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PS3 firmware engineers interviewed, DTS-HD MA support on the way
AV Watch scored an interview with some of the engineers behind the frequent PlayStation 3 updates -- most recently adding BD-Live in 2.20 -- and uncovered details on what's been going on under the hood so far, as well as what to expect in the future. 1080 deinterlacing and DTS-HD MA support are definitely in the works, although no date is given. A possible answer why it's not there yet, is the indication that the just implemented mosquito noise reduction on MPEG-4 AVC videos uses less processing power than the original version of BD player software, which used 100% of resources for DVD upconversion, but now only maxes out on PiP streams with BD-Java running. For best PQ, play your digital files from disc or USB stick instead of DLNA, since they are currently processed differently. Otherwise, we can expect future updates quarterly, and for those beyond the reach of the net, updates are also packed onto discs, like the Resident Evil flick with 2.10 firmware on it. Check out Beyond3D for more highlights and see if all your most burning questions have been answered.[Via PS3 Fanboy & Beyond3D, thanks Isaac]
"Father of Java" talks Blu-ray 2.0
The Blu-ray 2.0 spec (or BD Live) is just around the corner, and the "father of Java" thinks it won't disappoint. Sun Microsystems VP and fellow James Gosling calls it "mind-blowing" and we should see demonstrations of developers have achieved at the JavaOne conference in May. Top Tech News also quoted an analyst about the possibilities of the Blu 2.0 future, and what we could see this summer, from online chat with others watching the same movie, or the ability to offer downloads that re-edit a movie to block unwanted scenes. That all sounds nice, and we can't wait for the BD-J upgrades on our PS3's and new players from Panasonic and Sony, but we can't help wondering what it would have been like if someone launched online-capable HD players nearly two years ago. Yeah, that would've been sweet.
NetBlender adding Blu-ray support to DoStudio authoring software
NetBlender has made plans official for new versions of its DoStudio authoring software, adding support for Blu-ray and BD-J features including BD Live. DoStudio Authoring Edition is expected out after NAB 2008, allowing users to create professional Blu-ray discs from a graphical interface. Unfortunately picture-in-picture support won't be part of the hardware and software package until Q3, with BD Live support slated for early 2009. While major studios may be able to create BD-J enhanced discs on their own, the idea is that this package can allow other professionals to make full featured discs without having to learn scripting. Anyone looking for that kind of access can look forward to DoStudio Developer Edition in the fourth quarter, with full access to scripting, for even more advanced features. DoStudio MX users aren't left out either, with Blu-ray support on the way there as well. As for the simple home viewers, we just hope these tools get in the right hands sooner rather than later to create truly innovative high definition discs.
HD DVD's last hurrah: Terminator 2: Ultimate HD-Edition due March 20
HD DVD fans have at least one more high profile release to look forward to, as German distributor Kinowelt is prepared to release Terminator 2: Ultimate HD-Edition (region free of course) March 20th. Produced by HDi (and Blu-ray) pioneers Imagion AG this release includes the directors cut of the film, with DTS-HD 7.1 audio and more than four hours of bonus material in a high quality SteelBook case. Expect this to be the triumphant example of HD DVD's advanced features and capabilities that American Gangster so sadly wasn't. Check out a list of features after the break or our hands-on from CES to learn more about the disc's interactive and online capabilities, and maybe a peek at the future of BD Live.
Samsung to release BD+ update this friday
Samsung has just dropped us a note to let us know that they'll be releasing an update to both their BD-P1000 and BD-P1200 this Friday, that will address the BD+ issues with the latest Fox Blu-ray titles. When first asked, Samsung said it would take a few weeks, so this is certainly good news. You can either download the update from Samsung.com or use the Ethernet port in the BD-P1200 to download the update directly. In addition to the BD+ issue, the BD-P1200 update also improves the playback in some movies, enhances performance of in-movie games, and fixes some audio noise issues. We'll let you know how it works out.
Fox says, it's not our fault if you can't play our movies
Last week when we ran into troubles playing the latest Fox release of Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, we were quick to blame BD+. Fox told Video Business that they're not sure if it's BDJ or BD+ that's causing the issues, but either way it's not their fault. They suggest that if anyone's having problems playing the disc, that they should "lobby their hardware manufacturers to release firmware upgrades post haste." This is pretty much what we'd expect them to say, and in the end it's the consumer that's getting the short end of the stick. LG has stated that they'll have an update for the BH100 within a few days, while Samsung BD-P1200 fans will have to wait a few weeks.[Via HighDefDigest]
Disney's Cars rolling to Blu-ray this November?
Good news for automotive freaks who just so happen to admire CGI and Blu-ray: Disney's Cars -- which has missed a number of purported deadlines already -- is finally slated to land on Blu-ray, that is, if Hollywood In Hi-Def's Scott Hettrick is to be believed. According to him, the smash film will finally make its Blu-ray debut on November 6th, and will feature a host of extras not found on the vanilla DVD edition. Among those niceties is an "elaborate BD-J interactive game" dubbed Car Finder, an unreleased Traffic School scene, and a Cinemavision presentation of the featurettes and audio commentaries. Reportedly, the disc will be priced at $34.99, and should also prove to be a huge favorite of stocking-stuffers everywhere this holiday season.[Via HighDefDigest]
