It was spotted on a trademarks database yesterday by the eagle-eyed Siliconera, who rightly points out that it "seems kind of late to protect Wii typos since the console is three years old." Perhaps it's that HD Wii which has been oft-rumored? Whatever it is, Creative won't be too happy. [Siliconera via Kotaku]

We'll have to wait another month for another teaser as they pull the slow reveal. Still, not a bad way to show off the Epic's Mysterium-X sensor. [Esquire]

This second clip examines the filmmakers' arsenal of high def toys, including fake rocks developed in Hollywood labs, thermal cameras built by military contractors and air drones with a sense of humor, used to document the slaughter of 23,000 dolphins a year in a hidden cove of Taiji, Japan.

I haven't seen The Cove yet, but the movie is now playing in select cities across the country. And while it will surely be a tough film to watch, a boatload of filming ingenuity looks to have made the film a lot more watchable. [More at the Examiner]

Summermodo is a chance for Giz to get outside and test our gear where it belongs.

Pumped through a Wii PC emulator, these images are just upscaled versions of the SMG's existing graphics—in other words, you're not even seeing what advanced hardware/graphics engines can do with additional texture or lighting. But with a boost in sharpness alone (more pixels), the Wii looks simply splendid in HD. Edges are smooth and objects are crisp, which is really all you need with Nintendo's trademark artistic style. Yeah, I hope that analysts predicting a Wii HD aren't totally full of it.
See lots more shots in their native rez at: [NeoGAF via Kotaku]

That China Blue doesn't smuggle itself across the border, so it only makes sense for enterprising Triad lords to form the raw her-on into high-def-disc-player-shaped cakes for transfer into California's many China-facing ports.

The players run around $300, which is somehow not cheaper than a Blu-ray player, but is a pretty good deal for 4 pounds of raw China Blue. [Sina.com via Engadget]

This is done by stacking the DVD layers on top of Blu-ray layer with permeable layers of varying thickness in between. The differing wavelengths of blue and red lasers allow them to penetrate to a specific depth and read off the corresponding layer. Though the concept is far from new, Infinity is the first to bring these discs into production. [AV Watch]

Not only can HD Guru not tell the difference between many standalone and TV upscalers, they point out that:

As seen in the HD Guru tests of 2008 HDTVs, the internal scaling circuits have been upgraded, compared to previous year’s models and are generally superior to the scalers within many upconverting DVD players.

Extrapolating that point, you could actually be doing yourself a disservice by using an old DVD upscaler with a fancy new television.

Needless to say, HD Guru recommends you stick with Blu-ray players if you've got a few hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket. [HD Guru]

So when Dish Network announced premium 1080p VOD that they compared to Blu-ray quality, we were more than a little skeptical. Sound & Vision was as well, which is exactly why they sat down with a Dish and Blu-ray version of Speed Racer to compare:

DISH 1080p immediately impressed me. Speed Racer's brilliant colors and intricate details looked fantastic whether I was watching the satellite or the disc. Flipping back and forth between the two sources while sitting at a normal viewing distance, I could detect only subtle differences. In fact, I couldn't be sure I was seeing any difference at all...From the way-too-intimate viewing distance of about 4 feet, I started to notice a subtle graininess in the DISH 1080p picture, especially in scenes of slow, steady motion...but the fact that there wasn't a substantial difference in picture quality between the satellite and the disc bodes well for DISH's new service.

So in other words, there's a difference between Blu-ray and Dish Network, but it's a pretty small one. So what's the catch? Only exclusive Dish VOD looks this good—most of their 1080p leaves a lot to be desired—and there won't be much of this premium content any time soon.

Still, it's good to see content providers step it up and provide 1080p content worthy of its reputation. [Sound & Vision]

Hitachi Debuts Three Format Hybrid Blu-ray Disc Camcorder

— Hitachi proudly presents the next generation HD camcorder able to record onto the next generation HD format, Blu-ray —

CHULA VISTA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. continues to introduce state-of-the-art consumer electronics with its next-generation Blu-ray Disc Hybrid Camcorder with the ability to record onto the next generation HD format, Blu-ray.

A step above from its predecessor announced last year, the DZ-BD10HA from Hitachi’s Consumer Group contains several new features and improvements. A newly developed 7 mega pixel CMOS image sensor, which captures rich and vibrant videos and stills in FullHD (1920 x 1080) High Definition. The new DZ-BD10HA can also record up to 4 hours 20 minutes of 1920x1080 video or 8 hours 40 minutes of 1440x1080 video onto the built-in 30 GB HDD. Additionally, the built-in SDHC card slot provides added flexibility by allowing for Full HD video and still recordings.

The new DZ-BD10HA also offers a dubbing function that allows Full HD video to be transferred with the single push of a button from either the HDD or SDHC card to the BD drive, all within the camcorder, without having to connect to a PC. Editing functions such as split, splice, delete, merge, and transitions can also be performed within the camcorder before dubbing for additional functionality. The Transcoding feature allows for the camcorder to transfer full HD videos off the HDD or SDHC card to standard definition DVD discs for the sharing of videos with friends and family who may not own a Blu-ray player yet.

Another new feature added to this year’s camcorder is face detection, which automatically detects and focuses on faces to provide the most true to life color accuracy and clarity. Additionally, Hitachi has developed a compact, low power consumption, quiet and highly reliable 8cm BD/DVD drive, which results in a 20% reduction in overall volume compared with last year’s DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray hybrid camcorder.

“Hitachi is well known for having introduced the world’s first DVD camcorder, the world’s first Hybrid camcorder with a DVD drive and a Hard Disk Drive and the world’s first Blu-ray camcorder,” said Daniel Lee, Vice President of Marketing at Hitachi Home Electronics, America. “Hitachi continues to improve upon and deliver cutting-edge and innovative products, and is pleased to offer the latest upgrades in camcorder technology to its customers and consumers. The new DZ-BD10HA underscores Hitachi’s commitment to developing original technologies that consumers can easily embrace.”

While keeping the same core design as the previous Blu-ray camcorder, the DZ-BD10HA has several added features and an ameliorated design. These features include:

Three Format Hybrid Compatibility

This camcorder has the versatility of being able to record HD video onto three separate formats (Blu-ray Disc, Hard Drive, SDHC) and provides the flexibility and ease of playback and long recording time all in one camcorder.

7 Mega Pixel CMOS Image Sensor

The CMOS image sensor in this camcorder is designed to record the highest resolution video with effective 4.67 mega pixels while minimizing distortion and artifacts to ensure the most clear and vibrant high definition picture. The camcorder is also capable of capturing 6.22 mega pixel stills onto an optional SD or SDHC card.

One-Touch Dubbing

With the push of one button the user can transfer HD video from the SDHC card or hard drive to a Blu-ray disc all within the camcorder; this eliminates the need to turn on a computer.

Face Detection

This feature automatically detects and focuses on the face to provide true-to-life color accuracy and sharp picture quality to the user.

O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization)

O.I.S. automatically detects and cancels camera shake by accurately stabilizing the lens to produce the most sharp and vibrant picture possible.

Pricing and Availability

The Hitachi model DZ-BD10HA model Blu-ray Hybrid with built-in 30GB hard disk drive (HDD) is priced at a Manufacturers Advertised Price (MAP) of $999. The camcorder will be available in Japan on August 9th and will be available in North America in September 2008.

ABOUT HITACHI

Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Consumer Group subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., markets high-definition plasma and LCD flat panel televisions and monitors, as well as Blu-ray Disc™, DVD and HDD camcorders.

Hitachi has a unique position in the marketplace by manufacturing and developing its own core technologies to provide consumers and businesses with optimal product performance in each of Hitachi's product categories. For consumer products, please visit www.hitachi.us/tv. For Business products go to www.hitachi.us/digitalmedia.

Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America. For more information, visit www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 390,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2007 (ended March 31, 2008) consolidated revenues totaled 11,226 billion yen ($112.2 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials, logistics and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.

Camcorderinfo.com is digging the HF11, but since the HF10 was released only 8 months ago, you can probably save some cash if the updated specs aren't important:

There's little difference between the Canon HF10 and Canon HF11. The big, advertised improvement in the new generation is an increased bitrate, up from 17Mbps to 24Mbps. This makes Canon the first to produce a consumer camcorder to reach the bitrate ceiling on the AVCHD codec. When we tested the camcorders, side-by-side, in the lab and out of the lab, we were hard-pressed to see much of a difference. The average shooter will not notice anything. The HF10's performance was pretty hard to top to begin with.

The second upgrade is internal memory, increasing from 16GB to 32GB of non-removable solid state capacity. This could be a value save if you don't already own a few SD/SDHC cards. If you do, you can probably save money by buying the HF10.

Full Release:

CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THREE NEW ADDITIONS TO ITS VIXIA HIGH DEFINITION CAMCORDER LINE-UP
New High-Definition Camcorders Offer Consumers Superb HD Image Quality and Expanded Recording Capacity

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 7, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc, a leader in digital imaging technology, announces the VIXIA HF11 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder, and the VIXIA HG21 and VIXIA HG20 Hard Disk Drive camcorders, providing greater internal storage capacity, enhanced High-Definition image quality and added versatility for preserving life's most precious moments.

The newest members to the VIXIA HD camcorder family incorporate Canon's core expertise in optics and image processing, and further raise the bar of High-Definition image quality by offering 24Mbps bit rate recording - the highest possible bit rate in the AVCHD format. The 24Mbps recording provides consumers enhanced detail, finer tonal gradation and improved reproduction of moving subjects. What's more, the new camcorders have higher internal memory capacity. The VIXIA HF11 Dual Flash Memory camcorder can record up to 12 hours of High-Definition video to a 32GB internal Flash drive, as well as record directly to a removable SDHC card for expanded recording time. The VIXIA HG21 and VIXIA HG20 camcorders feature 120GB and 60GB Hard Disk Drives, respectively, for recording up to 45 or 22 hours of HD video, and also offer the ability to record directly to an SDHC card.

"The upgrade to 24Mbps enables consumers to capture the highest quality of video in the market today, providing the best High-Definition experience on an HDTV" said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "This increase, as well as dual recording options on all three VIXIA camcorders, is just another example of Canon's commitment to understanding the marketplace and helping to lay the groundwork to lead the market for the current and next generation of High-Definition camcorders."

VIXIA Core Technologies
All VIXIA camcorders feature Canon core technologies to create HD video that possess the highest level of image quality – a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens incorporates over 70 years of optics experience in professional broadcast and photography; a Canon designed and manufactured HD CMOS Image Sensor for Full HD (1920 x 1080) image capture; the Canon-developed DIGIC DV II Image Processor for superior color and clarity; Instant AutoFocus for fast and accurate auto focusing, which is crucial for HD; and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, which corrects a wide range of camcorder vibration for virtually shake-free images.

The ability to shoot video directly to an internal drive or to a removable SDHC memory card allows Canon camcorders to deliver a new level of performance, style and flexibility. Internal memory enables consumers to record video to the camcorder's built-in drive even if they do not have an SDHC card handy. When the internal drive becomes full, footage can be easily transferred to an SDHC memory card, and when it comes time to view their video, the card is simply inserted into a memory card reader in a computer or HDTV for instant viewing. Furthermore, having an SDHC memory card slot allows for expandability, since greater capacity can be added in the future by purchasing additional cards.

Availability and Pricing
Available in September, the Canon VIXIA HF11 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder, and VIXIA HG21 and VIXIA HG20 Hard Disk Drive camcorders will have a suggested selling price of $1199, $1299, and $949, respectively. All models come bundled with Pixela ImageMixer 3SE video editing software, which now supports Blu-Ray disk burning.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.

[DVICE]

SONY INTRODUCES THE WORLD’S FIRST CAMCORDER WITH SMILE SHUTTER TECHNOLOGY

SAN DIEGO, June 18, 2008 – Sony is taking the lead in the camcorder industry by introducing the first high-definition camcorder with both Smile Shutter™ and face detection technologies.

The HDR-CX12 Memory Stick® Handycam® camcorder can record full 1920 x 1080 HD video and 10-megapixel photos on Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media and any Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2) media cards. Roughly the size of a soda can (2.8-inches wide by 5.3-inches tall by 2.8-inches deep), this ultra-compact model will allow for easy transfer of video and stills from media cards to a compatible PC to share via email, uploading to the Internet or burning to disc.

With Sony’s unique Smile Shutter technology you can capture smiling photos and record video at the same time. When activated the technology will detect and automatically take a photo when your subject smiles - without having to switch to photo mode or press the photo button.

It also features child and adult prioritization so you can capture photos when your intended subject group smiles. This camcorder can even detect and capture a smile while in standby mode – just aim the camcorder and you’ll capture smiling moments.

“Advanced technologies such as ‘smile shutter’ make memory capture automatic so you can relax and enjoy the moment at hand,” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “Leveraging these key technologies across multiple product lines is another example of Sony’s commitment to anticipate consumer needs by making video capture more seamless, easy and fun.”

Advanced Features and Performance

In addition to face detection technology, the camcorder is packed with powerful features such as ClearVid® CMOS sensor with Exmor™-derived technology for stunning video detail and clarity, a BIONZ™ imaging processor, an advanced Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* 12x optical zoom lens and Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization for smooth video and clear photos.

The model has a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus™ screen, Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording and a built-in zoom microphone to record clear dialogue. It has an assignable dial that can be customized to manually control focus, brightness and white balance.

The camcorder will ship with a supplied 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2) media card so that you are ready to start recording almost straight out of the box. A supplied Handycam Station™ cradle makes for easy DVD creation with its One Touch Disc Burn button. Also bundled is Picture Motion Browser software to easily view, organize and store video and photos on a compatible PC.

Price and Availability

The HDR-CX12 camcorder will be in stores early August for about $900. It will be available at Sony Style® retail stores, online through www.sonystyle.com and at authorized dealers nationwide. Online pre-orders will begin on June 20th at www.sonystyle.com/handycam.

[Impress]

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."

Foundation of China High Definition DVD Industry Association (CHDA) Heralds New Era of High-Definition Entertainment in China Industry Leaders Develop and Promote CH-DVD a New High Definition DVD Standard for Chinese Market Beijing (September 7, 2007) - The Optical Memory National Engineering Research Center (OMNERC), a laboratory dedicated to optical disc research in Tsinghua University, today announced CH-DVD (China High Definition DVD)*1, a new generation high definition DVD format developed in collaboration with research institutes and manufacturing enterprises at home and abroad. The physical format of CH-DVD includes Chinese-owned intellectual property, and is based on HD DVD, the next generation high definition DVD approved by the DVD Forum. The realization of CH-DVD was supported by the Chinese government, and will pave the way for the localization of blue-laser, high-definition DVD in China. On Sept. 7, 2007, OMNERC established CHDA — the China High Definition DVD Industry Association — in cooperation with the DVD Forum and Chinese and international partners. CHDA will play a leadership role in the promotion of CH-DVD, and will make a big push to launch CH-DVD player into the Chinese market in 2008. The emergence of CH-DVD as a high definition format integrating Chinese-owned intellectual property clearly demonstrates that a Chinese optical disc technology is already at the world-class level. In the near future, all related industries in China are expected to make the transition from standard definition DVD to high definition DVD. CH-DVD is designed to play a central role in the sound development of the content industry, and adopts advanced copy protection technology that effectively prevents the spread of pirated copy. Many content holders have confirmed their support for CH-DVD and will launch movie titles in the CH-DVD format. In the next year, China will start broadcasts of high definition TV programs. In combination with HDTV, CH-DVD will provide a wide variety of HD content that will enrich the lives of viewers.

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

ABC to Provide New HD, Mobile Streams [Broadcasting & Cable]

The 15-inch display has its own ATSC tuner and next to it is a secondary display that shows weather, calendars, or your own photos (which you upload via the fridge's USB port). That's a lot of tech for a fridge, especially when all you keep inside is leftover pizza and TV dinners. – Louis Ramirez

Product Page [Kitchen/Bath Industry Show via Electronista]

Product Page [via MacMinute]