VIZIO Announces Record 4th Quarter 2008 VIZIO announced last week that according to preliminary iSuppli reports, their 2008 4th quarter sales accounted for 15 percent of all flat panel (FPTV) shipments to the U.S., elevating them to the second largest shipper of HDTVs. Despite competitors’ efforts to maximize market share with discounted products and promotions, iSuppli reported that VIZIO still experienced 15 percent year-over-year growth in Q4 FPTV sales by selling 1,238,840 units, which is the largest per quarter shipping quantity in VIZIO company history.Even in a difficult retail environment, VIZIO exceeded its sales goals by significantly increasing holiday (November 24 – December 31) unit sales by 52 percent over 2007 levels. VIZIO’s sales momentum has continued through to the first quarter of 2009 with increased demand from key retail partners. Back to Top Futuresource Consulting Reveals Blu-ray Disc Sales Will Break 100 Million in 2009 Research from Futuresource Consulting reveals that consumers are on target to buy in excess of 100 million Blu-ray discs (BD) across the USA, Western Europe and Japan this year, with sales of HD LCD and plasma TVs and continued dramatic reductions in BD player prices continuing to fuel interest in packaged HD content, despite the economic downturn. “In the USA, BD has moved from early adopter phase through to early majority, with the format gaining real traction in the marketplace,” says Mai Hoang, Senior Market Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “Last year in the US alone, BD video retail sales increased by a whopping 320 percent to 24 million units, and we’re going to see momentum continuing in 2009, with over 80 million disc sales forecast.” Although the uptake of BD in Western Europe is still at the early adopter stage, it continues to gather momentum. Consumer video retail sales reached nine million units last year, and further healthy growth is expected in 2009. You can read the entire forecast report at: http://www.futuresource-consulting.com Back to Top Philips Says “Green Sales” Make Up 25 Percent of Total Sales Royal Philips Electronics confirmed today it is on track to deliver on the targets set out in EcoVision4 — the ambitious sustainability agenda Philips unveiled in 2007 focusing on improving the energy efficiency of its products and operations.The company reported that green products sales increased to around 25 percent of total sales in 2008, compared with 20 percent in 2007. It is Philips’ target to derive 30 percent of total sales from green products by 2012, as laid out in Ecovision4. The company also put 91 new green products on the market, 72 percent more than in the previous year. To further strengthen its EcoVision drive, Philips announced yesterday additional recycling initiatives, based on the principle of individual producer responsibility. In India, Brazil and Argentina, Philips will set up cost-effective voluntary collection and recycling systems, working together with partners to develop a level-playing field on the principle of integrating environmental costs into product price. Philips is definitely a leader in green planning and performance. Now if they could find lasting success in an AV product, that would be cool! I feel sorry for Philips as they have, historically, had some of the most innovative AV products in our market’s history, such as the first aesthetically pleasing HDTVs, the first affordable touch screen, programmable remote control, etc. All of them seem to fade away within months of introduction, only to be copied by someone else who sells 10 times as many as Philips ever did. Is it a marketing thing? Back to Top FCC Delays Digital Transition, Again: Way To Go!To protect the estimated 5 million “people” apparently living in either caves or farms that haven’t heard anything about the 13-year DTV transition, the FCC stepped in to protect these, well, clueless, TV watchers. Apparently the endless dtv.gov commercials, scrolling text messages about the DTV transition during prime time shows and the thousands of DTV set-top box coupons in the Sunday paper every week for the past 16 months wasn’t enough to “deliver” the message. Millions upon millions of dollars were spent on this campaign, but it just didn’t work. The last time I remember a government-driven campaign like this not working was the “use seatbelts to save your life” back in the late 1970s. After that campaign didn’t work and more than 30 percent of American drivers were still not using seat belts after the millions spent on advertising the risks of not using seat belts, the government stepped in and made it a law. I wonder if those people who didn’t get the DTV message after all this time might actually not exist – having been killed in car crashes from not using seat belts – you know, it’s been a while since we did the last census. The new DTV transition date is June 2009. So, if you just