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High-Def Digest’s Holiday Gift Guide 2009: HD Gear
Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 06:15 PM ETTags: Holiday Guides 2009, Best of 2009, High-Def Retailing, Michael S. Palmer (all tags)
The first of High-Def Digest’s annual holiday gift guides has arrived. This installment focuses on HD Gear, and a few choice titles for testing out your new favorite things.
by Michael S. Palmer
‘Tis the season, my friends. A favorite, festive time. For charity. Goodwill. And, bless us all, a chance to toss a new toy under our tree into our family rooms.
Hard to believe it’s upon us already, but next week is Thanksgiving, which fires off the holiday shopping season’s official opening salvo: Black Friday. A day of deals to be followed by a month-long shop-a-thon, where by the most experienced may survive only through sheer will and a steady Cinnabun diet.
But thing’s are tough, I know. The economy did a cannonball into an empty swimming pool, and now we’re all doing our best to recover while indulging out HD addictions. But the worst is over. It’s time to pull together, learn from the past, and jumpstart our future. Which is why, on this historic day, we are starting a brand new campaign:
SAVE AMERICA. BUY HIGH-DEF!
This is patriotism, people. Pure and simple. Purchase a high definition home theater system to watch a Blu-ray Disc or play a video game, and you employ the millions who designed, built, shipped, sold, and installed your gear. Not to mention the thousands of names on the credits of that epic film or game franchise based on your favorite best selling novel. And don’t forget the fnancial obligations of handsome high-def writers and reviewers.
With our civil duties properly outlined, it’s time to prepare. First: Budget, budget, budget. Remember, we’re in the “want” category of life (as opposed to “need”) so save your pennies first, then spend only what you have.
Second: Research is key. In the crowded, frenzied malls of the season, you don’t have the time to park the car, let alone properly demo gear. So head to the stores in advance, ask friends, read reviews (or helpful holiday shopping guides written by handsome high-def writers), and above all, loving shopper, listen to your husband/wife/kids to see what they really want this year.
TO BLACK FRIDAY OR NOT TO BLACK FRIDAY?
The Bard’s most famous question (or close approximation there of) for those who now have their list of wants. Black Friday Info is your go-to source for all sales on the day. But is it really worth it to spend a night on an icy sidewalk outside sears? The truth is, Black Friday is just a marketing gimmick. And like all things that worked well to bring out droves of potential consumers, it’s no longer limited to one day a year.
Amazon starts “Black Friday” this Monday, November 23 with a week of deals (as always, Amazon is the place to be for free shipping and no sales tax (unless you live in Washington state)). Beyond that, most stores are going to be riddled with sales for the rest of the year. The key is to look out for the products you already want, and cross check the major retailers to find the best price (many have price-matching policies, which create easy one-stop shopping).
With our list in hand, it’s time to get shopping, and save money while doing it. Here’s a list of fantastic gear I’d ask Santa for this year as well as recommend to my friends and family. I know everyone’s budget is different, so I've tried to find entry, mid, and high-end options to help start or improve your home theater set up (as usual, faithful readers, add your own suggestions to the forums!):
HDTVS
Remember the golden rule: below 40 inches, don’t worry about 1080p because you’ll probably be sitting too far away to tell the difference. I always tell my friends to get the biggest TV they can afford/fit because with HD, you’ll always want more.
Sony Bravia KDL-40V5100. At around $879, this 40-inch, entry-level LCD has a solid picture, and 120hz.
JVC LT-46P300. Find this 46-inch LCD for just over $1,000. Another entry-level model, this one is pretty big, has a good picture, and an easy-to-use built-in iPod/iPhone dock which can be hooked to your home theater receiver via the TV’s Dolby Digital out on the back.
Panasonic TC-P54V10. This massive 54-inch plasma sells for $2,399, is Internet ready, and according to CNET delivered “the overall best picture quality of any flat-panel HDTV we’ve tested so far this year.” Plasmas excel at deep, rich black levels, and it won’t have the same motion flicker that bothers some LCD owners.
Mitsubishi 737 Series. The last of the rear projection DLP. If you don’t need to hang something on a wall, and want “bigger for cheaper,” look for this series at 60 inches for as little as $1,200. The whopping 82-incher sells for $4,500 (forklift not included).
Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR10. At 52-inches and $3,999, the super thin XBR10 featuring 240Hz anti-blur technology is Sony’s flagship LED-LCD. Not only does this HDTV have every adjustment imaginable, but it has built-in web capabilities, and wireless high-def hookup. Simply mount this flat panel on the wall (and over the power outlet). Then, hook up the separate “Media Box” to your receivers, Blu-ray Disc players, and cable boxes. Simple. No need to run or hide cables.
BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS
LG BD370. A well priced, fully functional Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Disc player, the BD370 retails for $150, and can be hardwired with a broadband Internet connection for access to streaming content such as Netflix, YouTube, and CinemaNow.
LG BD390. At $270, the BD390 is the older brother. Same great picture and sound, but the BD 390 has a built-in Wi-Fi abilities, and includes access to Vudu’s On Demand streaming service. Vudu’s “HDX” encoded movies look and sound almost as good as the Blu-rays you’re watching.
Sony PlayStation 3. At $299 for the newer slim, the PS3 is an amazing, versatile machine. Still, in my opinion, the best console around. Not only is it a wireless Internet ready Blu-ray disc player, it has its own web browser, a huge hard drive to act as a media server, and, oh yeah, it plays video games.
RECEIVERS
Finding a great, multi-feature receiver is pretty easy, and quite affordable. In addition to the brands and models listed below, check out Harmon/Kardon, Pioneer, Yamaha, and Integra for great, modern AVRs (or audio/video receivers capable of HDMI video/audio content used in Blu-ray and even cable or satellite boxes).
Denon AVR 1610. At $379, this is a great entry-level machine. It has 3 HDMI inputs, and can decode all the newer HD audio codecs into stunning 5.1 surround sound, 75 watts per channel @ 0.08% THD (total harmonic distortion).
Denon AVR 2310. For $849, one gets 5 HDMI inputs, 7.1 surround sound capabilities, 105 watts per channel @ 0.08% THD and bells n’ whistles like Audyssey MutlEQ and Dolby’s new ProLogic IIz. Personally speaking, I have last year’s model, the 2309, and I can’t turn it up loud enough.
Onkyo TX-NR5007. For $2,295, one gets this monster of an AVR: THX Ultra2 Plus certified, 8 HDMI inputs, new technologies like Dolby Volume and ProLogic IIz, and a staggering 9.2 channels of surround sound with 145 watts per channel @.05% THD.
SPEAKERS
There are literally so many choices out there, it should always be noted that speakers are best tested out by each individual buyer. If you don’t like these, check out Infinity, Definitive Technology, Martin Logan, and Klipsch. There’s something for everyone, and the main lesson here is simple:
Never use your TV’s own speakers. They’re cheap, and can never compare to a 5.1 surround sound experience.
Boston Acoustics SoundWare XS 5.1 Speaker System. Your choice of black or white finishes, this is the perfect little system for someone just starting out in surround sound, or who needs to save on space. Take it home for $499.99.
HSU Research HB-1 MK2 5.1 package. Home Theater Sound’s 2008 product of the year, this set for mid-sized rooms provides outstanding performance at a bargain. Priced online direct from HSU, pick these up for as little as $1149 (for the satin black finish), which includes 1 HC-1 MK2 center, 4 HB-1 MK2s bookshelf speakers, and 1 VTF-1 Sub.
Kef iQ Series 7.1 Speaker System. Britain’s own Kef Speakers are fantastic. Deep lows, clean mids, and mountainous highs. Checking around online (using 2 iQ90 fronts, 1 iQ60C center, 4 iQ30 surrounds, and the PSW2500BL Sub), bring home Kef in 7.1 channels for $2320. There are cheaper options as well (smaller fronts, or less surrounds), but these are world class speakers for a fair price.
In the speaker world, there is no budget limitations (Revel’s Ultima2 Salon2 front Towers are ONLY $21,998 per pair!). Above are some, albeit pricey, “entry-level” surround sound systems featuring quality satellite, bookshelf, and floor standing speakers. But I implore you to only buy when you hear what you love and can’t live with out. Happy hunting.
