General Blu-ray news and discussion PART 3
11-21-07 | 03:10 PM
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Stringer talks a Blu-ray streak
By Thomas K. Arnold
Nov 20, 2007
Sony CEO Howard Stringer affirmed the company's support for and belief in Blu-ray Disc, saying in an exclusive e-mail interview Monday that the Sony-developed next-generation disc format has "the momentum and the scale" to ultimately triumph over rival HD DVD.
A week ago, an Associated Press story quoted the outspoken Sony chief as saying Blu-ray was in a "stalemate" with HD DVD, which is backed by Toshiba and Microsoft. His comments caused a stir in the blogosphere, where they were construed that Sony's resolve to win the next-gen format war might be weakening.
Stringer said that Blu-ray has the exclusive support of Disney and Fox, "who have consistently produced the highest level of boxoffice in recent years," as well as MGM, Lionsgate and Sony.
HD DVD is exclusively supported by Universal and Paramount, with Warner Bros. releasing titles in both formats.
"I think Blu-ray is just a better format," Stringer said. "Our partners are with Blu-ray Disc because, first of all, we have greater security, which Fox is particularly good at. Disney thinks it's a better picture. And the sheer amount of bandwidth on the disc gives directors and beyond all kinds of future opportunity, including director's cuts and who knows what 3-D capabilities will be down the road.
"I think that's why Steven Spielberg held out his own product from going to HD DVD," he added. "Ultimately, if you're passionate about movies, which these DVD collectors are, Blu-ray is the best answer. I think that is true, and we see that in the blogging environment.
"It isn't the cheaper format, but it is the better format," Stringer said.
He added that while HD DVD might have made inroads with price cuts on both hardware and software, Blu-ray hardware prices probably won't sink much below $400.
"We haven't announced any price cuts yet, but obviously the PS3 at $399 was a price cut, and that's also a Blu-ray player," he said. "We're comfortable with the situation at the moment."
Stringer also elaborated on the boom in PlayStation 3 sales after Sony cut the price of its 80GB model by $100 and launched a 40GB model. Sony said last week that in the two weeks endingNov. 11, more than 100,000 game consoles were sold; Stringer said he ultimately could see the PS3 becoming as big as the PlayStation 2, the most successful video game machine ever.
"The momentum shift and the energy behind PS3 in time for Christmas is extremely fortuitous," he said. "It was planned by the PlayStation group, but I think this momentum now -- particularly the number of games coming out, including our own as well as third-party -- is the same as it was with PlayStation 2."
Noting that "it takes time to build a new format," Stringer insisted that PS3 is "not behind the curve compared to PlayStation 2 in terms of momentum. The amount of bandwidth and the processing power of Cell give game manufacturers a lot more work to do to use this system to its full benefit -- and it's taken awhile to do it. The same was true of PlayStation 2."
He said Sony was waiting for the $399 price tag "to see if, indeed, the loyal PlayStation customers -- and there are 200 million of them who have PS2 -- (would) kick in, and clearly the value proposition has sent the message."
By Thomas K. Arnold
Nov 20, 2007
Sony CEO Howard Stringer affirmed the company's support for and belief in Blu-ray Disc, saying in an exclusive e-mail interview Monday that the Sony-developed next-generation disc format has "the momentum and the scale" to ultimately triumph over rival HD DVD.
A week ago, an Associated Press story quoted the outspoken Sony chief as saying Blu-ray was in a "stalemate" with HD DVD, which is backed by Toshiba and Microsoft. His comments caused a stir in the blogosphere, where they were construed that Sony's resolve to win the next-gen format war might be weakening.
Stringer said that Blu-ray has the exclusive support of Disney and Fox, "who have consistently produced the highest level of boxoffice in recent years," as well as MGM, Lionsgate and Sony.
HD DVD is exclusively supported by Universal and Paramount, with Warner Bros. releasing titles in both formats.
"I think Blu-ray is just a better format," Stringer said. "Our partners are with Blu-ray Disc because, first of all, we have greater security, which Fox is particularly good at. Disney thinks it's a better picture. And the sheer amount of bandwidth on the disc gives directors and beyond all kinds of future opportunity, including director's cuts and who knows what 3-D capabilities will be down the road.
