ITV

Tag: LCD

  • TV sets to get cheaper: Budget 2014

    TV sets to get cheaper: Budget 2014

    MUMBAI: Even as India has one of the highest cable TV homes in the world, it is set to get even higher with the latest announcement from Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for Budget 2014.

     

    While speaking in the Parliament, Jaitley stated that electronic goods such as TV sets and personal computers will be cheaper. He has announced proposal to make cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs cheaper as well as encourage manufacture of LED and LCD panels of TVs.

     

    The basic custom duty on LED panels below 19 inches will be made nil. CRT TVs have also been exempted from custom duty to help the poor.  The announcements have been made to boost the domestic manufacturing sector.

     

    “Cathode ray TVs are used by weaker sections who cannot afford to buy more expensive flat panel TVs. I propose to exempt colour picture tubes from basic customs duty to make cathode ray TVs cheaper. The duty concession will help revive manufacturing of TVs in the SME sector and create employment opportunities. At the same time, to encourage production of LCD and LED TVs below 19 inches in India, I propose to reduce the basic customs duty on LCD and LED TV panels of below 19 inches from 10 per cent to Nil. Further, to encourage manufacture of LCD and LED TV panels, I propose to exempt from basic customs duty specified inputs used in their manufacture,” said Jaitely. 

     

    Soon after the announcement, global analytical company providing ratings, research and risk and policy advisory services CRISIL tweeted that after this, the price of LCD/LED TVs (that constitute 51 per cent of sales) will reduce by Rs 1000.

     

    PricewaterhouseCoopers leader- entertainment & media practice India Smita Jha added, “We also believe the reductions in customs duty on LCD and LEC of sub-19 panels will also indirectly provide filip to the national digitisation agenda.”

     

     

  • Duty Free import of flat screen TVs by air travellers banned

    Duty Free import of flat screen TVs by air travellers banned

    NEW DELHI: The government has banned duty-free import of flat screen television by air travelers in a bid to prop up the rupee, which has plummeted to an all time low (63.73) against the US dollar.

     

    The government, according to a notification, has decided to “disallow import of flat panel (LCD/LED/Plasma) television as part of free baggage allowance” with effect from 26 August.

     

    Air travelers currently can bring a flat screen television for personal use without paying any duty.

  • TV hardware market in Asia worth $22 billion

    TV hardware market in Asia worth $22 billion

    MUMBAI: The total size of the television hardware market in Asia measures at nearly $22 billion

    GfK Asia has released its 2006 year end pan Asian consumer electronics data summary. This highlights the trends in the region’s consumer electronics sector. The report includes data from 13 countries overall including China, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

    For the first time, LCD televisions are the largest television category, equaling 40 per cent of the total market value, compared to conventional televisions (39 per cent), plasma televisions (18 per cent), and rear projection televisions (three per cent).

    On a volume basis, LCD televisions out-sold plasma televisions four-to- one in 2006. In all, more than 50 million televisions were sold by retailers in 13 countries across the Asian Region last year. In 2006, 83 per cent of televisions sold in Asia were conventional televisions, a figure that is predicted to slip to 75 per cent in 2007.

    GfK Asia commercial director of consumer electronics Steven Kaiser says, “The future is certainly bright for LCD screens in Asia. We expect that LCD televisions to continue a strong advance in 2007 and see a regional growth rate of 72 per cent for volumes in the year ahead.”

    Markets such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam that had seen relatively low LCD television volumes in 2005 exhibit robust increases in 2006 as the product gains a solid foothold throughout the Asian Region.

    Further evidence of the product’s vitality is seen in China where more than four million LCD televisions are reported sold at Chinese retailers in 2006 and is forecast to reach eight million units in 2007.

    DVD Player and Recorder: DVD recorders enjoy a banner year in 2006. The market value of DVD recorder retail sales across 12 countries in the Asian Region is nearly $500 million, representing 22 per cent of the overall DVD player market. On aggregate, more than 23 million DVD players are reported sold in 2006 in the Asian Region. The DVD player market is forecast to hold steady in 2007.

