http://freehdtvreviews.com All the information you need about your HD TV choices Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:01:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 http://freehdtvreviews.com/vudu-to-sell-permanent-hd-downloads http://freehdtvreviews.com/vudu-to-sell-permanent-hd-downloads#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:10:42 +0000 Phillip Swann http://www.tvpredictions.com/forum/index.php?entry=entry090224-051042 The price will range from $14 to $24.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 24, 2009) -- Vudu, the Video on Demand set-top service, says it will begin selling permanent High-Definition movie downloads for purchase over the Net.

That's according to an article by Video Business.

The $149 Vudu set-top enables users to download movies over a high-speed Internet connection. The box, which can also store movies, offers more than 13,000 movies and shows, including more than 1,000 HDTV selections.

Until now, however, Vudu only permitted owners to permanently download movies in standard-def and keep them on their set-tops. The service offered high-def rentals, but they would be deleted from the set-top after viewing.

Starting with today's offering of the Oscar-winning documentary, Man on Wire, Vudu will permit users to keep high-def films on the set-top. Additionally, a Vudu owner will be able to delete the movie but retrieve it again from Vudu's server for free at a later time.

Video Business reports that Vudu has signed deals with Magnolia Pictures, First Look studios, Kino and other independent studios to offer their films as permanent downloads.

The publication adds that the HD downloads will be available in 1080p video the same day they debut on DVD and Blu-ray. The permanent HD downloads will cost between $13.99 and $23.99, the company said.
]]> The price will range from $14 to $24.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 24, 2009) -- Vudu, the Video on Demand set-top service, says it will begin selling permanent High-Definition movie downloads for purchase over the Net.

That's according to an article by Video Business.

The $149 Vudu set-top enables users to download movies over a high-speed Internet connection. The box, which can also store movies, offers more than 13,000 movies and shows, including more than 1,000 HDTV selections.

Until now, however, Vudu only permitted owners to permanently download movies in standard-def and keep them on their set-tops. The service offered high-def rentals, but they would be deleted from the set-top after viewing.

Starting with today's offering of the Oscar-winning documentary, Man on Wire, Vudu will permit users to keep high-def films on the set-top. Additionally, a Vudu owner will be able to delete the movie but retrieve it again from Vudu's server for free at a later time.

Video Business reports that Vudu has signed deals with Magnolia Pictures, First Look studios, Kino and other independent studios to offer their films as permanent downloads.

The publication adds that the HD downloads will be available in 1080p video the same day they debut on DVD and Blu-ray. The permanent HD downloads will cost between $13.99 and $23.99, the company said.
]]> http://freehdtvreviews.com/vudu-to-sell-permanent-hd-downloads/feed 0 http://freehdtvreviews.com/studios-putting-blu-ray-dvd-in-same-box http://freehdtvreviews.com/studios-putting-blu-ray-dvd-in-same-box#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:02:13 +0000 Phillip Swann http://www.tvpredictions.com/forum/index.php?entry=entry090223-050213 Hollywood looks to keep both audiences happy.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 23, 2009) -- Several studios are planning to issue new video releases with both the film's Blu-ray and standard-def DVD discs inside.

That's according to an article by Video Business.

The publication reports that 20th Century Fox will soon release a Blu-ray/DVD package for Marley & Me (March 31) while MGM will issue one for The Princess Bride (March 17). Lionsgate's upcoming Terminator 2 set (May 19) will include a Blu-ray version and two standard-def editions.

The studios hope that the inclusion of the Blu-ray disc along with the DVD edition will encourage more consumers to embrace the high-def disc format.

Disney introduced the practice last fall when it said it would release seven Blu-ray/DVD combo packs in 2009, including Pinocchio in March and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in October.
“Standard DVD or Blu-ray represents amazing value and amazing quality, but how do we make it more flexible to adapt to the changing lifestyle?” a Fox executive told Video Business. “We’re constantly looking at consumers’ habits.”

The executive suggested that Fox will offer similar combo packs for other movies.

"I will say strategically this is going to be our direction for certain movies," she said.
]]> Hollywood looks to keep both audiences happy.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 23, 2009) -- Several studios are planning to issue new video releases with both the film's Blu-ray and standard-def DVD discs inside.

That's according to an article by Video Business.

