Currys to launch online DVD and CD store in the UK
Published by Admin on 30.9.06 at 9/30/2006 10:11:00 PM.
Electronics retailer Currys is to launch an online CD and DVD store before Christmas.
At launch, the store will offer 180,000 CD titles and 40,000 DVDs and at prices that undercut other online retailers. Delivery will be free on all purchases. New release CDs will sell for £8.99, and new release DVDs for £12.99.
Peter Keenan, managing director of Currys, said, “With this announcement we really can be a one-stop Christmas shop. From the latest blockbuster DVD to timeless CD collections, we have put together a fabulous collection, and we’re confident we’re offering fantastic value.”
Curry’s will only offer this service online and will stick to selling electronics only in their high street stores. Link
At launch, the store will offer 180,000 CD titles and 40,000 DVDs and at prices that undercut other online retailers. Delivery will be free on all purchases. New release CDs will sell for £8.99, and new release DVDs for £12.99.
Peter Keenan, managing director of Currys, said, “With this announcement we really can be a one-stop Christmas shop. From the latest blockbuster DVD to timeless CD collections, we have put together a fabulous collection, and we’re confident we’re offering fantastic value.”
Curry’s will only offer this service online and will stick to selling electronics only in their high street stores. Link
Panasonic and Sony Releasing Hybrid HD DVD/Blu-ray Players Next Year
Published by Admin on at 9/30/2006 10:09:00 PM.
An anonymous source heard from someone high-up in the company—we can't say who—that Panasonic/Matsushita is going to produce a dual HD DVD/Blu-ray player next year. This will be a hardware hybrid, and not a disc hybrid, as we posted about yesterday.
These sources say that Panasonic is doing this to protect itself, as the next-gen DVD wars aren't close to being resolved, and they don't want all their next-generation eggs in one next-generation basket, no matter how Blu that basket may be. Link
These sources say that Panasonic is doing this to protect itself, as the next-gen DVD wars aren't close to being resolved, and they don't want all their next-generation eggs in one next-generation basket, no matter how Blu that basket may be. Link
Play.com HD DVD Films and Media now avalaible!!!
Published by Admin on 28.9.06 at 9/28/2006 11:30:00 AM.
This is the first retailer that I have seen selling serveral titles and media at a very keen price. Other sites on the net of course do sell the titles as well but seem to be £5-£10+ higher than the prices at Play... of course here in the UK we are used to using Play and benifiting from the lower prices (thank you channel islands) and free postage costs. View HD DVD Titles
Lite-On announces 18x Lightscribe DVD burner
Published by Admin on at 9/28/2006 10:20:00 AM.
Lite-On IT, the largest maker of optical disc drives in Taiwan, recently began volume production of an 18x Super Multi LightScribe DVD burner, model LH-18A1H, for OEM clients and will launch the model for own-brand sale in the Taiwan market at a recommended retail price of about NT$2,100 (US$64) in the middle of next month, according to the company.
LightScribe-enabled models currently account for 10% of Lite-On IT's total shipment volume of DVD burners of all types, said general manager Michael Gong for the company's Optical Disc Drive Business.
Among international PC brands, only Hewlett-Packard (HP), the developer of LightScribe technology, has launched PCs equipped with built-in LightScribe DVD burners, Gong noted. Therefore, the popularity of the direct disc labeling technology hinges on adoption by other PC brands such as Dell, Gong pointed out. In order to promote LightScribe, HP has lowered the royalty charge rate for manufacturers of DVD burners by 40-50% depending on shipment volume, Gong indicated. Link
LightScribe-enabled models currently account for 10% of Lite-On IT's total shipment volume of DVD burners of all types, said general manager Michael Gong for the company's Optical Disc Drive Business.
Among international PC brands, only Hewlett-Packard (HP), the developer of LightScribe technology, has launched PCs equipped with built-in LightScribe DVD burners, Gong noted. Therefore, the popularity of the direct disc labeling technology hinges on adoption by other PC brands such as Dell, Gong pointed out. In order to promote LightScribe, HP has lowered the royalty charge rate for manufacturers of DVD burners by 40-50% depending on shipment volume, Gong indicated. Link
Xbox 360 HD DVD Drive Sells for $199.99
Published by Admin on at 9/28/2006 10:18:00 AM.
Microsoft announced at the X06 event in Spain that the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive will sell for $199.99 in the United States and for 199.99 Euro in Europe.
Pricing for the external HD DVD drive already got announced for Japan last week. Japanese Xbox fans pay about 20,790 yen. Link
Pricing for the external HD DVD drive already got announced for Japan last week. Japanese Xbox fans pay about 20,790 yen. Link
Microsoft sets UK price and date for Xbox 360 HD DVD drive
Published by Admin on at 9/28/2006 10:16:00 AM.
Arriving at retailers in North America, the U.K, France and Germany in mid-November 2006, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player will retail for $199.99 in North America and €199.99 in France and Germany and a very cheap £129.99 in the U.K.
The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player comes with the Universal Pictures’ blockbuster film Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” on HD DVD (for a limited time) and the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Link
The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player comes with the Universal Pictures’ blockbuster film Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” on HD DVD (for a limited time) and the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Link
Asus Jumps into the HD-DVD Laptop Market
Published by Admin on at 9/28/2006 09:58:00 AM.
Recently, Asus has been pushing very hard in the mobile computing market. Earlier this year they released a new Lamborghini line of laptops and now Asus has decided to jump on the HD-DVD bandwagon with its new W2P laptop.
The 7.25lb monster sports a new Mobility Radeon X1700 with 256MB of dedicated GDDR3, an ever so important HD-DVD drive and and HDMI port for simple connection to your HDTV. Link
Asus Jumps on the HD DVD Bandwagon with the W2P
Published by Admin on 26.9.06 at 9/26/2006 04:19:00 PM.
We've already seen new Core 2 Duo notebooks from Asus, but this latest offering deserves to have its 15 minutes of fame as well. The new Asus W2P is a multimedia powerhouse that features a built-in HD DVD drive. To say that this 7.3 pound, 17" beast is loaded is quite the understatement.
The Windows XP Media Center-based W2P not only supports all of the latest Core 2 Duo processors and up to 2GB of DDR2 memory, but it also features a WUXGA (1920x1200 display), ATI Mobility Radeon X1700 graphics chip with 256MB of memory, HDMI output (HDCP is supported), Dolby-certified surround sound (four speakers + subwoofer), 802.11a/b/g wireless and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. If that isn't enough for you, the W2P also incorporates an analog/digital TV tuner. Link
The Windows XP Media Center-based W2P not only supports all of the latest Core 2 Duo processors and up to 2GB of DDR2 memory, but it also features a WUXGA (1920x1200 display), ATI Mobility Radeon X1700 graphics chip with 256MB of memory, HDMI output (HDCP is supported), Dolby-certified surround sound (four speakers + subwoofer), 802.11a/b/g wireless and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. If that isn't enough for you, the W2P also incorporates an analog/digital TV tuner. Link
Vista versions to share single DVD
Published by Admin on at 9/26/2006 04:11:00 PM.
Microsoft has confirmed that all versions of Vista will be shipped on a single DVD, in a feature called Windows Anytime Upgrade.
According to a spokesperson for the company, "The idea is to provide customers with the most convenient user experience possible by enabling them to more easily and directly upgrade to a higher edition of Windows Vista from within their current edition".
