Next month after CES 2012, NEC is set to release a new LCD monitor, a 24-inch model known as LCD-EA243WM (that's the white version, the black one is named LCD-EA243WM-BK) which features an LED backlight, a TN panel with a native resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels (WUXGA), and no less than four connectivity options - D-Sub, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort.

NEC's incoming widescreen also has a 5 ms response time, a dynamic contrast ratio of 25,000:1, 250 cd/m2 typical brightness, a four-port USB 2.0 hub, two 1W built-in speakers, an ambient light sensor, and an 'ergonomic' stand allowing for up to 130 mm height adjustment and 90-degree panel rotation.

The LCD-EA243WM/LCD-EA243WM-BK is supposed to become available in Japan as of January 18, priced at 45,000 yen (~ US $576).

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the first model in the new generation of the MultiSync P Series with the 24-inch widescreen MultiSync P241W desktop monitor and added the P241W-BK-SV to the renowned SpectraView II Series.

Ideal for web graphics and photography applications, the P241W utilizes an e-IPS panel for great imaging performance. This sRGB monitor offers users working in color-critical environments the opportunity to take advantage of professional-grade desktop display features without breaking budgets. Its widescreen real estate, USB hub with DisplaySync Pro and completely customizable Picture Modes greatly improve user productivity.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the addition of the 20-inch widescreen MultiSync EX201W to the award-winning MultiSync EX Series.

Joining the 23-inch MultiSync EX231W with TN panel and MultiSync EX231Wp with premium-grade PVA panel, the EX201W ultra-thin (16.4mm bezel depth) desktop monitor offers extensive viewing angles (176°H/170°V) and contrast ratio (25,000:1 dynamic, 1000:1 typical). The ultra-slim design and lightweight portability (4.9 lbs. without stand) make the EX201W ideal for business users on-the-go and small-to-medium-sized business client meetings and presentations. The LED backlighting allows a low power consumption of 21W, which helps customers looking to lower their total cost of ownership.

Since neither Intel nor AMD have concrete plans in place to fully integrate USB 3.0 SuperSpeed controllers into their motherboard chipsets, at least not beyond a couple of ports, the market for third-party controllers is intact. Renesas is planning to make its 2-port PCI-Express 2.0 x1 controllers even more competitive in a market that is now seeing competition, a market which its controllers pioneered. Renesas acquired the USB 3.0 controller IP from NEC. By early 2012, Renesas will be in a position to price its controllers as low as US $1.20 per unit. Compare that to the $5 these controllers cost when they entered the market.

Renesas' mainstream USB 3.0 controllers, the µPD72020x series, are sold in the upstream supplier market for $2 per unit, as competitors' controllers are going for US$1.50-1.70. The company is facing competition from a number of new and established manufacturers, including VIA Labs (VLI), ASMedia, and Etron Technology. While most motherboard manufacturers have, at some point, used NEC/Renesas controllers, the major ones are beginning to move to its competitors. For instance, ASMedia controllers can be seen on newer motherboard models from ASRock and ASUS, Etron can be seen on Gigabyte ones. VLI is emerging as a favorite of USB 3.0 add-on cards.

Gigabyte is constantly revising designs of its already-launched graphics cards. This time around, it's the Radeon HD 6970 WindForce 3X (GV-R697UD-2GD). This custom design graphics card sticks to AMD's reference clock speeds, but creates some overclocking headroom with its WindForce 3X cooler, and a strong VRM on the PCB. The new revision 2.0 packs an NEC/Tokin Proadlizer, which is a high-grade multiphase capacitor, that helps in conditioning the power to the GPU.

Apart from this small yet important change, everything else is the same. The PCB uses Gigabyte's Ultra Durable VGA+ construction, which includes 2 oz copper PCB, low RDS (on) MOSFETs, ferrite core chokes, hand-picked tier-1 GDDR5 memory chips by Samsung or Hynix, hand-picked GPU, and clock speeds of 880 MHz core and 5.50 GHz GDDR5 effective memory. There is 2 GB of memory. Expect the new revision to cost roughly the same as the original.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the addition of the 23-inch PVA panel MultiSync EX231Wp, which joins the 23-inch TN panel MultiSync EX231W. This sleek desktop monitor offers a premium-grade, performance-driven PVA panel that allows for increased viewing angle, sharp contrast ratio and ease in transporting between different locations. Ideal for multiple monitor setups, the MultiSync EX231Wp is designed for financial and corporate environments, business users on-the-go, small-scale digital signage, small-to-medium-sized business client meetings and presentations.

Renesas Electronics today announced that the cumulative total shipment of the company's SuperSpeed Universal Serial Bus (USB 3.0) host controllers has reached 30 million units worldwide as of 19 May 2011. This achievement comes a year and a half after starting mass production of the world's first USB host controller (µPD720200) in September 2009. The company also announced that to further address increasing orders from customers, it plans to double production of USB 3.0 host controllers to a monthly production of six million units starting this June.

