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Converting DVD into HD DVD

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Software for multicore computers could add resolution to video in real time.

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On Blockbuster's Decision to Drop HD-DVD

Premature Prognostication?

"Obviously, when customers are ready, [Blockbuster] can expand the blue-ray offering into more stores and add HD DVD to more locations if that is what customers tell us they want.[1]"

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Warner’s Total HD delayed until 2008

ESCA: Studio will release 10-20 titles at launch

JUNE 27 | LOS ANGELES—Warner Home Video looks to be pushing the launch of its dual-format high-definition disc, Total HD, into 2008, from the second half of this year, as was originally planned.

Studio VP of sales and planning and operations Dan Miron said at a session during the Entertainment Supply Chain Academy conference here today that Warner will release its first titles in Total HD in early 2008.

Separately, Warner senior VP of marketing management Steve Nickerson said the studio hasn't yet set a launch date but acknowledged it's unlikely it will be in the fourth quarter.

Nickerson said the studio wants to launch the discs with 10 to 20 titles so retailers can merchandise them together in one section and they don't get lost at retail.

"There is no expiration date on the viability of this concept, so we’re not in a rush to do it," Nickerson said. "We’ll do it when it makes sense and when it's right."

Earlier, Warner had said the dual-format discs could be available by late third quarter or early fourth quarter this year.

Total HD holds one Blu-ray Disc and one HD DVD on opposite sides of the same disc.

Miron acknowledged that the additional SKU might further crowd already bulging retail shelves. But the studio is committed to satisfying consumers.

In releasing standard-definition, HD DVD and Blu-ray versions of films, “our research shows that there is demand for each of those products,” said Miron. “We are trying to evaluate [how to best treat] each one of these releases.”

To scale down its standard-definition SKUs, Miron said Warner is increasingly putting fullscreen and widescreen versions of films on opposite sides of one disc.

“That is one less SKU to sell,” he said. “With high-def, we’re trying to put Blu-ray and HD DVD on the same disc. Total HD is not coming until first-quarter 2008. We will find shelf space.”

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Lite-On expected to land orders for Xbox 360 external HD DVD drives by end of 2007, says paper

EDN, June 28; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Thursday 28 June 2007]


Lite-On IT is expected to obtain OEM orders from Microsoft for external HD DVD drives for use with Xbox 360 consoles by the end of 2007, according to the Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN) newspaper.

In response to the news, Lite-On IT indicated that, while the external HD DVD drives are currently produced by Toshiba-Samsung Storage Technology, it will make efforts to compete for OEM orders, EDN pointed out.

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TOSHIBA HD E1 HD-DVD Player + Pack of 5 HD-DVD films Pixmania 219.50£

soon in Sweden

Redigerat av diabolo, 28 juni 2007 - 10:50.

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Cheap Chinese HD DVD Players May Be on the Way

Posted: June 28, 2007

Chinese consumer electronics companies are one step closer to producing inexpensive HD DVD players. Format backers hope the move will ultimately lead to victory in their uphill fight with rival next-generation format Blu-ray Disc, but Blu-ray supporters decry the announcement as insignificant.

The steering committee of the DVD Forum has approved the final draft of a memorandum of understanding with the leading Chinese developer of optical discs, paving the way for the creation of a Chinese HD DVD format.

The deal, with China’s Optical Memory National Engineering Research Center, marks the first time China is participating in a standardization process for content within a global entity, the DVD Forum, which also gives its stamp of approval to standard DVD.

While a Chinese HD DVD format would have some differences from the global HD DVD format, backers maintain similarities in manufacturing would make it easy for Chinese consumer electronics companies to then also produce HD DVD players for a worldwide market, including the United States.

And that could tip the scale in favor of HD DVD, according to Ken Graffeo, executive VP of high-definition strategic marketing for Universal Studios Home Entertainment and co-president of the North American and European HD DVD Promotional Group.

He notes it was cheap Chinese DVD players retailing for less than $100 that really spurred the DVD to mass adoption, and he’s hoping the same thing will happen with HD DVD. Currently, the lowest HD DVD player, from Toshiba, can be purchased for $299, after a $100 mail-in rebate, while the cheapest Blu-ray Disc player, from Sony, sells for $499.

“Hardware drives software,” Graffeo said. “Why do you think they give away the razor? It’s because they want you to buy the blade.”

Graffeo notes that when Toshiba in May began offering its $100 rebate on HD DVD players, sales soared 70%.

“We sold 70,000 units in seven weeks, from a base of 100,000 units,” Graffeo said.

The Blu-ray Disc set-top count is unclear, but Sony’s PlayStation 3 comes with a built-in Blu-ray Disc drive. About 1.4 million PS3s have been sold to U.S. consumers since the pricey next-generation game machine’s retail debut last November.

However, dedicated high-def disc players, Graffeo said, tend to have “the highest attach rate,” and thus drive software sales. And if economies of scale — HD DVD is based on existing DVD technology, so players are cheaper, and easier, to produce — leads to a flood of low-priced Chinese HD DVD machines, consumer response could be so overwhelming that the studios that don’t support the format would have no choice but to switch. At this point, Universal is the only studio to exclusively support HD DVD. Paramount Home Entertainment and Warner Home Video support both HD DVD and Blu-ray, while 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Lionsgate are exclusively in the Blu-ray Disc camp.

“Everybody will admit this, that the consumer will ultimately decide [which format wins],” Graffeo said. “Wherever the consumer goes, the studios will follow.”

Blu-ray Disc Association spokesman Andy Parsons dismissed the importance of the announcement. “The memo is for a Chinese HD DVD format only, so it’s a bit of a stretch to suggest that this will translate into cheap HD DVD players being exported into the United States.”

A high-ranking studio executive on the Blu-ray side who asked not to be named agreed. “And, further, why would companies that happen to be based in China look at the format war any differently than any other company outside China?,” he added. “They are business people, and watching the rest of the market very closely. If HD DVD is losing steam in the United States, Europe and Japan, what would interest them in exporting players that have less market potential than Blu-ray? The whole thing smacks of desperation.”

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Toshiba Primes Q4 HD DVD, LCD Market

"By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 6/28/2007 3:01:00 PM

New York — Toshiba is making available a firmware update for its HD DVD players, adding network connectivity to download Web-enabled bonus content among other things, the company said at a press reception here Thursday.


In LCD TV, the company said it is now shipping large-screen Regza models just as its LCD TV market share has spiked in key screen sizes.


In other HD DVD news, the company said that promotional pricing levels on its HD DVD players in May and June will become standard suggested retails July 1. The HD-A2 is now $299, while the HD-A20 is $399. The top-of-the-line HD-XA2 continues at $799.


“With HD DVD, studios have the ability to develop new and unique content for movie fans, enabling consumers to have an entirely new way to access entertainment and customize their home movie experience that is currently not available with any other format,” said Jodi Sally, Toshiba’s digital A/V group marketing VP.


Using supplied Ethernet ports on all Toshiba HD DVD players, users will able to download bonus features to internal storage from a movie studio’s server. The functionality will also enable “unlocking” bonus content hidden on some HD DVD discs using a downloadable key.


Users will also be able to upload content and interact with content providers through such means as interactive polls, Toshiba said.


Toshiba also said that it will add 24p frame-rate output to its HD-AX2 and HD-A20 through an update planned in September.


At the same time, Toshiba’s TV marketing VP Scott Ramirez, who did not attend the event, said in a statement that the company is ready to ship new premium 46-inch, 47-inch and 52-inch Regza LCD TVs and will add its 57-inch Cinema Series LCD TV model in July.


Ramirez said that Toshiba’s flat-panel market share has jumped significantly, according to The NPD Group’s retail tracking service TV data. Market research on TV sales, including combos, showed Toshiba nearly doubled its share in the 32- to 42-inch LCD category in April and May 2007.


“Consumers are responding to the quality and design of Regza, but more importantly, they are proving that Toshiba is a market leader in flat panel TV,” Ramirez said.


According to NPD, Toshiba’s share in the 32- to 42-inch screen size grew 90 percent, to 10.8 percent market share, making Toshiba No. 3 in the LCD screen size range, including combos.


Toshiba’s 40- to 42-inch LCD market share grew to 12.7 percent in the period, while its 37-inch share grew 13.2 percent.


The new LCD models coming to market add Toshiba’s advanced ClearFrame 120 Hz Anti-Blur System for smooth fast action image reproduction,


New models include the Regza 47-inch 47HL167 ($2,499) and 52-inch 52HL167 ($3,499), and Regza Cinema Series 42LX177 ($2,299), 46LX177 ($2,999) and 52LX177 ($3,999). The 57-inch model will ship in July at a price to be determined."

Let the game begin

Redigerat av diabolo, 29 juni 2007 - 08:01.

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HD DVD Delivers Advanced Content and Interactivity by Offering Exclusive Web-Enabled Capabilities
Momentum for HD DVD continues to grow as player sales reach new heights and
Toshiba captures 70 percent share of high definition set-top player market

WAYNE, N.J., June 29 /PRNewswire/
-- Today at its summer press event, Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") announced that HD DVD is bringing a whole new world of high definition entertainment to the hands
of consumers. Delivering on the promise to provide advanced content and interactivity, new HD DVD titles with web-enabled network capabilities now allow consumers to easily access additional content and bonus features, as available, to enjoy their favorite HD DVD movies like never before. Current users of Toshiba HD DVD players can enjoy the web-enabled network capabilities by updating to the latest HD DVD player firmware, now available from Toshiba.

Since the launch of HD DVD, all of Toshiba's players have offered advanced interactive functionality including picture-in-picture video and audio commentary, which have already been available on many HD DVD movies.

Now Toshiba takes interactivity to the next level. The company's latest firmware update supports improved network connectivity for downloading web-enabled network content and is another example of the company's commitment toward achieving the ultimate home entertainment experience. No other high definition home entertainment format currently matches the
features offered by Toshiba and the HD DVD format.
"Through web-enabled network connectivity, HD DVD is unlocking the door to an entirely new world of entertainment and once again achieving another milestone in next generation DVD," said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "With HD DVD, studios have the
ability to develop new and unique content for movie fans, enabling consumers to have an entirely new way to access entertainment and customize their home movie experience that is currently not available with any other format."

Toshiba HD DVD Players' Web-Enabled Network Capabilities

Using the Ethernet ports found on all Toshiba HD DVD players, and the currently available firmware update, once connected to the network, users can download bonus features, as available, from a movie studio's server. This data is then saved in the player's persistent storage and can be accessed by the user. In addition to downloading new bonus features, some HD DVD discs may even include locked prerecorded content which can be unlocked with a downloadable key from the studio's online server.

In addition to downloading content, HD DVD users also have the ability to upload content and interact with content providers. For example, with the award winning title, "Blood Diamond" from Warner Home Video, users can participate in interactive polls. After providing feedback, results are
delivered back to users via the HD DVD player. Web-enabled network content became available on June 26 with the launch of Bandai Visual's anime title "Freedom" volume 1. This title is the first HD DVD anime title available in the United States, the first web-enabled network content disc and the first "twin format" disc (featuring both HD DVD and DVD on one side of the disc).
"While others may talk about interactivity, HD DVD has proven time and time again that it offers true interactive features and capabilities for consumers which can make the enjoyment of movies a new experience every time they're viewed," commented Sally.

Toshiba Announces 24p Output

Coming in early September, Toshiba will add an enhanced performance function to its HD-XA2 and HD-A20 HD DVD players by offering the capability for users to update the firmware of their players allowing playback of film content in 1080p/24 frames per second, or 24p. Movie films are
traditionally captured at 24 frames per second and Toshiba's HD DVD players will be able to maintain this frame rate allowing consumers to enjoy movies in their native form.

Mandatory to the HD DVD format, every Toshiba player is equipped with an Ethernet port. In addition to the capability to access web enabled content, this also allows HD DVD owners to conveniently update the firmware of their players with new features and performance improvements.

Movie Aficionados Adopt HD DVD as the Next High Definition Format of Choice - The Numbers Speak for Themselves Responding to recent promotions as well as the industry growth of HDTV,
the market adoption of HD DVD increased significantly in the past 2 months garnering Toshiba with approximately 70 percent share of all high definition set-top players, both HD DVD and Blu-ray, in both April and May according to NPD. "These numbers prove once again that HD DVD is the high definition format of choice," commented Sally. Effective July 1st the pricing levels available during the May and June promotions will become standard MSRPs, making the HD-A2 available for an every day price of $299.99 and the HD-A20 for $399.99. The top of the line HD-XA2 continues at $799.99 (MSRP).

Important Notes: HD DVD with high-definition content required for HD viewing. DVD with
standard definition content will upconvert to near HD quality. Viewing high- definition content and up-converting DVD content may require an HDCP capable DVI or HDMI input on your display device. Firmware update may be required for some interactive features depending on content, which may also require an always-on broadband internet connection. Some features may
require additional bandwidth. To take advantage of the web-enabled network content, downloading and installing the latest firmware update (ver.2.2 for HD DVD player models HD-XA1, HD-A1, and HD-D1; and ver.2.0 for HD DVD player models HD-XA2, HD-A2, HD-A2W, HD-D2, HD-A2C, and HD-A20) is required. Web-enabled features will require an always on broadband connection along with specific movie titles that include this form of content. MP3/WMA audio files not supported. Some current DVDs and CDs may not be compatible. Some Combo Discs and Twin Format Discs may not be compatible. HDMI audio support for PCM only. For 24p output, content that was created in 1080p/24 frames/sec is required. Viewing 24p output requires an HD display capable of accepting a 1080p/24Hz signal. Because HD DVD is a new format that makes use of new technologies, certain disc, digital connection and other compatibility and/or performance issues are possible.
This may, in rare cases, include disc freezing while accessing certain disc features or functions, or certain parts of the disc not playing back or operating as fully intended. If you experience such issues, please refer to the FAQ sections of http://www.toshibahddvd.com or http://www.tacp.toshiba.com for information on possible work-around solutions or the availability of
firmware updates that may resolve your problem, or contact Toshiba Customer Solutions.
Some features subject to delayed availability. While Toshiba has made every effort at the time of publication to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, product specifications, configurations, system/component/options availability are all subject to change without
notice. For additional information on Toshiba HD DVD players, please visit
http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/hddvd/
For additional information, please visit http://www.tacp.toshiba.com.

HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are
trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.
HD DVD and DVD are trademarks of DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation.


SOURCE Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.

http://www.prnewswir... 2007, 09:00 AM

Redigerat av Audio Code 3, 29 juni 2007 - 15:29.

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Toshiba confirms HD DVD promotional prices are here to stay

Although money talks, nothin' speaks volume to major manufacturers like, well, volume. In a presumed attempt to keep the recently increased flow of HD DVD player orders steady, Toshiba has reportedly announced a final decision to stick with the prices seen in recent promotional deals. More specifically, the company stated that the MSRP on the high-end HD-XA2 would sink to $799 (versus close to $1,000 before), while the mid-range HD-A20 would instantly become $100 more affordable after dropping to $399, and both of these units are set to receive 24p output through an update scheduled for September. The most attractive option (that would be the HD-A2), however, will soon be listed for a mere $299, and while none of these prices are apt to incite fits of uncontrollable jubilation, it's definitely a step in the right direction.

http://www.engadgethd.com/

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Warner's '300' to sport bonus features on HD DVD, not B-ray

Apparently, Warner Home Video has no problem doling out an HD DVD version of 300 that outshines the B-ray rendition, as that's exactly what will happen when it launches on July 31st. The $39.99 HD DVD / DVD combo disc will feature a bluescreen picture-in-picture version of the film with "pre-CGI" clips alongside the finished product, an exclusive game titled Vengeance and Valor, web-enabled downloads, and a nifty application that allows you to assemble your favorite clips and "create your own montage." These very features, however, are glaringly absent from the B-ray release, which sports a far thinner list of extras for a slightly lower price ($34.99). It's no secret that interactive features on high-definition flicks have been sorely missing on the whole, but giving preferential treatment to one format via on-disc extras is an interesting approach to differentiation.

No sport bonus on B-ray

Redigerat av Audio Code 3, 29 juni 2007 - 15:39.

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Total HD discen uppskjuten.

"Hybrid discs will not make it onto the shelves until 2008 at the earliest. The two-sided discs were expected to make an appearance in the second half of 2007, but now Warner says it's in 'no rush'"

Total HD no show 2007

[henke007]

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Toshiba Permanently Drops HD DVD Player Prices

Hot on the heels of a month-long promotional price cut, Toshiba announced on Thursday that it would permanently lower prices on two of its entry level HD DVD players.

Effective July 1, Toshiba says its HD-A2 player will be permanently offered at an MSRP $299, while its HD-A20 will be offered at $399.

fina priser för att njuta av HD film för folket...


http://www.highdefdi...ayer_Prices/729

Redigerat av henke007, 29 juni 2007 - 16:42.

