Todays & Tomorrows Technology

Samsung may have managed to get several models from Sharp’s TV and monitor ranges banned from import into the US, after convincing the U.S. International Trade Commission that the products infringe one of its patents. The IP refers to LCD display technology, with sets from Sharp’s Aquos range of HDTVs named as potentially in violation.
While ruling against other Samsung patents the company had accused Sharp of violating, the agency decided that one particular patent, granted in 2004 and titled “Liquid Crystal Display having wide viewing angle”, was indeed infringed. The ITC are now suggesting that Sharp LCD products should be banned from import into the US.

A final ruling in Sharp’s complaint against Samsung is yet to be reached, though an ITC administrative judge actually Sharp’s spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing process, while Samsung could not be reached for a statement.

LG and NComputing have announced a new range of “Network Monitors“, LCD displays with integrated thin-clients that can be used as virtual desktops or with cloud computing systems. Unlike most thin-client systems, however, LG’s looks straightforward enough for home or SOHO implementation, requiring just an X550 PCI card to be installed into the server PC, the included vSpace virtualization software installed and then up to five N-series monitors hooked up via ethernet cable.


Three N-series monitors will be available initially, the 17-inch N1742L-BF, 18.5-inch N1941W-PF and a 15.6-inch model only on sale outside the US. Each has an ethernet port, for connection to the X550 PCI card, together with PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse. There’s also a VGA port for using the display as a regular LCD with a local computer, plus built-in speakers.

Each server PC can use up to two X550 cards, allowing for a total of eleven users at any one time. Both Linux and Windows are supported and, while no pricing for the displays has been released, LG are calling the X550 a “sub-$200″ product. It, plus the N-series monitors, will go on sale worldwide this month.

Samsung announced a brand new LCD monitor not too long ago called the VC240, but this is no ordinary display. In fact, it’s configured to work as a video conferencing tool. Made by an affiliated company called Radvision, this display is 23.6-inches and has a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution.


But this monitor also comes with a noise-canceling microphone and a 5-megapixel camera. 3W speakers are built-in. The camera is capable of a 720p resolution and 30fps live video streaming.

Other features include 300cd/m2 brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, a 170-degree and 160-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle, respectively and a 5ms response time. It also features V2oIP, SIP, MCUs and MS. Inputs include VGA and DVI-I. You’ll be able to get your hands on this display sometime in the fall for $1,999.

Eizo announced a new LCD monitor today called the FlexScan EV2333W-H. Measuring in at 23-inches and sporting a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, this 1080p display supplies an eco-friendly and practical monitor solution.

What makes this display unique is that it has both a HDCP-protected DVI port and DisplayPort. Other inputs include VGA. With 300cd/m2 brightness and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, it’s equipped for a decent quality picture for everyday use.

Other specs include a 7ms pixel response time, a FlexStand with vertical adjustment and swivel capability and EcoView Sense, which is an infrared sensor that detects the brightness in the room and whether or not you’re sitting in front of the computer, adjusting the screen’s on-status and brightness accordingly. You can get the Eizo FlexScan EV2333W-H LCD monitor starting on July 16th in Japan for the equivalent of $560. There’s been no word on a U.S. release just yet.