Sharp Reports First Loss Since 1950
Sharp Electronics, the leading supplier of flat-panel monitors worldwide, this week reported that it expects its first annual loss since 1950, when it reported a quarterly loss of more than 65 billion Japanese Yen (approx $720 million US dollars). This is not good news for Sharp when you compare this to last year’s same quarter when Sharp announced nearly a 30 billion Yen profit (approximately $310 Million US dollars).
Interestingly, Sharp says that no worldwide job cuts will occur other than to cut off some 1500 or so temporary or contract workers. That’s good news for Sharp USA – who is currently under a massive restructuring that will lead to changes in the reporting structure – more to be reported on that as it develops.
Sharp can be found at http://www.sharpusa.com
SMART Technologies Sells More in Past Two Years Than Prior 15 Years Combined
We reported in our last issue we reported about how much profit SMART Technologies is making – using a report from Europe on Whiteboard sales data and market share. Well, for the first time ever, SMART (a privately held company) confirmed their sales volume. In a release yesterday, they reported that in the past two years, they have sold over $800 million worth of SMART boards. But, the more interesting fact is not that part of that sales boom happened during a recession, but that their 2-year take home is more than the previous 15 years of the company’s sales total, combined. In other words, from 1991 – 2006, SMART, according to their own press release, sold over $800 million in SMART boards (and related technologies), but since 2006, has already surpassed that 15 year cumulative total selling more than $800 million – for a total cumulative figure of $1.6 billion. SMART also, for the first time, released employment figures: they employ more than 1300 people in Canada, the US and the rest of the world.
SMART Technologies can be found on the web at: http://smarttech.com/Back to Top
Philips Sells Stake in LG
Last week, Philips Electronics announced it has sold its remaining stake in LG Display Co., Ltd. to investors in a capital markets transaction. This transaction represents 13.2 percent of LG Display’s issued share capital, or 47.2 million of common stock, and reduces Philips’ holding to zero.The transaction will provide Philips with net proceeds of approximately EUR 630 million, and is expected to result in a non-taxable gain of approximately EUR 70 million in the first quarter of 2009, which will be recognized in financial income and expenses. In addition, this transaction is in line with Philips’ communicated strategy to dispose of its holding in LG Display in a structured and responsible manner.
The full news release can be found here: http://www.newscenter.philips.com/about/news/press/20090311_lg_display.page
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HaiVision and VideoFurnace Merge
HaiVision Systems Inc., a manufacturer of high-performance H.264 encoders and codec systems, and Video Furnace Inc., a maker of IP video delivery software solutions, have signed a definitive agreement to merge and become HaiVision Network Video. In their announcement, they make the claim that they “offer the only end-to-end high-definition (HD) H.264 IPTV platform for education, corporate, medical, and military video-over-IP distribution systems”. Huh? What about Polycom?Both companies prepared a PDF document that explains their new merged company and the outcome to you – the integrator. You can download it here.
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rAVe Exclusive: Mackie and EAW Chinese Factory Shuts Down – Unexpectedly
There have been rumors swirling for months now that EAW and Mackie were in trouble due to a factory closing in China that they did not plan; the factory supposedly just shut down one day without notice. Well, we went straight to the CEO of Loud Technologies (the parent company of Mackie and EAW, among others) Rodney Olson, and asked him to tell us what happened – no rumors here, just facts:rAVe: What happened to the factory in China?
Olson: In late Q4 2008 we learned that one of our suppliers in China that produces certain Mackie and EAW products discontinued production due to difficulties that supplier was experiencing. The good news is we were already securing additional production sources for products manufactured by this supplier prior to the closure due to a backlog of orders that continued to grow through most of 2008.
rAVe: Did it only affect Mackie and EAW? And, were other industry players affected?
