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Sony announces high-end Blu-ray player
"Breaking this year's IFA mould and not just announcing yet another new flat-screen telly, Sony has unveiled a Blu-ray player for those that laugh in the face of the credit crunch.
Given the catchy title of BDP-S5000ES, this new BD player by Sony offers some nifty new features. Top of the list is the sci-fi sounding HD Reality Enhancer, which is said to reduce jaggies and film grain by continuously analysing your Blu-ray disc's video stream, making for a much smoother movie watch.
Alongside this, Sony has added a bitmapping tool into the equation. This is meant to brighten and enhance colour, bringing 8 bit video depth to 14 bit. All this video enhancing sounds impressive and is almost impressive as the player's sound which decodes and bit streams ALL audio formats. Nice..." "Breaking this year's IFA mould and not just announcing yet another new flat-screen telly, Sony has unveiled a Blu-ray playe... more -
Microsoft supports Blu-ray mastering in Windows; is Xbox 360 next? Let's hope...
Finally giving up the last vestiges of its exclusive support for the HD DVD format, Microsoft has quietly launched a beta test of Windows-based mastering software for Blu-Ray discs.
Microsoft's new Image Mastering API update for Blu-Ray media is now available for download from the Microsoft Connect Web site as part of Windows Feature Pack for Storage, a software package in pre-release for Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server platforms.
The Blu-ray update offers the ability to do master-style optical burning on Blu-Ray media on Windows without the use of third-party software, according to information posted on the site.
The downloadable feature pack also contains pre-release editions of two other programs: a Smart Card Driver, with support for new form factors such as ICCD/CCID; and Active Storage Platform, for restricting access to portable devices such as USB Flash cards through certificate or password authentication.
But there's no clear indication yet, either on the site or elsewhere, as to whether the release of the Mastering API for Windows platforms might also signal a shift toward the Blu-ray bandwagon for Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console, which uses its own embedded OS.
Microsoft spokespersons who deal with these sorts of issues were temporarily unavailable today to answer that question. The company does note on its Connect site, though, that some of the technologies in the feature pack "require new hardware that may not be available."
According to information on the developers' site, Microsoft is releasing the beta "in order to get coverage on any legacy scenarios and install/uninstall scenarios."
Update ribbon (small)
4:05 pm EST August 19, 2008 - Minutes after the publication of this story today, Microsoft issued a statement to BetaNews continuing the company's policy of denying any plans to support Blu-Ray in the Xbox 360 game console. The company is still refuting any such intentions, despite the recent release of beta software from Microsoft supporting Blu-Ray disc mastering on Windows platforms.
"As we have stated, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-Ray drive for Xbox 360," a Microsoft spokesperson told BetaNews this afternoon. "Games are what drive consumers to purchase game consoles and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available."
When BetaNews asked about Microsoft's plans for Xbox earlier in the day, the appropriate spokespersons were unavailable for comment. Finally giving up the last vestiges of its exclusive support for the HD DVD format, Microsoft has quietly launched a beta test of Wind... more -
Microsoft Windows To Support Blu-ray HD Content
"Microsoft's decision to add direct Blu-ray support to Windows may signal a broader move by the company to embrace the format, developed by Sony, at least partly. In the HD wars, Microsoft initially placed itself in the HD DVD camp by introducing an external disc player for its Xbox 360 console capable of playing the Toshiba format. However, Toshiba's decision in February to effectively kill off HD DVD may have left Microsoft with little choice but to warm up to Blu-ray. And though Microsoft competes fiercely with Sony in the console market, it also partners closely with the Japanese electronics maker in the Windows PC market -- a fact that may have contributed to Redmond's decision to support Blu-ray on Windows." "Microsoft's decision to add direct Blu-ray support to Windows may signal a broader move by the company to embrace the forma... more
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Le vendite di Blu-Ray registrano un incremento del 300%
In seguito all’ufficialità della “morte” del supporto Toshiba, meglio noto come HD-DVD, era lecito aspettarsi un incremento delle vendite di Blu-Ray, data anche la capillare diffusione di TV HD specie in USA. Eppure le attese sono anche state superate sotto certi aspetti.
Il formato Sony - su cui la compagnia nipponica ha fortemente puntato, modellando su di esso buona parte delle sue strategie - nella prima metà del 2008 ha generato introiti pari a 200 milioni di Dollari: il dato significativo consiste nel generosissimo incremento rispetto a un anno fa, quando registrava meno del 33% delle cifre attuali. In seguito all’ufficialità della “morte” del supporto Toshiba, meglio noto come HD-DVD, era lecito aspettarsi un incremento delle vend... more -
Sony makes you a Blu-ray offer you can't refuse
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is targeting April 8 as the date it will release its first batch of Blu-ray Disc titles that can be connected to the Internet for more bonus materials and features.
The musical spoof "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story" and the Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi thriller "The 6th Day" will be the studio's first two BD-Live titles. Their release coincides with the launch of a new software update for Sony's PlayStation 3 that makes the game console the first Blu-ray player with Internet connectivity, an ability known as "Profile 2.0."
Ultimately, all Blu-ray players will be Profile 2.0. When the format launched in June 2006, Blu-ray players were of the basic Profile 1.0 kind, meaning they could offer neither picture-in-picture nor Internet connectivity, something the doomed HD DVD rival format offered from Day 1. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is targeting April 8 as the date it will release its first batch of Blu-ray Disc titles that can be c... more -
Microsoft: "No blu-ray for Xbox"
Despite previous rumours that Microsoft were keen to purchase the license to equip the Xbox360 with a blu-ray player, a Microsoft executive has squashed the rumours saying that:
"Xbox is not currently in talks with Sony or the Blu-ray Association to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience.”
Sony allegedly reported against these claims earlier in the week when Sony CEO, Stan Glasgow announced that Microsoft and Sony were 'in talks' about getting a Blu-ray drive for its Xbox 360 console.
I wonder if Sony has realised that the PS3 will now have a monopoly on the console market, the Wii and Xbox 360 don't have blu-ray capabilities and according to the latest reports don't look set to get them in the near future, meaning Sony's initial slow sales might see a turnaround.
Do you think Sony will let their main rivals snap up some blu-ray loving? Despite previous rumours that Microsoft were keen to purchase the license to equip the Xbox360 with a blu-ray player, a Microsoft exec... more -
Reznor makes $750,000 even when the music is free
This may perhaps be the new model for making money and using torrents and even infamous pirating site "The Pirate Bay" for music once again.
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails released the first part of his album for free and uploaded in The Pirate Bay for anyone to download. A higher quality version is available for $5, and digital versions of all four parts are available for $10 including CD versions of them. $75 and $300 deluxe versions were also released which included things like Blu-Ray format and typical "Special Edition" material (behind the scenes fodder, deluxe packaging, etc.)
He made $750,000 in three days. Multiple price points may be the way to go. This may perhaps be the new model for making money and using torrents and even infamous pirating site "The Pirate Bay" for m... more -
Sony paid Warner Bros. $400 million to go Blu-ray...allegedly...
"Howard Stringer made history in 2005 for being the first non-Japanese executive to take the helm at Sony Corp. But he may be better remembered as the one who won the high-definition war, erasing the stain on the electronics firm's image ever since it lost the videotape war two decades earlier...
...What remains a mystery is just how big a push Warner needed to pick sides. Analysts say Sony only prevailed following a heated bidding war against Toshiba, with the reward reaching as much as $400-million (U.S.). Neither side has confirmed the size of any bids or payments."
Interesting "Howard Stringer made history in 2005 for being the first non-Japanese executive to take the helm at Sony Corp. But he may be bet... more -
It's official. Blu-ray has won the format war
HD DVD has been pronounced dead by a Toshiba press release stating that they will discontinue HD DVD business. No, they haven't fully embraced Blu-ray instead... they're sticking to standard DVD for now. HD DVD has been pronounced dead by a Toshiba press release stating that they will discontinue HD DVD business. No, they haven't f... more
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Toshiba Prepares for HD-DVD death
Toshiba, the creator of HD-DVD, is beginning to acknowledge the end of HD-DVD is near. After the move for Netflix to Blu-Ray only, and the 1/2 sales going on in stores and in Amazon.com, things do not look good. Betamax, anyone? Toshiba, the creator of HD-DVD, is beginning to acknowledge the end of HD-DVD is near. After the move for Netflix to Blu-Ray only, an... more
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R.I.P. HD-DVD ... Porn arrives On Blu-Ray
RIP HD-DVD DOA
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Microsoft Switch Reverse It...
According to Gamermode, the latest company to jump on the Blu-Ray bandwagon is none other than Microsoft iteslf, the backers of the rival HD-DVD format.
So it seems that XBOX 360 Will Be Spinning The Blu-Ray.
In the bigger picture, this format battle has been a bit boring, not living up to the Betamax vs. VHS battle or even surpassing the almost 'secret' launch of the Sony's Minidisc as an alternative to CD. Got to love Microsoft, always have a 'plan b,' regardless if it means going back on your original ideas. According to Gamermode, the latest company to jump on the Blu-Ray bandwagon is none other than Microsoft iteslf, the backers of the ri... more -
HD-DVD Dead?
The departure of Warner Bros. from the HD-DVD camp last week left only Paramount/Dreamworks and Universal standing by the format. The Financial Times are reporting that part of Paramount Studio's deal with the HD-DVD camp included a get-out clause. Said clause would be triggered when and if Warner turned coat and signed with Blu-Ray. Oops. Paramount are now "poised" to do just that, leaving the vast majority of studios aligned with team Blu-Ray and HD-DVD dead in the water. The departure of Warner Bros. from the HD-DVD camp last week left only Paramount/Dreamworks and Universal standing by the format. The... more
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Warner Bros. to Only Sell Blu-Ray Discs
In a move that could tip the balance of power in a format war over the next-generation of DVDs, Time Warner Inc.'s Warner Bros. Entertainment said it plans to release high-definition movies exclusively in the Blu-ray format, in the process dealing a major blow to rival HD DVD.
The move means the rival HD DVD format, which is backed by Toshiba Corp., will be left with support from just two major studios: Universal Pictures and Viacom Inc.'s Paramount Pictures. The other major studios ? Warner Bros., Sony Corp., Walt Disney Co., News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox? are committed to Blu-ray exclusively. The two formats are incompatible, meaning that buyers of HD DVD players cannot play movies issued in Blu-ray, and vice versa. In a move that could tip the balance of power in a format war over the next-generation of DVDs, Time Warner Inc.'s Warner Bros. E... more -
HD DVD vs. Blu-ray the battle continues
Was there a war going on? Apparently there was. Besides competitive discounts and offers, a Blu-ray hack happened last Friday when visitors to the Blu-ray site were redirected to the site for HD-DVD format. WOAH! CRAZY!
Whose side are you on? Was there a war going on? Apparently there was. Besides competitive discounts and offers, a Blu-ray hack happened last Friday when vi... more -
Mitsubishi planning 3D Blu-ray player
"...The demo was run from a massive Dell desktop and output onto a large DLP set. In an effort to inject new life into the fading rear-projection category, the company's pitch was that the 3D technology worked with existing DLP TVs and projectors (due to DLP's native 120Hz refresh rate, which allows you to split it into 60/60 for 3D) but not with LCD and plasma displays.Most of us were pretty impressed by the demo, which included clips from movies, commercials, and sporting events. There was real depth to the 3D and you got that whole feeling of things poking out at you from the screen. All the demo material had been shot in 3D, but the kicker to the whole presentation was that Mitsubishi apparently has a Blu-ray player in its labs that can convert existing 2D movies into 3D on the fly. Better yet, according to company reps, it may be available early next year." "...The demo was run from a massive Dell desktop and output onto a large DLP set. In an effort to inject new life into the fading... more
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Paramount, Dreamworks dropping Blu-ray in favor of HD DVD exclusivity
"Affiliations in the HD DVD vs. Blu-ray format war have been pretty clearly defined for nearly two years now -- despite a hybrid player here and some international releases there, most of the players involved have not switched support since the early days. Well that's all about to change, as Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks Animation -- which started off HD DVD only before deciding to go both ways -- have officially announced plans to release movies exclusively on HD DVD, dropping Blu-ray support entirely. This means that hits like Transformers, Shrek the Third and Blades of Glory won't follow Mission: Impossible III as cross-format releases when they debut this holiday season. Paramount has released about 30 movies on Blu-ray so far, but those days have come to an end: apparently cheaper HD players trump a 2:1 sales advantage. We can't wait to see how the Blu-ray camp responds to this." "Affiliations in the HD DVD vs. Blu-ray format war have been pretty clearly defined for nearly two years now -- despite a hybrid ... more
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