HD-DVD gets set of new features

THE HD-DVD gang is arranging a counter attack against the Blu-ray boys with disks that can take advantage of its players' built-in Internet connections.

According to Associated Press, a Japanese animated feature titled "Freedom" will allow buyers who connect their HD DVD player to a broadband Internet line will be able to download a high-definition trailer for another movie, change menu styles and download additional subtitles.

These features are soon to be seen in blockbusters like the martial epic "300," due at the end of July. Apparently the HD DVD version of "300" will allow users to re-edit the movie, selecting and ordering the scenes as they see fit. This we would have thought was not that useful.

"Blood Diamond," out July 3 on HD DVD, will allow watchers to participate in online polls after watching. Which we would have thought even less useful than shifting scenes about.

Some Blu-Ray machines have an interweb connection but more often they don't.

More here. µ