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Home Entertainment
While HD DVD was reportedly a no show at the High-Def 2.0 conference, Blu-ray backers like Sony were there in full force. At the conference, Sony VP of advanced technologies Don Eklund confirmed that a new firmware should be available later this month that would upgrade the PlayStation 3's Blu-ray capabilities to the new Profile 1.1 spec. With this upgrade PlayStation 3 owners will be able to take advantage of interactive features like picture-in-picture playback.
The long-awaited Profile 1.1 firmware upgrade for the PlayStation 3 should be available later this month. It was confirmed by Don Eklund, EVP of advanced technologies for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, at the High-Def 2.0 conference Dec. 4 in Los Angeles.

With several studios lining up 1.1-enabled Blu-ray Discs during the first quarter, the upgrade will allow those discs with picture-in-picture features to be used on the PS3.
If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment
There is still hope for those looking to get Samsung's dual-format high-def player in time for the holidays. A Samsung spokesperson has told Dealerscope that the BD-UP5000 will be available at retail in mid to late December. Best of all, the player will be priced $200 less than when it was originally announced.
Contrary to published reports, as well as its own Amazon.com listing, Samsung’s BD-UP5000 dual-format high-definition disc player is indeed on track to reach the market in “mid-to-late December,” a Samsung spokesperson told Dealerscope.

The spokesman added that the player “is shipping as we speak, and you will start to see it available at retail later this month.” In addition, the manufacturer-advertised price has been reduced to $799; it was originally announced as $200 higher, but was changed due to “recent activities in the marketplace.”
While I can't see myself shelling out $800 for a dual-format player, this may be good news for those not looking to choose a side in the format war. If you'd like to read more, the entire report can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

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LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling has released a Holiday Label Template Pack for their new LightScribe Template Labeler software. This free download includes CD and DVD label template designs with Christmas, Hanukah and other winter holiday images.
LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling announced today that new holiday CD and DVD label template designs with Christmas, Hanukah and other winter holiday images are available for free download on LightScribe Holiday Label Template Pack is ideal for gift giving, creating holiday digital video and photo albums that preserve this year's memories and making personal connections with family and friends.

To use a LightScribe holiday label template design, anyone owning a LightScribe-enabled drive can simply download the free LightScribe Template Labeler software and holiday template design pack and immediately create holiday disc designs - complete with personalized photos and text - in a few simple steps.
If you'd like to check it out, the Holiday Label Template Pack can be downloaded for free from the LightScribe website. More information can also be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
DigiTimes is reporting that the demand for dual-layer DVD's will increase next year. Thanks to incrased production and price cuts by Ritek and CMC, the demand for dual-layer DVDs is expected to go from 190 million units in 2007 up to 400 million units in 2008.
The worldwide demand for single-side dual-layer DVD+R/-R discs will increase in 2008, according to sources at disc makers and research firms.

Since Ritek and CMC Magnetics expanded their 2.4x dual-layer DVD production capacity starting in 2007, pricing has dropped from NT$70-80 (US$2.17-2.48) to NT$55-60, which has helped to boost market demand, according the market sources.

The demand for dual-layer DVDs in 2007 is to be around 190 million units and is expected to go up to 400 million units in 2008, according to disc makers citing a report from BOC.
If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment
Last week, the HD DVD Promotions Group announced that they had sold more than 750,000 HD DVD players. The Blu-ray Disc Association has finally responded to these claims, stating that they have sold more than 2.7 million units since the format's launch. As with HD DVD's claims, this number includes set-top players as well as Blu-ray capable gaming devices like the PlayStation 3.
Through October, there had been 2 million units sold of the Blu-ray-enhanced PlayStation 3. That arguably gives Blu-ray set-tops a 700,000 piece of overall format unit sales. But the picture is muddied somewhat by the likely gangbuster PlayStation 3 sales in November due to the introduction of the relatively cheap $399 PlayStation 3. November console sales will not be available from the NPD Group until mid-December.
If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Flash Memory
Super Talent recently announced the launch of two 256GB solid state drives (SSD). These new drives feature a Serial ATA interface and offer greater resistance to shock and vibration than standard hard disk drives. The I-Temp version also supports operating temperatures ranging from -40ºC to 85ºC


Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, today launched a pair of 256GB Serial ATA (SATA) solid state drives (SSDs).

Super Talent’s new FSD56GC35M is 100% interchangeable with standard 3.5-inch SATA hard disk drives, but offers all the advantages of an SSD including greater resistance to shock and vibration, significantly lower power consumption and faster performance. FSD56GC35M supports a 0C to 70C operating temperature range. Super Talent also offers an industrial temperature (I-Temp) version of this drive, SS56GA6C35I, which supports an extended -40C to 85C operating temperature range. All I-Temp rated SSDs are tested at their rated temperature extremes to ensure functionality.
Both drives are sampling now and prices are available upon request. If you'd like to read more, Super Talent's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment
D-Box Technologies announced this week that they have signed a deal with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Beginning with “The Game Plan,” Disney will include D-BOX Motion Code on select Blu-ray Disc titles. By including this technology, owners of a D-box motion device will be able to simulate the action sequences occurring on the television screen.
D-BOX Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: DBO.A) announced today thatit has closed a licensing agreement with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) to feature DBOXMOTION CODETM on select Blu-ray Disc releases. D-BOX MOTION CODETM will initially be featured onWDSHE’s “The Game Plan,” which will be available in high-def only on Disney Blu-ray Disc on January 22,2008.

The addition of the D-BOX MOTION CODETM to the high quality picture and sound of the Blu-ray format willtransport movie-viewers in the comfort of their homes to a new dimension and let them be part of the movie.Of course, only those homes equipped with D-BOX motion generation systems will enjoy the full benefit of theBlu-ray Disc-embedded with D-BOX MOTION CODETM.
If you'd like to read more, D-Box's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Flash Memory
Advanced Media sent out a press release today, announcing the availability of its 266X Series of Compact Flash memory cards. These ultra fast cards feature dual channels of data throughput, allowing them achieve a maximum read speed of approximately 40MB/per sec.
Advanced Media, Inc., manufacturer and marketer of the popular Ridata brand of recordable DVD, flash media, electronic storage products and digital accessories, today announced the availability of its ultra fast, new 266X Series of 2-16 GB capacity Compact Flash memory cards. Depending on the device used, the card virtually eliminates data lag time.

"Ritek is committed to provide a comprehensive line of Ridata brand storage solutions for all mobile device users. Our new 266X Series of 2GB to 16GB* cards offer dependable, fast, storage for today's demanding consumers," Harvey Liu, president of Advanced Media Inc., commented. "We are pleased to offer the ideal combination of ultimate performance, cutting-edge technology and strong consumer value for photographers or mobile device users."
If you'd like to read more, Advanced Media's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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