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[128GB BDXL Blu-ray disc specification finalized... and fabulous!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/128gb-bdxl-blu-ray-disc-specification-finalized-and-fabulous/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/128gb-bdxl-blu-ray-disc-specification-finalized-and-fabulous/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/128gb-bdxl-blu-ray-disc-specification-finalized-and-fabulous/#comments
Looks like the Blu-ray Disc Association has published the final specs for the monster BDXL disc, opening the way for manufacturers to start introducing the technology in their optical drives. Not too much here that we don't already know: aimed at institutions and folks who need to archive lots and lots of... stuff, BDXL discs are available in either triple layer 100GB (re-writable or write-once) or 128GB quad layer write-once flavors. Of course, with all these layers (or layuhs in Brooklyn) the laser in the Blu-ray drive you already own won't be able to do the trick, so start saving your change for a hardware upgrade once these things become commercially available. PR after the break.

Continue reading 128GB BDXL Blu-ray disc specification finalized... and fabulous!

128GB BDXL Blu-ray disc specification finalized... and fabulous! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100gb128gbbdabdxlblu-rablu-ray discblu-ray disc associationBlu-rayDiscBlu-rayDiscAssociationcapacitydischybridih-bdsizespecspecificationFri, 25 Jun 2010 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray Discs expand to 128GB under new BDXL spec]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/03/blu-ray-discs-expand-to-128gb-under-new-bdxl-spec/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/03/blu-ray-discs-expand-to-128gb-under-new-bdxl-spec/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/03/blu-ray-discs-expand-to-128gb-under-new-bdxl-spec/#comments This probably isn't a response to the 3D onslaught or even "superbit" releases like the upcoming Avatar 2D disc, but just in case the standard 50GB Blu-ray discs were beginning to feel a bit -- how do you say... cramped? -- the Blu-ray Disc Association's rolling out a new BDXL format capable of holding up to 128GB (write-once) or 100GB (rewriteable). Before you get too excited, you should know that you'll need a new player to access these -- even a firmware update won't save the PS3 this time -- since they go up to three or four layers deep and will likely need a more powerful laser. While our home movies can be compressed just fine, corporations currently still using other mediums for archiving might appreciate the extra space, as well as the new IH-BD discs, designed with one 25GB read-only layer, and one 25GB rewritable layer on the same platter. If you're looking for a place to permanently back up that super high-res "amateur photography," take heart -- a consumer version is in the works, though it will first be aimed at markets where Blu-ray Disc recorders are popular, or available at all (read: maybe Japan, definitely not the US). No word when the new hardware will actually hit the market, but final specs are due "in the next few months." In the meantime, check out the full details after the break.

Continue reading Blu-ray Discs expand to 128GB under new BDXL spec

Blu-ray Discs expand to 128GB under new BDXL spec originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100gb128gbbdabdxlblu-rablu-ray discblu-ray disc associationBlu-rayDiscBlu-rayDiscAssociationbreaking newsBreakingNewscapacitydischybridih-bdsizespecspecificationSat, 03 Apr 2010 10:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray's 3D spec isn't what it could be]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/blu-rays-3d-spec-isnt-what-it-could-be/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/blu-rays-3d-spec-isnt-what-it-could-be/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/blu-rays-3d-spec-isnt-what-it-could-be/#commentsBlu-ray 3D logoWhile 3D is all the rage at CES this year, we learned today from the BDA that one of the biggest sources of 3D content isn't what it could be. The first thing that could, should, be better is the limited support for frame rates. Movies have been recorded at 24 frames per second for longer than our parents have been alive, and for about the same amount of time we've had to endure frame rate interpolation to make movies play back on our 30Hz TVs -- you know, like 3:2 pull-down. That changed recently with 120hz LCDs and 72Hz plasmas because those numbers share a common denominator with 24 (so the same frame is just shown three or four times). When choosing an 3D HDTV it is important to understand how the TV displays 24 fps 3D content, don't just asume it does it without 3:2 pull down. But honestly the worst part is that some 3D cameras can capture 3D at higher frame rates and even if the director wanted to, the new 3D Blu-ray spec doesn't support it. The other issue we take with the new spec is that contrary to early reports, it is possible to create a 3D Blu-ray Disc that won't play on 2D only players. This next one isn't a big deal, but still disappointing is that even if the creator goes through the trouble to encode the movie in both formats, depending on the HDTV, you may have no choice but to watch it in 3D -- say if you lost your glasses or whatever. Now don't get us wrong we're pretty excited about the new 3D technology, but the way we see it is that anything worth doing, is worth doing right the first time.

