ITV

Category: Components

  • Harman plugs Sound United acquisition; expands product portfolio

    Harman plugs Sound United acquisition; expands product portfolio

    ONNECTICUT: Harman’s $350 million swoop for Sound United is a seismic play in the global audio rivalry, vaulting Samsung’s prized subsidiary to the very top of the premium audio hierarchy. Overnight, the deal delivers Harman an army of industry icons: Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé, and Boston Acoustics—all famed not just for pedigree or hi-fi bravado, but cult customer devotion across the globe. 

    Sound United’s arrival telescopes Harman’s reach across every lucrative audio battleground—home audio gear, amplifiers, AV receivers, headphones and automotive audio now all under a single, thundering umbrella. By merging marque names, Harman becomes master of a 21-brand constellation, boosting its chances to dominate both traditional and emerging markets—from living room soundscapes to next-gen connected cars and wearables.

    Importantly, Sound United will run as a standalone strategic business unit, preserving each brand’s authenticity and loyal following even as it benefits from Harman’s vast distribution, R&D clout and Samsung’s global hardware ecosystem. The strategy: capitalise on fresh growth while leaving beloved products and sound signatures unspoiled, reassuring audiophile and casual buyers alike.

    For Harman, the move is about more than scale; it’s about future-proofing. Plugging Sound United’s legendary R&D and boutique appeal into Harman’s tech and supply chains means a faster track to innovation—from smarter, immersive hi-fi systems to AI-driven sound and car audio.

    “This is a bet on unmatched experience, quality and the next wave of audio technology,” says Harman lifestyle division president Dave Rogers.

    Analysts predict the expanded Harman will use its new firepower to take on both established peers and disruptors, targeting a global audio market expected to pass $75 billion by the end of the decade. For consumers and audiophiles, it signals more choice, greater technology trickle-down, and the lasting power of classic brands standing tall—with a turbocharged engine behind them.

  • Acer flexes Predator power with AI laptops, monster desktops and more

    Acer flexes Predator power with AI laptops, monster desktops and more

    MUMBAI: Gamers, creators and AI developers, brace yourselves Acer just dropped a tech arsenal that roars as loud as its name. From AI-powered laptops to monster desktops, lightning-fast monitors and even a keyboard that can outlast your weekend grind, the Predator lineup is here to push the limits of power, speed and play.

    Leading the charge is the Predator Helios 18P AI, a hybrid beast that blends gaming brawn with workstation brains. Powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285HX with Intel vPro, the system supports a jaw-dropping 192 GB EEC memory critical for error-free performance where every byte counts. Graphics duty falls to the Nvidia Geforce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU with DLSS 4, paired with 6 TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD storage, Thunderbolt 5, and Wi-Fi 7. Its 18-inch Mini LED 4K panel hits 1,000 nits HDR brightness and covers 100 per cent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, perfect for creators. Keeping the monster cool are Acer’s 6th Gen Aeroblade fans and liquid metal thermal grease. Price tag? 3,999 dollars in North America and EUR 4,999 in EMEA, starting early 2026.

    For desktop warriors, the Predator Orion 7000 is a liquid-cooled powerhouse, packing up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU with integrated AI acceleration, paired with an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU. Gamers get access to Nvdia NIM Microservices for cutting-edge AI assistant development. Cooling is handled by the Cyclonex 360 system, improving efficiency by 15 per cent and cutting motherboard temps by 9°C, while up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM and 6 TB SSD storage keep things screaming fast. Prices start at EUR 3,999 in EMEA and AUD 8,199 in Australia. Its sibling, the Predator Orion 5000, offers a slightly leaner build with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, NVIDIA RTX 5080 graphics, up to 2 TB SSD and 4 TB HDD storage, starting at EUR 2,999. Both sit inside ARGB-lit, eco-friendly 45L recycled-plastic chassis.

    Display junkies can feast their eyes on the Predator X27U F8 monitor. At 720 Hz refresh rate, it’s one of the fastest on the planet. The 26.5-inch OLED IPS panel runs at WQHD (2560×1440) and switches to 1280×720 at 720 Hz for pro-level esports. HDR 500 True Black and 99% DCI-P3 colour ensure visuals pop, while AMD FreeSync Premium Pro smooths the ride. Launch prices: 1,299 dollars in North America, 1,199 euros in EMEA, and RMB 9,999 in China.

    And for the finishing touch, Acer introduced the Predator Aethon 550 TKL keyboard, priced at USD 129 / EUR 129. With tri-mode connectivity (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz), a battery life of 150 hours, hot-swappable switches, and customisable per-key RGB, it’s built for both precision and flair.

    Acer’s Predator lineup isn’t just flexing, it’s redefining what next-gen gaming and AI machines can do. Whether you’re dropping headshots, training models, or cutting 4K edits, this is hardware that doesn’t just keep up; it dares you to push harder.

  • Motorola turns up the volume with Bose-tuned Loop and bass-heavy buds

    Motorola turns up the volume with Bose-tuned Loop and bass-heavy buds

    MUMBAI: When it comes to sound, Motorola just dropped the bass, literally. The smartphone giant, now calling itself India’s leading AI phone brand, has launched two true wireless earbuds designed to take on every mood, beat and playlist: the moto buds Loop powered by Bose Audio, and the moto buds Bass with segment-best 50db active noise cancellation.

    Priced at Rs 7,999 (with a bank offer cutting Lop to Rs 6,999) and Rs 1,999 for Bass, the earbuds go on sale 1st September and 8 September respectively, across Flipkart, Motorola.in, and retail stores. Both arrive armed with features aimed squarely at India’s growing tribe of music junkies, gamers, and on-the-go professionals.

    The moto buds Loop stand out with an open-ear design tuned by Bose, 12mm ironless drivers, and spatial sound for 3D-like immersion. They deliver 8 hours on a single charge and 39 hours with the case, plus a quick 10-minute top-up for 3 hours of playback. Add IP54 water resistance, a memory alloy frame, and trekking green finish, and Loop is more style statement than accessory.

    For bass-heads, the moto buds Bass promise Super Bass tuning, Hi-Res LDAC audio, and 12.4mm composite dynamic drivers. With 50db ANC across a 4kHz range, users can toggle between Adaptive, Transparency, or Noise Cancelling modes at will. Battery life stretches to 7 hours (ANC off) plus 41 hours with the case, totalling a marathon 48 hours. Quick cadds 2 hours of playback in 10 minutes. At just 51g, with triple-mics on each bud and finishes like dark shadow, blue jewel, and posy green, these are built for marathon listening sessions without compromise.

    Connectivity gets a boost too both models feature Bluetooth 5.3, Google fast Pair, and Crystaltalk AI to cut through background chaos on calls. With smart connect and moto ai integration, users can switch devices or trigger commands (“Catch me up”) hands-free, making them lifestyle companions as much as audio gear.

    Motorola India MD T.M. Narasimhan summed it up: “With Loop and Bass, we’re blending technology, design and usability to create audio experiences that resonate with evolving lifestyles.” Translation? Whether you crave Bose-tuned clarity or chest-thumping bass, Motorola now has a bud for every beat.

  • Nixer unveils CV1 at IBC 2025, a no-nonsense AoIP monitor for broadcast pros

    Nixer unveils CV1 at IBC 2025, a no-nonsense AoIP monitor for broadcast pros

    AMSTERDAM: Nixer Pro Audio has lifted the lid on its latest innovation at IBC 2025: the CV1, an all-in-one audio-over-IP monitoring unit aimed squarely at broadcast control rooms, production suites, recording studios and live performance setups.

    Modelled on its RLC64 rackmount, the CV1 has been overhauled following requests from a national broadcaster, and is pitched as a fast, flexible and integration-friendly solution.

    The speaker-free box is designed to slot neatly into high-end workflows, working with premium external loudspeakers and loudness meters via dedicated AES and line outputs. It supports Dante, Ravenna/AES67 and ST 2110 out of the box, with AVB-Milan waiting in the wings.

    “In live broadcast operations and recording studios, sound quality is paramount,” said Nixer Pro Audio founder & chief executive Nick Fletcher. “Being able to hear everything through proper external monitors gives audio professionals greater assurance and control.”

    The CV1 packs in dual headphone outputs with independent level controls, access to 32 stereo inputs—including 30 AoIP channels plus AES and line—and touchscreen switching. Output tools include individual channel mutes and a dim function with attenuation from 0 to 30 dB. Engineers also get phase reverse, mono sum and monitoring trims for quick fault-checking.

    Eight AoIP outputs allow routing flexibility across complex setups, while the unit can natively return AES, line or AoIP sources back to the network—cutting out format converters and extra rack gear. Engineers can rename source buttons directly on-screen and tailor meter and output behaviour to suit.

    Distributors and integrators are already eyeing the CV1 for live broadcast, radio, music production, post, and remote gallery work. Optional upgrades in 2026 will open up wireless AoIP monitoring via iPads and web UI.
    “The CV1 reflects our core philosophy: listen to customers and give them exactly what they need,” Fletcher said.

    The unit is now shipping worldwide, with Nixer showing it off at stand 8.F96 at IBC 2025.

  • Sony to push Crystal LED Capri at IBC 2025, slashing costs for virtual production walls

    Sony to push Crystal LED Capri at IBC 2025, slashing costs for virtual production walls

    MUMBAI: Sony has taken aim at the booming virtual production market with its latest LED wall series, the Crystal LED Capri—a more affordable sibling to its flagship Verona line. Capri promises the same high-end visuals, but at a price that opens the doors to smaller studios, broadcasters and rental companies.

    The Capri models—ZRD-VS25FB and ZRD-VS25FM—boast a 2.5mm pitch, 1,500 cd/m? brightness, and a refresh rate of up to 7,680Hz. Colour coverage crosses 98 per cent of the DCI-P3 gamut, while anti-reflection coatings and real-time off-axis colour correction (from v3.0 of Sony’s virtual production tool set) promise studio-grade consistency even in curved or ceiling-mounted configurations.

    Fully compatible with Brompton’s Tessera SX40 and Megapixel’s Helios controllers, Capri integrates seamlessly into the virtual production workflows already in place across the industry. Its flexible 1:1 cabinet design, tool-free assembly, and rugged frame make it ideal for temporary setups and fast-moving shoots.

    “We’ve broadened our line-up to support high-quality virtual production at every level,” said Sony Europe business development head Sebastian Leske. Sony Electronics professional display solutions vice-president  Rich Ventura added: “With Capri, we’re giving a wider range of users the tools to create spatial content in high fidelity.”

    Capri complements rather than replaces Verona. Both series share controllers and luminance levels, allowing studios to combine walls and ceilings seamlessly—a common configuration where Verona serves as the main wall and Capri goes overhead.

    Sony will showcase the Crystal LED Capri series at Stand 13.A10 during IBC 2025, to be held from 12–15 September at the Rai, Amsterdam.

  • GenXAI acquires Softgrid Computers to turbocharge AI innovation and scale global tech muscle

    GenXAI acquires Softgrid Computers to turbocharge AI innovation and scale global tech muscle

    MUMBAI: When a brainy AI firm joins hands with a code-savvy software shop, the result isn’t just more horsepower-it’s a new machine altogether. GenXAI, the AI-powered enterprise performance management (EPM) solutions provider, has acquired Softgrid Computers Pvt. Ltd., a name synonymous with application development and web design brilliance. The announcement came in June 2025, setting the tone for a future of deeper tech, global ambition, and sharper tools.

    This acquisition arms GenXAI with Softgrid’s decade-old strength in mobile-first digital builds, pairing it with its own AI smarts that already power collaborations with tech majors like Anaplan and SAP. The result? A platform ready to create more intelligent, intuitive digital experiences-at scale.

    “At GenXAI, we’ve always been driven by a vision to redefine the future of technology. Our partnerships with platforms like Anaplan and SAP demonstrate our commitment to excellence. Softgrid Computers shares our passion for transformative solutions and together, we’re poised to achieve greater milestones. With this collaboration, we combine GenXAI’s expertise in AI-driven solutions with Softgrid’s legacy in custom application development and web design”, said GenXAI founder & executive chairman Rakesh Agarwal.

    From front-end design to back-end intelligence, the combined entity promises to fuse form with function-turning legacy digital builds into adaptive, intelligent tools for startups, large enterprises, and government bodies worldwide. The unified venture will offer cutting-edge platforms embedded with real-time AI decision engines, opening new markets and widening its tech moat.

    “At Softgrid, we’ve always believed in building meaningful digital experiences through innovation and craftsmanship. Joining forces with GenXAI allows us to amplify our vision with the power of AI and reach new heights of impact. This is not just a milestone-it’s the beginning of a transformative journey for our team, our clients, and the future of technology”, said Softgrid co-founder Ajay Golani.

    With Softgrid on board, GenXAI has stitched together a broader technology portfolio that now spans web, mobile, and AI-first ecosystems. This will accelerate its push into international markets and boost its appeal among digital-first enterprises hungry for intelligent automation and agile infrastructure.

    The acquisition marks more than just growth. It’s a signal of intent from GenXAI-to scale up, smartly. And as tech firms race to bake AI into every interface and back end, this merger might just give it the edge in staying not only relevant but revolutionary.

  • Atmos Systems gears up to roll out cutting-edge automation at India Warehousing Show 2025

    Atmos Systems gears up to roll out cutting-edge automation at India Warehousing Show 2025

    MUMBAI: Robots don’t sweat, but they sure know how to hustle. And Atmos Systems is strapping in for a high-powered demo of its warehouse automation arsenal at the upcoming India Warehousing Show 2025.

    As the logistics industry races to keep pace with soaring e-commerce demands and space constraints, Atmos is angling to be the silent force that keeps things moving—literally.

    Atmos Systems, the automation arm of legacy brand Saifi Con-Fab System Pvt. Ltd., will showcase its latest offerings at Booth A-7, Hall 02, during the three-day event at YashoBhoomi, IICC, Dwarka from 26-28 June. The company is doubling down on its tech-forward manufacturing roots to present a range of solutions that plug right into the chaos of modern-day logistics.

    Among its flagship products are Continuous Vertical Conveyors, Telescopic Belt Conveyor Solutions, and integrated Dimensioning, Weighing, and Scanning (DWS) Systems—gear tailor-made for the high-volume grind of logistics hubs, pharma units, cold chains, and FMCG battlegrounds. Each machine is built to perform with precision, backed by in-house planning, system integration, and post-deployment support.

    “Atmos was born from India’s deep-rooted manufacturing excellence and the legacy of Saifi Con-Fab. Today, we are proud to be a trusted automation partner to some of the most respected players in the logistics and warehousing industry. The India Warehousing Show is a powerful platform to showcase our commitment to innovation, our robust R&D capabilities, and the strength of our Make-in-India manufacturing ecosystem. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders and decision-makers who are driving the future of supply chain and warehouse transformation. Driven by a passion for client-centric innovation and world-class quality, Atmos has positioned itself as a transformative force in industrial automation, redefining productivity standards and enabling scalable solutions across India and beyond”, said Atmos Systems founder Khursheed Alam.

    India’s logistics engine is already revving. According to Colliers, the industrial and warehousing sector recorded nine million square feet of leasing activity in Q1 2025 across the top eight cities—a 15 per cent increase year-on-year. With such traction, the automation race is no longer about novelty; it’s about necessity.

