Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Samsung unveils new HTIB systems plus audio docks with Galaxy S and iPhone support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/samsung-htib-audio-dock-soundbar-ces2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/samsung-htib-audio-dock-soundbar-ces2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/samsung-htib-audio-dock-soundbar-ces2012/#comments While it's hardly pulling the curtain back on its entire CES 2012 slate of products, Samsung's earliest preview for your AV pleasure is an updated range of HTIB systems and sound bars, as well as two new Audio Docks that support Apple devices as well as its own Galaxy S phones and players. The DA-E750 Audio Dock (pictured above) is the first to include Samsung's "hybrid vacuum tube amplifier technology" which it claims raises the bar for mainstream audio products, by delivering the clear sound output of digital combined with the natural sound of a vacuum tube in its preamp. Both docks will play from and charge both Samsung and Apple hardware, as well as stream music wirelessly via AllShare or AirPlay, although the DA-E670 lacks that high end vacuum tube tech.

For your entire home theater needs, the new HT-E6730W 7.1 Blu-ray 3D HTIB features the same vacuum tube tech as the DA-E750, while the HT-E5500W boasts an iPod dock and 3D sound effects.Finally the HW-E550 Surround Sound Bar also produces 3D sound with vertically mounted speakers and comes with its own wirelessly connected subwoofer. One other new feature this year is the "Disc to Digital" integration in the HT-E5500W's Blu-ray player which will give users access to streaming copies of eligible discs just by registering into the player. It sounds like it's powered by Ultraviolet, although we'd expect to hear more about that closer to the show. Check after the break for press releases, and the gallery for a few pics of all this hardware -- if you know anything about Samsung, you know the onslaught has only just begun.

Gallery: Samsung Audio Docks, HTIB and soundbar

Continue reading Samsung unveils new HTIB systems plus audio docks with Galaxy S and iPhone support

Samsung unveils new HTIB systems plus audio docks with Galaxy S and iPhone support originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7.1airplayallshareappleaudio dockAudioDockblu-raycesces 2012Ces2012da-e670da-e750disc to digitalDiscToDigitalhdpostcrossht-e550wht-e6730whtibhw-e550hybrid vacuum tube amplifierHybridVacuumTubeAmplifieriospreampsamsungsoundbarstreamingsurround sound systemSurroundSoundSystemultravioletvacuum tubeVacuumTubeTue, 03 Jan 2012 19:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: Apple's officially over the optical drive, for better or worse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/editorial-apples-officially-over-the-optical-drive-for-better/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/editorial-apples-officially-over-the-optical-drive-for-better/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/editorial-apples-officially-over-the-optical-drive-for-better/#comments I don't like it. Not one iota. But frankly, it doesn't much matter -- Apple's officially done with the optical drive, and there's no evidence more strikingly clear than the mid 2011 refresh of its Mac mini. Last year, that bantam box arrived with a $699 price tag, pep in its step and a personality that could charm even the most hardened desktop owner. This year, a $599 model showed up on my doorstep promising the same, but instead it delivered a noticeable drop in actual functionality. Pundits have argued that you could tether a USB SuperDrive to the new mini and save $20 in the process compared to last year's rig, but does relying on a cabled accessory go hand-in-hand with beauty and simplicity? No, and I've every reason to believe that Apple would agree.

Despite the obvious -- that consumers would buy a mini to reduce the sheer burden of operating a convoluted desktop setup -- Apple's gone and yanked what has become a staple in both Macs and PCs alike. For years, ODDs have been standard fare, spinning CDs, DVDs, HD-DVDs (however briefly) and Blu-ray Discs, not to mention a few other formats that didn't do much to deserve a mention. Compared to most everything else in the technology universe, the tried-and-true optical drive has managed to hang around well beyond what it's creator likely had in mind, but it's pretty obvious that 2011 is to the ODD what 1998 was to the floppy drive. At least in the mind of one Steven P. Jobs.

Continue reading Editorial: Apple's officially over the optical drive, for better or worse

Editorial: Apple's officially over the optical drive, for better or worse originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblu-rayblu-ray discBlu-rayDisccddvddvd burnerdvd writerDvdBurnerDvdWritereditorialmac minimacbookmacbook airmacbook proMacbookAirMacbookProMacMinioddoptical driveOpticalDriveslot loadingslot-loadingSlotLoadingsuperdriveWed, 27 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with the Star Wars Blu-ray: Early Access iOS app]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/hands-on-with-the-star-wars-blu-ray-early-access-ios-app/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/hands-on-with-the-star-wars-blu-ray-early-access-ios-app/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/hands-on-with-the-star-wars-blu-ray-early-access-ios-app/#comments We know, we know. You're fit to be tied waiting for the complete Star Wars collection to be released on Blu-ray in September, but there's good news for impatient iPad owners here in the US. You see, some of the collection's bonus materials can be had for free a bit early -- as in tomorrow -- courtesy of the Star Wars Blu-ray: Early Access App. Even better, we've got video of the app in action plus a gallery of pics for you to drool over until you can download it yourself. And for folks abroad or those with an iPhone or iPod touch, the same sneak peek will be available in August.

The app itself is a ported version of what you'll see on the Blu-ray discs, but there's some added touchscreen functionality -- pinch-to-zoom on the concept art and users can spin props and models with the flick of a finger in the "Collection" section. The app also lets you selectively download the content, so all that artwork and video won't eat up an undue portion of your iPad's memory. After getting handsy with it in person, we found the app easy to use and the content compelling (where else can you examine the Death Star up close?), but we were left wishing that there was a bit... more. Of course, the lion's share of extras are reserved for the paying customers come September 16th -- though we were disappointed to discover that, currently, there are no plans to make it all available on the app even if you buy the Blu-rays. Regardless, you get what you pay for, and that makes this gratis addition to the Star Wars universe a darn good deal.

Update: Grab the app and try it out for yourself at the iTunes link below!

Gallery: Star Wars Blu-ray companion iPad app

Continue reading Hands-on with the Star Wars Blu-ray: Early Access iOS app

Hands-on with the Star Wars Blu-ray: Early Access iOS app originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappleappsblu rayblu-rayBluRaycomic concomic con 2011ComicConComicCon2011exclusivehands onhands-onHandsOniosipadiphonelucaslucas filmLucasFilmslatestar warsStarWarstabletvideoTue, 19 Jul 2011 21:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Blu-ray extras revealed early by iOS app launching at Comic-Con]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/star-wars-blu-ray-extras-revealed-early-by-ios-app-launching-at/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/star-wars-blu-ray-extras-revealed-early-by-ios-app-launching-at/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/star-wars-blu-ray-extras-revealed-early-by-ios-app-launching-at/#comments We're still a few months away from the Star Wars movies release on Blu-ray, but dedicated fans can get a preview of the set this week in the Early Access app for iOS. Set to debut in time for Comic-Con on July 20th, the free app promises some of the 40+ hours of bonus materials planned for the discs, including concept art, models and interviews with cast and crew. We've already seen iPad apps pulling in extras to go along with movies like Tron: Legacy, but this is the first one we've seen launch ahead of the Blu-ray release. Check out a couple more screenshots and detailed description after the break, then come back tomorrow for our hands-on look at the Star Wars app.

Continue reading Star Wars Blu-ray extras revealed early by iOS app launching at Comic-Con

Star Wars Blu-ray extras revealed early by iOS app launching at Comic-Con originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappleblu-raycomic concomic con 2011comic-conComicConComicCon2011early accessEarlyAccessexclusivefoxiosipadiphonelucaslucas filmsLucasFilmsstar warsStar Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-rayStarWarsStarWars:TheCompleteSagaOnBlu-raytabletMon, 18 Jul 2011 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Tron: Legacy Blu-ray gets a release date, supports Disney's Second Screen iPad app]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/tron-legacy-blu-ray-gets-a-release-date-supports-disneys-seco/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/tron-legacy-blu-ray-gets-a-release-date-supports-disneys-seco/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/tron-legacy-blu-ray-gets-a-release-date-supports-disneys-seco/#comments Amazon already revealed the three different Tron: Legacy Blu-ray & Blu-ray 3D combo packs on the way, from the 2-disc standard edition to the two movie, 5-disc Identity Disc-packaged limited edition but now we know the release date (4/5/11) and info about the extras. On the disc, Blu-ray-only exclusives include the Daft Punk music video for their song Derezzed, plus Launching the Legacy, Disc Roars and The Next Day: Flynn Lives Revealed features (Tron: The Original Classic Special Edition saves a Photo Tronology just for Blu-ray watchers.) If you have an iPad, the Disney Second Screen app that will make its debut alongside Bambi March 1 adds to the action with 360-degree views of the Tron vehicles, interactive progression reels and other information all synced to the movie by the audio track. There's more details including MSRPs ($40 - $80) and the press release after the break.

Continue reading Tron: Legacy Blu-ray gets a release date, supports Disney's Second Screen iPad app

Tron: Legacy Blu-ray gets a release date, supports Disney's Second Screen iPad app originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d movies3dMoviesappleaudio syncAudioSyncblu-rayblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dcombo packComboPackcompanion appCompanionAppdisneydisney second screenDisneySecondScreenidentity discIdentityDiscipadipad appIpadAppjeff bridgesJeffBridgessecond screenSecondScreentrontron: legacytron: the original classic special editionTron:LegacyTron:TheOriginalClassicSpecialEditiontvplusFri, 11 Feb 2011 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney announces Bambi Blu-ray/DVD combo for March 1st, debuts new Second Screen PC/iPad app]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/disney-announces-bambi-blu-ray-dvd-combo-for-march-1st-debuts-n/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/disney-announces-bambi-blu-ray-dvd-combo-for-march-1st-debuts-n/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/disney-announces-bambi-blu-ray-dvd-combo-for-march-1st-debuts-n/#comments Disney's officially put a date on the Diamond Edition release of Bambi, which will arrive March 1, 2011 in Blu-ray/DVD combo pack edition HD download, or SD download -- DVD only packages arrive April 19th. There's plenty of exclusive Blu-ray features, including never before seen deleted scenes, 7.1 audio track, a deleted song, a peek inside Walt Disney's meetings where the concept of the film came to be, and an interactive game. The biggest addition is that this disc will debut Disney's new "Second Screen" feature on computer or iPad which promises to sync with the film and pull in even more interactive features. It sounds similar to Universal's BD Touch apps, but we'll have to wait and see exactly what it brings to this classic flick next year.

Continue reading Disney announces Bambi Blu-ray/DVD combo for March 1st, debuts new Second Screen PC/iPad app

Disney announces Bambi Blu-ray/DVD combo for March 1st, debuts new Second Screen PC/iPad app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplebambiblu-raycombo packComboPackdiamond editionDiamondEditiondisneyhdipadsecond screenSecondScreenWed, 08 Dec 2010 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Repo Men Blu-ray disc gets the premium treatment]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/repo-men-blu-ray-disc-gets-the-premium-treatment/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/repo-men-blu-ray-disc-gets-the-premium-treatment/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/repo-men-blu-ray-disc-gets-the-premium-treatment/#commentsWith a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and no Emilio Estevez we're not sure Repo Men deserves a top of the line Blu-ray release, but it appears to be getting one. Universal's stuffed the disc full of extras, including pocket BLU functionality, letting uses control the action from their iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry device or a connected PR or Mac, as well as pull up the video timeline or browse other titles while the movie plays. Of course, its U-Control tech, BD-Live My Scenes bookmarking and social BLU social networking features are also accounted for, plus a wealth of extras in HD and DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Even with all those extras... we're thinking rent at best, are any one of you buying up discs just to control them from their phone?

Continue reading Repo Men Blu-ray disc gets the premium treatment

Repo Men Blu-ray disc gets the premium treatment originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapplebd-liveblu-raydts-hd maDts-hdMaextrashdipadiphonepocket bluPocketBlurepo menRepoMensocial blusocial networkingSocialBluSocialNetworkinguniversalWed, 19 May 2010 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[AMEX DIGITAL's Mac mini Blu-ray drive upgrade kit is not what it seems]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/amex-digitals-mac-mini-blu-ray-drive-upgrade-kit-is-not-what-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/amex-digitals-mac-mini-blu-ray-drive-upgrade-kit-is-not-what-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/amex-digitals-mac-mini-blu-ray-drive-upgrade-kit-is-not-what-it/#comments
A Blu-ray "upgrade kit" for Apple's revamped Mac mini... sounds like the ultimate for home theater buffs right? After all, such a device holds the promise of adding Blu-ray playback to a relatively powerful, off-the-shelf micro computer starting at $599 that'll run any of the amazing media center apps available for either Windows 7 (with some extra legwork) or OS X. Not so fast bub, remember, OS X still doesn't support native playback of Blu-ray discs pressed by Hollywood's media fairies. As such, Blu-ray films purchased on disc can only be played by booting into Windows -- under OS X you are limited to reading and writing data assuming you already have software like Adobe's Premiere Pro CS3 with Encore or Roxio's Toast with Blu-ray plug-in. Unfortunately, AMEX Digital is purposely unclear on this point by suggesting that the kit will simply "play Hollywood Blu-ray Disc movies on a properly configured PC or MAC." For the extra $199 required to take the BD-UG1 home, we'd suggest a native PC solution, cheapo standalone Blu-ray player or PS3 and avoid these headaches altogether. Image of the drive laid bare after the break.

