The Blu-ray 2.0 spec (or
BD Live) is just around the corner, and the "father of Java" thinks it won't disappoint. Sun Microsystems VP and fellow James Gosling calls it "mind-blowing" and we should see demonstrations of developers have achieved at the JavaOne conference in May.
Top Tech News also quoted an analyst about the possibilities of the Blu 2.0 future, and what we could see this summer, from online chat with others watching the same movie, or the ability to offer downloads that re-edit a movie to block unwanted scenes. That all sounds nice, and we can't wait for the
BD-J upgrades on our PS3's and new players from
Panasonic and
Sony, but we can't help wondering what it would have been like if someone launched online-capable HD players nearly two years ago. Yeah, that would've been sweet.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John @ Mar 8th 2008 5:28PM
You mean like what HD DVD players offered since day 1 ? Media buy-out and public brainwashing works wonders, doesn't it ? It wasn't cool until Blu-Ray finally got around to do it... 2 years later.
Spiza @ Mar 8th 2008 6:15PM
sarcasm (sr'kāz'əm) Pronunciation Key
n.
1. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
2. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
Camperton @ Mar 8th 2008 7:37PM
Well I hope he was also being sarcastic when he wrote "the ability to offer downloads that re-edit a movie to block unwanted scenes. That all sounds nice". Because thats bullshit. It ain't "nice" at all.
Camperton @ Mar 8th 2008 7:45PM
Also, who will approve these "cleaned up" versions. I doubt the DGA will ever allow it without director approval on a case by case basis. Unless they put a policy in place like the "this movie has been formatted to fit your screen" thing, but this goes way beyond that... "this movie has been chopped apart to protect your delicate sensibilities".
Sam Winter @ Mar 8th 2008 8:36PM
Who cares about all this so-called "interactive" crap. People just WANT TO WATCH THE MOVIE for god sakes. Give me the best picture and sound possible, and leave the rest.
Jove @ Mar 9th 2008 3:36AM
@ Sam Winter
Dont let hd dvd supporters hear you! havent you heard the many arguments about that here in the comments pro hd dvd? they talk about that alot as if there was a way to meassure how much people really care for that. i for one dont care but people just need arguments to try to win. ? But anyway, so true what you said.
Hey engadgthd, heres an idea for a new poll. how much do you care about extra things in ur movies? how much often do you watch that special features part or that other disc that they sometimes bring? depending on the results we should tell fanboys of whatever side to shut up about that cuz its seriously annoying to see someone saying all the time "yeah hd dvd had it from day one!" well guess what! it didnt help sell that much!
Jove @ Mar 9th 2008 3:39AM
@ Sam Winter
Dont let hd dvd supporters hear you! havent you heard the many arguments about that here in the comments pro hd dvd? they talk about that alot as if there was a way to meassure how much people really care for that. i for one dont care but people just need arguments to try to win. ? But anyway, so true what you said.
Hey engadgthd, heres an idea for a new poll. how much do you care about extra things in ur movies? how much often do you watch that special features part or that other disc that they sometimes bring? depending on the results we should tell fanboys of whatever side to shut up about that cuz its seriously annoying to see someone saying all the time "yeah hd dvd had it from day one!" well guess what! it didnt help sell that much!
DrXym @ Mar 9th 2008 5:08AM
Actually if you want to get into details, BD-J / Profile 2.0 is *better* than what HD DVD offers. BD-J can do everything HDi can and more. Hell, you could probably implement an HDi runtime *in* BD-J.
But internet access in general is such a marginal feature that I really don't see what the big deal is about.
Reapman @ Mar 9th 2008 2:46PM
@Camperton:
Anyone that says editing out parts of a movie is a bad idea has NOT seen Star Wars Episode 1... DIE JAR-JAR DIE!
:)
Ian @ Mar 8th 2008 5:57PM
"The Blu-ray 2.0 spec (or BD Live) is just around the corner, and the "father of Java" thinks it won't disappoint."
...unless your current Blu-ray player isn't a PS3 and you won't be able to access these "new" features.
"...from online chat with others watching the same movie..."
See: "Harry Potter 5" HD DVD
"...or the ability to offer downloads that re-edit a movie to block unwanted scenes."
See: "300" HD DVD
DrXym @ Mar 9th 2008 5:11AM
Exactly and how useful are those features? Not at all is the answer. BD-Live and interactive HD DVD are and will largely remain a gimmick. The only appeal I see in BD-Live is if Warner / Disney etc. use the 1Gb download facility to toss out a movie / show / cartoon / pop video every week as a bonus.
LiqwidZero @ Mar 8th 2008 5:58PM
"...from online chat with others watching the same movie..."
What's taking BD so long? HD DVD has already accomplished this.
"...or the ability to offer downloads that re-edit a movie to block unwanted scenes..."
What's taking BD so long with this as well? HD DVD has been able to re-arrange movies for a while now, and I bet a blocking feature could have been implemented very easily.
