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Dell's new Studio laptops in the wild
We got a look at some engineering prototype versions of Dell's new Studio 17 and Studio 15 laptops, so while they might be lacking a minor bit of polish here or there compared to the real versions, Dell certainly had these up and running a good couple months ago. We're not totally blown away by the design, but it's certainly a step in the right direction for Dell, and a few elements (like the hinge) even seem to be taking some cues from Lenovo's ultra-designed IdeaPad line. There's no denying that the Studio 15, with its flush-to-the-edges keyboard strikes a more stunning figure than the slightly bleh Studio 17 version, but neither one is quite as thin as we'd like, and the material doesn't quite shake off the cheap plastic feel of Dell's Inspiron series. But hey, color (and graphic) lid customization is fun, and you're still going to be hard pressed to beat Dell's prices. Pics are below, and we apologize for the blurring: a few unannounced products snuck into the shots, but hopefully we'll be hearing more about those shortly.%Gallery-26244%
Dell gets "official" with colorful Studio 15 and Studio 17 laptop lines
Not like Dell's done an exceptional job keeping this one a secret, but yes, the Studio 15 and Studio 17 laptops do seem to be more than a figment of someone's imagination -- at least, according to a believable release posted up at BetaNews, which has since been pulled. Predictably, the former line features a 15-inch panel while the latter steps up to 17-inches, and both crews will be offered in a smattering of hues including black, grey, blue, green, pink, orange, purple and red. Prices on these units are set to start at $799, while you'll find Intel's Core 2 Duo alongside up to 4GB of RAM, upwards of 320GB of HDD space, an 8-in-1 multicard reader, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, gigabit Ethernet, an optional Blu-ray drive and the usual assortment of ports. Folks looking to stay connected around the clock can opt for a Sprint / Verizon WWAN card, and there's also an optional 9-cell battery if the standard 6-cell just isn't longevous enough. Check out two more shots after the break, and the original page (in three parts) in the gallery below.[Via Electronista] %Gallery-26134%
Warner Bros. lines up BD-Live films for winter release
Considering that Disney just made headlines with its decision to go BD-Live on a few notable releases, it's no real surprise to see Warner Bros. following suit. At the Entertainment Supply Chain Academy conference, the studio's president of Technical Operations Darcy Antonellis asserted that it was "looking to launch web-enabled Blu-ray titles with BD-Live as early as the winter holidays." He elaborated by specifically mentioning "real-time viewing, library tools, a search engine, a recommendation tool with e-mail reminders, ringtones and wallpapers." Unfortunately, nary a clue was given as to what titles would be sporting what features, but it can't go and just reveal everything ahead of time, right?
Studio execs see Blu-ray revenue breaking $1 billion this year
While research firms chime in on the rate at which Blu-ray is being adopted worldwide, a handful of studio executives have suggested that Blu-ray revenue industry-wide could break $1 billion in 2008. During the Home Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles, presidents at Warner Home Video, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Lionsgate, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Home Entertainment all agreed that the $1 billion mark would be surpassed this year, while Paramount Home Entertainment president Kelly Avery maintained that $750 million was a more realistic figure. Notably, the bigwigs did admit that the growing popularity of digital downloads could eat into profits, but even we'd agree that BD is probably safe from too much erosion in the short-term.[Image courtesy of Blu-ray]
Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2 headed to Blu-ray on September 9th
Better start saving those pennies folks, because September is apt to drain your wallet dry. Not only do we have Transformers launching in Blu-ray format on September 2nd, but we now know that both volumes of Kill Bill will be arriving in Blu cases a week later. According to an insider with access to Disney's retailer website, both flicks will be available on September 9th, and Amazon already has place-holders up for the both of 'em. Can anyone say "must buy?"[Via Audio/Video Revolution]
Warner Bros. to trim theatrical slate, focus on Blu-ray / VOD
Although it was tough to see then, the writing has been on the wall in hindsight. After Warner Bros. absorbed New Line Pictures, characterizing it as a "redundant infrastructure," it's now looking to focus less on cranking out blockbuster theatrical releases and more on pushing Blu-ray / VOD adoption. Jeff Bewkes, president and CEO of Time Warner Inc., has noted that the studio will trim its theatrical slate in half from two years ago, as it hopes to garner more profits by simply "building wider consumer adoption of Blu-ray" and expanding day-and-date VOD releases. Even more interesting was Bewkes assertion that the "expansion of Blu-ray, VOD and related improvements in electronic distribution by moving away from physical DVD would help grow filmed entertainment." After looking at a few motion picture budgets, it's pretty easy to see why distribution looks so delicious. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Thanks, xdragon]
How are back catalog titles chosen for Blu-ray release?
C'mon, you know you've asked yourself this. After all, aren't we all tense with anticipation just waiting to see what titles studios are planning to re-release on BD, only to kvetch mightily after our favorite flicks get pushed aside for films that "no one will watch?" Thankfully, Sound & Vision has taken at least some of the mystery out and has revealed five shortcuts to getting a film released on Blu-ray. Essentially, studios are looking for titles that will enable BD setups to shine, and if the movie has proven popular in the past, there's a decent shot the demand will be there for a BD release. Additionally, studios love re-releasing originals when a sequel is in theaters, and of course, if it can stop long enough to hear fans clamoring for a specific title, that too could urge them to crank out a 1080p edition. Be sure and give the read link a visit for the full rundown.
Dell Studio line details leak out
It looks like that mysterious listing on Dell's support site for a "Studio 1535" laptop is evidence of a larger branding push soon to come -- we just got a tip that says Dell's planning on creating an entire Studio line as "a midpoint between performance XPS systems and entry-level Inspiron systems." The first machines out of the gate will apparently be those rumored 1535 and 1735 laptops we caught a glimpse of last month (the 1435 appears to have been canned), but we're being told that eventually there'll be Studio desktops as well, and that the 1535 will get an AMD-based 1536 twin. All still rumors for now, but they dovetail nicely with the recent merger of the XPS and Alienware teams and Dell's hints at "new directions" for XPS -- and based on the obviously-related design language of the XPS m1530 and Studio 1535, we'd even go so far as to guess that the Studio line is destined to replace the XPS line, not simply supplement it. We'll see when we see -- any other theories out there?
Omnilab to build HD studio for Movie Network Channels
Hear this, Australians: we know you're pretty stoked about the forthcoming launch of Foxtel's high-def services, but a few more stations could be on the way shortly. Reportedly, post facility Omnilab Media has landed a long-term agreement with Movie Network Channels that will see an HD studio constructed for the channels. Currently, Omnilab handles all post-production work for MNC, which consists of Movie One, Movie Two, Movie Extra and Movie Greats -- all of which are seen on Foxtel. If all goes well, the facility will be completed in August, but what exactly it plans on using the sweet new equipment for remains to be seen.
Hallmark Movie Channel HD lands network playback partner
Now that Hallmark Movie Channel HD has found a sufficient amount of carriers to air on, parent company Crown Media has inked a deal with Broadcast Facilities to "to provide full HD network playback" for the aforesaid channel. BFI owns and operates Andrita Media Center, the "largest independent High Definition (HD) digital media facility on the West Coast," and the deal requires that Andrita expand its HD network playback center "to support the origination of the Hallmark Movie Channel's extensive original and library movie content in HD on a 24 / 7 basis." Unfortunately, we haven't a clue if this is the puzzle piece we've been waiting for to swap out stretch-o-vision content with authentic high-def material, but surely it can't hurt matters.
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best 60-inch (or more) 1080p monitor?
We're really digging this week's Ask Engadget HD question, as it travels off the beaten path in search of something that would certainly thrill all of us: a gigantic 1080p monitor to complement a decked-out sound system. According to James: "I'm quite satisfied with my audio system, and my current setup enables me to run my other components -- set-top-boxes, consoles, etc. -- through other receivers and switches. My goal is to replace my 61-inch DLP with a new plasma or LCD of similar size, though I don't need a set with integrated speakers / tuners, a slew of ports and a built-in microwave [Okay, we added that last bit. -Ed.]. I'm really looking for a 60-inch (or slightly larger) 1080p monitor, or as close as I can get. Is what I need currently made? Should I wait for LCDs to get larger and possibly risk plasma losing the battle? Help!" So there you have it, folks. We need an expansive (albeit thin) 1080p HDTV without all those bells and whistles that customers typically want if they have no intentions of picking up a receiver and / or sound system. And... go.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.
The Weather Channel to broadcast from new HD studio on June 2
Though we had previously heard that The Weather Channel's new HD studio wouldn't open until July, it looks like things will be getting started a touch early. Based on a dedicated page on the network's website, we're told that June 2nd is the date in which it will start broadcasting from an all new "state-of-the-art, eco-friendly" high-definition studio. The channel doesn't hesitate to give props to Cisco for its help in constructing the facility, and it has even posted a slideshow and video to give viewers a look at how it all came together. Head on down to the read link if that sounds like something you'd be interested in.[Thanks, Kevin]
Ubisoft opens up new studio in Kiev
Ubisoft has expanded its reach once more, this time establishing another Eastern European studio in Kiev, Ukraine. According to a GameDaily report, the studio is currently working with Ubisoft Bucharest on the PC version of the previously announced Tom Clancy's HAWX. Wasting little time, Ubisoft has staffed up the studio with a "core team of 12 developers," led by Blazing Angels: Secret Missions of WWII dev Vitalii Blazheiev. The studio is expected to eventually employ 50 people over the next 12 months, with more than 800 working for the company's numerous Eastern European studios by 2009. Clearly Ubisoft has found something special in the region that it can't ignore. Germknödel perhaps?
