Earlier this week, CyberLink announced support for the AVCHD standard. According to their press release, PowerDVD Ultra already supports AVCHD playback and disc authoring will be added to PowerProducer later this year.
CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a world leader in digital home solutions, today announced support for the Advanced Video Codec High Definition Standard (AVCHD) for video playback and authoring. CyberLink has already incorporated AVCHD support in high-definition disc player software PowerDVD Ultra, and will launch support for disc authoring software PowerProducer mid-year.

"The AVCHD format offers exceptional quality for the recording, storage and playback of high-definition video content," said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink. "With our expertise in developing leading playback and authoring products, CyberLink's support of the AVCHD format delivers greater flexibility for our hardware partners and even more choice for consumers."
If you'd like to read more, CyberLink's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Nero released a new version of Nero 7 this morning. There is no change log yet. However, this new update brings the version count up to 7.8.5.0. If you'd like to check it out, the update can be downloaded here or via BitTorrent. As usual, feel free to share your experiences in our forum. Add a comment
Nero has announced that Nero Linux 3 will be unveiled at CeBIT. This new version of the program features an improved graphical user interface, native support for 64-bit operating systems and data recording for Blu-ray and HD DVD.
Nero, leaders in digital media technology, announced today that Nero Linux 3 will be unveiled at CeBIT. The new version of the definitive burning application for Linux operating systems will feature Blu-ray and HD DVD data recording support as well as an improved graphical user interface that is similar to the look and feel of the current Nero Burning ROM 7 edition.

"Nero has long recognized the importance of including the Linux community in our broad user base," said Udo Eberlein, Chief Operating Officer, Nero AG. "By ensuring that the functionalities of our most popular application are available to users of the Linux operating systems, we are also ensuring that Nero's cutting-edge burning technology is enjoyed by users all over the world."

In addition to Blu-ray and HD DVD burning capabilities, Nero Linux 3 will also natively support 64-bit systems, as well as Unicode in all languages currently supported by Nero's flagship product, Nero 7.
A beta version of Nero Linux 3 is expected to be available at the end of March. More information can be found here. Add a comment
Global Technologies Group, Inc. (GTGI) has announced the release of SecureDisc Standalone. According to their press release, this new software gives you the ability to password protect the data on your CDs and DVDs using AES 256-bit encryption. Best of all, it works with most current recorders and does not require specialized media.
Global Technologies Group, Inc. (GTGI) announces the release of their SecureDisc Standalone encryption software, for encryption of data written to DVD and CD. SecureDisc Standalone is an easy to use, drag-and-drop disc encryption recording application and does not require specialized media.

SecureDisc Standalone utilizes the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit algorithm for on-the-fly encryption. The only way to access encrypted data is with an assigned password and SecureDisc decryption software, which is available at no additional charge.
SecureDisc Standalone is available now for $249. If you'd like to read more, GTGI's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Slysoft recently announced that AnyDVD will now let consumers play back discs protected with "Protect DVD-Video" on computers running Windows MCE 2005. Without AnyDVD, these discs aren't playable at all.
With the help of today released AnyDVD, discs protected with "Protect DVD-Video" can now be played on Windows MCE 2005, with Windows Media player or Zoom Player. WITHOUT ANYDVD RUNNING, THESE DISCS CANNOT BE PLAYED!Examples: "Wer früher stirbt..." and "Perfume", both R2, German

Giancarlo Bettini, SlySoft CEO: "Shame on the makers of this really bad protection. They don't do their customers a favour, if they cannot watch the original disc! We really hope that they get these discs slapped in their faces by their (ex)customers."
If you'd like to try it out, a demo version of AnyDVD can be downloaded here. Otherwise, more information is available on Slysoft's website. Add a comment