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Toshiba Permanently Drops HD DVD Player Prices
Hot on the heels of a month-long promotional price cut, Toshiba announced on Thursday that it would permanently lower prices on two of its entry level HD DVD players.
Effective July 1, Toshiba says its HD-A2 player will be permanently offered at an MSRP $299, while its HD-A20 will be offered at $399.
fina priser för att njuta av HD film för folket...
http://www.highdefdi...ayer_Prices/729

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

70% av Hi-def försäljningen till HD DVD

En annan nyhet om detsamma som tidigare tagits upp:

HD DVD Turns On Web-Enabled Content

Toshiba continued to press forward with its HD DVD format, saying Friday that it had added functionality that allows set-top player owners to access exclusive web content.
The new functionality allows the player to download exclusive content from the movie studio's server. Once downloaded, it is saved within the persistent storage of the set-top player for access.

Movie studios can also opt to 'lock' extras on the HD DVD itself, which then can be unlocked by downloading a key. Other interactivity features allow for the studios to provide ways for consumers to interact with content providers.

"While others may talk about interactivity, HD DVD has proven time and time again that it offers true interactive features and capabilities for consumers which can make the enjoyment of movies a new experience every time they're viewed," Toshiba Digital AV marketing chief Jodi Sally said.

Those who already own an HD DVD player can gain this functionality through a firmware update.

Another firmware update, coming in September, will give users of the HD-XA2 and HD-A20 players the capability to watch movies in 24p, which means that movies would be shown at 1080p at 24 frames per second. That is the frame rate at which movies are typically captured.

Toshiba also said that it now held 70 percent of the set-top market in both April and May according to data from NPD Group. Much of this is likely due to pricing promotions, which the company has decided to make permanent as of July 1.

The HD-A2 retails for $299.99 USD and the HD-A20 for $399.99 USD. The recently released top of the line HD-XA2 model will set the consumer back $799.99 USD.

HD DVD added functionality that allows set-top player owners to access exclusive web content.

Redigerat av Audio Code 3, 29 juni 2007 - 18:03.

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Scharf: Toshibas HD-DVD-Laufwerk ab 180 Euro

Det är på tyska, men man förstår siffror dock: "Das Toshiba TS-L802A gibt es ab sofort für etwa 290 Euro, das SD-H802A ab rund 180 Euro zu kaufen."

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"downloadable subtitles" verkar vara på g

http://www.avsforum....&

"On downloadable subtitles, you may want to read this article to see that your requests are not falling on deaf ears : http://gizmodo.com/g...cant-273454.php

As you see in the article, the screen shot shows downloading of French subs for Freedom."

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Firmware Upgrade Adds 24p Video Output to Toshiba HD DVD Players

Toshiba America announced on Wednesday its plans to release a firmware upgrade that adds 24p HD video output capabilities to its entry-level HD DVD players

The announcement was made at the "Toshiba in your Life" press event, held yesterday in New York.

The firmware will be applied to the Toshiba's high-end HD-XA2 and the entry-level HD-A20 models. The updated players will be able to output 1080/24p HD DVD video, a function that was missing in the HD-A20 model, and had fired up negative criticism when Toshiba announced its availability last year.

The update will also offer support for the HDi network function, that will allow an HD DVD player to access specific internet servers in order to receive exclusive material related to HD DVD movies. The HDi network is part of interactive features of the HD DVD format. Bandai Visual USA will release this month the first HD DVD animation title in North America ("Freedom Volume 1") - which includes the HDi network function. The function is also backed by Microsoft and Memory-Tech, which will both develop the hardware and software environment related to the HD DVD interactivity features.

Last but certainly not least, Toshiba announced that starting from July 1st, the Toshiba HD-A2 and HD-A20 models will be available for $299 and $399, respectively. The company decided to continue selling the specific devices at the same prices, as they were decided after the $100 in-store rebate announced last March.

The MSRP price of the HD-XA2 model ($799.99)will not change for now.

http://www.prnewswir... 2007, 09:00 AM

Redigerat av diabolo, 30 juni 2007 - 02:35.

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Momentum for HD DVD continues to grow as player sales reach new heights and Toshiba captures 70 percent share of high definition set-top player market

Friday June 29

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Amazon.com and Microsoft Team Up to Help Indie Filmmakers Jump Into HD DVD

Up to 1,000 new indie titles to be made available in HD DVD through the CustomFlix DVD on Demand Program; Sundance Channel origi

By: PR Newswire
Jul. 2, 2007 07:01 AM

SEATTLE and REDMOND, Wash., July 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Amazon.com Inc. , and Microsoft Corp. today announced the 1,000 HD DVD Indies Project, designed to lower the barriers to entry for filmmakers to produce and distribute movies in the HD DVD format through the innovative manufacturing-on-demand technology of CustomFlix, a part of an Amazon group of companies. Jointly sponsored by Amazon and Microsoft, the project will provide free authoring and setup services for up to 1,000 selected indie titles.

"This collaboration with Microsoft is a great opportunity for independent filmmakers to reach Amazon customers with their films via the HD DVD format," said Peter Faricy, vice president of music and movies at Amazon.com. "By working together with Microsoft and leveraging the proven CustomFlix DVD on Demand model, we can lower the barriers to entry for independent filmmakers and dramatically increase the selection we offer our customers."

The project will be spearheaded by CustomFlix, which will bring as many as 1,000 feature-length independent films to Amazon customers using the CustomFlix DVD on Demand technology, which produces and ships DVDs only as they are ordered. This model greatly improves the cost structure for independent filmmakers by eliminating the need for costly inventory.

"From a technical standpoint, we found that the HD DVD format fits our business model perfectly," said Dana LoPiccolo-Giles, co-founder and managing director of CustomFlix. "With retail shelf space at a premium, our model eliminates the risk of carrying inventory and immediately expands the number of great HD DVD titles available to consumers."

"Programs like this one from Amazon lower barriers to entry for independent artists and provide audiences with increased access to high-quality, high-definition content," said Christian Vesper, senior vice president of programming, acquisitions and scheduling for Sundance Channel.