[Via I4U]

Continue reading AMEX DIGITAL's Mac mini Blu-ray drive upgrade kit is not what it seems

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AMEX DIGITAL's Mac mini Blu-ray drive upgrade kit is not what it seems originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amex digitalAmexDigitalappleBD-UG1blu rayblu-rayblurayhdhome theaterHomeTheatermacmac miniMacMiniminiWed, 11 Nov 2009 04:51:00 EST<![CDATA[AMEX DIGITAL's Mac mini Blu-ray drive upgrade kit is not what it seems]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/amex-digitals-mac-mini-blu-ray-drive-upgrade-kit-is-not-what-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/amex-digitals-mac-mini-blu-ray-drive-upgrade-kit-is-not-what-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/amex-digitals-mac-mini-blu-ray-drive-upgrade-kit-is-not-what-it/#comments
A Blu-ray "upgrade kit" for Apple's revamped Mac mini... sounds like the ultimate for home theater buffs right? After all, such a device holds the promise of adding Blu-ray playback to a relatively powerful, off-the-shelf micro computer starting at $599 that'll run any of the amazing media center apps available for either Windows 7 (with some extra legwork) or OS X. Not so fast bub, remember, OS X still doesn't support native playback of Blu-ray discs pressed by Hollywood's media fairies. As such, Blu-ray films purchased on disc can only be played by booting into Windows -- under OS X you are limited to reading and writing data assuming you already have software like Adobe's Premiere Pro CS3 with Encore or Roxio's Toast with Blu-ray plug-in. Unfortunately, AMEX Digital is purposely unclear on this point by suggesting that the kit will simply "play Hollywood Blu-ray Disc movies on a properly configured PC or MAC." For the extra $199 required to take the BD-UG1 home, we'd suggest a native PC solution, cheapo standalone Blu-ray player or PS3 and avoid these headaches altogether. Image of the drive laid bare after the break.

Continue reading AMEX DIGITAL's Mac mini Blu-ray drive upgrade kit is not what it seems

AMEX DIGITAL's Mac mini Blu-ray drive upgrade kit is not what it seems originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amex digitalAmexDigitalappleBD-UG1blu-rayhome theaterHomeTheatermacmac miniMacMiniminiWed, 11 Nov 2009 04:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Apple announce anything for HD snobs today?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/09/will-apple-announce-anything-for-hd-snobs-today/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/09/will-apple-announce-anything-for-hd-snobs-today/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/09/will-apple-announce-anything-for-hd-snobs-today/#commentsApple Rock n' Roll event

Sure, it is The Rock n' Roll event, but an HD snob can only hope there will be something for everyone in today's event. It isn't like there haven't been any rumors either. First up was the Blu-ray support in iTunes 9, then there was the updated Apple TV and the most recent is from a Harmon Kardon press release where we learned that the latest Bridge III iPod / iPhone dock and AVR 2600 and 3600 receivers can "play back HD video from iPod or iPhone products." You'd think at least one of these would have to be true -- especially with the Zune HD hitting the streets in less than a week. Personally we have our hopes up for Manage Copy support in iTunes, but we admit that we are just dreaming.

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Will Apple announce anything for HD snobs today? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple TVAppleTvblu rayBlu-rayblurayhdiPhoneiPodiTunesiTunes 9Itunes9Managed CopyManagedCopyother hardwareotherhardwareWed, 09 Sep 2009 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray support coming with iTunes 9?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/blu-ray-support-coming-with-itunes-9/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/blu-ray-support-coming-with-itunes-9/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/blu-ray-support-coming-with-itunes-9/#comments Take this rumor with a fairly large grain of salt and please hold your "bag of hurt" comments until the end. Boy Genius claims he's got it on word from a "pretty reliable source" that the next big iTunes revision will include better organization options for your iPhone / iPod touch apps, something vague concerning integration with Twitter, Facebook, and Last.fm, and... Blu-ray support. To be fair, the HD disc format wars are all but over at this point, and the most recent Final Cut Pro actually lets you burn video directly to a third-party BD drive, only to have to play the discs on another, non-Mac device. This is all pretty sketch at the moment, and we doubt the boys in Cupertino will be showing their hands until just after the eleventh hour -- let's not forget, also, that iTunes is also available for Windows which does have other third-party Blu-ray playback software. In possibly related whispers, AppleInsider has offered some none-too-descriptive hints at possible iMac refresh with some improvements catering to the "semi-professional audio / video crowd." Between this and talk about a tablet, we can't wait for the next Apple press conference, if only to subside all the rumors for a few months.

Update: Our resident HD expert Ben Drawbaugh has chimed in on the matter, hypothesizing that this might be referring to support for Managed Copy, a digitized (and DRM restricted) copy of the film that you would save onto your local hard drive. But in that scenario, it still doesn't behoove Apple to add that to iTunes unless it was looking to put Blu-ray drives on its own machines, which makes this (still very faint) rumor all the more interesting.

Read - Apple iTunes 9 details, Blu-ray, app organization
Read - Apple's next iMacs rumored with compelling new features

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Blu-ray support coming with iTunes 9? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebdblu rayblu-rayBluRayfacebookitunesitunes 9Itunes9last fmlast.fmLastFmrumorrumorstwitterSat, 08 Aug 2009 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray support coming with iTunes 9?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/blu-ray-support-coming-with-itunes-9/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/blu-ray-support-coming-with-itunes-9/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/blu-ray-support-coming-with-itunes-9/#comments
Take this rumor with a fairly large grain of salt and please hold your "bag of hurt" comments until the end. Boy Genius claims he's got it on word from a "pretty reliable source" that the next big iTunes revision will include better organization options for your iPhone / iPod touch apps, something vague concerning integration with Twitter, Facebook, and Last.fm, and... Blu-ray support. To be fair, the HD disc format wars are all but over at this point, and the most recent Final Cut Pro actually lets you burn video directly to a third-party BD drive, only to have to play the discs on another, non-Mac device. This is all pretty sketch at the moment, and we doubt the boys in Cupertino will be showing their hands until just after the eleventh hour -- let's not forget, also, that iTunes is also available for Windows which does have other third-party Blu-ray players. In possibly related whispers, AppleInsider has offered some none-too-descriptive hints at possible iMac refresh with some improvements catering to the "semi-professional audio / video crowd." Between this and talk about a tablet, we can't wait for the next Apple press conference, if only to subside all the rumors for a few months.

Update: Our resident HD expert Ben Drawbaugh has chimed in on the matter, hypothesizing that this might be referring to support for Managed Copy, a digitized (and DRM restricted) copy of the film that you would save onto your local hard drive. But in that scenario, it still doesn't behoove Apple to add that to iTunes unless it was looking to put Blu-ray drives on its own machines, which makes this (still very faint) rumor all the more interesting.

