UHD Alliance certification for portables devices could spur sales
The UHD Alliance has unveiled its specification and logo for portable devices first previewed at CES.
Mobile HDR Premium will confirm the device meets the group’s defined performance criteria for resolution, dynamic range, color space and bit depth.
“The dramatic improvement of screens in battery operated devices, coupled with the emergence of 4K and 4K with HDR streaming offerings through services such as Amazon, Netflix and others, makes it possible for consumers to get a much richer and more immersive experience on their computers, tablets and smartphones,” said UHD Alliance president Hanno Basse. “The expansion of our certification of logo program will help consumers identify premium portable products that take full advantage of the wealth of HDR content coming to market.”
Licensing of the new spec and logo is expected to begin April 1. Interested companies can obtain a copy of the UHDA Information Agreement.
The UHD Alliance formed in 2015 with 10 members and now includes more than 50 companies as part of its ranks.
Hot Products
Vizio SmartCast E-Series TVs
Vizio has started shipping some of its newest SmartCast E-series TVs, with screen sizes ranging from 32 to 80 inches. Eight out of the nine new models have 4K resolution — the 32-inch is the lone dissenter — and all feature built-in Chromecast and full-array LED backlighting. The 75- and 80-inch models also have high dynamic range with HDR10 support. Vizio has also redesigned its remote so consumers can complete the Chromecast set-up of the display without a phone or tablet; it will also provide access to the onscreen menu, sidebar settings and more.
Pricing is as follows: 32-inch (E32f-E1), $209; 43-inch (E43- E2), $399; 50-inch (E50-E1), $469; 55-inch (E55-E2), $549; 60-inch (E60-E3), $749; 65-inch (E65-E0), $899; 70-inch (E70-E3), $1,299; 75-inch (E75-E3), $1,999; 80-inch (E80- E3), $3,399. The 75- and 80-inch models are available now at Vizio.com, and all models will be available soon at Best Buy, Costco, Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Polaroid 4K Ultra HD Chromecast TV
Empire Electronics’ Polaroid-licensed 4K Ultra HD Chromecast-enabled smart TVs are currently available through Evine. Evine, the home shopping retailer formerly known as ValueVision, is the first retailer to offer the line, which will be offered in 43-, 49-, 55-, 65- and 75-inch screen sizes. Pricing will range from $499 to $1,999. The TVs feature 3840 by 2160 resolution with 120Hz refresh rates and HDMI 2.0 inputs. Built-in Chromecast enables users to stream and control content from another Chromecast-enabled mobile device.
Vuzix’s Toshiba Smart Glasses
Vuzix, a manufacturer of augmented-reality smart glasses, will build smart glasses for Toshiba Client Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, Vuzix said it has embarked on a rapid development program with Toshiba for $1 million, and it expects to additional purchase orders in Q4. Details on the glasses were not provided and will be released at a later time, Vuzix said.
“We are excited to enter into this partnership with Toshiba and believe it represents a strong vote of confidence in our capabilities and recognition of our leading position within the wearable technology space,” said Paul Travers, president and CEO at Vuzix. “Additionally, the agreement demonstrates how we are leveraging and partnering our industry leading technology with top-tier global partners. We trust that this will be the first of many ongoing collaborations between the firms.”
