distribution
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Imax licenses HD rights to 21 films
IMAX flicks have consistently made a good transition to high definition, and it looks like distributor Northstar Media plans to keep that trend going. It's licensed a package of 21 movies with the specific intent of delivering the IMAX experience in high definition., according to Greg Foster of Imax Corp. Been waiting to see Blue Planet, Space Station or Into the Deep at home? Expect to see them sooner rather than later on TV, VOD, mobile and broadband services. Peep the read link for a full list.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Strategic Planner
As consumers, we hardly look into the business side of gaming. That doesn't mean we don't take a look at stocks and sales numbers, because we like to play the part of video game analyst at times. Yet, we usually don't think about the behind-the-scenes decisions that publishers have to make. When we want games, we just want them, publishers be damned. Games like Electroplankton bother us because they're so hard to find, and even when Electroplankton was available way back when, it was only available online and at the Nintendo World Store. We never stopped to think that maybe retailers refused to put the game on their shelves. (Note: We're not saying that this was the case with Electroplankton, only that it may have factored into Nintendo's decision).MTV Multiplayer's interview with Christian Svensson, the Senior Director of Strategic Planning & Research for Capcom, brings some of these issues to light. Svensson talks a lot about the first Phoenix Wright game specifically, and how it was difficult to convince retailers to stock the title despite fan interest. There are also many other issues that come into play, like first week sales and production speeds. If companies can't provide retailers with games almost immediately after orders are placed, stores will just move on to the next hot title on the market. This makes proper estimates for DS games especially important, since they take about two months to manufacture. No pressure.The article is definitely worth a read, and the next time you find yourself irritated because so-and-so game is impossible to find, you might be a little less quick to yell out objections.
Genius Products digital content coming to Netflix, CinemaNow and VUDU
Genius Products, a home video firm responsible for distributing DVDs for companies such as Tartan Films, ESPN, Discovery Communications, ImaginAsian, Sesame Workshop, World Wrestling Entertainment and IFC Films, has just inked non-exclusive rights agreements with CinemaNow, Netflix and VUDU in order to distribute select digital content throughout the US. Unfortunately, the terms are mostly being kept under wraps, but we are told that the aforesaid trio will have "non-exclusive rights to digitally deliver and distribute certain non-Weinstein Genius Products' titles." Though it goes without saying, be sure to keep an eye out for more material to pop up if you use one of these three services.
Off the Fence taking Smithsonian HD content international
While The Smithsonian Channel has found a home on most major US-based programming outlets, it's not satisfied just yet. As of this week, Smithsonian Networks has commissioned indie producer and distributor Off the Fence to "represent its catalog of high-definition programming in all international territories excluding North America." The deal covers some 50 titles which will be presented at MIP in Cannes this April, and moreover, the two have even agreed to work together on "packaging co-productions for future Smithsonian Networks projects." Needless to say, we're hoping this newfound partnership will enable Smithsonian Channel to get added to HD lineups abroad in the near future.
Key Digital offering Matrix Switching over CAT5 solutions
We already knew Key Digital had distribution of HDMI over Ethernet down pat, but now the firm is expanding its offerings with a few new Matrix Switching over CAT5 solutions. The KD-MSV8X8-CAT5 Bundle includes a KD-MSV8X8 Video Matrix Switcher (pictured), a KD-CAT5XRCA CAT5 video / audio balun and KD-CAT5PANEL rack mount for piping loads of HD content to various sources over tried and true CAT5 cabling. There's definitely a good bit more where this came from, so if you're scouting the full (and we mean full) release, head on past the break.
Gefen unloads two new component video distribution amplifiers
Shortly after dishing out a v1.3-compliant 1:10 HDMI distribution amplifier and 1:5 HDMI splitter, Gefen is hitting us up with two new signal pushers for the component lovers in the house. The 1:4 Component/Audio CAT-5 Distribution Amplifier and the 1:8 Component/Audio CAT-5 Distribution Amplifier each enable component video to be delivered to a multitude of displays (four for the first, eight for the second); additionally, each box is equipped with RCA, S/PDIF and Toslink optical audio jacks. The duo promises to carry both audio and 1080p video signals over CAT5 cables to displays some 1,000 feet away, and while they'll run you $799 and $1,499, respectively, receivers are sold separately at $200 a pop.
Hallmark Movie Channel HD headed to Time Warner Cable
Nothing too groundbreaking here, but for fans of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel, you can rest assured that it'll remain on Time Warner Cable systems for awhile longer. Reportedly, the cable operator has just renewed its distribution agreement with Crown Media Holdings for "a multi-year term." Under the new deal, TWC "will have the right to continue its distribution of Hallmark Channel as well as the opportunity for distribution of both the standard-definition and high-definition versions of Hallmark Movie Channel." If you'll recall, we were previously left in the dark as to where HMC HD would actually launch -- now, it seems we have our answer. If only things were this easy with NFL Network... [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]
CTVglobemedia wants payment from cable and satellite providers
We've seen local broadcast stations get all up in arms over payments (or the lack thereof) from cable and satellite providers, and it seems that Canada's CTVglobemedia is doing just that. According to a new complaint filed with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, it's looking for "fair compensation" for carriage of its stations as audiences look for other outlets (read: internet) and advertising revenues sink. The media conglomerate even went so far as to say that it "wasn't right" that "cable companies pay nothing for its signal, yet charge their customers to watch local news and programming." Them's fightin' words there, and to be honest, it's got a fairly good point.
OWLink's HD Digital Light Link solves your wiring conundrum
Details are extraordinarily light right now, but the little we do know about OWLink's latest content distribution system has certainly got our attention. Known only as the HD Digital Light Link, this system apparently enables users to run their audio (digital / analog), video and control signals down a single fiber optic cable that can easily be tucked under baseboards. The setup is reportedly HDCP-compliant and can carry your information for 1,000-feet without issue, and just in case you were curious, the ultrathin cable can indeed be painted to match surroundings. We're still waiting on a price / release date (and a photograph not totally ruined by a flash), but when we receive any of the three we'll be sure to pass it along.
GameFly expanding to Tampa, Florida
It's like the GameFly Austin, Texas post all over again, except now it's Tampa, FL. Heck, we'll just copy the first part of the post from last time with a few small edits: A very observant reader noticed while searching job listing website Monster.com that GameFly, the online game rental service, is looking for a manager in the Austin, Texas Tampa, Florida area. The job description clearly states: "GameFly, the leading subscription based video game rental company headquartered in Los Angeles, CA will be opening a satellite Distribution Center in Tampa. We have an outstanding opportunity for an OPERATIONS MANAGER." The listing looks completely legit and we're happy to see GameFly continuing to open distribution centers -- anything to cut down turnaround time is a good thing. We've contacted GameFly for confirmation.If our strange deja vu keeps up and this plays out exactly like last time GameFly will respond saying, "GameFly is definitely looking at a variety of locations for an additional distribution center, but we don't have anything firm to announce just yet." The simple fact of the matter is the Ops. Manager is one of the first pieces of the distribution center puzzle. We're not expecting the Austin or Tampa announcements for a little bit, but we're glad they're happening. For those keeping track, when Austin and Tampa open, GameFly will have four distribution points in the US. We're also happy to report the East Coast center has cut down our turnaround to a week.[Thanks Anonymous]
GameFly expanding to Austin, Texas
A very observant reader noticed while searching job listing website Monster.com that GameFly, the online game rental service, is looking for a manager in the Austin, Texas area. The job description clearly states: "We are the leading subscription based video game rental company headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. We will be opening a satellite Distribution Center in Austin and we have an outstanding opportunity for an OPERATIONS MANAGER." The listing looks completely legit and we're happy to see GameFly continuing to open distribution centers -- anything to cut down turnaround time is a good thing. We've contacted GameFly for confirmation. This would mean the rental service will have two distribution centers beyond their original California location. They just recently opened and expanded service at their East Coast branch located in Pittsburgh. For many on the East Coast, they've seen their turnaround time go from two weeks to around one week. Sadly, GameFly's growth has caused Xbox 360 and Wii game availability to appear in short supply and there was a recent $1 increase (although Netflix recently did a $1 decrease, so for subscribers of both it balanced out). We're guessing the tech-friendly city of Austin's distribution center will service the middle of the country. Don't expect the distribution center to open for a couple months though, they're obviously still staffing the place.[Thanks Raymond]
