Digigami Demonstrates VBR HD MPEG-2 Encoding Competitve with H.264
Long Beach, CA (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) December 22, 2005 -- Digigami today announced its new MegaPEG HD MPEG-2 VBR encoder is capable of matching and, in some cases, exceeding the picture quality while offering reduced bitrates compared to current H.264 encoders.Recently, Sony Pictures senior VP of advanced technologies, Don Ecklund, was blasted for his assertions about MPEG-2 video quality in defense of Sony's decision to release HD MPEG-2 encoded feature films on Blu-Ray discs. Digigami's own research and actual MPEG encoder output (sample movies available at http://www.digigami.com/megapeg/hdtv_samples.php) verify Ecklund's claims that MPEG-2 can and will continue to achieve quality/bitrates comparable to H.264 for the next generation of optical disc formats, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVD.New Advances in MPEG-2 VBR Encoding squeeze Hi-Def MPEG-2 on standard DVDProponents claim H.264 is capable of HD encoding feature films at the same bitrates as standard definition DVD. To the extent that this is true, the capability is not unique to H.264. The new Digigami HD encoder can produce 720p content with an average bitrate of 3-7 mbit/s, which is equivalent to the bitrates used in today's standard definition DVD titles. Comparing with H.264 we can see there is no advantage; an improved MPEG-2 encoder can perform this feat well.
Score one for MPEG-2."In our tests here at Digigami, we find that our MPEG-2 encoder is actually outperforming H.264 by a wide margin on 720p/1080p film content. Typically, our HD MPEG-2 encoder can produce VBR files two thirds to one half the bitrate produced by current H.264 encoders. On our website we have compressed material which supports this assertion. A recent example is a 400MB H.264 720p video blog that we recompressed to 172MB MPEG-1 VBR. In our testing, only highly saturated, brightly colored material (atypical of most content) is improved by H.264 - owing primarily to the use of 4:2:2 color."Improves Widely Used MPEG-2 Rather Than Hopping H.264 BandwagonDigigami took a different approach to improving their video encoder technology.
Firstly, the company built a powerful analysis tool (http://www.digigami.com/mpressionist/), which allows employees and customers to quantitatively analyze any existing compressed MPEG-2 footage. The results of different encoders, including H.264 encoders, can be compared quantitatively. Secondly, Digigami used these tools to analyze a large number of commercial DVD titles encoded by different encoders and mastering houses. Based on the findings, they made improvements to the company's core MPEG-2 encoder which eliminates inefficiencies of previous generation encoders - the same goal as H.264. However, these improvements require no changes to MPEG-2 HD televisions, which is the reason for having an ISO standard in the first place.Pricing and AvailabilityThe Digigami MegaPEG HDTV VBR MPEG-2 encoder is currently shipping and is available for Mac OS X, and runs on most modern Apple hardware.
The price is $995.00, which includes everything you need for multi-pass interactive VBR encoding of feature film content. Digigami technical support provides assistance in achieving superior quality and file sizes with both HD and SD encoding.About DigigamiDigigami is a privately held company headquartered in the greater Los Angeles area. Digigami was founded in 1994 and released its first MPEG-1/MPEG-2 encoder, MegaPEG, in 1996 along with an early Netscape plug-in that plays streaming video in MPEG, AVI, QuickTime formats. For the past 10 years, Digigami has been continuously improving its MPEG video compression technology; MPressionist HDTV, MegaPEG HDTV and MoviesForMyPod are the most recent Digigami products.For details and pricing information on all Digigami products, please visit our Web site at http://www.digigami.com/..
Watch FREE HDTV with an Outdoor Antenna
With an outdoor antenna you can watch HDTV for free of cost. All you need is a high definition television or an HDTV-ready television. If you have a HDTV-ready TV then you might need high-def tuners such as Humax HRA100. These are high def tuners that will enable you to watch HDTV for free. This tuner can receive broadcasts that are high-def.
You need an antenna that can be installed outdoor which is connected to your HDTV or the high-def tuner. If you are close to the tower that broadcasts high-def signals then you can use indoor antennas also. The HDTV signals are considered as line-of-sight signals and hence you get a better reception of the HDTV signals if your antenna is in line with the tower that broadcasts the HDTV signal. For this purpose it is better to install your antenna in the roof of your house.
Some of the tools and the accessories that you need to install the HDTV antenna in your roof and then to connect it to the HDTV or the high-def...
Hdtv > Watch FREE HDTV with an Outdoor Antenna
DISH Network HDTV Guide - Information on Programming and Prices
HD (high definition) TV has become all the rage in recent years. Here's a DISH Network HDTV guide, that includes information about DISH Network HDTV features, programming packages, and service fees.
DISH Network HDTV
HDTV is a broadcast medium whereby programs are transmitted in a digital format. HD broadcasting utilizes 1,125 lines of resolution, as opposed to only 525 lines of resolution regular analog broadcasts use. The more lines of resolution the sharper and clearer the picture.
The audio portion of the broadcast signal is also transmitted in digital format so you get a richer, more realistic sound.
DISH Network HDTV features
Lifelike picture
DISH Network HDTV programs are five times sharper than programs broadcast in
analog format.
HDTV is clearer and the color is more vibrant than analog TV.
Surround-sound audio
DISH Network HDTV...
Hdtv > DISH Network HDTV Guide - Information on Programming and Prices
DISH Network Offer
DISH Network Programming Offer
With 375 channels of satellite TV programming, DISH Network has the most channels of all the satellite TV providers. They also have the biggest variety of shows, movies, and music.
