Sony shines light on Blu-ray DVD plans | CNET News.com
Format Wars
In the ever changing entertainment market new technology is the lifeblood that ensures future profitability. We all know the story of VHS and Betamax, DVD and Divx, not to mention the hoards of other competing entertainment formats that have come out over the years.
DVD has been a huge success for businesses and consumers. Providing some of the best digital entertainment money can buy. Enhanced sound and picture to match televisions that until recently never saw their specs pushed to the limit.
DVD is quickly approaching a decade of supremacy on our media shelves. Some people have only just begun to get rid of their VHS collections. And in the bowels of the entertainment industry a rumbling is beginning. They are hoping to catch up with what many technophiles already know, DVD doesn't have the level of quality necessary to match output with the resolution on High Definition television sets. Rather traditional DVD discs don't have the capacity necessary to hold a HD quality movie.
The movie companies know that once the number of HD TV's move past the early adopters, consumers are going to be looking for content. Satellite and Cable companies have already been scrambling to provide HD programming. The studios don't want to be left out in the cold when that day comes.
Of course, every electronics company wants to own the licensing on whatever technology is used. Sony backed Betamax, minidisc, and host of other less than popular and ultimately failed formats. While they have been successful with a host of other technologies this time they aren't leaving things to chance. As one of the nine founding companies promoting the new Blu-ray Disc technology Sony is certain they are backing a winner.
HD DVD is a rival format also seeking to come out on top. Who knows who will win? In this very competitive market it is likely we won't ever see any product released from studios until it is decided. Companies are loath to have their catalog on competing formats the disasters of which some learned during the DVD vs. Divx days not so long ago.
Technical specifics on both formats are hard to come by. So for now, we wait with baited breath to see who comes out ahead. Actually, most people don't know about this little battle and it won't really matter until Winter 2005 when studios begin to release content and consumer electronics companies put their boxes on the shelves.
ORIGIN - Ultima Online
It seems like ages ago when I first joined the world of Ultima Online. For six months I reviewed this newly made MMORPG (massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game). Ultima was a solid name in the role playing game universe and it was a sure bet it would be successful. It has been successful, and many claim it is the single most successful MMORPG to date. However, after finishing my assignment I canceled my subscription and moved on to the next new thing. Personally, the game didn't grab me to the tune of 12.99 a month and I should've been a target audience for this game. Instead it quickly lost my interest and I've never been back. (Read the original review here.)
Until now.
Countless Expansion packs later I've returned to revisit the world of Britain. There are a host of improvements that have caught my eye. Whether it can hold my attention for more than a few weeks remains to be seen. Of course, I will have an updated review of my experiences with Ultima Online but I have to say I'm having more fun this time around. The 3d graphical improvements don't make the game feel so dated. And there seems to be more to do this time around. It'll be a tough sell though, getting me to stick around longer than my introductory free first month.
Electronics - Find, Compare and Buy at BizRate
Sunday Tech Ads
This time of the year the Sunday tech Ad's become rather bland. If you need good deals on almost anything they can be found at a variety of stores from Best Buy and Good Guys to Fry's and Sam Goody. The best deals at this time of year will probably be found on-line. Of all the on-line sources for price comparisons and purchasing I tend to look at bizrate.com.
Their interface works well. They have a wide selection of products. Their search engine turns up a variety of stores complete with rankings and price comps. There are many deals to be had both online and in your neighborhood store as long as you're willing to do a little homework first. Keeps your eyes peeled and let me know if you find any truly remarkable bargains.
