Chris Lanier's Blog : Blu-ray

Short Bits: Power DVD, Sage TV, Updates

chrisl — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:30:00 GMT

Engadget HD got some shots of PowerDVD 9, or rather what we now know is the extent of the "native” Media Center Blu-ray integration announced CES. Native is a bit of a stretch as I figured it might be. Instead of native playback we now have a native MCML UI that launches PowerDVD (a la Play Movie, TotalMedia, etc). It’s a start, I guess. I’m not really that impressed with what is being offered. On the plus side, word is video decoding is pretty top notch which is good to hear.

If I can ever find time I’ve got to do an in-depth Sage TV review. Why? Because not only have I been impressed with them more and more over the past year but they have also just added Blu-ray streaming to their Extenders. That’s a huge step forward that a lot of people are looking for.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, Media Browser is one of my favorite new plug-ins. I don’t do a lot with ripped DVDs, but an add-in that automatically finds cover art and metadata about my ripped content without me doing a single thing is a beautiful thing (did it just based on folder names).

Microsoft released the February update for Media Center a few weeks ago. Big item here is a fix for CableCARD machines that was introduced way back in October.

February 2009 Cumulative Update for Media Center for Windows Vista

February 2009 Cumulative Update for Media Center TV Pack for Windows Vista

Media Center Gets Blu-ray, Just Not From Microsoft

chrisl — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:37:00 GMT

I’ve talk about Microsoft and Blu-ray more times than I can count and it never fails I end up saying they will not be the ones to build Blu-ray support in Windows. My thoughts have officially come true with yesterday’s announcement that Microsoft is outsourcing Blu-ray support in Windows 7 to Cyberlink.

According to the press release, PowerDVD “automatically integrate with Windows Media Center to enable full Blu-ray playback capability on PC equipped with the appropriate hardware.” The extent of that integration remains to be seen, but I’m hoping for full integration using Media Foundation and PVP (aka real integration). That's a lot of wishful thinking on my part, what we will likely end up with is Media Center launching PowerDVD in a Play Movie-esk way.

I guess this is a good start and I’m interested to see what the product will look like but I’m not getting my hopes up too high just yet for it being the perfect solution.

CyberLink to Demonstrate PowerDVD with Microsoft at CES 2009

chrisl — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:38:00 GMT

TAIPEI, Taiwan - CyberLink Corporation is pleased to announce that PowerDVD will be utilized by Microsoft Corp. in a demonstration of their newest version of Windows Media Center, for Windows 7. This demo will be shown in the Microsoft booth (7144), in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Additional demonstrations of the forthcoming version of PowerDVD will be available to PC and Consumer Electronic manufacturers and members of the press by appointment, in CyberLink’s private suite in the Hilton Hotel.

CyberLink has been working closely with Microsoft to support many of the advanced capabilities of Windows 7. PowerDVD Cinema mode has been designed to automatically integrate with Windows Media Center to enable full Blu-ray playback capability on PC equipped with the appropriate hardware. PowerDVD Cinema mode integrates seamlessly with the advanced user experience that Windows Media Center provides and allows consumers to be able to use a remote control to select and watch Blu-ray titles from the comfort of their couch. PowerDVD also provide a great user experience when launched directly from Windows, with new and exciting ways for everyone to browse and enjoy movies and video files on any Windows desktop or laptop PC.

TrueTheater™ HD, one of the new video technology CyberLink will demonstrate in PowerDVD, provides the capability to up-sample videos and transform standard definition video files, or DVD titles into high-definition quality. This would allow users to enjoy DVDs today in high definition quality.

“We are proud that PowerDVD is Microsoft’s choice to support Blu-ray Disc playback for Windows 7,” said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink. “PowerDVD is the leading DVD, Blu-ray Disc and AVCHD movie player software application, chosen by top-brand PCs and optical disc drives purchased by consumers and businesses around the world. We are excited to demonstrate the smooth integration and the incredible sights and sounds of Blu-ray disc movies for Windows 7 at the coming CES.”

