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'Hatchet: Unrated Director's Cut' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]Swamp urban legend Victor Crowley has a high-definition axe to grind this September. [/teaser] In another retailer announcement, Starz/Anchor Bay Entertainment has announced 'Hatchet: Unrated Director's Cut' for a high-definition release on September 7. The cult horror/comedy stars Kane "Jason Voorhees" Hodder, Robert "Freddy Krueger" Englund and Tony "Candyman" Todd. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Hatchet: Unrated Director's Cut' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 7.Posted Mon Jun 7, 2010 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Blu-ray Rentals Will be $1.50 Through Redbox[teaser]CEO Mitch Lowe names a price and says we'll start seeing them in a few months. [/teaser] Have you been paying to the Entertainment Supply Chain Academy Edge conference? Well you can't be blamed for ignoring it, supply chains generally aren't the most interesting things in the world. But when a lot of companies get together for an event, there's bound to be a cool announcement or two. And the coolest, at least from a consumer perspective, is the Blu-ray rental price announcement from Redbox. According to Mitch Lowe, we should be able to snag Blu-rays at $1.50 a night, 50 cents more than DVDs. How slick is that? There's still no set date for Blu-ray discs to hit Redbox kiosks; we've been given the usual "in the next few months" answer. Source: Home Media MagazinePosted Mon Jun 7, 2010 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Heroes: Season Four' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The fourth and final chapter of NBC's comic book drama will come to a close on Blu-ray this August.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal has set 'Heroes: Season Four' for Blu-ray on August 3. The season introduced the super-powered carnies and their treacherous leader with a dark past played by Robert Knepper. The 4-disc set will feature 1080p video, lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and bonus features will include: Deleted/Extended Scenes on each disc; Deconstructing Sylar; Milo Speaks; Sullivan Brothers Design Gallery; Once Upon a Time in Texas Commentary with Executive Producer Tim Kring, Episode Director Nate Goodman and Director of Photography Charlie Lieberman; Heroes Revolution; Shadowboxing Commentary with Executive Producers Adam Armus & Kay Foster and Series Star Greg Grunberg; The Fifth Stage Commentary with Executive Producer/Episode Writer Tim Kring and Series Star Adrian Pasdar; Genetics of a Scene; and Brave New World Commentary with Executive Producer Tim Kring and Series Star Robert Knepper. Blu-ray exclusives include: U-Control Picture-in-picture: Video commentaries with Tim Kring, Nate Goodman, Charlie Lieberman, Adam Armus, Kay Foster and series stars, Robert Knepper, Adrian Pasdar and Greg Grunberg; Hero Connections; Behind the Big Top; BD-Live; My Scenes; Pocket Blu. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $79.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Heroes: Season Four' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 3.Posted Mon Jun 7, 2010 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HD Advisor 61*Editor's Note: Each Friday, High-Def Digest's own HD Advisor will answer a new round of questions from our readers. If you have home theater questions you need answered, send an email to [email protected]. If you've already sent a question and don't see it answered yet, please be patient as we work our way through them. To browse through previously answered questions, visit the main HD Advisor page. Answers by Joshua Zyber 24 fps Playback Problems Q: When I watch films on Blu-ray through my Playstation 3 (connected to a Samsung LE40BDX) and set the output to 24p, I get a flicker/banding going up the screen, which is particularly noticeable in dark scenes or during the credits. It has become so annoying that I now watch films at 60 Hz. (I live in the UK.) The problem then disappears. Is there anything that I can do to eliminate this and be able to watch films as they were intended, or is it just a function of the low refresh rate? I know that my TV is 24p compatible and I cannot afford to replace it with a 120 Hz model (or any other one with a high refresh rate that is an even multiple of 24 Hz). My other friends have the same problem with their PS3s so I know that it isn't a faulty console. A: Although 24 fps sounds like a low refresh rate, very few (possibly no) digital HDTVs actually display content that slowly on screen. Models with a so-called "24p" mode will instead convert the 24 frames to a higher even multiple such as 48 Hz, 72 Hz, 96 Hz, etc. These days, 120 Hz and 240 Hz are very popular. However, those really high refresh rates are primarily designed to combat LCD motion lag. That's a different issue than the flicker you describe. You shouldn't need 120 Hz to avoid flicker. Realistically, any refresh rate 60 Hz or higher should be free of flicker. (48 Hz is perhaps on the low end of tolerance for some sensitive viewers.) I tried Googling the model number you provided, but couldn't find a lot of information on it. I think it's possible that the particular model designation may be retailer-specific. I did find references to similar Samsung models, however. This review of the Samsung LE 40B579 cites its "accurate 24p reproduction." Likewise, this review of the LD 40B650 claims that it, "handled 1080p/24 video signal from the Sony PS3 smoothly without any hint of telecine judder." That latter review also states that the set has several "100Hz Motion Plus" modes that apply frame interpolation. (That's a topic that I've discussed previously.) If your set has these options in its menus, you might try adjusting the settings or turning off the feature, if you