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Optical Storage

28 March 2007

I-O DATA Japan has announced a new 18X Serial ATA DVD writer, the DVR-SN18GLV. Based on the AD-7173S from Sony NEC Optiarc, the DVR-SN18GLV features 18x DVD±R, 8x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds and support for Labelflash technology. Here are some of the specs:

Writing Speeds: DVD±R: 18x DVD±R DL: 8x DVD+RW: 8x DVD+R DL: 8x DVD-RW: 6x DVD-RAM: 12x CD-R: 48x CD-RW: 32x

Read Speeds: DVD-ROM (Single): 16x Max DVD-ROM (Dual): 12x Max DVD±R: 16x Max DVD±RW: 13x Max DVD±R DL: 12x Max DVD-RAM: 12X Max CD-R/ROM: 48x Max CD-RW: 40x Max

The DVR-SN18GLV should hit store shelves in the middle of March for about 8,500 Yen ($73US). More information can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment

28 March 2007

While Plextor is best known for their optical drives, the company has started to expand into other areas. Earlier today, they announced the availability of their new Mini Digital HDTV Receiver, the PX-HDTV500U. Simply plug this USB stick sized device into your Windows based laptop and you can watch, pause, and record HDTV wherever you go.

Plextor LLC, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media equipment, today announced the immediate availability of the PX-HDTV500U Mini Digital HDTV Receiver. The USB stick-sized device, which weighs less than 20 grams, allows users to watch, pause, and record crystal-clear High-Definition TV on most Windows-based laptop computers. Wherever they are - at the office, on the go, or at the airport - PX-HDTV500U users can enjoy unlimited hours of entertainment without paying recurring charges or expensive subscription fees.

Plextor's Mini Digital HDTV Receiver includes software that automatically scans for free air-to-air digital and HD signals in the area. The signals are pulled in by a digital flat antenna. The receiver features a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface for easy connectivity with laptops running Windows 2000/XP/Vista operating systems. In this basic configuration, users can watch, pause, and record live TV with standard definition TV and HDTV video resolution. Recorded TV is converted to MPEG-2 files in real-time and stored on the hard disk drive.

PX-HDTV500U Mini Digital HDTV Receiver is scheduled to ship at the beginning of April for a suggested retail price of $99.99. More information can be found on Plextor's website. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment

28 March 2007

Microsoft has officially announced the availability of the Xbox 360 Elite. While still lacking an internal HD DVD drive, this pimped out version of the Xbox 360 features a 120GB hard drive, HDMI port and a black finish for the console, controller and headset.

Microsoft Corp. today announced the upcoming availability of Xbox 360 Elite, a new model of the video game and entertainment system that will include a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox LIVE headset. Xbox 360 Elite has enough space for a library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games and thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The new 120GB hard drive also will be sold as a stand-alone accessory to give current Xbox 360 owners greater choice and flexibility in their games and entertainment experience. Additional Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit and the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery, will be available separately.

The Xbox 360 Elite will hit store shelves on April 29th for a suggested retail price of $479.99. If you already own an Xbox 360, the 120GB hard drive can also be purchased separatedly for $179.99. More information can be found on Microsoft's website. Add a comment

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Other

27 March 2007

CDRLabs is looking to expand its staff by adding one or two software reviewers. These people must be able to work on their own, be motivated and work under deadlines. In return, you'll be able to check out the latest software while earning some extra spending money. If you're interested, send me an email. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment

27 March 2007

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced that the Blu-ray version of Casino Royale is the first high-def title to ship 100,000 units. Casino Royale also holds the record for the greatest number of high-def copies sold in one day and is the first high-def film to debut on Amazon's top 10 sellers list.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE)'s blockbuster Bond title, Casino Royale, released March 13 on Blu-ray Disc, has hit the 100,000 units shipped mark and is setting records at retail for greatest number of high-definition copies sold in one day, it was announced today by SPHE Worldwide President, David Bishop. The title debuted in the top 10 on Amazon's DVD top-sellers list - a first for any film in high definition. The film's director, Martin Campbell, extolled the disc quality and commented, "It's just unbelievable. Clearly, it's fantastic. The comparison between standard def DVD and Blu-ray is quite stunning and quite transparent to the master. It's precisely what would make me want to buy a copy."

Since the November launch of Playstation 3, sales of Blu-ray titles have risen exponentially - a more than 700 percent increase. "As a point of comparison, the first DVD title to ship 100,000 units took approximately 11 months (Air Force One, in February 1998)," said Mr. Bishop. "Casino Royale on Blu-ray has done it in far less time and is clearly demonstrating the format's robust growth in the marketplace." Sony DADC has replicated more than two million Blu-ray Discs for Sony Pictures since the launch of the format.

SPHE plans to offer more titles on 50GB discs, including new releases like Rocky Balboa and The Pursuit of Happyness. More information, including a list of upcoming releases, can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

27 March 2007

Panasonic has announced a new portable Super Multi drive, the LF-P968C. Not much larger than a standard CD case, the LF-P968C can be powered from the USB bus and features 8x DVD±R, 4x DVD±R DL and 5x DVD-RAM writing speeds. Here are some of the drive's specs:

Writing Speeds: DVD±R: 8x DVD±R DL: 8x DVD+RW: 4x DVD-RW: 6x DVD-RAM: 5x CD-R: 24x CD-RW: 16x Access Times: DVD-ROM: 180ms CD-ROM: 150ms

Read Speeds: DVD-ROM (Single): 8x Max DVD-ROM (Dual): 6x Max DVD-Video: 4x Max DVD±R: 8x Max DVD±RW: 6x Max DVD±R DL: 6x Max DVD-RAM: 5x Max CD-ROM: 24x Max Buffer Size: 2MB

The LF-P968C is expected to hit store shelves on April 13th for about 22,000 Yen ($187US). More information can be found on Panasonic's website. Add a comment

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Other

26 March 2007

Thermalright HR-07 @Overclockers Online
ASUS P5N-E SLI 650i Motherboard @ThinkComputers.org
Ultra X-Pro 800Watt ATX Power Supply @Tweaknews.net
Golden Mars GeeDom Flash Drive and SD Memory @The TechZone

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Optical Storage

26 March 2007

Verbatim Europe has announced the release of its new digital photo album. The album contains 20 sheets of photographic paper as well as a printable 52x CD-R disc so that you can make back-ups of your photos.

One package, two processes. Verbatim has released a digital photo album that will delight fans of digital data storage just as much as it will please people who appreciate professional photos. The digital photo album is a box containing a CD-R 52x for back-up copies of precious photos and photographic paper coated on both sides for brilliant print-outs of your favourite pictures.

No word on pricing or availability. If you'd like to read more, Verbatim Europe's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

26 March 2007

DigiTimes has reported that Taiwan's second-tier optical disc manufacturers are currently competiting for OEM orders, quoting prices as low as $0.14-0.15 for a 16x DVD+R/-R disc.

Second-tier Taiwan makers of blank optical discs, including Prodisc Technology and Optodisc Technology, have launch price competition for OEM orders quoting US$0.14-0.15 for a 16x DVD+R/-R disc, 17-18% lower than the general level of US$0.17-0.18, according to industry sources.

CMC Magnetics and Ritek, the top two makers, have not followed suit in lowering prices for 16x DVD+R/-R discs, but have reduced OEM quotations for 8x discs by 10-20%, the sources pointed out.

The article also mentions that 18-20x DVD+R/-R discs will not be in significant demand until the fourth quarter of the year. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment