Topic: The War Begins...

[pchin]

Yep, other than Infomaxx in Park Square 1, Spectra also selling HD movies but mostly by order basis.

Listening in Style in Edsa Shangrila Mall also selling around that price range

[edboy7]

SOME BLURAY REVIEWS
hello Hd guys, any player that can do hd signal thru component outs?  or dvi to component adapter is  best way? TIA   labo no hehehehehe

[et414]

afaik most players can do 720p/1080i through component. 1080p lang ata restricted to an hdcp compliant monitor

[edboy7]

afaik most players can do 720p/1080i through component. 1080p lang ata restricted to an hdcp compliant monitor

thnx ET414 720p/1080p will be fine for me How bout ps3 and Xbox hddvd? thru component pwede din ba? thanks

[et414]

yes 720p/1080i only through component

[edboy7]

yes 720p/1080i only through component

alright thanks again

[juneaki]

yes 720p/1080i only through component

What? PS3 or X-box 360 can output HD signals 720p/1080i thru component out? Meron bang component output ang mga game/players na ito? Pwede ko bang gamitin sa HD ready na TV/PJ na may component input?

[aeris30]

I have both consoles & they can output 1080p, 1080i, 720p thru component input .

[juneaki]

I have both consoles & they can output 1080p, 1080i, 720p thru component input .

So, both have component output jack which i can use to connect to my InFocus X1 using component to vga cable? Meaning i can enjoy HD-DVD or Bluray movies using PS3 or Xbox 360 w/ HD player using InFocus X1 as display?

[Clondalkin]

So, both have component output jack which i can use to connect to my InFocus X1 using component to vga cable? Meaning i can enjoy HD-DVD or Bluray movies using PS3 or Xbox 360 w/ HD player using InFocus X1 as display?

You need MS proprietary HD cable (with component video or D-terminal, or VGA on one end - your choice) for the X360 to watch HD.  The component video or D cable (if Japanese unit) is bundled with the so called premium X360 pack.   I think there is also a Monster cable available. For PS3, please check carefully regarding HD compatibility issues when connecting through component video instead of HDMI.  AFAIK, the PS3 package includes a composite AV cable only, but the component video/d cable is available as an option for about $30.

[juneaki]

You need MS proprietary HD cable (with component video or D-terminal, or VGA on one end - your choice) for the X360 to watch HD.  The component video or D cable (if Japanese unit) is bundled with the so called premium X360 pack.   I think there is also a Monster cable available. For PS3, please check carefully regarding HD compatibility issues when connecting through component video instead of HDMI.  AFAIK, the PS3 package includes a composite AV cable only, but the component video/d cable is available as an option for about $30.

Ahh ok. I think i prefer Xbox 360 w/ hd player than PS3.

[john5479]

if you choose the xbox360 just update it to the latest firmware to enjoy upscaling through component...if you play backup dvd discs

[aeris30]

Upscaling in the Xbox 360 is possible only thru vga output up to 1080p.

[john5479]

its possible with dvds with no copy protection, aka backups. same scenario with the hda1 i had

[Clondalkin]

Upscaling in the Xbox 360 is possible only thru vga output up to 1080p.

What exactly does upscaling mean anyway?  

When I play DVD through the add-on drive (connected through D teminal to a 37V Aquos), it is quite apparent to my eyes the relatively smoothness of the image.  Although the Xbox360 is set to D4, I don't think its real D3 or D4 because it certainly is not as hi-def as an HD DVD film, but it sure looks finer than playing the movie on my stand alone JVC DVD player which outputs D2.

[Munskie]

'Casino Royale' Blu-ray Cracks Amazon Top Ten


In another high-def first, the Blu-ray edition of 'Casino Royale' cracked the top ten on Amazon's DVD top sellers list upon its release Tuesday, peaking late in the evening at #8.

Updated hourly, the Amazon list tracks all video disc sales at Amazon, including standard-def DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD. And while the top of the list is usually dominated by standard-def DVD releases, some early adopters have made sport out of tracking how next-gen releases on both formats stack up in Amazon's overall rankings, spawning at least two frequently updated head-to-head charts (at HdGameDb and eProductWars ), and countless posts on our own Smackdown Forum.

The strong performance for 'Casino Royale' at Amazon would seem to back up predictions that the latest Bond flick would score record-breaking overall first-week sales for a next-gen disc. The current record holder is the Blu-ray edition of 'The Departed,' which as we reported last week is said to have sold a total of 20,000 units in its first week out last month.

Lest anyone misunderstand this news and start sounding the death knell for standard-def DVD, it should be noted that two other editions of 'Casino Royale' (both standard-def DVD) also cracked the top ten yesterday -- the wide screen two-disc version (at #1) and the full screen two-disc version (at #10).

Still, it is a milestone, and the forums are already abuzz with predictions of which next-gen title might be next to meet or beat 'Royale' on the Amazon chart.

[Clondalkin]

'Casino Royale' Blu-ray Cracks Amazon Top Ten

Certainly good news for BD but hopefully, this would wake up the HD DVD camp to start giving us titles we'd really love to purchase without even thinking.

[john5479]

too bad mr. and mrs. smith got pushed back

[pchin]

Ahh ok. I think i prefer Xbox 360 w/ hd player than PS3.

I always admire the 360 addon player with it PQ, size, buget & a great device esp for those who had purchased the Xbox 360 earlier & decided to transit into the HD world. Perfect solution! 

Unfortunately TrueHD is not supported as there are no analog outputs or HDMI but Microsoft does list TrueHD in their specs. It will downconvert both DD+ & THD to only 640 kbps DD 5.1 over toshlink optical output.

