In celebration of Resident Evil’s 15 anniversary, Capcom has announced that they will release HD versions of Resident Evil 4 and Codename Veronica this fall as downloadable titles for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

According to the publisher, both games have received new visuals and will support trophies and achievements respectively.

Originally released for the Nintendo Gamecube, Resident Evil 4 has had numerous ports and stands as one of the most well reviewed games of all time.

One of the biggest news stories coming out of this week’s Tokyo Game Show was that PlayStation 2 classics Ico and Shadow of the Colossus were finally getting an HD re-release on the PS3. Now, the lead designer of the two games, Fumito Ueda, has spoken up about the new versions of the game. Not only does he like what he sees, he calls it “overwhelming.”

“Both ICO and Shadow of the Colossus were designed with a huge depth of field in mind, demonstrated through the vast landscapes,” Ueda said. Although 3D technology wasn’t at the point that it is now, it was certainly something we considered. Now that the technology allows it, it gives the product even more ‘juice’ so to speak.”

Ueda, who is currently working on the highly anticipated Lost in Shadow, praised not only how the technology was implemented into his classic games, but how it will effect the industry in general.

The HD upgrades of Shadow of Colossus and Ico are expected out sometime in 2011.

Featuring better-than-HD specifications and a five-figure price tag, Ezio’s new 22.5″ pro broadcast monitor is a beast.

The ColorEdge CG232W is a reference/editing monitor that supports BNC/SDI, DVI-D and VGA connections for television studio and broadcast applications.

The monitor has a native resolution of 1920ƒâ€”1200, a wide color gamut, and 176-degree viewing angles. “The wide color gamut allows the ColorEdge CG232W to reproduce color spaces used in broadcasting such as PAL/SECAM, SMPTE-C, and HDTV,” Ezio said in a statement from a Las Vegas conference.

It also supports 1 billion colors and a 120 Hz refresh rate.

Nintendo is reportedly already showing off an early build of the Wii’s successor to a select few in the games industry. Rumored to be hitting stores by 2011, the project is being reffered to as “Wii HD” and is apparently moving in a different direction than recent Nintendo hardware transitions. Those who have seen the hardware in action are calling it Nintendo’s first true “next generation” console and are comparing the nature of the transition to that of the Gameboy advance to the Gameboy advance SP a few years ago.

While not much is known regarding the new console,a few minor details have managed to slip through including the fact that it is expected to retain the Wii name. As evident by the consoles tentative name, the new Wii will feature high definition, cutting edge graphics similar if not more impressive than that of the PS3 and Xbox 360.

An interesting note is that the company is looking to put more of an emphasis on user created and digitally distributed content, similar to what is seen on services like the Wii store and Wii-ware. Putting more of an emphasis on downloadable content also almost assures the new system will include some form of hard drive. Unsurprisingly, the new Wii is also expected to be an nontraditional gaming experience, putting more of an emphasis on user interaction like the original.

Normally, Blast wouldn’t report on mere rumors and speculation — but this one has some weight. While requests for comment from Nintendo were met with a predictable “Nintendo does not comment on rumors or speculation” response, Nintendo’s annual financial reports speak volumes. The company is currently spending over $370 million on research and development, a steep hike from $103 million in 2006 and a modest $34 million in 2003.

Nintendo isn’t expected to make any form of comment or announcement regarding a new console anytime soon, stay with Blast for more on this developing story.

I had a chance to preview MLB Production’s official 2007 World Series Film narrated by superstar and devout Sox fan Matt Damon.

I never, ever get enough of watching the Red Sox win. After living for years under the shadow of my entire Yankee-loving family, I’ve acquired a library of books, posters and DVD’s from all things 2004 and 2007.

The 90 minute special premiere in high-def on the MOJO HD channel January 10, and here’s how they sum it all up:

The film captures all the drama as the Red Sox overcame a three game to one deficit versus the Cleveland Indians in the ALCS to secure a berth in the World Series. They then faced the red hot Colorado Rockies who had won 21 of their last 22 games and became the second team ever to win their first seven games in a postseason. With original game broadcast footage plusoff-the-field candid moments with players and coaches inside the dugout and the clubhouse, viewers can relive Boston’s amazing four game sweep for their second World Series championship in the last four years, including their exuberant clubhouse celebration.

