To have your HDTV information included, send direct to the GROUP EDITOR, Stuart Hopwood at info@plasmatvinfo.com

According to a 5 August 2008 news release, Sky+, reported as the UK's most popular digital video recorder, added 321,000 customers in the three months to 30 June 08. Over 40% or 3.7 million of Sky's customers now benefit from being able to pause and rewind live TV, record two things at the same time and record a whole series instantly with one button.

With the Olympics set to start in days, Sky+ HD customers are getting ready for over 500 hours of unrivalled high definition (HD) coverage from BBC HD and Eurosport HD according to a news release from BSKYB 5 August 2008.

Sir Alan Sugar has stepped down as chairman of Amstrad [Alan Michael Sugar Trading] but insists that he is not retiring.

The entrepreneur and self-made multi-millionaire has also become more known as the boardroom chairman in BBC reality TV show The Apprentice.

From 1st July 2008, some older digital terrestrial set-top boxes will not work in the STV Central (Scottish), STV North (Grampian), Ulster, Tyne Tees and Border TV regions because of transmitter changes.

OFCOM has published on 11 July 2008 its Communications Market details: Digital Television Progress Report for the first quarter of 2008 (January-March). This information is of importance to the Trade in general though some consumers may also find it an interesting read regarding DTV progress in the UK.

Sony announced on 28 July there largest ever experience at IFA to showcase the immediate future of Digital Entertainment.

Courtesy of Nikkei Electronics, Asia, some media sources reported 24 June, 2008, that Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd are making final adjustments to start volume production of a 37-inch OLED TV in fiscal 2011.

Freesat was launched on 6 May 2008 by both BBC and ITV at a press conference in London, UK. The units were said to be available immediately in some major stores.

A deal has been agreed between Freesat and Retra that will see independent retailers selling the free-to-air satellite service, subject to them signing a service level agreement.

Pioneer Corp. has announced a restructuring that will force it to withdraw from 'own' manufacturing of Plasma Panels and thus procure from the Panasonic [Matsushita] factories. This decision is the result of intense competition and continued price erosion.

With an expected Spring launch in the UK, a brand new digital satellite TV service offering free HD TV programming at no extra cost comes from the BBC and ITV in the form of FREESAT. This service has NO monthly subscription, only a one-off payment for the FREESAT digital box, a satellite dish and installation. As FREESAT is broadcast via satellite, it is claimed that approximately 98% of households in the UK will be able to receive the digital broadcasts with this system.

Toshiba announced on Tuesday 19 February 2008 that the Company remains focused on championing consumer access to high definition content, though it has undertaken a thorough review of its overall strategy for HD DVD and has decided it will no longer develop, manufacture and market HD DVD players and recorders. This decision has been made following recent major changes in the market. Toshiba will continue, however, to provide full product support and after-sales service for all owners of Toshiba HD DVD products.

Sony announced on Wednesday 19 February 2008 it will takes its Climate-Saving commitment to the next level with the introduction of a new European Environmental Communication Programme highlighting, Product, Process and Planet’

In response to consumer demand, Warner Bros. Entertainment will release its high-definition DVD titles exclusively in the Blu-ray disc format beginning later this year, it was announced 4 January 2008 by Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. and Kevin Tsujihara, President, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group.

Pioneer announces KURO Flat Panel technology concepts at their Press Conference at CES 2008 in Las Vegas, that will end the contrast ratio discussion and show an Ultra Thin 9mm thick display exploiting the advantages of self-emitting plasma technology, Pioneers takes “Seeing and Hearing Like Never Before” to greater heights previewing 50-inch Project KURO concepts showing extreme contrast and advanced design.

Sharp introduced a dramatic expansion in the range of LCD TV screen sizes including its 108 inch LCD, a groundbreaking size in the LCD TV industry at the International CES 2008, Las Vegas, USA, held 7-10 January.

Stewart Filmscreen's has received a Grand Prix Award from the Japanese publication HiVi for their Studio Tech 130 G3 front projection screen. Thomas Stewart, CFO of Stewart Filmscreens, went to Japan to personally receive the award during a special awards ceremony attended by 135 of Japan's top audiovisual professionals.

