Archived: Insiders Thread

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by kjack

It is basically the player manufacturer's decision what type of audio support to implement for the optional audio codecs. Some already do TrueHD decoding for example. Only supporting bitstream output for them does defeat the profile 1.1 capabilities though, so I am puzzled...

Here's something I'd like to ask about. They were demonstrating the 1.1 capabilities over the last two days showing Sunshine and alternating the mix's volume between main audio and PIP audio showing that you can change the level between the two or completely turn one off.

Is this something that's capable because of the new chip they're using or what? If the audio is being mixed inside the player does that mean if it's DTS that the streams are being mixed (Core + PIP track, DD + PIP track, etc.) in the player and not lossless?

[Ben]

It appears to be a capability of 1.1 compliant players. They also showed off a custom surround sound feature where you could move dialogue and effects around the sound field and create your own mix. Petty cool, actually.

A BD player being unlike a Proton Pack, crossing the streams appears to be okay...

[SS316SRV]

Originally Posted by Ben

It appears to be a capability of 1.1 compliant players. They also showed off a custom surround sound feature where you could move dialogue and effects around the sound field and create your own mix. Petty cool, actually.

That's pretty BA. I don't know when I would use it, but the capability is pretty awesome.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by Ben

A BD player being unlike a Proton Pack, crossing the streams appears to be okay...

Did you see little peeks of movies we're as yet unaware of?

[CAB]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

It is best that you and Josh don't know my identity for your own benefit.
Just in case you are captured and tortured by red ants, it will be an exercise in futility for them.

Plausible deniability is a great method for disguising the truth! It's why the President doesn't know about Area 51 and the aliens they captured. I saw it in a movie once so it must be true

[CAB]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

When you guys get off your arses and buy more WB blu-ray movies ! ! !

When the millions of PS3 owners get off their arses and buy more WB blu-ray movies ! ! !

Fixed that for ya.

[Ben]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Did you see little peeks of movies we're as yet unaware of?

Not really... we saw clips from:

I Robot
Master and Commander
Sunshine
Independence Day
Close Encounters

All of them look pretty remarkable, actually. I think when I Robot hits the market, it has a great chance of being the new reference title.

Close Encounters looks absolutely gorgeous and the transfer preserves the film's natural grain. If you've forgotten what film from the 70s looks like, you are going to have quick flashbacks when you see this. I fear that the copious grain present might inspire the Dave Mack's of the world to get on a soapbox, but he needs to take his argument to Mr. Spielberg if he decides to ***** about this one as Mr. Spielberg personally approved this one.

[SS316SRV]

Originally Posted by Ben

If you've forgotten what film from the 70s looks like, you are going to have quick flashbacks when you see this.

The 70's? Is that when Abraham Lincoln was born?

[blindcat87]

How about some Blu-Ray trick or treat. Pretend that all of us fans are around in amazingly creative costumes with our bags out for treats.

So, the treat I am looking for is a sweet little nugget from each insider. Some little bit of info you are clear to share that nobody has asked about yet. Doesn't have to be earthshaking, just a little piece of Blue candy for Halloween.

Thanks,

Chris

[HDJK]

Originally Posted by Ben

Not really... we saw clips from:

I Robot
Master and Commander
Sunshine
Independence Day
Close Encounters

All of them look pretty remarkable, actually. I think when I Robot hits the market, it has a great chance of being the new reference title.

Close Encounters looks absolutely gorgeous and the transfer preserves the film's natural grain. If you've forgotten what film from the 70s looks like, you are going to have quick flashbacks when you see this. I fear that the copious grain present might inspire the Dave Mack's of the world to get on a soapbox, but he needs to take his argument to Mr. Spielberg if he decides to ***** about this one as Mr. Spielberg personally approved this one.

Since I already pre-ordered or will pre-order all of those titles unseen this is good news indeed. Not that it came all unexpected Thanks.

