Corel's WinDVD nabs BD-R 1.1 and BD-RE 2.1 playback certification
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/08/corels-windvd-nabs-bd-r-1-1-and-bd-re-2-1-playback-certificatio/

While there has been some dispute about the uptake rate for Blu-ray vs DVD, for German optical disc manufacturer Singulus Technologies it's not even close, with orders for Blu-ray dual layer machines far surpassing DVD dual layer orders at comparable points in the evolution of the two formats.

Full story (http://www.hollywoodinhidef.com/blog_detail.php?id=206)

STUDIOS HANG HOPES on free 'Digital Copy' as carrot-and-stick to sustain DVD sales while reducing piracy.


http://www.warren-news.com/

5 Shortcuts to Blu-ray Release
Doesn't it seem random, how some B-grade old flicks make it to Blu-ray first while classics wait in line? Here, five criteria studios use before giving a Blu the green light.

To the list of life's great mysteries — which already includes what's our purpose on earth, and how does Keanu Reeves keep getting work? — you can add one more: Just how in the name of 1080p do studios decide which titles to re-release on Blu-ray Disc?

The new releases are a no-brainer, but when it comes to the backcatalog, is there any rhyme or reason? Doesn't seem to be. After a two-year flirtation with HD DVD, Paramount recently came back to the Blu-ray fold and, with great fanfare, announced its first slate of titles, which included Bee Movie, The Spiderwick Chronicles, and . . . Face/Off?

One of the first titles Fox rolled out was The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Say what? Are these really the movies fans have been saving their allowances for? Sean Connery probably doesn't even want a copy of League, and he's in it.

That said, the studios do put a lot of research and effort into choosing Blu-ray titles. They'll eventually get around to releasing the bulk of their catalog, but for now, because the technology is relatively new and the transfer process so expensive, they have to be judicious with the release slate.http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/features/2853/5-shortcuts-to-blu-ray-release.html

Speaking to investors at the Deutsche Bank Media & Telecommunications Conference in New York, Bewkes said pressure to improve revenue and cash flow growth from its $1 billion filmed-entertainment division meant taking a step back and making more out of less.

“Our motivation is to improve our return on capital,” Bewkes said. “Doing that we believe we can move profit up.”

To accomplish this, the CEO said the studio will focus on building wider consumer adoption of Blu-ray, expanding cable video-on-demand simultaneously with standard DVD (Bewkes said cable VOD generated more than three times the margins of DVD rental) and other electronic distribution.

Bewkes said the elimination of New Line Pictures, which he characterized as a redundant infrastructure, would result in ongoing overhead improvements as well.

He said DVD has been a reliable revenue generator for all studios the past five years. Bewkes said that for every $100 in box office revenue, Warner Home Video extracted more from DVD.

“Our studio still leads in that area because we have scale superiority in worldwide DVD distribution,” the CEO said.

Bewkes said expansion of Blu-ray, VOD and related improvements in electronic distribution by moving away from physical DVD would help grow filmed entertainment.

“Those kinds of things we think in the long run will bring revenue growth to the total film sector,” he said. http://www.homemediamagazine.com/news/html/breaking_article.cfm?sec_id=2&article_id=12904

BD Live will be priority for Disney
Launches feature with Sleeping Beauty, builds family awareness campaign (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6568813.html?nid=3511)
Web-enabled BD Live interactivity will be a priority at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, following its Oct. 7 Blu-ray Disc release of Sleeping Beauty, and the studio will back the initiative with a publicity campaign aimed at educating families.

At a Monday night launch party for the title here, studio president Bob Chapek said all forthcoming Disney-branded Blu-ray releases would include BD Live elements. That spans all titles within the Pixar and Walt Disney Studios theatrical and catalog stable, likely including the fourth-quarter Blu-ray release of Pixar’s Wall-E, which premieres on the big screen on June 27. Disney-distributed titles from such content partners as ABC, Touchstone and Miramax would not be held to the same standards, but might also feature BD Live.
...
“We are making our entrance grand,” Chapek said of the studio’s BD Live launch. “Every subsequent Disney title will have BD Live. [This may] push the studios to reach new heights that have never been before imagined.”
...
Sleeping Beauty is shaping up as one of the most comprehensive BD Live titles yet, featuring in-movie chatting, personalized video messaging, online gaming and e-commerce features.
...
However, Chapek told VB after the presentation that Disney will soon organize a publicity campaign that will educate families about BD Live’s value. That initiative will dovetail with Disney’s long-running mall tour, which has drummed up Blu-ray advantages to family shoppers nationwide.
...

A few articles about this article:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1386
http://www.blu-raystats.com/NewsLog/2008/06/10/disney-to-use-bd-live-for-all-blu-ray-releases-after-october/
http://www.homemediamagazine.com/news/html/breaking_article.cfm?sec_id=2&&article_ID=12905

Sony to Expand Its Blu-ray Hi-Def Disc Manufacturing Operations in Indiana
http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=13791

Interactive TV: Blu-ray's Worst Enemy (http://www.tvpredictions.com/bluitv061808.htm)

Efforts by Disney and other studios to add interactivity are only hurting the format's chances of success.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (June 18, 2008) -- Blu-ray replication executives yesterday said new BD Live interactive features are making it difficult to make copies of the high-def disc.

Consequently, the executives said, it may be next year before BD Live titles are released in large numbers.

Disney and other studios are planning to add several interactive features to upcoming Blu-ray high-def discs, including chat, ringtones and personalized weather displays. The ITV features can be accessed via Internet connections in the set-tops.

However, the companies charged with making mass copies of the discs said yesterday that the complexity in adding the ITV features via a technology called BD Live is slowing production.

Rolf Hartley, senior vice president of Sonic Solutions, says the obstacles created by BD Live means that some interactive titles may have to wait until 2009.

From Video Business

U.S., Europe sales bolstered by PlayStation 3 console
By Danny King -- Video Business, 6/23/2008

JUNE 23 | The adoption rate of Blu-ray Disc drives has outpaced that of standard-definition DVD players almost a decade ago on both sides of the Atlantic because of gamers buying Sony's PlayStation 3 consoles, which include the high-definition disc drives, according to separate estimates.

Full story here (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6572676.html)

Sony to implement BD-Live on all future Blu-ray releases
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/06/24/sony-to-implement-bd-live-on-all-future-blu-ray-releases/

That sound you hear off in the distance is the BD-Live bandwagon gaining steam, and the latest studio to hop on board is Sony. Shortly after Universal, Disney and Warner Bros. announced their BD-Live plans, along comes Sony to do the same. Reportedly, Rich Marty, Sony's VP of new business development, has affirmed that all new Sony Pictures Home Entertainment releases that hit store shelves after Men In Black will have at least some level of BD-Live interactivity wrapped in, though no specifics about what to expect were given. Marty did note that the studio has seen "a great response so far," with some 1 in 5 BD-Live movie buyers taking the time to activate and explore the feature. Not that we necessarily agree that 20-percent represents a "great response," but we can't argue with more interactive content for the minority demanding it.

First region free Blu-ray players available
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/26/first-region-free-blu-ray-players-available/

After spending the past three years restructuring, Sony Corp. set a new growth strategy centered on video-downloading services and electronic products that can be connected to each other and to the Internet.

The Japanese electronics maker said Thursday that it plans to offer a video-downloading service through all of its key products, such as its televisions, computers, music players, and videogame devices, in the next three years.

"Our mission is simply to be the leading global provider of networked consumer electronics and entertainment," Chief Executive Howard Stringer said at a news conference.

Sony said it plans to start this summer by offering movies and other video content through its PlayStation 3 videogame console's network service in the U.S.

It will begin delivering movies directly to its Internet-connected Bravia liquid-crystal-display televisions in the U.S. this autumn. Sony said it would become the first company to stream a movie directly to a television without a set-top box and without a cable or satellite television subscription.

Mr. Stringer, who was charged with turning around the struggling company when he took over in June 2005, has been slashing costs, cutting jobs, and getting rid of unprofitable businesses. With those efforts completed, the latest strategy will be a big test of whether he can also stimulate growth for the company.

As Internet connections have gotten faster and consumers are getting more of their entertainment online, analysts say that downloading services for movies and television shows could become a market worth billions of dollars in the U.S. alone.

Mr. Stringer, a former movie executive, has often talked about the importance of designing products that can be connected to each other and combined with easy-to-use software to download video, music and other content in order to compete in the fast-changing electronics industry.

Establishing a dominant position in this area is crucial for Sony after its Walkman music devices lost out to Apple Inc.'s iPods because the Japanese company didn't have compelling music-downloading software.

Sony, which owns a movie studio and a music company, has an advantage over rivals because it has access to both content and electronic devices and can play off the strengths of both industries. For example, the first movie it plans to offer directly to televisions is "Hancock," a Sony Pictures movie it will release before it is available on DVD.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121446428736506617.html

Sony's $400 BDP-S350 Blu-ray player shows July 15th ship date
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/sonys-400-bdp-s350-blu-ray-player-shows-july-15th-ship-date/

Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray players start to see the light of day
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/01/panasonic-dmp-bd50-blu-ray-players-start-to-see-the-light-of-day/

Pioneer unveils 400GB Blu-ray disc

Pioneer has gone all storage crazy on us by coming up with a Blu-ray disc that is capable of holding 400GB of information.

This disc uses 16 layers to hold all the information at 25GB per stack, compared to the dual layer 50GB discs that we see in Blockbuster but never rent because the normal DVD is, well, cheaper.

The process of manufacturing such a disc is difficult, as the layers used often want to all be heard at once, so interference is common.

But by using techniques from the DVD manufacturing process, Pioneer has apparently solved the problem.

Backwards

According to the Japanese company: "Since the optical specifications of the objective lens…are the same as those for the existing BD discs, it is possible to maintain compatibility between the new 16-layer optical disc and the BD discs."

So this means you can probably pop one of these big-boys into your newly purchased Blu-ray player and still access all the large space optical goodness when released.

Pioneer has promised more information on the new technology at the Symposium on Optical Memory and Optical Data Storage 2008, which sounds thrilling, on the 13 July.

http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/pioneer-unveils-400gb-blu-ray-disc-416837

**News Update**
Pioneer's Blu-ray disc hits 400GB across 16-layers
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/07/pioneers-blu-ray-disc-hits-400gb/

16-layers -- that's how many layers it takes to the hit the center of a 400GB Blu-ray disc, pops. That's 25GB per layer just like those dual-layer 50GB discs available for retail. Best of all, the technique used by Pioneer is expected to be backward compatible with existing Blu-ray gear since the specs and lenses required for pickup are identical. The prototype is read-only for the moment but R&D's on it so let's give them some time to work it out.

Update: Now that the English press release is out, it's less clear whether the new media -- whenever it might come to market -- will work in existing players or not. While "it is possible to maintain compatibility between the new 16-layer optical disc and the BD discs," players would seemingly require a modified optical pick-up mechanism to see the data. We'll learn more on July 13th when Pioneer discusses the breakthrough in detail.

Blu-ray DVD creation for the masses

By Matt Armstrong
July 3, 2008 – 7:00 am

One of the more interesting tidbits to come out of the series of panels at the CineGear Expo came from Larry Jordan of Digital Production Buzz. He related the findings of Bruce Nazarian, president of the DVD Association, who has found a way to burn standard DVD-5 or DVD-9 discs with the current red laser technology using the H.264 codec to play in high def in Blu-ray players. Obviously this is huge news for those that want to master to high def but avoid the cost of AACS licensing as well as costly Blu-ray burners. But the true breakthrough would be in replication, truly opening up high-def delivery for the indie filmmaker. Not to worry, Nazarian, according to Jordan, is currently working on replication tests and should come out with his findings soon. Stay tuned! (http://www.studiodaily.com/blog/?p=580)

Singulus Technologies Exceeds Blu-Ray Machine Sales Forecast
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=a0nFWAKjLdoA&refer=germany

CESI Technology Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the China Electronics Standardization Institute, has been designated as China's first official Blu-ray disc test center in China.

CESI Technology is a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), which promotes and develops business opportunities for Blu-ray Disc - a next-generation optical disc format for high-definition content.

In a statement, CESI said the test center is an important part of the Blu-ray disc value chain in China.

Chinese manufacturers can receive verification services for the official production of BD-ROM movie players at the center, shortening the time needed for launching fully compliant BD products for Blu-ray disc product manufacturers, the statement said.

"The establishment of an official test center in China is critical to the acceptance of Blu-ray Disc in China by the industry and consumers," said Sumitaka Matsumura, chair of BDA's China task force.http://www.quamnet.com/newscontent.action?listSectionCode=NEW_HK&articleId=886833

Sony Posts 2.41 Firmware Update for PS3
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=12301

Indiana Secretary of Commerce Nate Feltman met with senior Sony Corporation executives here Thursday to ink a deal with the technology giant to expand its Blu-ray Disc manufacturing operations in Indiana.

The announcement, made during the state's five-day Japanese trade mission, is expected to create up to 85 new jobs in the western Indiana city of Terre Haute as the company invests more than $113 million to expand its one million plus square-foot manufacturing operations.

"Sony's decision to expand its operations in Indiana is more hard evidence that our international roadwork is a good investment and is a solid step toward creating more jobs for Hoosiers," said Feltman.

Sony DADC, which currently employs approximately 1,180 associates at its U.S. manufacturing and distribution center in Terre Haute, will hire professional staff, engineers, technicians and operators in connection with the expansion plans. The facility is Sony DADC's only Blu-ray Disc manufacturing facility in the United States and currently produces 425,000 Blu-ray Discs per day in addition to compact discs, DVDs and UMDs. Blu-ray Discs are high-definition, high-capacity optical media discs.

"The rapid adoption of the new Blu-ray Disc format by consumers allows us to quickly expand Blu-ray Disc capacity in the United States. Based on the past experience with manufacturing in Terre Haute, the selection of this facility for the expansion was logical. We are thrilled with the support of the State of Indiana," said Dieter Daum, Executive Chairman of Sony DADC Global.

As part of the multi-million dollar project, the company will expand its Blu-ray Disc mastering and replication operations at the Terre Haute, Indiana facility and expand its packaging and distribution center to handle the increased production volume, Daum said.

Since Blu-ray Disc manufacturing began in Terre Haute in May 2006, the company has produced more than 100 million Blu-ray Discs in its manufacturing facilities in Indiana, Austria and Japan. By October, the three facilities combined will have more than doubled its Blu-ray Disc manufacturing capacity of 21 million discs per month to 47 million discs per month.http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/818558

Amazon.com and Wal-Mart are increasingly winning over Blu-ray Disc customers, according to recent NPD Group surveying.

NPD surveys done last fall and in March both show Best Buy as the preferred Blu-ray shopping destination, followed by Amazon and Wal-Mart.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6576570.html

With Toshiba suspending the
production of HD-DVD video disc players (http://www.tootoo.com/buy-
DVD_video_disc_players/ ), only Blu-ray Disc remains in the standard
1920¡Á1080 format and became dominant in the disc player and video disc
market. However, due to the lack of Blu-ray Disc sources in China's market,
Blu-ray Disc players sold by Sony, Panasonic, and Pioneer attract few
buyers in the China market.

This hurdle will soon be cleared. Tootoo.com (http://www.tootoo.com/ )
learned from the Blu-ray Disc Association Press Conference that Shanghai
Epic Music Entertainment Company Ltd. will start producing Blu-ray Discs in
China's mainland. The company's workshop extension project in Shanghai is
almost completed. The modified workshop will have 13,000 square meters, and
Blu-ray Disc production will commnece in about December this year.

Meanwhile, Sony, one of the major members in the Blu-ray Disc
Association, announced yesterday an attractive promotion on buying Blu-ray
Disc players (http://www.tootoo.com/w-Home_Appliances/ ) in China, that a
gift of reserved- copy Blu-ray video discs will be given. That is, from now
on, buyers of BDP- S300 Blu-ray Disc player will receive three
reserved-copy Blu-ray movie discs: Kung Fu Hustle, Spider-Man 3 and Open
Season.

At present, Blu-ray products have entered a rapid development phase in
the Japanese market; Blu-ray disc player sales amount to over 50% of the
market- share in Japan's entire disc player market. In the United States,
over 11 million Blu-ray movie discs have been sold.

The Blu-ray Disc Association, with 180 renowned member companies, is
dedicated to developing and promoting the Blu-ray Disc format. Its Board of
Directors comprises 18 member companies including Apple, Dell, Panasonic,
Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Disney, and Warner Bros.

