Altera and DDD Take 2D Digital Images to 3D

Altera's Arria GX FPGAs Enhance DDD's TriDef Core 3D Display Processor

San Jose, Calif., December 16, 2008—The world of television viewing will no longer be flat. Altera Corporation (NASDAQ: ALTR) and DDD Group plc (LSE: DDD) today announced a partnership that is bringing 3D digital cinema-quality images to your living room.

DDD has qualified its TriDef Core embedded 3D image processor to run on Altera's Arria® GX FPGA. As a result, DDD is delivering a custom circuit board that integrates with the existing 2D video electronics to deliver enhanced 3D features including automatic 2D-to-3D conversion. This allows the playback of original 3D content from a wide range of sources including Blu-ray discs and DVDs.

The capability opens a direct in-home distribution channel for the latest generation of 3D movies in production for the growing 3D digital cinema market. This technology will be displayed on the Hyundai IT 46" 3D LCD HDTV at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Center in January.

"Embedding DDD's market-leading TriDef solution in the latest 3D televisions is the next step in delivering high-quality, easy-to-use 3D home entertainment for the consumer," said Chris Yewdall, chief executive of DDD. "The performance, functionality and low power consumption of Altera's Arria GX FPGAs make it possible for our TriDef processor to turn 3D television into a familiar plug-and-play approach that is equivalent to the existing 2D TV experience, while substantially reducing manufacturing and support costs for 3D TV manufacturers."

"3D television is creating immense consumer interest in next-generation flat-panel televisions," said Robert Blake, vice president of automotive and consumer business unit at Altera. "Arria GX functionality allows real-time 2D-to-3D conversion and 3D reformatting with DDD's TriDef Core processor. This is one of many examples of how Altera's FPGAs deliver innovative solutions for advanced high-definition applications in the consumer video arena."

About the Arria GX FPGA Family

The Arria GX family provides a low-power core with optimal digital signal processing (DSP) functionality and transceivers for high-speed connectivity. Optimized for mainstream serial protocols including PCI Express (PCIe), Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and Serial RapidIO® (SRIO), the Arria GX family is backed by a comprehensive portfolio of software tools, intellectual property (IP) and reference designs.

Availability

The Arria GX FPGA-based 3D consumer video solution is available through DDD. Interested customers can find additional information about the solution at www.DDD.com. For more details about Altera® Arria GX FPGAs, visit www.altera.com/pr/arriagx. 

About DDD Group

DDD Group is transforming the viewing experience with applications for 3D displays. Its patented technologies enable 3D viewing with and without glasses, simple integration of computer graphics applications with 3D displays, a supply of 3D content through 2D-to-3D conversion, and 3D transmission over existing networks. DDD is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market (AIM: DDD). More information is available at www.DDD.com.

About Altera

Altera programmable solutions enable system and semiconductor companies to rapidly and cost effectively innovate, differentiate and win in their markets. Find out more at www.altera.com.