- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
LAS VEGAS — Technicolor is presenting a high dynamic range (HDR) imaging technology demonstration with an eye toward improving the consumer viewing experience — effectively taking on Dolby’s newly announced Dolby Vision, which is another development aimed at offering higher dynamic range to create better pictures, whether for HD or 4K content.
Technicolor plans to propose its HDR work to the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), looking to add it to the HEVC compression scheme for streaming 4K content, Christina Comila, director of research at Technicolor’s France-based research and development center, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Technicolor is additionally developing its own method for encoding HDR content for delivery to the home, as well as a method of mapping this spec to existing content. Like Dolby, it plans to license this technology when it becomes available.
CES: DreamWorks Animation and Technicolor’s M-GO Venture Introduces 4K Streaming Service
At CES, Technicolor is displaying its HDR imagery on a SIM2 prototype display, which it said reaches 4,000 nits (a measurement of light, explained here). “Our technology is not limited to any number of nits, it’s limited by the display technology,” Comila said.
The HDR clips shown in the CES demo were captured using Sony F65 4K cameras on a 3D rig. Comila said Technicolor is working on an HDR postproduction pipeline.
Also at CES, Technicolor is demonstrating developments aimed at the Internet of things — effectively the notion of connecting all devices — as well as connecting cars and 4K Ultra HD delivery.
CES: Consumer Electronics Could Grow To $208 Billion Industry in 2014
That includes some proprietary upscaling technology that is being used to package 4K content for M-GO, the pay-as-you-go digital movie and TV streaming service joint venture between Technicolor and DreamWorks Animation, which is launching a 4K streaming service in the spring. Samsung was announced as the first partner that will support the 4K M-GO service on its 2014 Ultra HD TVs.
In partnership with IBM, Technicolor announced Virdata, an “Internet of things” platform, initially targeted at markets including consumer electronics and automotive.
Additionally, Technicolor revealed that its Qeo software, which enables devices and their content to connect with one another, has been selected by PSA Peugeot Citroen to provide connected car services. The Citroen C4 Picasso is the first Qeo-enabled car; auto systems and components designer Magneti Marelli will deliver the software.
Email: Carolyn.Giardina@THR.com
Twitter: @CGinLA
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day