Last week, while visiting Criterion Collection headquarters to observe their transition to Blu-ray, I brought up the subject of digital downloads. To my surprise, they let slip a little detail that sheds light on how a master disc maker like Criterion will manage in an all-download future.

As we've seen, even "HD" digital downloads are far from the quality of Blu-ray, so there's a hesitance to offer up their restorations in a format that doesn't live up to their very high standards. Lee Kline, Criterion's Technical Director says "I would be depressed if we just went from standard-def DVDs to standard-def downloads."

David Phillips, who works in DVD development at Criterion, explained further:

When you're talking about a dual-layer Blu-ray disc, you're talking about 50GB of data. Now, a lot of our films might not necessarily take up all that space, but even if they're taking up 25GB on a single layer disc, you're still talking about a heck of a lot of data to download. Now, the way that broadband infrastructure is in this country, any films you're downloading aren't going to have the data rate or resolution of Blu-ray.


When you work on the mastering part of it and the restoration and you see how good that image looks, it's really hard to say, OK, we're going to squash this down to the point where it'll fit through everybody's pipe.

However, according to Kline, digital downloads are on Criterion's radar.

We're pretty close to figuring out what we want to do with downloading, and I think our new website will cover that, which you'll see in a few months. I don't want to give any details yet, but we're not dismissing that as a viable option right now. But until it's faster and we're sure that we're going to give people a download that works in an acceptable amount of time, we'll go there when we need to go there. We're not scared of it, but we're also not ready to do it yet.


There'll be some sort of downloading and some sort of information regarding… OK, I'm going to stop, I'm giving away too much.

My guess is that there will be downloading of some sort, but it may or may not be full films. Who knows? Maybe it will be short scenes from classic movies, shown at higher-than-ever-before bitrates.

Would you be interested in downloading Criterion's restorations even if the quality wasn't that great? Or does that kind of go against everything that Criterion is about?

Other features include one-touch access to entertainment, video-upscaling to view standard DVDs in hi-def, a 55% wider viewing angle, a built-in bass subwoofer, an integrated fingerprint reader and... “lustrous sophistication with HP Fluid Imprint finish in titanium,” though I'm not really sure I see what's so lustrously sophisticated from the press photos. The HDX16 will drop in late September for $1299, while the HDX18 will cost you $1349.

The HP HDX Experience*
• HP MediaSmart for one-touch access to entertainment plus video-upscaling to view standard
DVDs in high-def.
• Platinum Support via direct line (866.408.5408) to speak with an HDX Specialist. (U.S. only)
• Project lustrous sophsitication with HP Fluid Imprint finish in titanium.
• Get a 55% wider viewing angle plus enhanced brightness, color intensity and clarity with the
18.0" diagonal HP Full HD Ultra BrightView Infinity display.(8)
• Experience thunderous audio with built-in HP Triple Bass Subwoofer.
• Immerse yourself in simulated surround sound with Dolby Home Theater.
• Get extra protection from accidental drops with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection.
• Simplify your password management with the integrated fingerprint reader.

