4K TV set sales to grow 700%

Futuresource Consulting has published its latest 4K report, reviewing the progress in the broadcast, video, and display industries, which notes that although TV set sales are expected to rise close to 700 per cent, the window for 4K may be short lived.

According to Futuresource, with the 4K industry gathering pace, a sustained flow of 4K content will be critical to the long term success of 4K. While disc playback of 4K content will not be a possibility until late 2015, OTT video services are driving early roll-out of 4K video services with several now available in the market. Several further propositions are set for launch in 2015/6 from both standalone providers and traditional pay-TV platforms.

As with HD and more recently 3D, 4K consumer technology is ahead of the rest of the content chain and the consumer electronics industry is marketing 4K capable TVs and creating an audience.

4K sets are expected to ship 11.6 million units in 2014, up 699 per cent year on year, with China accounting for over 70 per cent of worldwide demand (versus 84 per cent in 2013). By 2018 100 million sets are forecast to ship per annum, when ownership will exceed 20 per cent in leading markets. Falling premiums and 4K in smaller screen sizes will drive 4K adoption, while consumers will want to future-proof for 4K content when it becomes available, upscaling will help consumers justify their purchasing decision in the short term.

“We are seeing several 4K video services now available in the market, driven by over-the-top (OTT) video services, and we are beginning to see signs that broadcasters support will be forthcoming,” commented Sarah Carroll, Director of Sales & Marketing, Futuresource Consulting. “However, with 8K on the horizon, there is speculation as to whether the window for 4K will be short-lived.”

With the backing of the consumer electronics, television and motion picture industries, Futuresource believes that there is a positive commercial scenario for consumer 4K, although realistically this is likely to take at least three to four years to develop.

Pepcom Digital Experience

The theme was the 80s tonight at the second show preview for CES, Pepcom.

There were more products and tech at this event than last night's affair at the Mandalay Bay.

Lot of cool stuff.

You can read my recap here:

http://www.examiner.com/article/pepcom-digital-experience-drinks-food-gadgets-and-the-80s

Rick's "12 Days of Christmas" for 2014 - Day 11: The All New Kindle

Can't beat this reading device for $59.

What's new Touchscreen display, enhanced software, twice the storage

Kindle reads like a book, and goes beyond a book

Touchscreen display that reads like real paper—no screen glare, even in bright sunlight Exclusive Kindle features—now includes Goodreads integration, Kindle FreeTime, Vocabulary Builder, Word Wise, and more Double the on-device storage—holds thousands of books Page turns fly with a 20% faster processor Lighter than a paperback—fits in your pocket Battery lasts weeks, not hours Massive book selection, lowest prices—over a million titles less than $4.99 Download books in less than 60 seconds with built-in Wi-Fi Encourage kids to read even more with Kindle FreeTime Try Kindle Unlimited for free—choose from over 700,000 titles. Try it free for 30 days.

Rick's "12 Days of Christmas" for 2014 - Day 8: Jawbone UP MOVE

A fitness band for $49.

• Guides you to get fit, lose weight and have fun doing it. Choose your color, clip it on and get moving
• Tracks steps, exercise, overall calories burned, hours slept and quality of sleep. For best results, wear your UP MOVE on your wrist at night while you sleep
• Track your food, drink, calories, nutrients and use the UP App Food Score to quickly know if you are eating right
• Connects you with friends and family so you can reach your goals together or see how you measure up on the team leaderboards
• Compatible with iOS and Android; Requires installation of free Jawbone UP smartphone app

I've been using Jawbone products for years, so it's fantastic that they now have a price point that appeals to the masses.

Last Minute Gift Ideas Coming In

I'll be writing product reviews for the holidays and holiday gift guides right up until Dec. 24 and then prob. for some days after Christmas.

The items to review are still coming in.