Don't mistake my annoyance for fanboyism, I'm not a fanboy, I am going neutral soon. I'm just annoyed with BD trying to play catchup with something that's had everything that BD is trying to achieve.
I suppose the underachievers will always win.
Jeff N. @ Mar 8th 2008 5:58PM
Sorry, I don't want to chat with people online while I am watching a movie or do I
ever desire to edit out parts of a movie. I guess people are really thrilled about these features. I'm not. And I will likely buy a 2.0 Profile Blu-ray. But will probably never use these features.
Sean @ Mar 8th 2008 11:42PM
Then why buy a 2.0 player at all? If you are not going to use the features, save yourself some money and get a discounted 1.0 player.
Mr. E @ Mar 8th 2008 6:41PM
Agree 100%. I have a PS3, and I don't expect to ever make use of BD-Live features when it's turned on.
Plus, editing out part of the movie? Why on earth would I want to do such a thing? I want to see the movie as the creators intended. As far as family viewing, I'll be keeping my daughter from watching inappropriate movies, period. Just because you edit out profanity, violence, and nudity doesn't make an adult themed movie appropriate for younger viewers. If you're editing it out for yourself, then frankly you're an idiot and you should just stick to watching G rated movies.
minimalist @ Mar 8th 2008 6:44PM
Amen.
With the amount of posturing going on about profile 2.0 and BD-live one would think it would revolutionize the world of film and wipe and wash your butt. Chat and the ability to rearrange chapters does not constitute anything near a revolution. In fact they seem like silly gimmicks to me. And what about the promised games? Need I remind gamers of how bad most franchise games actually are? (Harry Potter, James Bond, Lord of the Rings etc)
Do one thing and do it well is what I say. Good picture and good sound... that's what ultimately matters. Extra features are fine if they actually add something to the understanding of a movie. All the rest is just filler, like trinkets in a happy meal. How this has become such a big deal is beyond me.
Matthew Berg @ Mar 9th 2008 11:34AM
@Mr. E
"Plus, editing out part of the movie? Why on earth would I want to do such a thing? I want to see the movie as the creators intended."
Two words - Phantom Edit. Sometimes the creators have their heads lodged firmly where the sun doesn't shine. ;)
BorisBorf @ Mar 8th 2008 6:32PM
although i would like to see these features (and would like to see the freakin profile 2.0 update for my ps3 already), i fear these ideas will likely go the way of the multiple-angles feature of DVDs.
Mitchell @ Mar 8th 2008 7:13PM
BD is just trying to pump new features into their players to keep there prices inflated. If they just focus on the core business (quality video and audio) and reducing costs, leading to lower hardware prices they would make ALOT more money! isn't that the goal? I guess not, they want to add worthless features that people/studios wont use in 2-3 years...and prevent mass adaption.
I like how BorisBorf brought up multi angles. When i first discovered that feature on DVD, I thought this is going to be awesome. Then when i discovered no studio actually used it and when they did it was sub-par experience i never use it anymore!
Mitchell
minimalist @ Mar 9th 2008 11:13AM
I totally agree. There is a HUGE gulf between the potential of a feature and a truly inspired implementation of that feature. And mostly studios just aren't willing to put the time and effort into these add ons to make them worthwhile.
Meld @ Mar 8th 2008 7:30PM
I just want to see a movie. Not play a game. Not chat with unkown people also watching the movie. Not see other Blu-ray trailers.
mntwister @ Mar 8th 2008 7:36PM
The reason that there was no big press until now is because Toshiba had no idea how to promote anything, aside from the fact that this system has far more promise and capability. If you are a programmer or know about code, check the Sun site and the specs, and some other tech sites. There's no comparison between the two. Microsoft's was cheaper and much less future proof. It was designed with a limit, this system was not. You will start seeing capabilities that hd-dvd could never have. Thank God blu-ray won. Sure, Implementation was slower, but then it always is when there is more capability and a better system.
Yes, hd-dvd was HDI ready from day one. We certainly have heard that so many times it's engraved in our minds now. Please tell us 10,000 more times, we still need to hear it every day , LOL. Dam, I thought the fanboys were gone when the war was over, now they linger on to curse the blu skies. Foolish me to think it would end.
John @ Mar 8th 2008 8:06PM
Yeah, right. The same Java that makes you wait 3 minutes on your Sony player just so you can get to the freakin' movie. Is that an advanced feature too ? Do they call it the "take a piss before watching the movie feature" ?
SamiSin @ Mar 8th 2008 7:50PM
Bla bla bla bla.
"You will start seeing capabilities that hd-dvd could never have."
That is just a load of bullcrap.
Of course there will new capabilities; owning a Blu-ray player will soon be like owning a PC. Every two years you have to upgrade it to be able to take part of new features in movies (PC = games).
shawnmos @ Mar 8th 2008 8:24PM
Can't wait!
1stGreg @ Mar 8th 2008 8:44PM
Woah, the HD DVD fanboys are back in force. Tools much?
Comparing HDi to Java is comparing Apples to Oranges.
