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23 October 2006

CDRLabs kicks off the week with an in depth look at Sony's new 18x DVD±RW/RAM drive, the DRU-830A. Sporting some pretty impressive specs, this Samsung based drive is capable of 18x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds and a maximum DVD read speed of 16x. The DRU-830A also includes features like 48x CD reading and writing speeds, 32x rewriting speeds, Power-Burn buffer underrun protection and an impressive software bundle from Nero.

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the DRU-830A and see how it compares to some of the 16x and 18x 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-830A 18x DVD±RW/RAM

If you have any comments or questions about this review or the Sony DRU-830A, please post them in the forum using the link provided below. Add a comment

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23 October 2006

Here's some good news for our European readers. The European Union has reportedly lifted a threat to impose tariffs on blank compact discs from China and Malaysia.

The EU closed an inquiry into whether Chinese and Malaysian exporters of recordable CDs sell in Europe below domestic prices or below the production cost, a practice known as dumping. Two weeks ago, the bloc ended an investigation into suspected dumping of recordable DVDs by Taiwan and China.

Punitive tariffs on blank CDs from China and Malaysia would "have substantial negative effects on importers, distributors, retailers and consumers," the EU said in a report endorsed in Luxembourg. China and Malaysia control about half the EU market for blank CDs, according to the bloc.

The EU also found that the anti-dumping duties would do little to help European manufacturers raise prices and profitability as they'd still be facing competition from countries like India. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment

23 October 2006

At a recent meeting, the American Independent Media Manufacturers Association (AIMMA) voted to support HD DVD the next-generation high definition DVD format of choice. Here's part of their press release:

The AIMMA meeting included presentations by speakers representing both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Member discussion focused on the economics and efficiencies of transitioning to either format, including equipment costs and installation timing.

"Given that the HD DVD manufacturing process uses essentially the same equipment as existing DVD production, the format is far more compatible with the companies in our organization than the Blu-ray Disc format," said Ray Zerrusen, AIMMA president and president of member company OEM. "In a marketplace facing increasingly squeezed margins, HD DVD is the logical choice for our membership, providing a lower cost of entry and shorter ramp-up timing" he continued.

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

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Home Entertainment

20 October 2006

Thanks to BetaNews, we've learned that Sony has pushed back the launch of their Blu-ray Disc player yet again. Originally scheduled to ship in June, the BDP-S1 now has a ship date of of December 4th.

As members of the AV Science Forum were the first to discover yesterday, Sony has once again pushed back its estimate of availability for its first wave of Blu-ray Disc player consoles, the BDP-S1.

According to the company's SonyStyle Web site, US customers should expect to see the player on December 4, with MSRP remaining set at $999.95 USD. The BDP-S1 had been slated for release next week.

While many people have speculated that the delay is due to laser diode shortages, TVPredictions.com has reported that a "software issue" has forced Sony to postpone the release. Let's hope Sony can work out these issues in time for the holidays. Add a comment

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20 October 2006

As we reported earlier in the week, HP has chosen Lite-On to manufacture their new external HD DVD-ROM drive. According to DigiTimes, Lite-On is also looking to produce the company's Blu-ray Disc drives.

HP already produces PC-use HD DVD drives, with Toshiba producing the internal drives and Lite-On IT producing an external HD DVD-ROM drive (HD100), the sources indicated. For HP's planned OEM production of BD drives, Lite-On IT will compete for the orders with South Korean and Japanese makers, the sources said. Unlike its competitors though, Lite-On does not sell own-brand products in the international market and stands a good chance of being selected by HP, the sources pointed out.

The article also mentions that Lite-On will begin producing Blu-ray Disc drives for other clients later this quarter. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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20 October 2006

Maxell has announced that they will be showcasing their new storage technologies at NAB New York. Along with their recordable Blu-ray and HD DVD media, the company will have its holographic storage technology on display.

Due to ship to OEMs in December, Maxell's holographic storage technology is in beta tests with several broadcasters. With its first generation cartridges holding 300 GB of data, Maxell -- in conjunction with InPhase Technologies -- is developing 2nd and 3rd generation cartridges to hold 800 GB and 1.6 TB of data respectively...

...Maxell will also display its Blu-ray and HD DVD technology formats, both of which are designed to meet currently expanding digital video requirements for recording and viewing large amounts of data including high definition movies. Maxell's continual advanced developments with this technology will provide for high transfer rates and better rewritability, which will be needed for the video and storage requirements of the future.

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

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20 October 2006

The guys at CD Freaks have put together a review of Plextor's new portable DVD writer, the PX-608CU. Here's what they had to say:

As the current maximum writing speed on DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW media for slim-line drives are 8x/8x/24x/24x, the Plextor PX-608CU are up-to-date on these specifications.

Bitsetting on DVD+R DL media is also a welcome inclusion and ensures good playback compatibility with set top DVD players.

If you'd like to read more, CD Freaks' entire review can be found here. Add a comment

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20 October 2006

There is an ongoing discussion in our forum about the lack of 12x DVD-RAM in most world markets. Our very own Dolphinius_Rex has begun talks with Maxell in the hopes of changing their mind about releasing the product, or at the very least getting a limited supply of media for specific distribution. If you picked up a 12x DVD-RAM burner and feel slighted at the lack of compatible media, or even if you just feel that the product should be made available world wide, please take a moment and post your feelings here. We have been informed that this forum topic will be checked out by some of the executives of Maxell Canada. Add a comment

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Software

19 October 2006

Here's some good news for those planning to upgrade to Windows Vista. Nero has announced that Nero 7 will be Vista certified in time for the operating system's launch in January 2007.

Nero, leaders in digital media technology, announces that its premier digital media software suite will be Microsoft Windows Vista-certified for the new operating system's launch in January 2007, and will carry the Certified for Windows Vista logo. Nero 7, the latest version of Nero's software suite, is the industry-leading all-in-one solution for the management of data, audio, video, photo, phone and TV content.

As I reported earlier this week, the current version of Nero 7 (7.5.7.0) does work with the RC1 of Vista. If you'd like to read more, Nero's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment