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12 November 2007

CDRLabs has taken an in depth look at Sony's new 20x "Super Multi" drive, the DRU-840A. Sporting some pretty impressive specs, this Samsung based drive is capable of 20x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds and a maximum DVD read speed of 16x. More importantly, the DRU-840A is one of the first drives with the ability to write to both DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media at 12x.

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the DRU-840A and see how it compares to some of the 20x 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-840A 20x DVD±RW/RAM

If you have any comments or questions about this review or the Sony DRU-840A, please post them in the forum. Add a comment

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Software

12 November 2007

CyberLink sent out a press release this morning, announcing that its software now supports the Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD)format for video editing, disc authoring and playback.

CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a leader in digital home solutions, today announced support for the Advanced Video Codec High Definition Standard (AVCHD) across its complete range of leading consumer software products.

Following certification of AVCHD support in high-definition movie player software PowerDVD earlier this year, CyberLink has now received certification from the Sony Test Center for disc authoring software PowerProducer.

CyberLink has provided an update for existing users of PowerDirector 6 (retail and isales versions only), allowing consumers to download from the CyberLink website to enable the importing of AVCHD content.

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

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Home Entertainment

12 November 2007

The European HD DVD Promotional Group has released the latest attach rate figures for the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the Benelux countries. According to the independent research group GfK, European HD DVD player owners in the bought an average of 3.8 movies while only 0.6 movies were sold per Blu-ray player.

The European HD DVD Promotional Group has announced that European HD DVD player owners have already bought an average of 3.8 movies each, compared to 0.6 movies sold per Blu-ray player.

The figures were collated by independent research group GfK and analyse the number of movies sold for all HD players (standalone players and consoles) across the UK, France, Germany, Spain Italy and Benelux countries.

The overall attach rate is highest in Spain, where HD DVD owners have bought an average of 5.7 movies per player, which is over 14 times the attach rate for Blu ray (at 0.4 per player).

Take note that these figures are for all HD players which, in this case, includes both standalone players and consoles. Considering how many PS3 owners aren't using the console to watch Blu-ray movies, it shouldn't be too surprising that the numbers are skewed in HD DVD's favor. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

12 November 2007

Maxell has announced that they will be releasing their new inkjet printable 4x BD-R media to the Japanese market on November 26th. The company also plans to ship their double layer 50GB BD-RE media at this time. Here's part of their press release, translated from Japanese:

This time Maxell will release a recordable BD-R discs, 4x speed record corresponds to a disk to move to significantly reduce the time. Additional label, the ink jet printer compatible with the printing layer and label printer that can print directly, as well as water-based ink pens HAJIKAZU also can be hand-painted. In particular, the "super-whitening HIROBIRO label," The adoption of BD-R discs, the disk around the parts of the color Merat, wide can be printed, recorded, as well as from the original library building have fun MASU.

The simultaneous release of the corresponding single-sided double layer recording rewritable BD-RE DL disc (50 GB), as is the quality of high-definition video in 260 minutes that long recording, and the VHS videotape sensation, KURISHI recording can be.

While Maxell has not announced any prices, AV Watch expects their inkjet printable 4x BD-R discs to cost about 1,700-1,800 Yen ($15.50-$16.40US) and their 50GB BD-R media to cost about 5,500 Yen ($50US). More information can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

09 November 2007

Cooler Master CM 690 ATX Enclosure @Virtual-Hideout
Delphi NAV300 Portable GPS Navigation System @Futurelooks
EnzoTech Sapphire CPU Water Block @Virtual-Hideout
Foxconn X38A Digital Life Motherboard @InsideHW.com
Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 @Everything USB
MSI GX600 Gaming Notebook @Hardware Zone
SimpleTech SimpleDrivePS 160 GB Portable HDD @HardwareLogic
Synology Disk Station DS-207+ SATA Gigabit NAS @Benchmark Reviews
ViewSonic VA1930WM 19-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor @ThinkComputers.org
VIZO Master Panel II Expansion Interface @Benchmark Reviews

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Home Entertainment

09 November 2007

With Paramount deciding to endorse HD DVD back in August, the number of Blu-ray titles dropped by 29, giving HD DVD the advantage in regards to the total number of available high-def titles. According to Home Media Magazine, Blu-ray regained its lead over HD DVD in early November with 332 available titles.