HD ACCESSORIES
No surround sound system is complete without a few finishing details:
Monoprice is a great place to save on all sorts of accessories, including speaker wire, HDMI cables and flat panel wall mounts. Accessories are like printing money for local retailers. They’re hugely overpriced, and you’ll save when you remember to NEVER BUY MONSTER CABLE. Do they work well? Of course, but why buy name brands when the Monoprice version works just as well, yet sells for a 10th of the price? It’s okay, I’ll wait for your answer.
Don’t forget a universal, computer programmable remote to easily run the whole system (the technical term is making it “wife proof” because who really wants to figure out what each of the 7 remotes on the coffee table actually do?). The Logitech Harmony series is excellent. I have owned the 550 and 880. The Harmony One, at under $200, is easy to program, illuminates in the dark and includes a rechargeable battery, but remember: if you want to run your PlayStation 3 using a Harmony remote, you will need the $60 “PS3 Adaptor” to go along with it.
MOVIE & GAME DEMOS
.Now that you have your first system, or maybe you’ve just brought home a new Blu-ray Disc Player, video game console, or surround sound system, it’s time for the best part: DEMO!!! Time to show yourself and your family that there will be no buyers’ remorse for this money well spent because if there’s one way to win over high-def converts, it’s to simply let the technology speak for itself. Here’s a handful of must buys for cinema and gaming enthusiasts:
‘Star Trek’ is out now, and this action/special features packed reboot soars in high definition.
‘The Godfather Collection’has never looked this good, classic cinema lovers.
‘Up ’ might be the newest Pixar release, but this year alone they’ve released (or re-released) ‘Monsters, Inc.’, ‘Cars’, and ‘A Bug’s Life’ on Blu-ray disc. Not only do these movies represent the finest digital picture and sound, but Pixar continues to make the best movies of any year. There’s no better way to gather as a family, than over heartwarming adventures that connect to every generation with equal appeal.
‘Taken’ is a visceral ride for adult-oriented action junkies, and along those lines, watch the opening studio logos for ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’. Viewing the movie itself may cause brain damage, but kudos to the sound engineers for engaging the viewer on every flying star as they whoosh across the screen and settle around the word “Paramount.” It’s stunning.
TV fans won’t find better television, or better high definition than this year’s releases of ‘LOST: The Complete First Season’ and ‘Band of Brothers’.
As for gaming, look no further for stunning graphics than these bestsellers and new releases: ‘Madden 10’, ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’, ‘Gran Turismo 5: Prologue’ (the most realistic driving graphics I’ve ever seen, courtesy of the PS3), ‘HALO 3: ODST’, ‘Assassin’s Creed 2’, and ‘Uncharted 2: Among Thieves’.
Happy hunting. Happy saving. And Happy Holidays, dearest readers, from all of us at High-Def Digest. And remember, always:
SAVE AMERICA. BUY HIGH-DEF!
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3D Blu-ray Coming Next Year
Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 06:00 PM ETTags: 3D, Industry Trends, Michael S. Palmer, Blu-con (all tags)
Our recap of Blu-con 2.0 continues with a look at the emerging world of Blu-ray 3D!
By Michael S. PalmerExtra! Extra! Read all about it!
3D is the hottest thing in movies right now. It’s a box office buoying premium experience that has captured audience attention around the globe (internationally, ‘Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs’ is the third highest grossing movie of all time, behind only ‘Titanic’ and ‘Return of the King’). And next year, it could be in your friggin' living room!
The Blu-ray Disc Association, a 170-company conglomerate responsible for establishing Blu-ray standards, is currently finishing up specs (a.k.a. requirements) that will usher Blu-ray into the 3D era. They plan to announce these new specs next month (before the end of this year), with the hope that manufacturers can produce equipment by Christmas 2010, perhaps even sooner. Panasonic was in house to say that they consider 3D a “revolution, not just a small feature.” They’re planning to get to “mass market pricing” as soon as possible. 3D won’t simply be for “the exotic few” who can afford luxury.
What do we know?
Though the standards are not finalized, we know we’ll be getting full 1080p video projected to both the right and left eyes. And they’re building in backwards compatibility on hardware AND software. Meaning, not only will 3D Blu-ray players be able to play CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and 3D Blu-rays, but 3D Blu-rays will also play in 2D Blu-ray players (but ONLY in 2D).
Wait, so none of my current equipment will play 3D?
Correct. The BDA wants you to know that your current devices aren’t going to be obsolete (which is why they built in the backwards compatibility onto the discs themselves), this is just an added layer for those who want it. Meaning, 3D at home requires the purchase of a 3D Blu-ray player as well as a 3D Blu-ray compatible TV and 3D glasses (which will be handled by the TV manufacturers).
So how does it look (a.k.a. is it worth it to wear silly glasses)?
As a fan of all things high def and a rampant early adopter. Ohhhhh yeah! Panasonic had a slick demo at Blu-Con 2.0 displaying 1080p to each eye, 120 frames-per-second. They’re planning to have their 3D devices available as a bundle (player, plasma TV, and glasses) when the technology hits the big box stores next year. We screened the trailer for Disney’s ‘A Christmas Carol’, footage from the 2008 summer Olympics / a preview for the 2010 winter games, and the teaser trailer of James Cameron’s ‘Avatar.’ Having recently seen both trailers in 3D cinemas (‘A Christmas Carol’ was on the ‘Toy Story 1 & 2’ double feature), they looked exactly as they did in the theatre. Both the good and bad aspects. The 3D effects were great, but sometimes the focus was hard to find and the image could be occasionally dim (thanks to wearing glasses; Roger Ebert wrote about this in his review of ‘Up’). But the 3D HD video footage of the sporting events was breathtaking. I’ve never seen anything like it (except for IMAX, which stands seven stories tall). It literally felt like there was a portal in the wall of this demo truck, and that I could have leapt through it into the stadiums of Beijing, or onto the snowy ski trails outside of Vancouver. It was so bright, clear, and crisp (sign me up for the first 3D Super Bowl).
One of the themes of the Blu-Con is that Blu-ray needs that wow factor to break into the mass market beyond the ten or so percent it has currently reached (interesting note, no video format has ever hit 10% of a market share and NOT gone on to mass adoption). That Blu-ray and its BD-Live technology need to be so exciting, people forcibly drag friends and families over to see it, and say, “you gotta get Blu-ray, look at what it does.” It’s been a huge obstacle to get people away from, “yeah, well my DVDs look good, so why do I need Blu-ray?”
3D Blu-ray is the game changer. Anyone and everyone will see the difference, whether or not they understand data rates, bandwidth, or other tech terms. This is the leap forward DVD brought to the home entertainment world over VHS in 1997. Look out cinemas. We may soon have a reason to never leave the house again.
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Review: Netflix Streaming on Sony’s PlayStation 3
Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 05:20 PM ETTags: Netflix, PS3, PlayStation 3, Sony, Michael S. Palmer (all tags)
Michael Palmer got his hands on a Netflix Streaming Disc for the PS3 and gave it a whirl. Here's what he thought of it...
By Michael S. Palmer
Following Sony’s new marketing campaign (“It Only Does Everything”), Netflix Streaming has finally arrived on the PS3. When announcements were made last month that we’d finally be joining the ranks of the Xbox 360 as well as various LG, Samsung, and Insignia networked Blu-ray Disc players, I immediately signed up for my free Netflix “Instant Streaming Disc.” I wasn’t exactly sure why they were sending me a disc, thinking that it would be some type of firmware update. But it turns out (or, if I had read the announcement further than “go here to sign up for your free disc”) the Instant Streaming Disc is actually a Blu-ray, which uses BD-Live to stream movies and television episodes from the Netflix server. Meaning, every time you want to stream content, the Instant Streaming Disc must first be inserted into the PS3.
Setting It Up.
Netflix Streaming on the PS3 rquires: a Netflix membership subscription plan with unlimited viewing included (1-at-a-time DVDs with unlimited streaming is $8.99/month, and $10.99/month for a 1-at-a-time with Blu-ray Disc access), the free Netflix Instant Streaming disc, and a broadband internet connection (hard wired or wireless).
For installation and title selection, you’ll at first need both a computer and your PS3 (in the future, one could use the PS3’s internal internet browser). First, insert the Instant Streaming Disc into the PS3. An unlocking code will show up on your TV’s screen. From there hop over to your Netflix account, in the “Watch Instantly” tab, where it will ask you for that code. Once entered, the PS3 will sync up your Instant Queue. Selected titles can be arranged as you see fit, just like your DVD Queue. It’s handy to pick carefully here, because if you have a lot of titles, scrolling over to the last one can be a bit time consuming.
Daily Use.
Running the disc brings you to your Instant Queue. Clicking to the right (using either a remote, or a PS3 game controller – I personally am using a Harmony 880 via the Nyko PS2 USB adapter. Logitech now makes a PS3 adapter for their remotes) scrolls you through your Queue. Click UP and then to the right to access other categories, such as Recently Watched, New Arrivals: Movies, New Arrivals: TV, Comedy, Drama, Action, and a myriad of other genres.
Click (or press down) on any title to “play,” give the title a star rating, or “remove from Instant Queue.” Once a movie is started, options will change to “resume playing” or “play from the beginning.” TV shows are organized by season, so play options include “Play Episode 1” or “Choose Episode.” “Play,” “pause,” “fast forward” and “rewind” buttons work as they should (though fast forward and rewinding require 10 or so seconds to buffer). But pressing stop will exit you out streaming all together (taking you back to the PS3’s menu); to go back to your Instant Queue, simply press “menu” and then click “up.”
Movies and TV episodes are available in “HD” (AVC encodes oscillating between 1.5 and 5 Mbps) and SD (running just under 600 kbps), with all audio in two-channel, stereo Dolby Digital. There are over 17,000 movie and TV titles. TV shows are a mix of old and new; movies are generally older, given contracts movie studios have in place with pay cable outlets which streaming would violate. “Starz Play” titles are newer releases (anything that’s currently playing on the Starz network), but they don’t appear to be in “HD.”
Impressions.
For anyone savvy enough to have a Netflix account and a PS3 already, this is a no brainer. It’s free (well, included in your subscription), and easy for those of us who have no trouble surfing the web. For folks less technically savy, this service is more difficult than using cable or satellite On Demand services because you can’t manage your account from one location.
Quality-wise, Netflix Streaming certainly isn’t a Blu-ray killer, let alone even competitor, but I suppose that’s not really the point. This is an added feature to allow subscribers more content and added value. Quote-unquote HD content is “serviceable.” Not as good as HD cable/satellite, but a bit more resolution than DVD. I checked out ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (a fantastic Blu-ray, btw) and the opening sequence of ‘Scorpion King 2’. These two features weren’t as clear as the Vudu HDX titles I’ve seen, nor as good as Quicktime HD movie trailers. They suffered from banding, blocking, and digital artifacts. Once my expectations were in the proper place, I was generally pleased. This would be a good way to see a title when you didn’t want to wait for Netflix to send out your next disc. The one thing to mention here is that my Internet connection did drop out once, and so ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ paused, and started replaying in SD, which was no comparison. To get it back up to “HD”, I hit “menu”, and “resumed playing” which re-buffered the feed, and brought it back in “HD.”
On my 52” Sony LCD, the SD streaming content was subpar (but truthfully, most SD content doesn’t look great). It’s like watching a non-anamorphic widescreen DVD, and “zooming in” your TV to make it fill more of the screen. Images and text are hazy, fuzzy, and colors are muddy. Here I checked out ‘Armageddon’ (which was in anamorphic widescreen), ‘Dead Space: Downfall’ (non-anamorphic widescreen) and ‘Big Bry’s Western Style BBQ’ (1.33:1). Each title had its own disappointment. ‘Armageddon’ was blocky, and less engaging without its 5.1 mix; ‘Dead Space’ looked clear, but it had letterboxing and pillar boxing happening at the same time; and ‘Big Bry’s’ audio was out of sync for the entire presentation (though, this might not be the fault of the service).
Despite its ease of use, and the fact that it’s free (Xbox 360 owners have to pay over $50/year for Xbox Live Gold service), my biggest complaint is the necessary Instant Streaming Disc. Sure it’s a nifty use of BD-Live, and no doubt there’s a specific, genius-computer-programmer reason as to why it had to be designed this way, but frankly, it’s cumbersome. Is it really THAT hard to get up off the couch and insert a disc, like when playing any Blu-ray or DVD? Of course not, but like the PlayStation Store or Network, streaming content seems better served for when you can exit out of a movie or game, and then click over to something else. Now streaming is forced to be a conscious choice, and given the quality of the service, it might be a better value to pop in another Blu-ray or in some cases, a DVD. At least with many DVDs, you’re getting a discreet surround sound mix.
Bottom Line.
Though Netflix Streaming may have its uses (digging back in to childhood classics like ‘Voltron’!), and it’s great to bring another feature to the PS3, video/audiophiles need not apply. The current lack of quality will be bothersome. Hopefully, with time, the streaming / video encoding quality will grow along with the selection of “HD” content. For now, enjoy what you can.
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Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Disc Players Heart Streaming Content
Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 06:00 PM ETTags: Blu-con, Michael S. Palmer, Industry Trends (all tags)
Our recap of Blu-con 2.0 continues with news on the growing number of Blu-ray players capable of streaming video content.
By Michael S. PalmerThere we were. Blu-Con 2.0. Up on the stage, sitting mere inches apart: mortal enemies and rental competitors Netflix and Blockbuster. Nothing overtly dramatic happened, sadly, but there was an awkward tension in the air. Netflix the young upstart; Blockbuster the foundering giant. Then came the numbers: Netflix plans to ship discs through 2030; they currently have 11 million subscribers, with 1 million of those paying a premium for Blu-ray access. Blockbuster, not to be outdone, claims 50 million people per day enter its stores (Seem a little high to anyone?), in addition to forming new alliances with TiVo and Samsung for “Blockbuster Online.”
Despite jabs over who offers older streaming content (Netflix*) vs. newer releases (Blockbuster, CinemaNow), it was clear to these companies (and their researchers) that physical media is here to stay. Many of you may be downloading and streaming, but most consumers still identify a “purchase” or “ownership” with a tangible object (obviously this excludes music). As evidence, consider the fact that people were still buying VHS/DVD combo units as recently as last year. Because they own physical copies of movies.
This is fantastic news for Blu-ray as big box retailers like Best Buy and Walmart join forces with hardware manufactures and Hollywood studios to push Blu-ray into the 90% of homes who do not yet have it. The final sales quarter is immensely important for Blu-ray and for the first time, Blu-ray disc is a top 10 most-wanted holiday gift for adults. This could be the year where customers finally understand why their HDTVs need quality high-def source material. Where Blu-ray becomes mainstream.
But Blu-ray isn’t a standalone feature anymore. Slow, oversized, single-minded, clunky machines have given way to sleek, broadband-capable home media centers. Blu-ray Disc’s always had great picture and sound. And now the Profile 2.0 players have arrived in a big way, offering extra choices / content for customers.
In fact, “available choices” is what it means to be a modern consumer (“I want it all. I want it all. And I want it now!”). This is why Blu-ray needs streaming / download services as much as streaming / download services need Blu-ray. It’s a symbiotic relationship of mutual benefit, which all ties into what Blu-ray players do, and where they're located in the home.
Alone, Blu-ray has spectacular picture and unbeatable sound. Its abilities all stem from digital bandwidth, which is three to six times higher than most broadband internet connections, meaning its quality easily trumps streaming options (though Vudu HDX sure comes close). But, watching a Blu-ray is an “occasion”: a once or twice per week “event.” And, Blu-ray either means a trip to a physical location such as Best Buy and Blockbuster, or a multi-day wait from Netflix or online retailers like Amazon.
Streaming / digital downloads can be instant, and portable. There’s no trip to any store. Available titles aren’t out of stock, or listed as a “long wait”, though selection is (at present) limited, and downloading an entire movie can sometimes take just as long as a trip to the local Best Buy.
The real obstacle facing Internet based services? Families really don’t want to sit around a computer. Sure it’s nice when traveling, or in a dorm room, but the majority of Americans now have giant HDTVs and plush, inviting seating (we worked hard to pay for those comforts, and by God, we aim to use them!). Streaming has largely not been the domain of the living room. Sure Apple, Vudu and Netflix all offered separate boxes that you could hook up to the TV, but too many individual set top boxes is confusing for most. And, truthfully, none of these boxes flew off the shelf.
Now we have networked Blu-ray Disc players. Queen of the living room (where the HDTV is King), they multi-task for just about any type of media you could want. Still have a library of CDs and DVDs? Check. Want to watch your favorite new movies in stunning high def on Blu-ray? Check. Don’t want to bother going out, so the reduced quality of streaming is okay? Check. Feel the need to fire up YouTube to see dancing kittens, local news anchors swearing on camera, and red necks setting fireworks off in their pants? Check. Check. And Check. Using your Blu-ray player is no longer an “event” – it’s a convenient content portal, and it might as well be on and in use almost as much as the TV or computer.
In the modern era of media consumption, formats are no longer about winning or losing the entire market. Blu-ray is amazing, but unnecessary without the large TV and surround sound. Digital content is quick and portable, but lacks quality. But why separate them? The new future is one where we buy or rent CONTENT, not a format (see Best Buy’s announcement of building CinemaNow into most of its products). For example, with the just released ‘UP’ Blu-ray, the 4-disc set includes a Blu-ray for the home theatre, a DVD for the car or kids’ room, and a digital copy for an iPod or laptop on the go. Sure we can’t be tethered to the living room, but when not out and about, Profile 2.0 Blu-ray players just make sense. And they make things simple. No one wants 800 components under their TV. Few as possible please, with a variety of services.
We’re in the infant stages of these cross-media platforms, but here’s a rundown on where to find these integrated streaming / download services that were featured at Blu-Con 2.0, as well as a recent Dolby event I attended:
Netflix streaming is subscription based, and included with rental plans over $8.99/month. It works with Roku, TiVo DVRs, Xbox 360, LG / Samsung / Insignia Blu-ray players, LG TVs, LG & Samsung Blu-ray Home Theater Systems, and now the Playstation 3.
Vudu is like on demand. Individual rentals and purchases. Check out on LG TVs (LH50 & PS80), Mitsubishi TVs (the Unisen Dimaond 249 series) and the LG BD390 Blu-ray Disc player.
Blockbuster Online services can be individual rentals or purchase, but I believe the service can be part of their subscription package. This is brand new, and available on TiVO DVRs and Samsung Blu-ray Disc players (BD-P1600, BD-P3600, BD-P4600), Samsung Home Theater Systems (HT-BD1250, HT-BD3252, HT-BD7200, HD-BD8200), and Samsung internet ready LED / LCD / Plasma TVs.
Roxio’s CinemaNow works with TiVo DVRs and LG Blu-ray Disc players (BD370 & BD390).
* Due to its subscription nature, Netflix is unable to stream newer movies due to distribution deals made with pay cable outlets, such as HBO. TV shows like ‘Heroes’ appear the day after broadcast, and Netflix does have an output deal with Starz, but Starz movies stream much later than the Blu-ray/DVD release of the movie. Blockbuster, Vudu, and CinemaNow each download, or stream new releases because one pays per rental.
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BD-Live Hopes to Connect Viewers to Movies AND People
Thu Nov 05, 2009 at 04:00 PM ETTags: BD-Live, Industry Trends, Blu-con, Michael S. Palmer (all tags)
By Michael S. Palmer
Reps from Walt Disney, Sony, Universal, and Fox gathered for a panel at this year’s Blu-Con 2.0 to discuss the present and future of BD-Live.
Currently, 4 million Blu-rays connect to BD-Live every month. 50% of users return to the various portals (1984-esque tangent: Sony remembers your player’s I.P. address, and thus knows if you repeatedly access digital content. Big Brother knows where you are at all times!).
I’ve always wondered why BD-Live features have been so lackluster. Apparently, the challenge here is education. Studios and retailers are already educating the consumer on alien terms like HDTV, HDMI, 1080p, 7.1 and Blu-ray. Creating a brand new social experience for BD-Live and having to educate the consumer even further is an uphill battle on top of an uphill battle. Which is why the current strategy for studios is to build upon technology and habits that already exist (via iPhone apps, and partnerships with popular websites like Facebook and IMDB.com). To them, BD-Live should be not only an extension / augmentation of the movie, but also of the consumer’s life.
Here’s a run down of strategies / features by studio:
How can they make it easy, dynamic, and interactive?
Their first BD-Live title was ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ and since then they’ve had the ‘Hannah Montanna’ movie tied to Radio Disney, and the recent ‘Snow White’ features include “living menus” that change appearance according to the time and local weather, as well as the ability to receive a phone call from a Disney princess.
‘Lost - Season 5’ will feature “Lost University” (http://www.lostuniversity.org/). LU, with its Polar Bear mascot, is a Blu-ray/BD-Live exclusive, and gives Lost’s rabid fan base a chance to not only learn about the show, but also to study the themes and mythology built into the Lost universe. Disney hopes that ‘Lost’ fans who have yet to go Blu will buy Blu-ray players in order to participate.
SONY: Every release since April of 2008 has featured BD-Live (and of course, it should, given that their parent company invented Blu-ray). Initially, the BD-Live link was to a portal for additional content downloads and a chance to fill out surveys to let Sony know how they’re doing. Snore.
Recently, however, Sony’s focus has been two-fold. 1) The chance to edit clips from the movies (as seen on ‘Step Brothers,’ ‘Year One,’ and the upcoming ‘Snatch’) and post them on Facebook. And 2) “MovieIQ,” which is a live interactive database about the movie’s cast, crew, and production. A nifty feature bound for ‘Julie & Julia’ (Dec. 8th) is the ability to choose and email yourself recipes from the movie as it plays.
UNIVERSAL: Admittedly arriving late to the Blu-ray world last year, Universal sees the BD-Live experience as something that should be “simple and sharable.” On their discs, look for “community screenings” (everyone around the country, or world, watches the film at the same time, chatting about it via BD-Live), and integrated Facebook / iPhone applications. Recently, for ‘Fast & Furious’ Universal released a car customizing iPhone app (build a car, and share with your friends online) that has proved popular.
FOX: Sharing similar buzz words as simple and social, Fox introduced “Live Lookup” with ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ a few months ago. Integrated with IMDB.com, it’s similar to Sony’s “MovieIQ”, but for my money, much more fluid and visual. Frankly, it’s a shame that we have to have two different versions of the same feature, but I guess simplifying would involve too many lawyers.
Fox is also looking to get into community screenings, citing the desire to “elevate catalogue titles to event status.” Seems like in addition to dressing up, throwing props, and singing along to the ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’, the first rule of the ‘Fight Club’ Blu-ray will be to not talk about the fact that everyone’s supposed to show up to watch the flick at the same time.
WARNER was not in this panel, but they are very excited to host global community screenings for ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ (Dec. 7th).
It’s clear, despite all efforts, that BD-Live has a way to go. Studios are researching their little hearts out to give us features like “Live Lookup,” and attempting to integrate their products into the arenas we already occupy. “Lost University” seems like a good start, but is admittedly only for die-hard fans. In the not-too-distant future, we could see e-commerce (the ability to buy products literally used in, or as seen in, the movie), editing movies in real time and inserting them into the film, putting your voice / likeness into the movies, or features akin to Google maps (posting/tagging user generated clips online that tie into filming locations).
Perhaps in addition to developing and selling their movies, bold new filmmakers will also create exciting opportunities for interactivity in watching their movies, which is usually very passive (except for popcorn consumption). Or maybe it’ll be you, dear readers, with the next kick ass idea. What do you want from BD-Live? What’s a “gotta have it” toy you’d love at your fingertips as your favorite flick unfurls in glorious high def?
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Blu-ray Brings a Smile to Martin Scorsese's Face!
Wed Nov 04, 2009 at 07:00 PM ETTags: Blu-con, Michael S. Palmer, Industry Trends (all tags)
By Michael S. Palmer
For this year’s Blu-Con 2.0, the keynote speaker was heralded master filmmaker and movie fan extraordinaire Martin Scorsese.
As an avid cinephile, restorer, and collector, he remembers the days when the only way to “own a movie” was through the poster. One could go to revival houses, of course, but after years of use and abuse, prints were scratched, faded, and even missing scenes.