Olson: No. It is very important to note that production of the rest of the Mackie and EAW product lines, as well as all Alvarez, Ampeg, Blackheart, Crate and Martin Audio products were not impacted by this facility's closure as they are produced at other manufacturing locations. We cannot comment on impacts the closure may have had on other companies as we have visibility only over our own business.
rAVe: What is the effect on shipments today?Olson: We have made significant progress in restoring stable and ample supplies of the affected products. In fact, we have added three new contract manufacturers to our worldwide supply chain and have restored production for large portions of the affected product. Lines for EAW KF & SB touring loudspeakers, EAW JFL compact line arrays and Mackie MR and HRmk2 studio monitors have been up and running now for two full months and we are rapidly catching up with the very strong worldwide demand for these products that we were not able to meet with our prior supplier. We will continue to add lines for other products every few weeks until supplies are stabilized.
rAVe: Was the shutdown economic related or something else?
Olson: As stated in our 8K dated 12/17/08, the facility closed due to difficulties they were experiencing. We are not in a position to speculate over the cause.
rAVe: Is there anything else you want ProAV integrators to know?
Olson: While the closure will create short-term shortages of the affected products, the good news is we’re quickly fixing long-standing supply shortages and inconsistent deliveries that limited our growth, and our dealers’ growth, for quite some time. LOUD will emerge from this period in a very strong position. We have a well-diversified portfolio of brands with leadership positions in both the MI and Pro markets, a streamlined and focused organizational structure and a more efficient and disciplined operating budget. And when you combine all of that with what will soon be a very stable and high-capacity supply chain, there’s no question we will succeed.
LOUD Technologies can be found on the web at: http://www.loudtechinc.com/
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rAVe Exclusive: InFocus Shares Future of their ProAV Strategy With rAVe
We got a sneak peak into the future of InFocus last week when we talked to Ben Joy, InFocus’ Product Line Director. He told us all about their future strategy with their ProAV line and stressed their new commitment to the integrator.Editor’s note: [Joy’s answers to our questions were written and any slang or grammar have not been changed.]
rAVe: Where is InFocus now, financially?
InFocus: The entire industry is hurting. Sony is laying off 16k employees, Epson has revised forecasts down twice since October and Panasonic announced layoffs of 15k employees. There are rumors of companies leaving front projection and even several brands being shopped. InFocus is in the difficult position of being a US publically traded company. Everything about us is visible. We have to work within constraints of being public (Sarbox for one). This adds a considerable expense to our company (think potentially operating at or above break even in Q1 – Q3 if we didn’t have these requirements). Being public also means showing or attempting to grow your business. Becoming a niche player is not a possibility. Q4 2008 hammered everyone – not just InFocus.
InFocus is still rebuilding what was taken apart during the “retail” era of our company. Our previous CEO took the company in that “strategic” direction and dissembled programs and policies that embraced PRO AV. To be clear, InFocus does not sell at retail, includes dealers in direct and Strategic Accounts, requires distribution so that we can reach a broader range of dealers and we believe PAV is critical to our success in 2009 and beyond.
rAVe: What is your commitment to the ProAV integrator Channel?InFocus: We are communicating with the PAV channel. Our efforts are realistic and targeted – not a broad stroke. Success to InFocus in 2009 is very different than success in 2005. The dealers have expressed several concerns including:
- Margin – The issue isn’t distribution; it’s making sure they don’t get drug down by lower margin box houses. PAV Dealers spend a great deal of resources in designing, selling, and managing a system sale. We cannot allow their efforts to be financially undermined. We have taken appropriate steps. Balance is difficult, but not impossible. Panasonic, Epson, Hitachi, Sanyo and others are in multiple channels. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be in multiple channels as well.
- Commitment – Words are just words, they want us to show them we are committed. We have to say what we are going to do, then do it (then repeat it again). The programs and policies are in place. We cannot expect a dealer to toss out their partners until we prove we can make them more successful (easier sale, better margin). In June, we will go public with the new models designed for this channel. Exclusivity is a large part of our go to market strategy. It’s all about a two-way partnership.
