I figured this thread should be made for posters like myself following and/or supporting either formats.
On with it!
BLU-RAY
[TECHNICAL INFORMATION/FAQ]
What is Blu-ray?
Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD) is the name of a next-generation optical disc format. The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. For more general information about Blu-ray, please see our What is Blu-ray? section.
1.2 Why the name Blu-ray?
The name Blu-ray is derived from the underlying technology, which utilizes a blue-violet laser to read and write data. The name is a combination of "Blue" (blue-violet laser) and "Ray" (optical ray). According to the Blu-ray Disc Association the spelling of "Blu-ray" is not a mistake, the character "e" was intentionally left out so the term could be registered as a trademark.
The correct full name is Blu-ray Disc, not Blu-ray Disk (incorrect spelling)
The correct shortened name is Blu-ray, not Blu-Ray (incorrect capitalization) or Blue-ray (incorrect spelling)
The correct abbreviation is BD, not BR or BRD (wrong abbreviation)
1.3 Who developed Blu-ray?
The Blu-ray Disc format was developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers, with more than 170 member companies from all over the world. The Board of Directors currently consists of:
Apple Computer, Inc.
Dell Inc.
Hewlett Packard Company
Hitachi, Ltd.
LG Electronics Inc.
Matsu****a Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Pioneer Corporation
Royal Philips Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Sharp Corporation
Sony Corporation
Sun Microsystems, Inc.
TDK Corporation
Thomson Multimedia
Twentieth Century Fox
Walt Disney Pictures
Warner Bros. Entertainment
1.4 What Blu-ray formats are planned?
As with conventional CDs and DVDs, Blu-ray plans to provide a wide range of formats including ROM/R/RW. The following formats are part of the Blu-ray Disc specification:
BD-ROM - read-only format for distribution of HD movies, games, software, etc.
BD-R - recordable format for HD video recording and PC data storage.
BD-RE - rewritable format for HD video recording and PC data storage.
There's also plans for a BD/DVD hybrid format, which combines Blu-ray and DVD on the same disc so that it can be played in both Blu-ray players and DVD players.
1.5 How much data can you fit on a Blu-ray disc?
A single-layer disc can hold 25GB.
A dual-layer disc can hold 50GB.
To ensure that the Blu-ray Disc format is easily extendable (future-proof) it also includes support for multi-layer discs, which should allow the storage capacity to be increased to 100GB-200GB (25GB per layer) in the future simply by adding more layers to the discs.
1.6 How much video can you fit on a Blu-ray disc?
Over 9 hours of high-definition (HD) video on a 50GB disc.
About 23 hours of standard-definition (SD) video on a 50GB disc.
1.7 How fast can you read/write data on a Blu-ray disc?
According to the Blu-ray Disc specification, 1x speed is defined as 36Mbps. However, as BD-ROM movies will require a 54Mbps data transfer rate the minimum speed we're expecting to see is 2x (72Mbps). Blu-ray also has the potential for much higher speeds, as a result of the larger numerical aperture (NA) adopted by Blu-ray Disc. The large NA value effectively means that Blu-ray will require less recording power and lower disc rotation speed than DVD and HD-DVD to achieve the same data transfer rate. While the media itself limited the recording speed in the past, the only limiting factor for Blu-ray is the capacity of the hardware. If we assume a maximum disc rotation speed of 10,000 RPM, then 12x at the outer diameter should be possible (about 400Mbps). This is why the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) already has plans to raise the speed to 8x (288Mbps) or more in the future.
1.8 What video codecs will Blu-ray support?
MPEG-2 - enhanced for HD, also used for playback of DVDs and HDTV recordings.
MPEG-4 AVC - part of the MPEG-4 standard also known as H.264 (High Profile and Main Profile).
SMPTE VC-1 - standard based on Microsoft's Windows Media Video (WMV) technology.
Please note that this simply means that all Blu-ray players and recorders will have to support playback of these video codecs, it will still be up to the movie studios to decide which video codec(s) they use for their releases.
1.9 What audio codecs will Blu-ray support?
Linear PCM (LPCM) - offers up to 8 channels of uncompressed audio.
Dolby Digital (DD) - format used for DVDs also known as AC3, offers 5.1-channel surround sound.
Dolby Digital Plus (DD+) - extension of DD, offers increased bitrates and 7.1-channel surround sound.
Dolby TrueHD - extension of MLP Lossless, offers lossless encoding of up to 8 channels of audio.
DTS Digital Surround - format used for DVDs, offers 5.1-channel surround sound.
DTS-HD - extension of DTS, offers increased bitrates and up to 8 channels of audio.
Please note that this simply means that all Blu-ray players and recorders will have to support playback of these audio codecs, it will still be up to the movie studios to decide which audio codec(s) they use for their releases.
1.10 Will Blu-ray discs require a cartridge?
No, the development of new low cost hard-coating technologies has made the cartridge obsolete. Blu-ray will instead rely on hard-coating for protection, which when applied will make the discs even more resistant to scratches and fingerprints than today's DVDs, while still preserving the same look and feel. Blu-ray also adopts a new error correction system which is more robust and efficient than the one used for DVDs.
1.11 Will Blu-ray require an Internet connection?
No, you will not need an Internet connection for basic playback of Blu-ray movies. The Internet connection will only be needed for value-added features such as downloading new extras, watching recent movie trailers, web browsing, etc. It will also be required to authorize managed copies of Blu-ray movies that can be transferred over a home network.
1.12 Will Blu-ray down-convert analog outputs?
No, Blu-ray players will not down-convert the analog output signal unless the video contains something called an Image Constraint Token (ICT). This feature is not part of the Blu-ray Disc spec, but of the AACS copy-protection system also adopted by HD-DVD. In the end it will be up to each movie studio to decide if they want to use this "feature" on their releases or not. The good news is that Sony, Disney, Fox, Paramount, MGM and Universal have already stated that they have no intention of using this feature. The other studios, which have yet to announce their plans, will most likely follow suit to avoid getting bad publicity. If any of the studios still decide to use ICT they will have to state this on the cover of their movies, so you should have no problem avoiding these titles.
1.13 Will Blu-ray support mandatory managed copy?
Yes, mandatory managed copy (MMC) will be part of the Blu-ray format. This feature will enable consumers to make legal copies of their Blu-ray movies that can be transferred over a home network. Please note that "mandatory" refers to the movies having to offer this capability, while it will be up to each hardware manufacturer to decide if they want to support this feature.
1.14 When will I be able to buy Blu-ray products?
If you live in the US or Canada you can already find Blu-ray players from Panasonic and Samsung available in stores, as well as a growing selection of Blu-ray movies. We also expect to see Blu-ray players from Sony, Philips and Pioneer introduced later this year. The European launch is expected to follow some time later this fall.
1.15 What will Blu-ray products cost?
As with any new technology the first generation of products will likely be quite expensive due to low production volumes. However, this shouldn't be a problem for long as there is a wide range of Blu-ray related products (players, recorders, drives, writers, media, etc) planned, which should help drive up production volumes and lower overall production costs. Once mass production of components for Blu-ray products begins the prices are expected to fall quickly.
According to the Blu-ray Disc Association, the overall cost of manufacturing Blu-ray Disc media will in the end be no more expensive than producing a DVD. The reduced injection molding costs (one molding machine instead of two, no birefringence problems) offset the additional cost of applying the cover layer and low cost hard-coat, while the techniques used for applying the recording layer remain the same. As production volumes increase the production costs should fall and eventually be comparable to DVDs.
Blu-ray vs DVD
2.1 Will Blu-ray replace DVDs?
Yes, that's the expectation. The Blu-ray format has received broad support from the major movie studios as a successor to today's DVD format. Seven of the eight major movie studios have already announced titles for Blu-ray, including Warner, Paramount, Fox, Disney, Sony, MGM and Lionsgate. The initial line-up is expected to consist of over 100 titles and include recent hits as well as classics such as Batman Begins, Desperado, Fantastic Four, Fifth Element, Hero, Ice Age, Kill Bill, Lethal Weapon, Mission Impossible, Ocean's Twelve, Pirates of the Caribbean, Reservoir Dogs, Robocop, and The Matrix. Many studios have also announced that they will begin releasing new feature films on Blu-ray Disc day-and-date with DVD, as well as a continuous slate of catalog titles every month.
However, the two formats (Blu-ray and DVD) will most likely co-exist for quite some time until HDTVs become more widespread. For a complete list of the announced movies, please see our Blu-ray Movies section.
2.2 Will Blu-ray be backwards compatible with DVD?
Yes, several leading consumer electronics companies (including Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Pioneer, Sharp and LG) have already demonstrated products that can read/write CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs using a BD/DVD/CD compatible optical head, so you don't have to worry about your existing DVD collection becoming obsolete. In fact, most of the Blu-ray players coming out will support upscaling of DVDs to 1080p/1080i, so your existing DVD collection will look even better than before. While it's up to each manufacturer to decide if they want to make their products backwards compatible with DVD, the format is far too popular to not be supported. The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) expects every Blu-ray Disc device to be backward compatible with DVDs.
2.3 Why should I upgrade from DVD to Blu-ray?
The simple answer is HDTV. If you've ever seen high-definition (HD) video on an HDTV, then you know just how incredibly sharp the picture is and how vivid the colors are. In fact, HD offers five times the amount of detail compared to standard-definition (SD). The problem with today's DVDs is that they only support SD and don't have the necessary storage capacity to satisfy the needs of HD. That's where Blu-ray comes in, it offers up to 50GB of storage capacity and enables playback, recording and rewriting of HD in all of the HD resolutions including 1080p. The format also supports high-definition audio formats and lossless audio.
In addition to the greater video and audio quality, the extra storage capacity also means there will be plenty of room for additional content and special features. This combined with the new BD-J interactivity layer adopted by Blu-ray will bring the menus, graphics and special features to a whole new level. For example, you will be able to bring up the menu system as an overlay without stopping the movie, and you could have the director of the movie on the screen explaining the shooting of a scene while the scene is playing in the background. The advanced interactivity combined with the networking features of Blu-ray will also allow content producers to support new innovative features such as downloading extras, updating content via the web, and watching live broadcasts of special events.
Thanks to the greatly enhanced HD video and audio quality as well as the advanced interactivity and networking features, Blu-ray represents a huge leap forward in the DVD viewing experience and will offer consumers an unprecedented HD experience.
2.4 What is the difference between Blu-ray and DVD?
2.5 Will Blu-ray replace VCRs?
Yes, as VCRs don't support recording of HDTV programming consumers will soon need to replace them. Blu-ray recorders combined with hard drives offer a very flexible alternative for those that want to record HDTV. While HD-DVRs already allow consumers to record HDTV, the amount of HDTV programming that can be recorded and archived is limited by the size of the hard drive. Blu-ray recorders will offer a solution to this problem as they allow consumers to record the video to Blu-ray discs and then free up the hard drive. This should make them popular among people that want to archive a lot of their HDTV recordings. The Blu-ray recorders will also offer a lot of compelling new features not possible with a traditional VCR:
# Random access - instantly jump to any place on the disc
# Searching - quickly browse and preview recorded programs in real-time
# Create playlists - change the order of recorded programs and edit recorded video
# Simultaneous recording and playback of video (enables Time slip/Chasing playback)
# Automatically find an empty space to avoid recording over programs
# Improved picture - ability to record high-definition television (HDTV)
# Improved sound - ability to record surround sound (Dolby Digital, DTS, etc)
2.6 What about Blu-ray for PCs?
There are plans for BD-ROM (read-only), BD-R (recordable) and BD-RE (rewritable) drives for PCs, and with the support of the worlds two largest PC manufacturers, HP and Dell, it's very likely that the technology will be adopted as the next-generation optical disc format for PC data storage and replace technologies such as DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD-RAM.
Blu-ray vs HD-DVD
3.1 Is Blu-ray the same thing as HD-DVD?
No, HD-DVD (previously known as AOD) is the name of a competing next-generation optical disc format developed by Toshiba and NEC. The format is quite different from Blu-ray, but also relies heavily on blue-laser technology to achieve a higher storage capacity. The format is being developed within the DVD Forum as a possible successor to the current DVD technology.
3.2 What benefits does Blu-ray offer compared to HD-DVD?
Although both Blu-ray and HD-DVD are similar in many aspects, there are some important differences between them.
The first is capacity. Because Blu-ray utilizes a lens with a greater numerical aperture (NA) than HD-DVD, the laser spot can be focused with greater precision to fit more data on the same size disc. This allows Blu-ray to hold 25GB per layer (50GB on a dual-layer disc), whereas HD-DVD can only hold 15GB per layer (30GB on a dual-layer disc). Blu-ray has also adopted a higher data transfer rate for video and audio (54Mbps vs 36.55Mbps). The greater capacity and data transfer rates for Blu-ray will allow the movie studios to release their movies with higher quality video and audio than the HD-DVD format.
The second is content. The Blu-ray format has received broad support from the major movie studios as a successor to today's DVD format. Seven of the eight major movie studios (Warner, Paramount, Fox, Disney, Sony, MGM and Lionsgate) have already announced titles for Blu-ray, whereas HD-DVD only has support from three major movie studios (Warner, Paramount and Universal). This is an important difference because some of the studios might only support one of the formats, so you won't be able to get your favorite movies in the other format. Choosing the format with the most content support minimizes this risk.
The third is hardware support. The Blu-ray format has broad support from the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers, including Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Pioneer, Sharp, JVC, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, TDK, Thomson, LG, Apple, HP and Dell. The Blu-ray format will also be supported in the next-generation PlayStation 3 (PS3) video game console. This means that you will have a lot of choice when it comes to players and hardware. The HD-DVD format has far less supporters, so the amount of players and hardware will be very limited. So far, Toshiba is the only company to officially announce a HD-DVD player and it will only support 1080i output, while the announced Blu-ray players will support 1080p.
3.3 What is the difference between Blu-ray and HD-DVD?
[UPCOMING RELEASES]
November 21, 2006
* Annapolis (Buena Vista)
* Goal! The Dream Begins (Buena Vista)
* Ice Age: The Meltdown (Fox)
* Sky High (Buena Vista)
* The Wild (Buena Vista)
November 28, 2006
* The Ant Bully (Warner)
* Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (Warner)
* Superman Returns (Warner)
* Superman: The Movie (Warner)
* Windtalkers (Fox)
December 05, 2006
* The Architect (Magnolia)
* Bulletproof Monk (Fox)
* A Christmas Story (Warner)
* Flight of the Phoenix (Fox)
* From Hell (Fox)
* National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Warner)
* Rising Sun (Fox)
* Rocky (Fox)
December 12, 2006
* The Devil Wears Prada (Fox)
* Kung Fu Hustle (Sony)
* Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (Sony)
* Tony Bennett: An American Classic (Sony Music)
* World Trade Center (Paramount)
December 19, 2006
* All the King's Men (Sony)
* Enemy of the State (Buena Vista)
* Flightplan (Buena Vista)
* Invincible (Buena Vista)
* Lady in the Water (Warner)
* Pearl Harbor (Buena Vista)
* The Sopranos: Season Six, Part One (Warner)
December 26, 2006
* The Descent (Lionsgate)
* Transporter 2 (Fox)
January 02, 2007
* The Covenant (Sony)
January 16, 2007
* Resident Evil: Apocalypse (Sony)
* Winged Migration (Sony)
January 23, 2007
* Alien vs. Predator (Fox)
* Black Rain (Paramount)
* Casanova (Buena Vista)
* Chicago (Buena Vista)
* Commando (Fox)
* Courage Under Fire (Fox)
* Gridiron Gang (Sony)
* The Guardian (2006) (Buena Vista)
* The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Buena Vista)
* The Manchurian Candidate (2004) (Paramount)
* Men of Honor (Fox)
* Saw II (Lionsgate)
* We Were Soldiers (Paramount)
February 06, 2007
* American Psycho (Lionsgate)
* Failure to Launch (Paramount)
* First Blood (Lionsgate)
* Reservoir Dogs (Lionsgate)
February 13, 2007
* Broken Arrow (Fox)
* Chain Reaction (Fox)
* Entrapment (Fox)
* Phone Booth (Fox)
* Planet of the Apes (Fox)
* The Princess Bride (MGM)
* The Sentinel (Fox)
* The Usual Suspects (Fox)
Release Dates Postponed
The following titles were originally given release dates but have since been postponed with no new dates announced. Watch this space for the latest street date updates as soon as they are made official.
* Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Sony)
* The Da Vinci Code (Sony)
* Gattaca (Sony)
* Layer Cake (Sony)
* Legends of the Fall (Sony)
* The Professionals (Sony)
* RoboCop (MGM)
* Sense and Sensibility (Sony)
* Young Guns (Lionsgate)
Release Dates Pending
The following titles are planned for release in the Blu-ray format (as indicated by press release or previous public statements made by the distributor), but release dates have not been announced:
* 2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner)
* Above the Law (Warner)
* Alexander
* Angels in America (HBO)
* Armageddon (Buena Vista)
* Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (New Line)
* Band of Brothers (HBO)
* Batman Begins (Warner)
* Blade (New Line)
* Blade Runner (Warner)
* Bram Stoker's Dracula (Sony)
* Braveheart (Paramount)
* The Bridge on the River Kwai (Sony)
* Catwoman (Warner)
* Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Warner)
* Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (Sony)
* Chicken Little (Buena Vista)
* A Clockwork Orange (Warner)
* Coach Carter (Paramount)
* Constantine (Warner)
* Contact (Warner)
* Dark City (New Line)
* Deadwood: Season One (HBO)
* Desperado (Sony)
* The Dirty Dozen (Warner)
* The Dirty Harry Collection (Warner)
* Dukes of Hazzard (Warner)
* Elizabethtown (Paramount)
* Eraser (Warner)
* Executive Decision (Warner)
* Eyes Wide Shut (Warner)
* Final Destination (New Line)
* For a Few Dollars More (Sony)
* Forbidden Planet (Warner)
* Forrest Gump (Paramount)
* Frank Herbert's Dune (Lionsgate)
* Friday (New Line)
* Friends: Season One (Warner)
* From the Earth to the Moon (HBO)
* Ghost (Paramount)
* Goodfellas (Warner)
* Gothika (Warner)
* Grand Prix (Warner)
* Grease (Paramount)
* The Green Mile (Warner)
* The Guns of Navarone (Sony)
* Hard to Kill (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Warner)
* Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (Buena Vista)
* Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (Buena Vista)
* The Maltese Falcon (Warner)
* The Mask (New Line)
* The Matrix Revolutions (Warner)
* The Matrix Reloaded (Warner)
* The Matrix (Warner)
* Maverick (Warner)
* The Music Man (Warner)
* Mutiny on the Bounty (Warner)
* Mystic River (Warner)
* Next of Kin (Warner)
* Nine Inch Nails Live: Beside You in Time (TBA)
* North by Northwest (Warner)
* Ocean's Eleven (Warner)
* Ocean's Twelve (Warner)
* Passenger 57 (Warner)
* The Perfect Storm (Warner)
* Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Buena Vista)
* The Player (New Line)
* The Polar Express (Warner)
* Poseidon (Warner)
* Red Planet (Warner)
* Rush Hour (New Line)
* Save the Last Dance (Paramount)
* School of Rock (Paramount)
* Scooby-Doo (2002) (Warner)
* Se7en (New Line)
* See No Evil (Lionsgate)
* The Shining (1980) (Warner)
* Soldier (Warner)
* The Sopranos: Season One (HBO)
* Spawn (New Line)
* Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie (Paramount)
* Star Trek: First Contact (Sony)
* Stargate: Atlantis - Season One (Sony)
* Superman: Ultimate Collector's Edition (Warner)
* Troy (Warner)
* Twister (Warner)
* U.S. Marshals (Warner)
* Vanilla Sky (Paramount)
* Wild Wild West (Warner)
[RECENT RELEASES]
• Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
• Superman: The Movie
• Annapolis
• The Wild
• Ice Age: The Meltdown
• Million Dollar Baby
• Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
• ATL
• Fantastic Four
• The Omen
• X-Men: The Last Stand
• Black Hawk Down
• Under Siege
• Nacho Libre
• The Italian Job (2003)
• The Searchers
• Little Man
• Reds
• Unforgiven
• Mission: Impossible - Ultimate Missions Set
• Aeon Flux
• Sahara
• Mission: Impossible III
• Sleepy Hollow
• Glory Road
• Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
• The Great Raid
• Dark Water
• The Haunted Mansion
• Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
• Monster House
• Four Brothers
• U2: Rattle and Hum
• Click
• 16 Blocks
• Syriana
• Stir of Echoes
• Eight Below
• The Lake House
• The Fugitive
• House of Wax (2005)
• Swordfish
• Lethal Weapon 2
• Space Cowboys
• Dinosaur
• Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
• Corpse Bride
• The Big Hit
• Full Metal Jacket
• Lethal Weapon
• Firewall
• Blazing Saddles
• The Devil's Rejects
• Tears of the Sun
• Total Recall
• Stargate
• Silent Hill
• A Knight's Tale
• Into the Blue
• RV
• Memento
• S.W.A.T.
