Finally, a Cell processor that might be fully utilized

Toshiba's new Regza ZF HDTVs don't upscale your DVDs to HD resolution with any old chipset or engine: they do it with a Cell-processor based system. Bonkers! It's the first TV to upscale with a Cell, and according to its European executive vice president, Toshiba's future "does not involve Blu-ray disc" but will use this sort of tech to deliver high-res imagery. The upscaling system uses the Cell for some advanced image-processing techniques, creating interpolated pixels to give the final image "near-HD" quality. The sets will also have Active Vision M100 100Hz HD picture processing, 178-degree viewing angle, 30,000:1 contrast ratio and 10-bit processing. The ZF TVs will be in 40- and 46-inch sizes, the 40-inch out now with pricing of around $2,390, the 46-pricing and availability is not announced yet.

[via Gizmodo via Toshiba.co.uk and Toshiba.de-via Google translate.]

Sony Sued For PS3 Cell Processor

Looks like everybody wants to sue everybody this week!!!

Sony finds its self on the wrong end of a lawsuit again, as Parallel Processing Corporation (PPC) is claiming that the "Cell" processor used in the PS3, is based off of their patent. PPC states that they filed the patent in 1991 for "synchronised parallel processing with shared memory", and that Sony broke that patent by developing the "Cell" processor. Not only does PPC demand money, but they also want "impounding and destruction" of all infringing units.

I find it a little odd that PPC is only going after Sony, when the "Cell" was a joint venture along with Toshiba and IBM. And I do find it hard to believe that all three of these huge companies 'missed' the patent boat, considering how much money was involved. But if Sony has to pay up for this infringement, the PS3 will become even less profitable.

Not good Sony.

Leap for the entire article. [Gamespot via Gizmodo]