Blu-TV brings interactive IPTV to disc players, starting with the BDP-83
By Richard Lawler 
posted January 9th 2010 2:57PM
posted January 9th 2010 2:57PM
DREAMER ADDS FULL INTERACTIVITY TO BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS,
PROVIDING DIRECT CONTENT DISTRIBUTION AND ELIMINATING NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SET TOP BOXES
Dreamer to Demo Patented "Thin Client" Approach at CES 2010 that Expands Blu-Ray Disc Player Functionality to VOD, Online Shopping, Casual Gaming and Open Apps Marketplace
BURBANK, CA – Jan. 5, 2010 – Dreamer Corporation, a leader in interactive TV platforms, today revealed plans to demo its Internet connectivity solution and BluTV interactive television service at CES 2010 from January 7 – 10 in booth 10045. Dreamer's disruptive technology transforms CE devices, such as Blu-ray players, into HD set-top boxes that are capable of delivering unlimited services to the TV. The embedded Dreamer BluTV service offers content owners an opportunity for global distribution directly to the consumer's living room, without any third party involvement. Access to content channels can be made available through a disc or through devices that adopt the embedded BluTV service.
The possibilities for interactive content and services distributed through the BluTV portal and Dreamer are virtually limitless. The unique capabilities of the Dreamer software makes it possible to deliver much more than Video-On-Demand (VOD) services, transforming every Blu-ray player into an open applications marketplace, a gaming platform and a portal for unlimited eCommerce services. All of these offerings can be personalized by geographic region or even by specific players and Blu-ray Discs, giving content owners a dedicated, customizable channel directly into consumers' living rooms through a device already in widespread use.
"At-home media consumption patterns are rapidly evolving, with consumers blending online video viewing habits alongside traditional disc-based formats," said Dr. Won Baek, CEO and President of Dreamer. "BD-Live enables limited online interaction for consumers, but Dreamer greatly expands the promise of extended Blu-Ray content without excruciating load times every time the disc is read. Our BluTV platform also establishes an open applications marketplace for Blu-ray disc players, allowing content owners to reach consumers with widgets and tools that enhance and extend the entertainment experience."
Dreamer transforms Blu-ray Disc players into a full-featured HD set-top box, making it easy for consumers to browse, search and watch interactive content on their TV screens. The process is invisible to consumers and eliminates the need to add additional devices to their living rooms. Dreamer can be easily embedded on Blu-ray player chipsets through a small 100KB code, offering manufacturers a simple and affordable solution for adding connectivity to their devices. The Dreamer code pulls the content and services from a cloud-computing platform, allowing every application to load as fast as a Web page. This enables content owners to seamlessly update the channel at any time without any impact on the consumer experience.
"With Blu-ray Disc player adoption already outpacing initial growth patterns for VHS and DVD player purchases, Dreamer is the perfect solution to further extend the retail appeal of Blu-ray Disc players," said Perry Weinstein, general manager of Dreamer. "Our easy-to-use menu-based interface presents a familiar approach to consumers, but the underlying technology empowers content companies and CE manufacturers to easily expand and update content sent to consumers' living rooms. With Dreamer and BluTV, content owners will no longer be limited to offering only video/audio on demand (VOD) services. The Dreamer platform makes it possible to deliver product catalogs, e-commerce applications, casual games, social networking, advertising, web portals and much more, exponentially expanding the home entertainment experience through one simple and affordable device."
DREAMER BLU-TV INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE
ON OPPO DIGITAL BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS
Dreamer to Demonstrate Blu-TV Portal Integrated with OPPO BDP-83 Player at CES 2010, Offering Casual Games, Widgets, Enhanced Content and Web Features
LAS VEGAS, NV [CES Tradeshow Booth #10045] – Jan. 7, 2010 – Dreamer Corporation, a leader in interactive TV platforms, today announced that OPPO Digital, a leading designer and manufacturer of Blu-ray Disc players, is offering Dreamer's Blu-TV interactive television service on the OPPO BDP-83 model, which has won multiple awards since its introduction to the U.S. market in July 2009. Dreamer will demonstrate Blu-TV on the OPPO Digital player in its booth (#10045) at CES 2010 from January 7 – 10.
