Display Standard - Veritas et Visus

Veritas et Visus Display Standard February 2009
More than 18,000 Apple users petition against Apple’s elimination of FireWire from new MacBooks
In October of 2008, Apple introduced the latest entries in its MacBook line of portable computers. While the
MacBook Pro continues to offer users a FireWire 800 port, two of the less expensive MacBooks have no FireWire
ports whatsoever. This choice left many users wondering why Apple would leave off the connection for so many of
the applications that drew them to the Mac in the first place. FireWire's widespread availability in
desktop computers, laptop PCs, peripherals, storage devices, and home theater components
indicates that many consumers and professionals find FireWire's unique attributes a useful – and
even necessary – part of their electronic experience. Additionally, FireWire's adoption as the
connection of choice for industrial applications and its growing use in automotive networks and
many other markets further demonstrates its many unique attributes. Online petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?MB1394
Oregan Networks unveils Onyx browser application for connected TVs
Oregan Networks, an embedded software and solutions company, announced availability of Oregan Media Browser
4.0 for connected DTVs, branded as Onyx, which also comes in a set top box edition for network operators. Onyx
delivers to consumers simplified accessibility to multiple sources of trusted Internet and personal content on TVs
through a single resident TV application that requires minimal set up and can be easily “called up” in the form of a
widget and dismissed without leaving regular broadcast channels or switching TV inputs. Onyx can work in
conjunction with the existing DVB, ATSC, True2Way and other types of programming, facilitating immediate
access to a variety of related or relevant web video services and digitally stored content, whilst the TV is tuned into
one of the available broadcast channels. Onyx functionalities are accessible through a single user interface that
integrates seamlessly with the traditional TV viewing experience, whilst offering extended media browsing and
search options via elegant graphical icons, with an intuitive navigational flow throughout. Onyx can be controlled
via a traditional remote control or with a motion sensing remote control. http://www.oregan.net
CEA’s updated forecast projects a $1.1 billion decline in 2009
The consumer electronics industry is projected to generate $171 billion in U.S. shipment revenues in 2009,
according to the semi-annual industry forecast released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The
primary revenue driver for the industry continues to be digital TV displays, representing 15 percent of total industry
shipment dollars. As the transition to digital television nears, unit shipments of DTVs will approach 35 million in
2009, an increase of nearly 6% over 2008
shipments. LCD displays remain the top
choice among consumers, representing 77%
of total DTV units. With the format war now
settled, Blu-ray players are expected to see
major growth in 2009. With more content,
new products and lower prices, Blu-Ray
revenues are projected to surpass $1.2 billion.
The gaming category also remains a bright
spot in the CE industry and an increasing
component of consumer spending. The overall
video game market should grow 11%,
generating nearly $22 billion in revenue this
year, a new high mark for the category.
Software continues to drive the gaming
market, helped by a growing installed base of next-generation consoles. Gaming software revenues are expected to
grow 18% to nearly $15 billion. The bright spots in two CEA forecast reports fall in the “Anywhere Technologies”
and the “CE Enhancement” categories. Both show increases. The “In Vehicle Technologies” and the “In Home
Technologies” lag behind estimated 2008 levels. http://www.ce.org
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