News Stories

Why the HTC EVO 3D’s MHL Technology Matters

4.6.2011

[By Ginny Mies, PCWorld]

Just about everything is cutting-edge about the HTC EVO 3D: the dual-core processor, Sprint 4G data speeds, and of course, the 3D display and camera. But there’s another spec that puts the EVO 3D ahead of the pack: the MHL port. I met with the president of the MHL Consortium, Tim Wong, at CTIA in March and got a rundown of the technology and a glimpse into the future of how smartphones will interact with HDTVs.

The MHL specification, which stands for Mobile High Definition Link, is a 1080p HD video and digital audio interface for connecting smartphones and other portable devices (tablets, cameras, etc.) to HDTVs. So what’s the big deal? It simultaneously provides power to your phone–something that HDMI cables don’t do. It remains to be seen how power-hungry a dual-core, 4G phone with a 3D display will be, but given how quickly smartphones with lesser specs seem to lose power, charging is always appreciated.

The specification also allows any TV remote to control your phone’s interface, apps and content. Basically, you can hook your phone up to any HDTV, by any manufacturer, and have complete access to it on the big screen.

This also means MHL phones will only have one port and require one cable needed for charging and hooking up to a TV. Other HDMI-enabled phones, like the HTC EVO 4G for example, have two ports: the microUSB port (for charging and hooking up to your PC) and the HDMI port. A single port allows smartphones to be slimmer and sleeker in build.

You can also use your standard USB connector with the port. When connected, your phone will automatically recognize whether it is hooked up to an MHL port or a USB port and will switch accordingly.

Wong was unsure whether Sprint would package an MHL cable with the EVO 3D or sell it separately in stores. He expects the cables to be cheaper than HDMI cables (which are generally sold separately) because they are much thinner and cost less to make.

The HTC EVO 3D is the first phone announced in the US to support the MHL 1.0; the Galaxy S II is the only other phone announced to have an MHL port. The HTC View 4G, coming to Sprint, will be the first tablet to boast an MHL port. And expect more MHL-enabled devices this year: Wong said that there were at least 12 devices in queue, including TVs, smartphones and tablets.

See the original post here:  http://www.pcworld.com/article/224312/why_the_htc_evo_3ds_mhl_technology_matters.html

GoPro Launches 3D HERO® System; World’s Smallest 1080p 3D Camera. Professional Quality at a Consumer Price.

4.5.2011

[Press Release]

GoPro, the world’s leading activity camera company, today announced the availability of the much anticipated 3D HERO® System, a waterproof 3D expansion kit for GoPro’s best selling 1080p HD HERO camera. The 3D HERO System is available immediately at GoPro.com and is shipping to GoPro retailers worldwide with an MSRP of $99.99

The 3D HERO System has an industry-first modular design that enables consumers to combine two 1080p HD HERO cameras to form a single 1080p 3D camera, the world’s smallest and least expensive one at that. Waterproof to 180 feet, the 3D HERO System can be worn on the body, mounted on gear and vehicles, and used as a handheld camera. A dual-camera, polycarbonate, waterproof housing holds the two cameras together and a synchronization cable plugs into the back of each camera, enabling them to function as a single camera. A single shutter button controls both cameras.

“The 3D HERO System is exciting for a lot of reasons, one of them being that it’s not just a 3D camera. It’s really several cameras in one, depending on how the consumer wants to use it,” says Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s founder and CEO. “That you can take two GoPro cameras that you would normally use independently and combined them to form a new type of camera, a 3D camera…that’s extremely cool. GoPro is excited to be the first company to build a camera this versatile.”

“In addition to being a top selling consumer camera, the HD HERO camera is used by more professional production crews in the broadcast and film industry than any other camera in its class,” adds Woodman. “We expect the 3D HERO System to further establish the HD HERO as one of the most versatile cameras in the world.”

The 3D HERO System housing is only 5 inches (130mm) in length and 2.5 inches high (62mm) and is compatible with existing GoPro mounting accessories.

The 3D HERO System includes:

  • * 3D HERO Waterproof Housing
  • * 3D HERO Synchronization Cable
  • * Skeleton Door (allows for optimal sound capture in dry environments)
  • * 3 Pairs of 3D Anaglyph (Red/Blue) Glasses
  • * Helmet Front Mount
  • * 2 Flat and 2 Curved Adhesive Mounts
  • * Free Download: GoPro CineForm Studio 3D editing software

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    GoPro’s 1080p HD HERO cameras are not included with the 3D HERO System and are sold separately, starting at $259.99 per camera.

    GoPro CineForm Studio™: 3D Content Creation Made Easy

    Included as a free software download from gopro.com, GoPro’s CineForm Studio software makes it easy to create, watch and share your 3D photos and videos. Mac and PC compatible, CineForm Studio combines the 2D photos and videos captured with the 3D HERO System and converts them into 3D H.264 files that you can watch on your computer, online at YouTube, and on your 2D or 3D television at home.

    See the full story here: http://gopro.com/gopro-launches-3d-hero®-system-world’s-smallest-1080p-3d-camera-professional-quality-at-a-consumer-price/

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    Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

    ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

    The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

    To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

    A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

    This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

    “Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

    The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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