Lionsgate Launch Of Blu-ray Discs Feature First Glimpse Of New Digital Media Menu Interface

Designed to Empower the Audience, Metamenu™ Technology Delivers Consumers a New Standard in Onscreen Menus that Offers Ease-of-Use and Powerful Versatility

July 6, 2006

Beyond high-definition picture and surround sound, the audience for the first five Blu-ray Discs released yesterday from Lionsgate will also be the first to experience a totally new standard in onscreen menu technology. The discs are the first to be embedded with Metamenu system 1.0, a patent-pending production method and digital media interface specifically designed to maximize user control. The first titles to “empower their audience” with Metamenu’s red carpet treatment include Academy Award® winner “Crash,” “Lord of War,” “The Punisher,” “Saw,” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” Unlike traditional DVDs, which often open with menu loops and imaginative navigation models, Metamenu discs open by default with a 20-second orientation video, then immediately play the movie. A timer counts down to the main attraction while an animated interface loads and a voiceover explains how to use the simple Metamenu system. Gone are the days of the endless series of trailers and needless menu screens that have been proven to frustrate focus group users as well as consumers at home. During the introduction, users can click PLAY, ENTER or NEXT on their remote control anytime to jump directly to the movie. Additionally, the technology strives to remove the common “operation cannot be performed” error message that often forces users down an unexpected and unwanted path. During the movie, Metamenu users can click a single button to summon a sliding menu shade, which appears superimposed over the video and provides easy access to everything on the disc, including individual scenes, natural language settings, a video tutorial, and key map help system – all while keeping the high-definition movie running in the background. Entertainment technology provider Metabeam™ Corporation (www.metabeam.com) designed the Metamenu system. Version 1.0 will be available only on the Lionsgate Blu-ray Disc rollout. Versions for other platforms, including rival HD-DVD and standard DVD, are currently in production. The Metamenu system is also designed for expansion into networked computing and mobile platforms. “This is just the start,” explains Chris Brown, president and CEO of Metabeam. “Metamenu technology offers a simple and consistent model that frees both artist and audience. For creators, the data-driven, light and flexible production method means we get the technology out of the way. For users, it means you can find what you want quickly and then get the menus out of the way.” Professional Hollywood developers have adopted the Metamenu vision in the form of certification training, software tools and services. “The Metamenu system includes a versatile toolkit,” reports Metamenu certified artist and award-winning producer Van Ling, who contributed to the Lionsgate Blu-ray rollout as producer of “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” ”By providing a consistent set of interface standards and utilities, Metamenu takes some of the frustration out of digging into the new HD formats. I can start with the base functionality I want and then design and create my own interfaces and navigation more quickly and easily than starting from scratch.” “The method is valuable even when the whole Metamenu system isn’t applied,” adds Brian Johnson, president and CEO of B1 Media, who uses the technology to create Blu-ray and HD-DVD bonus materials, and web-connected DVD board games. “Currently we’re using the technology to create games and web links instead of menus. We benefit from a stable code base and improved production workflow. Through our partnership with Metabeam we’re able to offer faster production for less cost, at substantially lower risk.” Metamenu design system version 1.2 is now available to Metamenu certified authors. Metamenu certification information is available at http://metamenus.com The company will demonstrate Metamenu system 1.0 and Lionsgate Blu-ray Discs at Venture Forum 2006—booth #600 in exhibit hall three at the San Jose Convention Center. About Metabeam Metabeam™ conceives, develops, produces and promotes new forms of entertainment with unprecedented audience control and ease of use. Founded in 2005, the company delivers entertainment technology to the world’s leading digital media artists. Metabeam invented the Metamenu™ system, a proprietary production method and consumer interface that sets a design standard for mobile and next-generation home media. The Metamenu method is currently contributing to the production of multiple projects on DVD-ROM, HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Hollywood has chosen Metamenu technology for a diverse set of blockbuster titles including Academy Award® winner “Crash,” and science-fiction classic “Terminator 2.” Located in Manhattan Beach, CA, Metabeam is privately held.

Read More:
http://metamenus.com
http://www.metabeam.com