• Rumor Has It...
• Good Night, and Good Luck
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
• Training Day
• The Last Waltz
• Stealth
• Species
• The Benchwarmers
• The Punisher
• Ultraviolet
• Basic Instinct 2
• Lord of War
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day
• House of Flying Daggers
• Saw
• Hitch
• The Terminator
• Crash
• Underworld: Evolution
• xXx
• 50 First Dates
• The Fifth Element
[October 30]
Mission: Impossible 3 (Paramount)
Mission: Impossible: Ultimate Missions Collection (Paramount)
[October 31]
The Phantom of the Opera
The Searchers (Warner)
Under Siege (Warner)
Unforgiven (Warner)
[November 7]
Little Man (Sony)
Nacho Libre (Paramount)
Reds (Paramount)
[November 14]
ATL (Warner)
Behind Enemy Lines (Fox)
Black Hawk Down (Sony)
Fantastic Four (Fox)
Kingdom Of Heaven (Fox)
Kiss Of The Dragon (Fox)
L4yer Cake (Sony)
Million Dollar Baby (Warner)
The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Fox)
The Last Samurai (Warner)
The Omen 666 (Fox)
Speed (Fox)
The Transporter (Fox)
X-Men 3: The Last Stand (Fox)
[PORN]
Vivid will have Blu-Ray titles available in 2007
------------------------------------------------------------
HD-DVD
[FAQ]
Overview
An HD DVD disc can store substantially more data than a standard DVD, because of the shorter wavelength (405 nm) of the blue-violet laser (DVDs use a 650-nm-wavelength red laser and CDs an infrared 780 nm laser), which allows more information to be stored digitally in the same amount of physical space. In comparison to Blu-ray Disc, which also uses a blue laser, HD DVD has less information capacity per layer (15 gigabytes instead of 25). HD DVD shares the same basic disc structure as a standard DVD: back-to-back bonding of two 0.6 mm thick, 120 mm diameter substrates. The 30 GB dual-layer HD DVDs have been used on nearly every movie released in this format.
History
The HD DVD standard was jointly developed by a group of consumer electronics and PC companies, spearheaded by Toshiba. It is currently competing with the Blu-ray Disc format for wide adoption as the preferred next generation optical standard, similar to the videotape format war between VHS and Betamax.
On November 19, 2003, the DVD Forum decided that they would back the HD DVD to be the HDTV successor of the DVD. At this meeting they renamed it to HD DVD, while it had been previously called the "Advanced Optical Disc" (AOD). This is not a very surprising extension of the previous DVD-R/RW versus DVD+R/RW war, where - (dash) was the format defended by DVD Forum, and + (plus) the format defended by the DVD+RW Alliance. The DVD Forum generally has focus on CE (Consumer Electronic) and Japanese market development (where CE happens to be very strong). The DVD+RW Alliance has invested more on the PC market with technologies such as Background formatting and defect management through "Mount Rainier" (unreleased).
At CES 2006, Microsoft announced that there would be an external add-on HD DVD drive for the Xbox 360 game console, due in late 2006. Also at CES 2006, "companies backing HD DVD said that nearly 200 titles would be available for the format by the end of the year." [1]
On March 31, 2006, Toshiba released their first HD DVD player in Japan at ¥110,000 ($934).[2] HD DVD was released in United States on April 18, 2006[3], with players priced at $499 and $799.
The current specification version for HD DVD-ROM and HD DVD-Rewritable is version 1.0. The specification for HD DVD-R is currently at 0.9. The first HD DVD-ROM drives were expected to be unveiled by Q4 2006, with mass production to start in Q1 2007. The actual product launch of both CE and PC units occurred in late 2006.
Specifications
HD DVD has a single-layer capacity of 15 GB and a dual-layer capacity of 30 GB. HD DVD can offer both the current DVD and HD DVD formats on one disc, which means that special HD DVD discs will play in any DVD player, old or the new high definition players (similar to the Blu-ray/DVD hybrid developed by JVC). This makes retail marketing and shelf space management easier. For consumers, shopping is simplified as they can simply buy a movie that plays in any DVD player in their house, standard definition or high definition. The HD DVD format also can be applied to current red laser DVDs in 5, 9, 15 and 18 GB capacities which offers an even lower cost option to content owners wanting to sell short form content.
Like the original DVD format, the data layer of an HD DVD disc is 0.6 mm below the surface. The numerical aperture of the optical pick-up head is 0.65, compared with 0.6 for DVD and 0.85 for Blu Ray aperture. Both of the new formats are backward compatible with DVDs and both employ the same video compression techniques: MPEG-2, Video Codec 1 (VC1) and H.264/MPEG-4 AVC.
HD DVD can be mastered with up to 7.1 channel surround sound using the linear (uncompressed) PCM, Dolby Digital and DTS formats also used on DVDs. In addition, it also supports Dolby Digital Plus and the lossless formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD. Currently, most DVD movies are made with 5.1 channels of surround sound. There are relatively few titles that offer 6.1 channels of surround sound. On HD DVD the Dolby formats are mandatory, meaning that a Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus track may be used as the sole soundtrack on a disc, because every player will have a decoder that can process any of these bitstreams.[4] For lossless audio in movies in the PCM, Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD formats, HD DVD discs support encoding in up to 24-bit/192 kHz for two channels, or up to eight channels of up to 24-bit/96 kHz encoding.[5] For reference, even new big-budget Hollywood films are mastered in only 24-bit/48 kHz, with 16-bit/48 kHz being common for ordinary films.
The HD DVD format supports a wide variety of resolutions, from low-resolution CIF and SDTV up to HDTV formats such as 720p, 1080i and 1080p.[6] All movie titles released so far have had the feature encoded in 1080p (although the only player currently available that supports 1080p is the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive), with supplements in 480i or 480p. Most titles are encoded with VC-1.
Common disc structure
Backward compatibility will be available with all HD DVD players, allowing consumers to have a single drive in their homes to play both HD DVD and DVD discs. There is also a hybrid HD DVD which contains both DVD and HD DVD versions of the same movie on a single disc, providing smoother transition for the studios in terms of publishing movies, and letting consumers with only DVD drives to still use the discs. DVD disc replication companies can continue using their current production equipment with only minor alterations when changing over to the format of HD DVD replication. Due to the structure of the single-lens optical head, both red and blue laser diodes can be used in smaller, more compact HD DVD players.
Laser
HD DVD uses a blue-violet 405 nm laser to read information from the disc (DVDs use red 650 nm lasers). The shorter wavelength reduces diffraction and maintains a smaller spot size of the laser. This allows data to be read from a higher density on the disc surface. While DVDs and HD DVDs will be the same size physically, the ability to store data at a higher density results in a larger total data capacity in HD DVDs.
Digital Rights Management
Commercialized HD DVDs integrate content protection technology specified by AACS LA (Advanced Access Content System License Authority). "Audio Watermark Protection" is also being considered by AACS for use on HD DVD. If Watermark is adopted by AACS, all HD DVD players will have a sensor that listens for inaudible audio watermarks in the soundtrack of movies. Studios may insert this invisible mark in the soundtracks of theatrical motion pictures. If an HD DVD player does not detect the invisible mark, it means the disc is playing back a copy made from a theatrical print (probably from illegal camcording), and will cause the player to refuse to play the disc. The mark is made by varying the waveform of speech and music in a regular pattern to convey a digital code. These variations are too subtle to be heard by the human ear. Another variation of this system can be used to prevent the playback of discs created by using a camcorder and microphone on a home entertainment center playing a legitimate disc purchased by a consumer. This variation for home entertainment utilizes a watermark that differs from the cinema mark in that it is permitted in normal, signed ROM discs, but generally not permitted on recordable discs.
In addition, HD DVD players must follow AACS guidelines pertaining to outputs over analog connections. This is set by a flag called the Image Constraint Token (ICT), which restricts the resolution for analog outputs without HDCP to 960×540. The decision to set the flag to restrict output ("down-convert") is left to the content provider. Warner Pictures is a proponent of ICT, and it is expected that Paramount and Universal will implement down-conversion as well [8]. As of March 2006, 5 of the 6 studios releasing HD DVD content have announced they will not use ICT/down-conversion for the time being [9]. AACS guidelines require that any title that implements the ICT must clearly state so on the packaging.
While there is no Region Coding in the existing HD DVD specification, the DVD Forum is currently developing a regional lockout scheme. [10]
Interactive content
HD DVDs use the iHD Interactive Format to allow interactive content to be authored for discs. iHD is based on web technologies such as HTML, XML, CSS, SMIL, and ECMAScript (JavaScript), so authoring in iHD should be a fairly easy transition for web developers. No existing DVD authoring experience is required. In contrast, Blu-ray Disc content is authored using either a scripting environment for basic content, or a Java-based platform (BD-J) for advanced content. DVD video discs utilize pre-rendered MPEG segments, selectable subtitle pictures, and simple programmatic navigation which is considerably more primitive.
Released titles
Main article: List of HD DVD releases
The first HD DVD titles released on April 18, 2006 were The Last Samurai, Million Dollar Baby, The Phantom of the Opera by Warner Home Video; and Serenity by Universal Studios [11]. To date, 125 titles have been released worldwide, 88 in the United States, and 37 in Japan[12].
First released players
On April 18, 2006, Toshiba released the first HD DVD players for the United States, the Toshiba HD-A1 and Toshiba HD-XA1. They utilize an Intel Pentium 4 processor and contain 1 GB of RAM; the drive mechanism is also an IDE HD DVD drive. The units run a specialized version of the Linux operating system booting off a USB thumbdrive.
On May 16 Toshiba released its first PC with a HD DVD drive, the Toshiba Qosmio 35. This PC is the first to have a slim height optical disc drive. Toshiba's Digital Products Division, introduced Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV600, the latest version of its flagship "4-in-1" audio-video entertainment notebook with new enhancements. The Toshiba G35-AV600 is a complete package featuring Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 and integrated TV tuner, digital video recorder (DVR), virtual surround-sound stereo, and HDMI output. The notebook includes the world's first 1-bit digital amplifier in a notebook PC. [citation needed]
Microsoft has also released an add-on HD DVD drive for the Xbox 360 for $200[13]. The add-on, which attaches to the console via USB 2.0 cable, features component output, but no HDMI output. It outputs 1080p over component for games only, not for movies. A VGA connection is required for 1080p output from the HD DVD addon drive. According to Microsoft, the Xbox 360 will not include an internal HD DVD drive in future releases.[14] However, the Taiwan optical disk drive industry reports that Microsoft is selecting manufacturers to build an internal HD DVD drive for a new generation of Xbox 360's.[15] Toshiba announced second generation HD DVD players for the US this fall, the Toshiba HD-A2 (Expected Pricing and Expected Availability: $499.99, October 2006) and Toshiba HD-XA2 ($999.99, December 2006). The high-end model, the HD-XA2, will feature HDMI 1.3 and 1080p output.[16]
Marketing
A $150 million dollar advertising campaign is being planned for the HD DVD. The campaign is being handled by Goodby Silverstein & Partners, the same agency that created the "Got Milk?" campaign.
The campaign will encompass all media: Print, Internet, television, and other outlets. All advertising will boast the tagline "The Look and Sound of Perfect." A new Web site was also launched on July 11, 2006, [17], which touts the HD DVD's superior video and audio capabilities and includes trailers of HD DVD movies. [18]
Industry support
HD DVD is promoted by Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Intel, among others. In terms of major studios, HD DVD is currently exclusively backed by Universal Studios and The Weinstein Company (through Genius Products) and is non-exclusively backed by Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., New Line, HBO, DreamWorks, Image Entertainment, Magnolia Pictures, Brentwood Home Video, Warner Music Group, Ryko, Goldhil Entertainment, and Studio Canal.
HD DVD is product of the DVD Forum which works to promote broad acceptance of DVD products on a worldwide basis, across entertainment, consumer electronics and IT industries. The primary 20 companies involved with the DVD Forum are: Hitachi, Ltd., IBM Corporation, Industrial and Technology Research Institute, Intel Corporation, LG Electronics Inc., Matsu****a Electric Industrial Co. Ltd, Microsoft Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, NEC Corporation, PIONEER CORPORATION, Royal Philips Electronics, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., SHARP CORPORATION, Sony Corporation, THOMSON, Toshiba Corporation, Victor Company of Japan, Limited, Walt Disney Pictures and Television Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Some companies, such as NEC or VidaBox, have developed dual-format or hybrid technologies. NEC is developing a single chip that works with either HD standard[19] , while VidaBox has developed the world's first dual drive compatible player that accommodates both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs[20].
[UPCOMING RELEASES]
November 28, 2006
* An American Werewolf in London (Universal)
* The Ant Bully (Warner)
* Dune (1984) (Universal)
* Meet the Parents (Universal)
* The Mummy (Universal)
* Smallville: The Complete Fifth Season (Warner)
* Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (Warner)
* Superman Returns (Warner)
* Superman: The Movie (Warner)
December 05, 2006
* The Architect (Magnolia)
* Chronos (Goldhil Media) JUST LISTED!
* A Christmas Story (Warner)
* Digital Video Essentials - HD DVD Edition (DVD International)
* Miami Vice (2006) (Universal)
* National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Warner)
* Poseidon (Warner)
December 12, 2006
* Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at the Greek Theatre (Image)
* Field of Dreams (Universal)
* Heart: Alive in Seattle (Image)
* Hulk (Universal)
* Manilow Live! (Image)
* World Trade Center (Paramount)
December 19, 2006
* Casino (Universal)
* Derailed (Genius)
* Jet Li's Fearless (Universal)
* Lady in the Water (Warner)
* The Matador (Weinstein)
* Scary Movie 4 (Weinstein)
* The Scorpion King (Universal)
* The Sopranos: Season Six, Part One (Warner)
* Wolf Creek (Weinstein)
December 26, 2006
* The Breakfast Club (Universal)
* The Deer Hunter (Universal)
January 16, 2007
* The Mummy Returns (Universal)
* The Sting (Universal)
January 23, 2007
* Black Rain (Paramount)
* Brokeback Mountain (Universal)
February 06, 2007
* Failure to Launch (Paramount)
* Hollywoodland (Universal)
Release Dates Postponed
The following titles were originally given release dates but have since been postponed with no new dates announced. Watch this space for the latest street date updates as soon as they are made official.
* Galaxina (BCI)
* Golgo 13 (BCI)
* That's the Way of the World (BCI)
Release Dates Pending
The following titles are planned for release in the HD DVD format (as indicated by press release or previous public statements made by the distributor), but release dates have not been announced:
* 2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner)
* Above the Law (Warner)
* Alexander (Warner)
* American Pie (Unrated) (Universal)
* American Pie Presents: A Naked Mile (Universal)
* Angels in America (HBO)
* Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (New Line)
* The Aviator (Universal)
* Awake (Weinstein)
* Band of Brothers (HBO)
* Bikini Destinations (Magnolia)
* The Black Dahlia (Universal)
* Blade (New Line)
* Blade Runner (Warner)
* The Blues Brothers (Universal)
* Braveheart (Paramount)
* Breaking and Entering (Weinstein)
* Bubble (Magnolia)
* Catwoman (Warner)
* Clerks II (Weinstein)
* A Clockwork Orange (Warner)
* Coach Carter (Paramount)
* Conan the Barbarian (Universal)
* Contact (Warner)
* Dante's Peak (Universal)
* Dark City (New Line)
* Deadwood: Season One (HBO)
* Decameron (Weinstein)
* The Dirty Harry Collection (Warner)
* Elizabethtown (Warner)
* Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (Magnolia)
* Eraser (Warner)
* Executive Decision (Warner)
* Eyes Wide Shut (Warner)
* Final Destination (New Line)
* Forrest Gump (Paramount)
* Friday (New Line)
* Friends: Season One (Warner)
* From the Earth to the Moon (HBO)
* Ghost (Paramount)
* Gothika (Warner)
* Grease (Paramount)
* The Green Mile (Warner)
* Grind House (Weinstein)
* Hard to Kill (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Warner)
* HDScape: Antarctica Dreaming (DVD International)
* HDScape: Exotic Saltwater Aquarium (DVD International)
* HDScape: Fireplace - Visions of Tranquility (DVD International)
* HDScape: HDWindow - Hawaii (DVD International)
* HDScape: HDWindow - The Great Southwest (DVD International)
* HDScape: Serenity - Southern Seas (DVD International)
* HDScape: Stargaze II (DVD International)
* HDScape: Visions of the Sea (DVD International)
* Idlewind (Universal)
* Killshot (Weinstein)
* Last Legion (Weinstein)
* The Lemon Drop Kid (Universal)
* The Libertine (Weinstein)
* Lucky Number Slevin (Weinstein)
* Lucky Number Slevin (Weinstein)
* The Maltese Falcon (Warner)
* The Mask (New Line)
* The Matrix Revolutions (Warner)
* The Matrix Reloaded (Warner)
* The Matrix (Warner)
* Maverick (Warner)
* Mrs. Henderson Presents (Weinstein)
* The Music Man (Warner)
* Mystic River (Warner)
* Next of Kin (Warner)
* Nine Inch Nails Live: Beside You in Time (TBA)
* North by Northwest (Warner)
* Ocean's Eleven (Warner)
* Ocean's Twelve (Warner)
* Passenger 57 (Warner)
* Passion of the Clerks (Weinstein)
* The Player (New Line)
* Pulse (Weinstein)
* Pulse (Weinstein)
* Red Planet (Warner)
* The Return (Universal)
* Rush Hour (New Line)
* Save the Last Dance (Paramount)
* School for Scoundrels (Weinstein)
* School of Rock (Paramount)
* Scooby-Doo (2002) (Warner)
* Scoop (Universal)
* Se7en (Universal)
* The Shining (1980) (Warner)
* Shuttle Discovery's Historic Mission (Magnolia)
* Sin City 2 (Weinstein)
* Soldier (Weinstein)
* Son of Paleface (Paramount)
* Spawn (New Line)
* Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie (Paramount)
* Star Trek: First Contact (Paramount)
* TransAmerica (Weinstein)
* Twister (Weinstein)
* U.S. Marshals (Warner)
* The Ultimate Star Trek Collection (Paramount)
* Vanilla Sky (Paramount)
* Vengeance of the Zombies (BCI)
* The War Within (Magnolia)
* Wild Wild West (Warner)
* Young Hannibal (Weinstein)
[RECENT RELEASES]
• The Mummy
• Superman Returns
• An American Werewolf in London
• You, Me and Dupree
• Superman: The Movie
• Waterworld
• Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
• King Kong (2005)
• Forbidden Planet
• Forbidden Planet: Ultimate Collector's Set
• Casablanca
• Under Siege
• Spartacus
• Reds
• V for Vendetta
• Mission: Impossible - Ultimate Missions Set
• Nacho Libre
• Out of Sight
• 12 Monkeys
• The Interpreter
• Slither
• Mission: Impossible III
• The Thing (1982)
• The Break-Up
• Waist Deep
• Army of Darkness
• Fast Times at Ridgemont High
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
• Corpse Bride
• The Polar Express
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Batman Begins
• 2 Fast 2 Furious
• Land of the Dead
• The Dirty Dozen
• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
• The Fast and the Furious
• End of Days
• The Lake House
• Dazed and Confused
• The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
• Grand Prix
• Backdraft
• Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
• Space Cowboys
• Lethal Weapon 2
• Traffic
• Seabiscuit
• House of Wax (2005)
• Troy
• Red Dragon
• The Bone Collector
• The Searchers
• Good Night, and Good Luck
• Spy Game
• Caddyshack
• Unleashed
• Ray
• Aeon Flux
• National Lampoon's Animal House
• The Italian Job (2003)
• We Were Soldiers
• Four Brothers
• The Manchurian Candidate
• U2: Rattle and Hum
• Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
• Sleepy Hollow
• Sahara
• ATL
• Enter the Dragon
• Pitch Black
• Friday Night Lights
• The Dukes of Hazzard
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
• Syriana
• Lethal Weapon
• The Rundown
• Happy Gilmore
• 16 Blocks
• The Perfect Storm
• The Chronicles of Riddick
• Constantine
• Firewall
• U-571
• The Bourne Supremacy
• Blazing Saddles
• Van Helsing
• The Fugitive
• Cinderella Man
• Training Day
• Unforgiven
• Full Metal Jacket
• Jarhead
• Assault on Precinct 13 (2005)
• Rumor Has It...
• Swordfish
• GoodFellas
• Doom
• Million Dollar Baby
• Apollo 13
• The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
• Serenity
• The Last Samurai
[PORN]
HD Porn is here..in Japan.
On with it!
