Chris_Eff

The codec talk in this thread is very impressive. But why does everyone keep asking for 1080p for a display format. Does anyone know of a current display device that can actually display this resolution?. I am bummed my early HD monitor can't do 720p let alone even seeing a 1080p compatible monitor available for purchase. I don't feel any format would survive if people had to buy a new TV set again when they just bought one for current HDTV and 480p DVD. Just a fairly educated Joe sixpack observation.

Did you get the memo on that?

John Kotches

Chris:

• RPTVs with LCoS chips from Toshiba were available @ 1080p.
• Sony Qualia 004 SXRD Front Projector is 1080p.
• JVCs HD-2K projector (release imminent) is 1080p
• The best 9" CRT projectors can handle 1080p.
• TIs upcoming xHD3 chip is 1080p.
• Philips has demonstrated 1080p LCoS based RPTVs (I think, not 100% on this one)

Further, it is much less error prone to interlace a progressive image than it is to deinterlace an interlaced image.

Cheers,

Surround Music Enthusiast / Curmudgeon in Training
Opinions are my own, not representative of the publication I write for.

James Morrow

1080p is essentially what was defined as high definition in the late 1960s when Sony measured what resolution was required to produce cinema quality in the home (around 2k by 1k pixels) - currently approximated by 16:9 1920 by 1080 pixels.

Until high definition discs arrive there has been little need for true high definition displays, as in the pursuit of quantity over quality the broadcasters generally opt for 720p. However, Blu-ray can easily support true high definition (perhaps we should call 720p intermediate definition to avoid confusion) and now that the launch is approaching many manufacturers are developing full 1920 by 1080 pixel progressive capable displays. Current examples include 54" and 57" TFT panels from Samsung with 8ms response and Sony and Apple both make 23" TFT panels at 1920 by 1200 pixel resolution.

Remember that whilst 720p may seem impressive compared to 480i, it's not such as step up from PAL (576i) or Secam (800i).

It\'s time we Blu-it...

Michael St. Clair

Actually, 720p, when shot 60fps, is a huge step up from any standard def video from anywhere in the world. It has enormous temporal resolution and gives a 'you are there' effect that even beats 1080i when shown on the right display device.

I've seen some demo material shot 1280x720 60fps on a native 720p device and it was STUNNING.

If you see a movie in 720p it is always from 24fps and doesn't come that close to showing the potential of the format.

James Morrow

Note that Samsung's 57" TFT panel supports 1920 by 1080 up to p60. ...but then it does cost around $25k at the moment.

It\'s time we Blu-it...

Lee Scoggins

Mike makes a good point here. 702P can be stunning. I saw several demos at HE2004 of 720P and it was highly impressive. I would be happy to have that in my home.

I also saw the Qualia at 1080P (I think from a 1080i source if I'm not mistaken) in the Sony demo and it was probably the sharpest, clearest viedo or film presentation I have ever seen.

John's answer is righ though. You want to have room to grow into more technology over time.

Let's set the bar as high as possible or people may get complacent like they have with Red Book (or is MP3?) in audio....

no fears alone at night she's sailing through the crowd
in her ears the phones are tight and the music's playing loud
~skateaway

James Morrow

... of course, don't forget that virtually all 35mm film is shot at 24 frames per second - although if using MPeg4/WMV or similar, motion vector information might be used to generate a couple of additional frames between real frames to get up to 72Hz (which I believe is the rate that IMAX works at) - although I don't know how well this would work at scene transitions, etc..

It\'s time we Blu-it...

Lee Scoggins

Wall Street Journal reported this week that Time Warner is putting together an offer for MGM so things are heating up in terms of title domination.

Kerkorian is a shrewd negotiator and TW is just starting here but it could be interesting and have an effect on BluRay versus HD-DVD.

no fears alone at night she's sailing through the crowd
in her ears the phones are tight and the music's playing loud
~skateaway

Marc Colella

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Time Warner ends up purchasing MGM.

John Kotches

The lucky winner gets to assume US$2 billion in debt.... Hmmm, I'm glad it's not me opening up my checkbook.



Cheers,

Surround Music Enthusiast / Curmudgeon in Training
Opinions are my own, not representative of the publication I write for.

John Milton

Go Sony! If they want Blu-ray to be a winner then acquiring MGM is an important step.