Canonical, the company that deals with the development of Ubuntu, has presented at CES 2012 the Ubuntu TV operating system for TV manufacturers as well as a smart TV for Linux enthusiasts. As an alternative to other smart TVs, the device powered by Canonical runs this new operating system, offering a lot of features.

The Ubuntu version especially designed for TVs is similar to Google TV and will be able to be updated later through WiFi. Offering support for DVR functionalities, including movies, music, TV broadcasting and YouTube player integrated, Ubuntu TV is the open-source platform optimized for TVs of Ubuntu OS. Canonical is now working on improving Ubuntu TV and wants it to reach all the TV manufacturers, this being the first major step in the company’s intentions to overcome the barriers of a PC or laptop case.

The smart TV model presented at CES 2012 has impressed with the menu’s fluidity and the pre-installed applications, one of them offering direct access to YouTube content. Like its competitors, Ubuntu TV offers the possibility of searching and recording video content.

Ubuntu TV will come on the market only after Canonical will refine the software, now considered unfinished, despite the very good functionality of the model brought at CES.

The display can be used in a vertical or horizontal position. When used in the vertical position, the user faces the upright screen from the front as a person would usually use a 2D monitor. However, when used in the horizontal position, the user overlooks the stereoscopic image formed by the display lying face-up, as one would overlook a relief model. Compared with the front view, the 3D images seen face-up from the bird?s eye view are more stereoscopic and realistic.

JVC?s new dual wireless soundbar system is the TH-BA3, a 280-watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system that includes a sound bar, wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speaker kit comprised of wireless left and right surround speakers and a wireless receiver.

The TH-BS7 system is designed to match the slimmest of flat panel HDTVs. It includes a sliver of a soundbar that measures 1.4 inches (36mm) tall, a wall-mountable amplifier/control unit and a wireless subwoofer.

The design allows the 180-watt, 4.1-channel TH-BS7?s soundbar to boast a frequency range of 200 – 20,000 Hz that falls to 200 ? 10,000 Hz at 360 degrees off-axis.

The system?s amplifier/control unit measures 1.2 inches deep and can be wall mounted. It decodes Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II, and offers one analog and three optical digital inputs. The system?s wireless subwoofer features a six-inch woofer powered by a 100-watt amplifier.

The price is $549.95 for TH-BA3, and $599.95 for TH-BS7.

source: HDTV.Biz-New.com

The device brings HDMI-support, WiFi, Ethernet, an SD card slot and two USB 2.0 ports. It also comes with optical audio, RCA audio and RF remote and plays any non-DRM media.

According to the companies, the Boxee Box, which has already won a Best of Innovations award from the Computer Electronics Association, ?reinterprets what TV should be, delivering all the movies, TV shows, music and photos from a user?s computer, home network and Internet to their HDTV with no PC needed.?

The full product will be shown at CES 2010 and it is supposed to hit the store shelves in Q2 2010 for about $200.

The company say its eventual goal is to let users integrate Boxee into their existing devices (TVs, game consoles, STB, and DVD/Blu-Ray players) where possible or to buy a Boxee Box if their existing hardware can’t run it.

In 2009, Boxee hopes to reach 1 million users across computers, AppleTVs, and other devices that can be connected to a television.

Source: HDTV.Biz-News.com

Ostendo CRVD, earlier announced as NEC CRV43, the world?s first curved display is already on sale.

It offers vivid LED colors and comes with 2880 x 900 double WXGA+ resolution, 32:10 aspect ratio (180% wider than 16:9 displays), 0.02 ms response time, 68.7 billion colors, 10,000:1 contrast and DVI-D Single Link, HDMI and USB 2.0 connectivity.

The CRVD’s seamless curved screen engages 75% of the Human Visual System (HVS) peripheral vision. It also eliminates eye fatigue because the screen is curved and the user’s focal distance remains constant across the screen. CRVD displays work with existing graphics cards, drivers, and games, so there is no need for special hardware or software.

The CRVD is currently available for sale in the U.S.A. and Canada for $6499 MSRP.

iBiquity, the developer and licenser of HD Radio Technology, introduced Gigaware Navigation Control HD Radio Receiver accessory and the HD Radio application. The accessory/app combination enables iPhone and iPod Touch to tune into HD Radio broadcasts. Adding HD Radio Technology to the iPhone and iPod touch (compatible with models updated with 3.0 software) is a two-step process: 1) Buy the Gigaware HD Radio accessory, designed for and sold exclusively at RadioShack for an MSRP of $79.99, 2 ) download and install  the free application from the App Store (under the Music category). The app enables you to preview content currently airing and directly select a main station or multicast channel stream, in addition to bookmark your favorite stations and multicast channels. An iTunes Tagging button on the Gigaware navigation accessory also allows to “tag” songs for future review and purchase via iTunes. It gives you access to more than 2,000 HD Radio stations on the air, and 1,000+ new FM multicast channels (HD2/HD3).

The HP LD4200tm is a 42-inch diagonal, sleek black digital signage built to fit in trendy indoor environments. It features infrared technology, which recognizes multitouch gestures for onscreen interaction in 1,920 x 1,080 full HD native resolution, 500 cd/m² brightness,1000:1 contrast ratio and 9 ms response rate and comes with comprehensive array of inputs that includes VGA, HDMI, Composite, Component and S-Video. For added security, HDMI offers HDCP for secure content support.

An ultra-wide 178 x 178 degree viewing angle enables observation from almost any angle. The new HP?s touchscreen is built to run 24/7 with low power usage. It can be mounted vertically or horizontally on a wall with the VESA mounting pattern on the back of the display, or place on a stand (sold separately). The monitor starts at $2,799 and is expected to be available in December.

Sony has announced two new flash memory-based high definition camcorders ? the HDR-CX520V and the HDR-CX500V. Both cameras capture full 1920 x 1080 resolution video and up to 12 megapixel photos on internal flash memory. They offer support for up to 25 hours of HD video on the 64GB model. Among the features of both cameras are the ability to output 60p video ? automatically converting convert to 60 frames per second on compatible HDTV sets. Built-in GPS antenna and NAVTEQ digital maps can geo-tag your videos and photos. The HDR-CX500V and HDR-CX520V will be available in September for approximately USD $1100 and $1300 respectively.

Source: hdtv.biz-news.com

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NEC CRV43 not only looks amazing, but also comes with extraordinary tech specification: 2880 x 990 double WXGA resolution, 0.02 ms response time (won?t game maniacs be excited?), 68.7 billion colors and 99,3% Adobe RGB colors coverage. Add 10,000:1 contrast rating, 200 cd/m2 brightness, HDMI, DVI-D and USB2.0 connectivity and you have a reason to have your eyes riveted to it all day long. The only problem ? $7,999 price.