TV manufacturers can immediately mass produce 100/120 Hz LCD TVs in both ATSC and DVB-T versions.
San Diego, USA — March 5, 2007– Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN), a leading supplier of innovative application-specific IC system solutions for consumer electronics, together showcase the Kentaurus 3 production-ready LCD-TV series with motion-blur removal and film de-judder at the DisplaySearch 9th Annual US FPD Conference in San Diego from March 6-8, 2007.
Driven by the need to improve today’s LCD TV performance and to allow rapid market introductions, Kentaurus 3 is the latest addition to the successful Kentaurus range of production-ready solutions. The Kentaurus 3 system architecture is based on the Micronas VCT-Pro all-in-one LCD-TV processor and the Micronas truDHD high-definition Frame Rate Converter (FRC-H). Kentaurus 3 is available in different models to address digital TV markets (ATSC and DVB-T) as well as HD-ready markets.
“Kentaurus 3 has been optimized so that TV makers can take advantage of the maximum picture experience of the VCT-Pro and FRC-H system. The Micronas 100/120 Hz motion blur removal and film de-judder technology is market proven and currently used by many well-known brands in the world,” says Wladimir Punt, Director of Marketing, TV at Micronas. “Both VCT-Pro and FRC-H have been developed to operate together in a system platform to eliminate the motion blur and film judder effects, which are especially visible on larger flat-panel HDTVs.”
“TV manufacturers adopting the Kentaurus 3 can immediately introduce film de-judder and motion blur removal solutions to their product portfolio for PAL, NTSC, SECAM, ATSC and DVB-T markets,” says Torsten Frings, Managing Director of IKONVERGENZ. “Such a solution is necessary for 32-inch or larger LCD TVs, as judder and motion blur are very often visible on the bigger TVs.”
Film de-judder
Almost all films are shot, edited and mastered at 24 frames per second (fps), but they are broadcast and viewed on LCD TV screens at 50 or 60 frames per second. Simple frame rate conversion from 24 fps to 30 fps is done using “inverse 3-2 pull-down”, a process of repeating certain frames. This results in an irritating start-stop motion, called film judder. The Kentaurus 3 uses the Micronas high-definition film de-judder technology, which increases the frame rate by generating additional new frames rather than simply repeating frames.
Motion blur removal
The best method of overcoming the motion blur effect of LCD TVs is to double the image rate (from 50/60fps to 100/120fps). This technique is superior to black field insertion or backlight scanning, low-cost techniques adopted by some vendors. Kentaurus 3 delivers outstanding sharpness based on the 100/120Hz motion blur removal technique of the FRC-H device.
LCD panels can offer excellent picture quality despite certain limitations. But getting the best picture from these panels requires the very best upstream electronics. Using the Micronas VCT-Pro and Micronas FRC-H, consumers can experience the true quality of LCD-TV without motion blur or film judder.
The Kentaurus 3 design is licensable now. Like all IKONVERGENZ products, it has been designed for immediate production. Bills of Material and all other design documentation are provided.
See Micronas at the DisplaySearch 9th Annual US FPD Conference in San Diego from March 6-8, 2007.
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About Micronas
Micronas (SWX Swiss Exchange: MASN), a semiconductor designer and manufacturer with worldwide operations, is a leading supplier of cutting-edge IC and sensor system solutions for consumer and automotive electronics. As a market leader in innovative global TV system solutions, Micronas leverages its expertise into new markets emerging through the digitization of audio and video content. Micronas serves all major consumer brands worldwide, many of them in continuous partnerships seeking joint success. While the holding company is headquartered in Zurich (Switzerland), operational headquarters are based in Freiburg (Germany). Currently, the Micronas Group employs about 2200 people. In 2006 it generated CHF 813/USD 648/EUR 515 million in sales. For more information on Micronas and its products, please visit www.micronas.com.
About IKONVERGENZ
IKONVERGENZ, a division of Micronas, is a dedicated TV research and development centre providing certified turn-key production-ready Digital (DVB-T and ATSC) and Analogue (PAL / NTSC / SECAM) solutions to TV makers for immediate mass production.
IKONVERGENZ iDTV solutions were tested at DTG (Digital TV Group) and NorDig and comply with the D-Book, E-Book and NorDig Unified basic TV profile standards. IKONVERGENZ has also received the Digital Certification Mark under the Digital Switchover Programme for iDTV solutions meeting the necessary technical criteria. For more information on IKONVERGENZ and its products, please visit www.ikonvergenz.com
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