DVS - New Media and Technologies

Web Links and ROM data on DVD

Recently we were asked to put a link to a website along with some PowerPoint and PDF files into a DVD for a client. Although adding this type of content is possible using tools like Apple’s DVD@ccess or the Interactual Player, it doesn’t always work as well as one would expect.

When we have the need to add ROM content to a disc, we present 3 options:

1. In the DVD, have a menu that tells the user where they can find a folder on the disc that contains the ROM data. This is the easiest, least expensive way of adding ROM content to the disc. It can be a bit clunky for the end user to go “find” the content on the disc; however it does work – if the user is willing to go find the data.
2. Using additional software like DVD@ccess or the Interactual Player, add a menu that directly links ROM content and web links in the DVD video menu. This type of linking only works in a computer with DVD player software and does not work in set-top players (we can’t magically link to the web from a DVD player hooked up to your TV). While this can be easier for the user, it does require the user to install software on their computer (if they don’t have it already). In a corporate environment, many users don’t have the ability to install software and those who do may not choose to install the required software, which can limit the functionality.
3. Produce a 2 disc set. One disc contains the DVD video which can be played in a set-top player or a computer with DVD player software. In the DVD Menu, direct the user to the companion CD-ROM disc which has the ROM content they’re looking for. On the CD-ROM we can have a simple menu with the options of viewing or saving the ROM content along with web links that work flawlessly. This option is a bit more expensive due to the additional programming of a CD-ROM and the expense of duplicating or replicating a 2nd disc.

The client who had asked us to build the disc with the ROM content went with option 3. Using a 2 disc clamshell and labeling the discs to help the user identify the DVD and the CD-ROM was the best choice for their end client base.

HD-DVD & Blu-Ray by the numbers.

It’s been hard to tell who’s sold the most set-top players based on the numbers released by the competing HD-DVD and Blu-Ray camps. Based on the information we’ve gathered from different resources, here’s what we’ve found.

Last week, the Blu-Ray camp came out trumpeting that 2.7 million players have been sold.  One thing the Blu-Ray camp does not say about the 2.7 million is that approximately 2.3 million of those “players” are Sony Play Station 3 (PS3) game systems. Taking the 2.3 million away from the 2.7 million leaves approximately 400,000 of the Blu-Ray player sales being set top players like the Panasonic DMP-BD10 Player.

In contrast, the HD-DVD Camp puts their current base at 750,000 players - significantly less than the 2.7 million Blu-Ray is touting. Like the Blu-Ray camp, the 750,000 HD-DVD player number also includes a game system HD player – the Xbox 360 HD-DVD add-on.  Unlike the PS3, the Xbox 360 doesn’t come with an HD disc player. Users who want the player must purchase it separately. Currently the only use for the add-on HD-DVD drive is for watching movies; currently no games are available for the Xbox 360 in the HD-DVD format. As of September 2007, an estimated 210,000 HD-DVD add-ons have been sold, bringing the HD-DVD set-top player base to 540,000.

I would say that the 750,000 base for HD-DVD is a true base, even including the Xbox add-on because the add-on has only one purpose, watching movies. While the Blu-Ray numbers include the PS3 sales, not all PS3 systems are being utilized as Blu-Ray players.

HD - More than pretty pictures.

Along with showing incredible picture quality on HD displays, the new HD disc formats have something that the previous DVD format was missing. The original DVD format was designed to play video. That’s pretty much it. Interactive games and content on DVD has been and still is pretty weak in comparison to what we’re accustomed to with the web. The next generation discs have, at their core, the ability provide more of an interactive experience.

Both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray can function like traditional DVD’s. This functionality is known as Standard Content. Unlike DVD, the new disc formats have a more interactive layer known as Advanced Content, allowing for truly interactive games and internet connectivity through a set top player. Think of the Advanced Content as a Flash website sitting on top of high definition video.

Having Flash style animated buttons on top of the video is cool and all; however the network connectivity is something to get much more excited about. Not only do we have the ability to create much more dynamic looking content, content being played back can be updated via an internet connection to the player, or user input can be sent thru the internet – a great opportunity for training applications.

What other opportunities open up with this Advanced Content?