Tag Archives: nhk

Samsung, LG join forces with Korean cable companies to push UHDTV content

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Samsung, LG join forces with Korean cable companies to push UHDTV programming

No matter how many 4K TVs hit shelves, without native content their appeal will likely remain limited. Samsung and LG are working to change that, at least in their home country, by announcing a memorandum of understanding with five Korean cable operators (Hyundai HCN, CJ HelloVision, C&M, CMB and T-Broad) to boost 4K TV broadcasts. We could see both live and on-demand 4K programming by the end of this year or early next year, made available via apps on smart TVs and streamed through South Korea's abundant high speed internet connections. Still not enough resolution for you? Just last week, Japan's NHK showed off the first 8K Super Hi-Vision narrative film at the Cannes Film Festival. We'll let you know when all of these developments add up to Ultra HDTV content viewable in your neck of the woods, but for now early adopters will have to make do with mostly upscaled content like Sony's Mastered in 4K 1080p Blu-ray discs.

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Source: Samsung Korea, Korea Newswire

NHK has a theoretical fix for OLED’s theoretical longevity problem

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NHK iOLED

Japan's National Broadcasting Corporation, NHK, reckons OLED displays don't last long enough. And they have a point, because OLED pixels that are exposed to the air can lose half of their brightness in just 100 days. Commercial products are of course protected from the elements, but they're not perfect. This is where iOLED comes in. NHK inverts the anode and cathode layers in traditional OLED configurations, hence the added "i", and then adds an additional protective coating above the cathode. The result is a display that retains its brightness even when not fully sealed from the environment. Hopefully, this sort of solution will make its way into OLED TVs by the time OLED TVs are actually affordable, but in the meantime we're expecting to hear more about NHK's technology (and maybe see it in action) at Display Week later this month.

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Source: NHK

NHK and Mitsubishi develop the first H.265 encoder for 8K video

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NHK and Mitsubishi develop the first H265 encoder for 8K video

NHK's 8K Super Hi-Vision is an extremely bandwidth-heavy format -- so much so that earlier tests used gigabit-class internet links rather than traditional TV broadcasting methods. Thankfully, both the broadcaster and Mitsubishi have developed an encoder that could keep data rates down to Earth. The unassuming metal box (above) is the first to squeeze 8K video into the extra-dense H.265 (HEVC) format, cutting the bandwidth usage in half versus H.264. Its parallel processing is quick enough to encode video in real time, too, which should please NHK and other networks producing live TV. We'll still need faster-than-usual connections (and gigantic TVs) to make 8K an everyday reality, but that goal should now be more realistic.

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Source: NHK (translated)

NHK proposes new 3D broadcast format: transmits dual images at higher resolution (video)

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NHK proposes new 3D broadcast format transmits dual images at higher resolution video

A technical arm of Japan's national broadcaster, NHK Media Technology, is proposing a new Advanced Stereo 3D format for broadcasting high-quality 3D content. It would be able to transmit programming to both 3D-capable TVs and standard HD sets, all while holding hands with existing broadcast standards. According to DigInfoNews, the new format is being submitted to the ARIB, which decides broadcasting standards. What's different here is that NHK would be able to offer both images in full high-definition -- independently transmitting both left and right images instead of side-by-side at a reduced resolution. The Japanese broadcaster has noted that Korean developers are working on similar tech and a compatible format between both projects could be very likely, and hopefully lay the groundwork for global take-up of the standard.

Continue reading NHK proposes new 3D broadcast format: transmits dual images at higher resolution (video)

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Source: DigInfo

Domo Toaster Creates The Cutest Looking Toast Ever

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NHK’s very own mascot, Domokun, has inspired a wide array of merchandising, out of which one of our favorite pieces is this incredible toaster, capable of producing some of the cutest pieces of toast ever.

Out of all the weird merchandising options available, someone decided a toaster was the best idea. ...
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NHK demonstrates 8K 3D digital binoculars: 16x ‘lossless’ zoom at 1080p (hands-on)

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NHK demonstrates 8K 3D digital binoculars 16x 'lossless' zoom at 1080p

Alongside its Super Hi-Vision TV demonstrations, Japan's national broadcaster had some 3D goggles also taking advantage of that 8K resolution. With 16 times the pixels of typical 1080p content, these prototype binoculars provide the same multiple of zoom from an 8K feed -- that is 16x zoom without losing any of original data. We got to grips with a the master model here at CEATEC, and were able to pan up and down, as well as manipulate a lever to close in on views of both Mount Fuji and Tokyo's very recent Skytree tower. NHK mentions that it could see the devices being used to show off other sightseeing spots in the future, but we don't expect home installations any time soon.

Gallery: NHK Super Hi-Vision 8K binoculars at CEATEC 2012

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NHK demonstrates 8K 3D digital binoculars: 16x 'lossless' zoom at 1080p (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHK 8K Super Hi-Vision camera captures native 120Hz footage, we go eyes-on at IBC (video)

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NHK 8K Super HiVision camera captures native 120Hz footage, we go eyeson at IBC video

We've seen plenty of 4K cameras, and we've even heard a whisper or two about 8K, but the quality of a viewing experience isn't tied only to resolution -- frame rate also comes into play, especially with fast-moving subjects. NHK's prototype Super Hi-Vision camera doubles the capture rate from the standard 60Hz to a much speedier 120Hz, yielding sharper motion. While the difference isn't noticeable with static or slow-moving scenes, it certainly comes into play when filming rapid-motion sporting events or panning the camera. The Japan Broadcasting Corporation's latest model was on hand at IBC in Amsterdam, and the advantages of a 120Hz cam were immediately crystal clear.

Filming a rotating image that paired ordinary objects and cityscapes with letters and numbers, you could see the difference instantly, with the 120Hz image on the right side yielding far shaper details, while the left side was often a blurry mess. There's no software smoothing on hand here -- because the higher frequency comes directly from the source, it appears perfectly natural, and much more pleasant. We captured a video demonstrating the expo floor rig, but because our camera doesn't sport the same spec, you won't notice a difference in the hands-on clip after the break. You can see the difference in our stills gallery below, however, and you can take us on our word -- the improvement is quite dramatic.

Gallery: NHK 120Hz 4K camera eyes-on

Continue reading NHK 8K Super Hi-Vision camera captures native 120Hz footage, we go eyes-on at IBC (video)

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NHK 8K Super Hi-Vision camera captures native 120Hz footage, we go eyes-on at IBC (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Sep 2012 16:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic’s 145-inch 8K PDP eyes-on (video)

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Panasonic's 145inch 8K PDP eyeson

Tucked away into a dark corner of Panasonic's booth is the clear highlight of the outfit's IFA 2012 showcase: a 145-inch 8K plasma display panel. Developed in partnership with Japan's NHK, the prototype is merely a proof of concept for the broadcaster's planned 2020 launch of Super Hi Vision TV. In person, the flat screen is truly awe-inspiring, offering such richness of detail that even up-close we weren't able to discern any pixels, while colors appeared balanced and natural. Overall, the image quality -- 16 times that of regular full HD -- nearly apes the real-world images it replicates. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait sometime before this tech trickles down to the mass market level. In the meantime, content yourself with a brief video demo after the break.

Follow all of our IFA 2012 coverage by heading to our event hub!

Continue reading Panasonic's 145-inch 8K PDP eyes-on (video)

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Panasonic's 145-inch 8K PDP eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHK developing hybrid renewable energy-powered video camera for use in disaster areas

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NHK developing hybrid renewable energypowered camera for use in disaster areas

You can always count on Japan's NHK to come up with new, exciting and innovative ways to bring us video coverage. The latest project? A wind- and solar-powered robot camera designed for situations such as natural disasters. Loaded with a 1,200 Ah battery, even if the elements don't bless it with sun and air, it can keep filming for two to three days. The combination of wind turbine and solar panels obviously allow it to generate more power than either method on its own, with the turbine reportedly generating 1 kW at 11 m/s wind speeds. A special power-saving mode prevent it draining too fast when full functionality -- such as the built-in wireless, cellular and satellite broadcasting systems aren't needed. Currently the prototype is installed on a rooftop while battery and power-generation are fully tested, but it's hoped that this could lead to further developments for disaster area broadcast equipment. Or -- here's hoping -- power-cut-proof sports coverage.

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NHK developing hybrid renewable energy-powered video camera for use in disaster areas originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink AVWatch  |  sourceNHK (Japanese)  | Email this | Comments

ITU approves NHK’s Super Hi-Vision as 8K standard, sets the UHDTV ball rolling very slowly

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ITU approves NHK's Super HiVision as 8K standard, sets the UHDTV ball rolling very slowly

We'd heard that the International Telecommunication Union was close to approving Super Hi-Vision as an Ultra High Definition TV standard, and the UN agency hasn't waited long to confirm the rumors. The recommendation to use NHK's 7,680 x 4,320 format has gone unopposed and should define the parameters for incredibly detailed 8K video worldwide. This shouldn't lead anyone to return that 4K TV just yet -- once again, it's important to remember that NHK still won't start any kind of wider testing until 2020. That's also assuming that the first 8K sets are down to Earth instead of the incredibly expensive 145-inch variety.

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ITU approves NHK's Super Hi-Vision as 8K standard, sets the UHDTV ball rolling very slowly originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 05:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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