In May 2009, Renesas Electronics (then NEC Electronics) introduced the industry's first USB 3.0 xHCI host controller and, after four months of its release, the company became the world's first to earn the "Certified SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0)" certification from the USB-IF, and also started mass production of the µPD720200 host controller. In the following year, the company released its second USB 3.0 xHCI host controller (µPD720200A) and passed the compliance and certification testing in only two months. These host controllers have become the de facto USB 3.0 host controller standard realising the best interoperability between PCs and PC peripherals that support USB 3.0.

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the availability of its two new SuperSpeed Universal Serial Bus (USB 3.0) xHCI host controllers (part number, µPD720201 and µPD720202) for electronic devices such as PCs and digital TVs that feature faster effective data transfer speeds and reduced power consumption in low power mode.

The µPD720201 and µPD720202 devices make it easier for system designers to build electronic devices combining high-speed data transfer, compact size, and extended battery life. In addition, Renesas Electronics device drivers for Microsoft Windows with a proven track record, and device drivers with Linux support, are available for the µPD720201 and µPD720202 host controllers at no cost.

GIGABYTE, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, introduces a powerful new addition to its Super Overclock Series: GTX 580 SOC (GV-N580SO-15I). To qualify for Super Overclock Series, a GPU must go through GIGABYTE's innovative GPU Gauntlet Sorting process and it must be equipped with Ultra Durable VGA or VGA+ boards. Designed specifically for overclocking competition and gaming battle, GIGABYTE's secret weapon GTX 580 Super Overclock Edition is built with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 GPU.

Based on 40nm processor and advanced GDDR5 memory technology, the powerful new GPU consists of ground-breaking features including Microsoft DirectX 11 and NVIDIA PhysX which lead to incredibly immersive HD gaming experience and unrivaled performance. To satisfy hardcore gamers and extreme overclockers, GV-N580SO-15I is especially designed with GIGABYTE Extreme Dual BIOS technology. GV-N580SO-15I also features WINDFORCE 3X, 14 phase PWM design, OC Guru graphic card smart tuner and voltage read point.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the 23-inch MultiSync EA232WMi, a 16:9 model designed for corporate, financial, healthcare, engineering, CAD and other professional applications.

Replacing the popular MultiSync EA231WMi, the new MultiSync EA232WMi maintains an IPS panel for superior color, viewing angles and image quality. Additionally, it adds LED-backlit technology, which provides more energy efficiency and less power consumption, heat and carbon dioxide emissions. The display's ambient light sensor and ECO Mode can further help save energy and prolong product life.

Rambus Inc., one of the world's premier technology licensing companies, announced today it has renewed its patent license agreement with Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723). Renesas Technology Corp. and NEC Electronics Corporation, merged in April 2010 to form Renesas Electronics. This agreement covers the use of Rambus patented innovations in a broad range of logic integrated circuit (IC) products offered by Renesas Electronics. Specific terms of the agreement are confidential.

"This license with a global leader of the semiconductor industry represents continued validation of the strength of our patent portfolio," said Sharon Holt, senior vice president and general manager of the Semiconductor Business Group at Rambus. "We have enjoyed a long and positive relationship with Renesas Electronics, and we are pleased to renew this important agreement with one of the top five semiconductor companies."

NEC is readying a new addition to its MultiSync IPS monitor series, the PA301W. This 30-inch monitor sports a native resolution of 2560 x 1600, and is best suited for graphics professional use, as it features a 10-bit IPS panel, built-in 14-bit LUT, 107% Adobe RGB coverage, 1000:1 static contrast ratio, and 6 ms response time. It features standard CCFL-illumination with 350 cd/m² brightness. Backed by a 3-year warranty, the MultiSync PA301W is expected to cost €2259.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the new 19" MultiSync EA192M and 20" widescreen MultiSync E201W to the desktop product lineup.

Compared to previous generations of NEC's desktop LCD monitors, the LED backlight technology in both the MultiSync EA192M and E201W allows less greenhouse gas emissions and reduces power consumption and heat radiation. These new LED-backlit models also use more recycled plastics, less hazardous materials and are mercury-free, a significant advantage when compared to conventional CCFL-backlit LCD monitors.

With the NEC SpectraView 231, NEC Display Solutions is launching a high-calibre, 23" IPS LCD monitor for colour-critical applications into the market. The hardware-calibratable display, just like the SpectraView Reference models 241 and 271, features a 14-bit LUT for exceptional colour control and a 3D LUT for precise colour space reproduction. Digital Uniformity Control (ColorComp) and Backlight Ageing Correction also give users stable performance values over the display's entire lifetime.