Blu-ray's 3D spec isn't what it could be originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DBDABlu-Rayblu-ray disc associationBlu-rayDiscAssociationCESCES 2010ces2010Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray 3D logo unveiled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/blu-ray-3d-logo-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/blu-ray-3d-logo-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/blu-ray-3d-logo-unveiled/#comments We haven't yet laid hands on one of the new 3D Blu-ray players expected to debut later this year, but the BDA is already showing off its new logo. Nice use of perspective to simulate it popping out at you, we'll have to wait and see what gaudy box art surrounds these when movies arrive in the format.

Blu-ray 3D logo unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just in case there was any doubt since the task force was announced in May, the Blu-ray Disc Association is still hard at work on a standard to bring home 3D movies the way they were meant to be seen. Ahead of IFA, the group squeezed off an announcement, mentioning its decision of minimum specs including requiring 1080p resolution to each eye and backwards compatibility for discs and players, so any 3D flick will have to include a 2D version for older Blu-ray players. Of course, we're sure Panasonic has something to do with this push, it's already planning to tour the country with 3D capable Blu-ray players in tow, so it shouldn't be too much longer until final decisions are made.

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Blu-ray Disc Association (still) working on a 3D standard, promises 1080p & backwards compatible discs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We'd already heard that Toshiba -- the outfit best known for solidly backing HD DVD during the two-year format war of the early 21st century -- was preparing to swallow its pride and kick out a Blu-ray player by the year's end, but now it's official. The outfit just announced moments ago that it has "applied for membership of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and plans to introduce products that support the Blu-ray format." Sadly, Tosh doesn't bother to mention exactly what kinds of BD-capable wares it hopes to produce, nor is it ready to disclose product launch time frames. We'd tell you exactly how it wants us to just be patient and all, but you're probably better off hearing it directly from the horse's trap:
"In light of recent growth in digital devices supporting the Blu-ray format, combined with market demand from consumers and retailers alike, Toshiba has decided to join the BDA. Toshiba aims to introduce digital products that support the Blu-ray format, including BD players and notebook PCs integrating BD drives, in the course of this year. Details of the products, including the timing of regional launches, are now under consideration. We will make announcements in due course."

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Toshiba applies for BDA admission, Blu-ray players and laptops coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We'd already heard that Toshiba -- the outfit best known for solidly backing HD DVD during the two-year format war of the early 21st century -- was preparing to swallow its pride and kick out a Blu-ray player by the year's end, but now it's official. The outfit just announced moments ago that it has "applied for membership of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and plans to introduce products that support the Blu-ray format." Sadly, Tosh doesn't bother to mention exactly what kinds of BD-capable wares it hopes to produce, nor is it ready to disclose product launch time frames. We'd tell you exactly how it wants us to just be patient and all, but you're probably better off hearing it directly from the horse's trap:
"In light of recent growth in digital devices supporting the Blu-ray format, combined with market demand from consumers and retailers alike, Toshiba has decided to join the BDA. Toshiba aims to introduce digital products that support the Blu-ray format, including BD players and notebook PCs integrating BD drives, in the course of this year. Details of the products, including the timing of regional launches, are now under consideration. We will make announcements in due course."

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Toshiba applies for BDA admission, Blu-ray players and laptops coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Count the Blu-ray Disc Association as the latest to jump on the 3D standards bandwagon, announcing the formation of a task force to create a universal 3D home entertainment spec. It's already been said that Blu-ray will be a great delivery mechanism for 3D, but without a standard, even incredible productions like Coraline come home in anaglyph 3D instead of the stereoscopic 3D format that more HDTV sets are beginning to support. We won't even begin to wonder who they will back, there's not even a timetable for meetings yet but hopefully all this gets worked out sooner rather than later so we can enjoy our Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience at home, the same way we did in the theater (3 times, it was fantastic.)

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Blu-ray Disc Association working to create a standard for home 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember that funky DRA audio format we mentioned way back in July of last year? Yeah, somehow that just got approved by the BDA. While we're sure the likes of DTS and Dolby won't be up all night fearing for tomorrow, there actually is another audio format in the Blu-ray town. Over in Beijing, the Blu-ray Disc Association, China Hualu Group and Digital Rise Technology have gathered together to announce that the DRA digital audio coding technology has been approved for inclusion in the BD-ROM 2.3 specification as an "optional audio codec." The folks involved seem pretty stoked, but seriously, what are the chances any mainstream Blu-ray Disc ships this year (or ever, really) with a DRA soundtrack? Anyone placing bets?

