The Authoritative Blu-ray Disc (BD) FAQ Has Moved!

Hugh Bennett’s The Authoritative Blu-ray Disc (BD) FAQ has moved to its new home at Hugh’s News (www.hughsnews.ca).

It can now be found at: www.hughsnews.ca/faqs/authoritative-blu-ray-disc-bd-faq

Aleratec Inc., leading developer and manufacturer of "Prosumers' Choice" solutions for the USB, Flash, HDD, Blu-ray, DVD/CD, duplicating, and DVD/CD publishing markets, introduces its innovative new DVD/CD RoboRacer LS, the simplest ever robotic autoloading disc publisher. For improved reliability, the Aleratec DVD/CD RoboRacer LS has fewer moving parts than any other robotic publisher. Yet, it is capable of unattended direct to disc LightScribe labeling and unattended disc duplication. Customers just connect it to a PC, load it with up to 100 blank LightScribe discs, use the powerful Aleratec Disc Publishing Software Suite included with purchase to select the disc image or label and start duplicating or labeling up to 100 discs automatically.

"The DVD/CD RoboRacer LS has a small footprint, is very lightweight, and yet has up to 100 disc capacity and the fastest automatic operation available. Fast, serious disc capacity and compact describe it perfectly. With so few moving parts, it takes only 3 seconds after the DVD/CD RoboRacer finished a disc to load a new one. And the best news is the DVD/CD RoboRacer LS is the most affordable 100 disc publishing system on the market today," stated Perry Solomon, Aleratec President and CEO.

The Aleratec DVD/CD RoboRacer LS is an integrated system that combines LightScribe enabled DVD/CD recorders with specially coated LightScribe compliant media and the powerful Aleratec Disc Publishing Software Suite to produce precise, laser-etched, silkscreen quality labels with superior sharpness and clarity. LightScribe creates professional-looking CD and DVD labels right in the drive -- no messy markers or additional printing supplies required. Customers automatically burn data on as many discs as are needed, flip the discs over and burn customized labels. Small and medium businesses can burn a few discs or many and complement each with descriptive titles, content lists, graphics or company logos on their labels.

"The advanced features and new level of affordability of Aleratec's next generation LightScribe disc publisher are a breakthrough in automated disc publishing," said Kent Henscheid, LightScribe Marketing Manager. "Aleratec has successfully incorporated LightScribe's in-drive direct to disc labeling technology in a cost effective automated package, an ideal solution for workgroups and small business."

The low Estimated Retail Price of $839 for the DVD/CD RoboRacer LS (Aleratec Part # 280110, Ingram Micro SKU Q41357) makes it the practical and affordable solution for anyone that needs to duplicate and professionally label large numbers of DVDs and CDs whether for business, education, government, house of worship or individuals. For a limited time, customers receive 100 pieces of LightScribe media via mail in rebate with a purchase of the DVD/CD RoboRacer LS. (See http://www.aleratec.com/rebates.html for terms and conditions. Offer ends May 31, 2008).

Aleratec offers a full range of Duplicator Grade LightScribe media to support the DVD/CD RoboRacer LS. Aleratec LightScribe Duplicator Grade media is optimized for LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling and use in demanding professional duplication applications. It is also available with five different color LightScribe backgrounds in our exclusive Rainbow Pack.

LightScribe DVD-R 16x V1.2 Duplicator Grade Rainbow 100-Pack, Aleratec Part# 230115, Estimated Retail Price $89.99

LightScribe DVD-R 16x V1.2 Duplicator Grade Media 100-Pack Part # 230114, Ingram Micro SKU L79686, Estimated Retail Price $89.99

LightScribe DVD+R 16x V1.2 Duplicator Grade 100-Pack, Aleratec Part # 300114, Ingram Micro SKU N18153, Estimated Retail Price $89.99

LightScribe CD-R 52x V1.2 Duplicator Grade Rainbow 100-Pack Aleratec Part # 110117, Ingram Micro SKU M45065, Estimated Retail Price $74.99

