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Netflix Is Talking Ultra HD Streaming in One to Two Years, Including 'House of Cards'[teaser]"Our goal is for people to get immersed in the story, whatever that is."[/teaser] In an interview with the Verge, Netflix Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt made it clear that Netflix has big plans to be a leader in Ultra HD. "Streaming will be the best way to get the 4K picture into people's homes. That's because of the challenges involved in upgrading broadcast technologies and the fact that it isn't anticipated within the Blu-ray disc standard. Clearly we have much work to do with the compression and decode capability, but we expect to be delivering 4K within a year or two with at least some movies and then over time become an important source of 4K. 4K will likely be streamed first before it goes anywhere else." Also discussed in the interview is the strides that the company has made through Open Connect. By paying for "the cost and expense of installing Open Connect servers at common peering points or within an ISP's network" Netflix has helped to shoulder and maintain its current 30 percent plus of total internet downstream traffic. In fact, what Netflix describes as the biggest obstacle to providing the best quality and selection of streaming content including Ultra HD, is the quality of the source. While many are aware of the common issues that plagued Blu-ray distribution such as incorrect audio encodes, digital content delivered by the studios seems to be even more carelessly done. "We have a ridiculous 30 percent reject rate of assets delivered to us. I can't imagine any other industry surviving when they misdeliver three out of ten different assets. We get the wrong episode, or we get a soundtrack that doesn't match the content, or it has a giant drop-out, or the ads haven't been stripped out. There are lots of problems that have to deal with tracking and management. We need a digital asset-management system that is shared across the industry, a standard or format." Netflix's 'House of Cards' is already on-deck of Ultra HD treatment, "our own original House of Cards was shot in 4K. It's being mastered in full HD, but the raw footage, or a good chunk of it, was shot in 4K, and we hope to have some House of Cards 4K encodes later this year. While Netflix has already demonstrated an Ultra HD streaming prototype, the Chief Product Officer mentioned framerate as lagging behind strides in resolution. "I would love to see the industry get to 60p as a routine standard for shooting material in the first place, instead of the exception. The ultra-HD standard allows for 48p, 60p and 120p framerate delivery... We have a lot of work as an industry to make the frame rate catch up to the same kinds of high quality as the pixel resolution." When asked directly about if there was a demand of need for Ultra HD, the Chief Product Officer responded, "Our goal is for people to get immersed in the story, whatever that is. And to that end we try to make the technology as seamless and smooth as possible." Source: The VergePosted Thu Mar 14, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Space Settlers' V1.5 Takes Online Sci-Fi Players into a Brand-New Adventure[teaser]A major update to the free online Sci-Fi RTS game has been released that includes a brand-new game mode, PVE maps, cooperative challenge, more advanced accessories, and more! [/teaser] Digiarty today announces that the upgraded version of Space Settlers is available on app store in all its glory. Designed specifically for the prestigious real-time strategy game for iPhone iPad iPod, Space Settlers breaks new ground in the RTS genre that give the free online game endless replay value, featuring thoroughly fresh game mode, superb PVE maps for effortless combat, better player interaction, dazzling advanced accessories, etc. Upon its first release at the end of 2012, Space Settlers immediately makes it the rare breed of games that draw in numerous iOS users with fine-tuned, well-balanced gameplay, gorgeous graphics as well as dead-easy interface. Aiming to achieve an even more phenomenal success, Digiarty adds new fantastic elements to this online multiplayer iPhone game, to enable gamers to intrepidly throw down the gauntlet in a renovated game mode for amazing weapons and chariots, initiate battles conveniently with PVE maps, join fully collaborative campaign, and many more. All these new ornaments offer a fully integrated RTS gaming experience that responds directly to players’ spirit of adventure and cooperation: What’s new in Space Settlers Version 1.5? 1. Newly added PVE maps help gamers get more resources after a successful battle; 2. Increased building and tech levels bring out better RTS game effect; 3. Brand-new game mode "Land of Challenge" keeps throwing ceaseless challenge and variety to players with excellent chariot accessories and weapons of high levels; 4. Adjusted new types of tanks, weapons and resources that can be won by PVE players; 5. Added various advanced accessories in Store; 6. New team-up function helps players better interact with others for a cooperative fight; 7. Added valid date in Email and will auto delete the stored Emails 10 days after the sending day; 8. Optimized some functions according to players’ advices; 9. Fixed some bugs. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad; Optimized for iPhone 5. To upgrade to the new version of this free online Sci-Fi game, please visit iTunes store at: https://itunes.apple.com/app/space-settlers/id586157383.Posted Thu Mar 14, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Lore' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Cate Shortland's acclaimed war drama will make its Blu-ray debut in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Music Box Films will be bringing 'Lore' to Blu-ray on May 28. Left to fend for themselves after their SS officer father and mother, staunch Nazi believers, are interred by the victorious Allies at the end of World War II, five German children undertake a harrowing journey that exposes them to the reality and consequences of their parents' actions. Led by the eldest sibling, 14-year old Lore (striking newcomer Saskia Rosendahl), they set out on a journey across a devastated country to reach their grandmother in the north. After meeting the charismatic Thomas, a mysterious young refugee, Lore soon finds her world shattered by feelings of both hatred and desire as she must learn to trust the one person she has always been taught to hate in order to survive. Lush cinematography and an evocative, haunting mood infuse this unconventional take on the Holocaust legacy with unforgettable impact. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Lore' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 28.Posted Thu Mar 14, 2013 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Panasonic Sets Pricing and Pre-orders for Their Multi-Positional Speaker Solutions[teaser] Even the tightest home theater space can have decent sound.[/teaser] Panasonic has just announced pricing with near immediate availability for four new home theater systems. These systems range in complexity from a single 2 inch high, 60 Watt stereo speaker bar to a five piece 300 Watt 3.1 HDMI speaker system. Announced as the 2013 Panasonic SC-HTB series of Home Theater Systems, the line-up is appropriate for screen sizes from 42-65 inches. Those are display sizes that frequently have afterthought speakers built into a seemingly compromized spot. The SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 are single bar designs, but amazingly the SC-HTB70 can be positioned in any one of four ways. The model has a sensor that aids the user in utilizing whatever shelf spot can be found to fit the speaker. The speaker bar contains a built in sub at 60 Watts for a bass capable single piece solution. The SC-HTB65 can be rotated 90 degrees for a sleek wall mounted position. Both models feature optical and analog connections. The SC-HTB70 is priced at $199.00 and is available for Amazon. The SC-HTB65 is priced at $179.99. The SC-HTB370 is a 2.1 set-up with a 240 Watt sub and convertible multi speaker configuration. On the one hand, the speakers can be set up on as one long center bar, or split in half for two small speaker towers. The sub unit is wireless, and the system can accept a Bluetooth source. The main unit of the system includes two optical jacks and an analog Aux jack, and has an announced price of $299.99. Finally, the SC-HTB770 at $399.99 also offers a convertible speaker bar plus sub but in a 3.1 configuration. Essentially, the single multi-speaker bar breaks into three pieces for a two tower plus center speaker configuration. This 300 Watt system is also the only unit to offer HDMI connectivity with three HDMI inputs. SC-HTB770S is the same unit, but in silver. All four units should be available this month. Source: PanasonicPosted Thu Mar 14, 2013 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Philadelphia Experiment' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Paul Ziller's 2012 remake of the 1984 cult classic will decloak on Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay will be releasing 'The Philadelphia Experiment' on Blu-ray on June 11. This reimagining of the time travel cult classic originally aired on the Syfy channel and stars Nicholas Lea (“Kyle XY”), Michael Paré (of the original 1984 film), Ryan Robbins (“Falling Skies”), Emilie Ullerup (“Sanctuary”), Gina Holden ('SAW 3D') and Malcolm McDowell ('A Clockwork Orange,' 'Silent Night'). Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Philadelphia Experiment' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 11.Posted Thu Mar 14, 2013 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
'Broken City' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The gripping crime thriller starring Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, and Catherine Zeta-Jones is in the works for Blu-ray this April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox says'Broken City' will hit Blu-ray on April 30. Seven years after being forced to resign as a New York police officer, private detective Billy Taggart (Wahlberg) takes on his toughest case yet: following the wife (Zeta-Jones) of the city’s hard-nosed mayor (Crowe), who’s convinced she’s cheating on him. But by the time the mayor reveals his true intentions, Billy is already in too deep. Now, with his freedom -- and quite possibly his life -- on the line, Billy will risk it all in a desperate bid to expose the truth, and seek redemption in a city where second chances don't come cheap. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Alternate Ending; Five Deleted / Extended Scenes; Putting It All Together Documentary – A Behind-the-Scenes look including Cast Profiles, Anatomy of a Thriller, a “Black List” script and more; and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Broken City' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 30.Posted Wed Mar 13, 2013 at 04:15 PM PDT by: -
'Not Suitable For Children' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The debut comedy feature film from director Peter Templeman will try to impregnate Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA will be releasing 'Not Suitable For Children' on Blu-ray on April 16. Jonah (Ryan Kwanten) is a freewheeling guy in the prime of his life, who after learning he will be infertile in a month, has to find someone to have a baby with before it's too late. This twist of fate sees Jonah, with the help of his best friends, embark on a crazy caper to help him sow his seed as much as possible, and ultimately find the "one" in time. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Not Suitable For Children' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 16.Posted Wed Mar 13, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