When Paramount Home Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation SKG Blu-ray Disc titles were taken out of the picture in August, Blu-ray lost 29 titles in its repertoire. That doesn’t include three titles that had been announced, but not released.

HD DVD’s stint as leader in terms of high-def releases proved short-lived, however, as in the first week of November Blu-ray regained its lead in terms of total titles available to consumers.

According to figures from The DVD Release Report, total Blu-ray titles available at retail passed HD DVD for the first time since the Paramount/DreamWorks decision, 332 to 328, the week ended Oct. 31. Companies that support Blu-ray also have 66 titles in the pipeline, compared to 42 for HD DVD backers. Those numbers include four HD DVD and 11 Blu-ray titles released Nov. 6.

While Blu-ray's lead is small, it doesn't look like HD DVD will catch up any time soon. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

09 November 2007

Pioneer Australia has leaked some details on their 20x DVD writer, the DVR-115D. This new drive features 20x DVD±R, 10x DVD±R DL, 8x DVD+RW and 6x DVD-RW writing speeds. Here are some of the specs for the DVR-115D:

Writing Speeds: DVD+R: 20x, 18x, 16x, 12x, 8x, 6x, 4x. 2.4x DVD-R: 20x, 18x, 16x, 12x, 8x, 6x, 4x, 2x, 1x DVD+R DL: 10x, 8x, 6x, 4x, 2.4x DVD-R DL: 10x, 8x, 6x, 4x, 2x DVD+RW: 8x, 6x, 4x, 2.4x DVD-RW: 6x, 4x, 2x, 1x CD-R: 40x, 32x, 24x, 16x, 10x CD-RW: 32x, 24x, 20x, 16x, 10x, 4x

Read Speeds: DVD-ROM (Single): 16x Max DVD-ROM (Dual): 12x Max DVD±R: 12x Max DVD±RW: 8x Max DVD±R DL: 8x Max DVD-RAM: 5x Max DVD-Video: 5x Max CD-ROM/CD-R: 40x Max CD-RW: 32x Max

While the DVR-115D lacks DVD-RAM writing capabilities, it would not be surprising if Pioneer released similar models with support this feature as well as Serial ATA. No word yet on availability. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, more information can be found here. Add a comment

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Flash Memory

08 November 2007

Earlier this week, Kingston announced that the DataTraveler Mini Fun and DataTraveler Mini - Migo Edition USB flash drives are now shipping in capacities up to 4GB. As an extra bonus, the DataTraveler Mini Fun also comes preloaded with the game Soduko.

Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced its DataTraveler Mini Fun and DataTraveler Mini - Migo Edition USB Flash drives are now shipping in capacities up to 4GB and the DT Mini Fun now features the internationally popular game Sudoku as well as the previously included Atlantis from Big Fish Games.

The DataTraveler Mini Fun and DataTraveler Mini - Migo Edition are available in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB capacities and retail from $16 up to $62. Full details can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

07 November 2007

Arctic Cooling Turbo Module @HardwareLogic
Asus Blitz Formula S775 P35 Motherboard @Madshrimps
Jetart NP8000 Portable And Cool Stand 2 Notebook Coolers @Futurelooks
NETGEAR SPH200D DECT Skype Phone @TweakTown
Razer Diamondback 3G Gaming Mouse @BCCHardware
Thermaltake Armor VA8003BWS Full Tower Enthusiast Case @Tweaknews.net
Thermaltake DuOrb GPU Cooler @Phoronix
Thermaltake MAX 4 Active Cooling Hard Drive Enclosure @ThinkComputers.org
XCLIO 6030 Plus ATX Enclosure @Virtual-Hideout

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