LightScribe CD-R 52x V1.2 Duplicator Grade 100-Pack, Aleratec Part # 110116, Ingram Micro SKU K88068, Estimated Retail Price $74.99

The full line of Aleratec solutions, and accessories is featured at 4SURE.com, AAFES, Adorama, Amazon.com, B&H Photo Video, Best Buy, Buy.com, CDW, Circuit City, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett Packard, Insight, J & R, Mac Connection, MacMall, Meijer, Micro Center, NewEgg, Office Depot, PC Connection, PC Mall, PC Nation, ProVantage, Quill, Ritz Camera, Staples, Target, Tech Depot and Wal-Mart in addition to other leading retailers. Government and Education customers may purchase from Government and Education Specialists including AAFES, B&H Photo Video Gov, Best Buy Gov/Ed, CDW-G, CompuCom, Daly Computer, EnPointe, Fed Tek, GCI, GE IT Solutions, GovConnection, GOVPLACE, Green Pages, GTSI, Horizon, Insight Gov, INTELLI-TECH, PC Mall Gov, Pomeroy, Sarcom, Sayers, Shi.com, Softchoice, Sparco.com, telcobuy, TIG, and Unisys. All products are available to resellers in the U.S. through D&H Distributing, DBL Distributing, Ingram Micro, and Tech Data; in Canada through D&H Canada and Ingram Micro Canada; in Latin America and the Caribbean through Tech Data Miami.

Complete information available at http://www.aleratec.com.

Vinpower Digital announced today the availability of the latest innovation in the Blu-ray duplication market with the world’s first 6X speed manual tower standalone duplicator as part of the SharkBlu series. Using the LG model # GGWH20L 6X Blu-ray writer drive(s) combined with the exceptional performance of the SharkBlu duplicator series provides reliable high quality copies of Blu-ray master disc(s) with a faster turnaround time.

“In a time when more and more content is stored digitally and with the rise of the Blu-ray format, it’s important to decrease the time required to make copies of that material for dissemination. That’s why we feel strongly that the new 6X SharkBlu duplicator series will best fit this emerging market,” proclaims Calvin Chang, C.E.O at Vinpower Digital.

Vinpower Digital’s SharkBlu series is a part of the SharkCopier line of standalone optical disc duplication towers offering a full line of sizes ranging from a single writer drive up to an astounding 15 writer drives in a single duplicator. Vinpower Digital developed the new line of 6X Blu-ray capable duplicators to enable users to make exact digital copies of their original Blu-ray, DVD, and/or CD masters. The SharkBlu comes standard with a massive 500GB up to 1TB hard drive for storage of multiple high capacity 25GB/50GB video or data files in the Blu-ray format. With the included USB interface, the unit can be used as an external Blu-ray writer to burn the users’ original master disc(s) from their computer for use in the duplicator. The SharkBlu series is a multi-faceted external writer/duplicator that allows the user the option of burning their master from the computer and making multiple copies all in one device.

In addition to the Blu-ray duplication feature, all SharkBlu models offer dynamic hard drive partitions as well as the new Simultaneous Load & Copy feature. They still offer exceptional duplication capability at lightning fast speed along with market leading features for which the SharkCopier has been known, like Account Management, Auto Counter, Multi-language support, Drive firmware upgrade ability, and so much more that helped make the SharkCopier the industry preferred duplicator.

"LG's GGW-H20L's enhanced recording speed is a necessity for the professional videographer using the latest high-definition video equipment and benefits the growing number of weekend home cinematographers as well," said Marc Sorkin, senior manager, LG Electronics IT Product Marketing. "By working with companies like Vinpower Digital, we continue to provide consumers with the most innovative products on the market, ensuring a quality experience every time."

www.vinpowerdigital.com

In an effort to help demystify high-definition entertainment for consumers, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced its support for Blu-ray as the digital format of choice for customers. As part of this announcement, Amazon.com will more prominently promote Blu-ray hardware and software products on its website.

