910°

Pach-Attack - Why is Sony Letting Xbox Use Blu-Ray?

Michael Pachter explains why Sony is helping its enemy.

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gametrailers.com
pedrof933852d ago

Well sony is making money out of Xbox One.

My_Outer_Heaven3852d ago

Not much though... Sony were smart to back Blu-ray when they made PS3... they hit the nail on the head just like they did with DVD on PS2.

Software_Lover3852d ago

If HD-DVD was in the ps3 that would've won. The ps3 was the catalyst for the format war.

Eonjay3852d ago

Two things:
1. It allows them to make money.
2. It allows them to establish Blu Ray as the Standard.

DOMination-3852d ago

Sony are not in charge of bluray

miyamoto3852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

I remember the days when Xbox fans really "HATED!" Blu-ray & and said mega tons of negative crap about it all over the internet .

And now they are eating them by the truck loads.
How does it taste?

Hah hah hah! LoL!

@My Outer

Sony did not just back Blu-Ray...Sony lead in creating it with Philips while the other founding members funded the project.

Sony does hold key patents on blu-ray.

Now who backed them up?
The current 18 board members (as of June 2013) are:[4]
Dolby Laboratories Inc.
DTS Inc.
Hitachi, Ltd.
Intel Corporation
LG Electronics
Mitsubishi Electric
Oracle Corporation
Panasonic Corporation
Pioneer Corporation
Royal Philips Electronics
Samsung Electronics
Sharp Corporation
Sony Corporation
TDK Corporation
Technicolor
20th Century Fox
Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group
Warner Bros. Entertainment

The contributors as of June 2009 are:[4]
Acer Inc.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
Almedio Inc.
Alticast
ArcSoft
AudioDev AB
BluFocus Inc.
Broadcom Corporation
Canon Inc.
CESI Technology Co. Ltd.
China Hualu group Co., Ltd.
CMC Magnetics Corporation
Corel Corporation
Cryptography Research Inc.
CyberLink
DCA Inc.
Deluxe Digital Studios, Inc.
Dolby Laboratories Inc.
Dreamer Co., Ltd.
DTS, Inc.
Eclipse Data Technologies
Fraunhofer IIS
Fujifilm
Fujitsu Ltd.
Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
Gibson Guitar Corporation
Industrial Technology Research Institute
Lionsgate Entertainment
Lite-On IT Corporation
Macrovision Corp.
Marvell International Ltd.
MediaTek Inc
Meridian Audio, Ltd.
Mitsubishi Kagaku Media Co.Ltd.
Monster Cable Products
Moser Baer India Limited
NEC Electronics Corporation
Nero AG
nVidia Corporation
Osmosys SA
Paramount Pictures Corporation
Pulstec Industrial Co., Ltd.
RealD
Ritek
Sensio Technologies Inc.
ShibaSoku Co. Ltd.
Sigma Designs
Singulus Technologies
Sonic Solutions
ST Microelectronics
Sunext
Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.,
Testronic Laboratories, Inc.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC)
Visionare Corporation
Warner Music Group
Zoran Corporation

M$ will be crazy to go against these guys.

shoddy3852d ago

Bu bu but bluray is teh dooom.

digital download us teh future.

gamertk4213852d ago

HD-DVD was so much faster and the extras were always better. Funny enough, Sony's own Betamax was also a better format that lost out to an inferior competitor in the VHS.

3852d ago
s8anicslayer3852d ago

@Software

If HD-DVD was actually in the 360 instead of an added on device then HD-DVD would have stood a better chance in the format war.

bligmerk3852d ago

Sony was the first to build a Blu-ray drive including that all important read head. Sony has all the basic patents for all the optics and blue spectrum lasers plus being a handful of manufacturers that can manufacture components at that level. The Blu-ray format is owned by a consortium and they all get a few per cents from each sale, Sony is one of the major receivers there also.

hazardman3852d ago

@software

If it was included on xbox 360 we still could be having a format war!

