When 4k is not enough

There have been some interesting discussions about the need for 4k acquisition and post. It seems pros are split on the issue. You haven’t heard the half of it (or thereabouts).

Today is clean up the suite, install Final Cut Studio 2, and try to beat the traffic day. I’ve been chained to the desk, feeding installation DVDs to the Mac. It’s given me time to read a few of the myriad press releases that flood my inbox each day.

An ATEME announcement caught my eye. I’m not terribly up to date with who’s who in the MPEG-4 space. I’m sure ATEME is a fine company. It is announcing today that it’s been chosen by NHK as a partner for Ultra HD.

A snippet:

NHK, which first began research into HD in 1964, has now started public testing of the next-generation Ultra HD standard in 2007. NHK’s Ultra HD technology includes a resolution of 7680 x 4320, which is up to 16X clearer than HDTV. The prototype super-fast cameras can capture data at a rate of 4,000 frames per second and the audio component is 22.2 (as compared to today’s 5.1 surround sound).

Ultra HD cameras, recorders, encoders and projectors are being developed now – 2009 will mark the introduction of the full specification for Ultra HD. NHK estimates that satellite transmission tests will begin in 2011, and by 2020, Ultra HD will be ready for broadcast to households.

As the release says, NHK began research in HD in the 1960s. That means it took about 40 years to get from the lab to Best Buy. So for my 80th birthday the grandkids can drop off my Ultra HD set at the home. I’m sure my eyes will be able to appreciate the superior image.

In all seriousness, has anyone considered the limits of human perception? If 7680 x 4320 doesn’t sound like overkill to you, then 22.2 surround has to.

At the 1939 World’s Fair video phones didn’t sound nearly as stupid, and we’re still waiting on those.