CES 2008 has been one of the most memorable for many years. Those fortunate enough to visit the annual Las Vegas event will appreciate the value and enormity of the world’s largest consumer technology trade show. Highlighting all in just a few paragraphs is impossible so a snapshot has been prepared of just a few interesting developments though in a nutshell one could say the show showed all that were, SLIM, LIGHT, LARGE, ORGANIC, GREEN, BLACK & BLUE.

Reuters in London reported on 27 November 2007 that high definition movie discs in the Blu-ray format have outsold the rival HD DVD standard in Europe this year, breaking the 1 million barrier and constituting 73 percent of all HD movie discs sold.

DisplaySearch has reported on 25 October 2007 that PLASMA Panel shipments have rebound in Q3'07 to establish a new record high.

Easter came early to NYC with hundreds of multi-coloured bunnies as the new advert is launched for Sony's BRAVIA HD LCD TVs.

Digital Entertainment is to take centre stage at the forthcoming International 2008 CES in Las Vegas, USA. Sony Pictures Television will accompany the electronics parent of their company and bring its comprehensive array of content to the January 2008 CES

Sony's new BRAVIA LCD TV factory in Nitra, Slovakia, has now started mass production from 15 October 2007.

A Reuters report from Los Angeles on 24 October has announced that Blu-ray has outsold HD-DVD in the U.S. for first 9 months of 2007.

It's a fact that Plasma and liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions have become hot items with British consumers. AOL reported on their site in October 2007 that eight out of ten TVs sold today are flat screens. But even with their popularity, flat screen TVs are also the latest 'gotta-have' gadget being shunned by environmental groups.

Sony technological innovation has once again been recognised by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). This year the EISA judging panel has made no less than four awards to Sony Europe in categories spanning home entertainment, digital imaging and in-car navigation. The Bravia 'Green TV' KDL-40D3000 was in the line-up. A fifth award was made to Sony Computer Entertainment Europe for PLAYSTATION®3.

Matsushita, Osaka, Japan, has commented 14 June 2007 on media reports about the possible sale of its stake in the Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.

Ofcom [Office of Communications - UK] published on 20 June 2007 their Digital TV Progress Report for the first quarter of 2007. This Report has identified that the total number of households in the UK receiving DTV [Digital TV] has risen to 80.5%.

Now in its 11th year, the UK’s CEDIA Expo is firmly established as THE event for all the trade involved in residential custom installation. Experts in the realms of CI [Custom Installation] will be converging into the EXCEL at London's Docklands from 25-28 June.

DisplayPort™1.1 gives manufacturers of LCD panels, monitors, graphics cards, PC chipsets, projectors, peripherals, components, and consumer electronics a next generation digital interface that is designed to replace LVDS, DVI, and eventually VGA.

Hitachi USA has seen a positive sign that flat-panel TV sales should continue to escalate significantly over the next year. This recent consumer study conducted for Hitachi Home Electronics America found that seven in 10 U.S. adults either own or want to own a flat-panel TV, and women will participate in the buying decision in almost half of all interested U.S. households.

DisplaySearch has issued a Report 7 May 2007 that Plasma Panel shipments fell for the first time in Q1'07. the Report also states a Revenue drop of 28%

Fujitsu Plasmavision™ UK announced on 18th May 2007 the availability of two new additions to its high-performance, 51 Series custom install range. The latest 55 inch and 63 inch panels, the P55XHA51WSb and P63XHA51WSb, extend Fujitsu's portfolio of large screen plasmas and its entire custom install range. These will no doubt be a highlight at the forthcoming custom installers' show taking place in London at the CEDIA Expo during the last week of June

SKY celebrated its first year of HD broadcasting on 22 May 2007 by announcing they had achieved 42,000 hours of HD programmes.

Hitachi Ltd. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. [best known for its Panasonic brand products], announced on 24 May 2007 that they have agreed to strengthen their partnership in the plasma TV business. Under the agreement, the two companies will supply each other with plasma display panels.

Flat Panel TVs reach record Unit and Revenue share in China during 2006; HDTV Unit Share Reaches 12% according to DisplaySearch in an announcement in Shanghai, China on 16 April 2007.

Sony VP Katsumi Ihara assures market release of Organic EL TV within 2007. "Allow me to guarantee here that Sony will launch its first organic EL TV by the end of 2007." Mr Ihara, Executive Deputy President, President of TV and Video Business Group, Sony Corp., declared so at a display-related seminar held in Tokyo on 12 April 2007 and reported by Nikkei Business Publications.