BLU-RAY
[TECHNICAL INFORMATION/FAQ]
What is Blu-ray?
Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD) is the name of a next-generation optical disc format. The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. For more general information about Blu-ray, please see our What is Blu-ray? section.
1.2 Why the name Blu-ray?
The name Blu-ray is derived from the underlying technology, which utilizes a blue-violet laser to read and write data. The name is a combination of "Blue" (blue-violet laser) and "Ray" (optical ray). According to the Blu-ray Disc Association the spelling of "Blu-ray" is not a mistake, the character "e" was intentionally left out so the term could be registered as a trademark.
The correct full name is Blu-ray Disc, not Blu-ray Disk (incorrect spelling)
The correct shortened name is Blu-ray, not Blu-Ray (incorrect capitalization) or Blue-ray (incorrect spelling)
The correct abbreviation is BD, not BR or BRD (wrong abbreviation)
1.3 Who developed Blu-ray?
The Blu-ray Disc format was developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers, with more than 170 member companies from all over the world. The Board of Directors currently consists of:
Apple Computer, Inc.
Dell Inc.
Hewlett Packard Company
Hitachi, Ltd.
LG Electronics Inc.
Matsu****a Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Pioneer Corporation
Royal Philips Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Sharp Corporation
Sony Corporation
Sun Microsystems, Inc.
TDK Corporation
Thomson Multimedia
Twentieth Century Fox
Walt Disney Pictures
Warner Bros. Entertainment
1.4 What Blu-ray formats are planned?
As with conventional CDs and DVDs, Blu-ray plans to provide a wide range of formats including ROM/R/RW. The following formats are part of the Blu-ray Disc specification:
BD-ROM - read-only format for distribution of HD movies, games, software, etc.
BD-R - recordable format for HD video recording and PC data storage.
BD-RE - rewritable format for HD video recording and PC data storage.
There's also plans for a BD/DVD hybrid format, which combines Blu-ray and DVD on the same disc so that it can be played in both Blu-ray players and DVD players.
1.5 How much data can you fit on a Blu-ray disc?
A single-layer disc can hold 25GB.
A dual-layer disc can hold 50GB.
To ensure that the Blu-ray Disc format is easily extendable (future-proof) it also includes support for multi-layer discs, which should allow the storage capacity to be increased to 100GB-200GB (25GB per layer) in the future simply by adding more layers to the discs.
1.6 How much video can you fit on a Blu-ray disc?
Over 9 hours of high-definition (HD) video on a 50GB disc.
About 23 hours of standard-definition (SD) video on a 50GB disc.
1.7 How fast can you read/write data on a Blu-ray disc?
According to the Blu-ray Disc specification, 1x speed is defined as 36Mbps. However, as BD-ROM movies will require a 54Mbps data transfer rate the minimum speed we're expecting to see is 2x (72Mbps). Blu-ray also has the potential for much higher speeds, as a result of the larger numerical aperture (NA) adopted by Blu-ray Disc. The large NA value effectively means that Blu-ray will require less recording power and lower disc rotation speed than DVD and HD-DVD to achieve the same data transfer rate. While the media itself limited the recording speed in the past, the only limiting factor for Blu-ray is the capacity of the hardware. If we assume a maximum disc rotation speed of 10,000 RPM, then 12x at the outer diameter should be possible (about 400Mbps). This is why the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) already has plans to raise the speed to 8x (288Mbps) or more in the future.
1.8 What video codecs will Blu-ray support?
MPEG-2 - enhanced for HD, also used for playback of DVDs and HDTV recordings.
MPEG-4 AVC - part of the MPEG-4 standard also known as H.264 (High Profile and Main Profile).
SMPTE VC-1 - standard based on Microsoft's Windows Media Video (WMV) technology.
Please note that this simply means that all Blu-ray players and recorders will have to support playback of these video codecs, it will still be up to the movie studios to decide which video codec(s) they use for their releases.
1.9 What audio codecs will Blu-ray support?
Linear PCM (LPCM) - offers up to 8 channels of uncompressed audio.
Dolby Digital (DD) - format used for DVDs also known as AC3, offers 5.1-channel surround sound.
Dolby Digital Plus (DD+) - extension of DD, offers increased bitrates and 7.1-channel surround sound.
Dolby TrueHD - extension of MLP Lossless, offers lossless encoding of up to 8 channels of audio.
DTS Digital Surround - format used for DVDs, offers 5.1-channel surround sound.
DTS-HD - extension of DTS, offers increased bitrates and up to 8 channels of audio.
Please note that this simply means that all Blu-ray players and recorders will have to support playback of these audio codecs, it will still be up to the movie studios to decide which audio codec(s) they use for their releases.
1.10 Will Blu-ray discs require a cartridge?
No, the development of new low cost hard-coating technologies has made the cartridge obsolete. Blu-ray will instead rely on hard-coating for protection, which when applied will make the discs even more resistant to scratches and fingerprints than today's DVDs, while still preserving the same look and feel. Blu-ray also adopts a new error correction system which is more robust and efficient than the one used for DVDs.
1.11 Will Blu-ray require an Internet connection?
No, you will not need an Internet connection for basic playback of Blu-ray movies. The Internet connection will only be needed for value-added features such as downloading new extras, watching recent movie trailers, web browsing, etc. It will also be required to authorize managed copies of Blu-ray movies that can be transferred over a home network.
1.12 Will Blu-ray down-convert analog outputs?
No, Blu-ray players will not down-convert the analog output signal unless the video contains something called an Image Constraint Token (ICT). This feature is not part of the Blu-ray Disc spec, but of the AACS copy-protection system also adopted by HD-DVD. In the end it will be up to each movie studio to decide if they want to use this "feature" on their releases or not. The good news is that Sony, Disney, Fox, Paramount, MGM and Universal have already stated that they have no intention of using this feature. The other studios, which have yet to announce their plans, will most likely follow suit to avoid getting bad publicity. If any of the studios still decide to use ICT they will have to state this on the cover of their movies, so you should have no problem avoiding these titles.
1.13 Will Blu-ray support mandatory managed copy?
Yes, mandatory managed copy (MMC) will be part of the Blu-ray format. This feature will enable consumers to make legal copies of their Blu-ray movies that can be transferred over a home network. Please note that "mandatory" refers to the movies having to offer this capability, while it will be up to each hardware manufacturer to decide if they want to support this feature.
1.14 When will I be able to buy Blu-ray products?
If you live in the US or Canada you can already find Blu-ray players from Panasonic and Samsung available in stores, as well as a growing selection of Blu-ray movies. We also expect to see Blu-ray players from Sony, Philips and Pioneer introduced later this year. The European launch is expected to follow some time later this fall.
1.15 What will Blu-ray products cost?
As with any new technology the first generation of products will likely be quite expensive due to low production volumes. However, this shouldn't be a problem for long as there is a wide range of Blu-ray related products (players, recorders, drives, writers, media, etc) planned, which should help drive up production volumes and lower overall production costs. Once mass production of components for Blu-ray products begins the prices are expected to fall quickly.
According to the Blu-ray Disc Association, the overall cost of manufacturing Blu-ray Disc media will in the end be no more expensive than producing a DVD. The reduced injection molding costs (one molding machine instead of two, no birefringence problems) offset the additional cost of applying the cover layer and low cost hard-coat, while the techniques used for applying the recording layer remain the same. As production volumes increase the production costs should fall and eventually be comparable to DVDs.
Blu-ray vs DVD
2.1 Will Blu-ray replace DVDs?
Yes, that's the expectation. The Blu-ray format has received broad support from the major movie studios as a successor to today's DVD format. Seven of the eight major movie studios have already announced titles for Blu-ray, including Warner, Paramount, Fox, Disney, Sony, MGM and Lionsgate. The initial line-up is expected to consist of over 100 titles and include recent hits as well as classics such as Batman Begins, Desperado, Fantastic Four, Fifth Element, Hero, Ice Age, Kill Bill, Lethal Weapon, Mission Impossible, Ocean's Twelve, Pirates of the Caribbean, Reservoir Dogs, Robocop, and The Matrix. Many studios have also announced that they will begin releasing new feature films on Blu-ray Disc day-and-date with DVD, as well as a continuous slate of catalog titles every month.
However, the two formats (Blu-ray and DVD) will most likely co-exist for quite some time until HDTVs become more widespread. For a complete list of the announced movies, please see our Blu-ray Movies section.
2.2 Will Blu-ray be backwards compatible with DVD?
Yes, several leading consumer electronics companies (including Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Pioneer, Sharp and LG) have already demonstrated products that can read/write CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs using a BD/DVD/CD compatible optical head, so you don't have to worry about your existing DVD collection becoming obsolete. In fact, most of the Blu-ray players coming out will support upscaling of DVDs to 1080p/1080i, so your existing DVD collection will look even better than before. While it's up to each manufacturer to decide if they want to make their products backwards compatible with DVD, the format is far too popular to not be supported. The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) expects every Blu-ray Disc device to be backward compatible with DVDs.
2.3 Why should I upgrade from DVD to Blu-ray?
The simple answer is HDTV. If you've ever seen high-definition (HD) video on an HDTV, then you know just how incredibly sharp the picture is and how vivid the colors are. In fact, HD offers five times the amount of detail compared to standard-definition (SD). The problem with today's DVDs is that they only support SD and don't have the necessary storage capacity to satisfy the needs of HD. That's where Blu-ray comes in, it offers up to 50GB of storage capacity and enables playback, recording and rewriting of HD in all of the HD resolutions including 1080p. The format also supports high-definition audio formats and lossless audio.
In addition to the greater video and audio quality, the extra storage capacity also means there will be plenty of room for additional content and special features. This combined with the new BD-J interactivity layer adopted by Blu-ray will bring the menus, graphics and special features to a whole new level. For example, you will be able to bring up the menu system as an overlay without stopping the movie, and you could have the director of the movie on the screen explaining the shooting of a scene while the scene is playing in the background. The advanced interactivity combined with the networking features of Blu-ray will also allow content producers to support new innovative features such as downloading extras, updating content via the web, and watching live broadcasts of special events.
Thanks to the greatly enhanced HD video and audio quality as well as the advanced interactivity and networking features, Blu-ray represents a huge leap forward in the DVD viewing experience and will offer consumers an unprecedented HD experience.