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DRA audio coding technology gains BDA approval originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You know the drill by now, every year around this time the Blu-ray disc format enters under suspicion that it won't measure up, with too many competitors already in place or on the way. Despite delivering improved second gen players in 2007, and a surprise victory over HD DVD to open CES '08, today's New York Times leads up to the electronics show with an article pointing out Blu-ray's fuzzy future. Whether or not 2009 is Blu-ray's last, best chance to prove it can properly replace DVD, we all know what's necessary to leave the niche product tag behind. In the face of growing Internet video delivery and tightening consumer spending, we'll see if there's at least one more command performance left in discs.

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New CES, same doubts about Blu-ray originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdablu rayblu-raybluraycesces 2009Ces2009doubtsdvdformat warFormatWarhdMon, 05 Jan 2009 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Moser Baer nabs BDA certification for 6x BD-Rs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/moser-baer-nabs-bda-certification-for-6x-bd-rs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/moser-baer-nabs-bda-certification-for-6x-bd-rs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/moser-baer-nabs-bda-certification-for-6x-bd-rs/#comments6x Blu-ray media is far from new, but Moser Baer has just become the first company outside of Japan to develop and ship 1x to 6x BD-Rs. The New Delhi-based outfit actually popped up on our radar last year with claims of 8x Blu-ray recording media, and now it has "received product verification from the Blu-ray Disc Association for its next generation Blu-ray (BDR) 1x-6x discs." We're no experts on certification, but we're all about getting more options on the shelves to drive down prices.

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Moser Baer nabs BDA certification for 6x BD-Rs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've already passed along one Blu-ray primer this holiday season, but just in case you missed it (or your one specific question remains unanswered), we'll point you to this one. USA Today has written ten relatively basic questions (and answers) that may be in the minds of those teetering on taking the plunge into high-def media. Things like "Will my sound system work with Blu-ray?" and "What features do Blu-ray movies have that DVDs don't?" are covered in sufficient detail, so we'd highly recommend having a look if "your friend" is still a bit clueless.

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10 Blu-ray questions keep the newbies in the know originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Despite the general lameness of the economy at large, Blu-ray seems to be faring at least decently well overseas. We already heard that Blu-ray Disc sales were up 396% in the UK year-to-date, and we're getting even more positive vibes from a BDA European Promotions Group seminar held in Amsterdam this month. According to Frank Simonis, chairman of the aforesaid group, [Blu-ray] is "experiencing strong and solid growth in every national territory [in Europe]," even with the economic situation taken into consideration. Also in attendance was FutureSource Consulting's Jim Bottoms, who boldly predicted that "in Europe, by 2012, about one-quarter of homes will have a standalone Blu-ray Disc player." 'Course, that's just wild speculation at this point, but at least we've a target to look back on and see just how accurate this fellow was / wasn't. [Warning: PDF read link]

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BDA gives European update: Blu-ray lookin' good across the pond originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012adoptionanalysisBDAblu rayblu-rayblu-ray adoptionBlu-rayAdoptionblurayeuropefuturesourceglobalgrowthhdresearchsalesukWed, 26 Nov 2008 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic puts forth proposal for 3D standard on Blu-ray Disc]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/panasonic-puts-forth-proposal-for-3d-standard-on-blu-ray-disc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/panasonic-puts-forth-proposal-for-3d-standard-on-blu-ray-disc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/24/panasonic-puts-forth-proposal-for-3d-standard-on-blu-ray-disc/#comments
For those of you plugging your ears whilst humming along in hopes of this whole 3D revolution fading away, we've got a rude awakening headed your way. Just days after hearing that the HDMI specification could be updated to better handle stereoscopic 3D content, along comes word that Panasonic has submitted a proposal to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) for an official BD standard to store 3D imagery formed of "left / right-eye two-channel Full HD images." Panny reportedly made the move early in order avoid a format war, but really, it's just looking to cash in on royalties for the next decade five years or less. It's no secret that movie studios are dead set on moving forward with 3D production -- might as well be ready on the other end, right?

