NextBase SDV185-S Tablet DVD Player
Published by Admin on 30.9.05 at 9/30/2005 01:24:00 PM.
The SDV185-S is NextBase's biggest-screened portable tablet DVD player. Measuring up at a rather impressive 8.5-inches, the true colour TFT screen has been developed to be easy to view in all light conditions.
The player can tackle DVD, VCD, SVCD, MP3s, Music CDs, JPEG Picture Discs, CD-R/RW, DVD +/- R and DVD +/- RW discs and comes complete with a rechargeable battery pack that gives you over 3 hours of playback. Link
PC makers fuming over DVD dispute
Published by Admin on at 9/30/2005 01:22:00 PM.
After quietly heating up over recent months, the battle over next-generation DVD formats boiled over on Thursday, as Dell and Hewlett-Packard assailed Intel and Microsoft, which have lined up in the opposite camp.
Earlier this week, Microsoft and Intel announced that they were backing the HD DVD format, saying its approach will spur easier home networking of movies and make it simpler to distribute hybrid discs containing both high-definition and traditional DVD movies. Dell and HP shot back on Thursday, saying the world's largest software and processor makers were spreading "inaccurate" information. They also reiterated their backing for the rival Blu-ray format.
"From a PC end-user perspective, Blu-ray is a superior format," HP personal-storage unit general manager Maureen Weber said in a statement. Weber said Blu-ray offers anywhere from two-thirds to 150 per cent more storage capacity, as well as higher transfer rates, and fits easily into slim notebooks. "The technical merits and consumer benefits of Blu-ray Disc make it the ideal solution for HP's customers."
Dell founder Michael Dell also lashed out at Microsoft and Intel during Wednesday's launch of a new premium PC line. Link
Earlier this week, Microsoft and Intel announced that they were backing the HD DVD format, saying its approach will spur easier home networking of movies and make it simpler to distribute hybrid discs containing both high-definition and traditional DVD movies. Dell and HP shot back on Thursday, saying the world's largest software and processor makers were spreading "inaccurate" information. They also reiterated their backing for the rival Blu-ray format.
"From a PC end-user perspective, Blu-ray is a superior format," HP personal-storage unit general manager Maureen Weber said in a statement. Weber said Blu-ray offers anywhere from two-thirds to 150 per cent more storage capacity, as well as higher transfer rates, and fits easily into slim notebooks. "The technical merits and consumer benefits of Blu-ray Disc make it the ideal solution for HP's customers."
Dell founder Michael Dell also lashed out at Microsoft and Intel during Wednesday's launch of a new premium PC line. Link
Pioneer Introduces High-end HDD/DVD Recorders
Published by Admin on 28.9.05 at 9/28/2005 04:06:00 PM.
Pioneer's new DVD recorders are capable of recording high-definition TV broadcasts to HDD in the original HD picture quality, and additionaly support recording to DVD-R DL disc in VR mode.
Pioneer introduces in Japan the DVR-DT90 and DVR-DT70 DVD recorders with a built-in HDD (500 GB and 250 GB respectively). These new HDD/DVD recorders, equipped with a digital TV tuner for terrestrial, BS, and 110-degree CS digital broadcasts, are capable of recording high-definition digital TV broadcast programs directly onto the HDD in the original high-definition picture quality. Pioneer plans to launch these two models for the Japanese market in late November, 2005 with no retail price suggested.
Link
Pioneer introduces in Japan the DVR-DT90 and DVR-DT70 DVD recorders with a built-in HDD (500 GB and 250 GB respectively). These new HDD/DVD recorders, equipped with a digital TV tuner for terrestrial, BS, and 110-degree CS digital broadcasts, are capable of recording high-definition digital TV broadcast programs directly onto the HDD in the original high-definition picture quality. Pioneer plans to launch these two models for the Japanese market in late November, 2005 with no retail price suggested.
Link
Toshiba Delays U.S. Launch of HD DVD Player
Published by Admin on at 9/28/2005 04:05:00 PM.
Toshiba Corp. said on Wednesday it is delaying its launch of next-generation HD DVD players in the U.S. market to around February or March, revising its plan for a year-end start date.
