infotech launches TigerCloud powered by Intel Xeon processor
MUMBAI, INDIA: Zenith Infotech announced the launch of its new product TigerCloud which is primarily aimed at mid-size organisations. TigerCloud is a high performance private cloud product that combines server, storage and network virtualization technology and allows customers to build and have their own sophisticated private clouds at costs lower than public clouds. Based on Intel Xeon E3 processor family, TigerCloud is a three-in-one product, combining private cloud, business continuity and backup, as well as scale out iSCSI storage.
As per IDC, though cost continues to be an important variable constraining technology adoption, small and medium businesses (SMBs) are also exhibiting a perceptible desire for customized solutions and products that cater to their unique requirements. IT spending in SMB will reach record levels in 2012 and as such this market presents huge opportunities. The growing role of "social, mobile, and virtual" will drive major SMB investments in Cloud.
Zenith Infotech’s TigerCloud costs 70 percent less than similar converged infrastructure products from the major multinationals. Based on Intel Xeon E3 processor family, Intel DBS1200BTS board and Intel 320 series SSDs, TigerCloud is a high performance system and is built around Microsoft’s Hyper-V technology. Zenith Infotech has invested over Rs.200 crore on R&D for its private cloud products.
As per IDC, though cost continues to be an important variable constraining technology adoption, small and medium businesses (SMBs) are also exhibiting a perceptible desire for customized solutions and products that cater to their unique requirements. IT spending in SMB will reach record levels in 2012 and as such this market presents huge opportunities. The growing role of "social, mobile, and virtual" will drive major SMB investments in Cloud.
Zenith Infotech’s TigerCloud costs 70 percent less than similar converged infrastructure products from the major multinationals. Based on Intel Xeon E3 processor family, Intel DBS1200BTS board and Intel 320 series SSDs, TigerCloud is a high performance system and is built around Microsoft’s Hyper-V technology. Zenith Infotech has invested over Rs.200 crore on R&D for its private cloud products.
LG unveils BX503B and BX403B - high brightness semi shot-throw projectors
NEW DELHI, INDIA: LG Electronics have scaled to new heights with the launch of two high brightness projectors, BX503B and BX403B in India. These high resolution projectors provide short projection distance and uses DLP technology. Powered by DLP technology, these projectors are virtually immune to color decay and offer an extended lifespan lasting year after year.
The technology also boasts of a filter free design to eliminate the need for filter cleaning and filter replacement which not only reduces labor for support staff but also saves money for companies and schools.
“With the launch of these two models in India, LG’s focus would be expanding its portfolio. LG's customer-centric approach ensures industry-leading premium products with exceptional quality and the most relevant features and technology to make consumers' lives easier”, said Soon Kwon, president, South West Asia Region and MD, LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd.
“With super compact and ultra bright projectors, LG continues to develop and display products that lead the way in both design and capabilities.”
The projectors offer XGA native resolution of 1024x768 and a 2800:1 contrast ratio. While the BX503B projector packs 5000 ANSI lumens, BX403B offers 4000 ANSI lumens. The projectors have a 6 segment color wheel which results in vivid colors, a defined picture quality and easy detection of even subtle color differences. BX403B and BX503B comes with HDMI 1.3V deep color which eliminates on-screen color banding for smooth tonal transitions and enables increased color ratio.
The Brilliant Color technology infused with projectors breathes life into every picture and delivers incredible depth and color range. The VIDI technology enhances video performance, provides better contrast due to ‘dark pulse’ and has intelligent light control. Both the projectors are LAN enabled and have a lamp life of 2000 hrs (normal mode) and 2500 hrs (ECO mode). They also feature a quick power on/off so that the user can save the waiting time before and after usage.
These projectors light up the living rooms with their unbeatable picture quality and are ideal for home theatre enthusiasts. Both the projectors weigh 5.8 kg, and have a front exhaust and auto-altitude detection and are priced at Rs.1,65,000/-and Rs.1,10,000/-, respectively.
The technology also boasts of a filter free design to eliminate the need for filter cleaning and filter replacement which not only reduces labor for support staff but also saves money for companies and schools.
“With the launch of these two models in India, LG’s focus would be expanding its portfolio. LG's customer-centric approach ensures industry-leading premium products with exceptional quality and the most relevant features and technology to make consumers' lives easier”, said Soon Kwon, president, South West Asia Region and MD, LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd.
“With super compact and ultra bright projectors, LG continues to develop and display products that lead the way in both design and capabilities.”
The projectors offer XGA native resolution of 1024x768 and a 2800:1 contrast ratio. While the BX503B projector packs 5000 ANSI lumens, BX403B offers 4000 ANSI lumens. The projectors have a 6 segment color wheel which results in vivid colors, a defined picture quality and easy detection of even subtle color differences. BX403B and BX503B comes with HDMI 1.3V deep color which eliminates on-screen color banding for smooth tonal transitions and enables increased color ratio.
The Brilliant Color technology infused with projectors breathes life into every picture and delivers incredible depth and color range. The VIDI technology enhances video performance, provides better contrast due to ‘dark pulse’ and has intelligent light control. Both the projectors are LAN enabled and have a lamp life of 2000 hrs (normal mode) and 2500 hrs (ECO mode). They also feature a quick power on/off so that the user can save the waiting time before and after usage.