[Image courtesy of 3DS]

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Panasonic puts forth proposal for 3D standard on Blu-ray Disc originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For those of you plugging your ears whilst humming along in hopes of this whole 3D revolution fading away, we've got a rude awakening headed your way. Just days after hearing that the HDMI specification could be updated to better handle stereoscopic 3D content, along comes word that Panasonic has submitted a proposal to the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) for an official BD standard to store 3D imagery formed of "left / right-eye two-channel Full HD images." Panny reportedly made the move early in order avoid a format war, but really, it's just looking to cash in on royalties for the next decade five years or less. It's no secret that movie studios are dead set on moving forward with 3D production -- might as well be ready on the other end, right?

[Image courtesy of 3DS]

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Panasonic puts forth proposal for 3D standard on Blu-ray Disc originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dbdBDAblu rayblu-rayblurayhdHDMIjapanother formatsotherformatspanasonicprotocolstandardstereoscopicMon, 24 Nov 2008 22:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to ship real live Blu-ray Discs to China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/19/sony-to-ship-real-live-blu-ray-discs-to-china/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/19/sony-to-ship-real-live-blu-ray-discs-to-china/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/19/sony-to-ship-real-live-blu-ray-discs-to-china/#commentsWhile some studios are backing away from Asian countries due to rampant piracy, Sony's content with diving right in. According to a recent report from Variety, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will begin distributing 30 current and classic Blu-ray Discs to China on Friday, though they won't be exceptionally cheap. In fact, with titles costing around 205 yuan ($30), we'd bet those Chinese "BD" pirates may actually see a spike in sales. Funny how so much Blu-ray manufacturing is going on in China, yet it's just now about to get its first taste of authentic BD software sales. It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world, we tell ya.

[Via TechRadar]

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Sony to ship real live Blu-ray Discs to China originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We can already tell you that there's not enough water in the intertubez to put out the flames that this one will spark, but we digress. Analyst Robin Harris has blurted out what we can only imagine is being secretly thought by at least a few others: Blu-ray isn't going anywhere. We'll be frank -- we politely disagree with his assertion that BD will be relegated to a "videophile niche" within 12 months, but he does make some great points about the format's inability to truly catch on. For starters, consumers are having a tough time finding a value proposition in the format, which doesn't look phenomenally better than upscaled DVD in most eyes. Second, the sheer cost of licensing involved keeps all but the biggest studios from enjoying the spoils of Blu. Lastly, he suggests that the BDA should realize that Blu-ray isn't needed in the world of HD streaming and upscaled DVD, and it must be priced accordingly. Again, some of this just seems way off base, but it's fantastic fodder for discussion, no?

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Is Blu-ray destined to become a "videophile niche?" originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You know how this game works by now -- someone says one thing, someone else says another. After hearing the Blu-ray Disc Association assert that Blu-ray wares would be flying off of store shelves this holiday season, in steps technology analyst Roger Kay to say otherwise. In fact, he predicts a "dramatic" drop in Blu-ray sales for Q4 and beyond, suggesting that consumers will choose to hold tight to their hard-earned dollars rather than spend it on a format that's still noticeably more expensive than DVD. As if that weren't enough, he also insinuated that the push back in adoption could allow "other forms of video over cable, satellite and the internet to shut the window of opportunity for Blu-ray." Of course, we've heard this whole physical media versus digital downloads debate before, but we don't exactly see a poor sales season (if there is one) as being enough to catapult digital downloads in front of BD. Regardless, we'll be anxious to see the numbers in early 2009, but for now, it certainly provides interesting fodder for discussion.

[Image courtesy of Syracuse]

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Analyst predicts "dramatic" drop in Blu-ray sales during Q4 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysisanalystbdbdablu rayblu-rayblu-ray adoptionBlu-rayAdoptionbluraybusinessdataeconomyhdindustryreportsalesMon, 20 Oct 2008 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[BDA unsurprisingly bullish for holiday season]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/10/bda-unsurprisingly-bullish-for-holiday-season/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/10/bda-unsurprisingly-bullish-for-holiday-season/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/10/bda-unsurprisingly-bullish-for-holiday-season/#commentsGiven that Iron Man just crushed every other Blu-ray sales record set before it, not to mention the fact that sub-$200 BD decks are finally upon us, we can't say we're flabbergasted by the Blu-ray Disc Association's most recent comments. Victor Matsuda, Chairman of the BDA Global Promotions Committee, was recently quoted as saying that "[the BDA] has good reason to predict that this Q4 sales period will see the Blu-ray Disc revolution take hold in US mainstream markets and [that it] will witness strong sales performance in every other geographical region." Comically enough, he also stated that "the availability of affordable players is an important factor," which contrasts pretty starkly with comments made by the BDA just weeks ago. Not that we're complaining about lower prices or anything...

[Via Pocket-lint, image courtesy of Photobucket]

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BDA unsurprisingly bullish for holiday season originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We haven't seen too many BD fiascoes of late, and Thomson's Technicolor is out to make sure it stays that way. As of this week, it has established the very first BDA-approved Blu-ray Disc testing facility in the United States, which promises to provide a place for advanced BD-Live / BD-Java testing before titles are publicly released. There's no specific word as to what studios it'll be stamping seals of approval / disapproval for, so we'll just assume anyone who feels like ponying up for its services can apply.

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Technicolor establishes first BDA-approved Blu-ray Disc testing facility in US originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Didn't see anything that particularly suited your fancy at CEDIA? Then feast your eyes on CEATEC. As the Japan-based trade show hastily approaches, out pops a mind-boggling new home theater package from Panasonic. The system will include one of its marvelous 103-inch plasma HDTVs, a Blu-ray player and at least one set of fancy 3D goggles. Hailed as a world's first in some form or fashion, the Full HD 3D package utilizes an undisclosed format "employed by major Hollywood film studios" to "distribute full HD images of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels to each eye via synchronized shutter glasses." Panny is hoping to promote the technology and possibly get a leg up on Samsung (our assumption) by impressing wealthy homeowners and members of the Blu-ray Disc Association. As expected, there's no mention of a price, but rest assured -- you'll be stuck choosing between this and a new BMW.

[Via Impress]

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Panasonic bundles 103-inch plasma, Blu-ray player in 3D home theater package originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>103-inch1080p3dbdbdablu rayblu-rayblu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerblurayceatecceatec 2008Ceatec2008full hdFullHdhdhome theaterHomeTheaterjapanMatsushitaother formatsotherformatspanasonicplasmaWed, 24 Sep 2008 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic bundles 103-inch plasma, Blu-ray player in 3D home theater package]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/panasonic-bundles-103-inch-plasma-blu-ray-player-in-3d-home-the/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/panasonic-bundles-103-inch-plasma-blu-ray-player-in-3d-home-the/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/panasonic-bundles-103-inch-plasma-blu-ray-player-in-3d-home-the/#comments
Didn't see anything that particularly suited your fancy at CEDIA? Then feast your eyes on CEATEC. As the Japan-based trade show hastily approaches, out pops a mind-boggling new home theater package from Panasonic. The system will include one of its marvelous 103-inch plasma HDTVs, a Blu-ray player and at least one set of fancy 3D goggles. Hailed as a world's first in some form or fashion, the Full HD 3D package utilizes an undisclosed format "employed by major Hollywood film studios" to "distribute full HD images of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels to each eye via synchronized shutter glasses." Panny is hoping to promote the technology and possibly get a leg up on Samsung (our assumption) by impressing wealthy homeowners and members of the Blu-ray Disc Association. As expected, there's no mention of a price, but rest assured -- you'll be stuck choosing between this and a new BMW.

[Via Impress]

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Panasonic bundles 103-inch plasma, Blu-ray player in 3D home theater package originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More news from the DisplaySearch / NPD HDTV conference out in California, and this time it's from the Blu-ray Disc Association. Andy Parsons, the BDA's chairman, told attendees that Blu-ray player and disc pricing were behaving the same way as when DVD was the hot new thing. Parsons noted that "there [wasn't] enough market volume to lower prices," adding that firms first have to "build awareness and demand for the technology" before stickers can shrink. Granted, this opens the whole "chicken before the egg" debate, with pundits asserting that awareness and demand won't build until prices are low enough to be digested by the masses. Also of note, Andy suggested that consumers still wanted something "they could hold in their hands" when asked about the threat of digital downloads, but then again, would you really expect to hear anything different?

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BDA sez Blu-ray player prices aren't sinking anytime soon originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Out of seemingly nowhere, DisplaySearch has became way hot on Blu-ray. At a recent conference in Hollywood, the research firm reportedly announced its expectations that "global unit sales of standalone Blu-ray players will triple this year and will double next year as prices fall, more titles are released and a larger percentage of the population own high-definition TVs." As for numbers, that's 2.38 million BD decks this year and 5.31 million in 2009, which means Sony's PS3 would no longer be the biggest selling Blu-ray player by 2010. Look, we'd love for Blu-ray adoption to suddenly get off the ground and soar, but as if it hasn't been restated enough, we simply can't see it happening without at least a few sub-$200 players on the market. Guess we'll see soon enough, huh?