Read - Apple iTunes 9 details, Blu-ray, app organization
Read - Apple's next iMacs rumored with compelling new features

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Blu-ray support coming with iTunes 9? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebdblu rayblu-rayBluRayfacebookhditunesitunes 9Itunes9last fmlast.fmLastFmrumorrumorstwitterSat, 08 Aug 2009 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Is Final Cut Pro an indication of more Blu-ray support coming from Apple?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/25/poll-is-final-cut-pro-an-indication-of-more-blu-ray-support-com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/25/poll-is-final-cut-pro-an-indication-of-more-blu-ray-support-com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/25/poll-is-final-cut-pro-an-indication-of-more-blu-ray-support-com/#comments
Yeah we know, it's only been a month, but just like Apple and Microsoft, Apple and Blu-ray are the magic words, so when a smidgin of Blu-ray support popped up in the latest Final Cut Pro, we had to revisit the topic. Is everything properly lined up for a Blu-ray equipped Macbook, Apple TV or Mac Mini HD, or will it all be for naught once again?

View Poll

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Poll: Is Final Cut Pro an indication of more Blu-ray support coming from Apple? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblu rayblu-rayblurayfinal cut proFinalCutProhdpollpollsSat, 25 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[For the first time, burn a Blu-ray directly within Final Cut Pro 7]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/for-the-first-time-burn-a-blu-ray-directly-within-final-cut-pro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/for-the-first-time-burn-a-blu-ray-directly-within-final-cut-pro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/23/for-the-first-time-burn-a-blu-ray-directly-within-final-cut-pro/#comments
Apple might not be ready to add Blu-ray to its computers yet, but prosumers can finally burn their creations directly to the discs (with a 3rd party drive of course) from Final Cut Pro 7. Otherwise, there's also the alternative of burning that HD footage you couldn't bear to squish onto YouTube to a DVD in the AVCHD format, but Macworld notes that beyond a few templates with FCP itself, DVD Studio Pro doesn't support Blu-ray authoring, encoding or burning at all. Of course, video editors probably have one or two other features to concern themselves with so check out the full review, but we'll be busy divining the exact date that "bag of hurt" shows up packed into the next Macbook.

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For the first time, burn a Blu-ray directly within Final Cut Pro 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleauthoringavchdblu rayblu-rayblurayburningfinal cut profinal cut pro 7FinalCutProFinalCutPro7hdprosumervideo editingVideoEditingThu, 23 Jul 2009 11:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Universal bringing BD-Live integration to the iPhone, irony to starving children]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/universal-bringing-bd-live-integration-to-the-iphone-irony-to-s/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/universal-bringing-bd-live-integration-to-the-iphone-irony-to-s/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/universal-bringing-bd-live-integration-to-the-iphone-irony-to-s/#comments
 Although Apple still hasn't managed to achieve feature parity with any of its competitors by enabling Blu-ray playback in OS X, it looks like Universal's bringing the mountain to the Mac -- or at least the iPhone. At first, the upcoming special edition of Fast and Furious will feature integration with a special iPhone / iPod touch app that'll allow viewers to control 360-degree models of the cars in the "Virtual Car Garage," but later Universal releases will feature the ability to control movie playback, read annotations while watching your flick, and even download ancillary video content for later playback on the go. Sounds like pretty nifty stuff -- let's hope El Steve reconsiders his whole "bag of hurt" stance when he gets the demo.

[Via AppleInsider]

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Universal bringing BD-Live integration to the iPhone, irony to starving children originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebd livebd-livebdliveblu rayblu-rayBluRayfast and furiosFastAndFurioshdiphoneiphone appIphoneAppipodipod touchIpodTouchother hardwareotherhardwarespecial featuresSpecialFeaturesuniversalMon, 20 Jul 2009 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Universal bringing BD-Live integration to the iPhone, irony to starving children]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/universal-bringing-bd-live-integration-to-the-iphone-irony-to-s/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/universal-bringing-bd-live-integration-to-the-iphone-irony-to-s/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/universal-bringing-bd-live-integration-to-the-iphone-irony-to-s/#comments
 Although Apple still hasn't managed to achieve feature parity with any of its competitors by enabling Blu-ray playback in OS X, it looks like Universal's bringing the mountain to the Mac -- or at least the iPhone. At first, the upcoming special edition of Fast and Furious will feature integration with a special iPhone / iPod touch app that'll allow viewers to control 360-degree models of the cars in the "Virtual Car Garage," but later Universal releases will feature the ability to control movie playback, read annotations while watching your flick, and even download ancillary video content for later playback on the go. Sounds like pretty nifty stuff -- let's hope El Steve reconsiders his whole "bag of hurt" stance when he gets the demo.

[Via AppleInsider]

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Universal bringing BD-Live integration to the iPhone, irony to starving children originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebd livebd-livebdliveblu rayblu-rayBluRayfast and furiosFastAndFuriosiphoneiphone appIphoneAppipodipod touchIpodTouchspecial featuresSpecialFeaturesuniversalMon, 20 Jul 2009 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Is Blu-ray coming to Apple anytime soon?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/13/poll-is-blu-ray-coming-to-apple-anytime-soon/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/13/poll-is-blu-ray-coming-to-apple-anytime-soon/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/13/poll-is-blu-ray-coming-to-apple-anytime-soon/#comments
With another WWDC behind us and again no Blu-ray playback announcement from Cupertino or even any notable rumors. Leopard, and now Snow Leopard, have skipped out on the infamous "bag of hurt," but with AACS finalized, maybe things can be different. So let us know, by the time WWDC comes around next year do you think that Apple will put that BDA membership to use, or will disc-based HD playback on computers stay a PC affair?

[Image from the What Would Jobs Do? 3 photoshop showdown]

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Poll: Is Blu-ray coming to Apple anytime soon? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblu rayblu-rayblurayhdmacpollwwdcSat, 13 Jun 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NetBlender drops iPhone exclusivity on BD Touch 2.0, connects Blu-ray to Blackberry, Android & Pre]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/netblender-drops-iphone-exclusivity-on-bd-touch-2-0-connects-bl/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/netblender-drops-iphone-exclusivity-on-bd-touch-2-0-connects-bl/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/netblender-drops-iphone-exclusivity-on-bd-touch-2-0-connects-bl/#comments
It's a new year and NetBlender has a new change of gear, pairing with BluFocus to bring last year's BD Touch software -- and its BD-Live enabled Blu-ray player to iPhone / iPod Touch connections -- up to version 2.0, featuring crossplatform capability with other WiFi enabled handhelds like Blackberry, Android and Palm Pre. While going iPhone exclusive hasn't hurt some apps, hopefully we'll see wider adoption of the technology, which can enable things from making the phone a remote control to using it as a keyboard, downloading files from the disc or playing games, now that it supports more than one platform. More info should be available once it hits the floor at NAB 2009 later this week.

