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Category: hdtv

  • Sony Develops 240fps Single Lens 3D Camera

    Sony announced the development of a single lens 3D camera technology capable of recording “natural and smooth” 3D images of even fast-moving subject matter such as sports, at 240fps.

    The new technology combines an optical system for single lens 3D camera which captures the left and right images simultaneously, together with existing high frame rate (HFR) recording technology to realize 240fps 3D filming.

    In existing half mirror 3D camera systems with separate lenses for the left and right eyes, the parallax range is adjustable, enabling the depth of the 3D images to be modified.

    However, when operating the zoom and focus functions of such systems, the sensitivity of the human eye, in particular to differences in the size and rotational movement of dual images, as well as any vertical misalignment or difference in image quality has meant that complex technology has been required to ensure that each camera lens is closely coordinated, and there are no discrepancies in the optical axis, image size, and focus.

    According to Sony, the introduction of a single lens system resolves any issues that may occur as a result of having different optical characteristics for each eye. Furthermore, they say, by using mirrors in place of shutters, incoming light can now be simultaneously separated into left and right images and recorded as it reaches the parallel light area (the area where diverging light from the point of focus on the subject matter becomes parallel) of the relay lens.

    The separated left and right images are then processed and recorded with the respective left and right image sensors. As there is no difference in time between when the left and right eye images are captured, it is possible for natural and smooth 3D images to be captured, even of scenes involving rapid movement.

    Sony has made some optical tests that have shown that a frame rate 240fps represents the limit of human visual perception, and beyond that it becomes difficult to detect differences in terms of blur and “jerkiness” of moving images (where images that were continuous are now seen as a series of distinct snapshots).

    The company assures that with the new technology even when polarized glasses are not used, viewers will still be able to see natural 2D images, as the disparity of the images for left and right eyes are within the range that human eyes can recognize as a blur.

    A prototype model incorporating this technology will be demonstrated at “CEATEC JAPAN 2009”, to be held in Chiba city, Japan, from October 6th.

  • Akamai Brings HDTV-Like Experience Online

    Akamai Technologies has launched the Akamai HD Network, its next generation video delivery offering and the first platform to deliver HD video online to viewers using Adobe Flash technology, Microsoft Silverlight, and to the iPhone, at broadcast-level audience scale.

    The new HD Network combines Akamai’s patented HD EdgePlatform, adaptive bitrate streaming and DVR technology. It supports live and on-demand HD streaming.

    It was designed as one, comprehensive HD network reaching multiple playback environments and devices (including Flash, Silverlight, and the iPhone) especially for large-scale broadcasters and film distributors.

    According to the press release, the network leverages the following functionalities:

    • Adaptive Bitrate Streaming – a streaming process that is designed to enable uninterrupted playback at HD bitrates that seamlessly adjusts to fluctuations in available bandwidth
    • Instant Response – Immediate response to viewer interactions with the video player, including sub-second time-shifting (such as pause, rewind, seek and play commands) video startup times, and seamless stream switching
    • HD Video Player – Open, standards-based video player for faster time to market
    • HD Player Authentication – Authenticates player for all three environments ensuring only authorized players access content

    What makes this new HD network unique is that it delivers video from HTTP servers located closest to end users (over 50,000 in 900 networks in 70 countries) minimizing packet loss and maximizing streaming.

    “We’re entering a different online world, where many content owners and publishers need to deliver HD-quality video to a much wider online audience, with a higher level of interactivity for consumers. Delivering ‘web-quality’ content to ‘web-sized’ audiences is one thing, but delivering HD-quality content to broadcast-scale audiences is another," said Paul Sagan, President and CEO of Akamai.

    The firm says, two key trends have made it necessary to now evolve how streaming media is delivered on the internet. First, online audiences have grown to broadcast scale. Second, those viewers are demanding higher quality content. Studies show that when higher quality video content is offered, viewer engagement time increases. According to Jupiter Research, 60% of regular online video users are less likely to return to a site for video content if the viewing experience is poor.

    Supporting this level of traffic requires a global network that can manage millions of simultaneous users streaming very high bitrate content, they claims.

    "We are excited to see Akamai’s commitment to HTTP adaptive streaming as the future of online video delivery, as we have worked closely over the past year to build a robust end-to-end media delivery platform with IIS Smooth Streaming and Silverlight," said Steve Sklepowich, director for Silverlight at Microsoft Corp.

    "Together, we’ve proven that these true HD experiences can dramatically increase online viewing times for broadcasters,” he added

  • Panasonic Develops 50-inch Full HD 3D PDP

    Aiming to bring Full HD 3D TVs to the market in 2010, Panasonic steps up its efforts in developing the related technology. The company has just developed a 50-inch Full HD 3D compatible plasma display panel (PDP) and high-precision active shutter glasses that enable the viewing of theater-quality, true-to-life 3D images in the living rooms.

    The new PDP and glasses evolved from Panasonic’s Full HD 3D Plasma Home Theater System that was developed in 2008 and comprised of a 103-inch PDP and a Blu-ray Disc player. The prototype PDP has a 50-inch screen, which is expected to become the most popular size for home theaters.

    This 50-inch PDP uses Panasonic’s newly-developed high-speed 3D drive technology that enables rapid illumination of pixels while maintaining brightness. The panel also incorporates a crosstalk reduction technology allowing for minimizing double-image (ghosting) that occurs when left- and right-eye images are alternately displayed.

    As PDPs are self-illuminating device with full motion-picture resolution, they offer fast response time and are suitable to display fast-moving images. The high-speed 3D drive technology involves the development of new panel materials and LSIs that accelerate the pixel illumination while maintaining brightness.

    Panasonic also developed the crosstalk reduction technology using phosphors with short luminescence decay time and illumination control technology to reduce double-images that occur when left- and right-eye image are alternated on the panel. This technology contributes to achieving high-quality clear pictures with high-contrast and accurate color reproduction. As the new technologies can also be applied to improve the quality of 2D images, they have expanded PDP’s potentials for further evolution.

    To reproduce 3D images, Panasonic uses the Full HD x 2 frame sequential method that displays time sequential images, alternately reproducing discrete 1920 x 1080 pixel images for the left and right eyes on the display frame by frame. The frame sequential method is widely used in showing Hollywood 3D movies in theaters.

    The active shutter glasses employ Panasonic’s technology that controls the timing of opening and closing the shutter in synchronization with the left- and right-eye images alternately shown on the PDP. According to the company, this technology enables significant reduction of crosstalk that degrades the image resolution in 3D display. The glasses are designed to fit for a wide range of users from children to the elderly.

    Panasonic has been working to develop its original Full HD 3D technology to create synergy between PDPs, which excel in moving picture resolution and color reproduction, and Blu-ray Disc players, which are able to faithfully reproduce high quality Hollywood 3D movies.

    The company continues to work on developing 3D products, targeting to launch the products in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. in 2010.

    Prototype Full HD 3D TV and glasses will be displayed at CEATEC JAPAN 2009 to be held from October 6 to 10 in Chiba City, east of Tokyo.

  • IFA 2009: Real Cable Feels the Difference

    VIDEO INTERVIEW. Quality cables become more and more important part of HD – both video and audio – markets. At IFA 2009 in Berlin, Biz-News.com interviewed Catherine Torchin, Managing Director and owner of Real Cable. She described to us the strategy of the company that has already been successful on 25 markets worldwide.

    Laurent Zawadil, Technical Menager for Real Cable, showed us the latest company’s product – innovative 1.4 HDMI cable with additional Ethernet Channel. The cable will be introduced to the market in October this year, but you can take a look at its main features right now.

    This is how the company described itself at this year’s IFA

    REAL CABLE was born in 1999 from the association of experience and conviction to answer the growing demand of High Fidelity and Home Theatre sound and picture perfection.

    Nowadays «Real Cable is one of the top cable manufacturers whose reputation has reached every corner of the world» commented a well-known journalist from a specialised press.

    Thanks to close collaboration with the major Hi-Fi and Home Theatre professionals, REAL CABLE was able to develop 4 product ranges: AVS, EVOLUTION, INNOVATION and MASTER, meeting the strictest technical demands in a variety of budget areas.

    Real Cable manufacture partners are in agreement with the most important certification norms and environmental regulations: ISO 9001 – ISO 9002 – ISO 14001 – HDMI LLC. All Real Cable products are ROHS compliant.

    Today REAL CABLE is a leading company on the French market in the field of high level cables for the Hi-Fi and Home Theatre equipment.

  • IFA 2009: The Clarity of Sound by Harman

    VIDEO INTERVIEW. Biz-News.com interviewed Jurjen Amsterdam, Category Manager for Home Electronics for Harman International. He introduced to us Harman International and the brands under the umbrella of the company, a company that aims improve the listening experience of homes around the world.

    Jurjen gave us a live demonstration on Harman-Kardon’s newest product; the AVR 760 High Quality AV Receiver. The system supports various Dolby formats such as the innovative Dolby Volume technology which automatically adjusts volume levels when you switch between sources and channels.

    He also gave us insights into their new website – to be launched soon – where users can investigate in detail the company’s products.

    IFA 2009 has turned out to be a great event for the company whose stand this year was located at the Berlin Radio Tower – one of Berlins’ protected monuments.

  • IFA 2009: iSuppli Analyst About HDTV Market

    VIDEO INTREVIEW. This time at IFA 2009 our reporters interviewed Riddhi Patel, the iSuppli analyst. Riddhi is responsible for the television and plasma display panel (PDP) analysis.

    She shared with us her latest discoveries on HDTV market as well as her opinion of the nearest future of LCD technology that has dominated our living rooms.

    She was visiting this year’s Berlin expo looking for some big innovations. Watch the video to check out if she has found anything that took her breath away.

    iSuppli is a market research and consulting firm specialized in the electronics value chain. They provide market intelligence services for the EMS, OEM and supplier communities in addition to servicing consumer electronics and media concerns. /

    iSuppli provides research in multiple areas, including: Automotive, Broadband, Digital Home, Consumer Electronics, Mobile Handset, Displays, Semiconductors, Storage, Wireless Systems and more.

  • IFA 2009: Philips Launches Wireless HDTV Link


    Today at IFA 2009, Philips presented Wireless HDTV Link that allows to connect TV to set top box and AV components without any cable.

    Wireless HDTV Link transmits 1080p/30 HD signal up to 20 meters, making it possible e.g. to stream devices like a Blu-ray player to a TV from the other side of the room.

    The device has two digital HDMI connections and two component connections, allowing switching between devices (TVs, DVDs, games consoles) without having to change cables and plugs in between uses.

    Philips admitted that there are products already available that can wirelessly replace cables but, as they claim, their Wireless HDTV Link is the only that doesn’t deteriorate the picture quality “allowing you to enjoy the same high standard of picture quality without wires.”

    HDTV Link allows connecting all major brand (CEC) HDTVs with audio and video. Compliance to the HDMI CEC standard will allow devices to seamlessly work together.

    The receiver has also been specially designed to fit behind standard TV wall mounts so that it is out of sight and won’t ruin the aesthetics of the room.

    It looks as if there was some more room for a device like that on the market, after Belkin has said in July this year it will not be releasing its FlyWire wireless HDMI accessory because of the current state of the economy.

    We can understand the move of Philips even in the time of a crisis, as its Wireless HDTV will cost €599.99, while the Belkin’s device had an expecteds retail price of USD $1,499.

  • First Portable 3D Monitor for Viewing Without Glasses

    The Swiss brand nvp3D introduced the FreeD Multi-Media Player – the first portable autonomous 3D monitor for viewing without glasses.

    This device is autonomous, that means there is no need of a computer connection to view. The content – videos and photos – is displaying on 7-inch monitor from the SD card. Autonomy of the player is limited by the battery to approx. 2 hours.

    nvp3D have been using larger autostereoscopic screens for more than two years but their price remains high and it wasn’t easy for people to acquire content. Now, the company assures its device is priced accessibly for the public at large – already loaded with several short 3D films, it is offered on their site for 450 Swiss francs (~$425).


     

    The Swiss company, based in La Croix-sur-Lutry near Lausanne, actually specialises in 3D documentaries, thus to develop a solution for providing access to 3D content for viewing on the screens, they have worked jointly with manufacturers like Pavonine (Korea), Vestel (Turkey) and Inlife (China).

    They piloted the new player in the final development phases for Inlife, inventor of the product. Initially designed by Inlife as a Photo Frame, the player has evolved in the direction of a 3D video reader.

    “As a small Swiss business, we are please to have been involved in the development of this product, which marks a turning point in the history of 3D,” said Philippe Nicolet, director of nvp3D.

    The company’s www.freedvision.com is, as they claim, the first site dedicated to the world of 3D without glasses. It offers free downloads of content in the appropriate format, to be transferred to the SD card of the autostereoscopic monitor.

    At first, the company will provide videos produced by nvp3d, but they hope very quickly to expand the offer to other source of both videos and photos from amateurs and professionals alike.

    The site will also post general info on the world of 3d without glasses.

    The city of Lausanne, that has lent active support following the release of its first 3D film about the town, will obtain a few FreeD Players to introduce its residents to the new technology, and to serve as a 3D souvenir for honoured guests.

    Swiss Watch TV, owner of the nvp3D brand, is currently seeking investors to finance a project to create live 3D television in Switzerland.

  • IFA 2009: The Countdown Is On!

    IFA 2009 – the business event no. 1 for consumer electronics – will take place in Berlin from September 4-9.

    IFA 2009 will be the second time that the leading brands in consumer electronics and in the household appliance industry have been displayed together.

    This year over one thousand companies will be occupying 200,000 square metres of display space!

    For one week international media interest will be concentrated on IFA. Also the Biz-News journalists will be reporting directly from Berlin covering the latest in CE products.

    Apart from providing the hot news, we’ll be video interviewing the representatives of all the major and interesting companies, which will demonstrate us their newest products and share with as their opinions and expectations related to the CE market.

    In 2009 the main industry topics at IFA will be devoted to HDTV & wireless communications, innovative audio and smart interfaces, as well as ecology and lifestyle.

    Traditionally a large number of new technologies and products make their debut at IFA.

    Here are the expected CE highlights for IFA 2009:

    • VideoWeb S500 – a world first for the first hybrid HDTV satellite receiver
    VideoWeb is presenting the first receiver to combine HDTV broadcasting, internet TV and numerous internet applications in a single unit. The VideoWeb S500 is a high-performance HDTV computer which is constantly updated over the internet with the latest applications and product additions.

    • LG entire screen LED backlighting
    At this year’s IFA LG is presenting its new Slim Direct LED technology which guarantees outstanding picture quality on new LCD TV sets, despite extremely slim lines. Covering the entire rear surface of the screen, the advantage of these LEDs over conventional Edge LED technology is that that they can be partially dimmed. So-called local dimming increases the contrast and reduces power consumption. LG’s new LH9500 will be one of the highlights at IFA displaying this technology.

    • New TV stars from Philips
    The 9700 series once again sets standards in terms of picture definition, contrast and image dynamics. Featuring a characteristic design and brushed aluminium front they look good in every size (40, 46, and 52 inches). All models have a hybrid tuner for receiving analogue cable, DVB-T and DVB-C with CI+ broadcasts. Picture quality is outstanding with the Full HD screen (1920x1080p), while 200 Hertz Clear LCD technology and the Perfect Pixel HD Engine ensure images are detailed, clear and razor sharp.
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    • SV series from Toshiba – fully automatic high-end TV sets
    With its SV models, Toshiba is introducing its first television sets with LED backlighting, which, by combining picture quality, ease of operation and eco-friendliness ensure that viewers can enjoy a premium viewing experience.

    • HD+ Ready receivers from Humax
    Digital equipment specialists and HDTV pioneers Humax are eager for scheduled new HDTV transmissions from SES Astra and private broadcasters to begin. When HD+ is launched in late 2009 Humax will naturally be supplying innovative und easy-to-operate new sets.

    • New TV sets from Sharp
    With Sharp, compared with the alternative method of installing LEDs on the sides, the LEDs covering the rear surface of the LCD provide an even lighting effect and more intense colour. However, LED backlighting technology is not the reason why the two new AQUOS series have received the accolade of “best picture”.