Toshiba and Sony Corp., leading rival camps, have waged a three-year battle to have their different standards adopted for next-generation DVD technology, which promises much greater capacity for high-definition movies.
Toshiba, along with NEC Corp. and Sanyo Electric Co., has been promoting the HD DVD format, while Sony and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. have been developing a technology known as Blu-ray.
"We have been discussing with content holders the most effective way to launch in the U.S. market, and it will probably be in February or March," Toshiba Corporate Senior Vice President Yoshihide Fujii told a news conference.
Japan's second-largest electronics conglomerate said it and content holders such as film studios believe it would be best to start sales of HD DVD players in the United States on a wide scale rather than gradually. Link
Toshiba and Sony Corp., leading rival camps, have waged a three-year battle to have their different standards adopted for next-generation DVD technology, which promises much greater capacity for high-definition movies.
Toshiba, along with NEC Corp. and Sanyo Electric Co., has been promoting the HD DVD format, while Sony and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. have been developing a technology known as Blu-ray.
"We have been discussing with content holders the most effective way to launch in the U.S. market, and it will probably be in February or March," Toshiba Corporate Senior Vice President Yoshihide Fujii told a news conference.
Japan's second-largest electronics conglomerate said it and content holders such as film studios believe it would be best to start sales of HD DVD players in the United States on a wide scale rather than gradually. Link
HD-DVD is back in the game
Published by Admin on at 9/28/2005 04:03:00 PM.
It will still arrive earlier than Blu-Ray disc (BD) drives and content but the advantage of being first is no longer the strategic plus it once was. So for four weeks, the pro-Blu-Rays have been swaggering around.
Until yesterday, that is, when Microsoft and it's trusty sidekick, Intel, officially planted their flags in the HD-DVD camp. The format tale twists yet again and now HD-DVD has gone from being the slightly less glamorous option in this format war to the belle of the ball. This is a big boost to the HD-DVD camp, even if it was not the greatest surprise in the world. We'll come back to that in a minute but first let's see why Wintel have made their choices. Allegedly, Intel made up its own mind on this one. That's why it had a joint press conference then, I suppose? Anyway, here goes. Link
Until yesterday, that is, when Microsoft and it's trusty sidekick, Intel, officially planted their flags in the HD-DVD camp. The format tale twists yet again and now HD-DVD has gone from being the slightly less glamorous option in this format war to the belle of the ball. This is a big boost to the HD-DVD camp, even if it was not the greatest surprise in the world. We'll come back to that in a minute but first let's see why Wintel have made their choices. Allegedly, Intel made up its own mind on this one. That's why it had a joint press conference then, I suppose? Anyway, here goes. Link
Intel, MS back HD DVD
Published by Admin on 27.9.05 at 9/27/2005 11:37:00 AM.
Intel and Microsoft have formally allied themselves with Toshiba's HD DVD next-generation optical disc format. Both will become members of the HD DVD Promotion Group, the pair said yesterday.
Both firms' support for the format centres on its greater suitability for PCs than HD DVD's rival, the Sony-backed Blu-ray Disc (BD) represents.
Interestingly, they do refer to BD, claiming it has a lower capacity than HD DVD: 30GB for a dual-layer HD DVD to 25GB for a BD. Neither mention that's the single-layer BD capacity, or that the dual-layer version offers 50GB of storage. Many of the HD DVD format's other strengths also apply to BD. Link
Both firms' support for the format centres on its greater suitability for PCs than HD DVD's rival, the Sony-backed Blu-ray Disc (BD) represents.
Interestingly, they do refer to BD, claiming it has a lower capacity than HD DVD: 30GB for a dual-layer HD DVD to 25GB for a BD. Neither mention that's the single-layer BD capacity, or that the dual-layer version offers 50GB of storage. Many of the HD DVD format's other strengths also apply to BD. Link
BenQ Launches Super-multi DVD Recorder
Published by Admin on at 9/27/2005 11:35:00 AM.
The DQ60 is the first optical disc drive from the Taiwanese company to support wrting of DVD-RAM media. The company plans to release the drive in the Japanese market, and it is not clear whether it will be also available overseas. The bulk version of the drive will be priced at 7,980 Yen ($71.15). The company will also release a "deluxe" retail version of the drive, coming mid October. The retail package will include a black-bezel version of the DQ60, 10 blank DVD-R media as well as a DVD Video playback software for CPRM protected titles. The "deluxe" version will cost 9,800 Yen ($87.4).
The specifications of the drive include 8x write for DVD±R DL, 16x for DVD±R (CAV), 8x for DVD+RW, 6x for DVD-RW and 5x for DVD-RAM. The drives internal buffer is 2MB. In addition, BenQ reports that the drive is capable of recording at 8x on 2.4x DVD+R media by MKM. Link
The specifications of the drive include 8x write for DVD±R DL, 16x for DVD±R (CAV), 8x for DVD+RW, 6x for DVD-RW and 5x for DVD-RAM. The drives internal buffer is 2MB. In addition, BenQ reports that the drive is capable of recording at 8x on 2.4x DVD+R media by MKM. Link
Toshiba launch PC with HD DVD drive in 2006
Published by Admin on at 9/27/2005 11:24:00 AM.
Toshiba, the world's third-largest notebook computer maker behind Dell Inc. (DELL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ.N: Quote, Profile, Research), said the PC would be introduced in Japan in early 2006. It is still considering the timing for an overseas launch.
The PC will be equipped with a slim, read-only HD DVD drive produced by Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology, a joint venture between Japan's second-largest electronics conglomerate and South Korea's Samsung Electronics.
In addition to content in the high-definition HD DVD format, the new PC will also allow consumers to both read and write to conventional DVD and CD discs.
A Toshiba spokeswoman said she expected several movie titles in the HD DVD format to be released in Japan by the end of this year and the availability of HD DVD content to increase as the HD DVD player market takes off in earnest from next spring.
Toshiba and Sony, leading rival camps, have waged a three-year battle to have their different standards adopted for the next-generation of DVDs, which promise much greater capacity for high-definition movies. Link
The PC will be equipped with a slim, read-only HD DVD drive produced by Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology, a joint venture between Japan's second-largest electronics conglomerate and South Korea's Samsung Electronics.
In addition to content in the high-definition HD DVD format, the new PC will also allow consumers to both read and write to conventional DVD and CD discs.
A Toshiba spokeswoman said she expected several movie titles in the HD DVD format to be released in Japan by the end of this year and the availability of HD DVD content to increase as the HD DVD player market takes off in earnest from next spring.
Toshiba and Sony, leading rival camps, have waged a three-year battle to have their different standards adopted for the next-generation of DVDs, which promise much greater capacity for high-definition movies. Link
LITE-ON SOHW-1693S Internal DVD Writer
Published by Admin on 24.9.05 at 9/24/2005 10:20:00 PM.
Some of the enhancements made in recent times include HP's patented LightScribe labeling technology, 6x DVD-RW write speed, 8x DVD+RW write speed and more recently, DVD-R DL write specification, which is also the highlight of the LITE-ON SOHW-1693S. These additions thankfully, have worked together to prevent the optical storage scene from transforming into a complete dreary landscape altogether but more crucially, resulted in current DVD writers that are more competent, more media friendly and therefore more time efficient to satisfy consumers' optical storage needs.
Granted LITE-ON is a major player in the ODD industry, discovering how the SOHW-1693S performs when subjected to real-world usages may provide a good read for folks who are planning to procure an internal DVD writer.Link
Granted LITE-ON is a major player in the ODD industry, discovering how the SOHW-1693S performs when subjected to real-world usages may provide a good read for folks who are planning to procure an internal DVD writer.Link
HD DVD and Blu-Ray Progress Update
Published by Admin on at 9/24/2005 10:19:00 PM.
It is true that the manufacturing process for HD DVD is similar to that for DVD and theoretically, upgrading the current manufacturing equipment used for DVD is more straightforward. However, it is also true that not all the DVD replication equipment is directly compatible with HD DVD and success is strongly dependent on the quality, accuracy and tolerances of the equipment.
In any case, currently most optical media manufacturers are investing on DVD lines that will be ready for manufacturing both HD DVD and DVD media. This is true of most small replicators, who must wait since they do not know which format will eventually dominate, before investing on the corresponding equipment. For the moment, HD DVD/DVD equipment is a safe way for them to proceed.