Then came the videotape. The first chance to build a film collection for the home, but VHS was a very limited technology. DVDs were one step better. A boon to the cause of restoration. Yet even DVDs were troubling, with the squabble over aspect ratios (full screen vs. wide screen).
And now, Blu-ray disc. To Mr. Scorsese, despite the fact that the cinema going experience can never be fully recreated, Blu-ray is the closest home theatre has ever gotten. It marks the very best quality picture and sound. Visual clarity is so strong; it’s all encompassing, almost 3D. As for the audio, he recently remarked while mixing ‘Shine a Light’ that he was excited to know that what he and his team mixed, would transfer exactly to the home.
When asked what he thought about the ability to alter classic titles for Blu-ray release, (such as removing production wires from special effects, or remixing mono soundtracks into 5.1 stereo surround) Mr. Scorsese said that one must preserve the vision of the filmmaker, through elements such as correct aspect ratio, color, and sound.
In his own experience, when Mr. Scorsese originally released ‘Taxi Driver’ (which isn’t out on Blu-ray yet), the technology at the time limited him to a mono track, but Bernard Herman had recorded his haunting score in stereo (just like Warner Home Video did with the 'Wizard of Oz' in 2005). Returning to those elements isn’t a desecration of the original exhibition, but a chance for the filmmaker to use technology that was unavailable to them when they were making their movies. He wanted us to remember that there were actually early versions of stereo 60+ year ago (Walt Disney’s ‘Fantasia’ was the first, exhibited in 1940 in “Fantasound”), used for such classics as ‘A Star is Born’ and ‘Shane.’
Regarding special effects, moderator Grover Crisp (SVP, Asset Management, Film Restoration & Digital Mastering, Sony Pictures Entertainment) spoke with Scorsese about the recent 4K restoration of ‘Dr. Strangelove.’ There were strings in some shots of the planes. Sony left the strings in for the studio’s master so they would always have them, but for the Blu-ray release removed the them, as the medium is so clear, on today’s larger television, the strings would have been distracting. Something Stanley Kubrick never wanted his audiences to see. As a fascinating anecdote, Mr. Scorsese said in the early 1990s Kubrick was self-preserving ‘Dr. Strangelove’ using a 35mm still camera, photographing it frame-by-frame. Scorsese chuckled, and then admitted that he wasn’t sure if Kubrick ever concluded this project.
Peter Bogdanovich said there are, “no old movies, just ones you haven’t seen.” And it’s through Blu-ray that Scorsese finds this especially true. Blu-ray has the ability to extend the life of film, in that it presents and preserves all the elements that make this visual medium feel like film (grain, texture, color etc). He said with previous home entertainment formats, audiences might not have been able to tell you exactly why a movie wasn’t as good as it was in the theater. Yet subconsciously they could feel it when clarity, color, and quality were lost.
When asked about his favorite Blu-ray movie, Mr. Scorsese didn’t want to pick just one, but admitted that every time he fires up John Ford’s ‘The Searchers,’ even just to check it out, he can’t turn it off. It still holds up, it’s very moving, and there’s beauty in the landscape and the nature of the faces.
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Dolby Brings the Surround Sound Experience to…EVERYTHING!
Tue Oct 13, 2009 at 04:15 PM ETTags: Industry Trends, Michael S. Palmer (all tags)
High-Def Digest's man in the field attends a Dolby Laboratories shindig in Los Angeles and leaves mighty impressed!
By Michael S. Palmer
Dolby Laboratories came to Los Angeles last week to demo, discuss, and display their current and emerging technologies. Keep in mind this wasn’t a specially designed lab. It was a few rooms in a hotel suite. Lots of glass. Wooden floors. Odd angles. About as far from sound-perfect as you can get. Just like my apartment, or your house. Yet Dolby sound soared.
As a company that’s existed since 1965, it’s too easy to think of Dolby as that logo, quietly stamped onto computers, audio receivers, music / video playback devices, and Blu-ray / DVD discs. Too easy to forget that Dolby and its employees, through a need to innovate and enhance consumer content, are continuously raising the bar of audio reproduction.
But what’s the difference between all their different brand names? How are they going to enrich my home entertainment experience?
That’s really the question, isn’t it? Content providers must give us access to their entertainment on every conceivable platform because the modern world is somehow both insanely connected, yet desperately segmented: Cine and audiophiles strive for home theatre perfection. Gamers compete and interact with others in a global environment. Tweens, Teens, and Twenty-somethings absorb digital content exclusively on phones and PCs. And our parents… well, they still don’t even know how to program the VCR (P.S. - What’s a “V-C-R?”).
Enter Dolby stage right. With a convenient set of products (based on Mensa-level mathematic algorithms) to help everyone get the fullest audio experience possible. Any where. Any time. On any platform.
[Author’s note: Now I know full well, some of you are already screaming, “what about DTS???” Feel free to continue the endless “which one is better” debate all you want. Our purpose here is simply to let you know what Dolby has to offer now (and in the near future). Cheers.]
For Traditional Home Theatre Enthusiasts
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The king of Dolby’s formats remains TrueHD. Nothing new on this. But for those not in the know, TrueHD is lossless audio that gives you a bit-for-bit reproduction of the original studio matter, in 8 channels (7.1 if you will). A.K.A., exactly how the filmmaker, or music producer heard it, and intended it to sound.
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Next up is Dolby Digital Plus, which was designed for times where there isn’t enough bandwidth for lossless audio. Dolby Digital Plus is capable of 7.1 surround sound, versus the 5.1 of standard Dolby Digital. It also has a wider bit rate, up to 1.5 Mbps.
You might be wondering, if we have Blu-ray, why would we ever want anything less than TrueHD? Well, Dolby Digital Plus was used for some HD-DVDs because of the limited room available on those discs, but currently Dolby has teamed with services like Vudu to stream surround sound online.
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Vudu has movie rentals available in SD (480p, requiring an internet connection speed of 1 Mbps – check with your Internet service provider if you don’t know what you have), HD (720p, requiring 2.25 Mbps), and HDX (1080p, requiring 4.5 Mbps). Using a networked Blu-ray player (in our case the LG BD390), we checked out HDX scenes from ’X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ and ’Fast & Furious’ featuring 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus audio. Truthfully, Blu-ray may want to watch out, because on a 52-inch Toshiba LCD (model # 52XV645U), this HDX streaming was excellent, and easy to use. Pause, fast-forward, and rewind to any clip, and after a short buffer, the movie would play. High Def is absolutely the future regardless of format, and here’s a potentially legitimate successor – given enough bandwidth to match / include lossless audio – to Blu-ray’s resolution kingdom. Is there more compression / a lower bit rate on video streaming compared to what we have now in Blu? Of course. But much like the size of hard drives, Internet connection speeds are only going to increase and get less expensive over time. And to my picky-eye, the video looked sharp, clear, and unlike most streaming, which can be filled with blocks and banding. Anyone else out there using Vudu? Hit up the comments section to give your review; this was my first experience.
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In order to keep up with the success of 5.1 Dolby Digital, Dolby developed Pro Logic II. To create 5.1 channels of audio out of any stereo source. Pro Logic’s newest incarnations are IIx and IIz. IIx has been around for a while, and its purpose is not only to up-convert stereo, but also full 5.1 mixes into 6.1 or 7.1 surround sound (if you have enough speakers). IIz takes surround one-step further, and allows up to 9.1 channels of audio. As shone above, in addition to 5.1 speakers at ear level (or 7.1 if you already have that), Pro Logic IIz adds two speakers above the front left and right speakers. This vertical component finds “nondirectional” ambience in movies and music, such as rain, to increase spaciousness and add dimension. This wasn’t on hand to demo, but it seems like a fantastic idea that fully supports my home theatre addictions check out Sound & Vision’s first look here. I can’t wait to try it out for myself (cough-sneeze-hint-HINT, Dolby). And the coolest thing about Pro Logic IIx or IIz? It’s compatible with any source. For example, my Playstation 3 decodes all audio, from Dolby Digital to DTS-MA, and sends it over to my receiver as PCM. I can then, using IIx tell my receiver to add the extra two channels (or four, using IIz).
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What the helpful Dolby reps were able to point out is that music, movies, and television are mixed for what’s called “reference level.” The perfect volume at which to hear everything in their soundscapes. However, reference level is quite loud. And in normal situations, when one turns down the volume of their receivers, bass drops out and surround channels are less perceivable. To make up for the inability to always listen to content at deafening “reference levels”, Dolby created Dolby Volume (with much thanks from neighbors around the world). Volume allows you to listen to audio quietly, but still experience your content as it was meant to be heard. Crisp surround, and accurate bass depth at any level. Dolby Volume also stabilizes sound inputs. Hate it when the commercials come on (thanks to football season, even DVR connoisseurs are watching advertisements), and you have to grab the remote to lower the sound? Dolby Volume keeps your TV at one constant level, regardless of what’s thrown at it, whether it’s cable, Blu-ray, or even Internet streaming and downloads. One level. All sources.
For Laptop Owners (and Dorm Room Dwellers)
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Oddly enough, I left the home theatre section of the tour, and was introduced to a product called Dolby Home Theater, which is available on Sony, HP, and Toshiba laptops / desktop PCs. With heavily compressed content downloaded onto on PCs, Dolby Home Theater’s job is to upgrade your computer into capable source of quality audio (Have you ever actually listened to your laptop’s built-in speakers? Rubbish!). Dolby Home Theater adds in lost high and low frequencies (common to MP3s) and improves the experience of using headphones, or even connecting your PC to a full surround sound system. My demo was ’Top Gun,’ downloaded off iTunes in SD. In Dolby Home Theater, wearing only headphones, the geniuses at Dolby, using Pro Logic IIx technology, tricked my brain into thinking I was watching a movie in 5.1. It was stunning.
For Mobile Phones Addicts
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The surprise of the day, in regards to quality, was in the mobile department. Dolby reps informed me that stereo music is mixed with the idea that you hear both speakers in both ears at the same time. It’s that overlap, and distance from the speakers that gives it a three dimensional, stereophonic feel. But, when we listen to (highly compressed digital) music, and we separate the channels by putting one in each ear, we’re not hearing the music properly. Using suite of sound options built into the audio playback of a phone (in this case, the LG enV Touch), I listen to Radiohead both with Dolby Mobile on, and off. And the difference was startling. With no Dolby, the music felt like it was in the center of my brain, and though it was accurate, it was flat. With Dolby Mobile activated, it literally seamed as though I wasn’t wearing headphones at all, but rather sitting in a room, enjoying full sized speakers. Truly excellent. Also, I was able to demo a movie on a Nokia phone. Though ’House of Flying Daggers’ should never be seen on a 2” screen, I was again amazed as to how I could hear full surround out of stereo headphones.
For Gamers
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Three words: Best. For. Last. I’ll openly admit to loving video games, yet I’m a terrible player. If Dolby Mobile was the biggest “quality not expected” surprise of the day, Dolby Digital Live and Dolby Axon are revolutionary and spellbinding.
First, Dolby Digital Live is already in use on many games (this room was outfitted with a PS3 and a fresh copy of “Batman: Arkham Asylum”). The way it works is that your favorite games have thousands of mono or stereo sounds files ready to fire on cue. The game also knows where you are in its universe. Mapping your position (where you stand, which direction you’re looking, your environment, etc), Dolby Digital Live mixes a 5.1 surround sound experience instantly and on the fly to immerse you in the action.
Dolby’s next thought was, okay, so these games sound fantastic, but what about online gaming? What is the next step?
Both consoles and PCs allow gamers to chat with teammates and enemies alike. Dolby next wants to mix players’ voices into full surround sound. Think about it. You’re playing Halo, and you not only hear your enemy stalking you from behind (from your left rear speaker), but also that he’s talking to his team, which answers (from the right rear). Having surround sound not only becomes immersive and exciting, but it’s also an advantage (well, until everyone gets surround sound at which point it’ll just be one of many gaming obstacles).
The challenge is that this audio, taken from low quality / various volume microphones, doesn’t measure up to professionally recorded files already in the game. Dolby AXON steps in to take all the audio from every person playing, whether it’s a handful or few hundred, send it to the host server, equalize it, and instantly send back a surround sound mix.
But what if it’s not just about the sound exhibiting the gaming? What if sound is plot? What if sound is strategy? For instance, take a “proximity mine.” Step too close and it explodes. In an unreleased, in-house Dolby demo, your proximity mine also has a speaker on it. Drop your trap, hide in safety and talk into your microphone to draw out enemies, whose own surround sound systems have told them where you should be. Or what if, as another example, you could leave behind a “bug” to hear conversations far away from where you’re playing? And, that these bugs would retain the environment’s ambience (perhaps a muffled sound if you were listening through a door)?
The future of gaming, for Dolby, for you and I, isn’t just sound serving the game, but sound, and surround sound, becoming an inseparable part of playing the game. This is simply revolutionary, and makes gaming even more life-like.
Well, that’s all, folks. An hour with Dolby, and tons of products for each and every one of us, in almost all aspects of audio-based entertainment. Everyone knows Dolby does surround sound well, but they’re growing beyond expectations. Evolving. A fascinating, dynamic company, unwilling to rest on their laurels, and instead, charging boldly into the future.
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HDD Production Focus: HD Makes Indies Like 'Greener Mountains' Possible
Fri Sep 04, 2009 at 02:45 PM ETTags: Michael S. Palmer (all tags)
High-Def Digest takes a look at high-def production and the way it's helped independent companies like Waterfall Films launch professional productions with limited budgets.
by Michael S. Palmer
Popcorn pops. Lights dim. A screen illuminates. And the sound soars. No, friends, you aren’t at the multiplex. You’re at home, sinking into your favorite chair with family and friends. Perhaps there’s a projector, or maybe a shiny new LCD you just snagged at Best Buy.
Home theater in high definition, a modern wonder that nearly rivals the cinema experience, allowing you to devour high-def content from satellite, cable, downloads, and the current king of resolution kings: Blu-ray.
But have you ever wondered how all this high definition goodness ends up on your screens? Ever watched a terrible flick and said to yourself, I don’t know how to do it, but I could sure as blazes do better than THAT!
Many do. And thanks to emerging technology, the ability to tell a visual story is readily accessible. Yet, for some, a short film on YouTube isn’t enough. These ambitious folks want need to make a *film* destined for the big screen and home theater.
And so begins our tale of two friends, Adam Selkowitz and Hector Hill. Actors by trade, living in Los Angeles, they wanted the same thing everyone in tinsel town wants: more control. Not for ego’s sake, but in order to create the kind of movies they passionately wanted to make. Their dreams lead to the creation of Waterfall Films in 2002, with Hill penning the company’s first script. Two full years of backbreaking work followed as they gathered just over $1 Million dollars to make 'Greener Mountains,' a charming family film about a young man who learns age old lessons about the importance of home and remaining true to one’s self.
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An interesting side note: the two actors didn’t perform in their own movie. By this time, they were Producers. And for those who don’t understand all those mysterious “Produced By” credits up on the screen, don’t fret. Produceris a difficult job to categorize, because it’s all encompassing. Directors often get an author-like “Film by” credit for their work, and while that’s a topic worthy of debate, many times it’s simply not true. Producers are energetic, hardworking individuals who build movies from the ground up. One-part storyteller, in helping writers make their scripts work better. One-part salesman, in finding financing through Hollywood studios or independent means. And one-part general, as they're the ones who hire directors and along with that director, the cast and crew.
So Selkowitz and Hill have a million dollars. Gosh, that sounds great. Time to make your epic. Only in the feature film world, a million dollars, sadly, doesn’t go that far. For perspective, an hour-long (which is really only 44 minutes) prime time television drama can cost over $2 Million per episode, or direct-to-video sequels/remakes can cost anywhere from $3-5 Million each.
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That leaves our first-time producers in a situation where they can make their dreams come true, but they need to be smart and economical with their funds. Which obviously leads to the question: shoot Greener Mountains in high definition video, or on traditional 16 or 35mm film?
Many think HD vs. Film is an easy choice. That HD is a vastly cheaper medium than film stock, which is misleading, says Selkowitz. It’s nothing grand like half-off, but the producers figured they eventually saved about 10% by choosing HD. This may not seem like a whole lot, but imagine being able to buy 10% more groceries every week for the same price. Further, the old independent film standby, 16mm, looks terrible on Blu-ray, thanks to grain that's twice the size of 35mm film, though newer film stocks are trying to fix this issue.
