HiDef DVD News VII - News Only : AND WE MEAN IT: NEWS ONLY [Text View] - Page 13

Leterface

07-27-07, 04:23 PM

PRESS RELEASE: Star Trek Remastered on HD DVD (http://www.dvdtown.com/news/press-release-star-trek-remastered-on-hd-dvd/4621)

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment invite you to experience STAR TREK: The Original Series as never before when the legendary first season arrives for the first time ever in a 10-disc HD DVD/DVD combo disc set on November 20, 2007. Meticulously remastered from the original camera negative specifically for this high-definition release, each classic episode is presented in pristine condition with state-of-the-art digital visual effects. 1960s special effects have been replaced with 21st century computer-generated imagery to give new depth and atmosphere to various elements including the main title sequence, the galaxy shots frequently seen from the Enterprise's bridge, the battle scenes, planets and alien ships, some of the matte paintings used as backdrops for new worlds, as well as the Enterprise and other Starships, which have been replaced with state-of-the-art CGI-created ships. The new computer-generated Enterprise is based on the exact measurements of the original model, which now rests in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

The refurbished episodes also feature higher quality sound for the famous opening theme. The original score by Emmy® Award-winning composer Alexander Courage has been re-recorded in state-of-the-art digital stereo audio with an orchestra and a female singer belting out the famous vocals. A digitally remastered version of William Shatner's classic original recording of the 38-word "Space, the final frontier…" monologue continues to open each episode.

In addition, the extraordinary set features true HD audio and exclusive HD DVD interactive features produced by New Wave Entertainment. Interactive menus and a "Starfleet Access" interface will allow viewers to activate icons which provide such features as Picture in Picture video commentaries and an interactive tour of the starship Enterprise. Both the standard definition and high definition presentations also include rare on-set home movie footage, an inside perspective on what it took to transport Trek into the 21st century and much more. Housed in a futuristic clear case, the STAR TREK: The Original Series HD DVD/DVD set will be available for the suggested retail price of $217.99.

2Channel

07-28-07, 10:50 PM

False alarm: Target's not giving up on HD DVD
http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/28/false-alarm-targets-not-giving-up-on-hd-dvd/

As noted on Engadget HD the other day, and further clarified by Major Nelson this morning, that story about Target going exclusively Blu-ray was false. Turns out they're just installing Blu-ray aisle end caps, thanks to a new promotional deal with Sony, but HD DVD isn't going anywhere.

Barte

07-29-07, 10:57 AM

Another Target reference--from Reuters, citing Sony:
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN2643741920070726

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Target plans to carry only Blu-ray high definition DVD players through the holiday shopping season, a move that boosts the Sony-backed technology and may deal a blow to rival HD-DVD.

In a statement on Thursday, Sony Corp. (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) said that Target (TGT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) will exclusively carry Blu-ray players "at least through the holiday season" and will also expand its inventory of Blu-ray discs.

theone2

07-31-07, 04:50 AM

Moser Baer Successfully Creates HD DVD-R Replicas with DCA Equipment (http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?epi-content=NEWS_VIEW_POPUP_TYPE&newsId=20070726005890&ndmHsc=v2*A1183287600000*B1185896605000*DgroupByDate*J2*L1*N 1000837*Zhd%20dvd&newsLang=en&beanID=202776713&viewID=news_view_popup)

CUSHING, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Doug Carson & Associates, Inc. (DCA) proudly announces that Moser Baer has successfully begun production of HD DVD-R replicas. Moser Baer has been working with DCA’s MIS formatter for HD DVD-R on the Singulus 266 LBR.

“We are pleased to be working with one of the largest optical media suppliers worldwide in Moser Baer. Combined with Moser Baer’s production expertise and DCA’s format knowledge and best-in-class support, HD DVD-R proved to be a trouble-free feat,” says Eric Carson, product manager for DCA.

Rajeev Jindal, DGM, Engineer & Technology at Moser Baer, notes, “As Moser Baer continues our growth in new formats and new technology, we are pleased to have a strong partner in DCA.”

MIS Recordable Formatters – Currently available, DCA has recordable formatters for the new DVD-R managed recording (DVD-Download) format, as well as HD DVD-R/RW, HD DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and CD-R/RW. DVD-Download/Managed Recording is included for free in the DVD-R/RW Formatter.

2Channel

08-01-07, 02:43 PM

Blu-ray Opens Up to Pornographic Content
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=8244

Although HD DVD may remain the choice for adult movies in the North American market, things are completely different in Japan. The Blu-ray Disc format commands the high-definition market in Japan, and Sony is changing its stance on the allowance of adult material for that region.

According to news from the Adult Treasure Expo 2007 in Chiba, Japan, Sony will now be offering more technical support and assistance to adult filmmakers. Sony will also be sending Blu-ray equipment to a partnered company in Taiwan to handle production of the adult material.

kjack

08-02-07, 01:33 PM

Hitachi Unveils the World's First Blu-ray Disc Camcorder

Two New Camcorders Capable of Recording One Hour 1920x1080 Full High-Definition Video on a Blu-ray Disc

http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/news/2007/08/hitachi_unveils.php

DrDon

08-02-07, 06:44 PM

Note: Opinion pieces are not "news" in most cases.

2Channel

08-02-07, 08:35 PM

First PS3 game/BD movie combo title to be region locked

PS3 Stranglehold to be region-locked
http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2007/08/02/ps3-stranglehold-to-be-region-locked

Unfortunately, it appears that gamers outside of the US and Japan will not be able to enjoy the true collector's edition, as Midway has confirmed that the PS3 version—collector's edition or not—will be region locked; a move that is contrary to Sony's initial promise to make the PS3 an open, region-less platform.

While the region locking of the collector's edition would make sense—it's standard practice for DVDs, and the first-ever inclusion of a full theatrical release on a game disc seems to necessitate it—the reason why the standard edition would differ in any way from the average PS3 game remains unclear. Chief Marketing Officer of Midway Steve Allison recently disclosed that even the standard versions of the game on the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 would include trailers and promotional materials for the new release of the film. This statement left it unclear why the PS3 version is the only one being region-locked.

jsl_80

08-03-07, 06:35 PM

Oerlikon to Install First Blu-ray Line in Europe
German Optical Disc manufacturer Infodisc today received delivery of the first BD ROM manufacturing line Indigo in Western Europe. The Oerlikon Blu-ray replication line will be installed in the coming days at the Renchen/Germany facility. Infodisc will offer its services as the first independent European Blu-ray manufacturer, which is not contractually tied to a particular Hollywood movie studio. As a pioneer in the Blu-ray production technology, Infodisc will share its experience with other replicators and serve as a showcase for the Oerlikon Blu-ray line Indigo.

“We’ve evaluated the available Blu-ray production equipment and were primarily impressed by Oerlikon,” says Michael Gotowski, CEO at Infodisc. “The INDIGO line is approved by major replicators, features an excellent cover layer process and is mature for Blu-ray mass production. Oerlikon is launching soon the 50GB dual layer upgrade, using Sony’s wet embossing process. This is the professional package we need for our own market success.”
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070803005585&newsLang=en

theone2

08-05-07, 10:01 AM

Babya introduces the first free HD-DVD interactive content designer software (http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/view_press_release.php?rssID=31734)

/24-7PressRelease/ - August 05, 2007 - Babya HD-DVD Designer is the first free HD-DVD interactive content designer for the HDi Interactive Format.

Babya's Production Suite will include Babya HD-DVD Designer.

It's easy to create content for the new format.

HD-DVD is a next generation disc format offering upto about 30GB of storage space.

To learn more about HD-DVD, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hd-dvd.

HD-DVD is supported by many leading film studios.

HD-DVD Designer has a easy to use interface, with a focus on the scripting part:using ECMAScript.

Babya's A.A. Fussy said, "HDi Interactive Format is a exciting new way to add interactivity, so we're offering a free content designer for this format."

Pricing and Availability:
HD-DVD Designer will ship in early September.

About Babya:

Babya is an award-winning developer of digital media software for Mac and Windows, including bSuite,Babya OneVideo, bPicture, Babya Firestorm, Babya Photo Workshop and Babya Logic.

Babya's software has won many awards over the past several years, including 5 stars (Babya bSuite, 2005), a Softpedia Pick and 100% clean award (2006) and has been featured in magazines such as PC Utilities and PC Format.

mikemorel

08-06-07, 08:13 AM

Toshiba to Debut Third Generation HD DVD Players for High Definition Enthusiasts (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-06-2007/0004639654&EDATE=)

Expected Pricing and Expected Availability:
HD-A3 ($299.99, October 2007)
HD-A30 ($399.99, September 2007)
HD-A35 ($499.99, October 2007)

zBuff

08-06-07, 09:36 AM

Stranglehold for PS3 regionfree afterall

Midway has decided to make both the standard version and the North American Collector's Edition (with Hard Boiled on Blu-ray)of Stranglehold region free. Please be clear that the Collector's Edition with the movie is only available in North America, so if you live elsewhere, you'll have to buy it as an import.

I guess the higher ups do listen to you guys on the forums!

Source Midway Forums http://forums.midway.com/all_things_stranglehold/b10788/27240439/p1/?24

xboxboi

08-07-07, 12:52 AM

Ritek obtains certification for 2x HD DVD-R discs

Ritek, the second largest Taiwan-based maker of optical discs, has secured certification for blank 2x HD DVD-R (recordable, write once) discs, according to industry sources in Taiwan. The company had already achieved certification for its 1x HD DVD-R and 1x HD DVD-RW (rewritable) discs in May 2007.

http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20070806PD216.html

mikemorel

08-08-07, 01:17 PM

From July 17 Compound Semi News

Strategy Analytics' Asif Anwar Predicts GaN LD Market Trends (http://www.compoundsemi.com/documents/articles/news/8656.html)

At our recent Compound Semi Vision executive business forum in Austin, Texas, market analyst extraordinare, Asif Anwar of Strategy Analytics, presented a keynote address that provided enough solid and clearly bankable numbers to excite even the most jaded compound semi industry follower. While he covered the gambit of materials and applications sectors at Vision, he provides our readers here with an update on one of the hottest topics, the gallium nitride (GaN) based laser diode (LD) market.

What people always want the most are the numbers. Well, here they are: According to Strategy Analytics, the market for GaN-based laser diodes will grow at a CAAGR of 103% through to 2011 with the consumer based optical data storage market dominating all other applications. Principal optical data storage applications will be in games consoles, PCs and home theater; the latter finally becoming the dominant market as the two competing formats, Blu-Ray and HD-DVD, gain mass market acceptance. That, reassuringly, reaffirms their previous predictions, which is that the optical data storage market will account for >99% of the total available market for GaN-based laser diodes from 2006 through to 2011.

