DDB technology: A single platform for TV, Internet and cloud

Today, we are pacing into the digital world with newer generation of computing and mobile devices that are being launched with each passing day. The television platform has also been evolving, with the likes of the Google TV, Samsung Smart TV, and the new Amkette EvoTV, to name a few. In India, DDB Foundation launched the DDB technology, last month. The DDB Technology is here to completely change the way we have been interacting with our television sets. It is trying to transform this single platform into offering Indian users multiple benefits, ranging from the usual TV entertainment to cloud computing and also supports direct digital transmission. Read on to know all about the DDB technology.

What is DDB Technology?
The DDB platform can be termed as an advanced TV operating platform. It is the result of a collaboration of seven industry giants – the semiconductor company STMicroelectronics, audio-video technology firm Faroudja, software and application maker Irdeto, cloud computing brand Nivio, sound technology company Strata, Videocon d2h and Philips. These industry giants together help bring to users advanced multiple functions on a single TV platform. It  promises an audio-visual experience that has never been experienced before. It also adds in cloud computing for saving your files. Then, you can browse through websites and indulge in the current fad of social networks. It can convert 2D channels into life-like 3D quality, negating the need for multiple devices.

A lot to offer...but is it enough...

The feature sheet for the DBB Technology is inclusive of a dual-core processor – 450 Mhz, 14-bit video processor, Motion Enhancement and Motion Correction (MEMC), which interpolates and constructs the “in between” frames to eliminate issues related to both motion judder and motion blur, giving you an outstanding viewing experience, 3D Technology, Faroudja Video and Audio Optimized that eliminates any distortion caused by noise signal and gives you a vivid and clear image for your viewing, Strata Certified Audio and 10-band Graphic Equalizer and HDMI – CEC.  Moreover, the DBB enabled chip will come directly integrated in the television, negating the need for set-top boxes. The remote control has been designed to include the keyboard and mouse within the TV. So, you can access your Internet right from your television, store those files to cloud which will negate the need to plug in hard drives or flash drives to watch stored content.

How will it benefit us?
Mr. Shelgaonkar, R&D Head at DBB Foundation explains that for years they have been using analog communication for their television sets and analog means loss of signal, which eventually means loss in the audio and video quality. The analog to digital shift has been implemented in India too, off late, and all TV sets have to eventually shift to digital set-top boxes. Even in set-top-boxes, the signals received from the satellite are downscaled before they are transmitted and you finally watch content on the TV. The DDB technology negates this as the set-top integration is within the chip, so the received signal is directly transmitted without any downscaling.

At the launch...with its brand ambassador Priyanka Chopra...

With the DDB technology, digital signals are received without the need for a set-top box. Considering the complete Digitalization regulation by Govt. by year 2015, and in metros starting July 1, 2012, which has been now delayed to November, this technology seems quite promising as DDB technology is said to meet all the requirements. The 14-bit video processor ensures optimum color reproduction and the dual-core processor handles the speedy data rate transfers.
 
Availability
On the flip side, one cannot use the DBB Technology in their existing TV sets. Users will have to purchase DBB enabled TV sets, which are likely to be on the way. Mr. Shelgaonkar refused to comment further on DBB products, but said that an official product announcement will be made soon, probably by the end of this month. However, the company is still working at ways to enable users take advantage of this technology without the need to purchase a new TV.

Main Image Credit: Getty Images