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04 May 2007

Apparently, the AACS LA hasn't learned anything from the revolt at Digg. According to an article at the BBC, the group plans to continue to use both "legal and technical" steps to prevent the processing key from spreading. Here are some of the comments made by Michael Ayers, chair of the AACS business group:

"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.

"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."

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

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Hard Disks

04 May 2007

Plextor Europe has announced a new pocket sized 160GB hard disk drive. Compatible with both Macs and PCs, the PX-PH16U2 can be powered off a computer's USB bus and comes preloaded with Plextor's PlexTools software.

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.

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

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03 May 2007

Sony Europe has officially launched their new website, the "Museum of Low Res". Developed to showcase Blu-ray Disc's capabilities, the musem takes visitors through a number of virtual exhibits showing other, less than successful, attempts at creating a high definition experience.

The Museum of Low Res (MoLR) is a voyage of discovery and enlightenment, enabling consumers to learn what Blu-ray Disc means and how this high definition (HD) technology can improve day-to-day life.

The Art of HD Room is a visual display of Blu-ray Disc and the effect it will have on viewing and listening pleasure. A giant TV sculpture demonstrates the resolution power of Blu-ray Disc through the representation of nine TV's banded together.

Discover alternative designs which could have revolutionised the market before the advent of Blu-ray Disc, such as a robotic arm sculpture which methodically changes up to 12 CD's at a time. This could have caught on if only Blu-ray Disc didn't offer the vast amount of storage space that it does.

Surprisingly, Sony doesn't make any digs about HD DVD. Then again, they do talk about some "Pink-Ray" technology that tried, but failed, to take over the world. More information about Sony's new website can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

03 May 2007

It appears that the HD DVD format will be getting its own form of copy protection. New Medium Enterprises (NME) has announced that they've partnered with Optikey to provide a solution to protect content on HD-VMD discs. While the details are sketchy, Optikey reportedly uses a submicron three dimensional optical structure that can't be forged.

The Optikey/HD-VMD system architecture will prevent the unauthorized reproduction of protected content on HD-VMD discs or any system that has our proprietary technology. Optikey doesn't rely on digital encryption, however, it has been proven that when added to encryption systems as a pass/fail portal, it provides an unbreakable layer of protection for the digital domain. The submicron analog Optikey structures provide precise threshold measurements to be matched with either a reference structure or discrete optical signatures. The Optikey/HD-VMD system will be compatible with existing legacy formats.

NME and Optikey plan to hold a joint press conference at Media Tech on May 16th to elaborate on the technology. In the mean time, you can read more about the technology here. Add a comment

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Software

03 May 2007

Good news for Windows Vista users. Roxio has announced that the core components of Easy Media Creator 9 have achieved Windows Vista Certification. Here's part of their press release:

Roxio, a division of Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), today announced that all core components of Roxio Easy Media Creator 9, the company’s comprehensive suite of music, photo, and video applications have achieved Windows Vista Certification through the premium logo program. The ideal complement and enhancement to consumers’ experience with Windows Vista, the latest version of Roxio’s retail-leading digital media suite offers extensive support for portable entertainment devices, high-definition video editing tools, and ground-breaking audio creation and enjoyment features. The Windows Vista Certified version of Easy Media Creator 9 is now shipping to major retailers and e-stores and is available direct from Roxio at www.roxio.com.. For more information on how Easy Media Creator enhances the Windows Vista experience, go to www.roxio.com/vista.

Unfortunately, Roxio doesn't mention if existing Easy Media Creator 9 owners will need an update or not. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, Roxio's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

03 May 2007

As promised, Pioneer is bringing their new Blu-ray combo drive to the US market. The company announced this morning that the BDC-2202 will be available beginning next month for a suggested retail price of $299.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to high definition optical disc technology, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announces the BDC-2202, a robust Blu-ray Disc computer drive, which will be available to consumers beginning next month for a suggested price of $299. When installed in a properly configured PC, the Pioneer Blu-ray Disc combination drive allows users to playback new high definition Blu-ray Disc film titles as well as read and write digital content to DVD and CD, fulfilling their storage and entertainment needs.

The drive can read BD-ROM/BD-R/BD-RE at up to 5X and can read BD-ROM (DL) and BD-R/-RE (DL) at up to 2X speed. It comes bundled with media software that ensures compatibility with commercially released Blu-ray Disc movies. It also allows users to create personal DVD movies and digital photo slideshows, securely backup personal data and media files to DVD or CD, and create and burn favorite music to CD. The software also offers a Direct-to-Disc feature allowing aspiring filmmakers to capture movies directly from the camcorder to DVD without the inconvenience of using vital hard drive space.

While the BDC-2202 is still a bit pricey, its considerably cheaper than most of the Blu-ray drives currently on the market. If you'd like to read more, Pioneer's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

02 May 2007

Seagate Momentus 7200.2 160GB SATA Hard Drive @Bigbruin.com
Samsung 275T LCD Monitor @Overclockers Online
Zalman HD160XT Ultimate HTPC Case @BCCHardware
Zalman CNPS9700 LED CPU Cooler @ThinkComputers.org
3RSystem R240 "Zion" Mid-Tower Enclosure @TweakTown
Hot Gadgets! Scythe 18-in-1 USB 2.0 FDD & Card Reader Combo @TweakTown
Speed MV8 MP4/MP3 Player @I4U
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra @HardwareZone

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Flash Memory

02 May 2007

Earlier today, Memorex unveiled a new version of the TravelDrive for 2007. Boasting a "sport utility" inspired look, the new TravelDrive features a jack-knife design, security software and Readyboost capabilities.

Memorex, a portfolio brand of Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN), today announced a new addition to its popular line of USB flash drives. The latest Memorex TravelDrive combines today’s most popular flash drive features in a distinctive sport utility design. Sporting a range of off-road inspired colors, Memorex equipped its new TravelDrive with a jack-knife design, security software and Readyboost capabilities for use with Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system. With up to 8GB of capacity, the all-new TravelDrive allows consumers to capture, save and share their digital files in an ultra-portable, stylish and secure device.

Memorex's new TravelDrive will be available beginning in May in capacities of 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB. Prices range from $19.99 to $129.99 depending on capacity. If you'd like to read more, Memorex's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Flash Memory

02 May 2007

Lexar sent out a press release this morning, announcing their new ExpressCard SSD. While smaller in size than other PC card solutions, the ExpressCard SSD offers capacities as high as 16GB and is enhanced for use with Windows Vista's ReadyBoost technology. To top it off, it comes bundled with auto-backup software.

Lexar Media, Inc., a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, today announced the introduction of its new ExpressCard SSD with auto-backup software. Roughly half the size of current PC Card solutions, the Lexar ExpressCard SSD is a high-capacity removable solid state drive (SSD) that promises to set a new standard for delivering high-performance, lower-cost storage expansion to notebook computers. The Lexar ExpressCard SSD comes bundled with auto-backup software, an innovative solution for protecting laptop computer files and data that allows for automatic regular (daily, weekly, or monthly) backup without user intervention after the initial setup. During this setup, the user will be able to set the folder and specific file types to be included or excluded from the backup process. In addition, this automatic backup software can also support multiple computers by recognizing the computer name and the appropriate backup setting for each computer.

No word on pricing or availability yet. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, Lexar's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment