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Macrovision Corporation (Nasdaq:MVSN - News) today announced that its analog content protection technology (ACP) has been included as a requirement in the specification for the content protection technology for next-generation optical media content such as Blu-ray and HD DVD by the Advanced Access Content System Licensing Administrator (AACS LA). This announcement expands Macrovision's leadership in content protection for entertainment content to next-generation, high-definition media formats.The movie studios are really trying to cover all their bases. With ACP, you won't even be able to make low quality, analog copies of HD titles. If you'd like to read more, Macrovision's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
With this agreement, Macrovision's ACP will be included in the latest AACS LA protection specification release, the Advanced Access Content System, which manages content stored on the next generation of prerecorded and recordable optical media for consumer use with PCs and CE devices. Using Macrovision's ACP solution, movie studios and consumer electronics companies will be able to protect content on next-generation optical discs from analog piracy and consumers will be able to enjoy the enhanced quality of these next-generation formats.
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Like Blu-ray, HD DVD will also be getting region controls. It will be interesting to see how this will effect existing HD DVD players as they do not support this feature. If you'd like to read more, the Steering Committee's entire list of resolutions can be found here. Add a comment
- Approval of "DVD Specifications for High Density Recordable Disc for Dual Layer (HD DVD-R for DL) File System Specifications, Version 2.0"
- Approval of
"-DVD Specifications for High Density Re-recordable Disc (HD DVD-RW) Physical Specifications, Version 1.0
-DVD Specifications for High Density Re-recordable Disc (HD DVD-RW) 1x-speed Optional Specifications, Revision 1.0"- Approval of
"-DVD Specifications for High Density Re-recordable Disc for Dual Layer (HD DVD-RW for DL) Physical Specifications, Version 2.0
-DVD Specifications for High Density Re-recordable Disc for Dual Layer (HD DVD-RW for DL) 1x-speed Optional Specifications, Revision 1.0"- Approval of "Logo/Mark for HD DVD-RW Dual Layer"
- Approval of "To begin to develop Physical Specifications for China only HD DVD-ROM format in WG-11 ad hoc while China Sub Committee resolves policy issues"
- Approval of
"HD DVD RPC Ad hoc group to work with appropriate WGs to develop a specification and enforcement plan for RPC on HD DVD-Video including region map and requirements in consultation with the studios"
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The conundrum isn't apparently lost on the consumer electronics industry or Hollywood. According to German-language Spiegel Online, there is reportedly a behind-the-scenes, unofficial agreement between Hollywood and some consumer electronics manufacturers, including Microsoft and Sony, not to use ICT until 2010, or possibly even 2012. Without providing more details, the report suggests that Hollywood isn't exactly happy with the situation, and could very well renege on the agreement, such that it is. But the agreement is there nonetheless, presumably to help the industry transition to HDMI. This could explain why the very same studios that pushed for HDMI and ICT have recently announced that they would not use it for the time being.This is definitely good news for consumers. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found website. Add a comment
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In this review we'll take a look at the features found on the SH-S162L and see how it compares to some of the "Super-Multi" drives from the competition. Does the SH-S162L have what it takes? You'll have to read the review to find out.
If you have any comments or questions about this review or the Samsung SH-S162L, please post them in the forum by clicking the link below.
Samsung SH-S162L 16x DVD±RW/RAM
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As you can imagine, all this doesn't come cheap. According to Sony's press release, the VAIO AR Premium will cost about $3,499. More information can be found here. Add a comment
Sony today took the wraps off the world's first Blu-ray Disc enabled notebook computer-- the VAIO AR which will be available this summer.
Part of a series, the VAIO AR comes in two different configurations: Premium and Standard. The AR Premium version plays Blu-ray Disc high-definition content, so you can enjoy movies in full 1080p HD resolution. The notebook has a17-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) widescreen display and uses Sony's XBRITE Hi-Color LCD technology.