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NetBlender drops iPhone exclusivity on BD Touch 2.0, connects Blu-ray to Blackberry, Android & Pre originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapplebd livebd touchbd-liveBdLiveBdTouchblackberryblu rayblu-rayblufocusBluRayhdiphon 3dIphon3diphonenabnab 2009Nab2009netblenderother hardwareotherhardwareotherspalm prePalmPrephoneprewifiMon, 20 Apr 2009 09:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Is the lack of Blu-ray playback keeping you from buying a Mac?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/11/poll-is-the-lack-of-blu-ray-playback-keeping-you-from-buying-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/11/poll-is-the-lack-of-blu-ray-playback-keeping-you-from-buying-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/11/poll-is-the-lack-of-blu-ray-playback-keeping-you-from-buying-a/#comments
Alright, Steve may have called Blu-ray "a bag of hurt" but Microsoft's Laptop Hunting mom & son duo (ad embedded after the break) looked pretty happy to see it in their new VAIO laptop. The Apple / Blu-ray rumors flying since the format launched have amounted to very little and for now it's up to iTunes to take care of ones legit HD movie fix, so we've just got to know, is that enough to send you running to XP, Vista or Windows 7? Vote, then let us know why in the comments.

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Continue reading Poll: Is the lack of Blu-ray playback keeping you from buying a Mac?

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Poll: Is the lack of Blu-ray playback keeping you from buying a Mac? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsappleblu rayblu-rayblurayhdlaptop huntersLaptopHuntersmacmicrosoftpcpollpollsvaioSat, 11 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MCE's 8x internal Blu-ray burner for Mac Pros now shipping, great for anything but playing Blu-ray movies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/10/mces-8x-internal-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pros-now-shipping-grea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/10/mces-8x-internal-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pros-now-shipping-grea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/10/mces-8x-internal-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pros-now-shipping-grea/#comments Here's some perspective: when MCE first released its internal Mac Pro Blu-ray burner, it boasted 2X speeds for a hefty $699 price tag. Cut to present day, when the new generation of the drive that's a noticeably faster 8X Blu-ray read / write and 16X DVD±R/W, all for a hair under $400. Works with Adobe Premier Pro, Final Cut Pro and Roxio Toast 10 Pro ... but if you want to play studio Blu-ray movies, you'll have to either dual boot Windows or wait until some indeterminant time when Apple adds BD support for OS X. Them's the breaks.

[Via Macworld]

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MCE's 8x internal Blu-ray burner for Mac Pros now shipping, great for anything but playing Blu-ray movies originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblu rayblu-rayblu-ray burnerblurayhdmac promcemce technologiesotherspower mac g5PowerMacG5Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:23:00 EST<![CDATA[MCE's 8x internal Blu-ray burner for Mac Pros now shipping, great for anything but playing Blu-ray movies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/10/mces-8x-internal-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pros-now-shipping-grea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/10/mces-8x-internal-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pros-now-shipping-grea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/10/mces-8x-internal-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pros-now-shipping-grea/#comments Here's some perspective: when MCE first released its internal Mac Pro Blu-ray burner, it boasted 2X speeds for a hefty $699 price tag. Cut to present day, when the new generation of the drive that's a noticeably faster 8X Blu-ray read / write and 16X DVD±R/W, all for a hair under $400. Works with Adobe Premier Pro, Final Cut Pro and Roxio Toast 10 Pro ... but if you want to play studio Blu-ray movies, you'll have to either dual boot Windows or wait until some indeterminant time when Apple adds BD support for OS X. Them's the breaks.

[Via Macworld]

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MCE's 8x internal Blu-ray burner for Mac Pros now shipping, great for anything but playing Blu-ray movies originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblu-rayblu-ray burnermac promcemce technologiespower mac g5PowerMacG5Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:23:00 EST<![CDATA[NetBlender's DoStudio 1.6 Blu-ray authoring solution includes BD Touch support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/netblenders-dostudio-1-6-blu-ray-authoring-solution-includes-bd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/netblenders-dostudio-1-6-blu-ray-authoring-solution-includes-bd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/netblenders-dostudio-1-6-blu-ray-authoring-solution-includes-bd/#commentsBack in February, we saw NetBlender blend in Blu-ray support to its DoStudio authoring software. Now, version 1.6 is packing even more BD-related goodness, and it's BD Touch in particular that we're intrigued by. The latest flavor of DoStudio includes expanded capabilities such as Slideshows, Dolby TrueHD support, and BD Touch integration, not to mention a number of workflow enhancements including copy / paste, enhanced asset validation, printable reports, etc. As for BD Touch, this software now gives production outfits (or just entrepreneurial individuals) the ability to bake in support for iPhone control when the disc is played back in a PlayStation 3. The application is available for a $395 monthly rental fee, $2,495 for a 1-year license or $6,995 for a permanent license.

[Thanks, Jason]

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NetBlender's DoStudio 1.6 Blu-ray authoring solution includes BD Touch support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleAuthoringbd liveBD Touchbd-liveBdLiveBdTouchblu rayblu-rayblu-ray AuthoringBlu-rayAuthoringblurayDoStudioDoStudio 1.6Dostudio1.6hdiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gipod touchIpodTouchNetBlenderother formatsotherformatsplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sdksonyThu, 04 Dec 2008 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NetBlender's DoStudio 1.6 Blu-ray authoring solution includes BD Touch support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/03/netblenders-dostudio-1-6-blu-ray-authoring-solution-includes-bd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/03/netblenders-dostudio-1-6-blu-ray-authoring-solution-includes-bd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/03/netblenders-dostudio-1-6-blu-ray-authoring-solution-includes-bd/#commentsBack in February, we saw NetBlender blend in Blu-ray support to its DoStudio authoring software. Now, version 1.6 is packing even more BD-related goodness, and it's BD Touch in particular that we're intrigued by. The latest flavor of DoStudio includes expanded capabilities such as Slideshows, Dolby TrueHD support, and BD Touch integration, not to mention a number of workflow enhancements including copy / paste, enhanced asset validation, printable reports, etc. As for BD Touch, this software now gives production outfits (or just entrepreneurial individuals) the ability to bake in support for iPhone control when the disc is played back in a PlayStation 3. The application is available for a $395 monthly rental fee, $2,495 for a 1-year license or $6,995 for a permanent license.

