Cover Story
Cutting-Edge TVs to Deliver Beautiful Images at Far-Higher Resolution
Part 1: Overview
Advances in Image-Processing Technologies to Free TVs from Broadcasting Restraints
High-resolution 4k x 2k TVs featuring 4,000 x 2,000 pixels, four times as many as conventional TVs, will soon be entering homes.It is not advances in TV broadcasting, but rather advances in image-processing technologies that are pushing TVs to go 4k x 2k.Thebreaking down of the conventional notion that the number of pixels on a TV must not exceed the range of the content to be broadcast will lead to an expansion of the roles that TV plays and accelerate the diversification of information displayed on the screen.
Part 2: Ultra-High Definition Technology
4k x 2k TVs Nearing Reality, with Higher Definition and Cost Reduction Also Being Promoted
The key torealizing 4k x 2k TVs is ultra-high definition technology. The required technology will achieve efficient processing within the limitations of LSI processing capability and cost. For now, at the product level, the technology can only be used for expanding DVD images into full-HD images, but its expandability to 4k x 2k resolution has already been technically established. If the cost of LSI chips that can execute ultra-high resolution processing drops further, 4k x 2k definition will become a standard feature in TVs.
Part 3: 4k x 2k Panels
LCD Panels in Ready State; Cu Interconnect to Lead to High-Speed Drive and Lower Cost
LCD panels have led the way for thin-profile TV panel technologies up to now. In terms of screen resolution improvement, LCD panels were the first to support HD specifications, and will also likely spearhead progress toward 4k x 2k resolution. Production of 4k x 2k LCD monitors has already begun for commercial applications, leaving only a few unresolved issues, including slower panel drive speed and higher cost. To solve these issues, new innovative technologies must be developed.
Special Feature
Carmakers Undergoing Major Transformation toward Electrification
Detroit Motor Show Report
At the Detroit Motor Show, held January 11-25, 2009, the number of cars exhibited was significantly less than in the past, due to the global recession. Nevertheless, the Big Three, which are facing the risk of bankruptcy, each had their own comprehensive booth and openly publicized their plans to accelerate the pace of automobile electrification, in order to persuade the public of the continuing value of their enterprises. This trend was not limited to the Big Three, however, with the entire automotive industry beginning to move seriously in the direction of electrification. As a result, many new developments are beginning to occur surrounding lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, the key component.
iPhone vs. Android: Key Issues in Software Development
Apple Inc.’s iPhone and Google Inc.’s Android both represent the next-generation cellphone platforms.We asked Mr. Akira Sasaki, who is a software developer himself and CEO of GClue, Inc., a company developing applications for both the iPhone and the Android, to talk about development trends.
Although GClue, founded in 2001, has nearly 8 years of experience in developing applications for cellphones, the company is no longer working with applications for conventional cellphones. As Mr. Sasaki is firmly convinced of the potential of the iPhone and Android, GClue iscurrently specializing in developing applications only for these platforms.
“In terms of growth phase, both the iPhone and the Android are still like two grade school children, who have huge ambitions toward the same goal. The iPhone is like a kid who has artistic talent and is beginning to create innovations full of artistic sensibilities. In contrast, the Android is like a fanatical geek, who is trying to come up with innovations by pursuing technology development.Taking advantage of their own individual strengths, both are becoming established as formidable forces that will have a great impact on the society of the future.” (Akira Sasaki, CEO, GClue, Inc.)
Guest Paper
Developing Low Power Consumption Wireless ICs to Achieve Sensor Network Based on Wireless LAN
For sensor networks, a low power consumption wireless technology such as ZigBee has normally been used. However, a U.S. manufacturer has emerged that is trying to use a wireless LAN infrastructure to build a sensor network. GainSpan Corp., a venture company based in Silicon Valley, California, has developed a transceiver IC for wireless LAN that boasts an extremely low level of power consumption, and is beginning to supply its products to device manufacturers. A GainSpan representative explains the company’s development objectives and chip configuration.
Documentary
History of Struggles to Eliminate Lead from Solder; 10 Years of Twists and Turns (Part 3)
The Issue Goes Far Beyond Game Machines
Tutorial
Matrix Converters (Part 3)
Detailed Explanations of Components and Peripheral Functions Unique to Matrix Converters; Switching Elements and Commutation; and Protection Circuits
AC power can be converted into AC power having a different frequency and amplitude. Conventional inverters and matrix converters have nearly the same functions, but differ drastically in circuit configuration.Consequently, matrix converters require unique components and peripheral functions. This article explains the details of matrix converters, focusing on switches, commutation, and protection circuits.
What is a Metamaterial? (Part 4)
Choosing Suitable Composite Right- and Left-Handed Metamaterial Parameters for Individual Applications
A CRLH metamaterial, which consists of composite right- and left-handed channels, are given features suitable to industrial applications, such as antennas and couplers, in order to satisfy specificrequirements. This article describes those requirementsand provides examples of devices that use CRLH metamaterials.
Keyword
Intel Atom Processor
Originally Targeted at Embedded Devices; Now a Big Hit in Mini Notebook PCs
Key Person
Panasonic Corporation Storage Devices Business Strategy Office General Manager, Masayuki Kozuka: 3D TVs Open Up a New World to Help Engineers Search for Interesting Challenges
I am responsible for promoting the use of Blue-ray Discs (BD). In order to show 3D movies on TVs at high resolution, we are trying to expand the specifications of BDs and HDMI. We want to finish the standardization work by the end of 2009, our main impetus being the rising popularity of 3D movies in Hollywood. It has become clear that 3D Hollywood movies attract a far greater number of viewers than similar 2D movies shown at the same time, and therefore, studios are beginning to greatly increase the number of 3D movies they make.
NE Interview
Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo, Nobuhiro Nakayama: “No Pain, No Gain”--Should Copyrights be a Hurdle to Development?
There has been a recent flurry of activity in Japan surrounding the issue of copyrights. Readers may recall the recent debates that took place at Council meetings of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Agency for Cultural Affairs, regarding reassessing the current systems, including “Dubbing 10” and the “Compensation System for Digital Private Recording,” which directly affect equipment manufacturers. However, consumers, who want to freely use copyrighted materials, authors, who want to protect their creations, and technology developers and service providers all have different opinions, and the gaps between them have not narrowed. Against this background, in the autumn of 2008, the Cabinet Secretariat of Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters announced the concept of a “Japanese Version of Fair Use,” in an effort to break through this logjam. Prof. Nobuhiro Nakayama, a noted scholar of copyright law, says, “The concept of fair use, which would determine whether a violation has occurred based on precedents, would definitely help the industry.”
World Report
From UAE: Dubai, Free-Zone Paradise, to Support Economy Following Collapse of Real-Estate Bubble
It is said that Dubai, one of the United Arab Emirates, was urbanized and developed at the fastest pace in the history of mankind. Yet, after building world-class resorts in recent years, Dubai has been attracting attention from around the world since the autumn of 2008 as its real estate bubble burst.
News
- In Severe Recession, Sony Reports Red Ink and Qimonda AG Goes Bankrupt
- Strengthened Environmental Regulations in China Increase Popularity of Inverter Air Conditioners