Sundance Channel will be reviewing the high-definition features for potential broadcast on the network as well as making its own HD original eco-series, "Big Ideas for a Small Planet," available for purchase through Amazon's HD DVD program.

"Amazon's participation in this project will be a major benefit to independent filmmakers wanting to break into the high-definition market segment," said Amir Majidimehr, corporate vice president for the Consumer Media Technology Group at Microsoft. "The use of Microsoft® technology and authoring expertise will ensure that all the HD DVD titles offered by Amazon have impeccable quality, thanks to the VC-1 codec and innovative interactive scenarios with HDi™."

Amazon.com offers a broad and growing selection of HD televisions, players and DVDs through its HD DVD store at http://www.amazon.com/hddvd. Filmmakers interested in submitting their HD DVD work for consideration as part of the 1,000 HD DVD Indies Project can go to http://www.customflix.com/hddvdindies.


https://www.minhembi...dpost&p=1456031
Good news indeed

Redigerat av diabolo, 02 juli 2007 - 09:32.

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Toshiba's Latest HD DVD Firmware Upgrade Unlocks Web-Enabled Features

Hitting stores on July 3, 'Blood Diamond' will be the first major studio high-def release to boast exclusive web-enabled content, including dynamic text and graphic content as well as additional interactive web features. (It follows another web-enabled HD DVD release, 'Freedom Vol. 1,' which hit stores on June 26 from indie distributor Bandai Visual.)

Toshiba is making the update available for its second-gen player models HD-XA2, HD-A20, HD-A2W and HD-D2.

According to the documentation provided by the manufacturer, the upgrade will improve network connectivity in anticipation of the web-enabled content on 'Blood Diamond' and any future such enhanced titles:

Certain HD DVD discs may contain or have the capability of downloading studio-provided, Web-enabled network content. To minimize any potential capability and/or connectivity issues, before viewing such content, it is recommended that you perform the firmware update process.

http://hddvd.highdefdigest.com/news/

[henke007]

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Toshiba Announces 24p Output


Coming in early September, Toshiba will add an enhanced performance function to its HD-XA2 and HD-A20 HD DVD players...

http://www.dvdtown.c...24p-output/4564

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Amazon, Microsoft to Help Bring Indie Films to HD DVD



Up to 1,000 new indie titles to be made available in HD DVD through the CustomFlix DVD on Demand Program; Sundance Channel original series, "Big Ideas for a Small Planet," to be among first HD television offerings on Amazon.com.

http://www.customfli...00HD_indies.jsp

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Toshiba Adds HD DVD Drive and Intel Centrino Duo Processor Technology to Satellite P205

IRVINE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the latest Satellite P205 desktop replacement notebooks, featuring an HD DVD-ROM optical drive and the latest Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology for greater computing capabilities.
Starting price of $1449.99

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https://www.minhembio.com/nyheter/1178

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Extra info om
http://forums.highde...03&postcount=21

Note from Blurry:  I just copied this post from the insider thread since it seems relevant to the discussion in this thread.



Sure.  I just typed a long repsonse for the other forum.  I hope it is OK to repeat it here.  Happy to answer any questions you may have. 

The program is for this year, and even shorter time frame than end of the year. I suspect there will be hundreds new titles by fall and well surpass the 1000 mark by the end of the year. Indeed, our biggest worry is what to do when far more demand materializes than the current target.

At high level, this is super important news for movie fans, independent film makers, and of course, HD DVD.

1. If you are a movie fan, you will soon have access to more titles than both formats combined today. But more importantly, you will see a lot of fresh content, and not standard big budget movies you may already own on DVD. The content owners will negotiation the price with Amazon but I expect titles to retail for less than current Hollywood movies. So you will be able get great value to boot.

We already have a better breath of content due to deeper catalog from likes of Universal, wider availability of replication which attracts many smaller companies, and absence of region coding which allows you to import foreign films. This will provide an entirely new dimension to that offer.

2. For independent film makers, this is an incredible opportunity. Through this program, http://www.customflix.com/hddvdindies, they will get unprecedented level of distribution and access to their target customers. Amazon is the premier retail site for the discerning audience which is interested in their creativity. This, coupled with the fact that Amazon is the top retailer for HD optical and hardware, the program is liable to do for independent film makers, what Youtube did for personal videos. With cost of distribution zeroed out, and the best retail brand behind their content, they will not find a better way to get into film business.

Of course, Amazon will be screening for quality content but the analogy of YouTube still holds in taking away the cost of getting distribution. But more importantly, unlike YouTube, they will be able to make money from it, letting them fund new projects to develop their talent.

I know a good friend of mine would have wished this program had existed two years ago. He spent $400K of his own money, shot the whole movie in HD, just to get out of film making business because he couldn’t get people to carry his movie.

There is also another dimention of productivity not available to filmmakers before. With HDi interactivity and mandatory network connectivity, these film makers will be able to connect with their fans/customers directly and get valuable feedback on which direction to pursue, enrich the content with extras, and connect the customers who have similar interests together (see the review of the movie Blood Diamondon networked community features: http://hddvd.highdef...ooddiamond.html.

Keep in mind that due to sharp reduction in the cost of HD production, many of independent movies are shot in high-def already but currently reduced to DVD resolution. With this program, they will be able to distribute their content in original resolution.


3. For HD DVD, this is an amazing vote of confidence from the top retailer in this space. Amazon sees the strength of HD DVD, both from technology point of view, and the fact that their own numbers show it to be the highest sales ranking of any HD optical format (Toshiba HD DVD players are always in top-10 list of DVD players). They are also an active participant in DVD Forum so they are very familiar with HD DVD specifications. So for them it was natural to use HD DVD for this program.

What’s more, this announcement shows more innovation yet again from HD DVD camp. We pushed the envelope on interactivity better than any other. And now, with manufacturing on demand, we pull ahead with new ways of getting HD content distributed to consumers.