Users would only be installing the version of the operating system that they had purchased, as the product key would be version-specific. Versions range from Starter to Ultimate editions. Link
According to a spokesperson for the company, "The idea is to provide customers with the most convenient user experience possible by enabling them to more easily and directly upgrade to a higher edition of Windows Vista from within their current edition".
Users would only be installing the version of the operating system that they had purchased, as the product key would be version-specific. Versions range from Starter to Ultimate editions. Link
Blu-ray or HD DVD? Yawn — who cares?
Published by Admin on 24.9.06 at 9/24/2006 05:12:00 PM.
First, there was the war between eight-track tapes and cassettes. Then there was Betamax vs. VHS. Now a new battle for the future of home entertainment is once again forcing consumers to choose.
High-definition DVDs are supposed to provide sharp, wide-screen images to fill the more than 30 million HD television sets that have been sold. They are also meant to replace standard-definition DVDs, providing studios with a new source of profits.
But after much anticipation, the two competing formats have debuted to a big yawn.
Retailers report slow sales of the expensive machines required to play the new discs as gun-shy consumers wait for one of the formats to prevail. And studios have held back issuing high-def versions of their most-desired titles because so few players exist.
"I'm not jumping on this bandwagon yet," said John Scally, a 39-year-old in Elizabeth, N.J., who has already spent thousands of dollars on a high-def TV set and subscribes to HD channels through his satellite TV provider.
"They probably would tempt me if it wasn't for the two formats," Scally said. "I'm a semi-early adopter, but I'll wait at least a year, maybe two, for this to play out."
Complicating the choice is the increasing availability of movies and TV shows for download online, bypassing the need for a physical disc format.
Apple Computer Inc. just launched its long-awaited movie download store as well as a slim device called iTV designed to wirelessly stream movies from a computer or other storage device to a TV set. Link
High-definition DVDs are supposed to provide sharp, wide-screen images to fill the more than 30 million HD television sets that have been sold. They are also meant to replace standard-definition DVDs, providing studios with a new source of profits.
But after much anticipation, the two competing formats have debuted to a big yawn.
Retailers report slow sales of the expensive machines required to play the new discs as gun-shy consumers wait for one of the formats to prevail. And studios have held back issuing high-def versions of their most-desired titles because so few players exist.
"I'm not jumping on this bandwagon yet," said John Scally, a 39-year-old in Elizabeth, N.J., who has already spent thousands of dollars on a high-def TV set and subscribes to HD channels through his satellite TV provider.
"They probably would tempt me if it wasn't for the two formats," Scally said. "I'm a semi-early adopter, but I'll wait at least a year, maybe two, for this to play out."
Complicating the choice is the increasing availability of movies and TV shows for download online, bypassing the need for a physical disc format.
Apple Computer Inc. just launched its long-awaited movie download store as well as a slim device called iTV designed to wirelessly stream movies from a computer or other storage device to a TV set. Link
HD DVD player is clunky but offers clear image
Published by Admin on at 9/24/2006 05:11:00 PM.
Consumers looking to upgrade their home theaters now can choose between two types of high-definition DVD players -- the confusing result of a long-running format war involving Hollywood studios and technology companies.
Both HD DVD and Blu-ray promise clear pictures on high-definition TVs, and extra bonus features. But discs in one format won't work in players designed for the other, and consumers who buy gear now run the risk of ending up with a high-def version of a Betamax VCR.
The limited number of high-definition DVD titles available now -- lots of warmed-over action flicks -- also could temper the immediate acceptance of the technology. The movies aren't cheap either. The HD DVD version of "Backdraft," a 15-year-old movie starring Kurt Russell, lists for $30.
I took Toshiba Corp.'s HD-A1 player ($499) for a spin. I also attempted to get a Blu-ray unit to review, but Samsung -- maker of the BD-P1000 Blu-ray Disc Player -- declined to provide one for a head-to-head test.
The Toshiba -- the first high-def DVD player to hit the market -- is a beast. It is twice as tall and heavy as my trusty Panasonic 5-disc DVD player. Link
Both HD DVD and Blu-ray promise clear pictures on high-definition TVs, and extra bonus features. But discs in one format won't work in players designed for the other, and consumers who buy gear now run the risk of ending up with a high-def version of a Betamax VCR.
The limited number of high-definition DVD titles available now -- lots of warmed-over action flicks -- also could temper the immediate acceptance of the technology. The movies aren't cheap either. The HD DVD version of "Backdraft," a 15-year-old movie starring Kurt Russell, lists for $30.
I took Toshiba Corp.'s HD-A1 player ($499) for a spin. I also attempted to get a Blu-ray unit to review, but Samsung -- maker of the BD-P1000 Blu-ray Disc Player -- declined to provide one for a head-to-head test.
The Toshiba -- the first high-def DVD player to hit the market -- is a beast. It is twice as tall and heavy as my trusty Panasonic 5-disc DVD player. Link
Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD player
Published by Admin on at 9/24/2006 05:06:00 PM.
HD-DVD's launch was so rubbish the "second generation" machines are here after only three months. That's like buying a car, and then buying another car really soon after!
It's the HD-A2 HD-DVD player, Toshiba's latest go at making HD-DVD seem like a good idea. Link
HD DVD can dazzle, but ...
Published by Admin on 18.9.06 at 9/18/2006 09:50:00 PM.
Consumers looking to upgrade their home theaters can now choose between two types of high-definition DVD players -- the confusing result of a long-running format war involving Hollywood studios and technology companies.
Both HD DVD and Blu-ray promise clear pictures on high-definition TVs and extra bonus features. But discs in one format won't work in players designed for the other, and consumers who buy gear now run the risk of ending up with a high-def version of a Betamax VCR.
The limited number of high-definition DVD titles available now -- lots of warmed-over action flicks -- also could temper the immediate acceptance of the technology. The movies aren't cheap, either. The HD DVD version of "Backdraft," a 15-year-old movie starring Kurt Russell, lists for $30. Link
Both HD DVD and Blu-ray promise clear pictures on high-definition TVs and extra bonus features. But discs in one format won't work in players designed for the other, and consumers who buy gear now run the risk of ending up with a high-def version of a Betamax VCR.
The limited number of high-definition DVD titles available now -- lots of warmed-over action flicks -- also could temper the immediate acceptance of the technology. The movies aren't cheap, either. The HD DVD version of "Backdraft," a 15-year-old movie starring Kurt Russell, lists for $30. Link
DVD chips 'to kill illegal copying'
Published by Admin on at 9/18/2006 09:49:00 PM.
DVDs will soon be tracked with embedded radio transmitter chips to prevent copying and piracy, according to the company which makes movie discs for Warner, Disney, Fox and other major studios.
As vnunet.com reports: The technology, which can also be used for Blu-Ray and HD-DVD discs, will allow movie studios to remotely track individual discs as they travel from factories to retail shelves to consumers' homes.
Home DVD players will eventually be able to check on the chip embedded in a disc, and refuse to play discs which are copied or played in the 'wrong' geographical region, the companies behind the technology expect.
"This technology holds the potential to protect the intellectual property of music companies, film studios, gaming and software developers worldwide," said Gordon Yeh, chief executive of Ritek Corporation.
Ritek is the world's largest DVD maker, and its U-Tech subsidiary will make the discs.
U-Tech and IPICO, the company behind the RFID chips used in the discs, announced today that production of the 'chipped' DVDs will begin at U-Tech's main plant in Taiwan. Link
As vnunet.com reports: The technology, which can also be used for Blu-Ray and HD-DVD discs, will allow movie studios to remotely track individual discs as they travel from factories to retail shelves to consumers' homes.