Docknoss3852d ago

Sony computers use windows

SilentNegotiator3852d ago

Sony doesn't have a big enough slice of the pie to make decisions on who gets to use Blu-ray or not.

amiga-man3852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1...

The money that is made in royalties is huge, Blu ray becoming the standard is a financial goldmine for Sony.

The Blu ray license dosn't just cover the drive, every disk sold also makes money for Sony, thats a lot of disks and a lot of money.

insomnium23852d ago

Who the hell disagrees with Software lover?

There were tonnes of news covering this back then. After PS3 hit the market the sales for BD exploded. PS3/Sony single handedly brought BD as the winner after it being beaten by HD-DVD. BD came to market a little later and it wouldn't have even taken off without PS3. This is common knowledge people so I have no idea why so many disagree with software lover.

Yes if PS3 would've had a HD-DVD drive that format would've won the format war hands down. I can't believe so many are willing to fight the windmills with this.

Magicite3852d ago

every sony console introduced new media:
PS1 - CD (I know that sega had cd console before sony, but it was more of failure)
PS2 - DVD
PS3 - BLU-RAY
PS4 - Digital (I know PS3 also has digital, but it wasnt available from the start)

SniperControl3852d ago

@gamertk

Wrong, hd-dvd's were never better, sure they were easier to produce but a single layer disc could only hold 15gb of information while a single layer BD holds 25gb.

Kryptonite42O3852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

@ Software_Lover

I was under the impression, and i heard many years ago that the porn industry was the deciding factor in the format war???

Hitman07693852d ago

@fox2 did he forget.... or did he just leave them out on purpose....

insomnium23852d ago

Yup. Porn won VHS the format war back in the day.

GameSpawn3851d ago

In regards to the question "Why would Sony let Microsoft use Blu-Ray?":
1) Microsoft has no choice. Not utilizing it at least for movies is suicide at this point as Blu-Ray has become the defacto standard for movie releases. DVD-only releases are pretty much non-existent.

2) Microsoft is free to license Blu-Ray technology, just like ANYONE else. So long as they pay the licensing, they are free to use it how they see fit.

3) Sony is not the sole owner of Blu-Ray technology. They are a major contributor yes, but many other companies have backed Blu-Ray with other technology of their own (eg. TDK's tough-coat tech) or financial resources (early investors in the BDA). The final word on who uses Blu-Ray is not up to Sony alone, but the Board of Directors of the BDA (which Sony happens to be one of the members of the Board).

4) This is a Win-Win for Sony no matter which way it goes, Blu-Ray or not in the Xbox. With Blu-Ray in the Xbox Sony gets money out of Microsoft indirectly through their share of the licensing received and with out Blu-Ray in the Xbox (which didn't happen for reasons 1-2-3) Sony would have yet another major advantage in the PS4 over the Xbox One.

+ Show (19) more repliesLast reply 3851d ago
dedicatedtogamers3852d ago

To answer the question: it's because Sony and Microsoft aren't nearly as hostile toward one another in actual business dealings. The whole "console warzz" animosity is 90% show for the hardcore fanboys to drool over.

johnniejay3852d ago

Agreed they need and want the fanboy drama so they can make even more money

denawayne3852d ago

Agreed. What OS is running on every Sony laptop?

Jeedai Infidel3852d ago

Anybody remember Pepsi vs Coke in the eighties, it got pretty "heated" as well, and turned out to be a marketing scheme orchestrated by both companies. Genius really.

dennett3163851d ago

Agreed 100%. Microsoft, for example, are working with Sony so Skype can be available on the PS4....and MS are happy to do it, because they own the damn thing and stand to increase their profile.

All the tech companies work with each other in all areas of their business.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3851d ago
joe903852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

And Microsoft are making money from the Skype app on most Sony products and Windows on Laptops. maybe a deal was made who knows.

bumnut3852d ago

Free products still make money, look at Facebook

stuna13852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

Yes it's to make money of course! But there is so much more! For example, to speed up the adoption rate, therefore making it the defacto disc media.

