News Stories

Nvidia rolls out 3DTV Play software

10.21.2010

Graphics chip maker Nvidia (NVDA) unveiled its 3DTV Play software, which allows users to connect Nvidia 3D Vision-enabled notebooks and desktops to 3D HDTVs.

Nvidia 3D Vision technology is a combination of graphic chips, specialized 3D glasses, software, and certified displays and projectors that deliver an immersive 3D experience on PC or workstation.

The 3DTV Play software is now available with new DellXPS laptops and as free upgrade for existing 3D Vision customers.

3DTV Play software will be available for purchase by others at Nvidia.com next month as an upgrade for existing PCs that include an NVIDIA GeForce chip andMicrosoft Windows 7, the company said.

With Nvidia 3DTV Play software, any compatible GeForce graphics chip-powered system can be connected to a HDMI 1.4 3D HDTV.

The combination enables users to view 3D photos and videos, and play nearly 500 games in 3D environments, including StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, Mafia II, and Call of Duty: Black Ops.

When using compatible video playback software, 3DTV Play software users can watch Blu-ray 3D blockbusters on 3D HDTVs in full 1080p stereoscopic 3D, enjoying rich, HD digital surround sound through an HDMI connection to a compatible audio/video receiver.

Starting today, Nvidia 3DTV Play software is available to consumers as a free upgrade to Nvidia 3D Vision PCs.

Nvidia said its 3DTV play software is bundled on preconfigured PCs and notebooks, including select Dell XPS notebook models, and home theater PC models from ASRock and Zotac.

Nowadays, PC platform has been emerging as the leading provider for 3D content as 3D TVs are getting only lukewarm demand due to the necessity for glasses and the health warnings associated with 3D content viewing.

Also, there is lack of gaming consoles, TV channels and Blu-Ray movies in this format to enable consumers shift to 3D TVs.

Now, Nvidia is trying to exploit this opportunity with its 3DTV Play. For instance, a game developer needs to develop games only for 3D Vision and 3DTV Play takes care of the rest.

By IB Times Staff Reporter

original post: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/74423/20101021/nvidia-3dtv-play-dell-xps-asrock-zotac-laptop-software-3d-vision-notebook-desktop-3d-hdtv-3d-tv-hdtv.htm

Silicon Image Releases Enhanced, Scalable 4K-3D and Multi-Channel Video Decoder IP Core

10.20.2010

cineramIC™ IP Core Now Decodes up to 4K-3D 60Hz Video or 16 HD Streams for Prosumer Applications /

Silicon Image, a leader in advanced, interoperable HD connectivity solutions for consumer electronics, today announced its enhanced, scalable cineramIC™ ultra high-definition video decoder. The cineramIC IP core is now capable of decoding up to 4Kx2K 3D at 60 frames per second — the leading edge of digital video technology advancements for prosumer and professional cameras and displays, including support for multi-channel decoding of up to 16 HD video streams simultaneously. The cineramIC IP core is designed for integration into ASIC system-on-chips (SoCs) for next-generation ultra high-definition digital televisions (HDTVs) and set-top-boxes (STBs) as well as prosumer and professional camera applications.

The cineramIC IP core can satisfy a wide range of high-definition digital imaging applications, while meeting SoC manufacturers’ performance, cost and low power consumption requirements. The IP core’s unique, scalable design delivers the following features:

  • Dual-stream 4K video decoding (3D at 60 frames per second).
  • Support for H.264, MPEG-1/2 and VC-1 decoding standards.
  • MVC (Multi-view Video Coding), an extension of H.264 that supports multi-view video for 3D movies, sports and surveillance applications.
  • Fully automatic multi-stream decoding for up to 16 HD streams, with error detection and concealment with minimal software processing.
  • JPEG decoding of images up to 16Kx8K size at a rate of 9 pictures per second for 32 megapixel (MP) pictures.
  • Up to 8Kx4K digital video decoding at 30 frames per second.

“Silicon Image is leading the industry in enabling the latest digital video advancements with this high performance 4K-3D video decoder IP core,” said Ron Richter, director of worldwide IP core licensing at Silicon Image, Inc. “This scalable technology can be utilized in applications ranging from prosumer cameras and video players as well as broadcast equipment to multi-channel HD video products.”

MVC has recently gained broad market interest due to the increasing demand of 3D content. In addition to its high performance decoding capabilities, Silicon Image’s cineramIC IP core also supports H.264-MVC, which is designed to decode multi-channel 3D video while maintaining the highest quality. MVC enables the creation of a single video stream from multiple cameras, while maintaining backward compatibility with existing H.264/AVC codecs.

Silicon Image’s family of IP cores includes a broad range of HDMI® technology solutions, Serial ATA (SATA) storage, RAID controller and image signal processor (ISP) camera IP up to 18 MP. For more information about Silicon Image’s complete IP core product offering, visit our website at http://www.siliconimage.com/iplicensing/index.aspx.

original post: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101020007050/en/Silicon-Image-Releases-Enhanced-Scalable-4K-3D-Multi-Channel

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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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