New Game World

Haier Steals Show with Thoroughly Wireless TV

(Really, truly wireless!)

By Richard M. Sherwin and Lee Danuff

Most of the world's largest consumer electronics (CE), PC and accessory companies unveiled hundreds of new products at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Association Show. 3D HDTVs gained the widest attention, but there were numerous other technology advances in electronic books, mobile phones, computers and peripherals and even strategic partnerships between several industry leading manufacturers and leading service providers.

Everyone had a tablet, almost everyone showed off 3D television, yet with all the big guns going to another dimension at the Consumer Electronics Show, it was actually one of the Chinese-based American upstart CE and Appliance makers that stole the show.

Haier, with some help from the MIT labs, introduced a completely wireless 32-inch HDTV that operates without even a visible AC adapter. Using an almost standard wireless HDMI to provide content from a DVD player, the ultra hot mass market manufacturer is using an offshoot of a wireless power technology dubbed WiTricity. Intel Corp has a similar wireless power solution which it has yet to employ, but has shown to PC and TV makers.

Both Intel and MIT are using a special frequency not quite wifi not quite wireless HDMI so that the transmission of electricity occurs through the use of two standalone objects around 20 feet (maximum) using a private frequency. This allows an almost AC type of power to run the devices.

And while Panasonic, Sony, Samsung And LG all demonstrated 3D home TV technology, and Dreamworks and other movie studios are promising many home 3D video releases, industry experts think that wireless power and truly wireless content delivery may be more important to the average consumer.

“It might be nice to watch Avatar at home, but you need a $10,000 television, you still need those annoying glasses and apparently there's still as much as 20-30% of the population that may get sick from it,” says Len Wanger, senior technology analyst at William Harris & Co. “3D works well for the PC gamer community, which skews younger, but does grow up too.” Adds Wanger.

“When they grow up,” says industry expert (and Digital Family Hub contributor) Craig Bird, president of Segue Ventures, “they are more likely to want their CE, PC and other electronics to be more convenient and that's where wireless power has extraordinary potential.”

LG Electronics introduced several new televisions, many of which are wireless-ready, compatible with high-definition signals and support 3-D technology. Some LG HDTVs will incorporate Internet telephony service Skype, allowing users to make video calls over the Web.

Samsung introduced its online store where Internet-connected television owners can download software. Blockbuster Inc. (BBI) and other entertainment companies will create the first apps for this service.

Sharp Corporation introduced QuadPixel, a technology that displays a billion more hues than current television screens. The company plans to incorporate QuadPixel into its Aquos line of liquid crystal display HDTVs. Sharp's flagship 68-inch LC92068 will be released in May.

Toshiba unveiled its new ZX900 Cell HDTV, which promises up conversion of 2D content to 3-D high-definition viewing. Toshiba becomes one of the first major players to directly use PC derived technology to processes content at 143 times the processing power of current TV models.

Panasonic's TC-PVT25 HDTV series was the undisputed 2010 Best of CES winner. Panasonic's 3D demos were among the most convincing, though Sony's new 3D model was a strong second. Panasonic also revealed its Twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder; a $21,000 professional-level 3D camcorder that records video from each of its lenses to SDHC cards. Panasonic wowed the experts when they unveiled their massive and impressive VIERA Ultra High Definition 152-inch NeoPDP Plasma HDTV, which also supports 3-D.

Sony said it will release nine 3-D models of Bravia HDTVs. The company also unveiled a 7-inch, wedge-shaped touch-screen device, called the “Dash”, which stands upright for viewing, or can be laid down flat. The Dash connects to Wi-Fi networks. And, drum-roll please, Sony has finally adopted SD/SDHC cards as their point-and-shoot cameras storage device.

Nearly every crossover manufacturer, including Dell, Acer, MSI and HP, showed off a version of the Dash. But for once Sony is pricing the all around personal Internet device at a very affordable $200.

California based Netgear Inc. introduced Stora, a home server that enables customers to access, back up and centralize photos, music, movies and files using nearly any network device. Arch rivals D-Link and Linksys have almost identical home networking servers.

New Strategic Partnerships Announced

LG and Panasonic both announced Skype support for their connected HDTVs (equipped with Webcam accessories). Video chatting in big-screen 1080p may finally become a reality...and industry gurus also agreed that this will make the TV a real all around connected appliance.

“This could possibly make a significant impact on business travel and personal communications, too” said Bird. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the next generation of connected TVs had video game systems built-in or an accelerator chip providing the speed and power of a true next generation video game system,” said Wanger.

Panasonic and DirecTV co-announced their partnership that will produce three dedicated 3D channels on the satellite service, beginning this June.

Discovery Communications, Sony and Imax announced plans for a joint venture that they claim will produce the first 24/7 dedicated 3D television network in the US next year.

Toshiba, Samsung and JVC announced they have signed technology deals with RealD.

Vizio announced a deal with Sensio to include Sensio's 3D technology into its new line of HD3D TVs. Vizio also maintained its lead as the best selling TV maker in North America recording a record breaking holiday selling season.

Pioneer Corporation introduced their AVIC-X920BT, an advanced navigation device, which includes touch-slide interface, turn by turn, voice control, iPod integration, and Bluetooth. Pioneer also unveiled their MusicSphere application that includes an iTunes plug-in, PandoraLink interface, and categorizes music based on attributes such as feeling and music density.