These projectors light up the living rooms with their unbeatable picture quality and are ideal for home theatre enthusiasts. Both the projectors weigh 5.8 kg, and have a front exhaust and auto-altitude detection and are priced at Rs.1,65,000/-and Rs.1,10,000/-, respectively.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
More than one in five US households have TV connected to Internet
SCOTTSDALE, USA: At least 21 percent of US households (approximately 27 million) have either an Internet-ready TV, game console, standalone Blu-ray player, and/or smart set-top box connected to their home network. Of these four device categories, the game console is the most used device, reaching over 80 percent of these connected TV households, followed by Internet TVs (27 percent), standalone Blu-ray players (24 percent), and smart set-top boxes (13 percent).
“Game consoles got an early lead in the connectivity space when Microsoft’s Xbox 360 launched in late 2005. Multiplayer gaming, along with the attention devoted to features outside of gaming from all three key console manufacturers, Microsoft and Sony in particular, have helped catapult the game console to the top of the connected CE space,” says senior analyst, Michael Inouye.
In total, nearly half of US households have at least one current generation game console, while almost 16 percent has an Internet-ready TV, a base similar for standalone Blu-ray players (smart set-top boxes comes in at under 5 percent).
Considering the aforementioned connect rates, it is clear that a relatively large number of consumers have not connected some of these devices to the network, most notably Internet-ready TVs. Looking out to 2017, the penetration rates are expected to exceed 60 percent for game consoles, TVs, and Blu-ray players, and while not all of these devices will be connected, there is certainly room for growth, as only 48.5 percent of consumers with a home network currently have one of these devices connected to the Internet.
Inouye adds: “As CE manufacturers increase the value proposition by adding new services and features to these connected devices, the connect rate will certainly climb. This in turn will lead to an increased amount of time spent on these devices, but currently ABI Research does not anticipate a significant shift away from traditional pay-TV services, although it is possible these devices will contribute to limiting pay-TV’s growth potential.”
“Game consoles got an early lead in the connectivity space when Microsoft’s Xbox 360 launched in late 2005. Multiplayer gaming, along with the attention devoted to features outside of gaming from all three key console manufacturers, Microsoft and Sony in particular, have helped catapult the game console to the top of the connected CE space,” says senior analyst, Michael Inouye.
In total, nearly half of US households have at least one current generation game console, while almost 16 percent has an Internet-ready TV, a base similar for standalone Blu-ray players (smart set-top boxes comes in at under 5 percent).
Considering the aforementioned connect rates, it is clear that a relatively large number of consumers have not connected some of these devices to the network, most notably Internet-ready TVs. Looking out to 2017, the penetration rates are expected to exceed 60 percent for game consoles, TVs, and Blu-ray players, and while not all of these devices will be connected, there is certainly room for growth, as only 48.5 percent of consumers with a home network currently have one of these devices connected to the Internet.
Inouye adds: “As CE manufacturers increase the value proposition by adding new services and features to these connected devices, the connect rate will certainly climb. This in turn will lead to an increased amount of time spent on these devices, but currently ABI Research does not anticipate a significant shift away from traditional pay-TV services, although it is possible these devices will contribute to limiting pay-TV’s growth potential.”
Friday, April 27, 2012
US Department of Defense counterfeit regulations impact global suppliers
EL SEGUNDO, USA:Stringent new counterfeit-part regulations contained in the 2012 US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) may have broad international implications, impacting hundreds of overseas companies that have supplied billions of dollars’ worth of items to the American government.
Non-US-based suppliers accounted for more than $2 billion during the five-year period from 2007 to 2011, with European Union (EU) and Middle Eastern companies accounting for the bulk of the American government’s procurement spend, according to the IHS Haystack Gold service.
“There’s a perception that U.S. regulations such as 2012 NDAA, Section. 818. Detection and Avoidance of Counterfeit Electronic Parts,is only an issue for American companies, and that they don’t impact firms in Europe, the Mideast and elsewhere,” said Greg Jaknunas, senior product manager, supply chain solutions, at IHS. “However, the impact is beginning to be felt worldwide, as many international companies and global manufacturing facilities can directly participate in the defense supply chain and begin to see customer requests for counterfeit detection and avoidance measures that are flowed down through the supply chain.”
Even though the regulations in 2012 NDAA are from the United States, they will become an international issue as defense contractors place requirements on their suppliers, who then place similar demands on their suppliers, and so on, Jaknunas added
“The 2012 NDAA requirements will get pulled through the global supply chain,” Jaknunas observed. “Owing to the complex nature of the supply chain, it will become an international concern. In a way, this is similar to the EU’s restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) environmental directive, which called for the elimination of six hazardous materials in electronic components and systems, most notably lead. While RoHS requirements appeared to be European in nature, they had a ripple effect worldwide as suppliers all over the world changed their products in order to continue to do business in the key EU markets.”
IHS estimates that the 362 non-US companies worldwide that are supplying the US government could be directly impacted by the NDAA counterfeit regulations, with many more that could be indirectly affected.
The very real problem of counterfeits
Reports of counterfeit parts have soared dramatically in the last two years, presenting huge challenges for electronics manufacturing and especially the military and aerospace industry. Supply chain participants in 2011 reported 1,363 separate verified counterfeit-part incidents worldwide, a fourfold increase from 324 in 2009, according to IHS.
The bulk of these incidents were for commercial electronic components that have wide use across every major technology end market.
Counterfeit parts often are often cheap substitutes or salvaged waste components that fail to meet strict military and aerospace specifications, leading to potential failures.
