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Software

17 September 2007

Sonic announced today that RealNetworks has licensed their AuthorScript DVD burn technology and integrated it into the new version of RealPlayer. With support for AuthorScript, RealPlayer users will now be able to burn personal content and online video to CD or DVD.

Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC) today announced a multi-year, global licensing agreement with RealNetworks for Sonic AuthorScript, the company's media formatting and CD/DVD burning engine. RealNetworks has integrated the AuthorScript DVD burn technology into the new version of the RealPlayer, enabling users to reliably burn personal content and online digital media entertainment files that are not DRM protected to CD or DVDs that play on the more than one billion DVD players installed worldwide.

Users of the standard free version of the new RealPlayer can easily burn downloaded video content, including Flash video, to Video CDs for viewing on many commercial DVD players. Those interested in creating customized DVDs of their favorite online content can upgrade to the "Plus" version of the new RealPlayer for a one-time fee of $29.99 and gain access to Sonic's custom DVD burning technologies. The new DVD burning functionality forms an important bridge between the PC and the TV, enabling RealPlayer Plus users to view their online content in the comfort of their living rooms.

The new RealPlayer and premium RealPlayer Plus are available now and can be downloaded from www.realplayer.com. If you'd like to read more, Sonic's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

17 September 2007

Traxdata sent out a press release today, announcing their new double-sided 8x DVD-R media. With a capacity of 9.4GB, these double sided discs can hold four hours of DVD-quality video, 16 hours of VHS-quality video, or over 120 hours of MP3 audio.

Traxdata, a leading optical and flash media storage vendor, has today announced the availability of its double-sided DVD-R 8x media enabling uses to store a massive 9.4GB on the one disc.

This equates to up to four hours of DVD quality video, 16 hours of VHS quality video, or more than 120 hours of MP3 audio, so users can utilise the double-sided disc to back-up or store their personal pictures, movies, data files, software and music, on the most cost-effective media per gigabyte.

Double-sided discs are highly compatible with nearly all DVD drives and recorders as well as a majority of DVD-ROM, DVD video players, and game consoles, so there is no need for any extra hardware in order to begin using this media. Burn the disc in the same way as a normal DVD, except to burn the other side you simply flip the disc over as prompted.

Traxdata's dual-sided DVD-R media is available now in cake boxes of 50. Full details can be found here. Add a comment

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Other

14 September 2007

A.C.Ryan ToolFree TFX @TweakPC
Cooler Master Cosmos RC-1000 Mid-Tower ATX Case @Benchmark Reviews
DDR3 Memory Round-Up @HotHardwre.com
Gigabyte GA-P31-DS3L Motherboard @Phoronix
Ideazon Business Solution Keysets @BCCHardware
Logitech Premium Notebook Headset @I4U
Seasonic S12II 500W Power Supply @ThinkComputers.org
Ultra ChillTec Thermo-Electric CPU Cooler @HotHardware.com
Western Digital Scorpio 250GB 2.5" SATA Hard Drive @Bigbruin.com
WolfKing Warrior Gamepad @Tweaknews.net

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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