The model is targeted for colour-critical users in the fields of digital photo-editing and video-processing, colour workflow, pre-press or DTP. Equipped with a high-end IPS panel, the NEC SpectraView 231 covers 75% of the Adobe RGB colour space and offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. In practical terms, this means excellent picture quality with high viewing angle stability. The Digital Uniformity Control (ColorComp) feature automatically controls the colour distribution to create a balanced and homogeneous picture, which is of particular importance for professional colour applications.

GIGABYTE, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, introduces a powerful new addition to its Super Overclock Series: GTX 460 SOC (GV-N460SO-1GI). To qualify for Super Overclock Series, a GPU must go through GIGABYTE's innovative GPU Gauntlet Sorting process and it must be equipped with Ultra Durable VGA or VGA+ boards. Designed specifically for overclocking competition and gaming battle, GIGABYTE's secret weapon GTX 460 Super Overclock Edition is built with NVDIA GeForce GTX 460 GPU.

Based on 40nm processor and advanced GDDR5 memory technology, the powerful new GPU consists of ground-breaking features including Microsoft DirectX 11 and NVIDIA PhysX which leads to incredibly immersive HD gaming experience and unrivaled performance. GV-N460SO-1GI also features WINDFORCE 2X, 7 phase PWM design, OC Guru graphic card smart tuner and voltage read point.

Galaxy, known for coming up with some of the widest varieties of non-reference design graphics cards, is now working on a new GeForce GTX 460 PCB that makes use of a high-grade digital PWM power supply. Still in its design-phase, the PCB is white in color, though there's a chance of the final product differing in color. The PCB draws power from a 6 pin, and 6+2 pin power connectors. It makes use of a 6+2 phase PWM circuit controlled by a Volterra VT1185M, with VT1157SF PWM ICs. It also makes use of high-C capacitors, as well as NEC-made Prodalizers to condition power. This PWM circuit can supply up to 240A, with conversion efficiency of over 85%.

What it means for overclockers of course, is that they can tinker with voltages to their hearts' content, if their cooling permits it, without any capacitor mods. It is also extremely efficient, so idle power draw will be lesser than NVIDIA's reference design. This particular PCB in the pictures holds just six memory chips, indicating it's a 768 MB variant, but there's room for 8 chips, and a 1 GB variant built on this PCB design. We will hear more about this PCB in the weeks to come.

With the introduction of the EX series, a high performance, future-ready and ecological range of desktop displays, NEC Display Solutions is extending its portfolio in the corporate market. The new MultiSync EX series combines an innovative, ultra-slim design with high-quality features. The displays impress with their exceptionally low environmental impact thanks to LED backlight technology and other new features such as a human sensor. The EX series is equipped with a DisplayPort and provides outstanding connectivity and many ergonomic benefits that ensure productive work in even the most demanding office environment. NEC Display Solutions is introducing the first model in the new range called "Office Cool" to the market in the shape of its NEC MultiSync EX231W.

First-class quality, excellent performance and stunning design were the key factors guiding the design of the MultiSync EX series. The displays are light in weight and optically very exciting thanks to their slim form and extremely narrow stand. Modern and with minimum space requirements, they can be stylishly integrated into office surroundings. From a technological point of view the series sets new standards with outstanding picture quality in full HD wide format and excellent connectivity with two digital inputs, DisplayPort and DVI-I. Additionally the range also includes a USB interface which can be used to connect a USB camera, ideal for videoconferencing.

NEC Display Solutions is launching the MultiSync PA231W, a 23-inch monitor in its award-winning PA series of professional class displays. The display, with its powerful IPS technology, delivers excellent picture quality in the new 16:9 format and includes sophisticated features such as a future-proof DisplayPort connection and ergonomic comfort through height adjustability. With a focus on improving user productivity and having an attractive price/performance ratio, this monitor is designed to meet the demands of the CAD/CAM and DTP sector, precision engineering and for detailed image reproduction in the field of medical radiology.

With a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, the PA231W offers outstanding viewing angle stability and image precision. The Digital Uniformity Control (ColorComp) automatically regulates the evenness of the brightness and colour distribution, thereby guaranteeing consistent display quality. The monitor also features a programmable 3D LUT for precise colour space emulation.

ECS is designing an upper-mid range socket LGA1155 motherboard based on the Intel P67 Express chipset, ready with upcoming Sandy Bridge processors, called the P67H2-A. A pre-release version was shown to the press. The highlight here is ECS' use of the LucidLogix Hydra Engine chip that lets the motherboard mix and match graphics cards of different makes and types. The CPU is powered by a 14-phase VRM, it is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots for dual-channel memory, speeds of up to 2600 MHz are supported by overclocking. Expansion slots include three PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (likely x16, x16, NC / x16, x8, x8, thanks to the Hydra chip), and two each of PCI-E x1 and PCI. Four out of six of the SATA 3 Gb/s ports from the P67 PCH are assigned as internal ports (color-coded orange), two SATA 6 Gb/s controllers give out two ports internal (color-coded red). Connectivity includes 8-channel HD audio, dual gigabit Ethernet, two NEC USB 3.0 controllers that give out two ports on the rear panel and two for the front-panel via header, eSATA 6 Gb/s, and a number of USB 2.0 ports. The final version may look slightly different, of course those jumper wires won't be there.

