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While the idea might be cooler than the product to some, just announced is the God of War 3 demo will be on the District 9 Blu-Ray when it releases on December 29th.  This is another example we’re seeing now in regards to what can and should be done with Blu-Ray discs.

Play through the God of War 3 Demo and gain access to the making-of featurette once the game releases.

Earlier this year we ran posts about the Watchmen Movie/Game Combo and the possibility of other synergistic implementations but I have yet to see this idea really fleshed to what it could be.

We’re getting there I guess…

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If the Xbox 360 is going to make it to 2015, Microsoft better have definite plans to get Blu-Ray compatibility on board on the ASAP.  In a recent interview with Gizmodo, Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer is quoted saying that we will “soon” be able to watch Blu-Ray movies on the Xbox 360.

The CEO had expressed that an external Blu-Ray drive would be the best way to get the format on the 360.  I bet it looks identical to ill fated HD DVD drive from a few years back.

At the moment however, Ballmer seems to think that there is enough HD content via streaming sources (NetFlix and the upcoming Zune Video) to keep the masses happy.  Are we happy?

How about that web browser?

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In a move that is entirely all things Sony,  some featured Blu-Ray releases will contain a free digital copy for your PSP.  The catch is that you will need a PS3 to do the transfer.

For example, Sony Films will be releasing the Blu-Ray version of Godzilla on November 3rd that will be bundled with a separate DVD-ROM that provides access to the digital copy.  From there you just jam the disc into your PS3 and download the digital version of the Godzilla.  After that all you have to do is transfer it to your PSP via USB and you are good to go.

Essentially you will have all this Sony stuff to make this a worthwhile deal.  But do you really care anyway?  If you are going out and actually buying Godzilla on Blu-Ray do you really need to watch it again on your PSP?

Again, another nice move by Sony but will it go largely unnoticed?

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Sharp has recently developed a new technique that has allowed them to stretch the capacity of a Blu-Ray Disc to 75 and 100Gb’s.  Pretty cool eh?  Through changing the way the discs are manufactured and improvements made upon the laser, Sharp is waiting for approval from the Blu-Ray Disc Association.

In an attempt to explain the tech specs in basic jargon,  Sharp has pioneered a new laser that reads a new aluminum oxynitride film (dielectric is the old one) coating that allows the disc to have up to three and four layers instead of the current two, allowing for more storage.

All of this sounds like progress to me but I have a few questions.  How will this affect Blu-ray players already out in the field?  Will this new tech render them useless in the coming years?  That would definitely have a negative effect on early adopters and those on the fence now in regards to committing to the format.

We are just now starting to see larger Blu-Ray offerings such as game collections and TV seasons on one disc, but what could be done with 100GB’s?

Any thoughts?

Read

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I’m about one short and curly away from pulling the trigger on a blu-ray player.  And just when I think I’ve found the one, the Sony BDP-N460, it falls short of the everything mark by leaving out the always quintessential WiFi.  That’s right, you’ll have to buy a separate WiFi dongle from Linkys (WET610N) to get this bad boy up and running on the Net with no wires.

But despite that one short coming, the BDP-N460 does offer a plethora of features that includes BD-Live, USB input, DVD upscaling, all the latest audio codecs and the ability to stream media from the BRAVIA Internet Video platform including thousands of movies, TV programs, and music from YouTube, Slacker, and, later this fall, Netflix.

The BDP-N460 will launch this fall and retail for $250.  Or you can just grab a Sony PS3, which includes WiFi but lacks Netflix integration.

Full release after the ‘leap’

NEW SONY BLU-RAY PLAYER Integrates STREAMING INTERNET VIDEO

FOR ULTIMATE HOME ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE

Device to Stream Netflix, YouTube, Slacker, and Other BRAVIA Internet Video Content

ATLANTA (CEDIA Booth # 1409), Sept. 9, 2009 – Offering the best of full HD 1080p and streaming Internet video, Sony today introduced the BDP-N460 networked Blu-ray Disc™ player.