Furthermore, the average selling price of all GaN based laser diodes is expected to rise with a CAAGR of ~4%, reflecting the move from just playback devices to the higher performance recordable devices. SA believes that the GaN-based laser diode market will increase at a CAAGR of 103% from $33.9 million in 2006 to over $1.2 billion in 2011 and that the supply of GaN-based laser diodes will be dominated by Japan with that country supplying almost 100% of the total demand for at least the next three years. And the part that might surprise some... Strategy Analytics says that GaN laser diode production will move away from sapphire substrate usage over the next five years. Asif notes that, while this migration will not affect companies like Rubicon and Kyocera materially in a significant way, a similar development in LED production would have serious ramifications for sapphire substrate suppliers.
...

kjack

08-08-07, 08:28 PM

The next-generation DVD-player market will grow to more than 37 million units in 2011, up from a very small 100,000 units in 2006. Camcorders are quickly moving to 100% HD penetration. Digital still cameras also will move to HD, although their high-definition penetration rate will not rise as quickly as for the camcorders...

http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20070808PR200.html

Ilka

08-09-07, 09:33 AM

Blue Ray Technologies Goes Gold as First U.S. Indie Blu-ray Plant Opens

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/08/prweb545244.htm

"Blue Ray Technologies opens $12 million plant in Spokane, making it the first independent U.S. Blu-ray manufacturer. Plant is important to TV producers and indie filmmakers who can't wait in line for high definition discs at plants controlled by major studios busy filling their own pipelines. Distribution offered too by Edge of Light Media, a co-venture with John Daly ("Terminator," "Platoon"). GE supplies materials for eco-friendly operation.

..."

xboxboi

08-09-07, 09:23 PM

ONKYO Introduces its First HD DVD Player, Including High-Bit-Rate and Lossless Audio Streaming via HDMI 1.3a

http://www.onkyousa.com/news.cfm?id=119

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/08/dv-hd805.jpg

08/09/07 - ONKYO USA has announced the launch of its first HD-DVD player, the DV-HD805. This player has been introduced to realize the potential of high-definition HD DVD content. It is also one of the first HD DVD players to take advantage of high-bit-rate audio streaming via HDMI version 1.3a. The DV-HD805 will be available in the fall of 2007.

The DV-HD805 is designed to partner with Onkyo’s 2007 A/V receiver line-up. Both the HD DVD player and the A/V receivers feature HDMI version 1.3a connections, making the combination of these components the perfect platform for high-definition 1080p video images. It also nicely complements Onkyo’s A/V receivers by streaming of the new lossless surround sound formats, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS®-HD Master Audio, as well as two “lossy” formats, Dolby® Digital Plus and DTS®-HD High Resolution Audio.

The Onkyo DV-HD805 has the capability to support different frame rates, including playback at 24 frames per second, which is the native frame rate of the original sources for most HD content. This ensures that the user will be able to experience the playback of films recorded to HD DVD with the smoothest, most stable reproduction possible.

HDMI version 1.3a allows the DV-HD805 to offer the full potential of high-definition 1080p video (the native resolution of HD DVD discs). Furthermore, HDMI version 1.3a enables Deep Color™ technology to improve color tones and achieve finer color gradation. Also, when connected with the new Onkyo HDMI version 1.3a A/V receivers, the DV-HD805 is capable of high-bit-rate audio streaming output. Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio surround sound codecs enable bit-for-bit reproduction of the studio master meaning that this player is capable of the highest clarity and most advanced realism from movie soundtracks. It also has the capability to provide Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio bit stream data.

HD DVD specifications allow for the inclusion of web-enabled network connectivity to develop new and unique content such as additional materials and bonus features. In addition to downloading content, HD DVD users also have the ability to upload content and interact with providers, to participate in interactive polls for example. Compared to other media formats, HD DVD is advanced in this capacity. The DV-HD805 includes an Ethernet port to allow users access to these capabilities, as well as enable the user to easily download any future firmware updates.

Recognized as the leading video processing technology in the home theater industry, the DV-HD805’s onboard HQV Reon VX video processing chipset provides exceptionally precise video scaling (to 720p, 1080i or 1080p). When used with the standard-definition DVD format, HQV Reon VX enables viewers to enjoy superior video quality at the native resolution of the connected high-definition display. HQV Reon VX processing also eliminates or substantially reduces video noise for improved video reproduction.

The DV-HD805 will be available in the fall of 2007 at a suggested retail price of $899.

mikemorel

08-10-07, 06:01 AM

From Digitimes:

Taiwan maker Bestdisc reportedly procures production equipment of pre-recorded BD discs (http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20070809PD210.html)

...
In contrast to Bestdisc's aggressive action, U-Tech Media, CMC Magnetics and Feng Sheng Technology, three leading makers of pre-recorded discs in Taiwan, are conservative about stepping into BD production at present.

While having started production of pre-recorded HD DVD discs in the first quarter of this year, U-Tech is also developing pre-recorded BD discs using equipment from its parent company Ritek, and expects to finish the development by the end of this quarter, the sources indicated.

According to U-Tech, almost all orders for BD movie discs around the world are released from top movie studios in Hollywood, and Austria-based Sony Digital Audio Disc Corporation and Japan-based Memory-Tech are the two main OEM makers currently. In addition, the global penetration of BD players is still low. For these reasons, it is still too early to enter the market, U-Tech pointed out.

A production line for pre-recorded BD discs costs as high as NT$200-300 million (US$6.1-9.1 million) at present, according to Feng Sheng. Viewing that a new production line for DVD discs cost NT$100-150 million initially but now a second-hand line can be bought for only NT$10-20 million, the procurement costs for BD discs can be expected to drop fairly rapidly, Feng Sheng indicated. In addition, the market for BD movie discs will not take off until 2010, Feng Sheng noted. Therefore, Feng Sheng has no plans to prepare for producing such discs at present.

Ilka

08-10-07, 12:08 PM

Verbatim and Imation launch mini Blu-ray discs

http://www.hdtvuk.tv/2007/08/verbatim_and_im.html

"...

The discs measure just 3 inches in diameter will feature 7.5GB storage capacity, which is enough for one hour of continuous full HD high-definition footage or around two hours of 1440x1080i footage.

..."

Leterface

08-14-07, 06:41 PM

With the arrival of Samsung's $1,049 dual-format player on the horizon for this fall, LG has lowered the price of its existing BH100 HD DVD/Blu-ray player by $200.

The first dual-format player to hit stores shelves, LG's BH100 has remained at its original retail price of $1,199 since its introduction earlier this year.

Of course, even at its new reduced price of $999, the LG player remains good deal more expensive than buying two separate standalone players (Toshiba's HD-A2 and Sony's BDP-S300 retail at a combined cost of $898), but it's certainly a step in the right direction.

This latest pricecut from LG comes just a couple months before Samsung's planned BDP-UP5000 is scheduled to hit store shelves. That deck was previously announced with a retail price $1,049. Unlike the LG player, the Samsung is slated to include full support of both BD-Java and HDi, as well as web-enabled features on both formats.

No word yet from Samsung on any price drops for its upcoming BDP-UP5000Source: highdefdigest.com (http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Samsung/Hardware/LG/Hybrid_Player_Price_War_Brewing_LG_Lowers_Price_of_Super_Blu _HD_DVD/Blu-ray_Player/857)

If one compare LG's BH100 new reduced price with the 1080p/24 capable HD Players Toshiba A20 and Sony BDP-S300, then LG BH100 is actually only one dollar more expensive than the combined cost of the Toshiba and Sony Players ($999 vs. $998).

Very interesting to see if Samsung will respond to the price drop with theire dual-format player BDP-UP5000.

sstephen

08-14-07, 07:41 PM

Haven't seen this posted here.

Blu-ray players outpacing supply

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6467868.html

Some consumer electronics retailers see the sales gap closing between set-top HD DVD players and Blu-ray Disc players as the two formats have come closer in price.

At Ultimate Electronics and Abt Electronics, Toshiba’s second-generation players are still the best-selling individual models, but collectively, Blu-ray players have been outselling HD DVD Toshiba models in recent weeks.

DrDon

08-15-07, 06:23 AM

As per the initial post in this thread sales-figure based articles aren't particularly newsworthy. There are other threads for that. This is for, well, NEWS. News on products, the technology, etc.

joe_six_pack

08-16-07, 06:54 PM

Sony Electronics is set to launch a $100M ad campaign in order to promote what they are calling HDNA - a combination of high definition (HD) and DNA. The campaign will focus on educating the public about Sony high definition products, including Sony Blu-ray players, and how they all integrate to provide the ultimate high definition experience.

The TV, radio, print, and Internet ads will feature NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and NASCAR driver Dale Earnhart, Jr. explaining the benefits of high definition, and how consumers can integrate HD into their lives via Sony products. TV ads will run in primetime, as well as on dedicated HD channels like National Geographic HD and Universal HD.

Chief Marketing Officer Mike Fasulo commented, "HDNA is the core, the essence of all Sony HD products. If a consumer is considering the purchase of an HD product, we believe that given our lineage and expertise in the category, Sony should be the only consideration. With this comprehensive campaign we will also demystify all of the fears associated with purchasing a high-definition product."

The campaign is expected to last through the all-important holiday shopping season, well into 2008. Sony makes this announcement just as the Disney Magical Blu-ray Tour kicks off in malls across the country, where they hope to educate the public about Blu-ray.

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=406

Press release articles

Sony Launches Its Largest Integrated Marketing Campaign
Focuses on Company's High Definition Products Across Multiple Categories
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-16-2007/0004647141&EDATE=

Sony Electronics starts $100 mln high-def ad push
http://investing.reuters.co.uk/news/articleinvesting.aspx?type=media&storyID=nN16351804

Richard Paul

08-17-07, 03:04 AM

General announcement of first Blu-ray titles with BD-Video 1.1 and BD-Live features by Disney for 2008 in this High-Def Digest article (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Disney/BD-Java/Disc_Announcements/Disney_Announces_Blu-ray_Title_Wave_Coming_2008/870):

The 'Sleeping Beauty' Blu-ray will also include a "Virtual Castle" and multi-player activities -- both utilizing BD-Live technology.

In addition, Disney announced the special edition release of the action-adventure blockbuster 'National Treasure,' which will precede 'Sleeping Beauty' as the studio's first BD-Live Blu-ray Disc title.

Disney will further debut two of its biggest recent family hits in 2008 on Blu-ray, Pixar's blockbuster 'Finding Nemo' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.' Both release will feature full-motion, picture-in-picture bonus features -- replicating the popular "In-Movie Experience" video commentaries common to rival HD DVD.

Disney has not yet announced detailed specs or supplement details for the four titles, nor exact street dates outside of the 2008 timeframe. However, the slate will begin with 'The Chronicles of Narnia' in spring 2008, followed by 'National Treasure' in the summer, and culminating with 'Finding Nemo' and 'Sleeping Beauty' by fall.

