An experimental ultrahigh-definition color camera system with twice the horizontal and vertical resolution of HDTV has been developed by using three 8M-pixel CCDs. It uses progressive scanning at 60 frames per second, so its data rate is eight times as high as that of an HDTV signal. It uses eight parallel HD-SDIs for data transmission as the output signal interface, which enables us to use various kinds of HDTV equipment. This paper describes the goal of our study, the structure of the 8M-pixel CCD, and the specifications of the camera system.
This paper reviews technical trends in Hi-Vision image pickup devices. They have shifted to 2M pixels CCD from RBS, DIS and HARP tubes in the current of the times. In future prospects, some concepts about the development and research of new image devices supported by introducing up-to-date technologies.
A high definition camcorder has been developed. Approximately double sensitivity compared to conventional high definition camcorders has been achieved. RGB signals with 74MHz sampling rate are read from newly developed CCD imagers (1920H×1080V) and converted to digital signals with 10 bit A/D converters. Gamma correction and enhancement are made after that conversion. Turbo gain function, multi-matrix function and TruEye^<TM> process are explained. Loop recording function has been achieved with semiconductor memories. Since a 1080 to 525 down converter is incorporated, both HDTV and SDTV signal outputs are obtained with this camcorder.
As the result of High Definition Television (HDTV) Camcorder operation onboard the Space-Shuttle, a lot of white defects were obtained on the image from Charge-Coupled Device(CCD), and interfere with the acquisition of the picture material and scientific data from the viewpoint of picture quality. For good operation of HDTV Camcorder on orbit, it is important to study the Radiation-resistant characteristics of CCD. This paper reports the result of ground irradiation test for HDTV CCD.