Okoro Media Unleashes Intel i7 Core Media Centers

chrisl — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:32:00 GMT

Okoro Media Systems, manufacturer of digital entertainment systems for the high end audio video market, is pleased to announce the availability of the Intel’s new i7 Core processing technology to our high-end 2009 Digital Entertainment Systems. Keeping with our mission of bringing the latest in cutting edge technology, our i7 Core series machines will continue to bring unprecedented 3-D gaming performance and will provide better performance for streaming movies, and music to multiple zones.

“Our customers expected us to push the envelope with systems that can provide the greatest performance when they are playing the latest Blu-ray movies in 1080p with TrueHD audio, while recording multiple HD channels and extending content to multiple zones. With the integration of Intel’s i7Core technology in our line of premier Digital Entertainment Systems, we can provide our customers with unparalleled video performance.” says Christopher Curry VP of Sales and Marketing.

The following systems are based on Intel i7Core technology:
OMS-TH550
OMS-GX100
OMS-GX300
The upcoming
RK200 & RK300

During this 2008 festive season, Okoro Media Systems wants to make your holidays even brighter with some complimentary gifts to enhance your Digital Experience. We want to help you with those “Stocking Stuffers”.

With every purchase of a BX series or system that is upgraded with a Blu-ray player we will add the critically acclaimed box office smash hit - The Dark Knight Blu-ray movie to your order, as a gift from us.

We want to continue the gift giving by adding an additional 5% promotional reduction to the listed MSPR price of the following OMS Models: TH550, BX300, BX100, GX300, GX100, and ZX100.

The complimentary Blu-ray movie Batman- The Dark Knight and the 5% discount will be valid until Sunday, January 11th, 2009.

For more information, please contact Okoro Media Systems at 877-539-4788 or visit www.okoromedia.com.

Chances Latest Xbox 360 Blu-ray Rumor is True?

chrisl — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I’m a few weeks behind on this one, but those pesky Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumors came back into the spotlight early this month. Spotlight might actually be the wrong word to use, as the usual tech blogs didn’t even bother to cover the rumor. I’ve made it quite clear over the past year that I don’t think Blu-ray for the Xbox 360 makes sense for Microsoft, but X-bit Labs hears different.

According to the October 8^th article Microsoft is working with Toshiba-Samsung Storage Technology Corp (TSST) to manufacturer external Blu-ray Disc drives for the Xbox 360. According to the article the target price is would be $100 - $150 with an unknown release date. Microsoft yet again denied the rumor with “We have no plans to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience.”

Interestingly I’ve actually heard more information behind the scenes (read: non Microsoft behind the scenes) about this rumor than any other. Some are saying they have word from retailers that the product is a-go, but I’m hardly going to believe that when the source article doesn’t have an expected release date and nothing from TSST has leaked out.

The only opinion I have to add to this is that with the recent Xbox 360 price cuts Microsoft could compete with Sony head-to-head by offering a Blu-ray Drive, but I still fail to see why they would want to. I’ve said several times in my other posts that the Xbox 360 would benefit from a price cut (and fixing RROD issues) more than it would from getting Blu-ray, and I think that was proved a few weeks ago. The “it has Blu-ray” factor of the PlayStation 3 has kind of died down, and Blu-ray is hardly busting into the market and likely will not move much in the next few months given the current global economic outlook.

Vista SP2 Doesn’t Support Blu-ray Playback

chrisl — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:07:00 GMT

Due to a poorly worded article over at CNET I’ve seen a few dozen people getting excited about Vista SP2 bringing “support for Blu-ray drives,” but everyone should take a quick step back and realize Vista SP2 will add “support for burning Blu-ray data discs” but nothing involving Blu-ray Disc movie playback.

So far Vista SP2 is basically a collection of previously planned “Feature Packs” including the Storage Feature Pack (where Blu-ray burning comes from), and the Wireless Feature Pack. My guess is that Microsoft is worried the press behind Windows 7 is going to kick Vista sales to the curb so they want to make sure they are keeping it current.

VidaBox RoomClientHD Supports Blu-ray & DVD Streaming in Full 1080p

chrisl — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:32:00 GMT

New VidaBox RoomClientHD™ supports Blu-ray & DVD streaming in full 1080p with HD audio support - all in a miniature, palm-sized package

Westbury, NY - September 29th - VidaBox is proud to announce the new RoomClientHD™, a 2" tall, palm-sized media extender that provides Blu-ray & DVD streaming support for full 1080p and lossless audio codecs. Designed to be easily hidden behind any HDTV, this breakthrough extender allows any room to get instant, on-demand access to any content stored on a VidaBox media server.