“The high-definition landscape is rapidly changing, and consumers are looking for guidance on how to make the best high-definition buying decisions,” said Peter Faricy, vice president of movies and music at Amazon.com. “Our customers have clearly voiced their support for the Blu-ray format. Blu-ray titles have increased from just over half of our high-definition sales to over three-quarters of our high-definition sales since early January. In order to best serve our customers, Amazon is recommending Blu-ray as the preferred digital format and will continue to carry the ‘Earth’s Largest Selection’ of Blu-ray products.”

Amazon.com currently carries a wide array of Blu-ray hardware and software products including players, Blu-ray discs, and the Sony PlayStation 3. For the hundreds of thousands of HD DVD owners who may still wish to purchase products for that format, Amazon will continue to carry a wide assortment of HD DVD products, including the broadest selection of HD DVD movie titles.

www.amazon.com

Onkyo has distributed and sold approximately 2000 units of the HD DVD players in the selected markets due to the growth of the large screen display market and high demand for home entertainment media. Onkyo has reached its decision to discontinue the development and production of HD DVD players after thorough review of Toshiba’s public announcement “Toshiba Announces Discontinuation of HD DVD Businesses” on February 19, 2008. As Onkyo manufactures HD DVD players with core parts supplied by Toshiba, it will be difficult for Onkyo to continue its further development and production of HD DVD players. Despite this decision, Onkyo will continue to provide full product support and after-sales service for all owners of Onkyo HD DVD players.

Regarding Onkyo’s prospective marketing of home theater products, Onkyo continues to provide innovative home theater products with high definition sound and images that are compatible with next generation disc formats such as Blu-ray.

While Onkyo has been an enthusiastic supporter of the HD DVD format, it was not an exclusive relationship. Onkyo’s research and development teams have maintained a parallel development program for the competing Blu-ray technology.

www.onkyo.com

My Eye Media, the leading digital media quality control (QC) company serving the entertainment industry, today expanded its services portfolio by launching Blu-qual™, a state-of-the-art Blu-ray testing solution designed specifically to analyze the complexities of this emerging home entertainment media.

A leader in post-production technical services and a specialist in providing unbiased clinical QC analysis, My Eye Media provide unparalleled expertise in the evaluation of virtually every form of recorded media for the entertainment industry.

My Eye Media will leverage its comprehensive technical proficiency, proprietary database technology and unique testing methodologies to set the standard for quality assurance in the Blu-ray market. The company’s business model saves time and money for clients, and is designed to identify impairments, artifacts and technical anomalies much earlier in the production process than traditional optical media testing methodologies have allowed.

“With the market’s clear embrace of the Sony Blu-ray disc, Blu-qual™ represents a natural next step for us,” said Michael Kadenacy, founder and CEO, My Eye Media. “This is an opportunity for us to leverage our success and proven track record in DVD QC and to let our clients know they can rely on our expertise, no matter how the technology may evolve. My Eye Media’s QC solutions are widely trusted throughout the industry, and we remain unique in our ability to offer not only optical media analysis but all forms of motion picture and audio quality assurance.

“Our cradle-to-grave approach to QC means we are as familiar with the product we are evaluating as our clients themselves,” he said. “This gives them a level of confidence they cannot obtain anywhere else. We’ll continue to bring best-of-breed services to clients as new technologies emerge.”

Earlier this week, the long-simmering format war between Sony’s Blu-ray disc and Toshiba’s HD DVD ended, with Toshiba’s withdrawal from the high-def DVD market. That move was triggered by Warner Bros.’s decision to embrace Blu-ray exclusively, followed by similar commitments from other studios and a number of leading retailers, including Wal-Mart.

www.myeyemedia.com

Ensequence, the interactive television company, and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) today announced a strategic agreement, in which SPHE will license and resell the Ensequence on-Q Create suite for Blu-ray Java (BD-J) to major studios and independent Blu-ray development partners. Blu-ray Disc developers worldwide will use Ensequence on-Q Create for Blu-ray Java to develop advanced interactive features for Blu-ray Disc titles.