    Atmos is stepping into this momentum with what it claims is a “future-ready portfolio”, built to meet rising throughput needs while reducing labour dependencies. The company’s emphasis on end-to-end project management—from design to deployment—has turned heads in an industry hungry for scalable, reliable solutions.

    As policymakers, operators, and manufacturers descend on the India Warehousing Show, Atmos will pitch its tent as a key voice in the conversation around India’s logistics evolution. The event promises networking, deal-making, and a good share of automation theatrics—and Atmos, clearly, is coming prepared to steal the scene.

  • Broadcast Asia 2025 brings the heat to Singapore with AI, cloud and channel chaos control

    Broadcast Asia 2025 brings the heat to Singapore with AI, cloud and channel chaos control

    SINGAPORE: The lights are on, the mics are hot, and the future of broadcasting is rolling live from the Singapore Expo as Broadcast Asia 2025 kicks off from 27–29 May. Touted as Asia’s answer to IBC and NAB, the event expects close to 10,000 visitors and will be the centre stage for the latest in AI-driven tech, streaming disruption, and next-gen media delivery.

    Topping the charts is PlayBox Neo, making noise at booth 5A2-5 with its award-winning PlayBox Neo Suite. The modular solution bundles AirBox, Ingest, Media Gateway and the flagship Channel-in-a-Box, offering seamless playout, scheduling, graphics, and centralised control.

     “We’re redefining what ‘channel-ready’ means,” said Desmon Goh, md Asia-Pacific.
     CEO Pavlin Rahnev added, “From terrestrial to OTT, we power it all — stable, scalable, and smart.”

    Not far behind is Veset, the cloud playout powerhouse. Its Nimbus platform is currently being used to migrate ten channels of Telekom Malaysia to AWS. Meanwhile, its JPEG XS + Multicast integration and the AdWise contextual ad solution are pushing the envelope for live TV workflows and viewer-friendly monetisation.

    Bitmovin is bringing developer cred to the floor with fresh insights from its 8th Annual Video Developer Report. Expect new features like SSAI Analytics and Real-Time Observability, plus a tie-up with Ad Insertion Platform. It’s already powering Japan’s public sector via Akamai Cloud and partnering with 24i to serve Revry’s advanced ad formats.

    Accedo is flexing its streaming smarts with the newly minted One Design Studio, XR consultancy upgrades, and a new partnership with FloSports. With clients from Paramount to Tata Play, it’s all about boosting UX across screens.

    CDNetworks is delivering the goods at booth 5J3-1, offering media delivery that’s fast, secure, and globally scalable. Neighbouring partner The Northern Alliance is showcasing everything from Ecreso FM AiO Series transmitters to the Audemat MC6 — the Swiss Army knife for FM & DAB measurement.

    Meanwhile, TSL (on booth 5D1-1) is serving serious control-room swagger: think software-driven control, market-leading audio monitoring units, and intelligent power distribution. Their recent role in helping Sony Pictures Networks India nab Tier 4 certification is earning applause.

    Strawberry (yes, that’s the name) is sweetening post-production with its Skies platform. Real-time teamwork, cloud-on-prem integration, and an exclusive €100/month pilot offer make it a tempting pick for creative teams tired of workflow gridlock.

    Broadpeak is serving adtech with bite — personalised SSAI, Click2® formats, and mABR-powered EdgePeak™ to scale streaming without breaking the bank. MediaPrima and K+ are already on board.

    SES is taking it to the skies at booth 4B3-1 with demos on multi-orbit orchestration, satellite case studies, and a clear mission: deliver performance and reliability, wherever your broadcast ambitions lie.

    Elsewhere, Actus Digital is showcasing its all-in-one Intelligent Monitoring Platform, Cobalt Digital is flaunting IPMX-compliant gear at booth 5F1-1, AxelTech is revealing updates to its XRadio automation system, and Magna Systems is hosting a flurry of action with its stacked stand.

