New image format: Increased quality, reduced capacity

Microsoft has introduced a new digital image format that is better than JPEG format while its capacity is only half that.

The developer said the new Windows Media Photo (WMP) digital image format will be integrated in the next version of Windows Vista.

' One of the top motivations for people upgrading computers is digital photography. So everything we do to make digital photos better is good for Windows , 'said Bill Crow, Microsoft's WMP product manager.

Crow has officially demonstrated the new Windows Media Photo digital imaging technology at the Windows Hardware Manufacturers Conference, which opened yesterday (May 24).

For more than four years, Microsoft has been conducting research and development of a new digital image format with an undisclosed partner.

Windows Media Photo is developed in a completely different direction than the technology used in both spatial and color-based JPEG image formats. The WMP image format receives a lot of raw information from photos that helps to perform, edit and compress in a better way.

Crow said WMP could allow up to 25: 1 compression ratios for most digital photos. This ratio is double that of the 12: 1 compression ratio of the currently used JPEG format.

To ensure compatibility with existing systems, the WMP format will still use TIFF technology including the direction of the application of metadata information technology. However, choosing TIFF only limits the file size to 4GB.

Microsoft said it will soon release a tool to support Windows Media Photo for Windows XP. Also provide source code for development partners to help them develop products that support WMP.

Hoang Dung