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DisplaySearch forecasts skyrocketing sales of standalone Blu-ray players originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barely a month after hearing rumors that the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) would be granting licenses to 11 China-based manufacturers, in flies official word that the very first Blu-ray Disc testing center has been established in that very nation. CESI Technology, a contributor member of the BDA, is the lucky winner, and as of today, "Chinese manufacturers can receive verification services for the official production of BD-ROM Movie Players at this center." Hopefully, this means that we'll be waiting less for the development and market launch of BD products. On a slightly related note, DigiRise DRA -- also a Chinese company -- found that its homegrown digital audio coding technology has passed an important milestone in the Blu-ray approval process. Not that we're crazy about having one more codec to juggle, but there you have it. More details on both points below.

Read - First BDA testing center in China
Read - DRA audio codec

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First Blu-ray Disc testing center established in China originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We'd take all of this with a healthy dose of salt just now, but reportedly, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is looking to grant 11 China-based manufacturers with Blu-ray licenses. As we've already seen, select Chinese companies have long since been listed on the BDA's website of licensees, but according to recent reports, even more are being allowed to "undertake R&D, production and marketing of BD discs, players or drives." It's said that the 11 in question include TCL, Malata, China Hualu Panasonic AVC Networks and Desay, and that volume production is expected to begin from at least some of them as early as 2009. It'll definitely be interesting to see where this takes things, if these whispers are in fact accurate.

[Via HDTV Info, thanks gamedude420]

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BDA granting 11 China-based manufacturers with Blu-ray licenses? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The last HD DVD exclusive studio to announce Blu-ray titles won't be the last to release, as Paramount has announced its first Blu-ray movies will hit the street starting on May 20th with Face/Off, Next, and Bee Movie. But the fun really starts in June, as the long awaited award winning There Will Be Blood and Cloverfield are both due on June 3rd. Then a few weeks later, the first day and date title will come with The Spiderwick Chronicles on June 24th. So with the last studio finally lined up, it won't be long until we really get to see DVD and Blu-ray go head to head and once and for all find out if the new Blu format can make a run at the defending champ.

[Via Blu-ray.com]

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Paramount officially rejoins the Blu-ray camp on May 20th originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Think you're an HD aficionado? Insulted that we'd even begin to think otherwise? For what it's worth, we'd wager that even the hardest of hardcore HD junkies could learn a thing or two from CD Freak's top ten list of things you might not know in relation to high-def. For starters, high-definition (as a term) emerged nearly four score ago, the first HDTV was sold in 1998 here in the United States and the first "high-resolution television system" was actually created by the Soviets in 1958. Eager to take a peek at the other seven? Head on down to the read link and stock up on potential trivia knowledge.

[Image courtesy of Philips]

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Ten off-the-wall facts about high-definition originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, how the times have changed. Merely months ago we caught Frank Simonis, chairman of the Blu-ray Disc Association, firing off all sorts of vitriol at the red camp, and now that the wheels are falling off of the HD DVD wagon, we're seeing quite the change of heart. According to a recent interview with Tech Radar, Mr. Simonis was quoted as saying that Toshiba and Microsoft, along with any other company, is "more than welcome to join the BDA." He continued by stating that if "Toshiba decides to drop HD DVD, it would extend the hand of friendship to them." Yeah, it's kind of cute to see such lovey-dovey phrases being thrown around, but we've all ideas none of these heartfelt feelings are easing the sting felt by Toshiba right about now.

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BDA sez Toshiba and Microsoft are "more than welcome" to go Blu originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, how the times have changed. Merely months ago we caught Frank Simonis, chairman of the Blu-ray Disc Association, firing off all sorts of vitriol at the red camp, and now that the wheels are falling off of the HD DVD wagon, we're seeing quite the change of heart. According to a recent interview with Tech Radar, Mr. Simonis was quoted as saying that Toshiba and Microsoft, along with any other company, is "more than welcome to join the BDA." He continued by stating that if "Toshiba decides to drop HD DVD, it would extend the hand of friendship to them." Yeah, it's kind of cute to see such lovey-dovey phrases being thrown around, but we've all ideas none of these heartfelt feelings are easing the sting felt by Toshiba right about now.

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BDA sez Toshiba and Microsoft are "more than welcome" to go Blu originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's almost comical how quickly the Blu-ray Disc Association gets its thoughts and feelings out to the world after crossing any milestone, and yet again we see the BDA rushing to pat itself on the back after moving some 2.37 million BD titles in Europe. According to recent sales figures, 79-percent of all high-definition movies purchased across the pond year-to-date have been of the Blu variety, and as expected, Sony's PlayStation 3 is given quite a bit of credit for the results. According to David Bishop, president of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, passing the 2 million mark in Europe will allow supporters to "focus less on winning a format war and more on addressing the needs of the consumer in adopting the Blu-ray format." Confident, are we?

[Image courtesy of Messe-Berlin]
[Via Tech.co.uk, thanks L. R.]

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BDA gloats over selling 2 million Blu-ray Discs in Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While we wouldn't say this is anywhere near a last ditch effort, Toshiba's VP of marketing for the Digital A / V Group has affirmed that it will air a 30-second spot during Super Bowl XLII extolling the HD-A3, HD-A30 and HD-A35 players. The plug is said to be a part of its revised strategy to "reinvigorate HD DVD," and oddly enough, it won't be running its ad up against that other format. Apparently, the BDA decided not to buy discounted airtime for a commercial after realizing that it couldn't complete a "Super Bowl-caliber ad" in time, but it seems as if the Blu camp isn't worried about a thing. Andy Parsons, SVP of industrial solutions business research group for Pioneer and BDA loudmouth, noted that he "admired [Toshiba's] chutzpah," but continued by saying that "running a Super Bowl ad is not likely to convince consumers that HD DVD will win the format war." Go on Andy, tell us how you really feel.

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HD DVD ad to air during Super Bowl XLII, BDA sez it's futile originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Thanks, Andrew and Jason]

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Blu-ray early adopters "knew what they were getting into," apparently originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BD LiveBD-Jbd-javabdaBdLiveblu rayblu-rayblurayearly adoptersEarlyAdoptershdincompatibleinteractivityprofile 1.0profile 1.1profile 2.0Profile1.0Profile1.1Profile2.0Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:09:00 EST<![CDATA[CyberLink's Profile 1.1-enabled PowerDVD shown at CES]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/13/cyberlinks-profile-1-1-enabled-powerdvd-shown-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/13/cyberlinks-profile-1-1-enabled-powerdvd-shown-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/13/cyberlinks-profile-1-1-enabled-powerdvd-shown-at-ces/#commentsJust a few weeks back, we were able to grab a sneak peek at Resident Evil: Extinction's Bonus View feature, and now Blu-ray.com has yet another preview we figure the BD camp will be interested in seeing. Apparently, CyberLink was busy demonstrating its forthcoming Profile 1.1-enabled PowerDVD 7 Ultra software at CES, which allowed Sunshine to be played back "perfectly" with picture-in-picture enabled. Also, they were able to confirm that the aforementioned application will indeed play nice with DTS-HD tracks and that DTS-HD MA support was just around the bend. Reportedly, the update will be available gratis to current owners of PowerDVD Ultra next month.

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CyberLink's Profile 1.1-enabled PowerDVD shown at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Blu-ray Disc Association could be on cruise control right now. This time last year, they were already declaring victory, and while the opposition deals with key defections -- and rumors of more to come -- they're predicting 1 billion in software sales this year. Video Business reports that the NPD Group's session immediately following last night's BDA press conference confirmed many of the BDA's positive numbers from last year, but also identified possible resistance it will face in 2008 due to still high prices, confused and indifferent customers and competition from HD DVD / VOD / IPTV. Coincidentally, a suggestion for the BDA to get past this was offering a concierge service to educate customers, but we'll see what marketing initiatives they dream up to move people to Blu in '08.

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Think Blu-ray has it easy in 2008? NPD says not so fast originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdablu rayblu-raybluraycesces 2008Ces2008format warFormatWarhdnpdTue, 08 Jan 2008 22:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray press conference coverage LIVE]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/blu-ray-press-conference-coverage-live/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/blu-ray-press-conference-coverage-live/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/blu-ray-press-conference-coverage-live/#comments We're on the ground at the Blu-ray Disc Associations CES press conference. We're not sure, but they might be in a pretty good and boastful mood. We don't know if the hyperbole could match last year's, but check out the liveblog to find out how it went down in 2007, and what to expect from blue in 2008.