Reuters has reported on 5 February 2007 that an announcement has been made in Tokyo that Hitachi is to delay its decision on the next plasma plant.

Sky announced in London, UK on 8 February 2007 that it is developing plans for the launch of a subscription television service on digital terrestrial television (DTT) this summer. The new service will allow customers to receive some of Sky's most popular programmes - including sport and movies - through a conventional rooftop aerial and a DTT box for a monthly subscription.

New Laws in France for "TV of the Future". A 5 page report published 21 February 2007 has been compiled by author David Mercer of Strategy Analytics regarding the the Digital TV transition in France. The rest of Europe watches France's mandates as Terrestial HDTV arrives.

SED has had another set-back in reaching the market with the US courts ruling against Canon stating they have violated a license agreement with Nano-Proprietary Inc.

British Sky Broadcasting (Sky) today announces that the total number of Sky+ boxes installed in customers' homes has broken through 2 million for the first time.

FPD unit shipments are expected to rise 6% to 3.4B panels in 2006, delivering 43.5M square meters of viewable display area, enough to cover 5,802 soccer fields. DisplaySearch expects Global Flat Panel Display revenues to rise 14% in 2006 to $85.5B and grow 8% in 2007 to $92B led by TV panels.

Samsung and LG set up to duel at the CES in Las Vegas as the two giants are to show-off their Full HD TVs - the next quality stage in the high definition world of vision.

LG Electronics (LG) announced in London, UK on 2 January, 2007 that the company will exhibit its Full HDTVs with game trailer movies in cooperation with SEGA Enterprises Ltd. (SEGA) during 2007 International CES, which will be held in Las Vegas, 8-11 January.

Toshiba America announced at Sunday's Press conference [7 Jan] it has enhanced REGZA™ LCD flat panel line capitalizing on the momentum from their successful brand launch.

Panasonic America announced at the Sunday 7 January press conference its debut of the next generation BIG screen 1080p hign definition plasma TVs. The press announcement emphasised a NEW Line, Increased Production and Concierge Service to re-inforce Panasonic industry leadership and commitment to plasma excellence.

Sony Electronics has this week introduced a 70-inch flat-panel, high-definition LCD television, the world’s largest TV compliant with x.v.Color™ technology here at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Pioneer Corporation announced this week in their press conference at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas their worldwide launch of breakthrough television technology that the company believes will change the landscape of the flat-screen television market. Pioneer’s claim is their technology surpasses both LCD and SED regardless of lighting conditions.

CES, Las Vegas - organised by CEA - has again become a hit with the International trade and press as well as USA visitors with manufacturers presenting the very latest technologies in high definition flat panels, high definition video disc players, wireless networking of sound, vision, telephony, printing and other electronic products plus the very latest from Windows, VISTA. Many more hundreds of technological products were shown for the very first time at this world leading event.

The official announcement on 11 January from CEA®, the organisers, claims the International CES 2007, now rated as the World's Largest Technology Tradeshow, attracted record International attendance and brought together ground-breaking partnerships between the CE and Content Industries.

Panasonic and Toray are to build another Plasma TV plant, yet again claiming to be the World’s largest, this time with a capacity of one million units per month - commencing operations in May 2009 yielding 10 panels per sheet.

Pioneer has clearly demonstrated the superior quality and positive future of Plasma TV at the recently held CES in Las Vegas, USA, with their introduction of NEW technologies producing Deeper Blacks, High Performance in different lighting, superior video processing and 1080p with 24fps to deliver cinematic quality.

DisplaySearch has reported on 30 January 2007 that Plasma panel shipments were disappointing in Q4'06 though the Matsushita [Panasonic brand] share surges to 40% as the Korean suppliers falter.

Samsung improves heat dissipation in LCD TVs with new DDI packagefor use in large-screen, high-resolution LCD TVs.

Sharp has successfully developed a 108V-inch LCD TV, claimed to be the world’s largest. This was exhibited as a prototype model at the 2007 International CES that was held in Las Vegas, USA, at the beginning of January.

Where the International Trade and Press see the very latest in Consumer Electronic products. Now celebrating it's 40th, the 2007 International CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology tradeshow, runs January 8-11, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The added location of the Venetian Hotel and Sands complex will allow the 2007 expansion of exhibitors and presentations from Keynote speakers and other professionals in the Consumer Electronics industry.

