Search giant gives first demo of merged Web, TV system
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Google officially rolled out its GoogleTV initiative at its annual Google I/O conference in San Francisco. The company promised its designs for set-top boxes and related software and services will reshape television by integrating the Web and TV.
Sony will deliver a line of connected TVs and a Blu-ray player integrating Google TV this fall. Logitech is designing a set-top box to bring the features to existing TVs.
All the systems will be powered by Intel Atom-based processors. They mark the first design wins for the PC giant in the digital TV market it has pursued for more than two years. Intel initially partnered with Yahoo to create the Widget Channel interface to bring the Web to the TV.
Google said it will make its GoogleTV software available as open source code in the summer of 2011. It will be available as part of the Android and Google Chrome browser
Google showed ways to use a single search box to find and play current or future content on broadcast TV or the Web. It also showed ways GoogleTV could bring Web services and applications to the TV in ways that create new uses for cellphones and flat-screen TVs.
"It's now possible people may spend more time watching something other than broadcast TV on their televisions," said Eric Schmidt, chief executive of Google who chaired an on-stage panel with the CEOs of Intel, Sony, Adobe, best Buy and other partners.
"We need help from the entire TV ecosystem," said a GoogleTV manager. "For a developer there is no bigger market than the TV market," he added, noting there are an estimated four billion TVs in use, more than the number of cellphones.
GoogleTV relies on Wi-Fi and Ethernet links. GoogleTV set-tops will link via HDMI to any existing cable or satellite set-top box. The software requires graphics processor for on-screen display, a DSP for high def audio and surround sound. Universal remotes are in the works that will include a keyboard and a pointing device to navigate Web pages.
Google showed Android smartphones used as remote controllers for GoogleTV. They could also push online videos to a TV screen. The company also demonstrated Android speech recognition services in the works that let a user issue a voice command to find and tune into a TV show.
Word emerged about GoogleTV in March. At that time a Yahoo spokesman said about its Widget Channel effort that "there will be millions of TVs in the market using our software by the end of 2010," the Yahoo spokesman said.
Demonstrators struggled to get a system up and running on stage, in part, they said because the demo used Bluetooth. Attendees at the event with cellphones on deprived demonstrators of the bandwidth they needed to control on-stage large screen TVs.
Others computer and Web giants have tried and to enable connected TVs with marginal results so far. Microsoft has worked for years to establish its Media Center interface for TVs. Apple has been selling its AppleTV device for more than a year. Neither product has gained much traction, and Apple continues tom refer to AppleTV as "a hobby." Rick Merritt
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May 31, 2010
May 23, 2010
OFDM or OFDMA?
IEEE 802.16d (fixed service) uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). IEEE 802.16e (mobile) uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). So, what’s the difference between the two, and why is there a difference?
OFDM is sometimes referred to as discrete multi-tone modulation because, instead of a single carrier being modulated, a large number of evenly spaced subcarriers are modulated using some m-ary of QAM. This is a spread-spectrum technique that increases the efficiency of data communications by increasing data throughput because there are more carriers to modulate. In addition, problems with multi-path signal cancellation and spectral interference are greatly reduced by selectively modulating the “clear” carriers or ignoring carriers with high bit-rate errors.
The OFDM spread-spectrum scheme is used for many broadly used applications, including digital TV broadcasting in Australia, Japan and Europe; digital audio broadcasting in Europe; Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modems and wireless networking worldwide (IEEE 802.11a/g).
OFDM allows only one user on the channel at any given time. To accommodate multiple users, a strictly OFDM system must employ Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) (separate time frames) or Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) (separate channels). Neither of these techniques is time or frequency efficient: TDMA is a time hog and FDMA is a bandwidth hog.
OFDMA is a multi-user OFDM that allows multiple access on the same channel (a channel being a group of evenly spaced subcarriers, as discussed above). WiMAX uses OFDMA, extended OFDM, to accommodate many users in the same channel at the same time.
OFDMA distributes subcarriers among users so all users can transmit and receive at the same time within a single channel on what are called subchannels. What’s more, subcarrier-group subchannels can be matched to each user to provide the best performance, meaning the least problems with fading and interference based on the location and propagation characteristics of each user.
The WiMAX forum established that, initially, OFDM-256 will be used for fixed-service 802.16d (2004). It is referred to as the OFDM 256 FFT Mode, which means there are 256 subcarriers available for use in a single channel. Multiple access on one channel is accomplished using TDMA. Alternatively, FDMA may be used.
On the other hand, OFDMA 128/512/1024/2048 FFT Modes have been proposed for IEEE 802.16e (mobile service). OFDMA 1024 FFT matches that of Korea’s WiBRO. OFDM 256 also is supported for compatibility with IEEE 802.16d (fixed, 2004). The final IEEE 802.16e standard is expected to be completed and published in December of this year.
The bottom line is that, most likely, the finalized selection for the OFDMA mode will be 1024 FFT, to be compatible with WiBRO. However, it will not be compatible with the OFDM 256 FFT Mode initially specified for WiMAX fixed service. Perhaps service providers will simply abandon 802.16d in favor of 802.16e for both fixed and mobile services. By Mark E. Hazen, EWT Editor
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OFDM is sometimes referred to as discrete multi-tone modulation because, instead of a single carrier being modulated, a large number of evenly spaced subcarriers are modulated using some m-ary of QAM. This is a spread-spectrum technique that increases the efficiency of data communications by increasing data throughput because there are more carriers to modulate. In addition, problems with multi-path signal cancellation and spectral interference are greatly reduced by selectively modulating the “clear” carriers or ignoring carriers with high bit-rate errors.
The OFDM spread-spectrum scheme is used for many broadly used applications, including digital TV broadcasting in Australia, Japan and Europe; digital audio broadcasting in Europe; Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modems and wireless networking worldwide (IEEE 802.11a/g).
OFDM allows only one user on the channel at any given time. To accommodate multiple users, a strictly OFDM system must employ Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) (separate time frames) or Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) (separate channels). Neither of these techniques is time or frequency efficient: TDMA is a time hog and FDMA is a bandwidth hog.
OFDMA is a multi-user OFDM that allows multiple access on the same channel (a channel being a group of evenly spaced subcarriers, as discussed above). WiMAX uses OFDMA, extended OFDM, to accommodate many users in the same channel at the same time.
OFDMA distributes subcarriers among users so all users can transmit and receive at the same time within a single channel on what are called subchannels. What’s more, subcarrier-group subchannels can be matched to each user to provide the best performance, meaning the least problems with fading and interference based on the location and propagation characteristics of each user.