"I think that's why Steven Spielberg held out his own product from going to HD DVD," he added. "Ultimately, if you're passionate about movies, which these DVD collectors are, Blu-ray is the best answer. I think that is true, and we see that in the blogging environment.
"It isn't the cheaper format, but it is the better format," Stringer said.
He added that while HD DVD might have made inroads with price cuts on both hardware and software, Blu-ray hardware prices probably won't sink much below $400.
"We haven't announced any price cuts yet, but obviously the PS3 at $399 was a price cut, and that's also a Blu-ray player," he said. "We're comfortable with the situation at the moment."
Stringer also elaborated on the boom in PlayStation 3 sales after Sony cut the price of its 80GB model by $100 and launched a 40GB model. Sony said last week that in the two weeks endingNov. 11, more than 100,000 game consoles were sold; Stringer said he ultimately could see the PS3 becoming as big as the PlayStation 2, the most successful video game machine ever.
"The momentum shift and the energy behind PS3 in time for Christmas is extremely fortuitous," he said. "It was planned by the PlayStation group, but I think this momentum now -- particularly the number of games coming out, including our own as well as third-party -- is the same as it was with PlayStation 2."
Noting that "it takes time to build a new format," Stringer insisted that PS3 is "not behind the curve compared to PlayStation 2 in terms of momentum. The amount of bandwidth and the processing power of Cell give game manufacturers a lot more work to do to use this system to its full benefit -- and it's taken awhile to do it. The same was true of PlayStation 2."
He said Sony was waiting for the $399 price tag "to see if, indeed, the loyal PlayStation customers -- and there are 200 million of them who have PS2 -- (would) kick in, and clearly the value proposition has sent the message."
11-21-07 | 03:54 PM
#705
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by Suprmallet
I didn't realize Stringer was versed in the use of our banana smilies.
11-24-07 | 03:19 PM
#707
Chapek: We [Disney] are targeting late Spring for our BD Live applications, and it will be profound when we do it. As examples of what we can do, think of the Liars' Dice computer game that was part of "Pirates of The Caribbean II: Dead Man's Chest." Now imagine that we are playing each other through our Blu-ray players — You're in New York and I'm in L.A. Or, think of "Sleeping Beauty" when the first Disney Platinum title comes out in Blu-ray. Let's say we make an appointment that every Tuesday at 5 o'clock Sleeping Beauty comes out and engages in a live chat. You can ask her questions and she will respond to you. The possibilities are limitless.
But I'm over 15-years old. If I wanted this, I'd buy an Xbox or PS3 and just play the video game.
But I'm over 15-years old. If I wanted this, I'd buy an Xbox or PS3 and just play the video game.
Last edited by DVD Polizei; 11-24-07 at 03:22 PM.
11-24-07 | 03:34 PM
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From: Greenville, South Cackalack
There are some potentially neat applications for what Chapek mentions, though, like live audio commentaries.
Playing Java-based games doesn't hold all that much appeal to me either, but the great thing about such flexible interactivity is that the things we'll be most impressed with three or four years from now probably haven't even been conceived yet.
Playing Java-based games doesn't hold all that much appeal to me either, but the great thing about such flexible interactivity is that the things we'll be most impressed with three or four years from now probably haven't even been conceived yet.
11-24-07 | 04:05 PM
#709
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Originally Posted by DVD Polizei
Chapek: We [Disney] are targeting late Spring for our BD Live applications, and it will be profound when we do it. As examples of what we can do, think of the Liars' Dice computer game that was part of "Pirates of The Caribbean II: Dead Man's Chest." Now imagine that we are playing each other through our Blu-ray players — You're in New York and I'm in L.A. Or, think of "Sleeping Beauty" when the first Disney Platinum title comes out in Blu-ray. Let's say we make an appointment that every Tuesday at 5 o'clock Sleeping Beauty comes out and engages in a live chat. You can ask her questions and she will respond to you. The possibilities are limitless.
But I'm over 15-years old. If I wanted this, I'd buy an Xbox or PS3 and just play the video game.
But I'm over 15-years old. If I wanted this, I'd buy an Xbox or PS3 and just play the video game.