DISH Network offers the cheapest entry-level program package -- $19.99 per month for the Dish Family Pak -- which includes 40 channels of family-oriented programming such as Animal Planet, Discovery Kids, Hallmark, and Nickelodeon.
With their America's Top 120 package you get 230 program channels, including 34 music channels and 60 Sirius satellite radio channels, plus 3 months of Starz Movie Pak (8 movie channels) for $29.99 per month.
America's Top 180 package offers 318 program channels, including 52 music channels and 60 Sirius satellite radio channels, plus 3 months of Starz Movie Pak for $39.99 per month.
Their top-of-the-line America's "Everything" Pak has 350 program channels, including...
Hdtv > DISH Network Offer
Free Satellite TV -- Is It Really Free?
You've seen the online and offline ads -- "Free satellite TV!" "Get a 4-room Satellite TV System Free!" and "Satellite TV Dish and Receivers Absolutely Free!"But is satellite TV really free?The answer to that question is yes ... and no.Yes, the equipment you get -- the satellite TV dish and satellite TV receiver -- is free. But no, the programming service will cost you money.Let's examine the facts.Due to the demise of Pegasus and Voom, there are only two major satellite TV providers in the USA -- Dish Network and DirecTV. Dish Network Satellite TV ServiceWhen you order a free satellite TV system from Dish Network, you will be asked to pay a $49.99 activation fee. This fee will be credited to your programming bill, so in essence, your satellite TV system is free.
Installation of your satellite TV system is also free.With Dish Network you have the option to upgrade to a DVR (digital video recording) receiver, or an HDTV (high definition TV) receiver at no charge.Dish Network programming...
Free Satellite TV -- Is It Really Free?
Hdtv > Free Satellite TV -- Is It Really Free?
Satellite TV vs. Cable TV -- Which is Best?
The move is on. Last year millions of Americans switched from cable TV to satellite TV.Why? When you compare satellite TV to cable TV you'll discover the main reasons are cost, picture quality, program choices, and customer satisfaction.Let's check out the differences ... Cable vs. Satellite TV Fees<> Cable TV fees across the country average $39.99 per month. In our area the cost for cable TV is $37.30 a month for 64 channels, plus $10.95 a month to add digital channels.
Installation in one room is $39.95, plus $9.95 for each additional room.<> Satellite TV fees from Dish Network are $31.99 per month for 60 channels, while DirecTV charges $41.99 per month for 115 channels. Both satellite TV providers currently offer free satellite TV equipment and free installation in up to four rooms. Cable vs. Satellite TV Programming<> Cable TV in most areas offers almost as many channels as satellite TV, and is broadcast in analog (over-the-air) format. If you want to have digital picture...
Satellite TV vs. Cable TV -- Which is Best?
Hdtv > Satellite TV vs. Cable TV -- Which is Best?
Which DirecTV Hardware Setup Is Best?
The 'right' DirecTV setup depends on your fancy and your location. Most people will be perfectly served by the multi-room systems promoted by RapidSatellite right now. All the necessary satellite equipment for up to 5 rooms, plus the installation (and even a DVD player) is yours for FREE.If you want to receive DirecTV HDTV, it depends. Does your High Definition TV has an integrated DirecTV receiver? If so, you need nothing more. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a HDTV receiver, which doesn't come free.
At the present time, you might be better with Dish Network if you want HDTV. Dish Pronto will get you up to 4 HDTV receivers free of charge, along with regional channels. To receive DirecTV para todos, the spanish package, you'll need a special oval dish. DirecTV Programming, and channels guides DirecTV Packages starts at $39.99 per month for 130 satellite TV channels. Direct TV has 30+ premium movie channels and pay-per-view channels, family channels, and a fabulous selection of sports...
Which DirecTV Hardware Setup Is Best?
Hdtv > Which DirecTV Hardware Setup Is Best?
Student Loans and Consolidation Programs - How To Take Advantage To Help Your Education
Copyright 2006 Dean Shainin
If you're seriously interested in knowing about student loans, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about student loans and consolidation loans to help with your education.
The primary factor to keep in mind regarding a student loan is that it is not a determent or expense but rather an investment, for yourself. When you finish your college education, it will lead you to...
Hdtv > Student Loans and Consolidation Programs - How To Take Advantage To Help Your Education
Digigami Demonstrates VBR HD MPEG-2 Encoding Competitve with H.264 tires Hdtv
Researching Vehicles Online
The purchase of a new car is a serious investment. It is best that you do your homework before purchasing a new vehicle, to avoid ending up with a vehicle thats overpriced or just not right for your needs. Luckily, with the help of the internet, you can do all of your research directly online from the comfort of your home.Your first goal should be to figure out what type of vehicle is right for your family. Are you looking for a sports car, or do you have children and need a sedan, minivan or...
suv Digigami Demonstrates VBR HD MPEG-2 Encoding Competitve with H.264 Hdtv Researching Vehicles Online
Hdtv > Researching Vehicles Online
Lens Colors Found On Sunglasses
Have you ever wondered what the different colors found on glass lenses are for? Let me tell you that they aren't there for just show (usually). No; colored lenses have a much more important reason than fashion.In this article I will discuss what advantages each color offers to the wearer, as well as some specific things each color may be optimal for. Let's get started!Grey ? Grey lenses work well for generally anything, and offer the best true color perception of any of the colors. This...
contact lenses
Hdtv > Lens Colors Found On Sunglasses
Digigami Demonstrates VBR HD MPEG-2 Encoding Competitve with H.264 Hdtv