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'HD Basics' Gets 2008 Blu-ray, HD DVD Date

Mon Dec 17, 2007 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, DVD International (all tags)

After hitting an early speed bump, A/V guru Joe Kane's 'Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics' calibration disc finally has a new street date.

A brand new calibration disc from Kane tailored specifically for the high-def market, 'HD Basics' was originally announced for Blu-ray and HD DVD with a street date of October 30, but three weeks before its scheduled release, it was suddenly pushed back to an unspecified date sometime in 2008. Now, amidst high expectations from early adopters, 'HD Basics' finally appears to be back on track, with a new date of March 25, 2008.

Specs and features for both next-gen versions remain unchanged, as well does the suggested $34.95 list price.

For further info on 'HD Basics,' you can read the original press release in full here.

We've also set up dedicated threads where you can discuss Joe Kane's latest in our Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'HD Basics' Blu-ray release and the 'HD Basics' HD DVD release.

Related links:
HD Guru Joe Kane Releases "DIGITAL VIDEO ESSENTIALS: HD BASICS" [Press Release]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics (Blu-ray)
Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics' Bumped to 2008 (Oct 12, 2007)
New Edition of 'Digital Video Essentials' Bound for Blu-ray, HD DVD (Aug 16, 2007)

'Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics' Bumped to 2008

Fri Oct 12, 2007 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Street Date Changes, DVD International (all tags)

Hitting its first release date snag, Joe Kane's latest calibration disc has been bumped to "sometime" in early 2008, according to its distributor.

As we've previously reported, 'DVE: HD Basics' is set to be Kane's first dual-format release, as well as his first calibration disc tailored specifically for both novice and more experienced home theater enthusiasts alike.

Alas, while the title was originally announced with an October 30 Blu-ray and HD DVD release date, in a familiar refrain for those who followed the series of delays leading up to this April's release of 'Digital Video Essentials' on HD DVD, Kane's latest is now delayed by at least two months.

DVD International, Kane's distributor, says all versions of 'HD Basics' have been pushed back "until sometime early next year," with no new firm date set. No reason was given for the delay, and the distributor had no information on whether any of the disc's previously-announced specs would be changed. List price, however, remains $29.98

For further info on 'HD Basics,' you can read the original press release in full here.

With no new date in sight for 'HD Basics,' we've moved the title to the "Release Dates Postponed" section of both our Blu-ray Release Schedule and HD DVD Release Schedule. We'll let you know as soon as a new date is officially confirmed.

We've also set up dedicated threads for 'HD Basics' in our Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics' Blu-ray release and the 'Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics: ' HD DVD release.

Related links:
HD Guru Joe Kane Releases "DIGITAL VIDEO ESSENTIALS: HD BASICS" [Press Release]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics (Blu-ray)
Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
New Edition of 'Digital Video Essentials' Bound for Blu-ray, HD DVD (Aug 16, 2007)
'Digital Video Essentials' Finally Ready for HD DVD Release (Apr 16, 2007)

HDScape Titles Set for Blu-ray Release This October

Fri Sep 07, 2007 at 07:55 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, DVD International (all tags)

DVD International has issued full specs and an October street date for the Blu-ray release of its HDScape library of scenic high-definition titles.

Released earlier this year on HD DVD, the eight-strong HDScape catalog will make its Blu-ray debut on October 30, making good on DVD International's recent pledge to support both high-def formats.

The titles included are: 'Antarctica Dreaming,' 'Exotic Saltwater Aquarium,' 'Fireplace - Visions of Tranquility,' 'HDWindow - Hawaii,' 'HDWindow - The Great Southwest,' 'Serenity - Southern Seas,' 'Stargaze II,' 'Visions of the Sea,' and the value-priced compilation disc 'Blu-ray Sampler.'

Each title will be presented in 1.78:1 widescreen and 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video. Most of the discs will also boast a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround (48kHz/16-bit) track, except for 'Exotic Saltwater Aquarium' and 'Fireplace,' which will be Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround only.

There are no extras, nor any other bonus features unique to the Blu-ray releases.

Retail is $24.95 each, except for 'Blu-ray Sampler,' which is being offered for $6.95.