Keeping in mind that the specifications of the HD DVD-Video 1.0 have been recently finalized, M2, Unaxis and Singulus have already sold HD DVD replication machines, which offer cost-effective manufacturing of DVD9 and double layer/single layer HD DVD. Link
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
In any case, currently most optical media manufacturers are investing on DVD lines that will be ready for manufacturing both HD DVD and DVD media. This is true of most small replicators, who must wait since they do not know which format will eventually dominate, before investing on the corresponding equipment. For the moment, HD DVD/DVD equipment is a safe way for them to proceed.
Keeping in mind that the specifications of the HD DVD-Video 1.0 have been recently finalized, M2, Unaxis and Singulus have already sold HD DVD replication machines, which offer cost-effective manufacturing of DVD9 and double layer/single layer HD DVD. Link
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Camcorders and DVD
Published by Admin on at 9/24/2005 10:15:00 PM.
Finally, optical recording media has one critical flaw in a camcorder: if any data becomes damaged, the entire disc becomes unreadable. Little Johnny's soccer triumph is gone for good.
So for this generation of camcorders, our verdict on DVD changes only a bit: we're past the quality hurdles, but many issues still remain.
Link
So for this generation of camcorders, our verdict on DVD changes only a bit: we're past the quality hurdles, but many issues still remain.
Link
Toshiba Develops Dual-Layer HD DVD-R Media
Published by Admin on 21.9.05 at 9/21/2005 01:43:00 PM.
Toshiba today announced a 30GB dual-layer HD DVD-R (recordable) disc that extends the capacity for a write-once next generation DVD disc. The new disc was approved as Version 1.9 at the September 14 meeting of the DVD Forum's Steering Committee and its technical information will be made available as the Version 1.9 specifications.
Toshiba targets completion of Version 2.0 of the specifications book by the DVD Forum within this year, and aims to bring to market next spring an HD DVD recorder that supports the new disc. Toshiba has showcased a reference model of a HD-DVD player at IFA 2005, Berlin, and a selection of HD-DVD media including a HD-DVD/DVD hybrid disc. Toshiba plans to release a HD-DVD player in the US in March 2006.
The DVD Forum approved a 15GB single-layer HD DVD-R discs as Version 1.0 of a write-once HD DVD disc in February 2005. Toshiba continued development toward the newly announced 30GB dual-layer HD DVD-R disc, which uses a new organic dye jointly developed with a dye manufacturer.
Link
Toshiba targets completion of Version 2.0 of the specifications book by the DVD Forum within this year, and aims to bring to market next spring an HD DVD recorder that supports the new disc. Toshiba has showcased a reference model of a HD-DVD player at IFA 2005, Berlin, and a selection of HD-DVD media including a HD-DVD/DVD hybrid disc. Toshiba plans to release a HD-DVD player in the US in March 2006.
The DVD Forum approved a 15GB single-layer HD DVD-R discs as Version 1.0 of a write-once HD DVD disc in February 2005. Toshiba continued development toward the newly announced 30GB dual-layer HD DVD-R disc, which uses a new organic dye jointly developed with a dye manufacturer.
Link
Sony DRX-800UL DVD Burner
Published by Admin on 18.9.05 at 9/18/2005 10:23:00 AM.
The exterior design of the retail drive makes it look very attractive. The case is made of light-gray shining plastic. The entire front panel is made of aluminum. The rear part of the casing is slightly narrower than the front. At the top of the drive there is the manufacturer’s name printed in large letters and the sticker next to it indicates the major highlight of the solution: its ability to work with dual-layer DVD-media. There is another sticker with the product barcode and model name on the front panel of the drive. When the drive is idle, its tray is hidden behind the front panel. Once you press the button on the right-hand side of the case, the panel opens and you can access the tray. At the top of the front panel there is a small slit with a status LED. When it lights up green, the drive is powered on, and the red color indicates that it is working with some media at the moment. The drive feels quite heavy and has four small feet made of some rubber-like material with high friction coefficient that is why it sits firmly in place when set horizontally. You can also set it vertically, in this case you will need to use a special vertical stand.