Samsung Electronics has become a purveyor of digital TVs by appointment to the British Royal Family. The Korean home appliance giant will supply 100 large LCD or PDP TVs to the Windsors at their official request, the company said on Thursday 14th December 2006.

Korean flat-panel display maker Orion PDP is to be taken over by China's leading TV makers Changhong Electric and Irico Group. The deal will make Orion the second major Korean IT firm to be acquired by a Chinese firm after Hydis, a TFT-LCD unit of Hynix taken over by China's BOE Technology Group in 2002. It will rekindle fears of technology loss to China. Only Korean and Japanese companies now have PDP manufacturing technology.

Toshiba's President Nishida has said at year-end press gathering that the long awaited SED will won't become a commodity but will be launched within the broadcasting industry.

SAMSUNG India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. and the Government of Tamil Nadu signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 10 November 2006 to build a second manufacturing complex in Chennai.

DisplaySearch has announced on 8 November 2006 that Global LCD TV shipments have risen to 99% in Q3'06 as North America overtakes Europe. Samsung becomes No.1 in units and revenues for the first time.

DisplaySearch released their Report on 8 November 2006 that Q3'06 Global Plasma TV Shipments rose 45% led by large screen demand in North America. The Report also highlights - Panasonic earns record 33% share

Hitachi, Ltd. announced on 2 October 2006 that it has decided to form a manufacturing plant in the Czech Republic to meet the expansion of demand for flat-panel TVs (plasma and LCD TVs) in Europe.

Panasonic have recently published on their website the facts surrounding Plasma vs LCD. When it comes to finding out more about plasma and LCD, there are a number of myths out there that can be confusing. Here, Panasonic responds to some misconceptions and offers new information.

LG Electronics unveiled its latest hit products at IFA 2006 during 1-6 September in Berlin. One of the main highlights is LG’s line up of new Plasma and LCD TV with built-in Digital Video Recorder (DVR), which will be launched from September. The new Plasma and LCD TVs include a built-in pause function that stops live broadcast with just one click on the remote control. Fifteen minute demonstrations were given eight times per day under the theme ‘Change the Way You Watch TV’, defining LG’s claimed stature as leader in Plasma and LCD TV and next generation technology.

LG Electronics Inc., claimed as the world's biggest plasma display panel (PDP) maker, said on Sunday 10th September it aimed to sell 76 percent more PDP panel units in 2006 than last year.

A recent report has revealed that makers of slim TVs are struggling with higher inventories, but the extent of the problem depends on each company's position in the market: Smaller names are facing a glut of flat-panel screens while most of the top players say they're playing catch-up to avoid shortages.

Fujitsu Plasmavision™ UK new series meets all RoHs and WEEE compliancy.

Fujitsu Plasmavision™ UK announced on Tuesday 11 July 2006 that following the new RoHS compliancy Directive that came into force on 1st July 2006 and the WEE legislation due to come into force on 1st August 2006 - its complete 50 series range of plasma screens meets both specified standards. The 50 series range was introduced in January 2006 with the 51 series plasma TVs which have now been joined by the 58 series custom install plasma screens.

DisplaySearch reports for Q1'06 a global Plasma TV shipments rise of 87% with 50" overtaking 42" ED in North America. Shipments for 33 different plasma TV brands are included in the latest Quarterly Plasma Module and TV Shipment and Forecast Report issued 1 June 2006.

DisplaySearch 'Cost/Price Model' reveals 2006 Holiday pricing expectations - 42"HD Plasma prices already down 37% in Q1'06. The worldwide leader in display market research and consulting and part of The NPD Group, DisplaySearch, has released the Q2'06 issue of the Quarterly TV Cost and Price Forecast Model and Report..

ITV Network Ltd., have recently applied and been issued with a TLCS – Television Licensable Content Service licence, as reported by the UK's OFCOM - Office of Communications - for the service of, ITV HD Test Channel.

RECALL NOTICE
15/05/06 - BETTER WIRE Plug And Cord Sets Incorporated In TOSHIBA LCD Televisions - Recall

Adding to their growing number of HD broadcasts, following an announcement by the FA Premier League 5th May 2006, BSkyB confirmed that it had been awarded a fourth package of live rights, ‘package A’, in addition to the three packages of 23 games each awarded to Sky a week ago. This extra package gives Sky rights to a further 23 matches airing Sundays at 16:00.

