TriDigital(TM) Image Processing Film Decoding Technology Reinvents Digital Entertainment

ITASCA, Ill., March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Redefining "cinema-quality" image delivery for theater and digital entertainment venues, NEC Technologies, Inc. today announced the MultiSync(R) XT5000-DC, the world's first compact High Light Output (HLO(TM)) cinema projection system with exclusive TriDigital(TM) Image Processing film decoding technology. To date, the XT5000-DC is the only compact, fully deliverable projection system optimized for the presentation of film-based material within a cinema environment.

The MultiSync XT5000-DC with TriDigital Image Processing is expected to fill the need for theatrical and cinema quality projectors in small to medium size theater and digital entertainment venues. It will be demonstrated for the first time at ShoWest 2000, March 6-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The new film decoding technology processes incoming signals to emulate the look, feel and colorspace of film. "Film source material requires a 'film decoder,' not a video decoder," said Steve Jackson, director of product development for the Visual Systems Division at NEC Technologies. "A video decoder may produce images acceptable for a home theater or a rock concert, but for a theater venue where film is king, digital cinema must look like film -- not television. This is where the TriDigital Image Processing technology excels."

TriDigital Image Processing Technology

The concept behind the TriDigital Image Processing's display of film transfer material for large venue exhibition is simple, yet revolutionary. The technology required to achieve this new standard of image quality is exclusive to NEC Technologies. Like the name implies, TriDigital Image Processing entails three key steps to optimally decode film transfer material for digital projection. First, the ColorBit(TM) Pre-Processor decodes incoming signals to satisfy the unique requirements for film-based materials as opposed to a conventional video processor. Then, the Deep BlackBit(TM) Decoder extracts the maximum dynamic range of the original filmed image to produce deep, dark blacks that still exhibit the contrast and detail of the original film material. This is achieved without increasing the noise level or producing detail contours inherent in conventional electronic projector systems that attempt to deliver dark area detail. Lastly, the Wide ColorBit(TM) Post-Processor manufactures an image that overcomes the RGB characteristics of the projector - characteristics that would otherwise make the image appear as video. "This element of the process is crucial because film is not an RGB medium, but instead, dye particulates suspended in an emulsion that interact with the light from a traditional mechanical projector. This is the essence of the look and feel of film," explained Jackson who added that the TriDigital Image Processing technology strives to duplicate the "age-old" mechanical and optical/light interaction of film within the "new-age" digital domain.

Furthermore, the TriDigital Image Processing technology is entirely automatic and requires no setup, adjustment or intervention at the exhibition venue of any kind. In addition, no special pre-encoding of the source material is necessary -- it works with any standard film transfer from virtually any source.

Small System Delivers Large Benefits

At one-fifth the volume, one-third the weight and a more affordable price than competitive high light output projection systems currently available, the MultiSync XT5000-DC provides operational simplicity, reliability and a long service life. The projection system utilizes the newest, .9-inch 3-chip Digital Light Processing(TM) (DLP(TM)) mirror technology from Texas Instruments, to produce bright, evenly illuminated images.

The MultiSync XT5000-DC's input flexibility guarantees compatibility with virtually every type of signal source. It is also the first HLO projection system to have PanelLink(TM) digital connection interface for the cleanest, artifact-free computer connection possible, as well as serial digital interface. As a result, everything from video, component video and satellite to the highest resolution digital, computer and HDTV sources are easily displayed on the XT5000-DC. The bottom line is that the XT5000-DC is an all-in-one solution for theaters and entertainment venues.

In addition, through the use of NEC Technologies' proprietary AutoSense(TM) technology, the projection system automatically adjusts and optimizes all computer and video signals to help further increase functionality without adjustment or operator intervention at the venue location.

"The XT5000-DC's flexibility and wide input signal compatibility offers theater owners the opportunity to expand their use of the projector and their facilities for other types of consumer or corporate events that may require anything from cinema-quality images to computer generated PowerPoint(TM) presentations to long distance learning and teleconferencing," said Jackson. "Keeping their venues busy between conventional movies is just another way for theater owners to increase much needed revenue."

Availability

The MultiSync XT5000-DC projector will begin shipping directly through NEC Technologies in June 2000. For more information about the MultiSync XT5000-DC, please contact Steven Jackson, director of product development via phone, 630-467-4727 or via e-mail, sjackson@nectech.com.

NEC Technologies, Inc.

Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., NEC Technologies is a leading manufacturer of premium imaging peripherals and other technology products for the North American market. Award-winning product lines include MultiSync(TM) CRT and LCD desktop and presentation monitors, MultiSync portable DLP and LCD projectors and fixed installation DLP and CRT projectors, SuperScript(TM) printers, and Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS). NEC Technologies, Inc. is an affiliate of NEC Corporation.