2.4 What is the difference between Blu-ray and DVD?
2.5 Will Blu-ray replace VCRs?
Yes, as VCRs don't support recording of HDTV programming consumers will soon need to replace them. Blu-ray recorders combined with hard drives offer a very flexible alternative for those that want to record HDTV. While HD-DVRs already allow consumers to record HDTV, the amount of HDTV programming that can be recorded and archived is limited by the size of the hard drive. Blu-ray recorders will offer a solution to this problem as they allow consumers to record the video to Blu-ray discs and then free up the hard drive. This should make them popular among people that want to archive a lot of their HDTV recordings. The Blu-ray recorders will also offer a lot of compelling new features not possible with a traditional VCR:
# Random access - instantly jump to any place on the disc
# Searching - quickly browse and preview recorded programs in real-time
# Create playlists - change the order of recorded programs and edit recorded video
# Simultaneous recording and playback of video (enables Time slip/Chasing playback)
# Automatically find an empty space to avoid recording over programs
# Improved picture - ability to record high-definition television (HDTV)
# Improved sound - ability to record surround sound (Dolby Digital, DTS, etc)
2.6 What about Blu-ray for PCs?
There are plans for BD-ROM (read-only), BD-R (recordable) and BD-RE (rewritable) drives for PCs, and with the support of the worlds two largest PC manufacturers, HP and Dell, it's very likely that the technology will be adopted as the next-generation optical disc format for PC data storage and replace technologies such as DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD-RAM.
Blu-ray vs HD-DVD
3.1 Is Blu-ray the same thing as HD-DVD?
No, HD-DVD (previously known as AOD) is the name of a competing next-generation optical disc format developed by Toshiba and NEC. The format is quite different from Blu-ray, but also relies heavily on blue-laser technology to achieve a higher storage capacity. The format is being developed within the DVD Forum as a possible successor to the current DVD technology.
3.2 What benefits does Blu-ray offer compared to HD-DVD?
Although both Blu-ray and HD-DVD are similar in many aspects, there are some important differences between them.
The first is capacity. Because Blu-ray utilizes a lens with a greater numerical aperture (NA) than HD-DVD, the laser spot can be focused with greater precision to fit more data on the same size disc. This allows Blu-ray to hold 25GB per layer (50GB on a dual-layer disc), whereas HD-DVD can only hold 15GB per layer (30GB on a dual-layer disc). Blu-ray has also adopted a higher data transfer rate for video and audio (54Mbps vs 36.55Mbps). The greater capacity and data transfer rates for Blu-ray will allow the movie studios to release their movies with higher quality video and audio than the HD-DVD format.
The second is content. The Blu-ray format has received broad support from the major movie studios as a successor to today's DVD format. Seven of the eight major movie studios (Warner, Paramount, Fox, Disney, Sony, MGM and Lionsgate) have already announced titles for Blu-ray, whereas HD-DVD only has support from three major movie studios (Warner, Paramount and Universal). This is an important difference because some of the studios might only support one of the formats, so you won't be able to get your favorite movies in the other format. Choosing the format with the most content support minimizes this risk.
The third is hardware support. The Blu-ray format has broad support from the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers, including Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Pioneer, Sharp, JVC, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, TDK, Thomson, LG, Apple, HP and Dell. The Blu-ray format will also be supported in the next-generation PlayStation 3 (PS3) video game console. This means that you will have a lot of choice when it comes to players and hardware. The HD-DVD format has far less supporters, so the amount of players and hardware will be very limited. So far, Toshiba is the only company to officially announce a HD-DVD player and it will only support 1080i output, while the announced Blu-ray players will support 1080p.
3.3 What is the difference between Blu-ray and HD-DVD?
[UPCOMING RELEASES]
November 21, 2006
* Annapolis (Buena Vista)
* Goal! The Dream Begins (Buena Vista)
* Ice Age: The Meltdown (Fox)
* Sky High (Buena Vista)
* The Wild (Buena Vista)
November 28, 2006
* The Ant Bully (Warner)
* Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (Warner)
* Superman Returns (Warner)
* Superman: The Movie (Warner)
* Windtalkers (Fox)
December 05, 2006
* The Architect (Magnolia)
* Bulletproof Monk (Fox)
* A Christmas Story (Warner)
* Flight of the Phoenix (Fox)
* From Hell (Fox)
* National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Warner)
* Rising Sun (Fox)
* Rocky (Fox)
December 12, 2006
* The Devil Wears Prada (Fox)
* Kung Fu Hustle (Sony)
* Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (Sony)
* Tony Bennett: An American Classic (Sony Music)
* World Trade Center (Paramount)
December 19, 2006
* All the King's Men (Sony)
* Enemy of the State (Buena Vista)
* Flightplan (Buena Vista)
* Invincible (Buena Vista)
* Lady in the Water (Warner)
* Pearl Harbor (Buena Vista)
* The Sopranos: Season Six, Part One (Warner)
December 26, 2006
* The Descent (Lionsgate)
* Transporter 2 (Fox)
January 02, 2007
* The Covenant (Sony)
January 16, 2007
* Resident Evil: Apocalypse (Sony)
* Winged Migration (Sony)
January 23, 2007
* Alien vs. Predator (Fox)
* Black Rain (Paramount)
* Casanova (Buena Vista)
* Chicago (Buena Vista)
* Commando (Fox)
* Courage Under Fire (Fox)
* Gridiron Gang (Sony)
* The Guardian (2006) (Buena Vista)
* The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Buena Vista)
* The Manchurian Candidate (2004) (Paramount)
* Men of Honor (Fox)
* Saw II (Lionsgate)
* We Were Soldiers (Paramount)
February 06, 2007
* American Psycho (Lionsgate)
* Failure to Launch (Paramount)
* First Blood (Lionsgate)
* Reservoir Dogs (Lionsgate)
February 13, 2007
* Broken Arrow (Fox)
* Chain Reaction (Fox)
* Entrapment (Fox)
* Phone Booth (Fox)
* Planet of the Apes (Fox)
* The Princess Bride (MGM)
* The Sentinel (Fox)
* The Usual Suspects (Fox)
Release Dates Postponed
The following titles were originally given release dates but have since been postponed with no new dates announced. Watch this space for the latest street date updates as soon as they are made official.
* Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Sony)
* The Da Vinci Code (Sony)
* Gattaca (Sony)
* Layer Cake (Sony)
* Legends of the Fall (Sony)
* The Professionals (Sony)
* RoboCop (MGM)
* Sense and Sensibility (Sony)
* Young Guns (Lionsgate)
Release Dates Pending
The following titles are planned for release in the Blu-ray format (as indicated by press release or previous public statements made by the distributor), but release dates have not been announced:
* 2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner)
* Above the Law (Warner)
* Alexander
* Angels in America (HBO)
* Armageddon (Buena Vista)
* Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (New Line)
* Band of Brothers (HBO)
* Batman Begins (Warner)
* Blade (New Line)
* Blade Runner (Warner)
* Bram Stoker's Dracula (Sony)
* Braveheart (Paramount)
* The Bridge on the River Kwai (Sony)
* Catwoman (Warner)
* Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Warner)
* Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (Sony)
* Chicken Little (Buena Vista)
* A Clockwork Orange (Warner)
* Coach Carter (Paramount)
* Constantine (Warner)
* Contact (Warner)
* Dark City (New Line)
* Deadwood: Season One (HBO)
* Desperado (Sony)
* The Dirty Dozen (Warner)
* The Dirty Harry Collection (Warner)
* Dukes of Hazzard (Warner)
* Elizabethtown (Paramount)
* Eraser (Warner)
* Executive Decision (Warner)
* Eyes Wide Shut (Warner)
* Final Destination (New Line)
* For a Few Dollars More (Sony)
* Forbidden Planet (Warner)
* Forrest Gump (Paramount)
* Frank Herbert's Dune (Lionsgate)
* Friday (New Line)
* Friends: Season One (Warner)
* From the Earth to the Moon (HBO)
* Ghost (Paramount)
* Goodfellas (Warner)
* Gothika (Warner)
* Grand Prix (Warner)
* Grease (Paramount)
* The Green Mile (Warner)
* The Guns of Navarone (Sony)
* Hard to Kill (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Warner)
* Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (Buena Vista)
* Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (Buena Vista)
* The Maltese Falcon (Warner)
* The Mask (New Line)
* The Matrix Revolutions (Warner)
* The Matrix Reloaded (Warner)
* The Matrix (Warner)
* Maverick (Warner)
* The Music Man (Warner)
* Mutiny on the Bounty (Warner)
* Mystic River (Warner)
* Next of Kin (Warner)
* Nine Inch Nails Live: Beside You in Time (TBA)
* North by Northwest (Warner)
* Ocean's Eleven (Warner)
* Ocean's Twelve (Warner)
* Passenger 57 (Warner)
* The Perfect Storm (Warner)
* Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Buena Vista)
* The Player (New Line)
* The Polar Express (Warner)
* Poseidon (Warner)
* Red Planet (Warner)
* Rush Hour (New Line)
* Save the Last Dance (Paramount)
* School of Rock (Paramount)
* Scooby-Doo (2002) (Warner)
* Se7en (New Line)
* See No Evil (Lionsgate)
* The Shining (1980) (Warner)
* Soldier (Warner)
* The Sopranos: Season One (HBO)
* Spawn (New Line)
* Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie (Paramount)
* Star Trek: First Contact (Sony)
* Stargate: Atlantis - Season One (Sony)
* Superman: Ultimate Collector's Edition (Warner)
* Troy (Warner)
* Twister (Warner)
* U.S. Marshals (Warner)
* Vanilla Sky (Paramount)
* Wild Wild West (Warner)
[RECENT RELEASES]
• Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
• Superman: The Movie
• Annapolis
• The Wild
• Ice Age: The Meltdown
• Million Dollar Baby
• Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
• ATL
• Fantastic Four
• The Omen
• X-Men: The Last Stand
• Black Hawk Down
• Under Siege
• Nacho Libre
• The Italian Job (2003)
• The Searchers
• Little Man
• Reds
• Unforgiven
• Mission: Impossible - Ultimate Missions Set
• Aeon Flux
• Sahara
• Mission: Impossible III
• Sleepy Hollow
• Glory Road
• Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
• The Great Raid
• Dark Water
• The Haunted Mansion
• Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
• Monster House
• Four Brothers
• U2: Rattle and Hum
• Click
• 16 Blocks
• Syriana
• Stir of Echoes
• Eight Below
• The Lake House
• The Fugitive
• House of Wax (2005)
• Swordfish
• Lethal Weapon 2
• Space Cowboys
• Dinosaur
• Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
• Corpse Bride
• The Big Hit
• Full Metal Jacket
• Lethal Weapon
• Firewall
• Blazing Saddles
• The Devil's Rejects
• Tears of the Sun
• Total Recall
• Stargate
• Silent Hill
• A Knight's Tale
• Into the Blue
• RV
• Memento
• S.W.A.T.