Bigger games; which this generation many said were being held back because of the use of regular dvds on the 360.

Edit; To those who don't know, Sony is 1 of the founding members, and because of this their percentage is higher than others! Also not everyone involved took an active role into the construction of the Blu Ray format.

Edit; Actually a couple of the companies bought into the Blu Ray association! Also Microsoft was given that option, since Microsoft owns one of the codecs that went into the production of Blu Ray. It just that Microsoft opted out of joining, because they felt Blu Ray wasn't needed.

Blaze9293852d ago

this is like asking why Microsoft lets Sony have Windows OS on their computers. Smh

badz1493852d ago

Not really the same. When was the last time you bought a MS branded pc or laptop? Likely NEVER, right? Sony don't pay Microsoft for every laptop sold. YOU who buy Sony laptop with Windows will be the one who pays the cost for the OS, not Sony.

Windows has always been a global OS used by everyone and it's kinda ironic that it's just recently that Microsoft made a hardware of their own that runs Windows which is the Surface.

Bluray is a different story altogether. MS could have gone Nintendo and use a derivative format and not exactly a Bluray but THAT would be foolish as it will disable Bluray movie playback.

DoctorJones3852d ago

If Sony sells a pc or laptop it needs an operating system badz149, regardless of whether Sony foots the bill or not MS still get paid.

Only a complete imbecile wouldn't get that point.

dennett3163851d ago

Yes badz, a global OS that Sony still have to pay MS to licence for their machines....for it to be pre-installed, Sony have to licence it. Also, the Microsoft Surface thing isn't ironic in any way.

shivvy243852d ago

Lets not forget the x1 was made to be an entertainment device to take over your living room, it would have been a stupid move not to include bluray

Fred_C_Dobbs3852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

wrong reply

3852d ago Replies(7)
otherZinc3852d ago

Not more than M$ is making on every SONY PC that comes with Windows! That M$ owns by itself.

dennett3163851d ago

Still trying to make it a competition huh? "But MS makes MORE money off Sony, so they're still better LOLZ!!" Sad.

LAYLOW3852d ago

Just like Microsoft has been making money of off Sony Vaio and windows intergration...nothing to see here folks!

dc13852d ago

Please note that we (as consumers ) purchase the OS as part of the built in component of the computer. Every PC on the market has the same pricing model whether it's HP, IBM, Alien or Sony. Other OS are simply not as user intuitive or integrated into the social or business exchange vocabulary.

Microsoft's OS and Windows products are their bread and butter, representing the very large majority of their corporate earnings. This has been the case since the 80's.

In short, for the past 30 years, if you were an emerging PC production company, you would have no choice but to use the MS OS....unless you plan on being small market red/L dealer.

Jazz41083852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

Ms is now a part of the bluray consortum so sony will make zero from ms. Look it up. The only people who believe sony owned and made bluray are fanboys.

SniperControl3852d ago

No, Sony are one of the founding members of Blu-Ray, they hold a lot of the patents for it.

dc13852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

It's fact that sony makes around $2.25 for every blu-ray drive sold.
Reported by business new outlets over the past few years as well as Patch Attack more recently (I know I spelled his name wrong) Attack.

Look it up. It's google knowledge.
:)

Jazz41083852d ago

If anythig sony migt have to pay ms for the codecs used in it but as far A S a piece of the disc that will goto to the publishers so ms will not be giving sony much if anything.

Magicite3852d ago

Sony doesnt own Blu-Ray entirely, theres listing of companies who have rights on it. And if MS is paying royalties then everything is legal.
Im not defending MS, just stating general truth.

dennett3163851d ago

No-one's saying anything is illegal...why even bring that up?

ChrisW3852d ago

@pedrof93,

What part of "Sony doesn't solely OWN the patent are you not understanding?"

There are 14 companies including Sony and as Patch said, "Sony doesn't get money for the drives, they get money for each Blu Ray disc sold (approx 50 cents)."

