Week-end Edition - Day 2 & Day 3 - IFA International

I FA

international

Official Daily News Source f or International Visitors at IFA

Hall 3.1/103

Hall 3.2/134

Hall 21 / 104

week-end edition

Saturday 1 st & Sunday 2 nd September 2012

Hall 21/101

IFA 2012: Innovation Central

Top trade pros and vendors increasingly depend on

IFA for business deals and high level exchanges

Steve Ager

Group Commercial Director,

Dixons Retail

The world’s top trade

professionals are back

in force again this year

at IFA Berlin, and the

show’s organisers estimate

that orders with a value

exceeding 3.7 billion euros

will again be placed at the

event this year.

For Steve Ager, Group

Commercial Director at

Dixons Retail (pictured left),

IFA is not only a time when

his teams plan for Q4, but

also for the coming sales

year. Ager sees IFA as a

two-way street, where top

CE and HA manufacturers

communicate about their

new ranges, but at the same

time, it is also a golden

opportunity to explain to

these same manufacturers

what works – and doesn’t

work on the shop floor.

Innovation is now essential.

Living Room Lifestyle!

Sit back and relax. IFA

International takes you

on a tour of the living

room of the future.

You’ll never have

felt so entertained,

enthralled, thrilled,

or relaxed. It’s all up

to you. From new

“Smart” OLED, 4K,

3D TVs through

the coolest home

sound gear to stress

“Increasingly

you have

to give a

customer a

reason to

upgrade and

renew their

products”

“Increasingly you have to

give a customer a reason

to upgrade and renew

their products”, says Ager,

reflecting comments by Dr

Rainer Hecker, Chairman of

the Supervisory Board of the

gfu, at this week’s opening

press conference of IFA.

Read our exclusive interview with

Steve Ager from page 39

sensing massage lounge

chairs, you’ll get the inside

line — From page 23

Contents

06 > NEWS

17 > conference & events preview

18 > exclusive Interviews

23 > special feature

living room lifestyle

33 > SPOTLIGHT ON taïwan

38 > Green Page

39 > Trade News

42 > The Diary of Miss IFA

43 > Where to Go in Berlin

trade news

Greg Taylor

Area Director

- eReading &

Electronics at

Canada's Indigo

Books & Music

“Clearly you won’t find me looking

at the latest products from the big

brands because that is not Indigo’s

area”

See page 41

Thought Leaders

Minoru

Usui

President & CEO,

Seiko Epson

Corporation

"We must strive to delight our customers

and never forget to make them smile"

See page 16

Paul

Molyneux

President & CEO,

Sharp Europe

“We position ourselves as an inventor

for society”

See page 18

Official Daily News Source f or International Visitors at IFA

News

Stars Tread the Red Carpet at IFA Gala

Global glitterati shine at the opening of the biggestever

IFA fair

From Berlin's mayor Klaus Wowereit

to rapper and actor Curtis ‘50 Cent’

Jackson, about 600 stellar guests

from politics, business, media and

entertainment gathered at Berlin’s

Radio Tower on Thursday night to

celebrate the official opening of IFA

2012.

In what promises to be

the most successful IFA on

record, the 2012 Opening

Gala festivities were a fitting

way to kick off the world's

largest consumer electronics

and home appliances event.

Senior Management from

Messe Berlin, GFU and ZVEI

welcomed the guests before

singer Oceana wowed

the audience with her hit

song Endless Summer –

the official theme of the

2012 European Football

Championship. Among the

top artists present at the

event, the world-renowned

actor and singer 50 Cent

was not only attending

the IFA Gala, but appeared

at IFA as an entrepreneur,

promoting his signature

SMS audio headphone

range at the fair.

German Chancellor Angela

Merkel spoke to the

Gala guests in a televised

message, while Berlin

Mayor Klaus Wowereit and

Rainer Hecker, Chairman

of the Board, GFU, also

addressed the audience.

Dr. Rainer Hecker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of gfu mbH; Klaus Wowereit, The Governing Major of Berlin; Hans-Joachim Kamp, Member of the Supervisory Board of

gfu; Dr. Christian Göke, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Berlin (l.t.r.)

Oceana wowed the audience with her hit song

Endless Summer

I FA

international

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6

News

LG Unveils World-first at IFA

LG launched the world’s

first 84-inch UD 3D TV at

its IFA press conference on

Thursday. The model boasts

UD 2160p (eight million

pixel) resolution, which is

four times the clarity of full-

HDTV panels. It combines

LG’s Cinema 3D and Smart

TV technology, as well as two

10-watt speakers and two

15-watt woofers.

The 84-inch UD 3D TV

features LG’s Smart TV

ecosystem that includes

approximately 1,400 apps

and a growing range of

content services. Magic

Remote offers a fun and

intuitive way to interact

with the TV. Other highlights

at LG’s press conference

included the 55-inch OLED

“The 55-inch

OLED TV is

the world’s

slimmest – at

just 4mm thick”

TV, which the company claims

to be the world’s slimmest at

just 4mm thick. This model

boasts 4 Color Pixel (WRGB),

which adds a white subpixel

to the three primaries,

providing realistic colours,

which are extra comfortable

to the eye from any viewing

angle. The Colour Refiner

enhances colour precision

and consistency, hallmarks of

LG’s OLED technology.

The 55-inch OLED TV

received the European

Display Achievement Award

at the EISA (European

Imaging and Sound

Associations) 2012 Awards.

Other products showcased

by LG included the Cinema

3D Smart TV. This offers an

array of smart entertainment,

which is accessible through

The 84-inch UD 3D TV on show at IFA

LG’s Home Dashboard, a

customisable, convenient

way to deliver apps, games

and shows.

Hall 11.2

Stand 101

Samsung

‘Pushes the

Boundaries’

Samsung has introduced

a range of products at

IFA, which it claims have

“pushed the boundaries

of innovation”. Highlights

of a stunning live stage

presentation were the OLED

TV, the Galaxy Note II, the

Galaxy Camera and a range of

Space Max refrigerators and

other household appliances.

Noting its leading position

within the TV industry for

the sixth consecutive year,

the company introduced

the 55-inch ES9500 OLED

TV, and the 75-inch LED

ES9000 Smart TV which has

no need for a separate light

Samsung’s European TV marketing director, Michel Zöller and Samsung’s charming presenter unveil “the future of TV”

source, and offers a fast

response time, eliminating

motion blur. The OLED

TV also comes equipped

with Samsung Multi View,

that allows two people to

watch two different shows

simultaneously on one full

screen — with the ability

to hear each programme

separately, using Samsung

Multi View 3D glasses with

built-in headphones. The

Galaxy Camera combines the

camera and the smartphone,

and includes 3G/4G and

wi-fi connectivity, Internet

browsing and access to over

600,000 apps, running on

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS.

Galaxy Note II Launched at IFA

Samsung’s launch of the Galaxy Note II

was made during a special “invitation

only” press gathering at IFA: “IFA Mobile

Unpacked”, held the day before the

company’s official media event.

The Android 4.1-powered Galaxy Note

2 is the successor to the original Galaxy

Note, introduced a year ago. The Note II

is bigger, and thinner, its 5.5-inch screen

taking it closer to a 7-inch tablet. The

Note II screen is the Samsung 1280 x

720-resoltion, Super AMOLED panel.

The Advanced S Pen is another feature that

improves on the original —“longer, thicker

and ergonomically designed for the perfect

grip”, according to Samsung, providing “a

more precise, comfortable, and natural

writing and drawing experience”. And the

phone will alert you with an alarm if you

leave the pen behind somewhere.

Powered by Android 4.1, Jelly Bean with a

1.6GHz Quad-Core processor, the Galaxy

Note 2 will be available in the US later this

year.

Hall 5.1

Stand 101

Hall 20

Stand 101

www.ifa-international.org

IFA International • Saturday 1 st & Sunday 2 nd September 2012

7

News

Sharp Unveils World’s Largest LED TV

“One hundred years of

innovation” is the slogan

for Sharp at IFA 2012, as

the Japanese company

celebrates a century in the

industry. In his introduction

at the company’s press

conference, Herman

Karabetyan, Vice-president

Marketing, Sharp Europe,

acknowledged that Sharp

had faced its toughest

period in its history. But he

added that the company

had emerged leaner and

stronger.

“The products we are

showcasing demonstrate

Sharp’s passion for

creating innovative

technologies that exceed

consumers’ expectations,”

Karabetyan said. “They

are designed to enhance

people's lives at home,

work, and everywhere in

between.”

Large-screen TVs are at the

forefront of the company’s

new product range. The

highlight is the 90-inch

Aquos LED TV, described

by Sharp as the largest

LED TV on the planet.

The TV offers 1080p, the

highest HD resolution

available. The full-HD

90-inch screen has direct

LED-backlighting, and

offers bright 3D images,

built-in wi-fi, and access

to popular apps including

YouTube, Facebook and

Twitter.

Hall 18

Stand 102

Connectivity Inspires

Toshiba Offer

Toshiba demonstrated a

world of possibilities at

its IFA press conference,

Thursday. Of the 160

devices on view, there is a

sneak preview of the next

generation Quad Full HD

4K TVs. With an 84-inch

screen, the Cevo Engine

4K platform processor

enhances sharpness,

detail and depth. A new

generation of Full-HD

Smart TVs with Edge

LED backlighting include

built in WiFi to access the

Toshiba Places portal, USB

video recording and Skype

compatibility

among other

connective

features in the

TL938/968 and

RL938/958

series. New

Ultrabooks extend

the existing range with the

Satellite U920t running

Windows 8, with the

added capacity to change

easily from laptop mode,

with keyboard and touch

input, to tablet mode, with

five-finger-touch input.

Providing the performance

of a laptop and a tablet’s

usability, the convertible

Satellite U920t features

a 31.8cm (12.5’’) wideviewing

angle and touchscreen,

as well as quick

wake-up responsiveness

and fast-boot to allow

start-up within seconds.

Hall 21

Stand 101

Loewe Offers TVs as Rare as a Stradivarius

The Loewe Reference ID

Thursday’s Loewe press

conference prominently

featured the Reference

ID range of televisions

which offers consumers

unlimited customisation

possibilities.

“Customisation is our

USP,” Loewe CEO Oliver

Seidl, said. “And the

Reference ID is the latest

chapter in a history

of personalisation

stretching back to

2005. The new models

once again feature

an integrated sound

system, and we believe

that our latest models

define the absolute limits

of what is possible with

high-end products, using

materials such as red

spruce, the wood used

to make Stradivarius

violins.”Loewe is reacting

to what the company

sees as a growing move

towards self-affirmation.

“We see a very high

demand these days for

personalised products

across many areas such

as a cars, bicycles and

even cameras, so why

not TVs?” he said.

Hall 6.2

Stand 201



9

News

Electrolux

Rebrands With

Inspiration

Electrolux this summer

launched a new range of

kitchen appliances under

the Inspiration banner,

marked by an elegant

design informed by the

clean lines and simplicity

of modern architecture.

Glass, stainless steel and

anodised aluminium evoke a

Scandinavian purity.

"The Inspiration range

represents a total rebrand

and repositioning of

Electrolux and

AEG to maintain

their right place in

the market," said

Keith McLoughlin,

President and CEO

of Electrolux at

Thursday’s press

conference, which

also celebrated 125

years of Electrolux's German

brand AEG. To celebrate the

Keith McLoughlin (left), Miss IFA, Jonas Samuelson,

Klaus Wuhrl and celebrity chef Bjoern Freitag

event, celebrity chef Bjoern

Freitag prepared a gourmet

luncheon for journalists.

To maximise integration and

kitchen configuration, the

Inspiration range’s fascia

are aligned vertically and

horizontally, from ovens to

warming drawers to coffee

machines. This means the

appliances line up precisely,

whether they are installed

side by side, stacked or

arranged in a square

grouping of four.

The use of materials

and the distinctive

flow-line are

carried through all

of the appliances,

i n c l u d i n g

dishwashers, hobs,

washing machines

and dryers.

Hall 4.1

Stand 101

Jamie Oliver and Philips

Cook Up a Market First

Cheeky UK superchef

Jamie Oliver stole the

show at Thursday’s Philips

press conference, making

a surprise appearance

to demonstrate one of

Philips’ headline products

for IFA 2012 — the multifunctional

HomeCooker

that helps prepare as well

as cook food.

Bouncing on to the stage,

Oliver explained that, in cocreating

the HomeCooker

with Philips, he had

aimed “almost for antiinnovation”.

He added:

“I just wanted to clean up

traditional design and make

it beautiful. And above all, I

wanted to make it simple.”

The chunky, funky, cookfriendly

result — as Oliver

went on to prove with

a fragrant Indian curry,

rustled up from fresh raw

ingredients in less than

10 minutes —

clearly lives up to

Philips’ mission

to create

products

that help

to improve

people’s

lives. “In this

case, helping

busy parents

prepare

fresh food,”

said Pieter Nota,

Philips Consumer

Lifestyle’s CEO

UK chef Jamie Oliver demonstrates the new Philips HomeCooker

and Oliver’s sous chef in the

cooking demonstration.

Described by Oliver as “an

extra pair of hands in the

kitchen”, the HomeCooker

chops, stirs, steams,

sautees, boils,

fries and

simmers.

Available

in black or

white, it can

be left to cook

unattended,

while the

AutoStir

stirring arm

keeps food

in constant

motion for

optimal cooking.

It also features a

‘cutting tower’

for chopping

directly into its

stainless steel pot.

Philips’ other Consumer

Lifestyle highlights include

the 1950s-inspired Philips

Original Radio, the Philips

Fidelio Wireless Hi-Fi range

and the Senseo Twist

coffee-maker. “Despite

the challenging economy,

we continue to see great

prospects,” Nota said,

adding that the Philips’

rich IFA offer reflected the

company’s “passion” for

technology, health and

welfare, and its consumers.

Hall 22

Stand 101



11

News

Record Attendance

for ShowStoppers 2012

Following on from yesterday’s announcement that ShowStoppers will produce the official press events for the next three years at IFA,

the 2012 edition of the event was highly successful with more than 850 pre-registered journalists and 50 exhibitors.

“It was even better than we expected,” Dave Leon, Partner at Showstoppers said. “We set new records for attendance, and despite the long lines of people

waiting to get in, we managed to process them really quickly so no one had to wait more than a few minutes. We were also extremely pleased with the

quality of the exhibitors with all the major manufacturers present , alongside a good range of innovative new products and companies.”

Tosy Robotics

Joint Stock

Company HGST Ford

Eton

Corporation

AIPTEK

The Vietnamese

manufacturer brought its

range of dancing robots

to Berlin and, according

to International PR

Manager Trang Pham,

the brightly coloured

devices are amongst

the most sophisticated

on the market: “It has a

good range of different

moves, currently around

20, and it reacts to pretty

much any kind of music,”

she said. “Of course it

prefers strong beats,

but it dances to classical

music as well.”

According to Uwe

Kremmer, Senior

Customer Technical

Support Engineer at

HGST, the company’s

G-Technology line is

both stylish and fast:

“If speed is what you’re

after then the G-Raid

with Thunderbolt

external drive is an ultrafast,

high performance,

high capacity solution

that will support the

most demanding audio

and video applications.

G-Raid with Thunderbolt

delivers double the data

transfer rates of USB

3.0 and is over 12 times

faster than FireWire 800.

Ford is known as a

company that embraces

in-car technology and

at Showstoppers the

US manufacturing giant

was showcasing its latest

SYNC technology: “The

new version features

emergency assistance,

and we are very proud of

the fact that its interface

is extremely simplified

in order to minimize

distracting the driver, a

hugely important aspect

of any successful in-car

technology,” Thomas

Michel, Technology

Manager for Ford Europe,

said.

The unique appeal of Eton

Corporation’s products

is that they are all either

hand or solar-powered:

“For more than 25

years, Eton Corporation

has developed and

manufactured products

that enable people to be

informed, entertained

and safe. Our vision is

to emphasize design,

performance and use of

nature's energy to power

durable products that

will provide information,

entertainment and

protection anywhere,”

Olivera Candiani, CFO

Eton Germany, said.

Hand-held projectors

are growing hugely

in popularity as they

become ever better

and cheaper: “The new

MobileCinema i50S is

a perfect boost for the

latest generation of Apple

iPhones - in every sense,”

Jörg Gohlke AIPTEK

Marketing Manager,

said. "We believe it is

the perfect projector

for these smartphones

because it incorporates

the iPhone 4/4S like an

extra case or a second

skin. It has a brightness

of 40 lumen, and it

can project any media

content over a distance

of up to 150 cm.”

mRobo dancing robot

Eton: Portable Bluetooth Sound System

with Solar Panel

G-Raid with Thunderbolt external drive

Ford Touch Control

i50S : DLP Pico Projector for iPhone



13

14

News

A Unique Proposition

Rovi forges partnership to power Dixons digital store

Ingo Reese, Business Development, EMEA, Rovi International Solutions Sarl and Yvette Castanon, Vice-President

Corporate Communications, Rovi Corporation

Rovi Corporation and

Dixons have forged a

partnership that will result

in the Rovi Entertainment

Store storefront powering

Dixons Knowhow Movies

digital store. The Knowhow

Movies store will offer

a catalogue of film and

TV video content to

web-connected devices,

including HDTVs, Blu-ray

Disc players and games

consoles.

The service enables

consumers to access the

content when they want,

where they want, including

newly-released movies,

which can be rented or

purchased on an individual

basis without subscription

fees. Customers can access

Knowhow Movies on up to

five devices, switching their

viewing between them. A

customer can, for example,

begin watching a film by

tablet during the evening

commute, then pause and

resume watching it on their

living room TV once home.

“You’ve seen from the

announcements with

Dixons and Sainsbury’s and

Media Markt that we have

a strong foothold in Europe

and we are investing in

it,” says Yvette Castanon,

Vice-President Corporate

Communications, Rovi

Corporation. “We believe

it’s a critical market for

digital entertainment. This

is the year for multi-device.

People don’t want to be

just in their living room

watching TV. They want

entertainment wherever

they are, whenever they

want it. Rovi is very serious

about Europe.”

Rovi and Media Markt

have also confirmed they

will continue to expand

the reach of Media

Markt’s Video-On-Demand

services with new launches

of the Media Markt

Videodownloadshop on

connected set-top boxes.

Ingo Reese, Business

Development, EMEA, says

the company is unique in

bringing an end-to-end

solution for VOD.

Hall 25

Stand 146

“We have a

strong foothold

in Europe

and we are

investing in it”

Growing the Grundig Brand

Tradition and modernity can indeed go hand in hand

We asked Horst Nikolaus, Managing Director Sales at Grundig, to talk about

the company’s rich history in audio, developments in kitchen appliances and

lifestyle products, and the latest TV products.

Grundig - as a strong brand

- is actually growing rapidly,

with TV sales value rising

by 114 % in the first half

of 2012 compared to same

period in 2011. Grundig

ranks third in LCD/LED TV

sales in Germany.

This success results from

our products because they

combine high quality with

intelligent, state-of the-art

technology at an excellent

price/performance ratio.

Furthermore, we rely on

strong and sustainable

relationships with our trade

partners, the traditional

retailers. We constantly

work on expanding and

further developing these

partnerships, especially

within the framework of

our trade partner initiative,

GFI.

Last, but not least, we

also succeeded in creating

high-profile visibility for

the Grundig brand by our

partnership with the DFL

German Football league.

As an important milestone

for our continued success,

this partnership – which

we currently expanded

internationally –enhances

our popularity among the

millions of football fans

around the world.

We will present at IFA the

Grundig Bundesliga LED

TVs, six TVs – in piano black

design, high-gloss white

and matt white.

And our new Premium range

features chrome design and

Horst Nikolaus, Managing Director Sales at Grundig

intelligent features such as

passive 3D-Technology and

smart interactive functions--

as well as very useful

accessories like Skype and

the BabyCam.

Hall 23

Stand 101



15

News

Redefining the Epson Brand

Traditional values to drive future growth

Minoru Usui

President, Seiko Epson Corporation

[ by Mark Dezzani ]

Faced with redefining

the Epson brand, Minoru

Usui, Global President of

Epson since 2008, has

mined Japan's traditional

technological heritage to

create unique, groundbreaking

products. In the

digital imaging corporation's

70th anniversary year, Usui

was invited to give the

opening IFA International

Keynote on Friday titled

"Becoming Indispensable in

a Changing World."

"Many companies are at a

crossroads and are faced

with the task of redefining

their position in the world,

and Epson is no different,"

said Usui. "Traditional

expertise defined as

'Takumi' – Japanese for

the experience of the

master craftsman – was

instrumental in propelling

Japanese companies onto

the global stage in the

second half of the 1970s.

But the boom years have

long since passed and the

crisis that began in 2008 is

threatening the once famous

'Made in Japan' label."

“We must strive

to delight our

customers and

never forget

to make them

smile”

Usui says that the key to

post-crisis growth is to

combine this craftsmanship

with the modern Japanese

concept of 'Monozukuri',

the art of science and

manufacturing to produce

unique products that he says

will be impossible to imitate.

"We need to leverage our

technical expertise to meet

market needs, maintain

in-house manufacturing

to build our own products

from the ground up, and

customise our products for

local market needs to become

indispensable in this changing

world."

Amongst the innovations

introduced by Usui is a

40% reduction in size

across the Epson printer

range, innovations in

augmented reality technology

and robotics, wearable

technology, and the

introduction of wellbeing

products. Usui revealed one

last survive and thrive secret:

"We must strive to delight

our customers and never

forget to make them smile".

Hall 21

Stand 103

Running to a New Tune

Expect to see a leaner, more agile Logitech very soon

Bracken Darrell

Bracken Darrell joined

Logitech as President in

April 2012, reporting to

Chief Executive Officer

and Chairman Guerrino De

Luca. Darrell is responsible

for manufacturing and

supply chain operations,

product development, sales

and marketing, IT, human

resources and legal. He

will succeed Mr. De Luca in

the role of Chief Executive

Officer, beginning on January

1, 2013. Mr. Darrell brings

more than twenty years

of experience in business

management and brand

management in successful

global consumer companies

to Logitech, They include

including Whirlpool, Procter

& Gamble and General

Electric

[ Interview by Gary Smith ]

Bracken P. Darrell

joined Logitech from

Whirlpool Europe as its

new president in April,

and he will take over

as CEO from Guerrino

De Luca on January 1st,

2013 - with Guerrino

returning to his former

role as Chairman. On

the eve of his keynote

speech on saturday at

IFA 2012, Darrell talked

to IFA International

about his plans for the

company…

We’re launching a new line of

products for music fans who

live for music – people who

want pure, undiluted music

wherever they go. The new

offering includes earphones,

headphones, wireless

speakers, and a smart

radio. All the products are

offered under our Logitech

UE brand, combining

Ultimate Ears’ heritage of

professional sound expertise

with Logitech’s heritage in

wireless technology and

design.

What are some of the key

products we'll be seeing

from Logitech in this

respect?

The Logitech UE Boombox

is an on-the-go speaker

that lets you use your

smartphone or tablet to play

and control your music from

up to 15 metres away. Up

to eight Bluetooth-enabled

devices can be paired with

the speaker, with up to

three connected at the same

time. We’re also launching

the Logitech UE Mobile

Boombox, the Boombox’s

ultraportable cousin and the

Logitech UE Smart Radio

– a dedicated music device

that can play Internet radio,

online music services as well

Bracken Darrell

President of Logitech

as the music on your PC

or Mac. And finally there

are the Logitech UE 900

Noise-Isolating Earphones

and the Logitech UE 9000

Headphones – they’re

wireless and feature noisecancelling

technology.

Hall 3.2

Stand 104

16

Conference & Events Preview

IFA 2012 International Keynotes

Jim

Wong

Corporate President,

Acer Inc.

Noel

Lee

Founder and CEO,

Monster, Inc.

Access

Exhibitors, trade visitors, press and VIPs

Entry

15 min. prior to start

VIPs and Press: 30 min. prior to start

“Paradigm Shifts in the ICT Trend”

2 nd September, 10:30 a.m.

As data and voice converge into single devices,

all information becomes available in a mobile

format. Will information and communication

technologies clash or work in harmony?

Founded in 1976, Acer ranks among the world's

top five branded PC vendors. In 2000, Acer

spun-off its manufacturing operation to focus

its resources on developing technologically

advanced, user-friendly solutions. The decision

to support the sales of its product lines through

specific marketing activities that best utilise

distribution channels, has allowed Acer to

achieve excellent results worldwide.

"The Comeback of Great Sound

in the Mobile World"

2 nd September, 3 p.m.

Noel will "explore the future of great sound"

in his address, with a focus on what has been

missing in music reproduction – and how new

technologies and innovations are bringing back

truly great audio for today’s mobile listeners,

providing a dramatically heightened experience.

Noel literally redefined the high-performance

headphone category in recent years when he

engineered and tuned the Beats by Dr. Dre

headphone sound, and he will discuss how that

project has set the stage for even more innovation

in personal audio. He will also discuss how the

worlds of fashion and high-performance audio

are merging, helping usher in a new generation

of headphones geared for every type of lifestyle

that allow people to express their personal taste

in brand new ways.

Location

International Keynote Area, hall 6.3

Contact

Patricia Schwan

Tel. +49 30 3038 2066

Mailto: schwan@messe-berlin.de

Shuttle Service

A shuttle bus service guarantees comfortable transfer

from Entrance South / International Trade Visitor

Reception Area (foyer between hall 1.1 and 2.1) to

the International Keynote Area.

Programme

You can find the further information about the IFA

2012 International Keynotes on:

www.ifa-berlin.com/events

< International Keynotes

IFA DisplaySearch

Business Conference

3 September 2012

TELEVISION BREAKS

OUT OF THE TV

12:30 - 17:30 PM

Europa Room, Messe Berlin

The IFA DisplaySearch Business Conference will explore

consumer entertainment in tablets, smart phones, and smart

TVs while examining the many ways to enhance TV-viewing

experiences through companion screens. The event will delve

into the innovative technologies being developed for this type

of use and allow trade visitors to check out the products being

shown at this year’s IFA exhibition.

Key themes:

• Consumer usage behavior of tablets, TVs, and smart phones

• Evolution of TV services to exploit multiple screens

• How apps change and enhance viewing

• How the CE industry is adapting to create experiences,

not just devices

Session I - State of the Display Business

DisplaySearch analysts will explore the key issues facing the TV, tablet, and smart phone

business. Presentations will cover market forecasts for each device over the next four

years in Europe and worldwide.

Session II - Usage Patterns: Do Screens Compete or Cooperate?

The session will explore the results of DisplaySearch consumer research across 14

countries, investigating TV ownership and viewing patterns. In particular, we will examine

how consumers are watching internet video in their homes.

Session III - Connected and Smart TVs: Solving the User Interface Problem

This panel session will explore how TV user interfaces and controls can be improved.

Panelists will be from TV brands, chip makers, software, and technology and service

providers.

Session IV - Is TV Becoming Another App?Session IV - Is TV Becoming Another App?

This session’s panelists will discuss which apps work well in TV, how tablets and smart

phones can enhance the TV-viewing experience, and how these services will evolve in

the future.

www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Saturday 1 st & Sunday 2 nd September 2012

17

Exclusive Interview

PAUL MOLYNEUX

In October 2011, Paul

Molyneux was appointed

as the first non-Japanese

Executive Officer to

the Board of Directors

of Sharp Corporation.

He was also named the

new CEO, Group General

Manager and President of

Sharp Electronics Europe.

Molyneux held a variety

of senior management

and leadership positions

in sales and operations

over the previous seven

years.

Sharp Europe’s

Paul Molyneux:

“smarter and more

market-focused”

SHARP

ELECTRONICS

A subsidiary of Osaka,

Japan-based appliance

and electronic

components giant Sharp

Corporation, Sharp

Electronics is a leading

producer of the LCDs

used in everything from

airplane cockpits to

computers and HD TV

sets. The company also

markets home appliances,

entertainment products

(TVs, Blu-ray disc players)

and business electronics.

Time to Look Outwards

Sharp takes new direction amid global restructuring

Named as Sharp Electronic Europe’s CEO in 2011, Paul Molyneux is the first non-Japanese executive officer to have been

elected to the Board of Directors. As Sharp faces a major global reorganisation, Molyneux gives IFA International the inside

story on the Japanese giant’s plans for Europe…

What is very clear, and what

our president, Takashi Okuda

stated in his press conference

at the annual shareholders

meeting, is that Sharp has

to grow its international

business.

Traditionally, our business has

been split 50:50 between

domestic and international.

There are 120 million people

living in Japan and around

seven billion globally, so it

doesn’t make a lot of sense

to have half your business

centred on that one market.

In the consumer business,

we have two main drivers:

one is LCD TV and the other

is health and environment. In

the LCD TV space, since this

time last year we have been

developing larger screen

sizes — 60-inch and above.

At IFA this year, we are

launching a 90-inch product.

This is a segment of the

market that is still growing by

over 50% a year, accounting

“It’s all about

technology

delivering a

new lifestyle”

for over 600,000 units across

Europe, and we command a

60% share of that market.

We have, in fact, been

surprised about the demand

for not just 60-inch, but

also 70- and even 80-inch

sets. This is a key driver, and

it is where we have some

competitive advantage.

It’s about leveraging our

manufacturing capabilities

— our ability to produce

large substrates from plants

like Sakai. And we can

translate that into a great

value proposition in the

marketplace.

What are your goals at

IFA this year?

We position ourselves as an

inventor for society. We will

be showcasing our ability

to manufacture very highquality

screens and translate

that into larger screen sizes.

The larger the screen size,

the more focus there is on

the quality of the screen.

Furthermore, for the first

time we are giving a public

demonstration of our 4K

screen including the ICC

chip, which is our version of

glassless 3D.

We are also showcasing our

wireless TV proposition. With

this, you have a control box,

a set-top box and a screen.

The signal is transmitted

wirelessly to the screen,

which gives you real flexibility

in terms of how you position

your TV. You can even carry it

between rooms. It’s all about

technology delivering a new

lifestyle.

We plan to launch these

technologies in Europe

around the end of the first

quarter or beginning of the

second quarter next year.

What’s happening in

Europe?

Europe, as a region, is

starting to become much

more self-sustaining. There

has been a big drive in recent

years to standardise line-ups

throughout the world and

achieve scale. But now there

are some interesting moves

looking at what works in

specific regions. And that’s

really important. We have

learned that, if you take a

line-up that has been built

and developed in Japan and

try to apply that to the rest of

the world, it doesn’t always

work.

We are learning real

lessons about how to

become smarter about

our proposition and how

to become more marketfocused.

And that needs to

translate into product. So

for TV, we will be coming up

with some new technologies,

some different ideas — and

the message that Sharp is

really in the TV business in

Europe.

Hall 18

Stand 102

18

Exclusive Interview

THTF Global - Increasing

Global Reach

Chinese giant little known in western world back at IFA to

raise global awareness

Honoured already with being the “Outstanding

enterprise in promoting China’s flat-panel

industry”, “Self-Innovated Product” and “China

Audio/Video product technology innovation

award”, TongFang (or THTF) Global is a major

player on the domestic scene, and already last

year at IFA made a splash with its global brand:

Element.

[ by Richard Barnes ]

This year, THTF is back at IFA

with a new brand destined

for the continent – Seiki, and

underlining the company’s

technological prowess, a

50-inch 4K Seiki brand TV is

on display at the THTF stand

(among others).

With the largest TV

manufacturing facility in

Northern China, THTF Global

has created a fully equipped

R&D team for digital TV

TH Lam

President – TongFang Global Ltd.

products, introduced an

international, advanced R&D

technology system and full

testing equipment.

Seiki TVs, just like those of the

Element brand, feature high

quality sound bars (Element

features a high fidelity JBL

sound bar). Along with the

new Seiki brand sets, THTF is

also demonstrating a semitransparent

display that will

no doubt be a hit for digital

signage applications.

THFT are not just here for

the show however. “The

reason why we are at IFA

maybe different from the

other Chinese brands”,

says TH Lam, President

of TongFang Global Ltd.

"Other big Chinese brands

may be here to show their

image, but we are only here

for the orders. So the

product we bring

to IFA this time is

also 100% targeted

to the European

market.”

So what is the

biggest challenge

for THTF in its global

marketing? While

the company is very

big, it is still not well

recognised in the

European market.

“The European

market is

complicated for

any company”,

says Professor Lu

Zhicheng – Vicechairman

of the Board

and President of Tsinghua

TongFang Co. Ltd. (the

mother organisation). “It

is very different from the

Chinese market or the US

market. There are so many

different countries with

different cultures, so we

have come here to know

them better, to understand

the cultures. We are training

our teams in order to build

a solid foundation for our

business. So while we

are new to this market,

we would like to make a

good foundation for our

business.”

Seiki brand destined

for smaller retailers

When THTF brought its

Element brand to IFA last

year, targeting the larger

retailer, the success was

immediate, and now we

are informed that Element

products can be found in

Metro retail outlets across

the 17 countries. This year,

Seiki is being introduced as a

brand for provincial retailers

and smaller broad line retail

outlets. The strategies of the

two brands are thus quite

separate, targeting different

customer groups.

Element is already quite

successful in the US market,

and THTF Global plans to

grow sales in Europe at least

to the same level. According

to Mickey Cho, General

Manager of TongFang Global

Ltd Sales and Marketing, the

company is growing very

fast in Europe – over 150%

year on year: “We have

now already a company in

the UK, and there will be a

new one this year in Poland.

We will also have a major

cooperation with a top

Japanese brand here. For our

overall marketing, the UK,

France, Germany and some

Eastern European countries

are very important."

While admitting that for

them, just as for other

TV manufacturers, the

situation is very tough at the

moment, THTF Global Ltd’s

mid to long-term sales and

50-inch 4K Seiki brand TV

Left to right - Element President and CEO, Mike O’Shaughnessy, TH Lam, President,

TongFang Global Ltd., and Mickey Cho, General Manager, TongFang Global Ltd.

market share projections are

extremely ambitious. “We

think we can be the top 5 in

Europe within 5 years,” says

TH Lam, “And also for the

worldwide market, we can

be in the top 5 in 5 years,

for sure.”

To cater for this expansion,

THTF Global, in addition to

it’s main production facilities

in Northern China, already

has factories in Detroit,

Malaysia and Poland, and

will soon be opening yet

another fab in China.

Hall 25

Stand 150

“We think

we can be in

the top 5 in

Europe within

5 years”


19

Exclusive Interview

Havis Kwon

Joining LG in 1980, Havis

Kwon has held several

important positions

including vice president

of PC manufacturing and

executive vice president of

LCD TVs. He was appointed

CEO of the Home

Entertainment Company in

October 2010.

New Era of TV

with OLED TV

“In the history of

television, there have been

very few innovations as

impactful as the coming of

OLED TV,” says Havis Kwon,

President and CEO of

LG’s Home Entertainment

Company. “We say The

Ultimate Display because

LG OLED TV is truly

above all expectations

and beyond everyone’s

imagination with

uncompromising picture

quality and beautiful

design. This year, we plan

to make OLED synonymous

with LG.”

OLED TV’s WRGB

technology follows

from years of R&D

at LG, the company

behind the world’s first

commercialised 15-inch

OLED TV in 2009. LG’s 4

Colour Pixel technology

relies on a white subpixel

to perfect the colour

output. Unlike LCD or LED

displays, which require

backlights, OLED TVs

generate their own light.

Furthermore, by utilising

carbon fiber-reinforced

plastics (CFRP) for the

exterior, LG engineers

were able to create a final

product with a thickness

of only 4mm and weighed

only 10kg.

“This year,

we plan to

make OLED

synonymous

with LG.”

LG: TV User Experience

Must Evolve

Access to more content in the living room makes

home entertainment a more compelling offering

Havis Kwon, President

and CEO at LG

Electronics Home

Entertainment

Company, told IFA

International last year

that his mid-term goal

was to bring integrated

3D eco-systems into the

mainstream. This year

we approached Mr

Kwon for an update…

[ Interview by Richard Barnes ]

The global 3D TV market

is projected to grow to

double the volume of last

year by the end of 2012.

The positive media coverage

and sales figures show that

LG’s CINEMA 3D Smart

TV has contributed to this

remarkable growth with its

product leadership, and the

perception that 3D TV=LG.

Now families enjoying LG

3D TVs at home can choose

from a plentiful selection

of 3D content via LG Smart

World, regional broadcasters

and other providers. These

entertainment sources also

help to grow the 3D ecosystem,

with LG recently

expanding its leadership by

providing the first crop of 3D

game apps for Smart TVs.

3D is a key factor for

delivering an immersive and

exciting home entertainment

experience. Therefore, LG

will continue to grow 3D

ecosystems, building on the

momentum that we have

gained so far.

What trends will drive the

TV market in the coming

years?

Three trends emerge for the

short-to-medium term. First,

next-generation displays

such as OLED TVs and UD

TVs will play a big role to

push technology forward

and expand the market.

Second, more and more

entertainment options will

be available, notably 3D

content, and also games,

movies, locally-targeted

VOD services and Smart TV

apps.

Third, the user experience

(UX) of TV will continue to

evolve to be more intuitive

and easy. The latest TVs

allow users to enjoy an

exploding amount of video

content and applications

compared to conventional

TVs. However, it seems that

content cannot be fully

utilised since UX is still at

its basic level. The UX must

also evolve as the content

for smart TV increases and

users’ expectation of the

devices go higher.

How much market share

will OLED achieve in the

next two to three years?

The industry anticipates the

OLED TV market will reach

Havis Kwon

President and CEO at LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company

around 20,000 units this year

and then grow dramatically

to about 700,000 units in

2013. Market share depends

on how soon production

stabilises regarding cost and

equipment. OLED TVs will

become mainstream when

the price is 1.5 times current

LED TV prices.

What other areas of the

Home Entertainment

market are strong for LG

and why?

Access to a greater variety

of content in the living

room has made home

entertainment a more

compelling offering. There

is a lot of room for LG to

complete consumers’ home

cinema experience with

more advanced products

that complement its range

of TVs.

For instance, an LG 3D

Home Theater System or

the innovative Soundbar

add another dimension to

the viewer’s experience with

LG’s CINEMA 3D Sound

technology. LG also provides

industry-leading peripheral

devices such as its 3D Blu-

Ray player with built-in HD

TV Recorder.

Growth in the personal

display category has also

been impressive. Including

its new IPS monitors, LG

is expanding the display

options to suit everyone

from average consumers to

graphics experts.

How important is IFA as

part of LG's marketing

strategy?

This year’s IFA is the perfect

forum to remind global

consumers that LG’s OLED

TV really is the ultimate

display. Aside from the OLED

TV, IFA is a great platform to

show LG’s advancements

and gives consumers and

wholesalers a hands-on look

at LG’s integrated home

entertainment lineup.

20

Exclusive Interview

Aiming for the Ultimate

LG takes OLED TV technology to the next level

Ilgeun Kwon, Senior Vice President, Head of

TV R&D Laboratory at LG Electronics, tells IFA

International why the industry “has never seen

anything like” the LG 55-inch OLED TV…


It’s what we like to call an

‘ultimate display’. It delivers

an unparalleled viewing

experience, previously

unattainable picture quality

and a stunning design.

The industry hasn’t seen

anything like this before.

You released the first

prototype in January and

we saw an updated model

at the World IT Show (WIS)

in Seoul. What have been

the main developments in

the interim?

