Hybrid Blu-ray/HD DVD player coming, format war to continue

Korean consumer electronics giant LG has decided to go ahead and manufacture a hybrid player capable of playing both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs. This follows months of indecision, where LG committed to building a hybrid player and subsequently changed its mind.
LG will likely be the first to market with a hybrid player, as Samsung, the only other consumer electronics manufacturer to openly consider a hybrid player, has decided to take a wait-and-see approach. Samsung will only ship a hybrid player if HD DVD turns out to be as popular as Blu-ray.
Companies heavily invested in the next-generation optical format hope that the presence of dual-format discs and players capable of playing both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs will spur adoption of the new technology by consumers. But does this mean that it's "game over" when it comes to battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD that has only just begun?
Hybrid players such as LG's may help with a small segment of undecided buyers, but the majority of consumers will sit on the sidelines for the next few years. Prices on the new players are high, and the hybrid players are expected to be even more costly, which is another factor in Samsung's decision to play wait-and-see with its own hybrid player.
The biggest factor is that the majority of people just aren't early adopters. Keep in mind that it was only in the third quarter of 2006 that DVD player ownership overtook VCR ownership for the first time—a decade after the first DVD players were introduced. The end result will still be Blu-ray and HD DVD battling it out on the bleeding edge with the small number of early adopters while everybody else is content to sit home and watch old school DVDs.
LG's new hybrid player—which will be able to play Warner Brothers' hybrid discs—will be on display at next week's Consumer Electronics Show, and we'll stop by their booth to have a look at it.

Five indispensable webs 2.0 services for hackers

Hackers can stand for their commandline kungfu then confessed, of a good web 2.0 service they are not also dirty. David Kierznowski examined which online services are indispensable for hackers, and came with the following lijstje:Yahoo Pipes: Skilfully for developing AJAX maggots and vulnerability scanners/spiders which work Java script code based on browser. "most elegant tool for malicious aims."Bravely: Skilfully for couples of Internet site content, such as new XSS vectors, which can be sent then to all bots. "bravely spreading web makes maggots filially simple."Feed43: This tool goes further then brave and has powerful parser for malware with the newest payloads to provide.Zoho Creator: These "M access for the web" tool are ideal for the phishen of users by means of client-side Java script.Google reader: Not only skilful feed reader, also extremely arranged for updating Trojan horses.(Article in Dutch)More news at: www.first.org/newsroom/globalsecurityE-Secure-IT : https://www.e-secure-it.com(24x7 IT Security Alerts & Risk Management Intelligence)
Security.nl, July 07, 2007 01:12 GMT+01http://www.security.nl/article/16378/1

Blu-ray Disc

Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD), is the name of a next-generation optical disc format jointly developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers (including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson). The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. This extra capacity combined with the use of advanced video and audio codecs will offer consumers an unprecedented HD experience.

While current optical disc technologies such as DVD, DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD-RAM rely on a red laser to read and write data, the new format uses a blue-violet laser instead, hence the name Blu-ray. Despite the different type of lasers used, Blu-ray products can easily be made backwards compatible with CDs and DVDs through the use of a BD/DVD/CD compatible optical pickup unit. The benefit of using a blue-violet laser (405nm) is that it has a shorter wavelength than a red laser (650nm), which makes it possible to focus the laser spot with even greater precision. This allows data to be packed more tightly and stored in less space, so it's possible to fit more data on the disc even though it's the same size as a CD/DVD. This together with the change of numerical aperture to 0.85 is what enables Blu-ray Discs to hold 25GB/50GB.

Blu-ray is currently supported by more than 180 of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer, recording media, video game and music companies. The format also has broad support from the major movie studios as a successor to today's DVD format. In fact, seven of the eight major movie studios (Disney, Fox, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM) are supporting the Blu-ray format and five of them (Disney, Fox, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM) are releasing their movies exclusively in the Blu-ray format. Many studios have also announced that they will begin releasing new feature films on Blu-ray Disc day-and-date with DVD, as well as a continuous slate of catalog titles every month. For more information about Blu-ray movies, check out our Blu-ray movies section which offers information about new and upcoming Blu-ray releases, as well as what movies are currently available in the Blu-ray format.

For more information about Blu-ray, please see our Blu-ray FAQ.