The WiMAX forum established that, initially, OFDM-256 will be used for fixed-service 802.16d (2004). It is referred to as the OFDM 256 FFT Mode, which means there are 256 subcarriers available for use in a single channel. Multiple access on one channel is accomplished using TDMA. Alternatively, FDMA may be used.
On the other hand, OFDMA 128/512/1024/2048 FFT Modes have been proposed for IEEE 802.16e (mobile service). OFDMA 1024 FFT matches that of Korea’s WiBRO. OFDM 256 also is supported for compatibility with IEEE 802.16d (fixed, 2004). The final IEEE 802.16e standard is expected to be completed and published in December of this year.
The bottom line is that, most likely, the finalized selection for the OFDMA mode will be 1024 FFT, to be compatible with WiBRO. However, it will not be compatible with the OFDM 256 FFT Mode initially specified for WiMAX fixed service. Perhaps service providers will simply abandon 802.16d in favor of 802.16e for both fixed and mobile services. By Mark E. Hazen, EWT Editor
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Telecom ups ante in battle for broadband
Telecom has launched its first major advertising campaign for its network business, Chorus, as telcos and lines companies pitch for a slice of the Government's $1.5 billion ultra-fast broadband plan.
Television ads are voiced by actor Temuera Morrison and feature Chorus technicians driving around the countryside and working on the networks while conversing in techno-speak. Print ads will follow.
The ads come as the Government scrutinises confidential bids from Chorus, lines company Vector and 16 other organisations to build fibre networks across all or part of New Zealand's urban areas.
The fibre scheme promises to deliver speeds of 100 megabits per second to 75 per cent of the population.
Vector is also in the midst of a high-profile campaign promoting its bid to build a fibre network in Auckland as part of the Government plan.
Last week, Vodafone announced an alliance with Canadian fibre-grid operator Axia to create a single network that internet service providers could use to deliver broadband to customers.
Chorus came into existence two years ago following the Government-forced split of Telecom into network, wholesale and retail divisions.
Telecom head of communications and branding Melanie Marshall said that unlike the Vector campaign, which compares the present state of broadband to delivering water through a straw, Chorus aimed to raise awareness of the company rather than change perceptions.
She said the company wanted to explain the work done by the 1800 Chorus-branded vans.
The jargon-heavy speak of the technicians featured was a running gag but aimed to demonstrate staff and contractors' experience.
The ads would evolve during the campaign, planned to air until September to showcase network upgrade work done over that time, said Marshall.
Chorus is half-way through the programme of installing fibre to roadside cabinets operating as mini-exchanges aimed at boosting broadband speeds, also referred to as fibre-to-the-node.
"It seemed a good time to celebrate some of the successes we've achieved over the past couple of years," Marshall said.
But with Government plans to run a high-speed fibre broadband network to the doorstep of schools, hospitals, homes and businesses, Telecom faces having its investment overbuilt unless it can negotiate a compromise with the Government.
The Government has demanded any infrastructure partners in the billion-dollar network be unencumbered with a retail business.
Speaking at the company's third quarter financial briefing two weeks ago, Telecom chief executive Paul Reynolds said the company had already spent $249 million on operational separation - a model based on an "old copper world".
"We're all - government, industry players - planning our moves to a new fibre world," he said.
"It's simply unsustainable to continue to redesign the past at the same time as trying to build the future." By Helen Twose
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Television ads are voiced by actor Temuera Morrison and feature Chorus technicians driving around the countryside and working on the networks while conversing in techno-speak. Print ads will follow.
The ads come as the Government scrutinises confidential bids from Chorus, lines company Vector and 16 other organisations to build fibre networks across all or part of New Zealand's urban areas.
The fibre scheme promises to deliver speeds of 100 megabits per second to 75 per cent of the population.
Vector is also in the midst of a high-profile campaign promoting its bid to build a fibre network in Auckland as part of the Government plan.
Last week, Vodafone announced an alliance with Canadian fibre-grid operator Axia to create a single network that internet service providers could use to deliver broadband to customers.
Chorus came into existence two years ago following the Government-forced split of Telecom into network, wholesale and retail divisions.
Telecom head of communications and branding Melanie Marshall said that unlike the Vector campaign, which compares the present state of broadband to delivering water through a straw, Chorus aimed to raise awareness of the company rather than change perceptions.
She said the company wanted to explain the work done by the 1800 Chorus-branded vans.
The jargon-heavy speak of the technicians featured was a running gag but aimed to demonstrate staff and contractors' experience.
The ads would evolve during the campaign, planned to air until September to showcase network upgrade work done over that time, said Marshall.
Chorus is half-way through the programme of installing fibre to roadside cabinets operating as mini-exchanges aimed at boosting broadband speeds, also referred to as fibre-to-the-node.
"It seemed a good time to celebrate some of the successes we've achieved over the past couple of years," Marshall said.
But with Government plans to run a high-speed fibre broadband network to the doorstep of schools, hospitals, homes and businesses, Telecom faces having its investment overbuilt unless it can negotiate a compromise with the Government.
The Government has demanded any infrastructure partners in the billion-dollar network be unencumbered with a retail business.
Speaking at the company's third quarter financial briefing two weeks ago, Telecom chief executive Paul Reynolds said the company had already spent $249 million on operational separation - a model based on an "old copper world".
"We're all - government, industry players - planning our moves to a new fibre world," he said.
"It's simply unsustainable to continue to redesign the past at the same time as trying to build the future." By Helen Twose
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May 18, 2010
China Telecom to launch BlackBerry sales
China Telecom plans to launch sales of the BlackBerry later this month, the country’s smallest mobile operator and Research In Motion, the maker of the device, said on Monday.
The deal should help RIM advance in the world’s largest mobile services market by subscribers, as a growing array of rival high-end mobile devices eats away at the Canadian company’s share of the global smartphone market.
In China, the BlackBerry is currently only available through China Mobile, the market leader, Digital China, an IT distributor, and grey market imports.
Following the approach of China Mobile, China Telecom will also start by offering the BlackBerry to corporate customers only.
China Mobile said last year that it was preparing to distribute the device to small and medium enterprises as well as individuals, but has yet to follow up on that promise.
The company’s attempt to sell a BlackBerry device supporting TD-SCDMA, the homegrown but immature standard it uses for its third-generation services, is believed to be one reason for the delay.
China’s three state-owned mobile operators have been locked in an increasingly competitive battle for subscribers since they received licences for 3G services in January 2009.
