Ask questions to The Digital Bits team (Bill Hunt, Jeff Kleist et.al.)

[Mr_Bester]

Originally Posted by elwaylite

Bill,

Will we be seeing any more data from NPD on player sales?

Here's what he said a while back...

Originally Posted by Bill Hunt

Nope. we're posting no numbers. We'll comment on specific numbers if they're posted elsewhere, but at this point we'll be talking general trends only.

[elwaylite]

Originally Posted by Mr_Bester

Here's what he said a while back...

Ah, ok, missed that.

[Flux88MPH]

Originally Posted by Bill Hunt

I'd love to one of these days, but probably not this year unfortunately.

Too bad.

Would you be interested in not only attending but also having a "next generation" panel at the event for 2009 while at the same time promoting Insider's Guide to DVD?

[elwaylite]

Bill

BBuy, Amazon and now Barnes and Nobles(50%off) are all offering HD-DVD deals.

Is this to show the format still has life, or is it good news for BD?

I am trying to ask this in away that you can answer(if thats possible). I feel its good for BD because I see no BD BOGO's to compete.

[RUR]

Originally Posted by Mr_Bester

Here's what he said a while back...

Originally Posted by elwaylite

Ah, ok, missed that.

Except that I've posted the W/E 1/26 numbers in the NPD thread.

[FFObsessed]

Hi Bill, thanx for all the info you've been providing us, I'm a big fan of the Digital bits.

As we don't have any Disney insiders here, I hope you don't mind me asking about one of their releases in case you have some info, no worries If you don't.

I just wanted to know: Why hasn't Disney released LOST Season 3 Blu-Ray in the UK? We got the DVD set way before the US (which I thought was odd) so I assumed maybe the Blu-Ray was ready in time, but it still hasn't been released, even with the start of Season 4 over here. Do you have any info? And if not, do you happen to know the email address of someone I could ask about releases in the UK?

Thanx in advance.

EDIT: I know we're not supposed to ask about future releases but as this is about distribution of an already released title in another region, I hope it's ok.

[bluskies]

Originally Posted by Bill Hunt

3) As I've said many times with regard to Uni and Paramount, all that's required is patience

Bill, I am not sure if I am reading between the lines but I get the feeling you know something more than you are telling (possibly, because you can't yet) about U or P involving a change, though you have posted in digitalbits not so long ago that change is in the works but it takes time (no earlier than February, as I recall). Am I wrong to be reading something into your statement above?

LATE NOTE: Please note: I am withdrawing the question because it may compromise some confidential information you may have to keep quiet for now.

[DaViD Boulet]

let's be sensitive to Bill and Penton on this matter. It's pretty clear that our insiders and contacts have gone hush-hush in their Paramount/Universal conversation, and it's reasonable to assume it's at least partly because deals are in the works, NDAs are in place, and at this point the only real "problem" would be if some insider started to blab/brag about what's going on and piss off Universal and Paramount who are hoping to use the current silence to move more HD DVD product off store shelves and maintain a front of HD DVD support (for the moment) for reasons that are legitimate to their business relationships.

Bill and Penton will be the first to give us any news as soon as it's been cleared for public consumption.

[elwaylite]

I like the theory that certain studios have certain software to move before droping the hammer. This makes tons of sense, and also justifes people keeping their mouths shut.

[bluskies]

Originally Posted by DaViD Boulet

let's be sensitive to Bill and Penton on this matter. It's pretty clear that our insiders and contacts have gone hush-hush in their Paramount/Universal conversation, and it's reasonable to assume it's at least partly because deals are in the works, NDAs are in place, and at this point the only real "problem" would be if some insider started to blab/brag about what's going on and piss off Universal and Paramount who are hoping to use the current silence to move more HD DVD product off store shelves and maintain a front of HD DVD support (for the moment) for reasons that are legitimate to their business relationships.

Bill and Penton will be the first to give us any news as soon as it's been cleared for public consumption.

I was trying to be sensitive. That's why I said he may not be able to discuss it (possibly because any advance news could screw things up). It was something I wasn't sure if I should even post but just felt it would be nice to know something very good is happening down the line. (Also, I never asked Penton anything.)

I withdraw the question.

[Scrapanatchi]

Bill, can you ask your friends at warnerbros when they will fix their website, it's harder to buy blu and easier to get the red versions...

[Robert Siegel]

Are there any more Warner catalog titles that weren't announced?

Originally Posted by Bill Hunt

Yes. Much more. They just can't give you dates yet. There's a lot more work required to get catalog high-def done. It's a much more finicky and involved process. So they basically can't be slaves of a schedule. They release titles when they're ready to be released. But LOTS more are coming.

I would be willing to bet one of them is The Music Man, on the Warner Chat at HTF last year they talked about having to completely remaster The Music Man for 1080p, and that it would come out in 2008. Hopefully this still stands, as this would be an awesome release.

[Robert Siegel]

Bill, if you have any Fox inside info, do you know if there has been any talk of the Rodgers and Hammerstein films, such as Sound of Music, Oklahoma, South Pacific, Carousel and The King and I? Judging by the way the latest special editions looked, I have a feeling these blu-rays will be incredible. After 3 different VHS versions, 2 dvd versions, 3 laserdisc versions, my mouth is watering for The Sound of Music in 1080p and DTS MA!!!! Thanks.

[elwaylite]

Bill, Bill, where ya been?

[thebluemax]

I'm very excited about all these Warner releases(THANK YOU, WARNER FOR ENDING THIS FORMAT WAR)

Bill:

One of my favorite films of all time was mentioned "SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS"
I sure hope this fine film is on the Blu-Ray agenda? Yes, we need to support catalogue movies so we can see more released!

[richard lichtenfelt]

I think somebody better hunt for Bill.

[NoQuestion]

Bill,
over on highdefdigest they just posted an article saying that the reporter has sources on the inside stating that toshiba is a matter of weeks from dropping the format. How much credibility does this article hold? We all know that it was to happen sooner or later but I always thought that toshiba would be the last to throw in the towel.

By the way, what have u been up to bill? You've been away for a bit. Hope u have been getting a bunch of juicy news for us

[cartier]

Originally Posted by NoQuestion

Bill,
over on highdefdigest they just posted an article saying that the reporter has sources on the inside stating that toshiba is a matter of weeks from dropping the format. How much credibility does this article hold? We all know that it was to happen sooner or later but I always thought that toshiba would be the last to throw in the towel.

By the way, what have u been up to bill? You've been away for a bit. Hope u have been getting a bunch of juicy news for us

You can read what Bill has to say about this development on the digital bits by clicking here.

[TruBlu2]

Bill Hunt for President!

[Marcusarilius]

Originally Posted by TruBlu2

Bill Hunt for President!

Obama Who?