    Kaiser explains, “With the two next-generation hi-definition video disc formats finally becoming a reality, it is not surprising to see current-generation DVD players reaching a natural sales plateau. Yet, despite the impending ‘hi-def’ future, DVD recorders are actually flourishing in today’s market by offering Asian consumers a strong value proposition: a rich feature- set at ever-better price points.”

    Audio Home System and Home Theatre System: In the audio sector, a China boom is expected for home theatre systems next year when the market volume is forecast to increase by 33 per cent in 2007.

    The total market volume of audio home systems and home theatre systems combined in 2006 stands at just below four million units across the Asian countries measured. Regionally, no growth is forecast for home audio products in 2007.

    MP3 Digital Portable Audio Player and MP4 Digital Portable Video Player: More than 20 million digital portable multimedia players (digital portable audio players and digital portable video players combined) are reported sold in retail shops. Approximately six million of these devices feature playback of digital video; the number of these devices is forecast to rise to nine million units in 2007.

    Kaiser adds, “Such is the pace of technology. The digital portable video player segment did not exist two years ago. Today, video playback is a feature on nearly one-third of all players sold in the Asian Region. We expect memory prices will continue to drop and video content will become even more accessible, positioning digital portable video players as the likely successor to portable video disc players in the
    marketplace.”

    Portable Radio Player: The market for portable radio players is currently tracked in 11 Asian countries. The market size is measured at nearly $300 million. China and Indonesia have the largest base of consumers for portable radio players in the Asian region, with the total market volume measured as 2.6 million units and 1.5 million units respectively in each country in 2006.

  • Sharp launches new range of HDTVs

    Sharp launches new range of HDTVs

    MUMBAI: Sharp India has launched its latest range of AQUOS Full-Spec High Definition Televisions (HDTV).

    The firm says that the television sets employ LCD panels made from the eigth-generation mother glass substrate manufactured at Sharp’s second Kameyama Plant in Japan, which started operations in August 2006.

    The features the products have Sharp says include high dynamic contrast ratio and fast response time. The dynamic contrast ratio of 10000:1 enables reproduction of images with enhanced lighting and shadowing. Dynamic contrast detects the source video characteristics and smoothly adjusts the screen brightness accordingly to achieve deeper black level. The 4ms High Speed Response Time reduces the sense of visual lag as a result of high-speed moving images, thus reproducing clean, clear and “easy-on-eyes” pictures.

    Sharp notes that the reason for the excellent quality of high-definition signals is high-density information. Therefore, the AQUOS employs Full-Spec HD panel (1920 x 1080) to deliver high-resolution, high-definition picture in its entirety with same quality as the High-Definition signal format (1080i/p). This it says is in contrast to any other high-definition panel (1366 x 768) which delivers only about 50 per cent of the image information.

    In addition by applying Multi-Pixel Drive on the LCD panel, each RGB sub-pixel is further divided into two cells, thus having a greater control over color gradation. Viewers get to have a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees from top to bottom and from left to right, which results in greater freedom in viewing position. MPD takes care of light reflection and colour tone changes caused by angled viewing. Reproduction of people’s natural skin color can be enjoyed without white out.

    Sharp also states that its proprietary Four-Wavelength Backlight System adds crimson to the three conventional color wavelengths (blue, green and red) enabling the expression of deep red colours which were conventionally difficult to reproduce. It also enables reproduction of neutral colors such as translucent clear natural skin or healthy skin. The Four-Wavelength Backlight System reinforces overall color reproductivity.

    Sharp’s TVs are also equipped with Dual High-Definition Multimedia Interface inputs which are compatible with all current and future 1080p sources, such as Blue-ray player or next generation game consoles. With the DVI-I terminal, the LCD TV can also be turned into a marvelous computer monitor.

  • Samsung strengthens DTV position in the US

    Samsung strengthens DTV position in the US

    MUMBAI: Electronics major Samsung captured the number one market share position for digital televisions in the US in 2006, according to The NPD Group’s retail tracking service.

    NPD VP industry analysis Stephen Baker says, “The industry’s overall DTV unit sales have grown 54 per cent and three million more digital TVs were sold in 2006 than 2005; and within 2006, Samsung sold more digital televisions than anyone else in the industry.

    “Samsung is the only television manufacturer that demonstrates market strength in all four digital TV categories, which includes LCD, plasma, Microdisplay and Flat Tube. According to NPD’s monthly sales data Samsung’s share position improved throughout the year with Samsung leading the market in units and dollars within the second half of the year.”

    Samsung became America’s choice for digital TVs in 2006 with total Digital TV unit share of 20 per cent, which is a significant lead on the competition. In addition, Samsung demonstrated strong category leadership in Flat Panel TVs with number one unit share of 21.5 percent and number one dollar share of 25.1 percent; Samsung grew its LCD market share (10″ and larger) to the number one position in 2006 (from the number four position in 2005) with a market share of 15.1 per cent; and its SlimFit™ line of flat tube CRT TVs claimed an overwhelming 46.1 percent unit share and a 43.7 per cent dollar share in 2006, according to NPD data.

    Samsungsays that it is the only manufacturer that produces, and is committed to leading, in all four major digital television technologies: LCD, Microdisplay, Plasma, and Flat Tube. Strong 2006 sales across each category catapulted Samsung to the number one position.

    Samsung Electronics America executive VP, consumer electronics division Tim Baxter says, “Achieving a number one market position is a significant milestone for Samsung and we are very proud that for the first time, the American public has made us their first choice for digital televisions.

    “Samsung has demonstrated its growth to demand-brand status within the highly competitive Digital TV landscape. We attribute our success to a combination of manufacturing strength, commitment to all four digital television technologies and our leading product designs.”

    In 2006, Samsung launched its 51/52 series of LCD HDTVs, which the company nicknamed Bordeaux for its wine-glass curve at the bottom of the sets. For the first time, Samsung’s TVs offered consumers a choice of luxurious lacquer-like piano-black or smooth white-pearl exterior that not only complemented consumers’ home design but enhanced it as well.

    People the firm says no longer had to hide their TVs inside bulky, space-consuming furniture; Samsung provided them with design choices that accented their home décor.

    Samsung adds that it is one of the largest panel manufacturers in the world. In fact, the company consistently increases its R&D investments each year. In 2005 alone, Samsung’s R&D investments reached 5.41 trillion KRW. Recently, Samsung SDI (one of Samsung’s group affiliates) expanded the capacity of its plasma development facility in Cheonan, Korea.

    Samsung Electronics is currently planning to open a Gen8 LCD manufacturing facility in TangJeong, Korea. Because the company designs and manufactures most of its own components, it can maintain the utmost control over production quality and manufacturing costs, giving the company a distinct market advantage.

    About five years ago, Samsung decided to focus its TV resources almost exclusively on its digital television product line. The company recognized that each of the four digital TV technologies brought different advantages – and price points – to consumers and it decided to invest in each of them.

    The firm says that due to its manufacturing strength it is able to bring price-competitive televisions to market while maintaining our profitability. So its early decisions and investments are paying off.

    Samsung attributed its success to a combination of manufacturing strength, commitment to all four digital television technologies and product designs

  • BenQ to unveil range of products

    BenQ to unveil range of products

    MUMBAI: BenQ, a leading player in digital network devices, today announced their participation as official display partner at India’s biggest gaming event Skoar! 2007 at Pragati Maidan, Hall no. 12, New Delhi.

    Skoar! 2007 is an expo for gamers, game publishers, content providers and gaming-related hardware manufacturers.