China Unicom, the number two operator, is so far the only one legally distributing Apple’s iPhone. China Mobile has created the OPhone , an operating platform based on Google’s Android operating system, for which several handset makers have started offering custom-made devices.
China Telecom’s 3G services use 3-CDMA, the standard in the US.
The company, formerly a fixed-line carrier only, started offering mobile services little more than a year ago under a government-mandated industry restructuring. It had 65.45m mobile subscribers at the end of March.
China Mobile, the former monopolist, has 538m subscribers, and China Unicom has 147m.
A breakthrough in China could be crucial for RIM this year as it has been losing market share to smartphones powered by Android and to a resurgent Motorola in other parts of the world.
RIM’s global market share peaked at 20.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2009, according to Gartner, the IT research firm.
But in Asia, the largest regional smartphone market, RIM has only a 3 per cent market share. “The Asian market is ... likely to be a focus point in 2010,” said CK Cheng, an analyst at CLSA, in a recent note.
China Telecom did not disclose whether and how it will subsidise BlackBerry devices. China Mobile currently offers three different packages starting from Rmb398 a month, and subscribers can get a BlackBerry for free if they sign up for a flat fee of Rmb598 a month. By Kathrin Hille in Beijing
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The deal should help RIM advance in the world’s largest mobile services market by subscribers, as a growing array of rival high-end mobile devices eats away at the Canadian company’s share of the global smartphone market.
In China, the BlackBerry is currently only available through China Mobile, the market leader, Digital China, an IT distributor, and grey market imports.
Following the approach of China Mobile, China Telecom will also start by offering the BlackBerry to corporate customers only.
China Mobile said last year that it was preparing to distribute the device to small and medium enterprises as well as individuals, but has yet to follow up on that promise.
The company’s attempt to sell a BlackBerry device supporting TD-SCDMA, the homegrown but immature standard it uses for its third-generation services, is believed to be one reason for the delay.
China’s three state-owned mobile operators have been locked in an increasingly competitive battle for subscribers since they received licences for 3G services in January 2009.
China Unicom, the number two operator, is so far the only one legally distributing Apple’s iPhone. China Mobile has created the OPhone , an operating platform based on Google’s Android operating system, for which several handset makers have started offering custom-made devices.
China Telecom’s 3G services use 3-CDMA, the standard in the US.
The company, formerly a fixed-line carrier only, started offering mobile services little more than a year ago under a government-mandated industry restructuring. It had 65.45m mobile subscribers at the end of March.
China Mobile, the former monopolist, has 538m subscribers, and China Unicom has 147m.
A breakthrough in China could be crucial for RIM this year as it has been losing market share to smartphones powered by Android and to a resurgent Motorola in other parts of the world.
RIM’s global market share peaked at 20.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2009, according to Gartner, the IT research firm.
But in Asia, the largest regional smartphone market, RIM has only a 3 per cent market share. “The Asian market is ... likely to be a focus point in 2010,” said CK Cheng, an analyst at CLSA, in a recent note.
China Telecom did not disclose whether and how it will subsidise BlackBerry devices. China Mobile currently offers three different packages starting from Rmb398 a month, and subscribers can get a BlackBerry for free if they sign up for a flat fee of Rmb598 a month. By Kathrin Hille in Beijing
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HDMI's Lip Sync and audio-video synchronization for broadcast and home video
Lip sync correction features take into account processing delays, so that both signals can be synchronized.
By Joseph L. Lias
President, Simplay Labs, LLC
When entertainment content is decoded and rendered on Consumer Electronic (CE) devices, the timing of rendering the video portion of the signal may deviate from the timing of rendering the audio signal. The resultant timing differential is often referred to as a "lip sync" error, since it is most obviously apparent to a viewer when the content contains a representation of a person speaking. In a digital television, the video processing usually takes more time than the audio processing. Because of this, synchronization of video and audio can become an issue, creating an effect similar to a badly dubbed movie, where the audio and video don't match up and the sound of the spoken words is no longer in "sync" with the speaker's lip movement.
HDMI version 1.3 includes a Lip Sync feature that allows the audio processing times in devices to be adjusted automatically to compensate for errors in audio/video timing. The initial implementations of this functionality will be in A/V receivers, but it is likely to appear in DVD players and many other CE devices in the future. Reports from manufacturers indicate that this function is very popular and will be widely implemented.
The HDMI standard requires manufacturers to disclose specific HDMI features enabled in a product. The idea is to provide consumers with the necessary descriptive information they need to understand enabled features that exploit certain capabilities of HDMI, such as Lip Sync. For each feature, the guidelines specify a minimum level of functionality that must be met by the device in order to use the terminology.
While HDMI LLC Authorized Testing Centers (HDMI-ATCs) test for electrical parametric and protocol compliance against the HDMI specification, there is a need to build upon this basic interface testing with additional performance testing programs designed to simplify consumer purchase decisions and enhance the high definition entertainment experience. There are no HDMI-ATC system level Lip Sync performance compliance specifications, or test tools designed to ensure accurate Lip Sync delivery. There is no "timing conformance" specification that must be demonstrated to any authority in order to build a compliant product.
There is an increasing awareness in both broadcast engineering and the CE industry that audio-video synchronization errors, usually seen as problems with lip sync, are occurring more frequently and often with greater magnitude. With the advent of digital processing in CE devices, the issue has become critical. Some CE manufacturers deny there is a problem, believing the audio/video asynchronies in their units to be imperceptible. Knowing how to measure audio/video delays and compensate for them is become increasingly important.
Is it important?
Lip Sync is very important to consumers and the display industry since newer technologies have created a noticeable delay between the processing of video signals and the processing of audio signals. Lip sync correction features take into account processing delays, so that both signals can be synchronized and presented to the viewer together. This greatly improves the entertainment for the viewer.
Lip sync errors detract from the consumer entertainment experience. The lack of lip sync correction is of particular concern in certain types of content, such as product commercials and political candidates' statements. See the report "Effects of Audio Asynchrony on Viewer's Memory, Evaluation of Content and Detection Ability" by Reeves and Voelker for more information (a non-copyrighted PDF is available at Pixel Instruments).
Human studies conducted for sensitivity to audio/video asynchronies have shown that a drift where the audio arrives late is not as annoying as when the audio arrives early. In fact, even a few frames of early audio can quickly be detected by the viewer. The characterization of sensitivity to the alignment of sound and picture includes early work at Bell Laboratories. The extent to which a consumer can tolerate these asynchronies is dependent upon human perceptual limits as well as personal taste. Steinmentz and Engler conducted user studies (R. Steinmentz and C. Engler, "Human Perception of Media Synchronization," Technical Report 43.9310, IBM European Networking Center, Heidelberg.), and they report several figures of merit for quantifying tolerable audio/video asynchrony limits.
In 1998, ITU-R published BT.1359, recommending the relative timing of sound and vision for broadcasting. Studies by the ITU and the others have suggested that thresholds of timing for viewer detection are about +45ms to -125ms, and the thresholds of acceptability are about +90ms to -185ms. In addition, the ATSC Implementation Subcommittee IS-191 has found that under all operational situations, the sound program should never lead the video program by more than 15ms and should never lag the video program by more than 45ms ±15ms.
When viewers encounter difficulties such as lip sync errors, blocking or black screens, they turn to another channel. Therefore, it is imperative that television engineers find and fix network, encoding, and transmission problems before their viewers become aware of them.
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By Joseph L. Lias
President, Simplay Labs, LLC
When entertainment content is decoded and rendered on Consumer Electronic (CE) devices, the timing of rendering the video portion of the signal may deviate from the timing of rendering the audio signal. The resultant timing differential is often referred to as a "lip sync" error, since it is most obviously apparent to a viewer when the content contains a representation of a person speaking. In a digital television, the video processing usually takes more time than the audio processing. Because of this, synchronization of video and audio can become an issue, creating an effect similar to a badly dubbed movie, where the audio and video don't match up and the sound of the spoken words is no longer in "sync" with the speaker's lip movement.
HDMI version 1.3 includes a Lip Sync feature that allows the audio processing times in devices to be adjusted automatically to compensate for errors in audio/video timing. The initial implementations of this functionality will be in A/V receivers, but it is likely to appear in DVD players and many other CE devices in the future. Reports from manufacturers indicate that this function is very popular and will be widely implemented.
The HDMI standard requires manufacturers to disclose specific HDMI features enabled in a product. The idea is to provide consumers with the necessary descriptive information they need to understand enabled features that exploit certain capabilities of HDMI, such as Lip Sync. For each feature, the guidelines specify a minimum level of functionality that must be met by the device in order to use the terminology.
While HDMI LLC Authorized Testing Centers (HDMI-ATCs) test for electrical parametric and protocol compliance against the HDMI specification, there is a need to build upon this basic interface testing with additional performance testing programs designed to simplify consumer purchase decisions and enhance the high definition entertainment experience. There are no HDMI-ATC system level Lip Sync performance compliance specifications, or test tools designed to ensure accurate Lip Sync delivery. There is no "timing conformance" specification that must be demonstrated to any authority in order to build a compliant product.
There is an increasing awareness in both broadcast engineering and the CE industry that audio-video synchronization errors, usually seen as problems with lip sync, are occurring more frequently and often with greater magnitude. With the advent of digital processing in CE devices, the issue has become critical. Some CE manufacturers deny there is a problem, believing the audio/video asynchronies in their units to be imperceptible. Knowing how to measure audio/video delays and compensate for them is become increasingly important.
Is it important?
Lip Sync is very important to consumers and the display industry since newer technologies have created a noticeable delay between the processing of video signals and the processing of audio signals. Lip sync correction features take into account processing delays, so that both signals can be synchronized and presented to the viewer together. This greatly improves the entertainment for the viewer.
Lip sync errors detract from the consumer entertainment experience. The lack of lip sync correction is of particular concern in certain types of content, such as product commercials and political candidates' statements. See the report "Effects of Audio Asynchrony on Viewer's Memory, Evaluation of Content and Detection Ability" by Reeves and Voelker for more information (a non-copyrighted PDF is available at Pixel Instruments).
Human studies conducted for sensitivity to audio/video asynchronies have shown that a drift where the audio arrives late is not as annoying as when the audio arrives early. In fact, even a few frames of early audio can quickly be detected by the viewer. The characterization of sensitivity to the alignment of sound and picture includes early work at Bell Laboratories. The extent to which a consumer can tolerate these asynchronies is dependent upon human perceptual limits as well as personal taste. Steinmentz and Engler conducted user studies (R. Steinmentz and C. Engler, "Human Perception of Media Synchronization," Technical Report 43.9310, IBM European Networking Center, Heidelberg.), and they report several figures of merit for quantifying tolerable audio/video asynchrony limits.
In 1998, ITU-R published BT.1359, recommending the relative timing of sound and vision for broadcasting. Studies by the ITU and the others have suggested that thresholds of timing for viewer detection are about +45ms to -125ms, and the thresholds of acceptability are about +90ms to -185ms. In addition, the ATSC Implementation Subcommittee IS-191 has found that under all operational situations, the sound program should never lead the video program by more than 15ms and should never lag the video program by more than 45ms ±15ms.
When viewers encounter difficulties such as lip sync errors, blocking or black screens, they turn to another channel. Therefore, it is imperative that television engineers find and fix network, encoding, and transmission problems before their viewers become aware of them.
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AT&T Trialing 80 Meg Bonded
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson once asked me "Why would anyone want more than 24 megabits?" with a look that made clear he thought no one ever would. He was wrong, of course, with a quarter of Japanese actually paying (a little) more to upgrade from 30 to 100 where available. Randall is smart enough to learn from experience, and John Stankey mentioned to Reuters they will trial bonding two lines to deliver 80 megabits. Karl Bode at DSLR caught the mention and in a follow-up heard from AT&T they will also use vectoring for higher speeds. (I doubt vectoring is ready for the field in 2010 until proven otherwise.)
Unless T offers high speeds at reasonable prices this is mostly a pr stunt. 80 megabits from two bonded VDSL lines will reach 1,000-1,500 feet fairly reliably with today's technology and bonding will improve that. However, at last report the business plan of AT&T didn't include using bonding for higher speeds any time soon. They are likely to use use two linesfor extending the reach of their 25 megabits of IPTV for customers between 3,000 and 5,000 feet.
Bonding, vectoring, and possibly moving fiber closer has long been the AT&T contingency plan if 50 and 100 megabit cable really hurts. So this is probably more a "proof of concept" than an indication of likely product. The cablecos could clobber the telcos in broadband by offering 50-100 meg for the French price of under $40, but so far "detente" means they are charging $99.
On the other hand, CenturyLink is serious about bonding two lines to offer 25 down, 2 up. Bode reports they are expanding the offering to Florida and several users stopped by DSLR with speedtest results in confirmation. Written by Dave Burstein
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Unless T offers high speeds at reasonable prices this is mostly a pr stunt. 80 megabits from two bonded VDSL lines will reach 1,000-1,500 feet fairly reliably with today's technology and bonding will improve that. However, at last report the business plan of AT&T didn't include using bonding for higher speeds any time soon. They are likely to use use two linesfor extending the reach of their 25 megabits of IPTV for customers between 3,000 and 5,000 feet.
