Posts Tagged 3D

3D ready receivers – Pioneer

Mar 2

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

Pioneer has all sorts of home theater gear from AV receivers to HDTVs and stereo equipment. Most of the Pioneer gear is often higher-end equipment with larger price tags. Pioneer has unveiled a couple new AV receivers today and one supports the iPhone. The new receivers are surprisingly affordable and include the VSX-520K and the VSX-820-K.

    

Both of the receivers feature optional Bluetooth to allow wireless transfer of audio from smartphones and other devices with a $99 Bluetooth device. Both of the devices are also 3D ready with support for HDMI 1.4. The 820-K receiver is works with iPhone Certified as well.

Both of the devices support 5.1 surround sound, Dolby ProLogic IIz decoding, and have automatic room calibration. The 520-K will sell for $229 and has three HDMI 1.4 inputs and more. The 820-K will sell for $299, has four HDMI 1.4 inputs, and has an onscreen display. Both units have 110W of power on five channels and will ship this month.

Both of the devices support 5.1 surround sound, Dolby ProLogic IIz decoding, and have automatic room calibration. The 520-K will sell for $229 and has three HDMI 1.4 inputs and more. The 820-K will sell for $299, has four HDMI 1.4 inputs, and has an onscreen display. Both units have 110W of power on five channels and will ship this month.

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3D HDMI specification is ready for it’s market

Feb 11

Posted by Rachel Green in News | No Comments

What with people flocking in their millions to see James Cameron’s Avatar, 3D films are big on everyone’s agenda.
Avatar is set to smash box office records and cause millions of people to walk off with ‘free’ 3D glasses, so in a hail of trumpets and excitement HDMI Licensing has joined the party.

This week HDMI Licensing, which licenses the HDMI specification and does not specialise in inventive naming conventions, said that it was making the 3D portion of the spec available for public download in a bid to drive adoption and development.

What’s more, it is going to be updated soon. “The document available for download is extracted from version 1.4 of the HDMI Specification”, says the organisation. “The HDMI Consortium intends to release a 1.4a version of the HDMI Specification shortly which will include updates to the 3D portion of the Specification. As soon as the 1.4a version of the Specification is published to Adopters, an update to the 3D portion of the document, available for public download, will also be published.”

In December, when it first announced the 1.4a version, the outfit made it clear that it would strive to ensure the integrity of 3D content. “3D is a nascent market and thus continues to evolve quickly”, said Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing. “We have taken input from leading industry associations and this announcement reflects the HDMI Founders’ commitment to continuously and proactively set the foundation for innovations that will deliver the next generation of content. The addition of the new format will secure the application of 3D for broadcasting, in addition to the existing applications for Blu-ray and gaming.”

A number of potential users have not yet signed up to use or adopt the specification, and the body expects that by making it freely available it will foster development across a number of industries.

“The HDMI Consortium recognises the importance of standardised 3D formats for movies, gaming and broadcast content and the need for non-adopter companies and organisations to have access to that portion of the HDMI Specification. As the mainstream adoption of 3D is gaining momentum and content providers define and expand their 3D roadmaps, HDMI is ready to support this major market development.”

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Download HDMI 1.4 3D freely online now

Feb 5

Posted by Rachel Green in News | No Comments

This means companies and organizations that have not executed the HDMI Adopter Agreement can now have access to the 3D portion of version 1.4 of the HDMI Specification. Prior to this, only parties that have signed the HDMI Adopter Agreement have had access to the information. However, the document available for download is extracted from version 1.4 of the HDMI specification. However, HDMI version 1.4a will be released shortly with updates to the 3D portion of the specification. According to HDMI Licensing, as soon as the 1.4a version is published to adopters, an update to the 3D portion of the document will also be made available for public download. Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, said this public access is to show that the HDMI Consortium recognizes the importance of standardized 3D formats for movies, gaming, and broadcast content and the need for nonadopters to have access to that portion of the HDMI specification. HDMI 1.4 is the latest and most powerful version of the HDMI standard with many new capabilities designed to enrich the HD experience. Examples of these capabilities includes HDMI Ethernet Channel that allows for networking via HDMI cables; support for 3D and 4K video resolution; and a lot more. HDMI Licensing is the agent responsible for licensing the High-Definition Multimedia Interface specification. Late last year, the agent announced the new meaningful labeling conventions for HDMI cables to help consumers find the ones they need.

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Graphics for embedded market – AMD Radeon

Jan 22

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

You might recall that ATI Radeon E4690 GPU that we talked about in June of 2009. The little GPU was aimed at the embedded market and supports hardware acceleration for HD video. Today ATI has announced a new addition to the E4690 family called the E4690 MXM.