You'll find disc details for the entire HDScape series linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they now reside under October 30.

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

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
HDScape: Antarctica Dreaming (Blu-ray)
HDScape: Fireplace - Visions of Tranquility (Blu-ray)
HDScape: Exotic Saltwater Aquarium (Blu-ray)
HDScape: HDWindow - Hawaii (Blu-ray)
HDScape: HDWindow - The Great Southwest (Blu-ray)
HDScape: Serenity - Southern Seas (Blu-ray)
HDScape: Visions of the Sea (Blu-ray)
HDScape: Stargaze II (Blu-ray)
HDScape: Blu-ray Sampler (Blu-ray)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
HDScape Adds Blu-ray to its High-Def Menu (Jul 17, 2007)

New Edition of 'Digital Video Essentials' Bound for Blu-ray, HD DVD

Thu Aug 16, 2007 at 03:53 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, DVD International (all tags)

HD guru Joe Kane is readying the successor to his popular 'Digital Video Essentials' calibration tool with the release of 'DVE: HD Basics' on Blu-ray and HD DVD this fall.

'HD Basics' follows 'Digital Video Essentials,' which after a lengthy series of street date delays finally hit HD DVD this past April to much acclaim. 'HD Basics' will not only mark the first calibration disc from Kane tailored specifically for the high-def market, but also his first to be released on Blu-ray.

Designed to benefit HDTV novices as well as experienced early adopters alike, 'HD Basics' provides comprehensive and easy-to-use calibration tests and setup instructions for getting the most out of your high-definition home theater set-up.

"My goal with 'HD Basics' is to help make display device setup easier plus describe what I think consumers should expect from high definition,' said Kane. "This new disc allows users to choose the depth at which they want to learn about high-definition -- or simply begin with calibrating their set. While this is not a watered-down version of 'Digital Video Essentials,' I do feel that entry-level support is just as important as providing details for the more experienced users."

For Kane's full comments and further details on the features of 'HD Basics,' you can read the press release in full here.

DVD International has set a October 30 street date for 'HD Basics,' with a suggested list price of $29.98. The company says registered owners of the previously-released HD DVD edition of DVE will be offered a special upgrade price on 'HD Basics.'

We've added a new listing for 'HD Basics' to our Blu-ray Release Schedule and HD DVD Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 30.

We've also set up dedicated threads for Joe Kane's latest calibration tool in our Forums area -- click the following links to discuss the 'Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics' Blu-ray release and the 'Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics: ' HD DVD release.

Related links:
HD Guru Joe Kane Releases "DIGITAL VIDEO ESSENTIALS: HD BASICS" [Press Release]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Digital Video Essentials (HD DVD)
Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics (Blu-ray)
Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Digital Video Essentials' Finally Ready for HD DVD Release (Apr 16, 2007)

HDScape Adds Blu-ray to its High-Def Menu

Tue Jul 17, 2007 at 03:01 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, DVD International (all tags)

DVD International has announced that it will bring its entire HDScape library of scenic high-definition titles to Blu-ray disc beginning in late 2007.

Though the distributor has already released its HDScape catalog on HD DVD (an eight-strong line-up that currently includes such titles as 'Antarctica Dreaming,' 'Visions of the Sea' and 'Stargaze'), until now they had eschewed supporting Blu-ray. Now, in a press release out this morning, the company says it will add Blu-ray support by the end of 2007.

"Since its inception almost one year ago, HDScape has become the premier source for scenic high definition content that turns any HDTV into a beautiful work of art. Now is the ideal time to bring our library to the Blu-ray community, so that they can experience just how beautiful high definition artwork can be," said David Goodman, President of DVD International.

The company has not yet announced exact street dates for its upcoming Blu-ray HDScape titles, nor specs or pricing. However, DVD International has confirmed that all of its Blu-ray HDScape will be "recorded and mastered in stunning high definition video," as well as include either Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Digital 5.1 surround audio.

Given this news, we've added all of the HDScape titles to the "Release Dates Pending" section of our Blu-ray Release Schedule. We'll keep you posted as more details are revealed!

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

Related links:
The DVD Acquisition and Development Group, Inc. Announces the Coordinated Release of Its Entire HDScape Library on Blu-ray Disc [Press Release]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
HDScape: Exotic Saltwater Aquarium (HD DVD)
HDScape: Antarctica Dreaming (HD DVD)
HDScape: Fireplace - Visions of Tranquility (HD DVD)
HDScape: HDWindow - Hawaii (HD DVD)
HDScape: Serenity - Southern Seas (HD DVD)
HDScape: HDWindow - The Great Southwest (HD DVD)
HDScape: Stargaze II (HD DVD)
HDScape: HD DVD Sampler (HD DVD)

'Digital Video Essentials' HD DVD Hits Xbox 360 Playback Snag

Tue May 01, 2007 at 12:02 AM ET
Tags: Technical Glitches, DVD International (all tags)

Amid growing online complaints of playback issues with 'Digital Video Essentials' on the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on, the disc's distributor has acknowledged the problem and says that a fix is on the way.

While Joe Kane's highly-anticipated calibration disc finally hit stores last Tuesday, many owners of the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on had a rude awakening when they attempted to boot up the disc, experiencing a series of hiccups and outright stalls that rendered key portions of the disc unplayable.

Needlesstosay, the complaints quickly found their way online, and onto the boards at AVS Forum. But as readers there were relieved to find out, the disc's distributor is aware of the problem, and promises that the next Xbox 360 dashboard update will solve it.

Here's how DVD International spokesperson Jeffrey Goodman responded in a post dated April 20, 2007:

"As many of you have seen, 'Digital Video Essentials' HD DVD experiences severe playback issues on Xbox 360 HD DVD add on players. All other players have been tested extensively in their current firmware build. All Toshiba players play this disc.

As has been suggested in this thread and others concerning DVE playback, you are correct - past delays were due to slight changes in each new firmware build - and the program had to go through the same rigorous testing and revisions each time. Finally, a disc was produced that adhered to the spec set forth by the DVD forum, which has been confirmed by its working status in all current firmware builds of Toshiba players.

The XBOX 360 dashbord update to be released on May 7th will fix these problems. All HD DVD players must have Internet upgrade capabilities, and we are all learning first hand why this was built into the spec."

We here at High-Def Digest followed up with Microsoft regarding dashboard update, and as of late Monday afternoon, the company confirmed that it is currently still on schedule for May 7 availability.

We'll keep you posted on any further developments to this story, and we've also added an editor's note regarding the Xbox 360 playback issues to our recently-posted review of 'Digital Video Essentials,' which can be read in full here.

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

Related links:
DVD International Responds to 'DVE' Playback Issues [AVS Forum]
Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Digital Video Essentials (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Digital Video Essentials' Finally Ready for HD DVD Release (Apr 16, 2007)

'Digital Video Essentials' Finally Ready for HD DVD Release

Mon Apr 16, 2007 at 03:01 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, DVD International (all tags)

After numerous street date delays, A/V guru Joe Kane's highly-anticipated HD DVD version of 'Digital Video Essentials' is finally set to hit stores on April 24.

The first-ever next-gen version of Kane's seminal collection of home theater test patterns and calibration tools, this HD DVD edition of 'Essentials' has suffered the most extensive set of postponements of any next-gen title yet released.

Originally given a street date of November 14, the disc was pushed back to December 5, only to be reshuffled several more times, with the most recently announced date of March 27 bumped yet again only days before its scheduled release.

But now, amid much anticipation from high-end early adopters, the disc's most recently announced April 24 street date seems to be the real deal, with retailers reporting that they've received their copies in stock.

Despite the delays, the disc's specs, features and $34.95 list price have remain unchanged.

Currently, no Blu-ray version of 'Digital Video Essentials' has yet to be announced.

You can find full specs for 'Digital Video Essentials: HD DVD' in our HD DVD Release Schedule, under April 24. We also plan to have a full review of the highly antcipated reference disc in the coming days, so watch this space!

