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Optical Storage

24 October 2006

HP has announced their new 18x "Super-Multi" drive, the dvd940i. Along with support for LightScribe, this Lite-On manufactured drive features 18x DVD±R and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds.

18X will be the new writing speed standard on HP drives. HP will launch the dvd940i: a new, high-speed internal drive with DVD±R/±RW and DVD-RAM read/write, ±R double-layer capability, and LightScribe direct disc labeling. HP will also introduce an external version of this drive: HPdvd940e.

HP's supermulti drive offers high speeds and double-layer recording, and it's LightScribe Version 1.2 - ready for high-contrast labeling. It lets users easily preserve, edit and share up to 8.5 GB of video, photos, and multimedia presentations on one double-layer disc - and quickly store back up and transport files on DVDs and Cds. The dvd940i/e records double-layer DVDs at up to 8X, recordable DVDs at up to 18X, rewritable DVDs at up to 8X and DVD-RAM at up to 12X.

The dvd940i is expected to hit store shelves in November. If you'd like to read more, HP's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment

24 October 2006

Lite-On has officially announced their latest HDD/DVD recorder, the HD-A970GX. Along with HDMI output, the HD-A970GX includes features like a 320GB hard drive and DivX video playback.

Lite-On IT Corporation (TWE: 8008), the world's leading optical drive supplier, today announced the launch of its new-generation HDD/DVD recorder, the HD-A970GX, in a move to respond to the growing popularity of high-definition video market and to demonstrate its continuing endeavors in the consumer electronics segment...

...With an advanced HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output, HD-A970GX offers you hassle-free connection to the new-generation HDTV or HD-ready TV set with a single HDMI cable. Meanwhile, to bridge the current gap between the lower-resolution analog signals and the expanded display capability of HDTV, the HD-A970GX incorporates a video upscaler to enhance the source picture resolution up to 1080p (Progressive mode). This conversion process allows users to enjoy improved, near high-definition images.

No word on pricing or availability yet. 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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Software

24 October 2006

Digital Media Applications sent out a press release this morning, announcing the release of their new DVD authoring software solution, ROCKETDVD.

Digital Media Applications, an innovative software developer has released ROCKETDVD, a new DVD authoring software solution that provides prosumers and media professionals with a fast and automated method to create and author DVDs. With an easy to use interface, professionally designed DVD templates and compatibility with DVD duplicators, ROCKETDVD streamlines the entire DVD authoring process by creating a totally integrated work flow.

ROCKETDVD provides videographers and small production studios a simple and intuitive way to author DVDs. In addition to supporting standard DVD burners, it also supports automated DVD duplicators that utilize PTBurn such as the Primera Bravo.

ROCKETDVD is available now for $399.00. A trial version can also be downloaded from Digital Media Applications' website. More information can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

23 October 2006

Choosing a Portable MP3 Player: Part 1 @ OCModShop
Lots of Hi-Speed USB Pen Drives Tested ­ 512MB to 4GB @ TweakTown
Gigabyte 965P-DQ6 Motherboard @ BCCHardware
ATI Radeon X1650PRO Graphics Cards Compared @ TweakTown
Cooler Master Hyper TX Socket 775 CPU Cooler Review @ Bigbruin.com
Apack Zerotherm GX710 Copper Videocard VGA Cooler @ Tweaknews.net
ECS P965T-A Rev1.0B Motherboard @ Futurelooks
X-Micro X-VDO MP4 F610 Multimedia Player @ ThinkComputers.org Add a comment

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Other

23 October 2006

CDRLabs kicks off the week with an in depth look at Sony's new 18x DVD±RW/RAM drive, the DRU-830A. Sporting some pretty impressive specs, this Samsung based drive is capable of 18x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds and a maximum DVD read speed of 16x. The DRU-830A also includes features like 48x CD reading and writing speeds, 32x rewriting speeds, Power-Burn buffer underrun protection and an impressive software bundle from Nero.

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the DRU-830A and see how it compares to some of the 16x and 18x DVD±RW drives from the competition. Does Sony's new drive have what it takes? You'll have to read the review to find out.

Sony DRU-830A 18x DVD±RW/RAM

If you have any comments or questions about this review or the Sony DRU-830A, please post them in the forum using the link provided below. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

23 October 2006

Here's some good news for our European readers. The European Union has reportedly lifted a threat to impose tariffs on blank compact discs from China and Malaysia.

The EU closed an inquiry into whether Chinese and Malaysian exporters of recordable CDs sell in Europe below domestic prices or below the production cost, a practice known as dumping. Two weeks ago, the bloc ended an investigation into suspected dumping of recordable DVDs by Taiwan and China.

Punitive tariffs on blank CDs from China and Malaysia would "have substantial negative effects on importers, distributors, retailers and consumers," the EU said in a report endorsed in Luxembourg. China and Malaysia control about half the EU market for blank CDs, according to the bloc.

The EU also found that the anti-dumping duties would do little to help European manufacturers raise prices and profitability as they'd still be facing competition from countries like India. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment

23 October 2006

At a recent meeting, the American Independent Media Manufacturers Association (AIMMA) voted to support HD DVD the next-generation high definition DVD format of choice. Here's part of their press release:

The AIMMA meeting included presentations by speakers representing both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Member discussion focused on the economics and efficiencies of transitioning to either format, including equipment costs and installation timing.

"Given that the HD DVD manufacturing process uses essentially the same equipment as existing DVD production, the format is far more compatible with the companies in our organization than the Blu-ray Disc format," said Ray Zerrusen, AIMMA president and president of member company OEM. "In a marketplace facing increasingly squeezed margins, HD DVD is the logical choice for our membership, providing a lower cost of entry and shorter ramp-up timing" he continued.

If you'd like to read more, AIMMA's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment

20 October 2006

Thanks to BetaNews, we've learned that Sony has pushed back the launch of their Blu-ray Disc player yet again. Originally scheduled to ship in June, the BDP-S1 now has a ship date of of December 4th.

As members of the AV Science Forum were the first to discover yesterday, Sony has once again pushed back its estimate of availability for its first wave of Blu-ray Disc player consoles, the BDP-S1.

According to the company's SonyStyle Web site, US customers should expect to see the player on December 4, with MSRP remaining set at $999.95 USD. The BDP-S1 had been slated for release next week.

While many people have speculated that the delay is due to laser diode shortages, TVPredictions.com has reported that a "software issue" has forced Sony to postpone the release. Let's hope Sony can work out these issues in time for the holidays. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

20 October 2006

As we reported earlier in the week, HP has chosen Lite-On to manufacture their new external HD DVD-ROM drive. According to DigiTimes, Lite-On is also looking to produce the company's Blu-ray Disc drives.

HP already produces PC-use HD DVD drives, with Toshiba producing the internal drives and Lite-On IT producing an external HD DVD-ROM drive (HD100), the sources indicated. For HP's planned OEM production of BD drives, Lite-On IT will compete for the orders with South Korean and Japanese makers, the sources said. Unlike its competitors though, Lite-On does not sell own-brand products in the international market and stands a good chance of being selected by HP, the sources pointed out.

The article also mentions that Lite-On will begin producing Blu-ray Disc drives for other clients later this quarter. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment