SanDisk sent out a press release today, announcing its G3 Series of solid-state drives (SSDs). These MLC-based SSDs are available in 60, 120 and 240GB capacities and are capable of 200MB/s read and 140MB/s write speeds.

SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today unveiled its third-generation family of solid-state drives (SSDs). Using multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash memory technology, SanDisk’s G3 Series establishes new benchmarks in performance and price-performance leadership in the SSD industry.

Designed as drop-in replacements for hard-disk drives (HDDs) in notebook PCs, the initial members in the SanDisk G3 family are SSD C25-G3 and SSD C18-G3 in the standard 2.5” and 1.8” form factors respectively, each available with a SATA-II interface. Available in capacities of 60, 120 and 240GB*, the unit MSRPs are $149, $249 and $499, respectively.

Panasonic, a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray format, today introduced the successors to last year's award winning DMP-BD35 and DMP-BD55 players, as well as presenting the world's first Blu-ray-VHS dual player. All three of the new Blu-ray players - DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80, DMP-BD70V - combine high quality images with enhanced networking functions, including VIERA Cast's improved internet functionality that provides access to Amazon VOD's huge selection of titles. Continuing its commitment to producing products that stress ease of use, the 2009 line of Blu-ray Disc(TM) players continue to incorporate VIERA Link(TM), allowing the consumer to operate their audio/video components, via HDMI, with one remote. And, in keeping with Panasonic's pledge to reduce the planet's carbon footprint, the new Blu-ray players have been designed to reduce power consumption.

Each of the three models employs the PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus. Developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, this high image processing technology reproduces clear, vivid colors that are faithful to the original film. Recognizing that audio is important to the overall entertainment experience, Panasonic's three 2009 Blu-ray Disc players feature a high definition audio decoder (Dolby(R) Digital Plus, Dolby(R) TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio Essential) to take advantage of the exceptionally high quality 7.1 channel surround sound now integrated in Blu-ray Discs. The DMP-BD70V distinguishes itself as the world's first dual deck VHS-Blu-ray player, providing the consumer with a video product that features multi-format playback allowing the user to play VHS, CD, DVD and 1080p high definition Blu-ray Discs. The BD70V allows for premium 1080p up-conversion for all video formats.

Seagate (NASDAQ: STX), the world’s leading provider of storage solutions, today unveiled the new Seagate® FreeAgent® Theater™ HD media player, a complete home theater solution designed to enhance the experience of enjoying digital media by providing an easy way to play your favorite videos, movies and photos on your TV. The Seagate FreeAgent Theater media player is a new accessory designed to work with the company’s award-winning FreeAgent® Go™ portable hard drive, enabling people to easily enjoy stored digital media on their TV screens rather than their computer monitors. Just tuck the media player next to your TV, pop in your FreeAgent Go hard drive, point, click, and enjoy as your personal memories and favorite movies come to life before your eyes in HD quality video with surround sound. The announcement was made at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show, taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Available in March, the Seagate FreeAgent Theater HD media player can be purchased as a stand-alone unit for use with any USB storage device, or a complete solution with a FreeAgent Go portable drive included, starting at just $129.99.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today unveiled the world’s first wall-mountable Blu-ray player, the BD-P4600, as well as the new standard for Blu-ray performance and versatility, the BD-P3600. A 2009 CES “Best of Innovations” Award Winner, the BD-P4600 unites a plethora of multimedia features in a svelte, first-in-class package. The enthusiasts’ choice, the BD-P3600 promises top-notch video playback, comprehensive audio decoding, and unprecedented networking capabilities for an immersive, theater-like experience. Both players set a new direction for the Blu-ray category with wireless networking, access to video and music streaming services, such as Netflix and Pandora, as well as sleek designs. Samsung’s new Blu-ray players will be on display at Booth #11033 during the International Consumer Electronics Show, which will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 8 -11, 2009.

“Samsung is heralding a new direction for the Blu-ray industry with the BD-P4600 and BD-P3600," said Reid Sullivan, vice president of Audio/Video and Digital Imaging Marketing at Samsung Electronics America. “The BD-P4600 makes it easier than ever to bring Blu-ray into the living room with its unique, wall-mountable design, while the BD-P3600’s comprehensive specs place it on the short list of even the most discerning home theater consumers.”

The BD-P4600 and BD-P3600 include BD Live™ (Profile 2.0) and Bonus View (Profile 1.1) support, Full HD 1080p Blu-ray playback with DVD upscaling, and total HD soundtrack support. Standard CD playback, with support for JPEG photos and DivX videos, ensure even more entertainment value with the BD-P4600 and BD-P3600.