Meltdown at Technicolor Continues

The French board formally changed the name from Thomson to Technicolor yesterday as part of a "restructuring".

Apparently gave away their Convergent group to Sony as well.  PRN and Grass Valley remain on the chopping block...

http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_s/Sony_Electronics/20100128_media_systems.html

Jobs Introduces iPad

Steve Jobs took the wraps off the "iPad" tablet on today, looking to define a new category of wireless device that will play video, games and all sorts of other media.

The iPad has a 9.7-inch touch screen, is a half-inch thick, weighs 1.5 pounds and comes with 16, 32 or 64 gigabytes of flash memory storage. It comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity built in. Jobs said the device has a battery that lasts 10 hours and can sit for a month on standby without needing a charge.

The basic iPad models will cost $499, $599 and $699, depending on the storage size, when it comes out worldwide in March.

Apple will also sell a version with data plans from AT&T Inc. in the U.S.: $14.99 per month for 250 megabytes of data, or $29.99 for unlimited usage. Neither will require a long-term service contract.

Those 3G iPad models will cost more — $629, $729 and $829, depending on the amount of memory — and will be out in April. International cellular data details have not yet been announced.

FCC Orders End of 700 MHz Mic Use

Not that they've actually solved the problem, but...


After a wait of roughly 14 months after the FCC’s Second Report and Order on White Spaces, the agency has finally issued a firm date for the cessation of wireless microphone systems in the 700MHz band that has been reallocated to new licensees. In essence, the use of any wireless mic, in-ear or communications system in the 698MHz-806MHz range will become illegal as of June 12, 2010, exactly one year after the DTV transition occurred. Users of systems that operate in the 700MHz band are required to retire them by that date.

http://broadcastengineering.com/audio/fcc-order-finalizes-ban-rf-mics-700mhz-range-0120/

Laser Microphone Update

Is it all smoke and mirrors?  Read on...

http://www.eetimes.com/news/design/rss/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=221900641&cid=RSSfeed_eetimes_designRSS

How to Go 3D Video at Home

The process is very simple. 

1. First, open up your wallet.

2. You'll need HDMI 1.4 compliant equipment.  Everything you currently own is not.

3. You'll have to buy a 3D compliant television with 240 Hz refresh rates.

4. You'll have to buy multiple pairs of rechargeable active glasses.

5. You'll likely have to buy a new Sony Playstation (the existing one doesn't really cut it).

6. You'll probably have to go DirectTV.

7. You'll probably have to buy a new home theater receiver.


If you need to ask why, read the following summary article: http://www.retrevo.com/my/5875/article/16570720/Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-3DTV?cmpid=Email

ESPN To Add 3D Channel

ESPN is launching the industry's first 3D television network. The sports programmer is making a big bet on the format, announcing plans introduce a 3D TV network this summer.

http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/01/espn-launching-first-3d-television-network.html