On CE - For Dealers, Distributors and OEMs of Consumer Electronics throughout EMEA

The TV market enters a new phase, as connected TVs hit mainstream.

According to the latest DisplaySearch Quarterly TV Design and Features Report, internet connectivity has emerged as a key feature in TVs this year.

The report notes 55% of TV models available across Japan, No. America, Europe, China and India have Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) capability. Overall, this is 45 million connected TV sets, 19% of flat panel TV shipments in 2010. DisplaySearch forecasts the connected segment to reach 119 million units in 2014, accounting for 42% of all TVs shipped worldwide.

“We have seen DLNA as a solution in search of a problem for a long while, but with the surge in media streaming, the technology has found its place—creating business opportunities for TV set makers, broadcasters and retailers,” says Paul Gray, Director of TV Electronics Research.

“The internet video battleground will take place in the living room, with all facets of the TV supply chain trying to stake claims. As a result, the competition is creating attractive new viewing choices for consumers, which underpins the value of the TV’s network connection.”

DisplaySearch research also covers the progress made in the development of energy efficient TVs, as well as enabling technologies such as LED backlights, which are forecast to be in over 80% of LCD TVs shipped in 2014.

The report also includes details of key featuring of new 3D models launched by leading set makers.

Go Connect TVs Report by DisplaySearch

To some analysts, in the iPhone era RIM is on its way to becoming a mostly mid-to-low-end smartphone brand, stuck with low-end customers and low margins.

The BlackBerry maker has different ideas, of course.

RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie is talking up its new BlackBerry 6 platform and devices (coming in Q3 2010). He says RIM will have "a quantum leap over anything that's out there."

The trend in the enterprise is a shift toward personally owned devices, so RIM is thinking more these days about consumers and the retailers that reach them.

Go What's Up at RIM?

Monster launches an active 3D TV glasses system that will work with any brand 3D TV.

Monster VISION Max 3D Active 3D Eyewear System will hit retail shelves in August in USA (probably to be shown at IFA Berlin, too).

This Monster system is RF-based, uses a transmitter, and does not require the wearer to be in line of sight of the TV. Gets 800 hours on one lithium-polymer battery. In USA, the glasses bundled with transmitter, will sell at $249.95; additional glasses for $169.95; and 3D transmitter by itself for $59.95.

Go Monster Launch

The name of Google TV companion box will be Logitech Revue with Google TV.

At Logitech, they’re known for certain kinds of products – peripherals, video calling, entertainment control, streaming media. The meaning of "Revue" is a type of multi-act theatrical entertainment that combines music, dance.

Logitech Revue is a companion box and controller that brings the experience of Google TV to your TV screen. It combines everything on the Web, cable or satellite content, apps, video calling and more.

Go Logitech Revue with Google TV