Sony Pictures isn't the only one that won't down-rez
Last week I discovered that Sony Pictures won't down-rez over
component on the upcoming High Definition DVD standards. I had hoped that other studios would follow their lead and
it appears that they have. According to some well respected members of the AVSForum, Fox, Paramount, Disney, and Sony
won't down-rez. The other studios have not made an announcement yet include Universal, Warner and Lions Gate. Insiders
indicate a 50/50 chance that each will decided to cripple their movies over component. I for one wonder if most people will even notice the down-rezzing. If you connect a 540p to most TV's it is detected as 1080i and the TV will indicate that the current resolution is 1080i. The player may indicate to them what it is outputting, but most won't notice if the player doesn't tell them. Of course this doesn't go for any HDBeat readers but as you all know you guys are not "most people".
Filed under: Programming, Industry
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Addex @ Mar 13th 2006 8:55AM
Is Universial with BD or HDDVD?
pete @ Mar 13th 2006 11:22AM
I think this is all a ploy to prevent intial outrage and to quell confusion of the formats. The industry will implement downrez once a standard is chosen or when demand is high enough.
For now, its good news.
Ben Drawbaugh @ Mar 13th 2006 11:30AM
Universal is with HD-DVD but both standards use AACS.
Jeff Johnson @ Mar 13th 2006 12:02PM
Good news, but i suspect the truth will only prevail once we see the actual product. For the most part, since there are no consumer HD DVD / BD burning systems out there that have component-input as a source, then really they have no immediate problem with transport stream theft thru the wires, they are making the right choice.
Really the consumer is not what they should fear anyhow, its the rogue production house that has commerical HD systems that can rip this stuff once its released.
Johnny @ Mar 13th 2006 12:31PM
Wait, are you saying that motion picture companies have the opportunity to screw us consumeres and they're not taking it? Now I'm all confused. You think you know someone...
c.Lake @ Mar 13th 2006 4:20PM
Whatever Hollywood! I hear you talking, but I don't believe you. Not ONE word.
Ikari @ Mar 14th 2006 11:55AM
In the meantime, we will get full quality over component.
In the near future, studios may allow their discs to be full HD compatible in fear of losing sales over the presence of mandatory "may be downscaled to crap-o-vision" labels on the covers.
In the longterm, a court ruling could slam the door shut on Hollywood's attempt to take away your right to fair use, and their ability to STEAL your money by remotely disabling your product(s).
Go to hell AACS with your geek fascism.