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Flash Memory

14 September 2007

SanDisk recently announced the launch of the SanDisk Express line of high-performance flash memory products. The first product in this line is the SanDisk ExpressCard. Developed for camcorders, the ExpressCard supports the SxS video specification and offers speeds 2.5x faster than PC Cards.

The first product in the SanDisk Express line is the SanDisk ExpressCard, a flash memory card designed for a new generation of professional camcorders that record to ExpressCards rather than magnetic tape, hard discs or optical discs.

The SanDisk ExpressCard is expected to be available in November, in 8 gigabyte (GB) and 16 gigabyte capacities. Recording time for high-definition video capture, at 35 megabits per second, will be approximately 30 minutes on the 8GB card and 60 minutes on the 16GB card.

The SanDisk ExpressCard is expected to ship in November and will be available in 8GB and 16GB capacities. More information, including prices, can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

14 September 2007

It appears that HD DVD fans are going to have to wait a bit longer for 51GB HD DVD discs. In a recent statement to BetaNews, a Toshiba spokesperson pointed out that only a preliminary version (1.9) of the physical specifications had been approved by the DVD Forum. Also, the company won't be able to determine whether current players will be able to use this "Trip-Layer" format until the final specifications have been approved.

"We understand that the preliminary version (1.9) of the physical specifications for the triple-layer 51 GB HD DVD-ROM disc has been approved," said Toshiba's spokesperson today.

The spokesperson then added that it has not yet been determined whether current HD DVD players or recorders will be able to use the new format, which the headline of an official Toshiba statement given to BetaNews today is now calling "Trip-Layer." "Toshiba will study the performance of current HD DVD player/recorders with the disc after the standard receives final approval by the DVD Forum."

I'd be very surprised if the final specifications were approved this year. Then again, the DVD Forum may push it through to give them the advantage over Blu-ray. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

13 September 2007

The DVD Forum held their 39th Steering Committee meeting earlier this week. Among other things, the group approved the physical specifications for the Triple Layer Twin format and 51GB High Density Read-Only Disc. Here are some of the highlights from the meeting:

• Approval of Optional Specifications for HD DVD-ROM Physical Specifications Version 1.2: Triple Layer Twin format, Revision 1.0
• Approval of DVD Specifications for High Density Read-Only Disc [HD DVD-ROM (51G)] Part 1 Physical Specifications, Version 1.9
• Approval of
  -DVD Download Blank Disc Test Specification, Version 1.0
  -DVD Download Disc Writer Test Specification, Version 1.0
• Approval of HD DVD & DVD Non-Mandatory Verification Tools Requirements & Guidelines, Version 1.0
• Approval of Logo/Mark for HD DVD Format on Red-laser Recordable Disc
• Approval of China HD DVD Format related issues
  -Use of Standard Contents of HD DVD-Video Specifications
  -Use of File System of HD DVD-ROM Specifications

So there you have it. The 51GB HD DVD Disc has been offically approved by the DVD Forum. Now we just need to wait and see if they can be read by existing HD DVD players. If you'd like to read more, the Steering Committee's entire list of resolutions can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

12 September 2007

abit IP35 Pro Off Limits Motherboard @Virtual-Hideout
CoolIT Freezone CPU Cooler Review @OCModShop
Corsair Flash Padlock Pen Drive @TweakTown
Gigabyte GV-RX26T256H (Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB GDDR3) @Hardware Zone
Gigabyte Triton 180 PC Case Review @ThinkComputers.org
Intel X6800 Core 2 Extreme Dual Core Processor @Tweaknews.net
Microcool T441/T412 Thermal Pads and Chip Protectors @Madshrimps
Seagate Momentus ST9160823ASG 7200.2 160GB SATA Notebook Hard Drive @I4U
ViewSonic WPG-150 Wireless Presenter Gateway @BCCHardware

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Home Entertainment

12 September 2007

At a recent press event, Sony Japan unveiled four new Blu-ray Disc recorders, the BDZ-T50, BDZ-T70, BDZ-L70 and BDZ-X90. These new models utilize a new MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 encoder, giving them the ability to store up to 16 hours of high-def video onto a single 50GB Blu-ray disc. They also include features like a built in hard drive, True Cinema 24p output and support for Sony's BRAVIA-Link technology.

Sony today announces four new Blu-ray Disc Recorders. These new models offer strengthened functionality to give improved performance in the key areas of “high picture and sound quality,” “long-duration recording,” and “easy operation.” HD content in the home is rapidly increasing, whether it be digital broadcasting, personal/home video or movies. Sony envisions the Blu-ray Disc Recorder at the center of the HD era, and the four new models target three styles of customer viewing enjoyment: “HD broadcasting enjoyment,” “personal/home video enjoyment” and “advanced picture and advanced sound quality home theater enjoyment.” This range of choice will be a key factor in accelerating the diffusion of the Blu-ray format.

While Sony has not announced how much their Blu-ray Disc recorders will be, AV Watch expects them to cost anywhere from 140,000 Yen ($1,226US) to 200,000 Yen ($1,752US), depending on the model. If you'd like to read more, Sony's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

12 September 2007

Memorex announced today that they will be bringing Labelflash DVD media to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Similar in concept to HP's LightScribe technology, Labelflash lets you burn graphics and text onto the tops of special DVD discs.

Memorex,the leading brand of optical media at U.S.retail and a portfolio brand of Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN),today expands its specialty optical media product familywith the addition of Labelflash technology. Memorex brings Labelflash DVD media to U.S.and Canadian retail, enabling the consumer to use this advanced technology to create custom high-resolution DVD disc designs. Consumers and prosumers alike can now create custom photo and video DVDs in sharp, deep blue, monochromatic designs using Memorex Labelflash DVD-R discs and a Labelflash-enabled drive.

“Labelflash is the elite solution for consumers and prosumers seeking to add finely detailed disc designs to their keepsake DVDs,” said Carla Pihowich, director of marketing, Imation. “With Labelflash DVD-Rs, consumers have another solution to take their digital creations to a new level of design and personalization that can resist damage from smudges, scratches and the test of time.”

Memorex's Labelflash DVD media will be available this month and is priced at $14.99 for a pack of 10. Full details can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

11 September 2007

AOpen has officially announced their new 20x "Super Multi" drive, the DSW2012SA. Along with support for Serial ATA, the DSW2012SA features 20x DVD±R, 8x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds.

AOpen, the leading DVD drive manufacturer, announces the new 20x multi- format internal DVD RW drive with the SATA interface -- DSW2012SA. With its blazing fast 20x writing speed and "All You Can Write" capability, AOpen DSW2012SA supports virtually all disk formats, including DVD±R/R DL/RW, DVD-RAM and D-R/RW. Being one of the few complete DVD/CD RW solutions in the industry, AOpen DSW2012SA is also the first DVD writer in the industry to use the SATA interface, making a giant leap in data transfer rate between DVD Drive and motherboard to a level of 150MB/s Ultra-DMA5. This allows users to always pioneer in major PC trends.

AOpen DSW2012SA is one of the few DVD RW drives that supports up to 20x DVD±R and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds. Its DVD±R DL Double/Dual Layer technology can also write up to 8.5GB data to a DVD disk at 8x speed. With its already mature CD writing technology, AOpen DSW2012SA lets you write disks of all formats using one single drive.

No word yet on pricing or availability. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, AOpen's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

11 September 2007

ASRock 4Core 1333-eSATA2 R5.0 Intel P31 Motherboard @Madshrimps
CoolIT Systems Freezone Thermoelectric CPU Cooler @Big Bruin
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P Motherboard @Phoronix
Kingston 8GB DataTraveler II Plus @The TechZone
Kingwin Mach 1 ABT-800MA1S 800 Watt Modular Power Supply @Tweaknews.net
Sapphire Radeon HD 2600Pro OC, 2600XT and 2400XT @HotHardware.com
SilverStone ST1000 1000W Modular Power Supply @ThinkComputers.org
SOYO 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor MT-GW-DYLM24D6 @Benchmark Reviews
Thermaltake Kandalf LCS @InsideHW.com

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Optical Storage

11 September 2007

Moser Baer announced today that they will be entering the PC peripherals market with their own line of optical disc drives. The company has partnered with Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions and will be selling combo drives and DVD writers under the name “Moser Baer-Lite-on”.

Moser Baer, India's largest and world’s second largest optical storage manufacturer today announced the launch of its Optical Disk Drive (ODD) i.e. Combo drive and DVD writer, which also marks the company's foray into the PC peripherals industry. Moser Baer in partnership with Taiwan’s Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corp., the world’s largest OEM/ODM optical disc drive manufacturer has launched their ODDs in India in the name of “Moser Baer-Lite-on”.

Having established itself as a global leader in the high technology manufacturing space and the global blank optical storage media industry, Moser Baer is now leveraging upon its existing synergies, established brand equity and large distribution network in the domestic market to enter the PC Peripherals market. Moser Baer brand is recognized for high quality products which the company now plans to extend into the fast growing PC Peripherals market in India, given its credibility amongst the drive manufacturers. The company plans to enter this market by launching products in five metros and create a niche for itself.

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