Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Netflix gets even Blu-er]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/netflix-gets-even-blu-er/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/netflix-gets-even-blu-er/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/netflix-gets-even-blu-er/#commentsFiled under:


With the online movie rental service Netflix going exclusively Blu-ray, it was only a matter of time before the company announced that it was boosting their library volume for Blu-ray titles. Currently, Netflix has 400 titles in their catalog, but it plans to triple this and increase the number of titles to 1,500.

While this sounds like great support for Blu-ray, the cost of such a large scale move may cause Netflix to increase their fees. It shouldn't hit too hard on the wallet though, and besides, an upgrade from DVD to Blu-ray HD is well worth it.

JoystiqNetflix gets even Blu-er originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raybluraynetlfixps3Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 voted most wanted Blu-ray player]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/ps3-voted-most-wanted-blu-ray-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/ps3-voted-most-wanted-blu-ray-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/ps3-voted-most-wanted-blu-ray-player/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In their latest poll, our good buddies over at EngadgetHD beg the question: What Blu-ray player will you be picking up? With the death of HD DVD ending the format wars, there is only one choice left for high-def needs: Blu-ray. New buyers and HD DVD refugees alike need to make a choice; so what Blu-ray player did they choose? Why, the PS3 of course!

Even though polling is still going on, the PS3 is the clear winner at 56.6% of the total votes. The next closest Blu-ray player is the Panasonic DMP-BD50 at 8.3%; we suspect it's not likely that the DMP-BD50 will catch up to the PS3's massive 48% lead. What does this mean for the PS3? It means that sales can only go up from here.

[Thanks Aaron!]

JoystiqPS3 voted most wanted Blu-ray player originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayengadgetplaystationplaystation-3playstation3ps3Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wal-Mart goes 'exclusively' Blu-ray]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wal-mart-goes-exclusively-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wal-mart-goes-exclusively-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wal-mart-goes-exclusively-blu-ray/#commentsFiled under:


Wal-Mart declared today that it will "exclusively" back Blu-ray in the high-definition movie format war. We know there's a lot of emotions about this issue still out there, but when Netflix, Blockbuster, Best Buy, almost all of the major movie studios and WAL-MART go Blu-ray, can we finally say this is the end for HD DVD? Wal-Mart stated that "in less than 30 days" customers will see the alpha-dog of retailers go predominantly Blu-ray.

Wal-Mart's release to Joystiq also states that the company is moving "exclusively toward Blu-ray ... players." We've requested clarification as to whether this means they will no longer carry the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on player. We'll update when we get a response. What we can say is that the 10 Wal-Mart stores we did call either had no idea there was an HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 or said they haven't had them for a while.

JoystiqWal-Mart goes 'exclusively' Blu-ray originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayhd-dvdhddvdsonywal-martwalmartFri, 15 Feb 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix, Best Buy boosting Blu-ray; HD DVD responds [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/netflix-best-buy-boosting-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/netflix-best-buy-boosting-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/netflix-best-buy-boosting-blu-ray/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Good evening internet faithful, Gossip Girl here, your only source into the scandalous lives of today's hottest format war. Top story on my home page? Turns out Reuter's saw Netflix proposing to Blu-ray today. Too bad for HD DVD, which was also on Netflix's play-list until today when it sent out an email explaining that the two were splitsville from here on in. Not only that, but Netflix cooed that by the end of the year all HD DVDs "will be changed to standard definition DVDs" on subscriber's queues. Meaning Netflix isn't just kicking HD DVD out, but burning all the memories in the bathtub too.

Netflix isn't the only company amorous about Blu-ray today. Best Buy also sent hugs and kisses in the form of an announcement that it would "recommend" Blu-ray from now on. Although the retail chain isn't choosing a definitive side just yet, Best Buy will "prominently feature Blu-ray hardware and software beginning in March."

There's nothing Gossip Girl likes more than a good cat fight, but sadly this one is looking almost done. With HD DVD taking hit after hit, not to mention the recent clearance price-drop of the Xbox HD DVD player, it's getting tough to imagine dear sweet HD DVD can stage a comeback. Blu-ray is working its magic and those with the power to decide the format war are following.

Update: Peep this sorry response from the HD DVD camp: "We have long held the belief that HD DVD is the best format for consumers based on quality and value, and with more than 1 million HD DVD players on the market, it's unfortunate to see Netflix make the decision to only stock Blu-ray titles going forward. While the Best Buy announcement says they will recommend Blu-ray, at least they will continue to carry HD DVD and offer consumers a choice at retail." [Via Engadget]

Read: Netflix chooses Blu-ray.
Read: Best Buy to recommend Blu-ray.

[Thanks to all who sent us their Netflix letters!]

JoystiqNetflix, Best Buy boosting Blu-ray; HD DVD responds [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayhd-dvdhddvdnetflixPS3Xbox-360Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 HD DVD player price dropped to $130]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-price-dropped-to-130/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-price-dropped-to-130/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/xbox-360-hd-dvd-player-price-dropped-to-130/#commentsFiled under: ,


Effective immediately, the Xbox 360 HD DVD player add-on is now priced at $130 in the US and Canada. Even better, early birds managed to nab the player for a steal this morning on Amazon (though the $80 offer is now sold out). Depending on your perspective, today's price-drop either signals that HD DVD isn't about to go down easy or that it's grasping at building a user base amidst major setbacks.

For the last half year Blu-ray has had some high-profile victories. Now, we're not choosing sides, just saying that those who haven't pledged their allegiance to an HD movie format may want to wait a little longer (but Blu-ray is totally the winner, right?).

JoystiqXbox 360 HD DVD player price dropped to $130 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-raybluraybreakingnewsHD-DVDhddvdXbox-360Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't even trip, Financial Times -- Paramount is sticking with HD-DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/dont-even-trip-financial-times-paramount-is-sticking-with-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/dont-even-trip-financial-times-paramount-is-sticking-with-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/dont-even-trip-financial-times-paramount-is-sticking-with-h/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you just bought an HD-DVD player attachment for your Xbox 360, don't feel completely discouraged about the recent movements in the home entertainment industry. While it definitely seems as though Blu-ray has soundly won the format war, Viacom Inc. owned Paramount Studios recently issued a statement saying they would continue producing HD-DVD movies.