Meaning MS can completely circumvent paying anything to Sony by placing the costs for the disc into the publishers' hands.

Econ 101

Abdou0233852d ago

Maybe because Microsoft is letting them use Windows on their Laptops ?

It's just business those companies aren't trying to destroy each other, they are just trying to maintain good relations and make money.

They are not Apple.

jeffgoldwin3852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

"They are not Apple."

Isnt it disgusting how many frivolous lawsuits Apple lawers pursue? Imagine the outcry if MS did that?

I mean a few years back apple sued Samsung for making a rectangular phone in shape claiming apple first came up with that idea. Ya they lost. But what a waste of time and money for most of the lawsuits.

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 3851d ago
lnvisibleMan3852d ago

There are are nine electronic companies that own blu ray: Sony, Matsushita, Pioneer, Philips, Thomson, LG Electronics, Hitachi, Sharp, and Samsung.

So any company that uses blu-ray has to pay royalties to the companies listed above.

NukaCola3852d ago

Isn't Toshiba part of the bluray committee as well?

lnvisibleMan3852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

They actually one of the dominate players for HD DVD format. I dont like using wiki as a source but you go anyway.

'During the high definition optical disc format war, Blu-ray Disc competed with the HD DVD format. Toshiba, the main company that supported HD DVD, conceded in February 2008,[6] releasing its own Blu-ray Disc player in late 2009'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

nunley333852d ago

yeah toshiba is the odd man out just like sony was during the vhs vs beta format wars. ms supported hd-dvd over bluray but toshiba suffered a more public setback from it since they were more vocal about it.

NukaCola3852d ago

Wasn't 100%. Thanks for the clarification and pile of disagrees..lol

Caleb_H3852d ago

So if someone on that list makes a blu ray player do they have to pay all those companies? Just wondering.

lnvisibleMan3852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

Probably each company payed for research and development, could be wrong I say each are immune from paying each other.

nunley333852d ago

those 9 aren't all equal partners,sony has a bigger stake and say in matters. they were the formats biggest cheerleader and the most active in making it. the others mostly gave support by making players for it.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3852d ago
Software_Lover3852d ago

What? Really?

Business is business and Sony doesn't own all the rights to Blu-Ray. Why does Microsoft let Sony make windows tablets? Because it's a f'n business thats why.

kenmid3852d ago

Why would anybody disagree on what you just said? It's 1000% true.

hduce3852d ago

This is N4G. Of course they are going to disagree. You could present facts and speak the truth all you want but their perception is their reality.

FlameHawk3852d ago

What the hell are you talking about? Sony doesn't make Window tablets. LOL do you think all tablets run windows? LOL so funny.

Software_Lover3852d ago

Sony doesn't make Windows tablets?

Vaio Duo
Vaio Multiflip
Vaio 20 say hello

And this is why this website is $h!t. Uneducated responses and blogs taken as truth.

kennyg37393852d ago

It would been really simple to just do a little google search then totally making a fool out of your self.
http://www.digitaltrends.co...

Pogmathoin3852d ago

Its hard to accept for sony fanboys.

stuna13852d ago

Software_Lover I understand what point you're trying to make, but those are Sony branded hardware appliances with Microsoft operating systems.

Pogmathoin3852d ago

You still do not get it do you? X1 is a microsoft built console using bluray... Whats the difference?

Xsilver3852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

the difference is Sony Electronics division makes devices that target everyone so guess what if people like windows design then they will make tablets for them Samsung,LG does it too thats how that business division works its about choice you know what that is right.
Now with Blu ray it is different MS endorsed Hd dvd but are Now using Blu ray so do ya get the picture.

stuna13852d ago

If the one's replying had read my comment above you would very well know I understand!,

5eriously3852d ago

Sony are paying for that right dum dum!

Software_Lover3852d ago

............ Really? You're not gonna do a google/bing search on that before you post?

This is the ignorance that I'm talking about.

I really hope most of you are kids. I can understand some of the lack of knowledge. But for an adult....... I just can't fathom.

