Just when you thought
high dynamic range was slipping into the background once more, we've received new information that the technology is not only alive and well behind certain closed doors, but that it will be making its debut relatively soon. Reportedly,
SIM2 has teamed up with Dolby to create a prototype display incorporating Dolby's HDR technologies. More specifically, the unit will be an HDR-enabled LCD using Dolby's LED local dimming technology, which should provide "dramatically enhanced contrast." Regrettably, we're not told anything beyond that -- resolution, design, inputs, etc. all remain a mystery -- but you can go on and mark Q1 2008 down as the period in which we
should see the first elusive prototype. 'Course, the key word there is "should."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
EQC @ Jan 5th 2008 1:56PM
I hope they implement this in the full, Brightside manner. For those not in the know, a Canadian company/research group called Brightside developed the locally-dimming LED backlight, HDR LCD technology. Dolby bought the rights to it.
I think Brightside's 37" prototype used 1400 individually modulated LED's in the back light. The first product to market using any part of this tech was Samsung's 81 series LCD panels...but they only used 70 IMLED's, so the effect was a bit disappointing as I've heard.
Anyway, more explanation of Brightside's tech here:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2005/10/04/brightside_hdr_edr/1
The Dolby Buy-out here:
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2007/02/27/dolby_buys_brightside_technologies_hdr_lcd/1
vtms @ Jan 5th 2008 4:31PM
Hopefully an actual product by the end of 08.
Charles @ Jan 5th 2008 10:49PM
Yep, the Brightside technology is absolutely phenominal. Samsung's implementation of local dimming was an attempt to stir the waters I suppose--those 81 series sets were expensive and they wanted to gauge consumer interest/response.
SIM2 is a high end manufacturer so I wouldn't expect to see a reasonably priced (read: mass market) set this year.