Details
Flash Memory
Transcend announced this week that it will be introducing a 16GB version of its JetFlash 168 flash drive. This high performance flash drive features an Oriental floral motif as well as Transcend’s JetFlash elite software suite which includes functions like Autologin, PC-Lock, Mobile E-mail and DataBackup.

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a leading manufacturer of flash memory products, today introduced an artistic new addition to its high-speed line of USB flash drives - the 16GB JetFlash 168. Inspired by ancient oriental culture, the JetFlash 168 represents a delicate balance of cutting-edge technology and exquisite transitional beauty. Its compact dimensions (61mm x 18.6mm x 9.8mm) and lightweight design make the JetFlash 168 easy and practical to carry around on a daily basis. Featuring an intricately etched lotus blossom motif that symbolizes purity and perfection, the new 16GB version allows you to store all of your personal files, music, digital photos, and even full-length HDTV movies and still have space left for work or school documents.
If you'd like to read more, Transcend's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

Details
Home Entertainment
Earlier this week, DigiTimes reported that Lite-On was developing a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360. Microsoft has denied this rumor, stating that the company is currently focusing on providing games and that those looking for HD content can get it through the Xbox Live Marketplace.
“No. Lite-On is not manufacturing Blu-ray drives for Xbox 360. As we have stated, games are what are driving consumers to purchase game consoles, and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available."

“For our customers who want a premium movie experience we offer the largest library of on-demand HD content available, and the ability to play back DVDs in high definition.“
While I think there is some truth to these rumors, Microsoft isn't going to announce support for Blu-ray until they are good and ready. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

Details
Hard Disks
Western Digital has announced a new line of high-performance, eco-friendly storage systems designed to work with Mac computers. The My Book Studio II Edition storage systems come equipped with a pair of GreenPower hard drives in a RAID 0 configuration and feature FireWire 400/800, eSATA, and USB 2.0 interfaces.

WD (NYSE: WDC) today introduced its My Book Studio Edition II high-performance dual-drive storage systems which are designed to seamlessly work with Mac computers and provide an ideal blend of power savings and high performance. Available now at select retailers and the WD online store (www.shopwd.com), the new My Book Studio Edition II dual-drive storage systems are available in capacities of 1 TB and 2 TB.

The new eco-friendly dual-drive My Book Studio Edition II external storage systems use WD's GreenPower hard drives for power savings and cool and quiet operation. The system's dual-drive, RAID 0 configuration and high-speed interfaces deliver high performance for creative professionals, workgroups, small offices and anyone looking for fast data transfer.
WD's My Book Studio Edition II external storage systems are available now in 1TB and 2TB capacities and are priced at $349.99 and $599.99 respectively. More information is available on WD's website. Add a comment

Details
Software
CyberLink sent out a press release this morning, announcing the release of PowerDVD 8. Along with support for HD audio and video formats, version 8 features a built-in database for organizing a movie collection and the ability to share information, opinions, and remixes via the online community MoovieLive.
CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), innovative solutions provider for the connected digital lifestyle, today launched the latest version of PowerDVD 8. Featuring maximum playback performance in supporting the latest high-definition video and audio formats, CyberLink PowerDVD 8 introduces new ways for consumers to enjoy movies beyond just watching.

Key features in PowerDVD 8 include:

  • Support for HD audio and video standards and formats, including AVCHD and Blu-ray Discs.
  • Pure Home Theater Audio - lets users enjoy unmatched clarity and purity through their high-definition, 7.1-channel home-entertainment system, or on the go using a notebook.
  • Movie Collection - lets users collect information about movies and sync with their online MoovieLive account.
  • Movie Remix - lets users create their own stories using their favorite DVD movies, rearranging scenes, adding dialog and commentary, subtitles, and on-screen effects.
  • MoovieLive.com - the new online community for PowerDVD users to share comments and remixes, publish reviews, and find friends with the same movie taste.
PowerDVD 8 is now available online and will be available in retail shops beginning May. More information, including pricing, can be found here. Add a comment

Details
Home Entertainment
While Blu-ray won the format war, the research firm Interpret has found that it has a few hurdles to overcome if it is to succeed. According to their latest study, Blu-ray is still challenged by low HDTV penetration and moderate awareness among consumers.
Interpret, LLC, aleading new media research firm has found that the success of Blu-ray Discremains challenged by low HDTV penetration and modest format awareness. TheUK and US lead the market: UK HDTV penetration closely follows US (35% UK,39% US), and the majority of UK and US consumers are aware of Blu-ray Disc(56% UK, 60% US). Japan has moderate Blu-ray awareness (45%) and HDTVpenetration (28%), but Blu-ray hardware penetration matches UK and US at9%.

Interpret's research shows that France and Germany pose greaterchallenges to the format, with HDTV penetration low in both countries (18%Germany, 21% France). While Blu-ray awareness is moderate in Germany (49%),only 3 in 10 consumers in France (30%) have ever heard of Blu-ray Disc.
Interpret's study also found that many Blu-ray player owners are still buying standard definition DVD's. If you'd like to read more, Interpret's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

Details
Home Entertainment
DivX, Inc. announced this week that DENON's latest Blu-ray Disc player has been certified for DivX playback. The DVD-3800BDCI will go on sale in the Japan and U.S. markets at the end of April.
DivX, Inc. (NASDAQ: DIVX), a digital media company, today announced that the latest Blu-ray Disc player from DENON, the high-end audio/video brand owned by D&M Holdings Inc., has achieved DivX(R) Certification. The DivX Certified(R) DENON Blu-ray Disc Player (model: DVD-3800BDCI) will go on sale in the Japan and U.S. markets at the end of this month. This is the second DENON Blu-ray player to receive DivX Certification, joining a family of DENON DVD players that also guarantee reliable playback of high-quality DivX(R) video files.

"DENON is a world leader in high-quality home theater systems and audio products. By extending the DivX standard into next-generation Blu-ray devices, we're further delivering on our strategy to provide consumers with a high-quality video experience on any kind of device, from the PC to the living room and on the go," said Kevin Hell, CEO of DivX, Inc. "DivX is just as relevant as a feature on a Blu-ray player as on standard DVD players and we expect more and more Blu-ray players to incorporate DivX technology."
If you'd like to read more, DivX's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

Details
Other
BFG 9800 GTX Video Card Review @I4U
Eagle Tech I-Series Dual SATA HDD USB Enclosure @Madshrimps
Lancool Metal Boned K7 @TweakPC.de
Kingston DataTraveler 400 2GB Flash Drive @ThinkComputers.org
NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX Round-Up: BFG, EVGA, Zogis @HotHardware.com
Sapphire Radeon HD 3650 OC Edition Video Card @ThinkComputers.org
XFX 9800 GTX Graphics Card @I4U
ZOTAC GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB Video Card @Benchmark Reviews
Add a comment

Details
Hard Disks
Plextor Europe sent out a press release today, announcing a 750GB version of its PC-to-TV media player. Using the PX-MPE750U, consumers can take the photos, music and video stored on their PC and play them back on their TV at resolutions up to 720p.

Following the successful introduction of its 500GB PC-to-TV consumer multimedia player into the market in the New Year, Plextor is extending the range to add a 750GB version. The company’s latest personal storage device - the PX-MPE750U - enables PC files to be played back on your TV or hi-fi, including audio, video & photo files. With video upscaling to 720P (HD-Ready), it is a high performance drive with the ability to play a wide variety of file types.
No word on price yet. However, the PX-MPE750U will be available in Europe at end of March 2008. Full details can be found here. Add a comment

Details
Software
Primera announced today that it has begun shipping the latest version of Charismac Engineering's Discribe software with its Bravo-Series and XR-Series Disc Publishers. Discribe v6.0 has been rewritten from the ground up and runs on Apple's Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard operating system. The software features a new user interface and offers support for Blu-ray Disc media.
Primera Technology, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc duplication and printing equipment, today announced an agreement with Charismac Engineering, Inc. for disc burning software that runs on Apple, Inc.’s Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard operating system. Beginning April 1, 2008, Primera will include Charismac’s new Discribe v6.0 software in all Bravo-Series and XR-Series Disc Publishers.

Discribe v6.0 has been completely rewritten from the ground up in Universal Binary Code for optimal performance on all current Mac platforms. It runs natively on both Power PC and x86 (Intel)-based Mac computers.
Those who bought a Bravo-Series Disc Publisher after September 1, 2007 qualify for a free upgrade. Otherwise, an upgrade can be purchased for $149-$225. Full details can be found here. Add a comment

Details
Home Entertainment
DTS has announced that it will be showcasing its DTS Digital Surround sound audio codec at the 2008 Intel Developers Forum. The company will also be demonstrating its DTS-HD Master Audio technology and will unveil its new DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC technology for the first time in China.
DTS, Inc. (NASDAQ:DTSI), a digital audio technology company dedicated to delivering the ultimate entertainment experience, is showcasing its acclaimed industry-standard DTS Digital Surround sound audio codec (mandatory for inclusion in all next generation Blu-ray Disc standard products) at the 2008 Intel Developers Forum (IDF) in Shanghai, China. The company will also demonstrate its DTS-HD Master Audio technology which delivers high definition lossless audio for home theater and PC applications. In addition, at IDF, DTS will unveil -- for the first time in China -- its new DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC technology, delivering immersive simulated surround from stereo and 5.1 source material over two-channel audio systems (stereo speakers or headphones).
If you'd like to read more, DTS's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

Latest Reviews

Latest Headlines

Latest Forum Threads