To help combat the problem, President Obama on December 31, 2011 signed the fiscal year 2012 NDAA, which adds regulations for counterfeit part detection and avoidance. Members at all tiers of the defense supply chain must put counterfeit risk mitigation procedures in place, and certain steps must be completed within 270 days of the president’s signature.
Regional impact
Companies based in the European Union represent the largest group of foreign suppliers to the US government.
During the five-year period from 2007 through 2011, the region accounted for $1 billion in sales, or 51 percent of the total. The area, by a large margin, also had the most number of companies—283 firms.
Next was the Middle East with $951.2 million, representing 47 percent of the global total during the past five years. This revenue was generated by just 32 companies. The region, particularly Israel, is involved in extensive defense spending, and provides technology in this area to the United States. A major purchaser and user of U.S. military equipment, Israel is also involved in the joint development of military technology and regularly engages in joint military exercises involving United States.
Other regions trailed far behind, including Asia-Pacific, with the region’s 38 companies accounting for just 2 percent of global revenue.
Managing NDAA
To manage the wrenching changes wrought by the NDAA regulations, companies throughout the world must have tools that allow them to identify components at risk of counterfeits.
IHS provides content, software and expert analysis about worldwide electronics for component selection, sourcing, and logistics, as well as integrated obsolescence management, bill-of-materials management, environmental compliance and counterfeit risk mitigation.
IHS Haystack provides critical, integrated and interpretable logistics information to the government and contractors so that processes can be automated, labor and research costs saved, and new levels of efficiency as well as return on investment realized.
IHS Haystack allows users to locate a part number, determine its manufacturer, research past award histories, conduct competitive analyses, identify alternative sources, and find parts and manufacturers qualified against military specifications. Companies can use IHS Haystack’s Qualified Products Dataset to locate the most current information on certified government manufacturer and supplier sources of qualified products, in order to stay within a trusted supply chain of authorized suppliers.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Non-US-based suppliers accounted for more than $2 billion during the five-year period from 2007 to 2011, with European Union (EU) and Middle Eastern companies accounting for the bulk of the American government’s procurement spend, according to the IHS Haystack Gold service.
“There’s a perception that U.S. regulations such as 2012 NDAA, Section. 818. Detection and Avoidance of Counterfeit Electronic Parts,is only an issue for American companies, and that they don’t impact firms in Europe, the Mideast and elsewhere,” said Greg Jaknunas, senior product manager, supply chain solutions, at IHS. “However, the impact is beginning to be felt worldwide, as many international companies and global manufacturing facilities can directly participate in the defense supply chain and begin to see customer requests for counterfeit detection and avoidance measures that are flowed down through the supply chain.”
Even though the regulations in 2012 NDAA are from the United States, they will become an international issue as defense contractors place requirements on their suppliers, who then place similar demands on their suppliers, and so on, Jaknunas added
“The 2012 NDAA requirements will get pulled through the global supply chain,” Jaknunas observed. “Owing to the complex nature of the supply chain, it will become an international concern. In a way, this is similar to the EU’s restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) environmental directive, which called for the elimination of six hazardous materials in electronic components and systems, most notably lead. While RoHS requirements appeared to be European in nature, they had a ripple effect worldwide as suppliers all over the world changed their products in order to continue to do business in the key EU markets.”
IHS estimates that the 362 non-US companies worldwide that are supplying the US government could be directly impacted by the NDAA counterfeit regulations, with many more that could be indirectly affected.
The very real problem of counterfeits
Reports of counterfeit parts have soared dramatically in the last two years, presenting huge challenges for electronics manufacturing and especially the military and aerospace industry. Supply chain participants in 2011 reported 1,363 separate verified counterfeit-part incidents worldwide, a fourfold increase from 324 in 2009, according to IHS.
The bulk of these incidents were for commercial electronic components that have wide use across every major technology end market.
Counterfeit parts often are often cheap substitutes or salvaged waste components that fail to meet strict military and aerospace specifications, leading to potential failures.
To help combat the problem, President Obama on December 31, 2011 signed the fiscal year 2012 NDAA, which adds regulations for counterfeit part detection and avoidance. Members at all tiers of the defense supply chain must put counterfeit risk mitigation procedures in place, and certain steps must be completed within 270 days of the president’s signature.
Regional impact
Companies based in the European Union represent the largest group of foreign suppliers to the US government.
During the five-year period from 2007 through 2011, the region accounted for $1 billion in sales, or 51 percent of the total. The area, by a large margin, also had the most number of companies—283 firms.
Next was the Middle East with $951.2 million, representing 47 percent of the global total during the past five years. This revenue was generated by just 32 companies. The region, particularly Israel, is involved in extensive defense spending, and provides technology in this area to the United States. A major purchaser and user of U.S. military equipment, Israel is also involved in the joint development of military technology and regularly engages in joint military exercises involving United States.
Other regions trailed far behind, including Asia-Pacific, with the region’s 38 companies accounting for just 2 percent of global revenue.
Managing NDAA
To manage the wrenching changes wrought by the NDAA regulations, companies throughout the world must have tools that allow them to identify components at risk of counterfeits.
IHS provides content, software and expert analysis about worldwide electronics for component selection, sourcing, and logistics, as well as integrated obsolescence management, bill-of-materials management, environmental compliance and counterfeit risk mitigation.