Richard Paul

08-17-07, 03:19 AM

Note that the original article at High-Def Digest has been changed since I quoted some of it for anyone wondering why it doesn't look like the current article. Also here is the press release from Disney (http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/pressrelease_disney2008bluray.html) on this news:

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) announced today more innovations in the Blu-ray format with the Studio's first ever Platinum Blu-ray release, the Studio's first BD-Live title, and full motion picture-in-picture Blu-ray bonus features.
...
The Sleeping Beauty Blu-ray Disc release will also include a virtual castle and multi-player activities -- both utilizing the BD-Live technology.
...
In addition, WDSHE announced the special edition release of the action-adventure blockbuster National Treasure, which will become the Studio's first BD-Live Blu-ray Disc title. In addition, the Studio will bring two of its treasured family classics to Blu-ray Disc, Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, both of which will feature full motion picture-in-picture bonus features
...
This exciting slate of Blu-ray Disc releases will begin with The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in spring 2008, followed by National Treasure in summer of 2008 and culminating with Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo and Sleeping Beauty in fall 2008.

mikemorel

08-20-07, 09:29 AM

Teardown analysis of PS3 components (click on images to zoom) from Elecronic Products magazine.

http://www.electronicproducts.com/whatsinside/

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/9659/untitled2fl4.jpg

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/5180/untitledxj7.jpg

Kosty

08-20-07, 01:10 PM

PARAMOUNT AND DREAMWORKS ANIMATION EACH DECLARE EXCLUSIVE SUPPORT FOR HD DVD

Movies Distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment Including Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation SKG, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films to be Released Exclusively in HD DVD

Exclusive Program To Begin with Release of “Blades of Glory,” Followed by “Transformers” and “Shrek the Third,” Films Representing More Than $1.5 Billion in Combined Worldwide Box Office

Los Angeles, CA, August 20, 2007 – Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) and DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSEWA), each announced today that they will exclusively support the next-generation HD DVD format on a worldwide basis. The exclusive HD DVD commitment will include all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment.

The companies each said that the decision to distribute exclusively in the HD DVD format resulted from an extensive evaluation of current market offerings, which confirmed the clear benefits of HD DVD, particularly its market-ready technology and lower manufacturing costs. Paramount Home Entertainment will launch its exclusive HD DVD program with the release of the blockbuster comedy hit “Blades of Glory” on August 28th and follow with two of the biggest grossing movies of the year “Transformers” and “Shrek the Third”. These three titles alone represent more than $1.5 billion in box office ticket sales worldwide.

“The combination of Paramount and DreamWorks Animation brings a critical mass of current box office hits to consumers with a line-up of live action and animated films that are perfect for HD DVD,” stated Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, which is currently the leading studio in domestic box office. “Part of our vision is to aggressively extend our movies beyond the theater, and deliver the quality and features that appeal to our audience. I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount.”

“We decided to release “Shrek the Third” and other DreamWorks Animation titles exclusively on HD DVD because we believe it is the best format to bring high quality home entertainment to a key segment of our audience – families,” stated DreamWorks Animation CEO, Jeffrey Katzenberg. “We believe the combination of this year’s low- priced HD DVD players and the commitment to release a significant number of hit titles in the fall makes HD DVD the best way to view movies at home.”

With the rapid increase of HD TV screens in households, and audiences wanting to enjoy the total entertainment experience, HD DVD has emerged as the most affordable way for consumers to watch their movies in high definition. In addition to pristine quality, HD DVD also offers consumers the chance to personalize the movie-watching experience, to interact with their movies and even to connect with a community of other fans.

Paramount Home Entertainment will issue new releases day and date as well as catalog titles exclusively on HD DVD. Today’s announcement does not include films directed by Steven Spielberg as his films are not exclusive to either format.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company’s labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies and DreamWorks Studios. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studios and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About DreamWorks Animation SKG

DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company has theatrically released a total of fourteen animated feature films, including Antz, Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Madagascar, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Over the Hedge, Flushed Away, and Shrek the Third. DreamWorks Animation’s newest release, Bee Movie, opens in theaters November 2, 2007.

Richard Paul

08-20-07, 04:35 PM

Fox and MGM Unveil Blu-Ray Exclusive Worldwide Releases for 2007

29 Titles To Debut Packed With Soon-to-Be-Announced BD Industry ‘Firsts’ - PLUS – Fox’s First TV Title ‘PRISON BREAK’

FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER And LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD and Other Titles To Debut Day-and-Date on BD/DVD
-- Blu-ray Out-Performing HD DVD 2-to-1 At Retail in 2007 --

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (TCFHE) today unveiled an aggressive global Blu-ray Disc release strategy including 29 new release and “must-have” catalog titles that runs through the end of the 2007 calendar year. Among the many highlights of the impressive worldwide slate are six day & date BD/DVD new theatrical releases from Fox including the $241 million box-office family favorite FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER and the $335 million box-office action powerhouse LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD, four day & date BD/DVD (U.S. only) new theatrical releases from MGM, 19 ‘must-have on BD’ films from the two studios’ libraries, Fox’s first-ever TV release on BD – PRISON BREAK -- and Fox’s intention to release at least one state-of-the-art title per month featuring numerous BD ‘firsts.’

The only high-definition packaged media universally supported by the film, music, gaming and computer industries, BD is the #1 selling high-definition packaged media. In fact, on a worldwide basis, BD is averaging nearly 70% market-share per week of all high definition titles sold this year and, in the U.S., it is out-performing HD DVD by a margin of 115%.

“Given that Blu-ray has consistently outsold HD DVD all year, and this is the case for any titles released by any studio in both formats, we believe that the time is right for us to accelerate our activities and help convert the nearly 60 million high definition households worldwide into Blu-ray households,” noted Mike Dunn, President Worldwide, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. “By the end of this calendar year there will be expansive availability of technically vibrant releases featuring never-before-seen, advanced BD-J interactivity as well as a broad offering of playback devices at attractive prices that will prove to any doubting consumers once and for all that Blu-ray is the only way.”

“And as Blu-ray continues to grows stronger, it has become survival of the fittest which is most apparent in the retail landscape where our eager and growing global Blu-ray consumer base has caused a shift that is forcing the allocation of more space to the format that is selling the best. And, in many recent instances of note, top retailers in North America are choosing to promote the Blu-ray format exclusively in their stores,” continued Dunn.

Among the BD industry ‘firsts’ from the Studios’ upcoming global release slate are picture in picture capability, enhanced viewing and surround sound modes with the ability to mix and match picture and sound, direct access to in-movie features through one of the four colored buttons on the BD remote and the most technically vibrant BD-Java interactive multi-player challenge and trivia games to date. The Studios’ slate also takes full advantage of BD-Live functionality this fourth quarter. Internet-connected consumers will enjoy unique, title specific “web-enabled” interactive features and games and “web-exclusive” downloadable content with the ability to connect and interact with other broadband BD users worldwide.

Cementing its leadership position within the industry - previous BD releases NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM and X-MEN THE LAST STAND rank in the Top 20 best-sellers - the vast majority of the Studios’ upcoming global slate will be presented on 50 GB dual-layer discs with advanced BD-J interactivity and feature numerous Blu-ray exclusive high-definition bonus materials that further realizes BD’s incredible potential. Consumers will enjoy the superior video and audio elements of AVC encoding and Lossless HD audio on many of the coming titles as well as enhanced and integrated menus, personal scene selections, search indexing, trivia and other title specific games and high-definition bonus materials.

Upcoming BD-J features exclusive to priority catalogue titles from Fox and MGM include an "Alien Scavenger Hunt" (INDEPENDENCE DAY) that challenges players to earn points by identifying the correct number of aliens in select scenes to unlock additional bonus features; a “Global Warming Trivia Track” (THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW) where users must correctly answer questions about global warming to keep the Earth’s temperature from rising and being destroyed; and a historical and geographical pop-up map (MASTER & COMMANDER) that tracks the location of Captain "Lucky" Jack Aubrey and his enemies.

Listed below are the upcoming Blu-ray Disc releases from Fox and MGM excluding new theatrical day & date BD/DVD releases. EXACT TITLE CONFIGURATIONS TO FOLLOW IN THE COMING WEEKS.

TITLE N.A. RELEASE INTERNATIONAL RELEASE

MASTER & COMMANDER OCT. 2 OCT.
THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW OCT. 2 NOV.
FROM HELL OCT. 9 OCT.
THE FLY (1986) OCT. 9 Q1 08
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS OCT. 9 NOV.
28 DAYS LATER OCT. 9 North America Only
ROBOCOP (MGM) OCT. 9 DEC.
AMITYVILLE HORROR (1979) (MGM) OCT. 9 North America Only
BATTLE OF BRITAIN (MGM) NOV. 6 Q1 08
A BRIDGE TOO FAR (MGM) NOV. 6 Q1 08
I, ROBOT NOV. 13 Q1 08
DIE HARD NOV. NOV.
DIE HARD 2: DIE HARDER NOV. NOV.
DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE NOV. NOV.
RED DAWN (MGM) NOV. Q1 08
MR. AND MRS. SMITH DEC. 4 DEC.
INDEPENDENCE DAY DEC. 4 DEC.
CAST AWAY DEC. 4 North America Only
RONIN (MGM) DEC. 4 DEC.

Blu-ray Disc is a next generation optical disc format developed for high-definition video and high-capacity software applications. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc holds up to 25 gigabytes of data and a dual-layer Blu-ray Disc holds up to 50 gigabytes of data. This greater storage capacity enables the Blu-ray Disc to store over six times the amount of content than is possible with current DVDs, and is particularly well-suited for high definition feature films with extended levels of additional bonus and interactive material. Blu-ray also features the most advanced copy protection, player backward compatibility with the current DVD format, connectivity and advanced interactivity.

Fox takes advantage of the next generation format’s high definition technology and advanced functionality to present its titles with the highest quality audiovisual elements. Showcasing picture quality with six times the resolution of DVD and theater quality “uncompressed” audio for the purest digital sound, the cutting-edge discs also feature enhanced and integrated menus, games, high-definition bonus materials and Java-encoding for more dynamic and sophisticated interactivity.

The Studio’s commitment to emerging technologies is dedicated to enhancing the consumer experience of its products and providing for backward compatibility with their existing home entertainment libraries while also aggressively protecting its intellectual property from piracy. The Blu-ray companies fully embrace the Studio’s steadfast commitment to the fight against piracy and the preservation of the integrity of its properties. Twentieth Century Fox is a member of the Board of Directors of the Blu- ray Disc Association.

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) as well as acquisitions and original productions. The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets -- from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce - throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.

xboxboi

08-21-07, 01:20 AM

Thank you swanni ;)

Sony PR Firm Pushes Paramount HD DVD Payoff

http://www.tvpredictions.com/bluraypay082007.htm

Top public relations agency for Sony's Blu-ray interests tips reporters to blog item after Paramount backs rival HD DVD.
By Swanni

Soon after the announcement, GCI Group, a Los Angeles-based public relations firm, began calling reporters (including this one) to tell them that a Hollywood news blog was reporting that HD DVD supporters gave Paramount $100 million in "promotional considerations" to dump Blu-ray.

GCI Group represents Sony, the leading supporter of the Blu-ray format, and jointly issues press releases on its behalf on Blu-ray issues.

The blog, "Deadline Hollywood Daily," is written by Nikki Finke of the LA Weekly. Finke also wrote that DreamWorks Animation, which today said it would also support HD DVD exclusively, got $50 million in "promotional considerations."

In response to the blog item, the web site Gizmodo asked Paramount for a response and here it is:

"The reason we made this decision is simple. After a year of fully experiencing and exploring both formats, we decided to exclusively support HD DVD because of the quality, value and potential the format offers. Beyond that, whenever we conduct co-marketing, production deals or other agreements, we never discuss business terms."

Eternal_Sunshine

08-21-07, 05:52 AM

New York Times: Viacom executives confirm receiving $150 Mill. incentives from HD DVD side for exclusivity

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/21/technology/21disney.html?ex=1345348800&en=d4e1f285e2f41437&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

But money talks: Paramount and DreamWorks Animation together will receive about $150 million in financial incentives for their commitment to HD DVD, according to two Viacom executives with knowledge of the deal but who asked not to be identified. The incentives will come in a combination of cash and promotional guarantees.

Apparently, this deal buys HD DVD just 18 Months of exclusivity:

The two studios may have left themselves wiggle room, however. Paramount’s agreement to use only HD DVD is limited to only 18 months. And Paramount noted that no films directed by Steven Spielberg were included in the deal “as his films are not exclusive to either format.”

Kosty

08-21-07, 10:48 AM

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2007-08-20-paramount-blu-ray_N.htm

Paramount to drop Blu-ray high-def DVDs

By Mike Snider, USA TODAY

Just when it seemed that the Blu-ray Disc had gained the upper hand in the high-definition video disc battle, HD DVD has recruited two studios, Paramount and DreamWorks....
The availability of lower-cost HD DVD players led to the studios pulling their support from Blu-ray. Toshiba currently has players in stores for less than $300.
The high price of players — previously starting at about $500 — has kept consumers from buying into either format, says DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg. "That's why I have been very reticent to have us move into it
Katzenberg says that HD DVD will thrive this fall with more affordable players and a highly anticipated wave of movies,
The coming season "is adding up to be a game-changer" for (HD DVD), Katzenberg says.

... HD DVD releases (81) have outpaced Blu-ray's (55) in the past three months, according to DVD Release Report.

"the battle is not nearly done," says Joe Laszlo, senior analyst at Jupiter Research. "And it's not at all a safe bet either of these formats is going to be the dominant one."

Says Kelley Avery, worldwide president of Paramount Home Entertainment: "This business is in its infancy. At this stage, there has only been about 3 million high-definition discs sold combined," compared with about 1 billion DVDs sold each year in North America.

Committing to one format allows the studios to lower their manufacturing and marketing costs, she says. "We think this is the best way for people to watch movies

DrDon

08-21-07, 03:46 PM

Non-news posts removed. No further Paramount posts here, either. Those follow-ups should go in one of the gazillion existing Paramount threads.

mikemorel

08-22-07, 06:07 AM

From Digitimes

Taiwan market: LG to launch range of Blu-ray/HD DVD combo drives (http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20070822PD201.html)

LG Electronics unveiled three new Super Multi Blue optical disc device models, the BH100 Blu-ray Disc (BD)/HD DVD dual-format player, the GGW-H20L BD burner plus HD DVD-ROM drive, and the GGC-H20L BD-ROM/HD DVD-ROM drive, for launch in the Taiwan market in mid-September 2007, according to LG Electronics Taiwan Taipei (LGETT) at a press conference on August 21.

BH100 is the first player to support of both BD and HD DVD formats, LGETT claimed. BH100 can support full high-definition (HD) 1,080p playback for BD or HD DVD and 1,080i for playback in DVD formats including DVD-Video, DVD+R/-R and DVD+RW/-RW, LGETT indicated. The player will sell at a recommended retail price of NT$39,900 (US$1,213).

GGC-H20L, has the same specifications as GGW-H20L but lacks of BD burning functionality. The drives will carry a recommended retail price of NT$12,900 for the former and that of NT$19,900 for the latter.

mikemorel

08-22-07, 02:25 PM

SCEE announces PlayTV for PS3 (http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2007/8/22-34)

At Games Convention today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced the introduction of PlayTV, a combined TV tuner and Personal Video Recorder (PVR) for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3). PlayTV will be available in UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain early in 2008, with other PAL territories to follow in due course.

Designed to reinforce PS3’s rightful place in the Living Room at the heart of the home entertainment needs, the twin channel TV tuner peripheral and PVR software turns PS3 into a state of the art TV recorder, allowing users to watch, pause and record live TV. PlayTV will also record individual programmes or whole series1 to the PS3 hard drive for viewing later on the family TV, or for transferring to the PSP™ (PlayStation Portable) for remote viewing outside of the home.
...EDIT:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=27948

SCEE also unveiled PlayTV, a TV tuner and PVR accessory. At this time, SCEA has no announcements for similar PS3 DVR capabilities in North America either. Finally, SCEE announced a partnership with British Sky Broadcasting to bring video downloads to the PSP in the UK and Ireland.

SCEA is "evaluating similar types of partnerships in North America" but has no announcement at this time. "We understand and respect the consumer interest in this type of service, and we will continue to explore downloadable content options for our territory," SCEA's Dave Karraker told GamesIndustry.biz.

mikemorel

08-23-07, 05:35 AM

New Disc Formats Blu-ray and HD DVD Gain Momentum, SINGULUS in a Leading Position (http://www.ad-hoc-news.de/CorporateNews/en/12980867/DGAP-News-Singulus-Technologies-AG-New-Disc-Formats)

'SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES is excellently positioned on this market. No matter if Blu-ray or HD DVD will prevail, we are prepared for both formats. We would prefer Blu-ray, but we are global market leader for production equipment for both formats', comments Stefan A. Baustert, Chief Executive Officer of the SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG. SINGULUS has already been market leader with a market share of approximately 65 % of prerecorded products for many years. In particular, the production of the HD DVD discs could be realized with low development expenses due to the long-time know how. With respect to development Blu-ray was more challenging, but it also means an absolute technologic leap. 'Therefore, we see significantly fewer competitors in the market for Blu-ray', adds Stefan A. Baustert.

Talkstr8t

08-23-07, 04:56 PM

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9764622-1.html
...Most of us were pretty impressed by the demo, which included clips from movies, commercials, and sporting events. There was real depth to the 3D and you got that whole feeling of things poking out at you from the screen. All the demo material had been shot in 3D, but the kicker to the whole presentation was that Mitsubishi apparently has a Blu-ray player in its labs that can convert existing 2D movies into 3D on the fly. Better yet, according to company reps, it may be available early next year.

Leterface

08-23-07, 05:09 PM

The winner in the category European HD Player of 2007-2008 Eisa Awards is LG BH100

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m109/Jankka/HDDVD/EISA_LG_BH100.jpg

http://www.eisa-awards.eu/eisa_awards/node/754

From the EISA FAQ:

The EISA Awards are chosen annually by Panels representing nearly 50 prominent Photo, Video, Audio, Home Theater and Mobile Electronics magazines from up to 20 European countries. All Panels work separately, but are under contract to the European Imaging & Sound Association.

brand new products will only be accepted if they have been available for detailed testing before 1 June (latest delay) by a least 5 member magazines of the Panel concerned.

In addition, awarded products must also be for sale to the general public no later than 10 September in the year of the Awards in at least 10 European countries. Awarded products sold on 'pre-ordering' base must be delivered to the customer within 2 weeks after ordering, at the latest at 24 September. 'Pre-ordering' base is only liable to products with a price-tag of at least Euro 5.000.

mikemorel

08-24-07, 06:47 AM

Interview w/ Reed Hastings, CEO, Netflix

Can Blockbuster be knocked out? (http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_6706319)

Q What kind of demand are you seeing for Blu-ray and HD-DVD?

A We carry all the Blu-ray titles and we carry all the HD-DVD, so we're agnostic. And we think the solution in that market is to have the studios publish on both. . . . (Customer demand) is pretty evenly split between them (but it's) tiny, like a percent or something.

2Channel

08-24-07, 01:47 PM

Warner's High-Def Disc Guru Exits Post
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Warners_High-Def_Disc_Guru_Exits_Post/893

In the week's latest high-def stunner, Warner Home Video's next-gen guru Steve Nickerson has announced he will step down.

A senior vp at Warner, Nickerson was arguably the most visible executive in the high-def disc space, and a passionate cheerleader for the studio's dual-format stance.

coolscan

08-24-07, 02:21 PM

This is not really fresh news as it is from may. But I have not seen any mention of this anywhere.

Here are some of the main points. Lots more in the link. http://www.side-line.com/side-line_blog_comments.php?id=22997_0_45_0_C

Next generation HD DVD based music distribution and marketing platform launched

Nixbu Entertainment will announce the immediate start of the MuNa initiative, a next generation HD DVD based music distribution and marketing platform. This very complex project represents the most advanced HD DVD project so far, including even new online features.

The following key features are featured on this product:
The disc will start automatically, tracks are 'skipable', navigation behavior is the same as Audio CD
Without any kind of TV the disc navigation will be done via remote control of the HD DVD player
The new codecs allow a high quality experience at the same level or clearly above DVDAudio/SACD, formats might be e.g.
1: Stereo 24 bit / 96 kHz or 192 kHz
2: Surround 5.1/7.1 24 bit / 96 kHz

* MuNa products will work technically with EVERY HD DVD player and within different marketing scenarios. Massmarket genres like Rock/Pop will work with any future lowcost noname player expected to arrive October 2007 for as low as US$ 199,- to US$ 299,-.

* Due to the nature of DTS-HD, all tracks are always 100% downward compatible, MuNa products will play on ANY HD DVD capable player independent from internal decoding, downmixing or interface limitations.

* Any PC with a DVD drive can playback MuNa products if a current HD DVD enabled version of very popular DVD Player software like PowerDVD, WinDVD, Nero or similar is installed and the product is 3X based and does not use AACS. This got tremendous marketing potential, e.g. as free magazine supplement.

BenDover

08-26-07, 10:46 AM

Buffalo intros external dual format hd dvd/bd drive...

http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/26/buffalo-offers-up-external-hd-dvd-blu-ray-combo-drive-in-japan/

mikemorel

08-27-07, 08:36 AM

Sony Unveils First All-In-One High-Def PC/TV With Blu-Ray Disc Technology (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-27-2007/0004651697&EDATE=)

Part of a series, the new LT PC/TV comes in multiple configurations, including a standard and an HD model. The high-definition version features a Blu-ray Disc(TM) optical drive so you can enjoy high-definition movies, as well as record, store and play back personal content on high-capacity BD media (up to 50 GB on a single disc).

The unit features a 22-inch diagonal WSXGA+ widescreen display, with Sony's XBRITE-HiColor(TM) LCD technology.

The LT standard model will start at about $1,900, while the LT HD model with a Blu-ray Disc(TM) optical drive will go for around $2,900.

mikemorel

08-27-07, 04:55 PM

This interview is a little old (just now carried @ worldscreen.com), but haven't seen it posted...

STAR’s Crowley (http://www.worldscreen.com/interviewscurrent.php?filename=crow0407.htm)

STAR launched in 1991 with just five channels, but today it’s the giant of the Asian cable and satellite industry, with a portfolio of entertainment, news, music and sports networks that collectively reach more than 300 million viewers in 53 countries across the region. As executive VP of content, Ross Crowley oversees such *services as the pan-regional general-entertainment offering STAR World and the music network Channel [V], as well as STAR’s interactive and mobile activities. Crowley understands the importance of original content in continuing to broaden the group’s reach—a strategy that has allowed STAR (which is owned by News Corporation) to build up a catalogue of 20,000 hours of Indian and Chinese programming. He tells TV Asia Pacific about expanding STAR’s services in the digital age.

TV ASIA PACIFIC: Are you distributing that content on the international market?

CROWLEY: Absolutely. We have a division called Fortune Star Entertainment that handles all of our content, our Chinese movie library and all of the Indian soaps. We are finding [increased demand for that content] with the web streaming [services] and most recently with the launch of HD DVD. We are restoring all of the Chinese films that we can for HD DVD. That’s a catalogue of some 700 titles that have a new life.News corp. owns Fox.

Grubert

08-27-07, 06:06 PM

FVD and EVD players suffer stagnant sales (http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20070827PD205.html)

Audio/video players of FVD (forward versatile disc), a Taiwan-developed red-laser high-definition DVD standard, and EVD (enhanced versatile disc), a China-developed DVD standard, have faced slack sales in Taiwan and China since the beginning of 2007 because of pricing competition from Blu-ray Disc (BD) and HD DVD players as well as insufficient supply of movies using the standards, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

The development of FVD and EVD was motivated by manufacturers in Taiwan and China wanting to avoid having to pay royalties to international companies holding DVD patents, the sources pointed out. In order to promote FVD in China, the Electronics & Optoelectronics Research Lab under the Taiwan government-sponsored Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the developer of FVD, has cooperated with organizations related to EVD in China, including making the two formats mutually compatible, the sources indicated.

However, retail prices of entry-level BD and HD DVD players have dropped from US$800-1,500 in 2006 to US$499 and US$299, respectively, putting price pressure on FVD and EVD players, which now retail for US$129-149 currently, the sources pointed out.

The optical disc drive business unit of Qisda (formerly BenQ) had originally planned to produce PC-use FVD drives/burners before its merger into Lite-On IT, the sources noted. However, Lite-On IT has suspended the production plan, the sources added.

Grubert

08-28-07, 03:39 AM

European launch of the Denon 3800BDCI delayed till 2008

A Denon spokesperson denied rumors that Denon had decided to go for a combo player in the wake of the Paramount/Dreamworks shift (though the production of such a device is not ruled out). The delay of the 3800BDCI is caused by 'technical reasons.' Denon gave no launch details for the rest of the world.

http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/94995

bfdtv

08-28-07, 05:50 AM

Don't know if it counts as news, but Amazon.com just launched a promotion yesterday. Now through September 23, Amazon offers the Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD player with three free HD-DVD combo disks of your choice for $210 shipped. The promotional pricing is applied on checkout.

In the HD-A2 box, coupons are included for an additional five free HD-DVDs by mail.

The deal has made that player the #1 selling DVD player and the #1 selling CE product at Amazon.com. More discussion in the HD-A2 for $210 at Amazon with 3 free HD-DVDs (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=898236) thread.

Grubert

08-28-07, 09:47 AM

Atmel Announces High-Performance, Extra-small Front Monitor Diode ICs for HD-DVD/Blu-ray Laptop Drives (http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2007-08/artikel-8903701.asp)

Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML) announced today the availability of the ATR1841 and ATR1842 front monitor diode (FMD) ICs for use in the optical pick-up units (OPUs) of slim and ultra-slim HD-DVD and Blu-ray drives. These new devices measure only 3 mm x 3 mm and provide outstanding performance.

[...]

Owing to Atmel's proprietary photo-diode processing technology, the ATR1841 and ATR1842 have an unprecedented channel bandwidth of over 160 MHz, while maintaining a low noise level of less than -80 dBm, ideal for 8x HD-DVD and Blu-ray drives.

Kosty

08-28-07, 05:06 PM

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=898651

HDDVD Player from China Rumor *CONFIRMED*

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.venturer.com/news-details.aspx?id=15

Venturer HD DVD Player to Ship in Time for 2007 Holiday Sales

Venturer Electronics today announced the launch of its first HD DVD player for the North American market. Responding to strong consumer demand for high definition video playback devices, Venturer will introduce the SHD7000 that offers the superior HD movie experience as defined by the DVD Forum.

Featuring 1080i video output and an HDMI connection, the SHD7000 is designed to be compatible with the vast majority of HDTVs already in North American consumers' homes. With Ethernet connectivity to the network , the SHD7000 also allows users to access bonus features from movie studio web servers and unlock special prerecorded content on some HD DVD discs. Dolby TrueHD rounds out the high definition experience by presenting the HD DVD disc soundtrack as it was meant to be heard, virtually equal to the studio master.
In addition to its HD DVD playback capability, the SHD7000 will upconvert standard DVDs to near HD picture quality via its HDMI connection, allowing a consumer's existing library of DVDs to look better than ever. CD playback is also supported.
The SHD7000 will be distributed in North America by Venturer Electronics of Markham, Ontario, and sold through national retailers with retail prices expected to be one of the lowest among entry-level HD DVD players.
Venturer Electronics, headquartered in Markham, Ontario, offers a wide selection of value-priced, high quality consumer electronics products. Since 1988, Venturer has focused on making the latest echnologies affordable to North American consumers.
More Information:

discuss here on HDTV Media forum thread of "HDDVD Player from China Rumor *CONFIRMED*"

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=898651

discuss in HD DVD Hardware forum thread of "Chinese HD-DVD Player Rumors/Facts/Conjecture"

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11450869&posted=1#post11450869 ;)

mikemorel

08-29-07, 05:52 AM

DGAP-News: Singulus Technologies has received new orders for Blu-ray Disc Machines (http://www.ad-hoc-news.de/CorporateNews/en/13048144/DGAP-News-Singulus-Technologies-has-received-new-orders-for)

Kahl/Main, August 29, 2007 - SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES (SINGULUS) announces 2 new orders for Blu-ray Disc production lines BLULINE.

These new orders were placed by European and Asian customers and prove that the Blu-ray format has now also gained Momentum outside of the United States. These orders are another, positive signal for the launch of Blu-ray Discs in Europe.

Background BLULINE SINGULUS has many years of experience in the work area of Blu-ray due to an early, exclusive cooperation with the format developer Sony in 2005 and already installed several Blu-ray production machines at the largest, independent disc producers in the US. For the further development of the Blu-ray production machine for the manufacturing of dual layer Blu-ray disc with 50 GB storage capacity SINGULUS works closely together with Sony. SINGULUS will introduce its new production equipment for dual layer Blu-ray on the market shortly.From Singulus web site:
http://www.singulus.de/deutsch/4_produkte/replication/bluline/bluline_01.htm

The following features characterize the BLU-LINE concept:
• Dedicated to production of Single Layer BD-ROM
• Production cycle time ≤ 5.0 seconds for BD-ROM
...
• Upgrade for Dual Layer available

Frank Derks

08-29-07, 12:32 PM

Also from Singulus:

"...Combo production machine SPACELINE II for HD DVD and DVD
The first HD DVD production system was already launched by SINGULUS in the summer of 2005. These machines are able to produce DVD 9 as well as the new HD DVD. Therefore, SINGULUS enables its customers to respond flexibly with respect to the new format development. As early as December 2004, SINGULUS had concluded a development cooperation for the development of HD DVD production technology with MemoryTech/Toshiba. The majority of the HD DVD movies are produced on SPACELINE II production equipment by SINGULUS. The Kahl am Main-based company is the leading equipment supplier and has a global market share of more than 65 %. Since 2006 SINGULUS has exclusively been delivering HD DVD enabled production lines and installed nearly 200 machines worldwide. ..."

http://cms.singulus.de/en/presse/pressemeldungen/pressemeldung/article/443/7.html?cHash=a62accc3f4

mikemorel

08-29-07, 03:36 PM

Chinese-manufactured $199 HD DVD players shipping in Q4 (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6472414.html)

Sub-$200 Chinese-manufactured HD DVD players are slated to be released by Venturer Electronics by the fourth quarter.

Venturer's SHD7000 will be priced at $199, according to a company representative, which would make it the cheapest stand-alone HD DVD player available today.

To date, Toshiba has the offered lowest priced stand-alone player, its entry level HD-A2 $299 model.

A statement from Venturer, whose North American headquarters is in Markham, Ontario, touts the player “to be one of the lowest among entry-level HD DVD players.”

The SHD7000 features 1080i video output, Ethernet connectivity and advanced audio technology Dolby TrueHD. In addition to HD DVD and CD playback, the model also upconverts standard-definition DVDs to near high-def quality through an HDMI connection. The player will be distributed nationally to retailers.

For months, HD DVD backers have said that Chinese manufacturers would soon start producing ultra low-price players, likely impacting the format war. Venturer represents the first such company to potentially get the ball rolling.

mikemorel

08-29-07, 04:46 PM

Looks like the Universal Studios hi-def website is active - and meant for HD DVD player connection. I'm signed up. :)

http://www.universalhidef.com/

2Channel

08-29-07, 11:59 PM

Universal Launches New HD DVD Website
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Universal/High-Def_Disc_Marketing/Universal_Launches_New_HD_DVD_Website/910

The studio-created site, dubbed Universal Studios Home Entertainment Hi Def, is designed to be an extensive consumer portal for all things Universal HD DVD. Among the site's offerings are a FAQ covering the format's current interactive features, extensive technical support (including connection issues and a breakdown of common software and hardware error codes) and previews of upcoming releases.

But most exciting are a number of site sections still under construction, which seem to suggest that the studio is planning to use the site as a launching pad for future web-enabled content. Labeled "Coming Soon" are several features, including something called "U-Shop," which apparently will allow consumers to buy exclusive products while they watch the movie; "Best Buddies," where fans will be able to send friends pointers to favorite clips on a given an HD DVD title via the studio's "MyScenes" feature; and a dedicated Download Center.

FrancescoP

08-30-07, 02:30 AM

Universal and Studio Canal in Joint Distribution Deal

Wednesday August 29, 2007

Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE) and Studio Canal have announced the creation of a joint venture to market and distribute home entertainment titles in France.

Effective from January 2008, the joint venture will combine the sales, marketing and distribution skills of the two entertainment entities in France, providing synergies for Studio Canal and Universal Pictures France to build a greater share in a 1.5-billion-euro home entertainment market, and allow further opportunity for significant growth.

The new company, Universal Studio Canal Video GIE, will become the leading distributor of home entertainment product in France. Its operations will include sales and distribution (via ODS) for all titles.

The complementary assets of both libraries and the creation of a video-dedicated sales force will optimize the distribution of each company's home entertainment catalogue. Studio Canal owns the largest movie library in Europe, comprising more than 5,000 titles, including THE PIANIST, THE THIRD MAN, MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS and I DO.

The joint venture will also benefit from Universal's international sales, marketing and distribution leadership in France. Universal Pictures France has a current market share of 8.5%, positioning Universal as the second-highest-performing distributor in the French home entertainment market.

UPIE and Studio Canal have also agreed to extend to 2010 an existing arrangement in respect of the sales, marketing and distribution of Studio Canal DVDs, which covers various international territories, following a long-standing and successful distribution partnership set up in 2003.

source: http://www.vfxworld.com/?atype=news&format=rss&id=20773

2Channel

08-30-07, 01:50 PM

First BD 2.0 player announced

Daewoo demos 'Blu-ray Disc 2.0' player
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/08/30/ifa_daewoo_bluray/

The player supports the full BD specification, including the ability to access BD Live online content, to present picture-in-picture material and deliver BD's interactivity features - missing on many early BD players because the specification had yet to be completed.