• Rumor Has It...
• Good Night, and Good Luck
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
• Training Day
• The Last Waltz
• Stealth
• Species
• The Benchwarmers
• The Punisher
• Ultraviolet
• Basic Instinct 2
• Lord of War
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day
• House of Flying Daggers
• Saw
• Hitch
• The Terminator
• Crash
• Underworld: Evolution
• xXx
• 50 First Dates
• The Fifth Element
[October 30]
Mission: Impossible 3 (Paramount)
Mission: Impossible: Ultimate Missions Collection (Paramount)
[October 31]
The Phantom of the Opera
The Searchers (Warner)
Under Siege (Warner)
Unforgiven (Warner)
[November 7]
Little Man (Sony)
Nacho Libre (Paramount)
Reds (Paramount)
[November 14]
ATL (Warner)
Behind Enemy Lines (Fox)
Black Hawk Down (Sony)
Fantastic Four (Fox)
Kingdom Of Heaven (Fox)
Kiss Of The Dragon (Fox)
L4yer Cake (Sony)
Million Dollar Baby (Warner)
The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Fox)
The Last Samurai (Warner)
The Omen 666 (Fox)
Speed (Fox)
The Transporter (Fox)
X-Men 3: The Last Stand (Fox)
[PORN]
Vivid will have Blu-Ray titles available in 2007
------------------------------------------------------------
HD-DVD
[FAQ]
Overview
An HD DVD disc can store substantially more data than a standard DVD, because of the shorter wavelength (405 nm) of the blue-violet laser (DVDs use a 650-nm-wavelength red laser and CDs an infrared 780 nm laser), which allows more information to be stored digitally in the same amount of physical space. In comparison to Blu-ray Disc, which also uses a blue laser, HD DVD has less information capacity per layer (15 gigabytes instead of 25). HD DVD shares the same basic disc structure as a standard DVD: back-to-back bonding of two 0.6 mm thick, 120 mm diameter substrates. The 30 GB dual-layer HD DVDs have been used on nearly every movie released in this format.
History
The HD DVD standard was jointly developed by a group of consumer electronics and PC companies, spearheaded by Toshiba. It is currently competing with the Blu-ray Disc format for wide adoption as the preferred next generation optical standard, similar to the videotape format war between VHS and Betamax.
On November 19, 2003, the DVD Forum decided that they would back the HD DVD to be the HDTV successor of the DVD. At this meeting they renamed it to HD DVD, while it had been previously called the "Advanced Optical Disc" (AOD). This is not a very surprising extension of the previous DVD-R/RW versus DVD+R/RW war, where - (dash) was the format defended by DVD Forum, and + (plus) the format defended by the DVD+RW Alliance. The DVD Forum generally has focus on CE (Consumer Electronic) and Japanese market development (where CE happens to be very strong). The DVD+RW Alliance has invested more on the PC market with technologies such as Background formatting and defect management through "Mount Rainier" (unreleased).
At CES 2006, Microsoft announced that there would be an external add-on HD DVD drive for the Xbox 360 game console, due in late 2006. Also at CES 2006, "companies backing HD DVD said that nearly 200 titles would be available for the format by the end of the year." [1]
On March 31, 2006, Toshiba released their first HD DVD player in Japan at ¥110,000 ($934).[2] HD DVD was released in United States on April 18, 2006[3], with players priced at $499 and $799.
The current specification version for HD DVD-ROM and HD DVD-Rewritable is version 1.0. The specification for HD DVD-R is currently at 0.9. The first HD DVD-ROM drives were expected to be unveiled by Q4 2006, with mass production to start in Q1 2007. The actual product launch of both CE and PC units occurred in late 2006.
Specifications
HD DVD has a single-layer capacity of 15 GB and a dual-layer capacity of 30 GB. HD DVD can offer both the current DVD and HD DVD formats on one disc, which means that special HD DVD discs will play in any DVD player, old or the new high definition players (similar to the Blu-ray/DVD hybrid developed by JVC). This makes retail marketing and shelf space management easier. For consumers, shopping is simplified as they can simply buy a movie that plays in any DVD player in their house, standard definition or high definition. The HD DVD format also can be applied to current red laser DVDs in 5, 9, 15 and 18 GB capacities which offers an even lower cost option to content owners wanting to sell short form content.
Like the original DVD format, the data layer of an HD DVD disc is 0.6 mm below the surface. The numerical aperture of the optical pick-up head is 0.65, compared with 0.6 for DVD and 0.85 for Blu Ray aperture. Both of the new formats are backward compatible with DVDs and both employ the same video compression techniques: MPEG-2, Video Codec 1 (VC1) and H.264/MPEG-4 AVC.
HD DVD can be mastered with up to 7.1 channel surround sound using the linear (uncompressed) PCM, Dolby Digital and DTS formats also used on DVDs. In addition, it also supports Dolby Digital Plus and the lossless formats Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD. Currently, most DVD movies are made with 5.1 channels of surround sound. There are relatively few titles that offer 6.1 channels of surround sound. On HD DVD the Dolby formats are mandatory, meaning that a Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus track may be used as the sole soundtrack on a disc, because every player will have a decoder that can process any of these bitstreams.[4] For lossless audio in movies in the PCM, Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD formats, HD DVD discs support encoding in up to 24-bit/192 kHz for two channels, or up to eight channels of up to 24-bit/96 kHz encoding.[5] For reference, even new big-budget Hollywood films are mastered in only 24-bit/48 kHz, with 16-bit/48 kHz being common for ordinary films.
The HD DVD format supports a wide variety of resolutions, from low-resolution CIF and SDTV up to HDTV formats such as 720p, 1080i and 1080p.[6] All movie titles released so far have had the feature encoded in 1080p (although the only player currently available that supports 1080p is the Xbox 360 HD DVD drive), with supplements in 480i or 480p. Most titles are encoded with VC-1.
Common disc structure
Backward compatibility will be available with all HD DVD players, allowing consumers to have a single drive in their homes to play both HD DVD and DVD discs. There is also a hybrid HD DVD which contains both DVD and HD DVD versions of the same movie on a single disc, providing smoother transition for the studios in terms of publishing movies, and letting consumers with only DVD drives to still use the discs. DVD disc replication companies can continue using their current production equipment with only minor alterations when changing over to the format of HD DVD replication. Due to the structure of the single-lens optical head, both red and blue laser diodes can be used in smaller, more compact HD DVD players.
Laser
HD DVD uses a blue-violet 405 nm laser to read information from the disc (DVDs use red 650 nm lasers). The shorter wavelength reduces diffraction and maintains a smaller spot size of the laser. This allows data to be read from a higher density on the disc surface. While DVDs and HD DVDs will be the same size physically, the ability to store data at a higher density results in a larger total data capacity in HD DVDs.
Digital Rights Management
Commercialized HD DVDs integrate content protection technology specified by AACS LA (Advanced Access Content System License Authority). "Audio Watermark Protection" is also being considered by AACS for use on HD DVD. If Watermark is adopted by AACS, all HD DVD players will have a sensor that listens for inaudible audio watermarks in the soundtrack of movies. Studios may insert this invisible mark in the soundtracks of theatrical motion pictures. If an HD DVD player does not detect the invisible mark, it means the disc is playing back a copy made from a theatrical print (probably from illegal camcording), and will cause the player to refuse to play the disc. The mark is made by varying the waveform of speech and music in a regular pattern to convey a digital code. These variations are too subtle to be heard by the human ear. Another variation of this system can be used to prevent the playback of discs created by using a camcorder and microphone on a home entertainment center playing a legitimate disc purchased by a consumer. This variation for home entertainment utilizes a watermark that differs from the cinema mark in that it is permitted in normal, signed ROM discs, but generally not permitted on recordable discs.
In addition, HD DVD players must follow AACS guidelines pertaining to outputs over analog connections. This is set by a flag called the Image Constraint Token (ICT), which restricts the resolution for analog outputs without HDCP to 960×540. The decision to set the flag to restrict output ("down-convert") is left to the content provider. Warner Pictures is a proponent of ICT, and it is expected that Paramount and Universal will implement down-conversion as well [8]. As of March 2006, 5 of the 6 studios releasing HD DVD content have announced they will not use ICT/down-conversion for the time being [9]. AACS guidelines require that any title that implements the ICT must clearly state so on the packaging.
While there is no Region Coding in the existing HD DVD specification, the DVD Forum is currently developing a regional lockout scheme. [10]
Interactive content
HD DVDs use the iHD Interactive Format to allow interactive content to be authored for discs. iHD is based on web technologies such as HTML, XML, CSS, SMIL, and ECMAScript (JavaScript), so authoring in iHD should be a fairly easy transition for web developers. No existing DVD authoring experience is required. In contrast, Blu-ray Disc content is authored using either a scripting environment for basic content, or a Java-based platform (BD-J) for advanced content. DVD video discs utilize pre-rendered MPEG segments, selectable subtitle pictures, and simple programmatic navigation which is considerably more primitive.
Released titles
Main article: List of HD DVD releases
The first HD DVD titles released on April 18, 2006 were The Last Samurai, Million Dollar Baby, The Phantom of the Opera by Warner Home Video; and Serenity by Universal Studios [11]. To date, 125 titles have been released worldwide, 88 in the United States, and 37 in Japan[12].
First released players
On April 18, 2006, Toshiba released the first HD DVD players for the United States, the Toshiba HD-A1 and Toshiba HD-XA1. They utilize an Intel Pentium 4 processor and contain 1 GB of RAM; the drive mechanism is also an IDE HD DVD drive. The units run a specialized version of the Linux operating system booting off a USB thumbdrive.
