Microsoft Corona Digital Distribution

[Javier Ariel Garza (Jag)]

I was just reading an article about our friends in Redmond trying to conjure up a means of using an advanced version of Windows Media Player which according to Microsoft "...will eventually allow companies to distribute movies to theaters more cheaply, using a PC-based system rather than the current, costly movie reels." <BR> <BR>Right now, most consider "Corona" vaporware, but analysts say if Microsoft can come clean with the goods, "...the software giant may find itself with an attractive consumer-product offering that can compete fiercely with rival RealNetworks' RealOne player." <BR> <BR>The story continues..."The biggest concern that they [Entertainment Industry] have is that if the media content gets into a digital format, then it can be transferred anywhere on the Internet and they can lose control." <BR> <BR>So, Dean what do you think? I know how much you embrace computers and the internet -- <BR> <BR>Are you concerned that if technology becomes sophisticated enough, that films done by Electric and others may run rampant on the net and thus, potentially affect profitability? <BR> <BR>-=JAG! <BR>planetjag.com <BR>stxvibe.com

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

*hides her WinMX dl'd movies* <BR> <BR>;-)

[We need an eighth day called (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Well, Windows Media Player already has an advantage over Realnetworks: When it streams online, it's not sending your information out to whomever pays! (Realplayer and RealOne are spyware).

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

And you think Microsoft isn't spying on ya? ;-) I'll have ya know, Media Player keeps trying to send packets to microsoft.com when I'm playing files. And it's not for codecs. ;-) <BR> <BR><-- gotta love Tiny Personal Firewall

[We need an eighth day called (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

I'm not saying they're great either, but they aren't spying on ya like Realnetworks is. First off, use the older media player. No packets, plays everything the newer version can. Secondly, the newer version is designed to send information about the file you are playing and what type (if any) it's security encryption is. The other thing is it's checking for updates (yes, there was an issue with that. Why does it need to check for updates every few seconds?). However, you can disable both features in the options, and shouldn't have anymore trouble with packets. <BR> <BR>Realnetworks on the other hand, is attempting to send out personal information with the sole intent of selling it and customizing advertising to try to appeal to you. Plus, even after you shut the program down, it leaves a little something running that continues to try to access the net hours later, and even after you reboot!

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Yeah, but how many people know about either? <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> <BR> <BR>Plain and simple, they're ALL watchin ya. hehehe None is better than the other. <BR> <BR>I prefer Winamp. <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> Too bad it couldn't play movie files.

[We need an eighth day called (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Um, there is a plugin that allows Winamp to play video files. Look on <A HREF="http://www.winamp.com" TARGET="_top">http://www.winamp.com</A> in the plugins section. I think it's called NME Video or something like that.

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooh meesa checky <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> TY

[We need an eighth day called (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

I don't recall seeing it recently, but there's a lot of crap to wade thru. I might have it on a back up cd here, so let me know if you have trouble finding it.

[Tina (Trina)]

I'm not familiar with that one, but what video formats would it play?

[We need an eighth day called (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

avi and mpg, don't recall if I tried any others on it...

[Frank Diaz (Realityengine)]

hey jag do you have the link to that article?

[Javier Ariel Garza (Jag)]

Here ya go: <BR><A HREF="http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/industry/04/08/microsoft.movies.ap/index.html" TARGET="_blank">http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/industry/04/08/microsoft.movies.ap/index.html</A> <BR> <BR>-=JAG!

[Right behind Uranus is Planet (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Wow, that was fast! I just read Frank's post, went into edit profile, took me about 10 seconds, clicked 'last day' and Jag responded! So how come he still hasn't responded to the Dean interview thread about 8LF yet? :]

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Speaking of interviews with Dean....when's yours?

[Right behind Uranus is Planet (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Dunno. I sent it in. No reply yet... I figured it'd be good to post it when 8LF opens (not even sure when that is actually).

[Frank Diaz (Realityengine)]

Thanks jag.

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

July 19th, Fungus. <BR> <BR>We're on the map! Hometown that is. A new 16 screen stadium theater is being built this fall to open July 4th weekend in 2003. Very close too, like a 3 minute drive. More than 2400 seats, curved screens in all auditoriums to improve sightlines, Dolby Digital, and DTS Digital sound, and 4 will have extra-wide screens!

[Rick Santillo (Rjs)]

Good for Will! <BR> <BR>Now you'll get the full effect of movies.

[Full Moon out, pull up your pants, (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Cool. Too bad none of them are THX theatres. I saw "Scream 3" in a THX theatre, WOW! Blows DTS and Dolby right out of the water!

[Will Finch (Shetan)]

I'm not complaining. It was a good move, they'll be packed.