"We're thrilled to finally offer an ultra-compact Blu-ray extender that dealers and customers alike have been asking for," says Steven Cheung, President of VidaBox LLC. "Current Blu-ray players & extenders are the size of typical DVD players or set-top boxes, and may have slight unpleasantries like fan noise that stopped many installers from putting the equipment directly in the viewing area. By combining advanced hardware design and our in-depth experience with Blu-ray streaming, we've been able to create the RoomClientHD, answering the prayers of integrators and customers alike.

Blu-ray streaming starts with a VidaBox server, such as the new RACK24 system with up to 22.0TB of storage, where thousands of DVDs and hundreds of Blu-rays can be stored. From here, extenders like the RoomClientHD can be installed to pull the content via standard CAT5e/6 cabling. No complicated setup needs to be done, as the extenders are preconfigured to automatically detect the VidaBox server on the network, making multizone installs a plug-n-play process.

"With only a 6" x 6" footprint, installers can cleverly hide the 2" tall RoomClientHD behind most HDTV panels," exclaims Cheung. "With hardware support for full 1080p and new HD audio codecs like DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD, the RoomClientHD sets a new standard for high-end media extenders that provide a full set of features without any compromises in quality or experience."

The RoomClientHD is available now, and comes with an option for a built-in Blu-ray disc drive for convenient local playback. For more details and specifications on the RoomClientHD™ and VidaBox's comprehensive line of media servers, extenders, and complete entertainment and control solutions, please visit the company website at http://www.vidabox.com, or see them at International CES in the North Tower Suite H22-121!

About VidaBox LLC

VidaBox LLC is a digital entertainment and controls solutions company focused on manufacturing premium media centers, integrated home control & automation solutions. VidaBox is on a mission to create user-friendly, stable high-performance Media Center systems that work right out of the box and integrate seamlessly with multizone audio and smart home technologies. For more information, visit www.vidabox.com or call 1-516-730-7500.

Niveus Media @ CEDIA: Movie Library, 8 CableCARD, 10 Extenders, Home Server

chrisl — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Niveus Movie Library Goes Primetime!

Version 1.5 is enriched to offer high-res cover art (including Blu-ray) and support for a wider catalogue of movie sources, such as disc-in-drive… and more!

Denver, CO – CEDIA Expo 2008 – September 4-7 – Booth #850 – Designed exclusively for Niveus Media customers, the Niveus Movie Library is a robust movie management tool that aggregates an entire movie collection into one distinct and intelligent interface. Upgraded to accommodate a growing number of movie sources, Niveus Movie Library 1.5 now features: disc-in-drive support; a 10’ interface for backing up movies to the Niveus Media Server; and expanded metadata with high resolution cover art (including Blu-ray!).

“Niveus Movie Library 1.5 represents the original vision of this product,” states Tim Cutting, CEO and Co-Founder, Niveus Media. “Coupling our new storage server, Cargo, with the enhanced Niveus Movie Library, our customers can now back up, download, store, and access their entire movie collection through the easy-to-use Niveus interface.”

Read Full Press Release

Niveus Supports Ten Extenders and Eight CableCARDs From One Niveus Media Server

Simultaneous HDTV viewing, recording, and distribution in up to eleven zones!

Denver, CO – CEDIA Expo 2008 – September 4-7 – Booth #850 – Niveus Media is invigorating the whole-home TV viewing experience by announcing that select Niveus media servers will simultaneously support up to eight digital cable (CableCARD) tuners and ten Media Center Extenders. Announcing availability concurrently with the introduction of the 2009 Niveus media server line, boasting impressive enhancements in processing and performance, Niveus now doubles the capabilities of the Niveus Entertainment System.

“Niveus has nurtured the digital cable functionality and compatibility since early 2007 and is proud to be one of the first to support both eight CableCARDS and ten extenders,” states Tim Cutting, Niveus CEO and Co-Founder. “By doubling the performance of the Niveus Media Server, we can now support even the largest installations.”

Read Full Press Release

Niveus Media’s 2009 Media Servers Boast Progressive Processing Power and Enhanced Multi-Zone Capabilities

Featuring HDMI 1.3, next-generation Intel processing, specialized Seagate hard drives, and upgraded cooling solutions for impressive multi-zone performance.

Denver, CO – CEDIA Expo 2008 – September 4-7 – Booth #850 – Niveus Media unveils its 2009 line of media servers, enhanced to provide an incredibly robust entertainment experience in as many as eleven independent zones. All Niveus media servers, including the passively cooled Summit Series’ Rainier and Denali Limited Edition and the rack mountable Pro Series, have been upgraded to incorporate bleeding-edge technologies for the most powerful Media Center performance.

“To accommodate the variety of installation applications and performance demands, we’ve upgraded all of our media servers to offer Niveus Authorized Dealers the preferred range of configurations,” states Brian Paper, Vice President Operations and Co-Founder of Niveus Media. “With a selection of form factors, processing power, audio and video solutions, and storage capacities, Niveus has a superior solution for today’s multi-zone scenarios.”

Read Full Press Release

Introducing The Niveus Storage Server – Cargo Edition, Powered By Windows Home Server

Store and protect unlimited HD content with up to 16TB of scalable storage, remote accessibility, and seamless integration with the Niveus Movie Library.

Denver, CO – CEDIA Expo 2008 – September 4-7 – Booth #850 – Niveus Media introduces the Niveus Storage Server – Cargo Edition, a powerful storage device based on the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform, designed for the custom install channel. Featuring up to 16TB of scalable storage, Cargo provides a seamlessly integrated and flexible storage solution for the perpetually growing HD digital content market.

As Niveus continues to enhance movie integration with the increasing functionality of the Niveus Movie Library movie management interface and availability of VideoGiants Collections premium movie packages, it has become essential to offer a robust storage solution that can house a user’s expansive HD movie collection. Cargo is the ultimate add-on to the Niveus Movie Library, enabling secure storage of thousands of movies, complete with expanded metadata and high-resolution cover art.

Read Full Press Release

Short Bits: Life|ware & Niveus at CEDIA

chrisl — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:32:00 GMT

This edition ripped straight from CE Pro…It seems Niveus Media is done with pushing their recently developed Niveus EDGE Extender. The might have been Xbox 360-based Extender (sans gaming) is out and the HP MediaSmart Connect is in. Interesting turn of events for something that must have taken a lot of time and money to complete.

Niveus is also updating their Movie Gallery adding support for better metabase, higher resolution cover art, and a 10-foot disc ripping client which seem popular these days.

Life|ware is also set to make a splash at CEDIA with a new iPhone control application that can be programmed directly using Life|ware’s programming tools. Exceptional Innovation will also be launching a new media server that integrated Media Center (CableCARD as an option), a 5.1 surround-sound amplifier, and ZigBee controller all into a single server. Models with dual CableCARD will likely run just under $4,000.

Short Bits: Storage Pack, CE Pro, Media Center Show, More

chrisl — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:54:00 GMT

Microsoft is planning to release a Storage Feature Pack for Windows that will include Blu-ray mastering support among other things. Sadly this is still very far from Blu-ray Playback support which has its own set of issues.

CE Pro has had a number of Media Center posts gearing up for CEDIA. Julie says that Microsoft’s focus at CEDIA will be the custom integrator channel and not so much on the OEM only TV Pack. I know a lot of people are waiting for CEDIA because they think Microsoft is going to drop some big news about DIRECTV being included or something like that, but that is not going to happen. Everyone knows what is in the TV Pack, and there are not going to be any surprises. On the same topic it looks like Microsoft and partners might be planning a “Media Center Integrator Alliance,” which I’m sure we will hear about in the next two weeks.

Ian Dixon has had Ed Bott and Scott Bahneman, CEO of MusicGiants on The Media Center Show. I was able to catch a few minutes of the Ed Bott interview when it was on live and agree with a lot of the concepts that he was talking about. After CEDIA I will have more posts on the TV Pack.

Not sure how much I’ve highlighted some of the newer Media Center blogs that have popped up over the past few months, so here are a few that everyone might be interested in (sorry if I missed any). Olcay Buyan’s Blog, My Network Project, and Entertainment 2.0.

