High-Dynamic-Range Projector

High-dynamic-range (HDR) projection systems place two image modulators in series to optically multiply two images. The dynamic range of the final image is therefore approximately the product of the contrast of the two modulators.

Enhanced Life

Digital projection needs to compete with analog film in image quality. The largest gap in this competition is the relatively low-dynamic-range luminance of current digital projectors. This novel digital system is capable of displaying images with sufficient dynamic range to rival analog film.

Goals

To display video on a projection screen with a dynamic range of luminance values approaching the capabilities of the human visual system.

Innovations

Combination of two modulated images of different spatial resolution.

Optical compensation in high-resolution modulation.

Psycho-physics theory to support concept.

Optically efficient projector design.

Accounting for limitations and capabilities of the human visual system to optimize projector design.

Vision

HDR technology can enable more realistic projection of video in digital cinema and home theater environments. The necessary changes in the design of a conventional digital projector are relatively small.

Contact

Gerwin Damberg
Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
gerwin.damberg (at) dolby.com

Contributors

Helge Seetzen
Greg Ward
Michael Kang
Peter Longhurst
Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

Wolfgang Heidrich
Lorne Whitehead
The University of British Columbia