The publication reports that 20th Century Fox will soon release a Blu-ray/DVD package for Marley & Me (March 31) while MGM will issue one for The Princess Bride (March 17). Lionsgate's upcoming Terminator 2 set (May 19) will include a Blu-ray version and two standard-def editions.

The studios hope that the inclusion of the Blu-ray disc along with the DVD edition will encourage more consumers to embrace the high-def disc format.

Disney introduced the practice last fall when it said it would release seven Blu-ray/DVD combo packs in 2009, including Pinocchio in March and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in October.
“Standard DVD or Blu-ray represents amazing value and amazing quality, but how do we make it more flexible to adapt to the changing lifestyle?” a Fox executive told Video Business. “We’re constantly looking at consumers’ habits.”

The executive suggested that Fox will offer similar combo packs for other movies.

"I will say strategically this is going to be our direction for certain movies," she said.
]]> http://freehdtvreviews.com/studios-putting-blu-ray-dvd-in-same-box/feed 0 http://freehdtvreviews.com/sony-to-offer-ps3blu-ray-combo-disc http://freehdtvreviews.com/sony-to-offer-ps3blu-ray-combo-disc#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:00:16 +0000 Phillip Swann http://www.tvpredictions.com/forum/index.php?entry=entry090211-110016 The discs would enable PS3 owners to use both features.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 11, 2009) -- Sony says it will introduce combo PlayStation 3 game/Blu-ray movie discs later this year, according to an article by Video Business.

The publication reports that the combo discs will be designed to broaden the appeal of the PS3 which has lagged in sales behind Nintendo's Wii and Microsoft's XBox 360. Sony also wants to emphasize that its game console can play high-def movies as well as games.

Video Business writes that the combo disc would also allow PS3 owners to transfer the film to view on a PlayStation Portable.
“We are actively pushing, and the way that we see the future is that the movie and the game are placed on the same disc,” John Koller, director of hardware marketing for the PS3, told the publication. “There are a lot of developers who say, we have this game based on a movie, wouldn’t it be great to marry these concepts? We will definitely see this stuff this year.”

The executive did not say when the combo discs would be available, but he said two or three could launch this year. He also did not offer specific pricing for the combo discs.
]]> The discs would enable PS3 owners to use both features.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 11, 2009) -- Sony says it will introduce combo PlayStation 3 game/Blu-ray movie discs later this year, according to an article by Video Business.

The publication reports that the combo discs will be designed to broaden the appeal of the PS3 which has lagged in sales behind Nintendo's Wii and Microsoft's XBox 360. Sony also wants to emphasize that its game console can play high-def movies as well as games.

Video Business writes that the combo disc would also allow PS3 owners to transfer the film to view on a PlayStation Portable.
“We are actively pushing, and the way that we see the future is that the movie and the game are placed on the same disc,” John Koller, director of hardware marketing for the PS3, told the publication. “There are a lot of developers who say, we have this game based on a movie, wouldn’t it be great to marry these concepts? We will definitely see this stuff this year.”

The executive did not say when the combo discs would be available, but he said two or three could launch this year. He also did not offer specific pricing for the combo discs.
]]> http://freehdtvreviews.com/sony-to-offer-ps3blu-ray-combo-disc/feed 0 http://freehdtvreviews.com/disney-may-raise-blu-ray-prices http://freehdtvreviews.com/disney-may-raise-blu-ray-prices#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:15:02 +0000 Phillip Swann http://www.tvpredictions.com/forum/index.php?entry=entry090204-051502 Disney May Raise Blu-ray Prices
The company examines ways to cut losses.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 4, 2009) -- The Walt Disney studio yesterday said it's considering raising the price on Blu-ray titles although surveys show that most consumers believe that high-def discs are already too expensive.

In a conference call with Wall Street analysts, the studio discussed various ways how it would rebound from a 64 percent first quarter earnings decline. Disney CEO Robert Iger said that the company would continue to try to convince consumers that its products have value that goes beyond price.

For instance, he said, Blu-ray discs that offer interactive features and a digital download file that enables playback on computers could be a candidate for a price hike.

"For instance, we are finding that when we sell a Blu-ray DVD with a standard DEP file and also a downloadable file, we can actually offer a price to the consumer that is viewed by the consumer as delivering greater value, which is enabling us to drive revenue at a level that is slightly better than we might have if we had not added those basically valuable extras to the DVD," Iger said.

