[Nesh]

Originally Posted by patsu

Sorry, it was CES 2006: ^_^
http://forum.beyond3d.com/showpost.p...07&postcount=1

Now do you know what I mean by "Sony ignored PSP" ?

Thanks.


Kind of sad that Sony had so many opportunities that were left unexploited and often some competition managed to do some before them

[patsu]

Originally Posted by NathansFortune

Well the Disney DRM is sort of the same as what Sony are using for this. What I think the content owners want is a single system that every retail outlet and provider can easily plug into. Look up DECE, that is where the future lies for digital distribution.

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/ele...h-singer-20510

The Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem’s (DECE) UltraViolet concept works off a “buy once, play anywhere” philosophy and already has a mix of nearly 60 content and hardware companies who’ve bought into it.

Home Media Magazine caught up with Mitch Singer, DECE president and chief technology officer for Sony Pictures Entertainment, to discuss the potential impacts UltraViolet will have on the way consumers use their entertainment.

...

HM: What does UltraViolet mean for consumer’s physical and digital content? Do consumers need to be concerned with their content in the cloud?

Singer: The UltraViolet Digital Rights Locker will keep track of all of the consumers’ UltraViolet digital purchases, whether they bought a movie or television show on Blu-ray disc or digital download. UltraViolet does not store the actual content. When a consumer logs in, UltraViolet will verify that the consumer has purchased a film, and will then allow the consumer to stream or download their movies from a participating UltraViolet service.

In regards to physical media, UltraViolet was developed with Blu-ray in mind. Physical media is not going away any time soon, so it was crucial that both offerings complement each other.

Additionally, with the digital entertainment marketplace being as nascent as it is, it was important that DECE establish a framework that would grow in tandem with the physical media market.

HM: Will UltraViolet be compatible with consumer’s existing home entertainment systems? Or will they need to purchase new devices?

Singer: Ensuring backward compatibility was a topic that DECE spent a lot of time discussing. It’s important for our success, but also important to us as consumers.

There will be three ways consumers could potentially take advantage of UltraViolet content on legacy devices:

1) Upgrade firmware for Web-enabled devices (e.g. laptops, gaming consoles)
2) Stream the content to any Web-enabled device
3) Store to physical media (e.g., burn to a DVD)

Hopefully, they integrate Blu-ray Managed Copy with DECE like what Mitch talked about above.

[Shifty Geezer]

Do I understand right, that if I own a BRD film, I'll be able to 'register' it on the cloud and download the same movie to other devices? This would be the ideal solution, but I can't imagine these media companies being that generous, instead wanting to charge us to access content on other devices. If however it's a small fee for a different format, such as £1 to get an mp4 for use on iPod, and another £1 to store on PC, then they'd at least be making something. However, I expect something more like £5 per device.

If this really is 'you are licensed to use your media wherever you want,' then it's the breakthrough we've been wanting and needing.

[patsu]

For media management solutions like DECE, it is extremely important to separate the technical design from the business policies.

Technically speaking, the use case you describe is possible. For Blu-ray, it's more likely to use the built-in Managed Copy facility since all new players support the specs. e.g., if you buy a Blu-ray movie, Managed Copy may allow you to do 1 free backup or portable copy (like right now !) via DECE.

Another example would be the unlimited music for subscribers model.

DECE enables different content and player vendors to work seamlessly together technically (regardless of what policies are used in these players and content). If I understand NathansFortune correctly, Qriocity takes it one step further by negotiating a basic contract for all ahead of time, and associates these contracts with a common (Qriocity) user account.

Ultimately, whether the studios allow Blu-ray owners to download Avatar 3D for free, it's a separate question altogether. I suppose if we cough up enough money for that Blu-ray movie, we might. But I won't make any assumption at all.

[NathansFortune]

Originally Posted by patsu

For media management solutions like DECE, it is extremely important to separate the technical design from the business policies.

Technically speaking, the use case you describe is possible. For Blu-ray, it's more likely to use the built-in Managed Copy facility since all new players support the specs. e.g., if you buy a Blu-ray movie, Managed Copy may allow you to do 1 free backup or portable copy (like right now !) via DECE.

Managed copy or UltraViolet integration wouldn't necessarily be free. I would bet on UV integration coming at a premium when you register your Blu-ray with the service. I think the used game thread is a good precursor to what might happen if it isn't handled correctly. Giving away free UV integration would lead to a massive reduction in value of physical copies which is something studios don't want.

