Hitachi Ltd claims that it has developed a new software-based technology that can enhance the resolution of video making comparable to high definition .

Hitachi's "super resolution technology" is capable of converting standard or DVD resolution images to resolutions close to 1920 x 1080.

The technology can be used in devices such as digital camcorders or TVs. In addition, it can enhance the quality of HDTV content creating images of even higher definition.

The technology processes multiple regions of a displayed image in real time and an algorithm decides whether these regions should be displayed sharply or blurred, resulting to a better viewing experience without affecting the perspective.

The Super Resolution technology is software-powered and as such, it cannot be applied to several frames simultaneously. This frame-by-frame approach simplifies processing and does not require additional memory resources.

Hitachi said that the technology would be offered in the future HD TV sets in 2010, which will be equipped with a Super Resolution dedicated processing LSI.

For now, visitors of the CEATEC JAPAN 2008 tech show (Sept 30 to Oct 4, 2008) will have the chance to see the technology at Hitachi's booth.

Hitachi's efforts joins Toshiba's approach in SD upscaling technology. Toshiba has already announced the "Resolution+" and the "eXtended Detail Enhancement," (EXD) technologies that also enhance SD images.

The ?Resolution+? algorithms intelligently identify the parts of the standard definition pictures that need improvement in terms of sharpness and correction of the edges. These parts of the picture are processed in real time and the result is a sharper and clearer picture, close to HD, Toshiba claims. The technology will be offered through Toshiba's ZF series of REGZA LCD TVs and it will be powered by the IBM/Toshiba Cell broadband engine.

The EXD technology is featured in Toshiba XD-E500 DVD player. EXD technology offers more than just DVD upconversion, the company claims. It offers greater detail, more vivid colors and stronger contrast that bring standard DVD quality closer to the HD experience.