It is all an issue of Image Resolution
There are currently a number of different HDTV formats as adopted by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), based on 720p, 1080i, and 1080p - using refresh rates that vary between 24 Hz and 60 Hz.
The main difference between these HDTV formats is one of image resolution.
The 720p is on the lower-end of the scale with an image resolution of 1280 pixels by 720 lines. The other two formats both support 1920 pixels by 1080 lines. In other words, both support the same image resolution but there is a significant difference in the way the 1080i (interlaced) and the 1080p (progressive) formats build up the image.
Surely, image resolution in fixed-pixel displays is a very HOT topic with many HDTV buyers. For many, the obvious choice is to opt for the latest 1080p HDTV - also referred to as ultra-HD or full-HD by some manufacturers ...but there is a price to pay to get the latest in HDTV technology.
On the other hand, the way the 1080i and the 720p formats build up the image may render the lower resolution 720p format more suitable to display certain image content.
In other words, do not simply jump to conclusions as to which HD format is best. As we will see in this article, each of these different HDTV formats has got its strengths and weaknesses.
1080i: Up to a few years ago, this was considered as the reference standard in HDTV. Nearly all first-generation HDTVs were rear-projection sets that supported this standard.
This format boasts a picture resolution of 1920 pixels by 1080 horizontal lines that are painted on the screen in two interlaced halves (hence the 'i' in the '1080i' format) - by first painting all 540 even-numbered lines on the screen (also referred to as the even-field), and then proceed with the painting of the odd-numbered lines (odd-field). These two fields together form a single frame of 1080 lines.
In the process, the screen is painted 60 times per second (50 times in a PAL signal) - each time painting only half of the lines per frame, with the entire screen being painted in two passes 30 times every second.
Because of the way the interlaced process paints the screen, all picture information contained in adjacent odd and even lines in an interlaced image is 1/60th of a second out-of-synch with the next or previous line. This difference between the two halves of the picture would show up in what are referred to as 'interlaced artifact'. This in itself will impact on the type of image content that is best displayed on an interlaced display.
720p and 1080p HDTV: In contrast, in all progressive-scan formats - 480p (EDTV), and 720p and the 1080p HDTV displays - all scanning lines in a single frame are displayed sequentially in a single pass. This means that a progressive scan image is complete in itself. This also explains why progressive images look better when objects in the pictures are in motion.
The Bottom Line
The 1080i format is more widely supported by manufacturers and broadcasters; broadcasters however would normally broadcast only in either 720p or 1080i but not both. This should not be much of an issue in that any HDTV set you buy should be able to display pictures in any HDTV format by up-converting or down-converting to its native format, i.e. the one in which it's designed to produce a picture.
Theoretically, from a pixel-count perspective, 1080i supports better spatial resolution than a 720p HDTV. In theory, 1080i supports a pixel count of over 2 million pixels as against the 0.92 million pixels supported by 720p HDTV, but due to limitations associated with interlacing, the actual difference in effective resolution between 720p and 1080i is almost negligible. What's more, a 720p display is capable of a better flicker-free picture when it comes to fast moving action movie scenes and sports.
The situation with 1080p HDTV is totally different than that of 1080i. 1080p supports the full 1920 x 1080 pixels (2.07 million pixels) while at the same time, enjoys the added benefit that all 1080 lines are displayed in a single pass.
In other words, 1080p HDTV combines the superior resolution of the 1080 format with the smooth stable image of a progressive scan format.
N.B: It is worth mentioning here that interlaced formats aren't really an option in fixed-pixel displays (DLP and LCD rear-projection as well as plasma and LCD flat-panel). This also explains why display manufacturers are shifting away from the 1080i and instead moving directly from 720p to 1080p HDTV.
And What about 1080p HDTV Sets?
Surely, 1080p HDTV represents the latest developments in HD Television technology. A few of these sets have already started to hit the market.
Not surprisingly, there is a premium one has to pay to get the latest and best in the HDTV world. 1080p HDTV sets do not come cheap but the price gap between a 720p and a 1080p has already fallen below the $500 mark from an average of $1,000 to $2,000 a year ago.
Should you opt for a 1080p HDTV Set, and are these sets worth the extra expense?
Well, there is no straight answer here. It all depends on what are your requirements, yet there are a few facts you should know before making any decision:
Surely, these sets are capable of producing spectacular results with ultra sharp images. But whether you will be able to see the difference in image quality between a 720p display and a 1080i signal displayed on a 1080p HDTV display depends on your TV viewing distance and screen size, more than on the screen native resolution. (It is not the scope of this article to discuss the TV viewing distance but more info in this respect is available at our site at http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/Tv-viewing-distance.html)
In reality, it would be very difficult to detect any difference in image detail between 720p and 1080i/p HDTV material on the smaller sets from 10-feet away. Sit closer and feed your 1080p HDTV set with a good quality HD source, and you will start to see the difference.
Further more, with most of today HD broadcasts, you will be hard pressed to see a difference in picture quality when you compare the image on current 720p sets versus the latest 1080p HDTV models. Surely, if you are thinking of going really big, then the extra image resolution would make the difference. But keep in mind that at present, true 1080p HDTV material is almost non-existent. What's more, none of the major networks has announced 1080p broadcasts - and it is unlikely that they will make such a move in the near future considering the bandwidth requirements.
Nevertheless, one cannot but remark that the whole equation in favor of 1080p HDTV sets has started to change. There are a number of factors that are pointing towards the latest in HDTV - and it is not just the marginal difference in price between 720p and 1080p HDTV sets. In particular, there is the advent of high definition movie players; these will be taking a dominate role in the distribution of off-air HDTV content. It is true that present day first generation HD-DVD do not output in 1080p but first generation Blu-ray will offer it, so HD-DVD will surely have to follow suit at some point in the near future. Meanwhile, 1080p is quickly becoming the new de-facto gold standard for HDTVs, and while - ironically - most pre-2006 1080p HDTV sets did not support a 1080p connection, 1080p inputs are set to become among the basic common supported features in nearly all 2006 HDTVs.
(c) 2004/2005 www.practical-home-theater-guide.com. All rights reserved.
Andrew Ghigo – A Telecoms/Electronics engineer by profession, with specialization in digital switching and telecoms fraud management systems.
Editor and publisher of http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com - a site dedicated to all home theater enthusiasts with the scope of serving as a comprehensive home theater guide to home theater systems, product reviews and home theater design.
This article is an excerpt from a series of guides appearing under the Rear Projection TV Reviews section of the site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Ghigo
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
SAMSUNG Offers First 7TH Generation Line Of LCD HDTVs.
State-of-The-Art 92 and 96 Series LCD HDTVs Set Technology and Style Standards with MP3 Player Connectivity and Hidden Speaker Design.
New York, NY - Samsung's new 92 and 96 Series LCD HDTVs take LCD HDTV design, technology and enjoyment to the next level, offering consumers a truly unique high definition experience. Available in 46", 40" and 32" screen sizes, the latest additions to Samsung's award-winning LCD HDTV family offer a host of new features for the multi-media consumer in an aesthetically-progressive package that complements any home décor.
"Samsung is committed to expanding consumers' choices of LCD home theater through technology innovation," said Dave Das, Senior Marketing Manager for LCD, Samsung Electronics America. "Utilizing advanced production techniques at the world's most advanced Generation 7 LCD fabrication facility Samsung has once again raised the bar for technology achievement with our 2006 LCD models. The new LCD models offer not only phenomenal picture quality, superior design and connectivity, but also provide a high performance, large format LCD solution which discriminating consumers are actively seeking.
Samsung's 92 Series and 96 Series LCD HDTVs include breakthrough technologies with S-PVA (Super Patterned Vertical Alignment) panel technology to provide a wider viewing angle, wide color gamut CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) backlight for a brighter picture and increased color accuracy, and 1080p resolution for the 96 series, 40" and above.
A special Game Mode feature reduces lag and provides improved graphics and sound for a truly immersive video gaming experience. A built-in RS232 port in the 92 series allows users to connect Samsung MP3 player models and other portable audio players and navigate music files on-screen via LCD remote control. Samsung's unique DACS (Dual Audio Chamber Speaker) System features dual dedicated acoustic chambers for expanded low-range, and separate mid/high-range speakers, and SRS Tru Surround XT provide the ultimate in cinematic sound.
92 Series
The 92 series offers 46", 40" or 32" screen sizes, all with the same luxurious styling, so consumers can maintain a consistent design balance when placing sets in additional rooms. Samsung's unique design places the speaker at the bottom of the set to create a clean, hidden effect. The LCD models offer 1366 x 768 progressive resolution and a 92% wide color gamut. With a dynamic contrast ratio of 5000:1, the 92 series LCDs display video in rich, vibrant color for a picture that is more realistic and inspiring than ever. A wide 178 H/V viewing angle allows consumers to enjoy the screen with perfect clarity from almost any vantage point. Two HDMI, PC, Composite, S-Video and side AV connections ensure that users can hook up peripheral devices with ease.
The 46" LN-S4692D has a $3,999 MSRP while the 40" LN-S4092D has an MSRP of $3,299; and the 32" LN-S3292D comes in at a $2,199 MSRP. All are currently available.
96 Series
The step-up 96 series ups the HDTV ante even further, as all models are digital cable ready for added flexibility in tuning terrestrial and cable digital signals. The 40" and 46" models feature 1080p resolution for the best available high definition experience. Both models also feature USB 1.1 and IEEE1394 ports for easy connections to PCs and other digital devices. All of the 96 Series HDTVs feature an expanded 6,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for stunningly deep blacks, and bright, clear whites. The 178 viewing angle provides consumers with a high quality image from almost anywhere in the room.
The 46" LN-S4696D ($4,799 MSRP) and the 40" LN-S4096D ($4,099 MSRP) will be available in August 2006. The 32" LN-S3296D is available in July at $2,299 MSRP.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, advanced digital consumer electronics, information systems and home appliance products. The SEA organization oversees the North American operations of Samsung including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 90 offices in 51 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com
New York, NY - Samsung's new 92 and 96 Series LCD HDTVs take LCD HDTV design, technology and enjoyment to the next level, offering consumers a truly unique high definition experience. Available in 46", 40" and 32" screen sizes, the latest additions to Samsung's award-winning LCD HDTV family offer a host of new features for the multi-media consumer in an aesthetically-progressive package that complements any home décor.
"Samsung is committed to expanding consumers' choices of LCD home theater through technology innovation," said Dave Das, Senior Marketing Manager for LCD, Samsung Electronics America. "Utilizing advanced production techniques at the world's most advanced Generation 7 LCD fabrication facility Samsung has once again raised the bar for technology achievement with our 2006 LCD models. The new LCD models offer not only phenomenal picture quality, superior design and connectivity, but also provide a high performance, large format LCD solution which discriminating consumers are actively seeking.
Samsung's 92 Series and 96 Series LCD HDTVs include breakthrough technologies with S-PVA (Super Patterned Vertical Alignment) panel technology to provide a wider viewing angle, wide color gamut CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) backlight for a brighter picture and increased color accuracy, and 1080p resolution for the 96 series, 40" and above.
A special Game Mode feature reduces lag and provides improved graphics and sound for a truly immersive video gaming experience. A built-in RS232 port in the 92 series allows users to connect Samsung MP3 player models and other portable audio players and navigate music files on-screen via LCD remote control. Samsung's unique DACS (Dual Audio Chamber Speaker) System features dual dedicated acoustic chambers for expanded low-range, and separate mid/high-range speakers, and SRS Tru Surround XT provide the ultimate in cinematic sound.
92 Series
The 92 series offers 46", 40" or 32" screen sizes, all with the same luxurious styling, so consumers can maintain a consistent design balance when placing sets in additional rooms. Samsung's unique design places the speaker at the bottom of the set to create a clean, hidden effect. The LCD models offer 1366 x 768 progressive resolution and a 92% wide color gamut. With a dynamic contrast ratio of 5000:1, the 92 series LCDs display video in rich, vibrant color for a picture that is more realistic and inspiring than ever. A wide 178 H/V viewing angle allows consumers to enjoy the screen with perfect clarity from almost any vantage point. Two HDMI, PC, Composite, S-Video and side AV connections ensure that users can hook up peripheral devices with ease.
The 46" LN-S4692D has a $3,999 MSRP while the 40" LN-S4092D has an MSRP of $3,299; and the 32" LN-S3292D comes in at a $2,199 MSRP. All are currently available.
96 Series
The step-up 96 series ups the HDTV ante even further, as all models are digital cable ready for added flexibility in tuning terrestrial and cable digital signals. The 40" and 46" models feature 1080p resolution for the best available high definition experience. Both models also feature USB 1.1 and IEEE1394 ports for easy connections to PCs and other digital devices. All of the 96 Series HDTVs feature an expanded 6,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for stunningly deep blacks, and bright, clear whites. The 178 viewing angle provides consumers with a high quality image from almost anywhere in the room.
The 46" LN-S4696D ($4,799 MSRP) and the 40" LN-S4096D ($4,099 MSRP) will be available in August 2006. The 32" LN-S3296D is available in July at $2,299 MSRP.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, advanced digital consumer electronics, information systems and home appliance products. The SEA organization oversees the North American operations of Samsung including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 90 offices in 51 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com
SAMSUNG LED Light Sourced DLP Rear Projection HDTV Is The World's First.
Improved Longevity and Increased Color Reproduction
Among 56” Model Features.
New York, NY - Samsung's LED light sourced DLP rear projection HDTV-the first ever introduced to the world-offers consumers a host of benefits, including significantly improved longevity, increased color gamut reproduction, quicker turn-on time and greater environmental friendliness.
The HL-S5679W operates longer and quieter than previously designed light engine based rear projection TV sets. This model also replaces the current UHP bulb with a high-powered LED light source, called PhlatLight™ that has a single chip DLP® light engine, which doesn't require a color wheel and provides improved longevity. Red, green and blue high-powered LEDs sequentially fire to produce smooth, stable color. The LED light engine also ensures a longer lamp life (20,000 hours without brightness degradation) and a shorter turn-on time (seven seconds). The engine is also mercury-free making it more environmentally friendly.
"The LED Light Sourced DLP RPTV once again demonstrates Samsung's commitment to advancing the boundaries of technology innovation and design excellence," said Dan Schinasi, Senior Marketing Manager for Projection TV for Samsung Electronics America. "With improvements in lamp life, picture stability, turn-on time and now a mercury-free engine, the HL-S5679W launches a new era for DLP HDTVs."
The LED light sourced DLP RPTV provides natural color, with an improved color gamut versus traditional CRT televisions. Featuring true high definition 1920 x 1080p resolution and Samsung's Cinema Smooth™ light engine with Texas Instruments™ DLP technology, the HL-S5679W delivers breathtaking on-screen clarity and vividness. Two 1080p HDMI inputs, which are compatible with the latest 1080p source content, provide plug and play connectivity for digital devices, while the Cable Card feature allows the TV to be used without a cable box. And the black glossy finish and integrated ATSC and NTSC tuner ensure that the HL-S5679W will be an elegant addition to any living room. The HL-S5679W is shipping in September at a $4,199 MSRP.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, advanced digital consumer electronics, information systems and home appliance products. The SEA organization oversees the North American operations of Samsung including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 90 offices in 51 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com
Among 56” Model Features.
New York, NY - Samsung's LED light sourced DLP rear projection HDTV-the first ever introduced to the world-offers consumers a host of benefits, including significantly improved longevity, increased color gamut reproduction, quicker turn-on time and greater environmental friendliness.
The HL-S5679W operates longer and quieter than previously designed light engine based rear projection TV sets. This model also replaces the current UHP bulb with a high-powered LED light source, called PhlatLight™ that has a single chip DLP® light engine, which doesn't require a color wheel and provides improved longevity. Red, green and blue high-powered LEDs sequentially fire to produce smooth, stable color. The LED light engine also ensures a longer lamp life (20,000 hours without brightness degradation) and a shorter turn-on time (seven seconds). The engine is also mercury-free making it more environmentally friendly.
"The LED Light Sourced DLP RPTV once again demonstrates Samsung's commitment to advancing the boundaries of technology innovation and design excellence," said Dan Schinasi, Senior Marketing Manager for Projection TV for Samsung Electronics America. "With improvements in lamp life, picture stability, turn-on time and now a mercury-free engine, the HL-S5679W launches a new era for DLP HDTVs."
The LED light sourced DLP RPTV provides natural color, with an improved color gamut versus traditional CRT televisions. Featuring true high definition 1920 x 1080p resolution and Samsung's Cinema Smooth™ light engine with Texas Instruments™ DLP technology, the HL-S5679W delivers breathtaking on-screen clarity and vividness. Two 1080p HDMI inputs, which are compatible with the latest 1080p source content, provide plug and play connectivity for digital devices, while the Cable Card feature allows the TV to be used without a cable box. And the black glossy finish and integrated ATSC and NTSC tuner ensure that the HL-S5679W will be an elegant addition to any living room. The HL-S5679W is shipping in September at a $4,199 MSRP.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, advanced digital consumer electronics, information systems and home appliance products. The SEA organization oversees the North American operations of Samsung including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 90 offices in 51 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com
SAMSUNG Adds Filterbright Technology To New Line Of Plasma HDTVS.
63”, 50” and 42” Plasma Models Delight the Senses
With Superb Picture Quality and Impressive Aesthetic Design.
Offering sharper image details and drastically-reduced reflection, Samsung's new family of plasma TVs sets the pace for explosive growth in the high definition plasma market by delivering to consumers an aesthetically-pleasing, high-performance solution for every home. Samsung's patented FilterBright technology has allowed the world's fastest-growing consumer electronics brand to offer the ultimate in screen quality and technological innovation while satisfying consumer demand for large screens.
FilterBright is a powerful anti-reflective film that absorbs external light and transmits internal light, thereby increasing the contrast levels and preventing unwanted reflection. In bright daylight, FilterBright creates high contrast with pure black to show clearer image details and generate superb industry-leading dark area representation.