For those who prefer to watch content on a larger screen, the AR model also has an HDMI connector and included cable that connects to high-definition televisions for a larger viewing experience.
In addition to supporting HD playback, the VAIO AR notebook is a multimedia powerhouse with the capability to record high-definition camcorder content to Blu-ray Discs. Now aspiring moviemakers can shoot, edit and burn their HD creation on a PC -- all in native 1080 resolution.
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Lite-Ons offering with the SHM-165H6S performs with good to excellent write quality on just about every media type tested with a few exceptions. The drives support for DVD-RAM and LightScribe Direct to Disc Labeling technology truly makes this drive a ‘Super AllWrite Drive'.If you'd like to read more, head on over to CD Freaks and check out their review. Want a second opinion? Our review of the SHM-165H6S can be found here. Add a comment
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Along with its HD DVD-ROM drive, the Qosmio G35-AV650 features a 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo processor, two 100GB hard drives in a RAID configurationn and an NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 graphics controller. All this doesn't come cheap either. According to Toshiba's press release, the Qosmio G35-AV650 will cost about $2,999. More information, including a full list of specs, can be found here. Add a comment
Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today introduced the Qosmio(TM) G35-AV650, the first notebook PC shipping in the U.S. to incorporate an HD DVD-ROM drive(1) that allows users to enjoy the dazzling realism and clarity of high-definition digital entertainment in a portable device.
Designed for optimum digital entertainment immersion and multimedia capabilities, the Qosmio G35-AV650 with HD DVD-ROM allows consumers to enjoy high-definition movies anywhere in the home or on the go with external power. Backwards-compatible(2) with current DVD formats, the HD DVD-ROM drive allows users to continue playing compatible discs from their existing DVD collections.
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Your favorite drive didn't make it onto the list? Then go and vote for May's top DVD writer. Add a comment
- 1. BenQ DW1650/1655
- 2. BenQ DW1640
- 3. Plextor PX-716A
- 4. LG GSA-4167B
- 5. NEC ND-4550A/4551A
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Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN) today announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Memorex in an all cash transaction, from Hanny Holdings of Hong Kong and other shareholders of Memorex. Actual purchase price was $329 million, after net asset adjustments were made to the original purchase price of $330 million. Additional cash consideration ranging between $5 million and $45 million will be paid out over a period of up to three years after close, contingent on financial performance of the purchased business. In addition, customary closing costs and advisory fees of approximately $5 million have been incurred.According to the press release, Memorex will continue to do business as usual. However, they will now be a division of Imation. If you'd like to read more, Imation's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
"This acquisition is a major strategic milestone for Imation, as we implement our profitable growth strategy," said Bruce Henderson, Imation Chairman and CEO. "We are adding a powerful consumer brand and the U.S. market share leader in recordable CDs and DVDs, as well as an experienced retail team. With Imation's deep technology expertise, strong business-to-business brand, global footprint, broad product portfolio and industry experience, we are creating a new global powerhouse in the data storage industry. Over the past three months, we have completed detailed integration planning and look forward to a rapid transition to the combined company."
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U.S. high-definition DVD disc company Blue Ray Technologies announces it has solved the production problems reportedly hampering the major overseas plants to make the imminent release of HD movies on Blu-ray discs both affordable and locally-made.This is good news for the Blu-ray camp as high disc production costs have dogged the format since day one. If you'd like to read more, the entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
In a David vs. Goliath situation, independent Blue Ray Technologies is in the final patent stages for key manufacturing processes related to the layering process of Hi-def Blu-ray movies and games that may be hampering the majors. The company is thereby lowering its prices for studios that want their movies made with the indie firm.
"We are finalizing the patents that will revolutionize the manufacturing process," said company CEO and founder Erick Hansen. "We are hopefully going to beat the big companies in the world. That's because they presently have such a high reject rate. It is said to be as high as 75 percent rejects while ours are lower than 20 percent."