- Leads – InFocus has an extensive installation base. As an industry, we have neglected this and gone after new installations. HD Teleconferencing, Distance Learning, Interactivity and HD content all are a part of a targeted program, which will market to our installation base. PAV Dealers will benefit from these programs and leads. Marketing is no longer just about booths and datasheets. We plan on being progressive.
- Product – Today we have good products backed by solid programs. To win back partners, we need to leap frog the norm to get their mindshare. Soon we will have products with multiple unique and demonstrable features that are valued by end users, buyers and the PAV Sales Professionals. Products not seen in our lineup since the merger days with Proxima and ASK. We have made the investments. The Products are on the horizon.
rAVe: Have you met with the ProAV resellers and told them of your plan, yet?
InFocus: Yes, About 50 percent of the dealers we have met with (on-site and at off-site forums) have gotten back on board. Are we done? No way. We need to show the other 50 percent, and the remainder of the industry, that InFocus is serious about higher value add segments. A well-respected leader of a large reseller said it well when he said the best way to get us on board is start having some successes. His staff would then follow.
rAVe: Finally, with the plethora of projector manufacturers in the market today, where does InFocus fit in?
InFocus: The industry is ready for a shake out. We should expect 3 top tier brands to be left (there certainly will be niche or regional players as well). But InFocus plans on being in the top tier after the shake out. I personally like not being #1. Being #1 forces behaviors that are often short term. But 2 or 3 and profitable is an excellent goal. The brands that jumped in without investments (think label from off shore) or the brands with other “profitable” portfolios (flat panels, cars, air conditioners?) will walk away and avoid further losses. It’s a part of a maturing industry and front projection needs this to happen. InFocus plans on being a strong part of this industry by continuing to get back to basics.
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Hitachi Admits Price Fixing LCDs; Pays $31 Million Fine
According to USA Today, Hitachi has pleaded guilt to price fixing and has agreed to a $31 million penalty. Most of the Hitachi LCDs were sold to Dell Computer and didn’t directly affect consumer prices, but following Sharp, LG and Chunghwa Picture Tubes plea agreements in 2008, Hitachi agreed to settle out of court, too.The USA Today story can be found here: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-03-10-lcd-price-fixing_N.htm?csp=usat.me
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InfoComm 2009 Registration OPEN!
In just a few minutes, you could be registered to attend the largest and most comprehensive ProAV event in the world! To register, go to http://www.infocommshow.org, click on the Register Now button in the top right corner and follow the instructions — it's quick and easy! And, be sure to enter VIP Code MZAN3 when registering online for your chance to win $500 in cash!Good economy or bad economy, you NEED to attend InfoComm. Make plans now to join your peers and colleagues this June and discover why InfoComm is the premier event for the AV industry. You can't afford to miss this opportunity to see the latest advances in the industry, all in one short week. For more information, visit http://www.infocommshow.org.
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Barco Launches “Truly Black” LEDs
No question that Barco is dominating the LED market – that’s the one market category that Barco still owns. Building upon its field-proven so-called “true black” indoor LED range, Barco just launched the T-16BK series, what they call “the blackest 16mm outdoor displays on the market.” They deliver high-resolution full color images with extreme brightness levels.The key feature that makes the T-16BK really unique is a specially designed black lamp LED using new black epoxy and die technologies. This black lamp LED offers vastly improved contrast levels (7,000:1), unseen for any 16mm LED display on the market today. And, thanks to a low weight cabinet with integrated ladder, clickable shaders, front and back access, the T-16BK series are fairly easy and quick to service.
