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TECHNOLOGICAL TEUTONS
Listed under: Show News
Published: Monday, October 17, 2011
Having been invited to Berlin by home projector aficionados Epson I found myself further privileged by the opportunity to attend the largest consumer electronics Europe, and maybe even the world, and find out what the biggest names in the industry currently have to offer. Housed at the Messe Berlin the first thing that struck me about IFA was its sheer scale. I had been informed of the labyrinthine nature of the show prior to my arrival in Germany and with a further 4% increase in the rented display area compared with last year’s show, housing 1,441 exhibitors (a 1% increase on 2010), the daunting task of fitting it all in during one day seemed inescapably unachievable.
Needless to say I failed in my odyssey to circumnavigate the showfloor and owing to the expansive nature of the show and the punctilious nature of British Airways’ timekeeping policy I’m sure I only managed to scratch the surface of this exhibition leviathan in my short time at the Messe Berlin. Covering 140,200sqm the show would have been a task to traverse in time I had available had it been empty so with myriad delights from the consumer electronics industry to marvel at, plus the strangely transfixing nature of alternative Finnish rock courtesy of the extravagantly coiffed Leningrad Cowboys, there was no chance of me managing to cover all of the capacious halls of the Messe Berlin. Commenting on the continued growth and importance of IFA Dr. Rainer Hecker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of gfu, organisers of IFA 2011, said: “We are particularly pleased with the continued increase in demand for display space and the increased number of exhibitors. This reflects the appeal of IFA and its outstanding position as a worldwide leader.”
Despite my failure to see it all however I did manage to see a lot. After easing into the day with Tron:Legacy in immersive and impressive quality at the Epson stand followed by a brief detour where I was enticed into distraction by the sultry and seductive charms of Euronics girls I embarked on a quest to see as much as possible before my time was up. Here are just a few of the companies that caught my eye in Berlin…
Toshiba
Glasses free 3D is a concept that has been mooted in technology circles for a while now and I have to admit when I first heard about it I was more than a little excited. One of the main grievances for consumers with 3D technology in the home is the use of glasses and discomfort and chagrin that comes with wearing them so the prospect of 3D entertainment in the home without the need for the much derided accoutrement could prove highly popular.
Looking to crack this potentially lucrative market at IFA was Toshiba with the 55ZL2 glasses-free 3D TV. Imbued with glasses-free 3D technology the 55ZL2 has another ocular trick up its sleeve offering customers a Quad Full HD viewing experience. The glasses-free 3D technology is based on the stereoscopic principle of simultaneously delivering a picture for the left eye and another one with a small offset (parallax) for the right eye – these are then superposed in the viewer’s brain to get the 3D effect. The Integral Imaging technology, powered by the CEVO-ENGINE, applied to the 55ZL2 delivers nine views which create multiple wide-angle viewing zones in front of the glasses-free 3D TV. This allows several viewers to enjoy the 3D experience at the same time without wearing glasses.
One of the main issues with the idea of glasses-free 3D, and normal 3D, is the idea of viewing zones in which viewers must sit to experience the full effect. As 3D technology which requires glasses has developed this has started to become less of an issue and it has not been fully eradicated it does mean that Toshiba had to address the issue with the 55ZL2. Within the nine viewing zones the 55ZL2 allows for a face tracking capability adjust the viewing experience to suit head movements whilst Toshiba has also embedded a panel with 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, equivalent to a Quad Full HD resolution, to allow up to nine views to be displayed simultaneously.
http://www.toshiba.co.uk
Sony
Another consumer electronics behemoth making the most of the available space at the Messe Berlin was Sony with an entire hall dedicated to its current ranges. With products from Sony’s expansive catalogue on show visitors flocked in their thousands to get a look at the latest developments from the Japanese company and based on what I saw there I should imagine they were very happy they did.
SMP-N200
Unveiled in Berlin the SMP-N200 is a media and Internet streaming device which will turn any television into an Internet TV. Benefitting from a sleek design customers will have no qualms with having the SMP-N200 in their home and raft of features it brings to their home entertainment set-up ensures it won’t just become an unused homage to cubism. On top of Internet connectivity the SMP-N200 also allows for wireless playback from home computers and networks via Wi-Fi as well as USB and HDD slots for any even more expansive array of viewing materials.