Sony's ES receiver lineup handles multizone HD streaming, iPods
Those in the market for a receiver that can handle the latest and greatest ought to look Sony's way, as the firm's revamped ES lineup not only plays nice with your iPod, but it's the first from Sony that can distribute high definition content to a second room. The STR-DA5300ES, STR-DA4300ES, and STR-DA3300ES 7.1-channel devices all offer seamless (albeit optional) iPod integration, and the onboard Digital Media Port allows users to add other accessories such as a WiFi client for streaming digital music, a Bluetooth receiver, or a Network Walkman docking station. You'll also find 1080/60p and 24p support, 1080p upconverting, Sirius / XM compatibility, and a variety of internal amplifier ratings depending on model. All three of Sony's latest AV components will be available before October, and while the low(er)-end DA3300ES will check in at a cool grand, the DA4300ES will demand $1,300 while the DA5300ES runs $1,700.[Via Electronista]%Gallery-5193%
Tzero's WiMedia-based ZeroWire uses UWB for HD streaming
While Tzero has been at the forefront of ultra wideband technology for some time, the firm is upping the stakes even higher with its WiMedia-based TZC7200 ZeroWire chipset. The UWB semiconductor solution was designed to deliver "real-time high-definition video" either wirelessly or over cabling, and can even open new doors for "distributing entertainment content throughout the entire home using existing coax." Reportedly, this device can pipe multiple streams of HD video through your average cable network at the tune of 480Mbps, and it boasts application integration including IP, UDP, TCP/IP, multicast, and unicast. Notably, ZeroWire is "comprised of both a Radio Frequency IC (RFIC) as well as a baseband and media access control system-on-chip," and while the chipset is listed is being available immediately, you'll need to contact Tzero yourself to fetch the pricing details.
Sony constructs two sets of whole-house HD video distribution products
If you're inclined to go big and multi-room with audio and video, Sony has unveiled some distribution products for you at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference, with two sets of high-definition video distribution products -- one for new construction, and one using existing Cat5 cabling. The NHS-3040 rack system is for new homes, and combines various Sony products for a whole-house distribution network: a home theater, XM Radio tuner, Blu-ray player, 400-disc DVD changer, and 80GB music storage and management server, along with support for 13 different audio/video zones. The NHS-2040 model drops you down to six zones, while the NHS-1040 removes the changer as well. For existing wiring, Sony offers up the CAV-CVS12ES HD switching system, which uses a single Cat5e per zone to route your video into up to 12 zones, and supports eight 1080p-capable component inputs. The system supports IR and RS-232 control, and pairs up with Sony's CAV-M1000 line of audio distro systems. As long as you're wiring up your house anyway, why not throw in Sony's WS-ADP4 doorbell intercom adapter with electronic door release, so you don't have to bother the butler to open the door for you while you're both in the third-floor bedroom watching Desperate Housewives in HD.Read - Sony NHS series distro systemRead - Sony CAV-CVS12ES Cat5e systemRead - WS-ADP4 doorbell intercom
iTunes UK pwns competition for artist pay
Pretend you're a struggling musician. How much money would you rather take home for each track sold? £0.70 or £0.005? Not even a close contest, is it? Jacqui Cheng of Infinite Loop writes about a huge disparity between UK music services. iTunes just totally pwns the competition when it comes to artist and label payments. Cheng links to this Macworld story which suggests that iTunes is doing a far better job of getting money to artists than many other online music stores. If I were a struggling UK musician (as opposed to a person who can merely carry a tune in a bucket, or perhaps two buckets) I know where I'd spend my marketing dollars and which service I'd be promoting the hell out of.
