Thomson Announces Availability of HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc Manufacturing and Distribution Capabilities
Published by Admin on 27.7.06 at 7/27/2006 07:02:00 AM.
Technicolor Home Entertainment Services' next-generation DVD replication lines are installed at the company's worldwide headquarters in Camarillo, Calif. The company has three HD DVD replication lines, and three Blu-ray Disc replication lines, in place to meet early studio and consumer requirements. In addition, Technicolor Home Entertainment Services has installed dedicated, state-of-the-art mastering and testing equipment for both of these new formats in its Advanced Media Development Center in Camarillo.
This facility also houses complete printing, custom packaging, and distribution facilities to support North American retail operations. The company plans to add future capacity for both formats in different geographies to meet projected demand, and to satisfy the ongoing needs of studio and independent right holder customers. Link
This facility also houses complete printing, custom packaging, and distribution facilities to support North American retail operations. The company plans to add future capacity for both formats in different geographies to meet projected demand, and to satisfy the ongoing needs of studio and independent right holder customers. Link
LG Says No HD DVD/Blu-ray Deck For ’06
Published by Admin on at 7/27/2006 07:01:00 AM.
LG Electronics confirmed that it had no plans to introduce a dual-format HD DVD/Blu-ray Disc player this fall.
In advance of its Thursday night press conference to be held here, an LG spokesman commented the company has been a “strong supporter of Blu-ray” since the development of the format. When asked if such a dual-format player might be introduced in 2007, the spokesperson noted, “We have not finalized our 2007 product plans as yet.” Link
In advance of its Thursday night press conference to be held here, an LG spokesman commented the company has been a “strong supporter of Blu-ray” since the development of the format. When asked if such a dual-format player might be introduced in 2007, the spokesperson noted, “We have not finalized our 2007 product plans as yet.” Link
HD DVD and Blu-ray released on July 25th 2006
Published by Admin on at 7/27/2006 07:00:00 AM.
With both camps delivering the same number of titles this week, the lead will remain the same, which is impressive for HD DVD considering the number of studios supporting it. This does mark the fourth studio to release for HD DVD if you include HDNet as Paramount releases their first titles for the format.
Tune in next week when it really starts to get interesting when Warner makes the scene with their first Blu-ray releases.
This brings the total to HD DVD 45 vs Blu-ray 20. Link
Tune in next week when it really starts to get interesting when Warner makes the scene with their first Blu-ray releases.
This brings the total to HD DVD 45 vs Blu-ray 20. Link
Build your own Vista install DVD
Published by Admin on 24.7.06 at 7/24/2006 01:58:00 PM.
The bottom is about to fall out of the market for imaging tools like Symantec Ghost: Windows Vista is based entirely around Microsoft’s own system imaging technology. The Vista install DVD is, in fact, just one big system image.
In the XP world, most advanced users are used to customising the Windows install disc. It’s a straightforward, if tedious, process to slipstream service packs and patches, add extra drivers and create answer files that allow XP to install with no user input.
But this flexibility only extends to the installation of Windows itself. To clone a full system with apps installed, Symantec Ghost or a similar utility must be used to create that image.
However, all this is about to change. Windows Vista is based entirely around Microsoft’s Windows Imaging Format (or WIM), a file-based imaging standard rather than a sector-based. this means that the image isn’t a bit-for-bit image of your disk layout, and hence you can apply the image to a new system without destroying the contents of the hard drive.
Also, Vista is hardware-agnostic, so you can use a single system image as a source for multiple hardware platforms, even if they have quite different hardware configurations. Link
In the XP world, most advanced users are used to customising the Windows install disc. It’s a straightforward, if tedious, process to slipstream service packs and patches, add extra drivers and create answer files that allow XP to install with no user input.
But this flexibility only extends to the installation of Windows itself. To clone a full system with apps installed, Symantec Ghost or a similar utility must be used to create that image.
However, all this is about to change. Windows Vista is based entirely around Microsoft’s Windows Imaging Format (or WIM), a file-based imaging standard rather than a sector-based. this means that the image isn’t a bit-for-bit image of your disk layout, and hence you can apply the image to a new system without destroying the contents of the hard drive.
Also, Vista is hardware-agnostic, so you can use a single system image as a source for multiple hardware platforms, even if they have quite different hardware configurations. Link
DVD+RW Alliance to Set Up Compatibility Group in Taiwan
Published by Admin on at 7/24/2006 01:30:00 PM.
The DVD+RW Alliance, in light of Taiwan's importance in the production of optical discs and drives, will set up a Taiwan branch of its DVD+RW Compatibility and Convergence Group (DCCG), the Taiwan Compatibility and Convergence Group (TCCG).
Digitimes.com reports that the new group will be set up by September of this year, according to the alliance at a seminar in Taipei on July 19. Link
Digitimes.com reports that the new group will be set up by September of this year, according to the alliance at a seminar in Taipei on July 19. Link
Sony DVD Walkman
Published by Admin on at 7/24/2006 01:29:00 PM.
t's July. That means you've got a weekend looming in your diary when you've promised to board a train/car/plane to visit far-flung relatives/old Uni friends/the boyfriend's parents for a few hours of warm white wine and undercooked sausages. So, what do you want with you on the journey? Maybe the DVD Walkman?
Setting up the DVD Walkman is easy - there basically isn't any. Charging can be done either through the dock, or directly plugged into the player. The back swings open to insert the DVD, you shut it, press play, and you're away. As well as the remote, there are key functions on the player itself, including menu, play, fast forward and rewind, screen size and a four way toggle for selecting and changing options. Link
Setting up the DVD Walkman is easy - there basically isn't any. Charging can be done either through the dock, or directly plugged into the player. The back swings open to insert the DVD, you shut it, press play, and you're away. As well as the remote, there are key functions on the player itself, including menu, play, fast forward and rewind, screen size and a four way toggle for selecting and changing options. Link
PC-free’ DVD burning from Sony
Published by Admin on at 7/24/2006 01:24:00 PM.
Sony is launching two standalone DVD burners that aim to make it easier to transfer VCR and camcorder material to DVD.
The Sony DVDirect DVD recorders comprise the video-only VRD-VC30 and the video/digital photo VRD-MC3.
Both have LCD screens - 2in mono for the VRD-VC30 and 2.5in colour for the VRD-MC3 - to make it easy to see what you want to burn. There is a wide selection of connectivity options for hooking up different playback devices such as VCRs, tape and HDD camcorders, and HDD recorders. Link
The Sony DVDirect DVD recorders comprise the video-only VRD-VC30 and the video/digital photo VRD-MC3.
Both have LCD screens - 2in mono for the VRD-VC30 and 2.5in colour for the VRD-MC3 - to make it easy to see what you want to burn. There is a wide selection of connectivity options for hooking up different playback devices such as VCRs, tape and HDD camcorders, and HDD recorders. Link
Sony beats both Blu-ray and HD-DVD
Published by Admin on 14.7.06 at 7/14/2006 02:23:00 PM.
Who needs Blu-ray or HD-DVD, laughs Sony, which plans to take the wraps off its first HD (high-definition) camcorder compatible with the new AVCHD format next Wednesday.
AVCHD has been developed by Sony and Panasonic as a way to allow HD video to be stored on 8cm DVDs. Conventional DVDs don't support HD video but the new HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc optical formats are not yet mature enough for use in camcorders. Link
AVCHD has been developed by Sony and Panasonic as a way to allow HD video to be stored on 8cm DVDs. Conventional DVDs don't support HD video but the new HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc optical formats are not yet mature enough for use in camcorders. Link
Toshiba Delays Sale of First HD DVD Recorder
Published by Admin on at 7/14/2006 02:22:00 PM.
The new recorder, the RD-A1, had been slated to go on sale July 14, but the release will be pushed back to July 27, the Tokyo-based electronics maker said in a release.
The delay is due to problems in securing some parts for the recorder, and Toshiba will not have enough units ready for a nationwide release until the later date, according to company spokesman Keisuke Omori.
The new machine combines an HD DVD burner with a one-terabyte hard disk and can record and store up to 130 hours of high-definition broadcasts.
The product is a key element of Toshiba's battle against rival Sony Corp. to establish the standard for next-generation DVD technology. Sony and its allies are pushing an alternative technology called Blu-ray. Link
The delay is due to problems in securing some parts for the recorder, and Toshiba will not have enough units ready for a nationwide release until the later date, according to company spokesman Keisuke Omori.
The new machine combines an HD DVD burner with a one-terabyte hard disk and can record and store up to 130 hours of high-definition broadcasts.
The product is a key element of Toshiba's battle against rival Sony Corp. to establish the standard for next-generation DVD technology. Sony and its allies are pushing an alternative technology called Blu-ray. Link
HD DVD gets a $150 million marketing boost
Published by Admin on at 7/14/2006 02:21:00 PM.
If you are planning to upgrade your home theater with some high-definition components, including an HD DVD or Blu-ray player, prepare to get covered with advertising.