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Blu-ray press conference coverage LIVE originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've all been wondering what to make of those whispers that Warner (owned by Time Warner, which also owns Engadget's parent companies) was indeed going Blu-ray exclusive, and apparently, those rumblings are true. Based on a breaking release, Warner Bros. Entertainment will be releasing its high-definition titles "exclusively in the Blu-ray disc format beginning later this year." According to Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, the move is a "strategic decision focused on the long term and the most direct way to give consumers what they want," and he also noted that "the window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger." Notably, Warner will continue to release on both HD DVD and Blu-ray until May 2008, but after that, it's BD for life for this studio. Oh, and while there's nothing official mentioning any sort of payoff, we're hearing that quite a sum was dished out to make this happen. Full release posted after the jump.

[Via Deadline Hollywood Daily, thanks Todd]

Continue reading Warner goes Blu-ray exclusive

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Warner goes Blu-ray exclusive originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdablu rayblu-rayblu-ray exclusiveBlu-rayExclusivebluraybreaking newsBreakingNewsces 2008Ces2008format warFormatWarhdwarnerFri, 04 Jan 2008 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner goes Blu-ray exclusive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/04/warner-goes-blu-ray-exclusive/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/04/warner-goes-blu-ray-exclusive/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/04/warner-goes-blu-ray-exclusive/#comments
We've all been wondering what to make of those whispers that Warner (owned by Time Warner, which also owns Engadget's parent companies) was indeed going Blu-ray exclusive, and apparently, those rumblings are true. Based on a breaking release, Warner Bros. Entertainment will be releasing its high-definition titles "exclusively in the Blu-ray disc format beginning later this year." According to Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, the move is a "strategic decision focused on the long term and the most direct way to give consumers what they want," and he also noted that "the window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger." Notably, Warner will continue to release on both HD DVD and Blu-ray until May 2008, but after that, it's BD for life for this studio. Oh, and while there's nothing official mentioning any sort of payoff, we're hearing that quite a sum was dished out to make this happen. Full release posted after the jump.

[Via Deadline Hollywood Daily, thanks Todd]

Continue reading Warner goes Blu-ray exclusive

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Warner goes Blu-ray exclusive originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdablu-rayblu-ray exclusiveBlu-rayExclusivebreaking newsBreakingNewshdtvwarnerFri, 04 Jan 2008 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[CyberLink's PowerDVD gets BDA Profile 1.1 certified]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/02/cyberlinks-powerdvd-gets-bda-profile-1-1-certified/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/02/cyberlinks-powerdvd-gets-bda-profile-1-1-certified/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/02/cyberlinks-powerdvd-gets-bda-profile-1-1-certified/#commentsPowerDVD UltraForgive us if we are a little nostalgic of the days when companies would announce the availability of features, instead of just being certified to provide those features, but this is starting to be a trend. Maybe the BDA's certification process is so vigorous that the companies are more proud that it was able to achieve this certification, then to actually bringing the feature to their customers. Regardless, sometime during early 2008 -- isn't that today? -- PowerDVD customers will join the elite group of PS3 and Panasonic DMP-BD30 owners who can enjoy the latest Blu-ray titles with Picture-in-Picture.

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CyberLink's PowerDVD gets BDA Profile 1.1 certified originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BDAblu rayblu-rayblurayDMP-BD30formatwarhdpanasonicPowerDVDProfile 1.1Profile1.1sonyWed, 02 Jan 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-raydisc.com hacked, redirects to HD DVD Promo site]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/21/blu-raydisc-com-hacked-redirects-to-hd-dvd-promo-site/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/21/blu-raydisc-com-hacked-redirects-to-hd-dvd-promo-site/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/21/blu-raydisc-com-hacked-redirects-to-hd-dvd-promo-site/#comments
Tried visiting Blu-raydisc.com lately? You know, that site created by the Blu-ray Disc Association? If you're a newcomer, go on and click that "United States" location button upon arriving -- and shield your eyes if you fear the sight of HD DVD. As of right now, some clever (and equally meddlesome) individual has hacked the website to redirect to the The Look and Sound of Perfect, which is the official website of the HD DVD North American Promotional Organization. Of course, it's impossible to say who did this or what's really going on, but it should provide a hearty chuckle if nothing else. Peep the gallery shot below for a full-screen image of the redirect result. You wanted a format war? Oh, you've got one.

Update: Seems to be fixed now -- 'twas fun while it lasted!

[Thanks, Tom]

Gallery: Blu-raydisc.com hacked, redirects to HD DVD Promo site

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Blu-raydisc.com hacked, redirects to HD DVD Promo site originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdablu rayblu-rayblurayformat warFormatWarhackhackedhdhd dvdhd dvd promo groupHdDvdHdDvdPromoGroupwarwebsiteFri, 21 Dec 2007 16:33:00 EST