RSS RSS Twitter Twitter
graphics/web design

08/22/2007, 2:30am, EDT

Wednesday, August 22nd

MS offers HD Photo plug-in for Photoshop

Microsoft has released a new beta plug-in for Photoshop CS2 and CS3 that adds support for the HD Photo (formerly known as Windows Media Photo) format, which the company touts as a superior alternative to and possible replacement for the well-entrenched JPEG format. Microsoft says "The HD Photo plug-in supports a wide range of pixel formats (including high dynamic range, wide gamut formats) and numerous advanced HD Photo features." The plug-in requires Mac OS X 10.4. The Mac version is functionally identical to the Windows version and supports all the same pixel formats, encoder options and file format features as the Windows version. The encoder options dialog is functionally identical to the Windows versions, with all the same options and controls.

A Mac-exclusive feature included in this release is support for thumbnails in the Mac OS X Finder. A posting to the Microsot HD blog states "OS X doesn't currently HD Photo as a native format. However, whenever Photoshop writes and HD Photo file, it also creates a thumbnail on the resource fork in a compatible format for OS X. The result is great looking thumbnails for HD Photo files in Finder. Very cool!"



With the name change from Windows Media Photo to HD Photo, the spec now adds support for a new file extension - .hdp, though it is suggested that current implementers stick with the current .wdp extension. Microsoft says you can "future-proof" your application by also adding support for the new .hdp extension.


Filed under: Graphics/Web Design

, , 6comments, del.icio.us, slashdot, digg, buzz , Twitter



6 comments
Reader Reactions (Please use <i></i> for italic text)

subscribe to comments
for this article




Expand All   Global Settings
excellent news
0
08/22, 4:24am, EDT
I'm really excited about this. We need far more of these proprietary monopoly-controlled formats replacing existing open ones. Go M$!
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Sep 2001
User is offline
cool
0
08/22, 7:47am, EDT
how may bugs will this new M$ plug-in bring to harm my computer?
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Jun 2007
User is offline
They just can't stop.
0
08/22, 7:51am, EDT
I agree just what we need one more - proprietary monopoly-controlled formats.

It's over Johnny---It's over.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Jun 2006
User is offline
Trying to nail more users
0
08/22, 11:39am, EDT
Step 1: trick unknown users and force windows corporate users into saving photos in proprietary and buggy M$ format

Step 2: create "great looking thumbnails" but lock down the image

Step 3: charge people to access their own photos.

Require yearly fee for M$ HD photo viewer, additional fee for M$ HD photo editor, plus extra fee for M$ HD photo printing program, etc.

Example viewer pricing: $259: HD photo Home Basic $299: HD photo Home premium $379: HD photo Business $499: HD photo Ultimate Not including upgrade pricing

=)
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Jan 2006
User is offline
"$499: HD photo Ultimate"
0
08/22, 2:54pm, EDT
i just spit my beverage all over my screen.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Jun 2007
User is offline
updated
0
08/22, 4:41pm, EDT
MS has already released 2 security updates for this.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Nov 2005
User is offline
Your Comments

In order to post comments: If you are a registered member, please login with your MacNN Forums username and password otherwise please uncheck the checkbox below.


Registered Member?
macnn forums login:

macnn forums password:

Not a member of the MacNN forums? Register now for free.

RSS Feeds

Have the latest content delivered to your desktop via RSS. Use the links below to get access to a specific blog, news, or reviews feed.



  MacNN -all

  MacNN Reviews

  MacNN Podcasts

  iPodNN

  Electronista

  Left Lane News
Want To Sell Your Laptop? Any Condition - receive Top Cash. Get an instant quote. Free shipping www.CashForLaptops.com

Internet Marketing School - 100% Online: Master SEO, SEM, E Commerce, Media & More with a U of San Francisco Certificate.

Buy from The Apple Store, iTunes.com, Amazon.com, TechDepot, OfficeDepot, Computers4Sure, or donate.