For the first time, burn a Blu-ray directly within Final Cut Pro 7
by Richard Lawler 
posted Jul 23rd 2009 at 11:37AM
authoring posts
NetBlender's DoStudio 1.6 Blu-ray authoring solution includes BD Touch support
by Darren Murph posted Dec 4th 2008 at 10:15PM
Back in February, we saw NetBlender blend in Blu-ray support to its DoStudio authoring software. Now, version 1.6 is packing even more BD-related goodness, and it's BD Touch in particular that we're intrigued by. The latest flavor of DoStudio includes expanded capabilities such as Slideshows, Dolby TrueHD support, and BD Touch integration, not to mention a number of workflow enhancements including copy / paste, enhanced asset validation, printable reports, etc. As for BD Touch, this software now gives production outfits (or just entrepreneurial individuals) the ability to bake in support for iPhone control when the disc is played back in a PlayStation 3. The application is available for a $395 monthly rental fee, $2,495 for a 1-year license or $6,995 for a permanent license.[Thanks, Jason]
Inlet Technologies and NetBlender team up to help smaller studios go Blu
by Steven Kim posted Sep 19th 2008 at 8:45PM
It looks like Sonic Solutions isn't the only one bringing new Blu-ray production tools to market -- plenty of smaller studios just want an easier way to jump into Blu-ray titles, not necessarily flashier BD-J features. To answer that need, Inlet Technologies has taken its Fathom encoding platform and partnered with NetBlender's DoStudio authoring software to put smaller studios on the Blu-ray bandwagon. So the tools are all lined up; if only something could be done about player prices, we might see some critical mass building up behind Blu-ray.Sony rolls out $55k professional BAE-VX1000 Blu-ray disc encoding system
by Richard Lawler posted Jul 24th 2008 at 8:25AM
With the aim of putting making Blu-ray accessible for smaller studios, Sony Creative Software has released the BAE-VX1000 encoder for disc authoring. $55,000 buys a system capable of analyzing a film automatically and offering multiple bit rate versions to be compared later, or frame by frame encoding. The finished product comes out in either h.264 or MPEG-2 form (what, no VC-1?) and it works on varying setups from one to many PCs or servers depending on what a studio can afford. Of course, it's the perfect match for Sony's Blu-print software (now up to version 4.3) or other authoring applications, we'll wait for prices to get a bit more affordable before cranking out the next Behind the Scenes at CES boxed set, but for the pros it might be worth it to get the same tools Sony Pictures uses.BD Touch Blu-ray disc-to-iPhone app officially unveiled
by Richard Lawler posted Apr 10th 2008 at 7:57PM
Ending the awful (two) days of waiting, NetBlender's officially presenting its latest innovation, BD Touch. Bringing together Apple's iPhone/iPod Touch and Blu-ray's BD-Live internet connection to potentially allow combinations like sending copies of a movie to iPhone directly from the disc menu, viewing fan created content in sync with a movie or, yes, using the iPhone as a remote control. All that geolocation, 3D motion sensitive, multitouch and predictive keyboard could be a part of our favorite movie (The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension) -- once some developer makes it happen. The disc authoring end of the tool is built into NetBlender's DoStudio software, while there are two iPhone SDKs (the Connect SDK is free, while the Premiere Blend/In SDK adds functionality but requires certification and licensing) available. Video demos are after the jump, so take a look and see what you can come up with.CyberLink's PowerProducer 5 available to author Blu-ray Discs
by Darren Murph posted Mar 16th 2008 at 5:16AM
Thomson launches HD AVC encoding tools for Blu-ray
by Richard Lawler posted Feb 28th 2008 at 1:14PM
Thomson's Tiger AVC encoder that it has been using in house for the last couple of years, is now available for sale to interested Blu-ray (and HD DVD) compression and authoring facilities. Including Thomson's film grain adjustment technology among other parts of a "secret sauce" Thomson says results in better looking MPEG-4 / h.264 encoded movies. Packaged as the Nexcode HD AVC Encoder, its a full hardware and software solution built to scale to business requirements. No word on who exactly will use this technology, but as long as our HDM is artifact-free, we're not too concerned how it got that way.NetBlender adding Blu-ray support to DoStudio authoring software
