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Editorial: High Fidelity Pure Audio starting a noble but losing battle
The announcement is wrapped in an aura of déjà vu: Universal Music Group is marketing an uncompressed, high-end digital audio format for Blu-ray called High Fidelity Pure Audio (HFPA). Where standard CD audio is 44.1KHz at 16 bits, HFPA's A2D sampling rate clocks in at a sky-high 96KHz at 24 bits. Analog elitists will maintain that even extremely refined sampling is inherently inferior to capturing unchopped waveforms, and while that argument is fun to test, it is academic in the context of wide consumer adoption. Can a new audiophile format gain traction in a technomusical world governed by convenience and mobility?
Final Fantasy XIV sells $50 soundtrack with pet
Would you spend $50 on a video game soundtrack? Here's a better question: What would a video game soundtrack have to include and feature to justify a $50 price tag? Square-Enix is taking a stab at tempting the fanatical and faithful into purchasing the complete Final Fantasy XIV OST, and the studio is prepared to make it worth the hefty price tag. The soundtrack itself is a Japanese import on Blu-Ray and includes 104 tracks and the game trailer remastered in 5.1 surround sound. The five-plus hours of music on the disc are also available in MP3 format for computers with Blu-Ray disc drives. Final Fantasy XIV: Before Meteor is currently available to pre-order for $49.99, and the price includes a code for an exclusive in-game Wind-Up Dalamud pet.
Hulu Plus update brings enhanced UI and controls to Roku, Smart TVs and Blu-ray players
Hulu Plus has been on a roll in the mobile world this month, dishing out a brand-new Windows Phone app and updates to its Android UI. Fortunately, the service is pushing out similar efforts to the home entertainment side as well: a new refresh is rolling out to Samsung Smart TVs, select Blu-ray players and newer Roku hardware, with the Wii getting the update treatment in the near future. Enhancements in the new "experience" include a new tray-style user interface with a "shows you watch" feature, simplified controls, better search and Hulu Kids. Sounds like a pretty solid effort by the company, but if you're not convinced, head to the source link for the full list of changes. Update: A post on the Roku blog indicates the new UI is coming to the Roku HD (2500) and later models including the Roku 2, 3 and Streaming Stick. Earlier devices will still get the old UI.
Xbox One will have a slot-loading Blu-ray drive to go with its 500GB HDD
Microsoft has confirmed what many saw as inevitable: the Xbox will have a Blu-ray drive. The company just announced the victor in the drive wars will be installed as a slot-loading front unit in each new Xbox One along with a 500GB HDD, a 360-degree switch from Redmond's last console, as it were. As we noted earlier, games purchased on Blu-ray disks will be ripped to the hard disk automatically to keep usage down. Microsoft heavily resisted the move to Blu-ray in the Xbox 360, but has caved to the inevitable, no doubt having come to an agreement with Sony, Panasonic and Philips (the owners of the tech), through gritted teeth.
Xbox One specs include Blu-ray drive, 500 GB hard drive [Update]
The Xbox One will include a Blu-ray drive as well as a 500 GB hard drive, Microsoft's Mark Whitten revealed at today's next-gen Xbox reveal event. The system will feature 8 GB of system memory, USB 3.0 ports, an 8-core CPU, 64-bit architecture, built-in Wi-Fi and HDMI in/out ports. Whitten also noted that the Xbox One's architecture uses three operating systems. Microsoft also revealed details on the next-gen Kinect sensor and the Xbox One's controller at the event. Update: We've compared the Xbox One and PlayStation 4's specs.
Kaleidescape's online video store officially opens, promises Blu-ray quality downloads
Kaleidescape launched its online offering in beta late last year, and now it's officially open, becoming what it claims is the first store to provide "internet delivery of Blu-ray quality movies." The Kaleidescape Store goes beyond other 1080p services (Vudu, iTunes, Xbox and PSN come to mind) by promising the disc-equaling higher bitrates, extras and lossless audio options they don't have. There's no streaming to be had here, only downloads, with file sizes we saw ranging from 23GB (Austin Powers) to as much as 55.4GB (Inception) and everywhere in between. While the store is only built to work with Kaleidescape's high-end disc-playback systems -- these usually start in the thousands of dollars, and you'll need M-Class hardware for HD -- it currently offers movies from Warner Bros. with an Ultraviolet copy attached, so buyers can play them back on mobile devices through apps such as Flixster and Vudu. Ultraviolet support also means $6.99 upgrades of DVD purchases to Blu-ray-quality HD, and potentially disc-to-digital type features later. Naturally, anyone interested will need an internet connection with a generous / non-existent bandwidth cap, but we imagine that's not out of the price range for these niche owners. Still, it does provide an idea of the difficulty others like Sony and Netflix will face when trying to digitally distribute feature films in 4K to a wider audience. Check out a few screens of the store in the gallery, and the Random Thoughts blog link below for firsthand impressions from a beta tester.%Gallery-187360%
Sony prices its 2013 home and shelf audio lineups, clarifies availability dates
Given Sony's heritage, it's no surprise that the company loves its audio -- but we can imagine that some might be overwhelmed when the company has priced and dated the cores of its 2013 home and shelf audio lineups in one sitting. Don't worry, we'll break it all down. On the home audio side, both the BDV-N7100W and BDV-7100W home-theaters-in-a-box (N8100W shown above) are already shipping at respective $599 and $699 prices with 1,000W 5.1-channel output, internet-linked Blu-ray players and both Bluetooth as well as OneTouch NFC pairing. TV watchers who can wait until June will also see the STR-DN1040, a $599 7.2-channel receiver with 4K upscaling, Bluetooth, WiFi and 165W per channel; the $449 STR-DN840 receiver, which scales back to 4K passthrough and 150W per channel; and the $399 HT-C660 soundbar, which adds NFC pairing to the same wireless mix as the receivers. Shelf audio is simpler, with every new entry arriving May 27th. Both the LBT-GPX55 (below) and LBT-GPX77 mini stereos offer a respective 1,600W and 1,800W of output alongside Bluetooth, NFC, a CD player (!) and dual USB ports at a $499 starting price. Those who don't need their walls rattled quite so thoroughly can spring for the $349 RDH-GTK37iP boombox, which puts out a still-substantial 420W on top of Bluetooth, NFC, an iOS dock and attention-getting strobe lights. That's a lot to process, we know. If you're not satisfied even after that deluge of information, however, Sony's pressers await after the break.
The Hobbit will be first movie to support UltraViolet in New Zealand and Australia
Peter Jackson's homeland hasn't been too hot on UltraViolet until now, despite the cross-platform library tool's growing popularity in the US and UK. That'll change with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which is set to launch on DVD and Blu-ray in New Zealand on May 1st and will allow both Kiwis and Aussies to purchase the movie on disc and then watch it on PC, Mac, iOS, Android and hopefully even Xbox via a redemption code and a Flixster account in the cloud -- with no DIY required. In wider UV-related news, the technology is also scheduled to reach France and Germany by the end of Q3 of this year, which should add a few names to the 12 million account holders around the world who've already used UltraViolet to watch 9,000 different titles.
Panasonic prices and ships its first media streamers, newest Blu-ray Disc players
Don't look now, but Panasonic has just gone public with pricing and availability information for its inaugural line of streaming media players. Announced a few months back at CES, the 3D-capable DMP-MS10 is shipping today for $79.99, offering up VIERA Connect (for easy integration with older Panny HDTVs), inbuilt WiFi, external HDD playback and access to Netflix, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, Vudu and YouTube. An extra $20 gets you the DMP-MST60, which is also shipping today while adding 2D-to-3D conversion and Miracast functionality. Over on the BD side, the DMP-BD79 is moving out now for $79.99, while the BD89 is going for $10 more; these two are 2D-only models, with the latter being equipped with WiFi out of the box. For those still (somehow) enamored with the third dimension, the DMP-BBT01 ($269.99), BDT500 ($349.99), BDT330 ($199.99) and BDT230 ($129.999) are also hitting store shelves within the next few moments. The full releases are just past the break -- you know, if you're into such things.