In terms of the actual

display, the OLED TV that

we showcased at WIS in

May was the same as the

one we unveiled at CES in

January. However, the WIS

version and the IFA 2012

version come in three design

options — with a versatile

floor stand, a floating table

stand or a perfect wall

mount. These three types

will be used on the models

being launched in the

second half of this year.

Thanks to the incredibly

slim design and light

weight of our OLED TVs,

all three designs maximise

the immersive viewing

experience, while offering

various options to customers

for their perfect interior

design.

What are the LG OLED

TV’s main advantages?

To put it simply, the LG OLED

TV delivers better picture

quality and design thanks

to WRGB technology. LG’s

four-colour pixel technology

adds a white sub-pixel to the

conventional RGB sub-pixels.

By widening the colour

range, LG’s four-colour pixel

technology improves OLED

pixel’s ability to express the

colours of reality. A colour

refiner enhances the image,

resulting in pictures that

are vibrant, natural and

comfortable to the human

eye.

The screen also delivers a

perfect viewing experience

with infinite contrast from

self-illuminating pixels

that prevent distortion or

loss of contrast, regardless

of ambient brightness or

viewing angle.

The design includes a ‘paper

slim’ 4mm-thick panel and

a very light overall weight.

This was possible because

WRGB technology allows

for thinner panels and the

carbon-fibre reinforced

plastic [CFRP] used for the

outer shell is much lighter

than previous materials

and covers the rear of the

TV seamlessly. Given all of

these benefits, we strongly

feel that the LG OLED TV

offers the ultimate viewing

experience.

What has been the most

challenging aspect of

developing OLED TVs?

The initial investment cost

and limited production

yield have been the main

challenges. However,

WRGB technology enables

cheaper and faster panel

mass-production than

RGB technology. We are

already seeing remarkable

improvements in efficiency,

which will only accelerate

as production volume

increases. Therefore, LG

expects to have more

competitively priced OLED

TVs on shelves sooner than

our competitors.

Apart from OLED, what

else are you prioritising at

IFA?

Our product line-up at IFA

demonstrates our leadership

Ilgeun Kwon

Senior Vice President, Head of TV R&D Laboratory at LG Electronics

“LG OLED TV

delivers an

unparalleled

viewing

experience,

previously

unattainable

picture

quality and

a stunning

design”

in offering the optimal 3D

experience. With cinemascreen

design and 3D soundzooming

technology, our

products offer consumers an

immersive 3D experience.

In addition to 3D leadership,

we can boast innovative

smart-TV features and

content, such as 3D game

apps, HbbTV [hybrid

broadcast broadband TV]

and much easier connection

to other devices through

MHL [media high-definition

link]. At IFA, visitors can

experience the integrated 3D

and smart ecosystem to get

a sense of what advanced

home-entertainment really

means.

How important is IFA to

LG's marketing strategy?

IFA is a unique opportunity

to showcase the products

that have been receiving

such positive responses

worldwide, to demonstrate

our cutting-edge technology

and to introduce our overall

strategy. We are particularly

looking forward to unveiling

our OLED TV

to European

consumers

for the first

time since the

Monaco PR

convention in

May.

Hall 11.2

Stand 101

ILGEUN KWON

Ilgeun Kwon joined LG

Electronics in 1986. He

oversaw the creation of

the company’s first digital

TV and world’s first Time

Machine TV. As head of LG’s

TV R&D laboratory, he has

been closely involved in

product development since

2007.

84-INCHES

OF ULTRA

EXCELLENCE

Last week saw the launch

of LG’s new 84-inch ultradefinition

3D television in

Korea. Priced at around

$22,000, the new TV boasts

four times the resolution

of existing full-HD TVs,

offering a clearer and more

realistic picture. “If it was

HD that prospered in the

past decade, it will be UD

technology that will make

its way in the upcoming

five years,” Ilgeun Kwon

told The Korea Herald. “And

LG plans to take the lead

in it.”

LG will shortly launch

the new UD TV in North

America, Europe, Asia and

Latin America.


21

Exclusive Interview

Shiro Nishiguchi

Shiro Nishiguchi joined

the company in 1980. He

worked in the International

Department and in 2003

became Director of the fast

growing LCD TV business

unit. Since January 2012,

Nishiguchi-san has been

appointed Executive

Officer & Director, AVC

Marketing Division at

Panasonic.

Smart VIERA

grows

Panasonic improved the

popular VIERA Remote App

and brings videociety and

the App World Heritage

Special new content to

the TV.

The new online video store

videociety will provide a

huge range of films in HD

quality and in some cases

even in 3D for viewing.

Panasonic will also be

working with the National

Geographic Channel

documentary on the

UNESCO World Heritage

List to create a special app

in VIERA Connect Market

to bring their breathtaking

footage of the most

culturally significant

places in the world. And

the new VIERA Remote

App for mobile devices of

multimedia data exchange

succeed faster and easier

than ever.

Finding the Sweet Spot

Panasonic finds strength

in its five product design pillars

The TV market continues to be highly competitive, with Chinese manufacturers becoming bolder,

the Koreans very proactive and the Yen rising. Shiro Nishiguchi, Executive Officer & Director, AVC

Marketing Division at Panasonic, tells IFA International how the company is fighting back…


TVs have, like white goods,

become indispensable to

everybody’s home life.

Within our five product

design ‘pillars’, namely

Picture Quality, Easy

Operation, Networking, Eco

and Design, we are always

listening to the voice of the

consumer and responding

by providing products which

match their needs in each

region or country. As a

result, through focusing on

customer needs, we believe

we can win the global

competition. And in fact,

our latest re-designed flat

TV models have been very

well received.

We all know that big trends

include smart TV and 3D,

but what are the most

important groundswell

trends for you?

In 2012, we have improved

our products by further

evolving the five ‘pillars’

that I mentioned and by

promoting the new range

as Smart Vieras. Our

perennial strength is our

hardware (Panel and System

LSI) and software such as

the Middleware, which is

becoming a core technology

for IPTV. The functions,

services and solutions we

are providing differentiate

us and open the door to a

brand new experience when

watching and using our TVs.

Panasonic was, indeed, one

of the first to push 3D TV

... firstly with active shutter

glasses, and now also with

some models including FPR

technology. How do you

see the future of 3D?

In 2010, we introduced

the first 3D TVs before our

competitors. We believed

that in the near future all

living room TVs would be

3D TVs, and, currently,

it is becoming true. The

introduction of low-cost

FPR was to done in order

to be able to handle the

wide demand for 3D TV.

Thanks to the penetration

of 3D Digital Still Cameras

and Camcorders, on top of

the 3D BD software, usercreated

3D content is also

increasing. This leaves us

with the expectation that

there will still be growth

in the future. Furthermore

thanks to the evolution of

our technology, our 2012

models (both PDPs and

LCDs) provide high picture

quality in both 2D and

3D – as confirmed by the

excellent reviews we have

had in major AV magazines.

How important is IFA as a

platform to promote your

innovations to the global

market?

We consider IFA to be an

important exhibition, one

that is closely observed not

only by European customers

but also globally. Therefore,

especially for promoting

advanced technologies, we

consider it to be unmissable.

Accordingly this year we

have a corner devoted to

displaying our latest hightech

display products and

we hope that visitors will

see the potential of these

technologies.

Panasonic introduced the

world’s first 3D Theater

System for the home and we

“TVs have, like white goods,

become indispensable to

everybody’s home life. ” Hall 5.2

Shiro Nishiguchi

Executive Officer & Director, Panasonic

have now just completed the

world’s first 3D broadcast of

the Olympic games, so we

consider that we are always

a leader in the industry. In

the past here at IFA we have

displayed new 3D solutions,

namely an Interactive 3D

System and also the world’s

largest 103 inch glassless

3D panel display for B2B

use. We shall continue to

lead with such value added

products.

In addition, we are also

displaying 145” PDP with

16 times more resolution

than a Full HD display that

is capable of working with

the for the next generation

broadcasting service Super

High Vision (SHV). We also

have on display the world’s

smallest 20” 4K2K LCD

Panel.

Stand 101

22

»

Unveiled!

TELEVISION

AUDIO

BLU-RAY

HOME CINEMA

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LIVING ROOMACCESSORIES

lifestyle

The Ultimate in Digital Comfort

Emotions, entertainment and relaxation in the heart of your home –

under the spotlight at IFA 2012

Smart TV

and 3D On

the Rise

IFA is all about making lifestyles

easier, more convenient, more

efficient and compelling. In this

edition of IFA International, we

take a close-up look at Living Room

Lifestyle: all the elements that come

together to make life better in the

living room. Of course, the main

elements include the TV and

the sound system, but also

such things as massage

chairs, which are

becoming more

commonplace

in homes.

Content, and the way we watch it, are

key drivers of the uptake of new TVs. 3D

is slowly but surely gaining ground, and

the dream of glasses-free 3D is now reality

– with several brands coming to market with

solutions, including Toshiba and Panasonic.

Smart TV is now no longer an added feature, but

a “must have” in virtually all new sets.

The evolution of the TV

Three main trends are emerging in 2012:

• Bigger screen sizes: up to 90-inch in the

case of Sharp’s new set;

• Higher resolution: 4K TV is arriving (4,000

x 2,000 pixels);

• OLED: Organic-based technology, which

is finally hitting the market, meaning

stunning colours and contrast, and ultrathin

screens.

Which devices are most popular? According

to GfK, the trend is still towards larger sizes

and better features. In the first six months,

demand for Smart TVs was particularly

high, with sales increasing by 31 percent

to 4.13 million. The same applies to 3D

televisions, which now make up more than

39 percent of all sales. For 2012 as a whole,

GfK is predicting sales of 38 million TVs

for Western Europe. Hi-fi and home movie

theatre products saw sales in France and

Germany rising, with consumer spending

for an excellent home movie experience

increasing year-on-year by around four

percent. In all countries, the market for

speakers improved, with 5 percent more

devices sold, generating a value sales

increase of 15 percent. Consumers are

clearly focusing more strongly on quality

as sound bars, which improve sound for

the flat-screen LED TVs, continue to be

particularly successful.

OLED and 4K – the big

news at IFA 2012

Big AMOLED TVs are sure to be the stars

of IFA 2012. Active-matrix organic lightemitting

diode (AMOLED) represents a

rapidly growing and highly promising

technology for all display applications. Based

on planned investments, NPD DisplaySearch

forecasts that the market for such panels

will grow nearly tenfold from 2.3M square

meters in 2012 to more than 22M in 2016.

4K is also known as “Ultra” HD TV – or

UHDTV – generally 3840 x 2160 pixels (8.3

megapixels). Images are generally up-scaled

from Full HD, and are so clear and crisp that

they often “appear” to be in 3D.

More

on the

market:

Over the next days, IFA

International will be bringing

you in-depth reports on

the industry from GfK,

DisplaySearch, Meko, IDC,

Gartner and Futuresource.

IFA International • Friday 31 st August 2012

23

NOMADIC

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Hall Plan

1

Hall 3.2 - Stand 134

2


Hall 3.2

1

Hall 6.2

2

24

Special Feature

Toshiba's Secret

Enabling customers to enjoy new experiences that they are willing to

invest in... through unique innovations

Sascha Lange is Marketing Director Central

Europe, Digital Products & Services at Toshiba

Europe GmbH. IFA International took the

opportunity of IFA 2012 to interview him about

the direction Toshiba will take to differentiate its

products in the TV market.

[ Interview by Bob Snyder ]

Toshiba’s motto is “Leading

Innovation” and we have

stood for quality and

innovation for 135 years. We

consider ourselves obliged

to develop innovations

on a constant basis and

something that we have

demonstrated frequently in

the past. A good example is

the first 3D TV to function

without glasses (which

simultaneously was the first

television to boast a Quad

Full HD panel). Alongside

Smart TV, 4K is also an

important trend for Toshiba

at the IFA: we present new

products in this category.

Higher screen resolutions are

increasingly in demand. In

order to provide consumers

with a visual experience the

picture quality must naturally

be right. With every display,

the sharpness perceived by

the viewer is dependent

on the viewing range.

The closer the viewer, the

less sharp the picture. The

extremely high resolution of

Quad Full HD (4k) is a big

advantage, particularly with

large screens of over 50

inches, because these will

deliver an extremely sharp,

richly detailed picture even

at close range. You can halve

the viewing distance with a

Quad Full HD screen versus

a standard full HD televisionwithout

this having any

effect on the perceived

picture quality.

The TV market has

become very tough for all

players. What is the secret

to keeping profitable?

The secret is unique

innovations to enable

customers to enjoy new

experiences that they are

willing to invest in (e.g. 3D

TV without glasses, TV with

Quad Full HD resolution). It

is also important to equip

the entire product range

with functions that offer our

customers added value and

that enable differentiation

from the competitors. An

example is the feature “Auto

Calibration” to adjust the

picture automatically in a

perfect way.

works 1.6 times faster with

internet-based functions

than previous chips. In the

high-end range we use the

powerful processor platform

“Cevo Engine 4K”, with

extremely high-quality upscaling

for superb picture

quality.

What are the driving

factors for consumers to

buy TVs today?

In the past, televisions were

primarily purchased in order

to replace a broken unit.

Today a desire to purchase

is triggered by constant

new developments and

innovations, e.g. new

technologies such as 3D,

Smart TV functions or a

more attractive design.

