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Tag: 1080p

  • Bose's Latest and Greatest HDTV Offering is the VideoWave II

    Bose is known internationally for their audio systems, but the VideoWave II, the next generation of their popular original home theater offering, gives users a 55-inch HDTV and all that is needed for a full home theater.

    As does the 46-inch in the first VideoWave, the larger HDTV now includes LED backlighting, a significant upgrade over their initial product line. And the 55-inch set features a slimmer profile, for better wall placement.

    The HDTV set has also been given a facelift, with an aluminum-finish bezel and matching click pad remote. The set handles full 1080p resolution and a solid 120 Hz front panel. The magic of Bose takes over in the rear, with their patented waveguide technology running six woofers. Add that to the PhaseGuide sound radiator and you’ve got the power and impact of seven distinct speakers.

    The software is just as smart as the hardware in the VideoWave II. Bose’s ADAPTIQ audio technology customizes the sound settings for maximum quality in the room. It actually bounces sound off the ceiling and the opposite wall, recreating a seamless surround sound experience. It’s a stunning effect, and removes all the clutter of speakers from your space.

    The HDTV set ships with a console unit that accepts inputs from a wide range of devices, including most cable and satellite boxes, Blu-Ray machines, mobile devices and game consoles. The remote has junked infrared reading in favor of radio frequencies, so anything you plug in can be safely stowed away without a connection loss. Add on a dedicated iPod dock, and you’ve truly got all you need for home entertainment.

    The price may be the best part, as purchase delivery and installation is only $5,999. It’s easily mounted on the wall, but also comes with a stand for your entertainment center.

  • LG Launches 4K HDTV in Korea

    LG has long been an industry leader in the high-end HDTV market, leading the way with well-reviewed releases and cutting edge technology. While here in the U.S. we may have to wait a while longer for their next big release, it seems that customers in Korea are finally going to be able to purchase a long anticipated offering from the international company.

    LG had previewed their 84-inch ultra definition HDTV at CES, and will now ship a limited quantity of the devices for sale solely in the Asian country.

    Their ‘Ultra Definition’ HDTV sports a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, with a stunning 1080p image in standard or 3D viewing. It has all of LG’s stock Smart TV features, and will ship with the company’s Cinema 3D passive glasses tech. The timing of the announcement may be a direct response to Samsung’s unveiling of their massive, 75-inch ES9000 HDTV.

    The companies both hail from Korea, and chances are LG simply couldn’t let Samsung beat them to the punch in their native land. The ES9000 has yet to be reviewed, so there’s no telling which device will gain the most traction, but LG is probably betting that the extra nine inches of screen size in their device could sway potential customers choosing between the two.

    According to Samsung, the 4K HDTV will retail in Korea for just under $22,000 US, with a mere 84 units available during the first month. The sound system is truly 3D, with a 2.2 channel set up. American consumers will surely be eager to check out the device here at home, but since hardly any American cable networks are broadcasting in 4K, the lack of content means much of the HDTV’s strengths would go untested.

  • Marvell Unveils 1.5 GHz Tri-Core Processor Capable of 1080p 3D Video for Smartphones

    Marvell has introduced the world’s first 1.5 GHz tri-core application processor, the Marvell ARMADA 628. It incorporates a full System-on-a-Chip design (SoC) with three Marvell-designed, ARM-compliant CPU cores operating as the world’s first commercially available heterogeneous, multi-core, applications processor.

    The tri-core design of new ARMADA integrates two symmetric multiprocessing cores and a third core optimized for ultra low-power. The third core is designed to support routine user tasks and acts as a system management processor to monitor and dynamically scale power and performance.

    According to Marvell, the tri-core architecture provides superior performance and lower power over dual-core designs “while maintaining industry compatibility and leadership – ensuring a richer, faster and smoother experience than any other ARM-based processor available today.”

    The architecture is analogous to a hybrid muscle car. The ARMADA 628 is intended to perform like a race car engine on demand, while still delivering the frugal gas-mileage of a hybrid automobile. In real world terms, this enables the ARMADA 628 to play more than 10 hours of full 1080p HD video or 140 hours of music on a single charge while still providing 3 GHz of raw computational horsepower.

    The new Marvell’s processor comprises a complete SoC design – a first for the industry. In addition to the tri-core CPU, there are six additional processing engines to support 3D graphics, 1080p video encode/decode, ultra high fidelity audio, advanced cryptography, and digital photo data processing – for a total of nine dedicated core functions.

    The company said that the ARMADA 628 is also designed to be the first mobile CPU to provide high-speed USB 3.0 connectivity, which offers 10x faster performance than USB 2.0.

    "Marvell’s groundbreaking tri-core architecture is a unique solution to a long-time problem-how to achieve enterprise performance without breaking the limited power budget of smartphones, tablets and other mobile consumer devices," said Linley Gwennap, principal analyst of The Linley Group.

    The ARMADA 628 is based on a Marvell-designed ARM v7 MP compatible CPU offering 1.5 GHz performance. It offers support to use LP-DDR2 or DDR3 memory up to 533 MHz, a highly flexible display controller capable of driving four simultaneous displays at up t o 2K x 2K resolution, and a highly robust security subsystem that includes a secure execution processor.

    An integrated 3D engine renders 200 million triangles per second for an immersive game play experience and a multi-format video engine supports dual stream 1080p video for a true 3D visual experience. In addition, the ARMADA 628 supports DirectX, Open GL ES 2.0, and Open VG 1.1 – ensuring complete compatibility with the most hotly anticipated mobile game titles.

    ARMADA 628 supports RIM OS, Android™, Linux, Windows Mobile, and full Adobe Flash.

  • 1080p HD Is Coming to YouTube

    YouTube has announced that support for watching 1080p HD videos in full resolution “is on its way.”

    Starting next week, YouTube’s HD mode will add support for viewing videos in 720p or 1080p, depending on the resolution of the original source, up from our maximum output of 720p today.

    “As resolution of consumer cameras increases, we want to make sure YouTube is the best home on the web to showcase your content. For viewers with big monitors and a fast computer, try switching to 1080p to get the most out of the fullscreen experience,” YouTube software engineer Billy Biggs said in a blog post.

    The company also announced they are in the process of re-encoding all the 1080p videos users have already uploaded.

    YouTube will highlight top HD video snippets on its homepage.

    Here is the 1080p sample video

  • ZiiLABS Introduces 1080p Blu-ray Quality Handheld Media Processor

    ZiiLABS announced the ZMS-08, its 3rd generation media-rich applications processor that brings 1080p Blu-ray quality H.264 decode to low-power devices.

    ZMS-08 delivers the low-power, high performance processing required of next-generation connected devices such as web tablets, netbooks, connected TVs, video conferencing systems and home media hubs.

    ZiiLABS says the ZMS-08’s proven StemCell Computing array provides the media processing capabilities to deliver full HD 1080p high-profile H.264 video decode, simultaneous H.264 encode and decode at 720p, 1080p 24fps encode, accelerated OpenGL ES 2.0 3D graphics at up to 1 Gpixels/sec, 2D processing, compositing, image processing and advanced Xtreme Fidelity X-Fi Audio effects.

    With the low-power ARM Cortex processor running at up to 1GHz, the ZMS-08 is aimed at small form factor devices that enable content currently accessed via the PC to spread to mobile and low-energy devices.

    "Combining advanced ARM technology with their own media processing IP has enabled ZiiLABS to deliver the high performance and low-power consumption required to enable the next leap in the mobile internet revolution" said Ian Drew, EVP marketing at ARM.

    Full HD video playback at 1080p supporting H.264 High Profile at up to 40Mbps means users can experience Blu-ray quality video playback direct to their 1080p TV utilizing the integrated HDMI controller.

    Block Diagram

    Support for OpenGL ES 2.0 3D graphics and 1 Gpixels/sec fill rate enable a new class of user experiences including enhanced user interfaces, PC-like 3D gaming and Adobe Flash 10.

    The tightly coupled 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 provides a secure, high performance main CPU that features a 256K L2 cache, NEON, TrustZone security technology and 1 GByte addressable RAM.

    According to the company, dual USB 2.0 OTG controllers with PHY and ULPI interfaces provide direct connection to USB hosts, peripherals and high-speed modems. Four HD video processing units support camera and display input and output processing with the integrated HDMI and Analog video encoders supporting HD-TV 1080p output at 60fps.

    The secure Boot ROM, three SDIO/MMC ports, UARTs, SPI, GPIO and 64-bit and 32-bit memory controller supporting mDDR and DDR2 at up to 333MHz provide the interfaces and memory bandwidth required for today’s media rich connected devices.