"The OPPO BDP-83 model is one of the few Blu-ray Disc players that can support nearly every type of traditional five-inch disc, so adding connectivity to the device through Dreamer and Blu-TV further strengthens its appeal as the central hub of the connected living room," said Dr. Won Baek, CEO and President of Dreamer. "Dreamer transforms Blu-ray Disc players into a full-featured HD set-top box, making it easy for consumers to browse, search and watch interactive content on their TV screens. The options for content distribution through Blu-TV are virtually limitless, so we are excited to add the capabilities for an unlimited open applications marketplace and rich interactive services to the OPPO BDP-83 player."
To activate the Blu-TV service, OPPO BDP-83 users simply perform a firmware update from the device menu. At the initial introduction of the service, the Blu-TV channel will feature nearly 20 casual games ranging from classics such as chess, Sudoku and solitaire, as well as modern arcade favorites, a collage channel that displays movie art, and five widgets offering features such as worldwide time display, unit conversions and weather. In support of an open and collaborative application development community, Dreamer will make the Blu-TV software development kit (SDK) available in the coming months to allow anyone to create apps for the Blu-TV channel.
"Blu-ray Disc players are becoming the center piece of home theater systems. Our customers are already enjoying the excellent audio and video performance from their BDP-83. The Blu-TV market trial will further expand the versatility of the player," said Jason Liao, Vice President of Product Development at OPPO Digital. "OPPO listens to our customers. This market trial will provide our users a great opportunity to experience what Dreamer's Blu-TV interactive television service can offer and enable us to further improve our products."
Derived from technology that created the acclaimed OPPO up-converting DVD players, OPPO Digital's BDP-83 player delivers first-class video quality for both Blu-ray and DVD over an unprecedented number of audio and video formats. The BDP-83 can play Blu-ray, CD, DVD, SACD, DVD-Audio, AVCHD, Kodak Picture and HDCD-encoded discs, as well as several re-writable versions of these, and is compatible with BD Profile 2.0 (BD-Live and BonusView), DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD (SACD), HDCD, CD and other media formats such as AVCHD, MKV video, digital music and photos. The BDP-83 player supports all high-end video features including 1080p24Hz output, HDMI 1.3 with Deep Color, Source Direct output, and many other picture control and enhancement options.
PROVIDING DIRECT CONTENT DISTRIBUTION AND ELIMINATING NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SET TOP BOXES
Dreamer to Demo Patented "Thin Client" Approach at CES 2010 that Expands Blu-Ray Disc Player Functionality to VOD, Online Shopping, Casual Gaming and Open Apps Marketplace
BURBANK, CA – Jan. 5, 2010 – Dreamer Corporation, a leader in interactive TV platforms, today revealed plans to demo its Internet connectivity solution and BluTV interactive television service at CES 2010 from January 7 – 10 in booth 10045. Dreamer's disruptive technology transforms CE devices, such as Blu-ray players, into HD set-top boxes that are capable of delivering unlimited services to the TV. The embedded Dreamer BluTV service offers content owners an opportunity for global distribution directly to the consumer's living room, without any third party involvement. Access to content channels can be made available through a disc or through devices that adopt the embedded BluTV service.
The possibilities for interactive content and services distributed through the BluTV portal and Dreamer are virtually limitless. The unique capabilities of the Dreamer software makes it possible to deliver much more than Video-On-Demand (VOD) services, transforming every Blu-ray player into an open applications marketplace, a gaming platform and a portal for unlimited eCommerce services. All of these offerings can be personalized by geographic region or even by specific players and Blu-ray Discs, giving content owners a dedicated, customizable channel directly into consumers' living rooms through a device already in widespread use.
"At-home media consumption patterns are rapidly evolving, with consumers blending online video viewing habits alongside traditional disc-based formats," said Dr. Won Baek, CEO and President of Dreamer. "BD-Live enables limited online interaction for consumers, but Dreamer greatly expands the promise of extended Blu-Ray content without excruciating load times every time the disc is read. Our BluTV platform also establishes an open applications marketplace for Blu-ray disc players, allowing content owners to reach consumers with widgets and tools that enhance and extend the entertainment experience."
Dreamer transforms Blu-ray Disc players into a full-featured HD set-top box, making it easy for consumers to browse, search and watch interactive content on their TV screens. The process is invisible to consumers and eliminates the need to add additional devices to their living rooms. Dreamer can be easily embedded on Blu-ray player chipsets through a small 100KB code, offering manufacturers a simple and affordable solution for adding connectivity to their devices. The Dreamer code pulls the content and services from a cloud-computing platform, allowing every application to load as fast as a Web page. This enables content owners to seamlessly update the channel at any time without any impact on the consumer experience.
"With Blu-ray Disc player adoption already outpacing initial growth patterns for VHS and DVD player purchases, Dreamer is the perfect solution to further extend the retail appeal of Blu-ray Disc players," said Perry Weinstein, general manager of Dreamer. "Our easy-to-use menu-based interface presents a familiar approach to consumers, but the underlying technology empowers content companies and CE manufacturers to easily expand and update content sent to consumers' living rooms. With Dreamer and BluTV, content owners will no longer be limited to offering only video/audio on demand (VOD) services. The Dreamer platform makes it possible to deliver product catalogs, e-commerce applications, casual games, social networking, advertising, web portals and much more, exponentially expanding the home entertainment experience through one simple and affordable device."
DREAMER BLU-TV INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE
ON OPPO DIGITAL BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS
Dreamer to Demonstrate Blu-TV Portal Integrated with OPPO BDP-83 Player at CES 2010, Offering Casual Games, Widgets, Enhanced Content and Web Features
LAS VEGAS, NV [CES Tradeshow Booth #10045] – Jan. 7, 2010 – Dreamer Corporation, a leader in interactive TV platforms, today announced that OPPO Digital, a leading designer and manufacturer of Blu-ray Disc players, is offering Dreamer's Blu-TV interactive television service on the OPPO BDP-83 model, which has won multiple awards since its introduction to the U.S. market in July 2009. Dreamer will demonstrate Blu-TV on the OPPO Digital player in its booth (#10045) at CES 2010 from January 7 – 10.
"The OPPO BDP-83 model is one of the few Blu-ray Disc players that can support nearly every type of traditional five-inch disc, so adding connectivity to the device through Dreamer and Blu-TV further strengthens its appeal as the central hub of the connected living room," said Dr. Won Baek, CEO and President of Dreamer. "Dreamer transforms Blu-ray Disc players into a full-featured HD set-top box, making it easy for consumers to browse, search and watch interactive content on their TV screens. The options for content distribution through Blu-TV are virtually limitless, so we are excited to add the capabilities for an unlimited open applications marketplace and rich interactive services to the OPPO BDP-83 player."
To activate the Blu-TV service, OPPO BDP-83 users simply perform a firmware update from the device menu. At the initial introduction of the service, the Blu-TV channel will feature nearly 20 casual games ranging from classics such as chess, Sudoku and solitaire, as well as modern arcade favorites, a collage channel that displays movie art, and five widgets offering features such as worldwide time display, unit conversions and weather. In support of an open and collaborative application development community, Dreamer will make the Blu-TV software development kit (SDK) available in the coming months to allow anyone to create apps for the Blu-TV channel.
"Blu-ray Disc players are becoming the center piece of home theater systems. Our customers are already enjoying the excellent audio and video performance from their BDP-83. The Blu-TV market trial will further expand the versatility of the player," said Jason Liao, Vice President of Product Development at OPPO Digital. "OPPO listens to our customers. This market trial will provide our users a great opportunity to experience what Dreamer's Blu-TV interactive television service can offer and enable us to further improve our products."
Derived from technology that created the acclaimed OPPO up-converting DVD players, OPPO Digital's BDP-83 player delivers first-class video quality for both Blu-ray and DVD over an unprecedented number of audio and video formats. The BDP-83 can play Blu-ray, CD, DVD, SACD, DVD-Audio, AVCHD, Kodak Picture and HDCD-encoded discs, as well as several re-writable versions of these, and is compatible with BD Profile 2.0 (BD-Live and BonusView), DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD (SACD), HDCD, CD and other media formats such as AVCHD, MKV video, digital music and photos. The BDP-83 player supports all high-end video features including 1080p24Hz output, HDMI 1.3 with Deep Color, Source Direct output, and many other picture control and enhancement options.
So wait I can load this on my ps3?
@DeFlanko You'd think a little more stink would be made about that... BD LIVE might end up being the PS3's trojan horse more than BD itself.
