SuperResolution
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NEC's SRVC-1000 adds super resolution upconverting for broadcasters
The promise of super resolution upconverting technology making all your old SD sources shiny and beautiful HD hasn't exactly translated to reality, but if viewers won't upgrade on their end, NEC is delivering its hardware to broadcasters with the SRVC-1000 transcoder. Split screen demo videos might not convince us to upgrade our TV just to watch old VHS tapes, but this rack mounted unit aims to keep archived video fresh or even allow them to keep using SD cameras -- although we'd rather they didn't -- saving money while upgrading to HDTV by producing smooth and clear upscaled video in real time. Hopefully the implementation of these units makes it even tougher to tell when some standard-definition is sneaking in, but we're not holding our breath.
Mitsubishi's new Blu-ray DVRs have you covered, from super resolution to VHS
Mitsubishi has always tried to take a different tack with its Blu-ray recording DVRs in Japan -- see its DVR-BF2000 model for evidence -- and we're sure someone's glad to see them going the extra mile with these latest three models. The DVR-BZ330 combines a 1TB hard drive with the super resolution upconversion that promises to pull additional information from low res video via its Diamond HD chip. If that bit of video magic isn't impressive(or believable) there's always the similar DVR-BZ230 sans-Diamond HD and half the hard drive space, while true back compat freaks should opt for the DVR-BV530 with VHS playback (no recording, we know you had an LP tape you've been saving.) Expect these to hit the streets in October from ¥180,000 ($1,915) for the high end DVR-BZ330 to ¥120,000 ($1,270) for the DVR-BV530.
NEC delivers new super resolution upconverting chip for 1080p HDTVs
Apparently already in a position to improve on its previous efforts, NEC has developed the µPD9280GM chip designed to expand low res images to 1920x1080 resolution with less blurring. Bettering the old uPD9245GJ by running at 150Mhz instead of the previous 108Mhz clock speed and expanding color quality from 24-bit to 30-bit "Deep Color," it also promises to do its super-resolution magic based on just one frame of image data instead of needing multiple frames and additional external memory. This chip will be going into mass production in July so regardless of how super-resolution compares to a true HD source, a wider (and cheaper) range of devices should be able to offer high quality image processing soon.
Toshiba matches prices, ship dates to LED backlit REGZA LCDs in Japan
Toshiba is back and ready to make good on some of the higher end HDTVs promised at CES, after showing off the energy efficient C8000 REGZA LCDs, it's time for the 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio local dimming LED backlit ZX8000 (labeled SV670 in the U.S.) series. These also pack the latest edition of Super Resolution+ upconverting, ClearScan 240Hz motion and fifth generation Pixel Pure image processing. We've heard those picture quality claims and seen the (sometimes controversial) results before, but a few features anyone can appreciate are InstaPort HDMI for lagless switching between inputs and AutoView calibration for room lighting conditions. Add-on hard disk drives are also available, and the ZX8000 models are expected in late June / early July for 46- and 55-inch models topping out around 600,000 ($5,944.) Willing to live without LED backlighting, 240Hz or other bullet points? The ZH8000, Z8000 and H8000 models are ready and waiting for appropriately lower prices. %Gallery-40868%
NEC shows off super resolution upconverting for your cell, HDTV and all in between
Let's face it, that low res cellphone video of last weekend's party and your Days of Thunder VHS won't be upscaling themselves, hence the sudden explosion of Super Resolution technology including this most recent entry from NEC. Claiming low power and memory requirements, part number uPD9245GJ is ready for duty blowing up images for display on your VGA cellphone or nav system without blurring, or upscaling low res sources to 1080p in a Blu-ray player or HDTV. Don't let the ridiculous soundtrack on the demo reel fool you -- recent reviews have given super resolution tech a thumbs up, and with Toshiba, Hitachi and Broadcom already in the game we've got a clue what feature will be checkmarked on your next electronics purchase.
Toshiba's REGZA 52XV545U reviewed: she's a beauty
Given that Toshiba's 46XV545U was harshed on pretty seriously by CNET a month ago, we weren't expecting much when going into Electronic House's review of the 52-inch Cinema Series REGZA 52XV545U. Contrary to popular belief, this set was said to be fairly awesome, with it producing "realistic color with precise picture detail and resolution free from visible artifacts." Critics even went so far as to say that its picture quality was "well above par," with both OTA HD broadcasts and DISH Network signals looking as sharp as ever. Potentially most unexpected was the praise given to the Super Resolution upscaling technology, which managed to produce "some of the best viewable images from regular cable fare" that reviewers had seen. Bottom line? You should probably give this one a look in person -- it's too tough to tell what your eyes will see.
Eyes-on with Hitachi Super Resolution TV
While unpacking we found this clip (after the break) and these images of Hitachi's latest entry into the Super Resolution arena and figured you might want a look at this attempt to make all things SD into high definition. At least so far, Toshiba has not impressed many with its approach, we'll see if Hitachi has different luck.%Gallery-41955%
Hitachi "Unlimited" CES theme shows some realistic boundaries for 2009
Hitachi asked itself "what if...?" prior to CES 2009, and its best idea included a "Style-Unlimited" corner for its booth, said to feature design ideas that match the craftsmanship of its TVs with stands and frames made of Japanese lacquer and gold leaf. Immediately refocusing on "what is..." -- a questionable economy and wary buyers -- the 2009 line of UT HDTVs will expand primarily by carrying a more mainstream pricetag and now standard 1080p / 120Hz features. For those still living the dream, Hitachi's managed to narrowly beat its previous best with a 15mm thick 37-inch LED backlit display , while the 50-inch UltraThin plasma from CEDIA comes along for the ride. Also making celebrity appearances? 2010's finest Super Resolution upconverting technology plus the always hilarious Gesture Control TV demo. Excited or depressed, we can't decide.
