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HD Feature Films in 2005: HDTV Magazine
Since we're all saving up to for that first Blu-Ray or HD-DVD player, why not plan the movie list now too? We already know what titles Amazon has for pre-order, but some of those flicks are pretty old. What about the fantastic films of 2005? Er, there weren't too many, so: what about the mediocre films of 2005?HDTV Magazine complied a list of 2005 feature films shot in high-def, along with the recording format of each since you know, we all pick and choose our films based on the recording format, right? The biggest choices I ever see folks make is "Widescreen vs. Fullscreen" and they seem to mess that up more often than not! We trust your judgment better, so to help you plan for the next-gen DVD future, check out the list. We were most jazzed to see "The Adventures of Shark Boy & Lava Girl in 3-D" on the list.
Engadget Podcast 066 - 01.31.06
We may have lost the QRIO and the AIBO last week, but when one gadget company shuts a door, another opens a window: Nintendo announced the DS Lite, a smaller, um, lighter version of the DS. Microsoft also announced CableCARD 2.0 support for Vista (for a price, anyway), and one of their own, Ford Davidson, took a few to sit down with us and discuss Windows Mobile in the marketplace. And, of course, our usual dose of next-gen optical discussions continues, with a pinch of listener voicemail and a touch of gadgety democracy thrown in for good measure. Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [RSS] Add the Engadget Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically (MP3). [MP3] Download the show (MP3). [AAC] Download the show (enhanced AAC). [OGG] Download the show (OGG). [Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley! Hosts Peter Rojas and Ryan Block Producer Randall Bennett Music J J J - 'Suits' in Japan Format 1:10:20, 32.1MB, MP3 Program 01:17 - Nintendo announces DS Lite 05:39 - Sony killed AIBO and QRIO 10:38 - Study finds robot pets as good as live ones 14:02 - Netflix to support HD DVD and Blu-ray 16:28 - Samsung SH-B022 Blu-ray burner reviewed 18:27 - Culprit uncovered in Core Duo battery drain: Microsoft driver 21:44 - CableCARD on Vista to require CableLabs certification 26:00 - TiVo undelete forthcoming! 28:31 - Interview with Ford Davidson of Microsoft's Mobile division 52:01 - Listener voicemail! 48:19 - Engadget Awards ending soon, and we're up for two Bloggies! LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Call up the Podcast at: 1-888-ENGADGET
Pre-order your HD DVDs or Blu Ray titles from Amazon
It is almost time for the high definition format discs to start rolling out. Amazon has a bunch few early titles up and ready for pre-order notification. There is the normal "guy" titles like the Matrix and Terminator series but stuck in the middle of this list is Friends. Most of them do not have a cost up yet except for Chronos. The DVD sells for $9.99, but the HD DVD and Blu-Ray flavor retails for $24.99.Would you spend $24.99 for a old movie just because it is in HD? We would on the Matrix and things of that matter, but not Friends.[via Engadget]
Movies aren't the only thing on display at Sundance, Philips shows off Blu-ray
Turns out Cinematical aren't the only ones hanging out in Park City this week. With so many films recorded in HD, Philips decided this would be a great place to show off their Blu-ray players. At their Simplicity Lounge in the Village at the Lift, Philips is demonstrating the storage and playback capacities of Blu-ray media. Did the HD-DVD camp miss an important opportunity to promote their technology to content makers? I guess we'll see what format independent moviemakers choose for their HD releases later this year.
Next generation DVD news from Netflix
The online DVD rental giant Netflix certainly made a splash yesterday, announcing that they would be renting out both HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs as soon as they become available. This is somewhat surprising, as Netflix's CFO had previously declared Blu-ray the winner, but with the constantly changing landscape, it appears they have decided better to support both than to risk backing a loser.Now more information has come to light, as they have also revealed they will not be charging any additional fee for high-definition DVDs. They state the content cost for them will be the same, so is it possible that there won't be a premium price for next generation DVDs? At this point we still really can't know how this will effect the end consumer, but high-definition TV owners who already subscribe to Netflix or are thinking about it are assured of easily available content, no matter what format they choose.
Second-guessing Sony
Feel like some good old-fashioned Sony speculation? Next Generation may have just the thing for you. An opinion piece published on the site talks about Sony's involvement in the battle between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD, and the repercussions an early launch may have for Sony.According to their commentary, by launching the Playstation 3 in time to threaten Toshiba's HD-DVD-fronted assault on the marketplace, Sony may be able to force Blu-Ray on both consumers and Hollywood. This might drive Toshiba out of the running completely and let Sony win the high-definition war.However, as the article points out, it's pure speculation. Nobody really knows what Sony's up to, but we might find out soon enough.[via /.]
What really drives new tech Pt. 2: Digital Playgrounds picks Blu-ray
Like we said before, all new tech is driven by one thing, and at least one of those companies has chosen Blu-ray as their sole format of the future. Digital Playgrounds has been at the forefront of adopting their adult content for high definition, with their recent release "Pirates" available both on DVD and WMV-HD format. They cited the Playstation 3 and tighter DRM as their reasons for opting to release only on the Blu-ray format.It certainly seems like good logic, the PS3 launch should provide Sony with an incredibly installed base pretty quickly, and tighter DRM despite our views as consumers is generally a favorite for content providers. [Via bit-tech.net]
Microsoft WILL support Blu-ray? In Vista at least (maybe?)
