On CE

Sharp is the first optical disc brand to launch the new Blu-ray format (BDXL) that offers 100GB of storage.

While the existing dual-layer Blu-ray format offers max 50GB per disc, the new BDXL format (by increasing the allowed layers on a disc from two to four) allows up to 128GB for write-once and 100GB for rewriteable..

Sharp's VR-100BR1 Blu-ray disc will first be available in Japan. Sharp will also releasing two players this month that handle the new BDXL format.

GoSharp's VR-100BR1 Blu-ray disc

Chumby is quietly enabling gadgets and TVs with Chumby software and services.

Sony's Dash, the new Web-ready alarm clock? Yep, it runs on Chumby's Internet apps and other streaming media.

Best Buy's Infocast, an intelligent digital photo frame? That is Chumby again.

In Japan, Dai Nippon Printing the No. 1 printing company, with its new prototype DNP e-reader/tablet? That's Chumby inside, of course.

In the next five months, Chumby will launch tablets, TVs and home energy monitors powered by its unique, open-source software. Manufacturers that partner with Chumby gain access to its library of 1500 applications. Similar to a TV or radio channel, the content–pictures, headlines, online deals–appears as a stream of continuously updating information.

On an Android tablet, Chumby would run as an application, transforming the device into a connected display for news, photos, weather or other kinds of information.

Eventually, these "connected screens" will form a broad media network, enabling Chumby to add paid ads to its (currently free) apps. The company says it broadcasts 1 billion apps a month across its devices. And that's more eyeballs than major networks.

Go Chumby

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?