BluFocus has released the first Online Reporting System (ORS) for Blu-ray. BluFocus is a company that provides quality control analysis to Blu-ray manufacturers and studios. This tool is a database-driven system that allows studios, authoring facilities, player manufacturers, quality assurance testers and others to enter, track and share production issues online in real time. This system has already been in use by BluFocus and its clients; however, now it will also be available to others in the Blu-ray Disc industry. “Because of Blu-ray’s enhanced interactive capabilities, the error-reporting methodologies currently in use for testing standard DVDs are not effective or efficient,” said Paulette E. Pantoja, founder and CEO of BluFocus. “ORS employs an approach more typical of the software industry, where large, complex programs require accurate, detailed and consistent issue reporting systems. The instantaneous data sharing provided by ORS allows problems to be resolved more quickly, which is essential in the deadline-driven environment of home entertainment disc authoring and manufacturing.”ORS is the first system specifically designed to assist in the testing and development of Blu-ray Discs. BluFocus has also plans to release a suite of quality assurance tools all to assist in the development of Blu-ray Discs. ORS will help ensure streamlined communication and processes in that development.BluFocus hopes ORS will develop into an industry-wide knowledge repository, joining production reporting and consumer data to advance the overall development of software, tools and QA processes for the Blu-ray industry. “As use of the database increases, we can begin to identify trends and anticipate concerns before they develop,” said Pantoja.

Popularity: 10% [?]

If you still have the deceased HD-DVD format and thought of what to do with the discs, Plextor has an answer. Well, PLAY IT! Plextor announced today the release of the PX-B920SA internal drive which will allow you to play your new Blu-ray discs as well as HD-DVD’s. This may be a good alternative to those people who unfortunately chose the loser format and are now stuck with their discs. In addition to playing Blu-ray and HD-DVD the PX-B920SA also can play and write to BD-R (at 4x), DVD and CD media, and uses a SATA connection. This drive is ideal for OEMs where playback HD DVD format is wanted along with Blu-ray playback and burning. The PX-B920SA will be sold for $599.00. If you think $599.00 is too much Plextor will also made the PX-B300SA drive which will cost around $499.00 and plays all the same formats but does not write to Blu-ray discs.

These are the formats compatible with the PX-B920SA:

BD
BD-R, BD-RE, BD-ROM, BDMV
DVD
HD DVD–ROM, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RDL, DVD–RW, DVD+/-RW, DVD-RAM
CD
CD-R, CD-RW

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The company stated that they want to release a 250mW blue laser diode for 6x recording as well as the first diode for 8x recorders in the next two years. Sharp has been an industry leader in this field since the early 80’s with the release of industry’s first infrared laser diode used in CDs.

During a technological briefing of its latest laser diodes developments in Japan, they showcased their latest High-Power Blue-Violet Laser Diode for Blu-Ray recorders, which are powerful enough to burn dual layer Blu-ray Discs at the 6x speed. Mass-production of two variations (GH04P25A4G and GH04P25A2G) of the diode will begin in April; the GH04P25A4G (3.3mm diameter) which will be used in lap-top Blu-ray drives and the GH04P25A2G (5.6mm diameter) which will be used in Desktop Blu-ray writers. Both have a power output of 250mW, which makes possible the 6x speed on dual-layer Blu-ray Discs (BD). Sharp also showcased a 8x powerful laser that will be able to burn single and dual layer Blu-ray discs at 8x, using a power output of 300mW. This one will be more likely to reach the mass production stage in 2009, followed by a 400mW device for multi-layer 8-12x recording in 2010.

We will be eagerly waiting!!

Popularity: 10% [?]

According to SlySoft, yes! They claim they were able to crack the Blu-ray BD+ protection enabling anyone, using their newest software called AnyDVD HD, to copy all Blu-ray disc content. Are Movies studios already having cold sweats? Probably, as one of the reasons given for choosing Blu-ray over HD-DVD was the copy protection.

The movie industry has tried unsuccessfully for years to eliminate disc copying and Blu-ray’s BD+ was designed to be impenetrable. Mr. Peer van Heuen , head of High-Definition technologies at SlySoft, stated: “We are rather proud to have brought back to earth the highly-praised and previously ‘unbreakable’ BD+. However, we must also admit that the Blu-ray titles released up to now have not fully exploited the possibilities of BD+. Future releases will undoubtedly have a modified and more polished BD+ protection, but we are well prepared for this and await the coming developments rather relaxed.” It is funny how he seems to be saying to BD+ encryption developers “BRING IT ON! We will crack it.”

Come on people! Let’s face it; there will always be piracy and illegal copy of movies but I am sure we have not seem the end of this fight.

Popularity: 7% [?]