GIGABYTE, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, introduces a powerful new addition to its Super Overclock Series: GTX 470 SOC (GV-N470SO-13I). To qualify for Super Overclock Series, a GPU must go through GIGABYTE's innovative GPU Gauntlet Sorting process and it must be equipped with Ultra Durable VGA or VGA+ boards. Designed specifically for overclocking competition and gaming battle, GIGABYTE's secret weapon GTX 470 Super Overclock Edition is built with NVDIA GeForce GTX 470 GPU.

Based on 40nm processor and advanced GDDR5 memory technology, the powerful new GPU consists of ground-breaking features including Microsoft DirectX 11 and NVIDIA PhysX which leads to incredibly immersive HD gaming experience and unrivaled performance. GV-N470SO-13I also features WINDFORCE 3X, 14 phase PWM design, OC Guru graphic card smart tuner and voltage read point.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the introduction of the LED-backlit MultiSync E231W, an addition to the popular 23-inch desktop category. This desktop display is designed to benefit a variety of business customers with financial savings and power efficiency.

The EPEAT Gold rated MultiSync E231W provides users with advanced features that were created to enhance the desktop computing experience and increase productivity. Its widescreen display allows users to have several applications open simultaneously, while its fully-ergonomic design includes 110mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel and pivot for improved comfort during use.

With a small but sizable, and growing number of PC cases with front-panel USB 3.0 ports, it is making sense for motherboard vendors to reciprocate with motherboards that have USB 3.0 front-panel headers. Spearheading this is ASUS, with its new mainstream socket LGA1156 motherboard based on the Intel P55 chipset, the P7P55/USB3. USB 3.0 has a different front-panel header layout from USB 2.0/1.1, and on ASUS' motherboard, there are two NEC-made 2-port USB 3.0 controllers, one for the two rear USB 3.0 ports, and one for the 2-port USB 3.0 header. The header can connect to front-panel ports, or simply provide two rear ports using an expansion bracket.

Apart from that, the P7P55/USB3 is a fairly standard offering with 4+2 phase CPU VRM, one PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slot, a PCI-Express x16 (electrical x4) slot, and two each of PCI-E x1 and PCI. The P55 PCH provides six SATA 3 Gb/s ports, connectivity features include 8-channel HD audio with optical SPDIF output, gigabit Ethernet, and USB 3.0. ASUS did not give out a price, though one can expect this model to be on the lower side, we expect under $150.

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the availability of its new SuperSpeed Universal Serial Bus (USB 3.0) host controller (part number µPD720200A), featuring 85 percent reduced power consumption compared to the company's existing host controller (part number µPD720200) when peripheral devices, such as mice, are not connected to the ports.

Supporting fast data transfer rates of up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps), the µPD720200A device achieves low power consumption of 50 milliwatts (mW) with no peripheral connection to the ports, reduced by 85 percent from the company's existing USB 3.0 host controller. The new host controller also has the same footprint as the previous host controller, which makes it possible for system designers to accommodate their designs on the same board used for the previous device, the µPD720200. These advancements enable system designers to develop notebook PCs that boast longer battery life, yet maintain high data transfer rates.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the addition of two new models to its E Series, the 46" E461 and 55" E551. This raises NEC's affordable professional display product lineup to include a broad range of sizes from 32" to 55". These entry-level LCD displays provide users with a cost-effective solution for retail stores, waiting rooms and conference rooms.

The new models offer full high-definition 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate setting, increasing the clarity of movement and reducing image blur. Additionally, the E461 and E551 include built-in features, such as an ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner, 12W stereo speakers and detachable swivel stand. With power consumption as low as 210W and full connectivity including 4 HDMI inputs, analog RGB, composite video and S-Video, these new E Series models provide professional performance and a sleek appearance to digital signage users in both corporate and specialty environments.

NEC is preparing a new professional-grade 27-inch LCD monitor called MultiSync Reference 271. The 271 uses a 10-bit P-IPS panel that give 98% Adobe RGB coverage, for a wide color gamut. The panel has a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees. Its frame design enables pivot at swivel adjustments.

The panel has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 (aspect ratio 16:9), with 5 ms response time. Its static contrast ratio is 1000:1, with a maximum brightness of 360 cd/m². It takes input from D-Sub (analog) and DVI-D or dual DVI. Backed by a 3-year warranty, the MultiSync Reference 271 is up for pre-order for under 1800 EUR.