[Thanks, Jason]

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NetBlender's DoStudio 1.6 Blu-ray authoring solution includes BD Touch support originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleAuthoringbd liveBD Touchbd-liveBdLiveBdTouchblu-rayblu-ray AuthoringBlu-rayAuthoringDoStudioDoStudio 1.6Dostudio1.6iphoneiphone 3gIphone3gipod touchIpodTouchmobilemultimediaNetBlenderplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sdksonyWed, 03 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony caves, will offer iTunes film download in Pineapple Express]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/sony-caves-will-offer-itunes-film-download-in-pineapple-express/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/sony-caves-will-offer-itunes-film-download-in-pineapple-express/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/sony-caves-will-offer-itunes-film-download-in-pineapple-express/#comments
It's a momentous occasion, folks. Sony -- the outfit known for boldly sticking to its proprietary guns when perfectly acceptable options are widely available -- is finally showing that it can reach across the aisle to get things done. All politics aside, the January-bound Pineapple Express will include a downloadable version from iTunes. We're told that this is the first time in which a Sony Pictures Home Entertainment release has included such a thing, and yes, a traditional digital copy for PCs / PSPs will also be bundled with the DVD / Blu-ray. Which is just about as cool as killing your arch enemy with a Daewoo Lanos.

[Via HomeMediaMagazine, image courtesy of SPHE]

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Sony caves, will offer iTunes film download in Pineapple Express originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While suits from Psystar and Apple are currently attempting to work things out via alternative dispute resolution, the former company is doing something the latter company won't: offer OS X-capable machines with built-in Blu-ray and NVIDIA's GeForce 9800GT. Showing no mercy whatsoever in a recent release, Psystar calls Steve Jobs out for his controversial "bag of hurt" comment and proceeds to inform the general public that it's "now shipping" OS X-compatible PCs (better known as Open Computers) with Blu-ray optical drives and the GeForce 9800GT GPU. Based on pricing figures gathered from the company's website, a 6x Blu-ray writer is a $310 upgrade over a dual-layer DVD burner, while the 512MB GeForce 9800GT will set you back $200 more than the 8600GT. Whatcha got to say now, Steve? Huh? Huh?

[Via MacUser]

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Psystar slaps Apple around, releases Mac clones with Blu-ray / GeForce 9800GT originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9800gtapplebag of hurtBagOfHurtbdblu-raygeforcehdtvmacmac cloneMacClonemedia pcmedia pcsmediapcmediapcsnvidiaOpen ComputerOpenComputeros xOsXPsystarTue, 28 Oct 2008 16:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Psystar slaps Apple around, releases Mac clones with Blu-ray / GeForce 9800GT]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/28/psystar-slaps-apple-around-releases-mac-clones-with-blu-ray-g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/28/psystar-slaps-apple-around-releases-mac-clones-with-blu-ray-g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/28/psystar-slaps-apple-around-releases-mac-clones-with-blu-ray-g/#comments
While suits from Psystar and Apple are currently attempting to work things out via alternative dispute resolution, the former company is doing something the latter company won't: offer OS X-capable machines with built-in Blu-ray and NVIDIA's GeForce 9800GT. Showing no mercy whatsoever in a recent release, Psystar calls Steve Jobs out for his controversial "bag of hurt" comment and proceeds to inform the general public that it's "now shipping" OS X-compatible PCs (better known as Open Computers) with Blu-ray optical drives and the GeForce 9800GT GPU. Based on pricing figures gathered from the company's website, a 6x Blu-ray writer is a $310 upgrade over a dual-layer DVD burner, while the 512MB GeForce 9800GT will set you back $200 more than the 8600GT. Whatcha got to say now, Steve? Huh? Huh?

[Via MacUser]

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Psystar slaps Apple around, releases Mac clones with Blu-ray / GeForce 9800GT originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9800gtapplebag of hurtBagOfHurtbdblu rayblu-raybluraygeforcehdmacmac cloneMacClonenvidiaOpen ComputerOpenComputeros xOsXothersPsystarTue, 28 Oct 2008 16:34:00 EST<![CDATA[A new HD tide is rising at VUDU]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/a-new-hd-tide-is-rising-at-vudu/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/a-new-hd-tide-is-rising-at-vudu/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/a-new-hd-tide-is-rising-at-vudu/#comments
It's no secret that we're hard on VUDU around here. It isn't that we don't like the service, it's just that our expectations are so high. One of our biggest complaints has been the relatively limited selection of HD movies, but apparently that has changed recently. We follow a weekly post that lists the new HD movies on the various download services and had become very accustomed to the Apple TV adding more movies than any other. That was until a few weeks ago. Starting on the week of October 3rd, VUDU started to outpace the Apple TV, and this week released an astonishing 153 new HD offerings in one week. This is almost three times as many movies in one week as VUDU has ever added before, and way more than the 37 movies added to Apple TV's HD movie lineup or the 20 movies added to Blu-ray -- no, TV shows weren't counted. As of today, Vudu offers 553 HD movies, which is still less than the number of Blu-ray titles available (around 1000) or the Apple TV at 684. So at this rate, both Vudu and the Apple TV are on track to surpass Blu-ray's title count. But unfortunately, neither seem to be getting many of the new releases in HD day-and-date with DVD -- like Iron Man and Indiana Jones, which are due on Vudu in mid November. Now if only VUDU addressed the rest of our concerns, like the 24 hour window, the HDMI requirement, no lossless audio, and the $300 box that only does one thing.

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A new HD tide is rising at VUDU originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleApple TVBlu-raydigital downloadsDigitalDownloadshdhd rentalsHdRentalshdxinternetrentalsVuduTue, 21 Oct 2008 17:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Amex Digital does what Steve won't, intros portable Blu-ray burner for Macs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/16/amex-digital-does-what-steve-wouldnt-intros-portable-blu-ray-b/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/16/amex-digital-does-what-steve-wouldnt-intros-portable-blu-ray-b/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/16/amex-digital-does-what-steve-wouldnt-intros-portable-blu-ray-b/#comments
A "bag of hurt," huh Steve? How do you like these Apples? Amex Digital has stepped in to give prospective MacBook / MacBook Pro owners (and anyone with a fresh USB-equipped Mac, really) the ability to watch and burn Blu-ray Discs... so long as they're cool with hauling around an external unit. The glossy black / white drive (coincidence?) is pretty much a Blu flavor of the portable Super Multi Drive it churned out in July. It'll burn BD-RE / -R (single-layer) discs at 2x, while dual-layer versions will only toast at 1x; as for blank DVDs, they'll get done at a rate of 4x to 8x depending on flavor. Not too painful at just $289, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Jobs?

