Eye On Video

Consumers struggle to take advantage of HD potential
Many consumers remain confused over how best to take advantage of many of the technologies incorporated in today's high-definition screens. A recent market survey found that only 35% of high-definition owners subscribed to high-definition services. The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, Miss.)/USA Today (12/23)

Study: TV viewers tune into alternative devices
"The ChoiceStream 2007 Survey of Viewer Trends in TV and Online Video" study found that 36% of respondents watch TV programming on their computers and that 20% of consumers plan over the next six months to turn to alternative devices to watch more TV programming. MediaPost Communications (12/24)

High-Speed Internet Access

Experts see 2008 as the year of 802.11n standard
The 802.11n wireless standard will drive industry growth next year, although security issues will remain a huge challenge, according to a number of key observers of the wireless scene. AirMagnet, a wireless-solutions company, predicts 40% growth in 2008 as Gartner Group estimated that laptop shipments will far exceed those of desktops -- a Wi-Fi friendly trend. V3.co.uk (U.K.) (12/24)

Telephony

Ribbit readies IP service for Web sites
Web site developers would be able to embed telephony services within their Web sites using new technology from Silicon Valley-based Ribbit, the company said. Ribbit unveiled a back-end system that includes a software switch that connects IP voice services with cell phones, land lines and text messaging. Techworld (U.K.)/IDG News Service (12/17)

The Basics

OLED screens may challenge LCDs by 2015, analyst predicts
Industry analysts expect OLED TVs to continue to gain market presence in the near future, as both the minuscule size and visual flair of the technology will likely appeal to a large number of consumers. "There's speculation that beyond 2015, OLEDs could advance to become a credible threat to the LCD flat-panel business," said Paul Gagnon, an analyst at DisplaySearch. International Herald Tribune (12/23)

• LCDs make strides: LCD high-definition TVs still may not be able to quite match the picture quality of leading plasma screens, according to new market tests from Sound & Vision Magazine, which reports that LCD technology has nonetheless made strides, and is continuing to improve its contrast levels. Sound & Vision  (2/2008)

Dolby technology lets users preset sound levels
New DTVs and A/V receivers may soon include Dolby's sound-leveling technology, allowing users to set one level for all sources. "We preserve audio quality while eliminating the level differences," a Dolby representative said. TWICE (12/19)

Home Networking

Broadband helps gaming consoles continue battle online
Rivals Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony continue to scramble toward more innovative and consumer-friendly interactive offerings. Microsoft holds the online edge, with both movies and TV shows available for download, while both Nintendo and Sony allow for online social interaction free of charge. The Boston Globe (12/24)

Emerging Products

Your finger does the work in GestureTek device
A new GestureTek device is right out of a Philip K. Dick story: Its AirPoint System allows users to manipulate images and objects on a screen with the point of a finger. The system's core is a foot-long stick that fits into a laptop bag and uses a strip of cameras to create an invisible tracking field. The Boston Globe (12/24)

ZodTTD keeps its word with psx4iphone
ZodTTD has officially released its psx4iphone application. The upshot: The iPhone could join the PSP as a top destination for portable PlayStation gaming, according to this article. Engadget Mobile (12/23)

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