Inteset Movie Collection Module Now Supports Blu-ray

chrisl — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:17:00 GMT

Hanover MA, Aug 13, 2008, Inteset, has updated its Movie Collection server module to fully support Blu-ray movies.

One of the major selling features of the Inteset media server has been its ability to store, search, and play back movies seamlessly within the Windows Media Center interface using the proprietary Movie Collection module. Inteset has offered this feature to its dealers for years and has now improved the capabilities by adding full Blu-ray support. In addition, movie profile lookups are simpler than ever. The system will scan the inserted DVD or Blu-ray disc to identify it, and then retrieve full profile information from Inteset's all-new movie database. Lookups can also be performed based on UPC code and movie title.

"We're happy to make available this exciting new upgrade of our Movie Collection module," states David Hirsh, Inteset's Director of Business Development. "The module with additional Blu-ray support works perfectly with our new 15 terabyte A/V NAS storage server and Vana advanced extender systems as well," explains Hirsh.

The Inteset Movie Collection module is available on all Inteset media servers. Blu-ray playback is now standard on the Inteset Maximus media server and optional on the Denzel and Vana media servers. The module upgrade is free on all prior and new Inteset servers running Vista Media Center.

To learn more about how to obtain the latest Inteset Movie Collection module and other Inteset products and services, visit www.inteset.com. Get a live demonstration by visiting Inteset at CEDIA 2008, Denver, CO, booth 452.

About Inteset

Inteset, LLC has been creating high-end home entertainment products since 2003. Inteset offers four categories of products: media servers, media extenders, high-capacity storage devices, and exclusive software for its systems. The near silent media servers come with up to 8TB of internal, 15TB external, protected storage. The advanced media extenders are independent systems as well as A/V distribution clients. All systems are shipped with an enriched Microsoft Windows Media Center interface that includes a movie management module and a multi-zone music module among other exclusive software offerings. These systems appeal to A/V dealers and integrators domestically and internationally for their high-integrity construction, reliability, ease-of-use, unique entertainment modules and services, price point, and interoperability with advanced control systems.

My Twelfth Post on Xbox 360 Not Getting Blu-ray

chrisl — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:21:00 GMT

I never thought I would get a dozen posts out of this topic, but what do you know! Some said I was dead wrong when I predicted that Microsoft wasn’t planning on adding Blu-ray to the Xbox 360. After covering the issue from every different angle possible (Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here) I still couldn’t come up with a good reason why it was in Microsoft’s best interest to add Blu-ray to the Xbox. It isn’t hard to come up with reasons why potential or existing Xbox 360 buyers want Blu-ray, but taking a Microsoft perspective is a bit different.

Cut to today, Forbes has a story that quotes Shane Kim, vice president of strategy and business development for Microsoft Entertainment division saying “I can categorically say that we're not working on a Blu-Ray player for Xbox 360.”

What is Microsoft’s focus? Digital distribution. As I’ve talked about either today Netflix adds just another option for downloads/streams on the Xbox 360 (but not Media Center Extenders) and while I don’t think Microsoft should just focus on digital distribution you know that is their goal and it isn’t going to change.

Bach Says No to Blu-ray in Xbox 720, First Party ZunePhone

chrisl — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:39:00 GMT

We don’t even have to wait until tomorrow to find out that the Xbox 360 isn’t getting Blu-ray. Why? Because Robbie Bach was asked if Microsoft had plans for Blu-ray to appear in the next generation Xbox (Via Engadget) and answered “No. There is nothing to even talk about right now with regard to the next generation. That is so far out that there isn't anything to talk about.” Now I’m sure some of you will tell me that he didn’t deny Xbox 360 with Blu-ray and instead just talked about the next generation, but trust me Blu-ray is not coming to the Xbox 360 tomorrow or anytime soon. He also touches on Xbox 360 lasting longer than the previous Xbox as I also talked about today.

Robbie also went on record again saying the ZunePhone (eg. first party hardware) isn’t happening, but does suggest that a Phone+Zune software might be on the way as I suggested a few months ago. I can actually say it will be happening and that I know Microsoft is currently trying to get OEMs on board. The Zune software (or a variation of it) will appear on several different OEMs handsets. Not sure if it will just be Windows Mobile, but I’d love to see them open it up to other platforms.

Lastly on the mobile side, Bach said “We don't make phones ourselves. We don't have any plans to make phones ourselves” which I thought was interesting considering Microsoft now owns Danger. Danger isn’t a hardware company per-say, but I guess it can shine a bit of light on what Microsoft isn’t planning to do with their new acquisition.

No, Xbox 360 Isn’t Getting Blu-ray on Monday

chrisl — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:43:00 GMT

Another day, another horrible rumor. Microsoft will not announce that the Xbox 360 is getting Blu-ray on Monday.

This latest rumor does give me a good chance to cover Shane Kim of Microsoft Game Studios saying the Xbox 360 is set to last seven years. This would clearly go against what I’ve been saying about the shelf life of the Xbox 360 playing into Blu-ray considerations, so I’ll admit that I’m wrong on that front. That said, I still don’t see an Xbox Blu-ray addition near-term.

If they are going to stick with the Xbox 360 and focus on games, the community aspect, media downloads, etc then a Blu-ray Disc drive still doesn’t fit into their plans. An internal drive isn’t can’t be used for games, an external drive is not going to allow the Xbox 360 to compete with the price of the PS3. There is still little advantage from Microsoft’s perspective to do Blu-ray in the Xbox 360.

Console design and graphics are getting to the point where the Xbox 720 will most likely not blow you away in comparison to the Xbox 360. What has more chance of bringing in gamers are new experiences, which is why you will see that Xbox motion sensing controller before year’s end. On the media side, downloads are still Microsoft’s business more than ever, Blu-ray isn’t.

Update: Bach says no Blu-ray on Xbox 720

FUZE Media Systems Partners with ArcSoft

chrisl — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:01:00 GMT

Hardened Whole-Home Media System Now Available with Industry-Leading Blu-Ray

San Jose, Calif., May 19, 2008 – FUZE Media Systems, makers of the industry’s most hardened whole-home media system, today announced that it has partnered with ArcSoft for Blu-Ray playback. Following the company’s recent OEM software announcement, ArcSoft is the first announced software partner that will be leveraged in both FUZE Media Systems and OEM partner media devices.

Adding Blu-Ray disc playback is the latest in feature enhancements for the appliance-like media system that delivers whole-home live & recorded TV, traditional DVDs, home movies, digital photos, and music. The selection of ArcSoft highlights that organization’s software leadership in Blu-Ray playback.

“FUZE has come to represent the vanguard in whole-home media,” said Bob Silver, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at FUZE. “In the past year, we have continued to enhance our whole-home media solution to make it even more desirable, and this partnership with ArcSoft is a logical next step for us. Arcsoft has proven its Blu-Ray leadership, and our partnership has enabled us to rapidly implement for our dealer network and our OEM partners.”

Michael Downs, VP of Marketing & Business Development at ArcSoft, added, “This is an exciting announcement for us. FUZE has delivered an entirely different sort of media system to market—one that is simplified, robust, and delivers a performance that functions more like an appliance than a computer. This is a powerful force for the industry, and we are confident that ArcSoft’s Blu-Ray software will play a key role in improving whole-home media distribution moving forward.”

Both companies noted that the Blu-Ray capability has been implemented and is immediately available for sale.

Microsoft: “No Plans to Introduce a Blu-ray Drive for Xbox 360”

chrisl — Mon, 05 May 2008 18:12:00 GMT

I hope you didn’t really think Microsoft was doing an Xbox 360 with Blu-ray, because they are once again denying it. So, what do you think is really going on?

These sites are flat out making up the rumors to drive web traffic
OEMs think constant reports will help get them a contract, suggesting they would be able to provide the drives at $xx to Microsoft.
Microsoft has expressed interest in Blu-ray Disc drives for the Xbox 360, reports are truly leaking out.
Microsoft has expressed interest in Blu-ray Disc drives for the “Xbox” (360 not implied, meaning it could be Xbox 720).
Other – Let me know

Why I’m I Still Posting About Xbox 360 With Blu-ray?

chrisl — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:21:00 GMT

Previous coverage: Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, and Here.

Latest rumor, ASUS subsidiary Pegatron has reportedly won the contract to “assemble the Xbox 360 with Blu-ray Disc ROM drive” according to Economic Daily News (Chinese).