5eriously3852d ago (Edited 3852d ago )

So you are saying that Sony are paying nothing the use Windows on there products? What vitriol are you vomiting anti Sony fannyboi?

Like the comment this idiot made

["Software_Lover + 1h ago
If HD-DVD was in the ps3 that would've won. The ps3 was the catalyst for the format war"]

Wait, who was that again?

Pogmathoin3852d ago

Seriously... PS3 included blu ray as standard, MS did not include HDDVD.... If sony included HDDVD as standard...... Get it?

5eriously3852d ago

So tell me then why did M$ not continue and included DVDHD as their standard, they are so mighty and have so much more money than Sony? Why could the eXBox360 then not have been the catalyst Get that?

I doubt. But let us not go off topic. Crazy_Lover are a Anti Sony troll that is the main gripe. The fact remain that the BluRay had major advantages over the HDDVD and everybody knew it. Also everyone was not keen to be subjected to the de-facto M$ extortion as all eXBox360 owners can attest to .... think propriety drives etc, etc.

rainslacker3852d ago

Technically the consumer pays for it. It's the consumer that wants that product on the device they buy. Someone wants a windows tablet, they want a Sony brand, well there you are, put up the money and it's yours.

Not quite the same thing here, but overall, it's not like Sony and MS are at each others throats trying to force the other out of business by forcing them to use obsolete/unwanted tech.

MS was willing to pay for the rights to use Blu-Ray, why wouldn't Sony, or the Blu-Ray association, take the money.

The reason MS didn't really push the format war is because they don't have a huge stake in it. HD-DVD wasn't really their thing, and realistically, they probably knew they had a good chance to make money off Blu-Ray with their codecs anyways.

Nintendo didn't want to pay for the rights to use it, and I doubt it's the reason people aren't really picking up their system, so why does any of this even matter? MS is offering added value to their machine, one should be happy if they're getting it, and everyone should be happy others get to enjoy it.

Jazz41083852d ago

Ms did not believe in any of them and thats why they made a add on. They felt dvd9 was fine for this past generation and for the most part they were right.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3852d ago
+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3851d ago
Goku7813852d ago

MS so forward thinking. Their the reason HD DVD is doing so well today!

3852d ago Replies(1)
Show all comments (187)
40°

How to recruit Lam in Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

Lam is among the 120 characters available for recruitment in Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. While she is one of the many straightforward recruits, a known bug may prevent players from recruiting her if certain conditions are met. Despite developers’ assurances of fixing the bug, some early access players still encounter issues with recruiting Lam despite attempting the standard method.

Read Full Story >>
infinitestart.com
260°

Tomb Raider Remastered just quietly censored one in-game detail

Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered players are ticked off by the game’s most recent patch, which censors in-game pin-up posters of Lara Croft.

Read Full Story >>
gamingbible.com
rlow18h ago

This is why gaming is screwed. When people change things to fit someone’s agenda, it’s a slippery slope downhill.

Christopher7h ago(Edited 7h ago)

Even if that agenda is of the developer? Way to remove developer rights.

***One player called it a “huge problem with modern games,” saying they can now be “ruined AFTER people buy them”.***

The level of drama. Yes, I recall sitting there for more hours than I did anything else in the game. These two pinups are the core of the game, after all!

coolbeans6h ago(Edited 6h ago)

rlow1's cringe catastrophizing aside, I do think developers *ought* to strive to maintain an original work to the best of their ability. The language of a "remaster" tacitly implies that - for good or ill - what's being resold is what fans remember but better.

Profchaos6h ago

Games can be ruined after purchasing them yeah we know this not from this but from GTA IV which had half it's radio content patched out due to licensing expirations and to me that was a huge deal.

This pin up poster is a bit of nonsense but the whole argument of modern games can be ruined post launch is Absol true.

DedicatedDark5h ago(Edited 5h ago)

It's not their work to censor. They are incharge of restoration & remastering the work, not overwriting it.

Barlos4h ago

It's not the agenda of the developer though, they're pandering and trying to increase their ESG score.