In Europe, America and Japan, Blu-ray Disc players, 5 times clearer
than common DVDs, are rapidly substituting traditional DVDs
(http://news.tootoo.com/Electrical/electrical_equipment/ ). To speed up the
industrial production steps in China, Blu-ray Disc Association has pursued
a "good will" policy to the technical standard of China's Independent
Intellectual Property Rights, so as to encourage China's native enterprises
to actively participate in Blu-ray products' production.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-11-2008/0004847430&EDATE=

Warner Bros. International isn't planning for BD-Live in '08

by Richard Lawler, posted Jul 11th 2008 at 11:12AM

Looks like Warner's BD-Live commitment doesn't stretch beyond U.S. borders, with Warner Bros. International VP Marc Gareton recently telling a conference in London not to expect an BD-Live titles in 2008. European BD fans aren't going totally without, as he added it might follow in it's domestic twin's footsteps by adding digital copies to movies before the year is out. A lot of things could play into this decision by the studio, but for the time being if there's any Blu-ray exclusive features your best bet may be importing or hoping someone else owns the international release rights and goes the extra mile to make things right.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/11/warner-bros-international-isnt-planning-for-bd-live-in-08/

Warner Home Video is launching aggressive pricing initiatives for the fourth quarter, including its most comprehensive Blu-ray Disc promotion yet, say retailers.

Starting early September and rolling through first-quarter 2009, Warner will offer a Blu-ray point-of-sale rebate program with which retailers will essentially be able to order participating catalog titles for around $11.

Even with a retail mark-up on the featured titles—including The Fugitive, Enter the Dragon, Clockwork Orange, The Shining, The Aviator, Road Warrior and Swordfish—the price tag to consumers should be significantly less than the titles’ current average of $20 to $25 retail price at outlets such as Amazon.com and Best Buy.

In this program, retailers will buy the titles at their present pricing but obtain rebate money back upon the sale of each unit. That should ultimately amount to a relatively inexpensive $11 cost for retailers.

Additionally, Warner will offer rebates, although less extensive, for newer Blu-ray releases, including 300, The Departed, I Am Legend, Ocean’s 13 and We Are Marshall. This layer of the Blu-ray program also will run from early September to the first quarter, according to store sources.

The consumer price for these titles is likely to fall somewhere between $17 and $20. That would still represent a deal for shoppers, as titles such as 300 are now falling between $24 and $30 at outlets such as Amazon and Best Buy.http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6577564.html

NEC launching BD-Live compatible SoC for Blu-ray players
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/12/nec-launching-bd-live-compatible-soc-for-blu-ray-players/

Blu-ray gets a new layer of copy protection

14 July 2008 1:38 by Andre "DVDBack23" Yoskowitz | 6 comments

The German manufacturer X-PROTECT has announced a new layer of copy protection for use on Blu-ray Discs, meant to add extra security to the existing AACS.

X-PROTECT, known for its creation of anti-piracy-protection systems for DVDs and DVD-Rs, say the new X-PROTECT blue solution will work with both HDMV and BD-J Blu-ray Discs and will be updated regularly to stop new piracy attacks.

Blue "fulfills all Blu-ray requirements and specifications" and also works "flawlessly" with current AACS protection.

The company says the main advantages of the X-PROTECT blue "is that it can be implemented seamlessly into the current workflow and does not impact the authoring and replication process. The material stays within the normal secure environment and does not need to be sent out to any offsite facility."

This fact is very important for replicators as currently media key blocks from the AACS LA must be ordered in the pre-mastering stage. Those tools then encrypt the content using the MKBs and send a content certificate to the AACS LA which must sign and approve it. The procedure is almost more hassle than its worth.

The new system supports all Blu-ray profiles and will work on all Blu-ray players including BD-ROM drives and the PlayStation 3.

http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/14787.cfm

At the Chinese International Consumer Electronics Show (SinoCES) last week, many Chinese manufacturers were on the show floor displaying their latest products for Blu-ray. Not surprisingly, the majority of the products shown were Blu-ray Disc players, no doubt trying to get a foothold in the exploding Blu-ray market.

A few of these manufacturers even had some brochures for their products, which can be seen below, along with some photos from the show floor.

Desay A&V Science and Technology Company had a brochure outlining their six - that's right, six - Blu-ray players. The BDP-8010, BDP-8020, ..., BDP-8060 all share the same characteristic of looking much like other manufacturers' players.

Hotwell was also present to show of their player, the BD-9288. Currently a BonusView player, they are working on the development of a BD-Live follow-up. They are also one of the Chinese manufacturers who state their compliance with anti-piracy measures like AACS and BD+, signaling that they are aware of the problem and are prepared to help fight it.

Hualu was also showing off a player, though the name will remain unknown (unless one of our readers can provide a brief translation). One thing that was made clear is that this player is either BD-Live, or will be at some point in the future.

And finally, we have VTREK which had two players on display, the BDP-880 and BDP-881. The only difference we can tell between the two, is that the 881 gets a nice chrome piece on the front.
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1527

Following up on yesterday's post revealing a huge batch of Chinese Blu-ray Disc players, we have one more brochure and one more player to add to the list. You may recall that a little over a year ago, a Blu-ray Disc Player spotted on the Gowell's website, which at the time was huge being that the HD DVD group was adamantly searching for Chinese manufacturers. Well, today we have some new information from that same company, and three upcoming Blu-ray players.

Gowell has three players on display, the BHD-8865, BHD-8866, and the BHD-8868. The later of which being the luckiest Blu-ray player of the bunch for having the most eights in its name (if you haven't noticed already, every player from these manufacturers has the number 8 somewhere in its name).

We have also learned that the Hualu player has been designated the BDP-0800 and that Contell also had a Blu-ray player on display at the show, though we don't have any more information on that player.

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1531

LG Announces First Blu-ray Disc Player With Capability to Instantly Stream Movies From Netflix to the TV
LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player to be Unveiled Tonight (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080731/aqth518.html?.v=18)
Building on a groundbreaking technology partnership announced earlier this year, LG Electronics and Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX - News) today announced plans for the first Blu-ray disc player that will have the added benefit of being able to instantly stream a growing library of movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV.

Available this fall, the LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player will play high definition Blu-ray discs, up-convert standard DVDs to 1080p and allow Netflix subscribers to instantly stream more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes from Netflix to the TV for no additional charge.
...
Consumers craving more content will appreciate the BD Live feature, which provides real-time interactivity for movie enthusiasts seeking extras, new previews or special content while BonusView provides picture-in-picture access to Blu-ray disc special features.
...


A few articles about this press release:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/31/lgs-bd300-network-blu-ray-player-to-stream-netflix-in-september/
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=PR&date=20080731&id=8964344
http://www.forbes.com/reuters/feeds/reuters/2008/07/31/2008-07-31T040113Z_01_N30477175_RTRIDST_0_NETFLIX-LG.html

Panasonic a Driving Force Behind Emmy Award Winning High Definition Technology
Joint Video Team Standards Committee to Be Honored With Primetime Emmy Engineering Award for the Development of the High Profile for H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC (http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/panasonic-driving-force-behind-emmy/story.aspx?guid=%7BAC4E161B-931B-4DB1-A5B0-592DCE05EC7C%7D&dist=hppr)
Panasonic, a leader in High Definition and Blu-ray technologies, announced today that the Joint Video Team Standards Committee (JVT), of which it is a member, will be honored with an Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 2008 Primetime Emmy Engineering Award for its work in the development of the High Profile for H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC.
...
The Emmy Engineering Award goes to an individual, company, or organization for developments in engineering that are either so extensive an improvement on existing methods, or so innovative in nature, that they materially affect the transmission, recording or reception of television.
...

Suspense: the Blu-ray Blu-ray Vs China (Google was used for translation) (http://stor-age.zdnet.com.cn/stor-age/2008/0731/1026820.shtml)
...
China's high-definition Blu-ray disc full of English known as the China Blue High-definition Disc, abbreviated CBHD, this is also the logo of its Logo. From the English it can be seen in a Blue, it is clear that the "blue". But in fact, CBHD is that the earlier we have reported the CH-DVD, in the Toshiba-led HD DVD on the basis of improvement from, CBHD only for a name. As to why the name change, I believe that indeed be necessary.
...
CBHD the main features, compared with HD DVD, the main difference is that the data modem code, independent development of the navigation system, AVS video and audio coding DRA,
...
In contrast CBHD, we can see quite different. First, it changes in the physical layer of data on CD-ROM information to the modem code, that is to read and write has its own special encoding format, although the physical structure on the CD-ROM and HD DVD, but the HD DVD drive can not read CBHD CD-ROM, from this point, it is a new CD-ROM format.
...
Announced the general market prices, which player for the price of 3,000 yuan (10 CBHD send discs), video discs prices has yet to be determined.
...
The key is, CBHD not drive readable (after the manufacturers will not rule out the introduction CBHD support the drive, because there are CBHD - R specifications, it should HD DVD-R is the soul of doctrine), so you do not Want to mirror (unless you put CBHD player in the demolition drive out, through a dedicated interface adapters were connected to the computer), while CBHD used by the CDRM copyright protection regulations are not open to the public, AACS did not allow hackers Peng Zhao to the White Paper on China's secrecy in the work place has always been compared, I believe CDRM will be even more mysterious.
...
The three brands of 3,000 yuan a player, with more than 50 films, 2008, the CBHD doomed more just one voice, one image, rather than millions of households choose products. How long can this voice, this image can survive long, let us wait and see.

Summary of article:

CBHD (China Blue High-definition Disc) will be the official name for what was formerly called CH DVD
CBHD will support AVS, MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1, and MPEG-2 for video codecs
CBHD will support AVS-Audio, Dolby AC-3, DRA, and LPCM for audio codecs
CBHD will replace HDi with an independently developed interactivity system
CBHD discs can not be read by HD DVD drives
CBHD companies will sell stand alone CBHD players for 3,000 yuan ($437 US dollars)
CBHD will replace AACS with a new copy protection system called CDRM
CBHD companies are planning to release three stand alone CBHD players and more than 50 CBHD movies in 2008

500GB Blu-ray Disc now feasible

A 20-layer optical disc is now viable, following research by our team of engineers at Pioneer HQ, Tokyo. Each layer of the disc can store 25GB of information to provide a mammoth 500GB of storage.

The news follows the International Symposium on Optical Memory (ISOM) and Optical Data Storage, held during July in Hawaii, where Pioneer Corporation presented its research, defining draft specifications for the 500 GB disc.

The ISOM had previously outlined the industry objective of creating a 20-layer disc to be available between 2010-2012.

With its strong support among the gaming, movie and PC industries, Blu-ray has become the de facto next generation storage system. While Blu-ray discs (BD), offering both 25GB and 50BG, are sufficient for current demands, we see the need for a technology that can support far greater capacities as HD streaming in particular becomes commonplace and users build larger files of digital content.

The multi-layered method is compatible with Blu-ray devices providing a long term future for the technology and is more easily produced when compared to competing technologies such as holographic storage.

One of the technical issues addressed was the problem of ‘crosstalk’ between the separate layers of optical media. Due to the close proximity of the layers, data from one layer could interfere with that from another layer. By applying proprietary technology developed for its BD products and by stacking two different thickness of layers alternatively, interlayer crosstalk was reduced, thus further confirming the feasibility of 20-layer optical discs.

http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/content/press/news/500GB_Bluray.html

DSS Sues Blu-Ray Makers For Patent Infringement (http://ip.law360.com/articles/65913)
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008

Patent-holding company Digital Security Systems Corp. launched a lawsuit Monday against 18 of the world's electronics giants, including Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and the Sharp Corp., for allegedly using patented technology in their Blu-Ray Disc players.

Welcome to the Windows Feature Pack for Storage Pre-Release Website! (http://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=434)
...
This beta contains downloads for the 3 technologies below for the following operating systems: Windows Vista, Windows Vista SP1,Windows Server 2008, Windows XP SP2+, Windows Server 2003 SP1+. Smartcard on XP is only available in 32 bit.
...
Image Mastering API update for Blu-Ray media: This feature enables the Windows platform to do master style optical burning on Blu-Ray media.
...


A few articles about this article:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1663
http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/16/microsoft-prepping-feature-pack-for-storage-with-blu-ray-for-xp/
http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1530

The Polar Express makes 3D Blu-ray debut on October 28th
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/08/18/the-polar-express-makes-3d-blu-ray-debut-on-october-28th/

CDA Invests in Blu-ray and Expands its DVD Capacities

http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=13947

Please make sure before linking a story that the story is about HDM...the Toshiba SD player has nothing to do with high definition media. Just becuase a story references HDM, does not make the story about HDM and appropriate for this forum.

Thanks

Mod Edit: Please see the post right above yours....

these SD players have NOTHING to do with HDM.

Samsung BD-P2500 Blu-ray Player Is Today and Future Proof (http://gizmodo.com/5042950/samsung-bd+p2500-blu+ray-player-is-today-and-future-proof)
Samsung Electronics, a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, introduces its most advanced Blu-ray player to date with the BD-P2500. Building upon key features and design elements from past Samsung Blu-ray players, the BD-P2500 is compatible out-of-the-box with the latest Blu-ray interactive features available including BD Live™. The BD-P2500 also offers breakthrough enhancements such as Hollywood Quality Video™ (HQV™) processing and 7.1-Channel analog audio outputs creating a powerful HD audio-visual experience.

- Price: $499.99
- Availability: October
...
Samsung's BD-P2500 meets all of the current BD Profile requirements right out of the box, allowing consumers to instantly enjoy the latest interactive features available, including BD Live™ (Profile 2.0) and Bonus View (Profile 1.1), creating new ways to experience favorite movies. The BD-P2500 comes with a built-in, wired Ethernet connection, 1GB of internal flash memory, and a USB port for memory expansion.
...
The BD-P2500 offers Full HD 1080p playback, and features an award-winning HQV™ processing chip for the highest quality viewing of Blu-ray discs, upconversion of standard DVDs, and viewing of JPEG images.
...
Out of the box, the player can output Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus™, Dolby TrueHD™ and dts as an uncompressed PCM signal, as a bitstream, or via the 7.1 analog outputs for cinematic sound that is comparable with the latest movie theaters. Additionally, dts-HD HR® (High Resolution) decoding will become available with a firmware upgrade in the fall. The BD-P2500 will also pass these and dts-HD MA (Master Audio) as a bitstream output to a separate, external surround sound decoder.
...

Sony introduces $2,000 BD-Live-capable BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray player
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/03/sony-introduces-2-000-bd-live-capable-bdp-s5000es-blu-ray-playe/

Oppo joins the Blu-ray revolution with BDP S83 deck
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/05/oppo-joins-the-blu-ray-revolution-with-bdp-s83-deck/

Memorex(R) Introduces Full-Featured Blu-ray Disc Player for Under $270 and New Line of Blu-ray Disc Accessories (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-18-2008/0004887834&EDATE=)
Memorex, a portfolio brand of Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), announced today the availability of the Memorex MVBD-2510 Blu-ray Disc Player featuring advanced Blu-ray Disc (BD) entertainment technology at an outstanding value of less than $270.
...
Advanced technical features include video resolution of 1080p and video frame rates of 24p and 60p. The product also features Bonus View 1.1, allowing for special functions like "Picture in Picture" viewing for enjoying special content, including director's commentary, during movie viewing. Audio playback features include Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio decoding and bit stream output, as well as Master Audio bit stream output. The MVBD-2510 features a 7.1 HDMI digital audio output and 5.1 analog audio output. The player is compatible with a wide range of video formats, including BD-ROM, DVD+ROM, DVD-R/DVD-RW, DVD+R/DVD+RW, CD-ROM, CD-R/CD-RW and JPEG on DVD/CD recordable media.

The Memorex MVBD-2510 Blu-ray Disc Player has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $269.00 and is available at U.S. retail and online starting in November.
...

A few articles about this press release:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1783
http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/18/memorex-intros-269-mvbd-2510-blu-ray-player/
http://gizmodo.com/5051639/memorex-mvbd+2510-blu+ray-limbos-under-300
http://www.slashgear.com/memorex-launched-mvbd-2510-affordable-blu-ray-player-at-269-1816616/

Notebook vendors adjust Blu-ray notebook strategy amid changing economic realities
With the average selling price (ASP) of Blu-ray notebooks remaining at the high-end of the market, several notebook vendors have started to lower their proportion of Blu-ray models as global economic worries increase, according to sources at notebook vendors.

Asustek Computer originally planned to feature a Blu-ray drive in its upcoming N80 and N50 notebooks. However, due to shifts in market demand, the company recently noted that only the N50 will feature a Blu-ray drive.

...

http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20080923PD203.html

Sony yells "me too," introduces BWU-300S 8x Blu-ray burner
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/23/sony-yells-me-too-introduces-bwu-300s-8x-blu-ray-burner/

Matsushita issued a press release Wednesday (Sept. 24) saying it will demonstrate under its Panasonic label a 103-inch plasma 3DTV and Blu-Ray Disc player that deliver high definition images of 1920 x 1080 pixel for both right and left eye. The system uses two full HD images at the recording, playback and display stages and requires users wear synchronized shuttered glasses.


http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210603731

Toshiba surprises with firmware 4.0 HD DVD player update
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/09/27/toshiba-surprises-with-firmware-4-0-hd-dvd-player-update/

High-performance graphics acceleration, multi-standard audio decoding with 3 on-chip DSP engines which can decode all required standards including DTS-HD MA 7.1, advanced display processing capabilities, and HDMI 1.3 output round out its multimedia core.

The SMP8644 is a multi-core media processor that features a 667 MHz MIPS main CPU, providing 1330 DMIPS to enable crisp user interaction...

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080929/20080929005337.html?.v=1

Iron Man lives up to expectations, breaks all Blu-ray records (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/03/iron-man-lives-up-to-expectations-breaks-all-blu-ray-records/)

From Engadget,

Although we'll probably have to wait another week for the official Nielsen VideoScan charts to reflect the sales of Iron Man this week on Blu-ray, director Jon Favreau was bragging on the Howard Stern Show that the sales of Iron Man had already outsold every other Blu-ray release to date. We can't say we're that surprised though, especially after reports that the load on Paramount's BD-Live servers were too much to handle -- not to mention the fact that it is/was the number two selling disc on Amazon (the DVD version is number one). Either way, it'll be interesting to see how much better Iron Man moved discs then the previous record holders like Spider Man 3, I Am Legend and Casino Royale.

From Gizmodo,

Iron Man Blu-ray has outsold every other Blu-ray release to date. (http://gizmodo.com/5058702/iron-man-outsells-every-blu+ray-in-existence-in-just-two-days)

According to a casual announcement by John Favreau on the Howard Stern show, as of Thursday, Iron Man Blu-ray has outsold every other Blu-ray release to date. Without firm sales numbers, the accomplishment might not be saying much. Yet it's still a testament to how a major new release (which is verified awesome on 150 inches) can reinvigorate the Blu-ray platform. But Iron Man camp, you'd better watch your back. Because The Dark Knight is coming to whoop you up December 9th, bitches*!

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/10/09/xbox360_bluray/

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/10/09/xbox360_bluray/

Tom McMahon
Technologist
Del Rey
+1-310-717-7208 Mobile
+1-310-822-4975 FAX
TLM@DelRey.Com

Apple's Steve Jobs calls Blu-ray "a bag of hurt"
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/14/steve-jobs-calls-blu-ray-a-bag-of-hurt/

Straight from El Jobso's mouth at today's notebook keynote: "Blu-ray is just a bag of hurt. It's great to watch the movies, but the licensing of the tech is so complex, we're waiting till things settle down and Blu-ray takes off in the marketplace." Phil chimed in with "We have the best HD movie and TV options in iTunes." Damn. As if that weren't enough to make Mac-lovin' home theater junkies cringe, Steve also commented (when asked about the dearth of HDMI in his introductions) that HDMI was "limited in resolution," and Philip Schiller elaborated by saying that "for typical computer use, DisplayPort is the connector of the future." So, does that mean we can't count on Blu-ray support in OS X 10.5.6?

Blu-ray add-on coming to the Xbox 360?

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/10/09/xbox360_bluray/

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/10/10/xbox_blu_ray_denial/

“We have no plans to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience.”

“if you look at retail sales and availability, there's not a lot there, and what is there is at a premium.

"It's pretty clear it's not the next DVD,” he said.

Netflix and Samsung Partner to Instantly Stream Movies on Next Generation Blu-ray Disc Players (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/10-23-2008/0004909792&EDATE=THU+Oct+23+2008,+12:01+AM)
Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX), the world's largest online movie rental service, and Samsung Electronics America, a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced a broad partnership to offer consumers the ability to instantly stream movies and TV episodes from the Netflix Web site directly to their living rooms via Samsung's BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 Blu-ray disc players. The companies also said they are collaborating to enable Samsung to integrate instant streaming from Netflix into a range of home entertainment products.

The BD-P2550 and BD-P2500 are currently available at $399.99. Consumers who already own one of these Samsung players can upgrade their device at no additional cost to enable instant streaming from a growing library of more than 12,000 movies and television episodes from Netflix. The upgrade is available at http://www.samsung.com/bluraysupport.
...


A few articles about this press release:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1969
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/23/samsung-partners-with-netflix-p2500-and-p2550-blu-ray-players-u/
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Video_Streaming/Netflix/Samsung/Samsung_Announces_Free_Player_Update_For_Netflix_Streaming/2194
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE49M0IY20081023

Blu-ray Exceeds 30% of DVD Recorder/Player Shipments in Japan (http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20081023/159972/)
...
Blu-ray Disc recorder/player shipments reached 138,000 units, about 107 times the shipments posted a year ago, and accounted for 31% of overall shipments of DVD equipment on a volume basis.
...


A few articles about this article:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1972
http://www.cdfreaks.com/news/15155-Blu-ray-accounts-for-a-third-of-Japans-DVD-recorder_player-shipments.html
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/10/23/blu-ray-surpasses-30-of-all-dvd-recorder-player-shipments-in/

Royal Digital Media trots out 100GB-per-disc Blu-ray competitor (http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/royal-digital-media-trots-out-100gb-per-disc-blu-ray-competitor/)
by Darren Murph, posted Oct 29th 2008 at 12:59PM

Look out HD VMD and CH-DVD -- an all new Blu-ray rival has just sashayed into town, and this one means business. By way of a random DreamStream press release, Royal Digital Media has introduced its bona fide Blu-ray rival... while casually forgetting to name it. These "high-definition discs" will be able to store up to 100GB and will boast military-grade encryption that an aimless hacker will surely destroy in a week or two. According to DreamStream's Chief Development Officer Ulf Diebel, RDM's format "will transform perceptions of high-definition," as it is able to "display the next generation of high-definition: 1920p." For whatever it's worth, this here tech is based around "inexpensive red laser technology," and RDM is hoping to "replace traditional DVD technologies with a comprehensive, next generation HD system." So, when can you buy into this sure-to-be-awesome format? Q1 2009, and for a price "equal" to that of traditional DVD players. Sold!

Circuit City files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/10/news/companies/circuit_city/?postversion=2008111013

For anyone that's on the hunt for a sweet deal on a flatscreen TV, Circuit City spokesman Jim Babb said it's "safe to assume" that consumers can expect deep discounts on TVs and other products in those Circuit City stores that are being liquidated.

In the rest of its stores, Babb said the company's prices will remain competitive with the market over the coming weeks.

Circuit City said it is seeking approval from the bankruptcy court to honor customer programs such as returns, exchanges and gift cards. "Approval of such programs normally is granted," the company said in the e-mail.

The electronics seller said it will still accept credit cards, including Circuit City-branded credit cards, which the company said are not impacted by its bankruptcy.

Circuit City also said it will continue to honor its warranty plans, including its Circuit City Advantage Protection Plans.

Despite these measures, one industry watcher remained unconvinced that Circuit City could still attract shoppers from here on and especially through the holiday season.

"Consumers will be skeptical about buying a $1,000 or $2,000 flatscreen TV with a warranty at Circuit City," said Craig Johnson, retail analyst and president of Customer Growth Partners. "In their mind, there's no guarantee that the company will still be around in the future."

"Regarding gift cards, if you are buying a $50 gift card for Christmas, where would your comfort level be higher? At a Circuit City or a Best Buy?" Johnson said.

Chinese pirates offering cheap AVCHD Blu-ray rips on disguised DVD-Rs (http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/17/chinese-pirates-offering-cheap-avchd-blu-ray-rips-on-disguised-d/)
by Darren Murph, posted Nov 17th 2008 at 6:26AM



Just last week we heard that Warner Bros. was ending its home video / DVD business in South Korea due to rampant piracy, and now we've got a report from China suggesting that sophisticated pirates are duping buyers with faux Blu-ray Discs that are actually DVDs. ... Word on the street has it that these discs are being offered for around $7 each, and they even boast the BD hologram and the iconic blue hues on the packaging. ...

From the Digital Bits:
(http://www.thedigitalbits.com/#mytwocents)
According to its projections, consumers in the U.S. will purchase more than 2.38 million standalone Blu-ray players in 2008, up from 700,000 in 2007. The prediction for 2009 is that some 5.31 million players will be sold. This is in addition to the millions of PlayStation 3s. These sales trends for Blu-ray are being driven by demand from HDTV owners, who (according to the research) believe that the format offers them the best quality and value for delivering high-def content.

Full article in PDF format (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/files/DEGWhitePaper.pdf).

The New York Times:

“We think this is a do-or-die time for Blu-ray,” said Ron Sanders, president of Warner Home Video. “We must get it established as a favorite holiday item.”

DVDs, Hollywood’s Profit Source, Are Sagging (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/21/business/21dvd.html?hp)

Panasonic Proposes Blu-ray Disc Standard for 3D Imagery
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/HONSHI/20081030/160508/

Panasonic Corp of Japan has disclosed the submission of a proposal to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), for a Blu-ray Disc standard to store three-dimensional (3D) imagery formed of left-/right-eye two-channel full-High Definition (HD) images (1,920 x 1,080 pixels). It is also considering submitting a proposal for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard capable of transmitting 3D imagery. The BDA hopes to begin formal discussion on the standard proposal before the end of 2008, with commercial adoption probably in 2010.

There are two reasons why Panasonic moved to propose a standard ahead of other firms: to avoid the same sort of futile standards war that occurred with next-gen Digital Videodiscs (DVD), and to prevent patent conflict related to 3D imagery standards.

snip..............

Pioneer showcases 16-layer 400GB optical disc

Jimmy Hsu, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Monday 1 December 2008]

Pioneer is exhibiting its super multi-layer read-only optical disc which features 16 separate layers on a single side with 25GB storage capacity on each layer for a total capacity of 400GB at the IT Month fair taking place in Taipei.

The technology of the super multi-layer read-only disc is based on Blu-ray Disc (BD) with a breakthrough in material of reflective layers, according to Pioneer High Fidelity Taiwan. The specifications of the pick-up head (PUH) of the disc is the same as those for the PUH of blank BD discs, and therefore the Pioneer discs can be read on BD players, the company said.

According to Pioneer's internal roadmap, its super multi-layer technology development is read-only (ROM) discs in 2008-2010, rewritable discs in 2010-2012 and 1TB (1,000GB) disc in 2013, the company indicated.

http://digitimes.com/news/a20081201PD212.html

Canon cleared to resume work on SED TV (now that the world doesn't care)
by Darren Murph (http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/canon-cleared-to-resume-work-on-sed-tv-now-that-the-world-doesn/)

We're hard pressed to think of a display-related story that has lingered on longer than SED (well over four years at last count), and believe it or not, this still isn't apt to be the last you hear of it. If you'll recall, Canon recently declared victory after winning a lawsuit against Applied Nanotech that was previously holding it back from making progress, and now Applied Nanotech has waved the final white flag by giving up its right to appeal. Comically enough, it may actually be too late for Canon to even salvage the win, with president Tsuneji Uchida noting that "at times like this, new display products are not introduced much because people would laugh at them." Shh... nobody tell him the world's been laughing at SED for years...

Denon's DVD-A1UD: world's first universal (SACD / DVD-A) Blu-ray player (http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/03/denons-dvd-a1ud-worlds-first-universal-sacd-dvd-a-blu-ray/)
...
The DVD-A1UD is hailed as the world's first universal BD deck, and it features a black (shown after the break) or silver motif, SD / SDHC card slot, DivX support, HDMI 1.3, 1080p60 / 1080p24 output, internal decoding of DTS-HD Master Audio / Dolby TrueHD, 7.1-channel analog outputs, Denon LINK and all sorts of sophisticated pixel / audio restoration technologies.
...
Not surprisingly, the decked-out player will ship in Japan next month for a patently astounding ¥546,000 ($5,860), so you'll probably be stuck dreaming about it unless your ship rolls in.

A few articles about this article:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2132
http://www.slashgear.com/denon-dvd-a1ud-blu-ray-player-0324980/

Sharp Readying 2 AQUOS LCDs with Built-in Blu-ray (http://www.cepro.com/article/sharp_readying_2_aquos_lcds_with_built_in_blu_ray/)
Sharp to ship 32- and 42-inch LCDs in January with built-in Blu-ray players that will also play DVDs and CDs.
By Steve Crowe


12.08.2008 — Sharp is prepping two AQUOS LCDs that will feature built-in Blu-ray players. (via Sound and Vision)

Both 1080p sets are slated to ship in about a month and will be able to play Blu-ray, DVD or CD.

There will be a 32-inch LCD and a 42-inch LCD, with the latter offering full 1080p HD and 120Hz frame-rate processing.

"The products will be targeted at consumers looking for wall-mounting applications and those who need less clutter on tabletop placements and in secondary rooms such as bedrooms and dorms," says Mike Troetti, Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America (SEMCA) president says.

...

Oppo coughs up BDP-83 universal Blu-ray player details (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/11/oppo-coughs-up-bdp-83-universal-blu-ray-player-details/)
OPPO BDP-83 Blu-Ray Disc Player Update
...
You can expect all the high-end video features including Source Direct for DVD and Blu-ray, high definition HDMI scaling, Edge and Detail Enhancement options, and 1080p24Hz output for both Blu-ray and DVD.
...
With the BDP-83, we intend to release a full-featured universal Blu-ray Disc player that supports BD Profile 2.0 (BD-Live), DVD, SACD, DVD-Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio. As of this writing, the BDP-83 supports BD Profile 1.1 (BONUSVIEW), DVD-Video, SACD, and bitstreaming of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Progress is being made on a daily basis as our engineers work diligently around the clock to further enable DVD-Audio, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio onboard decoding, and BD Profile 2.0.
...
As many of our customers eagerly anticipate the release of the BDP83, we are contemplating a "BDP-83 Early Adoption Program" in late December or early January. This program will make available a limited number of units so you can purchase and experience the current implementation of the BDP-83's feature set, with the ability to download firmware as new features become available. The estimated price for the BDP-83 is around $499 to $599.
...

Panasonic to officially purchase controlling share on Sanyo.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/17/panasonic-to-officially-purchase-controlling-stake-in-sanyo-for/

The deal seems to have been concluded for $9 billion on Friday 12/18/2008

The PlayStation 3 underwent some significant changes this year; the system's firmware updates almost felt like upgrades. The system's interface, the XMB, received an update which made it accessible within games, trophies were added, high-quality voice chat was implemented, Home came out, and more. If the current rumblings surrounding British gaming company Blitz Game's stereoscopic 3D system are true, though, the PlayStation 3 could be facing another significant firmware update in 2009. http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/12/19/ps3-may-feature-stereoscopic-3d-in-2009

First Blu-ray Disc / DVD hybrid announced in Japan
http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/19/first-blu-ray-disc-dvd-hybrid-announced-in-japan/

1 BD Layer (25GB)
2 DVD Layers (8.5GB)

Adobe Teams With Intel to Push Flash Onto Next-Gen Blu-Ray Players
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=13848

Sigma intros Blu-ray-optimized media processor, pledges support for Adobe Flash Lite
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/07/sigma-intros-blu-ray-optimized-media-processor-pledges-support/

VIZIO Adds Blu-ray Player and New HD Sound Bars to Accessories Line up (http://sev.prnewswire.com/computer-electronics/20090107/LA5623607012009-1.html)
...
The VIZIO Blu-ray Player

Providing the most superb images and stunning audio performance, Blu-ray discs deliver 1080p perfection. Retailing for $199.99, the release of VIZIO's VBR100 Blu-ray Player means everyone can afford to bring these exquisite sights and sounds into their home theater.

Outfitted with a 108MHz/11-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), the VBR100 delivers phenomenal 1080p video from native Blu-rays discs and offers selectable 720p/1080i/1080p video upconversion for standard definition DVD discs (HDMI output only).

A 24-bit/192kHz audio Digital to Analog Converter ensures pristine audio playback from all of the latest surround sound formats. The VBR100 provides built-in audio decoding for uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and multi-channel PCM in additional to all other surround codecs (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS).

The super-slim player will fit in any entertainment cabinet, and is not only compatible with Blu-ray discs and BD-Live content, but it plays standard definition DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD, audio CD-R and CD-RW, plus MP3 CDs.

Additional VBR100 Features
Video outputs: HDMI (1.3), component, and composite
Audio outputs: 7.1 channel analog audio, coax and optical digital audio, and analog stereo (RCA)
Dimensions: 17 X 11 X 2"
Includes Remote Control
Availability: April 2009
Price: $199.99
...

'Raging Bull' Heiress Sees Red Over Film Release (http://ip.law360.com/registrations/user_registration?article_id=82249&concurrency_check=false)
Law360, New York (January 08, 2009) --

The daughter of Frank Petrella, author of the “Raging Bull” screenplays and book, has sued Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC for copyright infringement, alleging the companies created and distributed derivative works without her permission, including a Blu-ray Disc version of the motion picture that is set for release in February.

Paula Petrella, current assignee of her father’s copyrights, lodged the suit Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, claiming MGM, several subsidiaries and 20th Century...

Samsung updates the BD-P2500/2550 with DTS-HD HRA/MA (http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/08/samsung-updates-the-bd-p2500-2550-with-dts-hd-hra-ma/)
...
We're sure owners of both the BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 will be happy to know that all those discrete analog outputs on the back just got a whole lot more useful. Thanks to the latest version of the firmware (2.4), in addition to being able to decode Dolby TrueHD, those holding on to an older A/V receiver will also be able to enjoy both versions of DTS-HD.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES WORLD’S FIRST PORTABLE BLU-RAY PLAYER (http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=323245&modelNo=Content01072009023514268&surfModel=Content01072009023514268)
Panasonic, a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray format, introduced the world’s first portable Blu-ray Disc player at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show. The DMP-B15, designed to provide the ultimate high definition Blu-ray experience for those on the go, features a high quality 8.9-inch WSVGA LCD screen and includes the unique VIERA CAST™ internet accessibility and BD Live functionality. The DMP-B15 will be available in May.
...
For 2009, Panasonic’s entire line of Blu-ray players includes VIERA CAST functionality. This unique application gives the consumer access to select entertainment sites, including Amazon Video-on-Demand, a streaming video service that gives the consumer access to more than 40,000 titles; YouTube™; Google Picasa Web Album; Bloomberg and a weather channel.

A few articles about this press release:
http://www.electronichouse.com/article/panasonic_makes_blu_ray_portable/
http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/hands-on-with-panasonics-dmp-b15-portable-blu-ray-player-at-ces/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/156650/panasonic_unveils_first_portable_bluray_player.html

ArcSoft Collaborates with Phoenix Technologies to Deliver Worlds First Instant-On Blu-ray Playback Software
http://www.arcsoft.com/public/press_detail.asp?prID=263

Toshiba has teamed with IBM to release Cell TV which pairs a Cell processor with a top-end Regza monitor. The result is a TV capable of recording and playing back six simultaneous HD streams, as well as handling complex internet and picture contrast processing.

Toshiba Regza with Cell processor (http://www.dailytech.com/Toshiba+Teams+With+IBM+to+Release+Cell+TV/article13883.htm)

100 HD movies on a stamp-sized chip?
http://uk.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUKTRE5086PK20090109

Production of up to half a million discs per month is to be handled through Shanghai Epic, a joint venture replication and music publishing company owned by Sony Disc and Digital Solutions and Shanghai Jingwen Investment and Shanghai Synergy Culture and Entertainment, both offshoots of the powerful Shanghai Media Group.

Full story here (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117998820.html?categoryid=1009&cs=1).

Bolt Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo Coming March 22 (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=52109)
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will release Bolt in high definition early as a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital File combo on Sunday, March 22, 2009. Two days following, the standard DVD versions will be available on Tuesday, March 24, 2009.
...


A few articles about this article:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2321
http://www.canmag.com/nw/13255-bolt-blu-ray-dvd-release
http://www.disneysociety.com/2009/01/21/bolt-on-blu-ray-dvd-march-22-24/
http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEhShhkiyoz4kj

Judge Won't Drop Antitrust Claims From Blu-Ray Suit (http://ip.law360.com/registrations/user_registration?article_id=84072&concurrency_check=false)
Law360, New York (January 22, 2009)

A federal judge has agreed to compel arbitration of a narrow section of DVD-chip manufacturer Zoran Corp.'s claims against technology licensor DTS Inc., but left patent misuse antitrust allegations involving the audio standard used by Blu-ray high-definition video players to be further litigated.

Judge Jeremy Fogel of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled Tuesday that the governing bylaws of the Blu-ray Disc Association require the arbitration of integrated...

Worldwide: Global Antitrust & Trade Regulation Update - October 2008 (http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=68344)
...
Chip Maker Sues High-Def Audio CODEC Developer Over Blu-ray Disc Technology
On October 8, 2008 integrated circuits manufacturer Zoran Corporation filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Northern District of California against DTS, Inc., the company that licenses the audio encoding/decoding (or CODEC) algorithm used by Blu-ray disc devices. Zoran had alleged that DTS failed to license the algorithm under fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory (FRAND) terms, as required under the company's agreement with the Blu-ray Disc Association. According to the terms of the agreement, DTS pledged to license the algorithm on FRAND terms, in exchange for the Association adopting DTS' patented CODEC as the industrywide standard for Blu-ray high-definition audio technology.

Zoran alleged in its complaint that DTS abused its monopoly in the market for Blu-ray disc technology by demanding large, upfront royalty payments as a condition to negotiating license agreements with chip manufacturers. Zoran further alleged that DTS had prevented Zoran's entry into the Blu-ray device market by threatening device manufacturers with lawsuits should they use parts from a nonqualified supplier like Zoran. According to Zoran DTS' action had restrained competition among Blu-ray devices and chip makers, and prevented Zoran from entering the market for Blu-ray hardware. The complaint seeks monetary damages, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, and a judgment declaring DTS' patents unenforceable due to misuse.
...

As noted frequently throughout this topic: This is a news thread, not a place for sales reports. They are NOT NEWS for purposes of this thread. Also, while summaries are welcome, commentary is highly discouraged. Thanks.

Red-ray HD NVD Debuts (http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2009/01/22/3931776.htm)

China's proprietary new-generation red-ray HD NVD video player and CD products come into the market in Wuhan, China's Optical Valley, on January 21, 2009.

The news is a signal that Chinese companies have broken the technology monopoly by foreign counterparts in the field that has lasted for tens of years.

Tang Huihu, an official of the Wuhan government, says that China is a large producer as well as consumer of CD products. The country, whose annual consumption value reaches more than CNY 50 billion, makes over 80% of the world's DVD players and hundreds of millions of CDs.

However, the core technologies and patents of the production of DVD and players were in the hands of foreign companies for a long time. China has to pay patent fees of USD 13.1 for every DVD player it makes. The total patent fees amount to CNY 3 billion each year, quintupling or sextupling the whole industry's gross profits.

Moreover, foreign companies pressed Chinese counterparts in politics and economy through asking for high patent fees, which caused negative effect on the development of the Chinese optoelectronic information industry.

Since the world is stepping into a HD era, large-screen HD flat panel TVs and various HD terminal equipment becomes popular in China, and previously produced DVD video output devices are unable to meet the requirements of HD videos.

Besides, foreign Blu-ray HD alliance is coveting the Chinese CD and related products market, which is very dangerous to the country's economic safety.

Gan Fuxi, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) specialized in optical storage, feeling keen about China's passivity in terms of DVD video technologies, made a proposal in 2004 of changing foreign CD format, and developing new-generation red-ray HD players in Wuhan.

His proposal received an enthusiastic response from many research institutes at home, which actively participated in the project, and helped Wuhan High-tech Holding Group Co., Ltd. make breakthroughs in developing core technologies of high-density CDs within four years. DVD players based on the country's fire new HD output technologies have production costs much lower than foreign Blu-ray HD products.

Participants of the project include the Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (WNLO), the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (SIOM), and the Optical Memory National Engineering Research Center (OMNERC).

Then, China's red-ray HD NVD program started operation, with Wuhan Optics Valley Neo-tech Development Co., Ltd. (NEO) as the operator. The company inputted hundreds of millions of Chinese Yuan into the project, and set up complete industrial chains extending from complete sets, CDs, to video sources.

China Enters Proprietary Red-Laser High-Definition Optical Standard (http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/storage/display/20090202191409_China_Enters_Proprietary_Red_Laser_High_Defin ition_Optical_Standard.html)
The high-definition format war is about to begin in China, but it will not be another battle between Blu-ray disc technology and HD DVD technology as state-owned Wuhan Hi-Tech Holding Group has announced HD NVD (high-definition new versatile disc) format that will compete against Blu-ray and CBHD.
...
HD NVD can store 12GB of data,
...

Essentially duplicate articles removed.

US$150 white-box Blu-ray Disc players available in 2009

EDN, February 3; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Tuesday 3 February 2009]


Following an intensive price war to promote sales of Blu-ray Disc (BD) players amid international brands in the US and European markets prior to Christmas 2008, white-box vendors are likely to offer BD player models for sale at US$150 in 2009, according to the Chinese-language newspaper Economic Daily News (EDN).

In addition to white-box vendors, Lite-On IT, the largest Taiwan-based maker of half-height optical disc drives, plans to offer BD players also for sale at about US$150, EDN indicated.

Five million BD players were sold around the world in 2008 and the sales volume for this year will increase to 11 million units, EDN quoted forecast by Taiwan-based Topology Research Institute as indicating.

SOURCE (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20090203PB200.html)


.

By Cristin Flanagan
Feb. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Pioneer Corp., a Japanese audio and
video equipment maker, will end television production, Nikkei
reported today, without citing a source.
Pioneer will also spin off its DVD player operations to a
new joint venture with Sharp Corp., Nikkei said.

Link to Company News: 6773 JP <Equity> CN <GO>
Also reported by the DJ Newswire here:
http://www.djnewsplus.com/article/DN-CO-20090206-012275.html?mod=J1&a=T+Wire&h=Pioneer+To+End+TV+Production%2C+Spin+Off+DVD+Development-Nikkei+

Gman

http://hdtvorg.co.uk/news/articles/2009020901.htm
With the aim of producing consumer Blu-ray 3D Home Theatre products by 2010, Panasonic have opened an advanced authoring laboratory in Hollywood.

http://i.gizmodo.com/5151506/hybrid-gamefeature-film-blu+ray-discs-coming-to-ps3-says-sony

Hybrid Game/Feature Film Blu-ray Discs Coming to PS3, Says Sony
Sony's Director of Hardware Marketing for PS3 said that discs packing both a game and a full-length film should appear this year.

Blu-ray Disc player sales and consumer spending on high-definition discs will both jump more than tenfold within the next four years, after which high-def disc spending growth will slow while Blu-ray player demand will drop as broadband advancements boost the popularity of video-on-demand over the Internet, according to SNL Kagan.

U.S. Blu-ray player sales, estimated at about a quarter-billion dollars last year, will triple this year to $765 million and will surge to a peak of $6.86 billion in 2013 before dropping to less than $3 billion the following year as the content format reaches maturity, SNL Kagan said.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6636897.html?industryid=47213

Coinstar buys out Redbox, will test higher Blu-ray rental prices (http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/18/coinstar-buys-out-redbox-will-test-higher-blu-ray-rental-prices/)
Redbox, the company made famous by its red movie rental kiosks, has been completely bought out by its majority owner: Coinstar.
...
Speaking of profits, we're also being told that Redbox will start testing higher rental prices for BDs, much like Netflix has done, but obviously on a per-rental basis.
...

Mitsubishi Announces 1DIN In-car Blu-ray Disc Player (http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20090213/165586/)
Mitsubishi Electric Corp announced Feb 12, 2009, that it developed a 1DIN automotive Blu-ray Disc (BD) player that has only 1/3 the volume of the company's home BD player.

It aims to commercialize the player in fiscal 2009.
...

A few articles about this article:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2409
http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/02/16/mitsubishi-produces-mini-blu-ray-player-says-it-will-be-used-in-cars/
http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/02/16/mitsubishi.in.car.blu.ray/

George Feltenstein of Warner Home Video talks about future releases and why it takes so long to bring Golden Age gems to Blu-ray (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/David_Krauss/Warner_Brothers/Industry_Trends/Blu_About_The_Slow_Release_of_Classic_Titles_On_Blu-ray_Take_Heart!/2502)

More studios move towards Blu-ray / DVD combo packs
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/23/more-studios-more-towards-blu-ray-dvd-combo-packs/

...of the 200 million Blu-ray discs manufactured last year, only 18% were sold to consumers.
Worldwide production of Blu-ray Discs...was in excess of 200 million last year, and only 36 million sold. Futuresource Senior Consultant Michael Boreham says this overproduction is not a miscalculation in demand, but rather the act of "filling the pipeline," or pushing out product in anticipation of its future demand.


http://www.betanews.com/article/Futuresource_82_of_Bluray_discs_are_pipeline_fill/1235414803

Katzenberg added that Blu-ray Disc, which tripled its sales last year, had little effect on company revenue because DWA primarily releases family titles.

“[Blu-ray] is not a meaningful percentage of our business,” said Katzenberg.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6639826.html

News is not commentary or predictions.

larry

U.S. Blu-Ray Player Sales Approach Ten Million (http://www.storagenewsletter.com/news/optical/deg-us-blu-ray-player-sales-approach-10-million)
...
The Blu-ray Disc format was the bright spot in the home entertainment category and proved popular among consumers spending on software growing fourfold to nearly $750 million. According to the DEG, 250 percent more Blu-ray discs shipped to retail in 2008 versus the previous year.
...
Sales of Blu-ray Disc playback devices – including set-top box and game consoles – sold through almost 10 million units since launch. Three million devices sold in the fourth quarter alone, bringing total units sold to 9.654 million in calendar 2008, according to numbers compiled by the DEG with input from retail tracking sources.
...
The Blu-ray players are available at more than 10,000 storefronts and are marketed from leading manufacturers. There are nearly 80 Blu-ray playback devices available, with set-top models from as low as $149 (manufacturers’ suggested retail price – street prices may vary).
...

Panasonic, Philips and Sony to Establish One Stop Shop Product License for Blu-ray Disc (http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=21112)
Panasonic, Philips and Sony are currently working with other Blu-ray Disc(TM) patent holders to establish a one-stop-shop license for Blu-ray Disc(TM) products. This license, which covers essential patents for Blu-ray Disc(TM), DVD and CD, will be introduced in the middle of this year.
...
The three founding companies believe that the introduction of this simplified one-stop shop product license will stimulate the growth of the market for Blu-ray Disc(TM) products. Any holder of essential patents for Blu-ray Disc(TM), DVD and CD patents is invited to join this licensing entity as a licensor and also as shareholder.

The fees for the new product licenses are US$9.50 for a Blu-ray Disc(TM) player and US$14.00 for a Blu-ray Disc(TM) recorder. The per disc license fees for Blu-ray Disc(TM) will be US$0.11 for a read only disc, US$0.12 for a recordable disc and US$0.15 for a rewritable disc. As a result of the efficiencies obtained with the combined license offering, the royalty rates for Blu-ray Disc(TM) products are expected to be at least 40% lower than the current cumulative royalty rates for individual Blu-ray Disc(TM), DVD and CD format licenses.
...

A few articles about this press release:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2437
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10172042-1.html
http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/02/25/cheaper-discs-panasonic-philips-sony-plan-joint-blu-ray-licence/
http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/02/25/pana.philips.sony.blu.ray/
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/25/cheaper-blu-ray-sony-panasonic-and-phillips-say-its-coming/

Warner Bros. to support Chinese independent high-definition format will reach 70 million users (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fent.qq.com%2Fa%2F20090227%2F000463. htm&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8)

A few days ago, recorded Warner Home Entertainment Co., Ltd. Managing Director Fang Lin (Tony Vaughan) announced that Warner Bros. Entertainment Company will be issued in China Chinese independent high-definition format - the Blu-ray high-definition (CBHD) video programming.

Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema Department of the many masterpieces in the first half of 2009 for the first time in high definition format available in China, including the popular "Harry Potter", "Golden Compass", "Speed racing", "Blood Diamond" and so on. Previously, Warner Brothers has issued a global BD Blu-ray format movies, and thus in China, consumers can not only buy these films CBHD version can also buy their BD Blu-ray version.

"These large areas of unusually high-definition picture quality and sound will be the first to come to China." Fang Lin (Tony Vaughan) said, "Warner has been recorded for Chinese families to provide the most perfect home entertainment experience. This times, we will strive to support high-definition technology in China to implement to enable them to ordinary consumers as soon as possible to enter the Chinese family."

CBHD are in the information industry and, under the guidance of the Department, by the Engineering Research Center of Tsinghua University, CD-ROM (OMNERC) synergy Chinese consumer electronics manufacturing giant TCL, a new Branch, with the side of common development. Supporting this format also includes the domestic well-known Production and distribution companies, record labels such as Chinese Corporation, China Film Group and Huayi Brothers Company.

CBHD is a patented technology in domestic and foreign top one, the Chinese patent pool independently authorized 1080p Full HD optical storage format, suitable for ordinary Chinese consumer market. CBHD player market pricing for the initial 1999 yuan (about 290 U.S. dollars), a CBHD discs will be priced at 50-70 yuan range (about 7.25 to 10.15 U.S. dollars).

It is estimated that in 2009 China has a high-definition TV users will reach 27 million by 2010, will be rapidly increased to 47,000,000, and in 2011 reached 72 million. Google translation.

Samsung BD-P1600 Netflix streaming Blu-ray player pops up at retail (http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/02/samsung-bd-p1600-netflix-streaming-blu-ray-player-pops-up-at-ret/)
Samsung's new value priced Blu-ray player managed to fly under our radar at CES in favor of its better equipped brethren but that hasn't stopped Dave Zatz and others from stumbling into them at retail lately, like this one sitting on a Best Buy shelf. By making BD-Live required 1GB storage and WiFi dongle aftermarket accessories, you can grab a slim, Netflix streaming, fast Blu-ray loading box for $299.
...

Sony's New Blu-Ray Disc Player and Home Theater Systems Go Wireless (http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/03-02-2009/0004981542&EDATE=)
Sony is adding four new Blu-ray Disc(TM) devices to its line-up today, including a stand-alone player with Wi-Fi(R) capability for easy BD-Live(TM) access and Blu-ray Disc home theater systems with S-AIR(TM) wireless audio.

The BDP-S360 and BDP-S560 stand-alone players and BDV-E300 and BDV-E500W BD home theater systems deliver full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema(TM) output, decode the latest advanced audio codecs and are BD-Live capable with your broadband internet connection and purchase of external memory.
...
Offering built-in Wi-Fi wireless network capabilities (802.11N/G/B/A), the BDP-S560 can easily connect to the Internet through your existing wireless home network to download and stream BD-Live content including additional scenes, short subjects, trailers, interactive games, and more.
...
The BDP-S360 and BDP-S560 models support 7.1 channel Dolby(R) TrueHD and Dolby(R) Digital Plus, DTS(R)-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding as well as bit-stream output via HDMI.
...
Shipping this summer, the BDP-S360 and BDP-S560 will retail for about $300 and $350, respectively.
...

A few articles about this press release:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2455
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10185734-1.html
http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/02/sony-outs-bdp-s360-and-bdp-s560-blu-ray-players-new-bd-htibs/
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2342345,00.asp

With the rise in connected U.S. households, Panasonic March 11 unveiled a new line of Web-enabled (BD Live) Blu-ray players that include link to Amazon’s video-on-demand movies, consume less energy — and, in a throwback to the 1980s, play VHS.

Available in April, the DMP-BD60 retails for $299.95, the DMP-BD60 for $399.95 and the DMP-BD70V for $399.95. The BD60 consumes 16% less power in standby mode than last year's model, the DMP-BD35.

The three Blu-ray players feature 96kHz surround remaster, a function that enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources, and even improves the quality of the multichannel audio data on Blu-ray Discs and DVDs.

Significantly the line includes Panasonic’s branded Viera Cast that let consumers access the Internet without the need of a set-top box or PC, and also includes direct links to YouTube, Google's Picasa music streaming, Bloomberg and a weather channel.

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/blu-ray-disc/panasonic-2009-blu-ray-players-connectivity-14985

Sales figures posts removed.

Chinese Technologies Adopted By Blu-ray Disc Format (http://www.widescreenreview.com/news_detail.php?id=18378)
The Blu-ray Disc Association, China Hualu Group, and Digital Rise Technology Co., Ltd. held a press conference in Beijing today to announce a new digital audio coding technology, DRA, has been included in the BD-ROM 2.3 specification as an optional audio codec by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA). DRA is the audio coding technology developed by Digital Rise Technology Co. Ltd. of China. Today’s announcement means that DRA has become part of the Blu-ray Disc format, the de facto worldwide standard for high-definition optical discs.
...
“We are glad to see that 22 Chinese manufacturers have obtained the Format and Logo License Agreement (FLLA ) for the Blu-ray Disc format, by which they are authorized to use the Blu-ray Disc Format Specifications and Blu-ray Disc Logo to develop, manufacture, and sell Blu-ray Disc products,” stated Mr. Sumitaka Matsumura, Chair of the Blu-ray Disc Association China Task Force.
...
DRA technology was proposed by the China Hualu Group to the BDA in August 2007 and was adopted following two rounds of technical evaluation conducted in the USA and Japan by the BDA. The evaluation process is transparent and open, and follows the same processes and criteria when evaluating other similar technologies.

A few articles about this announcement:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/19/dra-audio-coding-technology-gains-bda-approval/
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90881/6617700.html

Digital Entertainment Companies in China to Support Dolby High-Definition Audio Technologies for Blu-ray Disc Format (http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090319006358&newsLang=en)
Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB), announced today that it is enabling and supporting consumer electronics makers in China to develop Blu-ray Disc™ products. Three digital entertainment companies in China—TCL Technoly Electronics (Huizhou) Co., Limited (TCL), MIT Technology Co., Limited (MIT Technology), and Lite-On IT Corporation (Lite-On IT)—have agreed to license Dolby® TrueHD, a lossless compression technology, and Dolby Digital Plus, which delivers up to 7.1 channels of surround sound for future Blu-ray Disc products.
...


A few articles about this press release:
http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=25052
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/03/20/dolby-gives-chinese-blu-ray-makers-access-to-truehd-digital-pl/

Windows Vista SP2 Hits RTM
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=14676

Among the hottest additions in the new pack is the ability to record in Blu-Ray format for the first time in Windows.

Hi, Jessie Becker here, VP of Marketing, with a message for our members who have added Blu-ray access to their accounts. This message does not apply to you if you have not added Blu-ray access to your account.

The number of titles available for us to purchase on Blu-ray has increased significantly. Our Blu-ray selection has grown more than 60% in just 6 months to over 1,300 titles, and is continuing to expand quickly. Blu-ray adoption among our members has also grown – it’s now close to 10%. As we buy more, you are able to choose from a rapidly expanding selection of Blu-ray titles. And as you’ve probably heard, Blu-ray discs are substantially more expensive than standard definition DVDs – often as much as 30% more.

We’re committed to providing a high quality Blu-ray experience for our members who choose to add Blu-ray access, and in order to do that we need to adjust Blu-ray pricing. As a result, the monthly charge for Blu-ray access is increasing for most plans and will now vary by plan.

To avoid any confusion, here are the charges for each of the plans.

1 DVD out at-a-time (2 DVDs a month)
Monthly plan cost: $4.99
Additional monthly charge for Blu-ray access on this plan: $1
Monthly plan cost with Blu-ray access: $5.99

1 DVD out at-a-time (Unlimited)
Monthly plan cost: $8.99
Additional monthly charge for Blu-ray access on this plan: $2
Monthly plan cost with Blu-ray access: $10.99

2 DVDs out at-a-time (Unlimited)
Monthly plan cost: $13.99
Additional monthly charge for Blu-ray access on this plan: $3
Monthly plan cost with Blu-ray access: $16.99

3 DVDs out at-a-time (Unlimited)
Monthly plan cost: $16.99
Additional monthly charge for Blu-ray access on this plan: $4
Monthly plan cost with Blu-ray access: $20.99

4 DVDs out at-a-time (Unlimited)
Monthly plan cost: $23.99
Additional monthly charge for Blu-ray access on this plan: $5
Monthly plan cost with Blu-ray access: $28.99

5 DVDs out at-a-time (Unlimited)
Monthly plan cost: $29.99
Additional monthly charge for Blu-ray access on this plan: $6
Monthly plan cost with Blu-ray access: $35.99

6 DVDs out at-a-time (Unlimited)
Monthly plan cost: $35.99
Additional monthly charge for Blu-ray access on this plan: $7
Monthly plan cost with Blu-ray access: $42.99

7 DVDs out at-a-time (Unlimited)
Monthly plan cost: $41.99
Additional monthly charge for Blu-ray access on this plan: $8
Monthly plan cost with Blu-ray access: $49.99

8 DVDs out at-a-time (Unlimited)
Monthly plan cost: $47.99
Additional monthly charge for Blu-ray access on this plan: $9
Monthly plan cost with Blu-ray access: $56.99

If you don’t want to pay the additional charge for monthly access to Blu-ray, simply remove Blu-ray access on your account before April 27, 2009.

http://blog.netflix.com/2009/03/price-update-for-access-to-blu-ray.html

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/technology/news/e3i4038dadfc3527ca58a6392c09895e143



EDIT: More detailed story

Netflix to Raise Blu-ray Prices, Stock Surges

Netflix, which claims that 10% of its 10 million members actively rent Blu-ray content, had been charging BD users a $1 monthly surcharge. The new pricing replaces the surcharge.

The service has more 1,300 BD titles available compared to more than 100,000 DVD titles.

Michael Pachter, analyst with Wedbush Morgan Securities in Los Angeles, said he estimated the cost to Netflix for a standard DVD is about $1.20 per use, and the cost of a Blu-ray title is around $1.80. He estimated that the average Netflix user watches six movies per month, including two that are Blu-ray.

The analyst said the incremental cost associated with the two BD titles is $1.20 ($1.80 - 1.20 = $0.60 x 2 = $1.20), which he believed Netflix had been covering.

“We don't expect this surcharge change to impact usage or membership dramatically, given that there is not really anywhere else for people to go since Blockbuster raised prices on heavy users,” Pachter said in a note. “Thus, any revenue increase should drop to the bottom line.”

A point not lost on investors, who heralded the price hikes sending Netflix stock up nearly 6% to close at $42.03 per share.

Pachter expects Netflix to grow revenues from $24 million to $30 million annually with the BD surcharges.
http://www.homemediamagazine.com/netflix/netflix-raise-blu-ray-prices-stock-surges-15170

Feature most popular with Blu-ray owners (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6647105.html?nid=3513)
The percentage of consumers who use digital copies embedded in the physical discs they purchase is low but growing.
...
For digital copy, at 10%, “this is a robust take rate when you look at consumers across different promotional offerings,” said Dorinda Marticorena, senior VP of worldwide marketing and high-def at Warner Home Video. “Digital copy is something where consumers see real value. Even when we offer a free movie ticket in DVD packages, redemption north of 10% is considered a highly successful promotion.”

Warner continues to offer digital copy on both standard DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions of titles. But the studio has noticed that the feature is proving more popular with Blu-ray consumers. The Blu-ray version of The Dark Knight achieved 10% transfer rate on the first day of its Dec. 9 release and has since grown to 20%. Its two-disc standard DVD, which also held a copy, has achieved a 10% to 12% transfer rate to date.
...
It appears that consumers who do use digital copy say they prefer the relative speediness of transferring an embedded copy over downloading a Web-based copy.
...

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment’s new initiative to distribute two classes of discs for the sell-through and rental markets has stumbled out of the gate, with Amazon.com and other retailers receiving the wrong versions of March 31 release Slumdog Millionaire.

Amazon and other retailers, including Seattle’s Scarecrow Video, received rental DVDs of the Best Picture Oscar winner, with no bonus features, inside retail packaging.

In other instances, retailers that had ordered rental copies found that inside rental packaging were extras-loaded retail versions.

Beginning with the releases of Marley & Me and Slumdog this week, Fox is distributing two classes of discs to stores: premium versions of its DVD and Blu-ray Disc titles with added-value material such as digital copy for the sell-through market and stripped-down offerings for rental.

Slumdog Millionaire, for example, has special features on the retail DVD but not the rental version. On Blu-ray, it has bonus features on both the rental and retail versions, but only the retail package includes digital copy.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6648433.html?desc=topstory

'Snow White' headed to Blu-ray (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i965b4d32129d971f6ab7257228cffbb1)
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the first Walt Disney animated classic and the first DVD to sell a million copies in a single day, will make its Blu-ray Disc debut Oct. 6 in a special combo pack ($39.99) that includes a DVD. A two-disc standard DVD release ($29.99) will follow the combo pack by seven weeks, arriving in stores Nov. 24.
...


A few articles about this announcement:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2559
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/03/snow-whites-blu-ray-debut-is-october-6/
http://www.homemediamagazine.com/tks-take/snow-white-hold-tight
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-04-02-snow-white-dvd_N.htm

Blockbuster Inc. April 6 warned shareholders if it doesn’t close a previously announced amended credit facility by May 11, its ability to continue operations could be in “substantial doubt.”

The Dallas-based No. 1 DVD rental company issued the caveat in its annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Blockbuster, which had a credit facility and Term A loan facility come due April 2, last week received a $250 million revolving credit facility commitment from JP Morgan and others lenders, due Sept. 30, 2010.

“The risk that we may not successfully complete this refinancing ... raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern,” the company said in the 290-page filing.

Blockbuster operates 5,800 company-owned stores globally (3,878 in the United States), in addition to 1,599 franchise stores worldwide (707 domestically).

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/blockbuster/blockbuster-warns-about-continued-operations-15264

Sharp and Pioneer said they would set up a joint venture to merge their optical disc businesses, aiming to beef up one of their focus operations and take a leading position in the growing Blu-ray disc market.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/pressReleases/idUKTRE5381D120090409

Sony’s Click to Disc Editor v2.0 Update Offers BD-Live Authoring (http://www.sonyinsider.com/2009/04/09/sonys-click-to-disc-editor-v20-update-offers-bd-live-authoring/)
...
Sony is offering an update to its Blu-ray authoring software, Click to Disc, to version 2.0 that was recently bundled with its Japanese update to the L-Series Vaio hardware. It will include for the first time, in any Blu-ray authoring program, the ability to integrate several BD-Live options into a disc, including access to online web albums (Picasa) and also a Google map-based gallery solution
...
Sony hasn’t brought this outside Japan - yet - but Click to Disc users elsewhere should see this update sometime over the next few months.
...

Warner Home Video is bowing its first Blu-ray Disc/standard-definition/digital copy combo title with Inkheart on June 23.

Inkheart (pre-order May 19), a family adventure about books that come to life, is priced at $35.99 for the Blu-ray combo and $28.98 for the standard-definition single disc.

Warner joins a growing list of studios now offering combo releases in an effort to make Blu-ray more convenient, portable and therefore appealing to families considering the new format, including 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and MGM Home Entertainment with The Princess Bride, among other titles.

In addition to the standard DVD copy, the Inkheart Blu-ray combo also exclusively includes a digital copy of the film. Other Blu-ray exclusives are the featurettes “A Story From the Cast and Crew” and “From Imagination to the Page: How Writers Write.” There also is a BD Live-delivered commentary with Inkheart director Iain Softley.

Both the standard single disc and Blu-ray combo have the featurette “Eliza Reads to Us.”

Warner also will bow the title for Web-based and cable/satellite video-on-demand services, including Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, iTunes and Amazon Video on Demand, day-and-date with its Blu-ray/DVD release.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6651655.html?desc=topstory

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has reversed its policy of separate versions of its DVD and Blu-ray Disc releases for rental and sell-through accounts as it pertains to the library channel.

Libraries, which were to receive the studio’s stripped-down rental offerings, beginning with June titles will be able to order premium sell-through versions with added-value material such as digital copy, according to a notice obtained by VB.

Library media distributor Midwest Tape has informed its accounts that because of a large number of complaints, Fox has decided to reverse course on its strategy for libraries and make available sell-through versions of its releases.

The studio’s sell-through and rental versions are generally priced the same, so there is no additional cost to libraries to receive the beefier sell-through editions.

It’s not yet clear if this decision will trickle down to other types of DVD rental outlets.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6652259.html

Blu-ray technology takes features to mobiles
Full story here (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6652258.html).

App for iPhone, Blackberry, others launching next week
By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 4/17/2009

APRIL 17 | Blu-ray is about to go mobile.

BluFocus and NetBlender will debut an updated mobile app for the iPhone, Blackberry and other smartphones next week that will allow Blu-ray owners to transfer bonus and interactive features directly from their BD discs and players to phones.

Last warning: Sales figures posts are not news. Further posting of sales news will result in being banned from the thread.

Other not-news posts removed.

Panasonic developing 1080p twin-lens P2 camcorder for native 3D captures (http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/panasonic-developing-1080p-twin-lens-p2-camcorder-for-native-3d/)
by Darren Murph, posted Apr 20th 2009 at 5:09PM



... Currently, Panasonic's 3D Full HD Camera Recorder is merely a prototype, but it's made clear that the company intends to bring this to market as soon as possible. Essentially, the device will boast a twin-lens system for capturing 3D footage natively in 1080p, and all of the video streams will be stored on Panny's professional P2 cards. ...

China's high-definition Blu-ray products have been born all-round (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftech.sina.com.cn%2Fe%2F2009-04-22%2F14023027460.shtml&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8)

Own proprietary technology to obtain all-round support for industry

Sina Tech News on April 22 to promote China's high-definition optical disc industry Union today released Blu-ray high-definition products in China (CBHD), This indicates that high-definition Blu-ray Disc Industry in China has entered a new stage of development. This unprecedented product launch of "China's Blu-ray, integration and innovation" as its theme, from the industrial and information related to the leadership of the Department, including TCL, a new Branch, in the recorded singing Warner Corporation and the responsible persons of enterprises attended the news conference.

China's high-definition Blu-ray format (CBHD) applied 4-6 (FSM) modulation, CECT navigation, AVS audio and video codecs, such as a number of independent intellectual property core technology, CD-ROM for single-double-layer capacity of 15GB/30GB. CBHD high-definition DVD using a blue laser to read, 1080P Full HD quality, multi-channel digital surround sound, a perfect match-wide high-definition (Full HD) television and home theater, shocking for consumers to enjoy audio and video.

TCL, a new, Chinese music Corporation, Tsinghua Tongfang countries such as CD-ROM project, Tsinghua University Cooperative Research Center, China Institute of Electronic Science and Technology Corporation, the third research units such as, after years of painstaking development of technology to overcome many production, as well as legal difficulties, CBHD has finally completed the layout of a complete industrial chain. Conference demonstrated the CBHD players and high-definition disc program, announced the official beginning of sales in the market. This format has been Warner, including the United States at home and abroad, including many of the support of content providers.

Tsinghua University, Optical Memory National Engineering Research Center, said Lu, deputy director: China has a population of more than one billion potential market can support their own independent high-definition optical disc system, CBHD has not only effectively reduce the disc player and the cost, but also more suited to the needs of Chinese consumers. The development of the Chinese CBHD discs have begun to enjoy the field of patents and the right to speak, would reduce the royalties, so that the existing industrial base can fully play its role. CBHD of China's information industry, CD-ROM copy of audio-visual publishing industry as well as provide new opportunities for development.

As we all know, China is the world's largest producer of optical discs. At present, China's DVD player output of about 100 million each year the size of Taiwan, the world's production accounted for more than 80%. Other related products such as PC peripherals, CD / CD-ROM drive to burn the production accounts for 70 percent of global production, has a huge industrial base. CD replication industry is similar to CD-ROM copy of existing enterprises in China more than 120, including read-only DVD copy more than 80 enterprises, more than 500 head copy line; DVD recorder to copy more than 40 enterprises, more than 700 head copy line. This chain of more than 120 industry related enterprises, means that at least tens of billions of dollars of investment. In this case, if the existing industrial base to abandon completely the use of the BD format, the audio publishing industry in China is a huge waste of the cost. Therefore, the birth of China's Blu-ray CBHD industrial base for the continuation and development is very important.

CD-ROM format to promote not only dependent on technological progress and, more importantly, to promote industry and market. Department of Public Works under the guidance of the letter to set up "China to promote high-definition optical disc industry Union (CHDIA)", the domestic and foreign content providers, CD-ROM disc manufacturers, CD-ROM production equipment providers, broadcast equipment manufacturers, component providers and broadcast equipment hardware and software vendors and other related businesses united to promote the building of a complete industrial chain of China's Blu-ray and mature healthy market.

CBHD has a variety of video resources. Hollywood giant Warner, China Record Corporation, has launched dozens of album CBHD high-definition. Warner recorded Fang Lin, general manager, said: in 2009, recorded CBHD format Warner plans to issue at least 100 large, in order to provide a more rich Chinese families, a more perfect family entertainment!

Warner Bros. launches new trade-in program for HD DVD owners. Get Blu-ray versions of your HD DVD movies.

WHV has announced a new program, "Red2Blu,"for those who want to upgrade titles they currently own on HD-DVD to Blu-ray. By visiting Red2Blu.com, consumers can trade up virtually any of their WHV HD-DVD titles (up to 25) for the same title on Blu-ray for a small fee plus shipping and handling. For details and restrictions, visit Red2Blu.com. "Red2Blu" is available to residents of the United States only.

http://red2blu.com/

Sony touts interactive features for Blu-ray (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i2b46d200e6140dd0d13966a94c48996d)
In the latest move to push interactive features of Blu-ray Discs, Sony on Wednesday hosted an industry event on its lot to demo so-called BD-Live capabilities built into the high-def format.
...
"I like to say we're just at the 'Pong' stage of BD-Live, if you were to compare it to the video game industry," Bishop quipped.

That sort of glib honesty seemed to be the order of the day.
...
But if BD-Live has had a sluggish start in the marketplace, Sony touted several nifty applications for recent Blu-ray releases as evidence of its compelling possibilities. Sony has offered some sort of BD-Live features on 80 of its home entertainment titles since June.

For "Casino Royale," it was a peer-to-peer trivia game. On "Step Brothers," viewers were able to produce a customized music video using disc content.

A "CineChat" feature on "The Da Vinci Code" allows viewers to chat with one another about the film and potentially can be used for filmmaker Q&A sessions.
...
Warner Home Video's BD-Live applications included a well-received BD-Live interview with "The Dark Knight" helmer Christopher Nolan.

Ultimately, studio execs hope Blu-ray's interactive features will help broaden consumers' embrace of high-def discs, which has struggled to gain a firm footing in the marketplace amid tough economic conditions
...

RED blows away small room of videophiles with 4k RED RAY footage at half the bitrate of MiniDV
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/25/red-blows-away-small-room-of-videophiles-with-4k-red-ray-footage/

G.E.’s Breakthrough Can Put 100 DVDs on a Disc (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/technology/business-computing/27disk.html?_r=1&th&emc=th)


General Electric says it has achieved a breakthrough in digital storage technology that will allow standard-size discs to hold the equivalent of 100 DVDs...

In G.E.’s approach, the holograms are scattered across a disc in a way that is similar to the formats used in today’s CDs, conventional DVDs and Blu-ray discs. So a player that could read microholographic storage discs could also read CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs. But holographic discs, with the technology G.E. has attained, could hold 500 gigabytes of data. Blu-ray is available in 25-gigabyte and 50-gigabyte discs, and a standard DVD holds 5 gigabytes.


To view the entire article may require you to go through the N.Y. Times' free registration process.

Larry

SMPTE Outlines Requirements for New 3-D Standard (http://www.multichannel.com/article/210430-SMPTE_Outlines_Requirements_for_New_3_D_Standard.php)
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers has released a report on the requirements for standards for the creation of 3-D stereoscopic content viewable on television sets and other home-entertainment displays.
...
The task-force report deals with the requirements needed for the so-called 3-D Home Master. This is the 3-D content that producers would deliver to various distribution platforms -- Blu-ray, game consoles, cable systems, broadcasters, broadband, mobile and other technologies that might deliver 3-D content to the home.
...
The report calls for the 3-D Home Mastering standard to use the 1080p format at 60 frames per second, the highest level of image formatting currently available. It also specifies that the 3-D home master be compatible with a variety of other products, including Blu-ray discs, and requires that these home masters work with earlier formats and displays so that 3-D content can be displayed on existing two-dimensional TVs and other displays.
...
Symes said he expects the first consumer-electronics devices are compatible with the standard to make their way into homes in 2010.
...

Warner Home Video is offering a $1.99 digital copy of Friday the 13th with the title’s standard-definition DVD release, marking a point of difference with the Blu-ray edition, which carries a digital copy on disc for no extra cost.

Friday the 13th will street June 16 on DVD and Blu-ray, day and date with cable/satellite and Web-based video-on-demand services.

This 12th installment of the horror franchise grossed about $65 million in U.S. theaters.

Both single-disc standard DVD versions, Friday the 13th Theatrical Cut and Friday the 13th Killer Cut are priced at $28.99. The titles feature links to an online digital copy, presumably accessible through individual registration codes received after the $1.99 payment.

The Friday the 13th Blu-ray version, priced at $35.99, embeds the copy on disc for no extra fees.

Studios, including Warner, have been increasingly adding free digital copies to titles to boost their attractiveness. Warner is one of the few companies to now charge for the extra.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6654878.html?industryid=47213

Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player Launches, by Invitation Only
Full story here (http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2631)

OPPO One of the most anticipated hardware releases in Blu-ray history is finally going to materialize. After a protracted beta-testing and early-adopter sale program, Oppo Digital is releasing the BDP-83 to the general public – or at least, those in the public that had emailed the company showing interest in the player. The first units will ship in May.

JVC XV-PB1 Blu-ray player surprises with 1080p MPEG-4 MKV support (http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/04/25/jvc-xv-pb1-blu-ray-player-surprises-with1080p-mkv-support/)
The first Blu-ray player to come to the U.S. from JVC, the XV-PB1, hasn't received a lot of hype since its CES reveal, but that might change now that it appears to be one of the first supporting MKV playback, following the Oppo BDP-83 and LG BD390.
...
We're reached out to JVC to confirm what buyers can expect from the XV-PB1, but with MKV on top of BD-Live, network streaming from PCs and reportedly extremely fast load times this $299 player might reshuffle the list of most desired Blu-ray hardware

U-Tech Media obtains 50GB Blu-ray Disc-ROM certification from BD Association (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20090505PD202.html)
Taiwan-based pre-recorded optical disc maker U-Tech Media on May 4 announced it has obtained certification from the Blu-ray Disc (BD) Association for producing 50GB singe-sided double-layer BD-ROM (pre-recorded) format discs, the first company in Asia outside of Japan to gain such certification. The company expects to begin shipments in the third quarter of 2009.
...

Denon outs 2009 line of Blu-ray players, AV receivers and headphones (http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/11/denon-outs-2009-line-of-blu-ray-players-av-receivers-and-headph/)
DBP-2010CI ($699; shipping in July) - Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player, onboard Ethernet, BD-Live / BonusView support, DivX HD playback, support for AVCHD, Anchor Bay Technologies VRS processing, upconversion and IP scaling to 1080p/24, RS-232c support, HDMI / component / composite video outputs

DBP-1610CI ($499; shipping in July) - Same as above sans Anchor Bay chip and RS-232c

Wal-Mart Steps Up Its Game in Electronics Aisle (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124260342750528573.html)
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is revamping the electronics departments in its more than 3,500 U.S. stores this week, ramping up an aggressive battle with Best Buy Co. and Amazon.com to seize customers up for grabs due to the demise of Circuit City Stores Inc.
...
Wal-Mart is adding to its assortment of higher-end televisions by manufacturers Sony Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co., and broadening its array of Blu-ray disc players and movies as it expands a strategy of selling top brands at lower prices than rivals offer.
...

SMPTE prepares for 3-D to the home

While the debate continues on whether consumers are willing to buy new HDTV sets and wear funky glasses in their living rooms to view 3-D content, the Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers (SMPTE) is preparing for the future of television.See full article (http://broadcastengineering.com/hdtv/smpte-prepares-home-0518/).

Blu-ray Disc Assn. takes on 3D home standards (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6659180.html?nid=3511)
The Blu-ray Disc Assn. has formed a 3D task force to formally integrate advanced 3D technology into the Blu-ray format.
...

If you want to buy a new Blu-ray Disc title, chances are it will cost $5 to $10 more than the standard DVD version of the same movie. Renting the Blu-ray also might cost more than renting the DVD—or it might not.

Netflix leads a faction of rental retailers who argue that because Blu-ray carries a higher wholesale cost, they have to charge more in rental fees. Many indie stores, including members of Video Buyers Group, Massachusetts’ Video Zone and Illinois’ People’s Choice Video Express are in this camp.

Blockbuster, however, insists it can operate smoothly without charging extra, as well as better compete with outlets that do ask for more. Regional chains TLA Video and DVD Now! are among other stores charging the same for Blu-ray and DVD rentals.

Netflix admits that it has angered some of its customers with its Blu-ray rental premium. For much of last year, Netflix charged $1 more per month across its subscription plans for customers who wanted to rent Blu-ray. Starting last month, however, the company raised the premium on its popular ‘three titles out at a time’ and higher-end ‘eight titles out at a time’ plans to $4 and $9 monthly, respectively. Netflix’s entry-level subscription continues to charge $1 extra.

“There was a vociferous outcry in the first couple of days, but this was a very small minority,” said Netflix spokesman Steve Swasey. “[Blu-ray] is a much more expensive format. Prices will eventually come down, but in the meantime, as long as they are more expensive to buy, then we’ll need to base the [rental] price on these higher costs.”

“We want to encourage Blu-ray rental, so we’ve left prices the same as standard DVD for now,” said Tom Paine, owner of Redmond, Wash.’s DVD Now! “But we’ll reserve our options for the future.”

Blu-ray currently makes up just 3% of DVD Now!’s revenue, but that’s a 336% leap from the same time last year.

Similarly Philadelphia-based TLA Video, which has less than 5% Blu-ray revenue, hopes to encourage customers to try high-definition by not attaching a premium.

“It’s really more of a fact that I want to grow the market, and [higher pricing] is a deterrent,” said TLA general manager/buyer Adrian Hickman.

Blockbuster’s Barr says that the company intends to stick with its no premium position even as the format does become more popular with consumers.

“We have no plans whatsoever to change,” he said. “If there is a shift toward the Blu-ray format, we are fine. We have found no reason to discriminate at all between the two.”

There are a number of rentailers, in addition to Netflix, that are just as convinced that premiums are the way to go. Hoping to curb any pain, some work to limit the amount of the differential charged to $1 or less.

“One dollar extra is still a helluva value,” said VBG president Ted Engen. “It’s a better deal than buying. It’s not like we are charging $10 more. But because we pay more for them, the rental price is higher.”

Many VBG members charge a $2 to $2.50 premium on previously-viewed Blu-ray versions over standard DVD counterparts.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6660098.html

Just as an FYI to that last statement regarding Blockbuster.

They are in fact charging a premium here in Canada for BR rentals. At least they are in Quebec and Ontario where it is $1.00 more to rent a BR than a regular BD.

Cheers

Acorn Media U.S. has expanded its relationship with ITV Global Entertainment by making a deal to distribute more than 300 hours of ITV Global’s programming on DVD and Blu-ray Disc in North America.

The deal includes continued distribution of the British series Agatha Christie’s Marple and Agatha Christie’s Poirot, which are Acorn’s bestsellers.

The deal also includes documentary programming for Acorn’s new Athena line of educational programs.

“The partnership commits to ongoing distribution of our highly successful long-running drama series, together with newly added programming,” said Carol Lee, VP of home entertainment North America at ITV Global.

“The ITV Global Entertainment catalog offers a wealth of opportunities for us to expand our range of programming,” said Mark Stevens, president of Acorn Media U.S.http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6662351.html

AACS Final Adopter Agreement (http://www.aacsla.com/license)

...
1. Requirements for Prerecorded AACS Content
...
1.2.1. Content Participant/Provider may assert the Digital Only Token only with respect to (a) Non-Consumer Products and/or (b) LCP Units Released in a given country within the first six (6) weeks after the first Theatrical Release of substantially similar Digital Entertainment Content in such country, provided that in the event of the circumstances set forth in this part (b), within six (6) months after such first Theatrical Release, Content Participant/Provider shall Release in such country LCP Units containing a version of such Licensed Content Product that does not assert the Digital Only Token.
...
1.3.2 Content Participants/Providers shall not, prior to December 31, 2010, direct Licensed Content Producers to embed the Image Constraint Token in Licensed Content Products offered for sale or other distribution in a country in which there was a government or quasi-government regulation or equivalent prohibiting the use of an Image Constraint Token, or equivalent, for scrambled or encrypted content as of November 30, 2005.
...
1.4 Image Constraint Token and Digital Only Token Disclosure. If Content Participant/Provider has directed that the Image Constraint Token and/or Digital Only Token be set with respect to a particular LCP Unit, then the fact that such Image Constraint Token and/or Digital Only Token (as applicable) is set shall be disclosed by the Content Participant/Provider to the consumer either (i) on such LCP Unit’s product packaging; or (ii) only in the case of a consumer product, by other reasonable means that allows the consumer to be aware at the point of initial purchase that the Image Constraint Token and/or Digital Only Token (as applicable) is set with respect to such LCP Unit.
...
2. Licensed Player Compliance Requirements
...
2.2.2.1 Analog Sunset – 2010. With the exception of Existing Models, any Licensed Player manufactured after December 31, 2010 shall limit analog video outputs for Decrypted AACS Content to SD Interlace Modes only. Existing Models may be manufactured and sold by Adopter up until December 31, 2011. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Adopter may continue to manufacture and sell an Existing Model in which the implementation of AACS Technology is a Robust Inactive Product after December 31, 2010 provided that when such Robust Inactive Product is activated through a Periodic Update, such Periodic Update results in a Licensed Player that limits analog video outputs for Decrypted AACS Content to SD Interlace Modes only.
...
2.2.2.2 Analog Sunset – 2013. No Licensed Player that passes Decrypted AACS Content to analog video outputs may be manufactured or sold by Adopter after December 31, 2013.
...
TABLE C1 AACS Authorized Copying Methods
...
When a copy of Decrypted AACS Content is authorized, either by CCI or by an Online Transaction for Managed Copy, a Licensed Copier may make such copy using AACS Authorized Copying Methods defined in the table below pursuant to the requirements of this table, the Specifications and this Agreement.
...
AACS Prepared Video
Obligated Managed Copy Resolution: Full Resolution
...

A few articles about the AACS Final Adopter Agreement:
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=2849
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/08/aacs-finalize-death-to-analog-in-2013/

Final Specifications (http://www.aacsla.com/specifications/)

HD DVD and DVD Books

•HD DVD and DVD Pre-recorded Book Rev 0.95 (246KB, pdf) - Posted June 5, 2009

•HD DVD and DVD Prepared Video Book Rev 0.95 (171 KB, pdf) - Posted June 5, 2009

•HD DVD and DVD Recordable Video Book Rev 0.95 (782 KB, pdf) - Posted June 5, 2009Interesting

Pioneer's Blu-ray player trio gets official in the US (http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/05/pioneers-blu-ray-player-trio-gets-official-in-the-us/)
...
Right on the heels of the UK announcement, Pioneer's trifecta of Profile 2.0 Blu-ray decks -- the BDP-120, BDP-320 and pictured BDP-23FD (known as the BDP-LX52 in European trim) -- got their official US intro to the tune of $299, $399 and $599, respectively.
...

Managed copy due next year (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6664863.html) (Click for full story)

JUNE 11 | DIGITAL: Beginning next year, studios and other content holders will be required to give consumers the ability to make one copy of any Blu-ray Disc they buy.

Dubbed “managed copy,” the requirement has long been planned for the Blu-ray format, but has only just been finalized by the Advanced Access Content System License Administrator, a consortium of studios, hardware manufacturers and technology companies that licenses the AACS copy protection used on Blu-ray Discs.

Sony Opens Australian Blu-ray Facility (http://www.homemediamagazine.com/sony/sony-opens-australian-blu-ray-facility-16065) (Click for full story)

Sony DADC opened a new, multimillion dollar Blu-ray Disc replication facility in Australia June 10, the first such facility in the southern hemisphere.

Transformers Blu-ray owners get an early peek at the sequel via BD-Live (http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/06/12/transformers-blu-ray-owners-get-an-early-peek-at-the-sequel-via/)
So many months later, new downloadable content is arriving for those Transformers Blu-ray discs, with Paramount planning to unleash a ton of promotional content for Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen on June 16. Owners of the DVD version can use their access key to log on to a special website, while BD-Live connected Blu-ray owners can view the 25~ minutes of special features directly through their players.
...

Comments and duplicate posts removed. Managed copy tangent split off into its own thread.

China market: CBHD to face competition from Philips 2,000-yuan Blu-ray Disc player (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20090614PD200.html)
China-based Shinco and TCL, currently the two vendors of CBHD players, are expected to face strong competition from Philips plans to launch a 2,000 yuan (US$293) Blu-ray Disc (BD) player in the China market in July 2009, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

Although CBHD movie discs are priced much lower than BD movies (50-70 yuan versus 175-230 yuan), only Warner Bros. among the top eight movie studios in Hollywood supports CBHD, the sources pointed out.
...

Blu-ray may have won the war against HD-DVD, but American consumers aren't exactly warming to the high-definition disc format.

According to a new Harris Poll, more U.S. homes have a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player compared to a year ago, but adoption is slow. Only 7 percent of Americans own a Blu-ray player, up from 4 percent in 2008; while 11 percent have an HD-DVD unit, up from 6 percent a year ago.

I suspect that HD-DVD's slightly higher popularity is due to the fact that HD-DVD players were cheaper than their Blu-ray competitors, and hence were more appealing to early adopters. Of course, now that HD-DVD has gone the way of Betamax, it's certain to fade away quickly.

The popularity of high-def physical media gets a boost if you factor in the 9 percent of U.S. consumers who own a Sony PlayStation 3, which plays Blu-ray discs too. Still, consumers' lack of interest in Blu-ray is bad news for proponents of the HD disc format. Only 7 percent of survey respondents who don't own a Blu-ray player say they're likely to buy a Blu-ray unit within the next year, down from 9 percent in May 2008.

Nearly half of U.S. consumers now own a high-definition TV, according to the Harris poll. Add that to the fact that prices of both Blu-ray players and discs are falling rapidly, and consumer indifference to HD players is a telling sign.

The online poll by Harris Interactive surveyed 2,401 U.S. adults between April 13 and 21, 2009.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/166936/why_doesnt_anyone_want_a_bluray_player.html

http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/pubs/Harris_Poll_2009_06_18.pdf

Sony Brings Movie Database To BD-Live (http://www.twice.com/article/CA6666327.html?industryid=23099)
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) introduced Thursday a real-time movie database called MovieIQ, which will be accessible through the BD-Live feature on new Blu-ray Disc players.

The system, which is powered by Gracenote’s Video Explore engine, can be accessed by a MovieIQ-enabled Blu-ray Disc and an Internet-connected Blu-ray player. It offers continuously updated information on cast and crew, and explores relevant trivia such as production facts, music and soundtrack information all tied to scenes within the movie, Sony said.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment plans to feature MovieIQ on new Blu-ray Disc titles starting in September.
...

Sales figures posts removed. The Harris Poll is right on the line of being a sales figures post as there is no news in that post about High Definition Disc Technology, which is what this thread is for. But, I'll leave it, for now.

Doc

Zoran Corporation Settles Outstanding Litigation With DTS and Obtains Blu-ray License (http://www.zoran.com/Zoran-Corporation-Settles)
Zoran Corporation (NASDAQ: ZRAN), a leading provider of digital solutions for applications in the digital entertainment and digital imaging markets, today announced that it has settled all outstanding litigation with DTS and has obtained a license for all DTS related technologies required for Blu-ray products.

Zoran expects to roll out its integrated single chip solution for Blu-ray products by the end of the year and to leverage its existing position in the DVD market to establish a leading position in the Blu-ray market. Zoran looks forward to working with DTS going forward.

Vizio To Expand LED Assortment, Blu-ray Models (http://www.twice.com/article/CA6667032.html)
...
As for the company’s previously announced Blu-ray Disc player, Schindler said it now plans to launch its VBR100 BD-Live ready Blu-ray Disc as a Walmart exclusive in late July, carrying a $188 selling price. The player will support BD-Live interactive extras when an optional 1GB (or larger) USB thumb drive is connected to the player’s USB 2.0 port.

Vizio will follow up in the November/December time frame by offering the VBR110 Blu-ray player with similar features and price point for the rest of its retail customers, Schindler said.

Schindler said Vizio is also considering offering specially priced bundles of TVs and Blu-ray Disc players to maintain the strong demand for its brand, which recently reached the No. 1 LCD TV market share position in the United States, according to several first-quarter market research studies.
...

Toshiba Chief Hints At Launching Blu-Ray Disc Ops (http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/e/fr/tnks/Nni20090624DA4J6246.htm)
Toshiba Corp. (6502) President Atsutoshi Nishida did not rule out the possibility of selling DVD recorders using the Blu-ray Disc format when addressing shareholders at the firm's general meeting here Wednesday.

"It makes no sense to decide not to enter the Blu-Ray market simply because we lost the DVD-format war. We cannot change the fact that we lost, but we would like to keep our options open," he said.

Toshiba pushed for global adoption of its HD-DVD format, but failed to gain sufficient support from major U.S. movie studios. This prompted the firm to pull out of its HD-DVD operations in spring 2008, declaring at that time that it would not handle Blu-ray products.

But Nishida's latest remark appears to indicate that Toshiba is considering reversing that decision in light of the significant growth in the market for these products.

BDA, Adams Dispute Harris Survey on Blu-ray (http://www.homemediamagazine.com/blu-ray-disc/bda-adams-dispute-harris-survey-blu-ray-16189)
The Blu-ray Disc Association is challenging the accuracy of a June 18 Harris Poll, which says that as of April, more Americans owned an HD DVD player (11%) than a Blu-ray Disc player (7%).

The BDA on June 25 said the Harris survey doesn’t mesh with actual shipping and sales numbers for Blu-ray, pointing to Adams Media Research data that puts the numbers closer to nearly 8% for Blu-ray and less than 1% for HD DVD.
...
Tom Adams, president of Adams Media Research, blamed the survey findings on consumers’ inability to identify what exactly is next to their TVs.

"Some people believe a DVD player on an HDTV is high-def. There's just so much confusion out there," Adams said. "Everybody makes mistakes" he said of the Harris survey "but we have models that show those numbers just can't be true."
...

Oppo’s Budget High End Blu Ray Player Now Shipping (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Oppo/HD_Gear/Product_Announcements/Oppo’s_Budget_High_End_Blu_Ray_Player_Now_Shipping/2999)
Hailed as the entry level high end Blu-Ray Player to own, the Oppo BDP-83 is finally available for wide release.
...
The BDP-83 began shipping from various internet retailers or directly from Oppo beginning July 6th.

Bright Stage Media, a new company formed this year by home entertainment and technology vets Randy Malinoff and Brian Johnson, has developed a BD-Live e-commerce application that will allow viewers to get information about, share and buy select items they see in Blu-ray Disc movies. The company said the technology will be used on a major studio Blu-ray release in August, though it would not specify the title.

“Actively engaging consumers with a product online—to identify it, obtain information about it and buy it—is a potent way for content owners and advertisers to forge lasting relationships with consumers. From these relationships come enhanced brand awareness and loyalty. Enhanced brand awareness and loyalty translate into maximum long-term revenue streams for content owners and advertisers,” Malinoff said in a statement.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6669901.html

Toshiba to produce Blu-ray Disc players (http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/20090720TDY01302.htm)
Toshiba Corp., which lost the battle to become the high-definition DVD standard format to the consortium that promoted the Blu-ray Disc format, plans to enter the Blu-ray market, according to sources.

The electronics maker will introduce play-only models that read Blu-ray Discs and DVDs by the end of the year.

According to the sources, Toshiba was aiming to recover from its setback by developing a next-generation technology that would supersede the Blu-ray format, but it changed the policy because the market is growing too big to ignore, the sources said.
...
Toshiba will start with play-only models because it perceives demand for Blu-ray recorders is unlikely to increase.
...
The company will consider producing Blu-ray recorders based on the demand it sees after entering the market, the sources said.
...

A few articles about this article:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/18/toshiba-launching-bd-18-blu-ray-player-by-years-end/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/168670/toshiba_will_sell_bluray_player_this_year.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090719/ts_afp/japanelectronicscompanytoshiba_20090719032151

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is introducing a new line of Blu-ray Disc features tied to iPhone apps, allowing consumers to do everything from watching extras on the go to controlling content on their TV screen with their phone.

The first app will launch July 28 on Apple’s App Store tied to Universal’s two-disc Blu-ray special edition Fast & Furious. Consumers with a wi-fi-connected Blu-ray player can download the free app for their iPhone or iPod Touch and then use the touch screen on their phone to control interactive content on their TV from the “Virtual Car Garage” bonus feature. By touching the screen, users can check out views of the street racers in the film and see technical specs.

“Bridging these platforms further broadens the scope of the digital landscape by paving the way for innovative new applications and interactive content enhancements that continue to uniquely engage consumers,” Craig Kornblau, president of USHE and Universal Pictures Digital Platforms, said in a statement announcing the new features.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6672080.html

Toshiba to produce Blu-ray Disc players (http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/20090720TDY01302.htm)


A few articles about this article:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/18/toshiba-launching-bd-18-blu-ray-player-by-years-end/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/168670/toshiba_will_sell_bluray_player_this_year.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090719/ts_afp/japanelectronicscompanytoshiba_20090719032151

UPDATE:


Meanwhile, the company also used the occasion to officially address unattributed reports out of Japan that the company was preparing to market Blu-ray Disc players and/or recorders for various international markets beginning in 2010.

The company said: "It is true that we are discussing this [Blu-ray entry] issue and will deal with it with flexibility, but we have not made any decision at this moment."

The company said that due to economic conditions, its XDE up-converting DVD players continue to sell well as step-up alternatives to entry up-converting DVD models, and are more affordable options to the purchase of most Blu-ray players.

http://www.twice.com/article/316202-Toshiba_Unveils_19_Stainless_Steel_DVD_LCD_TV_Combo_Set.php

An upcoming Lexicon Blu-ray player will provide loading times less than five seconds.
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Lexicon-Blu-Ray-DVD-bluray,news-4303.html

Sony announces two new 400 disc BD megachangers:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10293079-1.html

The BDP-CX960 ($800, coming in the fall) and BDP-CX7000ES ($2,000, coming in August) both hold 400 Blu-ray Discs and use Gracenote's VideoID and MusicID service to automatically retrieve disc data over an Ethernet connection. That's big news, as our biggest complaint with Sony's older DVD megachanger was how tedious it was to manually enter program data.

Mr Zoid

Panasonic's DMR-BW970 Blu-ray DVR squirrels away 2TB of your video (http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/27/panasonics-dmr-bw970-blu-ray-dvr-squirrels-away-2tb-of-your-vid/)
In parts of the world where Blu-ray DVRs are available, there's not a lot to be done in the way of new features or radical improvement. They've already got a lot of the convergence features ironed out, but one thing every media-saturated home can use is more storage. Enter Panasonic's new DMR-BW970 Blu-ray DVR with a capacious 2TB of hard drive storage, which means that by the time you sift through its hundreds of hours of recordings, new content will be popping up in the library.
...

Non-technology posts removed. Sales figures and title availability discussions go elsewhere. Thanks.

Doc

Toshiba Applies to Join Blu-ray Disc Association (http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2009_08/pr1001.htm)
Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) announced today that the company has applied for membership of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and plans to introduce products that support the Blu-ray format.

As a market leader in digital technologies, Toshiba provides a wide range of advanced digital products, such as DVD recorders and players, HDTVs and notebook PCs that support a wide range of storage devices, including hard disk drives (HDD), DVD, and SD Cards. In light of recent growth in digital devices supporting the Blu-ray format, combined with market demand from consumers and retailers alike, Toshiba has decided to join the BDA.

Toshiba aims to introduce digital products that support the Blu-ray format, including BD players and notebook PCs integrating BD drives, in the course of this year. Details of the products, including the timing of regional launches, are now under consideration. We will make announcements in due course.

Interview: Toshiba Responds to Blu-ray Move (http://www.trustedreviews.com/home-cinema/news/2009/08/10/Interview--Toshiba-Responds-to-Blu-ray-Move/p1)
It's only Monday and already potentially the biggest news of the week has arrived: Toshiba adopts Blu-ray. I had a brief chat with Olivier van Wynedaele, assistant general manager of marketing and consumer products at Toshiba Europe, to find out more.

It's an obvious question, but why now?

"It's an obvious answer but because we want to manufacture Blu-ray products. We have had our eye on Blu-ray since HD DVD and have seen the format mature and prices have come down making products more affordable. There's also the development of BD Live, something which brings essential online capabilities and offers something beyond a purely physical format - so it became time to consider it. Especially in the UK, Japan and US where it is taking significant shares of the market even if it remains well below DVD."

...

In hindsight was the HD DVD and Blu-ray format war necessary?

"We thought it was the best technology at that time. The best solution for manufacturing and for immediately available Internet capacities. But HD DVD is done, rest in peace, and it is only Blu-ray. Yes it was worth the fight at the time, but now we move on."

Sony 3D Blu-ray coming in 2010? (http://www.cnet.com.au/sony-3d-blu-ray-coming-in-2010-339297894.htm)
...
At a Sony Blu-ray briefing in Sydney this morning, visiting Japanese honcho Yoshinami Takahashi, the deputy senior general manager, Home Entertainment Group, Sony Corporation, confirmed that 3D Blu-ray discs and players would most likely hit the market in October or November of 2010.

Takahashi said that the movie studios were close to reaching agreement on the final format for 3D Blu-ray, a decision he predicted would be finalised by the end of 2009.* He then thought it would be another nine months for Sony Blu-ray-capable players to enter the market. A 3D-capable television and the familiar 3D glasses, of course, are still critical elements of the mix.
...

Click fo full story: Blu-ray Production to Start in South America (http://www.homemediamagazine.com/blu-ray-disc/blu-ray-production-start-south-america-16733)

By : Chris Tribbey | Posted: 13 Aug 2009
ctribbey@questex.com

Brazil’s Microservice Tecnologia Digital will be the first disc manufacturer in South America to roll Blu-ray Discs off its production lines, the company said Aug. 13.

Sony unveils slimmer PS3: $300, lands in September (updated!) (http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/sony-debuts-slimmer-ps3)
Hardly a surprise, but Sony got on stage today at GamesCom and confirmed what we've all known deep down in our hearts: the new, slimmer PS3 is really real. It'll be out in the first week of September (September 1 in North America and Europe, September 3 for Japan), and will retail for $300 (or 300 Euro, or 29,980 Yen). It's smaller and lighter, has a 120GB HDD, and packs "all the same features" of the regular PS3 while consuming 34 percent less power and taking up 32 percent less space.
...
Other new features of the PS3 slim include BRAVIA Sync, which allows you to control the PS3 XMB over HDMI through your BRAVIA TV remote, and System Standby to shut off the PS3 when the BRAVIA TV is off. Sony also claims this new machine will run more quietly than existing PS3 systems, which is good news for people who like to watch movies or have conversations in the general vicinity of their game console. There's also a Vertical Stand, which will retail for $24. Not so awesome is Sony's removal of the Install Other OS feature... farewell, Linux. We hardly knew thee.

IFA 2009: Sony Press Conference (http://www.trustedreviews.com/tvs/news/2009/09/03/IFA-2009--Sony-Press-Conference/p1)
So IFA doesn't even officially open for two days, but already Sony has got its press conference out of the way and boy, did it have a lot to say...