I’ve covered the Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumors since they started, and I think I’ve made my case pretty clear. In my opinion it doesn’t make sense for Microsoft to include Blu-ray in the Xbox 360. It doesn’t make sense for Microsoft to even offer an external Blu-ray drive. If doesn’t even really make sense to do a single new SKU for Blu-ray, but lets look at it from another angle. Forget the technical aspect, forget what Microsoft wants or doesn’t want, let’s look at it from the consumer aspect and from Microsoft's price perspective.

External Blu-ray Scenarios

(I’m blindly assuming that Microsoft would sell an external Blu-ray Disc drive for $150, which would most likely be a loss for Microsoft. Remember that HD DVD originally shipped for $200 with Toshiba taking the huge loss. Other HD DVD drives where shipping for $300+ at the time. This only takes into account drive prices, loss on the software/licensing side not included.)

Playstation 3 40GB (include Blu-ray) = $400
Playstation 3 80GB (includes Blu-ray) = $500
~~Xbox 360 Arcade ($280) + External Blu-ray Disc Drive ($150) = $430~~
Xbox 360 Premium 20GB ($350) + External Blu-ray Disc Drive ($150) = $500
Xbox 360 Elite 120GB ($450) + External Blu-ray Disc Drive ($150) = $600

Once again, the Xbox 360 Arcade is targeted at casual gamers, so I’m going to leave it out of the picture (but note the total price is still more than a PS3). I’d also remind everyone that specs are the only thing that matters. Everyone keeps telling me Microsoft needs Blu-ray to compete with the PS3. Unless you’re matching the basic specs, you’re not competing.

This means you can get a PS3 with double the hard drive space for $100 cheaper. Point goes to the PS3 if you are talking about competing. You don’t gain anything by offering an external Blu-ray Disc drive, the PS3 is still a better deal all around.

For current Xbox 360 owners the concept of an external Blu-ray Disc drive is the most appealing. Even at $200 it would be the cheapest Blu-ray Disc Player on the market, but why exactly does Microsoft care about this situation? It doesn’t boost Xbox 360 sales, and they are most likely losing money on the drive to start with. I understand why current owners would be interested, but it just doesn’t benefit Microsoft at all.

Internal Blu-ray Scenarios

Considering the Xbox 360 Arcade is again targeted to casual gamers, the chance of Microsoft integrating Blu-ray into it doesn’t exist. UNO and Pac-Man players generally are not Blu-ray owners.

Microsoft already needs to upgrade the Premium to a larger hard drive to directly compete with the PS3 at its 40GB entry price. Put a Blu-ray Disc drive in the current 20GB, sell it at a loss for $350 and the PS3 is still a better deal on paper. Point goes to the PS3.

Upgrade the Xbox 360 to at least 40GB and add internal Blu-ray (selling at a loss again) and the Xbox 360 would finally be able to compete directly. So far this is the only feasible option from a consumer perspective, of course that replies on Microsoft taking the hit for Blu-ray and upgrading the hard drive at the same time. If Microsoft ups the price (figuring 40GB and Blu-ray) your price would be equal to the 40GB PS3 (and I’ve covered reasons why the PS3 is a better Blu-ray Disc Player to start with).

The Xbox 360 Elite is supposed to be Elite, right? Is Microsoft going to alienate all Xbox 360 Elite owners by doing another SKU that is truly the Elite one? The one advantage the Elite has is the large hard drive, but once you cross the $500 price tag your product isn’t going to push any units. This would mean Microsoft takes the hit for the Blu-ray Disc drive and doesn’t pass any on the consumer. Not likely.

Exclusive Titles

None of the above takes into account people buying either the PS3 or Xbox 360 for exclusive titles. These people are going to get whichever system has their exclusive titles, matched features might sway them one way, but if Halo is your game then you are buying the Xbox 360 no matter what. If Grand Turismo is your game, your buying the PS3 no matter what.

Previous HD DVD Owners

A larger percent of the 300,000 people who purchase the external HD DVD drive still have a bad taste in their mouth. This might be eased by Blu-ray officially being the winner, but Xbox 360 Premium ($350) + Xbox HD DVD ($200) + External Xbox Blu-ray ($150) + Accessories = $700+ for a game console that is three years old (earliest release of such a drive would be years end, console turnover time has been around four years).