Beside playing Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, the device instantly streams one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment from the BRAVIA™ Internet Video platform including thousands of movies, TV programs, and music from YouTube, Slacker, and, later this fall, Netflix.

“Whether its Full HD 1080p or streaming video and audio from the Internet, entertainment comes in so many flavors that consumers want choice,” said Chris Fawcett, vice president of Sony Electronics’ home audio and video business. “Leading the entertainment experience, Sony brings the best of both worlds together in one player that offers more content than other stand-alone devices on the market.”

The BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc/DVD/CD player delivers full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema™ output, decodes the latest advanced audio codecs, and is BD-LIVE™ capable with your broadband internet connection and purchase of external memory.

The BDP-N460 also features built-in software specially designed for use with the Linksys by Cisco Wireless-N Ethernet Bridge with Dual-Band (WET610N, sold separately). The bridge helps ease the connection between the Ethernet–enabled player and a wireless router in either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz radio band for optimal streaming.

The model also features a cross search function to make finding Internet content on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform easier.

Since many consumers own extensive DVD movie libraries, the BDP-N460 incorporates Sony’s Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology that converts standard-definition signals (480i) to near HD quality.

Additionally, the model features Sony’s Precision Drive™ technology, which helps to detect and correct wobbling discs from three directions, supporting stabilization of warped or scratched Blu-ray Discs and DVDs during playback.

The BDP-N460 can decode the latest advanced audio codecs including 7.1 channel Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS®-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio. The model can also output 7.1 channel L-PCM via HDMI after decoding.

It supports Deep Color video output and x.v.Color™ (xvYCC) technology. The model is compatible with an array of video formats, including BD-R/RE (BDMV and BDAV modes), AVCHD, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW, CD, CD-R/RW (CD-DA format), and JPEG on BD/DVD/CD recordable media.

The model features an external port for local storage so users can add a USB flash storage device required for BD-LIVE content. A front USB port can be used to display digital photos.

Available in October, the BDP-N460 will be offered at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, at military base exchanges, and at authorized retailers nationwide for about $250.

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Think about it.  The PS2 had a lengthy lifespan that spawned several quality franchises such as:  Metal Gear Solid, Splinter Cell, GTA3, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Brothers in Arms, and more.  All these titles are totally still playable beyond a nostalgic standpoint and could have new life breathed into them if bundled together and re-released on the PS3 via Blu-Ray disc.

With the recent news of a God of War collection being re-released on Blu-Ray with a framerate increase, resolution upscaling and trophies, some rumblings have other publishers agreeing to the coolness factor of this idea, but not confirming anything.  The storage capacity of a Blu-Ray disc alone could make this a very possible scenario for down the line.  Sweet!

I think this is a great idea especially if you are a fan of a particular series and want to catch up on past story lines before you play the current title.   Hopefully we’ll here more about this sometime soon.

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Most rumors have some shred of truth to them so we’ll see where that gets us with this post.  iTunes 9 is allegedly supposed to have some sort of Blu-Ray support.  If I were to guess, I would say that it is some sort of  framework for upcoming Macs that could have Blu-Ray drives in them or for PC’s that have them already.  Other guesses could include digital copies of Blu-Ray movie purchases and or for using interactive content.

As far as app organization, there will be the ability to visually organize applications and that it will somehow integrate social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Last.fm.  My guess on that would offer the notion that it would update your status with iTunes purchases or what you’re currently listening to.

Early September should bring these rumors to light as last year introduced iTunes 8 as well as new iPod models.  That makes sense for this year because the free iPod Touch promotion ends on September 8th.  Expect Apple truth to see due diligence on September 9th.

