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Google's new image compression tech is actually pretty cool
In a bid to save you precious mobile data, Google has developed a technique that improves image quality without taking up more bandwidth. Entitled RASIR (Rapid and Accurate Super Image Resolution) this impressive software quickly reads large photos and manages to replicate them using a quarter of the pixels. RASIR achieves this by analyzing both low and high-quality versions of the same image. As it reads the image, it learns from the superior version and applies filters to its low-res counterpart that simulate extra detail, creating a convincing data-friendly replica of the original high-res photo.
Xploder PS2 HDTV upscaler reviewed
While there's plenty of options for upscaling all those non-HD DVDs you're not ready to give up just yet, there's not a whole lot you can do to improve how your collection of past-gen video games look on your spiffy HDTV, apart from simply using a good component cable. Video game accessorizer Xploder is trying to rectify that situation somewhat, however, releasing its "HDTV Player" for the PS2, which the folks at Reg Hardware recently got a chance to test out. While they seems to have had better results than some of the other earlier reviews, they weren't without their share of problems, with the boot CD that tweaks the PS2's resolution requiring a few tries before it got going, and some games reportedly looking "like they'd been blown up in Photoshop" when they tested 'em on a 32-inch LCD. On the whole, however, they found that most games did "look a little sharper," and they seem to have been particularly taken with the metal tin the whole lot comes in. Whether that's enough to justify the $40 price tag or not, you'll have to decide for yourself.
Oppo DV-981HD adds 1080p DVD upscaling... loses component outs
Oppo Digital is back with yet another in its line of DVD upscalers, the DV-981HD. New in this edition is upscaling all the way to 1080p, courtesy of the included Faroudja DCDi video processor. Successor to the highly regarded DV971H, the new unit includes such features as DVD-Audio and SACD support and DivX compatibility, among other digital media. One thing this player doesn't bring to the table however, is component video outputs. If your display doesn't support HDMI or DVI with HDCP, you'll be falling back to the dark ages of S-Video or even composite connections. Besides the HDMI 1.1 port ((HDMI cable included, hear that Sony?), there are also analog 5.1, optical and coaxial audio outputs powered by a 24-bit/192kHz d/a converter. MSRP is $229 and it's available now, if digital video is a part of your setup and DVD upscaling is more appealing than current HD DVD or Blu-ray offerings, this should be an excellent buy. Continue on for larger images and a shot of the back.
NeoDigits announces the HELIOS H4000 HD Upscaling DVD player
With all the fuss over HD optical discs, sometimes we forget that there are some nice low cost solutions to tide our HD cravings over till the next-gen format players drop in price. NeoDigits' latest offering into the crowded market of DVD upscalers -- the widely versatile H4000 -- is a great example. This player not only supports DVD, SVCD, VCD, CD, HDCD, MP3, WMA, MPEG 4, and DivX but also allows users to output nearly any resolution over its three high-def outputs. Say for instance a person wants to output 1080p over component, this player can do that (just like its older brother) or perhaps a higher-end A/V owner wants to output the signal to an external video processor at 480i via HDMI, that's kosher too. All in all there are eleven different resolutions the H4000 can output over the composite, S-Vid, component, HDMI and VGA jacks. We hear ya if the whole HD DVD/Blu-ray battle is just to scary right now to jump feet first into at least a $500 investment, but maybe the $169 tag on the H4000 will be a tad easier to swallow when the player is released on October 17.
Panasonic's DVDS52 $100 up-scaler
Samsung ain't the only company out with a cheap up-scaler now: ladies and gentlemen, say hello to Panasonic's DVDS52, the other high definition DVD up-scaler with HDMI-out and a $100 price tag. We've yet to vouch for the quality of the picture (perhaps because it's not out yet, so far as we can tell) or even get some firm details on this puppy, but as long as you're waiting for your Blu-ray or HD DVD player, you may as well at least be watching video on that HDTV the right way (and the cheap way, which itself is sometimes the right way).
DVD player that scales to 1080i via component
DVD players with 1080i scalers are becoming a dime a dozen these days. Most of them only output the higher resolution through DVI/HDMI cables though, and what if your TV doesn't have one of those ports. What is a HDTV nut to do? This DVD player from Momitsu can output the higher resolutions through the same component cables that your progressive scan DVD player can. Cool huh? Sure, this is not the first one to do this and lets hope its not the last. If you look at the back panel you might notice a "new" connection. The SCART connection is a relic from the old days of audio/video. Think of it as a predecessor of HDMI. It carries both analog audio and video including S-Video. It was developed in the 70's as a unified standard and became very popular in Europe. It is still used there but since the connection cannot do anything with digital signals it is on its way out. But even still, it is nice to see a manufacture still supporting older connection types. via Digg