The statement was a correction to a recent Financial Times article saying that the company was following in the footsteps of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., and adopting Blu-ray as their sole HD format. Following a brief plunge in the stocks of Toshiba (the company most invested in HD-DVD technology), Paramount issued a statement pledging their allegiance to the format less blue. Looks like it's time to hunker down for the long haul, people -- it might be a while before the clear victor for the Battle of the Formats is decided.

JoystiqDon't even trip, Financial Times -- Paramount is sticking with HD-DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayformatHDhd-dvdhddvdtoshibaSun, 13 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[HD DVD group cancels pre-CES press conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/hd-dvd-group-cancels-pre-ces-press-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/hd-dvd-group-cancels-pre-ces-press-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/hd-dvd-group-cancels-pre-ces-press-conference/#commentsFiled under: ,


In the wake of the recent announcement of Warner Bros' new allegiance to the Blu-ray format (and, as result, sister company New Line Cinema's similarly adopted format loyalty), the HD DVD group has canceled their pre-Consumer Electronics Show press conference. We're not sure if the announcement will impact the HD DVD Promotion Group's booth at the show, though we imagine it will create an atmosphere for their visitors with a level of awkwardness similar to that of a nursing home.

In a mass email to CES attendees, a representative for the group said they are "currently discussing the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluating next steps." If these "next steps" don't include lining the pockets of every remaining film publisher on the market to convince them your format's still viable, HD DVD could go the way of the Betamax with a quickness.

(Via PS3F)

JoystiqHD DVD group cancels pre-CES press conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayblurayCESHD DVDHdDvdWarnerBrosWBSat, 05 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[HD porn studio swayed to Blu-ray by PS3 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/hd-porn-studio-swayed-to-blu-ray-by-ps3-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/hd-porn-studio-swayed-to-blu-ray-by-ps3-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/hd-porn-studio-swayed-to-blu-ray-by-ps3-owners/#commentsFiled under: ,

Any respectable connoisseur of the erotic arts can tell you that in this day and age, watching lo-def pornography is about as un-erotic as watching reruns of Murder, She Wrote. Once you've seen an unclothed bathing suit area at 1080p, lower definition skin flicks just seem to lose their appeal. Many porno purveyors have already made the leap to high definition formats -- such as Digital Playground, which publishes movies exclusively in HD-DVD, much to the chagrin of pornstars left with pockmarked skin after years of spite and heroin abuse.

However, Joone, the company's single-named founder, has recently reconsidered his position in the resolution war, agreeing to publish Digital Playground pictures (starting with their 2005 award-winning blockbuster Pirates) in Blu-ray as well. Why the change of heart? According to Joone, "A lot of people were e-mailing that bought a PlayStation 3 and they were basically saying, 'When are you guys going to release Blu-ray?'" Pornophilic PS3 owners can buckle their swashes when Pirates is released January 4th -- we suggest watching the timeless classic American Bangster to tide you over until then.

JoystiqHD porn studio swayed to Blu-ray by PS3 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayBlurayDigitalPlaygroundPiratesPlayStation3PornPS3SonySat, 22 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Michael Bay talks HD DVD and Microsoft's 'dirty secret']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/michael-bay-talks-hd-dvd-and-microsofts-dirty-secret/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/michael-bay-talks-hd-dvd-and-microsofts-dirty-secret/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/michael-bay-talks-hd-dvd-and-microsofts-dirty-secret/#commentsFiled under: ,

michael bay
Michael Bay has been sipping the "Kool-Aid" again. Several months after the director's infamous night with a band of Blu-ray owners and a few glasses of alternate-reality drink (ending in a brief holdout with Transformers 2 on the line), Bay is back to blasting HD DVD. Despite a sobering HD DVD screening of 300 in late-August and newfound acceptance of Paramount's decision to partner with Microsoft, Bay has fallen off the wagon, stumbling onto a trail of deceit leading to a "dirty secret," a corporate plot to annihilate all forms of our beloved polycarbonate discs -- with explosions, lots of 'em.

Bay writes, "Microsoft wants both [HD DVD and Blu-ray] formats to fail so they can be heroes and make the world move to digital downloads. That is the dirty secret no one is talking about. That is why Microsoft is handing out $100 million dollar checks to studios just [to] embrace the HD DVD and not the leading, and superior Blu Ray [sic]. They want confusion in the market until they perfect the digital downloads. Time will tell and you will see the truth."

While we can't verify just how many $100 million checks have been cashed (we know of just the one we received to ensure the Sony bias keeps flowing), we do know what Bill Gates told us nearly a year ago: "HD DVD is great ... It's neat. But over time, eventually online is going to be more important." That don't sound like no secret to us. Sony was early to the HD movie market and Microsoft didn't want its competitor to run away with a new format before it could get the proper digital distribution network and hardware in place. HD DVD certainly can be viewed as a stalling tactic, and two formats with varying Hollywood support is definitely confusing to consumers, but let's not mistake reality for Michael Bay's vision of Armageddon.

JoystiqMichael Bay talks HD DVD and Microsoft's 'dirty secret' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayhd-dvdhddvdmichael-bayMichaelBayPS3Xbox-360Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray sales dominate HD war in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/blu-ray-sales-dominate-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/blu-ray-sales-dominate-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/blu-ray-sales-dominate-europe/#commentsFiled under:

The PS3 may finally be getting around to being a good game console, but there's no denying it's been a great Blu-ray player since the beginning. Sony Europe released figures that 73% of high-def movie sales on the continent were Blu-ray. Sony says the "turning point" in Blu-ray movie sales, which they now say average two to five times the amount of HD-DVD sales weekly, was the release of the PS3.

Blu-ray has been having a pretty solid year in the US as well. It's certainly interesting to note how comparatively small the high-def movie market must be if the lowest selling console in the video game market makes such a massive impact.