[Thanks, A1]

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Amex Digital does what Steve won't, intros portable Blu-ray burner for Macs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMEXAMEX digitalAmexDigitalapplebdblu-rayhdtvmacbookmacbook proMacbookProoptical driveOpticalDriveportable blu-ray burnerPortableBlu-rayBurnerThu, 16 Oct 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Amex Digital does what Steve wouldn't, intros portable Blu-ray burner for Macs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/16/amex-digital-does-what-steve-wouldnt-intros-portable-blu-ray-b/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/16/amex-digital-does-what-steve-wouldnt-intros-portable-blu-ray-b/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/16/amex-digital-does-what-steve-wouldnt-intros-portable-blu-ray-b/#comments
A "bag of hurt," huh Steve? How do you like these Apples? Amex Digital has stepped in to give prospective MacBook / MacBook Pro owners (and anyone with a fresh USB-equipped Mac, really) the ability to watch and burn Blu-ray Discs... so long as they're cool with hauling around an external unit. The glossy black / white drive (coincidence?) is pretty much a Blu flavor of the portable Super Multi Drive it churned out in July. It'll burn BD-RE / -R (single-layer) discs at 2x, while dual-layer versions will only toast at 1x; as for blank DVDs, they'll get done at a rate of 4x to 8x depending on flavor. Not too painful at just $289, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Jobs?

[Thanks, A1]

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Amex Digital does what Steve wouldn't, intros portable Blu-ray burner for Macs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMEXAMEX digitalAmexDigitalapplebdblu rayblu-rayblurayhdmacbookmacbook proMacbookProoptical driveOpticalDriveothersportable blu-ray burnerPortableBlu-rayBurnerThu, 16 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[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/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/14/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/#comments
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?

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Apple's Steve Jobs calls Blu-ray "a bag of hurt" originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebdblu rayblu-rayblu-ray adoptionBlu-rayAdoptionbluraybreaking newsBreakingNewshdmacos xOsXsteve jobsSteveJobssupportTue, 14 Oct 2008 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[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/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/14/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/#comments
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?

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Apple's Steve Jobs calls Blu-ray "a bag of hurt" originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebdblu-rayblu-ray adoptionBlu-rayAdoptionbreaking newsBreakingNewshdtvmacos xOsXsteve jobsSteveJobsTue, 14 Oct 2008 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook / MacBook Pro rumor roundup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/12/macbook-macbook-pro-rumor-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/12/macbook-macbook-pro-rumor-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/12/macbook-macbook-pro-rumor-roundup/#comments
Well the rumoratti has certainly been working overtime today when it comes to Apple, so we've decided to bundle all the news that's currently doing the rounds into one tasty and nutritious post.

First up, there are new -- and quite detailed -- pictures out of what appears to be those MacBook and MacBook Pro casings we saw during the week. Again, we can't 100 percent confirm that these are the real deal, but they certainly have that Air-meets-MacBook hybrid quality to them that would suggest we're looking at the next iteration of the line.

Secondly, Apple has gone and published a support document for the "MacBook/MacBook Pro (Late 2008)" -- which suggests (gasp!) that there might be some late 2008 refreshes in our future. Oh really? Weird.



Rounding out the excitement, AppleInsider "confirms" the rumor that the new MacBooks will jettison the integrated Intel graphics which earlier models have used in favor of NVIDIA's MCP79 platform. The GPUs apparently use a new set of GeForce 9300 and 9400 chips that will make previous performance look archaic by comparison. Additionally, according to hotshot Mac rumor specialist Kevin Rose, the new systems will support Blu-ray drives, thus finally allowing you to watch season 4 of Lost the way the lord intended it.

As with all rumors, you can never really know which one of these is going to stick, but luckily we won't have to wait very long to get to the bottom of it. In the meantime, feel free to peruse the various links below and soak in the sweet, sweet gossip.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read - Leaked MacBook / MacBook Pro casing photos
Read - Apple Document Confirms MacBook/MacBook Pro (Late 2008)
Read - Apple dumping Intel chipsets for NVIDIA's in new MacBooks
Read - Kevin Rose drops MacBook Blu-Ray Rumor at Live Diggnation event

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MacBook / MacBook Pro rumor roundup originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblu-raykevin roseKevinRoseleaked photosleaked picsleaked picturesLeakedPhotosLeakedPicsLeakedPicturesmacbookmacbook proMacbookProMCP79nvidiarumorrumor roundupRumorRounduprumorsspeculationspy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotsSun, 12 Oct 2008 19:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray support destined for Mac OS X 10.5.6?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/22/blu-ray-support-destined-for-mac-os-x-10-5-6/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/22/blu-ray-support-destined-for-mac-os-x-10-5-6/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/22/blu-ray-support-destined-for-mac-os-x-10-5-6/#commentsThis isn't even a question of if -- it's simply when. The inevitable announcement that OS X will openly support Blu-ray is only a matter of months / years / eons away, but the latest whispers are placing BD compatibility in the very next version of OS X. Shortly after 10.5.5 hit the tubes, rumors began heating up that the next minor point release (10.5.6) would feature BD support. Granted, this is purely speculative at this point, but we'd say it makes sense. And if Apple doesn't have Blu-ray support planned for 10.5.6, um, can we get a few developers on that ASAP?

[Thanks, A1]

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Blu-ray support destined for Mac OS X 10.5.6? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10.5.6appleblu rayblu-rayblurayhdmacoperating systemOperatingSystemosos xOsXsoftwareMon, 22 Sep 2008 08:09:00 EST<![CDATA[MCE offers 6x Blu-ray burner for Mac Pro and Power Mac G5]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/mce-offers-6x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pro-and-power-mac-g5/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/mce-offers-6x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pro-and-power-mac-g5/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/mce-offers-6x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pro-and-power-mac-g5/#comments
MCE is at it again providing the wares that Apple simply won't. After offering up a 2x Blu-ray burner for the Mac Pro and Power Mac G5 last year, the company is keeping up with the industry by introducing a 6x variant for the very same machines. You'll also find compatibility with BD-RE (2x), DVD±R (16x), DVD±RW (6x - 8x), DVD±RW DL (4x), CD-R (40x) and CD-RW (24x). The drive itself is available as we speak for $499, while a bundle with Roxio Toast 9 Titanium goes for $599 and an external version runs $749.

[Via The Mac Observer]

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MCE offers 6x Blu-ray burner for Mac Pro and Power Mac G5 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6xapplebd-rbd-reblu rayblu-rayblu-ray burnerblu-ray writerBlu-rayBurnerBlu-rayWriterblurayhdmacmac proMacProMCEos xOsXpowermacrecorderssuperdriveWed, 02 Jul 2008 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix tidbits: DVD business could peak in a decade, Mac streaming on the way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/netflix-tidbits-dvd-business-could-peak-in-a-decade-mac-stream/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/netflix-tidbits-dvd-business-could-peak-in-a-decade-mac-stream/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/netflix-tidbits-dvd-business-could-peak-in-a-decade-mac-stream/#comments
Given Netflix's blatant plunge into the world of online content delivery, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the outfit's execs understand that physical media is at risk. Sure, DVD rentals far outnumber online rentals today, but Netflix is assuming that its DVD business could peak in around five to ten years. In a brief interview this week, CEO Reed Hastings told investors that "everybody peaks sometime," but he did note that Blu-ray was apt to make the "DVD ecosystem stronger." Even though the company is definitively moving at least some of its attention to online streaming, it's still quite aways from delivering a "standalone streaming service." On a slightly different note, we also learned that Intel-based Macs would be able to tap into the firm's "Watch Now" service "later this year," but unfortunately, it didn't get any more specific than that.

