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Optical Storage
I-O DATA Japan has announced a new 18x "Super-Multi" drive with a Serial ATA interface. Based on the Samsung TS-H653A (SH-S183L), the DVR-ST18G features 18x DVD±R, 8x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds. Here are some of the specs:



Writing Speeds:
DVD±R: 18x
DVD±R DL: 8x
DVD+RW: 8x
DVD-RW: 6x
DVD-RAM: 12x
CD-R: 48x
CD-RW: 32x

Read Speeds:
DVD-ROM (Single): 16x Max
DVD-ROM (Dual): 8x Max
DVD±R: 12x Max
DVD±RW: 8x Max
DVD±R DL: 8x Max
DVD-RAM: 12X Max
CD-ROM: 48x Max
CD-R/RW: 40x Max

The DVR-ST18G should hit store shelves in mid December for 9300 Yen ($80US). More information can be found here. Add a comment

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The guys at CD Freaks have put together a review of Sony's new multi-format DVD burner, the DRU-830A. Here's a sample of what they had to say:
The 18x DVD+R and DVD-R writing on our media produced very good quality. The drive writes CD-R media very fast with very good quality. It also supports reading and writing special 99 minutes CD-R without any problem. DVD-RAM was read and write supports at 12x is a very nice feature. The drive supports transfer mode "Ultra DMA Mode 4" which provides higher data throughput and allowed to be placed in an external enclosure for high speed burning and reading without any slowdowns.
If you'd like to read more, head on over to CD Freaks and check out their review. Want a second opinion? Our review of the DRU-830A can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
The Abcron Corporation has announced their new PlayO brand 16x DVD+/-R media. Here's part of their press release:
Abcron Corporation today announced the addition of PlayO brand 16X DVD+/-R discs to its large line of optical media products. The new, dependable, discs features fast read and write times as well as crisp, clear, recording quality.

"With a fast 16X write speed, our discs are perfect for power users who require consistently fast recording times for large video or data files, While the battle on the blue laser formats wages on there is still a strong demand for high quality DVD media." stated Abcron Vice President Andy Huang.
PlayO brand 16X DVD+/-R discs are available now at Staples stores nationwide. A 60 piece (50 + 10 bonus discs) cakebox retails for $27.99. More information can be found on Abcron's website. Add a comment

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X-Micro Super G Networking @ Overclockers Online
Icemat Siberia In:Ear Headset @ Bigbruin.com
Thermaltake Soprano VX Computer Case @ Tweaknews.net
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Dual Core Processor @ Digit-Life
MSI RX1650XT-T2D256EZ Video Card @ HardwareZone
Sapphire Radeon X1300 XT 256MB Video Card @ ThinkComputers.org
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CDRLabs is looking to expand its staff by adding one or two software reviewers. These people must be able to work on their own, be motivated and work under deadlines. In return, you'll be able to check out the latest software while earning some extra spending money. If you're interested, send me an email. Add a comment

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LightScribe sent out a press release this morning, announcing their Linux software development kit (SDK). Freely available to the public, this new SDK gives developers a way to integrate LightScribe support into Linux based software.
LightScribe today announced the immediate release of publicly-available Linux development tools for its Direct Disc Labeling technology. The LightScribe Linux public software development kit (SDK) allows individual application developers to integrate LightScribe support into Linuxbased software. Linux users will now be able to experience the benefits of LightScribe, a no-hassle way to burn professional, silkscreen-quality labels on CDs and DVDs right in the drive. The LightScribe Linux public SDK is available at (www.lightscribe.com/downloadSection/linux/index.aspx?id=816).
If developing software isn't your thing, LightScribe also has a few Linux based apps available for download on their website. More information can be found here. Add a comment

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CyberLink has announced that PowerDVD HD264 Edition is being bundled with Gigabyte's new HDMI equipped graphics card, the GV-NX76G256HI-RH. Here's part of their press release:
CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a world leader in digital home solutions, announced today that CyberLink PowerDVD HD264 Edition has been bundled with Gigabyte's latest high-definition video graphics cards, the Gigabyte HDMI Graphics Card.