Sonnet announces powerful Echo 15 Thunderbolt Dock
Slowly, but surely, Thunderbolt docks are starting to appear from peripheral manufacturers. The Matrox DS1 has shipped to much acclaim, although Belkin's promised Thunderbolt Express Dock has slipped past the promised Q1 ship date. Now Sonnet has announced that the Echo 15 Thunderbolt Dock (starting at US$399.95) is available for pre-order. The Echo 15 is good-sized, and for a very good reason: it's full of ports, adds a DVD or Blu-ray drive, supports an internal HD or SSD, and uses Mini DisplayPort to connect to a number of display interfaces. Sonnet is starting with four configurations: Dock with DVD drive -- $399.95 Dock with Blu-ray drive -- $449.95 Dock with DVD drive and 2 TB HDD -- $499.95 Dock with Blu-ray drive and 2 TB HDD -- $549.95 All of the configurations show a Summer 2013 ship date. The configurations with a built-in Blu-ray drive also include Mac Blu-ray player software.
Netflix's House of Cards comes to Blu-ray in June; second screen feature tweaked on Android
While Netflix is focused on a streaming future the first series to appear exclusively on its service will see a more conventional release this summer. High Def Disc News points out an Amazon listing indicates the House of Cards Season One Blu-ray will arrive June 11th, from Sony Pictures. Sony signed on to distribute the Media Rights Capital project worldwide after a window for Netflix's streaming exclusivity, so if Super HD still isn't enough quality-wise -- and since 4K streaming isn't here yet -- you do have other options, currently priced at $52.99 sans details of extras or technical specs. Users may have also noticed changes recently in Netflix's mobile apps, like their to their ability to play video on other screens. While we'd seen the ability to push video to other devices and control playback already, Android users should be seeing some visual tweaks to help owners of compatible devices (PS3 and certain smart TVs for now) figure out how it works. With DIAL-compatible TVs the prompt shows up as long as the target device is on (whether or not the app is open), while on the PS3 the Netflix app will need to be open for it to pop up. Something else that's been rolling out is a prompt asking if Netflix can send push notifications, which is used to notify users of things like new seasons of TV shows they've watched becoming available. Check after the break for another screen grab, and let us know if you've noticed any other new features -- other than yesterday's April Fool-related overly-specific content categories -- popping up lately. [Thanks, Michael]
Toshiba showcases 2013 AV range and updated Cloud TV platform (eyes-on)
Toshiba isn't the first name you'd associate with exciting products, but recently we were invited to check out its 2013 selection of AV gear in the hope we'd be dazzled by pixel counts and the IQ of its revamped smart TV platform. We revisited a few products we had flings with at CES, were introduced to some new panels, and taken through the ins-and-outs of the company's fresh Cloud TV interface. Was there anything to get excited about? Head past the break for the full tour.
Sony details PlayStation 4 specs: 8-core AMD 'Jaguar' CPU, 6X Blu-ray
So we didn't see the actual PlayStation 4 console on stage at Sony's press event tonight, but that doesn't mean we can't know what's inside it. A press release reveals that the PS4's PC-like configuration will include an 8-core 64-bit x86 "Jaguar" CPU built by AMD, with a Radeon GPU comprised of 18 "compute units" capable of cranking out 1.84 TFLOPS to process graphics and more. Its Blu-ray drive -- yes, it will still have one of those -- spins at a brisk 6X (8X for DVDs) and as mentioned on stage, it packs 8GB of unified GDDR5 RAM capable of 176GB/sec of bandwidth. 802.11n WiFi, USB 3.0, Bluetooth 2.1, HDMI, optical out and even a legacy analog AV out make up the inputs and outputs, although the potential amounts of storage are still unspecified. Also mentioned are the new software features, which include long-awaited additions like cross-game chat, and PSN Sony Entertainment Network accounts can now connect to Facebook. Other details we've already heard plenty about, like its instant-on "suspend mode", preloading of content, cloud gaming and shared game experiences. There are still many unknowns about Sony's next game console, get filled in on the facts as they are after the break.
