In a move that is poised to elevate the Blu-ray(TM) Hi-Def format and provide consumers with the ultimate in convenience and viewing flexibility, Universal Studios Home Entertainment (USHE) announced the introduction of groundbreaking dual-format discs containing both Blu-ray(TM) Hi-Def and DVD versions of some of Hollywood's most iconic films. An industry first, the new "flipper" discs will launch on January 19, 2010 with the blockbuster superspy thrillers The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum, starring Matt Damon, premiering as individually packaged Blu-ray(TM) discs.

For the first time ever, consumers will have the ability to choose between Blu-ray(TM) and DVD formats, simply by flipping a single disc. With complete utility in one convenient package, the revolutionary medium can be used on any DVD or Blu-ray(TM) compatible player, game platform or computer, making it ideal for anyone planning to upgrade to Blu-ray(TM) at a future date as well as current owners of both Blu-ray(TM) and DVD systems. Each side of Universal's flipper discs includes the entire movie as well as all available bonus features, with the Blu-ray(TM) side featuring exciting BD exclusives such as U-Control and BD-Live(TM).

"Universal's flipper discs are the perfect way for consumers to future-proof their collections while still enjoying their favorite movies on all their existing DVD players," said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "The flipper disc offers an easy way for viewers to convert to Blu-ray now or at any time in the future, confident in the fact they will be able to experience their home entertainment purchases in the highest quality picture and sound when they do."

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Buffalo Japan sent out a press release this morning, announcing its new external 12x Blu-ray Disc writer, the BR-X1216U3. Based on the Pioneer BDR-205, this USB 3.0 equipped drive 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 8x. The BR-X1216U3 is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0. However, as Buffalo is quick to point out, its BD-R writing speed is limited to 7x. The BR-X1216U3 comes bundled with CyberLink's Blu-ray Disc Suite and will cost 39,100 Yen ($451US) when it hits stores in December.

I-O DATA Japan has announced a new portable 6x Blu-ray Disc writer based on the Sony Optiarc BD-5730S. The BRP-US6 is capable of 6x BD-R, 6x BD-R LTH, 4x BD-R DL, 2x BD-RE and 2x BD-RE DL writing speeds and a maximum BD read speed of 6x. The drive is also backwards compatible with all DVD and CD formats and can be powered off a computer's USB bus or the included AC adapter. The BRP-US6 is expected to ship in the middle of December for a suggested retail price of 29,600 Yen ($342US).

At CeBIT 2009 Lite-On announced the introduction of LabelTag, a new feature to label discs in a fast and convenient way. Now, with the introduction of the iHAS524, Lite-On presents its first DVD writer with LabelTag.

Using LabelTag means a convenient and cost-effective way for labeling any DVD±R single layer or CD-R discs without using additional software. LabelTag is a patented new 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. There is 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. LabelTag is an ideal solution for archiving and managing your back-ups.

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