On May 16 Toshiba released its first PC with a HD DVD drive, the Toshiba Qosmio 35. This PC is the first to have a slim height optical disc drive. Toshiba's Digital Products Division, introduced Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV600, the latest version of its flagship "4-in-1" audio-video entertainment notebook with new enhancements. The Toshiba G35-AV600 is a complete package featuring Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 and integrated TV tuner, digital video recorder (DVR), virtual surround-sound stereo, and HDMI output. The notebook includes the world's first 1-bit digital amplifier in a notebook PC. [citation needed]
Microsoft has also released an add-on HD DVD drive for the Xbox 360 for $200[13]. The add-on, which attaches to the console via USB 2.0 cable, features component output, but no HDMI output. It outputs 1080p over component for games only, not for movies. A VGA connection is required for 1080p output from the HD DVD addon drive. According to Microsoft, the Xbox 360 will not include an internal HD DVD drive in future releases.[14] However, the Taiwan optical disk drive industry reports that Microsoft is selecting manufacturers to build an internal HD DVD drive for a new generation of Xbox 360's.[15] Toshiba announced second generation HD DVD players for the US this fall, the Toshiba HD-A2 (Expected Pricing and Expected Availability: $499.99, October 2006) and Toshiba HD-XA2 ($999.99, December 2006). The high-end model, the HD-XA2, will feature HDMI 1.3 and 1080p output.[16]
Marketing
A $150 million dollar advertising campaign is being planned for the HD DVD. The campaign is being handled by Goodby Silverstein & Partners, the same agency that created the "Got Milk?" campaign.
The campaign will encompass all media: Print, Internet, television, and other outlets. All advertising will boast the tagline "The Look and Sound of Perfect." A new Web site was also launched on July 11, 2006, [17], which touts the HD DVD's superior video and audio capabilities and includes trailers of HD DVD movies. [18]
Industry support
HD DVD is promoted by Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Intel, among others. In terms of major studios, HD DVD is currently exclusively backed by Universal Studios and The Weinstein Company (through Genius Products) and is non-exclusively backed by Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., New Line, HBO, DreamWorks, Image Entertainment, Magnolia Pictures, Brentwood Home Video, Warner Music Group, Ryko, Goldhil Entertainment, and Studio Canal.
HD DVD is product of the DVD Forum which works to promote broad acceptance of DVD products on a worldwide basis, across entertainment, consumer electronics and IT industries. The primary 20 companies involved with the DVD Forum are: Hitachi, Ltd., IBM Corporation, Industrial and Technology Research Institute, Intel Corporation, LG Electronics Inc., Matsu****a Electric Industrial Co. Ltd, Microsoft Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, NEC Corporation, PIONEER CORPORATION, Royal Philips Electronics, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., SHARP CORPORATION, Sony Corporation, THOMSON, Toshiba Corporation, Victor Company of Japan, Limited, Walt Disney Pictures and Television Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Some companies, such as NEC or VidaBox, have developed dual-format or hybrid technologies. NEC is developing a single chip that works with either HD standard[19] , while VidaBox has developed the world's first dual drive compatible player that accommodates both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs[20].
[UPCOMING RELEASES]
November 28, 2006
* An American Werewolf in London (Universal)
* The Ant Bully (Warner)
* Dune (1984) (Universal)
* Meet the Parents (Universal)
* The Mummy (Universal)
* Smallville: The Complete Fifth Season (Warner)
* Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (Warner)
* Superman Returns (Warner)
* Superman: The Movie (Warner)
December 05, 2006
* The Architect (Magnolia)
* Chronos (Goldhil Media) JUST LISTED!
* A Christmas Story (Warner)
* Digital Video Essentials - HD DVD Edition (DVD International)
* Miami Vice (2006) (Universal)
* National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Warner)
* Poseidon (Warner)
December 12, 2006
* Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire: Live at the Greek Theatre (Image)
* Field of Dreams (Universal)
* Heart: Alive in Seattle (Image)
* Hulk (Universal)
* Manilow Live! (Image)
* World Trade Center (Paramount)
December 19, 2006
* Casino (Universal)
* Derailed (Genius)
* Jet Li's Fearless (Universal)
* Lady in the Water (Warner)
* The Matador (Weinstein)
* Scary Movie 4 (Weinstein)
* The Scorpion King (Universal)
* The Sopranos: Season Six, Part One (Warner)
* Wolf Creek (Weinstein)
December 26, 2006
* The Breakfast Club (Universal)
* The Deer Hunter (Universal)
January 16, 2007
* The Mummy Returns (Universal)
* The Sting (Universal)
January 23, 2007
* Black Rain (Paramount)
* Brokeback Mountain (Universal)
February 06, 2007
* Failure to Launch (Paramount)
* Hollywoodland (Universal)
Release Dates Postponed
The following titles were originally given release dates but have since been postponed with no new dates announced. Watch this space for the latest street date updates as soon as they are made official.
* Galaxina (BCI)
* Golgo 13 (BCI)
* That's the Way of the World (BCI)
Release Dates Pending
The following titles are planned for release in the HD DVD format (as indicated by press release or previous public statements made by the distributor), but release dates have not been announced:
* 2001: A Space Odyssey (Warner)
* Above the Law (Warner)
* Alexander (Warner)
* American Pie (Unrated) (Universal)
* American Pie Presents: A Naked Mile (Universal)
* Angels in America (HBO)
* Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (New Line)
* The Aviator (Universal)
* Awake (Weinstein)
* Band of Brothers (HBO)
* Bikini Destinations (Magnolia)
* The Black Dahlia (Universal)
* Blade (New Line)
* Blade Runner (Warner)
* The Blues Brothers (Universal)
* Braveheart (Paramount)
* Breaking and Entering (Weinstein)
* Bubble (Magnolia)
* Catwoman (Warner)
* Clerks II (Weinstein)
* A Clockwork Orange (Warner)
* Coach Carter (Paramount)
* Conan the Barbarian (Universal)
* Contact (Warner)
* Dante's Peak (Universal)
* Dark City (New Line)
* Deadwood: Season One (HBO)
* Decameron (Weinstein)
* The Dirty Harry Collection (Warner)
* Elizabethtown (Warner)
* Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (Magnolia)
* Eraser (Warner)
* Executive Decision (Warner)
* Eyes Wide Shut (Warner)
* Final Destination (New Line)
* Forrest Gump (Paramount)
* Friday (New Line)
* Friends: Season One (Warner)
* From the Earth to the Moon (HBO)
* Ghost (Paramount)
* Gothika (Warner)
* Grease (Paramount)
* The Green Mile (Warner)
* Grind House (Weinstein)
* Hard to Kill (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Warner)
* Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Warner)
* HDScape: Antarctica Dreaming (DVD International)
* HDScape: Exotic Saltwater Aquarium (DVD International)
* HDScape: Fireplace - Visions of Tranquility (DVD International)
* HDScape: HDWindow - Hawaii (DVD International)
* HDScape: HDWindow - The Great Southwest (DVD International)
* HDScape: Serenity - Southern Seas (DVD International)
* HDScape: Stargaze II (DVD International)
* HDScape: Visions of the Sea (DVD International)
* Idlewind (Universal)
* Killshot (Weinstein)
* Last Legion (Weinstein)
* The Lemon Drop Kid (Universal)
* The Libertine (Weinstein)
* Lucky Number Slevin (Weinstein)
* Lucky Number Slevin (Weinstein)
* The Maltese Falcon (Warner)
* The Mask (New Line)
* The Matrix Revolutions (Warner)
* The Matrix Reloaded (Warner)
* The Matrix (Warner)
* Maverick (Warner)
* Mrs. Henderson Presents (Weinstein)
* The Music Man (Warner)
* Mystic River (Warner)
* Next of Kin (Warner)
* Nine Inch Nails Live: Beside You in Time (TBA)
* North by Northwest (Warner)
* Ocean's Eleven (Warner)
* Ocean's Twelve (Warner)
* Passenger 57 (Warner)
* Passion of the Clerks (Weinstein)
* The Player (New Line)
* Pulse (Weinstein)
* Pulse (Weinstein)
* Red Planet (Warner)
* The Return (Universal)
* Rush Hour (New Line)
* Save the Last Dance (Paramount)
* School for Scoundrels (Weinstein)
* School of Rock (Paramount)
* Scooby-Doo (2002) (Warner)
* Scoop (Universal)
* Se7en (Universal)
* The Shining (1980) (Warner)
* Shuttle Discovery's Historic Mission (Magnolia)
* Sin City 2 (Weinstein)
* Soldier (Weinstein)
* Son of Paleface (Paramount)
* Spawn (New Line)
* Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie (Paramount)
* Star Trek: First Contact (Paramount)
* TransAmerica (Weinstein)
* Twister (Weinstein)
* U.S. Marshals (Warner)
* The Ultimate Star Trek Collection (Paramount)
* Vanilla Sky (Paramount)
* Vengeance of the Zombies (BCI)
* The War Within (Magnolia)
* Wild Wild West (Warner)
* Young Hannibal (Weinstein)
[RECENT RELEASES]
• The Mummy
• Superman Returns
• An American Werewolf in London
• You, Me and Dupree
• Superman: The Movie
• Waterworld
• Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
• King Kong (2005)
• Forbidden Planet
• Forbidden Planet: Ultimate Collector's Set
• Casablanca
• Under Siege
• Spartacus
• Reds
• V for Vendetta
• Mission: Impossible - Ultimate Missions Set
• Nacho Libre
• Out of Sight
• 12 Monkeys
• The Interpreter
• Slither
• Mission: Impossible III
• The Thing (1982)
• The Break-Up
• Waist Deep
• Army of Darkness
• Fast Times at Ridgemont High
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
• Corpse Bride
• The Polar Express
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Batman Begins
• 2 Fast 2 Furious
• Land of the Dead
• The Dirty Dozen
• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
• The Fast and the Furious
• End of Days
• The Lake House
• Dazed and Confused
• The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
• Grand Prix
• Backdraft
• Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
• Space Cowboys
• Lethal Weapon 2
• Traffic
• Seabiscuit
• House of Wax (2005)
• Troy
• Red Dragon
• The Bone Collector
• The Searchers
• Good Night, and Good Luck
• Spy Game
• Caddyshack
• Unleashed
• Ray
• Aeon Flux
• National Lampoon's Animal House
• The Italian Job (2003)
• We Were Soldiers
• Four Brothers
• The Manchurian Candidate
• U2: Rattle and Hum
• Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
• Sleepy Hollow
• Sahara
• ATL
• Enter the Dragon
• Pitch Black
• Friday Night Lights
• The Dukes of Hazzard
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
• Syriana
• Lethal Weapon
• The Rundown
• Happy Gilmore
• 16 Blocks
• The Perfect Storm
• The Chronicles of Riddick
• Constantine
• Firewall
• U-571
• The Bourne Supremacy
• Blazing Saddles
• Van Helsing
• The Fugitive
• Cinderella Man
• Training Day
• Unforgiven
• Full Metal Jacket
• Jarhead
• Assault on Precinct 13 (2005)
• Rumor Has It...
• Swordfish
• GoodFellas
• Doom
• Million Dollar Baby
• Apollo 13
• The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
• Serenity
• The Last Samurai
[PORN]
HD Porn is here..in Japan.
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