IHS Haystack provides critical, integrated and interpretable logistics information to the government and contractors so that processes can be automated, labor and research costs saved, and new levels of efficiency as well as return on investment realized.
IHS Haystack allows users to locate a part number, determine its manufacturer, research past award histories, conduct competitive analyses, identify alternative sources, and find parts and manufacturers qualified against military specifications. Companies can use IHS Haystack’s Qualified Products Dataset to locate the most current information on certified government manufacturer and supplier sources of qualified products, in order to stay within a trusted supply chain of authorized suppliers.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Hitachi Unified Storage embraced by partner ecosystem
BANGALORE, INDIA: Hitachi Data Systems Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd, announced broad global partner support for the company’s new Hitachi Unified Storage family.
The ecosystem includes support from strategic technology partners and the Hitachi TrueNorth Partner community, and complements Hitachi Data Systems solutions and services organizations to help customers successfully and efficiently manage their critical business applications and meet their growth requirements.
The new Hitachi Unified Storage, with a single management framework, redefines unified storage by storing multiple data types with more flexibility and balanced scalability than any other midrange solution, and without compromising performance, scalability or cost efficiency.
Several strategic partners, including technology partners Brocade, Cisco, Intel, Microsoft Corp. and VMware, and Hitachi TrueNorth Partners including ASG, Datalink, HighVail Systems, Intel Corporation, Lumenate and ViON, have provided their perspectives on the new Hitachi Unified Storage.
Built on a heritage of market-leading innovation, Hitachi Unified Storage provides organizations with a reliable, dynamic and open architecture that lets them meet their service level objectives more efficiently, save costs and protect their long-term investments. HUS is supported by a proven services organization and a network of partners to help reduce operational and capital costs:
HUS integrates with industry-leading strategic alliance partner technologies to deliver to customers the highest performing, most scalable solutions that address data growth and help customers reduce CAPEX and OPEX while meeting rigorous SLA requirements.
HUS enables Hitachi TrueNorth Partners to help their customers do more with their data than ever before. The offering aligns with the Hitachi TrueNorth Partner Program which is committed to enabling partners to build a sustainable, agile and profitable Hitachi Data Systems business supported by industry proven technology.
The ecosystem includes support from strategic technology partners and the Hitachi TrueNorth Partner community, and complements Hitachi Data Systems solutions and services organizations to help customers successfully and efficiently manage their critical business applications and meet their growth requirements.
The new Hitachi Unified Storage, with a single management framework, redefines unified storage by storing multiple data types with more flexibility and balanced scalability than any other midrange solution, and without compromising performance, scalability or cost efficiency.
Several strategic partners, including technology partners Brocade, Cisco, Intel, Microsoft Corp. and VMware, and Hitachi TrueNorth Partners including ASG, Datalink, HighVail Systems, Intel Corporation, Lumenate and ViON, have provided their perspectives on the new Hitachi Unified Storage.
Built on a heritage of market-leading innovation, Hitachi Unified Storage provides organizations with a reliable, dynamic and open architecture that lets them meet their service level objectives more efficiently, save costs and protect their long-term investments. HUS is supported by a proven services organization and a network of partners to help reduce operational and capital costs:
HUS integrates with industry-leading strategic alliance partner technologies to deliver to customers the highest performing, most scalable solutions that address data growth and help customers reduce CAPEX and OPEX while meeting rigorous SLA requirements.
HUS enables Hitachi TrueNorth Partners to help their customers do more with their data than ever before. The offering aligns with the Hitachi TrueNorth Partner Program which is committed to enabling partners to build a sustainable, agile and profitable Hitachi Data Systems business supported by industry proven technology.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Point Grey launches HD 6.0 MP FireWire camera with industry leading CCD sensitivity
RICHMOND, CANADA: Point Grey, a world-leading designer and manufacturer of digital cameras for industrial, scientific, and traffic applications, announced the addition of new 6.0 megapixel models to its Grasshopper Express IEEE 1394b (FireWire-b) digital cameras series. Building on Point Grey's experience with Sony EXview HAD CCD II technology, the new Grasshopper Express GX-FW-60S6 uses the Sony ICX694 to deliver high resolution and extreme sensitivity in a compact and low-cost package.
Following the successful release of the ICX674 used in the GX-FW-28S5, the ICX694 applies EXview HAD technology to higher resolution, multi-tap image sensors. Compared to other CCD devices, EXview is known for higher quantum efficiency, reduced smear, and increased near infrared sensitivity. The ICX694 is a full 1" CCD that features 4.54 micron square pixels and is capable of sending 2736 x 2192 images at 11 FPS.
Every Grasshopper Express camera is equipped with a tripod mounting bracket, on-board temperature and power sensors to monitor camera status, and Point Grey's rich feature set. Also included with every camera is the FlyCapture SDK software library, which provides a common control interface for all Point Grey cameras under both Windows and Linux. The Grasshopper Express camera utilizes the FireWire-b interface. The 800 Mbit/s of bandwidth delivers low latency, deterministic image transfer without CPU loading. Industry-leading pricing and best-in-class image quality make the new GX ideal for applications in machine vision, bioscience, traffic and GIS applications.
"Applications imaging fast moving objects will benefit from improved sensitivity, shorter exposure values to eliminate motion blur, and post capture gain," says Michael Gibbons, director of Sales and Marketing. "With its high infrared response, this new Grasshopper Express allows customers to detect features and defects at higher wavelengths."
