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Microsoft unveils Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator, hopes to speed up development
We can't say we saw this one coming down the pike, but Microsoft has unveiled a new piece of software designed to "streamline development / testing for HD DVD content" as well as "accelerate the advancement" of next-generation interactivity (HDi, in particular). Simply put, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator allows studios the flexibility to "model the behavior of HD DVD disc content, including encoded video and HDi interactivity, in a virtual environment." When put to use, companies can purportedly cut down on coasters and wasted time, but in order to do so, they'll need an Xbox 360 + HD DVD peripheral, a connection to Xbox Live and $2,999. Thirsty for more? There's plenty where that came from. [Thanks, Erie T.]
DoStudio MX software authors HD DVDs
Though Blu-ray aficionados have long since had ways to create their own Blu-ray discs, NetBlender is making sure you HD DVD fans aren't left in the dark. The DoStudio MX software is a "complete HD DVD authoring tool" that features a graphical layout editor, Photoshop integration, keyframe animation / playlist editor, advanced logging, an image list manager, and Corel's PureHD Multiplexer. Currently, users interested in trying it out can download the beta version for the price of the prior release ($99 per month) so long as they "report issues in a timely fashion," but those who lag around will end up forking out $249 per month come September. And yes, the company is already working up a Blu-ray version of this very software, and folks who'd like to join the BD-J limited public beta that will release later this year need only sign up and cross their fingers.[Thanks, Jason]
Microsoft & Amazon are sponsoring 1,000 indie films on HD DVD
Indie filmmakers have an easy in to sell high definition movies, as Amazon and Microsoft have teamed up with CustomFlix to provide free authoring and setup (normally $499) for up to 1,000 titles. CustomFlix will then sell the titles through Amazon using its DVD on Demand service, which produces DVDs to order. Filmmakers don't have to worry about managing inventory and can get their product to customers quickly. CustomFlix has been selling HD DVD, Blu-ray and WMV-HD flicks for a while now, but says HD DVD "fits its business model perfectly." HD DVD might not have all of the major studio supporters of Blu-ray, but maybe cheaper players and a wide variety of content can tip the balance its way.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Sonic announces new authoring package for Total Hi Def discs
Anyone producing high-def content who can't decide which format to support can now put their content on one of Warner's Total Hi Def hybrid discs via Sonic's Scenarist Workgroup authoring system. With its new product, THDAssign, creating a disc that plays in both HD DVD and Blu-ray players is streamlined and easy. With availability expected in February, we'll soon find out how eager other studios and smaller content providers are to support the combo discs... and if consumers are willing to pay for them.
Sony releases Blu-Print Blu-ray authoring software
If you're interested in making Blu-ray discs like the big boys, Sony's own Blu-Print software is now available for the low, low price of $50,000 per license (there's also a 30-day free trial available if you really need a test-run first). Unfortunately they didn't note which codecs are available yet, but you can use the software to add all the BD-J interactive features and popup menus you could ever want. The software is Windows-only, and we're sure if spending $750 to $1000 or more on the necessary burner makes sense to you that this package is well within your price range.[Via DV Guru]
Roxio Toast 7 with Blu-ray support for Macs ready
Is that Blu-ray drive-sporting Power Mac Mac Pro just around the corner? Maybe, maybe not, but for Apple users who like to stay ahead of the curve they can expect to see the new Toast 7 w/ BD support bundled with Blu-ray recorders shipping soon. The Toast Dynamic Writing feature makes the jump to next-gen, allowing Mac users to drag-and-drop to 50GB BD-R or BD-RE discs with ease. No mention of whether the automatic disc-spanning feature is intact, at $47.99 and 50GB each a dual layer disc (whenever they are available) should be more than enough. Still, with pricetags of at least $750 it may be some time before even deep-pocketed Apple aficionados jump in. The Logitec LBD-A2FU2 Blu-ray burner for Macs & PCs we previewed back in April has apparently slipped, Amazon Japan dates its release as July 31, for 132,762 yen ($1,136 US).This is as good a time as any to (re)start an Apple rumor about a Blu-ray burner in the next product refresh. All we need to do is check our calendar for Lord Steve's next public appearance and there is your totally unsubstantiated predicted release date. We'd express more concern about the lack of consumer edition HD DVD recording software if there were, you know, any burners available or even officially announced in the U.S.[Thanks for the tip Joe L.!]