I am more curious about the statements of BD-Live being available in Spring which is coming up very, very soon. So far there is not a single BD-Live player available and only one Profile 1.1 player. The PS3 has not received any update as of yet.
11-24-07 | 05:48 PM
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From: Toledo, Ohio
Originally Posted by GizmoDVD
While neat, I would have no intentions of playing these little mini-games with other people. So far I played the Lairs Dice once and The Fly swat game once. Will I ever play them again? No. So far the only features I really like are the on-screen ones like the recent Anchor Bay horror titles with the trivia track, the Transformers HUD/GPS, the upcoming Superbad 'curse' score thing etc. I just can't ever imagine myself playing these little java games that barley work as-is against some else.
I am more curious about the statements of BD-Live being available in Spring which is coming up very, very soon. So far there is not a single BD-Live player available and only one Profile 1.1 player. The PS3 has not received any update as of yet.
I am more curious about the statements of BD-Live being available in Spring which is coming up very, very soon. So far there is not a single BD-Live player available and only one Profile 1.1 player. The PS3 has not received any update as of yet.
Now I do agree that I probably won't use Live for too many applications. Just like the PIP does not do too much for me.
11-24-07 | 07:13 PM
#711
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Originally Posted by Bcolon
You said the same thing about profile 1.1 being here at the deadline, yet here it is. Spring is still 4 to 6 months away. There is PLENTY of time left. I'm sure we will see a number of 1.1 and 2.0 player announcments at CES from Sony, Samsung, and others.
Now I do agree that I probably won't use Live for too many applications. Just like the PIP does not do too much for me.
Now I do agree that I probably won't use Live for too many applications. Just like the PIP does not do too much for me.
11-24-07 | 07:32 PM
#712
DVD Talk Gold Edition
this is typical chicken and egg with any new technology. should the hardware come first or should the software. in reality it comes piecemeal. most accept this as the natural order of things, though there are always going to be a few who it seems to bother...
11-24-07 | 07:49 PM
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From: Toledo, Ohio
Originally Posted by GizmoDVD
Profile 1.1 did "come out" in one Blu-ray player, however Sony is more then happy to release a new player last week (BDP-500) that is still a profile 1.0. No other CE has announced plans for a new Blu-ray only player (Sony, Samsung, Pioneer, Panasonic, Sharp) to be 1.1 and there is not a single 1.1 profile disc out until January. The only announced Blu-ray player I can think of at the moment is the Samsung Dual Format one, but even that does not have a solid release date, same with the LG-2000 that appeared at Best Buy kiosks, but you can't even buy that. It seems the BDA is more then happy to continue selling these 1.0 players that will not be able to take advantage of the features Disney loves to talk about.
11-24-07 | 08:28 PM
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I've got the Panny BD-30 which apparently is the one player currently at Profile 1.1, and incapable of being Profile 2.0 since there is no ethernet port on the back. Judging by the growing AVS thread on this player though, Profile 'capability' is pretty irrelevant to the majority of it's owners. Most (like me) have bought it for the DTS HD-MA + the price. I like the player, but I do miss my PS3 in my main system... when/if the PS3 gets DTS HD-MA, I will swap & move the BD-30 to my secondary system.
Last edited by Hammer99; 11-24-07 at 08:30 PM.
11-24-07 | 08:42 PM
#715
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Originally Posted by Hammer99
I've got the Panny BD-30 which apparently is the one player currently at Profile 1.1, and incapable of being Profile 2.0 since there is no ethernet port on the back. Judging by the growing AVS thread on this player though, Profile 'capability' is pretty irrelevant to the majority of it's owners. Most (like me) have bought it for the DTS HD-MA + the price. I like the player, but I do miss my PS3 in my main system... when/if the PS3 gets DTS HD-MA, I will swap & move the BD-30 to my secondary system.
11-24-07 | 09:36 PM
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by Hammer99
I've got the Panny BD-30 which apparently is the one player currently at Profile 1.1, and incapable of being Profile 2.0 since there is no ethernet port on the back. Judging by the growing AVS thread on this player though, Profile 'capability' is pretty irrelevant to the majority of it's owners. Most (like me) have bought it for the DTS HD-MA + the price. I like the player, but I do miss my PS3 in my main system... when/if the PS3 gets DTS HD-MA, I will swap & move the BD-30 to my secondary system.