The Economist Blasts HD and Ultra HD Before Acquiescing to a 4K Future[teaser]"At a distance of nine feet, even an existing HDTV set would need to have a screen of around 70 inches across the diagonal for viewers to benefit from the resolution they have paid for. [/teaser] The Economist has gone to some lengths to explain to its readers several aspects of Ultra HD, and in turns explained that there is next-to-no content, no practical delivery method forthcoming, and that "most people sit too far from the screen to be able to see the detail it (HD content) offers." Only after describing the associated challenges in insurmountable terms does the article conclude by saying that delivery obstacles will be overcome and that Ultra HD will eventually become mainstream. While trouncing Ultra HD, several statements about HD are mixed in, including, "The resolution of even an HDTV set with 1,080 progressively scanned lines (ie, continuously from top to bottom) is wasted on the vast majority of viewers. Most people sit too far from the screen to be able to see the detail it offers... At a distance of nine feet, even an existing HDTV set would need to have a screen of around 70 inches across the diagonal for viewers to benefit from the resolution they have paid for. With anything smaller at that distance, details simply blur into one another... Today’s HDTV sets begin to look spotty when their meagre 2.1m pixels are spread over screens greater than around 80 inches." The article also cites 2010 as the year that HD went mainstream before declaring that "it is likely to be 2025 before Ultra HD is in half of all American homes." Nevertheless, the presumption that is carried through the article is that the majority of viewers sit nine feet away from their TVs and at that distance cannot notice the detail provided by HD over SD. That presumption carries with it a negative connotation for the current state of HD, which tends to undercut any commentary with regard to the future of Ultra HD. Source: The EconomistPosted Wed Mar 13, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Neil Cowley Trio: Live At Montreux' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The jazz musicians' summer 2012 performance will make its way to Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock says 'Neil Cowley Trio: Live At Montreux' is coming to high-definition on April 20. Making their debut appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival on July 11, The Neil Cowley Trio are virtuoso musicians. Cowley is a consummate live performer with a distinctively English wit and the ability to create a marvelous rapport with his audience, as ably demonstrated on Live At Montreux 2012. The show focuses primarily on their latest album The Face Of Mount Molehill (recorded & later toured with a string ensemble), with a scattering of tracks from their previous releases. Neil Cowley is a much in demand pianist who cut his teeth on albums by the likes of Brand New Heavies and Zero 7, and more recently played piano on both of Adele's global bestselling albums 19 and 2, making him quite literally, the most listened to pianist on the planet. Defined by powerful riffs countered by poignant, delicate passages and witty, whimsical romps, Cowley's jazz-meets-rock ethic has earned his trio worldwide acclaim, and plaudits from across the musical spectrum. Their debut album Displaced won the 2007 BBC Jazz Award for Best Album and the trio undertook their first UK tour in the same year, going on to perform extensively around the globe, appearing at some of the worlds most prestigious jazz festivals alongside a string of triumphant shows in the US in 2012. Heralded as "strong stirring stuff" by Time Out New York, their most recent recording, The Face of Mount Molehill earned the trio Best UK Jazz Act at the inaugural Jazz Fm Awards. The line-up on Live At Montreux includes The Trio: Neil Cowley (piano); Rex Horan (bass); Evan Jenkins (drums), with Julian Ferraretto (violin); Helen Sanders-Hewett (viola); Alex Eichenberger (cello); Miles Brett (violin). Tracklisting: 1) Lament 2) Rooster Was A Witness 3) Distance By Clockwork 4) Slims 5) Hug The Greyhound 6) Kenny Two Steps 7) Box Lily 8) How Do We Catch Up 9) Hope Machine 10) Meyer 11) Skies Are Rare 12) La Porte 13) Fable 14) The Face Of Mount Molehill 15) She Eats Flies Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Neil Cowley Trio: Live At Montreux' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 20.Posted Wed Mar 13, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
US Netflix Customers Can Now Join Netflix's Social Experience[teaser] The optional Facebook connection has some privacy options.[/teaser] Netflix Facebook sharing arrives today as Netflix has finally overcome the 1988 Video Privacy Act that was preventing the service from adding the ability to share viewing tastes with others electronically. By opting in, users can pursue their Facebook friends viewing habits, at least for those who wish to share that information. Unlike a previous iteration of Netflix social features, users can selectively share titles by removing viewed titles from the share list. Users can even go as far as to post comments in their timeline about each title. Another important option involves the two levels of sharing, either just within Netflix or within Netflix and Facebook. Many users may feel OK with sharing with Facebook friends inside of Netflix, but would rather not have anything post on their Facebook. Netflix has wisely provided a video demonstrating the ease of use, especially with regards to the PS3. The video also represents the core idea behind the social features, to actively and passively share with others what the viewer is watching, which may serve as a conversation starter. Source: Venture BeatPosted Wed Mar 13, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by:
