Microsoft Preps HD Emulator

[WriteSimply]

From the current issue of HMM on Page 10.

Microsoft Preps HD Emulator
By Chris Tribbey
HMM December 30, 2007

Microsoft is releasing an HD DVD Xbox 360 emulator tool, allowing studios and others releasing HD DVDs an easy way to test their content before the discs ship.

Made specifically for the video game system's HD DVD drive, the company said it helps test playback and functionality on other HD DVD players as well.

"The new Xbox 360 HD DVD emulator ... [provides] developers with the software-based tools they need to efficiently deliver the highest-quality content," said Jordi Ribas, GM of Microsoft HD DVD. "Microsoft developed the emulator to help save studios and post production houses time, resources and costs involved with the creation of HD DVD content."

The tool lets companies "model the behavior of HD DVD disc content, including encoded video and HDi interactivity, in a virtual environment before committing to burning a single HD DVD disc."

The emulator can be downloaded for a one-time licensing fee of $2,999 via Xbox Live or at www.thisishddvd.com/emulator.

This is more evidence that it is Microsoft that propped up HD DVD when the rest of its supporters wanted to bail back in 2005. The reason they developed it is because:

1. The burners are scarce and has not increased in speed. Contrast that with BD burners.

2. Unlike BD-50 RW, there is no HD DVD-30 RW. So the media to do a final check is just not there. Silly, isn't it?

3. Imagine the encoding studios' staffs when at the midst of testing, they get this.

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