The scope of HDi was much -much- more limited than Java, and in the end, once developpers start actualy using the language on BRD (hence the developping tools recently reported), we will see interactive apps much more advanced than what HD DVD ever could have proposed.
The cheap shot about being "online" first is stupid, because Java in itself is not just about being "online".
It's about both the Java portion, a real language , -and- the online interactivity.
Well, in the end, wether you like it or not, HD DVD failed, and is 2 feet under ground.
It's time to deal with it (both the fanboys -and- the author of the article).
DrXym @ Mar 9th 2008 5:18AM
Disks like Ratatouille demonstrated that BD-J in profile 1.0 was capable of some pretty slick interactive content. And 1.1, 2.0 just add to that. Most of the whining about the network abilities seems to come from HD DVD fanboys latching onto a fairly minor feature which was pretty pathetic in HD DVD and will be pretty pathetic in Blu Ray. Yippee so we can visit Warner's generic portal. Funnily enough people with internet capabilities would have a computer if they want to do that.
I think it's more important for players to work on their Java performance in general. There is no excuse for some of the performance issues that some early players suffered when running BD-J content. That and price are far more valid reasons to wait than profile 2.0 players.
HD4ME @ Mar 9th 2008 8:37AM
I seem to recall Paramount saying Java was an unwanted, unneeded additional production cost and a "pig" to work with.
zargon @ Mar 9th 2008 11:16AM
I think the internet is a very important feature for one reason. Updates!
I don't want to download a firmware and burn it to disc every single time a new firmware comes out. I know that it is not that super common, but they are also not that uncommon. I really liked that I could select update firmware right from my HD-DVD player and it did it.
On top of that, there are movie updates. With movies on these formats getting more and more complex, there have been and will be playback issues. Especially with BD's track record with some players and load times with the oh so great BD-J. HD-DVD went out and checked for an update and updated. I never once had a issue playing a HD-DVD, not sure if it was completely attributed to these updates, but I am sure it helped. It would just be nice, especially in this day and age where quality control leaves a lot to be desired since pushing the product out the door is more important that making sure it works properly first.
Glen @ Mar 8th 2008 8:51PM
Sorry, I couldn't put too much credence in an article that, in it's opening paragraph, refers to Java as a "scripting language."
Glen @ Mar 8th 2008 8:55PM
Wow, I go hatin' on another article and then I use "it's" for "its". Doh!
Mark @ Mar 8th 2008 10:40PM
too bad java sucks as a language. You should seriously question a language's usefulness when the most important application written in it is bejeweled(In case you're wondering: yes, I do know that was a hyperbole but java still equals epic fail)
EEL @ Mar 8th 2008 11:03PM
@ Richard Lawler,
"That all sounds nice, and we can't wait for the BD-J upgrades on our PS3's and new players from Panasonic and Sony, but we can't help wondering what it would have been like if someone launched online-capable HD players nearly two years ago. Yeah, that would've been sweet."
Everything was cool until you typed that crap. The war is long over and the subject is dead. If it was an attempt at sarcasm, well you suck at it, or at least should have tried harder. I just want to know what Blu has coming up. I don't come to Engadget HD for the trolls. I come here for the information on the industry and the latest in technology. The fanboys and trolling should be left to others, not the staff.
So make up your mind: Are you a blogger for Engadget HD that's above the B.S. or are you just another sorry troll?
stub2k2 @ Mar 9th 2008 4:02AM
As a HD-DVD fan myself I must admit. I would have been much better off with an HDi capable Blue ray player that Played 50 GB discs for about $250 (halfway between the $100 for the cheapest HD-DVD and cheapest Blu Ray) Might I also add that It is a good thing that HD DVD lost. not because I wanted blu ray to win. BUT, the Combo Discs fromt he red camp have made this a whole lot easier on me. I can still buy combo discs now for $20 or less (about the same I would pay for the normal DVD) and get the HD version and not have to worry about it. if Blu would have lost they would have just been dicked completely. at least I cant flip my HD DVD's over when I wanna watch them at a friends house. alas hindsight is 20/20 and I am sure we all wish Toshiba ans Sony would have made nice in the beginning.
Dave @ Mar 9th 2008 6:16AM
It will be awesome!
misterhearn @ Mar 9th 2008 3:25PM
Its funny to see people call BDJ "better" than what HD DVD offered and yet its not even here and they have no experience with it.
Also funny to consider this news, for the fact that its something a now defunct format spawned a couple years ago.
Sony is good for marketing and hype. I bet when this releases it will seem like it was an original idea.
Ordeith @ Mar 9th 2008 8:16PM
Other than the DRM, Java is the worst thing about Blu-Ray.
Yuck.
mda20 @ Mar 11th 2008 10:15AM
Anything that contains Java is just prure crap. It'll lock up a PC in a heartbeat and this players are no different. Nothing like waiting for two screens of "loading" just to see the menu to press play. As for 2.0, I didn't use it on the HD DVD and It will only be worse on BD.