Daewoo said its player can pump out pictures at up to 1080p via its HDMI port. It will upscale DVD and JPEG photos to full HD resolution, and supports DivX content too. The DBP-1000 can handle all the major recordable and rewriteable DVD and CD formats, along with BD-R and BD-RE discs.

In addition to HDMI, the DBP-1000 has a full array of s-, composite- and component-video, and digital and analogue sound outputs. There's even a USB port on the front for feeding the player with downloaded video content off Flash drives.

Daewoo didn't say when the DBP-1000 will go on sale, or what it's likely to cost.

2Channel

08-30-07, 07:33 PM

60GB PS3s no Longer in Sony Inventory
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=8665

It now appear that the end of the road is nigh for the 60GB PS3. Sony reports that it no longer has inventory of 60GB PS3s in its warehouses and the only units left are those on the way to retailers (or those that are already in retailer warehouses and on store shelves).

"We no longer have any inventory in SCEA warehouses. All inventory has been purchased and shipped to retailers," said SCEA communications officer Dave Karraker. "We don't have visibility as to if that is on their store shelves or in their warehouses at this time. However, based on inventory reports from our retailers, there is ample supply still left in the channel."

Once the remaining stocks of 60GB PS3s are depleted, that will leave the $599 80GB PS3 as the sole SKU. What Sony does at that point is still up for debate.

Talkstr8t

08-31-07, 04:49 AM

Acer, now the third largest PC vendor worldwide following their acquisition of Gateway, has joined the Blu-ray Disc Association as a Contributing Member. The four largest PC vendors are now Blu-ray Disc Association Contributing Members or Directors.

http://www.twice.com/article/CA6473309.html

Talkstr8t

08-31-07, 04:52 AM

China Hualu Group, one of China’s leading manufacturers of audio and video devices and one of the largest providers of audio and video contents and services in China, has selected Blu-ray Disc to the exclusion of HD DVD in joining the Blu-ray Disc Association as a Contributing Member.

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070830005428&newsLang=en

Talkstr8t

08-31-07, 04:58 AM

Sharp has confirmed their new Blu-ray Disc player, the BD-HP20S, will be released in the US in 2007. The player is only 2.7" high and is said to have "quickstart" technology.

http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/08/30/sharp.bd.hp20s.player/

Talkstr8t

08-31-07, 07:03 AM

I've been told by an Alticast exec that BD-J performance of this chipset rivals that of the PS3.

Alticast Demonstrates AltiCaptor Blu-ray(TM) Disc Java Solution on Broadcom's Single-Chip BCM7440 Platform

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,169373.shtml

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Alticast, the worldwide leader in deployed DVB-MHP and OpenCable OCAP solutions, today announced it will be demonstrating its AltiCaptor Blu-ray(TM) Disc Java (BDJ) solution at the IFA consumer electronics tradeshow in Berlin, Germany, from August 31st through September 5th.

AltiCaptor BDJ, based on the same core software that powers over 4 million television receiver boxes around the world, has been successfully developed to run on Broadcom's industry leading, single-chip BCM7440 Blu-ray Disc solution. This powerful hardware and software combination provides a high performance turnkey solution for developing Blu-ray Disc devices quickly, assuring a time- to-market advantage.

"We are very excited to be working with Broadcom on next-generation DVD products," said Jeffrey Bonin, Vice President and General Manager of Alticast. "Our software has been deployed in millions of digital television devices around the world, and the Blu-ray Disc platform is a logical extension of these successful products. Broadcom's single chip BCM7440 is the most advanced solution in the market today."

Alticast is committed to standards-based solutions, exemplified by its roles in DVB, CableLabs, Blu-ray Disc Association and the ITU. Alticast's solutions have been selected by some of the industries leading companies, such as Time Warner Cable, Pace Microelectronics, Samsung, Humax, LG, Korea Telecom, SkyLife, and many of the Korean cable operators.

"The Alticast Blu-ray Disc Java solution coupled with our BCM7440 single chip platform provides world class BDJ performance," said Peter Besen, Vice President of Broadcom's Consumer Electronics line of business. "Manufacturers can now quickly develop a high performance Blu-ray player using our full turnkey solution."

Please visit the Alticast pedestal, at the Blu-ray Disc Association's booth in Hall 6.2a, Booth #104, to see the Alticast BDJ solution running on the Broadcom(R)BCM7440 single-chip platform.

About Alticast

Alticast is the most deployed MHP and OCAP solutions provider in the digital broadcasting industry. Alticast offers software solutions and services for the creation, delivery, and reception of interactive television content based on the DVB-MHP and OCAP digital broadcasting open standards. Alticast is "first-to-market" with deployed MHP and OCAP products for cable, satellite, and terrestrial operators. A privately owned company, Alticast headquarters are located in Seoul, South Korea; a business and technology center in Broomfield, Colorado, USA; and sales offices in Beijing, China and Frankfurt, Germany. For more information on Alticast products and services, visit Alticast at http://www.alticast.com/.

Broadcom(R), the pulse logo, Connecting everything(R) and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States certain other countries and/or the EU. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Alticast

Eternal_Sunshine

08-31-07, 08:03 AM

Talkstr8t

08-31-07, 11:03 AM

Germany’s leading independent home entertainment distributor, Universum Film GmbH, has announced its non-exclusive support for the Blu-ray Disc format. The strength of this support is illustrated by a blockbuster autumn release schedule, which includes Hannibal Rising and Crank (both due for German release in December) and Neues vom Wixxer (set for release on Blu-ray Disc in Noember).

Owned by Bertelsmann and strategically positioned within the RTL Group, Universum Film sources product internationally and is the leading independent German home entertainment company serving Germanspeaking
territories.

“With the next generation formats, it is the first time that the content owner will be able to offer the highest possible video and audio quality to the consumer,” commented Kai Schmidt-Merz, Head of Home Entertainment Marketing at Universum Film. “The interactive features of Blu-ray Disc, compared with web-enabled functions, will make our content more attractive and up to date for movie enthusiasts.”

It is highly appropriate that Universum Film made its announcement at IFA since the company believes that it is the proliferation of new consumer electronics players that will drive the acceptance of Blu-ray Disc as the next generation High Definition replacement for DVD.

“The penetration of hardware is just taking off,” commented Schmidt-Merz. “Having witnessed the rapid development of the DVD market, we are confident that BD will be a mainstream format within the near future.

Talkstr8t

08-31-07, 11:07 AM

At IFA today, Imation Corp announced the release of TDK brand 8cm recordable Blu-ray Discs. Available in both BD-R (recordable) and BD-RE (rewritable), each TDK brand 8cm Blu-ray Disc offers 7.5 gigabytes of capacity, ample to store 60 minutes of full-quality high-definition video.

TDK brand 8cm Blu-ray Discs record in 1080i HD video for lifelike image quality. Users can experience incredible definition when viewing their camcorder footage on today’s cutting-edge flat-panel display HDTVs, simply by removing the disc and placing it into a Blu-ray player.

“This is a real milestone in making Blu-ray Disc the media format for discerning film enthusiasts. Now users can create home-movies to the standard that was once exclusive to professional filmmakers,” commented Jean Paul Eekhout, European Marketing Director, who manages TDK Brand Recording Media for Imation Europe.

“This extension to our Blu-ray portfolio is a response to the incredible consumer demand for the media format. Consumers have seen the power of Blu-ray Disc through Hollywood high Definition movie releases and now want to replicate that quality themselves.”

Because camcorder media is frequently handled in its day-to-day use, TDK Brand 8cm Blu-ray Discs come protected by DURABIS 2, an industryleading coating developed by TDK Corporation that safeguards against potential contaminants such as scratches and fingerprints. And although certain types of pens may damage the surfaces of other media, TDK 8cm Blu-ray Discs are
specially designed for safe labeling with both oil- and water-based pens. The discs are created using an exclusive Spin Coating Technology developed by TDK Corporation which creates a cover layer with nano-precise smoothness, ensuring pure recording perfection. They also feature a dual-level gold matrix recording surface which delivers superior light refraction and highly efficient storage as well as long term storage reliability. Composed of copper and silicon, CuSi recording material of the BD-R delivers remarkable, long-lasting performance. The recording material enables fast recording and playback speeds and also makes it possible to realise massive capacities through multi-layering. TDK BD-R and BD-RE 8cm Blu-ray Discs will begin shipping in Europe in autumn 2007.

Talkstr8t

08-31-07, 11:24 AM

As announced at yesterday's BDA IFA press conference:

Studio Canal has revealed an upcoming Blu-ray boxset for the three 'Les Bronzes' films, making it the first Blu-ray release to come from them. The Studio Canal library is very extensive, as they distribute titles for many of the major studios. No release date specs have been released at this time.

2Channel

09-01-07, 02:04 PM

IFA 2007: Toshiba looks to laptops to win HD DVD battle
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pocketli/20070831/ttc-ifa-2007-toshiba-looks-to-laptops-to-57dbc65_2.html

How does a product go mainstream? Primarily price point, and like its HD DVD player pricing, Toshiba is attacking where Blu-ray is weak and has promised to offer notebooks with HD DVD drives for below 1000 euros in Europe.

70% of HD media on notebooks are HD DVD so the company say they are "starting from a high platform". Estimates are that by the end of 2007, there will be 30 million more HD DVD notebooks sold, with 16 million of those to consumer, not corporate customers.

An industry insider we talked to said: "This appears to be smart a move from Toshiba, and although an optical drive could be argued as a very different format to a next-gen DVD player, if it increases software sales, and take up of their next-gen platform among even a moderate proportion of those 16 million notebook customers, you could argue that HD DVD could win this "war" by the back door."

sharpyie

09-03-07, 01:23 AM

Ritek lands orders for 2x HD DVD-R discs from Toshiba

Ritek, the second largest Taiwan-based producer of blank optical discs, has obtained OEM orders for blank 2x HD DVD-R (recordable, write once) discs from Toshiba, with shipments to begin in the third quarter of 2007, according to the Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN) newspaper.

Toshiba will bundle its HD DVD recorders with five blank HD DVD-R discs produced by Ritek initially in Japan and then in the US and Europe during the peak sales period prior to the year-end holiday season, the EDN indicated.

http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20070903PB200.html

2Channel

09-03-07, 03:05 PM

Toshiba showcases uber-slim external HD DVD burner
http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/09/03/toshiba-showcases-uber-slim-external-hd-dvd-burner/

If a couple of new HD DVD players weren't enough for you, Toshiba is also launching an ultrathin, highly portable HD DVD burner for playing back high-definition flicks and writing massive amounts of data to single or dual-layer HD DVD-Rs whilst on the go. The simply titled HD DVD-Writer is reportedly the brother of the HD DVD Super-Multi, which only supports CD, DVD+/-RW, and HD DVD-ROM. Both units supposedly measure in at just 5.04- x 4.96- x 0.51-inches and weigh 5.82 ounces, and best of all, they're said to be available right now across the pond for £200 ($403).

frasersean

09-04-07, 03:24 AM

A quick way to make 2.9 Billion =P some speculation in there about using that money for some price cuts.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=anR9X7DFw1PY&refer=home

mikemorel

09-04-07, 03:30 PM

Samsung selects Broadcom's Blu-ray, HD DVD System-on-a-Chip (http://www.digitalmediaasia.com/default.asp?ArticleID=26678)

Broadcom, a global player in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, has announced that its integrated Blu-ray and HD DVD system-on-a-chip (SoC) has been selected by Samsung Electronics to power the dual format BD-UP5000 Duo high definition (HD) player.

