Panasonic says Tru2way TVs on track for later this year

Despite reports of setbacks, Panasonic is still aiming to have its Tru2way TVs on store shelves by the holidays.
(Credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic has confirmed to CNET that it still intends to deliver Tru2way TVs to the market before the end of 2008. A company representative e-mailed us with the following statement:
Panasonic's Tru2way-enabled VIERA HDTV is in the certification process at CableLabs. Panasonic expects to deliver Tru2way-enabled VIERA HDTVs to the market in time for the holiday season.


Of course, the company's expectation does not equal a guarantee that we'll see the product on store shelves before the end of the year. But it does represent an affirmation that Panasonic is actively working to address the alleged issues that cropped up during the CableLabs certification process. That's certainly a contrast from the "no comment" we received Thursday.

Samsung CMOS Image Sensor Mounted Camera Best 14.6 Mega Pixel DSLR Camera of its Kind

- SAMSUNG APS-C size CMOS image sensor mounted
- Clear picture using Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) with the shaking image sensor method
- Waterproof body through dust- and waterproof design

Samsung Digital Camera (CEO Lee Joong-Goo, www.samsungcamera.com) has announced the launch of a new DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera, the 'GX-20' with upgraded functions and capabilities.

□ The Samsung GX-20 is equipped with the best 14.6 Mega pixel CMOS of its kind, an Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) with shaking image sensor method, a de-dusting function, and various image correction functions which enable emotive images to be captured and saved. The GX-20 is an intermediate level of DSLR camera, and may satisfy families, amateur photographers, and even professionals.

□ A 14.6 Mega pixel CMOS image sensor, which is developed by Samsung and Pentax together and manufactured by Samsung, is used for the first time in the GX-20. The effective pixels of the 14.6 Mega pixel CMOS image sensor in the APS-C size (23.4mm×15.5mm) produces excellent images with better clarity, and greater enjoyment when shooting.

□ This CMOS image sensor has finally been developed after two years of effort, from 2006. It has the advantages of using a battery for extended time of use, with low power consumption and noise reduction at high sensitivity. Moreover, the CMOS image sensor can express clear images with high definition and excellent reliability in color by improving the amount of light received per unit area through the refinement of the circuit process. Even though Samsung encountered many obstacles when designing the CMOS, we overcame those and improved its efficiency. Samsung will show the world its technologies once again by having technologies and equipment that enable the production of the CMOS with the highest number of pixels in any camera of its kind.

□ For customers who want clearer pictures, the GX-20 utilizes the OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) with shaking image sensor method. The OIS quickly detects minor vibrations in the hands, and minimizes camera shake by moving the image sensor in the opposite direction of the shakes.

□ As the use of DSLR cameras has lately increased rapidly, shooting locations have become diversified to include mountains and seas, and so on. Customers’ requests for the prevention of dust and moisture have therefore increased. The GX-20 cameras have a specific dust- and waterproof design, on the luxury model DSLR body. 72 areas on the inside of the camera’s body, such as the shutter button, the operational button and the dial, are sealed to minimize any internal damage to the camera from hazards such as water, sand and dust.

□ The dual dust reduction system of the GX-20 removes any dust as much as possible by using two high technologies simultaneously, and this prevents unnecessary spots or marks on the picture. Microscopic dust cannot be adsorbed onto the image sensor itself, which has a special protective coating. Adsorbed microscopic dust is shaken off through the shaking image sensor system, and spotless clean pictures can be obtained as a result.

□ The GX-20 can support a high sensitivity ISO 3200 and produce optimal image quality under any circumstances through the equipped upgraded image correction technologies, such as the HDR (High Dynamic Range) function for broader expressions, by expanding the expression range of bright and dark areas. This product also provides professionals with an X sync for connection with an external flash, a one-touch RAW & JPEG conversion button and high class RAW format conversion software. Moreover, as per the customers’ requests for a large LCD, the GX-20 is equipped with a high quality, 6.86cm (2.7 inch) LCD, and shot images can be checked with more clarity and brightness. A live-view function also provides the convenience of being able to shoot subjects by directly looking at the LCD screen rather than through the viewfinder.

□ A Samsung employee said, “This product will satisfy everyone from professional photographers to amateur photographers with its powerful functions and high performance, and will make a breakthrough in the DSLR camera industry. Through the release of this product in early March of this year, Samsung Techwin said “we will reshuffle the worldwide DSLR camera industry to a 3-strong structure of competitors.”

Samsung SGH-G600 - First GSM 5megapixel camera phone

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leading mobile phone and telecommunication equipment provider, has announced a sleek new camera phone, the Samsung G600. Housed in a fashionable black two-toned slider shell and equipped with a 5 mega-pixel camera, the Samsung G600 is a fusion of design, photography and the ultimate in phone functionality.

A design icon and high performance camera in one, the Samsung G600 is the latest member of Samsung’s range of handsets and is made to capture quality pictures of priceless moments. At work or at play, consumers can now get creative with various modes such as panoramic or mosaic settings and enjoy the quality of built-in Power LED flash, image stabiliser and image enhancer. No matter where it’s being used, for phone or camera, the Samsung G600 guarantees to make users look and feel great.


Yangkyu Kim, Vice President of Sales Team for Europe and CIS market said “The Samsung G600 is more than a style icon, it comes with a built-in 5 megapixel camera that will help people capture and store their favourite moments. Since the market demand of 5 megapixel camera phone is expected to grow significantly in this year and next few years, we are aiming to capture these market needs starting with G600.”


For a better viewing experience, the Samsung G600 incorporates a 2.2” LCD with 16 million colours, a 5 mega-pixel multi-function imaging system and full Bluetooth v.2 connectivity. This will enable people to view larger pictures and graphics and helps users read text or Web pages in full. What’s more, these features are bundled into a tiny 102 mm by 47.8 mm by 14.9 mm frame.


The Samsung G600 is also equipped with a host of multimedia features designed for those on the go. Music lovers will enjoy the embedded MP3 player, which can be customised to individual tastes and preferences. With improved internet browsing, users will benefit from NetFront Browser v.3.4, which provides PC-like browser capabilities on your mobile.


Samsung has proven camera phone leadership with the launch of series of industry’s first camera phones including the 5 megapixel camera phone (SCH-S250) in 2004, 7 megapixel camera phone (SCH-V770) in 2005, and finally 10 megapixel camera phone (SCH-B600) in 2006 for Korean domestic market.