The film includes Dustin Pedroia’s lead off home run and the back-to-back-to-back home runs of Youkilis, Ortiz and Ramirez — first time in World Series history. They also highlight J.D. Drew’s breakout grand slam, Jacoby Ellsbury’s emergence as a star-calibur player, and Mike Lowell’s MVP performance.

I really liked that they also included scenes from the victory parade, which I was front-row for.

The 2007 team was something special, like the 2004 team, they came back from the brink in the ALCS. Then they outright swept the World Series. They just wanted it more, and they have a nation of fans behind them.

You also have to give MLB Productions credit for telling the story of the 2007 Colorado Rockies also. They were basically out of it, but they seemed to win every game in the last month of the season to somehow make the playoffs — 13 wins in 14 games and a win in a one-game playoff against the San Diego Padres that took 13 innings, where they were down two runs in the top of the 13th, against the all-time saves leader, only to come back and win. Then they swept Philadelphia; then they swept Arizona. They easily could have been the story of the year.

Living in Boston, I’ve had a chance to see some amazing sports moments over the last five years — football, baseball, hopefully basketball this year. This film is another chance to take an closeup look at the team and the story.

The 2007 World Series Film will re-air January 23 at 9:30 p.m.

Milla Jovovich is just about one of the hottest gun girls in the world.

Resident Evil: Extinction on Blu-ray is an excellent high-def adaptation for this video game movie. Granted, the movie got poor critical acclaim, but if you are a fan of the franchise, this one looks and sounds awesome.

The Blu-ray features 11 deleted scenes, director/producer commentary, four “making of” featurettes and a preview of Resident Evil: Degeneration, the upcoming CGI-based film.

Exclusive to the Blu-ray release, you can also use “Blu-wizard 2.0″ to create your own playlist of special features. More importantly, the Blu-ray disc features”Under the Umbrella: Picture-in-picture,” which features interviews with cast and crew, storyboards, photos and behind the scenes clips that play within the feature.

Milla is back in this third piece of the Resident Evil pie. The film is packed with zombies, blood and gore, and it also stars Ali Larter, Ashanti and Mike Epps.

Resident Evil: Extinction is now available on DVD and Blu-ray for $28.95 and $38.96. There is also a PSP Universal Media Disc version for $24.94. Finally, you can get all three Resident Evil flics in a Blu-ray trilogy for $89.95.

Creative announced Monday the new Xdock HD, which will upconvert iPod-resolution video to 720p or 1080i and upconverts music to their X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity technology.

The Xdock HD can also play video on an HDTV in DTS surround sound. It will work with the iPod Touch, Classic, new Nano and previous generation iPod’s asa well.

“We designed the Xdock HD so that all the movies, music and photos that you carry with you on your iPod can be experienced in HD in your home,” said Steve Erickson, vice president of audio for Creative. “The Xdock HD transforms your iPod from a portable device into a high-quality HD entertainment system.”

The Xdock HD connects to a home theater receiver by HDMI, component or composite inputs and supports analog and optical audio.

The Xdock HD outputs a menu to a TV screen, and it lets users scroll through with an included remote to select among your videos, music, photos and podcasts and change video settings including skin tone correction, luminescence sharpening and color saturation, Creative said Monday.

The dock will be available in the spring for $399.99.

Toshiba canceled its CES press conference in the wake of a massive blow to their HD DVD line when Warner Home Video announced they would only support Blu-ray. But they’re definitely not running away scared as it appears Toshiba has pushed all of its chips to the center of the table in the form of four new HD DVD players.

This should have marked the happy, high-energy CES Las Vegas celebration for Toshiba, but instead there is the scent of forced desperation in the air. Toshiba has their backs to the wall with only the lumbering giant, Paramount backing their HD DVD format. The new units range from $299 to $799.

I don’t like it. Nobody is going to buy an $800 HD DVD player right now.

The press release (read it here) looks like it was written either long-before the Warner announcement or thrown together right afterward.

“We are pleased with the consumer acceptance of our HD DVD players in the market,” said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing for Toshiba’s Digital A/V Group. “The combination of HD DVD’s state of the art audio/video performance and unrivaled interactive capabilities along with exciting consumer promotions and affordable pricing in 2007 marked significant accomplishments for the HD DVD format,” Toshiba later said in the release.

Toshiba is also touting what they feel is the natural evolution of the DVD into the HD DVD:

“HD DVD was designed from the outset to be the evolution of the DVD format; every Toshiba HD DVD player is designed to play back DVDs and CDs. Toshiba’s HD DVD players will not only play DVD but will instantly make a movie lover’s existing DVD library look even better than it ever did with upconversion via the HDMI output. With the HD DVD format, consumers can experience true high def 1080p resolution for extraordinary detail that matches the latest state of the art 1080p HDTVs. Select Toshiba HD DVD players display images at 24 frames per second, the same frame rate used by directors when using film to create motion pictures, for a smoother, more film like, viewing experience.”

Look, the players are beautiful. They are impressive. HD DVD is a great format, but any $79 modern DVD player upconverts standard DVD’s. You can hack your old Xbox into an upconverting DVD player. I don’t think people want the natural progression from DVD to HD DVD. DVD certainly wasn’t a natural, painless progression from VHS. DVD was the next big thing. Now they’re slowly starting to look between HD DVD and Blu-ray to see which one is going to be the next big thing. I don’t know the answer to that question, but Blu-ray is winning. We weren’t sure of that a week ago, but Warner — like everyone else — wants to maximize its profits. And they can’t do that by supporting two fledgling high-def formats.

Anyway, the game isn’t over for HD DVD, but they’re definitely drawing to an inside straight.

This is the full text of a Toshiba press release on January 6 detailing the release of their new HD DVD players.

State-of-the-Art Performance, Successful Promotions and Affordable Pricing Result in Strong Consumer Acceptance of Third Generation Players

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ — CES — Demonstrating strong consumer acceptance for the HD DVD format, Toshiba America Consumer Products L.L.C. (“Toshiba”) today announced that the rollout of its third generation HD DVD players has been the most successful to date. With their unrivaled performance including real-world Web-enabled networking capabilities, consumers have chosen Toshiba’s third generation HD DVD players for their ultimate high def entertainment experience, resulting in the strongest quarter of unit sales to date and solidifying Toshiba’s market share leadership position.

“We are pleased with the consumer acceptance of our HD DVD players in the market,” said Jodi Sally, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba’s Digital A/V Group. The combination of HD DVD’s state of the art audio/video performance and unrivaled interactive capabilities along with exciting consumer promotions and affordable pricing in 2007 marked significant accomplishments for the HD DVD format.

An HD DVD World

As it has become established in the market, HD DVD has delivered on the promise of next generation entertainment in the home, which has led to the expansion of high definition in all areas of the consumer experience.

“Because HD DVD is a standardized format and meets the spec guidelines mandated and approved by the DVD Forum, it provides a consistent platform for all applications of next generation high definition video such as mobile entertainment and makes it possible to enjoy HD DVD in a multitude of lifestyle settings,” said Yoshi Uchiyama, Group Vice President America Digital A/V Group. “Whether as a standalone player for a home theater as a companion drive to the Xbox 360(TM) gaming machine or as an HD DVD-ROM drive for computers, HD DVD will be in many facets of consumers’ lives. As part of our vision for transitioning movie lovers to high definition, our goal is to extend HD DVD beyond the traditional home entertainment experience.”