Link
Link
LG LightScribe Super-multi DVD Burner
Published by Admin on 16.9.05 at 9/16/2005 03:35:00 PM.
LG?s portable, stylish black and white Super Multi Rewriter gives users the ability to read or write in all three DVD formats - DVD +R/RW, DVD-R/RW and DVD-RAM with DVD +R/RW and DVD ?R/RW writing at up to 16x speeds. The drive is also equipped with the latest -R 4x Dual Layer and +R 8x Double Layer writing technology, as well as with the Lightscribe technology, which allows users to print out any design on the front side of a disc using the same laser that burns data.
The Korean company also launched the GSA-2164D, which features the same specifications with the GSA-2166D, except LighScribe.
In addition to having write speeds of 16x DVD+/- R, 8x DVD +/- RW, 6x DVD-RW, 5x DVD-RAM and 4x DVD-R DL, both of these units also support a 8x DVD+R DL write speed. Note that the recently reviewed LG's GSA-4167 managed DVD+R DL write speeds of 6x. Link
The Korean company also launched the GSA-2164D, which features the same specifications with the GSA-2166D, except LighScribe.
In addition to having write speeds of 16x DVD+/- R, 8x DVD +/- RW, 6x DVD-RW, 5x DVD-RAM and 4x DVD-R DL, both of these units also support a 8x DVD+R DL write speed. Note that the recently reviewed LG's GSA-4167 managed DVD+R DL write speeds of 6x. Link
Blu-ray and HD DVD Content Protection
Published by Admin on at 9/16/2005 03:32:00 PM.
As Hollywood movie studios and consumer electronics manufacturers consider how to protect high-definition video entertainment from piracy, the Blu-Ray and HD DVD camps plan to adopt - partially similar - comprehensive content management schemes.
The Blu-ray Disc Association has officially announced a content-protection scheme for its flavor of next-generation DVDs last month, in a move that may prompt the rival DVD Forum to come up with one of its own.
The association has added the so-called BD+ and ROM Mark technologies to its format, and is also expected to adopt the advanced access content system (AACS). At least for now, the DVD Forum relies solely on the AACS to provide content protection for its competing HD-DVD format.
The Blu-ray content management system includes three primary components: Advanced Access Content System (AACS), "BD+", a Blu-ray-specific enhancement for content protection renewability, which allows the player to fix or compensate for security flaws and ROM Mark, a measure unique to Blu-ray Disc to guard against mass production piracy of prerecorded media. Link
The Blu-ray Disc Association has officially announced a content-protection scheme for its flavor of next-generation DVDs last month, in a move that may prompt the rival DVD Forum to come up with one of its own.
The association has added the so-called BD+ and ROM Mark technologies to its format, and is also expected to adopt the advanced access content system (AACS). At least for now, the DVD Forum relies solely on the AACS to provide content protection for its competing HD-DVD format.
The Blu-ray content management system includes three primary components: Advanced Access Content System (AACS), "BD+", a Blu-ray-specific enhancement for content protection renewability, which allows the player to fix or compensate for security flaws and ROM Mark, a measure unique to Blu-ray Disc to guard against mass production piracy of prerecorded media. Link
HP dvd640i DVD Writer
Published by Admin on 15.9.05 at 9/15/2005 09:41:00 PM.
It includes all the features we consider must-haves for any burner, such as DVD±R recording, dual-layer DVD+R recording, and HP's latest fad—LightScribe technology. Though it didn't stand out performance-wise, the drive's features and pricing make it tough to ignore. Link
LG GSA-4167B Dual Layer Drive
Published by Admin on 11.9.05 at 9/11/2005 01:00:00 PM.
After November 2000 when the joint venture between LG & Hitachi took place with a mutual target, the manufacturing of quality drives, the "HL-DS" series has provided the market with some good burners, with the last addition, the LG GSA-4163B, having been released several months ago. Now LG releases it's latest drive, the 4167B model, an upgrade of the 4163B. Link
Samsung plays dual standard
Published by Admin on 7.9.05 at 9/07/2005 10:57:00 AM.