The new E4690 MXM is a PCI Express module designed to be used in graphics intensive embedded markets. The new GPU uses the MXM 3.0 specification with reduced power needs, improved cooling, and a lower z-height than its predecessors. These features allow the designers of embedded systems to design smaller machines and speed time to market.

The GPU has triple the 3D graphics performance of previously available solutions according to ATI. The GPU is designed for embedded applications like digital signage, image recognition, signal processing, surveillance, arcade games, and casino games. The device has 512MB of on-board GDDR3 RAM, 320 shader processors, and adjustable system clocks. It supports UVD 2 and DirectX 10.1.

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OculR kit turns cinema projectors into 3D projectors

Jan 20

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

There is no doubt that 3D technology is booming today with lots of new 3D films hitting the theater. The massive success of Avatar has led more people to check out a 3D film and more and more theaters around the country are looking to add 3D capability.

The catch is that 3D projectors are very expensive costing in the area of $150,000 to $175,000 per screen according to Occulus3D. The company has announced a new device called the OculR system that can turn the standard projectors already in a theater into a 3D projector for $20,000 to $25,000 per screen.

The device works with all standard 35mm projectors and works with cheap polarized glasses for viewers. The device is a new lens that is easy to install and provides a minimum brightness of 6 foot lamberts. I’m not sure what that means, but it sounds bright.

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new version of HDMI 1.4 – everything you need to know.

Jan 9

Posted by admin in News | No Comments

Get ready for version 1.4 with the latest spec HDMI cable! 

Cablesson HDMI 1.4

HDMI cables have been around for a few years now, but the full potential of HDMI has yet to be realised. With the release of the 1.4 HDMI cable specification, greater image and sound functionality plus more flexibility with networking capabilities is introduced to your home or commercial AV setup. 

HDMI 1.4 is better! Here’s why…

1. HDMI Ethernet Channel

Perhaps one of the most important (and most useful) of the new improvements is the HDMI Ethernet Channel. This is a data link that enables high speed, bi-directional communication. This means that a source can send data to a display and at the same time a display can send data to the source. Compatible devices can send a receive data using 100Mb/sec Ethernet – this makes them instantly ready for any IP-based application. The HDMI Ethernet Channel allows internet-enabled HDMI devices to share and Internet connection using the link, with no need for a separate Ethernet cable. With more and more devices utilizing Internet based features, this cable feature will reduce the number of cable’s needed to make your devices work to their full potential importantly ease the cable clutter. It also provides the platform that will allow HDMI-enabled components to share content between devices. Compatibility includes TCP/IP, UPnP, DLNA and LiquidHD. 

To utilise this feature a new type of HDMI cable is required to be used. This new cable is called either a High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet or a Stadard HDMI Cable with Ethernet. 

 Nice and simple. Finding the right HDMI Cable just became a lot more easier – look out for these logos when you purchase your HDMI Cables. 

2. Audio Return Channel

Another welcome addition to the new HDMI spec, this feature reduces the number of cables required to deliver audio from the TV to an AV receiver for processing and playback. This is a very useful new feature because many TVs now have an internal content source such as a Freeview or Freesat tuner built-in – the Audio Return Channel on the HDMI allows the TV to send data to the receiver using the HDMI cable and removes the necessity for a separate audio cable such as an optical cable. 

3. 3D over HDMI

Everybody is talking about 3D at the moment and the new spec defines common 3D formats and resolutions for HDMI-enabled devices, enabling 3D gaming and other 3D video applications. The new spec standardises the connection for a 3D home cinema system, facilitating 3D resolutions up to dual-stream 1080p (that’s 3D 1080p basically). 

4. 4K x 2K Resolution Support

If you think 1080p is awesome, imagine it four times sharper! Support for 4K x 2K allows the HDMI cable to carry the digital content transmission at the same resolution as the most state-of-the-art Digital Cinema systems used in many cinemas. Formats supported include 3,840 x 2,160 pixels at 24Hz, 25Hz & 30Hz, and 4,096 x 2160 pixels at 24Hz. Forget 1080p, think 4096p! 

5. Expanded support for Colour Spaces

This feature means that Digital Camera Pictures and still images should display more accurate colours on displays with the upgraded format capability. If you’re into your photography you will be familiar with sYCC601, Adobe RGB and Adobe YCC601. If you are not, then put simply your holiday snaps should look even better! 

Make sure you make the right HDMI cable purchase, make an investment for the future. Choose Cablesson High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet. Indisputably the best, its the perfect future-ready cable partner for your set-up.

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CES brings on 3D to the consumers

Jan 7

Posted by admin in News | No Comments

Televisions enhanced with direct internet access and 3D displays will be among the most anticipated products unveiled when the world’s biggest annual technology showcase kicks off in Las Vegas on Thursday.

This year could see a revolution in televisions on high street sale as they converge with the web, allowing viewers to watch services such as the BBC’s iPlayer and YouTube more conveniently.

Manufacturers including Sony, Panasonic and LG are expected to launch sets with a broad range of new capabilities at the Consumer Electronics Show, including High Definition TV (HDTV) screens with the internet telephony service Skype built in, so people can use their TVs for video chats with friends and family anywhere in the world.

The BBC launched a limited trial last month of the iPlayer on some high definition Freesat boxes – the free-to-air satellite service is increasingly integrated into TVs – and is anticipating even more viewers being online when the next generation of sets emerges.

There is a scramble to profit on the hype surrounding 3D after cinema hits Avatar and Up. A number of companies will be debuting their attempts at high-quality 3D screens. The Discovery Channel could even announce plans to launch a 3D TV channel next year.

The Las Vegas show is where the world’s most powerful electronics brands fight for top billing: launches in the past include the DVD, the Xbox games console and the puzzle game Tetris.

Last night’s launch of the Nexus One phone – Google’s rival to Apple’s iPhone – sought to upstage the start of CES and the next big moment will come tomorrow night with a keynote speech from Microsoft’s forceful chief executive, Steve Ballmer.

The company has opened CES in the past by outlining a vision of where Microsoft believes the future is headed. Two years ago billionaire founder Bill Gates demonstrated a table with a built-in touch sensitive computer, the Surface, while last year Ballmer showed off Windows 7.

Announcements likely this year include new mobile phones, concepts for home entertainment – perhaps even a launch date for Project Natal, the motion-sensitive video gaming system unveiled last summer. Whatever Ballmer has up his sleeve, he will have to compete with announcements from rivals such as Sony, Samsung, and Google.

Microsoft is not alone in looking for wow factor. Others include Nokia, the beleaguered mobile phone maker whose chief executive, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, will attempt to excite Friday’s crowds with a new slate of gadgets. Alan Mulally, boss of car maker Ford, is expected to show off hi-tech concepts aimed at changing the future of driving.

“We expect them to say something fairly significant,” said Gary Shapiro, head of the Consumer Electronics Association, which organises the show. “They are positioning themselves as a tech company rather than a car company.”

It is on the show’s extensive floors that most surprises are likely. With more than 2,500 exhibitors and acres of floor space, weird and wonderful ideas have plenty of room to thrive. Exploding on the scene this year are tablet computers – touchscreen devices pitched between a laptop and a mobile phone. With Apple – which is not at CES itself – set to make an announcement later this month, rivals are hoping they can break into the market. Among these is Freescale, a US company which has announceda machine combining tablet and smartbook features. “We believe the tablet will emerge as a popular form factor for the next generation of smartbooks,” said Henri Richard of Freescale

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Will 3D TV live up to the hype?

Dec 22

Posted by Rachel Green in News | No Comments

3D HDTV has been getting a lot of press attention recently. With all the major manufacturers due to release new 3D HDTV models within the next 12 months and a foray of new cinema and Blu-ray releases using various 3D technologies, it looks like the resurgence of this old media format might actually have legs.

We should point out that this wouldn’t be the first time 3D TV has tried to enter the mass market. However, this time, it’s a little different. Audio visual advancements and proprietary upgrades to the HDMI Cable standard have made 3D presentations of late rather enjoyable to watch. Most notably, improvements in smoother frame rates, increased visual fidelity and higher screen resolutions make the 3D experience truly come alive like never before.

With James Cameron’s heavily praised use of 3D on AVATAR, this could be the push that 3D really needs to enter the mass market.

But at GBHDMI, we’re a little sceptical, 3D is undoubtedly great – but will it really compete with HDTV or merely become an attractive side addition to home theatre setups? We believe that 3D will eventually penetrate the home market, but it will be some time before the public are universally enjoying the benefits of 3D media in their home.

Here’s two reasons why…

1. The use of glasses make it less accessible than watching standard or high-definition TV

Apart from autosteroscopic methods of 3D projection (which are known to give headaches), all other 3D technologies require the user to don some form of glasses. Misplacing one of these glasses or simply not having enough in your front room, pub or gallery means that it’s not universally accessible to all. It isn’t an entertainment format that can be enjoyed on the spur of the moment.

