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Blu-ray optical drives still a rare find in British PCs
This here survey may have been conducted by GfK across the pond, but we'd be willing to wager the results are actually indicative of most major developed markets. Baseless assumptions aside, the facts are that a subset of surveyed individuals has led the research firm to conclude that at the tail end of 2008, DVD-RW drives still held a 92 percent share in the optical disc drive sector. Needless to say, sales of standalone BD optical drives were much, much lower, holding just a 4 percent volume share in November 2008. Moreover, some 81 percent of "mobile computers" and 86 percent of desktops came loaded with a DVD-RW drive last October, and just 1 percent (yes, one) of desktops came with a high-definition drive of any kind pre-installed. It's not shocking to see that the PC market is adopting BD slower than the standalone home entertainment segment, but what this could also signal is the declining interest in cutting-edge HTPCs altogether. What say you, oh knowledgeable ones?
Video game sales surpass DVD / Blu-ray for the first time
Hold on to your caps, folks -- you're about to hear some positive economic news. Baffling, we know. According to Media Control GfK International, worldwide packaged media sales managed to creep up six percent in 2008. Interestingly, it seems that video games were doing the bulk of the driving, as for the first time in recorded history, sales of games exceeded sales of DVD and Blu-ray Discs. Back in 2007, games accounted for 47 percent of the equation, while it scooted up to 53 percent in 2008; analysts are expecting that figure to rise further and hit 57 percent in 2009, though much of this shift has to do with the digital distribution of content and not the disinterest in movies overall. Remember, we're talking about packaged media here. Per usual, loads more numbers await you in the read link if you're the ones and zeros type.[Via CDFreaks, image courtesy of OrlandoSentinel]
Blu-ray Disc theft becoming an issue, some retailers taking action
If the shrink -- that measure of lost sales that typically go unaccounted for -- gets to growing at a faster pace than sales, you just might have a problem on your hands. According to Mark Fisher, EMA VP of strategic initiatives, that's exactly what's happening in some retail locations, though he does point out that having to tackle a theft issue is, at least in some way, a sign of heightened demand. Undisclosed sources have indicated that some retailers are facing Blu-ray theft rates in the double-digits, compared to around 1.5% for standard DVDs. EMA is already evaluating one possible solution from Aequitas Innovation, which places an RFID lock within the package that can only be unlocked upon being scanned at the register. In theory, at least, the theft deterrent should only add around $0.20 per unit, but whether or not this is more convenient than one of those "keeper cases" is totally up for debate.
Retailers give thumbs-up to newest line of Blu-ray decks
We've got to say -- we agree with the "retailers" here. According to a new report on VideoBusiness, the Blu-ray players unveiled at CES 2009 are being smiled upon by those that'll have to move 'em. Panasonic's Profile 2.0 DMP-B15 portable Blu-ray player was seen as one of the more attractive units, with airport-based InMotion Entertainment deciding that it would carry this very unit as its first BD deck in order to appeal to travelers. As expected, reactions were somewhat mixed on Panny's DMP-BD70V VHS / Blu-ray player, though it is anticipated that a small niche of consumers will eat it up. All in all, the entire '09 lineup was seen as a nice step forward from decks we've seen in the past -- our only question is do you agree? Which BD unit from the show had you most interested?
Blu-ray Disc production begins in Shanghai
We heard recently that Sony was looking to ship real live Blu-ray Discs to China despite rampant reports of piracy, and now that very company is partially responsible for a newly activated BD production facility. This week, a plant in Shanghai began producing official Blu-ray Discs, and it's all thanks to Shanghai Epic Music, a joint venture of the SMG-controlled Shanghai Synergy Culture and Entertainment Group, the Shanghai Jingwen Investment Company and Sony. The facility's monthly production capacity is half a million discs, and not surprisingly, it'll produce wares for both domestic and overseas markets. Alright guys, now let's keep this place legitimate -- we don't need any KIRFs pumped out during the night shift.
Samsung BD-P2500 unboxing and hands-on
Samsung's BD-P2500 has been on store shelves for a bit now, but given that we just got one in for our HD Netflix roundup, we figured we'd unbox it all proper like and give you a look. The gallery's just below for your perusal.%Gallery-42675%
Memorex MVBD-2510 Blu-ray player sinks below $100
Check it, deal seekers -- yet another milestone has been reached, though we get the idea the deal won't be around for long. The patently obscure Nebraska Furniture Mart (we know, right?) has just dropped the price on an unnamed Memorex Blu-ray player (we're betting it's the MVBD-2510) to below $100. Even for those that aren't within driving distance of an actual B&M location, you can pony up $10 or so on top of the $99.99 price tag in order to have it shipped your way. Just think, in six months we'll have a half dozen BD decks to choose from for under a Benjamin. Or so we very much hope.[Via SlickDeals, thanks Shaun]
Engadget HD giving away CES goodies: Blu-ray Discs and more await
Like free stuff? Don't even bother with answering that one -- we'll take it that you do. If so, you owe it to yourself to head on over to Engadget HD in order to enter your name in the hat for lots of swank kit. We managed to acquire quite a few bundles of hot new Blu-ray Discs (The Dark Knight, WALL-E and Pineapple Express just to name a few), and we're giving 'em away to our dear readers. Scoot on over for the full spill, and drop your comment while you're there in order to consider yourself entered.
Discipline - The Hentai Academy: a first of its kind Blu-ray release
There's anime on Blu-ray, there's adult films on Blu-ray -- in all honesty, this was just bound to happen. Japan's MediaBank has officially announced that Discipline - The Hentai Academy will become the first hentai release on the BD format when it's launched on January 30th. The single-disc package will include the compete six episode "renewal mosaic" version of the series, but the action won't come cheap. It's slated to hit shelves with a lofty ¥8,190 ($90) price tag attached, and while no worldwide release has been mentioned thus far, we've all ideas the import channels will be ready and willing to satisfy the desires of those outside of Japan. [Warning: links are mildly NSFW] [Via Japanator]
Tensilica proves Blu-ray audio decoding can be done on a single core
Traditionally, Blu-ray decks have relied on multi-core chips to process and decode that succulent audio that tickles your eardrums, but Tensilica has a better idea. In an effort to shrink the amount of components within a BD deck and to offer up "significant cost savings and a simplified programming model," it has recently demonstrated DTS-HD Master Audio Lossless decoding on a single-core SoC. The outfit's HiFi 2 Audio DSP can handle codecs from both DTS and Dolby, and apparently it's already filtering into select players. Too bad you'll probably never know if your deck has one without rolling up your sleeves and breaking out the screwdriver.
Ask Engadget HD: Best Blu-ray optical drive for my PC?
This week's Ask Engadget HD question touches on a subject that's rarely covered in the mainstream flow of Blu-ray news, but matters much to those with HTPCs or big-screen monitors attached to their towers. Have a look at a Kerry's concerns: "I'm looking to upgrade the optical drive in my HTPC with a Blu-ray drive. My hardware is new enough to support the demands of BD, but I want to make sure I get the best value in a Blu-ray burner. Obviously, speedier drives would be nice, but I'm okay with the next quickest thing to save a few bucks. Which drives have readers had success with?" So, there you have it. What BD drive is currently packed tightly within your living room PC? Have you had any playback / compatibility issues? Spill the beans below.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Future Arcam Blu-ray player spotted at CES
Arcam may not be at the top of your list of must-have brands, but it's about to join the flourishing Blu-ray player market in the near future, regardless. Sadly, the only details about the deck you see above -- which was seen sporting a high-end-signifying FMJ-xxx logo at CES -- are that it's likely to be staggeringly expensive and it should ship next month. 'Til then, it looks like you'll be testing your patience.
Amex Digital launches $239 BD-P1 Blu-ray player
Given that Blu-ray player prices are supposed to be headed downwards, we're a bit miffed by this one. Amex Digital, who is usually good for delivering wares on the cheap, has just announced a standalone Blu-ray deck for $239 (MSRP). Of course, we can't imagine the unit streeting for that, but we digress. As for specs, the deck includes built-in Ethernet, USB 2.0, HDMI 1.3 / component / composite outputs, optical / coaxial digital audio ports and integrated Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio decoders. There's no indication of its Profile status, but unless you can find this puppy for around $175 or less, it probably matters not.
Panasonic makes it official: Profile 2.0 DMP-B15 portable Blu-ray player
Hard to say just how well this thing will or won't sell, but honestly, we see the value here being the portability and not necessarily the inbuilt display. The DMP-B15 portable Blu-ray player is fully Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) compliant and features an 8.9-inch WSVGA screen, VIERA Cast support, an HDMI output and an SD card. It'll ship this May for an undisclosed price -- so, do you (or your child) plan on picking one up?
Ask Engadget HD: Which Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player loads discs the quickest?
CNET's UK branch already ran a number of Blu-ray players through a timed gauntlet, but this week's Ask Engadget HD question places the responsibilities squarely on your shoulders. We're hoping Mick's question enables us to compile some pretty meaningful data, so break out the stopwatch and contribute! "Which current Blu-ray player (Profile 2.0, of course) has the quickest load time? I'm looking for something that loads much faster than my BDP-S300. Manufacturers don't bother listing load times on their decks, so I'm looking for some help from the audience." You heard the man -- we want model name, startup time and disc load times, along with any other tidbits you feel like tossing in. Get to it, partners.Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Panasonic gets official with DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and DMP-BD70V Blu-ray players
Remember those three Blu-ray players we saw briefly during Panasonic's keynote today? Now that's totally official, with the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and DMP-BD70V arriving with VIERA Cast support that provides access to Amazon Video on Demand. Quite honestly, the trio is pretty average at first glance, but we can't help but dish out a round of golf claps for the BD70V, which is the planet's first (and last, probably) VHS / Blu-ray combo player. Talk about going from one extreme to the other.
Three new Blu-ray players from Panasonic: BD60, BD80 and BD70V
Panasonic didn't spend much time on its new trio of Blu-ray players, but we caught a quick snap just to give you a heads-up of what's coming down the pike. The BD60 will support YouTube / Amazon Video on Demand content, while the BD80 will include BD-Live (Profile 2.0) support and the BD70V will simply go down as the "ultimate multi-format player." Or something like that.
Hands-on with Panasonic's DMP-B15 portable Blu-ray player at CES 2009
We didn't have high hopes going into Panny's press conference today, but the company still managed to unveil a few surprises here in Vegas. One of those shockers was the world's first portable Blu-ray player, the DMP-. Said device supposedly includes the ability to pump out 1080p content, and while we're not terribly enthused about the design, we suppose we'll give it a pass being that's a world first.%Gallery-40916%
Samsung delivers HT-BD7200 / HT-BD1250 Blu-ray HTIB systems, HT-BD8200 BD soundbar
Samsung's comin' at us hot and heavy from the desert, and if those two BD players already got your ears perked up, here's a little more for your future home theater. Up first is the HT-BD8200 Blu-ray soundbar, which -- as the name implies -- is actually a soundbar with a Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player baked right in. The bundle also includes a wireless subwoofer and promises 5.1-like sound despite being just 2.6-inches deep. Moving on, we've got the 2.1-channel HT-BD2700 and 5.1-channel HT-BD1250 Blu-ray HTIB systems, which offer up 400- and 1,000-watts of power, respectively along with WiFi support. Per usual, dollars and ship dates remain a mystery, but the more we look at those glossy black coats, the harder we find it to be patient.%Gallery-40649%
Samsung to launch 1.5-inch thin Blu-ray player at CES
We don't have any hard details yet, but word on the street is that Samsung is planning on pairing up its 6.5mm (.2-inch) thick LCD HDTV with an equally svelte Blu-ray deck just 39mm (1.5 inches) thick. We'll find out more during Wednesday's press event, we're sure -- any bets on whether "thin BD players" will be this year's "thin displays?"