Key Specifications
• Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology featuring Intel® Core™2 Duo
Processor P8400 (2c)(3)(4b)
• Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit with Service
Pack 1 (1)(20a)
• 18.4" Diagonal High Definition (8) HP Ultra Brightview Infinity Display
(1920x1080p)
• NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT with up to 2302MB Total Available Graphics
Memory with 512MB dedicated
• 4096MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 500GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive Dual HDD - 250GB + 250GB(SATA) (7)
• LightScribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Double
Layer (6d)(16a)(16c)(16d)
• Intel® WiFi Link 5100AGN & Bluetooth™(10)(10b)(10d)
Luxurious Style
Expanding on the elegance of the current line, the new HDX series is defined
by fluid, modern lines and metalized finishes with surprising innovations
inside and out. High-gloss HP Imprint finish in titanium and chrome now
encases all surfaces visible during normal use for greater durability, and a
sleeve is included for extra protection. The HDX series Fluid Imprint features
an flowing linear pattern that enhances the reflective qualities of the metallic
finish. The streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and
touchpad. And touch media controls light up and become visible only when
the system is powered on further enhancing the clean appearance. HP’s
mobile products have won coveted International Red Dot, iF and CES
Innovation design awards and been recognized by other leading design
institutions.
Extreme Entertainment
Extreme entertainment is at your fingertips with everything you need to enjoy
content in the highest-quality formats – and create your own
show. Introducing HP MediaSmart for access to DVDs, videos, photos, music,
karaoke, games(25), Internet(15) TV, and streamed or recorded TV at the touch
of a button.
• Watch standard DVDs in high definition with Video Upscaling.
• Connect to your HD TV via the HDMI port to view content from your HP
HDX notebook.
• Control playback with the HP ScrollSmart Remote Control.
• Edit and burn HD content with Cyberlink DVD Premium.
• Create movies complete with special effects fast with Muvee autoProducer
Premium.
• Enjoy thunderous audio enabled by the HP Triple Bass Subwoofer.
• Get simulated surround sound with Dolby Home Theater and Altec Lansing
speakers.
• Experience true immersion in 3D games with NVIDIA G9600 series
graphics and discrete video memory with DirectX 10 support.
Platinum-tier Support
• One-year limited hardware and software warranty with 24/7 phone
support
• Toll-free phone support during warranty via direct line to an HDX Specialist
in the U.S. @ 1.866.408.5408 and toll-free support in Canada @
1.800.HP.INVENT.
• Easy-to-use dashboard for system diagnostics and updates with preinstalled
HP Advisor
Designed to Captivate
For those who want the latest performance technologies enabling a premium
home cinema and computing experience, the HP HDX 18 delivers in an
elegant desktop-replacement design. Its reflective Fluid Imprint finish encases
leading-edge mobile architectures from Intel and NVIDIA. HP HDX notebook
PCs provide the options you need to connect, enjoy and experience peace of
mind.
• Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 Ultra Wide Display. Enjoy a viewing angle of
140 degrees (vs. standard 90) and significatnly enhanced brightness, color
and clarity with the HP Full HD Ultra BrightView Infinity display.(8)
• Connect(15) with the HP Webcam. Turn your next instant message into a live
video chat with the integrated webcam, omni directional microphone and
an IM solution. Optimized for low-light environments, it's great for
capturing short videos to share on your favorite social networking site.
Personalize your videos with included YouCam software.
• Enhanced security options. HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection locks
your hard drive into place when it senses abrupt motion to help prevent
data loss. The eSATA/USB Combo port enables fast backup to an external
hard drive. And the dual hard disk drives provide an easy back up option.
The integrated fingerprint reader offers greater security and ease-of-use by
associating passwords to your system and online accounts with unique
fingerprints.
• Personalized disc labels with LightScribe. Create custom laser-etched disc
labels right in the drive with LightScribe and preinstalled Cyberlink DVD
Premium. Just burn data on the disc, flip it over and burn the cover image
using any scanned image and/or text.(16a)
• Full-memory access. Windows® Vista®(1) 64-bit operating systems are able
to fully access system memory to support 3D games and complex
applications.
HP and the Environment
• Help conserve energy with this ENERGY
STAR® qualified and EPEATTM Silver
registered PC.
• Reuse or recycle your HDX series
packaging to help minimize waste.
• Please recycle your computer hardware
and printing supplies. HP recycling
services make responsible disposal easy.
Learn more about HP’s environmental
initiatives and recycling at:
www.hp.com/go/ecohighlights

SAN DIEGO, September 9, 2008 – Sony today announced that Amazon Video On Demand is now available live through the Sony® BRAVIA® Internet Video Link, offering tens of thousands of premium movies and TV shows.
Amazon Video On Demand offers immediate access to premium, commercial-free movies and television shows purchased or rented by users who stream them directly to compatible Sony BRAVIA televisions equipped with the optional BRAVIA Internet Video Link through an in-home broadband service.
Sony also announced that streaming high-definition content is now available on the service from Dailymotion and other providers at no additional cost.
“Consumers want immediate access to premium on-demand movies and top TV shows in their living room and the BRAVIA Internet Video Link service now offers one of the largest on-demand streaming libraries available,” said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division in the U.S. “From high-quality, full HD movies on Blu-ray Disc™ players, to the immediate satisfaction of streaming feature-length videos directly to BRAVIA TVs over the Internet, we are in a position to deliver entertainment for any consumer taste.”
Amazon Video On Demand and Dailymotion channels add to existing BRAVIA Internet Video Link lineup, which already includes YouTube; CBS, Yahoo!; Sports Illustrated; blip.tv; CondéNet’s Style.com, Men.Style.com, Epicurious, Wired.com and Concierge.com channels; Sony Pictures’ Crackle, The Minisode Network, Timeless TV and Inside Sony Pictures channels; FEARnet; Ford Models; SingingFool; and VideoDetective.
Once a BRAVIA Internet Video Link is registered with an Amazon.com account, customers can purchase or rent programming directly from their TV or online at Amazon’s web site and begin watching the streaming content immediately on their BRAVIA television.
When a title is ordered, it is automatically added to consumers’ Amazon Video On Demand “Your Video Library,” providing easy access to purchased and rented content. A backup version can also be found in the library, which is accessible from the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video Link device user interface or on Amazon.com.
New to the BRAVIA Internet Link lineup, Dailymotion offers HD and standard definition content including videos from across Dailymotion’s most popular channels and categories such as comedy, extreme sports, news, music and independent film.
BRAVIA Internet Video Link users now also have access to select high-definition content from various existing channels including FEARnet, VideoDetective, Blip.tv and Sony Pictures Entertainment. High-definition content found on these channels, as well as Dailymotion, is free of additional charge.
Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video Link module is currently available for about $300. It can be purchased online at sonystyle.com and Amazon.com, as well as at Sony Style stores and authorized retailers across the country. The module, used with a consumer’s existing broadband Internet connection, is compatible with the majority of Sony’s line of 2007 and 2008 BRAVIA televisions.

[Sony.com]

• Eight extra minutes of footage in the unrated version of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
• Beyond the Forbidden Zone Adventure Game
• Science of the Apes: scientists, anthropologists and sociologists discuss the first film
• Evolution of the Apes: HD featurette that traces how the Planet of the Apes went from book to screen
• Impact of the Apes: HD featurette about how the story became a pop culture phenomenon
• HD “Making of” features for each sequel
• Commentary by composers, actors and make up artists.
• A Behind the Planet of the Apes documentary
• The original theatrical trailers
• Behind the scenes galleries

... and much much more! The five disk set will retail for roughly $160. [The HD Room]

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA—(Marketwire - June 26, 2008 ) - DXG USA (www.dxgusa.com), one of the fastest growing digital camera manufacturers in the U.S., today unveiled the new DXG-567V high-definition (HD) camcorder with direct uploading capabilities for sites such as YouTube™. The DXG-567V is not much bigger than an average mobile phone, is available now at retailers nationwide in 4 eye-popping colors including black, red, pink and sky blue, and is priced at just $179 (MSRP.)

The DXG-567V HD camcorder is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, pocket-sized, easy and reasonably priced way to capture high-quality video and quickly upload and post it online. The DXG-567V also ships with all of the required cables including S-video for connecting the camcorder directly to a TV as well as composite video and rechargeable AA batteries, making it the ultimate multi-function video camera for the entire family.

"Rapid Blog Manager" Software Offers Fast Video Upload

The DXG-567V camcorder comes with Rapid Blog Manager software, which allows users to upload and share videos on the Internet. Simply connect the DXG-567V's retractable USB connector to a computer to automatically launch its menu and instantly upload videos from the camera to YouTube, a blog or other Web video site.

Experience HD at an Affordable Price

With the DXG-567V, it's never been easier to capture and share high-definition video, up to 1280 x 720 at 30 frames-per-second (FPS). The camcorder's buttons are all within reach, eliminating complex menus and making it easier to record spontaneous moments in high-definition video. When back at home, consumers can easily connect the DXG-567V to any plasma or HDTV with the included cables to experience the videos they've shot in HD.

Out of the box, the DXG-567V includes the ArcSoft TotalMedia™ Extreme software (a $99 retail value,) to create, edit and watch videos. The software features two unique applications that enhance the movie-watching experience with features and options right and a separate program that allows consumers to make amazing customized movies.

[Akihabaranews]

NCTA and TiVo Announce Progress on Switched Digital Adapter for TiVo DVRs SDV solutions from TiVo, Motorola and Cisco currently undergoing CableLabs(R) testing Cisco and Motorola tuning adapters on display at the 2008 Cable Show TiVo HD DVRs with tuning adapter support on display at the CableNET and Motorola booths at the 2008 Cable Show

NEW ORLEANS, May 19, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and TiVo Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO), today announced that after a series of successful informal interoperability tests TiVo and several manufacturers of switched digital external tuning adapters have submitted products for formal testing at CableLabs. The tuning adapter will enable TiVo Series3(TM), TiVo HD DVRs, and certain other one-way digital cable ready consumer electronic devices that utilize CableCARDs(TM) to access digital cable channels delivered using switched digital technology.

"The ability to turn concept into reality this quickly is a testament to how closely cable operators, CableLabs, TiVo and other cable vendors have worked over the last several months to develop this first-of-its-kind marketplace solution," said Kyle McSlarrow, NCTA President & CEO. "We are extremely grateful to TiVo for the critical role it has played throughout and are confident that customers will benefit from this solution enabling full access to switched digital channels."

Motorola and Cisco have both developed external tuning adapters and are seeking qualification by CableLabs(R) before being delivered to cable operators for deployment. The tuning adapters are expected to be offered in the coming months by cable operators including Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, and Cablevision in areas where switched digital technology is being deployed. The cable operators and TiVo plan to work cooperatively to alert TiVo subscribers about the availability or need of the new external adapter and to ensure that installation of the adapter and CableCARDs will be easy and seamless for the consumer.

TiVo has modified its software for its TiVo Series3 and TiVo HD DVRs to communicate with the external Tuning Adapter. TiVo announced that the modified software has been submitted to CableLabs for verification testing. Upon verification, the software upgrade will be made available to TiVo subscribers via a regularly scheduled update.

Switched digital technology enables cable operators to transmit individual channels to customers on an as-needed basis rather than broadcasting all channels to all subscribers all the time. Switched digital technology provides more flexibility for cable operators to utilize network capacity to deliver interactive digital services, high-definition (HD) channels, broadband Internet and digital phone service. The Tuning Adapter is intended to work on any Unidirectional Digital Cable Ready Product (UDCP) that has a USB connector and necessary firmware.

"We are pleased with the focus and cooperation that CableLabs and the cable industry has exhibited from the outset and are eager to see this solution through to fruition so that customers can enjoy access to all switched digital cable channels," said TiVo CEO & President Tom Rogers. "This undertaking is a significant step forward in our ongoing relationship with the cable industry to develop technology and provide solutions that improve the television experience of cable subscribers."