By combining Blu-ray and HD DVD formats into one SoC platform (BCM7440), Broadcom enables media player manufacturers to provide universal high definition DVD players that can playback all HD movie titles regardless of the authoring format.

Available in mass production, the Broadcom BCM7440 is a solution whose multiple processor cores fully support both Blu-ray and HD DVD standards in a single SoC, including support for next generation interactive technologies (i.e. BD-Java and HDi) that are being incorporated into Hollywood's latest title releases.

2Channel

09-04-07, 11:48 PM

Video: First Look at 'Star Trek' HD DVD Interactive Features
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Paramount/TV_on_High-Def/Disc_Announcements/Video_Clips/Video:_First_Look_at_Star_Trek_HD_DVD_Interactive_Features/924

Paramount has posted a new promotional video for its upcoming first season HD DVD release of 'Star Trek: The Original Series,' providing a first glimpse at the box set's highly anticipated bonus features.

Hyped as the "Star Trek at your fingertips" in the lengthy eight minute clip, the bonus features on 'Star Trek: The Original Series' certainly promise to be the most extensive seen yet on a Paramount next-gen title, and may well raise the bar for what we've seen so far on a TV-on-hi-def release.

Highlighted specifically in the clip are first looks at the HD DVD exclusive "Star Fleet Academy" interactive picture-in-picture feature, which allows viewers to enhance the viewing experience with new interviews with cast, crew and historians, never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes.

mikemorel

09-05-07, 05:18 AM

China’s AVS Specifications Available (http://www.c10n.info/archives/668)

Its old news that China has developed their own Audio Video Standard to avoid high licensing fees for MPEG standards. They also rolled out their own version of HD-DVD standard which allows use of this codec on DVDs.

English translation of the standard is now available, along with the IPR policy. Finally something technical that you can get your hands on to feed your appetite. Unfortunately, it is not a freely downloadable document. You will need to fill a form and wait for them to contact you, and possibly also pay some fees.

Just how huge the licensing fee difference can get? Well, the Chinese group had set a price goal of 1 yuan, or 13 cents, for the audio and video compression technology in each video player; this far undercuts the typical $2.50 license fees for the MPEG-2 compression technology used in standard DVD players today.

And if you are like me and are wondering if this codec will ever matter, many top-tier chipmakers are offering support for this codec that will be used in the domestic IPTV, satellite and possibly the cable TV market. Both Broadcom Corp. and Conexant Systems Inc. are working on chips for China’s AVS. They join STMicroelectronics, which already supports the codec in software, and is spinning a hardware optimized version that will be ready by the fourth quarter, 2007.

mikemorel

09-05-07, 07:37 AM

CED is reporting that Denon is "on track" to ship the DVD-3800BDCI Blu-ray player this fall in the U.S. The $1,999 player is is also scheduled to be the format’s first Profile 1.1 model, with dual video decoders for picture-in-picture playback.

They are also reporting that NEC will ship a PC with combo Blu-ray/HD DVD drive.

In addition, A Java-based multilevel strategy game will be included among the Blu-ray features when Fox releases its Live Free or Die Hard on Nov. 20. The game is called "Black Hat Intercept!". The disc will be authored in Blu-ray’s BD-Java interactivity, AVC compression on a 50-GB disc. Soundtracks are in English with 5.1 DTS HD Lossless Master Audio, and in English, French and Spanish with 5.1 Dolby Digital.

BenDover

09-05-07, 10:54 AM

LG's dual format player...coming October

http://www.electronichouse.com/article/lg_dual_high_def_dvd_player_coming_next_month/C157

Rich Peterson

09-05-07, 07:00 PM

LG ELECTRONICS LAUNCHES SECOND-GENERATION DUAL-FORMAT HIGH-DEFINITION DISC PLAYER

New Super Blu™ Player Offers New Features and Functionality, Continues to Provide Consumers Choice Based on Content, not Format

DENVER, Sept. 5, 2007 – LG Electronics, the first company to introduce a dual-format high-definition disc player, today unveiled its second-generation LG Super Blu™ Player (model BH200). Sporting both formats' logos, LG's new high-def player is capable of Blu-ray disc and HD DVD playback with advanced BD-Java and HDi interactivity, enabling consumers to choose from the widest variety of high-def content regardless of disc format.

On display for the first time at the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) EXPO 2007 (booth #720), LG's Super Blu Player will be available to U.S. consumers and custom installers in mid-October at a suggested retail price of $999.

The BH200 further strengthens LG's position as an innovator. Seven months ago, LG was the first to launch a dual-format high-def disc player, the award-winning BH100. That technological breakthrough has been widely recognized as a groundbreaking product with industry accolades including CNN's Best of CES, CNET's CES 2007 Best in Show and Home Video categories and Popular Mechanics' CES Editor's Choice Award.

"LG introduced the world's first high-definition dual-format player to focus on consumer needs and to end the confusion caused by the current format war," said Allan Jason, vice president of consumer electronics marketing at LG Electronics USA, Inc. "The launch of BH200 reinforces our leadership position and offers consumers and custom installers a best-in-class next-generation high-definition media player."

Mark Horak, executive vice president for Warner Home Video, the only major studio supporting both the HD DVD and Blu-ray disc formats, said, "The availability of movie titles on competing high-def disc formats is a challenge for both retailers and consumers. The introduction of the second-generation LG Super Blu Player addresses this challenge by fully enabling both high-def formats on one convenient player, encouraging the adoption of next-generation disc technology and growing the market."

One Player, Latest Technology
The Super Blu Player offers increased HDTV entertainment choices, because it can play 50 to 60 percent more high-def movie titles than either single-format player. With full networked interactivity available from selected HD DVDs, and the capability to handle networked "BD-Live" interactivity in forthcoming Blu-ray discs, it is the latest available technology that plays both disc formats.

Viewers can enjoy advanced options such as "Picture-in-Picture" available from many Blu-ray discs as well as HDi web-connected interactivity available from many HD DVDs. Access to these features enables viewing of storyboards, production videos and director's commentary as the movie is playing, as well as accessing up-to-date information. The Super Blu Player also accepts additional entertainment content via a network connection, making for an unmatched entertainment experience.

In addition to supporting the latest high-def disc technologies, the Super Blu Player is the ideal match for movie enthusiasts and even music enthusiasts as it supports audio CDs and the ability to up-scale standard DVDs to 1080p resolution.

"With its improved features and functionality, the BH200 is perfect for the custom installer in search of the next-generation player as it eliminates the need for a second player and the additional cables it requires," said Tim Alessi, director of consumer electronics marketing at LG Electronics USA, Inc. "With full support for features available on both Blu-ray discs and HD DVDs, it serves as the flagship of the LG home video product line and complements the company's expanded line-up of `Full HD' 1080p flat-panel HDTVs."

The Ultimate Movie Viewing Experience
The LG Super Blu Player, which can output up to 1080p video resolution at 24-, 30- and 60-frames-per-second, supports various A/V formats, including MPEG-2, VC-1, H.264 video, MPEG1/2 audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, DTS and DTS-HD audio. The unit also includes multiple inputs/outputs such as HDMI 1.3 out, component/composite video outputs, digital optical and analog audio outputs as well as a LAN Ethernet port for network interactivity.

LG Super Blu Player customers will enjoy superior quality video output with HDMI 1.3 Deep Color output to improve color tones and achieve finer color gradations to deliver the smoothest and most brilliant video output available. The player also features QDEO™ advanced video processing for superior up-scaling accuracy up to 1080p, improved noise reduction and consistent color precision.

The new Super Blu Player incorporates LG's SimpLink™ connectivity solution, enabling easier control of other LG SimpLink compatible equipment. The units are connected with an HDMI cable and use the HDMI-CEC communication standard. This allows the user to control other components on-screen or directly from each component. The BH200 also is equipped with a USB Media Host for easy access to digital music and photo libraries.

About LG Electronics USA, Inc.
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $48.5-billion (2006 consolidated worldwide revenues) global force in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a wide range of digital appliances, digital display and digital media products, and mobile phones under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit http://www.LGusa.com.

CONTACTS:
John I. Taylor (847) 941-8181, jtaylor@lge.com
Clara Chang (201) 816-2011, clarachang@lge.com
Greg Dawson (773) 972-2909, greg.dawson@ogilvypr.com

2Channel

09-05-07, 07:16 PM

More details on Samsung's $999 BD-UP5000 combo player
http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/09/05/more-details-on-samsungs-999-bd-up5000-combo-player/

Well, would you look at this. No sooner than LG gets official with its second HD DVD / Blu-ray hybrid player, along comes Samsung with more details on its forthcoming competitor. The device will indeed support HDi and BD-Java, tout HQV video processing, and play back imagery at 1080p24. Additionally, users can look forward to "selectable DVD upconversion (720p / 1080i / 1080p)," coaxial / optical digital audio connections, Dolby Digital / Digital Plus / TrueHD / DTS-HD support, HDMI 1.3, component / composite / S-Video outputs, MPEG2, VC-1, H.264 and HD JPEG decoding, and an Ethernet port for good measure. Unfortunately, the release date is still a bit vague, but we do know it'll run you $999 when it lands sometime during Q4.

theone2

09-05-07, 07:35 PM

http://www.gspr.com/integra/images/in_logo_large.gif

For immediate release:

Integra Introduces its First HD DVD Player at 2007 CEDIA Expo (http://www.gspr.com/integra/dhs88.html)

DENVER (9/5/07) -- Integra announced the introduction of the DHS-8.8, the company's first HD DVD player, at the 2007 CEDIA Expo here today. This player has been designed specifically to meet the needs of the custom installer, and to fully exploit the potential of high-definition HD DVD content. It is among the first HD DVD players to enable transfer of high-bit-rate audio content via HDMI version 1.3a.

The DHS-8.8 is designed as an ideal source component for use with Integra's 2007 A/V receiver and preamplifier/processor range, which also include HDMI version 1.3a capabilities. In combination, these components are an ideal platform for high-definition 1080p video images, including Deep Color™ technology for improved color tones and finer color gradation. Additionally, HDMI 1.3a allows streaming of the new lossless surround sound formats, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS®-HD Master Audio, as well as two high-bit-rate "lossy" formats, Dolby® Digital Plus and DTS®-HD High Resolution Audio.

The Integra DHS-8.8 HD-DVD player also features the capability to support playback at different frame rates, including 24 frames per second, which is the native frame rate of the original sources for most HD content. This ensures that the user will be able to experience the playback of films recorded to HD DVD with the smoothest, most stable reproduction possible.

The DHS-8.8 features onboard HQV Reon VX video processing, currently recognized as the leading video processing technology in the home theater industry. This allows the player to provide precise video scaling to 720p, 1080i or 1080p output from both HD-DVD and standard definition DVD sources, delivering video at the native resolution of the video display device and stantially reducing video noise and distortion. For component video output, the player incorporates an Analog Devices 297 MHz/12-bit NSV video DAC that support 4x oversampling for outstanding reproduction with analog-based displays.

