I-O Data Japan sent out a press release this morning, announcing two new 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc writers. The internal BRD-3DS12 is capable of 12x BD-R, 12x BD-R DL, 6x BD-R LTH, 2x BD-RE and 2x BD-RE DL writing speeds and a maximum BD-ROM read speed of 10x. The external BRD-3DU8 isn't quite as fast. Due to its USB 2.0 interface, the drive's BD-R and BD-R DL writing speeds are limited to only 8x.  

The BRD-3DS12 and BRD-3DU8 come bundled with WinDVD BD3D as well as Nero 9 Essentials and are expected to cost 28,50 Yen ($343US) and 29,600 Yen ($356US), respectively, when they hits stores at the end of November.

Add a comment

With its members now watching more content streamed over the Internet than on discs delivered by mail, Netflix, Inc. today introduced a $7.99 streaming-only subscription plan in the United States, the first time it is promoting a 100 percent streaming option in the U.S. The plan, which allows members to instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix to TVs and computers, is available now to both new and existing members.

"We are now primarily a streaming video company delivering a wide selection of TV shows and films over the Internet," said Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and CEO. "Today's action reflects the tremendous customer value we've injected into streaming from Netflix, our initial success with a pure streaming service in Canada for $7.99 a month and what our U.S. members tell us they want."

The company also announced that the price of its popular subscription combining unlimited movies and TV shows streamed instantly over the Internet and unlimited DVDs delivered quickly by mail, with one DVD out at a time, will increase by a dollar a month to $9.99. Prices of subscription plans allowing for more DVDs out at a time will also increase and are detailed at http://blog.netflix.com. Price changes take effect now for new sign-ups and in January for existing members.

Add a comment

Kingston Digital today announced the HyperX MAX 3.0 External USB 3.0 Drive. Shipping in December, the SuperSpeed USB certified HyperX MAX 3.0 drive is a fast and durable external USB 3.0 storage drive. SuperSpeed USB is the specification delivering USB 3.0 transfer speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.

Kingston's HyperX MAX 3.0 has a read speed of up to 195MB/sec., and a write speed of up to 160MB/sec., when paired with a USB 3.0 compatible device. It is also fully compatible with USB 2.0 devices, as the speed defaults back to USB 2.0 capability. During internal testing, a 10GB movie file was transferred in only 1 minute, 12 seconds to the HyperX MAX 3.0 from a USB 3.0 system. The transfer time increased to 5 minutes, 52 seconds using a USB 2.0 port with the same test bed.

HyperX MAX 3.0 is an excellent drive solution for any prosumer, computer enthusiast or professional requiring extremely fast file transfer to their PC with portability requirements. Moving or backing up HD video, RAW images or other large project files are examples that can take advantage of the extremely high-speed data transfers of the USB 3.0 interface.

Add a comment

Lite-On announces today the introduction of their most versatile 24X DVD writer to date: the iHAS624. The iHAS624 is a fast and reliable SATA DVD Writer with various disc labeling techniques as well as Smart-Erase for safe and permanent disc erasing. The drive is designed for DVD writing at 24X and features the latest optical drive technologies for accurate disc writing. This DVD Writer reduces the time it takes to reliably secure business files, backup personal files or create DVD videos.

Using LabelTag means a convenient and cost-effective way for labeling any DVD±R single layer disc without using additional software. LabelTag is a patented Lite-On feature that allows users to create a circular label on the data discs. When creating the disc, users can add text and/or images printed on the same side of the disc where the data is stored. No need to use markers, stickers, or even the hassle of flipping the disc. There is no special media required and the disc remains fully compatible with other playback devices.

Additionally, users can choose to label their discs with LightScribe technology. With LightScribe one can directly create customized labels and burn them onto LightScribe compatible DVDs and CDs.

Add a comment