Using this process and HD DVD, Amazon is able to get a competitive advantage as compared to traditional stores because they willl be able to essentially have limitless amount of content. By working with us to produce a highly optimized and automated process using VC-1/HDi, Amazon is able to cut costs and run programs like this. No other format would enable them to do it this as well.

Note that discs produced this way will look no different on Amazon than any other commercially produced HD DVDs. In other words, in a few months you will see 1000+ HD DVDs in Amazon inventory with no distinction between MOD and mass replicated content. As such, customers are going to see the incredible depth of offerings in HD DVD, all presented to them in a familiar setting. The only notable difference being that titles get produced on demand after the order, making every title "available in stock" regardless of demand. Such a system removes any cost a retailer may have in stocking “two formats” as there is no shelf space wasted. Yet, the breath and quality of the content increases substantially.

Personally, I am exceptionally pleased to be associated with this effort. In our foray in Digital Cinema with VC-1 a few years ago, we sponsored Sundance film festival and had the pleasure of meeting Robert Redford and seeing his passion around getting new creative talent into film making. I got to meet a number of the directors/producers of indie content, hearing their concerns about getting distribution. Digital cinema allowed them to reduce the cost of projection, but not retail distribution. This announcement removes that final barrier between them and the movie buffs who enjoy content that makes them think, as much as entertain. It is a great win-win-win situation for everyone involved.

Now, how to find the time to watch 1000+ movies! I guess this is a good problem to have .

[henke007]

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More HD DVD Titles Released in Q2 Than Blu-ray

http://www.highdefdi...han_Blu-ray/735


According to industry tipsheet The DVD Release Report, 70 HD DVD titles hit store shelves during the period from April 1 through June 30, compared to 63 Blu-ray ( är det så många verkligen hmm), titles in the same timeframe.

[snuffe82]

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Toshiba Announces 24p Output


Coming in early September, Toshiba will add an enhanced performance function to its HD-XA2 and HD-A20 HD DVD players...

http://www.dvdtown.c...24p-output/4564

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Det låter bra, men vad menas det med 24p output? vad är det för skillnad?

[diabolo]

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Wal-Mart Lauches New HD DVD/Blu-ray Retail Displays

We had heard WalMart had some new spiffy HD DVD/Blu-ray displays, so we took a Sunday drive to our local WalMart Supercenter to see for ourselves. We were pleasantly surprised that both HD DVD and Blu-ray were given equal space, since we believe the consumer should choose the winner in this format war. The new in store display was drawing a lot of attention, which is a good sign for both formats.

» Klicka här för att visa spoiler - Klicka en gång till för att dölja den... «

• Tillbaka upp

[diabolo]

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Det låter bra, men vad menas det med 24p output? vad är det för skillnad?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Här får lite info om 24p

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24p
http://www.avsforum....ad.php?t=846721

[henke007]

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damn va nice HDDVD ställ med filmer på Walmart, tänk och botanisera där med deras fina priser
och ja som va på walmart förra sommaren i USA , då fanns det dock inga utan bara
gamla DVD.er

[Unregisteredcd298aa9]

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 hddvd.JPG   294,42K   100 Antal nerladdningarVar inne på costco igår.
priserna rasar!

[diabolo]

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 hddvd.JPG   294,42K   100 Antal nerladdningarVar inne på costco igår.
priserna rasar!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Finns för $247.88 på Amazon
http://www.amazon.co...83467128&sr=1-3

Edit: Det är fortfarande den gamla MSRP som gäller 399$ på amazon o de flesta stora kedjor i USA...den nya MSRP är på 299$

Ex. Best Buy http://www.bestbuy.c...d=1158323325814 den säljs för 299$ med MSRP på 399$

Redigerat av diabolo, 04 juli 2007 - 11:44.

[Unregisteredcd298aa9]

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http://www.nyteknik.se/art/51441

[Unregistered81406615]

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http://www.nyteknik.se/art/51441

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nästa spelare?

Och vad menades egentligen i tredje stycket? Inte den mest klargörande artikel jag sett.

[diabolo]

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Nästa spelare?

Och vad menades egentligen i tredje stycket? Inte den mest klargörande artikel jag sett.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Toshiba HD DVD Players' Web-Enabled Network Capabilities

Using the Ethernet ports found on all Toshiba HD DVD players, and the currently available firmware update, once connected to the network, users can download bonus features, as available, from a movie studio's server. This data is then saved in the player's persistent storage and can be accessed by the user. In addition to downloading new bonus features, some HD DVD discs may even include locked prerecorded content which can be unlocked with a downloadable key from the studio's online server.

In addition to downloading content, HD DVD users also have the ability to upload content and interact with content providers. For example, with the award winning title, "Blood Diamond" from Warner Home Video, users can participate in interactive polls. After providing feedback, results are
delivered back to users via the HD DVD player. Web-enabled network content became available on June 26 with the launch of Bandai Visual's anime title "Freedom" volume 1. This title is the first HD DVD anime title available in the United States, the first web-enabled network content disc and the first "twin format" disc (featuring both HD DVD and DVD on one side of the disc).
"While others may talk about interactivity, HD DVD has proven time and time again that it offers true interactive features and capabilities for consumers which can make the enjoyment of movies a new experience every time they're viewed," commented Sally."

[Unregistered81406615]

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Nästa spelare?

Och vad menades egentligen i tredje stycket? Inte den mest klargörande artikel jag sett.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Toshiba HD DVD Players' Web-Enabled Network Capabilities

Using the Ethernet ports found on all Toshiba HD DVD players, and the currently available firmware update, once connected to the network, users can download bonus features, as available, from a movie studio's server. This data is then saved in the player's persistent storage and can be accessed by the user. In addition to downloading new bonus features, some HD DVD discs may even include locked prerecorded content which can be unlocked with a downloadable key from the studio's online server.