KDDI Remote TV delivers Blu-ray DVR video to PCs and smartphones
Sure, it's possible to get remote access to home theater devices through raw methods like a Slingbox, but KDDI has a slightly more elegant solution for those living in Japan. Its tiny Remote TV box puts a Blu-ray DVR on the local WiFi network to both schedule recordings while away and stream the video itself. Locals can watch from a Mac, Windows PC or Android device, although they'll be limited to 480p when they're outside of the home. iOS support is coming soon, the carrier says. KDDI ships the device on February 23rd for an estimated ¥19,800 ($213) and is keen to note that it doesn't require a subscription -- it sees Remote TV more as an incentive to splurge on smartphone data, which just might work for commuters wanting to catch up on their shows.
Company of Heroes movie will arrive on DVD, Blu-ray Feb. 26
THQ may have had its last stand, but the Company of Heroes movie is apparently still a go, as we've gotten word that it's still coming to DVD and Blu-ray on February 26. The full-length film, based on Relic Entertainment's critically acclaimed real-time strategy series (now owned by Sega), stars Tom Sizemore, Vinnie Jones, and Neal McDonough. It follows a band of soldiers trying to stop Nazi Germany from creating an atomic weapon during the Battle of the Bulge.Will it be any good? We don't know yet. But if you want to honor the old THQ brotherhood (and get a nice taste of the setting before Company of Heroes 2 comes out), you can grab a copy of by the end of the month.
Rumor: Next Xbox always online, uses Blu-ray
Rumors on details about the next Xboxen are beginning to fly fast and furious, with an always-on Internet connection and Blu-ray drive being the latest. Edge cites sources with "first-hand experience" who rehash previously noted tech specs, but also mention the next Xbox will have an improved Kinect and an always-on internet connection to cut out the second-hand game market from the platform. The use of high-capacity Blu-ray discs seems a natural assumption since ... well, HD-DVD is no longer with us.UK site VG247 (Microsoft UK must be a sieve) noted similar details to what Edge is putting out there last April.Microsoft has not made any official announcement on its next Xbox, nor do we have any concrete idea of when the company plans to announce the product. Sony, on the other hand, is expected to announce the PlayStation 4 on February 20.
NEC's spring all-in-one PC lineup melds TV with Twitter
Like all-in-one PCs, TV and Twitter? NEC's new desktop PCs might just hit the spot -- if you live in Japan, that is. The company just launched its spring 2013 lineup of Valuestar systems which will be available in two display sizes on February 7th. Valuestar W computers pack a 23-inch screen and Core i7 processor with the 3D-capable VW970/LS costing ¥235,000 ($2,550) and the 2D-only VW770/LS listing for ¥215,000 ($2,330). The Valuestar N series boast a 21.5-inch display and come in three versions: VN770/LS with Core i7 for ¥195,000 ($2,110), VN570/LS with Core i3 for ¥160,000 ($1.740) and the ¥125,000 ($1,360) Celeron 1000M-equipped VN370/LS. While there are no details on RAM or storage options, all PCs run Windows 8 with Office 2013, and feature TV tuners, Blu-Ray drives (DVD on the VN370/LS), DLNA support, Yamaha sound systems, built-in video tutorials and access to music.jp's service. The 23-inch models provide instant-on TV functionality with three TV tuners (two for recording, one for viewing) while 21.5-inch units include dual TV tuners. NEC offers several ways to control the computer's TV functionality: via standard remote control, using gestures (except VN370/LS), with a custom smartphone / tablet app and even from Twitter, Yes, you can now DM your Valuestar system (even when it's turned off) and tell it to record TV -- what could possibly go wrong? It can also monitor Twitter for mentions of your favorite TV show(s) and overlay a popularity meter right on the screen -- welcome to the future.
