DVDActive HD (DVD | HD | BD)
Due to recent feedback on our Blu-ray coverage, we have an update on the site
After receiving several emails on the subject, we’ve decided to fill you in on a few of the upcoming changes here at DVDActive. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, we’re now covering more and more high-definition releases, be that in the form of news items or reviews. While we’re excited to be working on next-generation home entertainment products, we understand that many of you have yet to invest in the technology and would welcome the ability to customise the site to better suit your needs.
It is for this reason that we are currently working on a redesign that will greatly simplify the site’s layout. While the existing two-column design will remain, members will be able to customise what they view in each of the columns. Are you in the UK and only interested in UK releases? That’s fine; simply customise the site to show UK DVD in one column and UK Blu-ray in the other. Not that bothered about Blu-ray? Simply set the filters to show US DVDs in one column and world titles in the other. Only interested in the news? Again, no problem, just change your preferences to display only news items.
However, that’s not all that’s changing. The new news and reviews pages will accommodate even larger images, allowing for larger pack shots and screen captures. Speaking of screen captures, we’re also planning to bring you full resolution images from Blu-ray Discs, along with rollover comparisons between the high-definition and standard-definition equivalents (where possible). Other significant improvements are also planned.
We don't have a launch date for you yet, but we'll bring you further details in the near future. For now though, here's an early sneak peak at what you can expect to see.
News by Chris Gould
It is for this reason that we are currently working on a redesign that will greatly simplify the site’s layout. While the existing two-column design will remain, members will be able to customise what they view in each of the columns. Are you in the UK and only interested in UK releases? That’s fine; simply customise the site to show UK DVD in one column and UK Blu-ray in the other. Not that bothered about Blu-ray? Simply set the filters to show US DVDs in one column and world titles in the other. Only interested in the news? Again, no problem, just change your preferences to display only news items.
However, that’s not all that’s changing. The new news and reviews pages will accommodate even larger images, allowing for larger pack shots and screen captures. Speaking of screen captures, we’re also planning to bring you full resolution images from Blu-ray Discs, along with rollover comparisons between the high-definition and standard-definition equivalents (where possible). Other significant improvements are also planned.
We don't have a launch date for you yet, but we'll bring you further details in the near future. For now though, here's an early sneak peak at what you can expect to see.
News by Chris Gould
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Existing Posts
One thing maybe is a section where you can track your own posts - easier to remember what you have commented on and to check to see if there are any follow up to comments you have made...
It's something that's been considered, but we don't want to overload Mal's brain. Who knows, it might turn up. It's got as much chance as any of the other changes 
I'm a bit late here so I hope you guys are still reading the comments here. Is there any way to add an "upcoming calendar" onto the website? Something that'll show the current month with the DVDs/BDs being released on that particular month.
I do read the news release but the DVD/BD release date is like 3 or 4 months from now and I easily forget about it until I see it in the retail stores. I could buy a calendar myself and mark it down but it'll make things too cluttered and may have to cross it out because of unforseenable delays. Plus I don't like wasting paper :p
I do read the news release but the DVD/BD release date is like 3 or 4 months from now and I easily forget about it until I see it in the retail stores. I could buy a calendar myself and mark it down but it'll make things too cluttered and may have to cross it out because of unforseenable delays. Plus I don't like wasting paper :p
*cough* Tom *cough*
Mal wrote: Just Passing wrote: Maybe an option for smaller image sizes for the bloke on the Orkney Islands who is still on dial-up...
I guess that could be an option, out of interest, what part of Orkney?
The bit that isn't connected by paper cups and string :p
Actually, I'm just being general. But having only just made the leap to broadband myself, I'm guessing there may still be a few film fanatics out there who haven't got broadband, or can't get it due to location, or their ISPs throttle them back down to kilobit speeds, cos they spend too much online time Bit Torrenting.
I guess that could be an option, out of interest, what part of Orkney?
The bit that isn't connected by paper cups and string :p
Actually, I'm just being general. But having only just made the leap to broadband myself, I'm guessing there may still be a few film fanatics out there who haven't got broadband, or can't get it due to location, or their ISPs throttle them back down to kilobit speeds, cos they spend too much online time Bit Torrenting.
Michael Friedrichsen wrote: Great news aslong as you update both DVD's and BD :-)
We already do that, but they're not currently separated. We have no intentions to change the way we cover either format, just the way we present our coverage.
We already do that, but they're not currently separated. We have no intentions to change the way we cover either format, just the way we present our coverage.
Sounds like the best DVD site around is going to get better which can't be bad, I'm also years away from switching to Blu-ray but I still love to hear about the discs and how much better or worse they might be. Keep up the good work guys!
Why would they not update both?
DVD popularity far outweighs BD and HD-DVD.
DVD popularity far outweighs BD and HD-DVD.