In addition to downloading content, HD DVD users also have the ability to upload content and interact with content providers. For example, with the award winning title, "Blood Diamond" from Warner Home Video, users can participate in interactive polls. After providing feedback, results are
delivered back to users via the HD DVD player. Web-enabled network content became available on June 26 with the launch of Bandai Visual's anime title "Freedom" volume 1. This title is the first HD DVD anime title available in the United States, the first web-enabled network content disc and the first "twin format" disc (featuring both HD DVD and DVD on one side of the disc).
"While others may talk about interactivity, HD DVD has proven time and time again that it offers true interactive features and capabilities for consumers which can make the enjoyment of movies a new experience every time they're viewed," commented Sally."

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Precis. Fast det var ju inte det som Ny Teknik skrev. Klarar man inte ens av att skriva av en pressrelease korrekt undrar man ju vilken koll de har på ny teknik.

[Unregisteredcd298aa9]

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hmm, jag fattade iallafall..
Ny Teknik är seriösa och bra

[diabolo]

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HD-A1 & HD-XA1 v2.3 Firmware Update

[Audio Code 3]

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Snacket gick redan i höstas, och det är återigen aktuellt.

EU starts investigating Blu-ray, HD DVD coalitions

The European Commission has launched an informal investigation into the market for next-generation DVDs.

Information has been requested from manufacturers and content providers concerning the decision of which high-definition DVD format to support.

The market is currently split between firms backing Blu-ray, led by Sony, and firms backing HD-DVD, led by companies including Toshiba, Intel and Microsoft.

European Commission spokesman Jonathan Todd told Reuters: “We have sent a request for information to a number of studios concerning possible discrimination against one or other DVD format.

“We are at the stage of basic fact-finding, and have not yet opened a formal investigation.”

The Commission is particularly interested in why so many studios went for the B-ray format exclusively. Only one Hollywood studio, Universal, has an exclusive agreement with HD-DVD, while some are producing films for both formats and five exclusively for B-ray.

There have been no complaints of anti-competitive behaviour but it is understood that the HD-DVD camp has been lobbying behind the scenes for an investigation.

The Commission has asked for briefing documents, emails and any phone records relating to the issue.

[Audio Code 3]

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More HD DVD Titles Released in Q2 Than B-ray

Is HD DVD coming back fighting? In the last 3 months (April 1 - June 30), movie stores witnessed the release of 70 HD DVD and 63 Blu-ray titles, according to industry tipsheet The DVD Release Report. This comes as quite a turnaround for the HD DVD camp: in the first quarter, they released only 29 titles compared to Blu-ray's 69. Primary HD DVD backer Universal Studios led the Q2 HD DVD push, releasing a total of 33 HD DVD titles on its own. Although the studio has been accused of rushing some of its more recent HD DVD catalogue titles to market at the cost of picture quality, it shows no signs of slowing down with another 23 HD DVD titles already announced for release from now through September.

[Audio Code 3]

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An external HD DVD player by Buffalo

If all you want is to play HD-DVDs on your brand new Home Cinema installation then the Buffalo HDV-ROM2.4U2 can do the job for a nice 159€, but remember that this is "only" a player, so don't expect disc burning or other things...available before the end of the month in Japan.

Bifogad fil(er)

•  buff.jpg   628,73K   14 Antal nerladdningar

[diabolo]

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An external HD DVD player by Buffalo

If all you want is to play HD-DVDs on your brand new Home Cinema installation then the Buffalo HDV-ROM2.4U2 can do the job for a nice 159€, but remember that this is "only" a player, so don't expect disc burning or other things...available before the end of the month in Japan.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lånar länken

[Audio Code 3]

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Ursäkta att man nu smutskastar tråden lite med kombi nyheter

Samsung BDP-UP5000 B-ray and HD DVD Player Release Date

Samsung said in Germany at a IFA preparation event that they will ship the dual HD player BDP-UP5000 in October or November.

Samsung announced the B-ray and HD-DVD player BDP-UP5000 already in April.

LG got lots of attention for the first dual HD player BH100, when they announced it at the CES 2007. The only problem is still that the price of about $1,000 is way to high.

As long as you can buy a HD DVD player and a B-ray player together for less money a hybrid HD player is just not worth it, especially because it is the first generation of such a player.
Most likely Samsung will exhibit the BDP-UP5000 at the IFA 2007, which starts on August 31st in Berlin.

[Johan78]

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The commission is investigating whether improper tactics were used to suppress competition and persuade the studios to back their format[/i]."

Med det är det inte sagt att det är så. Det kan vara så (gud förbjude) att filmbolagen sett mest potential i Blu-ray och gjort valet med detta motiv. Pinsamt för HD-DVD lobbyisterna om det visade sig att inget fuffens har inträffat och att dominansen har vettiga grunder.

[diabolo]

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The commission is investigating whether improper tactics were used to suppress competition and persuade the studios to back their format[/i]."

Med det är det inte sagt att det är så. Det kan vara så (gud förbjude) att filmbolagen sett mest potential i Blu-ray och gjort valet med detta motiv. Pinsamt för HD-DVD lobbyisterna om det visade sig att inget fuffens har inträffat och att dominansen har vettiga grunder.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Filmobolagen som står bakom Blu-ray just nu har olika anledningar..."In 1989, Sony acquired the American film and television production company Columbia Pictures Entertainment, Inc. (Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, etc.) from The Coca-Cola Company for $3.4 billion. [5] [6] [2] The company was renamed Sony Pictures Entertainment in 1991.

Sony has since created numerous other film production and distribution units, such as creating Sony Pictures Classics for art-house fare, and expanded its growth on April 8, 2005, when a consortium led by Sony and its equity partners acquired the legendary Hollywood studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc. in a deal worth nearly $5 billion.[7]" 3st som går under Sony ...Disney o Fox vill ha regionskodning o BD+

Så EUs konkurrensmyndighet vet kanske som vi inte vet

[diabolo]

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Verance Announces Availability of Audio Watermark Technology for High-Definition Entertainment Formats

Redigerat av diabolo, 04 juli 2007 - 20:47.