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Onkyo has always held a place in my heart, but pardon me when I say that their latest Blu-ray player, the DV-BD507 is God awful ugly.  So ugly in fact that it bears resemblance to the early days of DVD.  If that isn’t bad enough chew on the price tag of $449 and you’ll surely be spitting with disgust.  Course it does include the ability to play AVCHD video clips stored on an SD card, which might make this player niche enough to have a place in every aspiring auteur’s home.  And like all good Blu-ray players that cost about half as much, the DV-BD507 can also upscale regular DVDs to 1080 and includes BD-Live (Profile 2.0).

[via iTechnews]

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Really Sony?  Does anyone really need a 400-disc Blu-ray changer?  Who in their freakin’ right mind owns this many Blu-rays, let alone needs to be able to watch any single one of them at the push of the button?

Announced today, the Sony BDP-CX960 and slightly higher end BDP-CX7000ES store and play up to 400 Blu-ray discs.  Pop in any Blu-ray or CD and the changer will dial up Gracenote’s Music and Video ID service and automatically adhere box art and fun movie info you never before cared about.  Both units output full HD, include a USB input for adding local storage, all the audio codecs you’d expect at this point in the game as well as BD-Live capabilities.  The higher end CX7000ES on the other hand features DVD upscaling and an RS232 connection and IR-in for fully integrating the unit into your home’s automation system.

The CX7000ES will launch this August for $1,900, while the CX960 will hit sometime this fall for $800.

Also of note, Sony launched their 13th player as well today, the BDP-S1000ES.  The mainstay of this unit is the built-in WiFi and is DLNA compliant, meaning you can watch photos and other content right on your TV, but still lacks the ability to stream Netflix.  The BDP-S1000ES will be available this August for $700.

Full release after the ‘leap’

SONY ORGANIZES YOUR ENTERTAINMENT COLLECTION WITH NEW 400-DISC BLU-RAY DISC/DVD MEGACHANGER
Company Expands Blu-ray Disc Player Options with Three New Models

NEW YORK, July 23, 2009 – Looking to help consumers simplify and manage their living room entertainment experience, Sony today announced the  new BDP-CX960 and the “Elevated Standard” (ES) BDP-CX7000ES 400-disc Blu-ray Disc™ MegaChangers.

The company also announced the BDP-S1000ES single disc ES player expanding the Sony’s Blu-ray Disc line to 13 models offering a broad set of performance and features.

The Blu-ray Disc MegaChanger models store and play 400 Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, and CDs, allowing consumers to relocate their disc library to a convenient, easy-to-access location.

They also feature the ability to download information from Gracenote’s MusicID® and VideoID™ products to organize movies and music.  When a disc is inserted into the device, Gracenote technology automatically downloads information across an existing Internet broadband service and saves title, director, some cast information, release year, and genre information for most titles, allowing users to easily navigate the library intuitively through the player’s xross media bar™ menu system.

“Think about all those great movie and music discs in your collection,” said Chris Fawcett, vice president for Sony Electronics’ home audio and video business.  “Wouldn’t it be great to instantly play those movies or CDs — definitely gives a new meaning to the notion of a movie marathon!”

BDP-CX7000ES and BDP-CX960

Leading the MegaChanger line up is the BDP-CX7000ES which outputs full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema™.  Designed to integrate with third-party automation control systems, the model features an RS232 connection and IR-in and is built to high-quality ES standards.

It offers exceptional audio quality with 7.1 channel analog output and superior video incorporating Sony’s HD Reality Enhancer and Super Bit Mapping technologies.  The HD Reality Enhancer technology continually analyzes the original source bit by bit, sharpening edges and reproducing detail, while reducing the effects of film grain.  Super Bit Mapping delivers smoother color gradation realizing true 14-bit equivalent color tone from 8-bit sources.

The model also upscales standard definition DVDs to 1080p through Sony’s Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology when connected to a 1080p display via HDMI.

Precision Cinema HD Upscale uses advanced conversion and processing to detect image changes at the pixel level, rather than the level of whole scan lines.  Additionally, separate algorithms are used to process the moving and still parts of an image, resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are free from motion artifacts.