    Leveraging this platform, BenQ also announced the availability of new products in India including the BenQ FP92W, claimed to be the worlds fastest LCD wide screen monitor, and the new BenQ MP510 projector for professionals.

    The BenQ FP92W will offer a completely new “viewing” experience and comes with a 5ms-response time, the release says.

    Further BenQ MP510 projector is an affordable big screen home entertainment well suited for gaming. With a 1500-lumen lamp and 2000:1 contrast ratio, the MP510 adds wall color correction which gives picture quality even withoput a projector screen, the release claims.

    Says Robert Dung, BenQ managing director IMEA (India-Middle East-Africa), “With the advent of hi-tech games, movies and animation there would be an increasing demand for fast and wide screen LCD monitors as compared to the CRT monitors.”

  • Consumers prefer plasma TV sets to LCD: Synovate

    Consumers prefer plasma TV sets to LCD: Synovate

    MUMBAI: Seeing is believing! While there is debate the world over about which television technology is superior -Plasma or LCD a study by Synovate in Europe has thrown up insights.

    Consumers in Europe significantly prefer plasma TVs over Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) sets after viewing in home conditions.

    The study, conducted by global market research company, Synovate, is the first ever European research into consumer preferences in medium to large-screen television sets.

    The margin was almost two to one in favour of plasma screens, with 73 per cent of respondents who viewed a side by side comparison rating plasmas as providing the ’best image quality’ ahead of LCD (27 per cent).

    The Synovate study, conducted in the UK, France and Germany, asked consumers which screen provided the best overall image quality for the following criteria: sharpness, colour, response speed, contrast, black quality and resolution. The study was commissioned by Panasonic and Pioneer.

    Plasma takes the lead The results reveal a clear favour for plasma. 61 per cent of consumers felt plasma screens provided the best sharpness experience, compared to 21 per cent who preferred LCD.

    When it came to consumer perception of colour, response speed and contrast, 65 per cent of consumers deemed plasma screens to have the best colour quality compared to 24 per cent who favoured LCD.

    Similarly, plasma screens were voted as providing the best quality for response speed by 62 per cent of consumers, with LCD scoring 15 per cent. Nearly a quarter of respondents believed both technologies provided a similar performance.

    Plasma screens once again lead the way with contrast quality. 61 per cent of consumers tested believed plasma had the best contrast performance, compared to 26 per cent for LCD.

    The reproduction of black is of pivotal importance to the overall viewing experience. Before seeing the video sequence, plasma was deemed to have a slight lead (37 per cent to 30 per cent for LCD), while a third of people felt that both formats provide similar black performance. After seeing the comparison, the majority of people who felt that the ’best black quality’ is created by plasma shot up to 72 per cent.

    Synovate research director Yves Robeet says, “We have been watching the television market for some time and there is no doubt that buying a new TV is a confusing decision for consumers. This is partially due to the arrival of new broadcast technologies like HD and digital as well as the heavy promotion of LCD and plasma by manufacturers and the ongoing technical debate between media and analysts about which is the best technology. This research is designed to make the process much easier by asking consumers what they think.”

    Synovate canvassed 603 consumers and executed the study under certified home viewing conditions. Two groups were established. The first, with no prior knowledge of plasma and LCD, were simply asked to express their preferences after watching a 90 second video sequence played side by side on LCD and plasma displays (with their brand names covered) in three presentation suites. All respondents rated the experience using TVs in the 37-inch (XGA PDP and XGA LCD), 42-inch (XGA PDP and 1080p LCD) and 50-inch categories (both 1080p).

    The second group, who claimed to have knowledge of plasma and LCD, were asked before the comparison to reveal which format they believed provided the ’best overall quality’ and to reveal their initial preferences for plasma or LCD in several feature categories, including resolution, image depth, colour and black tone. These benchmarks were used to track changes in perceptions after the video sequence had been viewed.

    Initially, no preference was expressed in either Germany or the UK for overall image quality though French respondents expressed a preference for plasma.

    After watching the content, however, the whole group was asked the same question. Sentiment swung sharply in favour of plasma: 73 per cent of people rated plasma as the superior performer in image quality compared to 27 per cent for LCD.

    Robeet adds, “The research replicated the typical viewing conditions found in the home and produced very clear results. This suggests that retailers might consider researching the conditions in which customers watch their TVs to provide a similar environment in-store to compare performance in a life-like situation; after all, the viewing environment and the type of content people watch should dictate model choice more than any other factor.”

  • Samsung Electronics unveils 3 inch VGA resolution LCD for digital cameras

    Samsung Electronics unveils 3 inch VGA resolution LCD for digital cameras

    MUMBAI: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., thin-film transistor and liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels provider, has developed the first three-inch LCD panel with VGA (640 x 480 pixels) resolution that directly meets industry interface standards for digital still cameras.

    Samsung Electronics Executive VP Yun Jin-hyuk of said, “Our new LCD panel will make viewing of digital pictures distinctly more impressive on camera screens, personal multi-media players and other products requiring high-image resolution and low-power consumption.”

    Digital camera makers use an interface known as ITU-R601, an international standard for cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs that operates at 30Hz. This standard is incompatible with LCDs, which normally run at 60Hz. Manufacturers have had to reconcile the difference either by compressing the images or by manipulating the signal. However, such approaches will only work with LCDs having a resolution of VGA(320 x 240 pixels) or less. Samsung’s new LCD operates on 30Hz, allowing VGA images to be obtained from a digital camera without having to create another interface, informs an official release.

    The three-inch VGA LCD also incorporates a dot inversion scheme that lowers power consumption while substantially reducing the image flickering that has prevented such an approach in the past. Power consumption is further reduced because the 30Hz source driver requires less power than the 60Hz type, helping to better differentiate mobile display-based products, adds the release.

    Samsung will exhibit its new device at IMID 2006, which opens in Daegu, Korea on 23 August. Samsung will begin commercially producing the new VGA-resolution LCD panel in the first half of 2007.

  • LCDs, cameras allow Sony to post a better than expected quarterly result

    LCDs, cameras allow Sony to post a better than expected quarterly result

    MUMBAI: Japanese consumer electronics conglomerate Sony has reported better than expected results for the first-quarter ended 30 June 2006.

    Net income was ¥32.3 billion with a loss of ¥7.3 billion a year earlier. Media reports indicate that analysts had expected the company to report lower income. Sony got a boost from sales of its Bravia brand LCD televisions and Cybershot digital cameras.

    For the full year to next March, Sony revised up its operating profit forecast by 30 per cent to 130 billion yen as it started booking patent-related income as recurring revenue rather than miscellaneous income. It kept unchanged its net profit forecast of 130 billion yen.

    Sales rose 11 per cent to ¥1.74 trillion from a year earlier. Operating profit, or sales minus the cost of goods sold and administrative expenses, was ¥27 billion for the period, compared with a restated ¥6.6 billion loss a year earlier.

    Profit from the electronics division, which accounts for more than 70 per cent of the company’s sales, was ¥47.4 billion, from a loss of ¥26.7 billion a year earlier. Sales of electronics including Bravia TVs, Cyber-shot cameras and Vaio personal computers increased by 14 per cent to ¥1.28 trillion.

    Sales of its TVs rose by 75 per cent to ¥262 billion. Sony joins rivals Sharp and Matsushita Electric Industrial in reporting higher profit because of TV sales.

    It looks like Sony CEO Howard Stringer’s cost cutting measures are starting to pay dividends. In September Stringer had outlined a plan to axe 10,000 jobs and shut down 11 factories. Stringer also stopped paying 44 retired executives, sold two corporate jets and some retail businesses, including a cosmetics maker and a restaurant chain.

    On the film front Sony benfited from The Da Vinci Code. This helped the company increase sales by 42 per cent in the quarter. However, higher marketing costs meant that the film division suffered an overall loss.