HiDef DVD Blog

Today at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. showcased the growing momentum behind HD DVD through its contribution of core technologies. Microsoft helped deliver the highest-quality video with the VC-1 codec, advanced interactivity with HDi™, and a streamlined and affordable platform for player manufacturers through the use of Microsoft® Windows® CE 6.0.

More than 150 HD DVD titles were authored this year with the VC-1 encoding tool, due to its outstanding picture quality. Titles such as “Batman Begins” from Warner Home Video, “King Kong” from Universal Studios Home Entertainment and “Mission: Impossible III” from Paramount Home Entertainment were all recognized by the industry for their reference quality while still allowing more room on the discs for advanced interactive features enabled by Microsoft’s HDi technology. As an official SMPTE standard, VC-1 is already the codec of choice for three major Hollywood studios, and it is also being used for digital downloads by leading services including the Xbox Live® Marketplace for high-definition videos.

As Microsoft’s implementation of the interactive layer in HD DVD, HDi immediately began delivering unprecedented and unique experiences for consumers when the format was launched in April 2006. Based on easy-to-program Web standards, HDi provides studios with a familiar and simple development environment, resulting in a digital canvas of unlimited possibilities. With interactivity support mandatory on all HD DVD players, HDi allows for advanced features that can play back on any production HD DVD player or drive. Titles such as “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” and “Miami Vice” have already received significant acclaim for their interactive experiences, from picture-in-picture director’s commentary to graphical interfaces with tailored movie specifications, all available without stopping the movie playback experience. But these experiences are just the beginning; studios have announced plans to expand their interactive offerings in 2007 with Web-connected interactive experiences. The ability to download new trailers and share favorite bookmarked scenes with other HD DVD owners are just a few of the features.

“With HDi technology, we were able to take a new approach to creating a living-room experience that simply isn’t possible with today’s DVDs,” said Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “The HD DVD format is redefining not only what consumers should expect from the next generation of optical formats, but also how content creators approach the creative process of making movies. Microsoft’s expertise and contributions will continue to aid in helping us realize the full potential of what can be done.”

Also at CES today, Microsoft and Broadcom Corp. announced a joint effort to support a hardware and software reference design for more cost-efficient HD DVD playback. The new platform uses Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 and Broadcom’s BCM7440 system-on-chip solution, allowing consumer electronics manufacturers, original design manufacturers and systems integrators to more easily and affordably deliver HD DVD playback. Several of the more innovative consumer electronics companies plan to use this new hardware and software platform to speed the production of HD DVD players, including Lite-On IT Corp., one of the most experienced systems integrators backing high-volume consumer electronics manufacturers, and Zhenjiang Jiangkui Group Co. Ltd./ED Digital, one of the largest, high-volume manufacturers of DVD players in China.

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Coral Springs, FL (PRWEB) November 28, 2006 — DVD Movie retailer HiDefDVD.com is already seeing a big boost in high definition DVD purchases this holiday season, as the DVD Movie makes a return to the must have category.

Movies have always seemed to be a product that drives customers to the re-buy factor. First it was VHS, then people re-purchased those films on DVD, and now we’re seeing the same thing with the new High Definition formats.
Thanks to the recent release of Sony’s Playstation 3 and Microsoft’s XBOX 360, high definition products have been pushed back into the mainstream. Every Playstation 3 includes a built-in Blu-ray DVD drive and Microsoft has just released an aftermarket, standalone HD-DVD player for its XBOX 360.

“We’re pretty surprised, actually,” stated VP Shaun Guidolin of hidefdvd.com. “Movies have always seemed to be a product that drives customers to the re-buy factor. First it was VHS, then people re-purchased those films on DVD, and now we’re seeing the same thing with the new High Definition formats.”

The lack of clear leader in the format battle has not stopped consumers from diving into the new hardware.

“The movie studios are being a little smarter this time around. They have chosen to support both formats,” said Mr. Guidolin. In fact, even the founding father of HD-DVD, Warner Brothers, is supporting the rival Blu-ray format. This is good news for consumers. “I think consumers see that there isn’t going to be a clear winner for a long time — if ever. So they are ok being early adopters.”

Christmas season is also the time you’ll see the studios pulling out the big guns to meet the Christmas rush. Titles like Seinfeld: Season 7, Superman Returns (Available in Blu-ray/HD-DVD & DVD) and Pirates of the Caribbean 2 are just a few of the major releases arriving in time for Santa to deliver.

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InterVideo today announced WinDVD 8, the latest release of the software DVD player favored by 175 million users worldwide. WinDVD 8 takes video and audio playback to the next generation with Windows® VistaTM compatibility.

“With the advent of the Windows Vista era, being able to use a single software solution to play all DVD/video/audio in multiple formats simplifies our customers’ digital lifestyle,” said Steve Ro, CEO and President of InterVideo. “People are eager to adopt next-generation technologies like H.264, VC1 or the UPnP ability in the new Windows Vista OS, and WinDVD 8 provides this path. WinDVD users worldwide can always get the most out of their current systems. Now, WinDVD 8 users can also leverage the enhanced multimedia features and capabilities of Windows Vista.”

WinDVD 8 is available in two versions. WinDVD 8 Platinum will appeal to power users who want the latest audio/video technologies, such as H.264 and VC1 support, and the ability to integrate with the Media Center and UPnP home networking. WinDVD 8 Gold is designed for movie lovers and business travelers who just want an easy way to enjoy high-quality movie playback. Both versions are Windows Vista-compatible.

The suggested list prices are $39.95 for WinDVD 8 Gold and $59.95 WinDVD 8 Platinum. Upgrades for current licensed WinDVD users will also be available on the InterVideo web site.

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