Several years ago, LG introduced its Magic Motion Remote Control as a sort-of airborne mouse that uses a Nintendo Wii-like sensor to point and select content on its smart TV. For 2012, LG has improved the capabilities of this device by adding a “Magic Gesture” function to recognize movement. Voice recognition has also been built into the remote, allowing the user to input text vocally.
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Category Archives: TVs
Samsung Re-enters the Japanese TV Market
Japan, by far the earliest adopter of flat panel TV, is now the most mature market. Thanks to government Eco Points policy, LCD TV shipments nearly doubled in 2010. While 2011 shipments fell dramatically, they were still better than expected despite the natural disasters that threatened to weaken the economy and TV demand. DisplaySearch expects the demand to return to normal levels, around 10M units, from 2012 and beyond.
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2012 Brings Confusion about TV Panels and Backlights
A half-year of falling LCD TV panel prices has driven panel makers in two directions: reduce costs or increase value. In a search for higher value, panel makers are launching several new sizes, including 36.5”W, 39”W, 43”W, 48”W, and 50”W. Meanwhile, in order to reduce cost and target emerging markets, panel makers are developing a series of new LCD TV panels that are largely differentiated by the backlight design, including direct-type LED backlights, thick backlights, and scanning backlights. Continue Reading
Samsung and Sony Close the S-LCD Joint Venture: What Next?
On December 26, Sony announced the end of S-LCD, their joint venture with Samsung, which entails Gen 7 and 8 TFT LCD fabs. The joint venture, which started in 2004 and was strengthened through agreements and investments in 2006, 2007 and 2008, was owned 50% (+1 share) by Samsung and 50% (-1 share) by Sony, and was the largest joint venture in TFT LCD industry. Continue Reading
Will Panel Prices Increase in Q1’12?
After falling every month since June, panel prices have finally stabilized. Notebook PC panel prices have been flat since October, TV panel prices have been flat since November, and monitor panel prices have stopped falling this month.
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