Personal 3D Viewer
Based on the proviso that consumers have no problem with looking like La Forge from Star Trek: The Next Generation I may have had a glimpse of the future of 3D viewing in the Sony hall at IFA. The Personal 3D Viewer does exactly what is says on the tin (please not it doesn’t actually come in a tin, but you already knew that) by providing users with an immersive, personal 3D experience. Providing wearers with an optimised High Definition and 3D picture this product also features 5.1 surround sound to give an authentic movie feel. Though there was a slight comfort issue and the fear that prolonged use would surely lead to some degree of blindness I’m sure that this product will prove popular, if a little anti-social.
http://www.sony.co.uk
Loewe
Loewe is a name that is synonymous with the German AV industry so it was no surprise to see them pulling out all the stops in Berlin this month to wow the masses. Providing visitors with stunning and stylish take on contemporary technology Loewe also gave AV enthusiasts a glimpse of the future with their take on the on TVs may look in the coming years. With a wide array of audio and visual options on display the Loewe hall was a must at IFA and thankfully I managed my to make my way there before getting lost somewhere around the white goods.
With three concept TVs on display Loewe provided visitors with a prescient look how home entertainment may look in the coming years and judging by what was on display we should all be very excited. Beginning with the Pivot, which I have to admit is the one I was most awed by, Loewe has created a screen with the ability to rotate and therefore be utilised for differing purposes. What the Pivot offers is an aesthetically pleasing and practical approach to the concept of a fixed multi-purpose multimedia device the full-size HD screen displays relevant and personalised information whilst vertical and switches to horizontal for conventional viewing of films and TV. Featuring a built-in Blu-ray player the Pivot has another neat trick up its sleeve; by automatically recognises the widescreen format of films the device pivots the screen into a horizontal position. The selected film can now be watched in all its glory, whether in widescreen or even in full-screen cinemascope format. Once the film is over, the pivot screen reverts to its vertical default position.
Another take on the future courtesy Loewe is the Module TV, designed for parallel media use. Designed to pander for the modern proclivity to consume multiple types of media simultaneously the Loewe Module is a split screen television which allows users to enjoy TV, films and games on a large screen whilst also keeping track of social media or news updates via the smaller ancillary screen. Another rather natty feature of the Module is implemented when watching live sport as the smaller screen can be utilised to display different camera angles to give viewers another perspective on their sport of choice.
Loewe’s final look ahead is a concept that is gaining more credibility in the AV market. The Loewe Mirror is as the name would suggest a mirror TV but Loewe has infused this idea with a hint of magic. Working proficiently as both a TV and a mirror the Loewe Mirror also integrates a futuristic electronic calendar – the Timeline. It not only displays appointments, for example, but also notification of incoming video calls or completed live recordings. On top of this visual displays can be selected like screen savers to add a little something extra to the décor of the living rooms of tomorrow.
http://www.loewe-uk.com
Gear4
Whilst we don’t condone throwing birds at pigs here at SVI we cannot deny the popularity and addictive nature of the smartphone based game Angry Birds. Tapping into the popularity of these ubiquitous disgruntled birds is Gear4 and at IFA they displayed the latest addition to their audio-visual menagerie. Coming with a stand for housing the devices in which the birds reside the Angry Birds speaker connect via a 3.5mm jack and allow users to enjoy all the fun of their favourite bird-based games whilst also enjoying the musical stylings of whomever it is that tickles their fancy.
http://www.gear4.com
Yamaha
At massive shows like IFA getting your product to stand out can be a difficult task. Many firms hire beautiful women to lure passing technophiles like sirens to their electronic rocks. Yamaha however utilised the simple premise of having a truly stunning audio solution on display. The ISX-800 Restio is a stylish and sophisticated home audio solution that managed to stand out from the crowd in Berlin. Coming in a selection of subtle and contemporary colour options the unit will play music from CD, USB memory stick (WAV, MP3 and WMA files), iPod/iPhone, FM radio and also includes an aux input to connect your laptop. Benefitting from Yamaha’s technological knowhow the Restio features a four speaker system to deliver sound quality whilst an innovative clock display applies the final aesthetic touch to set the Restio apart.