Way to support censorship...

victorMaje4h ago

It’s not the end of the world for sure, but I understand the hate towards this kind of change. I believe it’s also a matter of principle.

Imagine a Picasso painting being restored & the restorer deciding there aren’t enough strokes, or some lines aren’t straight enough or curved enough…not sure it would/should sit well with people.

Have all original devs signed off on this change? Even if it’s the case, are we saying older gamers are better mentally equipped to process what was there than current gamers, hence the change?

Enough time ago the case was made that games are an art form. We’re supposed to have won that case.
So which is it? Are games art or not?

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4h ago
Eidolon4h ago

Hasn't this been happened for over a decade since remasters? I can't see that it's any worse now. Maybe if Sweet Baby starts getting their hands on remasters we will definitely have a problem.

Rebel_Scum7h ago

tbh I dont see something like this as censorship. Does anyone else not find it strange for someone to stick pin ups of themsleves in a locker room?

Now of it was a pin up of some half naked firefighters it might make sense as Lara might like that, and if they removed that I would cry censorship. But removing pin ups of the main character, yeah I get it.

Barlos4h ago(Edited 4h ago)

It's a game, and they were placed there for the audience. It's not real life. If it was, she wouldn't have fought a T-Rex now would she?

Yes, it's censorship but it's a bit less in your face. If they were in the original game, then they should have been in the remasters. It's bad enough that they have that ridiculous unnecessary warning at the start, but then they start removing things post launch. I don't care how small the change, they shouldn't be doing it. It's nothing but ESG pandering but in a subtle way.

Rebel_Scum2h ago

Look bro, if you have pictures of yourself naked on a bear skin rug up in your house let me tell you, its not normal.

jambola1h ago

I wasn't aware censorship was based on what made sense to you

Rebel_Scum1h ago

Likewise, what a stupid comment.

jambola1h ago

I agree
Your comment was pretty stupid

Rebel_Scum40m ago

I never said censorship is based on what I say dumbass. Just because I dont see this as censorship doesnt mean I’m saying others cant.

How about you come at me with your opinion rather than snarky comments with no thought on the matter.

SimpleDad3h ago

By the year 2030, this remaster collection will totally be changed and censored. Probably will remove Lara as a playable character. It's ridiculous. Glad that my family didn't buy this.
I still have Tomb Raider 2 PS1 as a memory.

jambola1h ago

Those shorts are a little revealing
Should probably make them snow pants

Barlos1h ago

They'll probably make her trans

CobraKai3h ago

It’s mentioned in the article, and it’s a point i 100% agree with, it’s the fact that they can censor a game after you buy it. That’s total bullshit.

Killer2020UK2h ago

Whilst it's an overreaction to say this has "ruined" the game, it's still problematic that this has happened post launch and for many, post-purchase.

I don't want someone to change a product for the worse after I've bought it. The same goes for implementing micro transactions after reviews.

I wonder why they did this? Nobody was kicking up a fuss as far as I'm aware.

maykhausonninh2h ago

Nobody was kicking up a fuss as far as I'm aware.

Show all comments (23)
100°

Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster Review – You Are Your Job, Apparently

Gary Green said: In a time where an enhanced, 3D remake of Final Fantasy III already exists, it’s hard to argue that Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster is the definitive version we were expecting. With Final Fantasy III already being the last in the series to be translated and make its way west, this is something of a slap in the face for the fans. Still, let’s not be disheartened. There may be many shortfalls in this edition of Final Fantasy III, however there’s no denying that this classic JRPG still holds some nostalgic value, even if it struggles to break away from its original hardware limitations.

Read Full Story >>
pslegends.com
FACTUAL evidence8h ago(Edited 8h ago)

It’s funny I’m seeing these articles about pixel remaster, and I just platinumed 1-4 within 8 days lol. I’ve been on FF5 for about a week now. Let’s just say 5 was the start of FF having content like crazy. I should have the plat within 2-3 days.