Most Blu-ray high-def titles are priced between $5-10 more than their standard-def DVD companions and analysts have blamed this in part for disappointing disc sales. Some studios have experimented with lower prices, but Disney appears poised to raise prices.

"Today our focus is only intensifying as we address the changes affecting the DVD market. To that end we plan to reduce production, marketing, and distribution expenses at our home video business and to implement strategies that enhance the price-to-value relationship of our products. We believe the unique nature of our brand and the quality of our movies helps us to stand out in this environment but we must also innovate in order to generate attractive returns," Iger said.

Disney has recently released such popular Blu-ray titles as Sleeping Beauty, WALL-E and the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.

Commentary
Yes, times are tough and companies have to reassess how they do business. But if Disney raises Blu-ray disc prices, times will get a lot tougher for its home video business. Bad idea, Bob Iger.

]]> Disney May Raise Blu-ray Prices
The company examines ways to cut losses.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (February 4, 2009) -- The Walt Disney studio yesterday said it's considering raising the price on Blu-ray titles although surveys show that most consumers believe that high-def discs are already too expensive.

In a conference call with Wall Street analysts, the studio discussed various ways how it would rebound from a 64 percent first quarter earnings decline. Disney CEO Robert Iger said that the company would continue to try to convince consumers that its products have value that goes beyond price.

For instance, he said, Blu-ray discs that offer interactive features and a digital download file that enables playback on computers could be a candidate for a price hike.

"For instance, we are finding that when we sell a Blu-ray DVD with a standard DEP file and also a downloadable file, we can actually offer a price to the consumer that is viewed by the consumer as delivering greater value, which is enabling us to drive revenue at a level that is slightly better than we might have if we had not added those basically valuable extras to the DVD," Iger said.

Most Blu-ray high-def titles are priced between $5-10 more than their standard-def DVD companions and analysts have blamed this in part for disappointing disc sales. Some studios have experimented with lower prices, but Disney appears poised to raise prices.

"Today our focus is only intensifying as we address the changes affecting the DVD market. To that end we plan to reduce production, marketing, and distribution expenses at our home video business and to implement strategies that enhance the price-to-value relationship of our products. We believe the unique nature of our brand and the quality of our movies helps us to stand out in this environment but we must also innovate in order to generate attractive returns," Iger said.

Disney has recently released such popular Blu-ray titles as Sleeping Beauty, WALL-E and the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.

Commentary
Yes, times are tough and companies have to reassess how they do business. But if Disney raises Blu-ray disc prices, times will get a lot tougher for its home video business. Bad idea, Bob Iger.

]]> http://freehdtvreviews.com/disney-may-raise-blu-ray-prices/feed 0 http://freehdtvreviews.com/is-blu-rays-bd-live-dead http://freehdtvreviews.com/is-blu-rays-bd-live-dead#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:10:18 +0000 Phillip Swann http://www.tvpredictions.com/forum/index.php?entry=entry090126-051018 Executives acknowledge that early Blu-ray interactive features may have been difficult to understand.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 26, 2009) -- For roughly two years, the Hollywood studios have heavily promoted the interactive features available on Blu-ray high-def discs such as accessing ringtones, games, movie trailers and other content from the Net.

Known as BD Live, the ITV features have been prominently featured in Blu-ray ad campaigns and in-box promotions. However, studio executives are now acknowledging that BD Live, which requires an Internet connection (and some might argue, a tech savvy viewer), may have been too much for consumers to comprehend.

So, the studios are going back to the drawing board with new BD Live features designed to find a larger audience.

“If the initial experience with a feature wasn't immediately intuitive to people, they'd just move on," Miguel Casillas, a Lionsgate senior vice president, tells Video Business. "Users weren't saying they didn't like BD Live, because uber-fans want to get close to the films they love. But it just needs to be easy and fast.”

Video Business reports that BD Live features in 2009 will be "better integrated, easier to use, more plentiful and more glitzy than last year."

By example, Lionsgate plans to launch a BD Live portal, called Lionsgate Live, where viewers will be able to access games, ringtones and chats with the film's director.