http://www.yamaha.com
Hannspree
With a vast selection of products on display, including a touchscreen Full HD TV featuring Internet access and specialist apps, Hannspree were out in force to make an impact in Berlin. One range which really stood out for the Taiwanese brand was its assortment of Novelty TVs. With screen sizes of 28- or 55-inches and all the technological expertise that comes with this esteemed audio-visual name the TVs fulfil their primary purpose with aplomb whilst the unique nature of their design is sure to appeal to the younger generations as well as those with specialist needs. With options include an apple, a football, a zebra and much more Hannspree may have just found a niche in the ever competitive AV market.
http://www.hannspree.com
LG
Cinema 3D TVs were the headline act in LG hall of the Messe Berlin. As visitors entered the impressive hall they were handed a pair rather comfortable and rather stylish white cinema style 3D glasses to enjoy all the 3D offerings LG had on show and what offerings they were. The Cinema 3D range has been designed to gives users greater freedom whilst watching 3D TV and films. With a wider viewing angle, more flexibility when it comes to movement and the pecuniary benefits of not having to purchase active shutter glasses the Cinema 3D collection aims to make the transition into people’s homes easier for this emergent technology. Delivered with immense picture quality the TVs also feature Smart apps for the other new technology trying to break the market; Internet TV. With an entire range built around the Cinema 3D premise LG proved they have a lot to at IFA.
Another innovation which caught my eye in the LG hall was the Pentouch range of interactive screen that allow viewers to control content directly on the screen using revolutionary Touch Pens. The PZ850T brings the interactivity of the home computer to the big screen, along with 3D technology and 2D to 3D conversion; all in an ultra sophisticated, slim design. Connecting the PZ850T to a computer allows users to access a wealth of software, as well as the internet, transforming the TV into an entertainment hub. Beyond that LG also displayed a technology to excite the gamers out there called Dual-play. Though I must admit I didn’t fully understand exactly how the technology works the principle seems to be that by polarising 3D glasses two gamers are able to play on the same screen whilst seeing different images. Though the technology definitely felt like it was still in its nascent stages it is an exciting prospect and the potential seems extremely exciting.
http://www.lg.com
Urbanears
Adopting the approach of the peacock at the Messe Berlin Urbanears attracted potential customers with a cornucopia colour. The eye-catching headphones and earphones from the Swedish firm come in myriad colour options and offer users not only style but also sonorous quality. If extravagant displays of colour are your thing then you should be able to find a pair of Urbanears that are befitting of your taste.
http://www.urbanears.com
Needless to say I failed in my odyssey to circumnavigate the showfloor and owing to the expansive nature of the show and the punctilious nature of British Airways’ timekeeping policy I’m sure I only managed to scratch the surface of this exhibition leviathan in my short time at the Messe Berlin. Covering 140,200sqm the show would have been a task to traverse in time I had available had it been empty so with myriad delights from the consumer electronics industry to marvel at, plus the strangely transfixing nature of alternative Finnish rock courtesy of the extravagantly coiffed Leningrad Cowboys, there was no chance of me managing to cover all of the capacious halls of the Messe Berlin. Commenting on the continued growth and importance of IFA Dr. Rainer Hecker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of gfu, organisers of IFA 2011, said: “We are particularly pleased with the continued increase in demand for display space and the increased number of exhibitors. This reflects the appeal of IFA and its outstanding position as a worldwide leader.”
Despite my failure to see it all however I did manage to see a lot. After easing into the day with Tron:Legacy in immersive and impressive quality at the Epson stand followed by a brief detour where I was enticed into distraction by the sultry and seductive charms of Euronics girls I embarked on a quest to see as much as possible before my time was up. Here are just a few of the companies that caught my eye in Berlin…
Toshiba
Glasses free 3D is a concept that has been mooted in technology circles for a while now and I have to admit when I first heard about it I was more than a little excited. One of the main grievances for consumers with 3D technology in the home is the use of glasses and discomfort and chagrin that comes with wearing them so the prospect of 3D entertainment in the home without the need for the much derided accoutrement could prove highly popular.