Bonding, vectoring, and possibly moving fiber closer has long been the AT&T contingency plan if 50 and 100 megabit cable really hurts. So this is probably more a "proof of concept" than an indication of likely product. The cablecos could clobber the telcos in broadband by offering 50-100 meg for the French price of under $40, but so far "detente" means they are charging $99.
On the other hand, CenturyLink is serious about bonding two lines to offer 25 down, 2 up. Bode reports they are expanding the offering to Florida and several users stopped by DSLR with speedtest results in confirmation. Written by Dave Burstein
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DC-termination ICs tailored for ADSL/VDSL applications
Beverly, Mass.—Clare Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IXYS Corp., announced that it is in full production with the CPC1466 DC-termination IC for ADSL and VDSL CPE applications such as broadband modems and leased-line equipment.
The CPC1466 has the DC termination functionality necessary to complete the path for wetting current specified by ITU-T G.992.3. The IC also includes an integrated current limit feature and detect-output that indicates wetting current is being applied.
The CPC1466 provides a polarity-insensitive DC termination for wetting current and a recognizable signature for MLT and SARTS systems. The part's linearity is 70dB typical, to minimize harmonic distortion associated with its AC impedance and has well-controlled turn-on and turn-off characteristics to minimize impulse noise and generation of in-band signal energy into the DSL channel. Since it interfaces with the tip/ring pair, it is has a maximum rating of 300V to handle power cross and lightning transients.
The ICs are manufactured on Clare's 320V Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) process and packaged in a 16 pin SOIC or MLP. By Ismini Scouras
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The CPC1466 has the DC termination functionality necessary to complete the path for wetting current specified by ITU-T G.992.3. The IC also includes an integrated current limit feature and detect-output that indicates wetting current is being applied.
The CPC1466 provides a polarity-insensitive DC termination for wetting current and a recognizable signature for MLT and SARTS systems. The part's linearity is 70dB typical, to minimize harmonic distortion associated with its AC impedance and has well-controlled turn-on and turn-off characteristics to minimize impulse noise and generation of in-band signal energy into the DSL channel. Since it interfaces with the tip/ring pair, it is has a maximum rating of 300V to handle power cross and lightning transients.
The ICs are manufactured on Clare's 320V Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) process and packaged in a 16 pin SOIC or MLP. By Ismini Scouras
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May 4, 2010
Apple faces US antitrust scrutiny
US authorities have signalled an interest in a potential antitrust probe into whether the software underpinning Apple’s ground-breaking iPhone unfairly locks out competitors, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The regulators’ interest comes in the wake of a dispute that broke out between Apple and Adobe, a software maker, over the latest version of the iPhone software, which was unveiled last month.
Steve Jobs, Apple chief executive, last week took the unusual step of writing a public letter explaining his decision to bar Adobe’s software from his company’s devices.
A decision on whether to open an investigation is at such an early stage that the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have yet to agree on which would take the lead in the matter. A decision is expected within a week.
The person familiar with the matter said an investigation by either agency would likely focus on allegations Apple operates a “closed” system.
In other words, federal officials are looking into whether the company is unfairly forcing developers to use Apple’s own tools to develop applications for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Apple declined to comment.
The DoJ’s antitrust division and the FTC declined to comment.
In his rare missive on Apple’s website last week, Mr Jobs sought to explain why Apple’s devices do not support Adobe’s Flash, a widely used video-streaming technology.
“Adobe claims that we are a closed system, and that Flash is open, but in fact the opposite is true,” he wrote.
Adobe’s Flash has become a de facto standard for the industry to create online games and stream video, with about 75 per cent of video served on websites using Flash.
Simon Buckingham, an app developer in New York, says Mr Jobs has demonstrated he is interested in open standards, including the HTML5 Web standard that provides an alternative way to rendering internet video.
Some developers point out that apps developed for Apple products cannot be used on other devices, however.
“Apple is making its platform richer, but also making it harder to switch to others,” said Bart Decrem, chief executive of Tapulous, which is one of the biggest game developers for the iPhone.
With a big lead over rivals such as Google and Microsoft, “they think it’s prime-time now” to press their advantage by tying developers more closely to their technology, he added.
By Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington, Chris Nuttall in San Francisco and Richard Waters in New York
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The regulators’ interest comes in the wake of a dispute that broke out between Apple and Adobe, a software maker, over the latest version of the iPhone software, which was unveiled last month.
Steve Jobs, Apple chief executive, last week took the unusual step of writing a public letter explaining his decision to bar Adobe’s software from his company’s devices.
A decision on whether to open an investigation is at such an early stage that the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have yet to agree on which would take the lead in the matter. A decision is expected within a week.
The person familiar with the matter said an investigation by either agency would likely focus on allegations Apple operates a “closed” system.
In other words, federal officials are looking into whether the company is unfairly forcing developers to use Apple’s own tools to develop applications for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Apple declined to comment.
The DoJ’s antitrust division and the FTC declined to comment.
In his rare missive on Apple’s website last week, Mr Jobs sought to explain why Apple’s devices do not support Adobe’s Flash, a widely used video-streaming technology.
“Adobe claims that we are a closed system, and that Flash is open, but in fact the opposite is true,” he wrote.
Adobe’s Flash has become a de facto standard for the industry to create online games and stream video, with about 75 per cent of video served on websites using Flash.
Simon Buckingham, an app developer in New York, says Mr Jobs has demonstrated he is interested in open standards, including the HTML5 Web standard that provides an alternative way to rendering internet video.
Some developers point out that apps developed for Apple products cannot be used on other devices, however.
“Apple is making its platform richer, but also making it harder to switch to others,” said Bart Decrem, chief executive of Tapulous, which is one of the biggest game developers for the iPhone.
With a big lead over rivals such as Google and Microsoft, “they think it’s prime-time now” to press their advantage by tying developers more closely to their technology, he added.
By Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington, Chris Nuttall in San Francisco and Richard Waters in New York
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Apple shifts 1m iPads in first month
Apple has sold 1m units of the iPad in the four weeks since it went on sale in the US, suggesting that demand for the touchscreen tablet computer is higher than anticipated.
However, the company faced criticism from users who complained that the 3G iPad, released at the weekend, was delivering poor video performance over AT&T’s network.
By hitting the 1m sales mark in 28 days, Apple can point to the iPad as one of its most successful product launches.