Hall 21

Stand 101

Sascha Lange

Marketing Director, Toshiba Europe GmbH

Toshiba is known for its

high processing capacity,

which for TVs today is

becoming increasingly

important. How is this

progressing?

Starting from our mid-range

models in the RL range,

we use a new chip that

A FORETASTE OF 4K

Toshiba is pioneering next-gen

picture quality with a demo on its

stand of 4K TV. The Quad Full HD

(4K) TVs have screen sizes up to 84

inches, offering a genuine homemovie

experience. The televisions

display exceptional high-quality

Quad Full HD images, with the

Cevo Engine 4K platform processor

adding sharpness, detail and depth.

The official launch of Toshiba’s 4K

TVs is set for early 2013.

» HALL 21 / STAND 101 Toshiba Quad Full HD (4K) TV demonstration at IFA

IFA International • Saturday 1 st & Sunday 2 nd September 2012 25

Special Feature

Fostering True Innovation

Gian Antonio Pancot - CEO - Sisvel SpA highlights his

Group’s commitment to bringing new and innovative

technology to the consumer electronics market

Gian Antonio

Pancot

CEO, Sisvel SpA

Throughout its growth and development, Sisvel has always

monitored the rapid changes of the global market and the

opportunities it has offered, characterised by strong competition

and integration.

At the beginning of

2008, Sisvel foresaw

the necessity to

create a new entity

by exploiting the

knowledge and

abilities developed

within the company

in previous years.

Sisvel Technology

was founded as a

subsidiary of Sisvel,

with the purpose

of exploiting the

group’s extensive

technical experience

in the consumer

electronics market, in particular

with the aim of implementing

R&D programmes, developing

intellectual property assets

with potential market value,

as well as assisting partners in

defining geographical patenting

policies based on manufacturer/

consumer market trends and in

co-sponsoring R&D programmes.

Thanks to the initial experience

gained through working with

standardisation bodies, a specific

department was created with the

purpose of coordinating research

and development in the specific

technological fields of home

entertainment, mobile telephony,

indoor and outdoor localisation,

green technology and intelligent

transport systems.

In the past four years, Sisvel

Technology’s team has been

further strengthened with highly

qualified professionals, allowing

the coordination of important

R&D projects with local and

international entities. This includes

the cooperation with: CSP -

Innovation in ICT, a renowned

local research centre of which

Sisvel is also a shareholder;

RAI CRIT (Centro Ricerche e

Innovazione Tecnologica RAI), the

national broadcaster’s research

centre; IRT Munich (Institut für

Rundfunktechnik); the University

of Turin; the Polytechnic of Turin;

the Istituto Superiore Mario Boella

– ISMB, an entity operating inside

the Polytechnic of Turin and

Top-ix (Turin Piedmont Internet

Exchange).

Our strategic plan has led to

the creation of a structure in

which research and development

represents the focal point of the

company’s mission. Its success

is assured thanks to its qualified

team focused on achieving

important results.

With this philosophy in mind,

Sisvel Technology developed the

3D Tile Format project. Sisvel

Technology is now coordinating

and promoting this project with

the support of its main partners

with which it regularly takes part

in all major international trade

fairs.

Sisvel Technology’s partners have

been involved in all stages of

the entire chain, from product

testing to manufacturing. This

requires a regular exchange of

information and experiences;

as well as close contact with

various standardisation bodies,

manufacturers and the market

itself.

With this new challenge, Sisvel,

the sole proprietor of Sisvel

Technology, aims to put the

“inventive loop” concept into

action, to valorise IP rights, and

thus to protect and consolidate

the results of its intensive research.

Sisvel has been involved in the

consumer electronics field for 30

years and on several occasions

has confirmed its interest in TV

technology, starting point of its

history which will be soon object

of a new publication.

In fact, it is convinced that

research results will soon be

successful, based on the fact

that only the most innovative

technologies will have a positive

outcome on the market.

» HALL 2.2 / STAND 113

Gian Antonio

Pancot

Gian Antonio Pancot is

the CEO of Sisvel Spa. He

joined the Sisvel Group

in, 2007 after almost 30

years of experience in

the field of Intellectual

Property Rights. From

1978 to 1992 he was

the CEO of one of Italy’s

leading patent and

trademark companies.

Subsequently, Mr. Pancot

moved to Rome where

he worked with another

leading patent and

trademark firm until

assuming his present

position with the Sisvel

Group.

“(...) research

and development

represents the

focal point of

the company’s

mission (...)”

PICK up a copy AT ifa

or download

at www.cleverdis.com


27

NOMADIC

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Halls Plan

1


Hall 1.2

1

2


Hall 6.1

2

28

Special Feature

All the Right Noises

BRIC markets buy into Harman’s audio brands

Dinesh C Paliwal,

Chairman, President

and CEO of Harman

International

Industries, tells IFA

International about the

new products being

demonstrated at IFA

— and their growing

popularity in the

emerging markets...

Harman’s latest products

reflect our reputation for

delivering superb audio, but

they also address the new

mobile and digital world,

where consumers and their

content are never apart.

Our compact speaker

designs, digital amplification

and sound processing,

as well as our proprietary

wireless playback solutions,

deliver a superior experience

and free consumers from

the complexity and tether

of wires. For customers who

really want to step up the

audio performance of their

smartphone or tablet, we

are expanding our line-up of

portable products, including

the new JBL Soundfly. It’s

a wireless speaker system

that’s small enough to hold

in one hand.

Tell us about your IFA

presence?

This year, we have decided

to focus all the action on our

IFA display, which is located

in its familiar position at

the base of the Berlin radio

tower. Our belief is that

‘hearing is believing’, so our

emphasis is on letting our

audiences use and interact

with our products. Experts

from every corner of our

lifestyle, infotainment, and

professional divisions are

on hand to show visitors

how we can keep them

connected anywhere they

go.

“The biggest

factor

driving the

development

of our

business

is wireless

connectivity”

What are Harman’s main

growth markets?

Our sales in the emerging

markets, such as China, India,

Brazil and Russia, are up by

around 30%. Meanwhile,

our infotainment offering

is scoring some big wins

with the world’s leading

automobile makers. This has

driven our awarded business

backlog to more than $16bn

as we blend the loyalty

of established customers,

Harman’s

Dinesh C Paliwal:

“Our belief is that ‘hearing is

believing’”

such as Audi, BMW and

Mercedes, with new market

brands, such as India’s Tata

Motors and China’s Geely

Motors.

How are people’s ways

of listening to music

evolving — and how

is that affecting your

strategy?

The biggest factor driving the

development of our business

is wireless connectivity. Our

customers want to be able

to enjoy their favourite

music and media around the

home, on the go and on the

road. We’re delivering that

with great products, such as

our premium headphones,

wireless speaker solutions

and other mobile audio

components. We’re also

making connectivity easier,

with many more of our

products now equipped

with Bluetooth and Apple

AirPlay connectivity.

» HALL FGFKT / STAND 100

PEAK OF PERFECTION

The Project Everest DD66000 loudspeaker system

doesn’t merely reconfirm the technological

leadership, design aesthetic and manufacturing

prowess of legendary Harman brand JBL — it also

embodies the company’s passion for music. Begun

in 2002 and completed for the company’s 60th

anniversary in 2006, Project Everest is quite simply

the most exquisite musical system that JBL has ever

constructed. It delivers the highest level of musical

fidelity, once again fulfilling founder James B Lansing’s

vision of creating beautiful, high-performance home

loudspeakers.

Dinesh C Paliwal with the Everest

DD66000 loudspeaker system


29

LIVING ROOM

LIFESTYLE

The maker, famed for

its legendary design,

houses SoundVision in an

elegant aluminium case,

Loewe’s SoundVision Adds Visual Control

Loewe SoundVision aims to set new standards

for stand-alone audio systems.

including six speakers of

which two are subwoofers.

SoundVision also features a

revolutionary 7.5 inch touch

display. A finger stroke is

all it takes to enable the

integrated Aupeo! software

to make suggestions for

listening to titles and artists.

And when in use, the

Loewe Assist remote control

automatically enlarges

the display. One can play

audio from any source (for

example, connect to the MP3

players via USB) – without

any installation hassle. As

well as making networking,

Loewe SoundVision opens

up more options too. The

hidden dock is compatible

with iPod or iPhone, CDs

will disappear into the

drive, and WLAN and

UPnP ensure the network

connection. So SoundVision

Dr. Roland Raithel, Loewe European PR

Director, shows SoundVision’s minimalist

design and visual display

not only provides Loewe

sound quality but reflects a

unique operating concept

in a high-quality minimalist

design that can be adapted

to individual style. The two

large lateral insets and the

polished aluminium make

a harmonious pairing –

the former being available

in countless colours and

materials, guaranteeing

there is at least one to suit

any mood, interior design or

favourite song.

Hall 6.2

Stand 201

Lingo Launches “Audrey”

Digital radio accessory

developer Lingo Limited is

introducing a new audio

product called Audrey,

described by the company

as the world’s first Bluetooth

speaker with FM and digital

radio highlighted by a 2.4-

inch TFT colour display.

This TFT panel displays radio

information, such as radio

station title and frequency.

The product also enables

the true convenience of

a wireless connection

and interactive two-way

communications.

Lingo Limited points out

that Audrey is the first

Bluetooth speaker to fully

interact with an iPhone

and Android phones. By

downloading a free app

called Dab Go! from the

App Store or the Play

Store, users can use Dab

Go! to control Audrey

from a smartphone

via Bluetooth. Users

can also see the SLS

and broadcasted

radio information

from Audrey

displayed on their

smartphones,

including radio

station title, rolling text,

channel list, volume control

and favourites.

Audrey – a Bluetooth speaker

with FM and digital radio

RETRO MEETS MODERN

The Philips Original Radio, which debuts this week

at IFA, takes its inspiration from a design icon —

the classic Philetta radio, originally launched in

1955. Combining retro design with advanced

technology, the Philips Original Radio offers a

range of features, including iPhone/iPad docking,

DAB+ digital radio and FM radio. Philips’ sound

technology not only ensures crystal-clear high

and low tones, but also a powerful bass. And,

with its black front, premium wooden casing and

sturdy aluminium knobs, it also brings a touch of

vintage glamour to any setting.

» HALL 10.2 / STAND 101

Classic approach: the Philips Original Radio


Special Feature

Gentleman of The Press

Laurastar’s new products aim

to ‘re-invent ironing’

Back in the Eighties, Laurastar CEO Jean Monney

met the inventor of a revolutionary ironing

system and immediately spotted its potential.

Thirty years later, more than 2.2 million users

worldwide have a Laurastar at home. And, with

new Laurastar products launching at IFA, that

number is set to rise…

We are launching two new innovations this

week. The Laurastar Pulse is a new, high-end

ironing system, which brings the techniques of

professionals to every home. With its intermittent

pulse steam, the Pulse ensures lasting protection

for your favourite clothes.

Our second new product — the Laurastar Lift —

revolutionises the steam-generator category with

its contemporary design, trendy colours and stateof-the-art

patented technology. Our ambition is to

re-invent ironing by making our products objects

of desire.

What are your main objectives at IFA?

We want to find the right partners to expand

into new markets. We sell high-end products that

require an excellent level of service, so we choose

whom we work with very carefully and partner

with them for the long-term.

» HALL 4.1 / STAND 209

Great Outdoors

Koubachi is presenting the outdoor

version of its Wi-Fi Plant Sensor, available

in the first half of October. IPx4 certified,

the outdoor model is fully waterproof.

The Koubachi Wi-Fi Plant Sensor

literally gives plants a voice. It

measures soil moisture, light intensity

and temperature. Using the built-in

Wi-Fi module, the data is sent to the

Koubachi cloud, where it is analysed

by the Koubachi Plant Care Engine.

Via a free iPhone or web app, plant

owners receive tailored advice on

when and how to care for their

plants.

» HALL 15.1 / STAND 132

The award-winning

Koubachi’s Wi-Fi Plant Sensor

How does Laurastar differ from its rivals?

We are the only brand to have focused entirely on

ironing for 30 years. This makes us true experts,

because we direct all our passion and focus into

making products that improve people's lives.

Laurastar’s Jean Monney: making ironing

products “objects of desire”

THAT Feels Better

Massage lounge chairs offer the ultimate

comfort for the mind and body

Imagine… watching your 3D Smart

TV from the comfort of a massage

lounge. German-based distributor

Alpha Techno GmbH are present at

IFA in Hall 25 with a selection of highend

massage chairs.

The “crème de la crème” is Sanyo’s

HEC-DR8700, which is on show for

the first time at IFA. The chair features

advanced stress and stiffness sensor

technologies that are even able to

measure mental fatigue. The massage

lounger’s massage promotes

relaxation according to the stress

level. Whole body sensor automatic

courses include “full auto”, stiffness,

recovery, relax and “quick” courses.

Alpha Techno are also exhibiting

massage chairs from Sanyo’s mother

company, Panasonic.

» HALL 25 / STAND 113

The Toshiba MediaGuide

application

EPG APP FOR ANDROID

Owners of Android-powered tablets and

smartphones will soon be able to browse

an electronic programme guide (EPG),

switch channels at a touch, and build a

personal selection of favourite channels and

shows with the new Toshiba MediaGuide

application. In addition to delivering rich

information, flexibility and fine control, the

app enables the sharing of selections with

friends on social networks, browsing videoon-demand

(VOD) services and accessing

information, ranging from shows to actors

to related content.



Special Feature

Keeping Ahead of the Curve

Gerdi Vogels highlights the importance of staying

flexible in order to retain market leadership

Gerdi

Vogels

CEO, Vogel's

“Mounting

equipment needs

to extend the

usability and

experience of

devices (...)”

The field of TV mounting solutions and home AV furnishings

continues to flourish and grow. But what are the key trends at the

moment? We put the question to “the” person in the know – Gerdi

Vogels, CEO of Vogel’s...

Today’s consumer

expects unlimited

possibilities with

new TV and

Audio Visual

devices. Mounting

equipment needs to

extend the usability

and experience

of devices based

on personal

preferences and

needs. Our brand

is about engaging

consumers, moving

them from a passive

to active role in enhancing

their entertainment

experiences.

In Western Europe we are

seeing that more larger

screens – even up to 80

inches wide – are being sold.

We also see more white

coloured LED flat screen

TV’s entering the market.

For both trends, we have

solutions available. We offer

a wide range of large mounts

for different screen sizes and

weights – that both turn

and tilt. These are ideal for a

group of viewers.

For light coloured TV’s, we

have introduced a special

high gloss white wall mount.

We continuously need to

be flexible to stay ahead of

changes and to stay in the

lead in the markets in which

we operate.

You have a number of

products for iPads and

even PlayStations. How

are these selling, and

how is this sub-sector

evolving?

The RingO tablet mounting

system is a success and has

been introduced throughout

the world as planned. With

the iPad version, we first

targeted the APR stores

directly, and since this spring

we have expanded the

distribution throughout our

CE retail base, via our

dedicated business partners.

We have solutions for

all kinds of tablets. That

gives consumers flexibility

and adds functionality,

everywhere in the house and

even in the car.

As TVs get thinner, it is

becoming increasingly

important for the mount

to be sleek as well. How

are you adapting to the

new flatter TV styles?

As you may expect from a

company like Vogel’s, we

had already anticipated the

new flatter TV styles at an

early stage. In 2010, we

introduced the first Ultra

Thin wall mount that has just

up to 1.4” / 3.5 cm of space

between the wall and the TV.

It has been very successful.

I am very proud of the fact

that the THIN 345 wall

mount has become the best

selling item for over one year

in GFK figures in Europe. We

are now extending that line

with more UltraThin wall

mounts for smaller screens

and other colours, which can

be seen at IFA.

Choosing a mount can be

mind-boggling, it involves

choosing the right TV

brand, screen size and

even TV type. Can you

tell me how your website

caters to these issues?

Our main role as an expert

in this field is to help advise

the consumer to take away

the hassle and insecurity

they may be feeling. Many

years ago we were the first

in the market to introduce

the FlatscreenFitter. In a few

simple steps, we guide every

consumer to a selection of

wall mounts that fit their

screen and functionality

wishes.


Gerdi Vogels

Born and raised in

Eindhoven, Gerdi grew up

in a family owned

company called Vogel’s

Products BV. After

obtaining a business

degree from

Erasmus University in

Rotterdam, different

positions in the company

included area sales

manager for Eastern

Europe and

marketing sales manager.

For the last 10

years, Gerdi has headed

the company as CEO.

NEWS

With almost 40 years

of experience in wall

mounts, Vogel’s can

provide expert advice

and a variety of products

to enhance viewing for

the largest flat screen

TVs, even up to 80”!

Turning this large TV,

we demonstrate at the

booth!

Next to that a complete

new line up of user

packs for Vogel’s RingO

has been introduced,

including a new ultra thin

wall mount with adhesive

option. RingO is stylish

and flexible, allowing iPad

users to place their tablet

virtually anywhere.

And last but not least,

to make it easier for

retailers and consumers

to find information about

audio/visual mounts

when they are on the go,

Vogel’s has launched a

mobile website.

Vogel's RingO for the iPad 2

and the Galaxy Tab 10.1"!

A universal bracket system to tablets on the road to secure

your home or office safe...the beauty of the RingO is its

simplicity - nestled in the holder is precision machined ring

that secures your tablet securely in a number of mounts: Wall

Mount, vehicle owners, flexible holder and adhesive holders.

The user can enjoy music in the bathroom, reading recipes

in the kitchen or watching movies in the back seat of a car.


35

spotlight on

TAIWAN

Region

Taiwan Extends Global Reach

Adapting to the new global reality

Taiwan becomes a key brand player

Taiwan Remains

No.1 in Over

12 ICT Product

Categories

Worldwide.

Taiwan forms an

indispensable part of the

global Information and

Communications Technology

(ICT) industry, and business

opportunities created

by Taiwan’s large-scale

manufacturing are

being avidly pursued by

technology firms from

across the world.

Taiwan’s competitiveness

in the industry is drawn

from its well established

production pipeline, highly

experienced engineers and

strong R&D capabilities.

According to statistics

from Taiwan's Institute for

Information Industry (III),

Taiwan is top in worldwide

market share in over

12 product categories

including cable CPE (96.2%),

notebook PC (89.4%), and

tablet devices (86.5%).

Other product areas in

which Taiwan has top

ranking include WLAN NIC,

motherboards, LCD

monitors, IP phone, desktop

PC, and smartphones.

Moreover, the island serves

as a major procurement

center for global ICT

companies and buyers.

Taiwan remains the world’s

number one producer

of notebook computers,

with average monthly

production known to

exceed 14 million units. The

booming notebook industry,

accordingly, has provided

an excellent base for Taiwan

to build up its IC design and

display panel industries.

What's more, the island's

ICT sector is expected to

keep booming through 2015

on six kinds of globally hotselling

electronic devices,

namely, smartphones, tablet

PCs, ultrabooks, smart TVs,

e-book readers and cloud

computing applications.

Taiwan's ICT industry has been making the news

over the past year with a raft of big takeovers

and major investments. Walter Yeh, Executive

Vice-president of the Taiwan External Trade

Development Council (TAITRA) says that these

seismic changes in the country's major industry

sector have seen it evolve from an abundant

OEM and ODM centre into a significant brand

player on the global market by investing heavily

in R&D.

"The transformation in

Taiwan's electronic industry

from being the world's

factory supply base for ICT

into a key global player means

that many of our brands

now hold a unique market

position and have captured

the hearts of the customer,"

says Yeh who qualifies this

achievement with a cautious

note: "This new status isn’t

good enough since global

competition has stiffened

with slowing markets. As a

result, companies in Taiwan

are extending their global

reach and adding more

value to their products

through various mergers

and alliances. For all parties

this has created a win-win

situation in technology,

strategy and financing."

Taiwan holds a dominant

global share in more than

10 ICT products, including

notebook/netbook PCs,

motherboards, wireless LAN

equipment and routers.

But Yeh says that longterm

leadership in ICT must

not be taken for granted.

"Vast resources have been

committed to R&D to offer

even better products,”

he says. “It is Taiwan’s

persistence in innovation

that sets it apart both in the

industry and on the market."

Taiwan holds 13th place

for overall competitiveness

according to the latest

Global Competitiveness

Report from the World

Economic Forum, and ranks

9th for both R&D spending

and innovation. "Taiwan

companies have the knack

at turning many ICT dreams

into real products to wow

the market, and product

branding through innovation

is an essential step to

maintain competitiveness,”

Yeh says. “That also helps to

explain why the big brands

of Taiwan like Acer, Asus,

Delta, HTC, Gigabyte and

MSI all are supported by topnotch

R&D."

Taiwan's own major trade

show Computex Tapei is

organised by TAITRA and

has set up a strategic alliance

with IFA, where it presents

its Taiwan ICT International

“companies in Taiwan

are extending their

global reach and adding

more value to their

products”

Walter Yeh

Executive Vice-president

TAITRA

Press Conference & New

Product Launch each year.

Executives from Taiwanese

giants such as Acer, Aiptek,

Asus, Delta, Gigabyte, KYE,

MSI and Thermaltake fly in

each year to brief the media

on their latest creations,

branding concepts and

marketing strategies. "It is at

IFA where the campaign for

Computex Taipei begins and

where companies reveal their

output that is being readied

for the next quarter in Taipei.

And it is IFA that connects

them with the industry for

that vital feedback so they

can make last-minute tweaks

to the products."

This year TAITRA is sponsoring

the COMPUTEX d&i awards

winners at IFA. "Success has

bred success and a growing

number of Taiwan companies

have applied to join this little

piece of Taiwan at IFA,” Yeh

says. “Meanwhile TAITRA

has spared no effort to help

Taiwan companies exhibit at

IFA as seen in its role at the

Taiwan Pavilion in the Taiwan

Image Hall, that highlights

the most exciting Taiwan ICT

breakthroughs."

The Taiwan External Trade

Development Council

(TAITRA) was founded in 1970

to promote Taiwan’s foreign

trade and competitiveness

on the world market. Over

the past 40 years, TAITRA

has played a key role in

the development of the

Taiwanese economy. TAITRA

is jointly sponsored by the

government and commercial

associations, and serves as

the business gateway to

Taiwan for the international

business community.

Hall 27

Stand Taïwan Pavillon

36

spotlight on

TAIWAN

Region

Products from Taiwan

on Show at IFA

Taiwan CE companies

show their innovation

once again at IFA.

Here are some of the

companies and products

you will see here…

MobileCinema i50S

MobileCinema i50S,

from Aiptek, is a gadget

especially designed for

iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. It

takes the form of a shell,

which once connected

to the iPhone, projects

multimedia files with up to

40 lumen brightness, at a

quality of 640 x 480 pixels,

with a projected picture of

up to 150cm (60 inches).

The device can also be used

as a powerful battery pack.

International Inc. was

founded in 1997 in Taiwan.

The company develops

and provides digital

imaging products including

3D products, digital

camcorders, pico projectors,

tablets and digital pens for

iPad. The German office

of Aiptek, which opened

in 1999 in Willich, near

Dusseldorf, co-ordinates all

European sales.

Hall 3.2

Stand 120

The RT-AC66U WireleSS

Router

Asus presents the fifth

generation of dual band

gigabit wireless router:

the RT-AC66U at IFA. The

router with an 802.11accompatible

chipset offers

high performance and

broad signal coverage. It

works with a concurrent

dual band of 2.4 GHZ and

5 GHz for up to super-fast

1.7 Gbps. Apart from its

user-friendly interface and

sufficient connection ports

for PCs, smartphones,

scanners and printers

(two USB and four LAN

ports), the RT-AC66U also

combines the latest AiCloud

service — Access, stream,

share, sync — all on the

go, with unlimited storage

expansion.

Asus is a worldwide leader

in the field of motherboards

and is in the Top 3 bestselling

manufacturers of

consumer notebooks. The

portfolio of the company

includes mainboards,

graphic cards, optical drives,

notebooks and tablets,

as well as various wireless

products and network

components. The focus of

the company’s objectives

is innovation and product

quality.

Hall 23

Stand 103

Just Mobile’s Gum

MobileCinema i50S

Just Mobile’s Gum

Gum, from Just Mobile, is

a compact backup-battery

for Apple devices. An

aluminium shell the size

of a chewing gum pack,

contains a battery with the

capacity to fully charge an

iPhone.

Just Mobile was founded in

2005 to develop accessories

to complement a “highend

mobile lifestyle”. The

complete range of products

complements Apple

products including iPad,

iPod and iPhone.

Hall 15.1

Stand 129

The Theron

Mouse

The Theron

Mouse, from

Thermaltake

Technology, is

the new

g a m i n g

accessory of

Thermaltake

eSPORTS. The

Theron mouse

has a Teflon-covered

bottom side for quick and

The RT-AC66U Wireless Router

precise handling.

Among its features are a 100

to 5600 DPI sensor that can be

adjusted manually; a 128-KBmemory,

which supports up

to 40 macro keys; and five

game profiles, as well as two

modes – for normal and for

battle mode, suitable for RTS

and FPS gaming. Depending

on the click frequency, the

mouse changes up to seven

colours to indicate the

users’ gaming speed and

activities. Thermaltake

Technology

was founded

in 1999. It

launches

products under

four brands:

Thermaltake,

Tt eSPORTS,

LUXA2 and

Tt Apollos

e S p o r t

Professional

Team.

Hall 15.1

Stand 140

Navjack Expands into Samsung

and HTC Product Accessories

Simplicity and innovation

are defining features of

Navjack, the designer and

manufacturer of high-end

iPad and iPhone accessories.

Now, the company is

expanding its product lines

for Samsung and HTC, and

Navjack President Jack Chan

says the new products will

retain the company’s highend

ethos.

“Thanks to our experienced

design and R&D teams, we

are dedicated to offering

distinguishing accessories

for Apple, Samsung and HTC

products,” says Chan. “Our

brand spirit can be summed

up as ‘sculpted essentials’.

We believe every material

contains a sculpture, and

that our task is merely

discovering its essence.”

“Our advantage is offering

distinctive protective cases

and other 3C accessories,

such as external speakers,

power banks and headset

dust caps. We are driven to

keep designing more unique

cases and accessories.”

Chan says that Navjack’s

business has developed

well in the Middle East

and Russia. The company’s

main objective at IFA is to

find suitable partners and

to extend and develop its

presence in the European

market, he says.

