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Home Entertainment
EE Times has an interesting article about a new antitheft mechanism developed by NXP Semiconductors and Kestrel Wireless. DVD manufacturers wanting to use the system would incorporate a small RFID chip and a thin electro-optic layer into each disc. These discs would then remain unreadable until activated by a RFID reader at the point of purchase.
Under the system, the DVD manufacturer would overlay each disk with a thin electro-optic layer, conceived by Kestrel. Atkins said the layer functions "like a shutter," barring a DVD player's laser from reading the disk. An RFID inlay comprising the RFID chip and an RF antenna is embedded in the disk.

DVD disks incorporating the mechanism would remain unreadable until passed through an RFID reader at the point of purchase. The reader would check a unique number embedded in the disk's RFID chip to confirm the sale. The RFID chip on the DVD would then power up, creating a short electric impulse that would change the optical behavior of the disk's electro-optic film layer and make the layer transparent. Any DVD player could then read the disk.
At this point, its questionable whether or not the benefits of the security mechanism outweigh the added costs. Nevertheless, the solution will enter "advance trials" in mid-2007 and is expected to appear in commercial optical disks by the end of the year. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment
Simplay Labs has announced that the Samsung BD-P1200 is the first high-definition DVD player to the pass the Simplay HD Testing Program. According to their press release, the goal of this new program is to help consumers identify HD components that will work together and provide a consistent "plug and play" experience.
Simplay Labs, LLC, the leading provider of testing technologies, programs and interoperability design standards for the high-definition (HD) consumer electronics industry, today announced that Samsung's BD-P1200 Blu-ray Disc(TM) Player is the first high-definition DVD player to pass the Simplay HD(TM) Testing Program.

The Simplay HD Testing Program helps consumers identify HD components, such as HDTVs and next-generation DVD players, that will work together to provide a consistent "plug and play" user experience and maximize users' access to premium HD content.
The BD-P1200 isn't the first product from Samsung to wear the Simplay HD logo. The Samsung R155 DVD recorder and the Samsung LN-T3253H 32" LCD HDTV have also passed testing. If you'd like to read more about the Simplay HD Testing Program, Simplay Labs' entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment
While there has been a lot of hype surrounding Walmarts $299 HD DVD player, DigiTimes has reported that it is unlikely that HD DVD Player will fall to such a low price this year. According to their sources, the primary reason for high costs is still the tight supply of pick-up heads (PUHs).
The sources explained that global supply of HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) pick-up heads (PUHs) is still tight because yield rates on blue-laser laser diodes are quite low and the world's major suppliers of such PUHs, including Sony and Matsushita (Panasonic), have assigned their production capacities for own use first. Since PUHs and chipsets together account for 60-70% of the production costs of HD DVD and BD players, the shortage of PUHs renders it almost impossible to minimize the production costs to below US$299 this year, the sources noted.
While HD DVD players prices have not fallen below $300 yet, you can pick up the Toshiba HD-A2 from Amazon for about $326. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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Apparently, the AACS LA hasn't learned anything from the revolt at Digg. According to an article at the BBC, the group plans to continue to use both "legal and technical" steps to prevent the processing key from spreading. Here are some of the comments made by Michael Ayers, chair of the AACS business group:
"Some people clearly think it's a First Amendment issue. There is no intent from us to interfere with people's right to discuss copy protection. We respect free speech.

"They can discuss the pros and cons. We know some people are critical of the technology.

"But a line is crossed when we start seeing keys being distributed and tools for circumvention. You step outside of the realm of protected free speech then."
At this point, tracking down every blog and website with the key is probably a futile effort. The AACS LA has already done what they can by revoking it. By continuing this legal campaign though, its just going to spread more. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Hard Disks
Plextor Europe has announced a new pocket sized 160GB hard disk drive. Compatible with both Macs and PCs, the PX-PH16U2 can be powered off a computer's USB bus and comes preloaded with Plextor's PlexTools software.

Extending its range of personal storage and high reliability optical products, Plextor today announces a new portable hard disk drive - small enough to fit in your pocket. In a stylish, brushed aluminium case this high reliability, premium quality HDD offers excellent value for money. The PX-PH16U2 is also Mac and PC compatible.

