JPEG XR

[EFI]

Well, among the common and most widely accepted image file formats are JPEG, PNG, TARGA, TIFF and BMP. Out of all of them, the format with the worst destructive image compression algorithm is JPEG. For HD pictures, this could prove the exact opposite of being acceptable. However, Microsoft has recently come up with a new format, and is capable of providing uncompressed image data algorithms, intended to be used as the file format for high definition pictures. Going by the name of JPEG XR:

 

aiming it specifically towards digital photography and other image capturing devices. JPEG XR features include fixed or floating point high dynamic range, wide gamut image encoding, better compression compared to JPEG, lossless compression, the ability to store 16 or 32 bits of data per color, and support for CMYK, RGB, monochrome, and embedded ICC color profiles. HD Photo is also capable of storing data in such a way that only the needed information for any particular region needs to be decoded, and the compressed data itself can be manipulated. Microsoft cites this feature as important for supporting the next generation of products like Windows Live Earth. The new format may also improve the quality of photos taken under low-light conditions, due to its ability to store color data as interpreted by the camera sensor more flexibly than other formats may allow.

 

Microsoft has been in works with the JPEG committee to come to an agreement that states that this new format will be considered for future adoption for HD photos.

 

Now that the JPEG committee has begun the standardization process, balloting will begin and last through October of this year. Assuming balloting is successful, it should take approximately one year to finalize and publish the completed standard, and Microsoft expects to work closely with the commission throughout this process. Redmond has also stated it will offer a royalty-free grant for its patents that are required to implement the new standard

 

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[John the Geek]

I've heard of this. It sounds unusually generous of Microsoft to offer up a royalty-free patented format, and to go so far as making sure it's a group-adopted standard as well. It's... too suspicious.

 

Still, it looks and sounds fantastic. I hope it's as Microsoft-free as they claim it will be to implement.

 

We'll see.