by Richard Lawler posted Feb 28th 2008 at 9:37AM
NetBlender has made plans official for new versions of its DoStudio authoring software, adding support for Blu-ray and BD-J features including BD Live. DoStudio Authoring Edition is expected out after NAB 2008, allowing users to create professional Blu-ray discs from a graphical interface. Unfortunately picture-in-picture support won't be part of the hardware and software package until Q3, with BD Live support slated for early 2009. While major studios may be able to create BD-J enhanced discs on their own, the idea is that this package can allow other professionals to make full featured discs without having to learn scripting. Anyone looking for that kind of access can look forward to DoStudio Developer Edition in the fourth quarter, with full access to scripting, for even more advanced features. DoStudio MX users aren't left out either, with Blu-ray support on the way there as well. As for the simple home viewers, we just hope these tools get in the right hands sooner rather than later to create truly innovative high definition discs.sofatronic's Kaleidoscope software creates interactive applications for Blu-ray
by Darren Murph posted Feb 23rd 2008 at 1:40AM
Sonic's Scenarist now Blu-ray, digital distribution format only
by Richard Lawler posted Jan 30th 2008 at 1:17AM
Sonic Solutions has announced it will no longer sell the HD DVD version of its Scenarist professional authoring software, focusing instead on Blu-ray and digital distribution. Sonic -- provider of consumer authoring software under the Roxio brand (still w/ that sweet HD DVD flavor, at least for now) -- plans to expand its features to ease creation of BD Live features, and package high definition video for delivery on any of the many platforms popping up. It's not all bad for red fans, Sonic promises to continue customer support and product updates "where appropriate" for its HD DVD package, and a special promotion for users to switch to Blu-ray, although the terms aren't mentioned.[Thanks, Kiwi616]
Nero 8 update brings Blu-ray authoring, mini HD DVD support
by Darren Murph posted Dec 20th 2007 at 10:18AM
Sure, there are a couple of software suites out there that offer up Blu-ray authoring, but it's still far from being a common feature. Additionally, we'd have to say that Nero is one of the more popular burning applications, and the firm's latest update to Nero 8 adds in BDMV authoring and playback, improved file encoding speed and support for mini HD DVD-Video discs. If you're unfamiliar with the latter, it's essentially the process of squeezing down content more suitable for an HD DVD onto a vanilla DVD for playback in an HD DVD player (phew) -- something we've certainly touched on before. For existing Nero 8 owners, you can snag the new plug-in for $24.99, while current owners of the plug-in will reportedly be able to upgrade gratis.Microsoft unveils Xbox 360 HD DVD Emulator, hopes to speed up development
by Darren Murph posted Dec 13th 2007 at 5:50PM
[Thanks, Erie T.]
DoStudio MX software authors HD DVDs
by Darren Murph posted Aug 7th 2007 at 2:03PM
[Thanks, Jason]
Microsoft & Amazon are sponsoring 1,000 indie films on HD DVD
by Richard Lawler posted Jul 2nd 2007 at 6:12PM
Indie filmmakers have an easy in to sell high definition movies, as Amazon and Microsoft have teamed up with CustomFlix to provide free authoring and setup (normally $499) for up to 1,000 titles. CustomFlix will then sell the titles through Amazon using its DVD on Demand service, which produces DVDs to order. Filmmakers don't have to worry about managing inventory and can get their product to customers quickly. CustomFlix has been selling HD DVD, Blu-ray and WMV-HD flicks for a while now, but says HD DVD "fits its business model perfectly." HD DVD might not have all of the major studio supporters of Blu-ray, but maybe cheaper players and a wide variety of content can tip the balance its way.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Sonic announces new authoring package for Total Hi Def discs
by Richard Lawler posted Jan 17th 2007 at 2:22PM
Anyone producing high-def content who can't decide which format to support can now put their content on one of Warner's Total Hi Def hybrid discs via Sonic's Scenarist Workgroup authoring system. With its new product, THDAssign, creating a disc that plays in both HD DVD and Blu-ray players is streamlined and easy. With availability expected in February, we'll soon find out how eager other studios and smaller content providers are to support the combo discs... and if consumers are willing to pay for them.
