Audio Video News

In refusing to play ball in contract renewal negotiations with Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Company probably sabotaged what could have been a very profitable long-term relationship.

Plasma display panels (PDPs) are arguably the most revolutionary new video-monitor technology to come along in the last few years. First-generation models are exciting, but they're known to have limitations. However, a recent announcement from <A HREF="http://www.fujitsu.co.jp/index-e.html">Fujitsu Limited</A> should move the plasma approach closer to many living rooms next year.

"2010 was a great year for plasma TV panels," reports DisplaySearch. "Growth seems to be supply-limited."

Last week, <A HREF="http://www.plasmavision.com">Fujitsu</A> announced a price reduction that brings their Plasmavision 42 below $10,000. According to the company, this move makes the technology more accessible for both corporate customers and home-theater enthusiasts. The new suggested list price will be $9995 for the PDS 4203, which was first introduced in January 1998 for $10,999.

According to a recent Reuters report, London-based Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) has announced a very original product: a plastic video display. In the report, the company said, "CDT and its Japanese partner, Seiko-Epson Corp., have unveiled the world's first plastic TV display and will set aggressive targets for commercializing the technology." According to CDT chief executive Danny Chapchal, "The announcement will demonstrate that our technology is very close to commercialization for computer and video display applications."