When the iPhone was released in 2007, it took 74 days for Apple to move 1m units. It sold 300,000 iPads on the first day the device went on sale, April 3.
Steve Jobs, Apple chief executive, said “demand continues to exceed supply’’ and that the company was working to catch up.
Apple said last month it would delay the international roll-out of the iPad as it struggled to keep up with demand. International pre-orders will begin next week.
Before the launch, critics wondered whether users would have room for a third device between a smartphone and a personal computer.
“It’s too early to say for sure, but it’s off to a good start,” said Gene Munster, an analyst with Piper Jaffray. “It looks like this is a category that is going to be around.”
Since its launch, iPad users have downloaded more than 12m apps from the App Store. Developers have created at least 5,000 apps unique to the iPad.
Apple also said customers have downloaded 1.5m eBooks from Apple’s new iBookstore, suggesting that many early users were using their iPads as an e-reader.
The company is positioning the iPad as a direct challenger to Amazon’s Kindle device, the market leader in e-readers. Mr Jobs has pledged that the iPad would “go a little further” than the Kindle.
Amazon does not release sales figures, but analysts estimate there are about 3m Kindles in use.
The rosy debut of the iPad has been marred by complaints from users who say the 3G service, which is provided by AT&T, compromises the quality of video and does not allow some apps to work.
In particular, users have complained that when YouTube is played over the 3G network, the quality is reduced from high definition to a lower-resolution version, and that the ABC Player does not work unless it is connected to Wi-Fi.
The Netflix app, however, was reported to be working on the 3G network.
“It’s annoying for people who went out and bought an iPad and thought they would watch video on the bus ride home,” Mr Munster said. “But I don’t think it’s a deal breaker.”
Apple shares rose $5.36, or 2 per cent, to $266.45 in late New York trade on Monday.
By David Gelles in San Francisco
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However, the company faced criticism from users who complained that the 3G iPad, released at the weekend, was delivering poor video performance over AT&T’s network.
By hitting the 1m sales mark in 28 days, Apple can point to the iPad as one of its most successful product launches.
When the iPhone was released in 2007, it took 74 days for Apple to move 1m units. It sold 300,000 iPads on the first day the device went on sale, April 3.
Steve Jobs, Apple chief executive, said “demand continues to exceed supply’’ and that the company was working to catch up.
Apple said last month it would delay the international roll-out of the iPad as it struggled to keep up with demand. International pre-orders will begin next week.
Before the launch, critics wondered whether users would have room for a third device between a smartphone and a personal computer.
“It’s too early to say for sure, but it’s off to a good start,” said Gene Munster, an analyst with Piper Jaffray. “It looks like this is a category that is going to be around.”
Since its launch, iPad users have downloaded more than 12m apps from the App Store. Developers have created at least 5,000 apps unique to the iPad.
Apple also said customers have downloaded 1.5m eBooks from Apple’s new iBookstore, suggesting that many early users were using their iPads as an e-reader.
The company is positioning the iPad as a direct challenger to Amazon’s Kindle device, the market leader in e-readers. Mr Jobs has pledged that the iPad would “go a little further” than the Kindle.
Amazon does not release sales figures, but analysts estimate there are about 3m Kindles in use.
The rosy debut of the iPad has been marred by complaints from users who say the 3G service, which is provided by AT&T, compromises the quality of video and does not allow some apps to work.
In particular, users have complained that when YouTube is played over the 3G network, the quality is reduced from high definition to a lower-resolution version, and that the ABC Player does not work unless it is connected to Wi-Fi.
The Netflix app, however, was reported to be working on the 3G network.
“It’s annoying for people who went out and bought an iPad and thought they would watch video on the bus ride home,” Mr Munster said. “But I don’t think it’s a deal breaker.”
Apple shares rose $5.36, or 2 per cent, to $266.45 in late New York trade on Monday.
By David Gelles in San Francisco
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Global worries push copper below $7,000
Copper dropped below $7,000 a tonne on Tuesday as markets were buffeted by concerns about eurozone contagion, slowing growth in Chinese demand and a stronger dollar.
The red metal made headlines just weeks ago as it rose above $8,000 but it has since suffered a 13 per cent correction from its April 12 peak.
Copper, which is seen as a barometer of the state of the global economy because it is widely used in electrical appliances, fell 5.5 per cent to touch an intraday low of $6,998 – its lowest level since February – before inching up to $7,032.
The main concern weighing on industrial metals in recent weeks has been that the spectacular expansion in China’s demand for raw materials might slow as the authorities attempt to keep growth in check.
That fear was crystallised on Tuesday as traders on the London Metal Exchange had their first chance to react to the weekend’s news that China’s monetary authority had increased the amount required by state banks to be held in reserve, the third such move this year. David Wilson, metals analyst at Société Générale, said the price falls were a “knee-jerk reaction” to the Chinese tightening.
The other factor weighing on base metals has been continued risk aversion on the back of jitters over the eurozone debt crisis and the charges brought against Goldman Sachs.
Investors appeared unconvinced by emergency measures announced at the weekend to shore up Greece’s public finances.
“What you’re seeing right now is a combination of unfortunate factors that happened at the same time,” said Michael Widmer, metals strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
But he added that Tuesday’s price moves were largely sentiment-driven. “The underlying data globally is actually quite strong,” he said.
Randy North, a trader at RBC, said prices may continue to fall until elections in the UK and Germany this week removed some political uncertainty.
By Jack Farchy and Neil Dennis
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The red metal made headlines just weeks ago as it rose above $8,000 but it has since suffered a 13 per cent correction from its April 12 peak.
Copper, which is seen as a barometer of the state of the global economy because it is widely used in electrical appliances, fell 5.5 per cent to touch an intraday low of $6,998 – its lowest level since February – before inching up to $7,032.
The main concern weighing on industrial metals in recent weeks has been that the spectacular expansion in China’s demand for raw materials might slow as the authorities attempt to keep growth in check.
That fear was crystallised on Tuesday as traders on the London Metal Exchange had their first chance to react to the weekend’s news that China’s monetary authority had increased the amount required by state banks to be held in reserve, the third such move this year. David Wilson, metals analyst at Société Générale, said the price falls were a “knee-jerk reaction” to the Chinese tightening.
The other factor weighing on base metals has been continued risk aversion on the back of jitters over the eurozone debt crisis and the charges brought against Goldman Sachs.
Investors appeared unconvinced by emergency measures announced at the weekend to shore up Greece’s public finances.