Ideal for all types of media including video, music, photos and office files, the drive offers a practical data capacity for everyday use and the compact size (only 17mm thick and 200g in weight) means you can easily slip it into your pocket, briefcase or handbag. Included is a handy carrying pouch for extra protection.
No word on price. However, the PX-PH16U2 is expected to ship later this month. More information is available on Plextor's website. Add a comment

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Sony Europe has officially launched their new website, the "Museum of Low Res". Developed to showcase Blu-ray Disc's capabilities, the musem takes visitors through a number of virtual exhibits showing other, less than successful, attempts at creating a high definition experience.
The Museum of Low Res (MoLR) is a voyage of discovery and enlightenment, enabling consumers to learn what Blu-ray Disc means and how this high definition (HD) technology can improve day-to-day life.

The Art of HD Room is a visual display of Blu-ray Disc and the effect it will have on viewing and listening pleasure. A giant TV sculpture demonstrates the resolution power of Blu-ray Disc through the representation of nine TV's banded together.

Discover alternative designs which could have revolutionised the market before the advent of Blu-ray Disc, such as a robotic arm sculpture which methodically changes up to 12 CD's at a time. This could have caught on if only Blu-ray Disc didn't offer the vast amount of storage space that it does.
Surprisingly, Sony doesn't make any digs about HD DVD. Then again, they do talk about some "Pink-Ray" technology that tried, but failed, to take over the world. More information about Sony's new website can be found here. Add a comment

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It appears that the HD DVD format will be getting its own form of copy protection. New Medium Enterprises (NME) has announced that they've partnered with Optikey to provide a solution to protect content on HD-VMD discs. While the details are sketchy, Optikey reportedly uses a submicron three dimensional optical structure that can't be forged.
The Optikey/HD-VMD system architecture will prevent the unauthorized reproduction of protected content on HD-VMD discs or any system that has our proprietary technology. Optikey doesn't rely on digital encryption, however, it has been proven that when added to encryption systems as a pass/fail portal, it provides an unbreakable layer of protection for the digital domain. The submicron analog Optikey structures provide precise threshold measurements to be matched with either a reference structure or discrete optical signatures. The Optikey/HD-VMD system will be compatible with existing legacy formats.
NME and Optikey plan to hold a joint press conference at Media Tech on May 16th to elaborate on the technology. In the mean time, you can read more about the technology here. Add a comment

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Software
Good news for Windows Vista users. Roxio has announced that the core components of Easy Media Creator 9 have achieved Windows Vista Certification. Here's part of their press release:
Roxio, a division of Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), today announced that all core components of Roxio Easy Media Creator 9, the company’s comprehensive suite of music, photo, and video applications have achieved Windows Vista Certification through the premium logo program. The ideal complement and enhancement to consumers’ experience with Windows Vista, the latest version of Roxio’s retail-leading digital media suite offers extensive support for portable entertainment devices, high-definition video editing tools, and ground-breaking audio creation and enjoyment features. The Windows Vista Certified version of Easy Media Creator 9 is now shipping to major retailers and e-stores and is available direct from Roxio at www.roxio.com.. For more information on how Easy Media Creator enhances the Windows Vista experience, go to www.roxio.com/vista.
Unfortunately, Roxio doesn't mention if existing Easy Media Creator 9 owners will need an update or not. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, Roxio's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
As promised, Pioneer is bringing their new Blu-ray combo drive to the US market. The company announced this morning that the BDC-2202 will be available beginning next month for a suggested retail price of $299.
Demonstrating its continued commitment to high definition optical disc technology, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announces the BDC-2202, a robust Blu-ray Disc computer drive, which will be available to consumers beginning next month for a suggested price of $299. When installed in a properly configured PC, the Pioneer Blu-ray Disc combination drive allows users to playback new high definition Blu-ray Disc film titles as well as read and write digital content to DVD and CD, fulfilling their storage and entertainment needs.

The drive can read BD-ROM/BD-R/BD-RE at up to 5X and can read BD-ROM (DL) and BD-R/-RE (DL) at up to 2X speed. It comes bundled with media software that ensures compatibility with commercially released Blu-ray Disc movies. It also allows users to create personal DVD movies and digital photo slideshows, securely backup personal data and media files to DVD or CD, and create and burn favorite music to CD. The software also offers a Direct-to-Disc feature allowing aspiring filmmakers to capture movies directly from the camcorder to DVD without the inconvenience of using vital hard drive space.
While the BDC-2202 is still a bit pricey, its considerably cheaper than most of the Blu-ray drives currently on the market. If you'd like to read more, Pioneer's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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