Growing User Awareness Against Xbox 360 with Blu-ray

The best part of all of these rumors is growing user awareness that the Xbox 360 with Blu-ray doesn’t make sense. Check out the comments on Engadget and Engadget HD, the vast majority of the comments (especially the ones ranked high) are going against buying, needing, or wanting an Xbox 360 with Blu-ray. Once again, I just don’t see how this would make any sense.

Console Redesigns

One of the newest ideas that has been thrown out is Microsoft including Blu-ray in the Xbox 360 when they really start the console redesign process to cut costs in manufacturing. I can see this happening if they are planning Blu-ray for the Xbox 720, but if they are not then I don't see why they would waste the time. As Blu-ray drives fall in price, they will become the standard. I don't think we are there just yet, but in another year or so the prices will be around of that OEM DVD drives today. If Microsoft is doing Blu-ray for the Xbox 720, you might as well throw it into the redeisgned Xbox 360 as well (unless they hold out and use Blu-ray as a feature to sell Xbox 720). At current prices this story is much different.

Update: Microsoft: “No Plans to Introduce a Blu-ray Drive for Xbox 360” (5/5/08)

Short Bits: FUZE, Omaura, Mesh, more

chrisl — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:55:00 GMT

I’ve been really busy lately, but that doesn’t stop news from flowing in.

Chris Morley posted an update on recent questions about the Omaura series of cases for those interested (you should be, they look amazing).

CE Pro has an article about FUZE Media Systems taking their software to OEMs instead of just pushing their own hardware. This is a great move consider FUZE has some really cool software for things like multi-zone audio, without the need for third party audio distribution hardware. Look for the first OEMs to start shipping FUZE software mid-2008.

Tons of news today about Microsoft’s Live Mesh, Mary Jo has a great rundown. I’m really interested to see how this goes, it is really a make or break concept for Microsoft’s future.

Missing Remote has a good article on things an HTPC can do besides bring a PVR as well as the news that Xlobby is planning native Blu-ray support which is quite a shock to me.

Short Bits: Managed Copy, Media Center University, Sideshow

chrisl — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:17:00 GMT

The dream of legally copying a Blu-ray Disc to your hard drive and streaming it to other devices might be over before it starts. Managed Copy, the cornerstone of the AACS content protection system might never actually get off the ground, reports Consumer Electronics Daily (CED).

While the finalized AACS specifications could be done as early as summer (well over a year late), it is not likely to include Managed Copy according to the report. The issue appears to be content licensing, with studios having not always having the content rights to allow for a Managed Copy. Such a good idea that might never be....

Update: I've heard conflicting reports about this, CED has yet to publish anything to the contrary however.

Sideshow remotes and devices are not coming fast enough in the consumer market, but it looks like the high end guys are getting into the market. Crestron now has Sideshow support in their ZigBee-compatible MLX-2 handheld remote and the APAD keypad. Sure would be nice if we could get some Sideshow love in the consumer market.

CE Pro also has a collection of articles and guides for their Media Center University geared toward integrators and installers. You need a CE Pro account to download them, but lots of good stuff in there especially if you’re a CI looking to get started with Media Center.

Xbox 360 Blu-ray Shot Down Again By Microsoft

chrisl — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:03:00 GMT

You didn’t think Lite-On was really manufacturing Blu-ray Disc drives for the Xbox 360, did you? It doesn’t seem that Microsoft put too much stock into it, supposedly being quoted flat out with “No. Lite-On is not manufacturing Blu-ray drives for Xbox 360.”

~~The only thing that troubles me here is that TechRadar’s source is about as reliable as DigiTimes. An unnamed source saying this stuff doesn’t mean much, but whoever the “source” is~~ does seem to have a good understanding of what Microsoft wants to offer in place of Blu-ray; Digital downloads.

“As we have stated, games are what are driving consumers to purchase game consoles and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster game available.”

Speaking in general (not exclusive to Xbox 360), Microsoft shouldn’t stick to digital downloads at this point because of bandwidth concerns, but it sure wouldn’t shock me if they stuck to that path. They can own everything from end-to-end, digital downloads are exactly what Microsoft wants.

Update: CED just published the same quotes that were directed at them from the Microsoft spokeswoman, so now I'm assuming this is a Microsoft official response.