"Cisco continues to develop innovative video technology that allows cable operators to provide a broad range of video entertainment options, including high definition and niche content," said Michael Harney, senior vice president, Cisco, Service Provider Video Technology Group. "As part of our portfolio of advanced technology, Cisco will have on display the STA1520 Switched Tuning Adapter, which was developed in conjunction with CableLabs, our cable operator customers and TiVo."

"Motorola is committed to accelerating the delivery of personalized media experiences," commented John Burke, senior vice president and general manager for Motorola's Digital Video Solutions group. "Working collaboratively, we have developed a solution that extends the reach of innovative interactive services to TiVo users and we are pleased to be able to showcase this solution at the Cable Show."

TiVo HD DVRs attached to Motorola external adapters are currently on display in both the CableNET and Motorola booths at the 2008 Cable Show in New Orleans. The 2008 Cable Show, which runs May 18 - 20, is the largest cable and telecommunications exhibition in the United States.

By the end of January, 70 HD movies will be available for customers to rent and watch instantly. More HD movies will be added to VUDU over the coming months as the studios make their films available.

Playback of the HD movies will be instant provided the Internet connection to the home network is consistently 4 Mbps or greater. Those with lower or fluctuating
 bandwidth will experience some delay before viewing can begin.


VUDU customers will be able to rent HD new releases for $5.99 and HD classics for $3.99. The offering will include recent releases such as A Mighty Heart, Blades of Glory, and Hostel: Part II (Unrated Version), as well as classic such as the Star Trek franchise.

[Vudu]

If that wasn't enough, you can also enjoy stereo speakers, an ambient light mode and a touch-to-wake power saving mode for the not-so low low price of $6—$7,000 depending on the screen size (8.9" and 12.1") and the finish you choose. [Product Page via Electronic House]

It can also function as an external burner for any PC or Mac computer. If this works like it should, and Canon markets it properly, a device like this could do well in the current home movie market. It is expected to release in March 2008, but no price has been set. [Akihabara News via Geek Sugar via Crunch Gear]

Following price drops in HD DVD players (perhaps resulting in a loss to manufacturers) and Paramount's decision to stick solely to that format, analyst J.P. Gownder writes:

"Weakened by these developments, Blu-ray needs to offer a viable hardware model at the $250 price point by Christmas 2007. The Blu-ray camp must also stave off further studio defections, and employ more aggressive promotional tactics to counter HD DVD's recent momentum."

"Failure to alter strategy would open up Blu-ray to a possible upset defeat at the hands of HD DVD."

UPDATE: Fox and MGM just announced 29 titles, including 3 Die Hard movies. Were they just waiting for the HD DVD guys to move before telling us all this? UPDATE2: Sony just fired off their fall releases, too, with full details on the interactive extras. (HD DVD's strong point) Will these play in the older Blu ray players? Tiered spec releases suck.

That lapse was weird because Fox helped create Blu. They were the ones gunning for all that deep DRM. We'll update you when the release comes out, because we're hoping that they at least mention some movie titles.

But as you can see in our chart from this morning, there has been no real change, Except for Paramount going to HD DVD exclusively.