[Image courtesy of ANPark]

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Netflix tidbits: DVD business could peak in a decade, Mac streaming on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblu rayblu-raybluraybusinessdigital downloadsDigitalDownloadsdvdhdhd rentalsHdRentalsindustryinternetinternet videoInternetVideomacnetflixonline videoOnlineVideoos xOsXother formatsotherformatspeakrentalrentalsThu, 12 Jun 2008 13:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Juno's Digital Copy causing headaches in Canada?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/18/junos-digital-copy-causing-headaches-in-canada/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/18/junos-digital-copy-causing-headaches-in-canada/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/18/junos-digital-copy-causing-headaches-in-canada/#comments
Apparently a number of Canadians who have purchased Juno in hopes of downloading a Digital Copy and hauling it around on the go are coming up empty handed. We're seeing reports of failed attempts to redeem the packaged code, resulting in error messages indicating that "This product is not available in the Canadian store." Initially, users were generally assuming the blame needed to be placed on Fox, but according to an e-mail reply from the Fox Digital Copy Support team, it indicated that "Apple [was] working" to fix the problem as quickly as possible. Any of you in the Great North dealing with the same issue? Have you seen this on more than just one occasion?

[Thanks, Nick]

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Juno's Digital Copy causing headaches in Canada? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblu rayblu-raybluraycanadadigital copyDigitalCopyerrorfoxhdissueitunesjunomishapother formatsotherformatsproblemFri, 18 Apr 2008 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BD Touch Blu-ray disc-to-iPhone app officially unveiled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/10/bd-touch-blu-ray-disc-to-iphone-app-officially-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/10/bd-touch-blu-ray-disc-to-iphone-app-officially-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/10/bd-touch-blu-ray-disc-to-iphone-app-officially-unveiled/#commentsEnding the awful (two) days of waiting, NetBlender's officially presenting its latest innovation, BD Touch. Bringing together Apple's iPhone/iPod Touch and Blu-ray's BD-Live internet connection to potentially allow combinations like sending copies of a movie to iPhone directly from the disc menu, viewing fan created content in sync with a movie or, yes, using the iPhone as a remote control. All that geolocation, 3D motion sensitive, multitouch and predictive keyboard could be a part of our favorite movie (The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension) -- once some developer makes it happen. The disc authoring end of the tool is built into NetBlender's DoStudio software, while there are two iPhone SDKs (the Connect SDK is free, while the Premiere Blend/In SDK adds functionality but requires certification and licensing) available. Video demos are after the jump, so take a look and see what you can come up with.

Continue reading BD Touch Blu-ray disc-to-iPhone app officially unveiled

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BD Touch Blu-ray disc-to-iPhone app officially unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebd livebd-liveBdLiveblu-rayiphoneiphone osiphoneosipod touchIpodTouchmobilenetblendersdkThu, 10 Apr 2008 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[NetBlender prepping Blu-ray disc to iPhone connection?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/08/netblender-prepping-blu-ray-disc-to-iphone-connection/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/08/netblender-prepping-blu-ray-disc-to-iphone-connection/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/08/netblender-prepping-blu-ray-disc-to-iphone-connection/#commentsNetBlender is preparing to reveal new technology aimed squarely at connecting Blu-ray content to Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch, called BD Touch. Designed to "leverage network capabilities of Blu-ray players" Macworld UK surmises it could lead to possible use of those devices as a remote control for Blu-ray players, but given NetBlender's history of authoring tools we see the potential for an add-on that easily helps developers implement features like Digital Copy or BD-Live enabled ringtone purchases. Remote control -- or better yet Remote Play style -- apps could be interesting however, so we'll keep an eye out for the official announcement, expected April 10.

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NetBlender prepping Blu-ray disc to iPhone connection? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebd touchbd-jbd-liveBdTouchblu rayblu-raybluraydigital copyDigitalCopyhdiphoneipodipod touchIpodTouchmacnetblenderother hardwareotherhardwareothersTue, 08 Apr 2008 21:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony "in talks" with Microsoft about a Xbox 360 Blu-ray drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/sony-in-talks-with-microsoft-about-a-xbox-360-blu-ray-d/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/sony-in-talks-with-microsoft-about-a-xbox-360-blu-ray-d/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/sony-in-talks-with-microsoft-about-a-xbox-360-blu-ray-d/#commentsAbout 48 milliseconds after the format war was officially over, rumors started running rampant (again) about Blu-ray making its way over to Microsoft's latest console. Now, however, those rumors actually have some legs -- well, at least a leg. According to Stan Glasgow, Sony Electronics US president, "Sony is in talks with console rival Microsoft about offering a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360." For whatever it's worth, the exec also noted that it was having similar discussions with Apple, which has yet to even offer a Blu-ray option on any of its machines. Unfortunately, not a peep was uttered about potential launch dates and the like, but you can rest assured that we'll be keeping an ear dangerously close to the ground.

[Thanks, Andy]

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Sony "in talks" with Microsoft about a Xbox 360 Blu-ray drive originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onappleblu rayblu-raybluraybreaking newsBreakingNewshdmicrosoftother hardwareotherhardwareothersrumorsonyxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple "actively courting" Sony for slot-loading Blu-ray drives?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/29/apple-actively-courting-sony-for-slot-loading-blu-ray-drives/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/29/apple-actively-courting-sony-for-slot-loading-blu-ray-drives/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/29/apple-actively-courting-sony-for-slot-loading-blu-ray-drives/#commentsWe know, we're getting tired of Apple Blu-ray rumors as well -- they're right up there with refreshed Cinema Displays in terms of rumor persistence -- but until Steve and the gang actually shove a drive into a machine we're stuck with them. The latest says that Apple is actively pressing Sony for slot-loading BD-R drives but quality control issues are gumming up the plan. Reportedly, this latest ho-hum MacBook Pro refresh was to feature BD-R drives, but all Sony could muster up were Blu-ray / DVD±RW drives, which Apple refused. That seems a little odd, frankly -- now that the format war is over and the competition's already shipping mid-range laptops with slot-load BD-R drives, you'd think Apple would want to cash in that Blu-ray Disc Association membership card with whoever can supply the drives. As always, we'll see when we see -- it's gotta happen sometime, right?

[Image courtesy of dadako.com]

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Apple "actively courting" Sony for slot-loading Blu-ray drives? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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