JoystiqBlu-ray sales dominate HD war in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayhddvdsonyWed, 28 Nov 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba says 'no comment' to HD DVD Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/toshiba-says-no-comment-to-hd-dvd-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/toshiba-says-no-comment-to-hd-dvd-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/toshiba-says-no-comment-to-hd-dvd-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under:


Although the rumor started by Smarthouse that a non-Microsoft branded Xbox with built-in HD DVD drive sounds improbable, Stuff.tv got UK Toshiba to give a "no comment" on the matter. Despite the Stuff.tv headline saying, "Toshiba says no to new Xbox 360 HD DVD rumour," the word "comment" is actually missing between "no" and "to." Which, in essence, means we're actually right back to where we started -- with this rumor still floating out there.

An HD DVD built into the Xbox 360 is always possible, but even by the original rumor's timeline, the thing wouldn't even be announced until late next year. With so much extra stuff built into it and without Microsoft branding, it sounds like a load of crazy talk. Mind you, we're getting used to crazy talk around here, so anything is possible.

JoystiqToshiba says 'no comment' to HD DVD Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BluRaydriveHD-DVDHDDVDinternalmoviesXbox-360xbox360Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 HD DVD offers expanded; Heroes free with purchase at Best Buy starting Sunday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/xbox-360-hd-dvd-offers-expanded-heroes-free-with-purchase-at-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/xbox-360-hd-dvd-offers-expanded-heroes-free-with-purchase-at-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/xbox-360-hd-dvd-offers-expanded-heroes-free-with-purchase-at-be/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Cheapy D's army of frugal Fannies bring word that this week's Best Buy flyer (beginning Oct. 21) reveals Heroes on HD DVD is free with the purchase of an Xbox 360 HD DVD player. So, if we're grasping this properly, if you purchase the Xbox 360's HD DVD player from Best Buy you'll get King Kong (still bundled in), Heroes, and five free HD DVDs. The five free movies offer has also now been expanded to Europe. If the Xbox 360 HD DVD unit ends up being true, this ridiculous HD DVD vs. Blu-ray format war might actually be heating up rather than ending. All we know is that the consumers who wait for this mess to end are the ones who'll "win."

Read: Get Heroes HD DVD free with player purchase.
Read: Xbox announces free movies with HD DVD player.
Read: Free HD DVD offer extended, new movies too.

JoystiqXbox 360 HD DVD offers expanded; Heroes free with purchase at Best Buy starting Sunday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonblurayhddvdps3Xbox-360xbox360Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray movie releases for the week of Sept. 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/30/blu-ray-movie-releases-for-the-week-of-sept-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/30/blu-ray-movie-releases-for-the-week-of-sept-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/30/blu-ray-movie-releases-for-the-week-of-sept-30/#commentsFiled under: ,

Now that we're entering the month of Halloween, we'll be seeing an influx of Blu-ray horror movies, and we can't be more excited. This week we're treated with vampires, zombies and psychotic killers, but if horror isn't your thing, you should be covered with A Room with a View and Galapagos.
Any time two George Romero and Sam Raimi classics are released in the same week, you know you're in heaven. Do yourself a favor and at least pick up Dawn of the Dead; it's the best zombie movie ever made.

JoystiqBlu-ray movie releases for the week of Sept. 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Sep 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayhalloweenhorrornew-releaseszombiesSun, 30 Sep 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Blu-ray/HD DVD war to end in 18 months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/report-blu-ray-hd-dvd-war-to-end-in-18-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/report-blu-ray-hd-dvd-war-to-end-in-18-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/report-blu-ray-hd-dvd-war-to-end-in-18-months/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's probably fair to say we're all tired of hi-def movies coming on two formats, and we just can't wait until this silly war is over. Thankfully, the end is in sight, according to Forrester Research, which released a report stating it believes the high-def movie format war will finally end in 18 months with Sony's Blu-ray eventually coming out on top.

However, Forrester Research analyst J.P. Gownder said Sony still has some work to go before it can be crowned, beginning with cutting prices. "Blu-ray needs to offer a viable hardware model at the $250 price point by Christmas 2007," he said. "Failure to alter strategy would open up Blu-ray to a possible upset defeat at the hands of HD DVD."

Although Paramount's defection to the HD DVD camp certainly was a blow to Blu-ray, companies have been ramping up support of Sony's movie format, both with increased movie support and shelf space. Either way, we just hope it comes to an end long before their prognostication.

JoystiqReport: Blu-ray/HD DVD war to end in 18 months originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayhd warhd-dvdhd-warhi-defmoviesparamountWed, 26 Sep 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray movie releases for the week of Sept. 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/blu-ray-movie-releases-for-the-week-of-sept-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/blu-ray-movie-releases-for-the-week-of-sept-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/blu-ray-movie-releases-for-the-week-of-sept-24/#commentsFiled under: ,

Although this week we don't get quite the quantity or quality of Blu-ray releases that we did last week, we can relish in the fact that if you compiled bits and pieces from each movie, it could possibly make the most bad-ass movie of all time.

Just imagine werewolves, cowboys and the Japanese doing battle against vampires, Nazis and Yankees as Halle Berry comes on screen to spout some nonsense and just looks pretty. You really can't get any better than that.
But if this week's releases don't satisfy you, just wait until next week when we're invaded by the undead - now that's something werewolves, vampires or Nazis just can't kill.

JoystiqBlu-ray movie releases for the week of Sept. 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raybluraygods-and-generalsnew-releasesthe-wild-bunchunderworldwyatt-earpMon, 24 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray movie releases for the week of Sept. 16th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/blu-ray-movie-releases-for-the-week-of-sept-16th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/blu-ray-movie-releases-for-the-week-of-sept-16th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/18/blu-ray-movie-releases-for-the-week-of-sept-16th/#commentsFiled under: ,

It looks like Sony and the rest of the Blu-ray crew are ensuring our feelings aren't still hurt from that fiasco a few weeks ago as we're getting 13 titles to choose from this week.
Not only does this week's releases feature a great assortment of movies any guy would love, it also includes three volumes of The Best of Blu-ray, which feature four classic movies in each set. What really makes these collections great, though, is the incredible savings you get. Each set is currently on sale at $58 at Amazon - that's like getting two movies free!