Great news aslong as you update both DVD's and BD :-)
Can the time limit to edit posts be increased please. The current time limit of 5-10 minutes is very annoying. 20-30 minutes would be more suitable.
Sounds like a great idea. I am at least a couple years away from switching over to Blu Ray. So having a choice of focus would really help me out. Great job gents.
There will be 4 columns, it's just the other 2 will be underneath rather than by the side.
very cool.
It would just be too much work to have two separate site designs.
How about giving the user's the option of a third column? It doesn't have to be on by default.
Personally I would prefer three columns:- American, World, HD.
Thanks.
Personally I would prefer three columns:- American, World, HD.
Thanks.
Tom wrote: We still have to support 1024x768 as it's a very popular resolution
Phew! I was worried you're still formatting for 800x600. I appreciate that. I always test my website with 1024x768 too.
Phew! I was worried you're still formatting for 800x600. I appreciate that. I always test my website with 1024x768 too.
Just Passing wrote: Maybe an option for smaller image sizes for the bloke on the Orkney Islands who is still on dial-up...
I guess that could be an option, out of interest, what part of Orkney?
I guess that could be an option, out of interest, what part of Orkney?
Lincoln6Echo wrote: rebel-scum wrote: Looking forward to the changes, guys. Cue more whinging from non-HD supporters...
Whinging? What's that? I know what whining is, but whinging?
Basically the exact same thing. On a sidenote, yes, we will whine/whing because it's not fair that HD supporters get to rub this in our faces. *Starts whining/whinging!*
Whinging? What's that? I know what whining is, but whinging?
Basically the exact same thing. On a sidenote, yes, we will whine/whing because it's not fair that HD supporters get to rub this in our faces. *Starts whining/whinging!*
Maybe an option for smaller image sizes for the bloke on the Orkney Islands who is still on dial-up...
Bradavon wrote:
Seriously though I hope you guys now format for 1024x768 and not 800x600 too. I remember you did a survey about this awhile ago, maybe it's time to do one again. On a 1440x900 display 50% of the space available isn't used :D
I know what you mean - I view the site at 1920x1200The new layout will be over 900 pixels wide. The current one is under 800. Will allow us to bump up the size of covers etc to 700 pixels wide rather than 565. We still have to support 1024x768 as it's a very popular resolution
Seriously though I hope you guys now format for 1024x768 and not 800x600 too. I remember you did a survey about this awhile ago, maybe it's time to do one again. On a 1440x900 display 50% of the space available isn't used :D
I know what you mean - I view the site at 1920x1200
The new layout will be over 900 pixels wide. The current one is under 800. Will allow us to bump up the size of covers etc to 700 pixels wide rather than 565. We still have to support 1024x768 as it's a very popular resolution
Good stuff 
. Not that there's anything wrong with the current design. I rather like the "non shiny" look of the site, so that's one thing I'm gonna miss .
. Not that there's anything wrong with the current design. I rather like the "non shiny" look of the site, so that's one thing I'm gonna miss .
Cool! and I say that as a Standard DVD person.
A change is always good.....
I am particually interested in where they will head with the HD format - let's get it on!
I am particually interested in where they will head with the HD format - let's get it on!
Love the site, and love that an update is near. This site has been my homepage for almost two years now, and I see no reason to change it anytime soon. You guys are the best!
I'm especially looking forward to more in-depth posts about Blu-Ray. I just bought my PlayStation 3 in February and acquired a new LCD TV last week (a heavily clearanced display model of the 32" Sony Bravia. A KILLER deal! :-D). I want to start buying Blu-Ray discs, but I'm keeping to my promise about 'Batman Begins' being my first BD purchase. It's been torture in recent weeks as a local retailer has priced down a few films I want. The temporary price cut ends May 31st, so it's questionable whether I will break down and buy them or not.
But, anyway, keep up the great work, guys.
I'm especially looking forward to more in-depth posts about Blu-Ray. I just bought my PlayStation 3 in February and acquired a new LCD TV last week (a heavily clearanced display model of the 32" Sony Bravia. A KILLER deal! :-D). I want to start buying Blu-Ray discs, but I'm keeping to my promise about 'Batman Begins' being my first BD purchase. It's been torture in recent weeks as a local retailer has priced down a few films I want. The temporary price cut ends May 31st, so it's questionable whether I will break down and buy them or not.
But, anyway, keep up the great work, guys.
Looks good~, keep up the good work.
Can't wait for those Blu-ray specs for upcoming movies. And comparison with DVD of the same movie, great.
Can't wait for those Blu-ray specs for upcoming movies. And comparison with DVD of the same movie, great.
Fantastic! HD All the Way!
Tom wrote: We experimented with 3 columns again but it just ended up looking way too cluttered. There will be a second row of columns underneath for everything else.
