Archives for January 3, 2019

LG’s 2019 TVs add HDMI 2.1 and 8K

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The new HDMI standard adds key features even if you’re not buying into 8K.

CES 2019 hasn’t started yet, but LG is already drip-feeding information about this year’s OLED and LCD TVs. While it didn’t mention the rollable OLED we’re expecting, it did list model numbers for two 8K sets, with an 88-inch Z9 OLED and SM99 8K LCD TV on the way.

There’s no word on price yet, but the big confirmation is that thanks to HDMI 2.1 ports, all of its 2019 OLED TVs and “selected” NanoCell LCD TVs will support high frame rate (HFR) 120fps video inputs. Other features in the new standard include an enhanced audio return channel (eARC) as well as variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low latency mode (ALLM) to keep gamers happy. If you’re snagging one of the new 8K TVs, you’ll just be pleased to know you won’t have to plug in four HDMI cables to get everything connected.

The NanoCell name is a new brand for LG’s high-end LCD TVs (SM9X and SM8X) with enhanced color, viewing angles and thin bezels. As usual, LG is also talking up its AI capabilities with Thinq technology, and a new Prime Video button on its Magic Remote that ties in directly to Amazon’s Alexa routines.

This year’s version of LG’s AI platform is said to support conversational voice requests, while the α9 Gen 2 processor inside the screens applies deep learning techniques to video processing by adjusting standard and HDR video to match lighting in a room as well as using the latest in Dolby Vision tech. LG also claims it can “convincingly” upmix stereo audio to virtual 5.1 while also intelligently setting sound levels based on its positioning in the room.

We’ve come to expect a lot from LG’s new TVs over the years — they’ve dominated our Best of CES awards — and we’ll look carefully next week to see if they can again take things to a new level.

USB-C could soon offer protection against nefarious devices

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The cable usb type c it connection device close up image.

The ‘cable of the future’ gets its own security protocol.

USB chargers and devices are universally accessible and easy to use, but they come with a host of potential security risks, namely the spread of malware from infected devices, and data leakage should a device fall into the wrong hands. Now, the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) — the big dog in the advancement of USB tech — has launched its USB Type-C Authentication Program, which will help mitigate these issues.

The program defines the optimal cryptographic-based authentication for USB-C devices and chargers. Any host system using this protocol will be able to confirm the authenticity of a device or charger, including descriptors and capabilities, right at the moment a connection is made. So say, for example, you’re concerned about charging your phone at a public terminal. Your phone could implement a policy only allowing a charge from certified chargers. A company, meanwhile, could set a policy for its PCs, giving them access only to verified USB storage devices.

At this stage, the program is simply a recommendation — there’s no mandatory implementation required, but its creation certainly points to future security requirements for USB-C, which USB-IF president Jeff Ravencraft believes is “the single cable of the future.” Indeed, as more product manufacturers adopt USB-C, nefarious individuals will be looking for ways to exploit their vulnerabilities, so the guidance marks an important contribution in enabling a secure system of compliant, interoperable products.

Clearfield Inc. (CLFD) Soars 7.56% on January 02

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Clearfield Inc. (CLFD) had a good day on the market for Wednesday January 02 as shares jumped 7.56% to close at $10.67. About 28,011 shares traded hands on 260 trades for the day, compared with an average daily volume of n/a shares out of a total float of 13.65 million. After opening the trading day at $9.86, shares of Clearfield Inc. stayed within a range of $10.68 to $9.86.

With today’s gains, Clearfield Inc. now has a market cap of $145.6 million.

The stock has a P/E Ratio of 29.4. Shares of Clearfield Inc. have been trading within a range of $15.30 and $8.41 over the last year, and it had a 50-day SMA of $n/a and a 200-day SMA of $n/a.

Clearfield Inc mainly designs, manufactures and distributes fiber protection, fiber management and fiber delivery solutions for the communications networks. It provides a range of products including copper assemblies, cassettes, box enclosures, fiber connectors, frames, microduct, terminals, vaults, pedestal inserts, FieldSmart, WaveSmart, and CraftSmart. The company has a global presence with the majority of the revenue derived from the United States.

Clearfield Inc. is based out of Brooklyn Park, MN and has some 225 employees. Its CEO is Cheryl Podzimek Beranek.

Univar Inc. (UNVR) Moves Higher on Volume Spike for January 02

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Univar Inc. (UNVR) traded on unusually high volume on Jan. 02, as the stock gained 0.34% to close at $17.80. On the day, Univar Inc. saw 3.07 million shares trade hands on 12,224 trades. Considering that the stock averages only a daily volume of 1.66 million shares a day over the last month, this represents a pretty significant bump in volume over the norm.

Generally speaking, when a stock experiences a sudden spike in trading volume, it may be seen as a bullish signal for investors. An increase in volume means more market awareness for the company, potentially setting up a more meaningful move in stock price. The added volume also provides a level of support and stability for price advances.

The stock has traded between $31.84 and $16.33 over the last 52-weeks, its 50-day SMA is now $21.95, and its 200-day SMA $26.45. Univar Inc. has a P/B ratio of 2.05. It also has a P/E ratio of 12.6.

Univar Inc manufactures and sells a variety of specialty chemicals and chemical-based products. The company sells chemicals to a variety of end users including customers in the coating and adhesives, agriculture, chemical manufacturing, food ingredients, cleaning and sanitization, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and mining industries. Univar also offers a range of services that include automated tank monitoring, chemical waste management, and specialty chemical blending. The company organizes itself into four segments based on geography: United States; Canada; Europe and the Middle East and Africa; and rest of world. The majority of revenue comes from the United States.

Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, Univar Inc. has 8,600 employees and is currently under the leadership of CEO David Jukes.

Jones Energy Inc. Class A (JONE) Soars 33.78% on January 02

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Jones Energy Inc. Class A (JONE) had a good day on the market for Wednesday January 02 as shares jumped 33.78% to close at $0.46. About 62,592 shares traded hands on 43 trades for the day, compared with an average daily volume of 328,176 shares out of a total float of 5.14 million. After opening the trading day at $0.34, shares of Jones Energy Inc. Class A stayed within a range of $0.46 to $0.34.

With today’s gains, Jones Energy Inc. Class A now has a market cap of $2.34 million. Shares of Jones Energy Inc. Class A have been trading within a range of $29.00 and $0.28 over the last year, and it had a 50-day SMA of $1.92 and a 200-day SMA of $7.72.

Jones Energy Inc is an oil and natural gas exploration, development and production company. It conducts its operations in the Anadarko basin. The company specializes in drillings horizontal well and has drilled over 930 total wells as operator, including nearly 760 horizontal wells since its formation. The firm recognizes its revenues from the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids.

Jones Energy Inc. Class A is based out of Austin, TX and has some 94 employees. Its CEO is Carl F. Giesler.

TSE moves higher

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Financial numbers flow on the digital ticker tape at the TMX Group in Toronto’s financial district on May 9, 2014.

Rising oil prices helped boost the energy sector as Canada’s main stock index headed higher on the first trading day of the year.

The S&P/TSX composite index was up 24.59 points at 14,347.45.

In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 64.4 points at 23,263.06. The S&P 500 index was down 5.72 points at 2,501.13, while the Nasdaq composite was up 0.75 of a point at 6,636.03.

The Canadian dollar traded for 73.50 cents US compared with an average of 73.30 cents US on Monday to close out 2018.

The February crude contract was up US$1.47 at US$46.88 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was up 3.5 cents at US$2.97 per mmBTU.

The February gold contract was up US$7.30 at US$1,288.60 an ounce and the March copper contract was down 2.20 cents at US$2.61 a pound.