JoystiqBlu-ray movie releases for the week of Sept. 16th originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-few-good-menalexanderbest-of-blu-rayblu-raybluraydeliverancehdhigh-defhigh-definitionhouse-of-1000-corpsesjailhouse-rocksmallvillethe-condemnedtroyviva-las-vegaswe-are-marshallTue, 18 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 HD DVD getting Euro price cut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/04/xbox-360-hd-dvd-getting-euro-price-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/04/xbox-360-hd-dvd-getting-euro-price-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/04/xbox-360-hd-dvd-getting-euro-price-cut/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to eFluxMedia, Microsoft announced a price drop on their HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 in the European market. It will drop from €200 to €180 -- which if you want to do the conversion would be around $244, the HD DVD drive retails in the States for $179.

According to reports last month, Blu-ray has been outselling HD DVD formatted discs in the States 2-to-1 in the first half of the '07. Manfred Gerdes, chief of Sony Germany, said to eFluxMedia that PS3 sales have totalled 2 million there, double the number of stand-alone Blu-ray movie players. The bundle of Blu-ray with PS3 is said to have helped create this widening HD DVD vs. Blu-ray gap. At least movie buffs get something out of the deal -- now about those games.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqXbox 360 HD DVD getting Euro price cut originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonblurayhddvdps3Xbox-360xbox360Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox, MGM pledge more support for Blu-ray]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/fox-mgm-pledge-more-support-for-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/fox-mgm-pledge-more-support-for-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/fox-mgm-pledge-more-support-for-blu-ray/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The high-definition format war was due for a shakeup. Following yesterday's news that Paramount will be ditching Blu-ray in favor of HD-DVD exclusivity, Twentieth Century Fox and MGM (whose video releases are, not coincidentally, handled by Fox) pledged more support for the Sony-backed Blu-ray, citing the format's dominant sales compared to HD-DVD.

That pledge totals 29 new Blu-ray releases by the end of the year, which breaks down as follows:
  • Six new films from Fox, including Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and Live Free or Die Hard, that will be released day and date with the DVD version.
  • Four day and date (for U.S. only) Blu-ray and DVD new releases from MGM
  • 19 titles deemed "must have on Blu-ray" from the two studios' collection
Additionally, Fox has promised to bring television drama Prison Break to Blu-ray. According to the announcement (via GameDaily), Fox said it intends to release "at least one state-of-the-art title per month featuring numerous BD 'firsts.'"

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqFox, MGM pledge more support for Blu-ray originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblurayformatfoxhddvdmgmparamountPS3Xbox-360Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray outselling HD DVD 2 to 1 this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/blu-ray-outselling-hd-dvd-2-to-1-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/blu-ray-outselling-hd-dvd-2-to-1-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/blu-ray-outselling-hd-dvd-2-to-1-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to Home Media Research, Blu-ray outsold HD DVD 2-to-1 in the US during the first half of '07. If you want the big numbers, it's 1.6 million Blu-ray units compared to 795,000 HD DVD units. If those numbers are too big, just take a look at the recent release of 300, which sold 190,000 units on Blu-ray and 97,000 on HD DVD.

Perhaps these two formats can seek peaceful coexistence, but as things stand right now, Blockbuster has gone Blu-ray and so have some retailers. We really don't care who wins the movie format war, but we'd prefer people spending their money on a couple extra games instead of possibly throwing their money away on a console attachment for a dying not-selling-as-well format.

[Via GameDaily]

JoystiqBlu-ray outselling HD DVD 2 to 1 this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blurayhddvdps3Xbox-360xbox360Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword packed with 10 GB of sound data]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/heavenly-sword-packed-with-10-gb-of-sound-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/heavenly-sword-packed-with-10-gb-of-sound-data/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/heavenly-sword-packed-with-10-gb-of-sound-data/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword has some beautiful music -- anyone with the demo can testify to that. An interview with lead audio Tom Colvin has quantified the developer's focus on aural satisfaction: 10 GB of sound data is included in the game, according to Develop.

That sizable number includes approximately three and a half hours of music, sound effects and 4,500 lines of dialog. "There's an hour and a half's worth of cut scenes in eleven languages," said SCEE's Garry Taylor.

A dual layer DVD disc has an 8.5 GB capacity; will Sony be touting that its competition couldn't even fit the audio onto their discs? We'd be surprised if they showed restraint.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqHeavenly Sword packed with 10 GB of sound data originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobluraydevelopheavenlyswordninjatheoryPS3sonyWed, 15 Aug 2007 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD survey says gamers unaware of their console's capabilities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/npd-survey-says-gamers-unaware-of-their-consoles-capabilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/npd-survey-says-gamers-unaware-of-their-consoles-capabilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/npd-survey-says-gamers-unaware-of-their-consoles-capabilities/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

To most Joystiq readers, Blu-ray is synonymous with the PlayStation 3. According to a recent survey from the NPD Group (via ars technica), however, that connection isn't as widely known. In fact, the results show that just 40% of those who owned a PS3 knew it had a Blu-ray drive. Really?

Even more bizarre, the report states that just 50% of the gamers surveyed knew the PS3 had high definition graphics. That's, of course, a relative victory over Xbox 360, whose high definition prowess was only known by 30% of the survey takers. The survey was reportedly a culmination of 6,260 responses from console owners aged six to 44. Who are these people, though?

We're still confused by the PS3 / Blu-ray (dis)connection, given that the Blu-ray logo is placed prominently on the front of the box, in every commercial and advertisement, on the console itself. How did those other 60% miss that?