The Inquirer wrote in May 2004 that Samsung was in the unique position of having a foot in both the camps, and earlier this week the firm told the FT Deutschland that if the parties didn't stop squabbling, it might concentrate their minds for them.
Choi Gee-sung told the newspaper that Samsung would release a unit that supported both HD and Blu-ray if the two camps didn't get their act together. That would be because otherwise the world+dog would get terribly confused. Link
Choi Gee-sung told the newspaper that Samsung would release a unit that supported both HD and Blu-ray if the two camps didn't get their act together. That would be because otherwise the world+dog would get terribly confused. Link
Playstation 3 Blu Ray drive
Published by Admin on at 9/07/2005 10:08:00 AM.
BLU RAY drives for the Playstation 3 will cost Sony a small fortune. It turns out that at the release of the console in the first half of 2006, Sony will have to pay more than $100 per drive it builds in Playstation 3. This is a lot of money, because even in retail you can buy a DVD +RW drive for less than $50 now. This means that Microsoft can get it much cheaper than $50, maybe even half that price, due to the enormous quantity it needs to buy for millions of XboX 360 consoles.
Blu Ray marchitecture looks great as its backward compatible with DVDs and CDs, and you can store 25GB per layer on the Blu Ray media. This will provide you with an amazing 50GB for two layer drives at some point in the future. Link
Blu Ray marchitecture looks great as its backward compatible with DVDs and CDs, and you can store 25GB per layer on the Blu Ray media. This will provide you with an amazing 50GB for two layer drives at some point in the future. Link
Sony shows 8x DVD+R dual-layer drive
Published by Admin on at 9/07/2005 12:15:00 AM.
Sony has become one of the first DVD writer manufacturers to ship a dual-layer DVD+R that can write at 8x speeds, the company said today.
Separately, Mitsubishi today said it will ship DVD+R DL 8x capable media in October.
Click Here
Sony's DRU-810A is an internal drive that hooks up to the host across an Ultra DMA Mode 2 ATAPI interface. In addition to 8x DVD+R DL, the drive supports DVD+R DL 4x. It also writes DVD+RW discs at 8x and DVD±R at 16x and DVD-RW at 6x.
Sony packages a pair of bezels, one silver, the other black, the better to match up with whatever system the drive is fitted to. The unit also ships with the Nero Software Suite. The whole lot will retail for around €70 (£48/$88).
Mitsubishi's discs, which provide 8.5GB of storage capacity, are based on a "high-sensitivity organic pigment" to support write speeds of 2.4x up to 8x and a maximum data-transfer rate of up to 209.25Mbps.
The DVD+RW Alliance announced the DVD+R 8x specification last March at the CeBIT show. Then, the technology's definition document had reached version 0.9 - sufficient, the organisation said, to allow hardware vendors to prepare for Q3 availability. Link
Separately, Mitsubishi today said it will ship DVD+R DL 8x capable media in October.
Click Here
Sony's DRU-810A is an internal drive that hooks up to the host across an Ultra DMA Mode 2 ATAPI interface. In addition to 8x DVD+R DL, the drive supports DVD+R DL 4x. It also writes DVD+RW discs at 8x and DVD±R at 16x and DVD-RW at 6x.
Sony packages a pair of bezels, one silver, the other black, the better to match up with whatever system the drive is fitted to. The unit also ships with the Nero Software Suite. The whole lot will retail for around €70 (£48/$88).
Mitsubishi's discs, which provide 8.5GB of storage capacity, are based on a "high-sensitivity organic pigment" to support write speeds of 2.4x up to 8x and a maximum data-transfer rate of up to 209.25Mbps.
The DVD+RW Alliance announced the DVD+R 8x specification last March at the CeBIT show. Then, the technology's definition document had reached version 0.9 - sufficient, the organisation said, to allow hardware vendors to prepare for Q3 availability. Link
Hitachi and Panasonic Showcase
Published by Admin on at 9/07/2005 12:13:00 AM.
Both Hitachi LG Data Storage and Panasonic will launch super-multi DVD recorders that will support 16x recording for DVD-RAM. Panasonic and Hitachi-Maxell showcased the results of their co-development of the first 16x DVD-RAM media at IFA, Berlin.