"Samsung is in a unique position to leverage its exclusive FilterBright technology with industry-leading color, contrast and brightness, placing us at the cutting edge of HDTV research and development," said Bill Dickey, Senior Marketing Manager for Plasma Display Panels for Samsung Electronics America. "Samsung's plasma screens represent the pinnacle of manufacturing and design expertise. This technology advantage puts Samsung plasmas at the forefront of the flat-panel revolution with superior picture and style in high demand screen sizes to accommodate almost any home environment."
73 Series Available in 50" and 42" models, Samsung's 73 Series plasmas incorporate the newest innovations in multi-media convergence technology in an elegant "invisible speaker" cabinet design and a consumer-friendly swivel stand which allows convenient repositioning for a flexible viewing angle increasing the flexibility of the TV's possible placement without compromising picture viewing quality.
Two HDMI and component connections offer superior and seamless connectivity with peripheral entertainment devices, such as gaming consoles and DVD players. The 16:9 screen aspect ratio and 175 viewing angle provide users with a true cinematic picture from anywhere in the room, and the ATSC digital cable-ready tuner gives consumers access to the latest HD content without the need to add a set-top box.
The 73 plasma series also offers a 9-in-2 multi-card interface slot located on the side panel, allowing consumers to access digital photos and other information from portable digital storage devices. This impressive feature is compatible with all Secure Digital, Multi-Media Card, Memory Stick, Smart-Media, Extreme Digital, Compact Flash, Micro-Drive, Magicstor and Memory Stick Pro memory cards.
The 50" HP-S5073 and 42" HP-S4273 will both be available in July 2006 at $4,299 MSRP and $3,299 MSRP, respectively.
53 Series
The 53 Series plasmas place Samsung's outstanding picture quality front and center in a TrueWide elegant "invisible speaker" cabinet design. The 16:9 screen aspect ratio, combined with Samsung's detailed color, contrast and brightness provide an unforgettable HD screen experience. With a built-in ATSC/NTSC tuner, PC Input, and two HDMI ports, the 53 Series plasmas let consumers expand their entertainment horizons with convenient connections to HD content sources.
The 50" HP-S5053 and 42" HP-S4253 are currently available at $3,999 MSRP and $2,999 MSRP, respectively.
63" Plasma
The 63" HP-R6372 packs a host of high-performance features into a slim "bezel-less" model that is less than 4" deep. Utilizing the picture-quality advances that have put Samsung plasmas at the top of consumer wish lists, the 63" plasma delivers one of the clearest, most-detailed high definition images available. A built-in HD tuner and digital cable-ready CableCARD compatible technology let consumers watch the latest digital broadcasts with ease. Samsung's patented DNIe image enhancer ensures superior picture from almost any source, securing the HP-S6372's status as the plasma display of choice for the true home theater aficionado. The 63" HP-S6372 is currently available at $9,999 MSRP.
Samsung's plasmas display the future of television with stunning depth and clarity. All of the 2006 plasma TVs feature an impressive 13-bit signal processing power for an astounding 549 billion displayable colors, in addition to high contrast ratio (10,000:1) and brightness (1300-1500 cd/m2). Consumers will enjoy a theatre screen experience, as the 16:9 wide display has an unobtrusively-integrated speaker at the bottom of the unit. With a minimum of three HD connections the fifth-generation plasma models provide convenient connectivity for all of today's digital devices. The latest plasmas also feature auto-pixel shift for burn-in resistance and PC picture-in-picture. And with Samsung's elegant new designs, the 2006 PDPs also double as the showpiece of any room, even when the set is off.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, advanced digital consumer electronics, information systems and home appliance products. The SEA organization oversees the North American operations of Samsung including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 90 offices in 51 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com
With Superb Picture Quality and Impressive Aesthetic Design.
Offering sharper image details and drastically-reduced reflection, Samsung's new family of plasma TVs sets the pace for explosive growth in the high definition plasma market by delivering to consumers an aesthetically-pleasing, high-performance solution for every home. Samsung's patented FilterBright technology has allowed the world's fastest-growing consumer electronics brand to offer the ultimate in screen quality and technological innovation while satisfying consumer demand for large screens.
FilterBright is a powerful anti-reflective film that absorbs external light and transmits internal light, thereby increasing the contrast levels and preventing unwanted reflection. In bright daylight, FilterBright creates high contrast with pure black to show clearer image details and generate superb industry-leading dark area representation.
"Samsung is in a unique position to leverage its exclusive FilterBright technology with industry-leading color, contrast and brightness, placing us at the cutting edge of HDTV research and development," said Bill Dickey, Senior Marketing Manager for Plasma Display Panels for Samsung Electronics America. "Samsung's plasma screens represent the pinnacle of manufacturing and design expertise. This technology advantage puts Samsung plasmas at the forefront of the flat-panel revolution with superior picture and style in high demand screen sizes to accommodate almost any home environment."
73 Series Available in 50" and 42" models, Samsung's 73 Series plasmas incorporate the newest innovations in multi-media convergence technology in an elegant "invisible speaker" cabinet design and a consumer-friendly swivel stand which allows convenient repositioning for a flexible viewing angle increasing the flexibility of the TV's possible placement without compromising picture viewing quality.
Two HDMI and component connections offer superior and seamless connectivity with peripheral entertainment devices, such as gaming consoles and DVD players. The 16:9 screen aspect ratio and 175 viewing angle provide users with a true cinematic picture from anywhere in the room, and the ATSC digital cable-ready tuner gives consumers access to the latest HD content without the need to add a set-top box.
The 73 plasma series also offers a 9-in-2 multi-card interface slot located on the side panel, allowing consumers to access digital photos and other information from portable digital storage devices. This impressive feature is compatible with all Secure Digital, Multi-Media Card, Memory Stick, Smart-Media, Extreme Digital, Compact Flash, Micro-Drive, Magicstor and Memory Stick Pro memory cards.
The 50" HP-S5073 and 42" HP-S4273 will both be available in July 2006 at $4,299 MSRP and $3,299 MSRP, respectively.
53 Series
The 53 Series plasmas place Samsung's outstanding picture quality front and center in a TrueWide elegant "invisible speaker" cabinet design. The 16:9 screen aspect ratio, combined with Samsung's detailed color, contrast and brightness provide an unforgettable HD screen experience. With a built-in ATSC/NTSC tuner, PC Input, and two HDMI ports, the 53 Series plasmas let consumers expand their entertainment horizons with convenient connections to HD content sources.
The 50" HP-S5053 and 42" HP-S4253 are currently available at $3,999 MSRP and $2,999 MSRP, respectively.
63" Plasma
The 63" HP-R6372 packs a host of high-performance features into a slim "bezel-less" model that is less than 4" deep. Utilizing the picture-quality advances that have put Samsung plasmas at the top of consumer wish lists, the 63" plasma delivers one of the clearest, most-detailed high definition images available. A built-in HD tuner and digital cable-ready CableCARD compatible technology let consumers watch the latest digital broadcasts with ease. Samsung's patented DNIe image enhancer ensures superior picture from almost any source, securing the HP-S6372's status as the plasma display of choice for the true home theater aficionado. The 63" HP-S6372 is currently available at $9,999 MSRP.
Samsung's plasmas display the future of television with stunning depth and clarity. All of the 2006 plasma TVs feature an impressive 13-bit signal processing power for an astounding 549 billion displayable colors, in addition to high contrast ratio (10,000:1) and brightness (1300-1500 cd/m2). Consumers will enjoy a theatre screen experience, as the 16:9 wide display has an unobtrusively-integrated speaker at the bottom of the unit. With a minimum of three HD connections the fifth-generation plasma models provide convenient connectivity for all of today's digital devices. The latest plasmas also feature auto-pixel shift for burn-in resistance and PC picture-in-picture. And with Samsung's elegant new designs, the 2006 PDPs also double as the showpiece of any room, even when the set is off.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, advanced digital consumer electronics, information systems and home appliance products. The SEA organization oversees the North American operations of Samsung including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 90 offices in 51 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Xbox 360 with HD-DVD to be priced below PS3.
By Rob Fahey
New information raises prospect of high-definition video Xbox 360 bundles
Retail sources in the UK have told GamesIndustry.biz that Microsoft has intimated to them that the HD-DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 will be priced such that console and peripheral combined are cheaper than Sony's PS3.
At E3 last week, Microsoft once again discussed its plans to launch a HD-DVD component for the Xbox 360 later this year, but did not reveal any further information regarding the pricing of the unit.
Currently, the Xbox 360 retails at GBP 279 in the UK, with the Core System version selling for GBP 209, while the 60GB model of the PlayStation 3 is expected to cost between GBP 399 and GBP 419 when it arrives in late November.
Microsoft's alleged comments to UK retailers seem to suggest that the HD-DVD peripheral, which allows playback of high definition movies using Toshiba's next-generation DVD standard, will be priced below GBP 130, making an Xbox 360 and HD-DVD player bundle into a potentially attractive option at Christmas.
Sony's PlayStation 3 features a built-in Blu-Ray drive, which also offers playback of high definition movies, but in this case using Sony's competing next-generation DVD standard - which many industry commentators are tipping as the likely winner of this standards war, due to strong support from many movie studios and other content creators.
Some analysts, including respected videogames industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities, have suggested that the success or failure of Blu-Ray could directly lead to the success or failure of the PlayStation 3 - with the system being seen as good value despite its high price point if Blu-Ray is widely adopted, but Sony faced with being lumbered with an expensive and unappealing component for the console's five year lifespan if Blu-Ray is a failure.
Source: http://www.gamesindustry.biz
New information raises prospect of high-definition video Xbox 360 bundles
Retail sources in the UK have told GamesIndustry.biz that Microsoft has intimated to them that the HD-DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 will be priced such that console and peripheral combined are cheaper than Sony's PS3.
At E3 last week, Microsoft once again discussed its plans to launch a HD-DVD component for the Xbox 360 later this year, but did not reveal any further information regarding the pricing of the unit.
Currently, the Xbox 360 retails at GBP 279 in the UK, with the Core System version selling for GBP 209, while the 60GB model of the PlayStation 3 is expected to cost between GBP 399 and GBP 419 when it arrives in late November.
Microsoft's alleged comments to UK retailers seem to suggest that the HD-DVD peripheral, which allows playback of high definition movies using Toshiba's next-generation DVD standard, will be priced below GBP 130, making an Xbox 360 and HD-DVD player bundle into a potentially attractive option at Christmas.
Sony's PlayStation 3 features a built-in Blu-Ray drive, which also offers playback of high definition movies, but in this case using Sony's competing next-generation DVD standard - which many industry commentators are tipping as the likely winner of this standards war, due to strong support from many movie studios and other content creators.
Some analysts, including respected videogames industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities, have suggested that the success or failure of Blu-Ray could directly lead to the success or failure of the PlayStation 3 - with the system being seen as good value despite its high price point if Blu-Ray is widely adopted, but Sony faced with being lumbered with an expensive and unappealing component for the console's five year lifespan if Blu-Ray is a failure.
Source: http://www.gamesindustry.biz
High Speed & High Sensitivity Are Matched for Seamless Live Cell Research.
Nikon Instruments Inc., a leader in the development of advanced optical microscopy, today unveiled the Nikon EMCCD Monochrome Digital Camera (DQC-FS). The new camera is an ultra high-quality digital camera specifically designed for low-level fluorescence and is an excellent choice for high speed and high sensitivity
applications such as single molecule fluorescence, high speed calcium
imaging and live cell fluorescent protein imaging. The camera can also be
used with the LiveScan SFC confocal system and for micro spectroscopy.
The DQC-FS continues Nikon tradition of imaging innovation by
amplifying low-light-level signals above the CCD read noise by employing
unique electron multiplying CCD technology.
The camera offers researchers extremely high sensitivity through its
on- chip multiplication gain. By incorporating this technology, the DQC-FS
achieves, in an all solid-state sensor, the single-photon detection
sensitivity typical of intensified or electron-bombarded CCDs at much lower
cost and at a higher resolution than is characteristic of conventional
intensified CCDs.
"Nikon's DQC-FS is another example of Nikon's continuing focus on
advanced imaging through innovation," said Stan Schwartz, vice president,
Nikon Instruments. "Capturing images in low light situations has become a
priority in microscopy, and the demand for quality combined with multiple
functions increases every day. The DQC-FS provides microscopists with the
most sophisticated and light sensitive technology available for demanding
digital imaging applications."
Recent imaging applications in widefield fluorescence and confocal
microscopy have increasingly centered on the demanding requirements of
recording rapid transient dynamic processes that may be associated with a
very small photon signal and which often can only be studied in living
cells or tissues.
Technological advances in producing highly specific fluorescent labels
and antibodies, as well as dramatic improvements in camera, laser, and
computer hardware have contributed to many breakthrough research
accomplishments. Nikon's DQC-FS is capable of capturing even relatively
weak signals at very high rates. Incorporating a back-illuminated, frame
transferred CCD, the camera produces a frame rate of 30 full frames per
second at 10MHz to deliver an outstanding ability to record specimen data
at high temporal frequency and high dynamic range using a 16-bit digitizer.
Nikon has bundled NIS-ELEMENTS F software with the new DQC-FS. NIS-
Elements incorporates advanced acquisition control of the DQC-FS, including
changing the digitalization rate, full binning control, and full gain
controls that allow users to utilize all of the camera's features. The
software also features basic image capture capability for every Nikon
Instruments digital camera, automated microscope, and numerous third-party
devices. Optional NIS- Elements AR software extends the quantitative
analysis virtues of the DQC-FS camera.
About Nikon Instruments Inc.
Nikon Instruments Inc. is a global leader in the development of
advanced optical technology. Its product line includes microscopy
equipment, digital imaging, precision measuring and semiconductor
wafer-handling equipment. Nikon is committed to providing technologically
advanced instruments that offer optimal versatility, performance and
productivity. Nikon combines state-of- the-art capabilities with innovative
designs to produce optically superior, ergonomically friendly products for
cutting-edge scientific research, medical and industrial applications. For
more information visit the Nikon website at http://www.nikonusa.com.
Product related inquiries can be directed to Nikon Instruments at
800-52-NIKON
SOURCE: http://www.prnewswire.com
Nikon Instruments Inc.
Web Site: http://www.nikonusa.com/
applications such as single molecule fluorescence, high speed calcium
imaging and live cell fluorescent protein imaging. The camera can also be
used with the LiveScan SFC confocal system and for micro spectroscopy.
The DQC-FS continues Nikon tradition of imaging innovation by
amplifying low-light-level signals above the CCD read noise by employing
unique electron multiplying CCD technology.
The camera offers researchers extremely high sensitivity through its
on- chip multiplication gain. By incorporating this technology, the DQC-FS
achieves, in an all solid-state sensor, the single-photon detection
sensitivity typical of intensified or electron-bombarded CCDs at much lower
cost and at a higher resolution than is characteristic of conventional
intensified CCDs.
"Nikon's DQC-FS is another example of Nikon's continuing focus on
advanced imaging through innovation," said Stan Schwartz, vice president,
Nikon Instruments. "Capturing images in low light situations has become a
priority in microscopy, and the demand for quality combined with multiple
functions increases every day. The DQC-FS provides microscopists with the
most sophisticated and light sensitive technology available for demanding
digital imaging applications."
Recent imaging applications in widefield fluorescence and confocal
microscopy have increasingly centered on the demanding requirements of
recording rapid transient dynamic processes that may be associated with a
very small photon signal and which often can only be studied in living
cells or tissues.
Technological advances in producing highly specific fluorescent labels
and antibodies, as well as dramatic improvements in camera, laser, and
computer hardware have contributed to many breakthrough research
accomplishments. Nikon's DQC-FS is capable of capturing even relatively
weak signals at very high rates. Incorporating a back-illuminated, frame
transferred CCD, the camera produces a frame rate of 30 full frames per
second at 10MHz to deliver an outstanding ability to record specimen data
at high temporal frequency and high dynamic range using a 16-bit digitizer.
Nikon has bundled NIS-ELEMENTS F software with the new DQC-FS. NIS-
Elements incorporates advanced acquisition control of the DQC-FS, including
changing the digitalization rate, full binning control, and full gain
controls that allow users to utilize all of the camera's features. The
software also features basic image capture capability for every Nikon
Instruments digital camera, automated microscope, and numerous third-party
devices. Optional NIS- Elements AR software extends the quantitative
analysis virtues of the DQC-FS camera.
About Nikon Instruments Inc.
Nikon Instruments Inc. is a global leader in the development of
advanced optical technology. Its product line includes microscopy
equipment, digital imaging, precision measuring and semiconductor
wafer-handling equipment. Nikon is committed to providing technologically
advanced instruments that offer optimal versatility, performance and
productivity. Nikon combines state-of- the-art capabilities with innovative
designs to produce optically superior, ergonomically friendly products for
cutting-edge scientific research, medical and industrial applications. For
more information visit the Nikon website at http://www.nikonusa.com.
Product related inquiries can be directed to Nikon Instruments at
800-52-NIKON
SOURCE: http://www.prnewswire.com
Nikon Instruments Inc.
Web Site: http://www.nikonusa.com/
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
The Many Benefits of an Upconverting DVD Player
Squeeze the best image quality out of your DVDs
Let's face it. On the eve of the HD-DVD vs. Blu-ray deathmatch—surely the bloodiest format war since the VHS-vs.-Betamax debacle—any self-respecting technophile is going to watch and wait. A costly, obsolete paperweight is the last thing any of us wants to get stuck with. While you're waiting, I have a few things for you to ponder. Because you're reading Connected Home Express, as opposed to, say, Home & Garden, you probably have an HDTV—likely a big one—and have sunk thousands of dollars into an expansive DVD collection. (Remember when bookshelves were used for books?) Sure, you'll catch the odd first-run movie at the theater, but as you're being bumped and annoyed by strangers in the dark, you're probably thinking about how much better the movie will be on DVD, with you nestled comfortably in your home theater.
The joys of the home theater are multifaceted. A home theater should assault the senses with glorious sights and sounds. But if you still have a formerly cutting-edge progressive-scan DVD player, the sights might not be quite as glorious as the sounds anymore. Thankfully, there's a great way to squeeze every last pixel of fidelity out of those hundreds of DVDs lining your shelves. An upconverting DVD player, for the uninitiated, is like a supercharger for home theaters. The player takes the DVD's meager 720x480 (480i) resolution and jacks it up to 720p or 1080i. This jump doesn't rival the one you experienced when you upgraded from VHS to DVD, but on a big HD display, the results can be stunning.
The reasons to buy an upconverting DVD player are compelling. Consider cost and performance. Are you really in a hurry to start a new HD-DVD or Blu-ray library at $30 to $40 a pop? Also, remember that you're facing a minimum $500 price tag for Toshiba’s entry-level player and a Blu-ray price of twice that amount. You can buy excellent upconverting players for $200 and breathe new life into your existing DVDs. The most crucial factor in the upconverting player’s favor is proven performance. HD players will have backward compatibility with standard DVDs, but who knows how well they’ll upscale? The best upconverting players have been fine-tuned and fulfill their specific role exceptionally well. But are all upconverting players created equal? What are the essential features you need to look for when you're deciding on one of the dozens of players on the market? Read on—we’ve got you covered.
Deinterlacing: Transforming Interlaced to Progressive Scan
Mom used to say, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Upscalers are no exception. The single most crucial component (i.e., the “brain” of the player) is the video-processing chip. The task of ensuring that what you see on the HDTV screen accurately depicts the source material of what’s on the DVD is incredibly complex. Lesser chips need not apply.
The two main duties of the video chip are deinterlacing and scaling. But first, how about a crash refresher course in video resolution? Video on DVD is in 480i resolution, in which 30 still frames are displayed on a TV in two fields of 240 horizontal lines, every second. The “i” stands for “interlaced,” which means the entire frame of video is composed of the two passes of alternating horizontal lines of resolution interlaced together. A resolution of 480i was sufficient on smaller TVs, but the flaws in the interlaced, lower-resolution video become more apparent on larger displays. Increased space between the alternating scan lines can produce a flicker, and details suffer.
HDTVs can display higher-resolution video such as 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. Once again, the numbers stand for the horizontal lines of resolution and the “i” and “p” refer to the method by which the scan lines are displayed. Progressive scanning (signified by the "p") displays every horizontal line of video in one pass instead of interlacing alternating lines in two passes. A progressive-scan picture is a huge jump in video fidelity, flicker-free with enhanced clarity and stability.
Deinterlacing is necessary any time interlaced video—the humble DVD, for example—is displayed as progressive-scan video. In theory, the task of repeating scan lines to form the progressive-scan image is simple enough. But, in practice, there are variables that can seriously mess with video quality.
Consider the source of the video stored on the DVD: The material was created on either film or video. Films are typically shot at 24 frames per second (fps). To store and output the material on a DVD, at about 60fps, a repeat pattern, or cadence, for the film frames (called 3-2 pulldown) is used. The PAL format uses 2-2 pulldown.) To further complicate matters, material shot on video is already at 60fps. And film and video sources often appear together in one movie—for example, filmed scenes with digital-video special effects.
A video processor must be able to automatically detect the correct source for a DVD (with film or video mode), correct the cadence when it’s interrupted by a bad edit made during the DVD production, and deinterlace moving and still onscreen objects differently. Telltale signs of substandard deinterlacing are jagged diagonal edges (“jaggies”), softened details, and juddering during slow camera pans.
Scaling: Low-res to Hi-res
Unless you have a CRT—or picture tube—HDTV, that LCD, plasma, or DLP rear-projection beauty that sits at the center of your home theater is a fixed-pixel display. It has a native resolution, be it 1024x768, 1366x768, 1920x1080, or a variation thereof. This pixel-per-scan-line by horizontal-scan-line count is what every moving image appearing on the TV is displayed at. Unfortunately, video signals come in all shapes and sizes, from the DVD’s 720x480 to 1080i HDTV’s 1980x1080 pixels.
The myriad video signals all have to be converted or scaled to fit the native resolution of an HDTV display. Thus, the upconverting DVD player’s video processor goes to work adding pixels to the DVD’s native resolution to fill up the HDTV's screen. To do so, algorithms copy parts of the surrounding pixels and interpolate what the DVD’s video should look like at a higher resolution.
The process of converting a DVD’s 480i signal to 480p, 720p, or 1080i is incredibly complex and, if done poorly, can wreak havoc on picture quality. Factors such as fast on-screen motion, rapid scene transitions, and video noise from the source material can produce the aforementioned jaggies, visible pixilation (i.e., the “screen door effect”), and color shifting. A powerful, well-integrated video processor will eliminate, or at least minimize, these eyesores.
The Educated Buyer vs. the Electronic Superstore Know-It-All
Deinterlacing and scaling are all well and good, but what are you looking for when it comes time to lay down some hard-earned cash for an upconverting DVD player? First and foremost, just in case I haven't made this abundantly clear, the DVD player must have a well-integrated, quality video processor. A good rule of thumb is that the more deinterlacing and scaling the upconverting DVD player handles, the better the picture will be. HDTVs all have some sort of built-in video processor, but these processors usually pale in comparison with the performance of the chip in a good upconverting player. Let the DVD player do what it does best—optimizing the video—and leave the displaying of the video to the HDTV set.
Several companies make stellar video-processing chipsets with proprietary features above and beyond deinterlacing and scaling.
Faroudja is the maker of the best known and most revered chipset among videophiles. The venerable Genesis FLI2310 chip, found in many high-end, expensive players and a few affordable players such as the OPPO OPDV971H, has a battery of video-enhancement technologies. Faroudja pioneered 3-2 pulldown (or film mode) detection. Cross Color Suppression compensates for artifacts caused by composite video mastering and smoothes out the edges of saturated color fields. TrueLife Enhancement bumps up details in things like skin texture and hair. Directional Correlational De-interlacing (DCDi) tackles the jaggies with impressive results.
Silicon Image chipsets are often mentioned in the same breath as those of Faroudja, and either one has exceptional deinterlacing, scaling, and image-enhancement performance. Its SiI504 chip has a sublime, motion-adaptive deinterlacer in video mode and features a buffer that predicts upcoming breaks in cadence to avoid hits to the resolution that occur while switching from film to video mode. Unfortunately, the buffer sometimes contributes to audio synch troubles.
DVDO’s iScan and the Silicon Optix Realta with Hollywood Quality Video are two other leading video-processing chipsets. Most consumer electronics companies worth their salt offer receivers, upconverting DVD players, HDTVs, and projectors with top-quality video processors. Said companies include Denon, JVC, NEC, OPPO, Runco, Sony, Syntax Olevia, Toshiba, and Westinghouse Digital.
Before you scoop up the first upconverting DVD player with “DCDi by Faroudja” on the box, be advised that the implementation of any chip in a product is at least as important as the chip itself. The aforementioned Genesis FLI2310, for example, has about 2000 registers that control its functions. Changing one register to solve a known issue might affect another register, and house-of-cards-style chaos can ensue. Engineers need to know the chip they program inside and out to maximize its performance. Needless to say, that's not always the case.
Companies don’t exactly advertise the ways they fall short in implementing a chipset. So, how do you know whether an upconverting DVD player with a solid video processor is the one for you? It might sound obvious, but try watching some DVDs on it. If the Best Buy clerk rolls his eyes when you bring in a stack of DVDs, go somewhere else. Superbit editions of action-packed films (Black Hawk Down, The Fifth Element, and Underworld are all fine choices) will separate the pretenders from the real thing. Fast on-screen action is some of the most difficult material to render without errors. Likewise, animation—with its super-saturated color palettes—pushes a DVD player to its limits. Whatever DVDs you choose, pick several that you know intimately; flaws and unintended artifacts in the video are much easier to spot that way.
Try to find a store that has the upconverting DVD player you want, along with either your HDTV or a similar model. Be sure to switch from 480p to 720p and 1080i. Only a consumer with nerves of steel, or money to burn, should buy an unauditioned upconverting player. You can always go back to the Web site with those amazing details after you see the machine in action.
Media Compatibility, Connections, and Firmware Updates
You’ve almost made up your mind. Maybe you've narrowed your choice down to two or three perfectly fine players. The good news is that the hardest part is over. Now, you can look at the details. When it comes to media compatibility, more is definitely better. Even if you don’t currently need support for DivX, multiregion playback, SACD and DVD-Audio, and the multitude of recordable DVD formats, you might want some or all of them in the future.
Because upconverting DVD players are all recent products, just about any model will have either a DVI or the newer HDMI output. Both connections facilitate a pure, digital-video signal from the player to the receiver (if equipped with DVI/HDMI input/output) or HDTV. HDMI gives you a digital video and digital multi-channel audio connection through a single cable. Unless you have a costly receiver with HDMI switching, you’re going to be running the video signal directly to the TV and the audio to the receiver. In this case, either a DVI or HDMI output on the DVD player will suffice. If your HDTV has only an HDMI input—and most of the latest models do—a DVI-to-HDMI converter cable is available.
Keeping the video signal in the digital domain during its trip from the DVD player to the HDTV will produce the highest-quality images. If you forgo DVI or HDMI in favor of even a good quality analog connection via component cables, the video signal goes through conversions from digital (DVD) to analog (component) and back to digital again (HDTV). Such conversions can produce signal noise and image degradation.
Another feature to keep an eye out for is DIY firmware updates. Firmware is the software that instructs the processing chip and determines the functionality of the DVD player. Companies such as OPPO and Philips offer online firmware updates for their products; some other companies offer updates at their service centers or just pretend their products are perfect. Updating the firmware yourself is a simple matter of downloading the file from a Web site onto a recordable DVD and running the program on the DVD player. It sure beats having to buy a new player every year.
A Few Words about Video Fine-Tuning
After you get that shiny new DVD player home, there’s one thing left to do to fully enjoy your DVDs in all their upscaled beauty. If you haven’t had your HDTV professionally calibrated (and at $300, who could blame you?), it’s well worth the time and money to run a test disc yourself. The test batteries go from the quick and dirty THX Optimizer (free on some THX-certified DVDs) to more thorough calibration tools such as the Avia Guide to Home Theater and Digital Video Essentials DVDs. Be forewarned that the Avia and DVE discs are in-depth and time-consuming. A faster, more user-friendly experience can be had with the HDTV Calibration Wizard, developed by the Imaging Science Foundation. Now, sit back and start rediscovering your favorite DVDs.
Source: http://www.connectedhomemag.com
Let's face it. On the eve of the HD-DVD vs. Blu-ray deathmatch—surely the bloodiest format war since the VHS-vs.-Betamax debacle—any self-respecting technophile is going to watch and wait. A costly, obsolete paperweight is the last thing any of us wants to get stuck with. While you're waiting, I have a few things for you to ponder. Because you're reading Connected Home Express, as opposed to, say, Home & Garden, you probably have an HDTV—likely a big one—and have sunk thousands of dollars into an expansive DVD collection. (Remember when bookshelves were used for books?) Sure, you'll catch the odd first-run movie at the theater, but as you're being bumped and annoyed by strangers in the dark, you're probably thinking about how much better the movie will be on DVD, with you nestled comfortably in your home theater.
The joys of the home theater are multifaceted. A home theater should assault the senses with glorious sights and sounds. But if you still have a formerly cutting-edge progressive-scan DVD player, the sights might not be quite as glorious as the sounds anymore. Thankfully, there's a great way to squeeze every last pixel of fidelity out of those hundreds of DVDs lining your shelves. An upconverting DVD player, for the uninitiated, is like a supercharger for home theaters. The player takes the DVD's meager 720x480 (480i) resolution and jacks it up to 720p or 1080i. This jump doesn't rival the one you experienced when you upgraded from VHS to DVD, but on a big HD display, the results can be stunning.
The reasons to buy an upconverting DVD player are compelling. Consider cost and performance. Are you really in a hurry to start a new HD-DVD or Blu-ray library at $30 to $40 a pop? Also, remember that you're facing a minimum $500 price tag for Toshiba’s entry-level player and a Blu-ray price of twice that amount. You can buy excellent upconverting players for $200 and breathe new life into your existing DVDs. The most crucial factor in the upconverting player’s favor is proven performance. HD players will have backward compatibility with standard DVDs, but who knows how well they’ll upscale? The best upconverting players have been fine-tuned and fulfill their specific role exceptionally well. But are all upconverting players created equal? What are the essential features you need to look for when you're deciding on one of the dozens of players on the market? Read on—we’ve got you covered.
Deinterlacing: Transforming Interlaced to Progressive Scan
Mom used to say, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Upscalers are no exception. The single most crucial component (i.e., the “brain” of the player) is the video-processing chip. The task of ensuring that what you see on the HDTV screen accurately depicts the source material of what’s on the DVD is incredibly complex. Lesser chips need not apply.
The two main duties of the video chip are deinterlacing and scaling. But first, how about a crash refresher course in video resolution? Video on DVD is in 480i resolution, in which 30 still frames are displayed on a TV in two fields of 240 horizontal lines, every second. The “i” stands for “interlaced,” which means the entire frame of video is composed of the two passes of alternating horizontal lines of resolution interlaced together. A resolution of 480i was sufficient on smaller TVs, but the flaws in the interlaced, lower-resolution video become more apparent on larger displays. Increased space between the alternating scan lines can produce a flicker, and details suffer.
HDTVs can display higher-resolution video such as 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. Once again, the numbers stand for the horizontal lines of resolution and the “i” and “p” refer to the method by which the scan lines are displayed. Progressive scanning (signified by the "p") displays every horizontal line of video in one pass instead of interlacing alternating lines in two passes. A progressive-scan picture is a huge jump in video fidelity, flicker-free with enhanced clarity and stability.
Deinterlacing is necessary any time interlaced video—the humble DVD, for example—is displayed as progressive-scan video. In theory, the task of repeating scan lines to form the progressive-scan image is simple enough. But, in practice, there are variables that can seriously mess with video quality.
Consider the source of the video stored on the DVD: The material was created on either film or video. Films are typically shot at 24 frames per second (fps). To store and output the material on a DVD, at about 60fps, a repeat pattern, or cadence, for the film frames (called 3-2 pulldown) is used. The PAL format uses 2-2 pulldown.) To further complicate matters, material shot on video is already at 60fps. And film and video sources often appear together in one movie—for example, filmed scenes with digital-video special effects.
A video processor must be able to automatically detect the correct source for a DVD (with film or video mode), correct the cadence when it’s interrupted by a bad edit made during the DVD production, and deinterlace moving and still onscreen objects differently. Telltale signs of substandard deinterlacing are jagged diagonal edges (“jaggies”), softened details, and juddering during slow camera pans.
Scaling: Low-res to Hi-res
Unless you have a CRT—or picture tube—HDTV, that LCD, plasma, or DLP rear-projection beauty that sits at the center of your home theater is a fixed-pixel display. It has a native resolution, be it 1024x768, 1366x768, 1920x1080, or a variation thereof. This pixel-per-scan-line by horizontal-scan-line count is what every moving image appearing on the TV is displayed at. Unfortunately, video signals come in all shapes and sizes, from the DVD’s 720x480 to 1080i HDTV’s 1980x1080 pixels.
The myriad video signals all have to be converted or scaled to fit the native resolution of an HDTV display. Thus, the upconverting DVD player’s video processor goes to work adding pixels to the DVD’s native resolution to fill up the HDTV's screen. To do so, algorithms copy parts of the surrounding pixels and interpolate what the DVD’s video should look like at a higher resolution.
The process of converting a DVD’s 480i signal to 480p, 720p, or 1080i is incredibly complex and, if done poorly, can wreak havoc on picture quality. Factors such as fast on-screen motion, rapid scene transitions, and video noise from the source material can produce the aforementioned jaggies, visible pixilation (i.e., the “screen door effect”), and color shifting. A powerful, well-integrated video processor will eliminate, or at least minimize, these eyesores.
The Educated Buyer vs. the Electronic Superstore Know-It-All
Deinterlacing and scaling are all well and good, but what are you looking for when it comes time to lay down some hard-earned cash for an upconverting DVD player? First and foremost, just in case I haven't made this abundantly clear, the DVD player must have a well-integrated, quality video processor. A good rule of thumb is that the more deinterlacing and scaling the upconverting DVD player handles, the better the picture will be. HDTVs all have some sort of built-in video processor, but these processors usually pale in comparison with the performance of the chip in a good upconverting player. Let the DVD player do what it does best—optimizing the video—and leave the displaying of the video to the HDTV set.
Several companies make stellar video-processing chipsets with proprietary features above and beyond deinterlacing and scaling.
Faroudja is the maker of the best known and most revered chipset among videophiles. The venerable Genesis FLI2310 chip, found in many high-end, expensive players and a few affordable players such as the OPPO OPDV971H, has a battery of video-enhancement technologies. Faroudja pioneered 3-2 pulldown (or film mode) detection. Cross Color Suppression compensates for artifacts caused by composite video mastering and smoothes out the edges of saturated color fields. TrueLife Enhancement bumps up details in things like skin texture and hair. Directional Correlational De-interlacing (DCDi) tackles the jaggies with impressive results.
Silicon Image chipsets are often mentioned in the same breath as those of Faroudja, and either one has exceptional deinterlacing, scaling, and image-enhancement performance. Its SiI504 chip has a sublime, motion-adaptive deinterlacer in video mode and features a buffer that predicts upcoming breaks in cadence to avoid hits to the resolution that occur while switching from film to video mode. Unfortunately, the buffer sometimes contributes to audio synch troubles.
DVDO’s iScan and the Silicon Optix Realta with Hollywood Quality Video are two other leading video-processing chipsets. Most consumer electronics companies worth their salt offer receivers, upconverting DVD players, HDTVs, and projectors with top-quality video processors. Said companies include Denon, JVC, NEC, OPPO, Runco, Sony, Syntax Olevia, Toshiba, and Westinghouse Digital.
Before you scoop up the first upconverting DVD player with “DCDi by Faroudja” on the box, be advised that the implementation of any chip in a product is at least as important as the chip itself. The aforementioned Genesis FLI2310, for example, has about 2000 registers that control its functions. Changing one register to solve a known issue might affect another register, and house-of-cards-style chaos can ensue. Engineers need to know the chip they program inside and out to maximize its performance. Needless to say, that's not always the case.
Companies don’t exactly advertise the ways they fall short in implementing a chipset. So, how do you know whether an upconverting DVD player with a solid video processor is the one for you? It might sound obvious, but try watching some DVDs on it. If the Best Buy clerk rolls his eyes when you bring in a stack of DVDs, go somewhere else. Superbit editions of action-packed films (Black Hawk Down, The Fifth Element, and Underworld are all fine choices) will separate the pretenders from the real thing. Fast on-screen action is some of the most difficult material to render without errors. Likewise, animation—with its super-saturated color palettes—pushes a DVD player to its limits. Whatever DVDs you choose, pick several that you know intimately; flaws and unintended artifacts in the video are much easier to spot that way.
Try to find a store that has the upconverting DVD player you want, along with either your HDTV or a similar model. Be sure to switch from 480p to 720p and 1080i. Only a consumer with nerves of steel, or money to burn, should buy an unauditioned upconverting player. You can always go back to the Web site with those amazing details after you see the machine in action.
Media Compatibility, Connections, and Firmware Updates
You’ve almost made up your mind. Maybe you've narrowed your choice down to two or three perfectly fine players. The good news is that the hardest part is over. Now, you can look at the details. When it comes to media compatibility, more is definitely better. Even if you don’t currently need support for DivX, multiregion playback, SACD and DVD-Audio, and the multitude of recordable DVD formats, you might want some or all of them in the future.
Because upconverting DVD players are all recent products, just about any model will have either a DVI or the newer HDMI output. Both connections facilitate a pure, digital-video signal from the player to the receiver (if equipped with DVI/HDMI input/output) or HDTV. HDMI gives you a digital video and digital multi-channel audio connection through a single cable. Unless you have a costly receiver with HDMI switching, you’re going to be running the video signal directly to the TV and the audio to the receiver. In this case, either a DVI or HDMI output on the DVD player will suffice. If your HDTV has only an HDMI input—and most of the latest models do—a DVI-to-HDMI converter cable is available.
Keeping the video signal in the digital domain during its trip from the DVD player to the HDTV will produce the highest-quality images. If you forgo DVI or HDMI in favor of even a good quality analog connection via component cables, the video signal goes through conversions from digital (DVD) to analog (component) and back to digital again (HDTV). Such conversions can produce signal noise and image degradation.
Another feature to keep an eye out for is DIY firmware updates. Firmware is the software that instructs the processing chip and determines the functionality of the DVD player. Companies such as OPPO and Philips offer online firmware updates for their products; some other companies offer updates at their service centers or just pretend their products are perfect. Updating the firmware yourself is a simple matter of downloading the file from a Web site onto a recordable DVD and running the program on the DVD player. It sure beats having to buy a new player every year.
A Few Words about Video Fine-Tuning
After you get that shiny new DVD player home, there’s one thing left to do to fully enjoy your DVDs in all their upscaled beauty. If you haven’t had your HDTV professionally calibrated (and at $300, who could blame you?), it’s well worth the time and money to run a test disc yourself. The test batteries go from the quick and dirty THX Optimizer (free on some THX-certified DVDs) to more thorough calibration tools such as the Avia Guide to Home Theater and Digital Video Essentials DVDs. Be forewarned that the Avia and DVE discs are in-depth and time-consuming. A faster, more user-friendly experience can be had with the HDTV Calibration Wizard, developed by the Imaging Science Foundation. Now, sit back and start rediscovering your favorite DVDs.
Source: http://www.connectedhomemag.com
Monday, April 10, 2006
Lasers Point the Way to Better HDTVs.
Despite the fact that the laser was invented in 1958 - or so claim Bell Labs and Mssrs. Schawlow and Townes - "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation" devices can still wow even the most jaded technophile (especially when they're used to burn holes in things or otherwise cause spectacular, glowing destruction). Now Mitsubishi wants to harness the power of lasers for less destructive but still highly entertaining purposes.
At its 2006 National Dealer Line Show in Las Vegas, Mitsubishi demonstrated what the company claims is the world's first laser-based HDTV. Mitsubishi's laser-based projection system uses separate red, green, and blue semiconductor lasers aimed at a Texas Instruments 1080p DLP HDTV chip.
Why use lasers in a high-definition projection TV (other than the obvious super-cool I-got-to-have-it marketing aspects)?
Mitsubishi says their laser technology offers "an expanded color depth and the widest color gamut possible from any display source, including LED-lighted displays." The color gamut is said to be 1.8 times greater than that of normal LCD televisions.
Mitsubishi also claims that laser-based HDTVs will require a much smaller footprint than large-size flat-panel plasma and LCD HDTVs - which it says require stand depths of up to 15 inches (for sets with screen sizes of 50 inches) due to the fact they're heavy and have a relatively high center of gravity. Laser technology can result in an HDTV that's lighter with a much lower center of gravity so a smaller footprint table-top stand can be used. A further advantage of laser technology is its scalability which means Mitsubishi should be able to provide thin display devices with larger screen sizes that are easier to produce and less expensive than current flat-panel sets.
No word yet on when Mitsubishi expects to bring commercially available sets using the new laser-based display technology to market - or what the anticipated price points might be.
We're hoping the remote controls that come with the new HDTVs will have built-in laser pointers so we can annoy anyone else in the room while we're watching TV...
Source: http://www.hometheatermag.com
At its 2006 National Dealer Line Show in Las Vegas, Mitsubishi demonstrated what the company claims is the world's first laser-based HDTV. Mitsubishi's laser-based projection system uses separate red, green, and blue semiconductor lasers aimed at a Texas Instruments 1080p DLP HDTV chip.
Why use lasers in a high-definition projection TV (other than the obvious super-cool I-got-to-have-it marketing aspects)?
Mitsubishi says their laser technology offers "an expanded color depth and the widest color gamut possible from any display source, including LED-lighted displays." The color gamut is said to be 1.8 times greater than that of normal LCD televisions.
Mitsubishi also claims that laser-based HDTVs will require a much smaller footprint than large-size flat-panel plasma and LCD HDTVs - which it says require stand depths of up to 15 inches (for sets with screen sizes of 50 inches) due to the fact they're heavy and have a relatively high center of gravity. Laser technology can result in an HDTV that's lighter with a much lower center of gravity so a smaller footprint table-top stand can be used. A further advantage of laser technology is its scalability which means Mitsubishi should be able to provide thin display devices with larger screen sizes that are easier to produce and less expensive than current flat-panel sets.
No word yet on when Mitsubishi expects to bring commercially available sets using the new laser-based display technology to market - or what the anticipated price points might be.
We're hoping the remote controls that come with the new HDTVs will have built-in laser pointers so we can annoy anyone else in the room while we're watching TV...
Source: http://www.hometheatermag.com
Bluetooth Wireless speakers can redefine the living space.
First we got wired, and now we’re getting unwired. Bluetooth took a long time to build momentum, but is now beginning to fulfil its promise with Paris-based Bluetooth specialist Parrot creating an ingenious pair of 60W stereo wireless speakers. Based on the premise people are increasingly carrying their music collection with them, and Bluetooth functionality will become ubiquitous across all handheld devices, the speakers can transform your iPod, mobile phone or handheld into a full blown 2 x 60W stereo system. There’s also a flexibility of room configuration available with the speakers that just wasn’t there before too – frequent furniture rearrangers will love the concept.
Bluetooth is likely to become ubiquitous - Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sanyo, NEC et al are launching mobile phones with music via Bluetooth support this year, Windows Mobile supports A2DP (audio streaming by Bluetooth) and Bluetooth dongles are available for iPods, and moist MP3 players. When that happens, Bluetooth speakers will be everywhere.
The Parrot system is very clever in its design. Each speaker is independent with its own built-in amplifier. The first speaker to detect a Bluetooth source becomes the master speaker and reproduces stereo channel 1. The second speaker pairs up with the master speaker and reproduces stereo channel 2.
The speakers are only available as a white hand-lacquered cabinet but the magnetic black speaker cover can be snapped on or off, and between the two configurations, suits most home or office décor. That’s it – nothing more to know – just keep the communication distance between the source and the speakers to less than 10 m / 33 feet.
Based in Paris and founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux, its Chairman and CEO, Parrot S.A. is one of the profitable, fast-growing companies that emerged from the "start-up" generation. Parrot's core competence has been the technologies for embedded noise, robust voice recognition and signal processing, with applications in mobile computing and mobile communications.
The company also has a complete range of Bluetooth LCD picture frames which can be used in conjunction with your Bluetooth camera, mobile phone or Bluetooth computer to play slideshows of your photographic handiwork.
Source: http://www.gizmag.co.uk
Bluetooth is likely to become ubiquitous - Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sanyo, NEC et al are launching mobile phones with music via Bluetooth support this year, Windows Mobile supports A2DP (audio streaming by Bluetooth) and Bluetooth dongles are available for iPods, and moist MP3 players. When that happens, Bluetooth speakers will be everywhere.
The Parrot system is very clever in its design. Each speaker is independent with its own built-in amplifier. The first speaker to detect a Bluetooth source becomes the master speaker and reproduces stereo channel 1. The second speaker pairs up with the master speaker and reproduces stereo channel 2.
The speakers are only available as a white hand-lacquered cabinet but the magnetic black speaker cover can be snapped on or off, and between the two configurations, suits most home or office décor. That’s it – nothing more to know – just keep the communication distance between the source and the speakers to less than 10 m / 33 feet.
Based in Paris and founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux, its Chairman and CEO, Parrot S.A. is one of the profitable, fast-growing companies that emerged from the "start-up" generation. Parrot's core competence has been the technologies for embedded noise, robust voice recognition and signal processing, with applications in mobile computing and mobile communications.
The company also has a complete range of Bluetooth LCD picture frames which can be used in conjunction with your Bluetooth camera, mobile phone or Bluetooth computer to play slideshows of your photographic handiwork.
Source: http://www.gizmag.co.uk
Friday, March 31, 2006
Toshiba launches HD DVD player.
by Ben Tanner
Toshiba today launched the world's first HD DVD player in Japan. The HD-XA1 is the first playe to support the next-generation HD DVD format, officially beginning the next-generation DVD format war between HD DVD and Blu-ray, set to launch this summer.
The HD DVD standard provides high definition (HD) picture quality and enhanced sound, providing support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD sound formats. The player also allows user to play current DVDs scaled to their HDTVs.
The player also supports the HD DVD formats added features, such as support for advanced navigation and interactive features. For example, the player has a 'pop-up menu' that displays movie chapters with thumbnails while the movie plays, allowing users to navigate menus without stopping the movie. The player also supports 'picture in picture', so users can watch commentary or other featurettes superimposed on the actual feature.
The Toshiba HD-XA1 player is the first next-generation DVD player. Sony plans to launch its own next-generation DVD player based on the Blu-ray standard this summer. After both are launched, there is expected to be a period where the incompatible standards vie for control over the market, similarly to the VHS vs. Beta VCR standard wars nearly thirty years ago.
The two standards are intensifying competition on several fronts. In addition to heating up the rivalry between Toshiba and Sony in the consumer electronics market, Sony and Microsoft are also on opposing sides. Sony will include a Blu-ray player with its Playstation 3 next-generation video game console. With Microsoft supporting HD DVD, it will likely offer a version of its Xbox 360 next-generation console with an HD DVSource:D drive. Various movie studios have sided with one standard or another as well.
Source: http://www.digitalmediaasia.com
Toshiba today launched the world's first HD DVD player in Japan. The HD-XA1 is the first playe to support the next-generation HD DVD format, officially beginning the next-generation DVD format war between HD DVD and Blu-ray, set to launch this summer.
The HD DVD standard provides high definition (HD) picture quality and enhanced sound, providing support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD sound formats. The player also allows user to play current DVDs scaled to their HDTVs.
The player also supports the HD DVD formats added features, such as support for advanced navigation and interactive features. For example, the player has a 'pop-up menu' that displays movie chapters with thumbnails while the movie plays, allowing users to navigate menus without stopping the movie. The player also supports 'picture in picture', so users can watch commentary or other featurettes superimposed on the actual feature.
The Toshiba HD-XA1 player is the first next-generation DVD player. Sony plans to launch its own next-generation DVD player based on the Blu-ray standard this summer. After both are launched, there is expected to be a period where the incompatible standards vie for control over the market, similarly to the VHS vs. Beta VCR standard wars nearly thirty years ago.
The two standards are intensifying competition on several fronts. In addition to heating up the rivalry between Toshiba and Sony in the consumer electronics market, Sony and Microsoft are also on opposing sides. Sony will include a Blu-ray player with its Playstation 3 next-generation video game console. With Microsoft supporting HD DVD, it will likely offer a version of its Xbox 360 next-generation console with an HD DVSource:D drive. Various movie studios have sided with one standard or another as well.
Source: http://www.digitalmediaasia.com
200cm3 HDTV Camcorder to Dominate Market?
Many people in the industry have said that digital camera video is just sort of a freebie that enables the shooting of SDTV imagery. But finally resolution has reached high-definition television (HDTV) levels. In February 2006, Sanyo Electric Co Ltd of Japan announced its DMX-HD1 digital camera, capable of shooting 720p HDTV video and still images with 5.04 million pixels (Fig 1).
Until now there have only been three consumer camcorders capable of shooting HDTV video, and Sanyo is clearly determined to grab itself a share of the market in the initial stages, while it is still developing. The major sales point is the small volume of the product, only 200cm3. This is about half the volume of the HDR-HC1 manufactured by Sony Corp of Japan, the competing compact HDTV-capable camcorder that is proving such a hit.
While the new design is ultra-compact, the specs of the optical system are on a par with those of a standard camcorder.
Another interesting point is that the viewfinder uses an active matrix organic electroluminescent (EL) display panel. Because it is self-emitting it neatly avoids some key problems faced by existing liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, such as response delay and a narrow viewing angle.
While panel life had been feared to be too short, the firm has assured 20,000 hours, which is significantly higher than the 10,000-hour threshold generally used as a guideline for volume production in mobile gear applications. The extended service life was accomplished by creating white subpixels to joint the exiting red, green and blue ones, cutting power consumption.
Can it Escape Niche?
Even so, it seems unlikely that the new product will have any immediate effect on existing camcorder manufacturers. One of the reasons is the short recording time, due to Sanyo's decision to emphasize the small size and use a memory card as the storage media. A single 2-Gbyte SD memory card can only hold a maximum of 43 minutes of 720p video imagery. For common usage, such as at school athletic events, admission ceremonies and the like, the same one-hour storage medium as today's tape-based systems offer would be preferable.
Another problem is that the systems are not yet in place to play back recorded HDTV imagery. HDTV video files can be stored on personal computers (PC), but in most cases they will have to be transferred to an SD memory card and then played back from the camera to view. This is because only the latest high-performance PCs can avoid dropping frames in decoding. The same procedure is required to play back imagery stored to a digital videodisc (DVD) recorder, because existing models cannot decode 720p Moving Picture Coding Experts Group Phase 4 (MPEG-4) files. Sanyo Electric recognizes the problems with viewing, and commented that it is working out how to best resolve them in the next-generation model.
This problem will likely be resolved by adopting an integrated circuit (IC) supporting H.264 encoding and decoding in the successor to the DMX-HD1. And as one engineer at a camera manufacturer pointed out, "One semiconductor manufacturer is already ramping up for volume production of the chip for HDTV-capable camcorders, in 2008."
Once the maturity of the Codec IC is known, other manufacturers will no doubt move ahead with their own plans for memory card-based HDTV cameras. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd, for example, is one such company. It is even possible that the camcorder manufacturer might develop an H.264 Codec IC before a semiconductor manufacturer gets to it. Victor Co of Japan and other firms are developing HDTV-capable camcorders using 1.8-inch hard disks. It seems that HDTV camcorders will be offering a range of competing recording media for some time to come yet, including Sony's mini-DV tape.
Source: http://neasia.nikkeibp.com
Until now there have only been three consumer camcorders capable of shooting HDTV video, and Sanyo is clearly determined to grab itself a share of the market in the initial stages, while it is still developing. The major sales point is the small volume of the product, only 200cm3. This is about half the volume of the HDR-HC1 manufactured by Sony Corp of Japan, the competing compact HDTV-capable camcorder that is proving such a hit.
While the new design is ultra-compact, the specs of the optical system are on a par with those of a standard camcorder.
Another interesting point is that the viewfinder uses an active matrix organic electroluminescent (EL) display panel. Because it is self-emitting it neatly avoids some key problems faced by existing liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, such as response delay and a narrow viewing angle.
While panel life had been feared to be too short, the firm has assured 20,000 hours, which is significantly higher than the 10,000-hour threshold generally used as a guideline for volume production in mobile gear applications. The extended service life was accomplished by creating white subpixels to joint the exiting red, green and blue ones, cutting power consumption.
Can it Escape Niche?
Even so, it seems unlikely that the new product will have any immediate effect on existing camcorder manufacturers. One of the reasons is the short recording time, due to Sanyo's decision to emphasize the small size and use a memory card as the storage media. A single 2-Gbyte SD memory card can only hold a maximum of 43 minutes of 720p video imagery. For common usage, such as at school athletic events, admission ceremonies and the like, the same one-hour storage medium as today's tape-based systems offer would be preferable.
Another problem is that the systems are not yet in place to play back recorded HDTV imagery. HDTV video files can be stored on personal computers (PC), but in most cases they will have to be transferred to an SD memory card and then played back from the camera to view. This is because only the latest high-performance PCs can avoid dropping frames in decoding. The same procedure is required to play back imagery stored to a digital videodisc (DVD) recorder, because existing models cannot decode 720p Moving Picture Coding Experts Group Phase 4 (MPEG-4) files. Sanyo Electric recognizes the problems with viewing, and commented that it is working out how to best resolve them in the next-generation model.
This problem will likely be resolved by adopting an integrated circuit (IC) supporting H.264 encoding and decoding in the successor to the DMX-HD1. And as one engineer at a camera manufacturer pointed out, "One semiconductor manufacturer is already ramping up for volume production of the chip for HDTV-capable camcorders, in 2008."
Once the maturity of the Codec IC is known, other manufacturers will no doubt move ahead with their own plans for memory card-based HDTV cameras. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd, for example, is one such company. It is even possible that the camcorder manufacturer might develop an H.264 Codec IC before a semiconductor manufacturer gets to it. Victor Co of Japan and other firms are developing HDTV-capable camcorders using 1.8-inch hard disks. It seems that HDTV camcorders will be offering a range of competing recording media for some time to come yet, including Sony's mini-DV tape.
Source: http://neasia.nikkeibp.com
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Sparkling HDTV reception can be yours for free.
By Bill Husted,
ATLANTA — I get great HDTV reception — better than from my HDTV cable box, better than from satellite. And unlike the other choices, it's free. The technology I use isn't secret or new. In fact, it's older than the most ancient TV set in your basement. Yet the picture is likely crisper than any you've seen before. It puts HDTV from cable and satellite in the shade. I'll tell you about it in a moment.
Today we'll talk about several ways to get more enjoyment from your HDTV set. We'll start with my recipe for free, crisp pictures. I don't want to keep you in suspense unless it is absolutely necessary. The best possible HDTV pictures — no exceptions, no quibbles — come from those you get using an antenna.
Here's why: When cable or satellite companies broadcast HDTV programming, they use compression techniques to get all that data into their comparatively narrow pipeline. Compressing the data is good for the folks who deliver the signal — it lets them cram more programming into the bandwidth available. It's bad for you. Hey, condensed milk tastes different from fresh milk, and condensed TV looks different from what you get if you didn't tamper with the signal.
Broadcast TV doesn't compress the signal. I live in town, so I can get away with a simple indoor antenna I picked up at Radio Shack. If you want an even better setup, or if you live a long distance from a broadcaster, you may need an antenna in your attic or even on your roof. You won't have any trouble finding old-fashioned antennas — anything from rabbit ears to the big roof-mounted jobs. In fact, HDTV has created a resurgence for the antenna.
Here's a quick way to find out the specifics of what you need to do from your own home: The Web site http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx will tell you which stations are broadcasting in your area and what kind of an antenna you'll need.
In my own case, there's an added bonus besides the great picture — my cable company doesn't carry the HDTV feed for at least one station in my area. But the HDTV version is available using my home antenna. Truth is, as great as the pictures are, I won't be giving up my HDTV cable service. It offers premium movies and other programming that isn't available over the airwaves.
So let's talk about some ways to get better pictures when you're using a satellite receiver or an HDTV cable box.
The cable you use to connect your satellite receiver or cable box to the TV is really important. Don't scrimp when you buy the cable. The cheap stuff produces a cheap signal. There's a simple rule that holds true: The larger in diameter the wire, the more capacity for the signal.
And the type of connector is a big deal, too. If your HDTV offers a connection type called HDMI, use it. HDMI will give you the best possible way to transfer the signal from the receiver to your set. HDMI was once an upscale option found only on top-of-the-line HDTV sets. But it's common now. Use it if you can, instead of component connection. And avoid S-video connections, since that technology just doesn't do a good job compared to what is available now.
The next thing to consider is a tune-up for your HDTV.
Even brand-new HDTV sets, fresh from the box, need some adjusting to get the best picture. There are two ways to do this. You can simply spend some time with the set and adjust it to best suit your eyes, or you can use a DVD made for that purpose.
If you decide to go the DVD route, look for the Avia Guide to Home Theater or Digital Video Essentials: Optimize Your Home Entertainment System. These are the two discs that are most commonly used. But there's another called the Ultimate DVD — Home Theater Fine Tuning Made Simple that is a little newer. All three of these DVDs are available at Amazon.com. Or, if you live near a large consumer electronics store, you will be able to find them there.
The experts universally recommend using some sort of a disc like this, or even an outside consultant who comes to your home and adjusts the set in a much more precise manner than you could do with a DVD.
In my case, after trying a DVD, I decided to do the adjusting to suit my own preferences. Hey, you're the one who will be watching the set, so even if you favor a picture with warmer or cooler colors than are accurate, go for it. The whole notion of HDTV is to get a picture with quality that rivals what you'd see out a window. My tips will help you get there.
These aren't radical changes. But they make a difference. So the next time you feel like blowing up your TV, try my tips instead.
— Bill Husted writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.E-mail: bhusted@ajc.com
Source: http://www.venturacountystar.com
ATLANTA — I get great HDTV reception — better than from my HDTV cable box, better than from satellite. And unlike the other choices, it's free. The technology I use isn't secret or new. In fact, it's older than the most ancient TV set in your basement. Yet the picture is likely crisper than any you've seen before. It puts HDTV from cable and satellite in the shade. I'll tell you about it in a moment.
Today we'll talk about several ways to get more enjoyment from your HDTV set. We'll start with my recipe for free, crisp pictures. I don't want to keep you in suspense unless it is absolutely necessary. The best possible HDTV pictures — no exceptions, no quibbles — come from those you get using an antenna.
Here's why: When cable or satellite companies broadcast HDTV programming, they use compression techniques to get all that data into their comparatively narrow pipeline. Compressing the data is good for the folks who deliver the signal — it lets them cram more programming into the bandwidth available. It's bad for you. Hey, condensed milk tastes different from fresh milk, and condensed TV looks different from what you get if you didn't tamper with the signal.
Broadcast TV doesn't compress the signal. I live in town, so I can get away with a simple indoor antenna I picked up at Radio Shack. If you want an even better setup, or if you live a long distance from a broadcaster, you may need an antenna in your attic or even on your roof. You won't have any trouble finding old-fashioned antennas — anything from rabbit ears to the big roof-mounted jobs. In fact, HDTV has created a resurgence for the antenna.
Here's a quick way to find out the specifics of what you need to do from your own home: The Web site http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx will tell you which stations are broadcasting in your area and what kind of an antenna you'll need.
In my own case, there's an added bonus besides the great picture — my cable company doesn't carry the HDTV feed for at least one station in my area. But the HDTV version is available using my home antenna. Truth is, as great as the pictures are, I won't be giving up my HDTV cable service. It offers premium movies and other programming that isn't available over the airwaves.
So let's talk about some ways to get better pictures when you're using a satellite receiver or an HDTV cable box.
The cable you use to connect your satellite receiver or cable box to the TV is really important. Don't scrimp when you buy the cable. The cheap stuff produces a cheap signal. There's a simple rule that holds true: The larger in diameter the wire, the more capacity for the signal.
And the type of connector is a big deal, too. If your HDTV offers a connection type called HDMI, use it. HDMI will give you the best possible way to transfer the signal from the receiver to your set. HDMI was once an upscale option found only on top-of-the-line HDTV sets. But it's common now. Use it if you can, instead of component connection. And avoid S-video connections, since that technology just doesn't do a good job compared to what is available now.
The next thing to consider is a tune-up for your HDTV.
Even brand-new HDTV sets, fresh from the box, need some adjusting to get the best picture. There are two ways to do this. You can simply spend some time with the set and adjust it to best suit your eyes, or you can use a DVD made for that purpose.
If you decide to go the DVD route, look for the Avia Guide to Home Theater or Digital Video Essentials: Optimize Your Home Entertainment System. These are the two discs that are most commonly used. But there's another called the Ultimate DVD — Home Theater Fine Tuning Made Simple that is a little newer. All three of these DVDs are available at Amazon.com. Or, if you live near a large consumer electronics store, you will be able to find them there.
The experts universally recommend using some sort of a disc like this, or even an outside consultant who comes to your home and adjusts the set in a much more precise manner than you could do with a DVD.
In my case, after trying a DVD, I decided to do the adjusting to suit my own preferences. Hey, you're the one who will be watching the set, so even if you favor a picture with warmer or cooler colors than are accurate, go for it. The whole notion of HDTV is to get a picture with quality that rivals what you'd see out a window. My tips will help you get there.
These aren't radical changes. But they make a difference. So the next time you feel like blowing up your TV, try my tips instead.
— Bill Husted writes for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.E-mail: bhusted@ajc.com
Source: http://www.venturacountystar.com
Get a clear picture on HDTV terminology.
By Don Lindich,
Q: I have a Toshiba HDTV with a 1080p display. Does it convert the 480p signal from my progressive-scan DVD player to 1080p? Do I gain anything from an up-converting a DVD player (such as the Oppo 971) if my Toshiba is already outputting a 1080p display? In any event, I'm very happy with the picture.
Bob Kuhn, Minneapolis
A: Any signal going into your TV will be converted to 1080p for display. More on this later, but first, some background for the rest of our readers.
Numbers such as 1080p, 1080i and 480p refer to screen resolution. The number is the lines of resolution; the higher the number, the better the picture quality. Resolutions of 480 are standard definition television, the format we have been watching for many years. Figures of 720 and 1080 are HDTV quality.
The i and p refer to scanning, either interlaced and progressive. Interlaced scan draws the picture in two separate, interlaced fields. This happens very quickly, so to the viewer it looks like a single image. Progressive scan draws the entire picture in a single pass, producing superior picture quality than interlaced, especially with fast-moving subjects such as sports. This is one reason ABC and ESPN (daughter company of ABC) chose 720p for their HDTV broadcast format.
The most common figures you will see given for TV and DVD players are 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and, lately, 1080p. The 720p, 1080i and 1080p were specified when the new HDTV format was developed.
The 1080p specification of your Toshiba is tops. It combines the highest lines of resolution with progressive scanning. Standard-definition TV only has a 480i specification; the 480p came later with the advent of HDTV. When HDTVs were introduced, they supported higher scan rates that allowed them to reproduce a 480p image.
Realizing the potential for better image quality, electronics manufacturers developed progressive-scan DVD players. These players take the picture information from the DVD and digitally convert it into a progressive-scan image before sending it to the TV, yielding a better picture.
Whatever signal is fed to your TV will have to be converted to 1080p for display, its native display rate. If you feed it an analog 480p signal from a DVD player, it will be upconverted by the TV to 1080p. It will still look great, but some picture quality may be lost. It is usually better to do up-conversion in the player instead of the TV.
An upconverting DVD player takes the progressive-scan DVD player a step further. Instead of simply assembling the 480-line picture progressively, it converts it to an HDTV resolution such as 720p or 1080i before sending it to the TV. It does not create an HDTV image, but if the upconversion is done well, you will get a better picture than you would with a 480p DVD player. If this upconversion is not done well, it will have picture defects and may look much worse than a standard 480p image. Not all players do upconversion well, and some have been noticeably bad, one of several reasons I recommend the Oppo so strongly. It's only $200, has proven to be a top-grade performer, and is very well supported by the manufacturer. Though it outputs 1080i and not 1080p, I do think it will yield a better image than your 480p progressive scan player and is worth the investment. You can see it at www.oppodigital.com.
Now for your 1080p Toshiba. As I noted before, the 1080p specification is the best available. However, no 1080p video sources exist to feed it a 1080p signal, so everything coming in will be converted to 1080p. As you have noted, it looks great and you are happy. Fact is, most people are happy with their HDTV picture, be it 720p, 1080i, or 1080p. Well-done HDTV in any form looks magnificent, and more variations in picture quality will be seen between different models of TVs than the display resolution.
I think we get obsessed with number crunching sometimes. When shopping, don't choose a HDTV based on numbers, but by looking at the picture it produces.
Don Lindich is the creator of the "Digital Made Easy" series of books. Submit your audio, video and digital photography questions to donlindich@ yahoo.com.
Source: http://www.centredaily.com
Q: I have a Toshiba HDTV with a 1080p display. Does it convert the 480p signal from my progressive-scan DVD player to 1080p? Do I gain anything from an up-converting a DVD player (such as the Oppo 971) if my Toshiba is already outputting a 1080p display? In any event, I'm very happy with the picture.
Bob Kuhn, Minneapolis
A: Any signal going into your TV will be converted to 1080p for display. More on this later, but first, some background for the rest of our readers.
Numbers such as 1080p, 1080i and 480p refer to screen resolution. The number is the lines of resolution; the higher the number, the better the picture quality. Resolutions of 480 are standard definition television, the format we have been watching for many years. Figures of 720 and 1080 are HDTV quality.
The i and p refer to scanning, either interlaced and progressive. Interlaced scan draws the picture in two separate, interlaced fields. This happens very quickly, so to the viewer it looks like a single image. Progressive scan draws the entire picture in a single pass, producing superior picture quality than interlaced, especially with fast-moving subjects such as sports. This is one reason ABC and ESPN (daughter company of ABC) chose 720p for their HDTV broadcast format.
The most common figures you will see given for TV and DVD players are 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and, lately, 1080p. The 720p, 1080i and 1080p were specified when the new HDTV format was developed.
The 1080p specification of your Toshiba is tops. It combines the highest lines of resolution with progressive scanning. Standard-definition TV only has a 480i specification; the 480p came later with the advent of HDTV. When HDTVs were introduced, they supported higher scan rates that allowed them to reproduce a 480p image.
Realizing the potential for better image quality, electronics manufacturers developed progressive-scan DVD players. These players take the picture information from the DVD and digitally convert it into a progressive-scan image before sending it to the TV, yielding a better picture.
Whatever signal is fed to your TV will have to be converted to 1080p for display, its native display rate. If you feed it an analog 480p signal from a DVD player, it will be upconverted by the TV to 1080p. It will still look great, but some picture quality may be lost. It is usually better to do up-conversion in the player instead of the TV.
An upconverting DVD player takes the progressive-scan DVD player a step further. Instead of simply assembling the 480-line picture progressively, it converts it to an HDTV resolution such as 720p or 1080i before sending it to the TV. It does not create an HDTV image, but if the upconversion is done well, you will get a better picture than you would with a 480p DVD player. If this upconversion is not done well, it will have picture defects and may look much worse than a standard 480p image. Not all players do upconversion well, and some have been noticeably bad, one of several reasons I recommend the Oppo so strongly. It's only $200, has proven to be a top-grade performer, and is very well supported by the manufacturer. Though it outputs 1080i and not 1080p, I do think it will yield a better image than your 480p progressive scan player and is worth the investment. You can see it at www.oppodigital.com.
Now for your 1080p Toshiba. As I noted before, the 1080p specification is the best available. However, no 1080p video sources exist to feed it a 1080p signal, so everything coming in will be converted to 1080p. As you have noted, it looks great and you are happy. Fact is, most people are happy with their HDTV picture, be it 720p, 1080i, or 1080p. Well-done HDTV in any form looks magnificent, and more variations in picture quality will be seen between different models of TVs than the display resolution.
I think we get obsessed with number crunching sometimes. When shopping, don't choose a HDTV based on numbers, but by looking at the picture it produces.
Don Lindich is the creator of the "Digital Made Easy" series of books. Submit your audio, video and digital photography questions to donlindich@ yahoo.com.
Source: http://www.centredaily.com
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Digital Camera strategy: Launch more, sell more.
(The Jakarta Post Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)from THE JAKARTA POST -- MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2006 -- PAGE 19. How do industry leaders maintain their leading position? In the consumer product segment, it seems that one effective strategy is to keep bombarding the consumers with new products. Take Nokia, for example. Trying to keep up with its new handset products is like running a marathon. It demands a lot of stamina. But the result is outstanding. The company has been by far the leading handset producer in the world, controlling more than 30 percent of market share worldwide
Canon may be another case in point. It is hard to keep track of the new digital cameras that it introduces to the market. Just last week, Datascrip-Canon's distributor for Indonesia held yet another press conference in which no less than eight new digital cameras and a two photo printers were introduced. Apparently, this level of aggressiveness has enabled the Japanese company to stay on top
Because they have just been launched, I have not yet had the opportunity to borrow a demo unit. However, there are a number of interesting new features that we can talk about
Let us start with the most affordable models, the PowerShot A420 and A430. Their main attractiveness is, well, their affordability. The 4MP (megapixel) with 3.2x optical zoom A420 carries a price tag of US$155, while the 4MP A430 with 4x optical zoom A430 costs $180. The latter comes in four different colors to match our mood or the color of our clothes
A more important new feature is My Colors. It allows us to customize the colors in the picture that we have taken. It can be used, for instance, to enhance skin tone or add brightness to an object's face. Or, if you want a bluer sea or greener grass in your picture, you can choose the Vivid Blue or Vivid Green setting in My Colors. Both of these affordable models already have this function
In the midrange, Canon introduced the PowerShot A530 and A540. The A530 is a 5 MP camera, while PowerShot A540 is one MP higher. Both also include the My Colors feature, which is part of the Picture Effect functions
Still images can be captured with a 16:9 aspect ratio and they can be displayed on a wide-screen or a standard 4:3 TV set. Furthermore, if we insert a 1GB memory card into one of these cameras, we will be able to record video for up to 60 minutes. Camcorder makers have to work hard to keep their products competitive against these small digital cameras
The high end of this group is definitely the PowerShot A700 ($ 320). It has the large 2.5-inch LCD monitor, which is getting increasingly popular today. More importantly is the ability to capture images at ISO 800 equivalent sensitivity rating. Canon claims that this rating has passed the industry tests for accuracy
Those who prefer the credit-card size Ixus cameras are also in for a treat. The Digital Ixus Wireless, for example can send picture files over a Wi-Fi connection to a Wi-Fi supporting printer. Of course we need to set up the connection before using the wireless connection to ensure that only certain cameras can have their pictures printed
Digital Ixus 60 ($ 355) does not have the Wi-Fi support, but it has a larger, 2.5-inch LCD monitor. Both of them have a Night Display and Grid Line monitor, which makes aiming easier during the dark night
Canon PowerShot S3 IS is another irresistible camera for professional and consumer (prosumer) segment. The IS stands for Image Stabilizer, which ensures that pictures will not be blurred even if you have rather unsteady hands. At 12x, the zoom capability is very impressive, too. This model uses a 36-432 mm lens, which is great for capturing the architectural magnificence of the old buildings in Barcelona. All the nifty features of the other cameras are available in this one. I wish I had this camera during my trip last month
The true professional will certainly choose the 8.2 MP EOS 30D, the latest SLR camera from Canon. There are so many features in this model that only true professional photographers can understand them
Incidentally, Canon is reportedly the current leader in professional digital camera segment. But, for now, let us hope that I can get a chance to review one of the consumer models before they get updated again
Zatni Arbi, Contributor, Jakarta Copyright 2006 The Jakarta Post
Source: http://www.tmcnet.com
Canon may be another case in point. It is hard to keep track of the new digital cameras that it introduces to the market. Just last week, Datascrip-Canon's distributor for Indonesia held yet another press conference in which no less than eight new digital cameras and a two photo printers were introduced. Apparently, this level of aggressiveness has enabled the Japanese company to stay on top
Because they have just been launched, I have not yet had the opportunity to borrow a demo unit. However, there are a number of interesting new features that we can talk about
Let us start with the most affordable models, the PowerShot A420 and A430. Their main attractiveness is, well, their affordability. The 4MP (megapixel) with 3.2x optical zoom A420 carries a price tag of US$155, while the 4MP A430 with 4x optical zoom A430 costs $180. The latter comes in four different colors to match our mood or the color of our clothes
A more important new feature is My Colors. It allows us to customize the colors in the picture that we have taken. It can be used, for instance, to enhance skin tone or add brightness to an object's face. Or, if you want a bluer sea or greener grass in your picture, you can choose the Vivid Blue or Vivid Green setting in My Colors. Both of these affordable models already have this function
In the midrange, Canon introduced the PowerShot A530 and A540. The A530 is a 5 MP camera, while PowerShot A540 is one MP higher. Both also include the My Colors feature, which is part of the Picture Effect functions
Still images can be captured with a 16:9 aspect ratio and they can be displayed on a wide-screen or a standard 4:3 TV set. Furthermore, if we insert a 1GB memory card into one of these cameras, we will be able to record video for up to 60 minutes. Camcorder makers have to work hard to keep their products competitive against these small digital cameras
The high end of this group is definitely the PowerShot A700 ($ 320). It has the large 2.5-inch LCD monitor, which is getting increasingly popular today. More importantly is the ability to capture images at ISO 800 equivalent sensitivity rating. Canon claims that this rating has passed the industry tests for accuracy
Those who prefer the credit-card size Ixus cameras are also in for a treat. The Digital Ixus Wireless, for example can send picture files over a Wi-Fi connection to a Wi-Fi supporting printer. Of course we need to set up the connection before using the wireless connection to ensure that only certain cameras can have their pictures printed
Digital Ixus 60 ($ 355) does not have the Wi-Fi support, but it has a larger, 2.5-inch LCD monitor. Both of them have a Night Display and Grid Line monitor, which makes aiming easier during the dark night
Canon PowerShot S3 IS is another irresistible camera for professional and consumer (prosumer) segment. The IS stands for Image Stabilizer, which ensures that pictures will not be blurred even if you have rather unsteady hands. At 12x, the zoom capability is very impressive, too. This model uses a 36-432 mm lens, which is great for capturing the architectural magnificence of the old buildings in Barcelona. All the nifty features of the other cameras are available in this one. I wish I had this camera during my trip last month
The true professional will certainly choose the 8.2 MP EOS 30D, the latest SLR camera from Canon. There are so many features in this model that only true professional photographers can understand them
Incidentally, Canon is reportedly the current leader in professional digital camera segment. But, for now, let us hope that I can get a chance to review one of the consumer models before they get updated again
Zatni Arbi, Contributor, Jakarta Copyright 2006 The Jakarta Post
Source: http://www.tmcnet.com
Friday, March 10, 2006
The CALIBUG HDTV - It's Time to Calibrate Your HD Display.
A properly calibrated display is like sleeping in clean sheets. You get a better nights sleep and it just feels right. In the past, you’d need to get a DVD calibration disc, like Digital Video Essentials or The AVIA Guide to Home Theate, but now, with HD displays, calibrating with DVD quality test patterns is just silly. Just plug the CALIBUG to your USB port and you instantly have access to hundreds of HD quality test patterns. The only way you could get all these test patterns in the past was via a dedicated Test Pattern Generators/Sync Generators which cost thousands of Dollars. Your computer has VGA/DVI output, which is how you will get these HD patterns on your screen. The CALIBUG HDTV comes in a standard keyfob version ($129) and a Swiss Army Knife ($149) version. This is a great stocking stuffer for a Videophile!
Source: http://www.ehomeupgrade.com
Source: http://www.ehomeupgrade.com
Developer of digital entertainment systems launches a new home entertainment focused PC with offers 1-1/2TB of storage space and runs Windows XP Media
Media Made Easy, a developer of digital entertainment systems, last week unveiled a new system powered by Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition. The new Media Made Easy HDTV Server is available now for a price of $4,199.
The Media Made Easy HDTV Server, the company said, comes ready to join home entertainment systems with a variety of features, including one and a half Terabytes disc space, Intel’s Pentium D hyper-threaded processor, two high definition tuners, two standard definition tuners, Asus’ GeForce 7800 GTX video, 8 channel 7.1 surround sound and cordless operation by finger-mouse, keyboard and remote control.
"Our customers were asking for a high-end, multi-tuner entertainment server,” said Ronald Schwab, CEO of Media Made Easy, in a statement. “They wanted to see movies, recorded television and music delivered using the latest video and audio technology available. We’ve engineered the server using Intel’s most powerful media motherboard and the latest technology from nVidia to power high-definition video for today’s HD displays and surround sound systems."
Source: http://news.designtechnica.com
The Media Made Easy HDTV Server, the company said, comes ready to join home entertainment systems with a variety of features, including one and a half Terabytes disc space, Intel’s Pentium D hyper-threaded processor, two high definition tuners, two standard definition tuners, Asus’ GeForce 7800 GTX video, 8 channel 7.1 surround sound and cordless operation by finger-mouse, keyboard and remote control.
"Our customers were asking for a high-end, multi-tuner entertainment server,” said Ronald Schwab, CEO of Media Made Easy, in a statement. “They wanted to see movies, recorded television and music delivered using the latest video and audio technology available. We’ve engineered the server using Intel’s most powerful media motherboard and the latest technology from nVidia to power high-definition video for today’s HD displays and surround sound systems."
Source: http://news.designtechnica.com
Friday, March 03, 2006
Exploiting HDMI - a versatile standard?
Launched at CES in 2003 and included in over 70 products at CES 2004, it's undeniable that HDMI has achieved early market acceptance Tim Parker, product specialist - interconnect at Micromark, takes a closer look at this developing market.HDMI, or high-definition multimedia interface has achieved early market acceptance. This year's CES gave an insight into the application of HDMI connectors in alternative consumer products. The potential is there to exploit HDMI in broadcast, production and recording studios, as well as virtual classrooms, video conferencing and medical imaging.
In fact, any industrial application dealing with audio and video data can benefit from this technology.
HDMI
Backed by the industry heavyweights - Sony, Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips and Toshiba to name but a few - HDMI is a fast, uncompressed digital link for audio and video data. It was developed as a superior alternative to DVI to connect high definition video sources to digital displays in consumer electronics equipment such as dvd players, set-top boxes and a/v monitors, as well as handheld devices running Windows CE.
Capable of transmitting up to 5Gbps uncompressed digital video and audio over a single cable, HDMI is a derivative of DVI. It also replaces the maze of cabling usually associated with home cinema products. In addition, it enables the transmission of high-definition content along with 8-channel digital audio with bandwidth to spare.
The bulk of products now benefiting from HDMI, unsurprisingly, come from the home cinema and traditional a/v markets and include digital tvs, plasma displays, LCDs, dvd players and recorders, a/v receivers and set-top boxes.
Essentially, applications traditionally requiring several separate audio and visual leads.
On one level, HDMI is eliminating the cost and complexity of multiple cables used to connect current a/v systems, but HDMI also offers a number of advantages over DVI.
Connectors
HDMI uses a compact, reliable and user-friendly connector, similar to a USB connector, and offers a number of advantages over the bulky SCART socket and connector.
SCART leads and sockets are used to provide stereo sound from a stereo vcr, set-top box or satellite receiver to a tv or display. In addition, it can also provide rgb signals for connecting video game consoles or digital tv set-top boxes. SCART connectors, however, are not very sturdy, and in practice tend to give a fair few problems.
In vcrs, for example, the socket is often mounted solely by its soldered connections, and frequent use can make these become loose, creating intermittent problems. If the lead isn't sufficiently well screened this can give rise to picture problems, as can excessive cable length, and many users have experienced the disabling of teletext functions.
In contrast, HDMI connectors are much smaller and save about 40 percent of the pcb space. Surface mount sockets are available with a panel mounting flange, which sits flush within the unit like other consumer i/o components, and has springs on the side and bottom for grounding and mating retention.
The smt connectors are fully shielded for esd protection, gold-plated for reliability and produced with 100 percent lead-free processing. An easy-to-use friction lock design blends in well with home entertainment equipment while providing secure electrical contact with smooth cable insertion and extraction.
Cables
HDMI has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at long lengths. In order to allow cable manufacturers to improve their products through the use of new technologies, HDMI specifies the required performance of a cable, but does not specify a maximum cable length.
Cable manufacturers are keen to tap into the expanding HDMI market and suitable connectors and cable assemblies are now widely available. Most manufacturers offer HDMI-to-HDMI cables in lengths of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 15m. Lengths in excess of 20m have been tested and are regarded as reliable, and as semiconductor technology improves, lengths over 100m can be reached with fibre optic cables and active cable technologies such as amplifiers or repeaters.
Cable assemblies are available in HDMI-to-HDMI styles for true digital connectivity and HDMI-to-DVI versions to accommodate the transition of equipment still using DVI connectors.
In summary
The uptake of HDMI by the CE industry in just the first year has shown that there is a requirement for an alternative to existing standards, especially in relation to HDTV and digital equipment. Although in its infancy, HDMI is still capable of greater things and we are likely to see its implementation in a growing number of handheld a/v devices and wider industrial applications.
Micromark C&CD
Source: http://www.cieonline.co.uk
In fact, any industrial application dealing with audio and video data can benefit from this technology.
HDMI
Backed by the industry heavyweights - Sony, Hitachi, Panasonic, Philips and Toshiba to name but a few - HDMI is a fast, uncompressed digital link for audio and video data. It was developed as a superior alternative to DVI to connect high definition video sources to digital displays in consumer electronics equipment such as dvd players, set-top boxes and a/v monitors, as well as handheld devices running Windows CE.
Capable of transmitting up to 5Gbps uncompressed digital video and audio over a single cable, HDMI is a derivative of DVI. It also replaces the maze of cabling usually associated with home cinema products. In addition, it enables the transmission of high-definition content along with 8-channel digital audio with bandwidth to spare.
The bulk of products now benefiting from HDMI, unsurprisingly, come from the home cinema and traditional a/v markets and include digital tvs, plasma displays, LCDs, dvd players and recorders, a/v receivers and set-top boxes.
Essentially, applications traditionally requiring several separate audio and visual leads.
On one level, HDMI is eliminating the cost and complexity of multiple cables used to connect current a/v systems, but HDMI also offers a number of advantages over DVI.
Connectors
HDMI uses a compact, reliable and user-friendly connector, similar to a USB connector, and offers a number of advantages over the bulky SCART socket and connector.
SCART leads and sockets are used to provide stereo sound from a stereo vcr, set-top box or satellite receiver to a tv or display. In addition, it can also provide rgb signals for connecting video game consoles or digital tv set-top boxes. SCART connectors, however, are not very sturdy, and in practice tend to give a fair few problems.
In vcrs, for example, the socket is often mounted solely by its soldered connections, and frequent use can make these become loose, creating intermittent problems. If the lead isn't sufficiently well screened this can give rise to picture problems, as can excessive cable length, and many users have experienced the disabling of teletext functions.
In contrast, HDMI connectors are much smaller and save about 40 percent of the pcb space. Surface mount sockets are available with a panel mounting flange, which sits flush within the unit like other consumer i/o components, and has springs on the side and bottom for grounding and mating retention.
The smt connectors are fully shielded for esd protection, gold-plated for reliability and produced with 100 percent lead-free processing. An easy-to-use friction lock design blends in well with home entertainment equipment while providing secure electrical contact with smooth cable insertion and extraction.
Cables
HDMI has been designed to use standard copper cable construction at long lengths. In order to allow cable manufacturers to improve their products through the use of new technologies, HDMI specifies the required performance of a cable, but does not specify a maximum cable length.
Cable manufacturers are keen to tap into the expanding HDMI market and suitable connectors and cable assemblies are now widely available. Most manufacturers offer HDMI-to-HDMI cables in lengths of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 15m. Lengths in excess of 20m have been tested and are regarded as reliable, and as semiconductor technology improves, lengths over 100m can be reached with fibre optic cables and active cable technologies such as amplifiers or repeaters.
Cable assemblies are available in HDMI-to-HDMI styles for true digital connectivity and HDMI-to-DVI versions to accommodate the transition of equipment still using DVI connectors.
In summary
The uptake of HDMI by the CE industry in just the first year has shown that there is a requirement for an alternative to existing standards, especially in relation to HDTV and digital equipment. Although in its infancy, HDMI is still capable of greater things and we are likely to see its implementation in a growing number of handheld a/v devices and wider industrial applications.
Micromark C&CD
Source: http://www.cieonline.co.uk
HDTV gets the glamour, but surround-sound makes a home theater go 'round.
If you're investing in a 5.1 surround system - two front speakers, a center-channel speaker, two rear-channel speakers and a subwoofer - use your ears as a guide.
Alan Lofft, former senior editor of Audio magazine in New York and for 13 years editor of Sound & Vision magazine in Canada, has a simple five-point formula for buying a surround system.
1.) Don't buy speakers in a rush, even if you're only buying two for a stereo setup. Listen to them with your favorite recordings.
"Vocals are a good test," says Lofft, now resident expert for Axiom, an online-only loudspeaker company in Dwight, Ontario.
Guidelines For Choosing Home-Theater Speakers
Visit several retail stores, using the same recordings. Stores may favor recordings of their own that have enhanced bass, an unrealistic test of speakers.
2.) Beware of "home-theater-a-box" systems that include speakers and a DVD receiver. "The electronics," says Lofft, "are usually fine - the DVD player and receiver - but more often than not the speakers are really mediocre to poor."
Instead, look for recognizable brand names, companies that specialize in building speakers. For a home-theater receiver, Lofft recommends these brands: Pioneer, Denon, Harman/Kardon and Yamaha.
3.) Be realistic about matching loudspeakers to your room. "Tiny cubes are décor-friendly," says Lofft, "but if you try to put them in a big room and want to get any impact, forget it."
Lofft says bookshelf speakers suit a room smaller than 2,400 cubic feet (that would be 20 feet long by 15 feet wide with an 8-foot ceiling). Larger rooms demand floor-standing speakers.
4.) Want to hear the deep-bass sound effects on DVD soundtracks? A subwoofer is a home-theater essential. In a smaller room, get one with a 10-inch driver. A larger room requires a 12-inch driver.
5.) Budget the same amount of money for an HDTV and surround system. You'll get sound quality that matches the high-definition, high-resolution image from your HDTV.
- Kevin Hunt (hunt@courant.com)
Source: http://www.courant.com
Alan Lofft, former senior editor of Audio magazine in New York and for 13 years editor of Sound & Vision magazine in Canada, has a simple five-point formula for buying a surround system.
1.) Don't buy speakers in a rush, even if you're only buying two for a stereo setup. Listen to them with your favorite recordings.
"Vocals are a good test," says Lofft, now resident expert for Axiom, an online-only loudspeaker company in Dwight, Ontario.
Guidelines For Choosing Home-Theater Speakers
Visit several retail stores, using the same recordings. Stores may favor recordings of their own that have enhanced bass, an unrealistic test of speakers.
2.) Beware of "home-theater-a-box" systems that include speakers and a DVD receiver. "The electronics," says Lofft, "are usually fine - the DVD player and receiver - but more often than not the speakers are really mediocre to poor."
Instead, look for recognizable brand names, companies that specialize in building speakers. For a home-theater receiver, Lofft recommends these brands: Pioneer, Denon, Harman/Kardon and Yamaha.
3.) Be realistic about matching loudspeakers to your room. "Tiny cubes are décor-friendly," says Lofft, "but if you try to put them in a big room and want to get any impact, forget it."
Lofft says bookshelf speakers suit a room smaller than 2,400 cubic feet (that would be 20 feet long by 15 feet wide with an 8-foot ceiling). Larger rooms demand floor-standing speakers.
4.) Want to hear the deep-bass sound effects on DVD soundtracks? A subwoofer is a home-theater essential. In a smaller room, get one with a 10-inch driver. A larger room requires a 12-inch driver.
5.) Budget the same amount of money for an HDTV and surround system. You'll get sound quality that matches the high-definition, high-resolution image from your HDTV.
- Kevin Hunt (hunt@courant.com)
Source: http://www.courant.com
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Consumer Reports Advice On Buying HDTV, Plasma TV, LCD TV Sets.
