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- Optical Storage
The BCD-S02 will read both single and dual-layer Blu-ray disc formats and provide high-speed read and write compatibility for a wide range of DVD and CD discs . The drive will be available though our distribution network for around €250.More information, including a full list of specs, can be found here. Add a comment
You’ll have the choice of both black and beige colour options.
The new drives provide a cost-efficient, high-performance and simple method for you to experience Blu-ray entertainment on your home PC.
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Roxio, a division of Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), today released Roxio Crunch, a software application for quickly and easily converting computer-based video entertainment for viewing in the living room through Apple TV. Supporting a broad range of personal video content including DVD-Video, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and DivX files, Roxio Crunch uses powerful compression technologies and straightforward settings to format video for optimal playback enjoyment. In addition to converting files for Apple TV, Roxio Crunch also enables consumers to view their favorite content on the road with predefined options for output to iPod and the soon to be released iPhone.Roxio Crunch for Mac OS X is currently available for $39.99. A dual-platform Mac and Microsoft Windows version will be available at retail stores later this quarter. Full details can be found here. Add a comment
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While pricing was not immediately available on either series, both Media Center PCs will come with an optional LG Super Multi Blue Blu-ray Disc Rewriter and HD DVD-ROM Drive (GGW-H10N), which the company demoed at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.Unfortunately, ExtremeTech doesn't seem to have all of their facts straight. The GGW-H10N is able to write to single layer BD-R discs at 4x and not the 2x stated in their article. If you'd like to read more, their entire article can be found here. Add a comment
It is expected that the drive will cost $1200, falling into a comparable price range to LG's standalone BH100, also known as the Super Multi Blue Player.
An HP representative said that the optical drive is a triple-format writer and will be able to write to Blu-ray discs at 2x (single-layer and double-layer), DVDs, and CDs. The drive will not be able to write to HD DVD, however, and currently Toshiba is the only company that manufactures an HD DVD writerfor PCs.
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Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), a worldwide leader in removable data storage, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets of Memcorp Inc. and Memcorp Asia Limited (together known as "Memcorp") from privately held Hopper Radio of Florida, Inc.Imation expects the acquisition to contribute an estimated $10 to $12 million in operating income and add approximately $200 million in annual revenue in the first full year of operation. If you'd like to read more, Imation's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
The purchase price for the assets includes approximately $23 million in cash and $37.5 million in three-year notes, plus a potential earn-out of up to $20 million over three years, dependent on financial performance of the purchased business. Imation also expects to invest approximately $15 million in additional working capital after the acquisition closes. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2007, subject to customary closing conditions and governmental approvals.
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- Home Entertainment
Under the system, the DVD manufacturer would overlay each disk with a thin electro-optic layer, conceived by Kestrel. Atkins said the layer functions "like a shutter," barring a DVD player's laser from reading the disk. An RFID inlay comprising the RFID chip and an RF antenna is embedded in the disk.At this point, its questionable whether or not the benefits of the security mechanism outweigh the added costs. Nevertheless, the solution will enter "advance trials" in mid-2007 and is expected to appear in commercial optical disks by the end of the year. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment
DVD disks incorporating the mechanism would remain unreadable until passed through an RFID reader at the point of purchase. The reader would check a unique number embedded in the disk's RFID chip to confirm the sale. The RFID chip on the DVD would then power up, creating a short electric impulse that would change the optical behavior of the disk's electro-optic film layer and make the layer transparent. Any DVD player could then read the disk.
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- Home Entertainment
Simplay Labs, LLC, the leading provider of testing technologies, programs and interoperability design standards for the high-definition (HD) consumer electronics industry, today announced that Samsung's BD-P1200 Blu-ray Disc(TM) Player is the first high-definition DVD player to pass the Simplay HD(TM) Testing Program.The BD-P1200 isn't the first product from Samsung to wear the Simplay HD logo. The Samsung R155 DVD recorder and the Samsung LN-T3253H 32" LCD HDTV have also passed testing. If you'd like to read more about the Simplay HD Testing Program, Simplay Labs' entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
The Simplay HD Testing Program helps consumers identify HD components, such as HDTVs and next-generation DVD players, that will work together to provide a consistent "plug and play" user experience and maximize users' access to premium HD content.
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The sources explained that global supply of HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) pick-up heads (PUHs) is still tight because yield rates on blue-laser laser diodes are quite low and the world's major suppliers of such PUHs, including Sony and Matsushita (Panasonic), have assigned their production capacities for own use first. Since PUHs and chipsets together account for 60-70% of the production costs of HD DVD and BD players, the shortage of PUHs renders it almost impossible to minimize the production costs to below US$299 this year, the sources noted.While HD DVD players prices have not fallen below $300 yet, you can pick up the Toshiba HD-A2 from Amazon for about $326. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment
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Kingston DataTraveler ReadyFlash @DV Hardware
Dell Latitude D820 Business Notebook @TweakTown
Cooler Master iTower 930 PC Enclosure @Futurelooks
OCZ Technology PC2-6400 Titanium EPP-Ready Dual Channel DDR2 @Bigbruin.com
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"Some people clearly think it's a First Amendment issue. There is no intent from us to interfere with people's right to discuss copy protection. We respect free speech.At this point, tracking down every blog and website with the key is probably a futile effort. The AACS LA has already done what they can by revoking it. By continuing this legal campaign though, its just going to spread more. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment
"They can discuss the pros and cons. We know some people are critical of the technology.
"But a line is crossed when we start seeing keys being distributed and tools for circumvention. You step outside of the realm of protected free speech then."
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- Hard Disks
No word on price. However, the PX-PH16U2 is expected to ship later this month. More information is available on Plextor's website. Add a comment
Extending its range of personal storage and high reliability optical products, Plextor today announces a new portable hard disk drive - small enough to fit in your pocket. In a stylish, brushed aluminium case this high reliability, premium quality HDD offers excellent value for money. The PX-PH16U2 is also Mac and PC compatible.
Ideal for all types of media including video, music, photos and office files, the drive offers a practical data capacity for everyday use and the compact size (only 17mm thick and 200g in weight) means you can easily slip it into your pocket, briefcase or handbag. Included is a handy carrying pouch for extra protection.
