For all the
digital download pundits who are quick to harp on the "limited viewing window" of downloadable material, chew on this. In a move that can only be described as "miraculous progress," Japan's own
Tsutaya has somehow twisted the arms of four US film companies in order to allow HD content to be recorded to Blu-ray Discs or other optical media (up to two times) for later viewing. Initially, the Tsutaya TV on acTVila will have around half of its library (412 titles and growing) available for burning, and while details are somewhat fuzzy, we are told that HDTV video can be exported "without down-conversion" to BD-Rs, DVD-Rs and
iVDR-S media. Of course, AACS protection will be applied, but this is infinitely more convenient than that whole
Qflix disaster. Better still, we're told that future improvements will include down-converting HD content for use on portable devices (think
Digital Copy), and it's anticipated that the downloadable films will be available
day-and-date with hard copy releases. The rub? Each film will cost around ¥3,675 ($40), so for now, you're still better off heading to the store. Still -- focus on the progress, people, progress.
posted Dec 11th 2008 12:15PM
Is this the "blue-ray" secret for the new MacBook?
No built in blu ray for Macs yet.
Oo sounds promising. They're rental service is the best here in Japan. Looking forward to to burning some BD-Rs!
Sounds very promising. But the price is going to have to come WAY down for people to take advantage of that. I'll just stick with my DVDfab until then...
Only in Japan...TSUTAYA's market share would make Blockbuster cry.
I think Netflix's market share here is currently what's making Blockbuster cry.
god. don't even get me started. aacs. ugh. 4 letters: 09 F9
That's only one letter... : /
i guess :P
I still like walking into a store and buying packaged DVD's that I can watch and covert as much as I want. Burning downloads is ok for stuff I don't care too much for but for stuff I really like I have to have the packaged product....... That and my Internet connection sucks and has a cap!
$40, doesn't make much financial sense.
It looks like Tsutaya's "Sell Through" service is ¥3,675, which allows you to view the movie at will, while their "Rent Through" service is only ¥600 with a 1-2 day viewing window. All in all, those are about what movies cost in Japan, so I'd say it'll be a hit.