Hot on the heels of yesterday's report, Panasonic will launch Q1 of 2006 the SW-9586 super-multi recorder that will support 16 x recording for DVD-RAM and DVD-R/+ R. Basic specifications of the drive are illustrated below. Link
Hot on the heels of yesterday's report, Panasonic will launch Q1 of 2006 the SW-9586 super-multi recorder that will support 16 x recording for DVD-RAM and DVD-R/+ R. Basic specifications of the drive are illustrated below. Link
DVD Jon hacks Media Player file encryption
Published by Admin on 5.9.05 at 9/05/2005 09:36:00 AM.
Norway's best known IT export, DVD Jon, has hacked encryption coding in Microsoft's Windows Media Player, opening up content broadcast for the multimedia player to alternative devices on multiple platforms.
Jon Lech Johansen has reverse engineered a proprietary algorithm, which is used to wrap Media Player NSC files and ostensibly protect them from hackers sniffing for the media's source IP address, port or stream format. He has also made a decoder available.
Johansen doesn't believe there is a good reason to keep the NSC files encrypted, because once you open the file with Media Player to start viewing the stream, the IP address and port can be revealed by running the netstat network utility that is included with most operating systems. Link
Jon Lech Johansen has reverse engineered a proprietary algorithm, which is used to wrap Media Player NSC files and ostensibly protect them from hackers sniffing for the media's source IP address, port or stream format. He has also made a decoder available.
Johansen doesn't believe there is a good reason to keep the NSC files encrypted, because once you open the file with Media Player to start viewing the stream, the IP address and port can be revealed by running the netstat network utility that is included with most operating systems. Link
DVD-RAM backers promote rival format
Published by Admin on at 9/05/2005 09:32:00 AM.
Backers of the DVD-RAM re-writeable DVD format have a problem: how can they persuade PC users and consumers that their format is the best one to adopt? But in their efforts to promote the optical disc technology they could be their own worst enemy.
The Recordable DVD Council (RDVDC), which oversees the standard, is quick to list the format's advantages: its speed, true random accessibility, integrated defect management, its applicability to both PC and CE roles, and improved long-play video recording quality.
DVD-RAM has traditionally been strong in Japan, but it has fared considerably less well elsewhere. In part, the RDVDC admits, that's down to a lack of awareness and the resultant difficulty some adopters have had getting their hands on media. An RDVDC offshoot, the RAM Promotion Group (RAMPRG), was formed to combat ignorance of the format, and a number of its members last week told The Register that today DVD-RAM discs are as readily available as DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW media.
That's important, because the format war is now a media play, and has been so since the start of the year. Since then, the market has been divided almost exclusively between drives that can handle every re-writeable DVD format, and those that have only 'plus' and 'minus' media. Link
The Recordable DVD Council (RDVDC), which oversees the standard, is quick to list the format's advantages: its speed, true random accessibility, integrated defect management, its applicability to both PC and CE roles, and improved long-play video recording quality.
DVD-RAM has traditionally been strong in Japan, but it has fared considerably less well elsewhere. In part, the RDVDC admits, that's down to a lack of awareness and the resultant difficulty some adopters have had getting their hands on media. An RDVDC offshoot, the RAM Promotion Group (RAMPRG), was formed to combat ignorance of the format, and a number of its members last week told The Register that today DVD-RAM discs are as readily available as DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW media.
That's important, because the format war is now a media play, and has been so since the start of the year. Since then, the market has been divided almost exclusively between drives that can handle every re-writeable DVD format, and those that have only 'plus' and 'minus' media. Link
Vendors tout DVD-RAM 16x gear
Published by Admin on at 9/05/2005 09:27:00 AM.
The Recordable DVD Council (RDVDC), the body behind the DVD-RAM specification, today announced its members have pushed the format's write speed to 16x.
As part of the announcement, RDVDC backers Panasonic and Hitachi unveiled 16x DVD-RAM drives for PCs. Panasonic, along with Maxell, also demonstrated 16x media.