The Grasshopper Express GX-FW-60S6M-C (monochrome) and GX-FW-60S6C-C (color) models are list priced at $3,995 and are available to order now from Point Grey and its network of distributors.
Following the successful release of the ICX674 used in the GX-FW-28S5, the ICX694 applies EXview HAD technology to higher resolution, multi-tap image sensors. Compared to other CCD devices, EXview is known for higher quantum efficiency, reduced smear, and increased near infrared sensitivity. The ICX694 is a full 1" CCD that features 4.54 micron square pixels and is capable of sending 2736 x 2192 images at 11 FPS.
Every Grasshopper Express camera is equipped with a tripod mounting bracket, on-board temperature and power sensors to monitor camera status, and Point Grey's rich feature set. Also included with every camera is the FlyCapture SDK software library, which provides a common control interface for all Point Grey cameras under both Windows and Linux. The Grasshopper Express camera utilizes the FireWire-b interface. The 800 Mbit/s of bandwidth delivers low latency, deterministic image transfer without CPU loading. Industry-leading pricing and best-in-class image quality make the new GX ideal for applications in machine vision, bioscience, traffic and GIS applications.
"Applications imaging fast moving objects will benefit from improved sensitivity, shorter exposure values to eliminate motion blur, and post capture gain," says Michael Gibbons, director of Sales and Marketing. "With its high infrared response, this new Grasshopper Express allows customers to detect features and defects at higher wavelengths."
The Grasshopper Express GX-FW-60S6M-C (monochrome) and GX-FW-60S6C-C (color) models are list priced at $3,995 and are available to order now from Point Grey and its network of distributors.
China will overtake US in connected TV sales in 2014
BOSTON, USA: The global connected flat-panel TV (FPTV) market will increase to 91 million units in 2012, according to the Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices service report, “Global Flat-panel TV and Connected TV Forecast 2012.”
By the end of 2011, nearly 100 million households worldwide owned at least one Connected FPTV, 6 percent of global household penetration. Strategy Analytics projects that the number of global connected FPTV households will reach 502 million by 2016.
Content providers and Pay TV operators will increasingly leverage the growing presence of connected TVs to reach consumers, driving the growth of connected TVs. Nearly 40 percent of all FPTVs sold in 2012 are projected to be internet-enabled; and this figure will rise to 80 percent in 2016. The United States will remain the largest market for connected TVs in 2012, with sales projected to reach 18 million units.
However, China will soon seize the top spot of the connected TV market, as it is expected to exceed US connected TV sales in 2014. The Asia Pacific region, driven by China and India, will account for 42 percent of all connected TV sales in 2016.
Jia Wu, director, Connected Home Devices (CHD) at Strategy Analytics, commented: “Consumers are starting to enjoy services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer on their internet-enabled televisions. The increasing availability of a broad range of other services, like Skype and YouTube, will make the proposition of connected TVs more compelling.”
Kantideep Thota, CHD Analyst, added, “Despite rapid connected TV growth in China, its household penetration of connected TVs will remain low, with less than one-third of Chinese households owning a connected TV by the end of 2016.”
By the end of 2011, nearly 100 million households worldwide owned at least one Connected FPTV, 6 percent of global household penetration. Strategy Analytics projects that the number of global connected FPTV households will reach 502 million by 2016.
Content providers and Pay TV operators will increasingly leverage the growing presence of connected TVs to reach consumers, driving the growth of connected TVs. Nearly 40 percent of all FPTVs sold in 2012 are projected to be internet-enabled; and this figure will rise to 80 percent in 2016. The United States will remain the largest market for connected TVs in 2012, with sales projected to reach 18 million units.
However, China will soon seize the top spot of the connected TV market, as it is expected to exceed US connected TV sales in 2014. The Asia Pacific region, driven by China and India, will account for 42 percent of all connected TV sales in 2016.
Jia Wu, director, Connected Home Devices (CHD) at Strategy Analytics, commented: “Consumers are starting to enjoy services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer on their internet-enabled televisions. The increasing availability of a broad range of other services, like Skype and YouTube, will make the proposition of connected TVs more compelling.”
Kantideep Thota, CHD Analyst, added, “Despite rapid connected TV growth in China, its household penetration of connected TVs will remain low, with less than one-third of Chinese households owning a connected TV by the end of 2016.”
Microsoft security intelligence report warns of ongoing conficker threat and clarifies reality of targeted attacks
REDMOND, USA: Microsoft Corp. released the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report volume 12 (SIRv12), which found that the Conficker worm was detected approximately 220 million times worldwide in the past two and a half years, making it one of the biggest ongoing threats to enterprises. The study also revealed the worm continues to spread because of weak or stolen passwords and vulnerabilities for which a security update exists.
According to the SIRv12, quarterly detections of the Conficker worm have increased by more than 225 percent since the beginning of 2009. In the fourth quarter of 2011 alone, Conficker was detected on 1.7 million systems worldwide. In examining the reasons behind Conficker’s prevalence in organizations, research showed that 92 percent of Conficker infections were a result of weak or stolen passwords, and 8 percent of infections exploited vulnerabilities for which a security update exists.
“Conficker is one of the biggest security problems we face, yet it is well within our power to defend against,” said Tim Rains, director of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing. “It is critically important that organizations focus on the security fundamentals to help protect against the most common threats.”
