Reuters are saying Universal will release their BD lineup, which should be about 40 movies
Among them are the studio's five big feature films of the summer, including "The Incredible Hulk," with Edward Norton, William Hurt and Liv Tyler; "Wanted," an action thriller starring James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie; "Hellboy II: The Golden Army"; "Mamma Mia," the adaptation of the musical starring Meryl Streep; and the sequel "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," with Brendan Fraser and Jet Li.
Universal officially will enter the Blu-ray market July 22 with a trio of films from its "Mummy" action-adventure franchise: "The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns," both starring Fraser, and the spinoff "The Scorpion King," with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Also planned for domestic Blu-ray before the year is up are the catalog titles "American Gangster," "Knocked Up," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Miami Vice," "End of Days," "U-571" and "Land of the Dead," among others.
Great news...I'm just hoping they don't simply copy their HD DVD transfers and put them on Blu-ray...I'm hoping they up the bit rate to the max with AVC, throw on PCM, maybe even PCM 7.1 and give us top notch quality transfers. Sadly, it is probably not going to happen...maybe in the Special Edition double dip.
Great news...I'm just hoping they don't simply copy their HD DVD transfers and put them on Blu-ray...I'm hoping they up the bit rate to the max with AVC, throw on PCM, maybe even PCM 7.1 and give us top notch quality transfers. Sadly, it is probably not going to happen...maybe in the Special Edition double dip.
Hahahah still clinging the the "more is superior" dream huh?
Not an inspiring list of titles so far. Let's hope that the rest of the 40 projected for 2008 will contain some movies that people might actually want to watch. Still, it's a first step.
Hahahah still clinging the the "more is superior" dream huh?
Not really, just making a point that Universal was on average the worst in terms of video quality from all the review sites. I'm simply recommending they clean up their act and give us the best possible video and audio quality given that they don't have HD DVD's constraints any longer.
Not really, just making a point that Universal was on average the worst in terms of video quality from all the review sites. I'm simply recommending they clean up their act and give us the best possible video and audio quality given that they don't have HD DVD's constraints any longer.
Or is Universal's ports "good enough?" Hehehe.
According to certain insiders Universal have dumped the company responsible for the bad encodes.
Not really, just making a point that Universal was on average the worst in terms of video quality from all the review sites. I'm simply recommending they clean up their act and give us the best possible video and audio quality given that they don't have HD DVD's constraints any longer.
Or is Universal's ports "good enough?" Hehehe.
It's kind of dishonest to imply that HD-DVD itself had anything to do with the quality of the encodes. I think it's been proven over and over that both formats were perfectly capable of outputting equally gorgeous image quality. Audio might have seen a space issue, but video, certainly not.
No, I do not assume everyone has one in order for HD downloads to become mainstream.
Not a gotcha because you make an incorrect assumption. See below.
The point, which you continue to fail to grasp, is that the DRM for HD rentals MUST BE at least as secure as the DRM for a HD sale. OR you end up with pirated 720p rental movies all over the internet.
Computers are mainstream devices. Kids watch movies on computers all the time. Ever hear of this thing called YouTube, Limewire and Torrent? Illegal downloads for even movies on or before opening day are available.
That's like the pot calling the freshly fallen clean snow black.
Okay, here are some simple questions to lead you to water.
Question: Is the iPod a mainstream device?
Answer: Yes, the iPod is a mainstream device. It sells to many demographics and has a relatively high market penetration (about 30%)
Question: Does everyone own an iPod?
Answer: No, obviously the majority of folks do not, however it is not a requirement that market penetration be 100% to be mainstream. In fact, you do not need DVD player level of penetration (80%) to be mainstream. HDTV are considered entering the mainstream because a third of non-HD housholds are considering buying a HD set in the next six months.
Question: Does the iPod generate sufficient downloads that iTunes is the #2 retailer of music?
Answer: Yes. This does not mean that Apple actually sells a large percentage of music in comparison with CDs but the number of sales is sufficient that Apple outsells large retailers of music on CDs.
Question: Does this imply that digital downloads are used more than CDs?
Answer: No. Obviously, the vast majority of music sold is still on media. 5-6% or so are iTunes sales (2007 numbers...likely a bit higher now).
However, it is not a requirement that iTunes downloads replace CDs as a medium to become mainstream as it obviously is given it's #2 status.
Question: Can Apple sell millions of video iPod "HD"s and aTVs to consumers replicating the penetration as the music iPod?
Answer: Yes, it does not seem impossible for Apple to achieve 25-30% market share for its video devices given the large market penetraion of the iPod and the success of the iPhone and the iPod Touch. If Apple cannot, then someone else may.
Microsoft certainly wants to try. They have sold millions of XBox 360. 41% of all TV households have a game console. If the 360 can take a significant share of the market then you instantly have a mainstream vehicle for HD downloads (sales).
Question: Can Apple become a major retailer of HD movies if they can sell millions of iPod HDs and Apple TVs?
Answer: Given that they managed to do so for music, this is not outside the realm of the possibility. The probability is quite high if they manage to sell millions of iPod HDs and Apple TVs. That's the big "if" but again, Microsoft has sold millions of XBox 360s.
Question: So can HD downloads (sales) become mainstream EVEN IF Blu-Ray is wildly successful AND Apple (or Microsoft...brrr) doesn't sell more iPod HD's and aTVs than they have iPods?
Answer: Yes. Because iTunes downloads are mainstream while co-existing with CDs for which everyone owns a player. Just like in your repeated incorrect DVD example.
Drink deeply.
Ok here's an article that says what I've been trying to get across. Of course you can say the article is wrong but as you can see it's not just me saying these things.
"According to data released by the research firm, Pacific Media Associates, the share of the TV market for 30 to 34-inch L.C.D. TVs jumped to 24 percent in February from 16 percent in January.
That move was at the expense of larger sets. Market share sales for 45 to 49-inch L.C.D. TVs dropped to 14 percent from 18 percent and the 40- to 44-inch L.C.D. and plasma segment moved to 18 percent from 20 percent.
The reason, according to Alfred Poor, Pacific Media Associates’ senior research associate, is obvious: it’s the economy."
This is a double-edged sword for Blu-Ray. For one, Blu-Ray's higher resolution over DVD isn't perceivable on a 30-34" screen unless you're sitting like 3 feet from your screen. And secondly, if people are settling for 30-34" screens over 45-49" screens because of money, then they certainly won't be interested in a $400 disc player.
Ok here's an article that says what I've been trying to get across. Of course you can say the article is wrong but as you can see it's not just me saying these things.
This presupposes that Apple cannot make HD downloads as they made music downloads for the masses. Other than one or two sentences the blog is about BluRay adoption.
This presupposes that Apple cannot make HD downloads as they made music downloads for the masses. Other than one or two sentences the blog is about BluRay adoption.
Well there are some obsticles to be overcome as previously discussed. I have been trying to tell you. I'm sure the author is aware of iTunes and also the difference between music and true HD video. But who knows in time they might work out a viable solution.
Funny I read alot of topics surrounding BluRay in that article. Also it's making the same point I've been trying to. That BR has an uphill battle, That downloading isn't exactly the easy panacea that some people believe.
This pretty well sums it up :
" I suspect Sony’s Blu-ray will have a hard time for a few years, but not because of downloading. Downloading is simply too hard for the mass market. Buying discs is easy to do and easy to understand.
The competition for Blu-ray players is the latest generation of DVD players that can generate a high-definition picture from a standard-definition disc.
Right now, Blu-ray players cost $350 to $400. Sony PlayStation 3 game machines, which also play Blu-ray discs, also cost about $400. "
“Most people are happy just buying a better DVD player, instead of spending $350 or $400 for Blu-Ray,” he said. “An upconverting DVD for $79 is a great value. It has a great picture, really better than an old DVD. You really see a difference.”
About downloading. That's not saying it won't happen ( mass adoption ) mind you. It just won't be tommorrow or the next day.
As for BluRay if the price of stand alone players comes down later this year I'll buy one. I like HD too much. But I'm a crazy early adopter.
An example. I was in a store yesterday waiting for my girl friend's daughters to finish their prom pictures and I went over to the TV Dept. ( Sears ) and there was that Sony 52" XBR LCD set. It really has the best picture I've ever seen! Sitting there with all those other sets it really was no contest. The picture I can only describe as almost 3D. You just stare right into it. Nice looking case also. Black frame with a clear border. It's also an obscene amount of money ( $3999.99 ). Nice to torture myself over but I won't be getting one of those. In a few short years that same technology will be $ 1500.00 or less. But wow! Sony really does make good stuff!
One of the comments on that blog, I am in complete agreement with
Quote:
You have to be kidding when you say that the picture quality of an upconverted SD-DVD is equivalent to high definition source from either Blu-
Ray or HD-DVD. If you really think this you need an eye examination quickly. The main issue holding back wider adoption of the high definition format has now been resolved and we can all impatiently await quality movies to watch instead of the drivel that has been released so far.
One of the comments on that blog, I am in complete agreement with
Although that was a talkback comment about the article I would agree with that also. But I'm much more discerning than most. The average Joe just doesn't look that closely. And it's those guys we're talking about for mass adoption. An example. I have repeatedly tried to point out the difference between HD and SD on cable for my girl friend. For me SD is like watching TV through a screen door. She says : " I really can't see the big difference ". Although lately I've noticed she has been using the HD version of the local channels pretty much exclusively ( especialy KGW which recently changed their news to real HD ).
One of the comments on that blog, I am in complete agreement with
I agree also, particularly about the drivel part. That's what makes Universal's release announcement so disappointing? it seemed most of the movies were meant for people with a 12-year-old mentality.
Last night I watched A Passage to India, a Sony release, and was really impressed with the picture quality, especially for a 1984 movie. Hopefully the title will sell well, leading other studios to release more of their older catalog titles. One hopes that other studios will also take the care that Sony did with this picture when and if they do release some of those titles.
That quote is actually from a music recording company executive, circa 1998.
Perhaps there's something similar but when considering unfortunately the average Joe out there, the availability of bandwith, and the movie industry's current attitude there's also still a simple truth to it.
Comments
Why even bother with land of the dead? I want Sin City, and V for Vendetta.
they are pretty Naff arnt they!
Hellboy 2 I haven't seen yet, but might be worth a giggle
Reuters are saying Universal will release their BD lineup, which should be about 40 movies
Among them are the studio's five big feature films of the summer, including "The Incredible Hulk," with Edward Norton, William Hurt and Liv Tyler; "Wanted," an action thriller starring James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie; "Hellboy II: The Golden Army"; "Mamma Mia," the adaptation of the musical starring Meryl Streep; and the sequel "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," with Brendan Fraser and Jet Li.
Universal officially will enter the Blu-ray market July 22 with a trio of films from its "Mummy" action-adventure franchise: "The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns," both starring Fraser, and the spinoff "The Scorpion King," with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Also planned for domestic Blu-ray before the year is up are the catalog titles "American Gangster," "Knocked Up," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Miami Vice," "End of Days," "U-571" and "Land of the Dead," among others.
Linky here
Great news...I'm just hoping they don't simply copy their HD DVD transfers and put them on Blu-ray...I'm hoping they up the bit rate to the max with AVC, throw on PCM, maybe even PCM 7.1 and give us top notch quality transfers. Sadly, it is probably not going to happen...maybe in the Special Edition double dip.
Great news...I'm just hoping they don't simply copy their HD DVD transfers and put them on Blu-ray...I'm hoping they up the bit rate to the max with AVC, throw on PCM, maybe even PCM 7.1 and give us top notch quality transfers. Sadly, it is probably not going to happen...maybe in the Special Edition double dip.
Hahahah still clinging the the "more is superior" dream huh?
they are pretty Naff arnt they!
Hellboy 2 I haven't seen yet, but might be worth a giggle
I don't think many people have seen it yet. It hasn't yet been released in theaters.
Hahahah still clinging the the "more is superior" dream huh?
Not really, just making a point that Universal was on average the worst in terms of video quality from all the review sites. I'm simply recommending they clean up their act and give us the best possible video and audio quality given that they don't have HD DVD's constraints any longer.
Or is Universal's ports "good enough?" Hehehe.