    • New headphones from Sennheiser
    The heart of the HD 800 is a completely new sound transducer and an innovative headphone design. The looks of the HD 800 are the perfect match for its outstanding sound quality. Uncluttered styling and a black and silver finish make this a genuine designer object.

    • Mitsubishi Electric’s new full HD beamer
    Mitsubishi Electric is presenting two new home cinema beamers at IFA, the HC6800 and HC3800. Both of these newly developed products offer Full HD viewing quality, and with their high light intensity are suitable for use not only in dark a projection room but also in the living room.

    • Loewe Reference Home Entertainment System
    Even before the start of IFA journalists were rating the new Loewe Reference Home Entertainment System as the ultimate in design. The Loewe Reference 52 Full HD+ 200 flat-screen TV exceeds all expectations. Featuring a massive 52-inch screen and measuring barely 60 millimetres in depth its sheer presence is impressive.

    • A new sat nav from Falk
    The new F12 high-end sat nav from Falk features a larger storage capacity, high-speed processor, realistic building images, the ability to input special destinations by voice command or clicking on the screen, and is due to become the new flagship of Falk’s sat nav range.

    • T-Mobile – second-generation Android Smartphone, more mobile TV and mobile navigation
    T-Mobile is presenting impressive mobile communication, information and entertainment innovations at IFA. These include the T-Mobile G2 Touch, the second-generation Android-based mobile phone, which can be customised to a virtually unlimited degree. Android Market™ applications allow users to add numerous functions of their choice.

    • The Navigon MobileNavigator for iPhone
    The long list of technical specifications includes Reality View Pro, a lane assistant (Pro), a speed assistant, daytime and night-time operating modes, and an option for displaying POIs en route, thus setting the MobileNavigator apart from its competitors.

    …and many more.

    Be with us at IFA 2009 from September 4th!

  • Blu-ray Won’t Replace DVD as the Primary Drive for PCs

    Despite a rapid rise in the sales of consumer Blu-ray players, a fall in their prices and an increase in the number of high-definition movie titles, Blu-ray drives in PC systems have been left singing the blues, according to iSuppli.

    iSuppli’s recent report says that by 2013, Blu-ray drives will be found in only 16.3 percent of PCs shipped, up from 3.6 percent in 2009.

    “BDs won’t be replacing DVDs as the primary optical drive in PC systems through at least the year 2013,” said Michael Yang, senior analyst for storage and mobile memory at iSuppli.

    “They eventually will find success, but during the next five years, that success will be limited in the PC segment.

    According to Yang, the two main reasons hampering the adoption of Blu-ray drives in PCs include costs as well as the lack of a library of movies that justifies the need for consumers to move to a different drive in their PCs.

    Cost, Yang said, is the primary impediment. Given the high price of the product, consumers are unwilling to pay the extra money in order to obtain a high-definition drive. “The cost issue is amplified by the fact that the library of content is so small that there really isn’t a reason for users to switch at the moment,” Yang added.

    And while this is changing and studios are rolling out more Blu-ray content every week, there remains a long way to go.

    A tertiary factor worth mentioning is the difficulty of supplanting an incumbent storage medium in PCs—a distinction currently held by the DVD-RW drive.

    “From a historical perspective, each of the successful storage media in PCs has gained popularity only when content became available and when consumers actually understood that what they were getting was easy to use and worth the cost,” the report says.

    For instance, the once-ubiquitous 3.5-inch floppy drive had a lifespan of 15-plus years, surviving well past its prime. Eventually, it was replaced by CD-ROMs—which, in turn, gave way to DVD drives.

    A changeover occurred and the floppy disk finally supplanted when it became apparent that CD-ROMs not only offered a distinct advantage but were also the medium being adopted by everything from music to games to movies.

    Such a pivotal moment, Yang said, has not yet arrived for the Blu-ray drive. “It’s undeniable that Blu-ray delivers a higher-definition picture, better sound quality and larger storage space for home entertainment,” he remarked.

    “However, these benefits may have little or no value when viewing the content on a smaller desktop or laptop PC screen and using poor speakers.”

    Until BD costs decline and user knowledge increases, the technology will continue to struggle – the report concludes.