More studios offering Blu-ray-DVD combos

More movie studios will begin offering Blu-ray Disc movies with an included DVD, according to a recent report by Video Business.

The article mentions that Marley & Me, The Princess Bride, and T2 Complete Collector's Set will be getting this treatment, and that Disney is planning on releasing seven Blu-ray-DVD packages this year. While several Blu-ray movies include a Digital Copy that allows you to copy the movie to a computer, a standard DVD is compatible in more locations.

This is a smart move by the studios, as one of the biggest drawbacks to buying Blu-ray movies now is their lack of portability. Since a Blu-ray Disc will play only where you have a Blu-ray player, many people often can't watch their new movie in the bedroom or car, on a plane, or in any other place where they only have a DVD player.

The packaged combos may also make the relatively high cost of Blu-ray movies easier to swallow, if consumers feel like they're getting more for their money, with both discs included.

Via CNET.com

Microsoft's two-prong Xbox 360 offensive

It used to be mainly console hardware and accessories that were offered discounts. But now the Redmond software giant is slashing prices for its Xbox Live online service, games and game addons in a bid to grow its market share. Dubbed Xbox Live Gold Deal of the Week and available only to its Gold members, this latest initiative offers savings ranging from 25 to 50 percent to match the September 2008 console price revision.

As an example, the company has lined up the 2D platform/puzzle game Braid in Singapore at 800 Microsoft points, which is roughly 33 percent off the usual price. This promo ties in with the one-time S$70 12-month Xbox Live subscription offer for the island-state this week. Contact your local Microsoft office for more country-specific Deal of the Week promotions.

82 inches of high-definition fury

Well, it's not quite as big as this, but at 82 inches, the Honeywell/Soyo MT-HWGWT8218AM LCD HDTV may actually fit through your front door. Maybe.

According to HD Guru, newcomer to the US market Honeywell, in partnership with Soyo, is bringing its 82-inch HDTV to US homes.

According to the article, this behemoth includes a 120Hz refresh rate, full 1080p HD, a 178-degree viewing angle, three HDMI inputs, two component-video inputs, a PC input, and one composite and S-video jack. Features include picture-in-picture (POP)/POP, SRS audio with 2 x 10W amplifier, and stereo speakers.


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EA Sports Active fitness game socks it to Wii Fit

With Wii Fit getting a tad long in the tooth and everyone twiddling their thumbs waiting for Wii Sports Resort to show up in Asia, long after it was announced at last year's E3, it's getting boring. So it's good to know there are alternatives out there, like Electronic Arts' better-late-than-never EA Sports Active exercise program.

It has two things going for it: It's at least materializing on May 19; and the sticker tab, while still pricey, is a deal cheaper at US$60 than the Wii Fit's US$90. EA also claims its offering is a more serious health improvement package over the Wii Fit, focusing on cardio workouts and strength improvement challenges as opposed to the latter's stretching and balance games. Rather than a balance board, EA Active Sports utilizes accessories and a leg strap designed to house the Nunchuck with Wiimote held in hand, aimed at tracking upper and lower body movement.

We're less impressed with the celeb endorsement by Oprah's fitness coach Bob Greene. Just give us a Wii game that's fit and fun and here already.

Via NewLaunches

Xbox Live players get revenge by booting others off

Updated 4:30 p.m. PST with latest Microsoft comment.

Some Xbox Live players are finding that winning has its drawbacks.

Microsoft said it is investigating reports that people are using malicious software to disrupt Xbox Live players' Internet connections in malicious attacks.

"In our continued effort to help provide a safer and more secure experience for our community of more than 17 million members, we are investigating reports of a malicious Web site that attempts to lure Xbox Live members into providing personal information," Microsoft said in a statement last Friday.

"Phishing is an unfortunate and common threat on the Internet, and this problem is not related to the Xbox Live service," the statement said. "We encourage people to only do business with trusted Web sites and never enter personal information on unfamiliar sites."

Malicious software is being used by attackers to do things like temporarily shut down a game player's console or even an entire game with a denial-of-service attack targeting the IP address, according to Chris Boyd, director of malware research at Facetime Communications, the BBC News reported last Friday.

Sophisticated hackers are selling their Xbox Live attack services to others via the Internet underground for as little as $20, the report said.

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