can. The way that you describe the artifact as "banding going up the screen" makes me wonder if you're experiencing an electrical ground loop. A ground loop would cause an artifact known as "hum bars" that appear as vertical bands (of a different brightness than the rest of the picture) that scroll up the screen. If you have cable TV connected to your set, try disconnecting it and then watching a Blu-ray. If the banding goes away, what you need is a small doodad called a Ground Loop Isolator. Check your local electronics stores. This should not be very expensive. Why a ground loop would only manifest during 24 fps playback and not 60 Hz, I don't know. But stranger things have happened. It's worth a try. "Pure Direct" Audio Mode Q: My Denon 4310ci receiver has a Pure Direct mode. In a nutshell, what does this mode do and are there real world benefits to using it during Blu-ray playback (PS3, original), mp3/aac streaming (via iTunes & Apple's Air Tunes), and for playing records (Musichall MMF 2.2)? Also, I read that Pure Direct disables bass management and such. Can you explain this in greater detail? It mentions stuff like "double bass" and "LFE+MAIN" which is confusing. Is double bass good? Is it a benefit to have LFE+MAIN enabled? A: You actually have a couple of different questions mixed together here. We'll take them one at a time. "Pure Direct" is Denon's designation for an audio mode that disables all video output and extraneous digital processing. The idea is to provide the purest representation of the original audio signal with as little mucking around as possible. Theoretically, even something as simple as having video circuitry active could "pollute" the audio signal. (Realistically, the likelihood of this making an audible difference is next to nil; but it's something that makes audiophiles feel better about themselves.) Because Pure Direct turns off video output, you certainly wouldn't want to use it when watching a Blu-ray movie. You won't get a picture on screen. This is specifically a music-listening mode. You are correct that Pure Direct also disables bass management. If you have a typical home theater system with 5-7 limited range main speakers and a subwoofer, you're best off telling your receiver that you have "Small" speakers and setting an appropriate subwoofer crossover. Pure Direct bypasses that, and will send all bass to your main speakers, which may not be able to handle it or reproduce it accurately. I do not recommend using Pure Direct mode unless you have genuine full-range speakers. Long story short: Pure Direct is intended primarily for audiophile applications. If you spent less on your speakers than you did on your car, and haven't seriously contemplated building an anechoic chamber in your home just for music listening, it probably doesn't apply to you. As for the "LFE+Main" setting, that's a mode that will route bass in an audio signal to both your subwoofer and your main speakers simultaneously. This would be the "double bass" you mention. This is generally not recommended. First, your main speakers may not be able to reproduce the low bass frequencies, which could lead to distortion. Also, this may have the unintended consequence of causing the bass waves from two different directions to cancel each other out, resulting is less audible bass in your room. Again, you're better off telling the receiver that you have Small speakers and setting the crossover so that your subwoofer can do the heavy lifting when it comes to bass, which is what it's best at. Correction: A couple of readers have pointed out that my response to the "LFE+Main" issue is precisely backwards. Rather than determining which bass and how much is directed to the main speakers, that setting determines which bass is routed to the subwoofer. "LFE" will route only bass information specifically encoded in the soundtrack's .1 channel to the subwoofer. "LFE+Main" will filter bass meant for the main channels and direct it to the subwoofer instead. So, if you have "Small" main speakers, you should use the LFE+Main setting. The name for this and the instructions in the Denon user manual are both confusingly worded. After receiving these reader emails, I went into my own Denon receiver's setup menu and confirmed that I actually had it set for LFE+Main the whole time. Apparently, I knew the correct answer to this question at one point in the past, but had forgotten it over time. I set up my receiver when I installed it a couple years ago, but hadn't touched anything in the Setup menu or thought about it at all since. Thank you to Clarke and Elvis for bringing this to my attention. I apologize for any confusion this may have caused. Homework Assignment: You Be the Advisor The HD Advisor knows many things, but he doesn't know everything. Some questions are best answered with a consensus of opinions from our readers. If you can help to answer the following question, please post your response in our forum thread linked at the end of this article. Your advice and opinions matter too! Connecting a Digital Camera to an HDTV Q: I have a Canon digital camera #SD790IS and a Mitsubishi HDTV #WD73734. With the camera, I received a mini USB/composite A/V cable. The camera only has a mini USB connection. When viewing pictures and videos on the HDTV, the best resolution I can get is 480i. Can I get better resolution if I use a USB card reader or a mini USB/USB cable? Will I be able to view videos with sound with either of these? Is there a cable or converter that goes from mini USB to component or HDMI or is 480i the best I am going to get? Check back soon for another round of answers. Keep those questions coming. Joshua Zyber's opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of this site, its owners or employees.Posted Fri Jun 4, 2010 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Plextor's Networked Media Player Lets You Enjoy Blu-ray With a Portable BD-ROM Drive[teaser]It's an external drive solution that handles Blu-ray playback, but functions as a drive for your computer too. [/teaser] Sure, there are plenty of valid reasons, but it just seems silly that a computer BD-ROM drive can't also function as a Blu-ray player. Plextor's can though, at least when it's combined with the PlexMedia. The PlexMedia seems like a fairy capable networked media player. On its own, it doesn't hold a lot of surprises. It streams video and audio from your computer and displays them on your TV. We've seen this before. And the PX-B120U external Blu-ray drive is pretty dull on its own too. It's a Blu-ray drive that connects to your computer via USB. Ho-hum. But together they make up a pretty slick solution that just might be worthy of replacing your HTPC. Price is still a mystery for the combo, but you can expect to hear something soon. Source: Benchmark ReviewsPosted Fri Jun 4, 2010 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Great Rift' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Africa's Great Rift Valley in high-definition this August. [/teaser] Warner Brothers/BBC has just announced 'The Great Rift' for a Blu-ray release on August 24. The documentary series is from the producers of 'Life,' 'Galapagos,' and 'Yellowstone,' and takes viewers on a journey through the cradle of mankind in Africa. Specs and supplements haven't been confirmed yet, but the release appears to be a 2-disc set. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Great Rift' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 24.Posted Fri Jun 4, 2010 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'James Bond' Blu-ray Bundle $99.99 at Amazon[teaser]Amazon's Gold Box deal of the day brings 11 James Bond Blu-ray movies for under $100! [/teaser] The deal includes: 'Dr. No,' 'From Russia With Love,' 'Goldfinger,' 'Thunderball,' 'Live and Let Die,' 'The Man with the Golden Gun,' 'Moonraker,' 'For Your Eyes Only,' 'The World is Not Enough,' 'Die Another Day,' and 'License to Kill' for $99.99 (67% off suggested list price). Click here to take advantage of this great deal today!Posted Fri Jun 4, 2010 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Highlander: The Series - Season Two' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]After more delays, it looks like the second season of the cult series will finally be available on Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] As previously reported, Davis-Panzer has announced the tentative dates for 'Highlander: The Series - Season Two' back in April, but now the set is coming to Blu-ray on July 6. According to the distributor, the picture for this season has "breakthrough proprietary video enhancement and cleaning algorithm using Apple and AJA Hardware Platform." No word yet if 'Highlander: The Series - Season Three' will also be available on the same date. The 5-disc box set will present the season with 1080p video (likely upscaled from 720p), DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Documentary: Season of Change; Photo Gallery; Picture-in-picgure commentaries with Adrian Paul; BD Touch remote for the iPhone or iPod Touch; Fans Talk about Highlander; Fan-created watcher documentaries; and Fan-created PiP commentary. The price for each Blu-ray set is $39.95 and consumers currently can pre-order the sets here. You can find the latest specs 'Highlander: The Series - Season Two' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is now indexed under July 6.Posted Fri Jun 4, 2010 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Toshiba's Debuts Two New Blu-ray Players[teaser]The BDX2500 and BDX2700 won't blow your mind, but they've got some nice features for entry level players. [/teaser] It used to be the case that high end electronics raised the bar for everyone else, but times have changed, and the low end seems to be driving the features. Toshiba's new players are among those entry level players with a very cool feature set. They can both handle 1080p/24, which seems to have become standard for all players. They do all the BD-Live and Bonus View content, in addition to DVD upscaling, and they can play back some basic digital formats. The BDX2500 and BDX2700 can both handle Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and you can send that audio out through HDMI or through 7.1 channel analog outputs. And of course, you can stream video from any of the usual sources, like Netflix and Blockbuster on Demand. With the $179 BDX2500 you'll have to plug in. The $249 BDX2700 lets you hook in with WiFi. Source eCousticsPosted Fri Jun 4, 2010 at 07:30 AM PDT by: -
'The Office: Season 6' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The sixth season of the hit comedy series starring Steve Carell will be available on Blu-ray this September.[/teaser] Universal will release 'The Office: Season 6' on Blu-ray on September 7. The 4 BD-50 disc set will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and bonus features will include: Commentaries on 8 episodes; "Podcast" Minisode: In the exclusive version of the minisode "Podcast," Gabe (Zach Woods) tries to impress corporate by recording a podcast for the Sabre website. However, his plans for a small meaningful, profile of Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) quickly unravel as the rest of the office forces Gabe to become the reluctant host of a late night style talk show; Welcome to Sabre featurette: Full-screen version of the corporate welcome video starring Kathy Bates and Christian Slater; Over four hours of Deleted Scenes; Two extended episodes; Blooper reel; The Office Promos; BD-Live; My Scenes; and Pocket Blu. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $69.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Office: Season 6' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 7.Posted Fri Jun 4, 2010 at 07:00 AM PDT by:
