Microsoft’s HD Photo Technology Is Considered for Standardization by JPEG

Microsoft’s HD Photo Technology Is Considered for Standardization by JPEG

If standardized, the new JPEG XR file format will enable the next generation of digital photography to deliver better pictures, more features for all digital camera owners.

“The proposed JPEG XR technology simultaneously enables dynamic range extension and preservation of precise details in highly compressed images. This capability is particularly important for applications that demand the high image quality made possible by Foveon’s X3 image sensors,” said Federico Faggin, president and CEO of Foveon Inc. “We are very excited that there is finally a compression technology that is consistent with our goals of getting the most information out of digital images and enabling uncompromising quality for the full range of digital imaging devices and systems.”

“As an organization, Hasselblad believes the proposed JPEG XR file format is a valuable and timely technology to standardize, promising to bring new consumer and professional success and value to the digital photography marketplace,” said Peter Stig-Nielsen, director of Digital Camera Products for Hasselblad.

“As a digital camera processor provider, it would be valuable to offer this proposed JPEG XR file format to our camera manufacturer customers who can then deliver innovative products that exploit its higher dynamic range, flexible adjustment of color temperature, better compression ratio, and higher overall original image quality,” said David Chen, vice president, Novatek Microelectronics Corp.

About the Standardization Process

The ballot deadline for this new project is early October 2007. Finalizing and publishing the completed standard is expected to take up to one year after that. Throughout, Microsoft will be working closely with JPEG to ensure that this new proposed standard serves the needs of the next generation of consumer and professional photographers and delivers the next experience in image display. If approved, Microsoft will offer a royalty-free grant for its patents that are required to implement the standard.

Microsoft supports thousands of standards in its products and actively participates in more than 400 standards organizations and working groups. In a marketplace of multiple competing products, standards exist to enable interoperability, helping customers achieve their goals of increased productivity and decreased costs.

About the Technology

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.