@(Unverified)
I'm still pissed off about the fact that i have to use a CD/DVD for Netflix...
whats the sense of having a hard drive on this thing!?
This is huge news. Finally developers will be able to make neat programs for the PS3 through web apps, etc. Sort of like on Android or WebOS. Only difference is that this could wind up being a monster of a platform if many BD players + the PS3 jump on board.
We could be looking at a Boxee or Roku clone for anyone with a PS3 and that could be one of the biggest announcements to come out of CES.
@Omen20
They wouldn't even need to sign on. You could theoretically put this disc into any Blu-ray player that supported BD Live and was connected to the internet. That's what makes this so awesome.
@Dafrety Oh yeah, I forgot this was a BDLive feature meaning disc based. I'd rather see Sony put this as within the firmware on players and the PS3.
Whoa, that screen shot is mighty interesting. Is that Netflix streaming listed in the upper right? You Tube? Facebook? None of this is actually part of Blu-TV yet (on the Oppo) but if it actually becomes part of Blu-TV, well, that's big.
@nathanh
No kidding, video and audio updates are one thing for Oppo to work on but Netflix would be awesome for end users like me with a Netflix subscription. I've been contemplating a delivery solution from my computer to the TV for awhile now and this might mean I don't have to anymore.
Wait, what? "Blu-TV has debuted on the OPPO BDP-83". I own a BDP-83 and I haven't heard anything about this.
@mugatu
I did get a large Firmware update last night but I don't see anything in the menus that let me do something more than I ever have. No items for Netflix or Blu-TV content.
@mugatu
Install the latest firmware.
@mugatu
Blu-TV shows up as one of the menu options now. Start the player without a disc in the tray or press the Home/Source button to see it. You might not have gotten the right firmware update. If not, get it manually off Oppo's site and put it onto a CD or flash drive.
Success. I turned it off and back on and the new menu is there. Thank you. Now to see if it actually works.
So where did I get the idea that Netflix would be enabled? I was wrong. No netflix. Just java style games and weather I can get from where I'm at now. So sad.
@mugatu
You got the idea from the press release screen shot. Hopefully that's not vaporware.
@nathanh If not, it is not worth my while. Love my 83 though. Reminds me of the interactive crap on my Dish Network receiver.
I played with this a bit on my oppo. Stupid (at least so far).
It is java based (which means slow). You HAVE to turn on live in order for it to work and you also need to turn on the secondary audio stream capability (which means down converted lossless dts or dolby sound). I don't see myself EVER using this junk.
@MrMichael
Secondary audio stream doesn't result in downconverting if you use lossless PCM for your connection.
@nathanh
Unfortunately, yes it does. I emailed OPPO support about this, and they said that if secondary audio is enabled in the player (regardless of whether any secondary audio track is being played), the player will resort to decoding the "lossy" version of whatever audio track is being played. The reason is that the player does not have enough CPU horsepower to decode lossless audio and multiplex in secondary audio.
I forgot to mention, there is one exception. If the track on the disc itself is Uncompressed PCM, then you can get lossless audio with secondary audio enabled. The reason is that the player doesn't have to decode anything in that case. But so few discs have that rather than Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD-MA that they would be the rule rather than the exception. Otherwise, regardless of whether you're using Bitstream or LPCM as your output, the audio being output it taken from the lossy version of the track.
The way you can tell is by checking the OSD while the disc is playing by pressing the "Info" button. The lower-left corner displays the audio track being played. If the icon there is 2 speakers (or 3 speakers for multi-channel tracks), it is being decoded with maximum fidelity (i.e. it will even show if Dolby Digital or normal DTS tracks are being played). But if it displays a waveform icon, it means that the lossy version of the track is being decoded.
@John H
The *exception* rather than the *rule*, my bad. And obviously the post above should've been another reply to nathanh's post. Engadget's site is riddled with bugs when viewed in IE. Sigh.
So, when they release the disc-based version (and release the features promoted in the demo screenshot, most of which are not currently available), I'll be able to stick the disc in whatever BD-Live-enabled player I want and stream NetFlix content!
Performance would be much better if the player manufacturer embeds the functionality with a firmware update, but the disc means I'm not tied to only supported devices. Any entry-level player will then handle streaming media.
Now -- somebody, quick -- create a Hulu channel!