To read all the specs, go to: http://www.barco.com/events/en/products/product.asp?element=4775
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ClearOne Ships New CHAT 170 Speakerphone Integrated with Microsoft Communicator
ClearOne has finally shipped the CHAT 170 – the company's first speakerphone optimized for Microsoft Office Communicator 2007. The CHAT 170 is an USB-based speakerphone that brings high performance audio capabilities to users of Microsoft unified communications platform.The CHAT 170 was specifically developed by ClearOne to fill the need for a hands-free speakerphone that could be used by small groups or individuals using Microsoft unified communications platform, Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007. The phone easily connects via USB to PCs or laptops and delivers true plug-and-play operation, requiring no software or drivers to be installed. The CHAT 170 contains ClearOne's HDConference (in rAVe’s opinion, by far the best audio processing found in a speakerphone) suite of advanced audio processing technologies including distributed echo cancellation, noise cancellation, full-duplex audio, first microphone priority and adaptive modeling.
To read all the specifics, go to: http://www.clearone.com/moc-group-speakerphone.html
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Christie Offers New Certified Re-Seller Network Program for Digital Cinema
If you’re thinking about jumping on the Digital Cinema bandwagon, now’s the time. So far, Christie has certified American Cinema Equipment, Inc. (Portland, OR), Big Sky Industries (Alpha, NJ), Bruce’s Entertainment & Media Solutions (Castaic, CA), Cinema Equipment & Supplies, Inc. (Miami, FL), CLACO Equipment and Service, Inc. (Salt Lake City, UT), Integrity Entertainment Systems LLC (Niskayuna, NY) and Sonic Equipment Company (Iola, KS). From coast-to-coast, movie theatres in the United States are making key strategic investments in digital cinema so they can provide audiences with a superior movie viewing experience. Christie’s certified re-seller network is at the forefront of this digital wave, offering their technical service, expertise and Christie’s industry award winning digital cinema projectors to cinema circuits around the country. With more than 5,500 digital cinema installations worldwide, Christie claims they have the most comprehensive knowledge, expertise and true understanding of the specific needs of exhibitors when they install digital projection technology. Christie has leveraged this expertise by developing the most rigorous and thorough digital cinema training and certification program available today. Under the certification program, re-sellers receive advanced training on all aspects of digital cinema projection, including specific training designed to address the unique operational environments of each installation. Christie’s cinema re-sellers graduate from the program as authorized digital cinema technicians who possess a solid technical background in projector installation, operation, maintenance and servicing.
If you’re interested in joining the Christie Certified Digital Cinema re-seller program, go to: http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Markets/DigitalCinema/DigitalCinema.htm
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TOA Launches New Line Array for Commercial Apps
The issue of intelligible voice reinforcement in modern commercial buildings continues to haunt acoustical consultants, audio installers and contractors alike as buildings go through continuous contemporary updates with high ceilings, no ceilings and even amorphous shapes. TOA has unveiled the Type H – an all-new series of line arrays designed to fit into the smallest of gaps, the most unusual of interior designs, the most reflective of environments, as well as the tightest of project budgets.There are four models in the Type H range, each based on the same 7cm full-range drive unit. The SR-H2L uses nine of these drivers, while the taller SR-H3L uses 18. Both are also available (as the SR-H2S and SR-H3S respectively) with a front that curves downwards towards its bottom edge, rather than a flat front, for applications where listeners closer to the speakers are also lower than those behind them – an auditorium with a floor that slopes down toward the stage, for example.
Finished in white, all four models measure just 84mm across – making them TOA’s slimmest-ever line array and ensuring that they remain visually unobtrusive in any application. Using the flat-front variants, two arrays can be coupled together for coverage of particularly large areas, while a range of purpose-designed mounts and brackets enables the enclosures to be wall-mounted, tilted, rigged, flown, or free-standing.
To check them out for yourself, go to: http://www.toaelectronics.com/spk0040.asp
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Extron’s VoiceLift Classroom Mic System Ships
Extron’s new VoiceLift Microphone, an infrared wireless microphone system, is now shipping. The VoiceLift Microphone integrates seamlessly into new or existing Extron PoleVault installations to create a sound field that allows a teacher's voice to be heard clearly throughout the classroom.Studies show that use of a sound field system results in increased student achievement and a reduction in teacher health issues related to voice fatigue. The VoiceLift series of products includes a wireless pendant microphone, a ceiling or wall mounted receiver, and a desktop charging station. The lightweight pendant microphone can be worn around the neck or clipped onto clothing.