Zane Vella, who has worked on BD Live for 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, tells Video Business that he agrees that the studios may have frighten early BD Live users by requiring them to register before using the features.

“There is going to be more experimentation with what you can do with BD Live before registration,” says Vella. “It will give people more access. Registration can be a hurdle to a seamless consumer experience.”

Sony and Disney also told the publication that they plan to refine the BD Live experience.

Commentary:
Okay, I've been telling these studio idiots for almost two years that consumers couldn't care less about the interactive features on Blu-ray discs. They just want to watch the movie, not sit there downloading ringtones and playing little games with themselves or others.

But the studio executives have been too smart for their own good; they thought -- and they continue to think -- that they can persuade the American public to interact with their televisions.

It ain't going to happen, guys, so give it up.

Concentrate instead on the obvious superior benefits of owning a Blu-ray player -- great picture and great sound. And stop talking about the ITV stuff because all you're doing is confusing a potential customer.

After two years, the studio executives apparently now have enough data to see that BD Live has been a failure. However, instead of accepting the failure and moving on, they now will "refine" the experience.

Well, refine this, fellas: If you keep pushing ITV, you will just alienate and confuse millions of possible buyers.
]]> Executives acknowledge that early Blu-ray interactive features may have been difficult to understand.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 26, 2009) -- For roughly two years, the Hollywood studios have heavily promoted the interactive features available on Blu-ray high-def discs such as accessing ringtones, games, movie trailers and other content from the Net.

Known as BD Live, the ITV features have been prominently featured in Blu-ray ad campaigns and in-box promotions. However, studio executives are now acknowledging that BD Live, which requires an Internet connection (and some might argue, a tech savvy viewer), may have been too much for consumers to comprehend.

So, the studios are going back to the drawing board with new BD Live features designed to find a larger audience.

“If the initial experience with a feature wasn't immediately intuitive to people, they'd just move on," Miguel Casillas, a Lionsgate senior vice president, tells Video Business. "Users weren't saying they didn't like BD Live, because uber-fans want to get close to the films they love. But it just needs to be easy and fast.”

Video Business reports that BD Live features in 2009 will be "better integrated, easier to use, more plentiful and more glitzy than last year."

By example, Lionsgate plans to launch a BD Live portal, called Lionsgate Live, where viewers will be able to access games, ringtones and chats with the film's director.

Zane Vella, who has worked on BD Live for 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, tells Video Business that he agrees that the studios may have frighten early BD Live users by requiring them to register before using the features.

“There is going to be more experimentation with what you can do with BD Live before registration,” says Vella. “It will give people more access. Registration can be a hurdle to a seamless consumer experience.”

Sony and Disney also told the publication that they plan to refine the BD Live experience.

Commentary:
Okay, I've been telling these studio idiots for almost two years that consumers couldn't care less about the interactive features on Blu-ray discs. They just want to watch the movie, not sit there downloading ringtones and playing little games with themselves or others.

But the studio executives have been too smart for their own good; they thought -- and they continue to think -- that they can persuade the American public to interact with their televisions.

It ain't going to happen, guys, so give it up.

Concentrate instead on the obvious superior benefits of owning a Blu-ray player -- great picture and great sound. And stop talking about the ITV stuff because all you're doing is confusing a potential customer.

After two years, the studio executives apparently now have enough data to see that BD Live has been a failure. However, instead of accepting the failure and moving on, they now will "refine" the experience.

Well, refine this, fellas: If you keep pushing ITV, you will just alienate and confuse millions of possible buyers.
]]> http://freehdtvreviews.com/is-blu-rays-bd-live-dead/feed 0 http://freehdtvreviews.com/disney-to-debut-bolt-on-blu-ray http://freehdtvreviews.com/disney-to-debut-bolt-on-blu-ray#comments Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:06:05 +0000 Phillip Swann http://www.tvpredictions.com/forum/index.php?entry=entry090123-050605 This will be the first time ever Blu-ray gets the edge over DVD.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 23, 2009) -- Disney has announced that it will release the animated hit Bolt on Blu-ray high-def disc on March 22, two days before its DVD debut on March 24.

Video Business reports that it will be the first time ever that a major video release will debut on Blu-ray before DVD, a sign that the studios are shifting their focus to growing the Blu-ray audience.

