ually replacing film in the movie industry. My first set of comments in my blog dealt with an HD conference and the status of newly implemented digital cameras. For this week, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about large decisions in the industry. Last month, Paramount Pictures and Arts Alliance media have entered into a non-exclusive long term agreement for digital cinema deployment. I commented on how the deployment of digital films in Europe is a great move to expand the high definition medium and encourage filmmakers and the like by opening new doors. The second blog focuses on the format war and Dale Cripps’ decision on which medium to select. I agree that Blu-Ray disc, because of their larger storage capacity, is a better investment than HD DVDs. It is ultimately up to the consumer to make the choice between the two formats since they are so similar.On October 13, 2007, Paramount Pictures and Arts Alliance Media created a long term agreement that would distribute digital films in Europe. The two companies are Europe’s digital film distribution service providers, and the deployment is being initiated on screens in the UK and Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Nordic region and Benelux. It is about time that Arts Alliance Media integrate this technology in those theaters. I also think that Paramount, being at the forefront of this step forward, will continue to distribute films in other regions of Europe. This is a first step in the right direction, and the more commonplace high definition video becomes, the more digitally projected screens will be available for public viewing. My only concern is the costs involved to view the films. Other blogs have addressed that Sony is to install SXRD 4K Digital Cinema systems in AMC theaters, which will include a total of 54 screens. European exhibition and distribution has not yet had such a boost in high definition. I agree with Arts Alliance CEO Howard Kiedaisch about this decision being a giant step in deployment. My only concern is whether or not there will be a continuous and sustained flow on content and reliable maintenance and support because of Europe’s location.
Earlier this month there was a post about which high definition disc is preferred based on their specifications. HDTV Magazine Publisher and HD pioneer Dale Cripps was asked to select a medium and expand on why he believes that Blu-Ray discs are bet
ter investments in the long run. I think that a lot of people are confused when it comes to high definition discs. There are specific requirements such as having an HDTV and having a high definition disc player that must be obtained before viewing the mediums. There is also a resolution issue, which varies among different discs. I agree with Cripps that it doesn’t make a real difference which format is selected. As HD DVDs and Blu-Ray discs (machine to the right) continue to gradually drop in price, they will both be more easily attainable in the average household. Based on experience, you can have great surround sound systems with both mediums, so sound is not a determining factor either. Cripps talks about the massive distribution of Blu-Ray discs - a whopping 18,000 a day! Overall, the decision to select a medium will depend on what types of films consumers want to watch once the film industry starts to implement exclusive deals and contracts with these mediums.
