GB HDMI – HD, HDMI Cable and HDMI over IP

Just Add Power’s soon to be released HDMI over IP ‘2G’ solution delivers visually lossless full HD 1080p video over LAN that is side-by-side identical to the source content. 

The first of the emerging IP-based solutions to achieve the lossless ambition Just Add Power’s 2G devices have been redesigned from the ground up. Crucially under the bonnet is a custom proprietary processor and video compression engine packing some serious power. 

The 2G processor is a silicon-on-chip (SOC) design built with several unique and patented features, at its heart is the British designed ARM9 CPU with a maximum running frequency of 275MHz.  The CPU core includes 16KB I-cache, 16KB D-Cache, a Memory Management Unit (MMU), and two AHB system buses.  The same ARM9 family of processors has been embraced by hundreds of prominent companies including NVIDIA, Panasonic and Apple.

The 2G units work on a 1000BT Gigabit network platform.  This 1000% increase in specified network speed provides the necessary bandwidth to implement a proprietary lossless 1080p content CODEC. The end result is the ability to replicate stunning 1080p video that cannot be distinguished from the source content, allowing Custom Installers to satisfy the video quality demands of the most demanding clients.

Unlike competing HD/IP solutions, Just Add Power’s trump card for the Custom Installer is add a Managed Network Switch and a flexible; virtual, ‘any-size’ matrix can be created – providing dropout-free, instant source switching and impeccable picture quality.

Initially the 2G Just Add Power HDMI over IP devices will be offered in the same 4 form factors as the 1G family (Standard Transmitter, Rackmount 3X Transmitter, Standard Receiver, and PoE Receiver).  Pricing details for the 2G solution will be publicly released early June prior to the official product launch demonstration at the CEDIA Home Technology Event in London 15th -17th June. 

For the most up-to-date news follow @hdmioverip on Twitter.
 
Visit us at the ICC London ExCeL from 15 – 17 June  – Stand A2
 
www.hdmi-over-ip.co.uk
www.connectivityuk.com
www.hometechnologyevent.co.uk

3D HDTV has been getting a lot of press attention recently. With all the major manufacturers due to release new 3D HDTV models within the next 12 months and a foray of new cinema and Blu-ray releases using various 3D technologies, it looks like the resurgence of this old media format might actually have legs.

We should point out that this wouldn’t be the first time 3D TV has tried to enter the mass market. However, this time, it’s a little different. Audio visual advancements and proprietary upgrades to the HDMI standard have made 3D presentations of late rather enjoyable to watch. Most notably, improvements in smoother frame rates, increased visual fidelity and higher screen resolutions make the 3D experience truly come alive like never before.

With James Cameron’s heavily praised use of 3D on AVATAR, this could be the push that 3D really needs to enter the mass market.

Improvements in 3D technology mean that you don't need to look like General Kala's Power Men from Flash Gordon

But at GBHDMI, we’re a little sceptical, 3D is undoubtedly great – but will it really compete with HDTV or merely become an attractive side addition to home theatre setups? We believe that 3D will eventually penetrate the home market, but it will be some time before the public are universally enjoying the benefits of 3D media in their home.    

Here’s two reasons why…

1. The use of glasses make it less accessible than watching standard or high-definition TV

Apart from autosteroscopic methods of 3D projection (which are known to give headaches), all other 3D technologies require the user to don some form of glasses. Misplacing one of these glasses or simply not having enough in your front room, pub or gallery means that it’s not universally accessible to all. It isn’t an entertainment format that can be enjoyed on the spur of the moment.

Think about watching a football match with your family in 3D at home and unexpectedly a mate pops over to enjoy it too?

2. 3D uptake will be slow as most consumers have already made the jump and upgraded their TVs to HD

A recent article from the BBC has identified that 56% of the UK has now replaced their standard definition TVs for HD ones. That’s pretty good news. However, only 9% of this group are actually consuming HD material from Blu-ray’s, satellite and cable broadcasters. What does this mean? Well, if the uptake for HD equipment and material has been this slow so far, what do you think it will mean for people to upgrade their TVs, 3D HDMI cabling and Blu-ray players in order to play this type of content? We don’t know for sure, but we can tell you that it will be a long, long time.

So who do we think will be the immediate winners?

One market that could potentially benefit is gaming. The large majority of games are enjoyed by a single person and are consumed almost primarily at home – fitting the profile perfectly for a 3D consumer. With developers striving for more realistic environments and better immersion in their games, 3D gaming seems to be a logical step.