CONFERENCE PROGRAM DETAILS

DVD ENTERTAIMENT CONFERENCE 2006: OPPORTUNITIES FOR PACKAGED MEDIA IN THE ERA OF HIGH DEFINITION AND DIGITAL DELIVERY
Electronic delivery is providing consumers with more content acquisition choices, but new data intensive formats like high definition video and multi-channel audio will stretch these new channels to their limits, ensuring an ongoing role for optical media in the delivery of content. This year's conference will examine how physical and electronic formats can not only co-exist, but grow the overall market for the benefit of all concerned.

Tuesday, August 8

9:15 a.m.
THE CONTENT OWNERS’ VIEWPOINT
A panel of representatives from two major Hollywood studios and a leading independent distributor discuss the challenges presented by the migration to a multi-platform delivery envirnoment; the addition of high definition discs, download-to-own and download-to-burn technologies to the continuing business from DVD.
Moderator: Jim Bottoms, President, Understanding & Solutions Inc.
Panelists: Steve Nickerson, Snr VP Marketing Management; John Powers, VP Catalog, Image Entertainment; Speaker tbc, Fox Home Entertainment

10:00 a.m. - Coffee Break

11:00 a.m.
NEW DIRECTIONS IN CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
The arguments for electronic delivery of content are compelling, with no inventory being a frequently cited benefit. Recent upgrades to the broadband networks have made electronic delivery a viable proposition, but not everyone has the facilities, or the inclination, to embrace it. This session explores two different but potentially complementary approaches: download to own and burn, and the burning of custom DVDs for delivery in a more conventional manner.
Speakers: Curt Marvis,CEO, CinemaNow; Darren Giles, CTO, CustomFlix

11:50 a.m.
THE EMA RETAILER PANEL: COMPETING FORMATS - THE BATTLE FOR SHELF SPACE
Store shelves are groaning under the sheer volume of DVD titles, and now two new video formats must be accommodated alongside. With DVD prices declining, and other entertainment products vying for consumers' attention, retailers are reluctant to provide more shelf space – in fact they would prefer to use less. So, what's the solution? Thinner packaging? Less inventory? In-store ordering for next-day delivery? On-site burning of back catalog and niche market titles? A panel of leading retailers give their views on the changing marketplace and discuss the options.

12:30 p.m. - Networking Luncheon

2:00 p.m.
LEONARD MALTIN'S DIRECTOR INTERVIEW
Renowned film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, host of EMX's ninth annual DVD Awards, sits down with one of Hollywood's leading directors to discuss how DVD and new media formats are shaping their approach to filmmaking and storytelling.

3:00 p.m.
CREATING COMPELLING BLU-RAY AND HD DVD TITLES
The two 'next generation' disc formats promise not only higher picture quality, but also interactive features far in advance of DVD. The authoring community is working hard to avoid DVD's player/disc compatibility problems and ensure that this time around consumers get a trouble-free experience from their expensive new purchases, but this is no small challenge when many of the elements are still in ongoing development. Three leading authoring facilities provide a progress report.
Moderator: Bill Foster, Senior Technology Consultant, Understanding & Solutions
Panelists: Sumit Malik, Executive Director, Advanced Technology, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; Kevin Collins, Senior Program Manager iHD, Microsoft; Ron Martin, VP Post Production, Deluxe Digital Studios; Duncan Wain, EVP and CTO, Comchoice

3:45 p.m.
MANUFACTURING NEXT GENERATION DISCS
It's been a lot of hard work and many sleepness nights, but the replication lines are now running and producing finished Blu-ray and HD DVD discs. What have been the main challenges leading up to the two format launches, and what further developments and refinements will we see in the coming months?
Moderator: Bill Foster, Senior Technology Consultant, Understanding & Solutions
Panelists: Bill Mueller, EVP US Operations, Cinram; Peter Schaper, VP Technology and Development, Sonopress; Speaker tbc, Sony DADC

4:30 p.m. - Session Close

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