Author Topic: The War Begins... (Read 106944 times)

barrister · « **Reply #660 on:** Jan 20, 2007 at 07:53 PM »

Blu ray: Porn or no porn?

Conflicting reports have caused confusion. To put things in their proper perspective, here's a brief rundown of the press reports to date:

1) Joone (Digital Playground founder and adult movie director) said last year that he had an agreement with Sony for publication of movies on Blu-Ray. Later, U.S. Blu-Ray Disc copying facilities refused to work with him. Joone now says that according to those companies, Sony threatened to revoke their Blu-Ray licenses should they publish adult content in Blu-Ray format. http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/01/13/155907.php

Note that the news report was based on an interview with Joone, so it was nothing more than hearsay. Nevertheless, his statement made the rounds in tech circles, coupled with predictions of Blu ray's early demise.

2) Presumably rattled by all the gossip, the Blu ray Disc Association (BDA) shifted into damage control mode and issued the following statement:

"The BDA welcomes the participation of all companies interested in using and supporting the format, particularly those from the content industry," said the BDA's Gordon. "We look forward to working with any content providers interested in providing their audience with [the] best possible high definition home entertainment experience." http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Blu-ray_Refutes_Claims_of_Porn_Ban_Vivid_Plans_First_High-Def_Release/437

It's an official official press release this time, but note that this official statement came from BDA, not Sony itself.

Just when you thought that the issue has been satisfactorily clarified, here comes the latest tech news:

3) Sony announced that it won't allow its subsidiary, Sony DADC Global, from producing any adult film titles. http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/bluray-porn-update-not-getting-it-on-230134.php
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/8763/52/

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Quote from: iampoch on Jan 19, 2007 at 01:22 PM

Misconception:

Sony aren't against the porn industry per se (or at least not alone), BDA are.

Hindi ba baliktad?

iampoch · « **Reply #661 on:** Jan 22, 2007 at 08:02 AM »

@ barrister:

Sony is part of the BDA Board of Directors

what I meant to say is that it's not only Sony who's against it because if ever a decision like that reigns true, it will be because the BDA Board of Director unanimously approved it. Sony alone can't dictate the format's direction. So, if Sony says no to this, but the BDA approves, BDA wins. Apparently, however, it seems the BDA is split on this topic and can't come to terms on how to go about this. Apart from Sony, the other board member who's adamant in pushing for this "No to Porn" concept is Walt Disney. Conversely, the rest of the BDA seems to not approve of this, but most likely not because the others love porn (as a corporate entity, they don't approve of porn as well, trust me. Neither does Toshiba), but because this move by Sony on a specific industry is met with negative press. Most people did not see the banning of porn, but the seeming power of the BDA to ban any content they don't approve of. In other words, they're able to nullify freedom of expression in their format. This is further componded by the fact that in some countries (mostly European and in a limited sense, in Japan), porn is a legitimate industry. Word gets around that if they'll be successful in stopping one industry, what will stop them from censoring other sensitive topics?

At least some of the BDA Board of Directors know that controlling content will not win them anything. Thus, the aforementiond press release. While BluRay will not deny porn its technology, it won't stop Sony from enforcing it to its own product line. Sony isn't the only one producing the discs and the writers (though they are the most well-known of the Board of Directors), and most importantly, they are not the sole developer of the format, nor the only one who has the capacity and capability to produce the format:

Its board of directors consists of:

1. Apple Inc.
2. Dell
3. Hewlett Packard
4. Hitachi
5. LG Electronics
6. Mitsubishi Electric
7. Panasonic (Matsus**ta Electric)
8. Pioneer Corporation
9. Royal Philips Electronics
10. Samsung Electronics
11. Sharp Corporation
12. Sony Corporation
13. TDK Corporation
14. Thomson
15. Twentieth Century Fox
16. Walt Disney Pictures
17. Warner Home Video Inc.

So, when it comes to Sony's word vs the official BDA statement, the BDA statement is pretty much the law when it comes to BluRay. But that doesn't mean that BDA has control over the individual companies' corporate policy. so we won't be seeing That's So Raven in Dallas, or Party Night Out with Hillary Duff (d**n

), and Sony is still allowed to police content in THEIR own products. If Sony revokes lecenses in their machines, most likely Samsung or Phillips would be more accommodating (that is unless the BDA themselves give the final word on banning porn althogether, which i think will not happen given the reason above)

pchin · « **Reply #662 on:** Jan 22, 2007 at 11:00 AM »

In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real

"They have discovered that the technology is sometimes not so sexy. The high-definition format is accentuating imperfections in the actors — from a little extra cellulite on a leg to wrinkles around the eyes."

Exactly as mentioned by av_phile1

Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/business/media/22porn.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1169434947-f/mtHjOYi8CX8Rt7WMpc1A&oref=slogin

iampoch · « **Reply #663 on:** Jan 22, 2007 at 11:24 AM »

Quote from: pchin on Jan 22, 2007 at 11:00 AM

In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real

"They have discovered that the technology is sometimes not so sexy. The high-definition format is accentuating imperfections in the actors — from a little extra cellulite on a leg to wrinkles around the eyes."

Exactly as mentioned by av_phile1

Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/business/media/22porn.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1169434947-f/mtHjOYi8CX8Rt7WMpc1A&oref=slogin

HAHA

wll that's HD

barrid · « **Reply #664 on:** Jan 22, 2007 at 11:32 AM »

That's why I'm inclined to get PS3 eh. kasi pang wholesome lang ako. NOT!!!

Seriously, when these HD players get cheaper. I'm pretty sure, many will get both format.

Battousai · « **Reply #665 on:** Jan 22, 2007 at 10:28 PM »

I just love how porn has really "turned on" our members' discussion. LOL

av_phile1 · « **Reply #666 on:** Jan 23, 2007 at 07:03 AM »

Quote from: pchin on Jan 22, 2007 at 11:00 AM

In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Definition Could Be a View Too Real

"They have discovered that the technology is sometimes not so sexy. The high-definition format is accentuating imperfections in the actors — from a little extra cellulite on a leg to wrinkles around the eyes."

Exactly as mentioned by av_phile1

Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/business/media/22porn.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1169434947-f/mtHjOYi8CX8Rt7WMpc1A&oref=slogin

I only hope porn producers start looking and employing really young models with really flawless skin. They can use different lighting and angle shots but High Definition allows for finer scrutiny and reveals everything. I mean everything.

In a way, HD will create this demand for better looking porn stars and is good for their industry. And they'll start doing screen tests on HD. It would be interesting to have these auditions in the extras feature.

Mouldingo · « **Reply #667 on:** Jan 23, 2007 at 08:21 AM »

Blu-ray "PornGate" Ends with the Return of 'Debbie Does Dallas'

Despite reports of a covert operation by Blu-ray backers to banish porn from the format, it seems a '70s adult superheroine has come to the rescue, with the official announcement of Vivid Entertainment's 'Debbie Does Dallas...Again' on Blu-ray.

In a story only missing an informant named Deep Throat (sorry, we couldn't resist), the news first erupted out of CES two weeks ago. Adult legend Joone, co-founder of porn distributor Digital Playground, said that his company was forced to change HD allegiances for the company's planned first high-def titles after "all Blu-ray Disc copying facilities in the United States had refused to cooperate." He went on to allege that primary Blu-ray backer Sony "wants me to publish my films on HD DVD."

Though the official Blu-ray Group never officially responded to Joone's accusations, the company did hurry out a follow-up statement last week claiming that the Sony-backed organization is committed to working with "all" content providers.

"The BDA welcomes the participation of all companies interested in using and supporting the format, particularly those from the content industry," said Marty Gordon, vicechair of the Blu-ray Disc Association US Promotions Committee.

Now, the question of "Will they or won't they?" for Blu-ray and porn seems to have been finally answered, with adult heavy Vivid Entertainment officially making good on earlier plans to release the first next-gen porn title to Blu-ray, 'Debbie Does Dallas...Again' for release on March 28.

"We have had many challenges, but have secured both authoring and replication for Blu-ray," co-chairman of Vivid Entertainment Steven Hirsch told Video Business.

Though full specs for 'Debbie Does Dallas...Again' have not yet been released, the title is set to include a full 1080p transfer, plus a feature that so far even mainstream studio releases haven't yet dared try -- multiple angles during select scenes. Ahem.

The title will also debut simultaneously on HD DVD, and list price for either version is $39.95.

Wherever one may stand on the moral line regarding adult content, we can only think this is good news for both Blu-ray and HD DVD. More content, regardless of genre, brings more eyeballs to high-def, and with porn a billions-a-year business, it's a market neither format can afford to exclude.

And in what we see as a nice little bit of postmodern irony, how fitting that the first Blu-ray adult title is also a sequel to the original 'Debbie Does Dallas,' which was not only one of porn's biggest hits in the '70s but responsible for helping to ensure the success of VHS over its rival -- the Sony Betamax.

pchin · « **Reply #668 on:** Jan 23, 2007 at 09:35 AM »

Good. Now's let's wait & see..the truth will come out soon. Wow..this HD porn format issue causes quite a stir in the HD industry

Battousai · « **Reply #669 on:** Jan 23, 2007 at 11:14 AM »

Quote from: pchin on Jan 23, 2007 at 09:35 AM

Good. Now's let's wait & see..the truth will come out soon. Wow..this HD porn format issue causes quite a stir in the HD industry

Porn always causes a stir inside my pants.

iampoch · « **Reply #670 on:** Jan 23, 2007 at 02:21 PM »

hehe but for the price of an HD movie, I'm still dependent on our suki Dibidi when it comes to porn

pinapabili lang sa akin mga yun, di talaga sa akin

pchin · « **Reply #671 on:** Jan 23, 2007 at 04:36 PM »

Whether porn is in HD-DVD or BD, with the retail price of about $50, many will shy away..it's simply too expensive to enjoy

iampoch · « **Reply #672 on:** Jan 24, 2007 at 08:01 AM »

Quote from: pchin on Jan 23, 2007 at 04:36 PM

Whether porn is in HD-DVD or BD, with the retail price of about $50, many will shy away..it's simply too expensive to enjoy

True, for that price, I'd rather get the mainstream movies

I'm waiting for a BR version of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and the Star Wars Hexology

But for Dollie Does Dallas? I'd go to the Dibidies (or my friends will pala)

Miguel^ · « **Reply #673 on:** Jan 24, 2007 at 08:50 AM »

Debbie is not alone.

pchin · « **Reply #674 on:** Jan 24, 2007 at 09:50 AM »

Eh..seriously, how many of you here will really buy porn when it's out in HD??

Somehow porn is an interesting subject but rarely given the attention when the real HD thing comes out?

barrid · « **Reply #675 on:** Jan 24, 2007 at 10:13 AM »

Don't count me in! I'm not gonna shell out more than $30 on any HD disc.

pchin · « **Reply #676 on:** Jan 24, 2007 at 10:53 AM »

Universal announces first new HD DVD titles in 2007

Universal City (CA) - Universal Studios has announced its first couple of new HD DVD titles since we saw what it had to show off for the format at CES. The Game and The Jerk will mark their HD releases on April 17.

1970s comedy flick The Jerk will be one of the new releases, available as a double-sided combo format disc, which allows users have both an HD DVD disc and a regular DVD. The HD side will support 1080p and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio output. Special features include production notes, a theatrical trailer, and two featurettes, none of which is available in HD.

The Game, a psychological thriller from 1997, will also have 1080p quality, and will have a 2.35:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 output capabilities. Universal has not announced special features. The regular DVD release of the film had virtually no bonus content, though a special edition laserdisc included a bunch of supplemental material that may make an appearance on the HD DVD release.

These are the first new HD DVD titles to be announced from Universal since CES, where it showed off a couple next-generation features the format could offer, like the ability to mark and send clips to other HD DVD owners through an ethernet connection. Universal has not said if these features will be enabled on the new titles.

The Game will retail for about $30, while The Jerk will be $35 because of the added cost of the combo format.