Toshiba's 46XV545U LCD HDTV reviewed: internal upscaling is a joke
Sympathizers were outraged that skeptics (read: us) didn't believe that Toshiba's Super Resolution Technology was anything worth writing home over, and hey, we hate to say we told you so. The outfit's 46XV545U was recently reviewed over at CNET, and critics found the internal upscaling technology to be more of a gimmick than anything. Sure, it artificially sharpened some SD content for the better, but all in all, the SRT system fell under the "bad," not the "good." Overall, the set offered up a decidedly decent experience from top to bottom, yielding a "Good" rating and three out of five stars. In other words, take your dollars elsewhere -- competition is fierce, and you're in no place to settle for less than the best in any given price range.
Broadcom plots CES strategy: Super resolution upconversion, DLNA and more
Not stopping with Blu-ray hardware, Broadcom's got a even more display related tech to show off in Las Vegas next month. First up is its entry into the super resolution upconversion arena, promising to upscale standard definition or Internet streaming (a bit less relevant now that YouTube, Facebook and everyone else is going HD) to 1080p high definition resolutions. We'll be waiting to put it to the test against the best from Toshiba, Hitachi, and who ever else wants a piece. Also on deck is a DLNA connected home demo, showing what could happen when your cell, HDTV, set-top box and PC all talk to each other and shift media seamlessly between platforms (but probably won't.) Slightly less exciting is the promise of a 120Hz digital TV platform with integrated CableCARD and Internet support based on technology aquired from AMD earlier this year.Read - Broadcom to Demonstrate Super Resolution Technology at CES 2009, Enabling High Quality Viewing of Low Resolution Media ContentRead - Broadcom to Showcase a DLNA®-Enabled Connected Home at CES 2009Read - Broadcom Integrates Technologies and Resources from Its AMD Digital Television Business Acquisition
Toshiba's 1080p REGZA ZV series LCD HDTVs get priced and dated
Ready for some Resolution+ in your LCD HDTV? Yeah? Then get ready for Toshiba's REGZA ZV series, which is gearing up to take the UK by storm and completely change the way you see SD content. Okay, so maybe that's a touch overblown, but the upscaling sets are slated to launch in the UK on November 29th. The 42-inch 42ZV555D will sell for £899.99 ($1,419), while the 46-inch 46ZV555D will go for £1199.99 ($1,893), and both will make your collection of HD footage immensely envious.[Via Pocket-lint]
Hitachi makes like Toshiba and touts "super resolution technology"
We actually had to dust off our spectacles to make sure this wasn't some sort of misunderstanding, but clearly, Hitachi is pulling a Toshiba. Generally, we wouldn't make such a claim, but given that Tosh also calls its wizard-like upconverting technology Super Resolution, we'd say the likeness requires such a comparison. Reportedly, Hitachi has been toiling day and night on its own "super resolution technology," which will theoretically take SD images and scale them to near-1080p. Amazingly, we're told that it can also "convert HDTV images, such as digital terrestrial broadcasts, into images with even higher (what, SHV?) definition." The tech is executed on a frame-by-frame basis and should be exhibited at the upcoming CEATEC trade show in Japan; as for a release, Hitachi's currently aiming to get this into LCDs and plasmas "after 2010."
Toshiba's XD-E500 upconverting DVD player caught in stores
We'll apologize on our tipster's behalf for the quality of this shot, but evidently, he wasn't able to pass it through Toshiba's completely mind-boggling XDE upscaling technology before forwarding it onto us. Anyway, we reckon you can get the point -- the XD-E500 upconverting DVD player is filtering into stores, so those looking to make their current DVD collection look its best should probably take notice. Or not, whatever.[Thanks, Philip]
Hands-on with Toshiba's SRT REGZA HDTVs (and other old crap)
Man, what a toll the loss of HD DVD has taken on Toshiba. Judging by the vast expanse of floor space at Tosh's booth not covered with people (seriously, look for anyone in the gallery below) and the inclusion of CES-announced DVD / VHS recorders (yes, really) as premiere products, we'd say the outfit is still hurting from the outcome of the format war. In all honesty, we felt kind of sad sashaying through its installation while reading slogans like "See everything in HD (even the non-HD stuff)." We even viewed the Super Resolution Technology demonstration with an open mind, and while there's certainly a mild difference with SRT, these sets hardly make SD signals into high-def. Grab a tissue and wander through the gallery below. %Gallery-31197%
Toshiba's Super Resolution-infused REGZA HDTVs get US prices / release dates
Toshiba got official with its new RV / XV REGZA families last week at IFA, but now Tosh is debuting 'em along with a smattering of other lines at CEDIA. The main news here is the US pricing and availability, but if you care to get neck-deep in marketing hoopla, we'd be happy to oblige. The company is trumpeting its Super Resolution Technology (now available in the REGZA RV535 and XV545), which purportedly uses a "proprietary processing system" to "improve image sharpness, brightness and color, [thereby] enhancing standard movies, TV shows, camcorder movies and most video games to near HD quality." For details on how much he AV500, RV525, AV502, RV535 and XV545 sets will cost here in America, head on past the break.[Image courtesy of TWICE]