Complementing the BDP-CX7000ES, is the new BDP-CX960.  This 400-disc MegaChanger also delivers full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema output and Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology.

Both the BDP-CX7000ES and BDP-CX960 feature an Ethernet port for connectivity to a local home broadband network to download metadata from Gracenote, software updates and to access BD-Live™ content.  There is also an external port for local storage so users can add their USB flash storage device to support BD-Live content.

The models support 7.1 channel Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS®-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding as well as bit-stream output via HDMI.  It is compatible with an array of video formats, including BD-ROM/R/RE (BDMV and BDAV modes), DVD-+ Video/R/RW, CD/R/RW, and MP3/JPEG on BD/DVD/CD recordable media and supports x.v.Color™ (xvYCC) technology.  The BDP-CX7000ES also supports Deep Color via HDMI (v1.3).

The BDP-CX7000ES is available this August for about $1,900, while the BDP-CX960 will be available this fall for about $800. BDP-S1000ES

The single-disc BDP-S1000ES Blu-ray Disc player bolsters the ES line adding built-in Wi-Fi® (802.11N/G/B/A) capability for easy BD-Live access.  The model offers full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema™ and upscales standard definition DVDs to 1080p through Sony’s Precision Cinema HD Upscale technology.

The model can easily connect to the Internet through an existing wireless home network to download and stream BD-Live content from select titles including additional scenes, short subjects, trailers, interactive games, and more.  It also enables easy firmware updates to assist in keeping your player up-to-date with the latest Blu-ray Disc media and features.

While compatible with most wireless routers, the BDP-S1000ES also supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup™, for a quick and easy connection to enabled wireless routers.  Additionally, the player is Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) ready, allowing it to connect to other DLNA compliant devices to watch digital photos on your TV.

The model also incorporates Sony’s HD Reality Enhancer, Super Bit Mapping, and Precision Drive HD technology.

It supports Deep Color video output and x.v.Color technology.  The player is compatible with an array of video formats, including BD-ROM/R/RE (BDMV and BDAV modes), DVD-+ Video/R/RW, CD/R/RW, and MP3/JPEG on BD/DVD/CD recordable media.

The model also is compatible with advanced audio codecs including 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS -HD Master Audio, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio decoding and bit-stream output, as well as analog 7.1 channel output.

The BDP-S1000ES is available this August for about $700.

The models will be available at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, and at authorized retailers nationwide.

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If you are looking for a new home theater-in-a-box, Samsung may have just provided you a solution: the HT-BD3252. This new and cool system has a 5.1 (1000 watts) sound system, a Blu-ray player, support for the latest HD audio codec, a microphone, Internet services like Pandora, Netflix and Blockbuster and an iPod dock (of course!).  And to keep your cord tangling to a minimum, they’ve tossed in a set of rear wireless speakers and a WiFi dongle.  The HT-BD3252 is priced at $799 and is set to be released this August.

Full specs after the ‘leap’

Power

• 1000 Watts total output power

Audio

• 5.1-Channel
• Smart Volume
• Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic II, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio
• Rear Wireless Included

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi capable with included USB dongle (802.11b/g/n)
• 1 USB 2.0 port with USB HOST functionality
• Made for iPod/iPhone with included cradle, onscreen display support, and remote control navigation
• 1 HDMI-CEC output
• 1 Composite output
• 2 HDMI-CEC inputs
• 1 Optical input
• 1 Ethernet port

Other Features

• Crystal Amplifier
• Bio Kelp Speaker Cones
• Energy Star compliant
• BD Wise
• BD Profile 2.0-compliant (BD-Live)
• Plays Netflix SD/HD streaming content (subscription required)
• Plays Pandora streaming audio (subscription required)
• Plays BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand streaming content (via firmware upgrade available in Fall 2009)
• Auto Sound Calibration (ASC) with included microphone
• Wired / wireless PC Streaming of select audio and photo files

Estimated Selling Price

• $799

Read

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