News Stories

Toshiba’s Feature Parade – some real eye-openers!

1.7.2009

Here’s a summary of key technologies featured at this morning’s Toshiba press conference:

  • Resolution+:  During the event, the presenter made the statement,”The future of large screens is NOT 1080P.”  Toshiba is looking to large screens that will someday have 4K x 2K (3820 x 2160) resolution.  Their Resolution+ technology not only takes SD to near HD today but will someday take 1080P to new heights.  They claimed this was more than simple scaling.  They are developing “complex image correction.”
  • PixelPure 5G: 14 bit processing enabling 4096 levels of gradation.
  • Auto View: Adjusts brightness, contrast, gamma, sharpness and color to suit room environment.
  • Instaport: Reduces the time to switch between HDMI sources (due largely to HDCP authorization) from 5 – 7 seconds to almost instantaneous.
  • Clearscan 240: Doubles scan rate from 120Hz to 240Hz for smoother action.
  • Dolby Volume: Sets a constant volume level regardless of the source (e.g. loud commercials).
  • FocalLight: LED backlight with local dimming to significantly increase dynamic contrast up to 1,000,000 to 1 contrast ratios.  We’ll have to take their word on this until we can see it in their booth on the show floor.
  • Cell TV: A cell processor-based set-top box would be able to record up to six HD channels simultaneously, as well as incorporate wireless HD, built-in server capability, and Internet connectivity.

cell_tv

  • Blu-ray: There was no mention.

 

Where to see it:

  • Central 12814 

Phoenix enters HyperSpace with Linux Add-on

1.7.2009

For our readers who travel with laptop or netbook PCs and face concerns of battery power and frustrating boot times, you may want to check out a new fast-booting Linux add-on for Windows PCs from Phoenix Technologies.

HyperSpace is “the first instant-on/instant-off, compact and secure application environment for the laptop and netbook offered directly to the consumer.”  It runs side-by-side with a traditional OS such as Windows Vista while delivering instant access to the Internet and apps without waiting for Windows to boot up.

Phoenix claims that HyperSpace will conserve notebook battery life by more than 25% and it automatically locates and connects to the best WiFi network. Additionally, HyperSpace provides stronger security
and an environment
that is resistant to viruses and malware.  The technology appears to be aimed at OEMs but will also be available direct to consumers, at $60/year for the hybrid version or $40 for the dual version.

hyperspace_laptopWhere to see it:

  • Phoenix Technologies, Central 9014

 

For details on the hybrid and dual versions, HyperSpace testing results, and a list of other fast-boot environments:

A peek at Phoenix’s HyperSpace fast-boot Linux add-on 

(DesktopLinux.com, 1/5/09)

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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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