Java opens up new creative possibilities for Blu-ray Disc authors. However, for traditional DVD authors with varying skill sets, the Java component of BD-J authoring could prove challenging. The on-Q Create suite reduces the learning curve by enabling creative teams to design and develop interactivity for Blu-ray Discs without requiring advanced knowledge of Java and the BD-J specification. The software offers a drag and drop authoring environment, complete Photoshop integration and a Blu-ray Disc wizard that offers built-in Blu-ray Disc functionality out of the box.

“The Ensequence on-Q Create suite has drastically reduced the complexity of authoring Java content on Blu-ray Disc titles, enabling content developers to create compelling, rich and dynamic interactive experiences in a WYSIWYG environment – and in drastically reduced timeframes,” said Don Eklund, SPHE’s EVP of Advanced Technology.

Ensequence and SPHE have worked together to make substantial integration changes, enabling seamless workflow for Blu-ray authoring as well as the creation of complex user interfaces and animation for Blu-ray Discs. Another challenge for Blu-ray Disc authors is ensuring compatibility across various BD-J implementations and Blu-ray Disc players on the market. The Ensequence on-Q Create suite enables compatibility across various players, and supports current and next generation Blu-ray Disc features including the following:

• Advanced picture-in-picture functionality (e.g. director’s commentaries overlaid on top of the video)
• Purchase functionality
• Bonus content, notification about sequels and more

“We were able to apply our expertise in the television set-top box market and create interactive television experiences for multiple platforms to address the complexity of Blu-ray authoring, which is just being recognized in the packaged media community,” said Dalen Harrison, CEO, Ensequence. “With the on-Q Create suite for Blu-ray Java, our customers and resellers are able to take advantage of the advanced capabilities made available on the most cutting edge consumer devices today.”

www.ensequence.com

Testronic Labs has launched an interactive Blu-ray and HD DVD test facility providing third-party, quality-control of high definition software and integrated web capability. Their enhanced Empire Way testing facility in Burbank, Calif. will provide complete testing and quality control for Blu-ray (including HDMV, BD-J and BD-LIVE) and HD DVD (including advanced HDi features such as web connectivity).

“The introduction of Blu-ray and HD DVD has brought fundamental changes to quality assurance services within the home entertainment industry,” comments Johan Craeybeckx, Chief Technical Officer of Testronic Labs. “The challenges have been significant for developers, but testing methodology is equally stretched as clients need to maintain existing release schedules despite the increasing complexity of the process.”

“Our experience in integrated software testing enables us to uproot traditional methods,” comments Seth Hallen, Executive Vice President of Testronic Labs. “By commencing our checks in the product development phase, we can manage shorter release schedules without compromising quality. Our new testing facility, situated adjacent to the Deluxe facility in Burbank, enables us to participate in Blu-ray and HD DVD advanced feature research and development conducted at Deluxe, including BD-LIVE and HD DVD network connectivity. With studio permission, we are able to directly access Deluxe’s test servers and test advanced web connected applications in parallel with their development. This unique approach allows for controlled and secure testing of web connected features with fast turnarounds and without the need to place sensitive content on a public server.”

Rob Seidel, Executive Vice President/GM for Deluxe Digital Studios states, “Over the past two years, Deluxe has invested significantly in content supply chain services for Blu-ray and HD DVD. We’ve pushed the envelope for advanced features in both formats, especially web connectivity. Having Testronic Labs in the same building has been a tremendous help. They have a talented team and have tested our Blu-ray and HD DVD tools throughout their research and development phases. They vetted our applications and gained tremendous Blu-ray and HD DVD testing experience - especially in advanced features and web connectivity.”

www.testroniclabs.com