The DHS-8.8 features Wolfson and Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit audio DACs for conversion of audio sources for analog output via the 2-channel or 5.1-channel analog outputs. It also includes a bi-directional RS-232 port for integration with home automation and control systems. Finally, the player includes a rear-panel Ethernet port to make use of the web-based connectivity allowed for in the HD-DVD standard, including access to additional content from movie studios. This feature also provides installers and users with the ability to easily download any future firmware updates.

The DHS-8.8 will carry a suggested retail price of $1099, and will be available in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Integra designs and manufactures premium Home Theater receivers, processors, amplifiers, and DVD players that are specifically designed to meet the needs of custom audio/video systems installers. Systems integration and convergence technology protocols include RS-232, IR and on-board Ethernet for network connectivity and TCP/IP control. Integra has access to vast technical resources, and bears a proud heritage of 60 years of audio engineering excellence. For more information about Integra and its many fine products, visit www.integrahometheater.com or call 800 225-1946.

ckong

09-05-07, 10:19 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/sony-intros-the-hes-v1000-media-server-and-200-disc-blu-ray-play/

Sony is making some interesting announcements at CEDIA today, not the least of which is the new HES-V1000, a "home entertainment center" / massive Blue-ray disc-changer meant to keep all your media in one place... Sony style! Imagine if you will a small tower, stacked with a 500GB hard drive and the outrageous room for 200 discs from your personal Blu-ray collection. That's right, if you've purchased almost every single disc available on Blu-ray right now (or as we like to call it, the Sony Movie Library), you can cram them all into this tall, black, polished drink of water. Of course you can store your other music and movies on the internal drive, and play it all back in 1080p wherever it seems appropriate (living room, family room... boudoir). Stream your hot action wirelessly using the oddball DLNA "standard," allowing connections with ten devices, and four independent audio streams. The HES-V1000 also boasts Sony's x-Pict Story HD and x-ScrapBook, two slide show utilities that probably make your family photos seem more compelling than they actually are. Get one in October for the terrifically low price of $3,500.

2Channel

09-06-07, 12:41 AM

Upcoming HD DVD promos
http://blog.ultimateavmag.com/cedia2007/90507hddvd/

People who purchase a Toshiba player with the Trek set will get the phaser (2) style remote control that Jodi's holding. That's right. That thing is a full functional remote control. I tried to steal it but Jodi never set it down when I was lurking. I guess I'm going to have to get a second HD DVD player and buy that damned Trek set at retail.

Speaking of promos, Toshiba is putting its best interactivity foot forward this fall by bundling Warner's 300 and Universal's Bourne Identity in box with its players. In addition players purchased from Toshiba and other manufacturers (RCA and Onkyo come to mind) by February of '08 will also be eligible for five free movies, with a wider selection of titles. I asked Sally if the movie promos would be carried over with the low-priced Chinese manufactuered players like the Venture player recently announced and she said discussions are under way.

timbobarry

09-06-07, 03:44 PM

From http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/33725/118/
Los Angeles (CA) – Acer has become the first major global PC manufacturer to become a member of both the North American HD DVD Promotional Group as well as the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA).

The announcement that Acer today joined the North American HD DVD Promotional Group comes as a somewhat unexpected move, given the fact that the company announced its participation in the BDA just one week ago. Representatives for the North American HD DVD Promotional Group told TG Daily that Acer is currently the only PC manufacturer that is supporting both HD DVD and Blu-ray.

Questions on how Acer will be promoting both HD DVD and Blu-ray in an increasingly hostile competitive environment were left unanswered today. Prepared statements from Acer executives create an interesting situation for Acer, which now looks like it will be playing both sides.

Campbell Kan, vice president of the company's mobile computing business unit was quoted saying "Acer is pleased to join the North American HD DVD Promotional Group to help bring the freshest technology to more consumers worldwide." Last week, Kans statement read: “Acer is pleased to be joining the Blu-ray Disc Association and to continue empowering our users to benefit from the freshest technologies available.”

While it is clear now that Acer will be supporting both formats, the role of the company as participant in both camps is unclear. Representatives at the BDA and the HD DVD group we contacted told us that they were not sure how Acer would be handle the expectation to be promoting both formats at the same time – especially in an "either-or" environment.

However, the North American HD DVD Promotional Group is certain that Acer's support for HD DVD is firm: "The main difference I see is that Acer has been offering HD DVD-enabled notebooks for the last year," said Ken Graffeo, co-president of the North American HD DVD Promotional Group, in an e-mail statement to TG Daily. "They have three models available today - the Aspire 5920, 7720, and 9920. So they are actively engaged in the HD DVD format. In fact, Acer is showcasing the Aspire 5920 model at the HD DVD Mobile Experience truck at CEDIA this week," he wrote.

mikemorel

09-07-07, 05:54 AM

First Microsoft VC-1 Encoder Tools Now Available From Leading Solution Providers (http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/AQF05007092007-1.htm)

Anystream, Envivio, Inlet Technologies, Memory-Tech, Rhozet (Harmonic Inc.), Tarari and ViewCast announce first products using new Microsoft(R) VC-1 Encoder SDKBBC, CreateSpace (part of the Amazon group of companies), Universal Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation LLC and Xbox LIVE Marketplace among first customers to benefit from products based on Microsoft(R) VC-1 Encoder technology.

...

2Channel

09-07-07, 01:48 PM

Asustek releases a new Blu-ray drive
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20070907PR205.html

Asustek Computer has released the next generation high-speed DVD rewriter – the Asustek BC-1205PT Blu-ray drive. The drive is capable of writing data at 12X DVD+/- write, 4X DVD+/-R (dual layer) and 5X DVD-RAM speeds. The drive utilizes a SATA interface and can provide users with five times faster data transmission rates compared to DMA33 standards, said Asustek.

lymzy

09-07-07, 03:03 PM

China High Definition DVD(CH-DVD) official release (http://stor-age.zdnet.com.cn/stor-age/2007/0907/495410.shtml)

Summary

1. CH DVD plans to debut during 2008 in China. TCL, Tisnghua Tongfang, BBK(OPPO), and Haier showed demo machine which were basically a clone of Toshiba A30. Toshiba also demo a CH DVD machine which is a clone from HD-XF2(HD A2). Shinco didn't show anything.

2. Two demo machine have HD DVD logo on it. It was because CH DVD logo wasn't ready yet. The difference between a CH DVD player and a HD DVD player was firmware. Hardware is the same.

3.The main difference between CH DVD and HD DVD was the CP protection and interactive layer. CH DVD supports AVC,VC1,MPEG2 besides AVS(a variation of AVC). The IP for AVS is around $0.15.

4. Two Chinese manufactures were able to develop CH DVD OPU which could also be called HD DVD OPU with the help of KONICA MINOLTA Japan.

5. It took one CH DVD player 13sec to play a demo disc in VC1 starting from loading.

6.Philippe Cardon from WHV said they would release either HD DVD or CH DVD in China very soon. They are incline to HD DVD instead of CH DVD at this moment. Bluray release would come later because there is no bluray replication line in China.

7. BRCM would probably add AVS to their SoC design. Sigma Design currently doesn't have plan. Hualu propose AVS to BDA recently. BDA is rumored also interested in doing a CH-version. Sony and Panasonic were at this meeting.

8.The reporter asked Memory Tech CEO Shiroharu Kawasaki about TL. Kawasaki said TL was developed because Hollywood studio such as Disney want larger capacity. He also said TL spec was finished and waiting for DVD Forum approval... current HD DVD player might not be able to support TL. (Sadly when the reporter ask about the bandwidth thing, the translator doesn't understand, when the translator does understand, Kawasaki was already talking with others...)

9.China Record Corporation(CRC) said they think HD DVD and CH DVD is a better fit for China. The demo CH DVD was from CRC and replicated in Shanghai. (They think the previous Hualu-BDA thing was basically a move for political benefit.)

2Channel

09-07-07, 07:02 PM

'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' Gets Blu-ray, HD DVD Date; 'Years 1-5' Also Due
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Warner/Disc_Annoucements/Harry_Potter_and_the_Order_of_the_Phoenix_Gets_Blu-ray,_HD_DVD_Date_Years_1-5_Also_Due/946

Rejoice, muggles! Warner Home Video has issued specs and a December date for 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' on Blu-ray and HD, as well as initial plans for a 'Years 1-5' limited edition box set.

One of the most eagerly-awaited franchises on high-def, Warner has finally ended over seventeen months of speculation by confirming a December 11 next-gen arrival date for the fifth and latest in the blockbuster series, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,' day-and-date with the standard-def DVD release.

As the studio has done with several recent high-profile titles, however, the Blu-ray and the HD DVD editions will not be created equal.

Not unlike the recently-released '300' and 'Blood Diamond,' the HD DVD edition of 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' will contain a trio of exclusive bonus features, including a "In-Movie Experience" video commentary featuring "the cast from Dumbledore's Army coming together to share memorable moments," the ability to "Pick Your Favorite Scenes" and assemble your favorite clips from the movie into a montage, and additional web-enabled content including downloads and other goodies to be announced.

***********List price will be $39.98 for the HD DVD version, and $34.98 for the Blu-ray.

smithfarmer

09-08-07, 06:28 PM

"The DVD Forum, the international DVD standards authority, has approved a 51 GB single-sided triple-layer HD DVD disc for production. Extension to the HD DVD standard, which was submitted by Toshiba in April, received approval on 31 August 2007.

Other recent developments include:

A single-sided triple-layer HD DVD/DVD hybrid (combi) disc, the DVD layer of which would be playable by legacy DVD players, is expected to be approved before the year end."

http://www.screendigest.com/online_services/intelligence/video_and_dvd/updates/vi-060907-ec3/show

mikemorel

09-10-07, 09:09 AM

From Newsday/L.A. Times

A high-definition fight scene in slow motion (http://www.newsday.com/business/la-fi-dvdwar10sep10,0,2693880.story)

The brinkmanship is intensifying. Another major studio, Warner Bros., is being courted by both camps and believed to be mulling over a lucrative offer that could bring such popular titles as "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" into the HD DVD camp, according to Hollywood insiders who requested anonymity because the talks were confidential.

"Any movement by one of the studios tilts the playing field in one direction or the other," said David Sanderson, head of the global media practice at consulting firm Bain & Co. "It's a bit of jump ball right now."

What's more, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the dominant seller of DVDs, has been contemplating whether to boot stand-alone HD DVD players from its shelves in favor of Blu-ray. Wal-Mart executives would not talk about the company's conversations with suppliers, but said it would continue to carry hardware and software in both formats until consumers indicate a clear preference.

Retailers also have contributed to the recent jockeying. Target Corp., the nation's second-largest retailer, announced in July that it would sell only Blu-ray players. Its decision followed a bidding war in which Sony and three studio partners reportedly paid Target what one rival described as a "jaw-dropping" sum for prominent display of its hardware at the end of sales aisles. It will continue to sell the HD DVD drive for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 game console and HD DVD movies.

Wal-Mart has yet to weigh in. During a review of its space allocation, Wal-Mart, which accounts for 40% of DVD sales, had set a mid-August deadline to determine whether it would continue to carry both Blu-ray and HD DVD, according to people familiar with the evaluation process.