FOX AND MGM UNVEIL BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE RELEASES FOR 2007 29 Titles To Debut Packed With Soon-to-Be-Announced BD Industry 'Firsts' - PLUS - Fox's First TV Title 'PRISON BREAK' FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER And LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD and Other Titles To Debut Day-and-Date on BD/DVD — Blu-ray Out-Performing HD DVD 2-to-1 At Retail in 2007 — LOS ANGELES - August 20, 2007 — Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (TCFHE) today unveiled an aggressive global Blu-ray Disc release strategy including 29 new release and "must-have" catalog titles that runs through the end of the 2007 calendar year. Among the many highlights of the impressive worldwide slate are six day & date BD/DVD new theatrical releases from Fox including the $241 million box-office family favorite FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER and the $335 million box-office action powerhouse LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD, four day & date BD/DVD (U.S. only) new theatrical releases from MGM, 19 'must-have on BD' films from the two studios' libraries, Fox's first-ever TV release on BD - PRISON BREAK — and Fox's intention to release at least one state-of-the-art title per month featuring numerous BD 'firsts.' The only high-definition packaged media universally supported by the film, music, gaming and computer industries, BD is the #1 selling high-definition packaged media. In fact, on a worldwide basis, BD is averaging nearly 70% market-share per week of all high definition titles sold this year and, in the U.S., it is out-performing HD DVD by a margin of 115%. "Given that Blu-ray has consistently outsold HD DVD all year, and this is the case for any titles released by any studio in both formats, we believe that the time is right for us to accelerate our activities and help convert the nearly 60 million high definition households worldwide into Blu-ray households," noted Mike Dunn, President Worldwide, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. "By the end of this calendar year there will be expansive availability of technically vibrant releases featuring never-before-seen, advanced BD-J interactivity as well as a broad offering of playback devices at attractive prices that will prove to any doubting consumers once and for all that Blu-ray is the only way." "And as Blu-ray continues to grows stronger, it has become survival of the fittest which is most apparent in the retail landscape where our eager and growing global Blu-ray consumer base has caused a shift that is forcing the allocation of more space to the format that is selling the best. And, in many recent instances of note, top retailers in North America are choosing to promote the Blu-ray format exclusively in their stores," continued Dunn. Among the BD industry 'firsts' from the Studios' upcoming global release slate are picture in picture capability, enhanced viewing and surround sound modes with the ability to mix and match picture and sound, direct access to in-movie features through one of the four colored buttons on the BD remote and the most technically vibrant BD-Java interactive multi-player challenge and trivia games to date. The Studios' slate also takes full advantage of BD-Live functionality this fourth quarter. Internet-connected consumers will enjoy unique, title specific "web-enabled" interactive features and games and "web-exclusive" downloadable content with the ability to connect and interact with other broadband BD users worldwide. Cementing its leadership position within the industry - previous BD releases NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM and X-MEN THE LAST STAND rank in the Top 20 best-sellers - the vast majority of the Studios' upcoming global slate will be presented on 50 GB dual-layer discs with advanced BD-J interactivity and feature numerous Blu-ray exclusive high-definition bonus materials that further realizes BD's incredible potential. Consumers will enjoy the superior video and audio elements of AVC encoding and Lossless HD audio on many of the coming titles as well as enhanced and integrated menus, personal scene selections, search indexing, trivia and other title specific games and high-definition bonus materials. Upcoming BD-J features exclusive to priority catalogue titles from Fox and MGM include an "Alien Scavenger Hunt" (INDEPENDENCE DAY) that challenges players to earn points by identifying the correct number of aliens in select scenes to unlock additional bonus features; a "Global Warming Trivia Track" (THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW) where users must correctly answer questions about global warming to keep the Earth's temperature from rising and being destroyed; and a historical and geographical pop-up map (MASTER & COMMANDER) that tracks the location of Captain "Lucky" Jack Aubrey and his enemies. Listed below are the upcoming Blu-ray Disc releases from Fox and MGM excluding new theatrical day & date BD/DVD releases. EXACT TITLE CONFIGURATIONS TO FOLLOW IN THE COMING WEEKS. TITLE N.A. RELEASE INTERNATIONAL RELEASE MASTER & COMMANDER OCT. 2 OCT. THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW OCT. 2 NOV. FROM HELL OCT. 9 OCT. THE FLY (1986) OCT. 9 Q1 08 EDWARD SCISSORHANDS `OCT. 9 NOV. 28 DAYS LATER OCT. 9 North America Only ROBOCOP (MGM) OCT. 9 DEC. AMITYVILLE HORROR (1979) (MGM) OCT. 9 North America Only BATTLE OF BRITAIN (MGM) NOV. 6 Q1 08 A BRIDGE TOO FAR (MGM) NOV. 6 Q1 08 I, ROBOT NOV. 13 Q1 08 DIE HARD NOV NOV. DIE HARD 2 DIE HARDER NOV NOV. DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE NOV NOV. RED DAWN (MGM) NOV Q1 08 MR. AND MRS. SMITH DEC. 4 DEC. INDEPENDENCE DAY DEC. 4 DEC. CAST AWAY DEC. 4 North America Only RONIN (MGM) DEC. 4 DEC Blu-ray Disc is a next generation optical disc format developed for high-definition video and high-capacity software applications. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc holds up to 25 gigabytes of data and a dual-layer Blu-ray Disc holds up to 50 gigabytes of data. This greater storage capacity enables the Blu-ray Disc to store over six times the amount of content than is possible with current DVDs, and is particularly well-suited for high definition feature films with extended levels of additional bonus and interactive material. Blu-ray also features the most advanced copy protection, player backward compatibility with the current DVD format, connectivity and advanced interactivity. Fox takes advantage of the next generation format's high definition technology and advanced functionality to present its titles with the highest quality audiovisual elements. Showcasing picture quality with six times the resolution of DVD and theater quality "uncompressed" audio for the purest digital sound, the cutting-edge discs also feature enhanced and integrated menus, games, high-definition bonus materials and Java-encoding for more dynamic and sophisticated interactivity. The Studio's commitment to emerging technologies is dedicated to enhancing the consumer experience of its products and providing for backward compatibility with their existing home entertainment libraries while also aggressively protecting its intellectual property from piracy. The Blu-ray companies fully embrace the Studio's steadfast commitment to the fight against piracy and the preservation of the integrity of its properties. Twentieth Century Fox is a member of the Board of Directors of the Blu- ray Disc Association. A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) as well as acquisitions and original productions. The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets — from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce - throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.

SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER BLU-RAY DISCTM SLATE THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS, A FEW GOOD MEN, BLACK BOOK, MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, TEKKONKINKREET AND UNDERWORLD AMONG TITLES CULVER CITY, CALIF. (August 20, 2007) - Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) announced the September debut of two new releases, Black Book and Tekkonkinkreet, and four catalog Blu-ray High-DefTM titles, The Replacement Killers, A Few Good Men, Memoirs of a Geisha and Underworld. Each of the six Blu-ray releases takes advantage of the format's 50GB storage capacity, high-definition 1080p picture quality and features uncompressed PCM 5.1 audio. These releases add to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's existing library of over 60 high-def titles available on Blu-ray DiscTM. Other Sony Pictures Home Entertainment titles coming exclusively to Blu-ray High-DefTM this fall include Spider-Man3, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Reign Over Me, Surf's Up and Hostel: Part II. THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS - Available September 11th (CAT)

Oscar® winner Mira Sorvino (1995 Best Supporting Actress, Mighty Aphrodite) and International superstar Chow Yun-Fat (John Woo's Hard-Boiled) star in The Replacement Killers, a fierce and explosive action thriller from director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Shooter and King Arthur). This Blu-ray release includes the following bonus features:
· Featurette: Chow Yun-Fat Goes Hollywood
· Featurette: "Where The Action Is" (Edited HBO special)

*Bonus material presented in Standard Definition

A FEW GOOD MEN - Available September 18th (CAT)

The acclaimed drama about the dangerous dichotomy between following orders and following one's conscience features Tom Cruise as a brash Navy lawyer who's teamed with a gung-ho litigator, played by Demi Moore, in a politically explosive murder case. Charged with defending two Marines accused of killing a fellow soldier, the two lawyers are confronted with the complex issues of loyalty and honor, including its most sacred code and its most formidable warrior, played by Jack Nicholson. Special bonus features include the following:
· Director's Commentary with Rob Reiner
· Documentary: Code of Conduct
· Featurette: From Stage to Screen

*Bonus material presented in Standard Definition

BLACK BOOK (2007) - Available September 25th (DD)

In the darkest days of World War II, Jewish fugitives attempt to escape occupied Holland - only to face a Nazi ambush. Rachel Stein (Carice van Houten) alone survives the attack and joins the Dutch Resistance to avenge her family. Unable to fully trust anyone, Rachel navigates a minefield of deception and becomes an enemy to both sides. Black Book relates an untold story of World War II where the distinctions between good and evil become blurred by the complexities of human nature. This poignant Blu-ray release offers an assortment of added-value features, including:
· 'Making-of' featurette
· Director's Commentary

*Bonus material presented in Standard Definition

MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA - Available September 25th (CAT)

A Cinderella story like no other, Memoirs of a Geisha stars Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, Michelle Yeoh and Gong Li in a romantic epic about a house servant blossoming against all odds to become the most captivating geisha of her day. The Blu-ray version of the film features the following:
· Production Audio Commentary
· Rob Marshall and John DeLuca Audio Commentary
· Featurette: Sayuri's Journey - From the Novel to the Screen
· Featurette: The Road to Japan
· Featurette: Geisha Bootcamp
· Featurette: Building the Hanamachi
· Featurette: The Look of Geisha
· Featurette: The Music of "Memoirs"
· Featurette: A Geisha's Dance
· Featurette: The World of the Geisha
· Featurette: The Way of the Sumo
· Featurette: Rob Marshall
· Featurette: A Day With Chef Nobu Matsuhisa
· Enhanced Photo Gallery (high definition)
· Index
· Blu-meter
· Bookmarks
· AV pop-up menus

*Except where noted, bonus material presented in Standard Definition

TEKKONKINKREET - Available September 25th (DD)

A brutal elegy for our changing times as well as a tour-de-force of visual artistry, Tekkonkinkreet is a deeply resonant story with a heart. The title Tekkonkinkreet is a play on the Japanese words for 'concrete,' 'iron,' and 'muscle,' and it suggests the warring images of
steel and concrete cities amassing against the powers of the imagination. Added-value features on the Blu-ray version of the film include:
· The Making of Tekkonkinkreet - Director Michael Arias' 300-Day Diary
· A Conversation with Director Michael Arias and British Music Duo Plaid
· Filmmaker Commentary
· Blu-meter
· Bookmarks
· AV pop-up menus

*Bonus material presented in Standard Definition

UNDERWORLD - Available September 25th (CAT)

Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman star in this modern-day, action-packed tale of ruthless intrigue and forbidden passion set against the dazzling backdrop of a timeless, Gothic metropolis. Underworld on Blu-ray offers an assortment of added-value features, including:
· Director and Cast Commentary
· Blooper Reel: Outtakes
· Documentary: Fang vs. Fiction
· Featurette: Making-of 'Underworld'
· Featurette: The Visual Effects of 'Underworld'
· Featurette: Creature Effects
· Featurette: Stunts
· Featurette: Designing 'Underworld'
· Featurette: The Look of 'Underworld'
· Featurette: Sights and Sounds of 'Underworld'
· Storyboard Comparisons
· Music Video: Finch - "Worms of the Earth"

*Bonus material presented in Standard Definition


Please contact the SPHE press office for Blu-ray spokesperson availability and artwork:

So at our count, Blu-ray has eight studios actively supporting (taking out the two that haven't released a Blu-ray title in months), and HD DVD has 12. So HD DVD actually has more studio support at this point if you factor in the porn studios and smaller studios like HBO and First Look Studios. If you remove these two and add back in Fox and MGM (assuming they'll some day release some more titles on Blu-ray), the two formats are dead even at 10 a piece.

This is definitely a change in the previous common knowledge that Blu-ray had more studios' support. With the addition of Paramount and Dreamworks, HD DVD has more or less tied up the game in terms of what movies are available on what formats. And that, not which format has the better technical specs, is what's important to consumers in the end.