When asked about Navjack’s

distribution methods, he

stressed that the company

trusts its distribution

partners to promote its

brand and products. “Of

course, we guarantee ‘one

region one distributor’,

so our partners can fully

develop their business and

take care of their markets,”

he says.

Hall 15.1

Stand 111



37

Green Page

HOW GREEN IS YOUR

CHANNEL?

“Retailers are always

looking for persuasive

sales arguments, and we

believe that this is what

we deliver with Econova’s

sustainability features,”

Olivier Semenoux,

Product Manager,

Econova Smart LED TV, TP

Vision, says. “Therefore

we give support to the

entire value chain, so that

retailers can promote

Green features on the

shop floor better. It’s

our job to explicitly

inform them about, for

example, the advantages

of Ambilight. It not only

enhances the user’s TV

experience, but also

creates net energy

savings at home. At

only 3 Watts, Ambilight

consumes less power

than any common room

lighting. Retailers should

understand this and

be able to explain it

to their customers. So

we regularly organize

training sessions and

events where we explain

and demonstrate the

green features of our

TVs. It is important that

retailers know about

features such as the

power meter and the 3

in 1 stands so that they

can offer correct and

convincing sales advice to

their customers.”

Green Evolution

TP Vision’s Green technology spreads

through core series

In the past couple of years, the Econova TV

has made a big impression at IFA thanks to its

Ecological credentials, and the techology keeps

on evolving. IFA International talks to Olivier

Semenoux, Product Manager, Econova Smart LED

TV, TP Vision...

We have further improved

the Econova, and the fact

that it won the EISA Green

TV award yet again is clear

proof of that. Our engineers

succeeded in enhancing

the energy efficiency even

more despite Econova’s

larger screen size of

55’’ - compared to its

predecessor’s 46’’ - screen.

We even were able to

enlarge the TV’s feature set

by adding 3D and Ambilight

without compromising on

power consumption.

Why is the ‘Econova’

concept not used in all

Philips TVs?

As a responsible brand, it is

our strategy to deploy ecofriendly

innovations in as

many devices as possible.

Many Green elements,

such as energy efficient

Ambilight and the absence

of Hg in the TV, are now

included in the core series

for the mass market.

How does the concept

flow on to other models?

This year’s EISA Green TV

is the first TV featuring

Ambilight, but we also

use the extremely energy

efficient Ambilight LEDs in

other models. When we

launched Econova 2, it was

totally optimized in terms

of power efficiency, right

down to the number of

screws needed to mount

the TV casing and reduced

cable length. What we

learned from this has

allowed us to launch more

TVs this year with the eco

label A+ and even A++ than

ever before. Innovations

in power consumption,

plastics, packaging and

supply chain optimization

are deployed in the core

range as soon as they have

proven their industrial

suitability at a larger scale.

That’s normally just a few

months later.

Do consumers really care

about a product being

green?

Our market research

indicates that more and more

consumers care about their

carbon footprint. Therefore,

sustainability is an important

criteria in the TV purchase

decision process. That

consumers do care about

Green matters is clearly

indicated by the interest

in the EU energy label,

which allows consumers to

Olivier Semenoux

Product Manager, Econova Smart LED TV, TP Vision

compare and consider Green

parameters more easily when

buying a TV.

How is this attitude

evolving?

In Europe, we see a strong

demand for sustainablymade

and energy efficient

TVs, and we expect the

interest in reducing the

carbon footprint to grow

further. In other countries,

the market remains more

focussed on advanced TV

features like 3D or Smart

TV. But, all in all, we feel

that things are moving in

the right direction.

How important has the

EISA green award been

for you in promoting the

Econova TV?

The EISA Green TV award is

very important, and we are

very proud that Econova

received the EISA Green TV

award for the third time in

a row this year. It helps a lot

that the TV is recognized as

being a Green TV.

38

Trade News

Steve ager

Steve Ager is Group

Commercial Director for

Dixons Retail. Ager joined

the Group in October

2008 from Tesco plc,

where he held a number

of commercial and

buying roles in the UK

and globally. At Dixons

he works on developing

‘group international

relationships’ with Dixons

Retail top 20 suppliers.

He is part of the group’s

executive committee

–an international crossfunctional

executive

team responsible for

the implementation of

strategy and the day-today

management of the

Group's business.

What is the

secret to a

successful IFA?

Plan your visit. Plan your

appointments. If you go

there and you haven’t

got a plan, it can’t work,

because people are very

busy. Leave yourself

some time at the end to

just browse the show

because often you see very

interesting things from

smaller suppliers. For me

the show is an opportunity

for collecting intelligence

about the market and

my suppliers, and for my

buyers it’s to go and see

the products that are

developing and to be able

to see that all in one place

in a very efficient way.

Dixons Retail

Acquires DAY-to-

DAY Control of

PIXmania

Dixons Retail PLC has

agreed to acquire the

remaining 22% interest

in PIXmania currently

indirectly held by the

founders of the business,

Steve and Jean-Emile

Rosenblum for €

10 million euros in cash.

Dixons already held a 77%

interest in PIXmania. This

acquisition will enable the

Group to take full day to

day control.

IFA Kick-Starts the

Next Year for Dixons

Innovations showcased at IFA excite

major buyers


IFA is the heartbeat of the

year. It comes at a very

good time, because it starts

the process of thinking

about next year’s range. I

have been in this job, and

consequently going to IFA

each year, for the past five

years.

I generally spend two days

at the show. My team

spends the whole time

here. My time is made up

of specific meetings. It’s a

great opportunity to meet

up with some of the leading

lights from world’s top

manufacturers and listening

to what their plans are for

next year and telling them

what we are planning. For

my ‘guys’, it’s the beginning

of the planning for the new

ranges for the next year, so

they are into much more

“IFA is the heartbeat

of the year. It comes

at a very good time,

because it starts the

process of thinking

about next year’s

range.”

Steve Ager

Group Commercial Director,

Dixons Retail

The major pan-European retail group Dixons view IFA as the beginning of their business year. Dixons

group companies operate 1,200 stores plus online, employing 36,500 staff spanning 26 countries.

They are market leaders in the UK & Ireland, Nordics, Greece and the Czech Republic. Steve Ager,

Group Commercial Director for Dixons Retail attends IFA to get a grip on new product trends whilst

his buying team select hot new products for the forthcoming year. Ager tells us how he makes the

most of his time at IFA...

detail and also attending

some of the conferences

and keynotes.

They come back from IFA

with the first view of what

is happening in the future.

After each IFA, we always

share our views, and start

formulating our initial

thoughts in terms of the

product roadmaps. In that

sense, my year actually

starts with IFA.

The decision by IFA five

years ago to include

white goods seemed very

brave at that time. Has it

been useful for Dixons?

It has been a big success,

because while some other

shows are good at showing

computing or brown goods,

there really isn’t any other

place to go on white goods,

and that is really useful.

Most of my focus at IFA



39

40

Trade News

“Innovation

coming through

from suppliers

is extremely

important. You

have to give

the customer

a reason to

upgrade and

renew their

products.”

is around white goods,

but I will also spend some

time on CE with companies

such as Samsung, Sony and

Panasonic amongst others.

What are some of the

more exciting trends

in white goods at the

moment?

A lot of it is around product

design, the opportunity

to give customers better

choices in higher spec

products and have clear

differentiation within a

range. There are new

entrants into the market.

Alongside the traditional

suppliers such as BSH, Indesit

and Miele, Manufacturers

in Korea are coming at it

from a completely different

angle. The white goods

market is now coming back

into a bit of growth and

we have to decide who we

think has got an edge. UK

customers in particular are

influenced by how cool the

product looks.

On the CE side, we are

seeing bigger screens

and the arrival of large

size OLED. What are your

thoughts on these?

Customers are increasingly

looking for bigger screen

sizes. Now that we are

losing the bezel around the

edge, a much bigger screen

size fits into the same space

as before. Then there is

the evolution of Smart TV

and 3D. OLED is exciting

and really cool. In its initial

stages it won’t be selling in

huge volumes, but you can

see that it is going to add a

new facet to a market that

went through huge growth

as people converted from

CRT to flat panel. As we

slip into a new replacement

cycle, you need innovation

to encourage customers to

upgrade their TVs.

How important is

sustainability in your

decision making process?

Sustainability is always a key

feature and a selling point

and one of the challenges

we face is how to get that

over to the customer.

In the Nordic markets and

Germany, it’s one of the

key features that people

consider. In the UK we

keep pushing it in terms of

energy and water efficiency

and UK customers are

increasingly considering

the benefits of energy

efficiency which in itself

leads to considerations

around sustainability.

In the five years you’ve

been coming to IFA,

what are the main trends

that have affected you?

I have seen a lot of

convergence and an

emergence of stronger

innovation. In this time of

recession, you have to give

the customer a reason to

upgrade and renew their

products.

One of the big challenges

we all face, particularly in

the UK, is that customers

have been looking for

value products and that

has often limited their

desire to buy higher spec

products. The fact that

there is innovation coming

through from the suppliers

is extremely important, and

this is showcased very well

at IFA.

Currys and PC World – an important

part of the Dixons Retail group

THE DEAL MAKERS

Indigo buyer, Greg Taylor,

seeks interesting start-ups

and bespoke manufacturers

at IFA 2012

INDIGO

Greg Taylor

Area director eReading

& Electronics at Canada's Indigo

Greg Taylor, Area director eReading &

Electronics at Canada's Indigo Books & Music,

will be attending IFA for the first time, looking

for engaging content and the sort of stylish,

unique products that smaller companies

specialise in...

Since we established our retail electronics business

- which is focused on interesting and unusual lifestyletype

products - part of my job is to look for devices

that are different and original. It’s never easy to find

those diamonds in the rough, but I am hoping that my

first ever trip to IFA will enable me to source the sort of

sophisticated and stylish products that Europe is especially

known for and associated with. We already have a great

relationship with Italian accessories manufacturer Tivoli,

and both we and our customers love what they do, but

we are looking to expand that side of the business, so

that will form a major part of my mission in Berlin. Clearly

you won’t find me looking at the latest products from the

big brands because that is not Indigo’s area, I’m after the

second-tier manufacturers.

What made you decide to come to IFA?

Mainly it was the size of the event and the dates that

influenced me. IFA happens at a very good time in terms

of my global travel schedule, and because I’m keen to

minimise my long-haul business trips, IFA being in early

September is very convenient. It’s a perfect precursor to

my trip to China in October. I am really looking forward to

meeting as many vendors as I possibly can.

Dixons Shop-in-Shop Overkoopt

How many days are you going to attend IFA?

I’ve put aside two days for the event, followed by a further

day to see the historical sites of Berlin.



41

THE DIARY OF MISS IFA

The curtain rises on World's Consumer Lifestyle event of the year

‘‘

After the excitement of the opening press

conferences on Wednesday, Thursday is the IFA

2012 Gala Opening held in the Palais of the Berlin

radio tower, which was lit up in IFA’s characteristic

red for the occasion. One of my favourite singers

Oceana was there performing Endless Summer,

and 50 Cent was in the audience alongside a host

of German celebrities.

Walking down the red carpet - IFA red, of course! - I was surprised

by the number of people who had turned out to greet everyone.

I got a big cheer so it seemed only right to try to show my

appreciation by blowing a kiss to the crowd

While waiting for the stars to arrive,

I bumped into Dr. Göke who was

waiting for delegates

Yesterday Max

Conze, the

new CEO of

Dyson, gave his

first ever press

conference at

IFA. This is one

of the company’s

latest products,

a bladeless hot

fan heater

From Left to right: Dr Rainer Hecker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of gfu; Raimund Hosch, CEO

Messe Berlin; me; Hans-Joachim Kamp, Member of the Supervisory Board of gfu & Dr Christian Göke,

Chief Operating Officer of Messe Berlin

A rare moment alone

while sheltering

from the rain, and an

opportunity to relax

for a few minutes

before the next round

of meeting, greeting,

visiting stands and

introducing events

42

HOSPITALITY / RESTAURANTS / BARS

Where

to goin

berlin

www.wheretogoinberlin.com

CLUBS / EVENTS / SHOPPING / CULTURE

For Berlin locals and true connoisseurs of the city, the KaDeWe, Germany’s leading department store, is an institution and needs no introduction, but among

the international visitors at IFA, many are still not aware of its existence. We asked Managing Director, Ursula Vierkötter to present the KaDeWe and its history...

KaDeWe: A Veritable Berlin Institution

The tale of Germany’s most legendary department store,

told by its charismatic Managing Director, Ursula Vierkötter

[ Interview by Gérard Lefebvre ]

The 'Kaufhaus des Westens' or KaDeWe for

short, first opened its doors in March 1907.

Today, it is a mirror image of this city and

its development. At the end of the Second

World War, the crash of an American aircraft

almost destroyed the KaDeWe. While the

surrounding buildings on Wittenbergplatz

still lay in rubble and ashes, reconstruction

work on the store began immediately in an

effort to provide encouragement to Berliners.

Thus the traditional store had become a city

landmark. Coming to Berlin without visiting

the KaDeWe would mean missing the

occasion to discover one of the most unique

shopping experiences in Europe. It is an ideal

place for busy business people, as it is truly a

one-stop shop. The world’s most prestigious

brands are present in the store to offer the

business traveller the possibility to take home

a gift of rare beauty. Furthermore in our sixth

floor – dedicated to food – shoppers can dine

rapidly and deliciously!