Today's DVD-RAM drives and media are rated at up to 5x performance. The 16x rating is a maximum, with the new drives writing across a range of speeds from 6x up to the higher figure, with 16x discs spinning at a constant rotational speed rather than the constant linear velocity approach used in previous versions of the format.
The upshot is that while 16x drives will read and write 5x discs, drives rated for 5x can't read or write to 16x media, the RDVDC admitted. Indeed, the 16x DVD-RAM specification has not yet been formally accepted by the DVD Forum, the body that oversees the DVD standard. However, the RDVDC said it expects approval to be grated "within the near future". Link
As part of the announcement, RDVDC backers Panasonic and Hitachi unveiled 16x DVD-RAM drives for PCs. Panasonic, along with Maxell, also demonstrated 16x media.
Today's DVD-RAM drives and media are rated at up to 5x performance. The 16x rating is a maximum, with the new drives writing across a range of speeds from 6x up to the higher figure, with 16x discs spinning at a constant rotational speed rather than the constant linear velocity approach used in previous versions of the format.
The upshot is that while 16x drives will read and write 5x discs, drives rated for 5x can't read or write to 16x media, the RDVDC admitted. Indeed, the 16x DVD-RAM specification has not yet been formally accepted by the DVD Forum, the body that oversees the DVD standard. However, the RDVDC said it expects approval to be grated "within the near future". Link
Panasonic launches 4-in-1 DVD
Published by Admin on 2.9.05 at 9/02/2005 04:47:00 PM.
Panasonic is offering the ultimate convergence device in the shape of a 4-in-1 DVD recorder, Hard Disk Drive, VHS VCR and SD slot player called the DMR-EH80V.
The 200Gb hard disk drive is the main stay of the machine however the unit also offers VHS playback, SD Card support for viewing images and a DVD recorder for backing up your media content.
The DMR supports DVD-RAM, DVD-R, +R und DVD-RW- discs and play back DVD-RAM, DVD-R, +R, DVD-RW, +RW, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, SVCD, Video CD, SVCD, JPEG (DVD-RAM, CD und SD), Audio CD (CD-DA) und CD-R/RW. Link
The 200Gb hard disk drive is the main stay of the machine however the unit also offers VHS playback, SD Card support for viewing images and a DVD recorder for backing up your media content.
The DMR supports DVD-RAM, DVD-R, +R und DVD-RW- discs and play back DVD-RAM, DVD-R, +R, DVD-RW, +RW, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, SVCD, Video CD, SVCD, JPEG (DVD-RAM, CD und SD), Audio CD (CD-DA) und CD-R/RW. Link
Hitachi touts micro HDDs' 'bling' factor
Published by Admin on at 9/02/2005 04:46:00 PM.
Hitachi was Apple's original iPod Mini hard drive supplier, so today's announcement may presage higher capacity Minis in due course. The 3K8 is shipping in limited quantities now, but should enter mass production next month, just in time for Apple's Christmas push.
The 3K8 supports the CE-ATA interconnect spec, in addition to PATA and ATA-on-MMC. The 6GB and 8GB drives contain a single platter, and are 5mm thick. They weigh 13g. Spinning at 3600rpm, the disks are rated at 8.33ms average latency with a 12ms average seek time. They can withstand 400Gs of operating shock and 2000Gs of non-operating shock, Hitachi said, claiming that's a world-leading figure for a 1in drive. Link
The 3K8 supports the CE-ATA interconnect spec, in addition to PATA and ATA-on-MMC. The 6GB and 8GB drives contain a single platter, and are 5mm thick. They weigh 13g. Spinning at 3600rpm, the disks are rated at 8.33ms average latency with a 12ms average seek time. They can withstand 400Gs of operating shock and 2000Gs of non-operating shock, Hitachi said, claiming that's a world-leading figure for a 1in drive. Link
Mustek DVD R580
Published by Admin on at 9/02/2005 04:44:00 PM.
Physically, DVD R580 holds no real surprises. It resembles standard DVD players and should fit unobtrusively under your television. There's a good range of connections, including front-mounted S-video and component inputs, as well as RF, Scart, composite and component connectors at the rear. Audiophiles will also be pleased with the inclusion of digital coaxial and optical audio outputs, which produce good sound when used alongside a five-channel speaker system. Link