Home DVD players will eventually be able to check on the chip embedded in a disc, and refuse to play discs which are copied or played in the 'wrong' geographical region, the companies behind the technology expect.
"This technology holds the potential to protect the intellectual property of music companies, film studios, gaming and software developers worldwide," said Gordon Yeh, chief executive of Ritek Corporation.
Ritek is the world's largest DVD maker, and its U-Tech subsidiary will make the discs.
U-Tech and IPICO, the company behind the RFID chips used in the discs, announced today that production of the 'chipped' DVDs will begin at U-Tech's main plant in Taiwan. Link
CMC, Ritek 18x DVD Media Production Limited
Published by Admin on at 9/18/2006 09:48:00 PM.
Although several leading global brands have already launched or will soon offer 18x DVD burners, CMC Magnetics and Ritek, Taiwan's top two makers of optical discs, currently produce 18x DVD+R/-R discs only in limited volumes.
Plextor, Lite-On IT, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Sony, NEC and BenQ currently offer 18x DVD burners while Pioneer and Asustek Computer will do so soon.
However, the global supply of 18x DVD+R/-R discs appear to be lagging. CMC and Ritek are able to immediately start volume production of 18x DVD+R/-R discs as long as the market demand is large enough, the two companies said. Link
Plextor, Lite-On IT, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Sony, NEC and BenQ currently offer 18x DVD burners while Pioneer and Asustek Computer will do so soon.
However, the global supply of 18x DVD+R/-R discs appear to be lagging. CMC and Ritek are able to immediately start volume production of 18x DVD+R/-R discs as long as the market demand is large enough, the two companies said. Link
Boffins attempt to patent dual-format HD DVD, Blu-ray combo disc
Published by Admin on at 9/18/2006 09:47:00 PM.
Three inventors have filed a patent application for an optical disc capable of holding not only Blu-ray Disc data but also HD DVD-formatted information. In fact, the system would allow disc makers to mix and match any two optical disc formats. Take the Blu-ray Disc example. The disc would contain a plastic substrate on which would be placed the BD data layer, 0.1mm from the surface. A special material would then be sandwiched between the BD data and the HD DVD - or DVD, for that matter - data layer 0.6mm from the surface. The boundary layer would be sufficiently reflective to allow the disc to be read by a BD player, but transparent enough to allow not only the HD DVD read laser to shine through and focus on the 0.6mm-deep data layer but to allow light to pass back to the optical pick-up head.
If such a material can be found - and it's cheap enough - it clearly stands to benefit both the HD DVD and BD camps, but particularly the latter. Even if the two don't come together on a single disc, the would-be patent would permit content makers to ship a BD with backwardly-compatible DVD content on board.
The application even moots a triple-format disc: a dual BD/HD DVD disc of the kind outlined above with a DVD bonded on the flip-side. Link
If such a material can be found - and it's cheap enough - it clearly stands to benefit both the HD DVD and BD camps, but particularly the latter. Even if the two don't come together on a single disc, the would-be patent would permit content makers to ship a BD with backwardly-compatible DVD content on board.
The application even moots a triple-format disc: a dual BD/HD DVD disc of the kind outlined above with a DVD bonded on the flip-side. Link
Sharp announces 16x dual-layer laptop DVD burning laser
Published by Admin on at 9/18/2006 09:45:00 PM.
Sharp is doing its part in the fight for ever-faster DVD burning speeds, likely to continue until discs start flying out of their drives and someone really gets hurt. The company's latest development is a new red laser semiconductor with a maximum throughput of 350mW, sufficient to burn dual-layer +/- DVDs at 16x speeds. What's more, the laser's designed for use in laptop DVD drives, though Sharp says the drives will have low power consumption and high heat dissipation, so you shouldn't have to worry about it further fanning the flames -- well, not any more than usual. Laptops packing the speedy new drives look like they're still be a little ways off yet though, with samples of the laser just shipping to manufacturers later this month Link
Traxdata to Market HD DVD-R Media
Published by Admin on at 9/18/2006 09:44:00 PM.
The Traxdata HD DVD media received class-A verification for its 1x HD DVD-R SL (high-definition DVD-R single-sided single-layer) discs with 15GB storage capacity from the DVD Forum in May 2006. Class-A verification indicates that a product meets the minimum specifications laid out by the DVD Forum. Future product releases from Traxdata include HD DVD-RAM and HD DVD-RW that are due out towards the end of this year. Link
Plextor announces portable DVD-RAM Drive
Published by Admin on at 9/18/2006 09:43:00 PM.
The PX-608U supports 5X DVD-RAM functionality for removable data storage applications. Unlike other optical media formats, special burning software is not required to write DVD-RAM media on a personal computer. A user simply inserts a blank DVD-RAM disc and the system automatically formats the disc and assigns a drive letter. Users can drag-and-drop files, use the "save as" command, and remove the disc, which can then be read in any PC or desktop player with a drive that supports the DVD-RAM format. The DVD-RAM format offers up to 9.4 GB per double-sided disc.
"The new PX-608U is a powerful business tool for people who travel and need to create DVD-based presentations and multimedia slide shows on the road," said Michael Arbisi, Vice President, Channel Sales for Plextor. "DVD-RAM functionality also provides an inexpensive and more versatile alternative to carrying around a second hard drive, making the PX-608U even more useful for people who need to store and access data on the go."
PX-608U Ultra-Portable DVD+/-R/RW Drive
The PX-608U multi-drive delivers fast DVD recording speeds of 8X DVD+/-R on single-layer media, 4X DVD+/-R on Double-Layer and Dual-Layer (DL) media, and 5X DVD-RAM. The drives also support 8X DVD+RW, 6X DVD-RW, 8X max DVD-ROM, 24X CD-R/RW/ROM. DVD+/-VR is supported for direct disc recording, while DVD+RW background format eliminates the need to manually format a DVD+RW disc. Link
"The new PX-608U is a powerful business tool for people who travel and need to create DVD-based presentations and multimedia slide shows on the road," said Michael Arbisi, Vice President, Channel Sales for Plextor. "DVD-RAM functionality also provides an inexpensive and more versatile alternative to carrying around a second hard drive, making the PX-608U even more useful for people who need to store and access data on the go."
PX-608U Ultra-Portable DVD+/-R/RW Drive
The PX-608U multi-drive delivers fast DVD recording speeds of 8X DVD+/-R on single-layer media, 4X DVD+/-R on Double-Layer and Dual-Layer (DL) media, and 5X DVD-RAM. The drives also support 8X DVD+RW, 6X DVD-RW, 8X max DVD-ROM, 24X CD-R/RW/ROM. DVD+/-VR is supported for direct disc recording, while DVD+RW background format eliminates the need to manually format a DVD+RW disc. Link
Wii loses DVD playback
Published by Admin on at 9/18/2006 09:41:00 PM.
Having bypassed the format with the GameCube (not including the Panasonic GameCube hybrid the Q), the Wii was intended to be Nintendo's first console to feature support for DVD playback. The functionality was touted at E3 2005, but an attachment of some kind was said to be required.
A lot has changed sine then though, not least the change of name from the Revolution to the Wii. Last week Nintendo confirmed that planned support for DVD playback has been removed from the Wii.
"They were originally considering an external [DVD] attachment," a Nintendo rep said of the Wii's designers. "But because the price of DVD players has dropped so much and they have become so commonplace, Nintendo saw no need to create extra hardware options that would drive up the cost for consumers." Link
A lot has changed sine then though, not least the change of name from the Revolution to the Wii. Last week Nintendo confirmed that planned support for DVD playback has been removed from the Wii.
"They were originally considering an external [DVD] attachment," a Nintendo rep said of the Wii's designers. "But because the price of DVD players has dropped so much and they have become so commonplace, Nintendo saw no need to create extra hardware options that would drive up the cost for consumers." Link
Toshiba Launches New HD DVD Players
Published by Admin on 16.9.06 at 9/16/2006 01:19:00 PM.
Toshiba said today it will make its second generation of high-definition DVD players available for sale in the United States. The players will come in two models -- the entry-level HD-A2 and the higher-end HD-XA2 -- and offer improved player performance over the current line, said Toshiba vice president of marketing Jodi Sally.
The new black players are about half the size of the original HD-DVD players, which were launched in the U.S. market back in April. Both models have new picture setting functions to let users optimize picture quality with adjustable color, contrast, brightness, edge enhancement and noise blocking settings.
The new DVD players will also double the available bandwidth for video display, enabling them to produce substantially deeper colors and sharper resolution, according to the company.
Quality Enhancements
Sally, who called the improved image and sound quality "stunning", said HD-A2 will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $500, and the HD-XA2 is expected to go on sale in December for a suggested retail price of $1,000. The HD-DVD's primary competition, Sony's Blu-ray player has a list price of $1,000.
Both Toshiba models use Ethernet connections for accessing additional content via a home broadband connection, and both support various audio formats like Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus.
Todd Chanko, an analyst with Jupiter Research, said it was too soon to tell if Toshiba's DVD player had a decisive advantage over Sony's as far as consumers are concerned, noting that both companies have been making similar changes.
"It is an interesting time to be reinventing the format when HD-TV is not quite mainstream yet," he said. "I'm not sure this announcement translates into anything meaningful for the consumer."
Fighting for Position
The announcement marks yet another phase in the fight between competing high-definition formats that has not eased, nor become any clearer in recent months. As both Toshiba, and chief competitor Sony with its Blu-ray player, continue to push their incompatible formats and improve functionality, it is almost certain someone will come up short at the box office.
Both formats use optical discs the same size as a CD or DVD, and both have much higher storage capacities than current DVDs. Link
The new black players are about half the size of the original HD-DVD players, which were launched in the U.S. market back in April. Both models have new picture setting functions to let users optimize picture quality with adjustable color, contrast, brightness, edge enhancement and noise blocking settings.
The new DVD players will also double the available bandwidth for video display, enabling them to produce substantially deeper colors and sharper resolution, according to the company.
Quality Enhancements
Sally, who called the improved image and sound quality "stunning", said HD-A2 will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $500, and the HD-XA2 is expected to go on sale in December for a suggested retail price of $1,000. The HD-DVD's primary competition, Sony's Blu-ray player has a list price of $1,000.
Both Toshiba models use Ethernet connections for accessing additional content via a home broadband connection, and both support various audio formats like Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus.
Todd Chanko, an analyst with Jupiter Research, said it was too soon to tell if Toshiba's DVD player had a decisive advantage over Sony's as far as consumers are concerned, noting that both companies have been making similar changes.
"It is an interesting time to be reinventing the format when HD-TV is not quite mainstream yet," he said. "I'm not sure this announcement translates into anything meaningful for the consumer."
Fighting for Position
The announcement marks yet another phase in the fight between competing high-definition formats that has not eased, nor become any clearer in recent months. As both Toshiba, and chief competitor Sony with its Blu-ray player, continue to push their incompatible formats and improve functionality, it is almost certain someone will come up short at the box office.
Both formats use optical discs the same size as a CD or DVD, and both have much higher storage capacities than current DVDs. Link
Region-Free Wii
Published by Admin on at 9/16/2006 01:18:00 PM.
The Wii will be region-free, or at least it should be.
That's the word from Wired News' Joel Johnson, who found Nintendo's VP of marketing Perrin Kaplan at the recent New York City press event and got her to reveal that, like the Nintendo DS, Nintendo's Wii games will work on any console regardless of region.
While there may be a region lock that third-party publishers can choose to turn on, Nintendo seems to be setting the standard by making its own first-party games region free.
Here's what Joel filed this morning:
Wired had the opportunity to sit down after with Nintendo Vice-President of Marketing & Corporate Affairs—not to mention affable conference host—Perrin Kaplan to ask a few questions that weren't addressed in the press conference.
• Will the Wii be region-free? Yes. Like the Nintendo DS, the Wii will be able to play games from other regions, such as Japan, without any restriction. Kaplan implied there might be a region lock that publishers would be able to flip on, but it doesn't sound like the first-party titles from Nintendo will be restricted.
• Will games downloaded from the Virtual Console store be tied to an account like Xbox Live or a one-time-only download like iTunes? Tied to an account. Kaplan discussed a scenario where a player's Wii was broken or destroyed, but would be able to re-download titles they had previously bought to a new Wii machine. Because my left leg was burning from an accidental Zippo oil spill, I neglected to ask if a user would be able to log into friends' Wiis and play their Virtual Console downloads away from their home machine.
• Will Wii users be able to add storage via USB hard drives? No. The Wii's storage will be exclusively via flash memory storage, such as SD memory cards, at least at launch. Kaplan said a hard drive addition could be in the future, but that sounds more like a "Sure, why not?" response than one based in any immediate plans.
• How much will Opera cost? Unknown. No price has yet been set for the download-able Opera web browser, but it sounds like it could very well be free, once Nintendo finishes discussions with Opera.
The big news from the press conference, besides the price—$250 for the console with one controller and Wii Sports bundled, $40 for additional Wii Remotes and $20 for additional Wii Nunchucks—was the showing of "Wii Channels," an instant-on interface where Wii players will be able to create "Mii" (me) personal avatars that work in supported games; a Wii Shop where Virtual Console games can be purchased for "Wii Points"; and photo, movie, and web browsing.
It's a slick little interface, but I continue to question whether users will want to sit in front of a television browsing the web without a keyboard, especially at non-HDTV resolutions. I guess we'll see when the Wii launches in the Americas on November 19th. Link
That's the word from Wired News' Joel Johnson, who found Nintendo's VP of marketing Perrin Kaplan at the recent New York City press event and got her to reveal that, like the Nintendo DS, Nintendo's Wii games will work on any console regardless of region.
While there may be a region lock that third-party publishers can choose to turn on, Nintendo seems to be setting the standard by making its own first-party games region free.
Here's what Joel filed this morning:
Wired had the opportunity to sit down after with Nintendo Vice-President of Marketing & Corporate Affairs—not to mention affable conference host—Perrin Kaplan to ask a few questions that weren't addressed in the press conference.
• Will the Wii be region-free? Yes. Like the Nintendo DS, the Wii will be able to play games from other regions, such as Japan, without any restriction. Kaplan implied there might be a region lock that publishers would be able to flip on, but it doesn't sound like the first-party titles from Nintendo will be restricted.
• Will games downloaded from the Virtual Console store be tied to an account like Xbox Live or a one-time-only download like iTunes? Tied to an account. Kaplan discussed a scenario where a player's Wii was broken or destroyed, but would be able to re-download titles they had previously bought to a new Wii machine. Because my left leg was burning from an accidental Zippo oil spill, I neglected to ask if a user would be able to log into friends' Wiis and play their Virtual Console downloads away from their home machine.
• Will Wii users be able to add storage via USB hard drives? No. The Wii's storage will be exclusively via flash memory storage, such as SD memory cards, at least at launch. Kaplan said a hard drive addition could be in the future, but that sounds more like a "Sure, why not?" response than one based in any immediate plans.
• How much will Opera cost? Unknown. No price has yet been set for the download-able Opera web browser, but it sounds like it could very well be free, once Nintendo finishes discussions with Opera.
The big news from the press conference, besides the price—$250 for the console with one controller and Wii Sports bundled, $40 for additional Wii Remotes and $20 for additional Wii Nunchucks—was the showing of "Wii Channels," an instant-on interface where Wii players will be able to create "Mii" (me) personal avatars that work in supported games; a Wii Shop where Virtual Console games can be purchased for "Wii Points"; and photo, movie, and web browsing.
It's a slick little interface, but I continue to question whether users will want to sit in front of a television browsing the web without a keyboard, especially at non-HDTV resolutions. I guess we'll see when the Wii launches in the Americas on November 19th. Link
Chip Makers Benefit from DVD Format War
Published by Admin on at 9/16/2006 01:17:00 PM.
Sony and Toshiba are fighting to set the industry standard for the next generation of DVD players, but the spoils may go to makers of memory chips, like Samsung Electronics.
The home theater industry's biggest format war in two decades, pitting Sony's Blu-ray system against Toshiba's HD DVD technology, will increase demand for dynamic random access memory semiconductors, or DRAMs, which until now have been mainly used in personal computers. The new DVD players use about 16 times as much memory as current machines.
Shipments of high-definition players will climb to 6.2 million next year from 800,000 this year, according to the research firm Isuppli, creating a new income stream for Samsung and Hynix Semiconductor, both of South Korea, and Micron Technology, of Boise, Idaho. That may set the stage for a stock rally in the $26 billion DRAM industry, once consumers choose a victor in the format fight, said Yoo Jung Sang of PCA Investment Trust Management in Seoul.
"DVDs are definitely a promising market," said Yoo, who is PCA's chief investment officer. "But issues regarding the standard need to get resolved first."
Yoo, who owns Samsung and Hynix shares, said that he was bullish on memory-chip stocks, even though the DVD format battle might retard growth in DRAM sales for the machines by as long as three years. Link
The home theater industry's biggest format war in two decades, pitting Sony's Blu-ray system against Toshiba's HD DVD technology, will increase demand for dynamic random access memory semiconductors, or DRAMs, which until now have been mainly used in personal computers. The new DVD players use about 16 times as much memory as current machines.
Shipments of high-definition players will climb to 6.2 million next year from 800,000 this year, according to the research firm Isuppli, creating a new income stream for Samsung and Hynix Semiconductor, both of South Korea, and Micron Technology, of Boise, Idaho. That may set the stage for a stock rally in the $26 billion DRAM industry, once consumers choose a victor in the format fight, said Yoo Jung Sang of PCA Investment Trust Management in Seoul.
"DVDs are definitely a promising market," said Yoo, who is PCA's chief investment officer. "But issues regarding the standard need to get resolved first."
Yoo, who owns Samsung and Hynix shares, said that he was bullish on memory-chip stocks, even though the DVD format battle might retard growth in DRAM sales for the machines by as long as three years. Link
Pioneer intros 4 HDD/DVD recorders for Japan
Published by Admin on at 9/16/2006 01:14:00 PM.
Pioneer has introduced a bundle of new HD-based digital video recorders for the Japanese market, all packing either 250GB or 400GB drives, and two of which come equipped with the unsettling combination of DVD burners and VHS recorders -- with HDMI output to boot. We doubt that your collection of Max Headroom tapes will look any better when pumped though a spiffy HDMI cable, but at least you'll have the convience of transferring 'em to a DVD at the push of a button. All four recorders are also compatible with Pioneer's HDD-S400 external hard drive, which'll give ya an extra 400GB of storage. Sadly, though, pricing and availability have yet to be announced for any of them. Link
Microsoft prepping internal HD DVD drive Xbox 360?
Published by Admin on 14.9.06 at 9/14/2006 01:59:00 PM.
Microsoft has begun seeking manufacturing partners to make an internal HD DVD drive for a redesigned Xbox 360 console, whistle-blowers from among Taiwan's optical disk drive production community have claimed. And the software giant may be looking at incorporating disc-burning technology in the console.
It has to be said, of course, that Microsoft has yet to ship its Xbox 360-oriented external HD DVD player, and it may well have simply been looking for further manufacturing partners for the internal workings of this add-on. Link
It has to be said, of course, that Microsoft has yet to ship its Xbox 360-oriented external HD DVD player, and it may well have simply been looking for further manufacturing partners for the internal workings of this add-on. Link
Optical Industry Leaders Announce New UDO-DMD Media Format For Distribution And Archival Storage Of HD DVD Content
Published by Admin on at 9/14/2006 01:58:00 PM.
Based on professional blue laser UDO technology, DMD drives and media have been optimised to meet the stringent security and reliability requirements of the HD DVD content industry. Many studios today depend on magnetic tape and RAID systems to transport and archive valuable content. Video content is often lost on tapes because they are fragile for transport and unreliable for long-term storage, and managing rapidly growing data on RAID is insecure and cost prohibitive for archives that must be maintained for many years. By contrast, UDO-DMD provides an extremely stable media housed in a robust cartridge that has a data life far greater than tape or RAID storage. To minimise the risk of content piracy, the new DMD media cannot be written and read in standard UDO drives. DMD also provides physical WORM (Write Once Read Many) recording for content authenticity and an additional cartridge locking security feature to minimise the risk of valuable content loss.
Each of the three companies making the announcement today brings a wealth of technology and industry experience to the alliance. Plasmon will manufacture DMD drives and media; MKM will manufacture DMD media and provide
global media distribution under their Verbatim brand, and MTC will be championing the technology worldwide through its extensive expertise in the video content and mastering industry. DMD will initially be released with a 30GB content capacity (DMD30), growing to 60GB in 2007 (DMD60) and will have additional data capacity for AACS copy protection and encryption information.
"While UDO-DMD is a new product, it is based on our already well established UDO technology" explained Nigel Street, CEO at Plasmon. "With thousands of organisations worldwide relying on UDO to archive their valuable business records, it has a very successful track record in professional archive environments that demand content authenticity and longevity. The optimised features that we have added to UDO-DMD will provide the HD DVD content industry with an already proven technology that has the capabilities they need to address their unique business requirements." Link
Each of the three companies making the announcement today brings a wealth of technology and industry experience to the alliance. Plasmon will manufacture DMD drives and media; MKM will manufacture DMD media and provide
global media distribution under their Verbatim brand, and MTC will be championing the technology worldwide through its extensive expertise in the video content and mastering industry. DMD will initially be released with a 30GB content capacity (DMD30), growing to 60GB in 2007 (DMD60) and will have additional data capacity for AACS copy protection and encryption information.
"While UDO-DMD is a new product, it is based on our already well established UDO technology" explained Nigel Street, CEO at Plasmon. "With thousands of organisations worldwide relying on UDO to archive their valuable business records, it has a very successful track record in professional archive environments that demand content authenticity and longevity. The optimised features that we have added to UDO-DMD will provide the HD DVD content industry with an already proven technology that has the capabilities they need to address their unique business requirements." Link
Toshiba Pumps Up Capacity Of Dual-Format DVD
Published by Admin on at 9/14/2006 01:57:00 PM.
The disc is the latest addition to the DVD TWIN format, discs that support both DVD and HD DVD content and that are fully compatible with both formats.
The new disc boosts capacity and expands versatility with a three-layer structure for support for two HD DVD layers and one DVD layer or two DVD layers and one HD DVD layer.
Memory-Tech and Toshiba will propose the new disc to the HD DVD Forum, the industry body that defines DVD standards.
In a two-layer HD DVD configuration, the new TWIN disc has a 30GB HD DVD capacity, plus 4.7GB of standard DVD capacity.
Configured to maximize standard DVD content, the disc can support 8.5GB on two layers, plus 15GB of HD DVD content on the third layer. DVD content can be played back on a standard DVD player, while HD DVD players can play back both formats.
Memory-Tech and Toshiba together proposed the DVD/HD DVD TWIN to the DVD Forum in 2004, as a transitional format able to support both standard DVD and HD DVD content.
The single-sided, dual-layer TWIN disc was adopted as part of the HD DVD specifications, and has found wide application since HD DVD players and PC drives were launched in the Japanese and North American markets in March this year. Link
The new disc boosts capacity and expands versatility with a three-layer structure for support for two HD DVD layers and one DVD layer or two DVD layers and one HD DVD layer.
Memory-Tech and Toshiba will propose the new disc to the HD DVD Forum, the industry body that defines DVD standards.
In a two-layer HD DVD configuration, the new TWIN disc has a 30GB HD DVD capacity, plus 4.7GB of standard DVD capacity.
Configured to maximize standard DVD content, the disc can support 8.5GB on two layers, plus 15GB of HD DVD content on the third layer. DVD content can be played back on a standard DVD player, while HD DVD players can play back both formats.
Memory-Tech and Toshiba together proposed the DVD/HD DVD TWIN to the DVD Forum in 2004, as a transitional format able to support both standard DVD and HD DVD content.
The single-sided, dual-layer TWIN disc was adopted as part of the HD DVD specifications, and has found wide application since HD DVD players and PC drives were launched in the Japanese and North American markets in March this year. Link
HD-DVD backers to add three-layer disk
Published by Admin on at 9/14/2006 01:56:00 PM.
Toshiba Corp. and Memory-Tech Corp. have developed a three-layered hybrid DVD/HD-DVD ROM disk that would enable the reading of two data formats on a single-sided disk.
The partners said they will propose the format to the DVD Forum and hope to make commercially available early next year.
In December 2004, the companies together proposed the DVD Twin Format, a single-side, two-layer disk to store both DVD and HD-DVD content. The format hit the market in April.
The twin format disk has the same structure as the two-layered DVD ROM disk. Two platters with a signal layer are bonded together and the signal is read from one side. The format promises to provide full compatibility between DVD and HD-DVD, and could help ease the transition from DVD to HD-DVD, Toshiba claimed.
"The third-layer Twin disk will provide another option to content providers to create attractive content for consumers," said Masato Otsuka, R&D director for Memory-Tech.
The newly developed hybrid disk has three layers. The DVD layer is closest to the pickup. The farthest layer is for HD-DVD content. The intermediate layer can be used for either DVD or HD-DVD content. Conventional DVD players can read the DVD layer. Link
The partners said they will propose the format to the DVD Forum and hope to make commercially available early next year.
In December 2004, the companies together proposed the DVD Twin Format, a single-side, two-layer disk to store both DVD and HD-DVD content. The format hit the market in April.
The twin format disk has the same structure as the two-layered DVD ROM disk. Two platters with a signal layer are bonded together and the signal is read from one side. The format promises to provide full compatibility between DVD and HD-DVD, and could help ease the transition from DVD to HD-DVD, Toshiba claimed.
"The third-layer Twin disk will provide another option to content providers to create attractive content for consumers," said Masato Otsuka, R&D director for Memory-Tech.
The newly developed hybrid disk has three layers. The DVD layer is closest to the pickup. The farthest layer is for HD-DVD content. The intermediate layer can be used for either DVD or HD-DVD content. Conventional DVD players can read the DVD layer. Link
Xbox Xmas battle plans include HD-DVD
Published by Admin on 10.9.06 at 9/10/2006 05:14:00 PM.
The Premium Xbox 360 won’t benefit from a price cut this Christmas - but instead a HD-DVD and console package is due, spearheading a marketing drive of console bundles available from November.
Retail sources have indicated to GamesIndustry.biz that Microsoft is currently planning to price the standalone HD-DVD drive at GBP 199 (293 Euro), and to package it with two HD-DVD movies. The sources also suggested that Microsoft will bundle the Premium console and next-generation movie player together for under GBP 400 (589 Euro) – and that the price could even be as low as GBP 375 (552 Euros).
Next-generation movie support is considered a unique selling point of the PlayStation 3, but Microsoft’s HD-DVD bundle could retail around GBP 50 (74 Euro) cheaper than Sony’s machine, which features the rival Blu-ray movie format.
UK distributor Gem is already offering Premium Xbox 360s with a copy of Project Gotham Racing 3 and two wireless controllers for GBP 299. Link
Retail sources have indicated to GamesIndustry.biz that Microsoft is currently planning to price the standalone HD-DVD drive at GBP 199 (293 Euro), and to package it with two HD-DVD movies. The sources also suggested that Microsoft will bundle the Premium console and next-generation movie player together for under GBP 400 (589 Euro) – and that the price could even be as low as GBP 375 (552 Euros).
Next-generation movie support is considered a unique selling point of the PlayStation 3, but Microsoft’s HD-DVD bundle could retail around GBP 50 (74 Euro) cheaper than Sony’s machine, which features the rival Blu-ray movie format.
UK distributor Gem is already offering Premium Xbox 360s with a copy of Project Gotham Racing 3 and two wireless controllers for GBP 299. Link
HD DVD Media stores up to 15 GB of digital files per disc
Published by Admin on at 9/10/2006 05:13:00 PM.
Imation Corp (NYSE:IMN), a worldwide leader in removable data storage media, today announced the availability of its first recordable HD DVD media. Now, Imation HD DVD and Imation Blu-ray media, which was announced last month, provide businesses of all sizes with a high-capacity solution for managing their growing quantity of critical data storage. Available in single-layer, Imation HD DVD can store up to 15GB of digital files -- three times the capacity of standard DVDs -- and are ideal for reliable data and image storage, including medical and government imaging, photography, videography, as well as high definition video recording.
"Imation understands the ever-growing storage needs of today's businesses and the need for a wide-range of innovative solutions to meet those needs," said Jim Milligan, general manager, Imation Commercial and OEM Division. "Today's release of Imation HD DVD provides businesses with a format choice for their high definition recording needs and demonstrates Imation's continued commitment to offer a variety of quality options to store and transfer critical data."
Imation's release of HD DVD comes at a time when businesses are producing more data than ever before. Data storage requirements are expected to triple by the end of the decade with email proliferation, more stringent compliance requirements and as businesses continue to produce more multi-media content that needs to be stored in a digital environment. Link
"Imation understands the ever-growing storage needs of today's businesses and the need for a wide-range of innovative solutions to meet those needs," said Jim Milligan, general manager, Imation Commercial and OEM Division. "Today's release of Imation HD DVD provides businesses with a format choice for their high definition recording needs and demonstrates Imation's continued commitment to offer a variety of quality options to store and transfer critical data."
Imation's release of HD DVD comes at a time when businesses are producing more data than ever before. Data storage requirements are expected to triple by the end of the decade with email proliferation, more stringent compliance requirements and as businesses continue to produce more multi-media content that needs to be stored in a digital environment. Link
£40 HDMI DVD player
Published by Admin on at 9/10/2006 05:13:00 PM.
HDMI cables are not cheap and they sure as hell don’t come as standard with many of the HDMI-ready DVD players on the market. So, £40 for an upscaling DVD player with a HDMI input and a bundled HDMI cable is a bargain.
The Tevion machine has more features than should be expected from such a cheap piece of kit. There are models four times more expensive that don’t boast this line up. Check this out:
Free HDMI cable
Employs a digital process that upscales standard DVD quality to virtual HD quality
HDMI connection means no loss of picture or sound quality
DivX compatible for playback of downloaded movies
5-in-1 card reader for viewing all your digital pictures on your TV
5.1 channel output with AC3 Dolby Digital Decoder
Full function remote control with batteries
Front headphone socket
Progressive scan
DVD±R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, JPEG CD, Kodak Picture CD, MP3 CD
DTS decoder Link
The Tevion machine has more features than should be expected from such a cheap piece of kit. There are models four times more expensive that don’t boast this line up. Check this out:
Free HDMI cable
Employs a digital process that upscales standard DVD quality to virtual HD quality
HDMI connection means no loss of picture or sound quality
DivX compatible for playback of downloaded movies
5-in-1 card reader for viewing all your digital pictures on your TV
5.1 channel output with AC3 Dolby Digital Decoder
Full function remote control with batteries
Front headphone socket
Progressive scan
DVD±R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, JPEG CD, Kodak Picture CD, MP3 CD
DTS decoder Link
Europe is next battleground for Blu-ray/HD DVD players
Published by Admin on 6.9.06 at 9/06/2006 10:53:00 AM.
The Blu-ray/HD DVD high quality video disc format battle is coming to Europe with leading suppliers Samsung, Sony and Toshiba lining up player launches this autumn.
In a move that will put its technology head-to-head with the Playstation 3 console and that will see its technology on shelves before the holiday shopping season, Toshiba has announced the launch of Europe’s first commercially available stand-alone HD DVD players.
Due to be available November 15, the HD-E1 will be the first model to offer HD DVD quality to European videophiles, while the step-up HD-XE1, will follow in early December, Toshiba said from Germany’s IFA consumer electronics show this week. Link
In a move that will put its technology head-to-head with the Playstation 3 console and that will see its technology on shelves before the holiday shopping season, Toshiba has announced the launch of Europe’s first commercially available stand-alone HD DVD players.
Due to be available November 15, the HD-E1 will be the first model to offer HD DVD quality to European videophiles, while the step-up HD-XE1, will follow in early December, Toshiba said from Germany’s IFA consumer electronics show this week. Link
Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player gets an update
Published by Admin on at 9/06/2006 10:52:00 AM.
Toshiba Japan has announced a software update for the HD-XA1 HD-DVD player. Version 2.0 of the firmware solves the following bugs. Earlier upon connecting a HDMI equipment conforning to xvYCC standard the player would become non-operational. Link
Toshiba unleashes HD DVD decks
Published by Admin on at 9/06/2006 10:52:00 AM.
Toshiba's mammoth stand at IFA 2006 is dominated by a huge HD DVD section - and it's showcasing two brand new players scheduled for launch on 15 November.
The HD-E1 and HD-XE1 sport a slimmer, more compact design than the HD-A1 player already launched in Japan and the US.
The HD-E1 will be Toshiba's entry-level model, likely to be priced at around £400-£500. It outputs 720p or 1080i from pre-recorded HD DVDs, and is also compatible with the new Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio formats. Naturally, it'll also spin your existing DVD discs, and is able to upscale them to 720p or 1080i. Link
The HD-E1 and HD-XE1 sport a slimmer, more compact design than the HD-A1 player already launched in Japan and the US.
The HD-E1 will be Toshiba's entry-level model, likely to be priced at around £400-£500. It outputs 720p or 1080i from pre-recorded HD DVDs, and is also compatible with the new Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio formats. Naturally, it'll also spin your existing DVD discs, and is able to upscale them to 720p or 1080i. Link
HD-DVD to launch two days before PS3
Published by Admin on at 9/06/2006 10:51:00 AM.
Toshiba strikes its first blow in the DVD war on November 15th, just two days before PS3 hits European retail.
According to a report by the BBC, Toshiba’s first HD-DVD player will arrive in Europe on November 15th, having already sold 50,000 units in the US and Japan. While Samsung releases the first Blu-Ray player in October, the PS3 is set to be the highest profile Blu-Ray device by far when it launches on November 17th. Link
According to a report by the BBC, Toshiba’s first HD-DVD player will arrive in Europe on November 15th, having already sold 50,000 units in the US and Japan. While Samsung releases the first Blu-Ray player in October, the PS3 is set to be the highest profile Blu-Ray device by far when it launches on November 17th. Link
Toshiba names the date for HD-DVD in Europe
Published by Admin on at 9/06/2006 10:50:00 AM.
Toshiba has said that its HD-DVD players will be available in Europe from November.
The company will launch some 10,000 units into Europe of the HD-E1 and HD-XE1 players. Toshiba launched its HD DVD players in the US back in April, with prices starting from $499.
The European devices will be updated - both are slimmer in build and sport a number of new features, including 1080p support for the higher-end of the two - and will cost €599, or £403, for the E1, and €999, or £672, for the XE1.
Of the 10,000 units, the first batch is destined for the UK, France and Germany, with a subsequent one fleshing out the rest of Europe and a third headed for Eastern Europe and Iceland.
In comparison, Samsung will launch its BD-P1000 into Europe in October, with prices estimated as high as €1,400, or £945.
Toshiba's E1 offers 720p/1080i output and HDMI 1.2, along with support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio. Audio out is a simple two-channel analogue affair. This compares with the XE1 that, as well as 1080p, also has HDMI 1.3 plus a 12bit/296MHzDAC and 5.1 analogue audio output. Link
The company will launch some 10,000 units into Europe of the HD-E1 and HD-XE1 players. Toshiba launched its HD DVD players in the US back in April, with prices starting from $499.
The European devices will be updated - both are slimmer in build and sport a number of new features, including 1080p support for the higher-end of the two - and will cost €599, or £403, for the E1, and €999, or £672, for the XE1.
Of the 10,000 units, the first batch is destined for the UK, France and Germany, with a subsequent one fleshing out the rest of Europe and a third headed for Eastern Europe and Iceland.
In comparison, Samsung will launch its BD-P1000 into Europe in October, with prices estimated as high as €1,400, or £945.
Toshiba's E1 offers 720p/1080i output and HDMI 1.2, along with support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio. Audio out is a simple two-channel analogue affair. This compares with the XE1 that, as well as 1080p, also has HDMI 1.3 plus a 12bit/296MHzDAC and 5.1 analogue audio output. Link
DTS-HD Master Audio Featured On HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc and DVD
Published by Admin on at 9/06/2006 10:06:00 AM.
DTS announces that DTS-HD Master Audio will be used by Eagle Vision on the first simultaneous release of music content on HD DVD, Blu-ray and standard DVD.
The Pat Metheny Group concert "The Way Up Live" will be released by Eagle Vision on 2nd October 2006. The HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs will feature DTS-HD Master Audio, and the DVD will feature DTS Digital Surround.
