Tegra is smaller than a dime!!!
Today, we are experiencing a digital revolution, you can take with you (and make calls with via the iPhone) all the media you desire in your life. Yet, it is still stuck in that woefully inadequate 360p, or 480p (less than standard definition!). For all you HD snobs out there (myself included), NVIDIA’s Tegra processor is the answer.
Tegra!
NVIDIA’s newest foray comes in four flavors; there are currently 2 offerings in the APX line dedicated to PMPs (portable music players) and cellphones, as well the 600 series dedicated to MIDs (mobile internet devices) and netbooks. The APX line is capable of up to 720p output, and the 600 series 1080p (Full HD). NVIDIA designed this tiny chip to only sip battery life compared to today’s mobile graphics solutions.
HD Playback from your netbook - with even longer battery
NVIDIA claims that these devices could deliver 10 hours of continuous video playback on a single charge, and over 100 hours of audio playback. Unlike your iPhone 3GS that can last a few hours playing video – a Tegra powered device could last all day. A Tegra device could output directly to your HDTV, Projector, or LCD Monitor through HDMI.
But Tegra’s innovations are not just for your multimedia or personal communication needs. Imagine using a small stand, an HDMI cable, and an HDTV to conduct VideoTeleconferences, or Skype with your co-workers. This is not the end of the enterprise capabilities these devices would possess. With your cellphone/MID/PMP you could simply plug an HDMI cable into an HDTV and give a presentation.
As many firms are using HDTVs and HD projectors as displays in conference rooms, using your phone (or another device) to present and control it will lessen what you carry with you.
ZuneHD - 1st big brand Tegra Offering
Tegra is already being deployed into Microsoft’s ZuneHD (due this fall), and NVIDIA claims they will be integrated into at least 12 MIDs/PMPs. So before you make the switch to an iPhone 3GS or an iTouch 2nd generation, chance the wait for the ZuneHD or another Tegra-based device. Current PMPs and cellular devices do not allow HD video as well drain more battery than the future devices will. NVIDIA’s Tegra is the next generation processor to enable users who require more from their mobile devices.
For more information on NVIDIA Tegra check out this link. For more on ZuneHD here.
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As I recently found out, the real problem with HD is the space it takes up. It’s great being able to process/display it, but it requires gigs and gigs just for a few hours of video.
I agree, of course. Fortunately the cost of memory is dropping like a rock!
I think there is definitely some truth to that (feature videos run 4-8GB .mkv’s, 1-2GB .mp4 and 1080p is even larger). But I would say look at the ability of codec’s to keep evolving. Mp4 is not the best format at the moment, but with time could be. Also, divx/xvid codecs are getting better every day. It used to take 700MB for a terrible 60 minute 320×240 MPEG video, now we’re getting 700MB 120 minute 720×480 xvid files that are pristine quality. As Bob said, memory is getting cheaper – so we can look forward to that. But I have a feeling that our codecs will also continue to become more streamlined and more efficient.