Previously announced HD DVD titles from Universal slated for release this year are Beerfest and The Wicker Man on January 30, and Hollywoodland on February 6. Also, Universal's Brokeback Mountain made its HD DVD appearance today.

Source: tgdaily

pchin · « **Reply #677 on:** Jan 24, 2007 at 11:12 AM »

Experts predict 'speedy end' to high-def DVD war
Robert Jaques, vnunet.com 23 Jan 2007

Consumers can look forward to a "speedy end" to the war between rival next-gen high-definition DVD formats, market watchers have predicted. LG Electronics' Super Multi Blue Player that can accommodate HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs may have created a precedent that the rest of the industry will have to follow, according to ABI Research.

The analyst firm forecasts that such universal players will become the norm, not the exception, benefiting confused consumers unwilling to commit to one DVD camp or the other.

"We believe that universal players will come to dominate the high-definition DVD player market," said Steve Wilson, principal analyst for consumer electronics at ABI Research.

He added that Samsung is expected soon to release its own universal player, and that others, including large consumer electronics vendors, may follow suit before long. ABI Research forecasts sales of 2.4 million players in 2007, rising to 55 million in 2011.

Many observers had expected that the demands of supporting both formats would significantly increase the price of universal players. However, while there is some additional cost in the optical pickup, and the LG player's initial price is quite steep at $1,200, Wilson expects these prices to drop "dramatically" as new manufacturers come to market with universal players.

"That $1,200 price would seem to be more about matching Blu-ray prices than about reflecting the cost of universal player," he said. "There is no reason why universal players should cost significantly more than HD-DVD or Blu-ray players. "

However, Wilson added that market growth will remain slow until prices fall. "The universal player market is still in its nascent stages, and developers are trying to maximise their revenues," he said.

"There will be downward pressure on prices for players of all types. ABI Research believes that prices will have to drop below $200 before true mass adoption takes off. That should happen by 2009."

av_phile1 · « **Reply #678 on:** Jan 24, 2007 at 04:19 PM »

3 years pa. We still have the whole of 2007.

Did the LG dual format player get the HD DVD certification? Last I read, the DVD constortium won't issue licence becasue the player doesn't have HDi which is mandatory in the HD DVD specs.

pchin · « **Reply #679 on:** Jan 24, 2007 at 04:32 PM »

That's right, currently LG dual format player hasn't got the green light from HD-DVD constortium due to the HDi issue but I'm surprised the model has already set a release date around February 4th? Maybe it will push back the launch date until the issue is resolved...

Mouldingo · « **Reply #680 on:** Jan 25, 2007 at 07:39 AM »

Disney Sets 'Pirates,' 'Cars' Blu-ray Dates

In what are sure to be three of the biggest-selling next-gen titles yet, Disney has set Spring street dates for the Blu-ray releases of the blockbuster 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films, and Pixar's first high-def title, 'Cars.'

Just in time for the theatrical release of the third 'Pirates' epic, Disney has set a May 22 voyage for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.' These guaranteed huge sellers will be followed on June 5 by 'Cars,' the Pixar hit and current favorite for this year's Best Animated Film Oscar.

The dates recently began filtering to online retailer outlets earlier this week, and Disney has trumpeted the news in a full-page ad in the print version of this week's Video Business, the industry trade paper.

Though no official press release has been issued as of yet, word to High-Def Digest from the studio is that full details are on the way soon. So we'll certainly keep you posted on tech specs, bonus features and box art as soon as word arrives on these highly-anticipated releases

pchin · « **Reply #681 on:** Jan 25, 2007 at 08:19 AM »

This Disney talaga, initially they pledge to support both HD-DVD & BD...and now it seems they only focus in releasing their movies in BD format.... $:-\$

How sad & kawawa for us HD-DVD supporters :'(

Sino dito Blu-ray supporter din other than Mouldingo, NeilNo & aldrinpsx ha??

Lucky dudes

I guess it's time we have to write in a petition to Disney noh? hehe

Mouldingo · « **Reply #682 on:** Jan 25, 2007 at 08:35 AM »

May trending na ata lumalabas sa HD wars. Away nanaman yun mga ibang forums. Basta may manood na bago every week masaya na ako...

Updated numbers at DVD Empire:

Jan 17, 2007

HD-DVD: Blu-ray
Week: 42.30% 57.70%
Month: 43.57% 56.43%
Year: 59.16% 40.84%

Jan 25, 2007

HD DVD Blu-Ray
Week: 36.35% 63.65%
Month: 42.36% 57.64%
Year: 57.12% 42.88%

Salesrank of top 10 products

Number in the top 1000

Number in the top 10000

Number of titles available to order

This is from a site that is notoriously biased in favor of HD-DVD.

iampoch · « **Reply #683 on:** Jan 25, 2007 at 08:47 AM »

Quote from: pchin on Jan 25, 2007 at 08:19 AM

This Disney talaga, initially they pledge to support both HD-DVD & BD...and now it seems they only focus in releasing their movies in BD format.... $:-\$

How sad & kawawa for us HD-DVD supporters :'(

Sino dito Blu-ray supporter din other than Mouldingo, NeilNo & aldrinpsx ha?? Lucky dudes I guess it's time we have to write in a petition to Disney noh? hehe

Disney are part of the BDA Board of Directory, so it's highly unlikely that they will support HD DVD. Then again, Dell introduced HD DVD drives to some of their PCs, and they're also among the BoD

This format war is the most confusing one so far.

@Mouldingo:

I don't care about those, when will they make Lizzie McGuire hits Dallas??

Mouldingo · « **Reply #684 on:** Jan 25, 2007 at 08:55 AM »

hehe I'd rather DL torrent files. Problema ngayon anong gagawin ko sa Cars at Pirates na DVD. :'( :'( Ayaw ko na bumili tuloy ng DVD.

av_phile1 · « **Reply #685 on:** Jan 25, 2007 at 10:40 AM »

Quote from: pchin on Jan 25, 2007 at 08:19 AM

This Disney talaga, initially they pledge to support both HD-DVD & BD...and now it seems they only focus in releasing their movies in BD format.... $:-\$

How sad & kawawa for us HD-DVD supporters :'(

If they get released by Studio Canal or Pathe in Europe, they'll be in HD DVD, like some titles already are.

Battousai · « **Reply #686 on:** Jan 25, 2007 at 01:54 PM »

I'd buy porn in BD or HD or whatever acronym they may be, so long as I've got the hardware to play them on....and the spare cash. Hehehe.

krazy · « **Reply #687 on:** Jan 25, 2007 at 05:53 PM »

Quote from: iampoch on Jan 25, 2007 at 08:47 AM

Disney are part of the BDA Board of Directory, so it's highly unlikely that they will support HD DVD. Then again, Dell introduced HD DVD drives to some of their PCs, and they're also among the BoD This format war is the most confusing one so far.

@Mouldingo:

I don't care about those, when will they make Lizzie McGuire hits Dallas??

Disney is also a BD supporter because of BD's (supposedly) "more secure" copy protection in the form of BD+ which is even more restrictive than the AACS used by HD DVD. This is also why Fox is BD exclusive as the DVD Forum wouldn't accomodate (or give in to, depending on who you ask) Fox's request/demand for stronger copy protection.

pchin · « **Reply #688 on:** Jan 25, 2007 at 06:08 PM »

Quote from: av_phile1 on Jan 25, 2007 at 10:40 AM

If they get released by Studio Canal or Pathe in Europe, they'll be in HD DVD, like some titles already are.

Yep, my fingers crossed! It's very frustrating esp to see some of our favourite movies are being released in the opposite format.

Hmm...unless the PS3 price will drop to an incredible low level, then I might consider getting one...by then whichever format wins, I've no worry noh??

et414 · « **Reply #689 on:** Jan 25, 2007 at 06:14 PM »

sa hongkong 34-35k lang ang 60gig version ng ps3 may kasama ng 3 games and 2 controllers. not bad na rin given it's capablities para ka lang bumili ng htpc(w/c it sort of is). blueray pa

risk lang nga dun pag nagkaproblema sony philippines can't help you