The "North American HD DVD Promotional Group," founded by the first row of the HD DVD proponent group - including lead developer Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Microsoft as well as the home entertainment divisions of Universal, Warner and Paramount - will pour $150 million into advertising and promotion in an effort to provide HD DVD some added visibility during the 2006 Holiday season and the following year. Link
The "North American HD DVD Promotional Group," founded by the first row of the HD DVD proponent group - including lead developer Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Microsoft as well as the home entertainment divisions of Universal, Warner and Paramount - will pour $150 million into advertising and promotion in an effort to provide HD DVD some added visibility during the 2006 Holiday season and the following year. Link
Copy Blu-ray and HD DVD Movies with Print Screen Function
Published by Admin on 7.7.06 at 7/07/2006 04:35:00 PM.
Blu-ray and HD DVD are supposed to be highly secure. There is AACS and HDCP, which when enforced make it impossible to copy movie data from a disc.
The premier German computer magazine found now out that you can make copy each frame of a movie by just pushing print screen on a computer. They tested this with the Blu-ray Sony Vaio VGC-RC 204 and the HD DVD Toshiba Qosmio G30 notebook. Link
The premier German computer magazine found now out that you can make copy each frame of a movie by just pushing print screen on a computer. They tested this with the Blu-ray Sony Vaio VGC-RC 204 and the HD DVD Toshiba Qosmio G30 notebook. Link
Thomson's film grain for HD DVD: if you can't play it, fake it
Published by Admin on at 7/07/2006 04:34:00 PM.
HD DVD runs at about 10-15Mbps, compared to SD-res bitrates of around 8-10Mbps. That means a whole lot of compression is going on, and some of that film grain that you're paying for with such high resolutions is getting lost in the process.
Now Thomson is stepping in with a solution to reintroduce that grain, by simulating it in the actual player as a visual effect on the image. Sounds pretty cheesy to us, since the whole point of seeing film grain is for the subtle nuance of it, not for the mere effect of distorted picture.
It does sound like they have some algorithm in place to pickup the actual patterns of noise during compression, so that the final representation has at least a semblance to the original, but it sounds like true film grain purists are going to have to stick with movie theaters for their fix for now. Link
Now Thomson is stepping in with a solution to reintroduce that grain, by simulating it in the actual player as a visual effect on the image. Sounds pretty cheesy to us, since the whole point of seeing film grain is for the subtle nuance of it, not for the mere effect of distorted picture.
It does sound like they have some algorithm in place to pickup the actual patterns of noise during compression, so that the final representation has at least a semblance to the original, but it sounds like true film grain purists are going to have to stick with movie theaters for their fix for now. Link
Xbox 360 with integrated HD DVD drive? No way
Published by Admin on at 7/07/2006 04:33:00 PM.
If you were hoping to reduce some living room clutter by slapping an internal HD DVD drive in that Xbox 360, think again, jack. Microsoft just put the kibosh on a certain Toshiba exec's "prediction" that those external HD DVD drives Microsoft was showing off at E3 would find their way integrated into future 360 consoles. In an official statement, Microsoft says they have no plans to integrate the HD DVD drive because they "feel that offering the drive externally is the best way to give consumers the ultimate choice to create their own high definition experiences Link
Toshiba vs Samsung HD vs Blu-Ray
Published by Admin on at 7/07/2006 11:25:00 AM.
The format war is upon us for market share in a hopefully lucrative High Definition Video Disc market. Toshiba has been given the seal of approval by the DVD consortium and are considered the official HD-DVD format. Sony has decided to give their proprietary format the nod with Blu-Ray. Before the first shots were fired in this new format war, Sony found many backers to their proprietary format and looked to be the early favorite.
Then, Toshiba and friends caught the eye of Microsoft and came out of the gate first. The standard definition DVD format has a huge foothold on the home video market and they are expected to hold market share dominance for at least the next four to five years. Can either HD-DVD or Blu-Ray make a dent in the sales of standard definition DVDs? Or, will this format war end up with two casualties as DVD-Audio and Sony’s SACD discovered when they went up against the incumbent Compact Disc? Link
Then, Toshiba and friends caught the eye of Microsoft and came out of the gate first. The standard definition DVD format has a huge foothold on the home video market and they are expected to hold market share dominance for at least the next four to five years. Can either HD-DVD or Blu-Ray make a dent in the sales of standard definition DVDs? Or, will this format war end up with two casualties as DVD-Audio and Sony’s SACD discovered when they went up against the incumbent Compact Disc? Link
Blu-ray vs. HD DVD Article
Published by Admin on 1.7.06 at 7/01/2006 08:23:00 AM.