Curious about Nintendo's ability to inform the public, we conducted our survey today. It turns out only 35% of the Joystiq staff (and 70% of the NWF staff) knew the Wii had motion controls.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqNPD survey says gamers unaware of their console's capabilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluraymicrosoftnpdPS3sonysurveyXbox-360ydkjFri, 10 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BJ's Wholesale goes Blu-ray]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/bjs-wholesale-goes-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/bjs-wholesale-goes-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/bjs-wholesale-goes-blu-ray/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Another blow to HD DVD came today as BJ's Wholesale Club will bounce the format from its shelves in the fourth quarter according to VB, a Variety company. Just like yesterday's news about Target going with Blu-ray players, if Wal-Mart's Sam's Club went Blu-ray it'd be a much bigger deal, but BJ's is a large company on the East Coast (particularly the North East). BJ's will continue to sell HD DVD format products on their website.

Although Microsoft previously stated they were standing by HD DVD, they may need to review their statements from January if they don't want to "charge customers $200 extra for something that may be the next Betamax." If the domino effect continues it might be at least worth considering an affordable Blu-ray attachment to the Xbox 360 -- despite Blu-ray being a Sony format. It's pretty simple, give HDTV consumers the option of a Blu-ray attachment for their Xbox 360, or have them thinking the PS3 is a game machine and an HD movie player in one affordable package (you know, further down that 10 year line). Then again, if direct digital content gains a foothold, it may all be a moot point anyway.

JoystiqBJ's Wholesale goes Blu-ray originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bjsblockbusterblurayhddvdPS3sonytargettoshibaXbox-360Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Target targets Blu-ray as the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-targets-blu-ray-as-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-targets-blu-ray-as-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-targets-blu-ray-as-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to Reuters, retail mega-chain Target announced today it will only carry Blu-ray disc players. They will begin in October and go "at least through the holiday season." This comes a month after Blockbuster, the U.S.' largest brick-and-mortar video rental chain, said they would be going Blu-ray exclusively too. Heavens to Murgatroyd, is Sony actually going to win a format war? Blu-ray shall avenge its cousins Betamax and MiniDisc if it emerges victorious against HD-DVD.

The Reuters information is currently being further explained by Universal Home Entertainment. Universal would like to clearly point out Target will continue to carry the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive and movies, they also say that Target is still currently selling HD-DVD players. Well, yes, because it's not October yet.

Universal has a right to feel defensive. Target's declaration probably shouldn't be taken too lightly -- although, when Wal-Mart declares Blu-ray, it's all over. So, even with the HD-DVD attachment price drop for your Xbox 360, plus five movies, is it worth getting? Umm, might want to put that money aside for now. It's a nice $179 dent in the cost of the PS3, which comes with Blu-ray playback built in. The holiday season is approaching and that'll be a pretty big indicator of what's to come. The last thing any consumer wants is to have an expensive machine which plays a dying format.

Update: Added Universal statement info to story.

JoystiqTarget targets Blu-ray as the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockbusterblurayhddvdPS3targetwalmartXbox-360Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Target will sell standalone Blu-ray player, but not HD-DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-will-sell-standalone-blu-ray-player-but-not-hd-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-will-sell-standalone-blu-ray-player-but-not-hd-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-will-sell-standalone-blu-ray-player-but-not-hd-dvd/#commentsFiled under:


Beginning in October, savvy Target shoppers looking to jump onto the Blu-ray bandwagon can join the party with a standalone Blu-ray player. The Sony BDP-S300 Blu-ray player will be offered in addition to the PS3, providing consumers with a decision for their Blu-Ray movie watching. With another "tug" in the HD tug-of-war, Blu-ray gets a bonus as being alone on the shelving space for standalone players. Target has yet to announce plans to begin offering HD-DVD standalone players (not counting the already offered Xbox 360 add-on drive). As far as retail space for HD discs, Target has still confirmed they will continue to sell both Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs, alongside the standard DVD movies.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqTarget will sell standalone Blu-ray player, but not HD-DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdps300blurayformat warformatwarhddvdsonytargetThu, 26 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Universal pressured to support Blu-ray, refuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/universal-pressured-to-support-blu-ray-refuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/universal-pressured-to-support-blu-ray-refuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/universal-pressured-to-support-blu-ray-refuses/#commentsFiled under:

With the clear advantage going to Blu-ray as the high-definition movie format of choice by the technology-savvy or trend-setting consumer, it's only natural something like this would come along. The only exclusive movie studio for HD DVD, Universal, is getting pressured into supporting Blu-ray. A lot of persuading is going on, apparently, for them to release their films on Blu-ray.

There are reports that, in Europe, standalone HD DVD players outsell standalone Blu-ray players by 70%. Of course they do. The PS3 is a cheaper alternative with more capabilities, so that's a pretty unfair report. To further offset that report, actual movie sales dip the 70% advantage towards those lovely Blu babies. Even so, HD films are still a niche market and moving to support their "competition" isn't high on Universal's list of priorities. Their standard DVDs still sell just fine and since the PS3 can upscale those, we're not too hurt if Universal decides to stick to their guns and support HD DVD to the bitter end. Although we really wanted some Blu-ray Heroes.

[Thanks, Joe!]

JoystiqUniversal pressured to support Blu-ray, refuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-rayBluRayplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyuniversalTue, 17 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Lair now bound for HD DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/dragons-lair-now-bound-for-hd-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/dragons-lair-now-bound-for-hd-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/dragons-lair-now-bound-for-hd-dvd/#commentsFiled under:

If you're like us, there was one primary factor in your choice of high-definition disc formats: the availability of Dragon's Lair. By that logic, we were siding with Blu-ray for awhile, but now we're just ambivalent.

An HD-DVD version of Dragon's Lair is coming August 15 for $29.99, the same price as the Blu-ray incarnation. O, what are we to do? We can't decide, so we'll just stick to our DS version, thank you very much.

JoystiqDragon's Lair now bound for HD DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayBluRaydragons lairDragonsLairhd dvdHdDvdWed, 04 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamers don't use consoles as DVD players [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/sorry-sony-console-buyers-dont-care-about-watching-movies/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/sorry-sony-console-buyers-dont-care-about-watching-movies/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/sorry-sony-console-buyers-dont-care-about-watching-movies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A new research report by The Diffusion Group has found that only a small percentage of console owners actually use the inherent DVD playback capabilities of their PS2s and Xbox 360s.

