HDTV Homes Rise in Europe to 59 Million
Research from Paris-based Euroconsult and NPA say HDTV-equipped households in Europe reached 59 million and will rise to 170 million by 2013. Between now and 2010, Euroconsult and NPA predict a rapid climb to 116 million, a 51% penetration rate. By 2018, researchers say Europe will have 220 million HD-enabled homes.
The continued fall in prices of HD flat screen TVs will lead the growth, the report notes. It also acknowledges the inclusion of HDTV capability as a standard feature in flat screens sold throughout Europe.
Meanwhile, the number of pay-TV networks in Europe offering HD has almost tripled in the last two years, the report states. There are now 130 channels broadcasting in HD in Europe, and this may rise to 600 by 2013. Satellite platforms are expected to continue to be the dominant players in the HDTV market, but cable and IPTV are working hard to catch up, and developments are forecast in DTT.
HDTV in Europe
Microsoft Opens Own Stores
Microsoft Goes "Shopping"
“Dubious,” says one headline. “Insane,” charges another. “Is Ballmer Crazy?” Initial press reports on Microsoft’s decision to go retail have not been kind. Yet all the media seems to have missed one important point…
Microsoft has been practicing retail in Asia, gaining store experience for an expanded retail launch. Last year, Microsoft joined Acer in their third concept store in Asia-Pacific (a 2100 sq ft outlet aimed at educating and building brand awareness in Malaysia, joining outlets in Vietnam and Thailand).
In Asia, Microsoft also has retail partnerships with Dell. In Australia, Microsoft has launched a store-in-a-store Concept Shop, featuring almost every Microsoft title available.
The Yahoo Connection, It Could Work
Is it possible that ho-hum Yahoo has finally a new hit up its sleeve? Now there's a real reason for Steve Ballmer to keep wooing Yahoo...
Many have tried internet over TV but Yahoo has a new approach: a set of widgets called Yahoo ConnectedTV, designed for a new wave of "connected HDTVs" that will begin hitting the European market (at least Korean brands) in Q3 2009. Think iPhone Apps but for TV: the widgets themselves will be created by the third parties. The most interesting widgets will be the ones that work in harmony with the shows.
At this year's CES (and in Europe you can bet on IFA), companies like LG unveiled connected TVs with internet or network connection.
As your TV connects to internet, you can go to a Yahoo site. There you choose and install a widget (choose Facebook, for example) on the Linux OS inside your TV. The widget installs on your TV and overlays your web choice on top of your TV programming.
And you never had to reach for a PC or mouse…it’s TV-driven.But analysts predict this will force a new wave of TV remotes to accommodate the multifarious web content.
What Projection Screen was Best at CES 2009?
Insight Media analysts in their annual CES 2009 Best Buzz Award chose the JKP Affinity Screen Series from Da-Lite.
A strategic partnership between Joe Kane Productions and Da-Lite Screen Company, Joe Kane came to Da-Lite with a whole new theory on how to get the best picture for home theaters and post production facilities.
The result is the introduction of a new series of JKP Affinity Screens and the first screen in the series is the HD Progressive (shown at CES)
Go JKP Affinity Screen Series
Canesta Demos Gesture-Controlled TV
Canesta develops 3D sensors that allow devices to “see.” In a demo of how a remote-less, gesture-controlled TV works. Canesta CEO Jim Spare shows what the actual sensors look like. He explains how they work.
Hitachi has announced a gesture TV set using Canesta, but according to Spare, it’s not scheduled to hit the market until the end of 2010 at the earliest.
Go See How Canesta Works
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