Much has been made of Microsoft's supposed plan to include native support for only HD-DVD in their next OS, either in order to force customers to install extra software on their own and/or to force OEM's to face licensing costs on their own. Despite that, Windows IT Pro says internal Microsoft documentation indicates a plan to add Blu-ray DVD support to beta versions of Windows Vista.Microsoft still officially says it has no plans for Blu-ray support, leaving that to third party companies like Cyberlink. All of this comes just after Microsoft denied Blu-ray plans for the Xbox 360, so the question remains: Does Microsoft really hate Blu-ray, or do they really like it and are just playing hard to get? Be true to your feelings Bill.
Blu-Ray and HD-DVD roundup
Now that everyone has caught their breath from CES, it's nice to see a solid "state of the state" for Blu-Ray and HD-DVD based on info from the show. HD Issues has the simple skinny on which production companies support which format (or both), what authoring solution each are using, who will have blank media, which players bared all for the CES paparazzi, and where you can get the goods when they hit the retail shelves. By far the most surprising aspect to the format war continues to be the huge price difference in the initial hardware. We saw HD-DVD players that will fetch $500 while the Blu-Ray players were around the one grand mark. Guess we'll be paying more for that extra disc capacity, at least initially.
Can we expect a November date for the PS3? Analysts think so
Apparently we're not the only ones feeling befuddled at the PS3's relative absence from CES. after Sony had previously indicated a possible spring launch, analysts now believe that the Blu-ray/dual 1080p powerhouse from Japan will launch as late as November in the US. Couple that with rumors of hardware problems, the possibility that what we have seen so far is only a concept design, and you've got some very anxious gamers.Delays or no delays, we are definitely looking forward to the PS3 launch, it will probably be the cheapest source of 1080p content for anyone with a TV that supports it, probably the cheapest Blu-ray player available and almost certainly a monster of a games machine. Heres to hoping Sony brings something better to show and tell at E3.
Xbox 360 and HD-DVD, so happy together
Anxious to separate themselves from Peter Moore's offhand remark that the 360 has the advantage of being able to adopt the most popular next-gen optical format, leading to speculation that Blu-Ray support was still an option, Microsoft released an "official statement" to reiterate their unwavering support for the HD-DVD standard."It is important to understand the context in which that statement was made. Microsoft firmly stands behind the HD-DVD format as the best choice for our consumers. As we’ve said before, we’re confident that HD-DVD will bring the excitement of high definition movies to the consumer faster and at a greater value. We believe that consumers have signaled what format they want to enjoy high definition DVD and we’re going to follow them down that path."The question of whether Xbox 360 has the flexibility to adapt to consumers’ needs is a different issue entirely. Xbox 360 is a future-proofed system – one that allows us to add features as consumers demand them - as evidenced by our offering of the HD-DVD drive as an accessory. Current reports indicating that we have a back-up plan, which includes Blu-Ray support are incorrect. At this point, we’re fully committed to HD-DVD and have absolutely no plans to support other optical formats."Typical marketing speak: of course they have no plans to support other optical formats right now, Moore never said they had any such plans, only that the option would be available to them if necessary. Their official statement does not refute that option, but simply reaffirms their allegiance.
No Blu-Ray backup plan for Microsoft Xbox 360
Apparently some folks are talking up a Microsoft backup plan to include Blu-Ray support for the Xbox 360 if HD-DVD dies a slow painful death. The Redmondians have taken notice and provided an official statement on the matter indicating that Blu-Ray has no place in, on, or near an Xbox 360. In fact, the first draft of the statement is rumored to have a clause that if a Blu-Ray disc came within ten feet of a 360 console, Major Nelson-lookalikes would teleport via an Xbox Live portal to destroy the offending discs with the newest Halo 3 weapon that is yet to be announced. OK, maybe not, but they're really, really serious. If we haven't scared you off from reading the actual statement, continue on with proper caution.
Sony announces new HDMI-equipped home theater products
Sure they just showed you the future and it is their Blu-ray player, but maybe you like the present and a little more near-future better. In that case, Sony just unveiled a new DVD player and home theater component system, both HDMI equipped that should scratch the upgrade itch for just a fraction of the estimated cost of the BDP-S1.The DVP-NS75H DVD player will upconvert your old school DVD's to a crisp 720p or 1080i ad feature Precision Cinema Progressive technology for crisp pictures. Look for it in March for around $130.For your audio needs, the HT-DDW900 will feature dual HDMI connections, 5.1 surround sound and Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) technology, which uses a microphone to automatically measure the distance between the speakers and calibrate accordingly. This will also be available in march for about $300
Moore: Blu-ray still a possibility
The format wars continue! Peter Moore, after just announcing an upcoming HD DVD drive for the Xbox 360, has stated that they may ship a Blu-ray drive if the HD DVD format never catches on. Gamespot writes, "[Moore] suggested that whatever the outcome of the HD-DVD/Blu-ray war, the Xbox 360 can adopt the dominant format since its uses an external drive. He also suggested that it's a weak point for PlayStation 3, saying Sony's system is stuck with Blu-ray." Perhaps, but if I were Microsoft I'd be very wary of trying to release another external drive into the market; it's bad enough that consumers are being drawn into this strategic media war. Here's to hoping a unified format can still be accomplished. Bill thinks it is.[Via Joystiq]
HD-DVD vs. Blu-ray continues, no compromise in sight / flip discs will decide the winner?