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

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Digital Video Essentials (HD DVD)
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Digital Video Essentials' Back in Release Date Limbo (Mar 21, 2007)
'Digital Video Essentials' Delayed... Again (Feb 21, 2007)
'Digital Video Essentials' Gets a New Date... For Now (Feb 19, 2007)
DVD International to Release 'Digital Video Essentials,' Eight Other HD DVD Titles (Oct 03, 2006)

'Digital Video Essentials' Back in Release Date Limbo

Wed Mar 21, 2007 at 10:15 AM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, DVD International (all tags)

In the latest in a seemingly endless series of delays, the much-anticipated 'Digital Video Essentials' HD DVD calibration disc has been bumped from its latest scheduled release date of March 27.

Created by legendary A/V guru (and famed perfectionist) Joe Kane, 'Essentials' was first announced for HD DVD release back in early October. It has since seen an unusually high number of street date bumps, so many so that we've begun to wonder if it will ever be released at all.

The disc's distributor, DVD International, has not yet confirmed a new date for the release. Top online retailers, including Amazon, have also removed the title from their release schedules, also with no new date available.

We guess we'll just have to cross our fingers and hope that the next announcement turns out to be the final one.

Currently, there is no Blu-ray version of 'Digital Video Essentials' announced. We expect it in 2029, however.

You can find the complete specs for 'DVE' in our complete HD DVD Release Schedule, under the "Release Dates Postponed" section. Stay tuned...

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

Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Digital Video Essentials' Delayed... Again (Feb 21, 2007)
'Digital Video Essentials' Gets a New Date... For Now (Feb 04, 2007)
DVD International to Release 'Digital Video Essentials,' Eight Other HD DVD Titles (Oct 03, 2006)

'Digital Video Essentials' Delayed... Again

Wed Feb 21, 2007 at 04:04 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, DVD International (all tags)

In the latest in a continuing series of postponements, the highly-anticipated 'Digital Video Essentials' HD DVD calibration disc has been bumped from its scheduled release next Tuesday, February 27.

Created by legendary A/V guru (and perfectionist) Joe Kane, 'Essentials' was first announced for HD DVD release back in early October. It has seen so many delays and push-backs since then that, quite frankly, we've lost count.

Though the disc's distributor, DVD International, has not yet confirmed a new date for the release, Amazon is now listing availability on March 27. We'll certainly be crossing our fingers that the second, third, fourth time turns out to be the charm.

There is currently no Blu-ray version of 'Digital Video Essentials' scheduled for release.

You can find the complete specs for 'DVE' in our complete HD DVD Release Schedule under March 27.

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

Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Digital Video Essentials' Gets a New Date... For Now (Feb 04, 2007)
DVD International to Release 'Digital Video Essentials,' Eight Other HD DVD Titles (Oct 03, 2006)

'Digital Video Essentials' Gets a New Date... For Now

Sun Feb 04, 2007 at 05:07 PM ET
Tags: Disc Announcements, DVD International (all tags)

After a series of last-minute street date delays, A/V guru Joe Kane's highly-anticipated HD DVD version of 'Digital Video Essentials' finally has a new street date... at least for now.

This first-ever next-gen version of Kane's seminal collection of home theater test patterns and calibration tools, the HD DVD edition of 'Essentials' was originally given a street date of November 14. It was then pushed back to December 5 only a few weeks before its release. Shortly after that, it was bumped yet again, with no new date in sight.

Now, amid much anticipation from high-end early adopters, the HD DVD 'Essentials' is at last back on the release schedule for February 27. Specs, features and the $34.95 list price remain unchanged. (A Blu-ray version has yet to be announced.)

Though such production delays are always frustrating, we have to admire Kane's long-standing dedication to perfection -- the standard-def DVD version of 'Essentials' was reportedly delayed for over a year. We're already barricading ourselves against further disappointment by working a bit of voodoo finger-crossing here at High-Def Digest to prevent any further postponements. Let's hope it works...

You can find full specs for 'Digital Video Essentials: HD DVD' in our HD DVD Release Schedule under Feb 27.

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

Earlier on High-Def Digest:
'Digital Video Essentials' Sees Another Delay (Nov 30, 2006)
'Digital Video Essentials' HD DVD Debut Gets Bumped (Nov 10, 2006)


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