Ken Graffeo leaving HD marketing role at Universal, still sticking around the studio
Ken Graffeo, who formerly served as executive VP of marketing before signing on as executive VP of HD strategic marketing at Universal, has decided to step down from a position that had essentially crumbled since the fall of HD DVD. Curiously enough, the bigwig noted that he wouldn't be taking on a similar role for the Blu-ray side, but did assert that he would be hanging around Universal Studios Home Entertainment. More specifically, he was quoted as saying that he would be "looking at what [his] different options are and what [his] next moves would be," which -- to be fair -- is about as canned of a response as one could hope for. Somehow, we get the feeling Ken will be quite alright, though.[Via FormatWarCentral, image courtesy of FutureNet]
Tour inside Blizzard's memorabilia museum
We haven't seen much inside the doors of Blizzard HQ, but just recently they've apparently started letting the press in -- first we had that OC Register look on the inside, and now this, a little video shoot inside Blizzard's on-campus museum. And sure, the museum is cool and all (it's got all the licensed material, concept art from all the games, and even a copy of Starcraft that actually went into space), but am I the only one that would kind of rather see the Warcraft-themed cafeteria and the employee gym. I've already seen the Warcraft board game -- bring on the places that we can't go!Still, the museum seems like an "awesommme" place, according to this woman. And I especially like the statue that they're going to put in the courtyard. It's just the kind of thing you might see outside an evil mastermind's lair, or a training school for supervillians. Wait a minute...[Via Massively]
Ex-Naughty Dog staffers start Big Red Button Entertainment
It's been said that the ultimate user interface would be "a little box with a single red button; when pushed it would give you exactly what you need exactly when you need it." We'd like to think that this was the inspiration that led two ex-Naughty Dog staffers to create game studio Big Red Button Entertainment. Or maybe their inspiration was a little less high-minded. We don't know.Anyway, the new studio has vowed to become the "United Artists of games" (much like EA) by creating "original character based intellectual properties for cross platform and cross media development." OK, so that doesn't really mean anything, but with titles like Crash Bandicoot, Jak & Daxter and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune to the creators' credit, we're still excited about the possibilities. Hey, maybe they should design some games for the Buzz controller. Y'know ... because it has a big red button ...? No? Not funny? FINE! WHO ASKED YOU?!
Lionsgate president expects industry to "unite behind Blu-ray" this summer
As support continues to just fall in the lap of the Blu-ray camp, Lionsgate president and co-COO has been quoted as saying that his company "expects the industry to unite behind Blu-ray by the summer." This was uttered yesterday during a spirited investor call, and was followed up by his suggestion that this so-called unification could "drive the current HD market to triple in size from $300 million in 2007 to more than $1 billion this year." He also noted that 2008 would mark the first year in which it would see "meaningful revenue in digital delivery," and mentioned that "Blu-ray revenue in January [2008] was about seven times higher than last year." Of course, all of this probably speaks more about industry trends than anything else, but it's seems safe to say that at least one bigwig at Lionsgate isn't scared to pronounce his admiration for BD.[Via Blu-ray, thanks Kiwi616]
Starz inks deals with five major studios, looks to bolster lineup
Feeling as if Starz's offerings are a bit stale of late? Apparently, so did its management team, as it went out and landed deals with five major studios with the sole purpose of bulking up its movie lineup. Reportedly, the network inked "exclusive first run output deals with Sony Pictures Television and Disney-ABC Domestic Television" that are set to last "well into the next decade," and just in case that wasn't enough to keep your clicker on the counter, it also picked up a number of library acquisitions from Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, MGM Worldwide Television Group and Universal Pictures. More specifically, Starz should receive some 1,200 top movie titles and TV series from the latter three's film vaults, and the content can be distributed across Starz HD, Starz On Demand and even Vongo. For more details and a glimpse at what's on the horizon, hit up the read link below.[Via MultiChannel News]
Domestic marketing executive booted from Warner Bros.
Shortly after the selection heard 'round the world was made, one of Warner Bros.' (owned by Time Warner, which also owns Engadget's parent companies) own has been given the boot. Granted, this wouldn't be nearly as surprising if it were happening on the red side, but we digress. Dawn Taubin, the head of domestic marketing at the studio for six years, was recently ousted after Jeff Robinov -- who reportedly didn't exactly get along with Ms. Taubin -- was promoted to president. Currently, no replacement has been named, but whoever manages to grab the role should have a much easier time now that the studio can focus on one side.[Via AdAge, thanks Rye C.]
EA's world conquest continues with new Korean dev studio
According to Digital Chosunilbo, Electronic Arts -- the planet Jupiter of game development -- has plans to open a new studio in Korea this year. EA intends to make three or four new titles for the Asian market. The studio will be a 20 million dollar investment, and its first projects will be online versions of NBA Street and Battlefield. All this will be helmed by Danny Isaac of FIFA Soccer fame. Gamasutra noted that this is not EA's first foray into the Asian market. The company invested in Korean developer Neowiz back in March, and shortly thereafter announced plans to release in Asia one or more titles from the Battlefield series.This is just one more step towards total world domination, unless EA's newly-formed rival Activision-Blizzard has something to say about it![Via The Escapist]
