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Optical Storage

24 June 2008

Memorex sent out a press release this morning, announcing the availability of their SimpleSave Photo & Video Back-Up DVDs. This new recordable DVD media features embedded software that automatically finds the photo and video files on your PC and then backs them up onto the very same disc.

Consumers will use their digital cameras more than ever this summer to capture memories and thrilling moments from family vacations, backyard get-togethers and warm weather activities. Memorex, the leading brand of optical media at U.S. retail and a portfolio brand of Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN), offers Memorex SimpleSave Photo & Video Back-Up DVDs, an easy and hassle-free way to back up those precious summer pictures and safeguard them against heartbreaking loss due to PC crashes. Available now, the discs are record-once DVDs with embedded software that automatically finds, organizes and backs up photo and video files on PCs and connected drives. The software is auto-launching and requires no installation, making SimpleSave a totally new way to back up content with almost no effort required.

Memorex SimpleSave Photo & Video Back-Up DVDs will be available this summer at Fry’s Electronics and OfficeMax stores. This discs come in packs of five with slim storage cases for a suggested retail price of $14.99. If you'd like to read more, Memorex's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

24 June 2008

DigiTimes is reporting that Asustek's OEM contract with Pioneer will expire in July. Instead of renewing, Pioneer has been expanding the production capacity of two of its own factories in southern China. As a result, Asustek may close or sell off its optical disc drive business.

Asustek Computer's contract for OEM production of optical disc drives (ODDs) for Pioneer will expire in July 2008, and the Taiwan-based vendor of motherboards and PCs may dispose of its ODD business by closing the business unit or selling it, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

While Pioneer has been Asustek's largest OEM client of ODDs, the Japan-based vendor has been expanding its ODD production capacity at its two factories in Dongguan, southern China, the sources pointed out. In addition to half-height and slim-type ODDs, the two factories began to produce Blu-ray Disc (BD) Combo drives earlier this year, the sources indicated.

Lets hope that Asustek doesn't pull out of the optical disc drive business altogether. While some of their more recent drives have had their share of issues, they've come up with some pretty unique designs over the years. Anyway, if you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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Software

24 June 2008

Nero announced today that Packard Bell has chosen to bundle Nero 8 Essentials with their latest line of PCs and laptops. Here's part of their press release:

Nero, creators of liquid media technology, today announced that through a new cooperation, Packard Bell has chosen to bundle Nero 8 Essentials with their latest line of PCs and laptops.

Nero 8 Essentials offers users the latest digital media technology designed for ease of use with user-friendly interfaces and intuitive features. Users can create and manage their digital media projects with the latest state-of-the-art tools for burning, copying, and ripping their personal audio, video, and photo content.

“Nero is pleased that Packard Bell has decided to bundle their leading-edge PCs and laptops with Nero 8 Essentials,” said Patrick Peeters, General Manager EMEA, Nero AG. “Our software solutions are created specifically for users looking to live the digital life and maximize their digital content. Packard Bell creates outstanding hardware for the same user-focused reason, making this an ideal cooperation.”

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

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Other

24 June 2008

CradlePoint MBR1000 Mobile Broadband Router @ThinkComputers.org
Hiper Osiris HTC-1K514-A1 Mid-Tower Computer Case @Benchmark Reviews
Intel Core 2 Extreme Mobile X9000 Processor @HotHardware.com
MSI P7N SLI Platinum (750i) Motherboard @Madshrimps
NVIDIA GeForce 9800GTX 512MB @Phoronix
NZXT Tempest Midtower ATX Case @Futurelooks
XFX GeForce GTX 280 XXX Edition @TweakTown
ZEROTherm ZEN FZ120 Cooler @HardwareLogic

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Software

23 June 2008

CyberLink sent out a press release this morning, announcing that PowerDVD has been certified for BD-Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) and AVCREC. With support for these two features, PowerDVD users can access Internet-connected content and play back high-definition video recorded onto a standard DVD using the MPEG-4 AVC format.

CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), innovative solutions provider for the connected digital lifestyle, today announced that CyberLink PowerDVD has received certification for two advanced features of the Blu-ray Disc format—BD-Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) and AVCREC—confirming PowerDVD’s support for the playback of interactive BD-Live movie content and high-definition MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) content stored on DVDs.

PowerDVD supporting BD Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) format allows Internet-connected activities such as multiplayer gaming, e-commerce, the downloading of movie trailers and subtitles, as well as social networking. These features provide PowerDVD users with more ways to enjoy movies. Supporting AVCREC format enables PowerDVD to playback the recording of high-definition video onto DVD recordable discs using the MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) format. With the growing popularity of high-definition video camcorders and video editing software, users are able to produce their home movies in high-def formats, or record HDTV programs, and playback their recorded high-definition video with PowerDVD.

CyberLink PowerDVD with support for BD-Live and AVCREC is available for purchase online. Existing PowerDVD 8 users can also update their software for free. If you'd like to read more, CyberLink's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

23 June 2008

DigiTimes is reporting that Sony will be launching its first Blu-ray combo drive in July. While the article doesn't include a lot of specifics, it does state that the drive is expected to cost about NT$7,000 (US$230).

Sony will launch its new Blu-ray Disc (BD) Combo drive in the Taiwan market at a tentative retail price of about NT$7,000 (US$230) in July 2008, according to Sony Taiwan.

While Sony has launched the BDU-X10S BD-ROM drive in the Taiwan market at a retail price of NT$6,999 plus a free BD movie disc, the model to be launched in July is the company's first BD Combo model in Taiwan, Sony Taiwan indicated.

We haven't heard anything from Sony regarding their new BD combo drive. However, if they truly do plan to launch it in July, we should be seeing an official announcement soon. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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Software

23 June 2008

CyberLink recently announced that PowerDVD has received DTS-HD Master Audio certification. With the ability to decode DTS-HD Master Audio, PowerDVD owners will be able to enjoy high-quality audio using lossless compression and support for 7.1-channel output.

CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), innovative solutions provider for the connected digital lifestyle, announced today that PowerDVD receives certification by DTS for the support of DTS-HD Master Audio technology.

The combination of CyberLink PowerDVD and DTS’s latest technology enables the ultimate entertainment experience when playing high-definition content and Blu-ray discs movies on PCs. DTS-HD Master Audio allows bit-for-bit reproduction of the original studio master soundtrack and supports up to 7.1-channel output, for a lifelike audio performance.

CyberLink PowerDVD featuring DTS-HD Master Audio support will be available as an upgrade to existing users in July 2008. Full details can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

20 June 2008

The high price of oil is hurting more than just car owners. Taiwan's disc makers are also looking a hike in polycarbonate costs. According to DigiTimes, polycarbonate suppliers plan to raise prices by 5-7% later this year.

While the third quarter of each year is traditionally an off-peak period for Taiwan-based blank CD-R and DVD+R/-R disc makers, the third quarter of 2008 will potentially see makers facing an additional negative impact as polycarbonate suppliers plan to raise prices from the current level of US$2.3-2.4/kg by 5-7% due to large hikes in oil pricing, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

The traditional slow sales period is mainly due to decreased demand in the US and Europe over the summer, the sources indicated. Based on received OEM orders, utilization rates are estimated to drop from 70-80% currently to 50-60% in the third quarter of 2008, the sources noted.

The article also states that it is unclear whether or not the increased cost of polycarbonate will have an effect on OEM pricing. For the benefit of consumers, lets hope that the price stays where it is. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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Other

19 June 2008

ASRock K10N750SLI-WiFi nForce 750a Motherboard @ThinkComputers.org
ASUS MK241 LCD Monitor @ I4U
Boogie Bug Black Pearl MicroATX Case @Madshrimps
G.Skill 4GB DDR3-1600 Pi Series Dual Channel Memory Kit @Bigbruin.com
Samsung SyncMaster 2693HM @InsideHW
Tagan Icy Box IB-290STUSD-B External HDD Enclosure @HardwareLogic
Toshiba Portege M800 Notebook @Hardware Zone
Zalman VF900-Cu Ultra Quiet Heatpipe VGA Cooler @Benchmark Reviews

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