Codec Nazi's Rejoice:VC-1 is in Da HizZouse!

[JimPullan]

Originally Posted by marzetta7

So could Apple be the "key partner announcement" unveiling software tools for H.264/MPEG4 encodes? HMMM? Speculation, yes, but fun to think about nonetheless.

Yes, that's a possibility. Another is that Universal Studios will "partner" with Blu-ray. We have just one more week, then we'll know

Jim

[Shadowself]

Originally Posted by marzetta7

So could Apple be the "key partner announcement" unveiling software tools for H.264/MPEG4 encodes? HMMM? Speculation, yes, but fun to think about nonetheless.

That's an interesting idea... Apple announcing that it would provide software tools for creation of Blu-ray disks. Apple already has all the HD technologies in place including H.264 technologies, and Apple is intimately familiar with H.264 as its container is based upon Apple's Quicktime format.

Additionally Apple could bring Pixlet to the table. If Pixlet is incorporated into a Blu-ray disk development set studios won't have to worry about moving around raw files in order to create the disks. So while the required bit rates for Pixlet is too great for distribution it is much better than raw files for development work.

Interesting concept indeed.

Unfortunately, I doubt this is the announcement.

[Jazar]

Would be nice to see MS and Apple back in head to head competition with BR's MPEG4 and HD DVD's VC1

[HDGamer]

You guys act as if MPEG-2 is some sick killer out to kill you. I have been reading up on MPEG-2, and if you have the space, your better of using it(50GB). However, them using VC1 for 25GB discs is a great move. But for 50GB, I am not so sure.

[Applefiend]

MPEG2 on SL 25GB is a abomination that needs to be rid from the planet.

[HDGamer]

Yes indeed. They should have used MPEG-2 on there 50GB discs, and VC1 or H.264 on there 25GB discs.

[phloyd]

Originally Posted by Applefiend

MPEG2 on SL 25GB is a abomination that needs to be rid from the planet.

Heheh - I have said this before and will say it again I am sure... The DTheater releases of I, Robot and Moulin Rouge are MPEG2, have Dolby Digital 5.1 at 576 kbps and 1.5 Mbps DTS. They are considered to be reference quality HD.

Each of them will fit on a 25 GB disc.

This indicates to me that Sony made some very bad decisions with respect to bitrate / extras or their encoder is really a piece of s#it. I think the latter is most likely, and the former contributing on the uncompressed audio titles.

These discs could certainly have been a lot better than they are, that is for sure, even with the MPEG2 on 25 GB constraint.

[Applefiend]

Oh yeah I have Training Day SL/MPEG2 and it's beautiful, but not as good as the VC-1 HD DVD edition. I just think that the space that MPEG2 demands on SL is too much for a decent set of extras + awesome picture quality, and getting that awesome picture quality seems to be an exception, rather than the rule.

VC-1 all the way. *clicks codec Nazi heels again*

Or H264...

[phloyd]

Originally Posted by Applefiend

I just think that the space that MPEG2 demands on SL is too much for a decent set of extras + awesome picture quality

Agreed.

[JTK]

Originally Posted by Applefiend

MPEG2 on SL 25GB is a abomination that needs to be rid from the planet.

Certainly the current implementation of this combo needs to be.

[phloyd]

I have heard confirmation 'though the grapvine' that these releases contain the same encode as the HD DVD releases.

It also seems that Blazing Saddles is around 27.5 GB on the HD DVD so some extras are likely to be cut from the BD...? The feature is around 18 GB so it appears that there are a lot of extras on that disc.

Also these are due for release in just over a week so the verdict should be available soon! Will be interesting to see what the result is and how the news ripples through the pond...

[Rogervienna]

Originally Posted by Applefiend

Oh yeah I have Training Day SL/MPEG2 and it's beautiful, but not as good as the VC-1 HD DVD edition. I just think that the space that MPEG2 demands on SL is too much for a decent set of extras + awesome picture quality, and getting that awesome picture quality seems to be an exception, rather than the rule.

VC-1 all the way. *clicks codec Nazi heels again*

Or H264...

What difference on TD did you notice ?
On which display did you watch ?

[Applefiend]

Grapevine, I'm told the HD DVD version is just a tiny tiny bit better, and you want the best, right?

I'd imagine on my TV I wouldn't notice much difference. I'm very happy with my BD TD.

[BTBuck1]

didn't warner already say there was no difference in their HDDVD titles vs. the BD titles in PQ? THought someone posted that.

[shido]

Originally Posted by Brian@BBY

didn't warner already say there was no difference in their HDDVD titles vs. the BD titles in PQ? THought someone posted that.

Although PQ is the same, it's disappointing that in all likelihood, the Blu-ray edtion will yet again lose out on some extras. I know the main movie is what really matters, but still, even with VC-1, it seems Blu-ray is still at a disadvantage.

[phloyd]

Originally Posted by Applefiend

Grapevine, I'm told the HD DVD version is just a tiny tiny bit better, and you want the best, right?

I'd imagine on my TV I wouldn't notice much difference. I'm very happy with my BD TD.

That might be true of the MPEG2 warner discs but the VC-1 discs will have the same picture information for both formats.

If there is any difference in picture it will be the result of the influence of the player...

[Applefiend]

Yup, absolutely.