Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Universal HD DVD Exclusivity Deal Expired
In what seems like another falling domino for the HD DVD camp, it is being reported that Universal is no longer obligated to support HD DVD exclusively. This following the news that Paramount has a clause in its contract to allow themselves to switch sides if others like Warner were to go Blu.
Update: Universal has denied the rumors of a possibility in dropping HD DVD support in favor of Blu-ray. They also go on to reaffirm their support in the HD DVD format. Although like the Paramount situation, they haven't exactly denied the reports of their HD DVD exclusivity contract ending.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Rumor: Paramount Dropping HD DVD in Favor of Blu-ray?
The Financial Times is reporting that Paramount/Dreamworks has a contract clause allowing them to back out of their HD DVD exclusivity deal. An apparent move brought upon by Warner's announcement to release only on Blu-ray starting June 1 of this year. Should this decision be made it would surely hasten the demise of HD DVD as a viable media format as a whole.
On August 20, 2007, Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures and DreamWorks Animation, announced they would no longer be supporting the Blu-ray Disc format. Citing HD DVD's lower consumer equipment and disc replication costs (due to its similarities to the standard DVD format), all future Paramount/Dreamworks titles will be released exclusively on HD DVD.
Update: Paramount is denying the reports of a switch. Although this doesn't go against the rumor of whether or not they have a clause in their contract to switch back to supporting Blu-ray.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Funai Releasing Sub-$300 Blu-ray Player
Budget brand Funai has revealed its plans to release their first Blu-ray player to market. Not many tech details available save for the fact that the player supports Profile 1.1. Its worth mentioning that the player will be released under Funai's Sylvania brand rather than Funai itself.
Sony BDU-X10S Internal Blu-ray Drive
CES continues with new Blu-ray product launches this time in the form of a $200 PC drive by Sony. The drive will not feature any burning capabilities built-in (BD nor DVD) but is instead meant to complement an existing DVD burner. The drive will feature a SATA interface and the standard 5.25-inch form-factor. The drive is scheduled to ship later this month and is now available on Amazon for pre-order (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-BDUX10S-Blu-ray-Disc-ROM-Internal/dp/B000YJ2QC2).
Source: http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/computer_peripheral/dvd_cd_burners/release/32521.html
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Philips BDP7200 Blu-ray Player Announced
Philips joins the roster of companies announcing new Blu-ray players at CES. This one is pretty standard with mandatory Profile 1.1 support. Not much info on advanced audio codec support yet - if any.
The player is to be available in April for $349.
Source: http://www.ces.philips.com/press_release_bluray.html
Samsung Announces New Blu-ray/HD DVD Combo Player
Samsung has revealed the BD-UP5500 Blu-ray/HD DVD player combo player at CES - despite the apparent upcoming demise of the HD DVD format that some are proclaiming. Standard Blu-ray Profile 1.1 compliance and full BD-Java and HDi support are featured. Release date is expected to be sometime in the second-half of 2008.
Source: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080106005088&newsLang=en
Update: The player is to carry an MSRP of $599 - not bad for a combo player.
Panasonic Unveils Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player
Panasonic has unveiled their newest Blu-ray player - the DMP-BD50. This time with full Profile 2.0 certification and BD-Live support. The player also internally decodes both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for those that lack an HDMI receiver capable of decoding the advanced codecs. 7.1 analog output is also featured. Price and release date TBA.
On November 1, 2007, the Grace Period Profile was superseded by "Bonus View" as the minimum profile for new players released to the market. With the exception of the PlayStation 3, profile 1.0 players cannot be upgraded to be Bonus View compliant. On December 17, 2007, the PlayStation 3 became Bonus View 1.1 compliant through PlayStation 3 System Software version 2.10.
When software authored with interactive features dependent on "Bonus View" hardware capabilities are played on profile 1.0 players some features may not be available or may offer limited capability. Profile 1.0 players will still be able to play the main feature of the disc, however.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Michael Bay Gives His Thoughts
If there was ever any doubt into which high-def movie format Micahel Bay supports, its Blu-ray.
His comments on the Warner situation:
"Well another studio down. Maybe I was right? Blu ray is just better. HD will die a slow death. It's what I predicted a year ago. Now with Warner's down for the count with Blu Ray. That makes it easier for Wal-Mart to push Blu Ray. And whatever Wal-Mart pushes - wins. Hd better start giving out those $120 million dollars checks to stay alive. Maybe they can give me some so I can give it to my Make-A-Wish charity, just to shut me up. Have faith people Transformers will come out in Blu-ray one day."
Friday, January 4, 2008
HD DVD CES Press Conference Canceled
Those in the HD DVD camp seem to be in a panic after Warner's recent announcement to drop HD DVD support.
“Based on the timing of the Warner Home Video announcement today, we have decided to postpone our CES 2008 press conference scheduled for Sunday, January 6th at 8:30 p.m. in the Wynn Hotel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.We are currently discussing the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluating next steps. We believe the consumer continues to benefit from HD DVD’s commitment to quality and affordability – a bar that is critical for the mainstream success of any format.We’ll continue to keep you updated on new developments around HD DVD.”
Source: http://wesleytech.com/ces-hd-dvd-event-canceled-due-to-warner-announcement/483/
Update: I've come across an interested tidbit of info that points to both 20th Century Fox and Warner's original plans to announce HD DVD exclusivity at CES. Fox pulled out of the deal at the last minute which left Warner in a tough spot. They made the decision to instead support Blu-ray with the intention of ending the format war. All rumor and speculation at this point but worth mentioning none the less.
“Based on the timing of the Warner Home Video announcement today, we have decided to postpone our CES 2008 press conference scheduled for Sunday, January 6th at 8:30 p.m. in the Wynn Hotel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.We are currently discussing the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluating next steps. We believe the consumer continues to benefit from HD DVD’s commitment to quality and affordability – a bar that is critical for the mainstream success of any format.We’ll continue to keep you updated on new developments around HD DVD.”
Source: http://wesleytech.com/ces-hd-dvd-event-canceled-due-to-warner-announcement/483/
Update: I've come across an interested tidbit of info that points to both 20th Century Fox and Warner's original plans to announce HD DVD exclusivity at CES. Fox pulled out of the deal at the last minute which left Warner in a tough spot. They made the decision to instead support Blu-ray with the intention of ending the format war. All rumor and speculation at this point but worth mentioning none the less.
Toshiba Comments on Warner Decision
Looks like Toshiba was caught by surprise. Wonder how this will affect the CES keynote.
TOKYO, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba is quite surprised by Warner Bros.' decision to abandon HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray, despite the fact that there are various contracts in place between our companies concerning the support of HD DVD. As central members of the DVD Forum, we have long maintained a close partnership with Warner Bros. We worked closely together to help standardize the first-generation DVD format as well as to define and shape HD DVD as its next-generation successor.
We were particularly disappointed that this decision was made in spite of the significant momentum HD DVD has gained in the US market as well as other regions in 2007. HD DVD players and PCs have outsold Blu-ray in the US market in 2007.
We will assess the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluate potential next steps. We remain firm in our belief that HD DVD is the format best suited to the wants and needs of the consumer.
Source: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,250140.shtml
Update: In what seems to be a hint of good news for the HD DVD format, it appears that New Line and HBO (both Warner subsidiaries) are not affected by the announcement. They are at this time still format neutral. This also includes BBC titles that Warner distribute here in the US.
Update 2: New Line has confirmed a decision to follow parent company Warner in it's Blu-ray exclusivity. I think it goes without saying, but this means that the Lord of the Rings trilogy will be exclusive to Blu-ray.
Official: Warner Goes Blu-ray Exclusive
In what might be a crushing blow to the HD DVD format, Warner Bros. Entertainment has decided to exclusively support Blu-ray starting May 2008. Even more interesting is the fact that Warner is scheduled to attend the HD DVD press conference at CES.
Here is the full press release:
WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE ITS HIGH-DEFINITION DVD TITLESEXCLUSIVELY IN THE BLU-RAY DISC FORMAT BEGINNING LATER THIS YEAR
Decision Made in Response to Strong Consumer Preference for Format
(January 4, 2008 - Burbank, CA) - In response to consumer demand, Warner Bros.Entertainment will release its high-definition DVD titles exclusively in theBlu-ray disc format beginning later this year, it was announced today by BarryMeyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. and Kevin Tsujihara, President, WarnerBros. Home Entertainment Group.
"Warner Bros.' move to exclusively release in the Blu-ray disc format is astrategic decision focused on the long term and the most direct way to giveconsumers what they want," said Meyer. "The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger. Webelieve that exclusively distributing in Blu-ray will further the potential formass market success and ultimately benefit retailers, producers, and mostimportantly, consumers."
Warner Home Video will continue to release its titles in standard DVD formatand Blu-ray. After a short window following their standard DVD and Blu-rayreleases, all new titles will continue to be released in HD DVD until the endof May 2008.
"Warner Bros. has produced in both high-definition formats in an effort toprovide consumer choice, foster mainstream adoption and drive down hardwareprices," said Jeff Bewkes, President and Chief Executive Officer, Time WarnerInc., the parent company of Warner Bros. Entertainment. "Today's decision byWarner Bros. to distribute in a single format comes at the right time and isthe best decision both for consumers and Time Warner."
"A two-format landscape has led to consumer confusion and indifference towardhigh definition, which has kept the technology from reaching mass adoption andbecoming the important revenue stream that it can be for the industry," saidTsujihara. "Consumers have clearly chosen Blu-ray, and we believe thatrecognizing this preference is the right step in making this great homeentertainment experience accessible to the widest possible audience. WarnerBros. has worked very closely with the Toshiba Corporation in promoting highdefinition media and we have enormous respect for their efforts. We lookforward to working with them on other projects in the future.
Decision Made in Response to Strong Consumer Preference for Format
(January 4, 2008 - Burbank, CA) - In response to consumer demand, Warner Bros.Entertainment will release its high-definition DVD titles exclusively in theBlu-ray disc format beginning later this year, it was announced today by BarryMeyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. and Kevin Tsujihara, President, WarnerBros. Home Entertainment Group.
"Warner Bros.' move to exclusively release in the Blu-ray disc format is astrategic decision focused on the long term and the most direct way to giveconsumers what they want," said Meyer. "The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger. Webelieve that exclusively distributing in Blu-ray will further the potential formass market success and ultimately benefit retailers, producers, and mostimportantly, consumers."
Warner Home Video will continue to release its titles in standard DVD formatand Blu-ray. After a short window following their standard DVD and Blu-rayreleases, all new titles will continue to be released in HD DVD until the endof May 2008.
"Warner Bros. has produced in both high-definition formats in an effort toprovide consumer choice, foster mainstream adoption and drive down hardwareprices," said Jeff Bewkes, President and Chief Executive Officer, Time WarnerInc., the parent company of Warner Bros. Entertainment. "Today's decision byWarner Bros. to distribute in a single format comes at the right time and isthe best decision both for consumers and Time Warner."
"A two-format landscape has led to consumer confusion and indifference towardhigh definition, which has kept the technology from reaching mass adoption andbecoming the important revenue stream that it can be for the industry," saidTsujihara. "Consumers have clearly chosen Blu-ray, and we believe thatrecognizing this preference is the right step in making this great homeentertainment experience accessible to the widest possible audience. WarnerBros. has worked very closely with the Toshiba Corporation in promoting highdefinition media and we have enormous respect for their efforts. We lookforward to working with them on other projects in the future.
Logo for HD DVD 51GB Discs Approved
It seems that the DVD Forum has approved an official logo for the triple-layer HD DVD discs.
http://www.dvdforum.org/sc-letter-voting-40-41.htm
Is it just me or is it a little generic? Also, whats with putting ROM twice in the same image?
HD DVD-ROM has a single-layer capacity of 15 GB, a dual-layer capacity of 30 GB, and a 51 GB triple-layer disc (which uses slightly bigger 17 GB layers), approved in November 2007 by the DVD Forum. Toshiba has declined to say whether the 51GB, triple-layer disc is compatible with existing drives and players.
http://www.dvdforum.org/sc-letter-voting-40-41.htm
Is it just me or is it a little generic? Also, whats with putting ROM twice in the same image?
HD DVD-ROM has a single-layer capacity of 15 GB, a dual-layer capacity of 30 GB, and a 51 GB triple-layer disc (which uses slightly bigger 17 GB layers), approved in November 2007 by the DVD Forum. Toshiba has declined to say whether the 51GB, triple-layer disc is compatible with existing drives and players.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Blu-ray and HD DVD Statistics
Ever wanted to know what audio or video codec a certain movie was encoded in? How about which titles are exclusive to each format? All those questions and more can be answered be answered here:
Reminder: CES 2008 - January 7-10
Just a reminder to everyone that CES is only a few days away.http://www.cesweb.org/
The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a trade show held each January in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association. At the show, many previews of products are introduced, or new products are announced.
The show is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center with additional venues used for specific specialties. The CES is now considered one of the major technology-related trade shows, following the cancellation of Comdex.
Update: To take a look at the floor plan and to get a list of what companies will be attending refer to the following link:
http://www.cesweb.org/attendees/show_floor/floor_plans/default.asp
The Beginning
Hello, and welcome to High-Def Obsessed. This blog was created with the intention of providing news and info to others that share similar obsessions for high-definition content. Coverage will include High-Definiton movies (both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats), gaming, programming, A/V components or any other HD related hardware or software.
This blog is solely run by me: Justin Renauldo. Or better known as GGX in various internet forums and message boards. If I do not already know you, I hope this blog will interest you enough to bookmark for future reference.
Thanks for taking a look I appreciate your support.
This blog is solely run by me: Justin Renauldo. Or better known as GGX in various internet forums and message boards. If I do not already know you, I hope this blog will interest you enough to bookmark for future reference.
Thanks for taking a look I appreciate your support.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
