During the introduction, users can click “play,” “enter” or “next” on their remote control to jump directly to the movie. Additionally, the technology strives to remove the common “operation cannot be performed” error message.
During the movie, Metamenu users can click a single button to summon a sliding menu shade, which appears superimposed over the video and provides 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.
Metabeam Corporation’s (www.metabeam.com) Metamenu Version 1.0 is currently featured 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,” says Chris Brown, president/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.”
The Metamenu system includes a versatile toolkit. Producer Van Ling, who contributed to the Lionsgate Blu-ray rollout as producer of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, says, ”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.”