Update: Fox just called and told us that they're going to be continuing (re-continuing) their support for Blu-ray in the future.

Update 2: MGM just announced that they're also continuing support for the Blu-ray format.

Footnotes:
1. Both studios are owned by Sony
2. Includes Paramount Vintage, Nickelodeon Movies, MTV Films.
3. Stopped releasing Blu-ray movies, haven't released a disc for a few months and has no announced title plans. (Update: Fox just called and told us they're continuing their Blu-ra support) (Update 2: MGM just did the same)
4. Includes animation
5. Includes Rogue Pictures, Focus Features, and Polygram Filmed Entertainment
6. Despite being nonexclusive, quite a few of their movies are HD DVD exclusive, including Batman Beegins, V for Vendetta, Matrix Trilogy and Constantine
7. Wicked Pictures, Pink Visual, Bang Bros., Digital Playground, and Vivid Entertainment support HD DVD and only Vivid supports Blu-ray

Thanks to Wikipedia.

List of upcoming Fox/MGM titles:
MASTER & COMMANDER OCT. 2 OCT.
THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW OCT. 2 NOV.
FROM HELL OCT. 9 OCT.
THE FLY (1986) OCT. 9 Q1 08
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS `OCT. 9 NOV.
28 DAYS LATER OCT. 9 North America Only
ROBOCOP (MGM) OCT. 9 DEC.
AMITYVILLE HORROR (1979) (MGM) OCT. 9 North America Only
BATTLE OF BRITAIN (MGM) NOV. 6 Q1 08
A BRIDGE TOO FAR (MGM) NOV. 6 Q1 08
I, ROBOT NOV. 13 Q1 08
DIE HARD NOV NOV.
DIE HARD 2 DIE HARDER NOV NOV.
DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE NOV NOV.
RED DAWN (MGM) NOV Q1 08
MR. AND MRS. SMITH DEC. 4 DEC.
INDEPENDENCE DAY DEC. 4 DEC.
CAST AWAY DEC. 4 North America Only
RONIN (MGM) DEC. 4 DEC

Not only that, new sales of HD DVD players are nonexistent, with Blu-ray being the only things moving now.

The more tech savvy of us rent our stuff on Netflix or Blockbuster Online (which is still supporting both formats for now), but this announcement—covered in many mainstream media sources—had a big impact on people who actually rent at Blockbuster.

Any of you tipsters working at other retail outlets see something similar? Email us if you have. – Jason Chen

Thanks tipster!

However, HD DVD diehards have a slight bit of hope left. Blockbuster will still continue renting HD DVDs in the original 250 locations, so there could be a possibility in changing the decision if customers start renting a lot more of the HD discs or studios start pumping out a lot more movies on that format. We wouldn't count on it. – Jason Chen

Blockbuster to favor Blu-ray high-definition discs over rival HD DVD format [Pittsburgh Live]

Aside from its world's first~! i.Link recording feature, the BD-HP1 does nothing particularly special. I mean, it's not like it was impossible to record HD content before. (I should know: "Somehow," I watch HD rips of TV shows all the time. Off the record.) No idea how much it'll cost when it launches in Japan next month. And here I thought most people were moving to hard drive-based storage solutions. – Nicholas Deleon

Press Release [Sharp]

It can't all be smooth sailing, can it?

Well, if the review is to be trusted (not having any pictures of the player strikes me as suspicious), then the only real complaint is that the XA2 shut off when switching around inputs on the TV. Going from source to source (Video 1, Video 2, etc.) freaked out the player, which then turned off. Toshiba says that a fix is in the works.

Thankfully, it looks like Toshiba really outdid itself with the XA2. It learned from its many mistakes with the A1 (for instance, the XA2 is actually a dedicated HD DVD player; the A1 was more of a striped down PC with an HD DVD drive tacked on) to create what looks to be the best HD DVD player on the market. The review skirted the issue of what looks better, Blu-Ray or HD DVD, but promised that the picture quality is "fantastic." This one looks to be a safe bet. – Nicholas Deleon

Toshiba HD-XA2 Review- An HD Guru Exclusive [HD Guru]

Thanks to their crack team of xxxperts, the NYT has discovered that not all porn actresses are for HD. Stormy Daniels says "I'm not 100 percent sure why anyone would want to see their porn in HD." In fact, just like Hollywood, the porn industry has to go and get cosmetic surgery to hide their "newly visible" imperfections.

What do you think? Do you really need to see these starlets in all their 1080p glory?

