Blu-ray Sales Are Transformed – Normally running about 15% of total DVD sales, Blu-ray sales got a big push last week as the new double-disc Blu-ray version of the movie Transformers debuted at No. 3 on the sales chart. It is believed that the high percentage of sales for this title means that the hi-def audience is finally ready and willing to start buying Blu-ray movies. The question is whether this is only a one-time Blu-ray success or does it mean the format is finally going to reach a broader public? The CFO of Netflix said last week that he believes Blu-ray’s impact on the home entertainment industry will be minimal in 2008, but that the coming holiday season may change things since consumer electronics sales usually peak during December.
Dell DVD Allows Download-and-Burn of Movies – Dell Computers had begun offering the industry’s first DVD drives that allow consumers to burn movie downloads directly to DVDs to watch on their home AV system if they won’t want to want them on their computers. The drives use Sonic Qflix technology and will be sold as an add-on for most of Dell’s computers. Over one hundred movie downloads are part of the deal, courtesy of CinemaNow. After installing the $120 drive the software is automatically installed and legal downloading can begin, with a separate charge for each movie downloaded.
JVC Offers Wireless Blu-ray – The first DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)-enabled Blu-ray system has been released by JVC – the NX-BD3. The 1080p/24fps-capable player allows the sharing of movies, music, photos and other content thru consumer electronics and PCs, using MPEG-2 for HD content. However, it is only Blu-ray Profile v1.0, and therefore doesn’t support BD Live and some other added features. It goes on sale in the UK next month.
Random Forum Exchanges on Download Sample Rates – “I’ve been led to believe that 256K AAC is at least as good as 320K MP3.” “Even 320K is going to have classical buffs turning their noses up…Vinyl or SACD/DVD-A are the preferred choice.” “…one of my beefs with downloads [is] frequently the rate is low enough for it to be distinguishable, especially on hi-end equipment. I’d still prefer a lossless format than MP3 for buying music…” “I am pleased to see people moving away from DRM and embracing lossless. As a lover of classical and digital music…the selection looks dandy, but I was disappointed to see they still can’t seem to get the pricing right…it just doesn’t make sense to me that digital downloads…should cost as much or more than a physical disc.” “Generally the difference [between MP3 and Flac] is not with artifacts but in dynamic range (greater with Flac). On a portable device…it’s not possible to tell the difference. But that isn’t the point. Flac is archive quality and lossless.” “Pales against 96/24 lossless though! If there’s one area where ‘better than CD’ and even HD audio is of interest to anyone, it’s classical music.”
