“The world is moving towards High Definition Television [HDTV]” “Don’t buy a regular TV now, they are going to be better in every way when HDTV comes into market”. Some of the many phrases dropped by people who are loosely following the HDTV effort. When asked, “How do you know?”, these people confidently responded with, “Because technology is just going to get better and better.” Though HDTV is revolutionizing the world, and the technology is getting better, very little thought is put into the effort done by engineers in the leading companies. People expect television to constantly improve, but these improvements do not occur on their own. Rather, they arise from many different factors, such as nationalistic politicians who push American companies to develop HDTV, the computer industry pushing for a digital television, or engineers inventing new ideas.
In Inventing Accuracy, Donald Mackenzie clearly describes a false perception people have regarding improvements in technology, a notion he refers to as a natural trajectory. Through a chronology of the history of nuclear missile guidance, he defines such a trajectory as "a direction of technical development that is simply natural, not created by social interests but corresponding to the inherent possibilities of the technology (pg 167). However, in the context of military guidance, he comes to the conclusion that these things can't really exist. All trajectories need to be helped along by technical, social, and political pressures. Nothing happens by itself.
Even so, people still believe technologies advance because it is natural phenomenon. Moore’s Law is a prediction that the pace of microchip technology change is such that the amount of data storage that a microchip can hold doubles every year or at least every 18 months. Intel’s 8080 in 1975 had 4500 transistors. In 1995, when Intel introduced the Pentium Pro, it had 5.5 million transistors. However it did not occur because it was on a predestined plan to do so, but rather engineers in Santa Clara working hard to compete with other companies. If no other company that creating chips existed, Intel would most likely be just as happy to fire all its engineers and sell their chips at high prices.
HDTV is no different. This paper strives to analyze HDTV as the product of technological trajectories similar to the way Mackenzie did for nuclear missile guidance. To look under the mask of the natural trajectory and present HDTV as a true product of its surroundings, a manifestation of corporate interests, technical desires, and government goals. This paper also will show that HDTV is not really the natural way of the world, but one method that has been contrived through the involvement of lots of different parties, and done so successfully enough to convince the nation that it's a natural thing that should be expected and accepted by society as a great technological advancement.
Download pdf HDTV: The Engineering History
Showing posts with label high definition television. Show all posts
Showing posts with label high definition television. Show all posts
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Using FPGA-Based Channel Bonding for HDTV Over DSL
On an almost daily basis, new video or voice applications push the bandwidth requirements for DSL networks, while telecom carriers in the U.S. and worldwide are targeting delivery of digital and high-definition television (HDTV) to consumers. To achieve delivery of such services without deploying new fiber everywhere, carriers must leverage existing copper deployments already in the ground.
Most DSL lines offer enough capacity for delivering standard-definition television (SDTV). Most programs are available from streaming servers at bitrates of about 750 kbps, with some programs providing a 1.5 Mbps bitrate. However, to allow high-quality HDTV streaming and multiple channels simultaneously, a home must have a bandwidth of at least 16 Mbps. Although newer DSL generations of ADSL2 and VDSL can offer these speeds, they cannot offer high speed over a sufficiently longer distance on a typical DSL line. Therefore, HDTV programs can be delivered only to households close to the DSLAM. Those located further away can only receive lower quality SDTV programming.
To ensure that DSL remains the preferred choice for end users, service providers are looking for new ways to improve the performance of DSL networks. While VDSL and ADSL2 provide better performance, the distance limitations are difficult to overcome. Another scenario is to bring the DSLAMs closer to the end users, but the costs involved with installing new equipment in the network are often prohibitive.
Channel Bonding in DSLAMs and DSL Modems
DSL channel bonding provides the ideal mix of features: higher bandwidth to all users and the ability to extend the distance that can be reached at a certain bandwidth. Instead of using a single copper pair, DSL bonding distributes traffic over a bundle of copper pairs. To achieve an effective bandwidth of 12 Mbps, three DSL lines of 4 Mbps are bundled, with a channel bonding processor at each end of the lines. In most copper networks, subscribers are already connected via several wires, so no new cables need be installed to provide channel bonding service, as shown in Figure 1.
Download pdf Using FPGA-Based Channel Bonding for HDTV Over DSL
Most DSL lines offer enough capacity for delivering standard-definition television (SDTV). Most programs are available from streaming servers at bitrates of about 750 kbps, with some programs providing a 1.5 Mbps bitrate. However, to allow high-quality HDTV streaming and multiple channels simultaneously, a home must have a bandwidth of at least 16 Mbps. Although newer DSL generations of ADSL2 and VDSL can offer these speeds, they cannot offer high speed over a sufficiently longer distance on a typical DSL line. Therefore, HDTV programs can be delivered only to households close to the DSLAM. Those located further away can only receive lower quality SDTV programming.
To ensure that DSL remains the preferred choice for end users, service providers are looking for new ways to improve the performance of DSL networks. While VDSL and ADSL2 provide better performance, the distance limitations are difficult to overcome. Another scenario is to bring the DSLAMs closer to the end users, but the costs involved with installing new equipment in the network are often prohibitive.
Channel Bonding in DSLAMs and DSL Modems
DSL channel bonding provides the ideal mix of features: higher bandwidth to all users and the ability to extend the distance that can be reached at a certain bandwidth. Instead of using a single copper pair, DSL bonding distributes traffic over a bundle of copper pairs. To achieve an effective bandwidth of 12 Mbps, three DSL lines of 4 Mbps are bundled, with a channel bonding processor at each end of the lines. In most copper networks, subscribers are already connected via several wires, so no new cables need be installed to provide channel bonding service, as shown in Figure 1.
Download pdf Using FPGA-Based Channel Bonding for HDTV Over DSL
Friday, February 20, 2009
HDTV: To be or not to be
When budding scientists in elementary, middle and high school need information about chemistry, they have a myriad of sources online. One very popular source turns out to be the Lab’s periodic table site, linked to the Chemistry (C) Division’s external home page. How popular is it? Since May 2000 the site has logged nearly two million hits. The site is maintained and updated by computer technician Nick Degidio and staff member Moses Attrep both of Isotope and Nuclear Chemistry (C-INC). “We average about 30,000 hits a month,” said Degidio. “And that number doubles around finals, term papers and midterm exam time. Its popularity is pretty surprising.”
High definition television is coming to a screen near you — at least we hope so. For some television viewers the system is already in place and working well. For many more consumers, however, the technology may be a bit later in coming. The transition has proven troublesome for television broadcasters, television set manufacturers and government officials as technological, economic and even political issues have slowed the process.
The promise of HDTV is worth the wait, but only if you want the benefits of a higher-resolution picture — imagine doubling the resolution of today’s analog television — coupled with a wider screen image close to the dimensions of a motion picture image. Add to that Dolby digital sound with six separate audio tracks for detailed and realistic surround sound and you’ll probably agree HDTV is a better way to see television. Many people involved in the transition are beginning to fear that when the federally mandated time comes in 2006 to convert broadcast formats, a large per- centage of the population will not be ready
Get pdf download HDTV: To be or not to be
High definition television is coming to a screen near you — at least we hope so. For some television viewers the system is already in place and working well. For many more consumers, however, the technology may be a bit later in coming. The transition has proven troublesome for television broadcasters, television set manufacturers and government officials as technological, economic and even political issues have slowed the process.
The promise of HDTV is worth the wait, but only if you want the benefits of a higher-resolution picture — imagine doubling the resolution of today’s analog television — coupled with a wider screen image close to the dimensions of a motion picture image. Add to that Dolby digital sound with six separate audio tracks for detailed and realistic surround sound and you’ll probably agree HDTV is a better way to see television. Many people involved in the transition are beginning to fear that when the federally mandated time comes in 2006 to convert broadcast formats, a large per- centage of the population will not be ready
Get pdf download HDTV: To be or not to be
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Analog Reconstruction Filter for HDTV Using the THS8133, THS8134, THS8135, THS8200
The THS8133, THS8134, THS8135, and the THS8200 devices are part of a family of chips for graphics and video applications, which contain triple DACs that operate up to 240 MSPS. For television applications, an analog low-pass filter is required to reconstruct the signal that is input to the monitor. High definition television (HDTV) requires a sampling frequency of 74.25 MHz and has pass-band, transition-band, and stop-band attenuation requirements, which affect the complexity of the filter. A higher sampling rate results in a lower filter complexity.
The THS8133, THS8134, THS8135, and THS8200 comprise a family of graphics/video chips that have triple digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that convert digital graphics signals GBR/YPbPr to analog. They insert bilevel or trilevel syncs into the green/luma signal. The trilevel sync is used for horizontal synchronization of high definition (HD) television signals. Table 1 lists the chips and their capabilities. The THS8200 incorporates a 1:2 upsampling and interpolation filter, which results in a simplification of the filter design that is used to reconstruct the analog output signal. The advantages of 2x oversampling are examined for the high definition (HD) television application.
Get pdf download Analog Reconstruction Filter for HDTV Using the THS8133, THS8134, THS8135, THS8200
The THS8133, THS8134, THS8135, and THS8200 comprise a family of graphics/video chips that have triple digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that convert digital graphics signals GBR/YPbPr to analog. They insert bilevel or trilevel syncs into the green/luma signal. The trilevel sync is used for horizontal synchronization of high definition (HD) television signals. Table 1 lists the chips and their capabilities. The THS8200 incorporates a 1:2 upsampling and interpolation filter, which results in a simplification of the filter design that is used to reconstruct the analog output signal. The advantages of 2x oversampling are examined for the high definition (HD) television application.
Get pdf download Analog Reconstruction Filter for HDTV Using the THS8133, THS8134, THS8135, THS8200
Thursday, February 12, 2009
HDTV Accessories Guide
On February 17, 2009, the U.S. conversion from analog to digital television will be complete. HDTV, or high-definition television, is the best that digital television has to offer, including spectacular pictures and stunning surround sound that create the most realistic home entertainment experience available. To get true HD you need a high-definition program, delivered in HD, and displayed on an HDTV or HD monitor. Of course, this means that your accessories should be high quality as well, to ensure that you and your family realize the true benefits of HDTV. HDTV ACCESSORIES GUIDE
Rooftops and Rabbit Ears
If you rely on over-the-air reception with “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, you should get even better reception in the digital world—and more channels to boot! DTV allows broadcasters to transmit several TV programs at once—called multicasting—and these programs are available right now to consumers who choose to receive their DTV signal over-the-air. A new generation of antennas that are optimized for digital and HD delivery are available at your local retailer. Check out www.AntennaWeb.org for information about the type of antenna that’s right for you. If Your World Is Flat
A growing number of consumers enjoy the flat-screen experience by purchasing HDTV sets that can hang on the wall, in the form of LCD or plasma displays. There are a variety of accessories to affix the set to the wall, along with racks and cabinets for the components. You may also choose a TV stand or console from companies that specialize in furniture for electronics. The newest electronics furniture is created to blend into your living room and can even be built into the wall to create more space. Don’t forget to refer to your owner’s manual to learn which specialized cleaning product works best for your TV.
Get pdf download HDTV Accessories Guide
Rooftops and Rabbit Ears
If you rely on over-the-air reception with “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, you should get even better reception in the digital world—and more channels to boot! DTV allows broadcasters to transmit several TV programs at once—called multicasting—and these programs are available right now to consumers who choose to receive their DTV signal over-the-air. A new generation of antennas that are optimized for digital and HD delivery are available at your local retailer. Check out www.AntennaWeb.org for information about the type of antenna that’s right for you. If Your World Is Flat
A growing number of consumers enjoy the flat-screen experience by purchasing HDTV sets that can hang on the wall, in the form of LCD or plasma displays. There are a variety of accessories to affix the set to the wall, along with racks and cabinets for the components. You may also choose a TV stand or console from companies that specialize in furniture for electronics. The newest electronics furniture is created to blend into your living room and can even be built into the wall to create more space. Don’t forget to refer to your owner’s manual to learn which specialized cleaning product works best for your TV.
Get pdf download HDTV Accessories Guide
Monday, February 9, 2009
hDtV (high Definition television) and video surveillance
The TV market is moving rapidly towards high-definition television, HDTV. This change brings truly remarkable improvements in image quality and color fidelity. HDTV provides up to five times higher resolution and twice the linear resolution compared with traditional, analog TV. Furthermore, HDTV comes with wide screen format and DVD-quality audio.
Growth in the consumer market for HDTV is impressive. In 2007 the HDTV household penetration in the U.S. was approximately 35%. According to estimates, 85% of all viewers will have an HDTV set at home by 2012. Already today, virtually all major television productions are HD. The two most important HDTV standards today are SMPTE 296M and SMPTE 274M, which are defined by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, SMPTE.
hDtV impact on video surveillance market
This development is now starting to have an impact on the video surveillance market, as customers ask for higher image quality standard. The possibility of clearer, sharper images is a long sought quality in the surveillance industry, i.e. in applications where objects are moving or accurate identification is vital. It can be argued that some of these requirements can be met with megapixel network cameras. However the notion of “megapixel” is not a recognized standard but rather an adaptation of the industry’s best practices and it refers specifically to the number of image sensor elements of the digital camera. With high resolution follows huge amounts of image data, which more often than not leads to compromises on frame rate. A megapixel camera alone is therefore not synonymous with high image quality. In contrast, a network camera that complies with any of the given HDTV standards is guaranteed to provide a certain resolution, frame rate and color fidelity, thereby ensuring video quality at all times.
Get pdf download hDtV (high Definition television) and video surveillance
Growth in the consumer market for HDTV is impressive. In 2007 the HDTV household penetration in the U.S. was approximately 35%. According to estimates, 85% of all viewers will have an HDTV set at home by 2012. Already today, virtually all major television productions are HD. The two most important HDTV standards today are SMPTE 296M and SMPTE 274M, which are defined by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, SMPTE.
hDtV impact on video surveillance market
This development is now starting to have an impact on the video surveillance market, as customers ask for higher image quality standard. The possibility of clearer, sharper images is a long sought quality in the surveillance industry, i.e. in applications where objects are moving or accurate identification is vital. It can be argued that some of these requirements can be met with megapixel network cameras. However the notion of “megapixel” is not a recognized standard but rather an adaptation of the industry’s best practices and it refers specifically to the number of image sensor elements of the digital camera. With high resolution follows huge amounts of image data, which more often than not leads to compromises on frame rate. A megapixel camera alone is therefore not synonymous with high image quality. In contrast, a network camera that complies with any of the given HDTV standards is guaranteed to provide a certain resolution, frame rate and color fidelity, thereby ensuring video quality at all times.
Get pdf download hDtV (high Definition television) and video surveillance
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