Looking to crack this potentially lucrative market at IFA was Toshiba with the 55ZL2 glasses-free 3D TV. Imbued with glasses-free 3D technology the 55ZL2 has another ocular trick up its sleeve offering customers a Quad Full HD viewing experience. The glasses-free 3D technology is based on the stereoscopic principle of simultaneously delivering a picture for the left eye and another one with a small offset (parallax) for the right eye – these are then superposed in the viewer’s brain to get the 3D effect. The Integral Imaging technology, powered by the CEVO-ENGINE, applied to the 55ZL2 delivers nine views which create multiple wide-angle viewing zones in front of the glasses-free 3D TV. This allows several viewers to enjoy the 3D experience at the same time without wearing glasses.
One of the main issues with the idea of glasses-free 3D, and normal 3D, is the idea of viewing zones in which viewers must sit to experience the full effect. As 3D technology which requires glasses has developed this has started to become less of an issue and it has not been fully eradicated it does mean that Toshiba had to address the issue with the 55ZL2. Within the nine viewing zones the 55ZL2 allows for a face tracking capability adjust the viewing experience to suit head movements whilst Toshiba has also embedded a panel with 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, equivalent to a Quad Full HD resolution, to allow up to nine views to be displayed simultaneously.
http://www.toshiba.co.uk
Sony
Another consumer electronics behemoth making the most of the available space at the Messe Berlin was Sony with an entire hall dedicated to its current ranges. With products from Sony’s expansive catalogue on show visitors flocked in their thousands to get a look at the latest developments from the Japanese company and based on what I saw there I should imagine they were very happy they did.
SMP-N200
Unveiled in Berlin the SMP-N200 is a media and Internet streaming device which will turn any television into an Internet TV. Benefitting from a sleek design customers will have no qualms with having the SMP-N200 in their home and raft of features it brings to their home entertainment set-up ensures it won’t just become an unused homage to cubism. On top of Internet connectivity the SMP-N200 also allows for wireless playback from home computers and networks via Wi-Fi as well as USB and HDD slots for any even more expansive array of viewing materials.
Personal 3D Viewer
Based on the proviso that consumers have no problem with looking like La Forge from Star Trek: The Next Generation I may have had a glimpse of the future of 3D viewing in the Sony hall at IFA. The Personal 3D Viewer does exactly what is says on the tin (please not it doesn’t actually come in a tin, but you already knew that) by providing users with an immersive, personal 3D experience. Providing wearers with an optimised High Definition and 3D picture this product also features 5.1 surround sound to give an authentic movie feel. Though there was a slight comfort issue and the fear that prolonged use would surely lead to some degree of blindness I’m sure that this product will prove popular, if a little anti-social.
http://www.sony.co.uk
Loewe
Loewe is a name that is synonymous with the German AV industry so it was no surprise to see them pulling out all the stops in Berlin this month to wow the masses. Providing visitors with stunning and stylish take on contemporary technology Loewe also gave AV enthusiasts a glimpse of the future with their take on the on TVs may look in the coming years. With a wide array of audio and visual options on display the Loewe hall was a must at IFA and thankfully I managed my to make my way there before getting lost somewhere around the white goods.
With three concept TVs on display Loewe provided visitors with a prescient look how home entertainment may look in the coming years and judging by what was on display we should all be very excited. Beginning with the Pivot, which I have to admit is the one I was most awed by, Loewe has created a screen with the ability to rotate and therefore be utilised for differing purposes. What the Pivot offers is an aesthetically pleasing and practical approach to the concept of a fixed multi-purpose multimedia device the full-size HD screen displays relevant and personalised information whilst vertical and switches to horizontal for conventional viewing of films and TV. Featuring a built-in Blu-ray player the Pivot has another neat trick up its sleeve; by automatically recognises the widescreen format of films the device pivots the screen into a horizontal position. The selected film can now be watched in all its glory, whether in widescreen or even in full-screen cinemascope format. Once the film is over, the pivot screen reverts to its vertical default position.
Another take on the future courtesy Loewe is the Module TV, designed for parallel media use. Designed to pander for the modern proclivity to consume multiple types of media simultaneously the Loewe Module is a split screen television which allows users to enjoy TV, films and games on a large screen whilst also keeping track of social media or news updates via the smaller ancillary screen. Another rather natty feature of the Module is implemented when watching live sport as the smaller screen can be utilised to display different camera angles to give viewers another perspective on their sport of choice.