Wasn't it 4 columns back in the DVD Answers days? I'm surprised to hear 3 columns looked cluttered.
It would help now we have R1, UK R2 and HD to cover. Three columns would fit fine if everyone used 1440x900 and similar WS resolutions like me :D
Seriously though I hope you guys now format for 1024x768 and not 800x600 too. I remember you did a survey about this awhile ago, maybe it's time to do one again. On a 1440x900 display 50% of the space available isn't used :D
Currently I have mine set to "North America" despite living in The UK as it's logical to put America on the left and UK the right. I now technically this means it's North American and The World but seeing as all the news is UK in reality that doesn't happen.
Lincoln6Echo wrote: Whinging? What's that? I know what whining is, but whinging?
Presuming you're being serious? -
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=whinging
It means exactly the same thing and that link says it's British/Australian English. I thought you guys used it too.
Think Yep, Ye, Yeah and Yes. All different spellings of the same word.
Wasn't it 4 columns back in the DVD Answers days? I'm surprised to hear 3 columns looked cluttered.
It would help now we have R1, UK R2 and HD to cover. Three columns would fit fine if everyone used 1440x900 and similar WS resolutions like me :D
Seriously though I hope you guys now format for 1024x768 and not 800x600 too. I remember you did a survey about this awhile ago, maybe it's time to do one again. On a 1440x900 display 50% of the space available isn't used :D
Currently I have mine set to "North America" despite living in The UK as it's logical to put America on the left and UK the right. I now technically this means it's North American and The World but seeing as all the news is UK in reality that doesn't happen.
Lincoln6Echo wrote: Whinging? What's that? I know what whining is, but whinging?
Presuming you're being serious? -
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=whinging
It means exactly the same thing and that link says it's British/Australian English. I thought you guys used it too.
Think Yep, Ye, Yeah and Yes. All different spellings of the same word.
rebel-scum wrote: Looking forward to the changes, guys. Cue more whinging from non-HD supporters...
Whinging? What's that? I know what whining is, but whinging?
Whinging? What's that? I know what whining is, but whinging?
Bradavon wrote: Personally I'm interested in all news: HD or SD. UK, USA or elsewhere. I'd also like it if there were 3 columns as I've thought since the last redesign 2 isn't enough.
Review containing SD and HD comparisons sounds good though. I mostly buy HD now but many films only get released on SD so I need to check that too.
It sounds promising though.
We experimented with 3 columns again but it just ended up looking way too cluttered. There will be a second row of columns underneath for everything else.
Review containing SD and HD comparisons sounds good though. I mostly buy HD now but many films only get released on SD so I need to check that too.
It sounds promising though.
We experimented with 3 columns again but it just ended up looking way too cluttered. There will be a second row of columns underneath for everything else.
Not that it was needed, but I'm glad to hear about the "upgrade".
This has been one of my main websites for DVD info for quite some time now, and I'm sure it will remain so for even longer. Congratulations.
This has been one of my main websites for DVD info for quite some time now, and I'm sure it will remain so for even longer. Congratulations.
Personally I'm interested in all news: HD or SD. UK, USA or elsewhere. I'd also like it if there were 3 columns as I've thought since the last redesign 2 isn't enough.
Review containing SD and HD comparisons sounds good though. I mostly buy HD now but many films only get released on SD so I need to check that too.
It sounds promising though.
Review containing SD and HD comparisons sounds good though. I mostly buy HD now but many films only get released on SD so I need to check that too.
It sounds promising though.
well thats just cool, i have no complaints or problem with how the site is set up now but hey...upgrades are always fun. lol
Go ahead! we want it NOW!
I've yet to fully commit to HD so I welcome a chance to learn more about the format, which is now Blu-Ray I guess.
Keep up the good work gents, the new site sounds great.
Keep up the good work gents, the new site sounds great.
Great idea!
Good stuff.
The Ranger wrote: You guys rock! I love how you are catering to the users of the site and listening to what we want. This is hands down the best dvd site I go to and now you will make it even better. Keep it up, I look forward to the new design and the excellent DVD and now HD coverage.
Hey, there's one satisfied customer. Unless The Ranger is really Tom in disguise of course!
Hey, there's one satisfied customer. Unless The Ranger is really Tom in disguise of course!
You guys rock! I love how you are catering to the users of the site and listening to what we want. This is hands down the best dvd site I go to and now you will make it even better. Keep it up, I look forward to the new design and the excellent DVD and now HD coverage.
Sounds good to me!
Looks good. The customization is a really good idea. People can do what they want then and dont have to whinge about it.
Covering Blu-ray is obviously the next step in DVD coverage so it should be embraced. I look forward to seeing the changes.
Covering Blu-ray is obviously the next step in DVD coverage so it should be embraced. I look forward to seeing the changes.
Looking forward to the changes, guys. Cue more whinging from non-HD supporters...
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