HD DVD infomation

Media type:	High-density optical disc
Encoding:	VC-1, H.264, and MPEG-2
Capacity:	15 GB (single layer) and 30 GB (dual layer)
Read mechanism:	1x@36 Mbit/s & 2x@72 Mbit/s
Developed by:	DVD Forum
Usage:	Data storage, including high-definition video

HD DVD Theatrical Reviews

Theatrical Reviews

The hottest films reviewed

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Rescue Dawn Transformers Sicko Theatrical review of Angel-A 1408

AMD Computing Solutions: Desktop PCs, Laptop Computers, Workstations and Servers Powered by 64-bit AMD Processors

AMD LIVE!™ The first digital entertainment solution that puts virtually everything you need in one place.Learn more
Our processors are at the heart of some of today’s most powerful computers. Explore solutions made possible by AMD Technology.

A different kind of benchmark

Quad-core for server: Revolutionize your data center
Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® processor 5300 series
Review product specs
Product brief (PDF 536KB)
Breakthrough performance from the world's first quad-core processor for mainstream servers—faster, more powerful, and more efficient.
Great performance with energy efficiency
Run applications with a smaller footprint
Up to 50 percent better performance than Dual-Core Intel® Xeon® processor 5100 series within the same power envelope^
Multitasking performance to maximize your virtualization efforts
Quad-core for desktop: Advanced PC processing
Intel® Core™2 Quad processor
Review product specs
Product brief (PDF 214KB)
Intel's most advanced processor just got an upgrade to the power of four—four processing cores for the ultimate in demanding entertainment.
Up to 54 percent better performance for intense multimedia applications, streaming movies, music, and more¹
Up to 53 percent better performance when enjoying immersive 3-D gaming²
Up to 79 percent faster performance for highly-threaded applications when creating multimedia and 3-D content³
Up to 8MB of L2 cache and 1066 MHz Front Side Bus for an unrivaled multitasking experience
Intel® Core™2 Extreme quad-core processor
Review product specs
Product brief (PDF 198KB)
Designed for astonishing performance, change your game with this multimedia and multitasking monster.
Up to 80 percent faster performance for highly-threaded appsΩ
Four processing cores to handle massive throughput
Based on leading Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, industry-first 8MB total cache

INF Update Utility

Note: The product name has been changed from Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility to Intel® Chipset Device Software.The Intel® Chipset Device Software installs the Windows* INF files. The INF files inform the operating system how to properly configure the chipset for specific functionality, such as AGP, USB, Core PCI, and ISAPNP services.Note: This version of the utility no longer contains support for chipsets using an I/O controller hub older than the Intel® 82801EB controller hub (ICH5).Note: This version of the utility no longer contains support for Microsoft Windows* Millennium Edition and Windows* 98SE. **Important**The Intel Chipset Device Software provides _functionality_ for AGP and USB, _not_ AGP or USB drivers. DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS UTILITY IF YOUR DEVICE MANUFACTURER IS RECOMMENDING IT TO CORRECT AN "AGP DRIVER," "AGP GART," OR "USB DRIVER" ISSUE; IT WILL NOT CORRECT YOUR ISSUE.
Read Me (txt) Release Notes (htm) intel

Energy Efficiency with AMD Cool'n'Quiet Technology

As the world becomes increasingly energy conscious, AMD continues to make energy efficiency a priority. Advances like AMD's Cool'n'Quiet technology result in proven, measurable benefits for businesses and consumers, including reduced power usage, lower energy costs, and greener PC operation.

Wytron Duplicating Controller Cards

This is the place where you can find the best and professional class of
Duplicators / Duplicating Controller Cards for different kinds of media

10-target 16X CD/DVD Duplicating controller card
-- The ultimate control board for
both CD & DVD duplication

DVD-688

5-target 16X CD/DVD Duplicating controller card
-- The ideal C/P control board for
both CD & DVD duplication
DVD-668

== Blu-Ray writer supported ==

more infomation : www.persoft.co.th

Verbatim to Launch World’s First Mini DVD-R DL Media

erbatim® Corporation, a first-tier media producer known for developing advanced DVD and Dual Layer technologies, announced today the world’s first Mini DVD-R Dual Layer (DL) disc. Measuring only three inches (8cm) in diameter, the new discs provide nearly a full hour of continuous video capture time or 2.6GB of storage capacity on a single side. Verbatim Mini DVD-R DL media will be available at the end of August 2006 in North America, where the new Canon DC22 Mini DVD-R DL-compatible camcorder will be launched. Shipments to other parts of the world will begin when the new Mini DVD-R DL-compatible camcorders become available locally.

