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Universal Music is reportedly overhauling the packaging of CD's sold in Europe in an effort to slow the decline of sales. Using a new three-tiered system, Universal plans to offer titles in DeLuxe, Standard or Slim packaging.
Universal Music Group International, the world's largest music company, announced Wednesday that it is overhauling the packaging of compact discs sold in Europe as part of an effort to slow the decline of CD sales as downloading takes hold.

The company unveiled a new three-tiered packaging system for both new albums and older recordings -- "DeLuxe" packaging for top artists' latest releases, "Standard" packaging for all new releases and a slim "Basic" sheathing for old classics.
I have to give Universal credit. Instead of suing grandmas and college students, they're trying to adapt to current market trends. If you'd like to read more about Universal's new packaging, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Software
InterVideo has announced that Ulead Systems has offically merged with their Taiwan branch, InterVideo Digital Tech. Here's part of their press release:
InterVideo, Inc. (NASDAQ:IVII - News) an industry leader in next-generation DVD and multimedia software, announced today that its Taiwan branch, InterVideo Digital Tech, and Ulead Systems (TSE:2487 - News) will be officially merged.

InterVideo Taiwan acquired the remaining shares of Ulead Systems Inc. in order to consolidate resources efficiently, reduce operational costs, and enhance operational efficiency. InterVideo currently owns 67 percent of Ulead and will pay NT$30 per share to buy back the remaining 33 percent of shares from Ulead shareholders.
InterVideo definitely took their sweet time finalizing this merger. It's been nearly a year since they decided to purchase a controlling interest in Ulead. If you'd like to read more, InterVideo's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
It appears that LG's new Blu-ray writer will be shipping on schedule. According to an article at DigiTimes, the GBW-H10N will hit store shelves in Taiwan as early as this week.

LG Electronics Taiwan Taipei (LGETT), the Taiwan subsidiary of LG Electronics, on July 3 announced the launch of the its GBW-H10N Blu-ray Disc burner in the Taiwan market. The unit will be in stores later this week at a recommended retail price of NT$29,900 (US$923).

The GBW-H10N supports single-sided single-layer (SL) BD, DVD+RW/-RW, DVD-RAM (rewritable), CD-R/RW burning as well as SL and single-sided double-layer (DL) DVD+R/-R burning, according to LGETT. The model can also record and play back video in BD/DVD/CD formats, the company indicated.
We still have not heard if or when the GBW-H10N will be available in the U.S. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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On behalf of the CDRLabs staff, I just wanted to wish all of our U.S. readers a happy Independance Day.




I know that many consider July 4th to be another day off and one more excuse to cook out, drink beer and blow things up. Just remember to take a few minutes to think about what this day is really about. Add a comment

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The results are in and our readers have chosen the BenQ DW1640 as the top DVD writer for the month of June. Here are the top drives:
  1. BenQ DW1640
  2. Pioneer DVR-111/A11
  3. BenQ DW1650/1655
  4. (tied) Lite-On SHM-165H6S/165P6S, LG GSA-4167B, Plextor PX-716A and Plextor PX-755A/755SA
Your favorite drive didn't make it onto the list? Then go and vote for July's top DVD writer. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
BenQ Europe has announced the release of their new Blu-ray writer, the BW1000. Incorporating three types of lasers, the BW1000 can write to CD, DVD and Blu-ray media. Interestingly enough, it also sports three LED's so that you know what media you're working with.

BenQ today announces the next generation optical writer, the BenQ BW1000 trio writer. The BenQ BW1000 incorporates three types of lasers to support multiple media formats - The current red laser disc, infra-red laser and the new blue laser disc Blu-Ray. Together with other features, such as precision Tilt Control System, SolidBurn and Write Right technology, this high-capacity optical drive device with Blu-Ray technology encompasses all the right applications for a greater read/ write capability with Blu-Ray discs and compatibility with both DVD and CD.
The BW1000 is expected to ship in August for a suggested retail price of € 799,00. If you'd like to read more, BenQ's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
LG recently unveiled their latest "Super-Multi" drive, the GSA-H30N. Along with support for Serial ATA, the drive features 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds. Here are some of the GSA-H30N's specs:


Writing Speeds:

DVD+R: 2.4x, 4x, 8x, 12x, 16x
DVD+RW: 2.4x, 4x, 6x, 8x
DVD+R DL: 2.4x, 4x, 6x, 8x
DVD-R: 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x
DVD-RW: 1x, 2x, 4x ,6x
DVD-R DL: 4x, 8x
DVD-RAM: 2x, 3x, 5x, 12x
CD-R: 16x, 24x, 32x, 40x, 48x
CD-RW: 4x, 10x, 16x, 24x, 32x

Buffer Size: 2MB		 Read Speeds:

DVD-ROM: 16x Max
DVD±R: 16x Max
DVD±RW: 12x Max
DVD±R DL: 12x Max
CD-ROM: 48x Max

Access Times:

CD-ROM: 120ms
DVD-ROM: 140ms
DVD-RAM: 250ms

No word on price or availability yet. As we find out more we'll let you know. Until then, more information can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
Verbatim Australia has announced their new Mini DVD+R Double Layer media. Measuring only 8cm in diameter, these discs can hold up to 2.6 GB of data or 55 minutes worth of DVD quality video.
Verbatim, a pioneer in developing advanced DVD and Double Layer technologies, today announced their new Mini DVD+R Double-Layer (DL) disc. Measuring only 8cm in diameter, the new discs provide nearly one hour of continuous video capture time on a single side or 2.6 GB of storage capacity- almost twice the capacity of current mini DVDR discs. Five-packs of Verbatim Mini DVD+R DL media will be available in July 2006, when the first new Mini +R DL-compatible camcorders are launched. The media can also be recorded with drives supporting the +R DL format.
Verbatim's Mini DVD+R DL media is shipping in 5 pack jewel cases and will hit store shelves later this month. More information can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage
DigiTimes has reported that CMC Magnetics, Ritek, Prodisc and Optodisc are having problems raising funds and have requested extensions for loan payments.
CMC and Ritek each applied for floating ECBs (euro convertible bonds) worth US$200 million, while Prodisc and Optodisc applied for the issuing of new shares to raise additional capital of NT$2.0 billion and NT$1.0 billion, respectively, from target investors, the sources indicated. Except for NT$1.0 billion that Prodisc has raised, all the other fundraising have been stalled due mainly to strict government reviews of the applications, the sources pointed out.
The article also mentions that the shortage of funds may have a negative impact on the R&D of next-generation blue-laser discs. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment

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