BSkyB has announced that Sky HD will launch nationally across the UK and Ireland on 22 May 2006. Since bookings were opened to the general public on 13 April 2006, there has been encouraging customer demand with over 40,000 advance sales - more than the total number of Sky+ sales in its entire first year.

Corning Incorporated has signed a supply agreement with Sharp for Gen 8 fab. The Company announced on 1st May 2006 that its board of directors recently approved a capital expenditure plan of $174 million to further expand its Generation (Gen) 8 size liquid crystal display (LCD) glass substrates manufacturing capacity at its facility in Shizuoka, Japan.

Gefen supply a solution. The various audio/video interfaces on most of today’s HDTV sources and displays do not always connect easily to each another. DVI, for example, doesn’t transmit audio with its high definition resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 (1080p) though HDMI does.

Flat Panel Public Displays and Signs to Reach $3.5B by 2010. DisplaySearch, the worldwide leader in display market research and consulting and part of The NPD Group, indicated that worldwide shipments of large flat-panel displays for commercial market jumped 44% in Q4'05 shipments, rising to 149.7K units shipped worldwide in the quarter in the recent Quarterly FPD Public Display Shipment and Forecast Report.

Sanyo Epson Imaging Devices Corporation ("Sanyo Epson") announced on 17 May 2006 the development of high-resolution liquid-crystal displays featuring Photo Fine Vistarich wide viewing angle technology. The new technology enables the displays to produce beautiful images even when viewed from an angle of 90 degrees from the top, bottom, left, or right. Volume production of displays featuring this new technology, which are available in five sizes (2.4-inch, 2.5-inch, 2.8-inch, 7.0-inch, and 10.1-inch), will commence in Autumn 2006.

DisplaySearch has reported on 24 May 2006 a global LCD TV shipments rise of 135% in Q1. In the same report, Sony remains No.1 in revenues and Philips earns top unit share.

SKY have unfortunately had temporary delays with fulfilling the demand for supplying the set-top-boxes and HD installations. It is reported that this slight delay will be resolved for the majority of customers in time for the World Cup on 9 June 2006.

DisplaySearch has released the Q1'06 Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Reportdatabase indicating that Q1'06 worldwide shipments of large-area (10"+) TFT LCD modules rose 44% year-over-year (Y/Y) as expected resulting in 58% revenue growth to $12.9B.

Sky has recently launched a new interactive website www.sky.com/hd, enabling consumers to get comprehensive information about HD [High Definition] in the run up to the launch of Sky HD later this year.

E-VISIONUK has launched 3 new brackets. Leading is the Spec M10, a plasma bracket with a 570mm reach and 180-degree left-right pivot. The M4 and M6, incorporate a 450mm and 680 mm reach respectively, also incorporating 180-degree left-right pivot.

Epson and Novalux have joined forces to develop light sources for the next generation of Projection TVs

Philips Consumer Electronics Recalls Plasma Flat Panel Televisions - USA ONLY

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the Ambilight feature immediately unless otherwise instructed.

An HD Discovery Channel will now join the initial line-up of High Definition channels when Sky HD launches later this year.

Strategy Analytics reports the demand for Digital TV services from cable, satellite and telephone companies is surging in North America, where the total number of homes using some form of DTV will grow from 63 million today to 108 million by 2010.

Sanyo has just introduced two widescreen LCD HDTV at this year’s CES. The 32 and 26-inch models feature integrated HDTV tuners, new “Time Domain” speakers and removable bevels for color matching interiors.

The 4th January Press conference at CES 2006, Las Vegas, USA, Panasonic affirmed its industry-leading position with the introduction of their 2006 Plasma line-up. The NEW line includes a 65-inch 1080p.Presented to the world press at the Las Vegas Convention Centre on Wednesday 4th January, Panasonic, pronounced their leadership in high definition and plasma TV, demonstrating its commitment to excellence by expanding upon its 2005 award-winning plasma line-up with the introduction of six new HD plasma TVs, including a spectacular 65-inch (diagonal screen measurement) 1080p TV.

The World's largest consumer technology Tradeshow, serving as a lauch-pad for 2,500 exhibitors, has attracted more than 150,000 attendees. This reflects complete confidence and strength of the consumer electronics industry for 2006.

British Sky Broadcasting and Sony UK Limited have agreed a marketing deal to promote the benefits of High Definition (HD) television. Two of the biggest brands in home entertainment, Sky and Sony will work together to promote the huge advance in picture and sound quality that HD will bring to television viewers later this year.

The Blu-ray Disc Association announced during the recent CES in Las Vegas that the format specification is complete and that licensing is ready to begin for BD-ROM, BD-RE and BD-R. This news was presented to the International press at a reception held on Thursday evening, 5 January, at the Jet Club in the Mirage, Las Vegas where presenters included manufacturers, film producers along with Michael Dell of Dell Computers.

Sharp Corporation presented its future business strategy on 11 January at its regular New Year press conference in Tokyo. Sharp's President, Katsuhiko Machida, declared the company will focus on achieving a record high consolidated sales of ¥3 trillion for FY2006. As for sales margins, Sharp will "strive to boost the current sluggish percentage to 6% as a first step," he said. To meet this target, he revealed the company's management policies for the following three key business areas: (1) LCD TVs and large-size LCDs, (2) mobile phones and system LCDs and (3) photovoltaic power systems.

HD-DVD is a format in readiness as Broadcasting is becoming digital and demand for high-definition TVs is taking off. As consumers increasingly expect greater realism and better image quality in visual entertainment, HD DVD states it will deliver that and more. It takes the best features of today's DVD— the most successful AV product ever— and adds new capabilities and greatly enhanced functionality.

Panasonic and Toray to Build World's Largest Plasma Display Panel Plant in Japan

- Commencing operations in July 2007,
This new plant will boost Panasonic’s PDP output to over 11 million panels per annum via production technology yielding world-first eight panels per sheet.

Optoma Technology introduced a DLP™ (digital-light-processing) projector under US$10000 featuring 1080p HD resolution during this year’s CES, Las Vegas, USA.

Optoma debuts the BigVizion™ line of large-screen rear-projection displays with 1080p resolution and ISF 3C Modes at this year's CES in Las Vegas. BigVizion displays are an easy-to-install, customizable, modular “Video Wall” system.

High Definition seems it will dominate products during 2006. The Blu-ray Disc Association is sponsoring a Tech Zone at the 2006 CES in the Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in January.

Industry leaders have announced the important formation of HANA [High-Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance]. Charter Communications, JVC, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc., NBC Universal, Samsung and Sun Microsystems unite to enhance the consumer HD experience.

SKY says, 'thank you' as it announces 'It’s 8 million and growing'. On 19 December 2005 SKY proudly announced that nearly 1 in 3 homes in the UK and Ireland have joined in.

The Home Entertainment Show held at the Renaissance Manchester Hotel on the 29/30 Oct has been heralded by the vast amount of visitors and exhibitors alike as an overwhelming success.

The Organisers of IFA, Berlin, Germany, have announced their upcoming Show dates as: 1 to 6 September 2006. Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit says: “This strengthens Berlin’s standing as a trade fair venue and as a hub for the media world”

The British Broadcasting Corporation [BBC] announced on 8th November 2005 they will trial broadcast high definition [HD] television in 2006. In the limited technical trials, it is planned to simulcast highlights of BBC ONE's peak-time schedule in HD on satellite and cable, as available, from mid-2006. The BBC is in talks with the relevant operators about these plans.

Maxell Corporation of America's Professional Media Products Division has recently showcased the Future of Storage Media with Holographic Optical Recording Technology at the 2005 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Post+ Production Show. Is this the future for HDTV or 3DTV recording?

Blu-Ray Disc and HD-DVD battle highlights the Digital Home fault lines as Billions of dllars are at Stake For Home Media Dominance. This was the report from Boston, Massachussetts. USA on 10 November, 2005. Blu-ray Disc now has enough momentum to ensure it becomes Hollywood's preferred standard for high definition content, according to "Next-Generation DVD: Standards Battle Highlights Digital Home Fault Lines," the latest research published by Strategy Analytics' Connected Home Devices service.

DisplaySearch reports PDP module shipments rise 118% in Q3'05. Ironically the PDP industry is now experiencing shortage conditions which should worsen in 2H'06.

The NPD Group, a global provider of consumer and retail information and insights, announced on 3 October 2005 it has acquired DisplaySearch, the premier provider of market research, analysis and conferences for the flat panel display industry. Clients will get unprecedented total market view of Flat Panel Display Industry

Sharp Corporation has developed a “Mega-Contrast” Advanced Super View Premium LCD *1 that defies conventional wisdom to deliver an unprecedented contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 the highest level in the industry *2.

