Sanyo Develops Faster Blue Laser – The current capacity of Blu-ray discs is 50GB and the burners support writes of up to 6x. Sanyo Corporation has perfected a blue laser which enables a 100GB capacity disc and can read and write Blu-ray data on up to four layers at speeds of up to 12x. Using the four layers, with 25GB of data on each means that eight hours of HD video can be burned in roughly ten minutes. This advanced laser will require a delay for manufacturers to develop media and other materials compatible with the higher speed. A delay of about two years is expected.
World’s Largest LED Screen – UAE development company Tameer Holding will be building a 33-story-high LED media facade on a new commercial tower in Dubailand that will be visible from a distance of 1.5 kilometers. The idea is to provide a powerful medium for advertising, messaging and art. The technology will not affect the flow of natural light into the screen side of the building, which will have 33 levels of commercial office space.
Digital-Input Audio Amp for Cars – ST, the largest semiconductor supplier to the auto audio industry, has introduced the world’s first car-audio amplifier with digital input. Digital audio players such as the iPod can connect directly, eliminating the need for signal conversion. This results in higher sound quality, better immunity to noise, simpler system design and greater reliability. ST’s power amp raises audio quality in the car in both dynamic range and signal-to-noise areas. It delivers pop-free operation without clicks or noises during car battery transitions. Superb noise immunity follows from elimination of analog lines on the car radio board, and the greater robustness of the system reduces warranty issues and failures in the field. The fully digital power amp design also reduces the number of active and passive components for a simpler system design and cost savings. Volume production is scheduled for Q2 of 2009. ST commands 55% f the car audio power amp market.