According to the report, 80% of console owners have DVD playback options on at least one of their systems, but a staggering 70% didn't even realize that the feature was available. The report concludes that despite the best efforts of companies like Microsoft and Sony, consumers are still using video game consoles to play games, and rarely use them for non-gaming purposes.

For the Xbox 360 and PS2, this may be due in large part to the prolificacy of standalone DVD players, but that's not the case with the Playstation 3. Earlier this week, we reported that PS3 sales make up the bulk of Blu-ray disc players in homes, with less than 100,000 standalone players sold thus far in North America. If PS3 owners aren't using their systems to watch movies, or even aware that the option exists, that spells bad news for Sony's shiny blue format.

Update: We received a tip that clued us in to some inaccuracies in our original source for this post, specifically relating to Blu-ray discs. Though the report does bring up Sony's Playstation 3, the research only covers consoles with DVD playback, meaning that the numbers do not reflect Blu-ray sales or the PS3, contrary to our original assumptions.

JoystiqGamers don't use consoles as DVD players [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluraydvdgamasutraPS2PS3videoXbox-360Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Lair coming to DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/dragons-lair-coming-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/dragons-lair-coming-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/dragons-lair-coming-to-ds/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Released on Blu-ray just a few weeks ago, a DS incarnation of the classic arcade/Laserdisc adventure Dragon's Lair has been announced by Digital Leisure. At first we thought the two would go together as well as peanuts and bubblegum, but after reading what developer Wizardry Engineering is doing to make the game fit the system, we might have to reconsider.

Dragon's Lair DS will be playable on one screen or split across two, holding the DS like a book. Touch screen control will be implemented, and there's even talk of voice recognition (blue ... BLUE!!!) and rumble pak support. Hey, if it worked on Game Boy Color, it should go over fine on the DS.

[Via DS Fanboy

JoystiqDragon's Lair coming to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurearcadebluraydigitalleisuredonbluthdragonslairdslaserdiscretrowizardryengineeringThu, 28 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blockbuster stores boast for Blu-ray]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/blockbuster-stores-boast-for-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/blockbuster-stores-boast-for-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/blockbuster-stores-boast-for-blu-ray/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blu-ray is the way for mega-rental chain Blockbuster video and their 1,450 stores when they go high-def next month, though they'll continue to offer HD DVD on their online service. The move comes as more consumers choose the Blu-ray format according to Blockbuster, which added that the choice was helped by the lopsided availability in high-def titles. Currently all major studios, except for Universal, support the Blu-ray format.

It should also be noted that the Blu-ray player coming standard with the PS3 has helped move movies. Although the PS3 isn't selling fantastically, it does create a solid install base for the Blu-ray format compared to HD DVD players, which have to be purchased separately in the form of the Xbox 360 add-on or a dedicated player. We haven't really seen the inside of a Blockbuster store since 2002 (due to Netflix and GameFly) and it would be interesting to know if the online rental numbers (which would probably be more tech-forward renters) are the same as the stores. Once the online versions of Blockbuster and Netflix choose a side, then we'll have our answer to who's going to win this ridiculous format war.

[Via NextGen, Thanks Rob]

JoystiqBlockbuster stores boast for Blu-ray originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockbusterblurayfavorhddvdPS3Xbox-360Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deal of the Day: Blu-Ray prices dropping fast thanks to web promotions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/deal-of-the-day-blu-ray-prices-dropping-fast-thanks-to-web-prom/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/deal-of-the-day-blu-ray-prices-dropping-fast-thanks-to-web-prom/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/deal-of-the-day-blu-ray-prices-dropping-fast-thanks-to-web-prom/#commentsFiled under: ,

So we're in the midst of a game drought. No big deal. By a lucky coincidence the PS3 can also play Blu-Ray discs. Did you know that? Now, with a recently introduced "3 for 2" promotion at Amazon US and DVD Empire, getting your favourite films in High Definition has never been so cheap.

The list of films available in the promotion is limited to 34 of the less popular titles. Even so, there should still be some decent movies there worthy of your hard earned cash. Some of the more notable films include Casino Royale, Big Fish, Memento, Silent Hill and House of Flying Daggers. While it would have been nice to have seen Pirates of the Caribbean I & II in the mix, they seem to be selling well enough as it is.

Alternatively, you can save 20% on all Blu-Rays and DVDs over at deepdiscount.com by using the voucher code "USATODAY". With a combination of these two promotions, you'll never have to pay full price for a Blu-Ray disc again. Maybe.

[Update: Corrected wording. "3 for 2," not "2 for 1."]

JoystiqDeal of the Day: Blu-Ray prices dropping fast thanks to web promotions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonblu rayBluRaydeal of the dayDealOfTheDaydvd empireDvdEmpirepromotionThu, 07 Jun 2007 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Blu-ray player drops to $500, now cheaper than PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/sony-blu-ray-player-drops-to-500-now-cheaper-than-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/sony-blu-ray-player-drops-to-500-now-cheaper-than-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/sony-blu-ray-player-drops-to-500-now-cheaper-than-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Sony BDP-S300 Blu-ray player has been dropped $100 in price to $499, putting it below the price of the PlayStation 3.

Sony, who once touted the PS3 as the cheapest Blu-ray player on the market, has appeared to have crossed off its own talking point. But if priced the same, the BDP-S300 would be a tough sale against the game console, whose only apparent benefit is quieter hardware.

We don't want to suggest the PS3, now with only one model in North America, may drop below the $600 threshold, but the Blu-ray player's reduced price may indicate that the manufacturing costs for Blu-ray components have lowered, making the console less of a loss leader for Sony.

The High Definition disc format is still competing against the Toshiba-backed HD-DVD for market share. The cheapest standalone HD-DVD player still costs $100 ($200 this Father's Day) less than the BDP-S300.

[Via Engadget; thanks, Jonah]

JoystiqSony Blu-ray player drops to $500, now cheaper than PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdp s300BdpS300blu rayBluRaybusinesshard wareHardWarehd dvdHdDvdPS3sonytoshibaTue, 05 Jun 2007 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney going HD neutral? IMDB says yes, we say no [UPDATE]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/disney-going-hd-neutral-imdb-says-yes-we-say-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/disney-going-hd-neutral-imdb-says-yes-we-say-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/disney-going-hd-neutral-imdb-says-yes-we-say-no/#commentsFiled under:



Those of you desperate for a HD DVD copy of Badder Santa: The Unrated Version are likely in for a bit of a disappointment. Though IMBD clearly states that the film, published by Disney, will be released on Blu-Ray, HD DVD and DVD, those of us with our eyes on the HD format war know that Disney remains a staunch exclusive Blu-Ray supporter.

We sound pretty certain that this isn't the start of Disney defecting over to the Dark-Red Side (HD DVD, in case you need it spelling out), don't we? How can we be so sure? Well the Sony Protection Group said it well enough themselves, but we'll paraphrase.

Two weeks ago the head of Disney extolled the virtues of the Blu-Ray disc. He gave reasons why it will win the format war and so why Disney will be supporting it with its huge archive of film content and upcoming releases. It would seem strange, then, that so soon after saying all of this the company would suddenly change their release philosophy - and especially without sending out some sort of press release stating this fact. If this was the case, however, it is safe to assume that a revelation such as this would warrant more than just one line in a news blurb, without any elaboration. Stranger still, most other sites have this release pegged for Blu-Ray only. Because of all this we can safely say that we firmly believe this to be an error on IMDB's behalf.

To be honest, though, we'd rather this particular film wasn't coming to either format. It's not exactly on our top 100 most anticipated High Definition releases.

[Via PS3Forums]

[UPDATE] It looks like we got our wish. Badder Santa will not be released on either Blu-Ray or HD-DVD according to HiDef Digest. Disney have also reaffirmed that they have no plans to support the HD-DVD format. We told you so.

JoystiqDisney going HD neutral? IMDB says yes, we say no [UPDATE] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayBluRaydisneyhd dvdHdDvdThu, 31 May 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawsuit filed against Sony over Blu-ray discs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/lawsuit-filed-against-sony-over-blu-ray-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/lawsuit-filed-against-sony-over-blu-ray-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/lawsuit-filed-against-sony-over-blu-ray-discs/#commentsFiled under: ,

Claiming a patent infringement concerning the Blu-ray format, Target Technology Co. LLC has filed a lawsuit against three Sony companies, including Sony Computer Entertainment America, seeking "a jury trial for damages and an injunction to keep Sony from further infringement," according to IP Law 360.

Sony's Blu-ray discs, including PlayStation 3 games, "embody" silver-based alloy thin film used as a coating layer for optical discs, the lawsuit asserts. Target Technology was issued a patent titled "metal alloys for the reflective or the semi-reflective layer of an optical storage medium" on March 28, 2006.

Target Technology has filed two other lawsuits against Williams Advanced Materials Inc. and its customers of infringing ten different patents concerning alloys used in making optical discs.

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

JoystiqLawsuit filed against Sony over Blu-ray discs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayBluRayPS3sonyFri, 25 May 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft stands by their HD DVD man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/microsoft-stands-by-their-hd-dvd-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/microsoft-stands-by-their-hd-dvd-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/microsoft-stands-by-their-hd-dvd-man/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Five months after it happened, Microsoft has finally decided to quell rumors of a Blu-ray player for Xbox 360. Way back in January in an interview with ITmedia, Peter Moore of Microsoft was quoted as supporting Blu-ray if HD DVD met an untimely end. It seemed like a shocking, but reasonable, statement at the time. Now Microsoft's GamerScoreBlog has decided to finally put an end to the speculation which has allegedly grown since the statements were made.

GamerScoreBlog says, "Some online media outlets have picked up this story and are citing Internet speculation of an alleged Associated Press story that does not exist, along with comments taken out of context from a story in ITmedia that appeared back in January. This information is being reported as news and as a result of a recent interview, neither of which are true."

So there we have it. Microsoft and Xbox are sticking by HD DVD and say they are "fully committed." But like any good public relationship we have no idea what's going on behind the scenes. The abuse, the lies, the heavy drinking. Maybe one day Microsoft will have the strength to finally fight back against HD DVD in the back of a limo and go find Blu-ray. Only time will tell.

JoystiqMicrosoft stands by their HD DVD man originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2007 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blurayhddvdmicrosoftPS3sonyXbox-360Thu, 17 May 2007 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Blu-ray, and therefore PS3, will win]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/analyst-blu-ray-and-therefore-ps3-will-win/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/analyst-blu-ray-and-therefore-ps3-will-win/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/analyst-blu-ray-and-therefore-ps3-will-win/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter has drawn a parallel between the success of a high-definition format and its related game console, believing that Sony will gain an "insurmountable advantage" over Microsoft if movie studios embrace Blu-ray, and vice-versa for Microsoft to "maintain its first mover advantage."

"Notwithstanding the efforts of the three console manufacturers to deliver compelling exclusive content, we expect the ultimate outcome of the console wars to be decided by the motion picture studios," he said.

Pachter ultimately predicts a close, three-way tie in the market share for this generation of consoles: Sony at 36%, Nintendo at 34% and Microsoft at 30%. In Japan, he said, Ninendo will have a 51% share through 2011 (is Pachter also a time traveler?), Sony with 44% and Microsoft presumably with the remaining 5%.

Remember, for every conclusion you may draw from Pachter's report, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of other analysts with contradictory conclusions. Should either high-definition format come out on top, it still has to contend with its big brother, DVD, for some time now, and therefore its impact on the console wars is minimal at best compared to the system's relative price and software.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqAnalyst: Blu-ray, and therefore PS3, will win originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystblu rayBluRayhd dvdHdDvdmichael pachterMichaelPachterpachterPS3WiiXbox-360Tue, 08 May 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 price could drop $100 due to Blu-ray diode supply]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/ps3-price-could-drop-100-due-to-blu-ray-diode-supply/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/ps3-price-could-drop-100-due-to-blu-ray-diode-supply/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/ps3-price-could-drop-100-due-to-blu-ray-diode-supply/#commentsFiled under: ,



Hope springs again for gamers who just can't bring themselves to drop $600 on a PS3. DigiTimes reports that Sony's blue-violet laser diode manufacturing plant will increase production and this could, "according to Taiwan-based makers of game consoles and components," drop the PS3 price by $100. Now let's see if those savings are passed on to consumers. Despite what Sony says, this magical $100 reduction is being batted around due to tech upgrades in the console and other factors discussed by analysts.

The article also discusses the production cost drop of the Xbox 360. According to research firm iSuppli the cost to manufacture the Xbox 360 is now $323.30, while it profitably retails for $399. The PS3 costs $840.35 to manufacture, in its current state of production, and retails for $599. We'll have to wait to see the NPD sales data later this month to see how well the PS3 sold in April and if more fuel gets added to the price-drop fire. Although, if the PS3 had a game other than Resistance it might be selling better. Oh well, the purchase of a PS3 was an investment in the future, wasn't it? At least the PS2 is still worth every one of the 13,000 pennies it costs to purchase.

Update: DigiTimes used data from last November's iSuppli report and marked it as May data. The comparison of estimated material cost is valid for PS3 and the Xbox 360 in November of '06. Chances are production costs have declined further since. iSuppli plans to do a new cost analysis soon. [Thanks James]

JoystiqPS3 price could drop $100 due to Blu-ray diode supply originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluraycostdiodemanufactureplaystationproductionps2ps3Mon, 07 May 2007 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Lair may foil your Blu-ray player]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/dragons-lair-may-foil-your-blu-ray-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/dragons-lair-may-foil-your-blu-ray-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/dragons-lair-may-foil-your-blu-ray-player/#commentsFiled under: ,

Earlier this week, Dean Takahashi of The Mercury News asked in his blog, "Can anyone figure out what's going on here?" The question was brought about by the recent Blu-ray release of the arcade's animated reflex-a-thon, Dragon's Lair, as well as the unfortunate observation that it didn't seem to work at all on Dean's Philips player. He also experienced audio issues when placing the disc in his PlayStation 3.

We contacted publisher Digital Leisure, hoping to ascertain whether or not this was a widespread issue. While they were unable to replicate the PS3 audio problem, they did note that certain stand-alone drives may be prone to playback issues. If you're at all interested in partaking in Bluth-ray antics, this is the part you'll want to pay attention to.

During restoration and development , Dragon's Lair was tested on the following players: Samsung BD-P1000, Panasonic DMP-BD10, PowerDVD (PC), Sony BDP-S1 and the PlayStation 3. The use of BD-Java in Dragon's Lair is likely the source of problems in other players, as the Blu-ray Association's deadline for mandatory hardware BD-Java support (enabling fancy picture-in-picture features) was only recently set for October 31, 2007. "Due to the lack of Java standardization many players just aren't able to handle proper playback," says the Canadian publisher.

Be sure to consult your manufacturer's website and support forums before you purchase the game -- "There is no way to tell whether a disc will or will not work without trying it out on a player." Excellent. Future firmware updates for your player may improve your chances, but for now, getting it to work is a game of chance. And even if you win, you still get Dragon's Lair.

JoystiqDragon's Lair may foil your Blu-ray player originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blurayDigitalLeisureDonBluthdragonslairPS3SpaceAceWed, 11 Apr 2007 17:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Blu ray add-on for 360 if format wins?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/rumor-blu-ray-add-on-for-360-if-format-wins/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/rumor-blu-ray-add-on-for-360-if-format-wins/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/rumor-blu-ray-add-on-for-360-if-format-wins/#commentsFiled under: ,

Over at Next Generation is an article discussing the possibility of a Blu-ray adapter coming to Xbox 360, should the format's success justify it. BBC News was told by Xbox UK head honcho Neil Thompson that whichever format wins, the Xbox 360 will more than likely provide a solution for it. He goes on to say that it's better to have the feature as an option for those who want access to it, rather than force the cost on the consumer. Jabs at the opposition aside, would you want a Blu-ray player for the 360 if HD DVD falls behind in terms of support?


[Via QJ.net]

JoystiqRumor: Blu ray add-on for 360 if format wins? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu RayBlu-Rayblue rayBlue-raybluerayBluRayFormat warsFormatWarsHD DVDHdDvdMon, 26 Mar 2007 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[We destroy a Blu-ray Disc]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/we-destroy-a-blu-ray-disc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/we-destroy-a-blu-ray-disc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/we-destroy-a-blu-ray-disc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When we saw via Game|Life that some IGN forums goers had taken steel wool to a Blu-ray disc with no apparent damage, we thought, "we can do better than that." So we gathered up some convenient implements of destruction and saw how our free copy of Talladega Nights would stand up to a ballpoint pen, a pizza cutter and a butcher's knife (unfortunately, the disc broke down before we could rub crunchy cereal all over it.) Check out the video below, and keep watching to the end for some pyrotechnic bonus footage.

Continue reading We destroy a Blu-ray Disc

JoystiqWe destroy a Blu-ray Disc originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayblu-ray discBlu-rayDiscbluraydestroydestructionPS3stressstress testStressTesttalladega nightsTalladegaNightstestFri, 19 Jan 2007 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Horror film Blu-ray disc plays only on PS3 [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/horror-film-blu-ray-disc-plays-only-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/horror-film-blu-ray-disc-plays-only-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/horror-film-blu-ray-disc-plays-only-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

If you've been looking to watch cave-diving girls chased by evil, flesh-eating Gollums in high definition, then you better have a PlayStation 3.

According to IMDB news, the Blu-ray version of The Descent is confirmed to not work on Pioneer Elite and Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray players but functions perfectly on the PS3. The reason? The disc utilizes BD-Java technology for picture-in-picture video commentary, which is not supported by the standalone Blu-ray players.

Sony has confirmed that they are working on an update to the player's operating systems, but how are they going to deliver said updates to consumers who already have the faulty player?

[Via 1UP]

[Update 1: It's Pioneer's Elite, not Panasonic. Thanks to everyone who pointed it out.]

JoystiqHorror film Blu-ray disc plays only on PS3 [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 02:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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