Fulfilling the promise of HD DVD

Toshiba also announced its commitment to enhancing the consumer’s HD DVD player purchase with the introduction of the “HD DVD Concierge,” a new 800 number offering dedicated assistance to purchasers of HD DVD players. Consumers can now call 1-888-MY HDDVD (1-888-694-3383) for answers to general questions about HD DVD, for operational assistance or for assistance with various marketing initiatives. Trained service agents will provide the latest information on HD DVD enabling consumers to get the most from their purchase.

Toshiba delivers a richer interactive experience-now

With interactivity built into every HD DVD player as a mandatory spec, and with the reality of Web-enabled network capabilities, Toshiba delivers on the promise of a totally new experience. HD DVD allows studios to flex their creative muscle in ways never before offered or not currently available on any other format. 2007 saw the introduction of online polling, ringtones and online shopping to name a few, all from the HD DVD player itself and from the comfort of one’s own home. The latest of these new experiences is online streaming. Now when consumers connect their HD DVD player to the Internet via the standard Ethernet port on every player, they can stream new content or trailers, as available, directly from a movie studio’s server. “It’s exciting to see the studios bring HD DVD to life through new interactive features and Web-enabled network capabilities,” said Uchiyama. “By consistently delivering unique entertainment experiences, we’re changing the world of movie watching and giving meaning to the HD DVD experience.” Consumers have spoken, and data from Universal Home Video and Paramount and DreamWorks Animation SKG shows that an average of 30 percent of HD DVD owners have accessed Web-enabled network features and continue to do so regularly.

About Toshiba HD DVD Players and Third Generation Line

HD DVD was designed from the outset to be the evolution of the DVD format; every Toshiba HD DVD player is designed to play back DVDs and CDs. Toshiba’s HD DVD players will not only play DVD but will instantly make a movie lover’s existing DVD library look even better than it ever did with upconversion via the HDMI(TM) output. With the HD DVD format, consumers can experience true high def 1080p resolution for extraordinary detail that matches the latest state of the art 1080p HDTVs. Select Toshiba HD DVD players display images at 24 frames per second, the same frame rate used by directors when using film to create motion pictures, for a smoother, more film like, viewing experience.

Toshiba’s third generation family starts with the entry level HD-A3 player featuring 1080i output capability. The other two new models, Toshiba’s HD-A30 and HD-A35, output 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080p), the highest HD signal currently available. Both models are capable of outputting signals at 1080p/24 frames per second so consumers can enjoy movies in their native frame rate. The HD-A30 and HD-A35 models also feature “REGZA(R) Link” (HDMI(TM)-CEC), allowing two-way control between the HD DVD player and a TV through an HDMI connection.

All Toshiba HD DVD players also feature twin video processors and advanced audio to deliver an immersive home theater experience with features such as picture-in-picture video and audio commentary. Thanks to the Ethernet port and flash memory built into every Toshiba HD DVD player, movie lovers also can enjoy the benefits of Web-enabled network connectivity. Plus, Toshiba’s third generation players have a new slim design cabinet that is approximately 1/4- inch slimmer than second generation models.

HD DVD’s Commitment to Green

Toshiba is committed to not only making its products consumer friendly, but friendly to the environment as well. Its products, including the third generation HD DVD players, meet Toshiba’s voluntary environmental standards and ongoing efforts to bring eco-conscious products to market and comply with the company’s strict environmental policies. Environmental management is promoted both from the standpoint of improving products themselves and renewing manufacturing processes, which not only calls for the restriction of the use of hazardous substances in products, but also to avoid using such substances in any manufacturing process.

For example, Toshiba HD DVD players are compliant with the EU RoHS Directive, a European Union environmental directive that restricts the use of six hazardous substances, including lead, mercury and cadmium. Also, for energy conservation, all third generation players meet the Energy Star standard. Toshiba will place the Toshiba Group Earth Protection mark on its third generation players’ catalogs and manuals. The Toshiba Environmental Standard for granting the Toshiba Group Earth Protection mark is on Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.’s official website.

Pricing and Availability:

• HD-A3 ($299.99, Available Now)
• HD-A30 ($399.99, Available Now)
• HD-A35 ($499.99, Available Now)
• HD-XA2 ($799.99, Available Now)

Important Notes:

HD DVD with high-definition content required for HD viewing. Up-conversion of DVD content will result in near HD picture quality. Viewing high-definition content and up-converting DVD content may require an HDCP capable DVI or HDMI input on your display device. 1080p capable display required for viewing content in 1080p. Firmware update may be required for some interactive features depending on content, which may also require an always-on broadband internet connection. Some features may require additional bandwidth. To take advantage of web-enabled network content, installing the latest firmware ( ver.2.4 for HD DVD player models HD-XA1, HD-A1, and HD-D1; ver.2.7 for HD- XA2, HD-A2, HD-A2W, HD-D2, HD-A2C, and HD-A20; and ver.1.3 for HD-A35, HD-A30, and HD-A3) is required. Web-enabled network features require an always on broadband connection along with specific movie titles that include this form of content. For 24p output, content that was created in 1080p/24 frames/sec is required. Viewing 24p output requires an HD display capable of accepting a 1080p/24Hz signal. Use of REGZA Link, which is a feature based on HDMI-CEC, requires an HDMI-CEC compatible display device. Depending on the specifications of your TV, some or all REGZA Link functions may not work even if your TV is HDMI-CEC compatible. Dolby(R) Digital Plus, Dolby(R) TrueHD and DTS(R) support for up to 5.1 channels (DTS HD(R) support for DTS(R) core only). MP3/WMA audio files not supported. HDMI audio output requires connection to a PCM capable device. Because HD DVD is a new format that makes use of new technologies, certain disc, digital connection and other compatibility and/or performance issues are possible. This may, in rare cases, include disc freezing while accessing certain disc features or functions, or certain parts of the disc not playing back or operating as fully intended. If you experience such issues, please refer to the FAQ sections of www.toshibahddvd.com or www.tacp.toshiba.com for information on possible work- around solutions or the availability of firmware updates that may resolve your problem, or contact Toshiba Customer Solutions. Some features subject to delayed availability. While every effort has been made at the time of publication to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, product specifications, configurations, system/component/options availability are all subject to change without notice.

About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.

Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world leader in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. Toshiba is a pioneer in HD DVD, DVD and DVD Recorder technology and a leading manufacturer of a full line of home entertainment products, including flat panel TV, combination products and portable devices. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. For additional information, please visit www.tacp.toshiba.com.

Warner Bros has announced they will drop support for the HD DVD format and produce high-definition titles exclusively for Sony’s Blu-ray.

This will serve as a huge problem for the HD DVD format. Warner Bros sells 18 to 20 percent of all home videos. This now leaves only Universal, The Weinstein Company and Paramount (and their child companies like Dreamworks) supporting the now falling behind HD DVD format.

Paramount switched to HD DVD only when they received a $150 million payoff last summer.

Conversely, the Blu-ray camp now has Sony Pictures, Disney, Fox, Lions Gate and now the Warner exclusivity.

Sony owns MGM and Columbia TriStar. Disney Owns Touchstone, Pixar and Miramax. This gives Blu-ray a much stronger position as far as this generation’s format war is concerned.

Prediction: If Paramount goes back to both formats or somehow decides to make just Blu-ray when their HD DVD contract expires, the war will be over quickly.

Toshiba was quick to respond, and they’re pissed off.

“Toshiba was quite surprised by Warner Bros.’ decision to abandon HD DVD in favor of Blu-ray, despite the fact that there are various contracts in place between our companies concerning
the support of HD DVD,” the company said in a statement Friday. “We will assess the potential impact of this announcement with the other HD DVD partner companies and evaluate potential next steps.”

The next step appears to be a step back. The HD DVD group canceled its CES press conference.

The reason behind Warner’s move — it looks like they’d rather support one than risk both next-gen HD formats failing.

People seem to like downloadable content from places like the iTunes, and Xbox Live has done well so far at selling videos. If the format wars continue, it looks like consumers could skip both Blu-ray, and HD DVD and go straight to downloadable.