found out about this DTV thing from rAVe, please head over to Wal-Mart or the Dollar Store and get your DTV coupon so you can see the Dukes of Hazard on your 13” black and white GE TV. Back to Top VIZIO Says “They’ve Had It” with Funai; They Are Suing Two weeks ago, VIZIO filed an antitrust and unfair competition lawsuit in the United States District Court, Central District of California, against Funai Electronics Co., Ltd., a Japanese distributor of digital televisions and related components. In the suit, VIZIO, a U.S. company based in Irvine, California, alleges that its competitor, Funai, acting alone and in concert with others, unlawfully restrained trade and monopolized the market for the licensing of technology used to interpret and retrieve information from a digital television broadcast signal, as well as the market for digital television sets and receivers. In the federal complaint, VIZIO alleges that Funai unlawfully acquired the rights to U.S. patent No. 6,115,074 (the “’074 patent”), which is subject to a standards setting organization overseeing digital television manufacturers, and has since unlawfully and unfairly discriminated against VIZIO in the licensing and enforcement of the ‘074 patent, to the detriment of trade and commerce. VIZIO’s suit alleges that, in so doing, Funai has violated the federal Sherman Antitrust Act, the Clayton Act, and numerous provisions of California’s unfair competition and antitrust laws. VIZIO’s antitrust suit against Funai follows news on February 12, 2009, that the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) has invalidated a related patent that Funai had attempted to enforce against VIZIO (U.S. patent 5,329,369), and decided to review an administrative law judge’s prior decision that VIZIO infringed on a portion of the ‘074 patent. You can read the entire complaint from VIZIO at: http://www.vizio.com Back to Top Honeywell to Enter HDTV Market Due to a lack of choices and options in HDTVs, Honeywell has decided to enter the market with a line of LCD-based HDTVs — and will start with an 82” display! Of course, they will also have standard 42”, 46” and even 52” models, but standing out with an 82” is the way Honeywell wants to launch its brand into the HDTV market. Honeywell says their entry into the market will officially be April of this year. Rumors abound that Nabisco is thinking about entering the HDTV market with edible TVs too! We’ll look into these rumors and get back to you. Back to Top Cargo Launches Blu-ray Licensed Makeup Yep, you read that right — Cargo, a makeup company, has launched a line of Blu-ray licensed makeup that, they company says, is designed for the use of on-camera talent to hide blemishes that you can’t see in SD but can see in HD. Well, while most of you would think I would laugh this off as a prank or marketing gimmick, I actually think it’s a great idea. Think about it. Everyone’s next home video camera will be, or already is, high definition. So, if you’re in Sephora (a store that sells makeup, including this Cargo line) and looking for makeup for that next family vacation, don’t you think some people will think to themselves, “Hey, my husband just bought an HD camera. Maybe I should get this so I’ll look better for those home movies shot at Disney’s EPCOT?” Hey, I think so… You can see it for yourself at http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P231900&cm_mmc=email+ret-_-news1+20090218+high-_-P11-_-cargo+kit&dicid=376222:14858810078:10103788 Back to Top Kramer Debuts Scaler with Silicon Optix HQV Processing Hoping to capitalize on the popularity of Silicon Optix’s HQV processing, Kramer Electronics has broken tradition from their current scaler chip manufacturer and is offering two scalers, the VP-729 and the VP-728, with HQV’s chips. The VP-729 and VP-728 are both 9-input scaler/switchers that incorporate Silicon Optix HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) processing technology, which Silicon Optix touts as offering “the highest quality de-interlacing, noise reduction, and scaling performance available in the market today for both standard-definition and high-definition signals.” A lot of other scaler chip manufacturers make similar claims too. Kramer says the VP-729 and VP-728 have significantly better image performance than their prior XL series through the incorporation of the Silicon Optix HQV technology. In fact, the VP-728 is a direct replacement for the VP-724xl. In a statement from Kramer, they said, emphatically, their relationship with Silicon Optix will not stop with these two models and we should expect more products integrating different versions of the HQV processing soon. To see or read about the new Kramer Scalers with HQV, go to: http://www.kramermatrix.com Back to Top Intelix Launches HDMI Matrix Switcher Although Intelix calls the DIGI-HDMI-4×2, their 4×2 HDMI matrix switcher, as “revolutionary,” we wouldn’t. It’s