11-24-07 | 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by tonymontana313
Hammer, how fast is the load time in this bad boy?
11-25-07 | 12:28 AM
#718
Originally Posted by Adam Tyner
There are some potentially neat applications for what Chapek mentions, though, like live audio commentaries.
Playing Java-based games doesn't hold all that much appeal to me either, but the great thing about such flexible interactivity is that the things we'll be most impressed with three or four years from now probably haven't even been conceived yet.
Playing Java-based games doesn't hold all that much appeal to me either, but the great thing about such flexible interactivity is that the things we'll be most impressed with three or four years from now probably haven't even been conceived yet.
11-25-07 | 01:07 AM
#719
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by GizmoDVD
Profile 1.1 did "come out" in one Blu-ray player, however Sony is more then happy to release a new player last week (BDP-500) that is still a profile 1.0. No other CE has announced plans for a new Blu-ray only player (Sony, Samsung, Pioneer, Panasonic, Sharp) to be 1.1 and there is not a single 1.1 profile disc out until January. The only announced Blu-ray player I can think of at the moment is the Samsung Dual Format one, but even that does not have a solid release date, same with the LG-2000 that appeared at Best Buy kiosks, but you can't even buy that. It seems the BDA is more then happy to continue selling these 1.0 players that will not be able to take advantage of the features Disney loves to talk about.
I just hope that some of this online stuff can be more than just gimmicks. I have a feeling some of it will just be stuff left off the discs they make you download. Instead of putting 8 deleted scenes on the disc, they'll put 5-6 on there and you download the rest.
I also think we won't see too much made available to download later on. What do you think they'll do? Let you download more extras for nothing, or save them for another dip?
11-25-07 | 02:06 AM
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From: In the Universe.
Originally Posted by Drexl
More than happy? How can you be more than happy? To me, this sounds like a dangerous mental condition.
I just hope that some of this online stuff can be more than just gimmicks. I have a feeling some of it will just be stuff left off the discs they make you download. Instead of putting 8 deleted scenes on the disc, they'll put 5-6 on there and you download the rest.
I also think we won't see too much made available to download later on. What do you think they'll do? Let you download more extras for nothing, or save them for another dip?
I just hope that some of this online stuff can be more than just gimmicks. I have a feeling some of it will just be stuff left off the discs they make you download. Instead of putting 8 deleted scenes on the disc, they'll put 5-6 on there and you download the rest.
I also think we won't see too much made available to download later on. What do you think they'll do? Let you download more extras for nothing, or save them for another dip?
11-25-07 | 10:36 AM
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From: IL
Originally Posted by jiggawhat
This is what I'm afraid of. Xbox live is a prime example of what could be with these online connected machines. For example, EA created "downloadable content" that should have been on the discs in the first place and they try to make people pay for it. This is what could happen with BD/HD-DVD. Warner tried it with 300 and Universal with Evan Almighty on a really small scale, but things could definitely get worse down the road. Luckily the online content for Transformers was free, but who knows what will happen.
For example, many years from now, when I dust off my then obsolete BD and/or HD-DVD player and decide to watch some of the extras that are available online only, will they still be there? Probably not.
... as compared to all the DVD's I currently own, on which all the extras will be available until DVD rot sets in or my house burns down.
11-25-07 | 11:01 AM
#723
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Originally Posted by dizzlle01
My local target had a endcap displaying blu ray with their player and blu ray movies below the tv. It seems sony is trying to push really hard this holiday season.
11-25-07 | 12:27 PM
#724
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Originally Posted by dizzlle01
My local target had a endcap displaying blu ray with their player and blu ray movies below the tv. It seems sony is trying to push really hard this holiday season.
).
11-25-07 | 12:39 PM
#725
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by GizmoDVD
For some reason my local Target has the BDP-300 hooked up via Component cables...is everyone elses like this as well? I am assuming they just opened up a retail unit and a $10 Component cable vs a $50 HDMI one (which is the price they sell them for ).
).