How can the TV-out feature be improved?

Introduced with the N93, the TV-out feature is still alive and kicking on the latest high-end Nokia devices like the N96 or N82.  Once you think about it truly enhances the “Multmidia Computer” aspect of the Nseries.  Want a gaming console? Connecting the TV-out cable, adding a Bluetooth keyboard and what you essentially get is a fully featured gaming console with online gaming that can even play the classics. The same can be done with other productivity tasks like Spreadsheet, Word and Powerpoint viewing and editing or even entertainment in the form of media playback and surfing. While we can go on and on about the possibilities, I can’t help but wonder why this features has basically stayed the same ever since it was introduced on the Transformer-like N93.

Despite moving to HDTVs with resolution of up to 1080 (1920×1080) using Component video cables, DVI or even the newer HDMI connection, the Nseries’ solution for TV-out still relies on the Nokia Video Connectivity Cable CA-75U or CA-64U that outputs a 320x240/240x320 resolution using a RCA connector for composite video and stereo audio. When it comes to video playback though, it thankfully uses a 640x480 resolution.

How come we get  to get one of the most advanced mobile solutions coupled with high-performance, high res screen, yet we can’t make full use of this due to the now dated TV-out system. Leading to the question: How can the TV-out feature be improved?

1.Higher output resolution

On current Nseries device, the output is a pretty low-res 320x240/240x320 and 640x480 when playing back recorded video. While this might look OK on older low-res screen, the same cannot be said about that fancy new Plasma or LCD screen you just bought. Another reason why adding higher video-output is a must, is because, it’s just a matter of time, when  these devices start to record in HD and you are going to want a nice new TV-out system that can output at the same high-quality resolution. On the current system the output resolution is mostly limited to the screen resolution. In future devices we might see VGA screens which means that for outputting the UI theirs is going to be the need for up converting to a higher resolution. Output of at least 720 (1280x720) should do the trick on most new HDtvs. Better yet would be user selectable resolutions.

2.Longer modular cable

The included Nokia Video Connectivity Cable CA-75U or CA-64U are way too short. I found myself in many cases wanting for a longer cable. In certain situation you’ll find yourself way to close to the TV for it to be of any practical use. And while it would be nice to support the newer, higher-res screens, keeping the support for older TVs (atleast for a few years) would be nice. They could always include several cable, but having a modular cable design is in my opinion the way to go.

3.Add audio upmixing and virtual speaker technology

There’s always the possibility of adding more mics to capture audio for a true 5.1 or even 7.1 audio playback, but for mobile solutions I think it would be best to just stick to two mics and use sound upmixing technologies like Dolby Headphones and virtual speaker techniques like Dolby Virtual speaker to upmix the recorded audio to a 5.1 or in the case of just two speakers using virtual speaker technology

to create the effect of having a true surround sound setup. Nokia has been working with Dolby laboratories, making this something that we might see very soon in future devices.

4.Exact screen output vs Presentation mode

In some cases like viewing images in Gallery the devices would output the images in full-screen and not show an exact representation of what happening on the screen like displaying the carousel of images, in such cases an “Exact screen output” mode would be appropriate. There should be option to change this. Other times when doing a presentation for example you don’t want other to see the menu, just the media to be played back. In such a case the “Presentation mode” would come in handy where it only shows the media being displayed and hides things like menu screen or options while you are adjusting these and instead it could show a stand-by screen with your company’s logo.

Do you find the TV-out function useful? How do you think it can be improved?

Comments

[Bilderberg Group]

Nokia has their chunk of the market cake called "the mobile phones", other producers (Intel especialy) would suffer when you could connect your mobile computer to your plasma, keyboard and mice after throwing out your laptop.

[Bilderberg Group]

Nokia has their chunk of the market cake called "the mobile phones", other producers (Intel especialy) would suffer when you could connect your mobile computer to your plasma, keyboard and mice after throwing out your laptop.

[Christopher Price]

I don't think Nokia really has a lot of pressure to build on this... yet.

Apple has a maximum of 480p on iPod, and iPhone tops out at 480i (320x240).

The main problem, of course, comes down to cost. Adding VGA-grade video output is cheap. Adding HD video output is expensive. You need new graphics acceleration, Symbian would need major graphics upgrades, and likely a much faster processor.

[matthew bennett]

I agree completely. Couple an HDMI with nice high output, 16GB+ of storage, 3G + WiFi connection, Bluetooth kayboard, and you've got a well equipped little computer. Plus, it's always with you. Forget about thumbdrives. Bring your whole computer in your pocket.

[arjwright]

hello; caught your post via wom world and want to say thanks for writing this up. this is the direction that i am going with in terms of my next n-series device and these are some questions about usability that i will certainly encounter.

that dea about presentations is a very good one; that needs to be implemented now. i am trying to think about how to address that short cable issue aa that is an issue that u had when i reviewed the n95 last year.