Another example would be the unlimited music for subscribers model.

DECE enables different content and player vendors to work seamlessly together technically (regardless of what policies are used in these players and content). If I understand NathansFortune correctly, Qriocity takes it one step further by negotiating a basic contract for all ahead of time, and associates these contracts with a common (Qriocity) user account.

Ultimately, whether the studios allow Blu-ray owners to download Avatar 3D for free, it's a separate question altogether. I suppose if we cough up enough money for that Blu-ray movie, we might. But I won't make any assumption at all.

Qriocity is a very similar ecosystem to what has been proposed by DECE, it doesn't come as a surprise to me that SPE are at the forefront of DECE and also pushing Qriocity. Allowing third party access to their content network is extremely important though, and this is also the central theme to UV, allowing all parties to sell their wares and maintain compatibility across all brands, iDevices excepted.

[patsu]

There are already bundled digital copy in today's BR movies. Wouldn't it be wise to replace them with DECE/Qriocity ? That way the studios don't have to maintain 2 systems.

[patsu]

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68F1TL20100916

Hirai said there were no plans to consolidate PlayStation Network with the company's Qriocity network, an online movie service in the United States, set to be expanded to Europe.

Not sure what he meant here since PSN user registration includes Qriocity user policies as well. Perhaps the movie libraries will be separate and have different pricing (per item vs subscription).

[AzBat]

1 step forward and 2 steps back? Sound like you might have 2 separate accounts and 2 separate DRM schemes. Man, that's not confusing at all.

Tommy McClain

[patsu]

Hm ? Single sign-on for Qriocity, PSN, and Playstation websites is already here today.

Anyway, here's the PlayMemories 3D photo app:



Now this... they should integrate it with the existing Photo App.

[BadTB25]

That is pretty cool, but for it to be really 3D, shouldn't you be able to pan vertically as well?

[patsu]

He showed multi-angle photos, not 3D photos. If the photgrapher did not capture the vertically elevated perspective, you won't be able to pan the photo up and down. See here for an example using CyberShot (I guess that's why they developed the app).

But typical of a CE manufacturer... instead of integrating with the existing Photo app, they made a small demo title which is not useful enough for daily use.

[rabidrabbit]

Is that PlayMemories app already downloadable from PSN? I haven't seen it and this is the first time I hear about it.

[patsu]

Available in HK and Japan PSN Store only.

[patsu]

http://kotaku.com/5644961/netflix-la...n-canadian-ps3

Canadians are getting a sneak preview today of the disc-less Netflix hitting North America next month as the streaming video service goes live up north.

...

Instead of popping in the Netflix disc, Canadians can simply navigate to the Netflix icon under the video section of the cross media bar, press the X button, and prepare for a whole new way to watch people doing stuff on their television sets.

EDIT: It's reported on the official blog:
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/...-canada-today/

Perhaps 3.50 added this behind the scene.

[Arwin]

Originally Posted by patsu

http://kotaku.com/5644961/netflix-la...n-canadian-ps3



EDIT: It's reported on the official blog:
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/...-canada-today/

Perhaps 3.50 added this behind the scene.

I read that if you make a Canadian account you can try this now if you're in the US ...

[patsu]

I'll wait for October. Ran out of email address to register for another PSN account. I re-applied for Hulu Preview in 3.50 update. Noticed that tha_con got in. Hope I can get in this time.

[NavNucST3]

Just read this from the Bloomberg app:

Sony, Warner, Disney Said to Plan $30 Home Film-Viewing Option

Sept. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. and Walt Disney Co. are in talks with the largest cable TV systems to offer films for as much as $30 per showing soon after they run in theaters.

The studios are talking with In Demand, a partnership of Cox Communications Inc., Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc., Bob Benya, chief executive officer of In Demand, said in an interview. Disney is also discussing streaming films on Web- linked devices such as Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox console and Sony’s Corp.’s PlayStation 3, people with knowledge of the talks said.



There is more to the article. I'm down, $30 is way better than the $100 it cost me now to go see a movie.

[Gradthrawn]

Originally Posted by NavNucST3

Just read this from the Bloomberg app:

Sony, Warner, Disney Said to Plan $30 Home Film-Viewing Option

Sept. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. and Walt Disney Co. are in talks with the largest cable TV systems to offer films for as much as $30 per showing soon after they run in theaters.

The studios are talking with In Demand, a partnership of Cox Communications Inc., Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc., Bob Benya, chief executive officer of In Demand, said in an interview. Disney is also discussing streaming films on Web- linked devices such as Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox console and Sony’s Corp.’s PlayStation 3, people with knowledge of the talks said.



There is more to the article. I'm down, $30 is way better than the $100 it cost me now to go see a movie.

Full Article

Quite interesting. Cost could be quite off putting to many, however, depending on how they handle the restrictions. Then again, I don't think this is aimed at the primary theater going market (based strictly on the price). I haven't been to the movies in years, primarily due to the poor A/V quality in the theaters near me, therefore not being worth the "trouble" of going to see a film there. I tend to just wait for the BD.

I also had no idea there was actually a negotiated "theatrical window" (120 days according to the article).

I'm curious, why is your movie going cost so high? Or were you being sarcastic (I honestly couldn't tell). Are you including cost of food/snacks with that number?

[Shifty Geezer]

Originally Posted by Gradthrawn

I'm curious, why is your movie going cost so high? Or were you being sarcastic (I honestly couldn't tell). Are you including cost of food/snacks with that number?

He's already given a description of costs earlier in ths forum somewhere. Something like $12 a ticket for 4 tickets, plus driving and parking, plus exhorbitant foods when you get to the cinema, or something. Certainly £25 could be equivalent for a 3 adult tickets in the UK, so a group of friends would typically be more economically served watching at home. Plus it's not going to be to damned loud like cinemas, you won't have heads in the way, you can chat through it if it's a silly film that warrants nit-picking, etc. Unless the big screen does it for you, this strikes me as the better experience.

[NavNucST3]

Originally Posted by Gradthrawn

Full Article

Quite interesting. Cost could be quite off putting to many, however, depending on how they handle the restrictions. Then again, I don't think this is aimed at the primary theater going market (based strictly on the price). I haven't been to the movies in years, primarily due to the poor A/V quality in the theaters near me, therefore not being worth the "trouble" of going to see a film there. I tend to just wait for the BD.

I also had no idea there was actually a negotiated "theatrical window" (120 days according to the article).

I'm curious, why is your movie going cost so high? Or were you being sarcastic (I honestly couldn't tell). Are you including cost of food/snacks with that number?

I'm not being facetious I would definitely pay $30 for a first-run at home. For those that are on my friendslist I'm sure you can ask them what it is I do most of the time on my 360 and the answer would be, tv shows...movies...tv shows...games.

Scenarios:

Scenario 1 this is when it is just the wife and me - $35 tickets + $30 childcare + food/drinks (alcoholic beverages) our typical food/drink bill at the theatre has been ~$60 (not including tip) = $125

Scenario 2 this is where we typically go as a family (we haven't been to showplace icon as a family yet): $29 tickets + $18 parking + $35 food/drinks = $82

EDIT:
There is a third scenario when we go to muvico: rosemont 18 which includes valet parking in the premium seating tickets but that is aboout an hour+ away from my home with Chicago traffic being what it is. Every now and then the wife and I will go to Capital Grille to eat since it is almost literally next door but that food bill alone is typically $130-$200 otherwise we will eat at the theatre which is the about the same cost as showplace icon so figure about $60.

Also, my TV is large enough for us to enjoy at 65" we are currently looking at projector based systems and getting anywhere from a 100" - 120" screen which will make the movie experience that much better (assuming they aren't thinking SD quality to appease retail). I also want to add that this is in no way intended as a braggarts post, it is simply where I am in my life.

[patsu]

It's not the first time they conduct this trial, but this may be the largest one to date.

The industry will continue to tune the overall price structure to maximize profit, and minimize impact to their existing channels. The new package is great for families who already subscribe to cable. Not sure if they are going to open this up for non subscribers. I believe NetFlix and other streaming services have also negotiated earlier streaming dates with on-demand streaming companies that have the rights. I think NetFlix CEO mentioned last week that 37% of young people who tried NetFlix dropped their cable plans. The "day and date" streaming will be another feature to fight over by the same companies.

The theater business has stagnated over the years, and physical rental has gone down to 1- 1.50 bucks per night. Studios are worried that the latter will cheapen the movies. Some studio divisions are pursuing "day and date" streaming very aggressively. Sony and Disney are some of the most aggressive ones. I guess that's why they have already set up sophisticated DRM platforms like KeyChest and Qriocity.

It should not be difficult to add this option to existing Blu-Ray players too when they go for a wider launch. The standardized software stack there should help to make it cheaper to support. People who prefer ownership may be affected but it's largely seen by the studios as a separate market.