simply a 4×2 matrix switcher for HDMI (1.3b) signals (four inputs, two outputs). One unique feature, however, is that the two HDMI outputs are also available as twisted pair outputs, too. That’s a nice feature – but not revolutionary. Intelix says you can drive the outputs of the two Cat5e ports up to 150 feet though (at 1080p). The switcher includes RS 232 control, IR control and network control and it’s rack-mountable – something that most HDMI switchers aren’t. Good for them – take note Chinese HDMI copycat manufacturers: you need to start making things in rack-mountable enclosures or they won’t be used in systems – no matter how cheap they are. The $999 HDMI matrix from Intelix can be seen at: http://www.intelix.com Back to Top Pioneer Rumored To Be Getting Out of Plasma, Too On the heels of VIZIO’s announcement that they would dump plasma in the near future, Pioneer (the bellwether plasma manufacturer) is doing the same, according to Bloomberg. The company says they will stop making their own panels by March. No one should really be surprised as rAVe predicted this way back in January 2008, but the idea that Pioneer is getting out this soon is surprising – we did think Pioneer would be the last one standing with plasma. In addition, the Kuro line is very popular among die-hard plasma enthusiasts. By the way, Pioneer is also rumored to be cutting 10,000 jobs.Again, we stand by our prediction that plasma will be dead by the end of 2011. To read the Bloomberg story, go to: http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/oEfMjmymvOaozXCibTfPRSkJ?format=standard Back to Top Vivitek Attempts Crossover with Projector Aimed at Both Homes and Schools Although no manufacturer has ever pulled off a successful launch of an educational projector that’s also aimed at the home, little known Vivitek is attempting it, again. Vivitek, calling themselves the “environmentally responsible manufacture of today’s most innovative visual display and presentation products,” launched its new D735VX projector built for (their words) “home fun” and classroom settings. True to Vivitek’s DLP-only technology commitment, the new D735VX uses the latest DLP technology from Texas Instruments and claims to “blast” at 3200 ANSI lumens with BrilliantColor technology and a 5-segment color wheel. One unique feature is the projector’s snap-off keypad that can be removed and secured in a safe location to discourage theft or unauthorized removal of the projector. I am assuming this is a classroom feature as the thief in the home would just rip it out of the ceiling.OK, I don’t think I need to add editorial comment on this next section as you can guess what sort of comments I would have written here (I will paste EXACTLY what was in the Vivitek press release here: With a full 3W onboard speaker and zoom lens, the D735VX is designed for the larger boardroom, classroom, auditorium or home movies and games. The unique, detachable keypad also allows for natural, walk-around presentations. With an MSRP of only $1,299, the projector has a 2400:1 contrast ratio with native XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) resolution enabling high-end performance with Vivitek’s low-cost value pricing. OK, I couldn’t resist putting some of the interesting things in bold. Well, it does almost do 720p natively. See it all at: http://www.vivitekcorp.com Back to Top RocketGUI Designs Music Module for AMXers Using Squeezebox RocketGUI last week announced the release of its Total Music Module for AMX integrators. The new module, when combined with inexpensive Logitech Squeezebox clients, provides full access to music and content from the user’s local hard-drive music database, internet radio, plus Rhapsody and Pandora music services – all in one easy to use interface. The module supports up to eight completely independent zones and a virtually unlimited number of touch panels so each zone can listen to and control different content simultaneously. For $899 per install, it comes with code and necessary touch panel files to support any AMX Modero touch panel. RocketGUI says the Total Music Module interface supports full browse and search capability with cover art, plus custom playlist creation and a separate command set is included to support simplified control from AMX keypads and handheld remotes.You can read all about it as well as see a demo on it at: http://www.rocketgui.com Back to Top Paradigm Launches Two New Reference Subs Let me start this story with a disclaimer: It is very difficult to write stories about speakers. It’s amazing how many “marketing-oriented” specs exist in this segment of the AV market with made up words, technologies and specifications that you can’t define – not that I am saying that’s the case specifically with this Paradigm story, but I decided to literally paste the information I got from them on their new Subs here for you to read yourself (in italics):Paradigm