[Audio Code 3]

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Somliga är lite sena med "nyheter"

Toshiba announce new affordable HD-DVD player

We previously questioned whether recent price cuts in the US would find their way across the Atlantic and it seems Toshiba has delivered.

The HD-EP10 is Toshiba's third European player and features full 1080p playback and support for the latest high-definition surround formats – all for under £400.

TOSHIBA HD-EP10, Tredje HD DVD Spelare För Europa som det skrevs om under mars månad

[diabolo]

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Toshiba planerar fina julklappar[img]http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:fIGgorWUlMT-cM:http://baymusic.com/images/Santa-Claus.jpg[/img]

HD-DVD-spelare med 600 GB hårddisk

Toshiba kommer att lansera två nya hd-dvd-spelare lagom till jul. En med 300 GB hårddisk och en med 600 GB.

[2007-07-05 12:03]


[img]http://prylportalen.mkf.se/ArticlePages/200707/04/20070704110534_MKF939/470_HD-EP_10.JPG[/img]
Den senast släppta modellen från Toshiba - HD-EP 10.

Jap. varianten med 300 o 600GB hårdiskar mm.

Toshibas HD DVD-hårddiskinspelare

[img]http://www3.toshiba.co.jp/hdd-dvd/products/vardia/rd-a600_a300/img/main-img.jpg[/img]

Redigerat av diabolo, 05 juli 2007 - 15:21.

[Audio Code 3]

• 0

Europe May Give Boost to HD DVD Effort

European Commission gets involved in B-ray Disc vs. HD DVD war

According to what executives from companies backing HD DVD told CNET UK, HD DVD may have a stronger foothold in Europe. The report says that, in mainland Europe, around 50 percent of movies are produced by studios independent of Hollywood. For these independent studios, whose budgets are much smaller than Hollywood, producing HD DVD media is cheaper than with B-ray Disc.

Furthermore, the HD DVD camp believes that the B-ray backers have largely ignored Europe, but instead is concentrating its effort in the U.S. market. The supposed lack of stronger B-ray presence is leaving an opening for HD DVD to take root in Europe.

HD DVD may also be getting a bit of assistance from the European Union. iTWire reports that the European Commission – which watches over antitrust matters – has become interested in why certain studios exclusively support one high-def format over another. While the answer to that question may be obvious for Sony and its subsidiaries, the European Commission would like to hear explanations from Disney, Fox, Lions Gate and MGM as to why they only back B-ray Disc.

Conversely, the European Commission may be posing the same question – but in the other direction – for Universal as to why they only support HD DVD. According to the story, the European Commission sent letters out to all studios that exclusively support one side or the other.

Of all major Hollywood studios releasing movies in high-definition optical formats, only Paramount and Warner Bros. are format neutral by releasing product for both sides.

Har alltid sagt att HD DVD är det billigare formatet

[diabolo]

• 0

Samsung BDP-UP5000

"While the final cost of the player hasn't been finalized, the device should be ready by October or November and will sell at a roughly 400-Euro ($544) premium compared to a single-format Blu-Ray movie reader by the time it reaches stores. More details should be revealed when the IFA show begins on August 31st."

Redigerat av diabolo, 05 juli 2007 - 21:33.

[diabolo]

• 0

Forworld Electronics AKA Fuh Yuan NEWS

http://www.avsforum....&

Från AVSforum

"Sorry, I haven't been following this thread closely for the past few weeks, but has someone posted this My guess is yes, but a brief search didn't turn anything up.

96/05/31 Economic Daily News 4 edition of the optoelectronics industry ■ Wu Yi Lun from the original vehicle anti-theft system Fukuhiko rise of the electronic, Since entering the ultrathin DVD photoelectric traverse the area, with a Japanese cooperation in the development of large blue HD-DVD traverse. Europe and the United States is currently working with major distributors to discuss production and co-operation matters, HD-DVD player market is optimistic about the future world. Looking back on the past and the present, the Fu-yin proven once again examples of the success of industries is not just 1:00 of chance. Fukuhiko From 89 ultrathin DVD that traverse into research and development, in four years on the burned nearly 150 million budget, finally launched in 93 to be installed in notebook computers, only 10 mm thickness of the thin DVD traverse, also for the future of Blue Road familiarity out a good physique. Fukuhiko company, next-generation large-capacity DVD specifications can be divided into HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Dish two camps, The former Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, Universal Pictures represented, which is Sony, Pioneer, Philips, Sharp, JVC and other large factories. HD-DVD specifications compared to Blu-ray Disc greatest advantage, mainly to the compatibility of existing DVD disc manufacturers make the transition to HD-DVD will cost to a minimum. On the production of technically speaking, HD-DVD over Blu-ray Disc difficult low, Blu-ray Disc drives the cover only 0.1 mm, catching decontamination ability is poor, the need to protect cartridges, and the production made more difficult. HD-DVD disc recording capacity is smaller, but the eye, decontamination capability, and without cartridges. Therefore the production process easier and costs are lower. Fukuhiko this stage with the establishment of large well-known Chinese cooperation, the future will be Fukuhiko orders, mining methods OEM marketing, Compared to other major international firms traverse the same type of DVD prices, Philips worth 599 U.S. dollars each. Sony and Toshiba have 499 U.S. dollars, Fukuhiko 299 U.S. dollars to the price advantage, is expected to rapidly in the global market and obtain a place.

BTW, Under the Taiwanese calendar, 96 = 2007, and 93 = 2004."

Edit: Översättning via online translator.

Redigerat av diabolo, 06 juli 2007 - 08:21.