I got myself the Heroes HD-DVD box set and I have to say the picture quality is breath taking. Unfortunately, disc 2 of the set does not play using PowerDVD 7.3 with Vista 32bit. I sent an inquiry to Cyberlink and here is what they have to say.

Tradervic:
I insert disc 2 of Heroes HD-DVD box set into xbox HD-DVD player and this screen pops up. I hit yes and it stays black indefinately.  When I re-insert disc again and press view certificate and install the Certificate, nothing changes. Same Black Screen.

Cyberlink Reply:
Thank you for contacting CyberLink Online Support.
We understand your concern related with PowerDVD Ultra software.
In regard to your issue, please note that we have checked this issue in our labs and found the same issue as you are facing.
To resolve this issue, we will soon release a soon release a patch file for PowerDVD Ultra software. So, please keep visting CyberLink website for future updates.

So, I guess we wait until Cyberlink releases the patch…..hopefully sooner than later.

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my RSS feed!

For all you people out there waiting for the Blu-Ray/HD-DVD format wars to end before making the plunge, Blockbuster has decided going forward to stock ONLY Blu-Ray titles in all its stores. It will still however rent HD-DVD titles through its online store (and whatever existing stock remains in its stores). Per internal metrics, over 70% of HD discs rented at Blockbuster were Blu-Ray.

I personally decided to go with Blu-Ray two months ago based on the format’s technological superiority (see this review) amongst other factors. But hey, Beta-Max was better than VHS and ended up the same heap as Laserdisc’s. The adult industry helped tip the scales toward VHS, but will they help decide the format war again? One thing I do know is if they decide to exclusively endorse one of these formats, it will be a big blow to the other side. Both sides have other respective advantages of content exclusivity. Sony Pictures have pumped out Blu-Ray exclusive titles like Casino Royale. Then there is Universal pumping out HD-DVD exclusive titles such the upcoming Heroes: Season 1. Disney has not officially said no to making HD-DVDs, but to date has ONLY pressed Blu-Ray discs such as Pirates of the Caribbean.

So does Blockbuster’s move spell the beginning of the end for HD-DVD or will I be left holding the bag..…. only time will tell.

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my RSS feed!

Ever since the initial announcement of future (now present) formats Blu-ray and HD-DVD, I marveled at the outlined security detail (AACS) and said to myself, “oh man, they did it this time”……”they learned their lesson” after DVD Jon split the DVD format wide open. Well it seems they have a lot more to learn. Both Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats have been systematically taken apart for those who desire to make archived copies and backups of the discs they purchased for things such as a HTPCs or portable devices.
 
The urge to crack these formats wouldn’t be as intense had “the powers that be” not reneged on an original feature of these formats called “Managed Copy”.  Despite people yearning for the ability to copy their movies (not for the main purpose of serving up to the torrents) to place on other devices (ipod, central home servers,etc.).. ….has “the powers that be” decided to make people quote unquote legally copy movies they have purchased….that would be a NO. They ultimately blame the delay of this feature on technological issues….ultimately does “the man” ever plan to bring this feature to us…you be the judge.

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my RSS feed!