Electronics introduces its Reference SUB 12 and SUB 15. Natural evolutions in Paradigm’s lineup of award-winning subwoofers, these new models benefit from the company’s years of research into the mechanics of producing louder, lower-frequency, lower-distortion bass. In fact, those three “Ls” are the driving force behind Paradigm’s ongoing commitment to refine and improve subwoofer performance with each new generation. Although Paradigm’s popular and successful Servo-15 subwoofer is now officially “retired” (as is the earth-shaking Seismic 12), the company has achieved servo-level performance even without the servo; as a result, the SUB 12 and SUB 15 possess higher playing ceilings and so much more. The new models’ unique amplifier/driver configurations allow them to play “louder and lower” than any other subwoofers in their price range, and they still cost less! And unlike many designs on the market, not a hint of low-frequency extension or output was sacrificed to keep their size compatible with today’s living spaces. The new models’ proprietary, state-of-the-art high excursion bass drivers, first seen in the Signature SUB 25, were designed, engineered and manufactured by Paradigm in North America. The 12-inch driver in the SUB 12 and the 15-inch driver in the SUB 15 each include mineral-filled co-polymer polypropylene cones with RCR£ Resonance Control Ribs, powerful dual voice-coil designs (three-inch high-temperature aluminum voice coils and dual oversized spiders), multi-layer polyurethane-composite elliptical-shaped surrounds, large aluminum shorting rings situated around the voice coils, proprietary AVS£ Airflow Ventilation System cooling and large 35-lb FEA-optimized magnet assemblies. OK, what do you think? Write to me and tell me: gary@ravepubs.com. These seem very impressive subs, to be honest, and clearly Paradigm is a market leader – I even have one – but, it’s hard to decipher this. I am hopeful those of you out there that are, in fact, speaker experts, can and did. Paradigm’s new Sub line can be seen at: http://www.paradigm.com/ Back to Top VIZIO’s Sound Bar is AWESOME VIZIO has a hit on its hands – but not where you may think. Their green initiative kicked off copycats like Sony, Sharp and Samsung to emulate the “Green Movement” (something they would likely have eventually done, but certainly was accelerated by VIZIO doing it FIRST), their move to go high-end with higher-priced, performance-packed models has raised a few eyebrows, too. But, take note, the new WOW product from VIZIO isn’t even a TV. It’s their VSB210WS Sound Bar.That’s right, their Sound Bar – a long, thin speaker designed to go under or over your LCD TV – or mounted on the wall – is one of the best we’ve ever seen – if not the best. Audio quality is subjective in nearly every way, but spec-wise, they are equal to the best out there in the Sub-$700 category. But, at $349, VIZIO’s sounds the best — not like a sound tunnel like most of the others we’ve seen. Believe us or not, it’s good. Really good. You can check out all the specs at: http://www.vizio.com/product.aspx?id=2781&pid=2624 Back to Top CEDIA Tentatively Plans Co-Locating Lifestyles Forum and NAHB Symposium Saying they recognize the overlap between, and mutual member interest in, industry events for the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), NAHB and CEDIA have entered into discussions to co-locate CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles Forum with NAHB’s Custom Home Builders’ Symposium/Design Institute. CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles Forum, originally scheduled for April 1-4 in New Orleans, La., has been postponed.Utz Baldwin, CEDIA’s president, told rAVe: “The underlying intent of both events is to arm CEDIA and NAHB members with the tools they need to collaborate successfully with other industry professionals on design-build projects. With the possibility of co-locating these two popular events, we are able to provide the most value to our members, create solutions together, and offer a broader range of resources, education, and expertise that benefit all design and build professionals as well as their clients.” CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles Forum was created to educate electronic systems contractors, architects, builders, interior designers and other design and build professionals on the benefit of collaborating to develop home technology solutions that integrate seamlessly into the design and décor of the home. Likewise, NAHB’s Custom Builder Symposium/Design Institute concentrates on educating builders and design professionals on the latest market and industry trends. CEDIA and NAHB are in discussions to determine the viability of co-locating the two events. Questions regarding Electronic Lifestyles Forum may be directed to Dave Chic, CEDIA’s Director of Industry Outreach at dchic@cedia.org or (317) 328-4336. |