CyberLink's H.264 decoding technology enables the playback of high-definition video content, including support for High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) via High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connectors.
Gigabyte's new graphics card begins shipping this month. More information can be found on CyberLink's website. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
Lite-On has announced the release of its first Blu-ray Disc Triple Writer, the LH-2B1S. Along with 12x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW and 4x DVD±R DL writing speeds, the LH-2B1S can read and write to BD-R and BD-RE media at 2x.

LITE-ON IT CORP., the professional ODD manufacturer of DVD & Ultra-Speed CD-RW / Combo Writers, releases its first Serial ATA Blu-ray Disc Triple Writer LH-2B1S. Through next-generation blue laser technology, LH-2B1S can record up to 25GB data on one BD-R / BD-RE media, more than 5 times capacity of a DVD media, or around 36 times capacity of a CD media. This Blu-ray Disc Writer is able to write BD-R media at 2X maximum, rewrite BD-RE media at 2X maximum, and read BD-ROM media at 2X maximum. Commercial advertising, studios, photographers, movie makers, and IT managers will greatly benefit from LH-2B1S. It can save us a lot of time and trouble for data storage. LH-2B1S can also provide High Definition entertainment for AV enthusiasts. You may enjoy 1920x1080 High Definition BD movie with Blu-ray Disc Writer LH-2B1S on newer PC system.

LH-2B1S is not only a powerful Blu-ray Disc Writer but also a High-Speed DVD & CD Writer. It can write DVD+R & DVD-R media at 12X maximum, write DVD+R DL & DVD-R DL media at 4X maximum, rewrite DVD+RW media at 8X maximum, rewrite DVD-RW media at 6X maximum, read DVD-ROM media at 12X maximum, write CD-R media at 32X maximum, rewrite Ultra-Speed CD-RW media at 24X maximum, and read CD-ROM media at 32X maximum.
No word on pricing or availability. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, Lite-On's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
While SATA has become the standard for hard drives, most optical drives still use the old ATAPI interface. According to DigiTimes, this is about to change. Thanks in part to Intel's P965 chipset and Microsoft's Vista operating system, SATA is expected to become the standard on optical drives as early as the second half of 2007.
Intel's P965 chipset and Microsoft's Vista operating system are expected to speed up adoption of SATA (serial advanced technology attachment) and displace ATAPI (ATA packet interface) as the mainstream interface standard for optical drives in the second half of 2007, according to optical disc drive (ODD) manufacturers in Taiwan.

Following LG, Plextor, Sony and Taiwan-based Asustek, Pioneer and Panasonic as well as Taiwan-based Lite-On IT will soon offer DVD-ROM drives or DVD burners equipped with SATA interfaces, the sources indicated.
While we've had a few SATA drives in the 'Labs, they've been few and far between. Hopefully this report is true and we'll be seeing more of them next year. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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Core 2 Duo vs Core 2 Quad @ BCCHardware
Corsair HX620W Power Supply @ OCTools.com
Super Talent MEGA Screen 2GB MP3 Player @ Overclockers Online
Intel P965 Shootout Part 2 ­ Gigabyte, ABIT and Biostar @ TweakTown
ASRock AM2XLI-eSATA2 Motherboard @ Redaktion ocinside.de
Antec''s Fusion HTPC Case @ OCModShop
Thermaltake Toughpower 750W Modular Power Supply @ ThinkComputers.org
neodigits H4000 1080p Upscaling DVD Player @ I4U
Compro VideoMate TV Tuners @ TweakTown
Biostar TF680i SLI Deluxe Motherboard @ HardwareZone
Belkin F1PP000GN-SK Wi-Fi Phone @ Buzz Me Baby
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