I don't think many people have seen it yet. It hasn't yet been released in theaters.
well I was going off the trailer, I know it hasn't been released here, thought it "might" be out over there.
Does look "fun" though
Not really, just making a point that Universal was on average the worst in terms of video quality from all the review sites. I'm simply recommending they clean up their act and give us the best possible video and audio quality given that they don't have HD DVD's constraints any longer.
Or is Universal's ports "good enough?" Hehehe.
According to certain insiders Universal have dumped the company responsible for the bad encodes.
Not really, just making a point that Universal was on average the worst in terms of video quality from all the review sites. I'm simply recommending they clean up their act and give us the best possible video and audio quality given that they don't have HD DVD's constraints any longer.
Or is Universal's ports "good enough?" Hehehe.
It's kind of dishonest to imply that HD-DVD itself had anything to do with the quality of the encodes. I think it's been proven over and over that both formats were perfectly capable of outputting equally gorgeous image quality. Audio might have seen a space issue, but video, certainly not.
No, I do not assume everyone has one in order for HD downloads to become mainstream.
Not a gotcha because you make an incorrect assumption. See below.
The point, which you continue to fail to grasp, is that the DRM for HD rentals MUST BE at least as secure as the DRM for a HD sale. OR you end up with pirated 720p rental movies all over the internet.
Computers are mainstream devices. Kids watch movies on computers all the time. Ever hear of this thing called YouTube, Limewire and Torrent? Illegal downloads for even movies on or before opening day are available.
That's like the pot calling the freshly fallen clean snow black.
Okay, here are some simple questions to lead you to water.
Question: Is the iPod a mainstream device?
Answer: Yes, the iPod is a mainstream device. It sells to many demographics and has a relatively high market penetration (about 30%)
Question: Does everyone own an iPod?
Answer: No, obviously the majority of folks do not, however it is not a requirement that market penetration be 100% to be mainstream. In fact, you do not need DVD player level of penetration (80%) to be mainstream. HDTV are considered entering the mainstream because a third of non-HD housholds are considering buying a HD set in the next six months.
Question: Does the iPod generate sufficient downloads that iTunes is the #2 retailer of music?
Answer: Yes. This does not mean that Apple actually sells a large percentage of music in comparison with CDs but the number of sales is sufficient that Apple outsells large retailers of music on CDs.
Question: Does this imply that digital downloads are used more than CDs?
Answer: No. Obviously, the vast majority of music sold is still on media. 5-6% or so are iTunes sales (2007 numbers...likely a bit higher now).
However, it is not a requirement that iTunes downloads replace CDs as a medium to become mainstream as it obviously is given it's #2 status.
Question: Can Apple sell millions of video iPod "HD"s and aTVs to consumers replicating the penetration as the music iPod?
Answer: Yes, it does not seem impossible for Apple to achieve 25-30% market share for its video devices given the large market penetraion of the iPod and the success of the iPhone and the iPod Touch. If Apple cannot, then someone else may.
Microsoft certainly wants to try. They have sold millions of XBox 360. 41% of all TV households have a game console. If the 360 can take a significant share of the market then you instantly have a mainstream vehicle for HD downloads (sales).
Question: Can Apple become a major retailer of HD movies if they can sell millions of iPod HDs and Apple TVs?
Answer: Given that they managed to do so for music, this is not outside the realm of the possibility. The probability is quite high if they manage to sell millions of iPod HDs and Apple TVs. That's the big "if" but again, Microsoft has sold millions of XBox 360s.
Question: So can HD downloads (sales) become mainstream EVEN IF Blu-Ray is wildly successful AND Apple (or Microsoft...brrr) doesn't sell more iPod HD's and aTVs than they have iPods?
Answer: Yes. Because iTunes downloads are mainstream while co-existing with CDs for which everyone owns a player. Just like in your repeated incorrect DVD example.
Drink deeply.
Ok here's an article that says what I've been trying to get across. Of course you can say the article is wrong but as you can see it's not just me saying these things.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0...comes-the-war/
"According to data released by the research firm, Pacific Media Associates, the share of the TV market for 30 to 34-inch L.C.D. TVs jumped to 24 percent in February from 16 percent in January.