What was the deciding factor that landed Waterfall in the HD camp? Selkowitz did do a cost comparison, which showed potential for savings, but it wasn’t money. Well, not exactly. It was his experienced crew.
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Not all DPs, or Directors of Photography, are created equal. And those less capable might more easily succumb to high definition’s limitations, such as “blown out” (overexposed) whites. Hill and Selkowitz found HD pros by attracting the talent of four time Emmy® Nominee Lee Shallat Chemel, who at the time was directing Fox’s 'Arrested Development,' which was already being made in HD. Chemel brought in her ace DP, Greg Harrington. Together, Chemel and Harrington convinced Waterfall that HD was the best choice.
The odd fact of course regarding the savings is that it’s not what you’re shooting on, or even literally what you are filming that is the most expensive commodity in filmmaking. It’s time. Every minute or day wasted in low budget movies comes right off the finished, final product. But with HD, recorded to tape, Waterfall Films was able to shoot an entire feature film in only 23 days. Compare that to the months typical Hollywood studio pictures take to complete. HD, Selkowitz says, allows you to be versatile (catch up, change directions) and even integrate different levels of HD with greater ease (such as a consumer HD camcorder).
'Greener Mountains' was shot with Sony’s F900 camera (now part of the CineAlta series) utilizing Panavision film lenses, which George Lucas used for 'Star Wars Episode II' (the first major motion picture to be shot 100% digitally), Robert Rodriguez used for 'Sin City,' and most recently, Michael Mann used for his period crime epic, 'Public Enemies.' Although the film is currently available only on standard definition DVD*, the results are impressive, with much of the credit going to DP Harrington who, with a loyal camera assistant in their own free time, captured various “insert shots” and material for the opening title sequence. There’s some marvelous early morning nature photography on display.
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Much of the movie actually looks like film, rather than HD, which brought up an interesting conversation with Selkowitz. Since the rise of digital video/editing a decade ago, is it surprising that digital cinema, or high definition in general, is embraced not for its own intrinsic qualities, but rather its ability to emulate film? Think about it. Every “widescreen” YouTube short wants to be the next 'Pulp Fiction,' or 'Star Wars.' Add to this many televisions that can display 24P (which matches the 24 frames-per-second rate at which film runs through a projector).
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The zenith of story telling aesthetics, at this time, remains that film look, which makes the work of directors like Michael Mann, who has shot HD for 'Collateral,' 'Miami Vice,' and 'Public Enemies,' stand alone. Mann’s movies are clearly video, which aesthetically may not work for some viewers because it doesn’t have that film feeling. With classics like 'The Wizard of Oz' approaching their 70th anniversaries, it’s no wonder the feeling of watching film is so ingrained in our culture and subconscious. The question remains, how much longer will this last?
As for 'Greener Mountains,' Selkowitz spoke of the need in the Indie world, when trying to obtain that elusive, coveted “theatrical distribution” (plays in movie theatres), to help any potential distributor feel like they have a film in their hands, regardless of the original medium. Otherwise, your movie is destined for the small screen.
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Selkowitz is fully in the HD camp now (he’s open to film, but will most likely lean towards HD productions). In addition to on set bonuses, the postproduction process is streamlined in the always-digital pipeline, not to mention through color correction, the ability to achieve just about any desired aesthetic. Yet, despite its wonders, Selkowitz cautions first-timers of HD’s limitations. The key to taking advantage of this impressive technology is finding and listening to experts in the medium, as HD can be much less forgiving than film. For example, in trying to tweak one night scene, Selkowitz spoke of the challenge trying to bring out areas of the screen where the video camera had not recorded enough information (definition). In film, with its millions of grains versus the thousands of pixels in HD, it would have been easier to improve upon an image that appeared too light or dark.
Regardless of its challenges, the all-digital High Definition motion picture has been evolving over the last decade and is here to stay. Thanks to its inherent flexibility both in production, postproduction, and distribution, high-def is a key factor in allowing independent filmmakers to bring their cinematic dreams to both the large and small silver screens.
*(editor's Note - 'Greener Mountains' is currently only available to own on DVD, but be on the lookout for future HD broadcasts on StarzHD. A Blu-ray or HD digital download may eventually be in the works, depending on the domestic and foreign distributors wants/needs.)
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A Cost-Conscious Renters Guide For Building Your High-Def Home Theater
Tue Jun 30, 2009 at 04:30 PM ETTags: HD Gear, High-Def Retailing, Michael S. Palmer (all tags)
High-Def Digest walks you through a series of tips and tricks for putting together an impressive high-def home theater setup that won't break the bank or cost you your deposit!
By Michael S. Palmer
“I live in apartments. Two story town homes. Condos. Even houses. I live alone. I have roommates. I am single. I am married. I live in the top floor. I live in the basement. I have neighbors above, below, and next-door.
Hello, my name is Renter. And I am an HD-junkie.”
Hello Renter,
It starts so innocently. I know. You see an HDTV for the first time -- maybe in a store, maybe at a friend’s home -- and you know you want it. No… you can’t possibly live without it. Bright and clear and seemingly perfect.
So you pick up a new HDTV, bring in an HD-DVR from your cable or satellite provider, and bam, you’re up and running. Only not. The truth of the matter is that TV speakers are lifeless, and high-def from your cable company isn't always as top notch as you might like it to be (think 720p). Oh, and now that you have a big screen you notice that DVDs aren’t quite as sharp as they used to be. Yep. It’s time for Blu-ray. And dynamic speakers.
In a utopian paradise, this is where you would draw up blueprints, rip out walls, build a soundproof, acoustically magnificent, room-within-a-room, and come home every night to a dedicated home theatre. A 1080p projector shines on a 150-inch screen. Audio and video cables hide in your walls. And your seats are those D-Box Motion Code recliners where you literally sit ON the subwoofer.
But sadly, Renters, you don’t have free reign. You live in an apartment directly over the building managers (an aging couple who need to shout their conversations because they’re both deaf, yet somehow, you tip-toeing across your floor they can hear). You put down expensive deposits and you hope to get most of it back. And you’re not even ready for the ultimate system, because who has many thousands of extra dollars sitting around, collecting dust?
Hello, real world.
But Renter, this shouldn’t stop you from having an amazing home theatre. When you’re ready to dip your toe in the HD waters, try these steps and cost-saving tips. Done right, and with a wee bit of luck, you’ll do this under budget and without forfeiting your deposit.
STEP 1: PREP
RESEARCH: Scour the internet. There are tons of forums, blogs, and audio/visual recources to help you out. All online. Available for free. Peak around, find the ones you like, then read product reviews, ratings, and recommendations. Learn prices, technical specs, and what you might want (Satellite, bookshelf, or floor-standing speakers? How many HDMI inputs do you need? What about audio? 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound?).
SET AN ACHIEVABLE GOAL FOR YOUR BUDGET: As an example, let’s say we want to watch 1080p HD video on Blu-ray, play video games, and experience the sonic firepower of uncompressed digital audio in surround sound. But shopping for HD home theatre gear can be like house hunting -- never fall in love with something you can’t afford. And the great news is there’s a system for just about every budget. So, find a comfortable number, and stick to it. That’s your ceiling. End of discussion.
TV TIP: To truly enjoy 1080p video, you need two things: a capable TV, and a screen large enough for your viewing distance. The home theatre gods over at THX have some great advice. For a cinema feel, avoid smaller than 50 or 60 inches, if possible.
A/V RECEIVER TIP: Research receivers’ THD (Total Harmonic Distortion), which is noise/static caused as volume increases. You want a rating between .01% - .08%.
DEMO BEFORE YOU BUY: Speakers aren’t universally appealing to everyone’s ears. Certain receivers are more for music reproduction, others are more geared towards cinephiles. You need to test everything in person. Decide for yourself what sounds best to you. This is a big purchase. And you need to live with it and hopefully love it for a very long time.
DEMO TIP: Bring your own media, both music and movies that you know and love, which have wide dynamic ranges (low, midrange, and high notes), and active surround sound effects. And don’t be disappointed if you can’t get a multi-channel surround test of every system. If you find a front pair that you love, you’ll probably enjoy the center and surrounds from that same brand/model line.