“What you’re seeing right now is a combination of unfortunate factors that happened at the same time,” said Michael Widmer, metals strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
But he added that Tuesday’s price moves were largely sentiment-driven. “The underlying data globally is actually quite strong,” he said.
Randy North, a trader at RBC, said prices may continue to fall until elections in the UK and Germany this week removed some political uncertainty.
By Jack Farchy and Neil Dennis
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Commodities feel weight of China bank move
Commodities markets were hit by fears of suppressed demand yesterday, with copper falling to a 10-week low after China acted at the weekend to take some of the heat out of its rapidly expanding economy.
Chinese monetary authorities on Sunday announced they had tightened the amount required by state banks to be held in reserve by another 50 basis points to 17 per cent, marking the third such rise this year.
“The policy stance is likely to become more hawkish before we see signs of inflation peaking. Therefore, fear of further policy tightening is likely to weigh on markets for some months to come,” said Wensheng Peng at Barclays Capital.
China’s seemingly insatiable appetite for raw materials has driven commodity markets higher through much of the past year, in spite of economies in the US and Europe having only recently emerged from recession.
Copper, usually considered the benchmark for base metals, was driven up to two-year highs in mid-April on the back of surging demand from China.
But on London’s Metal Exchange it has fallen more than 7 per cent in the past three weeks on rising concerns over China’s moves to cool its economy and fears that the sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone will spread and damp demand.
Trade was closed on the LME yesterday for a public holiday, while the Shanghai exchange was also shut.
However, in electronic trade on New York’s Comex, copper was down 2 per cent to $3.2855 a pound, its lowest point since February 26.
Oil prices were supported by the oil spill in US Gulf of Mexico, as two offshore production platforms in the area were closed for safety reasons, and fears rose that shipping in the region might also be affected.
Signs of improving growth in the US and eurozone helped keep a floor under crude prices, following Friday’s gross domestic product data from the US and yesterday’s manufacturing report from eurozone purchasing managers. By Neil Dennis
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Original Article Here
Chinese monetary authorities on Sunday announced they had tightened the amount required by state banks to be held in reserve by another 50 basis points to 17 per cent, marking the third such rise this year.
“The policy stance is likely to become more hawkish before we see signs of inflation peaking. Therefore, fear of further policy tightening is likely to weigh on markets for some months to come,” said Wensheng Peng at Barclays Capital.
China’s seemingly insatiable appetite for raw materials has driven commodity markets higher through much of the past year, in spite of economies in the US and Europe having only recently emerged from recession.
Copper, usually considered the benchmark for base metals, was driven up to two-year highs in mid-April on the back of surging demand from China.
But on London’s Metal Exchange it has fallen more than 7 per cent in the past three weeks on rising concerns over China’s moves to cool its economy and fears that the sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone will spread and damp demand.
Trade was closed on the LME yesterday for a public holiday, while the Shanghai exchange was also shut.
However, in electronic trade on New York’s Comex, copper was down 2 per cent to $3.2855 a pound, its lowest point since February 26.
Oil prices were supported by the oil spill in US Gulf of Mexico, as two offshore production platforms in the area were closed for safety reasons, and fears rose that shipping in the region might also be affected.
Signs of improving growth in the US and eurozone helped keep a floor under crude prices, following Friday’s gross domestic product data from the US and yesterday’s manufacturing report from eurozone purchasing managers. By Neil Dennis
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Original Article Here
May 3, 2010
Low-cost, more efficient solar cells mostly plastic
PORTLAND, Ore. — By growing arrays of silicon wires in a polymer substrate, researchers have demonstrated what they say are flexible solar cells that absorb up to 96 percent of incident light.
Photomicrograph of a silicon wire array embedded within a transparent, flexible polymer film. Credit: Caltech/Michael Kelzenberg
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) researchers said the wires are made up of 98 percent plastic, potentially lowering the cost of photovoltaics by using just 1/50th the amount of semiconductor material used today. In tests, the experimental solar cells demonstrated over 90 percent quantum efficiency.
"By developing light-trapping techniques for relatively sparse wire arrays, not only did we achieve suitable absorption, but we also demonstrated effective optical concentration," claimed Harry Atwater, director of Caltech's Resnick Institute.
The silicon wires measure just 1 micron in diameter, but can be as long as 100 microns and can be embedded in a transparent polymer. Light is converted into electricity only inside the wires, but light not immediately absorbed bounces around inside the matrix until it enters another wire. The result, researchers said, is both high concentration and high efficiency in the material.
Solar cells based on the technique could potentially be very inexpensive to manufacture since only 2 percent of the materials are expensive semiconductors while the remainder is made from inexpensive plastic.
The new material is about the same overall thickness as a conventional solar cells--about 100 microns--but contain as much silicon as a solar cell measuring just 2 microns in thickness.
Atwater said he is now working to increase the operating voltage and size of the solar cells so that they can eventually be manufactured in flexible sheets using inexpensive roll-to-roll fabrication equipment.
Funding for the Caltech research was provided by BP, the U.S. Energy Department, the National Science Foundation and the Kavli Nanoscience Institute at Caltech. R. Colin Johnson
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Photomicrograph of a silicon wire array embedded within a transparent, flexible polymer film. Credit: Caltech/Michael Kelzenberg
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) researchers said the wires are made up of 98 percent plastic, potentially lowering the cost of photovoltaics by using just 1/50th the amount of semiconductor material used today. In tests, the experimental solar cells demonstrated over 90 percent quantum efficiency.
"By developing light-trapping techniques for relatively sparse wire arrays, not only did we achieve suitable absorption, but we also demonstrated effective optical concentration," claimed Harry Atwater, director of Caltech's Resnick Institute.
The silicon wires measure just 1 micron in diameter, but can be as long as 100 microns and can be embedded in a transparent polymer. Light is converted into electricity only inside the wires, but light not immediately absorbed bounces around inside the matrix until it enters another wire. The result, researchers said, is both high concentration and high efficiency in the material.
Solar cells based on the technique could potentially be very inexpensive to manufacture since only 2 percent of the materials are expensive semiconductors while the remainder is made from inexpensive plastic.
The new material is about the same overall thickness as a conventional solar cells--about 100 microns--but contain as much silicon as a solar cell measuring just 2 microns in thickness.
Atwater said he is now working to increase the operating voltage and size of the solar cells so that they can eventually be manufactured in flexible sheets using inexpensive roll-to-roll fabrication equipment.
Funding for the Caltech research was provided by BP, the U.S. Energy Department, the National Science Foundation and the Kavli Nanoscience Institute at Caltech. R. Colin Johnson
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Winners, losers in 2009 foundry rankings
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The 2009 downturn had a huge impact on the silicon foundry market and the top-10 rankings.