Featuring two recording layers on a single side, Verbatim’s new Mini DVD-R DL discs provide almost twice the capacity of current mini DVD-R discs. Fully compatible with the DVD-R DL specification approved by the DVD Forum, the media can be recorded with compatible camcorders and played back with the majority of DVD players. It is ideal for applications such as recording and sharing home movies, sporting events, training videos and business presentations as well as digital audio, photos and graphics.

For added protection against the scratches and abrasion that can occur during normal camcorder and home use, the Mini DVD-R DL media features Verbatim’s innovative VideoGard™ technology. The VideoGard protective coating on the disc surface makes irreplaceable home videos and photos 40 times more resistant to damage.

The combination of Verbatim’s premium-quality media with VideoGard? protection provides users with the assurance that they have the best media on the market for storing, viewing and sharing their special memories and that they’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come.

“Our new Mini DVD-R Dual Layer discs deliver the convenience of longer recording times that camcorder users want without the drawbacks of double-sided DVD media,” said Tim Clatterbuck, Verbatim Optical Storage Manager. “Now, they can record for up to 54 minutes* continuously without having to flip the disc. That means they won’t miss important video shots when flipping the disc or waste recording capacity by removing the disc early in order to prepare the next video capture. In addition,” Clatterbuck noted, “unlike the double-sided media, which doesn’t have any space for writing titles, they can utilize the label area to identify their videos.”

Verbatim and its parent company, Mitsubishi® Kagaku Media (MKM), worldwide market leaders in recordable and rewriteable CD and DVD media, have consistently been first to bring DL technology developments to market.

Verbatim
DVD-R DL 8CM 4X 43631

The award winning product range Teac:

DV-W516GDM

Features

• High-speed DVD drive
• Rapid and simple data backup
• Support also DVD double layer media

Matrox multi-display solutions for financial and insurance professionals

As the undisputed multi-display graphics solution leader, Matrox brings over 30 years of industry experience and knowledge in designing, manufacturing and supporting high-quality graphics solutions tailored to professionals in financial, energy, and commodities trading and insurance markets. A complete top-to-bottom manufacturer of graphics solutions, Matrox offers reliable, easy-to-use products, delivering superior stability and unparalleled image quality. more infomatiom : www.persoft.co.th use can order its!

Now One Disc Has it All. One Disc. Two Experiences

DualDisc is a new and exciting product which addresses trends in consumers’ audio preferences. This two-in-one concept offers audio listeners more value by enriching their album experience and letting fans get closer to their favorite artists. The DualDisc has both a CD and a DVD side allowing labels to create exciting audio, video and computer content – all on a single two-sided disc. In addition to the CD album-side, the DVD side includes enhanced album audio and may include other features including music videos, artist interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, documentary films, photo galleries, lyrics, computer ready digital song files and Web links. This allows labels and artists to offer their consumers a unique combination, turning their disc into an experience for eyes and ears. more infomation : http://www.sonydadc.com/americas/prod.disc.dual.go

PX-B900A Blu-ray. The Next Generation Optical Drive Experience

Blu-ray. The Next Generation Optical Drive Experience
The PX-B900A, Blu-ray Disc Drive, gives users the ability to create, edit, and share customized BDs, DVDs, and CDs all in a single drive to increase your productivity.
Power Software for all your digital media needs.Ulead Video Suite included for burning all your video, photo, data, and HDV camcorder video to BD, DVD, or CD.
AUDIO: Create, Edit, and Burn Audio DiscsRip audio CDs to various formats, record LPs and tapes to CDs - make a compilation of all your favorite music by mixing titles in various formats and easily record at the same volume.
VIDEO: Capture, Edit, Author, and Burn VideoAuthor your own BD and DVD movies—add new content, delete content, change subtitles, preview in real-time and playback BD and DVD formats with WinDVD player.*
PHOTO: Make Multimedia SlideshowsMake photo and video slideshows and watch on a BD or DVD player or PC. Capture and edit your photos, add multiple background music tracks, create custom menus and captions with selected time duration and transitions. View your images and browse through image directories, burn to DVD and share with family and friends.
DATA: Save your data files to BD, DVD, or CDRecord, drag & drop, and automatically update files from data to disc all in one session. Create and schedule automatic complete system backups spanning several BDs, DVDs, or CDs and share with family and friends. More infomation www.persoft.co.th