The world's largest LCD TV from SHARP is to be debuted in the UK at the Home Entertainment Show in Manchester, UK at the end of October.

Panasonic starts production at new PDP plant in Japan. Panasonic [the leading brand for which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is best known], has announced that the company started production on 16 September 2005 at the Third Plant of Matsushita Plasma Display Panel Company Ltd. (MPDP*) - advancing plans to meet the fast-growing global demand for plasma TVs.

Internationale Funkausstellung [IFA] is the largest consumer event in Europe, held every two years at the Messe Berlin. This year’s IFA (2 – 7 Sept.) continues to provide the impetus for the worldwide expansion of the consumer electronics industry. The 160,000 m² of hall space and numerous outdoor sites at the IFA will feature displays by 1,189 exhibitors from more than 40 countries, setting a new record at the IFA 2005 for the numbers of exhibitors, which have risen 15 per cent compared with the last event in 2003.

DisplaySearch released on the 18th August their Quarterly Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report for Q2'05 TV shipments and revenues covering all TV technologies and brands by region and size.

The North of England's LARGEST Home Entertainment Show is the place to be if you are thinking of buying award winning hi-fi or replacing your old TV or you just want to see the very latest ‘state of the art’ sound and vision technology? With many Flat Panel and audio product launches it's worth a visit the Home Entertainment Show on 29th & 30th of October at the Renaissance Manchester Hotel in the heart of the city.

Accomplishments include production milestone, expansion in manufacturing capacity and technical advancements. Cumulative shipments of the high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) panels used in 3LCD projection systems point to a major production milestone, putting 3LCD well ahead of all competing microdisplay projection technologies combined in total number of engines and reinforcing 3LCD's leadership as the world's most popular microdisplay projection technology.

Hitachi is to boost production at the Miyazaki Works of Fujitsu Hitachi Display Limited (FHP), in Japan, as part of measures to increase its plasma display business.

The 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan is well under way with nearly 9.5million visitors since the doors opened on 25 March. Boasting many Pavilions from countries throughout the world portraying a vast array of different cultures for the visitors, there are also many interesting and exciting entertainment areas using the very latest technology.

LG Electronics Introduces World's First Plasma HDTVs with Integrated High-Definition Digital Video Recorder into the North American and Korean Markets. The product has a 160GB HD-DVR enabling up to 13 Hrs of Digital High-Definition Programming or 63 Hrs of Digital Standard-Definition Programming. It also supports Hard Disk, Memory Card Slots and other supplementary functions needed for Digital Broadcasting.

The UK's Cedia Expo, ICC, Birmingham is gearing itself to be the largest yet. With a vast line-up of industry experts at the Conference and subsequent Training Seminars, the event is also supported by a Trade Exhibition with a multitude of top names demonstrating their latest technology.

Hitachi has expanded its Big Screen Microdisplay product line with dramatically designed models boasting unparalleled performance. Ten new LCD & LCoS Projection HDTVs claim to deliver exceptional images for “design-driven” consumers and “film fans”.

Hitachi has unveiled their eleven new UltraVision flat panel televisions in the USA featuring ultra-slim HDTV models delivering cinematic images in sleek designs.

Samsung has showcased cutting-edge LCD TV developments at the recent SID Conference in Boston, USA. Their display included the largest LCD Panel, 82 inch, a first 40 inch OLED and advanced Back-Lighting technology.

Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) has developed a new high temperature poly-silicon (HTPS) panel technology incorporating an inorganic alignment layer for use in 3LCD projectors. In addition to maintaining the bright images achieved in existing D series panels, this technology dramatically enhances aperture ratios, definition, and image quality to enable the development of projectors offering an even more realistic HDTV experience. Reflecting the crystal clear images made possible by this new inorganic alignment layer HTPS technology, Epson has called it "Crystal Clear Fine (C2 Fine)."

DisplaySearch has reported that PDP TV shipments continued to enjoy strong growth in Q1'05, rising 87% Y/Y to 904K TVs, which was down 17% Q/Q in seasonally weak Q1. DisplaySearch also reported that shipments of PDP modules—the panels found within PDP TVs and Public Displays—rose 4% Q/Q and 79% Y/Y to a record 1.24M units, which should contribute to strong Q2'05 PDP TV growth.

