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/ 08.26.2010 3:00PM
LG Creates Motion-control Remotes for 3DTVs
ROCKVILLE, MD.: LG Electronics is integrating motion-control in
its 3DTV sets. The news comes from the vendor, Hillcrest Labs, which said the
electronics manufacturer is shipping so-equipped 3DTV sets now in Korea. Global
distribution will follow, Hillcrest said.
LG and Hillcrest entered into a license agreement for LG to use Hillcrest
Labs’ patented Freespace in-air pointing and motion control solution in current
and future products. Hillcrest said the resulting “Magic Wand” remote will come
with select new Infinia TV sets. The user interface controls Internet
applications, TV menus, embedded games and other functions, using hand motions
to control an on-screen cursor.
“Decades ago, the mouse transformed the entire computer industry, and ushered
in a new era of simplicity and interactivity for consumers around the world,”
said Kwon IL Geun, vice president of LCD TV Lab of LG Electronics. “Thanks to
the pioneering efforts of Hillcrest Labs, we have been able to create a
first-of-its-kind, mouse-like experience for television that was specifically
designed for our new connected TVs.”
David Mercer of Strategy Analytics said the new remote format made sense given
the ever-increasing functions of new TV sets.
“As more over-the-top content choices become available on TV, conventional
up-down-left-right-remote control systems simply will not scale,” Mercer said.
“Pointer-based interfaces like Freespace are far more efficient and fun. LG is
the first TV manufacturer in the world to recognize and apply this concept to
televisions, and we believe that it will be a siren call for the rest of the TV
industry.”
Here’s some boilerplate from Hillcrest on its motion-control technology:
High Resolution Pointer Accuracy: The Magic Wand is a highly precise pointing
remote control which allows users to easily select icons and images, small and
large, on a high-resolution screen.
Orientation Compensation: Regardless of the orientation of the Magic Wand
remote in space (e.g. pointing at the ground, turned sideways, etc.), Freespace
technology generates intuitive cursor motions on the screen. MEMS
(Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensors combined with Hillcrest’s
proprietary software enable consistent control of the device from any
position--standing, sitting or reclining.
Adaptive Tremor Removal:
Hillcrest’s
technology can distinguish between intentional and unintentional movement,
including natural hand tremors. This means the Magic Wand’s cursor does not
shake or jiggle on screen like that of a Wii-like game controller. Instead of
employing simple filtering techniques, which would reduce the accuracy of the
pointer, the Magic Wand dynamically measures and removes each individual user's
tremor while maintaining low latency of motion.
No Line-of-Sight: Unlike conventional infrared devices and optical
motion-sensing devices that require line-of-sight operation, the Magic Wand
remote uses RF (radio frequency) technology, so users do not need to point
directly at the computer or TV screen. This gives users greater freedom to move
around at a range of up to 30 feet across the living room.
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Sunday 12:00AM
EBU Pushes Hybrid Broadcast/Broadband TV
“Underlying this co-operation is the shared conviction that... only a flexible, cross-border approach will make it happen quickly.” ~ Ingrid Deltenre