HdVmd
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HD VMD clears up European Union, spring break related rumors
Alleviating worries that mere format war irrelevance had gotten our friends in the VMD camp down, a statement was issued today regarding stories "emerging" on the internets alleging EU officials had confiscated money from Microsoft and/or Sony, and given to NME to subsidize its fledgling red laser HD disc (Hadn't heard about it? Neither did we.) NME, the backers of HD VMD, would like everyone to know that not only is that completely false, it also did not have sex with Brad at Cabo San Lucas, as had been reported. With that rumor smashed we can go back to eagerly anticipating our pre-ordered Lazy Town HD VMDs, just 499,999 more to go!
HD VMD predicts 500,000 units sold worldwide in '08
If you missed out on (read: forgot, don't feel bad, we did too) Global VMD Day last month, allow VideoBusiness to bring you up to speed on the plucky red laser HD format. NME thinks with its low production costs and movie prices -- about the same as a standard DVD -- it can move 500,000 of the 1080p standalone players worldwide this year. The company has had some success dealing with international distributors, resulting in high profile movies like Apocalypto available on the format in Australia. In the U.S., the only studio noted is Anthem Pictures, which plans to release three titles a month. With HD DVD prices plunging and Blu-ray's expectations soaring its tough to see HD VMD competing with the big boys.
HD VMD Day is January 22, celebrate the one true red contender in the HD war
Still not sure if HD VMD is a viable or even notable contestant in the next-gen disc wars? Find out more during "Global VMD Day", January 22nd, hosted at NME's first manufacturing line in The Netherlands. For the price of one transcontinental plane ticket (or intra-continental for our European friends) attendees can enjoy a celebration of all things HD VMD, learn about new supporters of the format and experience tech demos. You're an HD enthusiast right? Be a pal and hop the next Concorde to Europe, then let us know if VMD is a contender or pretender.[Via CNN Money]
HD VMD players officially shipping to customers
In case anyone is still awaiting the entry of a third competitor into the HDM fray, HD VMD announced today at CES that it is finally shipping. At the no longer unprecedented $199 price point, we can order one of PCRush's 10,000 players or from NMEStore.com. All orders in January come with two free movies, Mother Ghost and Cutting Room. With limited retailer and content provider support, we're not sure HD VMD will find a foothold in the HDM market, unless despondent red fans are already looking for a new 30GB flag to march under. The multiple-layered red laser underdog has an ETA of January 15th, who wants to jump in?
PC Rush orders up 10000 HD VMD players: any takers?
If you'll recall, New Medium Enterprises proudly announced that it had landed a tried and true US distributor for its HD VMD player way back in February, and now the firm is letting everyone know that PC Rush will be taking delivery of 10,000 multilayer players. Starting next month, the e-tailer will be offering up the 1080p players online, and it's also noted that the devices will reach unspecified brick and mortar outlets courtesy of Distenex, a sister company of PC Rush. Granted, these very players were previously available to US customers via Amazon, but now it seems that orders are no longer being accepted. We still have no idea who here will actually head out (or hop online) to pick one of these up this holiday season, so we'll start by asking you -- anyone gonna shrug off HD DVD / Blu-ray and hop on the rebel's bandwagon?
NME's HD VMD players hit for under $200
Considering that the war between HD DVD and Blu-ray is still raging, we'd really be hesitant to jump on board NME's bandwagon. Nevertheless, New Medium Enterprises' proprietary HD VMD players are starting to show up for under two Benjamins, but of course, there's only a handful of notable films available on the format (for now, at least). Those still interested in giving it a whirl can jump on the ML622S ($189) or ML777s ($199) right now, but don't blame us if the content you're dreaming of never makes its way over to HD VMD.[Via Technabob]
NME fleshes out 40GB HD VMD discs, hardware, still prepping for launch
New Medium Enterprises has been trying to get its VMD platform for high def optical discs out the door since late 2004, but we haven't heard much solid. In the grand tradition of vaporous, cut-rate consumer electronics, NME's publishing some puffy PR with terms like "The New Definition of High Definition" and "True High Definition". What are they offering? Well, supposedly a budget player's in the works that will play 1080i/p video for €179 ($250), upscale DVDs, and offers 45Mbps video (codecs go unmentioned) and 7.1 surround, region-free media, and a totally blockbuster lineup of Bollywood and Hollywood titles, including Mel Gibson classic "Apocalypto," and "Passion of the Christ". Color us totally impressed. No, really.
VMD gets Bollywood pack-in titles for January '07 launch
Everyone's favorite third high definition disc format got a boost today as it announced deals with six Indian film distributors. When the first HD VMD player launches in January of next year, it will be available with a bundle of 10 high definition Bollywood movies for $299 through various Indian retailers. New Medium Enterprises has already secured deals for content in Germany and China, now with the addition of the booming Indian film market VMD hopes to provide high definition content at prices HD DVD and Blu-ray won't be able to match.
