NEC Electronics announced today that it has developed the world's first single-chip LSI for Blu-ray Disc players. Combining the frontend functions of the SCOMBO/UM2P with the backend functions of the EMMA3P, the EMMA3PF has an analog circuit to process signals from the optical pickup, a decoding circuit for encoded video and audio and an HDMI to output video and audio. On top of that, the chip supports BD-ROM Profile 2.0, the latest Blu-ray Disc specification.

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A new survey conducted by ABI Research has found that consumers are delaying their Blu-ray player purchases. Of the 1000 people surveyed, more than half responded that they have no plans to purchase one. ABI Research also found that 23% were likely to buy a player, but not until sometime in 2009.

Blu-ray players are not flying off retailers’ shelves, at least not in the numbers the industry might hope for. A new consumer survey from ABI Research has revealed a widespread reluctance to commit to a Blu-ray player in the near future: over half of the 1000 respondents, citing “other priorities,” say they have no plans to purchase one; a further 23% are likely to buy, but not until sometime in 2009.

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LG Electronics has announced a new Blu-ray Disc player with Netflix streaming capability. The LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player will give Netflix subscribers the ability to instantly stream movies and television shows to their TV for no additional charge. The BD300 also plays BD-Live enabled Blu-ray titles, upconverts standard DVDs to 1080p and offers support for LG's SimpLink technology.

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Building on a groundbreaking technology partnership announced earlier this year, LG Electronics and Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) today announced plans for the first Blu-ray disc player that will have the added benefit of being able to instantly stream a growing library of movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to the TV.

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DigiTimes is reporting that CMC Magnetics will be raising the OEM price of blank CD-R and DVD+R/-R discs by 10% in August. The company also plans to raise the price again in the fourth quarter of 2008 in an attempt to improve the profitability of optical disc production.

CMC Magnetics, who plans to adjust its OEM quotes for blank CD-R and DVD+R/-R discs up by 10% on average in August according to a previous report, plans to further hike OEM prices in the fourth quarter of 2008 in an attempt to significantly improve the profitability of optical disc production, according to company chairman Robert Wong.

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Imation announced today that it has expanded its line of Apollo Portable Hard Drives to include a 500GB model. Like previous versions, this ultra-slim drive is USB powered and features a midnight black-brushed surface with chrome detailing.
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Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN - News) is among the first to introduce an external hard disk drive featuring a 500 GB 9.5 mm thick 2.5" HDD inside to its line of Apollo Portable Hard Drives. The sleek, compact and USB-powered 500 GB Apollo Portable Hard Drive is lightweight, stylish and extremely durable featuring a midnight-black brushed surface with chrome details. At just over a half an inch wide and weighing less than half a pound, the drive easily fits in the palm of your hand for convenience on the go.

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