“The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger,” Barry Meyer, Warner Brothers chairman, told Yahoo! Tech. “We believe that exclusively distributing in Blu-ray will further the potential for mass market success and ultimately benefit retailers, producers, and most importantly, consumers.”

Consumers just don’t want to buy the same movie — often a movie they may have had on VHS — a second, third or fourth time. Warner says that both formats are having an impact that caused consumers to say, “let’s wait a bit to buy anything, even a standard-definition DVD.”

Well, we can’t have that now, can we?

A recent survey sponsored by IOGEAR (sure they have an interest in the subject matter…) suggests consumers are lacking adequate numbers of HDMI inputs on the TV’s and home theater receivers.

As video games and home video units adapt high definition technology, most televisions still only carry one HDMI port while many affordable receivers come with one or two ports. So if you combine your Playstation 3, HD-DVD, high-definition cable/sat television and enough money leftover for an Xbox 360, you’re out of luck in the HDMI department.

“Home entertainment devices continue to come to market with HDMI capabilities, and as our survey illustrates, end users are finding it difficult to support the number of products in their living rooms,” said Miranda Su, vice president of sales and marketing at IOGEAR. “It is important for consumers to experience the high-quality audio and video that HDMI provides, as it enables them to have the richest home-theater system possible.”

According to the email survey, 300 out of the 1,000 respondents only have one HDMI input, while nearly 60 percent surveyed want to simultaneously connect up to four a/vl products to their TVs.

“This presents consumers with a home-theater conundrum, forcing them to either disconnect a device every time they want to access a new one, or not take advantage of the robust HDMI features incorporated in their digital entertainment products. Having multiple interfaces on HDTVs is increasingly vital as more than 600 makers of consumer electronics and PC products worldwide have adopted HDMI1, with products including set-top boxes, DVD players and gaming consoles,” IOGEAR said.

While it’s not common for users to have three or more HDMI devices, more and more consumers require at least two — one for high-definition television and one for a video game or home video (upconverting DVD, Blu-ray or HD-DVD) setup.

The result: look for more and more home theater receivers to include 2+ HDMI ports and added component video inputs too. Remember, HDMI and DVI use the same video interface — and you can buy an adaptor cable to use any DVI device on an HDMI port.

Paramount Home Entertainment, which includes Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation SKG, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, has announced its decision to use only High Definition DVD, over competing Blu-ray technology.

The decision was made after company research said HD DVDs had the necessary technology on the market, low manufacturing costs and best value and quality for consumers, they said.

On August 28, Blades of Glory kicked off this new program as the first release. Transformers and Shrek the Third follow.

These three movies represent more than $1.5 billion in worldwide box office sales, and company executives believe the sales will keep increasing.

“The combination of Paramount and DreamWorks Animation brings a critical mass of current box office hits to consumers with a line-up of live action and animated films that are perfect for HD DVD,” said Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, the leading studio in domestic box office revenue. “I believe HD DVD is not only the affordable high quality choice for consumers, but also the smart choice for Paramount.”

Regular DVD players are hardware-based, while HD DVD and Blu-ray systems rely on software. That means updates and movie extras can be easily downloaded from the web. Even with this similarity, many movie and technology powerhouses support Blu-ray technology since it offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs while still having great image quality.

The price between HD DVD players and Blu-ray players, however, is what interests consumers the most. The cheapest HD DVD player retails for approximately $300, while the cheapest Blu-ray devices sell for at least $599.

“We decided to release Shrek the Third and other DreamWorks Animation titles exclusively on HD DVD because we believe it is the best format to bring high quality home entertainment to a key segment of our audience,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg CEO of DreamWorks Animation. “We believe the combination of this year’s low-priced HD DVD players and the commitment to release a significant number of hit titles in the fall makes HD DVD the best way to view movies at home.”

Paramount Home Entertainment will issue new release dates for upcoming films and will also sell catalog titles in the future. Steven Spielberg films remain uncommitted to either format.