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Software

01 October 2007

Nero released a new version of Nero 8 this morning. There is no change log yet. However, this new update brings the version count up to 8.1.1.0 . If you'd like to check it out, the update can be downloaded here. As usual, feel free to share your experiences in our forum. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

01 October 2007

While Japan's optical disc manufacturers have been turning out recordable Blu-ray and HD DVD media for some time, those in Taiwan are still reluctant to invest in large-scale production of blue-laser discs. According to DigiTimes, the conservative attitude is primarily due to high royalty fees and the fear that the cost of production equipment may drop considerably in the future.

CMC Magnetics and Ritek, the top two Taiwan-based producers of optical discs, as well as Prodisc Technology, a second-tier maker, are unwilling to invest in large-scale production of either Blu-ray Disc (BD) or HD DVD discs, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

The disc manufacturers are reluctant to invest in blue-laser disc production because royalty fees are high and there is the possibility that the cost of production equipment may drastically drop in the future, noted the sources, adding that it is still uncertain which standard will become mainstream.

The article also points out that CMC and Ritek are producing HD DVD and Blu-ray media. However, in very limited amounts. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment

01 October 2007

According to our friends at Wesleytech.com, Samsung has cancelled plans to release their new high-end Blu-ray Disc player, the BDP-2400. While Samsung has not given an official reason, general speculation is that they could not meet the October 31 deadline for BD 1.0 spec.

If you were looking forward to get the new Samsung BDP-2400, I have bad news for you; I just received word that Samsung has canceled all plans to release their upcoming high-end Blu-ray Disc player. All orders for the player have been canceled, and the model will not be brought to the market.

Wesleytech.com also reports that Samsung has pushed back the BD-UP5000 until December which means that it will meet the BD 1.1 spec. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

01 October 2007

The CD-R patent dispute between Gigastorage and Philips is finally coming to an end. According to DigiTimes, Gigastorage has reached a preliminary settlement with Philips. The two companies will sign a final settlement once they can agree on which disc shipments Philips should be compensated for.

According to industry sources in Taiwan, Gigastorage stopped paying royalty fees to Philips in April 2001 and then Philips filed a charge in the US. After a long process of litigation Philips finally won the suit as judged by the US International Trade Commission in February 2007, the sources pointed.

For the settlement, Philips demands that the compensation be based on all of Gigastorage's shipments of CD-R and CR-RW discs and be paid in 10 years, but Gigastorage thinks only shipments to the US market are subject to the compensation and payment should be in installment over 10 years, the sources pointed out. In addition, it is not certain whether Gigastorage will accept Veeza, Philips' new CD-R licensing system, in the final settlement, the sources noted.

If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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Other

28 September 2007

A-Data Nobility PD17 2GB Flash Drive @OCModShop
Diamond Viper HD 2900 XT 1GB CrossFire @HotHardware.com
Gigabyte iSolo 210 Case @BCCHardware
Microsoft SideWinder Mouse @I4U
New Standard Keyboards NSK 535 R Keyboard @HardwareLogic
NZXT Lexa Blackline Case @TweakPC
OCZ Vendetta Exposed HDT CPU Cooler @Benchmark Reviews

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Optical Storage

28 September 2007

Earlier this week, DataPlay announced what they claim to be the world’s first DVD burner capable of writing Content Scramble System (CSS) encrypted content. The MovieWriter is compatible with Sonic's Qflix technology and will be available as both an internal and external model as well as part of an Integrated Pre-Key Writing System.

DPHI, Inc. / DataPlay, a leader in advanced optical storage solutions,announced today the world’s first DVD burner capable of writing Content Scramble System (CSS) encryptedcontent for playback on standard DVD players. This has been made possible by the recent amendment to theCSS specification, which now allows consumers and retailers to download digital video content and createprotected DVD discs. To incorporate CSS recording capabilities into their burners, DataPlay is participating in theQflix technology and lP licensing program administered by Sonic Solutions. For consumers, DataPlay hasreleased an External USB 2.0 DVD Burner called MovieWriter which will allow them to legally and securelydownload and burn movies to DVD at home. An I/T version of the MovieWriter will be available shortly for PCOEMsto integrate into PC systems and home multi-media centers. In addition, DataPlay is making available aspecialized CSS-MR/Qflix Pre-Key Writing System for media manufacturers and replicators.

According to DataPlay's website, the MovieWriter burns CSS protected DVD's at only 2x. However, speeds will eventually increase to 8x. No word on pricing pricing or availability yet. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, DataPlay's entire press release can be found here.

Update: DataPlay informed us that the MovieWriter should be available in the December timeframe with a MSRP of around $99. Add a comment

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Other

28 September 2007

Earlier this month, we reported that the AACS LA had unveiled the final version of its copy protection system which included watermarking and encrypted keys. ABI Research has now issued a report stating that high-def players may require some hardware modifications to support this new technology.

Furthermore, new watermarking techniques are being implemented that may require enhancements to high-definition DVD hardware platforms. ABI Research sees a high likelihood for the incorporation of these changes, among others. “The watermarking process tags audio content in such a way that analog copies will be rejected by the player,” adds Wilson. “Content owners could unobtrusively tag their original source material and facilitate source detection of pirated material.” Watermarking is already in use in theatre content source.

Unless the AACS LA is going to require that players support these technologies, I don't think too many consumers are going to care that their player won't prevent the playback of watermarked content. If you'd like to read more, the entire report can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

27 September 2007

Alienware Area-51 7500 @The TechZone
Inno3D GeForce 8600GT iChill @TweakTown
Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 @I4U
OCZ Technology PC3-10666 Gold Edition 2GB DDR3 Kit @Bigbruin.com
Samsung BD-P1200 Blu-ray Player @Tweaknews.net
Tagan CS-EL Diablo Mid Tower ATX Case @Benchmark Reviews
Ultra X3 600W Modular Power Supply @ThinkComputers.org

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Duplicators

27 September 2007

Primera has announced that it is collaborating with Sonic Solutions to provide hardware solutions for ‘disc-on-demand’ retail kiosks. By licensing Sonic's Qflix technology, Primera has been able to incorporate CSS recording capabilities into their publishing systems.

Primera Technology, Inc., the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc duplication and printing equipment, today announced it is collaborating with Sonic Solutions to provide enabling hardware solutions for new, ‘disc-on-demand’ retail kiosks. To incorporate CSS recording capabilities into their automated disc publishing systems, Primera is participating in the Qflix technology and IP licensing program administered by Sonic. With Qflix, Primera’s automated systems can record discs on demand that offer compatibility and security similar to mass-produced titles. Discs are produced at the time a customer’s order is placed through a touch-screen display at the retail counter or at a stand-alone, self-serve kiosk.

In a typical installation, hundreds and even thousands of movies, television shows, and special-interest titles can be made available for purchase. The entire system takes only a few square feet of counter space, and discs can be produced in just minutes each.

Complete burn and print systems from Primera sell for $1495 to $6995. More information can be found here. Add a comment