The SIRv12 also revealed that many of the threats often referred to as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are no more advanced or sophisticated than other types of attacks. In most cases, these attacks leverage known vectors such as exploiting weak or stolen passwords and vulnerabilities for which security updates exist, but their success lies in the persistence and determination in trying different tactics to compromise the target. This is why Microsoft refers to these types of threats as Targeted Attacks performed by Determined Adversaries, rather than APTs.
Microsoft recommends that customers and businesses adhere to the following security fundamentals to help ensure they are protected:
* Use strong passwords and educate employees on their importance.
* Keep systems up to date by regularly applying available updates for all products.
* Use antivirus software from a trusted source.
* Invest in newer products with a higher quality of software protection.
* Consider the cloud as a business resource.
According to the SIRv12, quarterly detections of the Conficker worm have increased by more than 225 percent since the beginning of 2009. In the fourth quarter of 2011 alone, Conficker was detected on 1.7 million systems worldwide. In examining the reasons behind Conficker’s prevalence in organizations, research showed that 92 percent of Conficker infections were a result of weak or stolen passwords, and 8 percent of infections exploited vulnerabilities for which a security update exists.
“Conficker is one of the biggest security problems we face, yet it is well within our power to defend against,” said Tim Rains, director of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing. “It is critically important that organizations focus on the security fundamentals to help protect against the most common threats.”
The SIRv12 also revealed that many of the threats often referred to as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are no more advanced or sophisticated than other types of attacks. In most cases, these attacks leverage known vectors such as exploiting weak or stolen passwords and vulnerabilities for which security updates exist, but their success lies in the persistence and determination in trying different tactics to compromise the target. This is why Microsoft refers to these types of threats as Targeted Attacks performed by Determined Adversaries, rather than APTs.
Microsoft recommends that customers and businesses adhere to the following security fundamentals to help ensure they are protected:
* Use strong passwords and educate employees on their importance.
* Keep systems up to date by regularly applying available updates for all products.
* Use antivirus software from a trusted source.
* Invest in newer products with a higher quality of software protection.
* Consider the cloud as a business resource.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
New Norton Secured seal is most recognized trust mark on the Internet
USA: Symantec Corp. announced that it is combining the power of the VeriSign checkmark with the industry-leading Norton brand, to create the most recognized trust mark on the Internet – the Norton Secured Seal. It will be displayed more than half a billion times per day in 170 countries on websites and in search results on enabled browsers. The Norton Secured Seal provides consumers and businesses with the assurance that the website is highly-trusted and secure.
Together with the combined brand equity strengths, Symantec and Norton have created the most trusted global brand for protecting information and identities online. Since the acquisition of the VeriSign Authentication Services business, Symantec has expanded its authentication business, integrating rigorous website security and anti-malware technologies, to develop market-leading solutions. The company builds on its leadership, as the world's largest and most trusted provider of Security Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, into offering comprehensive website security solutions.
Business customers will value the Norton Secured Seal, for its proven ability to enable a secure online experience while increasing visibility and transactions. The seal can attract new visitors and potential customers that are crucial to a website’s success. This may result in increased traffic, more click throughs and higher rankings in search results. A U.S. online consumer study1 found that recognition of the Norton Secured seal is high.
* 94 percent of consumers are likely to continue an online purchase when they view the Norton Secured Seal during the checkout process, more than other seals or when no seal was displayed.
* 77 percent of consumers recognized the Norton Secured Seal, more than competitors' trust seals.
* 65 percent of consumers agree that a website displaying the Norton Secured Seal is “safe to browse and won’t give me a virus,” more than any other online trust mark.
* 90 percent of respondents indicated they would not continue a transaction if they saw a browser warning page indicating the absence of a secure connection.
Protecting consumers’ information and preserving their trust is central to Symantec’s business. And the Norton Secured Seal provides further assurance to businesses that their customers’ online information and transactions are protected at all stages of their engagement online.
Norton helps consumers stay safe online
* Symantec’s consumer products are used by more than 150 million people worldwide and Norton products ship on more than 60 percent of Windows-based consumer PCs.
* The Norton Secured Seal is already familiar to consumers who use Norton Safe Web, a site ratings service that makes it easy for consumers to differentiate between a safe and risky site. In addition, Norton Safe Search leverages Safe Web technology to provide users visual site ratings within search results before they visit a site.
* For consumers, seeing the Norton Secured Seal lets them know it is safe to communicate, transact and exchange information on that site.
Together with the combined brand equity strengths, Symantec and Norton have created the most trusted global brand for protecting information and identities online. Since the acquisition of the VeriSign Authentication Services business, Symantec has expanded its authentication business, integrating rigorous website security and anti-malware technologies, to develop market-leading solutions. The company builds on its leadership, as the world's largest and most trusted provider of Security Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, into offering comprehensive website security solutions.
Business customers will value the Norton Secured Seal, for its proven ability to enable a secure online experience while increasing visibility and transactions. The seal can attract new visitors and potential customers that are crucial to a website’s success. This may result in increased traffic, more click throughs and higher rankings in search results. A U.S. online consumer study1 found that recognition of the Norton Secured seal is high.
* 94 percent of consumers are likely to continue an online purchase when they view the Norton Secured Seal during the checkout process, more than other seals or when no seal was displayed.
* 77 percent of consumers recognized the Norton Secured Seal, more than competitors' trust seals.
* 65 percent of consumers agree that a website displaying the Norton Secured Seal is “safe to browse and won’t give me a virus,” more than any other online trust mark.