High Quality Audio Makers Launch Next Generation Receivers, Players, Speakers & Sound-Bars

DENON, which won a Digital Family Hub audio award last year for its Internet enabled receiver, introduced the S-5BD BD/Receiver, an innovative single-component home entertainment solution that combines an audiophile grade 5.1-channel surround sound receiver with an advanced Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player featuring BD Live connectivity which enables consumers to enjoy the best in audio and video performance, including high-impact surround sound and state-of-the-art high-definition video, with the convenience and flexibility of multi-room audio/video. The S-5BD is one of the first products to feature HDMI 1.4 with support of Audio Return Channel. Named an International CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree, it has a suggested retail price of $1,799.

MCINTOSH LABORATORY, still the iconic product brand and product in the high end category, débuted its high-performance MX150 A/V Control Center (SRP: $12,000), which sets a new standard in home theater, providing users with an elegant solution for controlling and enjoying the maximum benefits of all today's advanced video and audio source components. It features a robust up-converting video processing engine with advanced HDMI 1.3 capability, as well as DolbyHD and DTSMaster decoding, on-board RoomPerfect™* auto-equalization, multiple subwoofer capability, and software management via USB, Ethernet and Compact Flash. The MX150 is scheduled to be available later this month.

BOSTON ACOUSTICS announced the upcoming release (in March 2010) of its TVee™ Model 20 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer System (MAP: $299.99). Following the success of the company's TVee Model 2, the affordably priced TVee Model 20 utilizes a slim soundbar and matching wireless subwoofer to add powerful, room-filling sound and powerful bass to any television experience. It will also deliver this improved television experience at a new lower price. Perfectly sized for TVs measuring 32 inches and up, the TVee Model 20 can be mounted on the wall either above or below the TV, or can rest on any flat surface, and connects to the TV's line-level output with just a single cable. Listeners can place the system's wireless subwoofer anywhere in the room, even out of sight, which adds to the system's convenience and flexibility. It also has Boston's innovative remote Learning Function that learns the signal coming from a user's existing remote, thereby controlling the TVee's volume and mute commands without the need for an additional remote.

SNELL ACOUSTICS PHANTOM B7 LOUDSPEAKER (SRP: $25,000/pr) is engineered to provide the prestige, style and incredible sound of the company's flagship Illusion, only with an acoustic design befitting of conventional living rooms and smaller footprint. It features many of the same hi-end audio characteristics and leading-edge technologies as Illusion, including the innovative, continuously variable cabinet design and extraordinary best in class parts list.

ION, the creative CE-PC innovator that pioneered a turntable that can convert your LPs to CDs had its biggest product launch ever. The DISCOVER DJ lets you mix and scratch the music in your iTunes music library. You can DJ parties, events, or just mix for fun using the music that is already on your computer. It features the professional DJ standard setup with two turntables and a mixer all on its touch-sensitive DJ control surface that connects with USB to your Mac or PC and works with included performance DJ software.

DISCOVER DRUMS TABLETOP ELECTRONIC DRUM SET has four drum pads and 50 drum, cymbal, and percussion sounds. You can play the preconfigured virtual drum sets or assign individual instrument sounds to any of the four drum pads to create your own custom setups. It also contains drumming tutorials including a follow-the-lights exercise and 50 play-along patterns.

DISCOVER KARAOKE is a complete karaoke system for your computer. This easy-to-use package of computer software and peripherals eliminates the need for expensive, bulky traditional karaoke machines and comes with an expandable library of music, the perfect choice for creating an instant party without a complicated setup.

DISCOVER KEYBOARD USB is a 25-key piano-style keyboard. It connects plug and play to Mac and PC via USB and give you everything you need for learning, playing and performing piano.

ION's Dual-Lens handheld is the world's first video recorder that allows you to capture both your world and your reaction to it. This revolutionary camera makes interviews, vlogs, and creating videos for YouTube and Facebook easy thanks to live-editing features that include picture swap, split screen, and picture-in-picture

iDISCOVER KEYBOARD, a music creation station, transforms your iPhone or iPod touch into a music creation studio. Virtually anyone can use it to easily create music. 25 piano-style keys and a custom sound app that includes more than two dozen world-class sounds give you everything you need to learn and create music with your iPhone or iPod touch.

Other innovations from ION include:

FILM 2 SD 35mm FILM AND SLIDE SCANNER lets you rediscover your long-lost 35mm slides and film negatives with FILM 2 SD. This high-quality scanner transfers your images directly onto an SD card so you can enjoy your old pictures with the latest technology. Thanks to FILM 2 SD's large, full-color LCD screen, you don't even need a computer to make it work ION also makes a similar device for 135mm and 110mm negatives and slides. And other device that makes it easy and fun to rediscover your photo prints, slides, and film negatives on your computer. Bring your old slides and photo prints into today's digital world, and share them with your family and friends.

PARTY ROCKER COMPACT, COMPLETE SOUND AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM is everything a home party organizer, musician, small band, or venue needs to deliver powerful sound to their audience. This complete sound system consists of two self-powered speakers with stands, a built-in mixer, microphone, cables and all of the necessary accessories to make the system work.

PALMTRACK HANDHELD STEREO RECORDER captures studio-quality sound in stereo or 360-degree pick-up patterns and records it to SD or SDHC cards. With the pocket-sized PALMTRACK, capturing live sound anywhere and anytime is a breeze. It's perfect for recording sound in a wide variety of settings from music rehearsals, jam sessions and gigs to conferences, lectures, and classes to interviews and meetings.