Good news: it seems Microsoft has the support in the works to release a HDMI version addon. Is this already been released in the market? Is there any new info/specs for this new gen addon?

[edboy7]

I have both consoles & they can output 1080p, 1080i, 720p thru component input .

wow....games galore ka dyan  yan ha! im leaning towards ps3 coz of BD, does it upconvert to 720p/1080i when playing sddvds thru compnent? i have several sacd titles din thanks kulit no hehehehehe

[nels76]

I have both consoles & they can output 1080p, 1080i, 720p thru component input .

Confused lang ako dito.
Kasi walang HDTV that accepts 1080p through Component.

Even Blu Ray movies only output 1080p through HDMI.

[et414]

yun din ang alam ko. 1080p is protected by ICT(image constraint token) that can only be received by an hdcp compliant connection

[aeris30]

Confused lang ako dito.
Kasi walang HDTV that accepts 1080p through Component.

Even Blu Ray movies only output 1080p through HDMI.

Have not tried it yet coz I don't have a 1080p display but both consoles' manuals state they do.

[Clondalkin]

Confused lang ako dito.
Kasi walang HDTV that accepts 1080p through Component.

Even Blu Ray movies only output 1080p through HDMI.

The latest R series Aquos have multiple D5 input terminals..Sharp 46/52/57/65 RX1W, but it is difficult to expect Sharp to sell their hi-end models in the Philippines.  They seem to be offering only their entry model A series and B series LCDs out there.   Not even D, E or G series.

[aeris30]

wow....games galore ka dyan  yan ha! im leaning towards ps3 coz of BD, does it upconvert to 720p/1080i when playing sddvds thru compnent? i have several sacd titles din thanks kulit no hehehehehe

as of now the PS3 has no upscaling capabilities for sd dvds & it's sd dvd playback is just like any ordinary dvd player. You need a receiver with HDMI input for SACD audio.

[darkwing]

the PS3 will upscale DVDs in their upcoming firmwares, sabi ni tito Phil 

[av_phile1]

Your HDTV should be able to upscale to its native resolution via component or HDMI.  No need for an upscaling player really. 

[Munskie]

Universal Announces Mega-Wave of HD DVD Catalog for June

Universal Studios Home Entertainment will bring more than a dozen new catalog titles to HD DVD this June, top-lined by the hits 'Bruce Almighty,' 'Daylight' and 'Liar, Liar.'

In the studio's biggest one-day announcement ever for HD DVD, they have unveiled a two-tier June attack comprised of a lucky thirteen new catalog faves. Among the two waves of titles are:

June 12: 'Born on the Fourth of July,' 'Bruce Almighty,' 'Daylight,' 'Liar, Liar,' 'Monty Python's The Meaning of Life' and 'Sneakers.'

June 26: 'American Me,' 'Being John Malkovich,' 'Bulletproof,' 'Mallrats,' 'Meet Joe Black,' Mystery Men' and 'The Watcher.'

No specs have yet been issued for the titles, but there is no reason to think all won't include Universal's now-standard 1080p/VC-1 transfers and Dolby Digital-Plus sound configurations. The extras should also align with what is offered on their standard-def DVD counterparts.

Surprisingly, given Universal's prior pledge to release the majority of its 2007 next-gen titles as HD DVD/DVD combo discs, its entire June catalog wave are currently pegged as HD DVD only.

All have a suggested list price of $29.98.

We'll be adding all thirteen of Universal's new announcements to our database over the rest of the day, so watch our HD DVD Release Schedule to see those June slots fill up real fast. Stay tuned for full specs to be unveiled in the days ahead.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.



Great... Universal flexes its muscles this time......and its good that all are currently pegged as HD DVD only.....so no to costlier combos....

[pchin]

Universal Studios still focusing on releasing HD DVD Catalog? At least bring out some big gun titles no? When are they releasing more newer tittles? 

Well, glad they have come to their senses to cut off the Combo format for catalog movies. Let's hope they keep it that way.

[Munskie]

Yes paul, its also unfortunate that Universal is devoid of blockbuster hits lately....only 1 cracking the top ten the last two years....

2005
Rank    Title    Studio    Box Office Gross
Total Int.l    U.S./Canada    U. K.    Australia

1.    Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire    Warner Bros.    
2.    Star Wars Episode III:Revenge of the Sith    20th Century Fox    
3.    The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe    Walt Disney Pictures    
4.    War of the Worlds    Paramount Pictures    
5.    King Kong    Universal Pictures    
6.    Madagascar    DreamWorks    
7.    Mr. & Mrs. Smith    20th Century Fox    
8.    Charlie and the Chocolate Factory    Warner Bros.    
9.    Batman Begins    Warner Bros.    
10.    Hitch    Columbia Pictures    

2006
Rank    Title    Studio    Box Office Gross
Total Int.l    U.S./Canada    U. K.    Australia

1.    Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest    Walt Disney Pictures    
2.    The Da Vinci Code    Columbia Pictures    
3.    Ice Age: The Meltdown    20th Century Fox    
4.    Casino Royale    MGM / Columbia    
5.    Night at the Museum    20th Century Fox    
6.    Cars    Walt Disney Pictures / Pixar    
7.    X-Men: The Last Stand    20th Century Fox    
8.    Mission: Impossible III    Paramount Pictures    
9.    Superman Returns    Warner Bros.    
10.    Happy Feet    Warner Bros.    

Red=HD DVD Exclusive
Blue=Blu-ray Exclusive
Green=Neutral


From the list earlier, Bruce Almighty, Sneakers and Meet Joe Black will be considered by me.....