* 90 percent of respondents indicated they would not continue a transaction if they saw a browser warning page indicating the absence of a secure connection.
Protecting consumers’ information and preserving their trust is central to Symantec’s business. And the Norton Secured Seal provides further assurance to businesses that their customers’ online information and transactions are protected at all stages of their engagement online.
Norton helps consumers stay safe online
* Symantec’s consumer products are used by more than 150 million people worldwide and Norton products ship on more than 60 percent of Windows-based consumer PCs.
* The Norton Secured Seal is already familiar to consumers who use Norton Safe Web, a site ratings service that makes it easy for consumers to differentiate between a safe and risky site. In addition, Norton Safe Search leverages Safe Web technology to provide users visual site ratings within search results before they visit a site.
* For consumers, seeing the Norton Secured Seal lets them know it is safe to communicate, transact and exchange information on that site.
IBM addresses big data with best in class search, and partners with Cloudera
Mike Davis, Ovum Senior Analyst
AUSTRALIA: IBM has announced that it is to acquire next generation search vendor Vivisimo, and is expanding its big data platform to run on other distributions of Hadoop, beginning with Cloudera.
Mike Davis, Ovum senior analyst, said: “If people didn’t think big data was in the mainstream of information management before – it is now.
“As predicted in our 2012 Trends to Watch research, vendors are now clearly seeing the benefits of investing in tools to help organisations navigate big data. Since its inception, we’ve highly rated the search technology from privately held Vivisimo. Cloudera is respected for providing not only a distribution of the Open Source Hadoop platform for Big Data, but also for delivering the support, professional services and training that enterprises require before they will deploy open source software.
“Vivisiomo’s Velocity search compliments IBM’s analytic tools for discovering the information ‘nuggets’ that are often obscured by the rapidly increasing volumes of corporate and associated social media data.”
AUSTRALIA: IBM has announced that it is to acquire next generation search vendor Vivisimo, and is expanding its big data platform to run on other distributions of Hadoop, beginning with Cloudera.
Mike Davis, Ovum senior analyst, said: “If people didn’t think big data was in the mainstream of information management before – it is now.
“As predicted in our 2012 Trends to Watch research, vendors are now clearly seeing the benefits of investing in tools to help organisations navigate big data. Since its inception, we’ve highly rated the search technology from privately held Vivisimo. Cloudera is respected for providing not only a distribution of the Open Source Hadoop platform for Big Data, but also for delivering the support, professional services and training that enterprises require before they will deploy open source software.
“Vivisiomo’s Velocity search compliments IBM’s analytic tools for discovering the information ‘nuggets’ that are often obscured by the rapidly increasing volumes of corporate and associated social media data.”
Norton and Facebook to make the web safer
MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA: Norton by Symantec and Facebook announced a partnership to help protect Facebook users and make the web a safer place to connect with friends and family.
As a member of the Facebook AV Marketplace, Norton will provide Facebook users with a six-month trial to the award-winning Norton AntiVirus 2012. Norton will also work with Facebook to detect and alert users to potentially malicious URLs on the site, helping to provide a safer experience for members.
"As the world's largest online community, Facebook is committed to ensuring security for our members," said Joe Sullivan, chief security officer, Facebook. "Norton has long been a trusted brand in security and through our partnership, we will help ensure our members are protected from threats on Facebook and any other site they visit."
Facebook and Symantec have also released a joint whitepaper, "Scams & Spam to Avoid on Facebook," illustrating the most prevalent security issues and threats targeting Facebook today and how users can protect themselves. The whitepaper can be accessed at the Facebook Security Blog.
Facebook members who are PC users can obtain their six-month trial subscription to Norton AntiVirus 2012 by visiting the Facebook AV Marketplace, which features a variety of consumer security offerings to protect against online threats. Mac users can obtain a six-month trial subscription to Norton AntiVirus 12 for Mac. At launch these partnership offerings will be available in English.
"Norton and Facebook share a common goal of protecting consumers online," said Marian Merritt, Norton Internet Safety Advocate. "This partnership brings the industry's best security to the Facebook community and is one more step in Norton's effort to protect consumers and the stuff that matters to them, whatever device or platform they choose."
As a member of the Facebook AV Marketplace, Norton will provide Facebook users with a six-month trial to the award-winning Norton AntiVirus 2012. Norton will also work with Facebook to detect and alert users to potentially malicious URLs on the site, helping to provide a safer experience for members.
"As the world's largest online community, Facebook is committed to ensuring security for our members," said Joe Sullivan, chief security officer, Facebook. "Norton has long been a trusted brand in security and through our partnership, we will help ensure our members are protected from threats on Facebook and any other site they visit."
Facebook and Symantec have also released a joint whitepaper, "Scams & Spam to Avoid on Facebook," illustrating the most prevalent security issues and threats targeting Facebook today and how users can protect themselves. The whitepaper can be accessed at the Facebook Security Blog.
Facebook members who are PC users can obtain their six-month trial subscription to Norton AntiVirus 2012 by visiting the Facebook AV Marketplace, which features a variety of consumer security offerings to protect against online threats. Mac users can obtain a six-month trial subscription to Norton AntiVirus 12 for Mac. At launch these partnership offerings will be available in English.
"Norton and Facebook share a common goal of protecting consumers online," said Marian Merritt, Norton Internet Safety Advocate. "This partnership brings the industry's best security to the Facebook community and is one more step in Norton's effort to protect consumers and the stuff that matters to them, whatever device or platform they choose."