Loewe’s final look ahead is a concept that is gaining more credibility in the AV market. The Loewe Mirror is as the name would suggest a mirror TV but Loewe has infused this idea with a hint of magic. Working proficiently as both a TV and a mirror the Loewe Mirror also integrates a futuristic electronic calendar – the Timeline. It not only displays appointments, for example, but also notification of incoming video calls or completed live recordings. On top of this visual displays can be selected like screen savers to add a little something extra to the décor of the living rooms of tomorrow.
http://www.loewe-uk.com
Gear4
Whilst we don’t condone throwing birds at pigs here at SVI we cannot deny the popularity and addictive nature of the smartphone based game Angry Birds. Tapping into the popularity of these ubiquitous disgruntled birds is Gear4 and at IFA they displayed the latest addition to their audio-visual menagerie. Coming with a stand for housing the devices in which the birds reside the Angry Birds speaker connect via a 3.5mm jack and allow users to enjoy all the fun of their favourite bird-based games whilst also enjoying the musical stylings of whomever it is that tickles their fancy.
http://www.gear4.com
Yamaha
At massive shows like IFA getting your product to stand out can be a difficult task. Many firms hire beautiful women to lure passing technophiles like sirens to their electronic rocks. Yamaha however utilised the simple premise of having a truly stunning audio solution on display. The ISX-800 Restio is a stylish and sophisticated home audio solution that managed to stand out from the crowd in Berlin. Coming in a selection of subtle and contemporary colour options the unit will play music from CD, USB memory stick (WAV, MP3 and WMA files), iPod/iPhone, FM radio and also includes an aux input to connect your laptop. Benefitting from Yamaha’s technological knowhow the Restio features a four speaker system to deliver sound quality whilst an innovative clock display applies the final aesthetic touch to set the Restio apart.
http://www.yamaha.com
Hannspree
With a vast selection of products on display, including a touchscreen Full HD TV featuring Internet access and specialist apps, Hannspree were out in force to make an impact in Berlin. One range which really stood out for the Taiwanese brand was its assortment of Novelty TVs. With screen sizes of 28- or 55-inches and all the technological expertise that comes with this esteemed audio-visual name the TVs fulfil their primary purpose with aplomb whilst the unique nature of their design is sure to appeal to the younger generations as well as those with specialist needs. With options include an apple, a football, a zebra and much more Hannspree may have just found a niche in the ever competitive AV market.
http://www.hannspree.com
LG
Cinema 3D TVs were the headline act in LG hall of the Messe Berlin. As visitors entered the impressive hall they were handed a pair rather comfortable and rather stylish white cinema style 3D glasses to enjoy all the 3D offerings LG had on show and what offerings they were. The Cinema 3D range has been designed to gives users greater freedom whilst watching 3D TV and films. With a wider viewing angle, more flexibility when it comes to movement and the pecuniary benefits of not having to purchase active shutter glasses the Cinema 3D collection aims to make the transition into people’s homes easier for this emergent technology. Delivered with immense picture quality the TVs also feature Smart apps for the other new technology trying to break the market; Internet TV. With an entire range built around the Cinema 3D premise LG proved they have a lot to at IFA.
Another innovation which caught my eye in the LG hall was the Pentouch range of interactive screen that allow viewers to control content directly on the screen using revolutionary Touch Pens. The PZ850T brings the interactivity of the home computer to the big screen, along with 3D technology and 2D to 3D conversion; all in an ultra sophisticated, slim design. Connecting the PZ850T to a computer allows users to access a wealth of software, as well as the internet, transforming the TV into an entertainment hub. Beyond that LG also displayed a technology to excite the gamers out there called Dual-play. Though I must admit I didn’t fully understand exactly how the technology works the principle seems to be that by polarising 3D glasses two gamers are able to play on the same screen whilst seeing different images. Though the technology definitely felt like it was still in its nascent stages it is an exciting prospect and the potential seems extremely exciting.
http://www.lg.com
Urbanears
Adopting the approach of the peacock at the Messe Berlin Urbanears attracted potential customers with a cornucopia colour. The eye-catching headphones and earphones from the Swedish firm come in myriad colour options and offer users not only style but also sonorous quality. If extravagant displays of colour are your thing then you should be able to find a pair of Urbanears that are befitting of your taste.
http://www.urbanears.com
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