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

– Jason Chen

In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real [NYTimes via Fleshbot]

Let's see, another high def format disc to confuse consumers with. Sounds like a good idea. – Nicholas Deleon

New Disc May Sway DVD Wars [New York Times]

Image via Crutchfield Advisor

File this under, why would anyone want to do that? Because they can. – Nicholas Deleon

Hacking the XBox 360's HD-DVD for the PC [UNEASYsilence]

PS3 Films

Smaller displays, higher resolutions... what more could you want? (Unless you're a hippie and want peace or something.) – Nicholas Deleon

Sanyo develops the smallest full HD display [Newlaunches.com]

It's due by the end of the year, with an unknown price right now. I'm sure it'll be reasonable. – Nicholas Deleon

HP HD100 [Everything USB]

Press Release (PDF alert!) [HP]

In keeping with its consumer-oriented heritage, pro audio features are lacking on the HDR-FX7 (could a pro version be waiting in the wings?), with its RCA audio inputs rather than the professionally-oriented XLR audio inputs, and its two audio channels are not independently controllable. Nor does the FX7 have the FX1's native 16:9 capture, instead horizontally stretching each pixel. While the FX7 camcorder will retail for $3500 when it ships in October, we're thinking its price should drop quickly, especially since that higher-end Sony FX1 currently has a street price of around $3200. – Charlie White

Sony Announces Smaller Less Expensive HDR-FX7 with 3 CMOS Chips [camcorderinfo.com]

Canon says the HV 10 is the world's smallest HDV camcorder, where the company must mean videotape-based HDV camcorders, because the Sanyo HD1a flash-based HD camcorder is smaller.

Other standout features on the Canon HV 10 are the instant autofocus, which Canon calls "dramatic," and its 10x HD video lens with optical image stabilization. The real jaw dropper here is the $1300 price, the cheapest HDV camcorder yet—and a whole lot less expensive than Canon's $4700 prosumer-level XH A1. Expect lower prices and competing models very soon. – Charlie White

Product Page [Canon USA, via Sci Fi Tech]

The MiKo is a 64-bit Dual Core processor-powered media hub based on Windows XP. Open Labs basically went on a shopping spree, and included the top of the line everything into the MiKo, including its graphics card and the components that make up its rather beefy, 7.1-channel sound system. A 1TB hard drive includes enough space for plenty of multimedia files, and the built-in dual layer DVD burner assists with video authoring. Of course, it's got all the important network connections as well, with an Ethernet port and built-in Wi-Fi. For the more specialized parts, Open Labs says they've created the drivers from scratch, thereby improving reliability.

The 15-inch LCD touchscreen makes perfect sense for the MiKo. There's a customized GUI available, but the familiar Windows XP interface is only a click away should you prefer Fisher-Price. Since the MiKo is designed with an eye toward DJs, the touchscreen makes using all that crazy DJ mixing software all the more easy. Throw in the built-in, fully functioning musical keyboard (or any other MIDI instrument you plug in for that matter) and you're all set to create the next great Euro chart topper.

The MiKo's support of HD content is also impressive, as its able to handle multiple HD streams simultaneously (while mixing a song, editing sound loops, etc.).

In essence, the Open Labs MiKo is just really fun. I suppose it's nearly powerful enough to model the weather, but odds are you'll be too busy pretending to be Gabriel & Dresden (the current "it" guys in trance music) to do any of that. It's on sale now on Open Labs' Web site for $2,499. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [Open Labs]

What makes the monitor's upcoming release even more exciting (who doesn't get excited over all things HD?) is that GPU manufacturers are just now starting to come out with graphics cards with HDMI outputs.

The FP241W is expected to retail for around $1,260. – Nicholas Deleon

BenQ readies 'world's first' HDMI monitor [The Register]

With the HD Media Box, users can enjoy MPEG 1/2/4, DVDs (.iso and .vob), Divx+Xvid and WMV9-encoded video files; MP3 and WAV files are also supported. Think of it as a high-tech jukebox, but one that you don't need to keep feeding nickels to in order to keep the good times rollin'.

The HD Media Box supports hard drives up to 500GB in size, but, naturally, no hard drive is included in the package. At around $360, it's not exactly an impulse buy, but for people who shy away from the idea of having a PC in their theater room, it could be an attractive alternative to picking sides in the high definition DVD war. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [Pixel Magic Systems via The Red Ferret Journal]

As for the card itself, as we mentioned earlier, it's fast and packs 1GB of onboard memory. In fact, the PureVideo technology that the card utilizes makes playing back high definition content a cinch. (Skypecast listeners might recognize the PureVideo name from last week, as the next incarnation of PureVideo—PureVideo HD—will provide the kind of horsepower necessary to play Blu-ray and HD DVD discs.)

The Alienware systems start shipping on July 3. The Area-51 7500 starts at $1,679 and the Aurora 7500 starts at $2,309. – Nicholas Deleon

Alienware Home Page [Alienware via Tech Digest]

BenQ to present 4000 ANSI Lumen DLP projector 'PB8263' [AVING via Ubergizmo]

On the audio front, the usual Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital make an appearance as well as DTS Neo:6, which tries to turn vanilla two-channel sound into a five-channel fiesta.

The MC-12 HD is sort of like the Cadilac of audio/video processors, so much that it costs nearly as much as one. Available in three models, the MC-12 HD ranges in price from $9,999 to $13,999. Better start saving those pennies. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [Lexicon via Digital Trends]

Product Page [D-Link via Pocket-Lint]

D-Link DSM-520 on sale for $221 [Amazon]

Sony touts thrills'n'stills HD camcorder [Reg Hardware]

Specs and pricing for Sony camcorders [Amazon]