    Broadcast Asia 2025, part of Asia Tech x Singapore, remains the crown jewel for broadcasters, creators, and tech providers across the region. Whether it’s cloud-native control, AI in playout, or rethinking ad delivery, Singapore is where the future of media gets its next big upgrade — no buffering required.

  • Cobalt turns up the signal at Broadcastasia with sharp new tech tune-up

    Cobalt turns up the signal at Broadcastasia with sharp new tech tune-up

    MUMBAI: The signal is loud and clear, Cobalt Digital is making serious waves at Broadcastasia 2025. The award-winning signal processing pioneer has rolled into Singapore with a powerhouse lineup of gear that’s equal parts precision engineering and next-gen swagger.

    From debuting its ARIA Aud-Mon Audio Monitor, a sleek, rack-mounted unit designed for top-tier sound in tight spaces to showcasing its IPMX-ready Sapphire mini converters and Pacific encoders, Cobalt is proving it’s not just keeping pace with broadcast innovation, but setting it.

    The ARIA Aud-Mon, inspired by real-world operator feedback, comes with eight mixable audio channels, a touch display, class-D amp, and a buffet of input options including SDI, MADI, AES, and even GPI. And yes, there’s a live video thumbnail because why not?

    Also on the floor is Cobalt’s Sapphire BBG range of mini converters tiny titans capable of HDMI-to-IPMX wizardry. These featherweight champs can mount behind monitors, operate near-silently, and juggle formats with ease. Meanwhile, the Pacific 9992-ENC encoder keeps things spicy with support for 4K, ST 2110, JPEG-XS, and asynchronous IPMX feeds all on an openGear card.

    Not to be outdone, the UltraBlue IP-MV software multiviewer gives broadcasters a no-fuss, format-agnostic view of the action supporting compressed, uncompressed, and SDI inputs, complete with audio bars and captioning. It’s even cool with portrait mode if your display is feeling dramatic.

    For routing needs, the Wave RTR-64×64 and RTR-32×32 models are Cobalt’s answer to the high-bandwidth prayer both built for 12G-SDI, web-controlled, and ready to tango with third-party protocols. Pair them with Cobalt’s smart control panels and you’ve got a broadcast ops room that runs like a dream.

    And because every great show needs a solid foundation, Cobalt’s new openGear-compatible frames the HPF-9500 and HPF-MAX pack serious power (360W and 600W respectively) while fitting right into the most demanding racks.

    Whether you’re into live production, digital transformation or just tired of juggling cables and converters, Cobalt’s BroadcastAsia booth (5F1-1) is clearly the place to tune in.

    One thing’s for sure: this is signal processing, amplified.

  • Bhawna Agarwal takes the reins as managing director of HPE India

    Bhawna Agarwal takes the reins as managing director of HPE India

    MUMBAI: Bhawna Agarwal has stepped up as the senior vice-president & managing director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) India, marking a new era for the technology giant in one of its most critical markets. With over 25 years of experience in digital strategy, e-commerce, and leadership, Agarwal is set to lead HPE India’s charge into the future.

    The leadership baton has been passed from industry veteran Som Satsangi, who spent 27 years building HPE’s formidable presence in India. Expressing gratitude for the strong foundation laid by Satsangi, Agarwal highlighted her excitement about the opportunities ahead, promising to drive innovation and growth with her “committed and agile team.”

    Having joined HPE in 2019, Agarwal’s journey with the company has been a blend of high-impact initiatives and strategic growth. Her track record includes transforming digital platforms and scaling businesses.

    Agarwal’s digital prowess extends beyond HPE, with leadership roles at NDTV Gadgets360, where she led the platform to become India’s top digital tech destination, and stints with Yatra.com, Seventymm, and Times Internet. She is also a board advisor, mentor, and active player in India’s start-up ecosystem.

    Thanking Antonio Neri and Heiko Meyer for their trust, Agarwal reaffirmed her commitment to delivering exceptional value to customers and partners. As she takes charge, all eyes are on HPE India’s next chapter—one that promises growth, transformation, and a dash of digital magic.