A four-minute clip from "The Way Up Live" is included on the first ever DTS next generation demo discs in the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats. Featuring DTS-HD Master Audio sound, the discs will debut at IFA 2006 in Berlin.
"The beauty of DTS-HD Master Audio is that it works for all our customers, regardless of what sound system they use to play the concert. DTS-HD offers everything from the newest high definition quality surround to backward-compatible DTS for existing surround amplifiers, from one soundtrack. All a consumer needs to do is hit the 'Play' button," said Lindsay Brown, Director of International Sales and Marketing for Eagle Vision.
"Eagle Vision has always released its music DVDs with DTS surround sound. With the arrival of the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats in Europe, it is no surprise that Eagle is the first to use our new format, DTS-HD Master Audio, on a simultaneous release," said Brian Towne, Senior Vice President, Consumer/Pro Division at DTS. Link
The Pat Metheny Group concert "The Way Up Live" will be released by Eagle Vision on 2nd October 2006. The HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs will feature DTS-HD Master Audio, and the DVD will feature DTS Digital Surround.
A four-minute clip from "The Way Up Live" is included on the first ever DTS next generation demo discs in the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats. Featuring DTS-HD Master Audio sound, the discs will debut at IFA 2006 in Berlin.
"The beauty of DTS-HD Master Audio is that it works for all our customers, regardless of what sound system they use to play the concert. DTS-HD offers everything from the newest high definition quality surround to backward-compatible DTS for existing surround amplifiers, from one soundtrack. All a consumer needs to do is hit the 'Play' button," said Lindsay Brown, Director of International Sales and Marketing for Eagle Vision.
"Eagle Vision has always released its music DVDs with DTS surround sound. With the arrival of the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats in Europe, it is no surprise that Eagle is the first to use our new format, DTS-HD Master Audio, on a simultaneous release," said Brian Towne, Senior Vice President, Consumer/Pro Division at DTS. Link
Imation Brings HD DVD Media To Market
Published by Admin on at 9/06/2006 09:54:00 AM.
Now Imation HD DVD and Imation Blu-ray media (announced last month) provide businesses with a high-capacity solution for managing their growing quantity of critical data storage.
Available in single-layer, Imation HD DVD can store up to 15GB of digital files - three times the capacity of standard DVDs - and are ideal for reliable data and image storage, including medical and government imaging, photography, videography, as well as high definition video recording.
“Imation understands the ever-growing storage requirements of today’s businesses and the need for a wide-range of innovative solutions to meet those demands,” said Ramneek Kandohla, marketing manager at Imation UK. “Today’s release of Imation HD DVD provides businesses with a format choice for their high definition recording needs and demonstrates Imation’s continued commitment to offer a variety of quality options to store and transfer critical data.” Link
Available in single-layer, Imation HD DVD can store up to 15GB of digital files - three times the capacity of standard DVDs - and are ideal for reliable data and image storage, including medical and government imaging, photography, videography, as well as high definition video recording.
“Imation understands the ever-growing storage requirements of today’s businesses and the need for a wide-range of innovative solutions to meet those demands,” said Ramneek Kandohla, marketing manager at Imation UK. “Today’s release of Imation HD DVD provides businesses with a format choice for their high definition recording needs and demonstrates Imation’s continued commitment to offer a variety of quality options to store and transfer critical data.” Link
Toshiba to Launch £400 HD-DVD Drive in November two days before Sony PS 3
Published by Admin on at 9/06/2006 09:07:00 AM.
The BBC reports this morning that Toshiba has confirmed the launch date for its first HD-DVD player in Europe, which releases on November 15, two days before Sony’s Blu-ray enabled PlayStation 3. Toshiba has so far sold 50,000 players in the US and Japan, and is aiming to sell 200,000 worldwide by the end of the year.
As the HD-DVD/Blu-ray battle hots up, Sony is keen to impress upon consumers that whilst HD-DVD discs can contain up to 30GB of data, Blu-ray discs can store up to 50GB. Toshiba meanwhile thinks that 30GB is more than ample for HD-DVD, with Yoshihide Fujii, Toshiba's digital consumer chief, telling Reuters: "The question is: who needs this[50GB]." Link
As the HD-DVD/Blu-ray battle hots up, Sony is keen to impress upon consumers that whilst HD-DVD discs can contain up to 30GB of data, Blu-ray discs can store up to 50GB. Toshiba meanwhile thinks that 30GB is more than ample for HD-DVD, with Yoshihide Fujii, Toshiba's digital consumer chief, telling Reuters: "The question is: who needs this[50GB]." Link
HD DVD / Blu-ray - Keep Your Existing DVDs
Published by Admin on 2.9.06 at 9/02/2006 04:53:00 PM.
One of the newest technologies that continues to spark my interest is that of the HD DVD and Blu-ray battle for dominance as the next generation movie format to eventually replace (or at least hold hands with) DVD. This debate is raging on and on with many valid arguments on either side, but what concerns me more is when you look around and find comments stating something along the lines of ‘I am not buying (insert next generation HD video format) as I refuse to re-purchase my entire DVD collection!’… Link
Pioneer BDR-103: HD DVD/Blu-ray Combo Burner to Ship Next Year
Published by Admin on at 9/02/2006 04:52:00 PM.
Pioneer announced it will release a dual-format HD DVD and Blu-ray writer sometime next year. The BDR-103 will integrate both formats into one drive, and it will support recordable and rewritable discs on both formats as well as play back prerecorded content.
Other manufacturers such as Toshiba, Samsung and LG have dabbled with the idea of a combo HD DVD/Blu-ray player, and we're thinking that both home theater players and burners such as this upcoming Pioneer model are inevitable. Link
Other manufacturers such as Toshiba, Samsung and LG have dabbled with the idea of a combo HD DVD/Blu-ray player, and we're thinking that both home theater players and burners such as this upcoming Pioneer model are inevitable. Link
First Look: Toshiba’s European HD-DVD players
Published by Admin on at 9/02/2006 04:50:00 PM.
When we first saw Toshiba’s HD-XA1 HD-DVD offering, we had mixed feelings. Here, certainly, was a powerful machine – much more than just a DVD player with better picture quality – but crikey, it was chunky. Thankfully, first glances at Europe’s HD-XE1 suggest it has all the power in a svelte, black aluminium-clad form.
Admittedly, our demo was performed on one of the US machines, but Toshiba assured us that the HD-XE1 would perform at least as well as its American cousin. With a 1080i signal (1080p is also available) the picture and sound were spectacular; as good as any other HD sources we’ve seen so far, with superb detail and contrast levels. A comparison between a lowly Tosh SD-240E DVD player and a DVD played on the XA1 demonstrated that its internal scaling does an impressive job, too.
But saying HD-DVD picture is good is like saying the president of the USA is a bit of a cretin. The really interesting stuff – the details that could ensure HD-DVD survives in an increasingly download-friendly climate – is the interface and the extra features. Link
Admittedly, our demo was performed on one of the US machines, but Toshiba assured us that the HD-XE1 would perform at least as well as its American cousin. With a 1080i signal (1080p is also available) the picture and sound were spectacular; as good as any other HD sources we’ve seen so far, with superb detail and contrast levels. A comparison between a lowly Tosh SD-240E DVD player and a DVD played on the XA1 demonstrated that its internal scaling does an impressive job, too.
But saying HD-DVD picture is good is like saying the president of the USA is a bit of a cretin. The really interesting stuff – the details that could ensure HD-DVD survives in an increasingly download-friendly climate – is the interface and the extra features. Link