[Gradthrawn]

Originally Posted by Shifty Geezer

He's already given a description of costs earlier in ths forum somewhere. Something like $12 a ticket for 4 tickets, plus driving and parking, plus exhorbitant foods when you get to the cinema, or something. Certainly £25 could be equivalent for a 3 adult tickets in the UK, so a group of friends would typically be more economically served watching at home. Plus it's not going to be to damned loud like cinemas, you won't have heads in the way, you can chat through it if it's a silly film that warrants nit-picking, etc. Unless the big screen does it for you, this strikes me as the better experience.

Originally Posted by NavNucST3

I'm not being facetious I would definitely pay $30 for a first-run at home. For those that are on my friendslist I'm sure you can ask them what it is I do most of the time on my 360 and the answer would be, tv shows...movies...tv shows...games.

Scenarios:

Scenario 1 this is when it is just the wife and me - $35 tickets + $30 childcare + food/drinks (alcoholic beverages) our typical food/drink bill at the theatre has been ~$60 (not including tip) = $125

Scenario 2 this is where we typically go as a family (we haven't been to showplace icon as a family yet): $29 tickets + $18 parking + $35 food/drinks = $82

Very interesting. In my early comment I stated that this probably isn't targeted at the primary movie going demographic, based on its price. I think I may have underestimated just how big of an audience this could be viable for (which is pretty much any family of 3 or more that also has cable TV).

Originally Posted by Shifty Geezer

Unless the big screen does it for you, this strikes me as the better experience.

I could imagine a family with a nice HDTV having a much better experience at home with this option then the hassle of "movie night". I know I do (but personally couldn't quite justify the cost of this rental since it would typically be for just 1 or 2).

[Shifty Geezer]

Originally Posted by Gradthrawn

I could imagine a family with a nice HDTV having a much better experience at home with this option then the hassle of "move night". I know I do (but personally couldn't quite justify the cost of this rental since it would typically be for just 1 or 2).

I think that's it exactly. Although there becomes an issue for cinemas that if a large part of their audience desides to stay at home, it won't be economically viable to run theatres for the few who will go, meaning a potential collapse of the industry and eventually everyone will have to rent at home. That should also increase Home Cinema sales as without the option of the giant THX certified screen and sounds, people will need to upgrade their home gear to get a better experience.

Well, cinema displaced theatre and left many variety acts unemployable. History suggests the newfangled talkies will change too, and the end of small theatres of any kind looks to be on the cards, with theatre itself becomg a home for stage productions once again.

[Gradthrawn]

Originally Posted by Shifty Geezer

I think that's it exactly. Although there becomes an issue for cinemas that if a large part of their audience desides to stay at home, it won't be economically viable to run theatres for the few who will go, meaning a potential collapse of the industry and eventually everyone will have to rent at home. That should also increase Home Cinema sales as without the option of the giant THX certified screen and sounds, people will need to upgrade their home gear to get a better experience.

Well, cinema displaced theatre and left many variety acts unemployable. History suggests the newfangled talkies will change too, and the end of small theatres of any kind looks to be on the cards, with theatre itself becomg a home for stage productions once again.

I was beginning to wonder if a similar trend could happen, as well, due to options like this. Movie theaters shifting towards smaller, more intimate, and higher quality experiences (for singles and couples) while families shift to watching movie premieres at home. Take, for example, some of the theaters out in Chicago that offer private booths and in movie dining that are reserved for the 18+ crowd (or it may be 21). I forget what chain it is (and they're not showing adult cinema, just your standard movie lineup at any other theater). That would definitely have an overall negative effect in terms of revenue, as the potential demographic for that is much smaller. Total number of theaters too, I suspect would drastically decrease. But, with the higher quality and higher customer expectations comes a higher ticket price. So while the overall audience would be smaller, I think there's room for someone to carve out a profitable niche if handled properly. Personally, that's pretty much what it would take to drag me back out to theaters.

[joker454]

Originally Posted by Gradthrawn

Very interesting. In my early comment I stated that this probably isn't targeted at the primary movie going demographic, based on its price. I think I may have underestimated just how big of an audience this could be viable for (which is pretty much any family of 3 or more that also has cable TV).

At $30 it would be good for two people as well, as that's basically the cost of two tickets and a single drink going to a theater. Add in gas, a second drink and crappier theater quality, and $30 to watch it on a home setup isn't that bad for two people, so long as it's a day and date release with the theater.