Superhigh-Definition Digital Cinema Distribution System with 8-Million-Pixel Resolution

摘要

We developed a prototype superhigh-definition (SHD) digital cinema system that can store, transmit, and display extrahigh-quality movies with a resolution of 8 million pixels, using JPEG2000 coding algorithm. The spatial resolution on image quality is four times better than HDTV, and surpasses that of 35-mm cinefilm. The system is comprised of three principal apparatus designed for SHD movies: a video server, a real-time decoder, and a projector. The movie data digitized by scanning the cinefilm is compressed using JPEG2000 coding algorithm and stored in the video server in advance. Using Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) links and TCP/IP protocols, the server transmits the compressed digital movie data stream of 300 to 450 Mbps to a real-time decoder. The decoder receives the compressed data stream, and outputs araw, uncompressed, 10-bitR/G/B digital video signal using a parallel-processor mechanism in real time. The projector reproduces the SHD movie using three reflective LCD panels (D-ILA), one for each 10-bit R/G/B color, while receiving the raw digital video signal through the special video interfaces. This system enables us to distribute digital cinema of original 35-mm cinefilm quality via the GbE network.