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Optical Storage
While PC vendors have forecasted that the price of Blu-ray drives will fall by as much as 30% this year, DigiTimes is reporting that this might not be the case. Due to the increased cost of components, such as PUHs, drive manufacturers have indicated that the price of Blu-ray drives may actually rise as much as 10% in the near-term.
PC vendors are forecasting a price drop of 7-10% a quarter, with the price level for the fourth quarter of 2008 expected to be 30% lower than current prices, the sources noted. For example, international vendors expect ODM/OEM quotes for half-height BD-ROM drives to drop from US$95-100 currently to US$70 in the fourth quarter of 2008, the sources pointed out.

However, the cost of PUHs and other components of BD drives have risen a few times since the second half of 2007 and price hikes of another 5-10% are possible in the near-term, mainly due to price increases for materials, the sources explained.
While a price drop is inevitable, it may be worth waiting to see how things shake out. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
Falcon Technologies International announced today that it is entering the U.S. market with its own line of recordable CD, DVD and BD media. Developed for professional and archival applications, FTI's media features technologies such as a 24k Gold reflective layer, Ultra Hard Coat (UHC) scratch resistance protection and ultra-performance inorganic alloy recording material for Blu-ray Discs.
Falcon Technologies International (FTI), a leading manufacturer of optical data storage discs for professional and archival applications, today officially entered the U.S. market with the introduction of a complete line of superior quality optical recording media solutions, including CD-R, DVD-R single and dual layer, and Blu-ray BD-R and BD-RE Discs. FTI is dedicated to providing the best and most complete optical recording media solutions, developing and employing the most innovative recording media technologies, manufacturing processes and quality assurance procedures. The complete line of FTI’s FalconMedia Pro media products is available now from the company’s distribution center in Fremont, California.

“Recognizing the demand for professional- and archival-use optical recording media that can outperform and outlast other products on the market, we have built our organization with an unyielding commitment to achieving industry-leading quality and consistency in every aspect of our business operations,” said Mr. Adel Michael, co-founder and CEO of Falcon Technologies International (FTI). “This dedication to quality is evident in the groundbreaking features and superb performance, durability and reliability of our professional optical disc recording media.”
No word yet on pricing or availability. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, FTI's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment
At a recent press conference in Taipei, Sony president and Electronics CEO Ryoji Chubachi announced that the company aims to increase its BD market share from 20% to 50% by the end of 2008. Sony also plans to offer a number of new BD devices including an LCD TV with a built in BD recorder.
Sony will offer Blu-ray Disc (BD) devices in a wide range of product lines and prices and aims to increase the global market share of its BD products from 20% currently to 50% by the end of 2008, according to Sony president and Electronics CEO Ryoji Chubachi at a press conference in Taipei on April 3.

DVD and BD currently account for about 80% and 20%, respectively, of global demand for movie discs, Chubachi indicated. The new BD devices to be offered by Sony include models integrating an HD LCD TV with BD recording functionality, Chubachi pointed out.
While new devices are great, the best way for Sony to boost its market share would be to lower the price its BD players. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening any time soon. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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Hard Disks
LaCie has announced a triple interface version of its Neil Poulton designed desktop hard drives. The LaCie Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton sports a black-mirrored finish and can connect to nearly any PC or Mac using its USB 2.0, eSATA, and Firewire 400 interfaces.

LaCie today announced the latest model of its Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton - a new triple interface version consisting of USB 2.0, eSATA, and Firewire 400 in capacities of 500 gigabytes (GB), 750GB and 1 terabyte. Created exclusively for LaCie by noted designer Neil Poulton, the sleek and compact device is fashioned in a black-mirrored finish and includes a unique blue LED strip that creates a rich ambient glow to enhance the storage experience.

The Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton is a compact desktop solution that features natural heat dissipation thanks to a sturdy casing with bottom plate holes for natural airflow. The device can connect to any universal Hi-Speed USB 2.0, eSATA, or FireWire 400 interface port for cross-platform compatibility with either a PC or Mac. Plug and play setup is simple and efficient with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Mac OS X 10.3 or higher.
The Hard Disk, Design by Neil Poulton is available now in capacities ranging from 500GB to 1TB. More information, including prices, can be found on LaCie's website. Add a comment

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Sabic Innovative Plastics is currently testing optical-quality grades of its Noryl compound as a potential replacement for the polycarbonate used in Blu-ray Discs. According to Design News, Noryl could reduce the costs of Blu-ray discs as it does not need the moisture-barrier layer or lacquer coating required for polycarbonate.
“With DVDs, the laser is reading through a substrate, so the material has to be transparent,” says Harley. “You can use an opaque material, or any color you want, with a Blu-ray disc.” The cover layer in DVDs typically consists of expensive solvent-casted polycarbonate film that is about 100 microns thick and is bonded with an adhesive to the substrate.

Noryl offers the opportunity to reduce costs for discs. For example, Noryl will not require a moisture-barrier layer and lacquer coating as required for polycarbonate. Because of its superior dimensional stability, a less complicated molding process leads to a higher yield rate.
If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Software
To coincide with the release of PowerDVD 8, CyberLink has launched their new social networking site, MoovieLive.com. Using this web service, PowerDVD 8 users can rate movies, write reviews and find those with similar tastes. MoovieLive also serves as a platform to upload and share Movie Remix files created by PowerDVD.
CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a leader in digital home solutions, today officially launched MoovieLive.com, a brand new web service for movie fans and PowerDVD users.

Like all art forms, movies transcend boundaries and unite people of different cultures with common interests. "In the offline world, so many social activities can evolve from a box office movie," said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink. "With today's internet technologies MoovieLive extend that movie experience from purely watching to a series of online social activities and connecting PowerDVD users across the world with the same movie interests and exploring new movies from friends."

MoovieLive is an extended web service for PowerDVD 8 users to rate movies, write reviews and find friends with similar movie taste. The website also works seamlessly with PowerDVD to build a database of movie information contributed by millions of PowerDVD users worldwide.
Those without PowerDVD can also take advantage of MoovieLive to build their movie collection, rate movies and find friends. Full details can be found here. Add a comment

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Flash Memory
Transcend announced this week that it will be introducing a 16GB version of its JetFlash 168 flash drive. This high performance flash drive features an Oriental floral motif as well as Transcend’s JetFlash elite software suite which includes functions like Autologin, PC-Lock, Mobile E-mail and DataBackup.

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a leading manufacturer of flash memory products, today introduced an artistic new addition to its high-speed line of USB flash drives - the 16GB JetFlash 168. Inspired by ancient oriental culture, the JetFlash 168 represents a delicate balance of cutting-edge technology and exquisite transitional beauty. Its compact dimensions (61mm x 18.6mm x 9.8mm) and lightweight design make the JetFlash 168 easy and practical to carry around on a daily basis. Featuring an intricately etched lotus blossom motif that symbolizes purity and perfection, the new 16GB version allows you to store all of your personal files, music, digital photos, and even full-length HDTV movies and still have space left for work or school documents.
If you'd like to read more, Transcend's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment
Earlier this week, DigiTimes reported that Lite-On was developing a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360. Microsoft has denied this rumor, stating that the company is currently focusing on providing games and that those looking for HD content can get it through the Xbox Live Marketplace.
“No. Lite-On is not manufacturing Blu-ray drives for Xbox 360. As we have stated, games are what are driving consumers to purchase game consoles, and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available."

“For our customers who want a premium movie experience we offer the largest library of on-demand HD content available, and the ability to play back DVDs in high definition.“
While I think there is some truth to these rumors, Microsoft isn't going to announce support for Blu-ray until they are good and ready. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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