Onyx Boox, known for its e-ink Android tablets, has unveiled a new 25.3-inch color e-ink monitor, the Mira Pro, priced at $1,900. This monitor boasts a 3200 x 1800 resolution and utilizes Kaleido 3 color e-ink technology, offering a wider color gamut and faster refresh rates than previous generations. While still slower than traditional monitors, it targets users sensitive to eye strain and those who primarily work with text-based documents, code, or comics. The Mira Pro runs Android 11 and features several ports, including USB-C with DisplayPort support, allowing connection to various devices.
The blog post explores the possibility of High Dynamic Range (HDR) emoji. The author notes that while emoji are widely supported, the current specification lacks the color depth and brightness capabilities of HDR, limiting their visual richness. They propose leveraging existing color formats like HDR10 and Dolby Vision, already prevalent in video content, to enhance emoji expression and vibrancy, especially in dark mode. The post also suggests encoding HDR emoji using the relatively small HEIF image format, offering a balance between image quality and file size. While acknowledging potential implementation challenges and the need for updated rendering engines, the author believes HDR emoji could significantly improve visual communication.
Hacker News users discussed the technical challenges and potential benefits of HDR emoji. Some questioned the practicality, citing the limited support for HDR across devices and platforms, and the minimal visual impact on small emoji. Others pointed out potential issues with color accuracy and the increased file sizes of HDR images. However, some expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of more vibrant and nuanced emoji, especially in messaging apps that already support HDR images. The discussion also touched on the artistic considerations of designing HDR emoji, and the need for careful implementation to avoid overly bright or distracting results. Several commenters highlighted the fact that Apple already utilizes a wide color gamut for emoji, suggesting the actual benefit of true HDR might be less significant than perceived.
Archimago explores various aspects of HDMI functionality, focusing on color and power delivery. The post investigates the practical impact of YCbCr 4:2:0 chroma subsampling versus 4:2:2 and RGB, finding minimal visual differences in real-world content despite theoretical bandwidth advantages. It also delves into Dolby Vision's use of Metadata Enhanced Layer (MEL) and Full Enhanced Layer (FEL), clarifying their bandwidth requirements and potential cable compatibility issues. Finally, the post touches on +5V injection over HDMI and its role in powering devices like Chromecast, emphasizing the importance of proper cable support for this feature.
HN users generally agree with the author's points about HDMI cable quality not significantly impacting picture quality with properly functioning cables, even at high bandwidths. Some commenters add further nuance, explaining that cable quality matters more with longer cable runs and higher resolutions/refresh rates, where signal degradation becomes more likely. Others point out real-world issues like bad connectors or manufacturing defects being more common culprits for HDMI problems than the cable itself. A few users shared personal experiences with long HDMI cable runs and offered advice about reliable brands or using active cables/repeaters for those situations. The discussion also touches upon the confusion surrounding HDMI marketing and versioning, with some users suggesting the article could be clearer for non-technical readers.
This video demonstrates building a "faux infinity mirror" effect around a TV screen using recycled materials. The creator utilizes a broken LCD monitor, extracting its backlight and diffuser panel. These are then combined with a one-way mirror film applied to a picture frame and strategically placed LED strips to create the illusion of depth and infinite reflections behind the TV. The project highlights a resourceful way to enhance a standard television's aesthetic using readily available, discarded electronics.
HN commenters largely praised the ingenuity and DIY spirit of the project, with several expressing admiration for the creator's resourcefulness in using recycled materials. Some discussed the technical aspects, questioning the actual contrast ratio achieved and pointing out that "infinity contrast" is a misnomer as true black is impossible without individually controllable pixels like OLED. Others debated the practicality and image quality compared to commercially available projectors, noting potential issues with brightness and resolution. A few users shared similar DIY projection projects they had undertaken or considered. Overall, the sentiment was positive, viewing the project as a fun experiment even if not a practical replacement for a standard TV.
While current technology allows for the creation and display of 3D images (specifically "cross-view" autostereograms) using just a standard camera and screen, it's not widely utilized. The author argues this is a missed opportunity. Cross-view images, generated by slightly offsetting two perspectives of the same scene, create a 3D effect visible by crossing your eyes or using the parallel viewing method. This technique is simple, accessible, and doesn't require special glasses or hardware beyond what most people already possess, making it a viable and readily available format for sharing 3D experiences.
Hacker News users generally agree with the premise that cross-view autostereoscopic displays are a compelling, albeit niche, technology. Several commenters share personal experiences with the Nintendo 3DS and other similar devices, praising the effect and lamenting the lack of wider adoption. Some discuss the technical challenges of implementing this technology, including resolution limitations and the "sweet spot" viewing angle. Others point out that VR/AR headsets offer a more immersive 3D experience, though some argue cross-view offers a more casual and accessible alternative. A few express hope for future advancements and broader integration in consumer electronics like laptops and phones. Finally, some commenters mention lenticular printing and other forms of autostereoscopic displays as interesting alternatives.
TCL is betting on "NXTPAPER" screen technology, which aims to mimic the look and feel of paper for a more comfortable reading experience. This technology utilizes multiple layers of reflective material to enhance contrast and reduce blue light, creating a display that appears brighter in sunlight than typical LCDs while maintaining low power consumption. While not e-ink, NXTPAPER 2.0 boasts improved color gamut and refresh rates, making it suitable for not just e-readers, but also tablets and potentially laptops. TCL aims to expand this technology across its product lines, offering a paper-like alternative to traditional screens.
Hacker News commenters discuss TCL's NxtPaper display technology, generally expressing skepticism about its widespread adoption. Some doubt the claimed power savings, especially given the backlight required for color displays. Others question the "paper-like" feel and wonder if it truly offers advantages over existing e-ink or LCD technologies for typical use cases. A few commenters express interest, particularly for niche applications like e-readers or note-taking, but overall the sentiment is cautious, awaiting real-world reviews and comparisons to determine if the technology lives up to its promises. Some also discuss the history of similar display technologies and their ultimate lack of success.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43857040
Hacker News users discussed the high price point of the Onyx Boox Mira Pro, with some expressing interest despite the cost due to its unique eye-friendly nature, particularly for coding and writing. Several commenters questioned the value proposition compared to larger, higher-resolution traditional monitors at a lower price. The slow refresh rate was also a major concern, limiting its use cases primarily to static content consumption and text-based work. Some users shared positive experiences with previous E Ink monitors, highlighting their benefits for focused work, while others suggested waiting for future iterations with improved color and refresh rates at a more accessible price. A few commenters also discussed potential niche applications like displaying dashboards or using it as a secondary monitor for specific tasks.
The Hacker News post discussing the $1900 color E Ink monitor from Onyx Boox generated a fair amount of discussion, with many commenters expressing interest but also reservations due to the high price and limited refresh rate.
Several users discussed potential use cases for such a monitor, particularly for coding and writing due to the reduced eye strain offered by E Ink technology. One commenter mentioned its appeal for focused work, comparing it to a distraction-free typewriter. Another user suggested its suitability for reading documentation and static content. However, the slow refresh rate was a major concern for many, with some doubting its practicality for everyday computing tasks. One commenter highlighted the potential issues with video playback and interactive applications.
The price point was a significant barrier for many commenters. Some compared it to the cost of high-end, conventional monitors, arguing that the E Ink monitor, despite its niche appeal, was overpriced. Others speculated that the price would eventually decrease as the technology matures.
A few commenters expressed interest in seeing reviews and real-world performance tests before considering a purchase. They were curious about the color accuracy and overall user experience. One user specifically asked about ghosting, a common issue with E Ink displays.
The discussion also touched on the potential market for such a monitor. Some believed it would appeal to a small, dedicated niche of users prioritizing eye comfort and focused work. Others suggested that its adoption would depend heavily on future price drops and improvements in refresh rate.
Finally, some comments focused on the broader E Ink technology and its future applications. One commenter mentioned the potential for color E Ink in signage and other public displays. Another expressed hope for future iterations with improved color saturation and responsiveness.
Overall, the comments reflected a mixture of intrigue and skepticism. While many acknowledged the potential benefits of a color E Ink monitor for certain tasks, the high price and performance limitations were significant deterrents. Many commenters adopted a wait-and-see approach, hoping for future improvements and price reductions.