Check it out at: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=vls
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Barco Claims to Ship World’s First 3Gbps Production Switcher
Yesterday, Barco launched the FSN Series multi-format video production switcher as what they call a switcher for live events, small broadcast installations, corporate and industrial installations and houses of worship. Barco says the FSN switcher seamlessly integrates SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and 3Gbps along with VGA and DVI computer resolutions all on one package. But, the feature that has everyone wondering is that it’s specified at up to 3Gbps — which would technically switch 1080p natively without compression or conversion.Here are the complete specs: http://www.barco.com/events/en/products/product.asp?element=4524&lid=EN#
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Chief Releases In-Wall Power Extension System
Chief Manufacturing has announced the release of the new PB1 In-Wall Power Extension System, shipping in April 2009. The company says the PB1 is a sleek solution for getting power where you need it, while managing cables and keeping them out of sight. For a clean installation, simply route cables in the wall from behind the flat panel display down to the floor level. Features include:- Remote connection to outlet or power conditioner
- Power routing via 14 gage Romex wiring (not included)
- Integrated cable ports for low voltage wiring inside the wall
- Available in four colors (black, white, almond, ivory)
Want more information? Go to: http://www.chiefmfg.com/productdetail.aspx?AccessoryID=1070
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Crestron Ships DigitalMedia
Crestron announced it’s already shipping its new DigitalMedia product line, the analog and HDMI and DVI system that manages, controls and distributes content over twisted pair or fiber. Crestron says that DigitalMedia (DM) consists of matrix switchers, repeaters and receivers that handle every type of signal and transmits them long distance as digital DM signals. In addition, Crestron says that built-in QuickSwitch HD technology pre-authorizes HDCP keys and maintains a constant handshake for fast, uninterrupted HD switching. At the end points, DM receivers output HDMI and control to the display.The entire DM line is here: http://www.crestron.com/products/show_products.asp?type=commercial&cat=1047
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Kramer Electronics Shows EDID Emulator
Part of the Kramer TOOLS line of compact solution products, the VA-1VGA will capture and emulate the EDID data of a display. EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is a data-structure consisting of 128 pieces of information that a display provides to the graphics card of a connected computer source to describe its capabilities so that the source can output the best possible signal for that display. The EDID information is conveyed between the source and the display via a standard known as the Display Data Channel 2 (DDC2) utilizing pins 12 and 15 of a standard 15-pin HD computer graphics video signal connector.Kramer says their VA-1VGA ensures that if a display is turned off, temporarily disconnected or for any reason unable to be seen by the source, the source will still output the best possible signal resolution. The VA-1VGA will “trick” the source into thinking the display is still directly connected even when the EDID information is unavailable.
For more information, go to: http://www.kramerus.com
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Chief Debuts New MountBuilder Online Configuration Tool with Downloadable Specification Packet
Chief Manufacturing, the industry leader in projector, monitor and flat panel TV mounting solutions has released the latest version of MountBuilder. rAVe took the time to test-drive it this week and we were blown away with both its simplicity and power. But, one specific feature you going to love is called “Spec Packet.”MountBuilder can now assemble a "Spec Packet" containing all related, downloadable files for the parts in the configuration. Users can preview and select which files they would like to have included – such as product manuals, technical drawings, brochures, catalog pages, CAD drawings and more – and MountBuilder will automatically gather the files together and compress them into one, convenient .ZIP file archive for download. Now users have easy, one-click access to all available documentation and collateral for the parts in their configurations.
And, MountBuilder users can now share their configurations with other people by accessing the new 'Share Configuration' button on the final menu. This new feature saves a custom part configuration as a web link that users can easily email to friends or colleagues, or post to their website. When users click on the link, the fully assembled configuration appears in their browser, along with the pre-built parts list.