WHERE TO DEMO: You have THREE options. Harass friends who already have gear in your price range, walk into a Big Box Store (Best Buy etc.), or find a home theatre specialist/custom installer.
BIG BOX STORES vs. HOME THEATRE SPECIALIST: Renter, can you walk into Best Buy, find a sales associate, give him or her a budget, and walk out with a middle to high end surround sound set up? Definitely. I’ve met many Best Buy/Magnolia employees who are passionate and knowledgeable (also, they do not work for commission), but you still need to walk in knowing your stuff.
For my hard-earned dollar, after one great experience with a smaller, boutique, professional installer, you’ll never go back. Not only can they match and beat prices in the big box stores, but you’re often dealing directly with the owner who can actually make deals. And, in our troubling times, it feels pretty damned good helping out Main Street over a mega-corporation.
Specialists and installers live for home theatre. They have to, or they go out of business. They’ll introduce you to brands you didn’t see in your research, and they often know more about what you actually need, than what you think you need, which saves you money. Big box stores seem driven to push you up into better more expensive models, where a specialist wants to give you exactly what you need for the money and space you have.
HOW TO FIND A REPUTABLE HOME THEATRE SPECIALIST: Fire up one or more of those audio/visual forum you found during research. Reach out to enthusiasts in your community for personal recommendations. Remember to always search for any question you have before posting a new one. And don’t worry if some specialty places are snobby when you’re not spending mega-bucks. You’ll just leave. The smart ones know a young renter purchasing his first system will want to come back to buy the bigger system someday if he’s satisfied.
STEP 2: SAVING GREEN
RECYCLE GEAR: What do you have that can be used in the new system? Maybe you have a receiver that’s a couple years old, or some leftover bookshelf speakers suitable for your rear surround sounds.
KNOW YOUR COSTS: Find the cheapest price online, and use that as your starting line for haggling. If a retailer won’t beat the price, walk away.
BUY THE WHOLE SYSTEM AT ONCE: The more you buy, the more a retailer can toss in free accessories, or overall discounts. When you’re ready to have a complete surround sound system. Take the plunge.
CASH: Credit Cards charge companies for their services. If you pay by cash or check, some retailers are willing to pass the savings onto you.
LAST YEAR’S GEAR: Retailers are always getting in newer models. If you play it right, or just happen to be lucky, a retailer will give you a discount on last year’s gear to clear out their storerooms.
FLOOR MODELS: Wouldn’t recommend this for HDTVs, given the amount of in-store abusage, but definitely check out available demo speakers. They’re probably the exact system you just evaluated and loved. The trick here is to see how the store maintains and cares for its equipment. If everything looks up to par, take them home (they usually come with a full manufacturers warranty).
WHERE NOT TO CHEAP OUT: Put money into your center channel. In movies especially, so much information is delivered from that one speaker.
NECESSARY POWER WATTAGE: Do you really need 130 or 140watts per channel? Speaking from a personal experience, a home theatre specialist recommended a receiver with 100watts/channel for my apartment. So I dropped down to a less powerful unit, and saved hundreds of dollars. And believe me, I haven’t even begun to turn my system up to full strength, yet it’s deafeningly loud and showing no signs of strain or distortion.
SUBWOOFER OPTIONAL?: This one goes out to my cousin, Apartment Building Renter. If you live above someone, they probably won’t enjoy thundering bass exploding over their heads and shaking their walls. Save a few hundred bucks by finding floor-standing front speakers that have BUILT-IN subwoofers (Definitive Technology is one company that does this). They won’t be quite as powerful as a stand-alone sub, but they come pretty close.
5.1 IS STILL AWESOME: 7.1 is all the rage in Blu-ray capabilities, but let’s be clear here. Stay at a very immersive 5.1 set up, and you just saved on the cost of two speakers, and the hassle of running two more speaker lines. Further, 7.1 is not a consistent feature on Blu-rays, and if you run a 5.1-mixed movie on your 7.1 system, no sound will come out of the two rear speakers (unless you activate you’re a/v receiver’s artificial signal processing to do so. But why would you want to alter a professional, uncompressed mix? An amazing team of artists worked long hours to make the 5.1 perfect.).
ACCESSORY MARK UP: Do not buy Monster Cables, or any brand for that matter in a big box store (even Radio Shack). It’s literally like burning money. Truck on over to Monoprice.com. They have everything from HDTV wall mounts, speaker wire, HDMI cables, and surge protectors, at wholesale prices.
MORE INTERNET SHOPPING: Renters, we need to share our love for Amazon.com. Nine times out of ten, their prices are significantly lower than brick and mortar big box stores (Blu-rays especially). If you can’t find a deal for the gear that you loved, order it online. Many items have free shipping, and (in California at least) it’s TAX FREE. The only trouble is being able to hold back that “I want it now” temptation of going to a store.
PS3: Want Blu-ray (with every HD Audio codec supported including DTS-MA, Dolby TrueHD, and Linear PCM), DVD playback, media server / internet capabilities, and access to truly life-like games? It’s all in one system. The PS3. Hands down the fastest, most capable Blu-ray player on the market for its price. One drawback, however, is that it doesn’t have streaming capabilities for things like Hulu or Netflix (without 3rd party software), but hopefully this is only temporary.
HD AUDIO TIP: If you do get a PS3, to experience uncompressed audio, you need an a/v receiver that has at the very least 1 HDMI input, and 1 HDMI output. But you’ll probably want more inputs for other/future devices.
STEP 3: FAMILY FRIENDLY & CALIBRATE, CALIBRATE, CALIBRATE
FAMILY FRIENDLY (AKA, GIRLFRIEND PROOF): Sorry ladies, but let’s be honest, pure terror ran across my mother’s or girlfriend’s faces when they saw 8 remotes on a coffee table. Take a bit of that money you saved, and get a computer programmable universal remote. The Logitech Harmony series is cheap for beginners, and easy to program/use on a daily basis. Problem solved (marriage saved).
PS3 REMOTE TIP: Logitech now has an accessory to run the PS3 with their Harmony remotes. You’ll need this because the PS3 game controllers and remote (sold separately) use Bluetooth.
CALIBRATION: It’s running. It looks and sounds good, but Renter, time to make your system hit peak performance, for which you have two options. Hire a professional (best results, but expensive), or do it yourself (cheap, but might not be perfect). If you can live with ‘good enough’, you can pick up a calibration disc like DVE HD Basics for under $20, or if you happen to have a Blu-ray with the THX logo, one of the menu options will be a calibration process called the “THX Optimizer.” Another good choice is Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark. Simple and easy to achieve great picture and perfect sound.
SPEAKER PLACEMENT TIP: Thanks again, THX.
SPEAKER WIRE TIP: Since you can’t run wires through walls, your best bet is to hide audio wires under a rug, along the floorboard, or behind bookshelves/furniture. Another (more expensive) option is to get wireless system for the surrounds, so there aren’t any rear wires. There are drilling and other installation options as well, but again the costs are high, and you have to fix it all before you leave. You can always have whatever you want. It’s just never free.
SETTING THE CROSSOVER TIP: It’s important when you have a subwoofer to tell the receiver, even if you have floor-standing speakers, that you have small speakers. This ensures that the subwoofer will handle the lower frequencies (usually below 80Hz).
NEIGHBOR FRIENDLY: There are certainly an infinite number of tiny tweaks you can make, but we’re renting, and living in the real world. This is just about getting you started. But, it’s very important as you are testing out and enjoying your cinematic wunderkind (side tangent: in addition to rolling out the red carpet for Blu-rays, try watching sports or playing your favorite video game in surround sound. You’ve been missing half the experience) to turn it up and talk to your neighbors. Is the sound or the bass bleeding through a little or a lot? Learn your limitations and be respectful, because some day you could live next to someone who never sleeps, and spent more money than you on speakers.
Good luck, and enjoy. I never knew how much of the music or movies I was missing until I purchased my first surround system that included floor-standing front speakers. And as for the best review my system ever received? My girlfriend lost 50% of the hearing in her right ear a few years ago, but these speakers are so clear she can actually hear in both ears.
Remember, Renter, you are not alone in your addictions, and this is only the first step in your home theatre journey.
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