DisplaySearch has reported that PDP TV shipments continued to enjoy strong growth in Q1'05, rising 87% Y/Y to 904K TVs, which was down 17% Q/Q in seasonally weak Q1. DisplaySearch also reported that shipments of PDP modules—the panels found within PDP TVs and Public Displays—rose 4% Q/Q and 79% Y/Y to a record 1.24M units, which should contribute to strong Q2'05 PDP TV growth.

At their 10th Annual Awards ceremony the UK's ultimate home entertainment magazine, Home Cinema Choice, presented Pioneer, Sharp, Philips and Samsung with their prestigious gold statues for flat panel products within their relevant categories.

Fujitsu's new 50 inch plasma set P50XHA40 has just been reviewed by the UK's ultimate home entertainment magazine, HOME CINEMA CHOICE. The awarded BEST BUY is quoted as describing the monitor to have, "Colours that are magically rich and dynamic, while the contrast range remains immense".

Fujitsu General UK has announced the launch of two new High-Definition plasma televisions, the P42HHA40 and P50XHA40, both with many new technical and design features.

Samsung Electronics held its European unveiling of an array of new information, display, and telecommunications products on 11 March at CeBIT 2005 in Hanover, Germany. The world's largest PDP, LCD and DLP TVs were just some of the astounding range of technologies displayed, highlighting Samsung's 2005 portfolio of design-led, innovative products.

Emirates Cable TV and Multimedia (E-Vision) announced on 9 March at CABSAT 2005 it had teamed up with Thomson, the leading global entertainment technology provider, to offer superior quality viewing through its cable system. The partnership will allow E-Vision to employ Thomson's technology to deliver over its cable network High Definition Television (HDTV) content.

LG's Digital Display President disclosed at CeBIT, Hannover, Germany on 9 March, the company's strategies to grab first spot in the global PDP TV market by 2006.

British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) announced on 2 March 2005 that it had appointed Thomson as the initial manufacturer of the set-top box for its forthcoming High-Definition Television (HDTV) service.

Hitachi are to increase their share in Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display. They will also be acquiring stock and plasma technology patents from Fujitsu. Hitachi Ltd. announced in Tokyo, Japan on 2 February 2005 that it has reached an agreement with Fujitsu Limited regarding acquisition of Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Limited (FHP) stock owned by Fujitsu. The move, aimed at strengthening Hitachi's position in the plasma display panel (PDP) business, also involves the transfer to Hitachi of Fujitsu's PDP technology patents at the end of March 2005.

Hitachi and Panasonic have agreed on comprehensive collaboration in their plasma display business. An announcement today, 7 February 2005 by Hitachi, Ltd. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (best known for its Panasonic brand products), states that they will be joining forces to develop and expand the plasma TV market under an agreement that calls for all-around collaboration in moving forward with the plasma display (PDP) business.

Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.) announced on 10th February 2005 that the host broadcaster for the Torino Olympic Games has selected Panasonic as its supplier of standard and high definition recording equipment for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.

DisplaySearch has reported today, 14 February, 2005 in its Q1'05 Quarterly PDP Module and TV Shipment and Forecast Report that PDP modules exceeded expectations by 3% in Q4'04, rising 37% Q/Q and 98% Y/Y to a record 1.2M panels. This stronger than expected growth can be attributed to strong holiday and Super Bowl demand, supported by lower pricing and rising interest in flat panel TVs and HDTVs. Blended PDP module ASPs fell at a double-digit rate in Q4'04 for the third consecutive quarter, resulting in a 23% Q/Q and 31% Y/Y increase in revenues to a record $1.2B.

Ofcom have now announced that Border, Westcountry and HTV Wales will be the first of the UK's digital-only television regions. This is under a proposed switchover timetable published on 9 February 2005 by media regulator Ofcom.

As the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, the 2005 International CES is now upon us bringing together 2,400 exhibitors, including hundreds of home theatre and video technology companies, Plasmatvinfo.com will be gathering and compiling the very latest reports about the latest in Flat Panel Technology. Our own Stuart Hopwood will be joining 130,000 other consumer technology professionals from the USA and throughout the world in Las Vegas January 6-9, 2005.

DisplaySearch, the worldwide leader in flat panel display (FPD) market research and consulting, has launched a Report providing TV shipments for all regions and technologies by Brand.