You’ve heard the story before. Technology pushes onward and a new media replaces an aging stalwart. In the 1980s, it was Betamax vs. VHS tape. Today, it is Blu-ray vs. HD DVD.
The traditional DVD is on its way out. There’s little disagreement about that. The DVD player’s red laser is losing its appeal and the new blue laser of upstart competitors is gaining more attention. Alternatives boast considerably more storage space and flexibility—necessities as the HDTV era establishes itself and consumers’ tastes for products loaded with extras grows. The only question is who comes next. There are two primary contenders, Blu-ray and HD DVD, but no clear winner.
HD DVD disks will hold 15 GB of data on a single layer, 30 GB with dual layering. Tests substantiate a 45 GB capacity with a theoretical limit of 60 GB. That 15/30/45/60 line looks good compared to today’s DVD. However, when one compares it to Blu-ray capabilities at 25/50/100/200, it seems unthinkable that HD DVD could grab a market share advantage.
HD DVD, however, has a few advantages. First, it’s cheaper to make. Compared to Blu-ray, factory retooling is a breeze. Second, it’s probably sturdier. Bother options have thinner protective layers than the DVD, but one may be able to pierce the Blu-ray’s protective shield too easily. Third, HD DVD is closer to being ready for mass production and distribution.
Major players have lined up behind both options. Hopes for cooperative abandonment of the competing options for a standardized format have dissipated. One of the two options will probably emerge as the “next big thing.” That outcome could be determined by storage capabilities, market penetration, consumer preference or durability. It might also be decided by who can first develop an optimal security system to appease studios and content producers concerned about piracy.
VHS trumped the ostensibly superior Betamax back in the days when videotape was cutting-edge. Soon we’ll learn whether consumers are ready to embrace the massive storage advantage of Blu-ray or the “it was here first” appeal of HD DVD.
Written by AdminGuy at DVDHardware.co.uk - DVDHardware provides information on DVD Players, DVD Writers, Latest DVD News and Reviews and more.
Article Source: http://www.dvdhardware.co.uk/bluray-vs-hd-dvd
The traditional DVD is on its way out. There’s little disagreement about that. The DVD player’s red laser is losing its appeal and the new blue laser of upstart competitors is gaining more attention. Alternatives boast considerably more storage space and flexibility—necessities as the HDTV era establishes itself and consumers’ tastes for products loaded with extras grows. The only question is who comes next. There are two primary contenders, Blu-ray and HD DVD, but no clear winner.
HD DVD disks will hold 15 GB of data on a single layer, 30 GB with dual layering. Tests substantiate a 45 GB capacity with a theoretical limit of 60 GB. That 15/30/45/60 line looks good compared to today’s DVD. However, when one compares it to Blu-ray capabilities at 25/50/100/200, it seems unthinkable that HD DVD could grab a market share advantage.
HD DVD, however, has a few advantages. First, it’s cheaper to make. Compared to Blu-ray, factory retooling is a breeze. Second, it’s probably sturdier. Bother options have thinner protective layers than the DVD, but one may be able to pierce the Blu-ray’s protective shield too easily. Third, HD DVD is closer to being ready for mass production and distribution.
Major players have lined up behind both options. Hopes for cooperative abandonment of the competing options for a standardized format have dissipated. One of the two options will probably emerge as the “next big thing.” That outcome could be determined by storage capabilities, market penetration, consumer preference or durability. It might also be decided by who can first develop an optimal security system to appease studios and content producers concerned about piracy.
VHS trumped the ostensibly superior Betamax back in the days when videotape was cutting-edge. Soon we’ll learn whether consumers are ready to embrace the massive storage advantage of Blu-ray or the “it was here first” appeal of HD DVD.
Written by AdminGuy at DVDHardware.co.uk - DVDHardware provides information on DVD Players, DVD Writers, Latest DVD News and Reviews and more.
Article Source: http://www.dvdhardware.co.uk/bluray-vs-hd-dvd
No plan for internal HD-DVD on Xbox
Published by Admin on at 7/01/2006 08:22:00 AM.
A report surfaced on Australian technology site iTWire suggesting that Microsoft eventually will release an Xbox 360 that has been revised to include an HD DVD drive internally. Microsoft currently plans to release an external HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360, although an exact price and launch date have yet to be announced. What lends some credence to the report, however, is that it's Toshiba (which is behind the HD DVD format that's competing with Sony's Blu-ray) that believes Microsoft will be going the internal route. In fact, the article claims that a senior Toshiba executive has predicted that Microsoft will release an Xbox 360 model with an internal HD DVD drive before the end of the year. Link
new movies on HD DVD outsell catalog releases
Published by Admin on at 7/01/2006 08:21:00 AM.