The publication adds that retail sources say that Disney hopes the early Blu-ray release for Bolt will generate more interest in the high-def disc.
“This should give some incentive to Blu-ray fans,” one studio source told Video Business.

However, the source added that “this is not a strategy that will happen with every title.”

Until now, new video releases were either released first on DVD or they were released on DVD and Blu-ray on the same day.

Despite Disney's strategy, one retail source tells Video Business that it could back fire, saying that retailers could break the embargo on the Bolt DVD and sell it on the same day as the Blu-ray debut.

]]> This will be the first time ever Blu-ray gets the edge over DVD.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 23, 2009) -- Disney has announced that it will release the animated hit Bolt on Blu-ray high-def disc on March 22, two days before its DVD debut on March 24.

Video Business reports that it will be the first time ever that a major video release will debut on Blu-ray before DVD, a sign that the studios are shifting their focus to growing the Blu-ray audience.

The publication adds that retail sources say that Disney hopes the early Blu-ray release for Bolt will generate more interest in the high-def disc.
“This should give some incentive to Blu-ray fans,” one studio source told Video Business.

However, the source added that “this is not a strategy that will happen with every title.”

Until now, new video releases were either released first on DVD or they were released on DVD and Blu-ray on the same day.

Despite Disney's strategy, one retail source tells Video Business that it could back fire, saying that retailers could break the embargo on the Bolt DVD and sell it on the same day as the Blu-ray debut.

]]> http://freehdtvreviews.com/disney-to-debut-bolt-on-blu-ray/feed 0 http://freehdtvreviews.com/twilight-to-be-blu-exclusive-at-target-best-buy http://freehdtvreviews.com/twilight-to-be-blu-exclusive-at-target-best-buy#comments Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:12:45 +0000 Phillip Swann http://www.tvpredictions.com/forum/index.php?entry=entry090122-051245 The teen vampire movie is expected to generate big sales.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2009) -- Twilight, the teen vampire romance, will be released on Blu-ray high-def disc on March 21, but will only be available in Blu at Target and Best Buy for a limited time after release.

That's according to an article by Video Business.

The film, which has made nearly $200 million in U.S. box office receipts, is expected to generate strong Blu-ray sales, perhaps challenging The Dark Knight as the best-selling Blu-ray disc ever.

Twilight could also spark more interest in Blu-ray discs, particularly among young females who own PlayStation 3 video game consoles which have Blu-ray players inside. The movie was a smash hit with female teens, many of whom saw the film several times.


However, the decision to restrict sales of the disc to two stores until May 5 (when it will be available to all retailers) could reduce the film's overall sales total, at least in the initial weeks. Video Business reports that Summit Home Entertainment, which is distributing the film, refused to reveal why the Blu-ray disc would only be available in two stores for nearly two months.

But the publication notes that most PS3 owners are male, which could suggest the studio is less confident that Twilight will be a Blu-ray hit.

Video Business reports that the Blu-ray edition will be available for rental during the time it will only be available for sale at Target and Best Buy.

]]> The teen vampire movie is expected to generate big sales.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2009) -- Twilight, the teen vampire romance, will be released on Blu-ray high-def disc on March 21, but will only be available in Blu at Target and Best Buy for a limited time after release.

That's according to an article by Video Business.

The film, which has made nearly $200 million in U.S. box office receipts, is expected to generate strong Blu-ray sales, perhaps challenging The Dark Knight as the best-selling Blu-ray disc ever.

Twilight could also spark more interest in Blu-ray discs, particularly among young females who own PlayStation 3 video game consoles which have Blu-ray players inside. The movie was a smash hit with female teens, many of whom saw the film several times.


However, the decision to restrict sales of the disc to two stores until May 5 (when it will be available to all retailers) could reduce the film's overall sales total, at least in the initial weeks. Video Business reports that Summit Home Entertainment, which is distributing the film, refused to reveal why the Blu-ray disc would only be available in two stores for nearly two months.

But the publication notes that most PS3 owners are male, which could suggest the studio is less confident that Twilight will be a Blu-ray hit.

Video Business reports that the Blu-ray edition will be available for rental during the time it will only be available for sale at Target and Best Buy.

]]> http://freehdtvreviews.com/twilight-to-be-blu-exclusive-at-target-best-buy/feed 0