Meridian today announced an iPod Video dock that can upconvert low-res video to 1080p, reportedly without undue noise, artifacts, or jaggies. It accomplishes this with a brand new “QuietVideo” processing chip from Marvell called “Qdeo” (sounds like “q-dee-oh”). Qdeo supposedly has a number of features that suppress image noise, clean up artifacting, and intelligently scales low-resolution video up to 1080p. It uses “per-pixel vector interpolation” to intelligently scale the video, and is capable of “locally adaptive contrast enhancement”, which basically brings up the gain on an image while maintaining the highlights and shadow detail. “Wide intelligent color remapping” enhances Rec709 sources and reportedly improves vivid color while preserving image reference colors (like skin tones). The results of this particular feature are visually impressive. There is a remote controlled onscreen UI that basically transfers the iPod interface to TV screen. Connection options include component, HDMI, S-Video, composite, coax and optical audio, 1/8″ headphone and analog line out. There is an HDMI input for pass-through and a USB port for iPod syncing. Sounds too good to be true? It very well may be. I did speak with Qdeo engineers yesterday, and they were convincingly thorough in their knowledge of the product, it’s capabilities and video processing in general. That is at least a comfort (though a useful device it does not necessarily make…sound like Yoda I do!). The Meridian iRIS is expected to hit market this fall, for around $379. Likewise, Marvell is working with other manufacturers to integrate the new Qdeo chipset in TV’s, DVD players, and other home entertainment devices.

Why am I writing about this gizmo? I’m glad you asked…if this thing delivers on it’s tall promises (and that would be a big “if”), it could potentially be a simple, convenient way to showcase work to clients on the road. Or for the event crowd, play a photo montage or video presentation at a wedding. And it begins to make iTunes Store content an option for watching on today’s HD home theater systems. We shall see…