Think about watching a football match with your family in 3D at home and unexpectedly a mate pops over to enjoy it too?

2. 3D uptake will be slow as most consumers have already made the jump and upgraded their TVs to HD

A recent article from the BBC has identified that 56% of the UK has now replaced their standard definition TVs for HD ones. That’s pretty good news. However, only 9% of this group are actually consuming HD material from Blu-ray’s, satellite and cable broadcasters. What does this mean? Well, if the uptake for HD equipment and material has been this slow so far, what do you think it will mean for people to upgrade their TVs, 3D HDMI cable and Blu-ray players in order to play this type of content? We don’t know for sure, but we can tell you that it will be a long, long time.

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3D at home

Dec 18

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

The best news I have heard this week was that the specs for 3D Blu-ray were finalized and that the PS3 would support 3D. That means with a simple firmware update PS3 owners will be able to enjoy 3D movies assuming they have a compatible TV. Sounds like it’s time for me to upgrade!

reald-logo-sg

Sony also announced this week that it has teamed up with RealD to bring 3D technology to the home. You might recognize the RealD name as the company who is behind the 3D technology for many of the high-end 3D films in theaters like Avatar and others. Odds are if you watched a 3D movie in the theater lately, RealD was the tech behind the cool movie.

Sony will be licensing RealD tech for use in consumer products in 2010, including the stereoscopic 3D tech behind RealD in theaters. The tech will go into 3D Bravia LCD TVs and 3D eyewear needed to view the content.

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3D specification finalized

Dec 17

Posted by andrew in News | No Comments

                      3d_glasses

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) today announced the finalization and release of the “Blu-ray 3DTM” specification. The specification, which represents the work of the leading Hollywood studios and consumer electronic and computer manufacturers, will enable the home entertainment industry to bring the 3D experience into consumers’ living rooms on Blu-ray Disc, the most capable high definition home entertainment platform.

“Throughout this year, movie goers have shown an overwhelming preference for 3D when presented with the option to see a theatrical release in either 3D or 2D,” said Victor Matsuda, chairman, BDA Global Promotions Committee. “We believe this demand for 3D content will carry over into the home now that we have, in Blu-ray Disc, a medium that can deliver a quality Full HD 3D experience to the living room.”

The “Blu-ray 3D” specification fully leverages the technical advantages of the Blu-ray Disc format to deliver unmatched picture quality as well as uniformity and compatibility across the full range of Blu-ray 3D products, both hardware and software. Notably, the specification allows every Blu-ray 3D player and movie to deliver Full HD 1080p resolution to each eye, thereby maintaining the industry leading image quality to which Blu-ray Disc viewers are accustomed. Moreover, the specification is display agnostic, meaning that Blu-ray 3D products will deliver the 3D image to any compatible 3D display, regardless of whether that display uses LCD, Plasma or other technology and regardless of what 3D technology the display uses to deliver the image to the viewer’s eyes.

“From a technological perspective, it is simply the best available platform for bringing 3D into the home,” said Benn Carr, chairman, BDA 3D Task Force. “The disc capacity and bit rates Blu-ray Disc provides enable us to deliver 3D in Full HD 1080p high definition resolution.”

The Blu-ray 3D specification is also designed to allow PS3 game consoles to play back Blu-ray 3D content in 3D. Additionally, the specification supports playback of 2D discs in forthcoming 3D players and can enable 2D playback of Blu-ray 3D discs on the large installed base of Blu-ray Disc players currently in homes around the world.

“In 2009 we saw Blu-ray firmly establish itself as the most rapidly adopted packaged media format ever introduced,” said Matsuda. “We think the broad and rapid acceptance Blu-ray Disc already enjoys with consumers will be a factor in accelerating the uptake of 3D in the home. In the meantime, existing players and libraries can continue to be fully enjoyed as consumers consider extending into 3D home entertainment.”

The Blu-ray 3D specification calls for encoding 3D video using the Multiview Video Coding (MVC) codec, an extension to the ITU-T H.264 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) codec currently supported by all Blu-ray Disc players. MPEG4-MVC compresses both left and right eye views with a typical 50% overhead compared to equivalent 2D content, and can provide full 1080p resolution backward compatibility with current 2D Blu-ray Disc players. The specification also incorporates enhanced graphic features for 3D. These features provide a new experience for users, enabling navigation using 3D graphic menus and displaying 3D subtitles positioned in 3D video.

The completed specification will be available shortly and provides individual manufacturers and content providers with the technical information and guidelines necessary to develop, announce and bring products to market pursuant to their own internal planning cycles and timetables.

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