Vudu brings disc-to-digital UltraViolet conversions home to beta users
As promised, Vudu has taken the trip to Wally World out of the process used to watch your discs via UltraViolet streaming apps and sites -- the legit way. Just like the in-store process, DVDs or Blu-rays can be leveraged to buy digital versions of the movie anywhere UltraViolet movies are available. Going from a DVD to an standard definition copy will run you $2, while upgrading to HD is $5 -- Blu-ray to HD is also $2 -- which is the exact same pricing as the in-store offering. Those who want to convert a few titles, and are lucky enough to get invited to the beta, can download the Windows-only application to a computer that has the required optical disc drive. Mac support is promised soon, but with the limited number of Macs with Blu-ray drives, we'd suspect that version will only work with DVDs.
Review: Blu-ray player software for Mac
It's been a while since Steve Jobs declared Blu-ray a "bag of hurt", and in the years since Apple has been uninterested in the Blu-ray disc format. Maybe they don't want to pay the license fees, maybe they'd rather sell you movies from iTunes, who knows, but Blu-ray hardware from Apple isn't likely. If you must play Blu-ray discs on your Mac, however, there are plenty of internal (for Mac Pro) and external Blu-ray drives that work just fine. Prices start at around US$50. The OS supports data Blu-ray discs, and you can burn them with commercial utilities like Toast. Despite Apple's dislike of Blu-ray, I find it a nice archival medium for photos -- 50 GB blanks are under $5, and are readily available in computer stores and online. A while back I looked at software for playing back Blu-ray movies, and reviewed the MacGo app. It worked pretty well, and movies looked great on my Apple Monitor. Since then that app has been updated several times, and one of our readers suggested I survey the field again. So here we go. MacGo performs better with each update. The US $59.95 software (discounted to $39.95 until Feb 3) is a solid application. I'm not seeing dropped frames, and the player can also play ISO files. Of course regular DVD discs are supported, as well as Blu-ray discs. I also took a look at the Aurora Blu-ray player software. It's also on sale for $39.99, down $10 from its usual retail price. That's not all that was similar. Beyond the welcome screens, the Aurora player and the MacGo player appear to be largely identical. Even the preference windows are exactly alike. I asked someone from Aurora about the similarity, and they were a bit evasive. I suspect the 2 players have a common code base. The app works fine, no dropped frames, and it was a pleasure to use. I also looked at the iDeer Blu-ray app. Wouldn't you know, they are having a sale too, but the app is $49.95 for a 'limited' time. I fired it up, and guess what? It looks just like Aurora and MacGo. My 4th stop was software called DVDfab. It's $59.99 but I couldn't compare it to the other 3. I downloaded the trial and it came up with a series of error codes after the splash screen loaded. All these apps have free trials, you can see if they work on your hardware. I tried them on both a newish Mac Pro and also a 2006 MacBook Pro with some success. If you want to watch Blu-ray movies on your Macs, I found 3 viable solutions (although they seem pretty much the same software) but they do work well, and they support multi-channel audio if you have the hardware to use it, and of course 1080p video. In the end, if you don't want to pay and you're willing to set it up to work, there's a way to use VLC to ready Blu-ray as well. All the apps require an internet connection to grab the decryption keys, which may be a limitation for some users. At this point, since the software apps are so similar, price matters and MacGo and Aurora have the best prices with the sales on. %Gallery-177655%
Netflix confirms 14 new Arrested Development episodes, the Bluth family returns to screens this May
If you asked Netflix, it'd probably agree there's more money to be had from the Bluth Family's banana stand -- after all, it did buy the exclusive rights to it. After months of waiting and anticipation, the company has confirmed that the fourth season of Arrested Development will arrive in May. This run of the revived sitcom will consist of 14 episodes in total, all of which will only be streamable from the house of Hastings servers. All we can hope for in the meantime is that, Maeby maybe, just maybe, a certain Gob Bluth will finally get his act together.