Faroudja Exhibits Digital Video Processor/Scalers For Unique Solutions To HDTV Home Theatres

D-Cinema Ready DVP5000 Automatically Up-Converts HD Signals To 1080p Resolution, DVP3000 Provides Powerful Processing Tools

23-May-01

Faroudja, a division of Sage, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAGI) and widely considered a leader in video-enhancing technologies for professional and home environments, exhibited its flagship DVP5000 Digital Video Processor/Scaler at Home Entertainment 2001 at the Hilton New York Hotel. Faroudja also exhibited its DVP3000 Digital Video Processor/Scaler, a powerful picture processing tool that combines advanced, proprietary circuitry with features designed to make it easy to use and integrate into home theatres. Faroudjaís family of digital video processors incorporates numerous refinements designed to optimize CRT projectors, as well as the growing markets of other projector technologies, including DLPô, LCD, and plasma. The DVP5000 is the first video processor on the market to automatically up-convert 1080i (interlaced) high definition signals to 1080p (progressive) resolution, improving on the best that HDTV currently offers by removing the interlace stair-stepping and motion artifacts found in the 1080i signal. All this processing is automatic and completely transparent to viewers, who can simply surf the DTV channels, regardless of the formats used by different broadcasters, just as they would on a conventional TV.Obviously, displaying a 1080p image requires a sophisticated display device. The DVP5000 optimizes the performance of high-end 9-inch and 12-inch CRT projectors as well as fixed-panel displays (LCD, DLP, D-ILAô, plasma, etc.) with resolutions of 1600 x 1200 and above. These fixed-panel displays require a progressive input, which the DVP5000 delivers with aplomb, ensuring the highest possible picture quality from these devices.The DVP5000 also automatically up-converts HDTV 480p signals to 960p, while 720p signals pass through the device. Standard 480i sources can be up-converted to 1080p, creating a startlingly film-like image from any source.The processorís powerful combination of multi-format conversion, color and detail enhancement, artifact reduction technology, and aspect ratio control makes it ideally suited to the growing market for digital cinema projectors and products. For standard 480i sources, the DVP5000, like Faroudjaís other fine video processor/scalers, deinterlaces incoming video signals and eliminates visible artifacts as only Faroudja technology can. The technology includes a new algorithm called Directional Correlation Deinterlacingô (DCDi), which eliminates motion artifacts from video-originated material. Combined with Faroudjaís patented 3/2 pull-down detection for film-originated material, the DVP5000 demonstrates unparalleled deinterlacing capability, preventing the introduction of motion artifacts from any source, and unrivaled performance.Another important feature in the DVP5000 is Faroudjaís unique Scan-Lockô Bandwidth Expansion technology, which is optimized for each output scan rate, producing superb edge detail without harsh ringing artifacts.The DVP5000 is also a full-featured scaler that provides complete aspect ratio control for anamorphic, letterbox, and 4:3 sources for additional flexibility and performance, a refinement that requires only one memory to be stored in the projector. With scan rate scaling, the DVP5000 can convert standard NTSC signals (15.75 kHz) to any computer rate up to SXGA resolution as well as HDTV rates of 1080i, 720p, and 1080p. This means the DVP5000ís output can match the native resolution of fixed-panel projectors or maximize the resolution of a CRT projector. The processorís extensive complement of rear panel connections includes a special HDTV input and 480p component inputs to accommodate the new progressive DVD players. Other inputs include standard component, S-Video, and composite. RGB and component outputs maximize flexibility, and the unit can be controlled with the included multi-component IR remote or from a computer via the RS-232 serial port.A Y-Pr-Pb output option allows the DVP5000 to connect to the growing number of entry-level HDTV-ready sets in which an RGB output may not be compatible. New direct access infrared control software optimizes the DVP5000 for use in theatre or A/V installations employing IR-based control systems. Faroudja's patented Picture Plusô Digital Video Processing transforms conventional signals to produce a film-like image. Additional features include two-line Time Base Correction to help stabilize lower quality video sources, such as VHS tapes and video games, a 10-bit broadcast quality chroma decoder for improved color reproduction, and enhanced noise reduction control for more accurate adjustments.The firm's proprietary Adaptive Comb Filter technology delivers superior color reproduction and reduced video artifacts. A non-volatile memory stores the settings of all user-adjustable functions, including those for contrast, brightness, color, tint, noise reduction and detail. The DVP3000 Digital Video Processor/Scaler comes packed with the same powerful combination of capabilities and features as the DVP5000, with one exception. Only the DVP5000 features automatic HDTV line doubling, from 1080i to 1080p.The DVP5000 and DVP3000 Digital Video Processor/Scalers are available now at suggested retail prices of $25,995 and $19,995, respectively. For more information about Faroudja, visit www.faroudja.com.

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