Plextor: PX-760A

8x DVD+/-R10x DVD+R DL6x DVD-R DL
Plextors strength and success in the market is the highly appreciated level of writing quality and reliability. According to these internal standards of quality, Plextor decided to delay the delivery for PX-760A series on a worldwide base until further notice. The 18x writing quality of our drive in combination with the available media does not meet our internal writing quality standards.
The Premium PX-760 series are the World's fastest DVD-ReWriters to date. They are capable of 18x DVD+/-R and 10x DVD+R DL speeds and come with a comprehensive package of high-end features. more infomation www.persoft.co.th

PX-HDTV500 Watch High Definition TV Right on Your Laptop

Plextor : PX-HDTV500 No matter where you go, you can watch crystal clear High Definition TV on your laptop with Plextor’s Mini Digital HDTV Receiver. Enjoy unlimited hours of entertainment without recurring charges and expensive subscription fees. Turning your PC into a portable media center has never been easier.The easy to use interface allows you to watch, playback, and record programs of your favorite DTV shows anywhere, anytime. Best of all, it gives you full control of Microsoft’s XP Media Center Edition to enhance your experience. www.plextor.com

Spinning LED Arm Creates Clock Illusion (VIDEO)

An arm mounted with 33 inline LEDs, rotating at 30 rpm, creates the illusion of either a digital, analog or pendulum clock and has the option of adding a scrolling message of up to 240 characters. Each unit is handmade from black and clear acrylic and features an ultra-quiet motor for spinning the LED blade. When the blade is spinning at full speed, it tricks your eyes into thinking there are nearly 8000 LEDs. Plus, an included wireless remote lets to control the display settings from across the room. The clock is available from the Innovative Device eBay store in limited quantities starting around $100. (technabob)

Adobe® Reader® 8

Download free Adobe® Reader® 8 software to more securely view, print, search, sign, verify, and collaborate on PDF documents, online as well as offline, from your home or office. more download: Adobe reader 8.1

Blu-ray Disc What is Blu-ray

Blu-ray Disc ® is the latest and greatest optical disc technology. It might physically look and feel just like a CD or DVD, but Blu-ray Disc can do so much more! Pioneer is one of the companies that helped create this new disc format that will deliver HD content to your home.Any one who has seen a great HDTV knows that once you start watching TV in HD, you don't want to go back to standard definition programming. Even the DVDs that looked so crisp and clear when they were first introduced in 1996 seem to fade in comparison. Along comes Blu-ray Disc and soon enough you'll be able to get movies and other programs in HD from your local video retailer. Likewise, you'll be able to record HD programming from your cable, satellite or TV antenna to relive the "big game" as many times as you like. And, with a Blu-ray Disc computer drive, you can store up to 50 gigabytes at a time when you back up your data, photos, portable music files and home videos. More infomation: Pioneer

BDR-202 Blu-ray Disc Writer

The Pioneer BDR-202 Blu-ray Disc writer is the all in one solution for anyone wanting to create high quality content for Blu-ray Disc, DVD or CD. Offering revolutionary 4x burning speed, the BDR-202 can create a full BD-R 25GB disc in around 25 minutes.BDC-S02 comes bundled with the CyberLink BD Solution software including playback, burning and authoring features, as well as the PlayMovie plugin for Windows Media Center. See the Additional Information page for details. More infomation : Pioneer

BDC-S02 Blu-ray Disc Combo Drive

Play Blu-ray movies on your computer with the BDC-S02 Blu-ray combo from Pioneer. Blu-ray is the new generation of home entertainment, offering incredible high definition video and games with superb quality surround sound, stored on a 25GB Blu-ray Disc.Simply add a BDC-S02 to your system and you'll not only be able to enjoy Blu-ray movies, but also read and write DVDs and CDs - so the BDC-S02 is the only drive you need.BDC-S02 comes bundled with the CyberLink BD Solution software including playback, burning and authoring features, as well as the PlayMovie plugin for Windows Media Center. See the Additional Information page for details. More infomation: pioneer