Ok, so now, we've seen the huge hulking 1980's VHS-style players for both HD-DVD and Blu-ray, but which one are we going to buy? Well, if you were hoping to buy a Samsung player that was compatible with both standards, don't hold your breath reports CNet. Apparently both groups have regulations making it impossible for any member to create a drive capable of playing both formats, so there goes that idea for now.Also today, the "HDTV Professor" noted that of all the things he heard at Insight Media's HDTV Conference, the possibility for flip disc HD-DVD's with regular DVD content on one side is much more promising than similar Blu-ray applications, and could lead to quicker adoption by consumers and retailers.As usual, we'll continue to keep an eye on it.
CES: How the hell am I supposed to make this stuff work together?
Connecting. It seems like companies had no problem doing that at CES. Everybody was in a partnership with everybody else and was in a hurry to tell people about it, I'm not even going to make the lame high school compariso...oops. But seriously, after all the talking is done, I still don't know what is going to work with what, or how. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like for the average consumer this year, because this stuff is gibberish to me. Let me run down a list just of the things I'm left with far more questions than answers about.Intel: Viiv: I still don't know what this is. I know that Intel has partnered with everyone and their mother. (Seriously, at this point I wouldn't be at all surprised if I visited home and found that I needed at the least a software upgrade before I could eat some DRM protected home cooking). The questions I need answered are, will I absolutely need to buy an Intel PC to take advantage of this content? How will I take advantage of it, can I build my own Viiv PC? And what does this mean anyway? Microsoft: Congratulations, the Xbox 360 is getting HD-DVD playback. How much, how will it connect to my 360 and my TV and when can we expect it, until you answer those questions I'm not excited in the least. Is Wintel really dead? Viiv relies on Windows Media Center, but Microsoft is partnering with AMD on their competing AMD Live standard, (btw, everything I said about not knowing what Viiv is, goes double for AMD Live). Now that Google is using DivX, is Microsoft going to add support for streaming to the Xbox 360 or am I going to have to wait for a mod chip? Continue on for questions for Google, Sony, HANA or provide your own answers/questions.
(not CES) Because we all know what really pushes new tech, adult entertainment looks at HD
It's well known that the porn industry had spurred adoption of technologies like VHS and DVD, so it's no surprise that this week at Las Vegas' "other" conference, high definition was also a big topic. Adult entertainment companies and their customers usually are well ahead of the curve, and are already set to roll out trailers and content not only in high definition, but also formatted for the PSP and iPod.It's definitely possible that their choice between HD-DVD and Blu-ray could be a deciding force in which format is dominant.
CES: You think you're sick of next generation DVD's? So are retailers
The CEO's of Best Buy and Circuit City took time during panel discussions at CES to tell them exactly how unhappy it makes them that sometime this year, they will try to sell you a $1000 next generation DVD player knowing full well you may have to come back a few years later and buy another one. That I don't believe at all, which is why I wondered if retailers may be the only ones benefiting from this conflict, but one thing I definitely agree with, is that the prospect of conflicting formats will negatively affect sales as customer wait for a winner. Confused and frightened customers who stay out of stores on Black Friday 2006 is what keeps both of these men awake at night, and I'm sure they'd love to do without figuring out how much shelf and advertising space, not to mention employee training they will have to devote to both formats.
Sony's CES booth tour
Today we had a chance to walk around and get some hands-on time with a bunch of the products Sony's been pimping so far at CES during the press preview and the Stringer keynote. Here's a visual smorgasboard of the eye candy in the Sony booth:
HD-DVD gets exclusive support from The Weinstein Company
Former Miramax heads Harvey and Bob Weinstein have decided to join Universal in exclusively supporting Toshiba's HD-DVD format. Our friend Warren Lieberfarb (he of the "Sony is using tactics from the Art of War" statement) is a consultant to their distribution company, Genius, so this is not entirely surprising. No word on what titles to expect or exactly when, but apparently they will probably release in summer rather than spring with the launch of the first HD-DVD players. Also, Studio Canal has pledged to release 30 titles in europe, while Toshiba is expecting more than 200 HD-DVD discs available before the 2006 holiday season. Will that be enough to stave off the Blu-ray/PS3 behemoth bearing down on them?The Passion of the Clerks, Sin City 2, Scary Movie 4, Michael Moore's "Sicko", all on HD-DVD only apparently.