That move was at the expense of larger sets. Market share sales for 45 to 49-inch L.C.D. TVs dropped to 14 percent from 18 percent and the 40- to 44-inch L.C.D. and plasma segment moved to 18 percent from 20 percent.
The reason, according to Alfred Poor, Pacific Media Associates’ senior research associate, is obvious: it’s the economy."
Source.
This is a double-edged sword for Blu-Ray. For one, Blu-Ray's higher resolution over DVD isn't perceivable on a 30-34" screen unless you're sitting like 3 feet from your screen. And secondly, if people are settling for 30-34" screens over 45-49" screens because of money, then they certainly won't be interested in a $400 disc player.
Ok here's an article that says what I've been trying to get across. Of course you can say the article is wrong but as you can see it's not just me saying these things.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0...comes-the-war/
This presupposes that Apple cannot make HD downloads as they made music downloads for the masses. Other than one or two sentences the blog is about BluRay adoption.
This presupposes that Apple cannot make HD downloads as they made music downloads for the masses. Other than one or two sentences the blog is about BluRay adoption.
Well there are some obsticles to be overcome as previously discussed. I have been trying to tell you. I'm sure the author is aware of iTunes and also the difference between music and true HD video. But who knows in time they might work out a viable solution.
Funny I read alot of topics surrounding BluRay in that article. Also it's making the same point I've been trying to. That BR has an uphill battle, That downloading isn't exactly the easy panacea that some people believe.
This pretty well sums it up :
" I suspect Sony’s Blu-ray will have a hard time for a few years, but not because of downloading. Downloading is simply too hard for the mass market. Buying discs is easy to do and easy to understand.
The competition for Blu-ray players is the latest generation of DVD players that can generate a high-definition picture from a standard-definition disc.
Right now, Blu-ray players cost $350 to $400. Sony PlayStation 3 game machines, which also play Blu-ray discs, also cost about $400. "
“Most people are happy just buying a better DVD player, instead of spending $350 or $400 for Blu-Ray,” he said. “An upconverting DVD for $79 is a great value. It has a great picture, really better than an old DVD. You really see a difference.”
About downloading. That's not saying it won't happen ( mass adoption ) mind you. It just won't be tommorrow or the next day.
As for BluRay if the price of stand alone players comes down later this year I'll buy one. I like HD too much. But I'm a crazy early adopter.
An example. I was in a store yesterday waiting for my girl friend's daughters to finish their prom pictures and I went over to the TV Dept. ( Sears ) and there was that Sony 52" XBR LCD set.
You have to be kidding when you say that the picture quality of an upconverted SD-DVD is equivalent to high definition source from either Blu-
Ray or HD-DVD. If you really think this you need an eye examination quickly. The main issue holding back wider adoption of the high definition format has now been resolved and we can all impatiently await quality movies to watch instead of the drivel that has been released so far.
One of the comments on that blog, I am in complete agreement with
Although that was a talkback comment about the article I would agree with that also. But I'm much more discerning than most. The average Joe just doesn't look that closely. And it's those guys we're talking about for mass adoption. An example. I have repeatedly tried to point out the difference between HD and SD on cable for my girl friend. For me SD is like watching TV through a screen door. She says : " I really can't see the big difference ". Although lately I've noticed she has been using the HD version of the local channels pretty much exclusively ( especialy KGW which recently changed their news to real HD ).
One of the comments on that blog, I am in complete agreement with
I agree also, particularly about the drivel part. That's what makes Universal's release announcement so disappointing? it seemed most of the movies were meant for people with a 12-year-old mentality.
Last night I watched A Passage to India, a Sony release, and was really impressed with the picture quality, especially for a 1984 movie. Hopefully the title will sell well, leading other studios to release more of their older catalog titles. One hopes that other studios will also take the care that Sony did with this picture when and if they do release some of those titles.
"Downloading is simply too hard for the mass market. Buying discs is easy to do and easy to understand.
That quote is actually from a music recording company executive, circa 1998.
That quote is actually from a music recording company executive, circa 1998.
Perhaps there's something similar but when considering unfortunately the average Joe out there, the availability of bandwith, and the movie industry's current attitude there's also still a simple truth to it.