Seen in HD 33 – MPAA wins SOC, Managed Copy update, Pvt. Ryan/Apollo 13 reviews

News

Big news in the legal arena this week as the FCC finally ruled in favor of the Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA) on Selectable Output Control (SOC). The gist, if you have HDMI or don’t watch video on demand (VOD) you won’t notice a change. Those still using analog outputs from their cable could see some limitations, but in its current form the amount of leeway the MPAA has is pretty small. The bigger question, is this step one in a larger move down the line? Read the full legal brief at Engadget.

Elsewhere the Digital Media Zone had an exclusive chat with AACS chief Michael Ayers. AACS is the organization responsible for copy protection and managed copy on Blu-ray. Since CES 2010, there’s has been a noticeable void in news about managed copy, we sought to find out where things are. You’ll find a more in-depth article here on the Digital Media Zone shortly, but we get into it on the show as well.

In what is likely the quickest home video related recall ever, Paramount is recalling all copies of its Saving Private Ryan Sapphire Series Blu-rays barely a week after release due to an audio sync issue starting in chapter 15. New discs should be in store by May 18, according to Paramount. You can call for info on how to obtain your exchange: US and Canada: 888-370-8621, UK: 08000-852-613.

Elsewhere, the sky literally may be falling for a satellite named Galaxy 15. It seems the Galaxy is falling out of orbit, and may interrupt cable TV transmissions around May 23. Matt and I both thought this was a pretty innocent day, come to find out after recording the show, that’s the date of the Lost season finale. Yikes.

Finally, take a peek at Seen in 3D as they have assembled a nice overview of all available 3D-ready home theater hardware, including TVs, Blu-ray players, receivers and more.

Marketshare/Sales

Marketshare settled back to a more normal range after the Avatar effect, coming in at 15% this week, down from a record-setting 22% in Avatar’s opening week. Revenue was more than $32 million. Avatar held tight to the top spot and now has more more than 6.2 million units on Blu, and more than 19 million combine with DVD.

Blu-ray Review – Saving Private Ryan |  DoBlu.com review

Vitals: MPEG-4 AVC, 1.85:1 aspect ratio, DTS HD Master Audio 5.1

A stunner in almost all aspects, audio sync issue notwithstanding. Assuming Paramount fixes the issue, this disc is highly recommended by both Matt and Phil. It’s brighter than the DVD, and the color is slightly different as well, but detail is amazing, the grain structure is well maintained and the audio is overwhelming. A few nit-picks here and there but overall a well-done transfer and a audio demo disc to be sure.

BONUS Blu-ray Review – Apollo 13 |  DoBlu.com review

Vitals: MPEG-4 AVC, 2.35:1 aspect ratio, DTS HD Master Audio 5.1

On the other side of the Tom Hanks coin is Apollo 13. No one can argue the merits of the film itself. It’s a brilliant look at the near-space disaster and the heroics involved in safely recovering the crew. The Blu-ray, however, got no such heroics on the video transfer side. Matt takes it apart bit by bit, read his full review for an even more in-depth look. A very good audio transfer saves the disc, as the movie has never sounded better.

Gaming

Electronic Arts made strides today to try and take control of the used game industry, instituting a $10 fee to play used games online.

What we’ve seen/are watching

• Season finales have begun in earnest, and our friend Geek Tonic has all the listings for the listings. This week see’s eight shows wrap for 2010 along with HBO’s The Pacific.
• Matt, meanwhile, has been sucked in by History’s Pawn Stars.
• No HD Sportsman article this week, but don’t miss game 6 of the Cleveland-Boston NBA series Thursday night (ESPN, 8 p.m. 720p).

Blu-ray deals/Releases

The May 18 releases are highlighted by Invictus, and Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus. Ok, maybe the second one is more a commentary on what’s new this week.

As for deals:

• Walmart.com has a 3 for $45 Blu-ray deal with choices of 39 different titles including Avatar.
• Pick up season two of HBO’s True Blood for $39.99 (1/2 off)
• Warner has expanded and reduced the price on its DVD2Blu program.

Click here to download Episode 33!

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[tags]blu-ray, Seen in HD, Avatar, Crazy Heart, Leap Year, podcast, Friday Night Lights [/tags]