Check it out yourself at: http://www.chiefmfg.com/mountbuilder/
Or, watch this unique product tutorial video: http://webimages.chiefmfg.com/videos/MBintro.html
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SANYO Shows Totally New HD Projector
The new PDG-DHT100L is SANYO’s high-end DLP-based bright HD projector. At 6500 specified ANSI lumens and a 1920×1080 native resolution, this projector is aimed at the large meeting room market (i.e., auditoriums or even churches) and is spec’d at 7500:1 contrast ratio. As this projector is likely to be mounted, one nice feature — that all high-end projector manufacturers are moving towards — is the addition of an active maintenance filter that cleans itself. It’s Ethernet-ready, is available with interchangeable lenses and ships immediately.The PDG-DHT100L has a twin color wheel system that offers increased color reproduction and light output efficiency, and comes with two different user-changeable color wheels that are optimized for either high brightness or rich color reproduction. The projector ships with the color wheel that is optimized for higher brightness. A second color wheel that is optimized for rich color reproduction is included in the package. Either of these color wheels can be easily changed for intended applications by users. Also, a built-in Color Matching function corrects variations in color reproduction when using more than one projector for edge blending applications.
Finally, the most unique feature for this $22,000 projector is the picture-by-picture capabilities – in addition to picture-in-a-picture. This allows for two sources (for example, a 720p HD source and a PC) to be connected and viewed simultaneously on the same projected image – a feature that’s historically only been available in the $40-50K range.
See the entire product details at: http://us.sanyo.com/News/SANYO-Introduces-High-Brightness-True-HD-DLP-projector-with-Picture-by-Picture-Capability
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First Pico Projector with Onboard Memory Released
Forget about its weight (6 oz.) and 640×480-pixel resolution — the real news is that the P1 pico projector from AAXA Technologies offers 1 GB of memory, a microSD slot and an onboard media player. This means the P1 can decode most media formats and play them straight from the projector.Additional features include a built-in speaker, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. The battery lasts 45 to 60 minutes, depending on use.
You can also buy a $15 AAXA P1 iPod A/V cable so you can adapt audio and video files to an Apple iPhone, iPod and iTouch.
You can see it for yourself at: http://www.aaxatech.com/
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EPSON Aims Four Projectors at K-12 – All Sub-$1000
Monday, EPSON launched four new projectors they say are aimed specifically at the classroom with new features that make them easy to use and inexpensive to operate. The new PowerLite 84, 85, 825, and 826W offer extended lamp life claim of up to 6,000 hours, a built-in closed captioning decoder, USB Plug ‘n Play technology, a built-in 10-watt speaker, network connectivity for remote presentations (via wired LAN), and optional wireless connectivity. In a unique all-in-one approach, all four new models are also the first to offer a dedicated microphone input, allowing teachers to amplify their voice using the internal speaker to ensure all students can hear.The PowerLite 84 ($799) and 85 ($899) feature a spec of 2,600 lumens white light output, 2,600 lumens color light output and an XGA resolution (1024×768). The PowerLite 825 ($999) offers a claim of 3,000 lumens white light output, 3,000 lumens color light output and, again, XGA native resolution. The PowerLite 826W ($999) features 2,500 lumens white light output, 2,500 lumens color light output and WXGA resolution (16:10 aspect ratio). This is the key one as in our opinion — wide-screen projection is all that should be put in schools now!
The projectors are not on the main EPSON website yet, so to see the entire lineup, go to: http://www.epsonbrighterfutures.com/products/classroom
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Canon Launches New WXGA Projector
Canon U.S.A., Inc., a self-proclaimed leader in digital imaging, has expanded its line of LCD multimedia projectors with a first-ever native WXGA-resolution (1280×800) widescreen model, capable of displaying data from a widescreen laptop. The LV-8300 is specified at 3000 Lumens, has a 1.2x optical zoom lens, has an aspect ratio of 16:10 and can be ceiling-mounted or easily transported.List price is $1300.
If you want to read all the specs in detail, go to: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=132&modelid=18306