CTS awarded four new automotive production programs in Asia
ELKHART, USA: CTS Corp. announced that its Automotive Products group has been awarded three new production programs to supply pedal modules for major Japanese and Chinese vehicle manufacturers.
CTS Automotive has also been awarded a new production program to supply exhaust gas recirculation sensors for a leading EGR valve supplier serving the Chinese and Korean markets. These new business wins further demonstrate CTS’ continuing success in the rapidly growing Asian markets.
Total revenues from these awards are expected to exceed $17 million over the five-year life of these programs. The pedal module programs have expected revenues of approximately $10 million with first deliveries in 2013 and will be manufactured in CTS’ Zhongshan, China facility. The EGR program has expected revenue of approximately $7 million and will be manufactured in CTS’ Elkhart, Indiana facility starting this year.
CTS Automotive has also been awarded a new production program to supply exhaust gas recirculation sensors for a leading EGR valve supplier serving the Chinese and Korean markets. These new business wins further demonstrate CTS’ continuing success in the rapidly growing Asian markets.
Total revenues from these awards are expected to exceed $17 million over the five-year life of these programs. The pedal module programs have expected revenues of approximately $10 million with first deliveries in 2013 and will be manufactured in CTS’ Zhongshan, China facility. The EGR program has expected revenue of approximately $7 million and will be manufactured in CTS’ Elkhart, Indiana facility starting this year.
Samsung intros world’s thinnest optical disc drive for ultrabooks and tablets
SAN JOSE, USA: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd announced its new slim external DVD writer, the SE-218BB optical disc drive (ODD) that sets the industry standard for ultra portable drives.
Built to accompany a new generation of ultrabook and slim laptop designs, the SE-218BB features a compact size that is 18% thinner than conventional DVD writers and is the world’s thinnest external optical disc drive with a 14mm height. The drive is 8 percent lighter than Samsung’s conventional DVD writer and built to accommodate today’s mobile lifestyle.
“With its ultra small footprint, consumers will appreciate the SE-218BB sleek drive as an ideal companion for ultrabook users that quickly connects and is USB powered to access content wherever they are,” said Maverick Choi, ODD senior manager, Samsung Semiconductor Inc. “Through its AV connectivity mode, the drive is also ideal for Tablet PC users that want to view or hear content from a disc.”
Using Smart Power technology, SE-218BB connects through its single USB port to power the drive and provide AV connectivity to PCs and notebook computers. For Tablet PCs with a built-in USB port and supporting Android Honeycomb OS 3.1 or above, the SE-218BB allows users on-the-go to watch DVD content on their tablets.
The SE-218BB DVD writer is engineered to be compatible with all major operating systems, including Win7 and Mac OS. Featuring Buffer Under Run technology, the drive works to prevent errors that result from writing speeds that can exceed data transfer speeds, while also enabling PC multi-tasking.
The SE-218BB DVD writer is an eco-friendly product, manufactured with lead-free soldering technology that eliminates harmful materials such as Pb, cd, cr+6, Hg, PBBs and PBDE.
The external DVD drive is capable of reading and writing files at a variety of speeds across different data media types including: 24X CD-ROM, 24X CD-RW, 8X DVD±R recording, 5X DVD-RAM recording, 6X DVD+R Dual Layer recording, 6X DVD-R Dual Layer recording, 8X DVD+RW recording and 6X DVD-RW recording.
The SE-218BB is available now worldwide at online retail outlets with a MSRP of $59.99.
Built to accompany a new generation of ultrabook and slim laptop designs, the SE-218BB features a compact size that is 18% thinner than conventional DVD writers and is the world’s thinnest external optical disc drive with a 14mm height. The drive is 8 percent lighter than Samsung’s conventional DVD writer and built to accommodate today’s mobile lifestyle.
“With its ultra small footprint, consumers will appreciate the SE-218BB sleek drive as an ideal companion for ultrabook users that quickly connects and is USB powered to access content wherever they are,” said Maverick Choi, ODD senior manager, Samsung Semiconductor Inc. “Through its AV connectivity mode, the drive is also ideal for Tablet PC users that want to view or hear content from a disc.”
Using Smart Power technology, SE-218BB connects through its single USB port to power the drive and provide AV connectivity to PCs and notebook computers. For Tablet PCs with a built-in USB port and supporting Android Honeycomb OS 3.1 or above, the SE-218BB allows users on-the-go to watch DVD content on their tablets.
The SE-218BB DVD writer is engineered to be compatible with all major operating systems, including Win7 and Mac OS. Featuring Buffer Under Run technology, the drive works to prevent errors that result from writing speeds that can exceed data transfer speeds, while also enabling PC multi-tasking.
The SE-218BB DVD writer is an eco-friendly product, manufactured with lead-free soldering technology that eliminates harmful materials such as Pb, cd, cr+6, Hg, PBBs and PBDE.
The external DVD drive is capable of reading and writing files at a variety of speeds across different data media types including: 24X CD-ROM, 24X CD-RW, 8X DVD±R recording, 5X DVD-RAM recording, 6X DVD+R Dual Layer recording, 6X DVD-R Dual Layer recording, 8X DVD+RW recording and 6X DVD-RW recording.
The SE-218BB is available now worldwide at online retail outlets with a MSRP of $59.99.
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