HD DVD, are new releases, and movies including HD DVD-specific interactive features. 16 Blocks, Syriana, The Bourne Supremacy and Constantine are all noted as having excellent performance in the marketplace, blowing away older titles like Blazing Saddles.
Please take this time to allow the shock you are feeling in response to that wash over you.
Ready to move on? Ok. We've begged, pleaded, cajoled and done...unspeakable things hoping to convince executives of the various movie studios like Warner, Universal and Sony Pictures to put out more (and better) content on HD DVD and Blu-ray but to no avail. Hopefully these cold unflinching numbers can achieve what our time on the casting couch didn't. Convince executives that early adopters won't buy just anything we want premium content in high definition and are willing to pay for it. Link
Please take this time to allow the shock you are feeling in response to that wash over you.
Ready to move on? Ok. We've begged, pleaded, cajoled and done...unspeakable things hoping to convince executives of the various movie studios like Warner, Universal and Sony Pictures to put out more (and better) content on HD DVD and Blu-ray but to no avail. Hopefully these cold unflinching numbers can achieve what our time on the casting couch didn't. Convince executives that early adopters won't buy just anything we want premium content in high definition and are willing to pay for it. Link
DVD RECORDER LETS YOU RECORD FOR 330 HOURS
Published by Admin on at 7/01/2006 08:21:00 AM.
No more video tapes - finally the video recorder was dead and buried.
Well not quite, but this was definitely the way the industry wanted to go.
With a DVD disc you could jump straight to the section of the programme you wanted to watch, pause it with complete stillness and they were much easier to store than the bulky old VHS tape.
All was good in the world of technology apart from one thing - the price.
To buy one of these new-fangled DVD recorders was going to cost almost as much as a deposit on a new house.
Thankfully, those days have gone and you can nearly get a free DVD recorder with your frosted flakes...nearly being the operative word.
One company which has taken the bull by the horns is LiteOn.
They have released a whole raft of DVD recorders, with each one getting better and better.
One unit which I had the pleasure of reviewing recently was the LVW-5055GDL+ Link
Well not quite, but this was definitely the way the industry wanted to go.
With a DVD disc you could jump straight to the section of the programme you wanted to watch, pause it with complete stillness and they were much easier to store than the bulky old VHS tape.
All was good in the world of technology apart from one thing - the price.
To buy one of these new-fangled DVD recorders was going to cost almost as much as a deposit on a new house.
Thankfully, those days have gone and you can nearly get a free DVD recorder with your frosted flakes...nearly being the operative word.
One company which has taken the bull by the horns is LiteOn.
They have released a whole raft of DVD recorders, with each one getting better and better.
One unit which I had the pleasure of reviewing recently was the LVW-5055GDL+ Link
Sharp DVHR480H DVD recorder
Published by Admin on at 7/01/2006 08:19:00 AM.
Like the Toshiba RD-XS34, it only has an analogue tuner, but can record from a set-top box – and control it via a remote. A Guideplus EPG is provided.
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Recording quality is generally very good, although an episode of Prison Break doesn’t look as pin-sharp as it does on rivals from Sony and Philips.
Our main bugbear with this recorder is it’s about as user-friendly as Andrex made of sandpaper, with baffling EPG set-up and a convoluted menu system Link
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Recording quality is generally very good, although an episode of Prison Break doesn’t look as pin-sharp as it does on rivals from Sony and Philips.
Our main bugbear with this recorder is it’s about as user-friendly as Andrex made of sandpaper, with baffling EPG set-up and a convoluted menu system Link
Toshiba rekindle talk of HD DVD/Blu-ray unification
Published by Admin on at 7/01/2006 08:18:00 AM.
First it was off, then it was on, then it was off again. Talks of Blu-ray and HD DVD unification are worse than a Hollywood marriage. Forget Bennifer and TomKat the real global saga is ‘HD-ray’ and the soap opera has just taken another twist.
Despite deciding to be mortal enemies around this time last year and giving each other the bird ever since, Toshiba threw out an olive branch to its estranged nemesis Sony this week by claiming it is still interested in creating an interoperable standard. Link
Despite deciding to be mortal enemies around this time last year and giving each other the bird ever since, Toshiba threw out an olive branch to its estranged nemesis Sony this week by claiming it is still interested in creating an interoperable standard. Link