What is the best way to take advantage of the KaDeWe? Could one

establish, for example, a route depending upon whether one has one

hour, a half-day, or a day?

With just one-hour time I would recommend a visit to our ground floor with

its great choice of luxury brands and the incomparable beauty department.

There, one can get an overview over all imaginable international luxury and

beauty brands. If one has the chance to spend half a day at the KaDeWe,

the visit to our ground floor should be complemented by a stopover at the

fashion department and on our brand new floor called “The Loft” which

offers an amazing choice of all desirable shoe and accessory brands from

September on. If there is still time left, having lunch at KaDeWe’s legendary

fish restaurant “Der Fischkutter” is definitely a must. Having a whole day

one should additionally take the time to stroll around the store. A visit to

our famous gourmet department for a glass of champagne or having a

one-hour beauty treatment in one of KaDeWe’s beauty lounges can topoff

the visit before letting the day end with dinner and a magnificent view

over Berlin on the 7th floor. Meanwhile, the concept of the 3rd floor has

recently been completely rethought. An entire new world entitled “The

Ursula Vierkötter

Managing Director KaDeWe

Coming to Berlin

without visiting the

KaDeWe would mean

missing the occasion

to discover one of the

most unique shopping

experiences in Europe!

Loft” is being created here specifically for the

female customer with high ambitions when

it comes to fashion. This area will feature an

impressive women’s shoe department that

caters to customers’ expectations in this

regard and carries all of the famous brands such as Bally, Burberry, Casadei,

Chanel, D&G, Fendi, Guiseppe Zanotti, Hogan, Jimmy Choo, Kurt Geiger,

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Prada, Rachel Zoe, Repetto, Tory Burch,

YSL and more. This world of desires will be complemented by an extensive

handbag and accessories section featuring new additions such as Alexander

Wang, Anya Hindmarch, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade (exclusively for

Germany), Leghilá, Michael Kors, Mulberry, See by Chloé, Tory Burch and

also Victoria Beckham.

Finally, you probably know the “refined” side of Berlin better than

anyone. Could you tell us what, for you, are the “not to be missed”

places in Berlin?

I love the terrace at Nola's am Weinberg; it is like a chalet from the 1950s.

It can be quite full on the weekends, but during the week – fabulous! On

the weekend, I like a nice bike tour through the Tiergarten, which is similar

to central park in New York. Another dreamy summer spot on the edge of

Grunewald forest: The Fischerhütte on Lake Schlachtensee. Here I can relax and

end the day with a proper meal at the beer garden right alongside the water.

www.wheretogoinberlin.com IFA International • Saturday 1 st & Sunday 2 nd September 2012

43

Where

to goin

berlin

BERLINMAP

N

S

5

Adagio

Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1

Tel: +49 (0)30 258989-0

Info@adagio.de

Hermsdorf

1

Tegel

Charlottenburg

Wedding

Tiegarden 2 2

6 11

8 4

5

1 7 12

3 3

9

Kreuzberg 4

Schöneberg

1

Metro: S+U Potsdamer Platz

U2, S2, S1, S25

Tempelhof

Prenzlauer

Berg

Neukölln

Berlin-Moscow

Unter den Linden 52

Tel: +49 30 20058968

2

Metro: S+U Brandenburger Tor

U 55 S2, S1

Dalí

Leipziger Platz 7

Buch

Weißensee

Hohenschönhausen

Friedrichsfelde

3

Metro: S+ U Potsdamer Platz

U2, S2, S1, S25

Lichtenberg

Waldesruh

Entrecôte

Schützenstr. 5

Tel: +49.30.201 654 96

www.entrecote.de

Metro: U Kochstraße U6

Pyronale

Olympischer Platz 3

Tel: +49 (0)30 20634 952

Metro: S + U Olympiastadium

S9 S75 U2

Friedrichshagen

4

4

5

10

Wannnsee

Landschaftsschutzgebiet

Kämmerei-Heide

Lichtenrade

Gosen

2 Alexanderplatz

3 Zoologischer Garten 4 Checkpoint Charlie 5 Ostbahnhof 6 Brandenburg Gate

7 TV Tower

8 Museum of Photography 9 KaDeWe

10 Müggelsee

11 Berliner Dom 12 East-Side-Gallery

44

Where

to goin

berlin

Hospitality

Estrel Berlin:

Everything under

One Roof

Under the motto “Meeting,

Living, Entertainment –

Everything under One

Roof” the Estrel Berlin,

Europe’s largest convention,

entertainment & hotel

complex, offers guests unique

conference possibilities

in its multifunctional

Estrel Convention Center,

entertainment on an

international standard with

Berlin’s most successful show,

“Stars in Concert”, in the

Estrel Festival Center, and a

4-star-plus service at the Estrel

Hotel, which is Germany’s

largest hotel with its 1,125

rooms and suites. Guests can

experience the sauna and

fitness area, the mini-mart,

Estrel Berlin: Europe's largest convention,

entertainment & hotel complex

the Sixt car rental station,

the Atrium Bar and the Estrel

Smokers Lounge & Bar for

nocturnal revellers and much

more.

“Stars in Concert”

This live show takes its

audiences time travelling

through musical history,

from Elvis to Madonna,

from Louis Armstrong to

Whitney Houston. Six doubles

appear on stage in “Stars in

Concert”, presenting only

no.1 hits. It is not only the

likeness of the artists to their

idols that amazes people.

The most impressive fact is

the similarity of their voices,

giving the audience the

impression that the originals

are actually on the stage in

front of them. Everyone sings

live, and the performances

are accompanied by beautiful

dancers and an excellent live

band.

Sonnenallee 225

D-12057 Berlin

Tel: +49 30 6831 0

www.estrel.com

Metro: S Sonnenallee

S 41 S 42

food and wine while soaking

up the ambiance and friendly

service.

Monday till Friday noon till

midnight

Saturday & Sunday 18:00 till

midnight

Schützenstr. 5, 10117 Berlin

Tel: +49 30 201 654 96

www.entrecote.de

Metro: U Kochstraße

U6

Bars

Enjoy delicious French

cuisine at The Entrecôte

Bebel Bar & Velvet

Room – Rocco Forte

Hotel de Rome

available to satisfy the most

seasoned palate.

Behrenstraße 37

10117 Berlin

Tel: +49 30 460 60 90

Metro: U Französische Straße

U6

Clubs

The ADAGIO – a club

of superlatives

Set in Berlin’s vibrant

downtown, the ADAGIO offers

a quintessential urban nightlife

experience. In a tastefully

seductive ambience, the design

playfully highlights details from

past eras. Whether in the twolevel

foyer, the baroque level,

the gallery or in one of the

separate exclusive rooms and

areas, you will find whatever

you are looking for. All of the

rooms are romantically candlelit,

while the diverse styles of

past epochs combine into a

harmonic blend.

Restaurants

Restaurant

"Entrecôte"

The Entrecôte is a mix of classic

and modern, situated in a

prime spot with checkpoint

Charlie just around the corner.

From the outside, one might

expect a small Parisian-style

bistro, but once inside one

finds a charming, spacious

establishment, with a brasserie

feeling and a savvy combination

of elegant style and delicious

food. Traditional French cuisine

awaits you in this restaurant

specialising in delectable meat

dishes, where you can enjoy

Hotel de Rome's Bebel Bar has

a stupendous view across the

historic Bebelplatz. Stylishly

designed in warm brown tones,

the Bebel Bar attracts a wide

range of Berlin night owls and

visitors to the city. The Velvet

Room, with its velvet covered

walls, offers a more private

atmosphere. The Bebel Bar is

run like a classic American bar,

using only the finest spirits to

create its elegant cocktails.

Always aware of new trends,

the staff transform them into

stylish new drink creations.

Over 60 different cocktails are

Try one of the 60 different

cocktails at the Bebel Bar

Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 1

Tel: +49 30 25 89 890

Info@adagio.de

Metro: S+U Potsdamer Platz

U2 S2 S1 S25

Cultural

Entertainment

& Shopping

The TV Tower

The Berlin TV Tower is one

of Berlin’s most outstanding

attractions! The victory column,

the German Parliament

("Reichstag"), the central

railway station, the "red"

www.wheretogoinberlin.com IFA International • Saturday 1 st & Sunday 2 nd September 2012

45

Where

to goin

berlin

town hall - no alternative can

provide an overview of the

German capital as quickly as

the Berlin TV Tower. In only 40

seconds, the lift takes you to

the panorama level at a height

of 203 m - with Berlin's highest

bar. Enjoy this fantastic lookout

point, which on a clear day,

offers a view of up 80 km in

all directions. 21 steps higher

in the rotating restaurant, you

can enjoy the spectacular view

in comfort while the city drifts

past below. Berlin at a height

of 207 m - a "round tour" of a

very special kind.

TV Turm Alexanderplatz

Gastronomiegesellschaft

mbH

Panoramastraße 1a

10178 Berlin

Tel: +49 30 24 75 75 875

reservation@tv-turm.de

Metro: S + U Alexanderplatz

U2 U8 U5 S5 S75 S9

The Berlin TV Tower

Museums &

Exhibitions

The Story of Berlin

– a first hand

interactive history

The Story of Berlin

The permanent exhibition “The

Story of Berlin” invites the

visitor to immerse into the 800

years of history of the German

capital in 23 theme rooms. The

exhibition includes multimedia

elements and successfully

integrates modern exhibition

features together with

original models and lavishly

reconstructed historic facsimiles

to help the visitor “feel” the

atmosphere of the city: then

and now. A very special feature

and a must-see is the nuclear

bomb shelter from the Cold

War. It is an impressive reminder

of the fear in the days of the

Cold War.

Kurfürstendamm 207-208

10719 Berlin

Tel: +49 30 887 20 100

Metro: S Bahn Savignyplatz

S5 S7 S9 S75

U Uhlandstraße U1

Gay Section

The Gay Museum

As the only institution of

its kind the Gay Museum is

dedicated to the diversity of

gay, lesbian, bisexual and

trans*identified lifestyles in

history, culture and art. The

museum collects, stores and

presents documents and

witness accounts from the

many decades of queer life.

Alongside the permanent

historical exhibition `Selfconfidence

and Persistence:

200 Years of History´, the

museum regularly holds various

exhibitions.

Schwules Museum

Admission: 5 Euros

Opening Hours : Mon, Wed-Fri

2pm – 6pm, Sat 2pm – 7pm,

Tue Closed

Schwules Museum

Mehringdamm 61

10961 Berlin

Tel: +49 30 69 59 90 50

www.schwulesmuseum.de

Metro: U Mehringdamm

U7 U6

Axel Hotel Berlin –

Trendy and Tolerant!

Axel Berlin hotel

Following the example of

Barcelona and Buenos Aires, the

Axel Berlin hotel is approached

from the same point of view:

design spaces, in avant-gardist

and cosmopolitan cities, open

to the world, tolerant and gay

friendly, with a rich history and

an exceptional gay ambiance

The Axel hotels are free and

tolerant spaces in which anyone

is welcomed, respected and

valued without any prejudice.

Axel is born and continues

to grow under the aim of

excellence in service. Axel offers

a competitive price to quality

ratio, which has allowed them

to obtain recognitions such as

the prestigious TripOut Gay

travel Awards 2010, in the

category of best international

chain. Velvet, wood, areas of

intimacy and the impressive

spherical lamp with its reflected

lights convey seductive warmth

to the entire space. The Urban

Bar Axel, with its spectacular

columns and glass windows

overlooking the Lietzenburger

Strasse, stands out as meeting

point for the trendy Berlin

scene.

Lietzenburger Straße 13/15

10789 Berlin

Tel: +49 30 21 002 893

Metro: U Wittenbergplatz

U1 U2 U3

Restaurant

Bamberger Reiter

Elegant, glamorous but

also cozy and intimate – all

adjectives that describe the

restaurant Bamberger Reiter

in the center of old Berlin.

German hospitality as it’s best!

Enjoy their blend of down-toearth

Austrian and German

cuisine with some excursions

in Latin and French domains

with extraordinary value for

your money. Their beautiful

and romantic Wine-Garden

and Restaurant are just as

good for a romantic dinner

as for a business meeting. All

major credit cards are accepted.

Reservations welcome.

Regensburger Str. 7

10777 Berlin-Schöneberg

Tel: +49 30 749 200 90

reservierung@

bambergerreiterberlin.de

Metro: U Victoria-Luise-Platz

U4

46

HALL PLAN

Available Everywhere...

I FA

S H O W G R O U N D S

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I N E

IFA International

The official international daily of IFA Berlin

ifa-international.org

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www.ifa-international.org IFA International • 2012





Hall 12 - Stand 105

Hall 13 - Stand 100 Hall 12 - Stand 108


HALL PLAN

Hall 9 & 7.2C - Stand 101




Hall 9 - Stand 112



Hall 7.1C - Stand 108


Hall 15.1 - Stand 111 Hall 15.1 - Stand 113

Hall 17 - Stand 121

Hall 17 - Stand 102




Hall 3.1- Stand 103

Hall 21 - Stand 104




Hall 25 - Stand 150

Hall 25 - Stand 150

Hall 25 - Stand 150




Hall 7.1A - Stand 101

Hall 21 - Stand 101


Hall 2.1/4.1 - Stand 101





IFA International • 2012

Week-end Edition - Day 2 & Day 3 - IFA International

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