GameFly East Coast distribution center opens
On the heels of revamping their system, making it easier to understand for customers, GameFly announces the official opening of their East Coast distribution center today. We reported last month that Gamefly was planning on opening an East Coast distribution center in the next couple months to cut down on the week-long turnaround for East Coast members.The new center is located in Pittsburgh and is intended to "serve East Coast and midwest members." This means that members within three states of Pittsburgh,PA can probably look forward to Netflix-style turnaround now. It's also worth repeating that GameFly really does have some of the most ridiculously good deals in used games on the market. Nothing wrong with good service and reasonable game prices.
Gamefly opening East Coast distribution center ... finally!
In a move that should bring much rejoicing by Gamefly members, compounded by their distance from Inglewood, Calif., Gamefly is finally opening up an East Coast distribution center. The site is located in Pittsburgh, PA. An official announcement has not been made by Gamefly about this new hub because they are working out the kinks to "supply the best experience possible."Part of the email sent to certain members read, "Initially, we are launching this new distribution center for only a small subset of our members so we can complete our testing and training efforts. Over the next several weeks, we'll broaden the reach of this new distribution center to more members." Gamefly says the official announcement of this new center is not expected for a month or two.East Coast members of the service have become accustomed to week and a half long waits in receiving their next game. Gamefly's fast return, which was meant to recognize when a member dropped a game back in the mail and then send out the next title on the queue, has been a hit or miss system. This new distribution site should cut down shipping times and alleviate traffic in the West Coast center, meaning faster turnaround there. All good consumer news. Gamefly also has some of the best deals in used games, they'll even ship the buyer the "new" case and manual.
SXSW: Digital Distribution: The Way of the Future for Gaming
Almost everyone who has gone online with the computer or a game console has probably downloaded something at one time or another, whether it's been a song, a photo, a game, or a set of horse armor for their equine friend. But are digital downloads the wave of the future for full-on distribution? Developers are hoping so, because it will cut down tremendously on competing for shelf space at the local Mega-Lo-Mart, not to mention all those costs for printing games, manuals, boxes, shipping, and the like. The panel consisted of Craig Allen, CEO of Spark Unlimted one of the big "shelf" retailers, especially with their newly announced mega-game Turning Point: Fall of Liberty due this coming November. From the other end of things was Dan Conners, CEO of Telltale productions who is in the middle of releasing Sam & Max as an episodic game, before packaging everything up into a retail edition. In the middle (and sadly, without much to offer) was David Burks, the marketing manager for Seagate Technology. You gotta store the downloads somewhere, right? In all fairness, Seagate was one of the SXSW sponsors, and he probably felt a bit shoehorned into this panel.
NBC Universal getting in the HD distribution biz
Details on this one are still scarce, but it looks like NBC Universal is jumping head first into the high-definition distribution business. Just months after launching the 24/7 horror channel Chiller, the firm is now releasing its first two HD titles for pay-per-view and video-on-demand. While it wasn't specifically stated which mediums would offer up the HD PPV / HD VOD niceties, folks who are graced with NBC Universal's offerings will initially find Hollywoodland and The Return for their viewing pleasure. Although the spooky The Return won't hit the tube until March 29th, Hollywoodland is reportedly available right now, so for those of you who've plunked down the coinage required to check it out, be sure to let us know how it went over.
Secrets of the iTunes home page
If you visit the iTunes store on a regular basis, you'll know that the iTunes home page is jam packed with shiny happy banners. These ads highlight just a few dozen of the songs, albums, TV shows, and movies available to iTunes shoppers. And to have a product blessed by front-page placement is practically a guaranteed jump in sales. An album featured on the iTunes home page may sell five times more copies in a week than it will in a month without that promotion according to a recent Wall Street Journal Online article by Nick Wingfield and Ethan Smith. So who gets on the front page and how? It's not what you'd expect. According to the article, Apple doesn't sell their promotional spots to recording companies outright. Instead, they trade visibility for exclusive song access, discount pricing and access to stars for things like interviews and celebrity playlists. There's a lot of back-room dealing going on with lots of shiny happy money at stake but there's also simple passionate music-love. If Apple's team loves you and loves your music, new unknown musicians can get a huge boost through the iTunes store.Thanks Mike