As I mentioned in our IFA Preview, the big news Sony wanted to promote was its intention to bring 3D television viewing to its high end consumer sets in 2010. Little was given away about the set (Sony suggested it may only be one model), other than it will have a 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels image per eye) and will be part of 3D makeover Sony intends to introduce including 3D on its Blu-ray disc formats and 3D compatibility built into Vaio laptops and the PlayStation 3. Sony will market 3D under a ‘make.believe' slogan - so expect to see it speared across billboards over the next 12 months. And yes, you cannot photograph 3D!
...

Blu-ray Disc Association Provides Updates on 3D Technology (http://www.businesswire.com/news/topix/20090901006755/en)
The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) today announced its plans for incorporating 3D into the widely successful Blu-ray Disc format. The rapid and enthusiastic consumer adoption of Blu-ray Disc, coupled with the format’s technical capabilities and capacity make it the ideal format for bringing a vibrant 3D experience to consumers.

“The BDA intends to take full advantage of the format’s high bandwidth and capacity to achieve the very highest possible quality 3D experience,” said Victor Matsuda, Blu-ray Disc Association Global Promotions Committee Chair. “Just as Blu-ray Disc has paved the way for next generation, high definition home entertainment, it will also set the standard for 3D home viewing in the future.”

The BDA, comprised of major motion picture studio, IT and consumer electronics companies, is working on a uniform specification to ensure consistent delivery of 3D content across the Blu-ray Disc Platform. The Association is examining a number of criteria and at a minimum, the specification will require delivery of 1080p resolution to each eye and backward compatibility for both discs and players, meaning that 3D discs will also include a 2D version of the film that can be viewed on existing 2D players and 3D players will enable consumers to playback their existing libraries of 2D content.
...

Toshiba BDX2000 Blu-ray player coming November for $250, gives HD-DVD the final cold shoulder

http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/toshiba-bdx2000-blu-ray-player-coming-november-for-250-gives-h/

'Deadlands 2: Trapped' on… HD-DVD??!! (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Anthem_Films/Disc_Announcements/Deadlands_2:_Trapped_on…_HD-DVD!!/3382)
You heard that correctly. Anthem Films is bringing Gary Ugarek's indie zombie film to the defunct format in a limited edition.

'Deadlands 2: Trapped' will be released on HD-DVD on October 27. What makes the release special is that it will come with a numbered certificate of authenticity and will be limited to 500 copies.
...

Sony will launch its first Netflix-streaming Blu-ray Disc player, the BDP-N460, this October.

Announced today at consumer electronics installers’ conference Custom Electronic Design & Installation Assn., the model also will offer online content from the company’s Bravia Internet Video platform, as well as access to YouTube and Slacker programming. The BDP-N460 is tagged at $250.

Sony earlier announced that its Bravia HDTV line would carry Netflix streaming starting this fall.

Web-based movie streaming is becoming a standard feature for a number of latest generation Blu-ray players. Samsung and LG have long offered Netflix streaming on its Blu-ray players. Samsung is additionally set to offer Blockbuster on-demand movies through its Blu-ray players this fall. Panasonic launched Amazon Video On Demand for its Web-enabled Blu-ray players earlier this year.

For much of last year, Sony was considered the top seller of Blu-ray stand-alone players. But Samsung edged into the lead in 2009, and its momentum is partly credited to its decision to support Netflix streaming on most of its models.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6695609.html

LG Electronics and Sony Electronics made the first home entertainment splashes at the annual Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo, opening the show Sept. 9, introducing new Blu-ray Disc players and HDTVs.

Sony Electronics introduced its BDP-N460, a networked, wireless Blu-ray Disc player that will retail for $250 in October, and will include both free and premium on-demand content, from services such as Netflix, YouTube, Slacker and more.

Chris Fawcett, VP of home audio and video for Sony Electronics, said that despite the economic downturn, consumers are still spending money on home entertainment.

“Holiday 2009 is starting to look very promising,” he said.

Meanwhile, LG Electronics announced it is expanding its partnership with high-definition streaming movie service Vudu to its wireless network Blu-ray Disc player, the BD390 ($399). At the end of September, owners of the player will be able to upgrade for access to Vudu for free. LG’s “NetCast Entertainment Access” set of features also includes Netflix, Roxio CinemaNow and YouTube.

Tim Alessi, director of new product development for LG Electronics’ home entertainment division, said consumers could expect more LG products to include NetCast features in the future. He specifically highlighted the 2,200-plus high-def movies that Vudu offers.

“That’s more high-def movies than are currently available on physical disc for Blu-ray,” he said. “Our intention, as the market continues to grow, is to release more products with connectivity.”

Alain Rossmann, CEO of Vudu, added, “Following the recent launch of Vudu on LG HDTVs with NetCast Entertainment Access, LG’s BD390 Network Blu-ray player provides the perfect opportunity for anyone in the market for a Blu-ray player to enjoy VUDU’s extensive HD movie library in superior 1080p video quality and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound.”

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/blu-ray-disc/blu-ray-players-get-connected-cedia-16989

New Sony Blu-ray Player Integrates Streaming Internet Video for Ultimate Home Entertainment Experience (http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS229723+09-Sep-2009+PRN20090909)

Offering the best of full HD 1080p and streaming Internet video, Sony today introduced the BDP-N460 networked Blu-ray Disc(TM) player.

Beside playing Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, the device instantly streams one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment from the BRAVIA(TM) Internet Video platform including thousands of movies, TV programs, and music from YouTube, Slacker, and, later this fall, Netflix.
...
The BDP-N460 can decode the latest advanced audio codecs including 7.1 channel Dolby(R) TrueHD and Dolby(R) Digital Plus, DTS(R)-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio. The model can also output 7.1 channel L-PCM via HDMI after decoding.
...
Available in October, the BDP-N460 will be offered at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, at military base exchanges, and at authorized retailers nationwide for about $250.

Note that this is the press release from Sony which includes information on audio decoding.

From Home Media Magazine (http://www.homemediamagazine.com/blu-ray-disc/singulus-passed-60-worldwide-blu-ray-production-lines-16953):

Germany-based Singulus Technologies said Sept. 3 it has installed more than 60 Blu-ray Disc production lines worldwide, including new lines in Japan and Brazil.

The company also said demand for Blu-ray production in America and Europe is growing faster than DVD’s first couple of years from 1997 to 1999.

New Feature-Rich Sherwood Blu-ray Player and A/V Receiver Deliver Superior Audio and Video Performance (http://www.noydcom.com/press_release/sherwood/blu-ray/)

Sherwood America Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high performance audio and video equipment, announced today the release of their latest Blu-ray player, the BDP-5004, and a high-performance A/V receiver, the RD-8504. The BDP-5004 has an MSRP of $199.95 and will be available in October. The RD-8504 has an MSRP of $599.95 and will be available in September. Both components will be on display in booth 1269 at CEDIA Expo in Atlanta, September 10 through 13.

Sherwood BDP-5004 Blu-ray Player
With video and audio performance that takes full advantage of the Blu-ray format, this Profile 2.0 player with BD-Live capability can play Blu-ray discs at 1080i, 1080p60 and 1080p24, as well as scale standard DVDs to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p , through its HDMI 1.3 output. Both Deep Color and XV Color are supported. Onboard decoding is provided for Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio high-resolution audio formats, as well as for Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus.

In addition to its HDMI 1.3 output, the BDP-5004 has component and composite outputs, with the component outputs accommodating 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolutions. Additional audio outputs include a coaxial digital output and a 2-channel analog down mix output, as well as 5.1 channel analog outputs for playback of high-resolution surround material through receivers lacking HDMI inputs. 192 KHz/24-bit digital to analog converters ensure superb audio quality on the analog outputs.
...

Perhaps the most exciting Blu-ray Disc player introduced at the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) show isn’t just a Blu-ray player.

Code-named “Project ET,” the network entertainment concept player includes audio and video playback for physical media, Internet access and home theater control capabilities, all in one device.

“And it also has a Blu-ray drive,” said Andy Parsons, SVP of corporate communications and new product planning for Pioneer. “We can put it in a box like this, we can put it in a TV. It’s a platform, not just a box.”

The platform allows consumers to store their movies, music and photos in the same place they can access social networking sites, shop online and control other devices in the living room. Downloaded and streamed movies and music can be viewed on a home theater system using a networked PC. The ET has I TB of data storage.

“Now that broadband speeds have increased to a level that lets users access high-definition quality content from the Internet, we are able to consider a network platform like Project ET, which is based on a unique home theater approach to delivering networked content and services into the living room,” said Russ Johnston, EVP for home entertainment business solutions group for Pioneer.

Pioneer reps showed off ET’s capabilities with a Blu-ray copy of Bolt, which Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment made special for the company. Just a few clicks had the digital copy of the film loaded onto the system, while other Bolt and Disney products were shown for sale. Users could Tweet, via Twitter.com, their rating of the film while they watched.

There are roughly 20 content companies, including YouTube, Netflix and Picasa, offering their product on the ET, but none of them are tied to the system permanently, with consumers able to pick from which companies they want to access content.

There’s not yet a release date or price for the ET.

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/blu-ray-disc/pioneers-multiplatform-player-leads-among-cedia-announcements-17015

From engadgethd (http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/yamaha-adds-two-new-models-to-its-blu-ray-lineup/)

Now if you love Yamaha but couldn't stomach the price of the BD-S2900, then you'll be happy to hear about its new little brothers, the BD-S1900 (pictured) and BD-S1065 which are $699 and $599. Both have just about every Blu-ray related feature a HD videophile is looking for, like BD Live and full audio codec support. The main difference you get to enjoy for the additional benjamin is RS-232 control, detachable power cord, aluminum front panel and gold plated output terminals.

Sharp Develops Semiconductor Laser for Triple, Quadruple-layer Blu-ray Discs (http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20090911/175178/)
Sharp Corp developed a blue-violet semiconductor laser whose optical output is as high as 500mW under pulsed operation for use in Blu-ray Disc (BD) recorders.

It has an oscillation wavelength of 405nm and a capability of writing at 8x speed on triple- and quadruple-layer Blu-ray discs. The company started volume production of a blue-violet semiconductor laser with 320mW pulsed output in June 2009.

Sharp has not decided when to mass-produce the new blue-violet semiconductor laser because the specifications of triple or more layer Blu-ray disc have not been determined yet. However, the company claimed that it is now ready to commercialize the laser.
...

Video: First working Blu-ray Managed Copy demo (http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/09/10/video-frist-working-blu-ray-managed-copy-demo/)
Just because Pioneer isn't in the plasma business anymore doesn't mean the company is dead, and one of the new points of focus over there is on media aggregation. So part of the new do-it-all Entertainment Tap concept Pioneer was displaying today included a demo of storing Managed Copies of Blu-ray Discs on a hard drive. The copy itself was done in about 4x real time (dependent on the drive's speed) and looked great thanks to some hardware transcoding.
...

As early as this holiday season, Internet-connected Blu-ray Disc players could be multipurpose, networked set-tops, thanks to a new software solution from Related Content Database (RCDb) and Videon Central.

The software package the companies have created will be made available to Blu-ray player manufacturers and would enable Blu-ray players to load applications and connect with third-party services and content. In other words, content owners could potentially offer their product directly through the players and consumers could download applications to facilitate the process, instead of relying solely on embedded offerings.

“We know consumers are looking for convenient, instant gratification. They like the promise of the Internet,” said RCDb CEO Zane Vella. “We’re looking to help consumer electronics manufacturers make Blu-ray players the best audio and video available and the gateway to all things digital.”

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/blu-ray-disc/cos-turn-bd-players-network-devices-17143

Ritek will issue up to 250 million news shares to raise additional paid-in capital mainly to expand its monthly Blu-ray disc (BD) production capacity from one million units currently to two million. The expansion is scheduled to be carried out in the fourth quarter of 2009, according to the Chinese-language newspaper Economic Daily News (EDN).
Ritek has seen increased OEM orders motivating the expansion, EDN indicated.

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20091005PB200.htm

Xbox 360 to go Blu, says Ballmer
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/10/22/ballmer_bluray_xbox/

Xbox 360 to go Blu, says Ballmer
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/10/22/ballmer_bluray_xbox/

Already been shot down:
http://majornelson.com/archive/2009/10/22/we-have-no-plans-for-blu-ray-on-xbox-360.aspx

Managed copy requirements delayed (http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6705943.html)

Players not yet ready to offer backups for Blu-ray discs

NOV. 6 | DIGITAL: Come December, studios and anyone else releasing movies on Blu-ray Disc will be required to offer consumers a backup copy of every Blu-ray disc they buy.

But, because no Blu-ray players in the market yet have the capability to make the backups, it’ll be meaningless for consumers in the immediate future. So, the group that administers the provision is delaying some requirements for studios until the second quarter of next year.

The long-planned managed copy requirement goes into effect Dec. 4, as part of the final licensing agreement for AACS, the copy protection used on Blu-ray discs. The final agreement was approved in June by the Advanced Access Content System License Administrator, a consortium of studios, hardware manufacturers and technology companies that licenses the AACS copy protection used on BD. Up to now, studios and Blu-ray companies have been operating under an interim agreement.

Studios and other Blu-ray licensees must sign the final agreement to keep using Blu-ray. So far, 600 companies worldwide have done so, AACS-LA chair Michael Ayers said. Once content holders sign, they must make all discs ready for managed copy, essentially including a link on the disc directing the Blu-ray player to an authentication server.

The way managed copy is expected to work is that a consumer would insert their disc in a Blu-ray player or drive and the disc’s menu would include an option to make a managed copy or the consumer might have to press some buttons on their Blu-ray device to make a copy. Once they choose the option to make a copy, the Blu-ray player connects online to an authorization server, run by a studio, supplier or the AACS-LA. Discs are serialized, and the authentication server will determine if a copy is allowed.

However, until Blu-ray player manufacturers begin offering players with the ability to make full-resolution back-up copies, the managed copy addition on discs will be unnoticeable to consumers.

Manufacturers aren’t ever required to make players that offer managed copy, and so far, no manufacturer has announced plans to do so. However, backers say they expect some devices in the next year, with PC drives likely to be the first products to support managed copy.

In the meantime, that means Blu-ray discs will come out managed copy-ready without any player support.

That’s why the AACS-LA has pushed back the start date for some managed copy requirements from the first quarter to the second. Studios and content holders aren’t required to promote and label discs as managed copy-ready until March 31. That’s when the AACS-LA expects to have its authentication servers up and running, Ayers said.

Ayers said he hasn’t yet heard of any manufacturers announcing plans to include managed copy support, and AACS-LA is trying to make sure that studios aren’t required to promote managed copy before managed copy-capable devices are on the market.

Once devices are out, Blu-ray owners who have purchased discs made after Dec. 4 will already have managed copy-ready movies.

The hope, Ayers said, is once devices are in the market and studios start promoting it, consumers will have a “ready-made library of movies to take advantage of managed copy.”

Studios will be able to charge for those backups and offer more than one copy. They also may choose to offer managed copy rather than a digital copy, which is more expensive to add to a disc.

Managed copies can be burned to recordable Blu-ray or DVD discs, as a download to a Windows Media DRM-compatible portable player or hard drive, on a memory stick, SD card or as a bound copy, such as a digital copy file on the disc, though AACS-LA can approve other methods going forward.

It is possible that Walt Disney Studio’s Keychest and whatever format the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem chooses as its standard could be approved as managed copy backups, Ayers said. Neither Disney nor the DECE has approached AACS-LA about that, though the group “would be interested in them taking part,” he said.

Extending physical media by making it the "license" to access streams from any device. Very sweet consumer win!

Blu-ray Disc and DVD won’t be left out of the digital movie revolution.

Two upcoming proposals to make digital content playable on a broad range of devices from connected HDTVs to mobile phones, both attempts to make digital movies more appealing to consumers, could also extend the life of DVD and Blu-ray once digital takes hold.

Both Walt Disney Studios' Keychest technology and the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem would tie digital content to packaged media.

The idea is that a customer could buy the latest Blu-ray movie at a Best Buy or any other store, then access that same movie through a set-top box on their TV, at a hotel on the road or through a mobile phone or other device that's part of the content ecosystem.

Disney is expected to unveil more details about its Keychest technology in the coming months. Keychest would allow consumers to buy a movie once and access it digitally through a broad range of connected devices from Disney partners. Rather than download digital content, movies would be stored on a digital cloud and be accessible through different devices. There would be some sort of authentication to verify what content a user has access to.

The DECE is working to develop an open digital standard that would be adopted across its 45-member companies, which range from every major studio except Disney to Comcast, Intel, Microsoft and Best Buy. Digital movies bought under the DECE standard would be tied to digital content accessible through any other connected device using the DECE standard.

Disney hasn’t said when it plans to introduce its technology; DECE backers are hopeful that the group will approve a standard in the next year.

In the meantime, most major studios already include digital copy on major disc releases, allowing consumers to watch a film on their computer, iPod, PlayStation Portable or other device.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6705939.html