A combination of holiday deals on high definition TVs, hoopla surrounding HD television broadcasts of the Super Bowl and Olympics, and the arrival of sets with bigger screens and lower prices will find many consumers pumped up about buying an HDTV. And the March 2006 issue of Consumer Reports magazine suggests that there's no reason tohold off that purchase but also offers consumers some must-have advice when shopping for a new HDTV set. The March issue also contains CR's latest expert and unbiased Ratings on LCD TV, plasma TV, rear-projection and picture-tube TVs.
New brands: Be open to some new names but wary of others. Some off-brands cost much less than major brands and consumers may expect them to be mediocre, as was the result in many cases. But several of the low-priced LCD television sets that CR tested did surprisingly well.
Time a purchase to take advantage of expected price drops. While lesser-known television brands are playing the price card, consumers also will find that major brands are becoming less expensive. The price erosion is likely to continue especially for the biggest, priciest sets. By summer, prices of 50-inch plasma TVs and LCD TV flat panels larger than 40 inches could fall by $500. But little change is likely for picture-tube TVs and CRT-based rear-projection TV sets. The magazine notes that consumers could save money on the biggest-screen TVs if they are willing to wait a few months. But CR also advises that there's little reason to wait to buy a smaller LCD television or plasma TV set, or a tube-based set.
Buy a big screen TV to see the best HD broadcasts. Consumer Reports' survey of 500 HDTV owners showed that viewing enjoyment increased with screen size, and many wished they'd purchased a bigger set. The magazine recommends opting for a 16:9 wide screen, which is better suited to viewing HD TV programming. And for optimal viewing, sit at least 4 feet from a 37-inch or smaller HDTV set and 5 to 9 feet from a 40-65-inch screen. Images may appear coarse to viewers sitting any closer.
Consider the digital-tuner setup. HD-ready TVs require an external digital tuner such as a cable or satellite box to receive high-definition broadcasts. Integrated HDTV sets have built-in digital tuners that enable them to receive free broadcast digital signals, including HD, via VHF/UHF antenna. But they need a cable or satellite box to receive HD programs and premium channels via those subscription services. Some integrated TV sets also have QAM tuners. Besides getting digital signals by antenna, they can receive unscrambled digital-cable signals - including the local HD channels in cable packages - via a cable into the set, without a box. Digital-cable-ready (DCR) televisions can tune in HD TV programming and premium channels with a CableCard (rented from the cable company for a few dollars a month) that goes into a slot on the TV. But CR notes that DCR TV is one-way, so there is no access to interactive program guides, video on demand, or pay-per-view ordering via the remote. Second-generation DCR-TVs aren't due for a while.
Decide whether to pay top dollar for a state-of-the-art 1080p TV. In Consumer Reports initial tests of 1080p sets (the first with the potential to display all the detail in 1080i signals, the most common HD TV format) some showed very fine detail but others didn't make the most of the high resolution. Improved detail related to 1080p resolution alone doesn't guarantee excellent images. If consumers want the best possible quality and cost is no issue, CR recommends shoppers buy a 1080p set. But if excellent picture quality is top priority, consumers can save by buying one of the best non-1080p TV sets instead.
Consider differences in reliability. Consumer Reports notes that it's too soon to know about the long-term reliability of many of these TV sets and advises that consumers not rule out an extended warranty for LCD television and plasma television sets, especially for off-brands and expensive models. But the magazine also warns that consumers should pay no more than 15 to 20 percent of the TV's cost. Microdisplays using LCD TV, DLP, or LCoS TV technology have been the most repair-prone type during their first year of use according to CR survey data. Toshiba DLP TVs have been less repair-prone than most.
The full report on CR's must-have advice for HDTV shoppers and the latest Ratings of LCD television, Plasma television, Rear-projection television and picture-tube TVs appears in the March 2006 issue of Consumer Reports on sale wherever magazines are sold. The report will also be available online to subscribers of ConsumerReports.org at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Source: http://www.infozine.com
New brands: Be open to some new names but wary of others. Some off-brands cost much less than major brands and consumers may expect them to be mediocre, as was the result in many cases. But several of the low-priced LCD television sets that CR tested did surprisingly well.
Time a purchase to take advantage of expected price drops. While lesser-known television brands are playing the price card, consumers also will find that major brands are becoming less expensive. The price erosion is likely to continue especially for the biggest, priciest sets. By summer, prices of 50-inch plasma TVs and LCD TV flat panels larger than 40 inches could fall by $500. But little change is likely for picture-tube TVs and CRT-based rear-projection TV sets. The magazine notes that consumers could save money on the biggest-screen TVs if they are willing to wait a few months. But CR also advises that there's little reason to wait to buy a smaller LCD television or plasma TV set, or a tube-based set.
Buy a big screen TV to see the best HD broadcasts. Consumer Reports' survey of 500 HDTV owners showed that viewing enjoyment increased with screen size, and many wished they'd purchased a bigger set. The magazine recommends opting for a 16:9 wide screen, which is better suited to viewing HD TV programming. And for optimal viewing, sit at least 4 feet from a 37-inch or smaller HDTV set and 5 to 9 feet from a 40-65-inch screen. Images may appear coarse to viewers sitting any closer.
Consider the digital-tuner setup. HD-ready TVs require an external digital tuner such as a cable or satellite box to receive high-definition broadcasts. Integrated HDTV sets have built-in digital tuners that enable them to receive free broadcast digital signals, including HD, via VHF/UHF antenna. But they need a cable or satellite box to receive HD programs and premium channels via those subscription services. Some integrated TV sets also have QAM tuners. Besides getting digital signals by antenna, they can receive unscrambled digital-cable signals - including the local HD channels in cable packages - via a cable into the set, without a box. Digital-cable-ready (DCR) televisions can tune in HD TV programming and premium channels with a CableCard (rented from the cable company for a few dollars a month) that goes into a slot on the TV. But CR notes that DCR TV is one-way, so there is no access to interactive program guides, video on demand, or pay-per-view ordering via the remote. Second-generation DCR-TVs aren't due for a while.
Decide whether to pay top dollar for a state-of-the-art 1080p TV. In Consumer Reports initial tests of 1080p sets (the first with the potential to display all the detail in 1080i signals, the most common HD TV format) some showed very fine detail but others didn't make the most of the high resolution. Improved detail related to 1080p resolution alone doesn't guarantee excellent images. If consumers want the best possible quality and cost is no issue, CR recommends shoppers buy a 1080p set. But if excellent picture quality is top priority, consumers can save by buying one of the best non-1080p TV sets instead.
Consider differences in reliability. Consumer Reports notes that it's too soon to know about the long-term reliability of many of these TV sets and advises that consumers not rule out an extended warranty for LCD television and plasma television sets, especially for off-brands and expensive models. But the magazine also warns that consumers should pay no more than 15 to 20 percent of the TV's cost. Microdisplays using LCD TV, DLP, or LCoS TV technology have been the most repair-prone type during their first year of use according to CR survey data. Toshiba DLP TVs have been less repair-prone than most.
The full report on CR's must-have advice for HDTV shoppers and the latest Ratings of LCD television, Plasma television, Rear-projection television and picture-tube TVs appears in the March 2006 issue of Consumer Reports on sale wherever magazines are sold. The report will also be available online to subscribers of ConsumerReports.org at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Source: http://www.infozine.com
Saturday, February 25, 2006
TI to bring HD video capability to digital still cameras.
Texas Instruments (TI) has developed a processor for digital still cameras (DSCs), which promises not only to accelerate the processing speed of digital shots, but also to provide enough horsepower for the creation of HD quality videos.
TI's new processor is a member of the DaVinci DM644 chip family which is positioned by the company for implementation in a range of consumer electronics. The company claims that the processor delivers roughly three times the performance of current DSC processors and therefore will be enable new applications for digital cameras.
Among those new features envisioned by TI is a higher image quality for digital pictures with resolutions pf up to 16 megapixels. Processing of images can be done in real time without requiring a memory buffer. Images are written immediately to the memory, which should cut the storage time of digital images about in half, TI claims. DaVinci chips will also be able to apply red-eye removal while a picture is taken, improve image stabilization features, support image editing functions integrated into a camera and allow users to take low-light pictures with ISO settings up to ISO 3200.
The processor, however, also addresses the recording of video in DSCs, which is still not taken seriously by video enthusiasts. High-Definition is just beginning to become popular in high-end consumer camcorders, but TI claims that the DaVinci chip can actually bring HD recording to the DSC market. According to the chips specifications, 720p resolutions are supported for encoding and decoding MPEG2 formats, as well as for decoding WMV9 and MPEG4. The company also lists a DaVinci processor on its website that is described at "1080i+" capable. The maximum processing speed offered by the chip is 75 megapixels per second, TI said.
TI's processor design is based on the ARM926EJ-S, a 32-bit RISC processor blueprint provided by ARM. The specifications of the chip indicate that the basic 130nm design is developed for a clock speed of up to 266 MHz. However, TI is running its DaVinci chips at 300 MHz. Besides an increased frequency, TI added to the ARM design a DSP and video processing subsystem, support for on-screen displays and video encoding, as well as peripheral interfaces for example for USB 2.0, audio output and memory (DDR and Flash).
The question with such new designs is generally, when they can be implemented by system builders. TI claims that its DaVinci technology is a "flexible" processor that enables OEMS to "quickly, easily and cost-effectively differentiate their products." It may help that "manufacturers using DaVinci technology can implement their own intellectual property in their digital cameras designs" to increase the time to market, but rather lengthy product cycles of digital cameras tell us that DaVinci cameras are still two product generations away.
Source: http://www.tgdaily.com
TI's new processor is a member of the DaVinci DM644 chip family which is positioned by the company for implementation in a range of consumer electronics. The company claims that the processor delivers roughly three times the performance of current DSC processors and therefore will be enable new applications for digital cameras.
Among those new features envisioned by TI is a higher image quality for digital pictures with resolutions pf up to 16 megapixels. Processing of images can be done in real time without requiring a memory buffer. Images are written immediately to the memory, which should cut the storage time of digital images about in half, TI claims. DaVinci chips will also be able to apply red-eye removal while a picture is taken, improve image stabilization features, support image editing functions integrated into a camera and allow users to take low-light pictures with ISO settings up to ISO 3200.
The processor, however, also addresses the recording of video in DSCs, which is still not taken seriously by video enthusiasts. High-Definition is just beginning to become popular in high-end consumer camcorders, but TI claims that the DaVinci chip can actually bring HD recording to the DSC market. According to the chips specifications, 720p resolutions are supported for encoding and decoding MPEG2 formats, as well as for decoding WMV9 and MPEG4. The company also lists a DaVinci processor on its website that is described at "1080i+" capable. The maximum processing speed offered by the chip is 75 megapixels per second, TI said.
TI's processor design is based on the ARM926EJ-S, a 32-bit RISC processor blueprint provided by ARM. The specifications of the chip indicate that the basic 130nm design is developed for a clock speed of up to 266 MHz. However, TI is running its DaVinci chips at 300 MHz. Besides an increased frequency, TI added to the ARM design a DSP and video processing subsystem, support for on-screen displays and video encoding, as well as peripheral interfaces for example for USB 2.0, audio output and memory (DDR and Flash).
The question with such new designs is generally, when they can be implemented by system builders. TI claims that its DaVinci technology is a "flexible" processor that enables OEMS to "quickly, easily and cost-effectively differentiate their products." It may help that "manufacturers using DaVinci technology can implement their own intellectual property in their digital cameras designs" to increase the time to market, but rather lengthy product cycles of digital cameras tell us that DaVinci cameras are still two product generations away.
Source: http://www.tgdaily.com
Samsung Digimax S500, S600 and S800 Digital Cameras.
At PMA 2006 Samsung Electronics will be displaying three models within its Premium line of Digimax Series. The 5MP Samsung Digimax S500, The 6MP Samsung Digimax S600 And the 8MP Samsung Digimax S800 promise performance style and at a great price. All three models feature a bright 2.4-inch LCD, with 3x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom both in still and movie mode. The 3x and 5x zoom provide an impressive total zoom of 15x in conjunction.
When talking about video recording the Samsung Digimax S800 records high-quality and high compression MPEG-4 video format while models Samsung Digimax S600 and S500 support MJPEG vide recording. The Samsung Digimax S800 being a high end camera can record more than one-hour of high quality VGA (640X480) video at 30 fps when using a 256 MB memory card. It also has a built in movie stabilization which detects and corrects minor lateral and vertical camera movement. Users can take full advantage of the 3x optical zoom when recording movie which is present in all three models. Users for better creative control can take advantage of features like in built trimming and editing tools. There is also the successive video function that allows shooters to pause and resume video recording. The S series has a 32 MB built in memory and Copy to Card function which transfer images from the internal memory to external memory
The S Series models have seven scene modes including: Landscape, Close-Up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks and Beach & Snow and has a Special Effects Hot Key where users can access different special effects by just one button. All the models have a great Macro Mode where the Auto Macro function automatically adjusts shooting distance and focus between 5cm to infinity. Another unique feature present in all the S models is the Composite Shot that allows the user to take two-to-four, and save them into a single file.
Other functions include voice recording, voice memo and One-touch Playback" for instant playback. All are available now and the prices are the folowing.
Digimax S500 $179.99
Digimax S600 $229.99
Digimax S800 $299.99
Source: http://www.mobilewhack.com
When talking about video recording the Samsung Digimax S800 records high-quality and high compression MPEG-4 video format while models Samsung Digimax S600 and S500 support MJPEG vide recording. The Samsung Digimax S800 being a high end camera can record more than one-hour of high quality VGA (640X480) video at 30 fps when using a 256 MB memory card. It also has a built in movie stabilization which detects and corrects minor lateral and vertical camera movement. Users can take full advantage of the 3x optical zoom when recording movie which is present in all three models. Users for better creative control can take advantage of features like in built trimming and editing tools. There is also the successive video function that allows shooters to pause and resume video recording. The S series has a 32 MB built in memory and Copy to Card function which transfer images from the internal memory to external memory
The S Series models have seven scene modes including: Landscape, Close-Up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks and Beach & Snow and has a Special Effects Hot Key where users can access different special effects by just one button. All the models have a great Macro Mode where the Auto Macro function automatically adjusts shooting distance and focus between 5cm to infinity. Another unique feature present in all the S models is the Composite Shot that allows the user to take two-to-four, and save them into a single file.
Other functions include voice recording, voice memo and One-touch Playback" for instant playback. All are available now and the prices are the folowing.
Digimax S500 $179.99
Digimax S600 $229.99
Digimax S800 $299.99
Source: http://www.mobilewhack.com
Samsung, Pentax debut new digital SLR cameras.
By Stephen Shankland,
Camera partners Samsung and Pentax announced several new digital SLR camera models Thursday in advance of a photography trade show that begins this weekend.
Digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras are higher-end models that feature interchangeable lenses, and major established competitors in the digital SLR market include Canon and Nikon. Samsung announced its first digital SLR in January, the GX-1s, and now has announced an entry-level model called the GX-1L.
Both models feature 6-megapixel resolution. But the GX-1L has less-sophisticated focusing technology; automatically sets exposure, light sensitivity and other details; and has settings tuned for shooting pictures of children, pets, museums, sunsets and other common types of scenes.
The company unveiled the camera shortly before the Photo Marketing Association International's PMA 2006 convention in Orlando, Fla.
One of Pentax's new digital SLRs is an as-yet-unnamed 10-megapixel model scheduled to launch in the fall. The other is the Pentax 645, a higher-end medium-format camera with an 18-megapixel resolution and an extra-large Kodak image sensor.
Pentax also introduced three compact digital cameras, including the Optio T10 with a 3X zoom, scheduled for release in March at a price of $350. Arriving at the same time will be the Optio W10, a $300, 6-megapixel model that's waterproof. The least expensive of the new models is the M10, costing $230 and also due in March.
Kodak announced new models before the show, including the 6.1-megapixel, $229 Easyshare C643 and the 5.1-megapixel, $179 Easyshare C533. Both use AA batteries and have 3X zoom lenses.
Digital cameras, a fast-growing market, have all but supplanted film models. In January, Nikon announced it was discontinuing production of all but two high-end film cameras.
Samsung and Pentax announced a partnership in October to use the Pentax lens-mounting technology so that both companies can use existing lenses for Pentax cameras.
Source: http://news.zdnet.com
Camera partners Samsung and Pentax announced several new digital SLR camera models Thursday in advance of a photography trade show that begins this weekend.
Digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras are higher-end models that feature interchangeable lenses, and major established competitors in the digital SLR market include Canon and Nikon. Samsung announced its first digital SLR in January, the GX-1s, and now has announced an entry-level model called the GX-1L.
Both models feature 6-megapixel resolution. But the GX-1L has less-sophisticated focusing technology; automatically sets exposure, light sensitivity and other details; and has settings tuned for shooting pictures of children, pets, museums, sunsets and other common types of scenes.
The company unveiled the camera shortly before the Photo Marketing Association International's PMA 2006 convention in Orlando, Fla.
One of Pentax's new digital SLRs is an as-yet-unnamed 10-megapixel model scheduled to launch in the fall. The other is the Pentax 645, a higher-end medium-format camera with an 18-megapixel resolution and an extra-large Kodak image sensor.
Pentax also introduced three compact digital cameras, including the Optio T10 with a 3X zoom, scheduled for release in March at a price of $350. Arriving at the same time will be the Optio W10, a $300, 6-megapixel model that's waterproof. The least expensive of the new models is the M10, costing $230 and also due in March.
Kodak announced new models before the show, including the 6.1-megapixel, $229 Easyshare C643 and the 5.1-megapixel, $179 Easyshare C533. Both use AA batteries and have 3X zoom lenses.
Digital cameras, a fast-growing market, have all but supplanted film models. In January, Nikon announced it was discontinuing production of all but two high-end film cameras.
Samsung and Pentax announced a partnership in October to use the Pentax lens-mounting technology so that both companies can use existing lenses for Pentax cameras.