In fact, it was a rough year, as the overall foundry market fell by 11.2 percent in 2009, according to Gartner Inc. Here are the winners and losers in the top-10 ranking for 2009:
Winners: GlobalFoundries, Samsung
Losers: TSMC, UMC, Chartered, SMIC, IBM, Vanguard, Dongbu, TowerJazz, MagnaChip, X-Fab
In terms of share in 2009, TSMC was again in first place, followed in order by UMC, Chartered, GlobalFoundries, SMIC, IBM, Vanguard, Dongbu, TowerJazz and Samsung.
Except for GlobalFoundries and Samsung, the other players in the top-10 saw their respective sales fall in 2009. Many lost share as well.
''Companies such as X-Fab and MagnaChip were pushed out of the top 10 rankings by Globalfoundries and Samsung in 2009. Despite the severe downturn, TSMC, UMC, Chartered Semiconductor and Dongbu Electronics still managed to retain the same ranking status as in 2008. SMIC, IBM Microelectronics and Vanguard International Semiconductor, on the other hand, slipped one position lower, and TowerJazz dropped two places,'' said Kay-Yang Tan, an analyst from Gartner, in a report.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) was in first place again, but the company's sales hit $8.997 billion in 2009, down 15.2 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. TSMC's share fell from 47 percent in 2008 to 44.8 percent in 2009.
Taiwan's United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) was in second place again. The company's sales hit $2.730 billion in 2009, down 7.7 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. UMC's share jumped from 13.1 percent in 2008 to 13.6 percent in 2009.
GlobalFoundries Inc. emerged and became the No. 4 player in the foundry business in 2009, according to Gartner. GlobalFoundries, the manufacturing spinoff of Advanced Micro Devices Inc., last year also acquired Singapore's Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Pte. Ltd.
Chartered was in third place in 2009. GlobalFoundries had sales of $1.101 billion in 2009, with 5.5 percent share, according to the firm.
China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) went from 4th place in 2008 to 5th place last year. The company's sales hit $1.070 billion in 2009, down 21 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. SMIC's share fell from 6 percent in 2008 to 5.3 percent in 2009.
IBM Microelectronics' unit went from 5th place in 2008 to 6th place last year. The company's sales hit $383 million in 2009, down 32.3 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. IBM's share fell from 2.5 percent in 2008 to 1.9 percent in 2009.
Taiwan's Vanguard International Semiconductor went from 6th place in 2008 to 7th place last year. The company's sales hit $381 million in 2009, down 26 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. Its share fell from 2.3 percent in 2008 to 1.9 percent in 2009.
South Korea's Dongbu Electronics remained in 8th place. The company's sales hit $370 million in 2009, down 14.4 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. Its share fell from 1.9 percent in 2008 to 1.8 percent in 2009.
Israel's TowerJazz went from 7th place in 2008 to 9th place last year. The company's sales hit $298 million in 2009, down 31.7 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. Its share fell from 1.9 percent in 2008 to 1.5 percent in 2009.
Korea's Samsung went from 23th place in 2008 to 10th place last year. The company's sales hit $290 million in 2009, up 130.2 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. Its share jumped from 0.6 percent in 2008 to 1.4 percent in 2009. By
Mark LaPedus
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In fact, it was a rough year, as the overall foundry market fell by 11.2 percent in 2009, according to Gartner Inc. Here are the winners and losers in the top-10 ranking for 2009:
Winners: GlobalFoundries, Samsung
Losers: TSMC, UMC, Chartered, SMIC, IBM, Vanguard, Dongbu, TowerJazz, MagnaChip, X-Fab
In terms of share in 2009, TSMC was again in first place, followed in order by UMC, Chartered, GlobalFoundries, SMIC, IBM, Vanguard, Dongbu, TowerJazz and Samsung.
Except for GlobalFoundries and Samsung, the other players in the top-10 saw their respective sales fall in 2009. Many lost share as well.
''Companies such as X-Fab and MagnaChip were pushed out of the top 10 rankings by Globalfoundries and Samsung in 2009. Despite the severe downturn, TSMC, UMC, Chartered Semiconductor and Dongbu Electronics still managed to retain the same ranking status as in 2008. SMIC, IBM Microelectronics and Vanguard International Semiconductor, on the other hand, slipped one position lower, and TowerJazz dropped two places,'' said Kay-Yang Tan, an analyst from Gartner, in a report.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) was in first place again, but the company's sales hit $8.997 billion in 2009, down 15.2 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. TSMC's share fell from 47 percent in 2008 to 44.8 percent in 2009.
Taiwan's United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) was in second place again. The company's sales hit $2.730 billion in 2009, down 7.7 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. UMC's share jumped from 13.1 percent in 2008 to 13.6 percent in 2009.
GlobalFoundries Inc. emerged and became the No. 4 player in the foundry business in 2009, according to Gartner. GlobalFoundries, the manufacturing spinoff of Advanced Micro Devices Inc., last year also acquired Singapore's Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Pte. Ltd.
Chartered was in third place in 2009. GlobalFoundries had sales of $1.101 billion in 2009, with 5.5 percent share, according to the firm.
China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) went from 4th place in 2008 to 5th place last year. The company's sales hit $1.070 billion in 2009, down 21 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. SMIC's share fell from 6 percent in 2008 to 5.3 percent in 2009.
IBM Microelectronics' unit went from 5th place in 2008 to 6th place last year. The company's sales hit $383 million in 2009, down 32.3 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. IBM's share fell from 2.5 percent in 2008 to 1.9 percent in 2009.
Taiwan's Vanguard International Semiconductor went from 6th place in 2008 to 7th place last year. The company's sales hit $381 million in 2009, down 26 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. Its share fell from 2.3 percent in 2008 to 1.9 percent in 2009.
South Korea's Dongbu Electronics remained in 8th place. The company's sales hit $370 million in 2009, down 14.4 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. Its share fell from 1.9 percent in 2008 to 1.8 percent in 2009.
Israel's TowerJazz went from 7th place in 2008 to 9th place last year. The company's sales hit $298 million in 2009, down 31.7 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. Its share fell from 1.9 percent in 2008 to 1.5 percent in 2009.
Korea's Samsung went from 23th place in 2008 to 10th place last year. The company's sales hit $290 million in 2009, up 130.2 percent over 2008, according to Gartner. Its share jumped from 0.6 percent in 2008 to 1.4 percent in 2009. By
Mark LaPedus
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