[RickD]

Originally Posted by Ben

Close Encounters looks absolutely gorgeous and the transfer preserves the film's natural grain. If you've forgotten what film from the 70s looks like, you are going to have quick flashbacks when you see this. I fear that the copious grain present might inspire the Dave Mack's of the world to get on a soapbox, but he needs to take his argument to Mr. Spielberg if he decides to ***** about this one as Mr. Spielberg personally approved this one.

Spielberg must miss the 70's because now, on his newest movies, he puts the grain in on purpose.

I can't wait for this Blu-Ray!

Rick

[Seretur]

Thank you very much for the CE3K update, Ben!

Let's not forget that this was the first Spielberg film to win an Oscar for Best Cinematography (by the great Vilmos Zsigmond, and yes, it was the only Oscar the film received). Close Encounters very much defined the modern style of big-budget lensing that would grow into the styles of today; in comparison, Star Wars, released that same year, looks positively bland. (This was fortunately rectified by the time Empire came along.)

Which is all just a long-winded way of saying thank you to Sony and Mr. Spielberg for finally allowing us to see this film properly, and on Blu-ray, no less.

I wonder if Mr. Zsigmond was involved in the process in any way, shape, or form. Can anyone shed any light on this? Paidgeek?

[theknub]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Here's something I'd like to ask about. They were demonstrating the 1.1 capabilities over the last two days showing Sunshine and alternating the mix's volume between main audio and PIP audio showing that you can change the level between the two or completely turn one off.

Is this something that's capable because of the new chip they're using or what? If the audio is being mixed inside the player does that mean if it's DTS that the streams are being mixed (Core + PIP track, DD + PIP track, etc.) in the player and not lossless?

kjack,
would this ability make 1.3 and bitstreaming a non factor since if the player is doing the mixing, it can only output in pcm?

[Papi4baby]

Originally Posted by BluOgre

then what's the reason for Weinstein not releasing HD DVD all these months? The last title was like 5 months ago.

Are you telling me a "contract" is preventing them from releasing HD DVD too?

I think Penton or most likely Geek said that Weinstein had money issues with HD film cost to media. And them(I guess Sony or BDA) are trying to find a way to help them out. It is on this same thread i believe.

[Ben]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

That's for the journalists like Ben, Josh, etc. to decide and write about.
As far as I'm concerned it was a class act all around.

Agreed. This was a fantastic event and I was thrilled to have been included!

[JAGUAR1977]

Originally Posted by Ben

Agreed. This was a fantastic event and I was thrilled to have been included!

Is there still news to be reported that happened today, or later this evening?

The big Disney article was from yesterday wasn't it?

[HeavyHitter]

Originally Posted by Ben

Not really... we saw clips from:

I Robot
Master and Commander
Sunshine
Independence Day
Close Encounters

All of them look pretty remarkable, actually. I think when I Robot hits the market, it has a great chance of being the new reference title.

Close Encounters looks absolutely gorgeous and the transfer preserves the film's natural grain. If you've forgotten what film from the 70s looks like, you are going to have quick flashbacks when you see this. I fear that the copious grain present might inspire the Dave Mack's of the world to get on a soapbox, but he needs to take his argument to Mr. Spielberg if he decides to ***** about this one as Mr. Spielberg personally approved this one.

Any clips from Castaway to be seen?

[Ben]

Sorry, we weren't shown anything regarding Castaway.

[ra1024]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

When you guys get off your arses and buy more WB blu-ray movies ! ! !

Seriously Penton, how can they expect everyone to do this when they're selling us an HD DVD packaged as a BD? Troy was the last WB title I purchased and will be the last untill they do BD specific encodes. A lot of people sang it's praises but even an amateur like myself could clearly tell a difference between this and the sharpness of most of the Sony/Disney releases.

I suppose my real question is whether WB is aware that a lot of people like myself won't buy watered down HD content and their HD DVD ports are artifically deflating BD sales. I realize that if a lot of us boycott their titles, it lowers BR sales and doesn't help the cause but I'd rather just send them a check for $5 ( or whatever their profit is) than spend $25 on a disc I won't enjoy.

[WickyWoo]

This is called a catch-22. They won't go Blu without sales, and you won't buy without Blu specific

Since WB holds all the cards, grin and bear it to make it through Christmas.