Source: http://news.zdnet.com
Friday, February 24, 2006
Canon SD700 IS, SD630 and SD600 Digital ELPH Cameras Announced.
With these new Digital ELPH cameras, we once again confirm the adage that great things come in small packages, and from these great things come great pictures. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving," stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. "We recognize that if we continue to make digital cameras easy to use, easy to take along, and attractive enough to fit in wherever one goes, people will carry them as a matter of course and chronicle their daily lives for fun, whim, and whimsy and not simply for the momentous occasions that occur."
Featured enhancements on all three of these new Digital ELPH cameras include Canon's newly designed six-megapixel image sensor that together with Canon's proprietary DIGIC II image processor helps to dramatically reduce "noise" for better image quality and achieves ISO equivalent speed ratings ranging from 80 to 800. This increased sensitivity allows the use of faster shutter speeds, thereby reducing the effects of camera shake and subject blur during hand-held photography in low light.
Light weight and feature packed, these three fashionable Digital ELPH models are easily slipped into a pocket or nestled in a purse making them the quintessential go-anywhere cameras. Despite their diminutive dimensions1, these new Digital ELPH models all feature large, easy-to-read 173,000-pixel LCD screens ranging in size from 2.5 inches to three inches.
The PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH Camera.
Adding to the unshakeable quality that is the benchmark of Canon cameras is the PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH camera's new Optical Image Stabilization. Unlike electronic image stabilizer systems that typically cause degradation of image quality, Canon's Lens Shift Optical IS system is based on the advancements made in the development and refinement of Canon's EF and video lenses. Reduced in size to fit ELPH scale, this Image Stabilizer provides up to three stops of camera shake correction in shutter speed equivalent. What's more, when combined with these ELPH models' top ISO rating equivalent of 800, its new six-megapixel image sensor that further reduces image noise and the model's fast f/2.8-5.5 4X optical zoom lens (35-140mm equivalent), the odds of taking a shaken or blurred image are dramatically reduced. Both the Image Stabilizer and the 4X optical zoom are firsts for the Digital ELPH series.
The SD700 IS Digital ELPH camera sustains and surpasses the elegant lines and "perpetual curve design" first introduced on the PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH model. The body shaping method reduces unevenness and fits the hand more comfortably. Like its predecessor, Canon sculpted the PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH camera with a gradual bulge from the grip side of the camera towards the flash side, achieving a visually slim appearance from the front, while the still trim side panels add to the camera's ultra-thin appearance. Indeed the dimensions of this Digital ELPH camera make the large and vibrant 2.5-inch LCD screen seem larger still. The camera's tricolor finish--ice metal silver, moonlight silver, and ebony black--add designer elegance to what is already an impressive photo experience.
The PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH camera will be available in April for an estimated selling price of $499.992.
The PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH Camera.
The PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera maintains the classic trim, thin, linear design aesthetic that is the line's hallmark. Despite a body thickness of less than an inch, the PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera accommodates a retractable 3x optical zoom with an equivalent 35mm focal length of 35-105mm.
The PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera features an ultra large 3.0-inch wide viewing angle type
173,000-pixel LCD screen with adjustments for 15 levels of brightness. What's more, the camera also features an innovative new touch control dial--similar to those found on many popular MP3 players--that allows users to easily scroll through captured images or change the camera's menu settings. In order to accommodate the larger LCD screen, the PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera does not include a real-image optical viewfinder, which Canon offers on most other Digital ELPH models.
The PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera will be available in April for an estimated selling price of $399.99.
The PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH Camera.
True to tradition, the PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH camera packs some heavyweight digital photo technology into a lightweight and pocket-sized package. Like the PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH model, this digital dynamo features six-megapixel resolution, ISO equivalent speed settings from 80 to 800 and a retractable 3x optical zoom with an equivalent 35mm focal length of 35-105mm. Its bright and large 2.5-inch, 173,000-pixel wide viewing angle type LCD screen offers 15 brightness adjustments and, like the SD700 IS model, still leaves room for a real-image optical viewfinder.
The PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH will be available in March for an estimated selling price of $349.99.
DIGIC II Image Processing Technology--Hi-Speed USB 2.0
True to the PowerShot tradition, the new Digital ELPH cameras have many of the latest advances in Canon technology including the proprietary DIGIC II imaging processor. The processor enhances picture definition, vibrancy, and quality, while helping increase the speed of the cameras' startup, autofocus, shutter response, playback, and image processing speed while reducing power consumption by 35 percent compared to the original DIGIC chip. Consumers benefit from accelerated image transfer speed (when used with a USB 2.0 compatible computer, printer, or other peripheral), thanks to the inclusion of a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port. The USB 2.0 port is backwards compatible (at no increased speed) with computers featuring standard USB 1.1 connections.
New Features and Special Effects
All of the new models offer a new widescreen 16:9 ratio resolution setting that facilitates creating panoramic-style prints. Additionally, all new PowerShot models support 23 languages (now including Thai and Arabic). The new cameras have an improved direct printing function that permits greater flexibility in print settings, including a face brightener setting for backlit photos.
Canon also enhanced the "My Colors" mode found in the new PowerShot line. Where previously, users could only enable "My Colors" while shooting, the current iteration permits captured images to be retouched as well, without the need for special software applications or tools. Available "My Color" playback modes include Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, and Vivid Red; lighter and darker skin tones, as well as options for creating black and white, sepia, neutral and positive film effects. A color accent setting turns all colors but the one selected by the user to monochrome and the color swap mode enables users to alter specific colors in an image by sampling another color from the same image or any other image on the camera's memory card. So, "My Colors" provides PowerShot users with an incredible range of creative photo effects that can be accessed directly in the camera with no need for post-processing in a computer.
Underwater Adventures ELPH-Style
For those who consider the ocean depths part of the Digital Elph camera line's go-anywhere promise, Canon offers individual optional waterproof housing systems. With a depth rating of 40m/130 feet for the PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH, the PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH and the PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH cameras, these models are a natural choice for underwater photo enthusiasts, SCUBA divers and even snorkelers.
Direct Print
Like all PowerShot digital cameras, these new Digital ELPHs work seamlessly with Canon's petite SELPHY Compact Photo Printers--an essential PowerShot accessory. Consumers simply connect their PowerShot digital camera to a SELPHY printer--such as the SELPHY CP510 and CP710 models. Press the lighted Print/Share button, and within seconds3, images emerge. Presto! It is that simple. Canon's SELPHY Compact Photo Printers are PictBridge compatible. They work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras and offer excellent image quality and ease-of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera. At 28 cents per print4, printing photos directly from a digital camera is both easy and affordable.
Canon will debut the new line up of PowerShot Digital ELPH cameras in its booth (#3509) during the Photo Marketers Association (PMA) exhibit in Orlando, Fla., from February 26-March 1, 2006.
Source: http://news.ecoustics.com
Featured enhancements on all three of these new Digital ELPH cameras include Canon's newly designed six-megapixel image sensor that together with Canon's proprietary DIGIC II image processor helps to dramatically reduce "noise" for better image quality and achieves ISO equivalent speed ratings ranging from 80 to 800. This increased sensitivity allows the use of faster shutter speeds, thereby reducing the effects of camera shake and subject blur during hand-held photography in low light.
Light weight and feature packed, these three fashionable Digital ELPH models are easily slipped into a pocket or nestled in a purse making them the quintessential go-anywhere cameras. Despite their diminutive dimensions1, these new Digital ELPH models all feature large, easy-to-read 173,000-pixel LCD screens ranging in size from 2.5 inches to three inches.
The PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH Camera.
Adding to the unshakeable quality that is the benchmark of Canon cameras is the PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH camera's new Optical Image Stabilization. Unlike electronic image stabilizer systems that typically cause degradation of image quality, Canon's Lens Shift Optical IS system is based on the advancements made in the development and refinement of Canon's EF and video lenses. Reduced in size to fit ELPH scale, this Image Stabilizer provides up to three stops of camera shake correction in shutter speed equivalent. What's more, when combined with these ELPH models' top ISO rating equivalent of 800, its new six-megapixel image sensor that further reduces image noise and the model's fast f/2.8-5.5 4X optical zoom lens (35-140mm equivalent), the odds of taking a shaken or blurred image are dramatically reduced. Both the Image Stabilizer and the 4X optical zoom are firsts for the Digital ELPH series.
The SD700 IS Digital ELPH camera sustains and surpasses the elegant lines and "perpetual curve design" first introduced on the PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH model. The body shaping method reduces unevenness and fits the hand more comfortably. Like its predecessor, Canon sculpted the PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH camera with a gradual bulge from the grip side of the camera towards the flash side, achieving a visually slim appearance from the front, while the still trim side panels add to the camera's ultra-thin appearance. Indeed the dimensions of this Digital ELPH camera make the large and vibrant 2.5-inch LCD screen seem larger still. The camera's tricolor finish--ice metal silver, moonlight silver, and ebony black--add designer elegance to what is already an impressive photo experience.
The PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH camera will be available in April for an estimated selling price of $499.992.
The PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH Camera.
The PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera maintains the classic trim, thin, linear design aesthetic that is the line's hallmark. Despite a body thickness of less than an inch, the PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera accommodates a retractable 3x optical zoom with an equivalent 35mm focal length of 35-105mm.
The PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera features an ultra large 3.0-inch wide viewing angle type
173,000-pixel LCD screen with adjustments for 15 levels of brightness. What's more, the camera also features an innovative new touch control dial--similar to those found on many popular MP3 players--that allows users to easily scroll through captured images or change the camera's menu settings. In order to accommodate the larger LCD screen, the PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera does not include a real-image optical viewfinder, which Canon offers on most other Digital ELPH models.
The PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH camera will be available in April for an estimated selling price of $399.99.
The PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH Camera.
True to tradition, the PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH camera packs some heavyweight digital photo technology into a lightweight and pocket-sized package. Like the PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH model, this digital dynamo features six-megapixel resolution, ISO equivalent speed settings from 80 to 800 and a retractable 3x optical zoom with an equivalent 35mm focal length of 35-105mm. Its bright and large 2.5-inch, 173,000-pixel wide viewing angle type LCD screen offers 15 brightness adjustments and, like the SD700 IS model, still leaves room for a real-image optical viewfinder.
The PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH will be available in March for an estimated selling price of $349.99.
DIGIC II Image Processing Technology--Hi-Speed USB 2.0
True to the PowerShot tradition, the new Digital ELPH cameras have many of the latest advances in Canon technology including the proprietary DIGIC II imaging processor. The processor enhances picture definition, vibrancy, and quality, while helping increase the speed of the cameras' startup, autofocus, shutter response, playback, and image processing speed while reducing power consumption by 35 percent compared to the original DIGIC chip. Consumers benefit from accelerated image transfer speed (when used with a USB 2.0 compatible computer, printer, or other peripheral), thanks to the inclusion of a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port. The USB 2.0 port is backwards compatible (at no increased speed) with computers featuring standard USB 1.1 connections.
New Features and Special Effects
All of the new models offer a new widescreen 16:9 ratio resolution setting that facilitates creating panoramic-style prints. Additionally, all new PowerShot models support 23 languages (now including Thai and Arabic). The new cameras have an improved direct printing function that permits greater flexibility in print settings, including a face brightener setting for backlit photos.
Canon also enhanced the "My Colors" mode found in the new PowerShot line. Where previously, users could only enable "My Colors" while shooting, the current iteration permits captured images to be retouched as well, without the need for special software applications or tools. Available "My Color" playback modes include Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, and Vivid Red; lighter and darker skin tones, as well as options for creating black and white, sepia, neutral and positive film effects. A color accent setting turns all colors but the one selected by the user to monochrome and the color swap mode enables users to alter specific colors in an image by sampling another color from the same image or any other image on the camera's memory card. So, "My Colors" provides PowerShot users with an incredible range of creative photo effects that can be accessed directly in the camera with no need for post-processing in a computer.
Underwater Adventures ELPH-Style
For those who consider the ocean depths part of the Digital Elph camera line's go-anywhere promise, Canon offers individual optional waterproof housing systems. With a depth rating of 40m/130 feet for the PowerShot SD700 IS Digital ELPH, the PowerShot SD630 Digital ELPH and the PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH cameras, these models are a natural choice for underwater photo enthusiasts, SCUBA divers and even snorkelers.
Direct Print
Like all PowerShot digital cameras, these new Digital ELPHs work seamlessly with Canon's petite SELPHY Compact Photo Printers--an essential PowerShot accessory. Consumers simply connect their PowerShot digital camera to a SELPHY printer--such as the SELPHY CP510 and CP710 models. Press the lighted Print/Share button, and within seconds3, images emerge. Presto! It is that simple. Canon's SELPHY Compact Photo Printers are PictBridge compatible. They work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras and offer excellent image quality and ease-of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera. At 28 cents per print4, printing photos directly from a digital camera is both easy and affordable.
Canon will debut the new line up of PowerShot Digital ELPH cameras in its booth (#3509) during the Photo Marketers Association (PMA) exhibit in Orlando, Fla., from February 26-March 1, 2006.
Source: http://news.ecoustics.com
New cameras add on fancy features.
By Jefferson Graham
Don't expect any major price drops in cameras this year.
This year's crop of digital cameras are more full-featured and have better resolution but haven't followed the basic rule of technology (think DVD players and iPods) that makes newer models less expensive, smaller and lighter.
New digital cameras get introduced to retailers at this weekend's Photo Marketing Association International show in Orlando. "The price range hasn't shifted, but the consumer still wins, because they get more camera than ever before," says Chris Chute, an analyst at market research firm IDC.
Kodak, Canon, Sony, Nikon and Olympus all will be showing 5- or 6-megapixel models (a megapixel is a measurement of a camera's resolution) with zoom lenses for $199 or less. A year ago, those cameras would have had 4 megapixels, some with no zoom.
The coolest new cameras this year offer features not found on the entry-level models.
•Image stabilization. Tired of blurry images because you can't hold your camera still? Many top manufacturers — including Sony, Canon, Kodak, Fuji and Nikon — have models with a built-in stabilizer. And some have dramatically increased light sensitivity, so you can shoot more often without a flash in low-light situations. "The results are less blur overall, and better shooting," says Ron Gazzola of Fujifilm.
Because many compact cameras no longer have traditional viewfinders, shutterbugs must compose images on their preview screens, which can make "camera shake" even more of a problem, says Chuck Westfall of Canon: "Image stabilization is a big help for any kind of shooting."
•Bigger preview screens. Look for many 2.5-inch and 3-inch screens on the more expensive models this year. You'll pay for them, too. Nikon's $349 Coolpix S5 has a 2.5-inch screen; a 3-inch screen on the step-up S6 adds $100. Meanwhile, anyone who buys a new digital camera will get an image that can be more easily cropped. That's the upshot of the extra resolution.
In the past, consumers were told that a 3-megapixel camera was all they needed for regular-size blow-ups. But with a 6-megapixel camera, you can crop out a quarter of the picture without much loss in quality.
Camera makers also have plenty of new professional-like single-lens reflex (SLR) models, as well. Consumers love SLRs because they're great for stopping action in sports shots, using interchangeable lenses and providing the best image quality in digital.
Canon is set to replace its $1,399 EOS 20D with the $1,499 30D, notable for a slightly smaller body. Olympus adds another Evolt model to the lineup, the $1,000 E-330. It has an LCD preview screen that swivels and tilts — for those who like to hold cameras over their heads at rock concerts.
Pentax has lowered its *istDL SLR to $599, making it by far the cheapest digital SLR on the market.
Source: http://www.usatoday.com
Don't expect any major price drops in cameras this year.
This year's crop of digital cameras are more full-featured and have better resolution but haven't followed the basic rule of technology (think DVD players and iPods) that makes newer models less expensive, smaller and lighter.
New digital cameras get introduced to retailers at this weekend's Photo Marketing Association International show in Orlando. "The price range hasn't shifted, but the consumer still wins, because they get more camera than ever before," says Chris Chute, an analyst at market research firm IDC.
Kodak, Canon, Sony, Nikon and Olympus all will be showing 5- or 6-megapixel models (a megapixel is a measurement of a camera's resolution) with zoom lenses for $199 or less. A year ago, those cameras would have had 4 megapixels, some with no zoom.
The coolest new cameras this year offer features not found on the entry-level models.
•Image stabilization. Tired of blurry images because you can't hold your camera still? Many top manufacturers — including Sony, Canon, Kodak, Fuji and Nikon — have models with a built-in stabilizer. And some have dramatically increased light sensitivity, so you can shoot more often without a flash in low-light situations. "The results are less blur overall, and better shooting," says Ron Gazzola of Fujifilm.
Because many compact cameras no longer have traditional viewfinders, shutterbugs must compose images on their preview screens, which can make "camera shake" even more of a problem, says Chuck Westfall of Canon: "Image stabilization is a big help for any kind of shooting."
•Bigger preview screens. Look for many 2.5-inch and 3-inch screens on the more expensive models this year. You'll pay for them, too. Nikon's $349 Coolpix S5 has a 2.5-inch screen; a 3-inch screen on the step-up S6 adds $100. Meanwhile, anyone who buys a new digital camera will get an image that can be more easily cropped. That's the upshot of the extra resolution.
In the past, consumers were told that a 3-megapixel camera was all they needed for regular-size blow-ups. But with a 6-megapixel camera, you can crop out a quarter of the picture without much loss in quality.
Camera makers also have plenty of new professional-like single-lens reflex (SLR) models, as well. Consumers love SLRs because they're great for stopping action in sports shots, using interchangeable lenses and providing the best image quality in digital.
Canon is set to replace its $1,399 EOS 20D with the $1,499 30D, notable for a slightly smaller body. Olympus adds another Evolt model to the lineup, the $1,000 E-330. It has an LCD preview screen that swivels and tilts — for those who like to hold cameras over their heads at rock concerts.
Pentax has lowered its *istDL SLR to $599, making it by far the cheapest digital SLR on the market.
Source: http://www.usatoday.com
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