    The ZMS-08 is sampling to certain customers now and is scheduled for volume shipment in the 1st quarter of 2010. The chip is housed in a 13x13mm, 424-pin FBGA package.

  • Phillips Launches Wireless HDTV Box in the U.S.

    Philips confirmed U.S. retail availability for its much-anticipated Wireless HDTV Link, introduced in September at IFA 2009 in Berlin.

    The device is currently available for purchase at amazon.com and dell.com with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $799, and will be sold at other online stores beginning November 2009.

    HDTV Link uses innovative technology to wirelessly deliver high-definition TV picture quality (up to 1080p) without ruining the aesthetics of the home.

    It transmits HD signal up to 75 feet away from the TV without signal loss or degradation, making it possible e.g. to stream devices like a Blu-ray player to a TV from the other side of the room.

    The Link allows to connect four AV devices to a TV. It also has two digital HDMI connections and two component connections, allowing to switch between devices (TVs, DVDs, games consoles) without having to change cables and plugs in between uses.

    The receiver has been specially designed to fit behind standard TV wall mounts so that it is out of sight.

    In July Belkin said it will not be releasing its FlyWire wireless HDMI accessory because of the current state of the economy.

  • 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.

  • Onkyo Launches Home Theater Packages for Blu-ray and HD Video Systems


    Onkyo has introduced two new 7.1-channel home theater systems that it claims deliver leading edge AV processing and surround sound reproduction for HDTV and Blu-ray.

    The HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 each feature powerful AV receivers with 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, 130 watt-per-channel amplification, processing for every major audio format on the market.

    This includes the option of incorporating front height-channel reproduction with Dolby’s newly introduced ProLogic IIz processing.

    Each package also includes a high performance 7.1-channel speaker system with a powerful active subwoofer, and Onkyo’s exclusive U-Port single-cable iPod dock and charging system.

    The Onkyo HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 are now available at suggested retail prices of USD $899 and $699 each, respectively.

    Onkyo has also introduced a new BD-Live interactive Blu-ray Disc Player, model DV-BD507.

    The player delivers high definition 1080p video playback and high resolution multichannel audio over a HDMI 1.3a.

    The Onkyo DV-BD507 is currently available at a suggested retail price of USD $449.

  • Belkin Cancels FlyWire Wireless HDMI Device


    After a series of postponements Belkin has finally said it will not be releasing its FlyWire wireless HDMI accessory.

    According to the company, the decision not to offer the FlyWire for sale has been taken because of the current state of the economy.

    With an expecteds retail price of USD $1,499, Belkin felt it would be "out of line" given the global economic situation.

    The cancellation comes after a number of postponements following the Flywire’s first appearance at CES 2008.

    The initially promising-sounding wireless device streams 1080p HD content from multiple HDMI inputs to HDTV televisions using the 5GHz band.

    The unit is a transmitter/receiver combo – and since the tiny receiver required only AC power and utilized a single HDMI output, it could be stealthily mounted behind wall-mounted flat screens or ceiling mounted projectors.

    The FlyWire’s disappointing no-show suggests that the future for HDMI consumer technology is bleak.

  • Mvix Launches "Ultimate" 1080p Home Theater Media Player


    Mvix has announces the worldwide launch of the Mvix Ultio, a hard-disk based media center capable of HD digital media playback with video output as high as 1080p.

    The company claims the device supports the largest array of AV formats and codecs of any media player.

    Ultio supports most 1080p HD video codecs, and formats such as H.264, MKV, Dixv HD, MOV, VC-1, FLV, etc.

    It is also capable of playing unique formats such as AVC-HD (normally used in camcorder footage) or FLAC (the popular, uncompressed audio, craved by audiophiles).

    Mvix Ultio is being launched in two flavors: the regular version (without a HDD) is priced at USD $169, whereas the premium version (bundled with 1TB Hard Drive) will be available at USD $259.

    Mike Mallon, business development manager of Mvix, said the Ultio is internet-ready and pre-equipped with a network port and an optional Wireless-N capability.

    He said it sports a samba server and a UPnP implementation, allowing seamless integration with services like PlayOn or Tversity – for streaming video content from Netflix, Hulu, CBS, Youtube, CNN, ESPN and much more.

    "This is our most comprehensive product to-date and we feel very confident about its market traction," he said.

    The Ultio is available now.