Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive to cost 199GBP (370USD)
Game Industry Biz :: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
The Premium Xbox 360 won’t benefit from a price cut this Christmas – but instead a HD-DVD and console package is due, spearheading a marketing drive of console bundles available from November.
Retail sources have indicated to GamesIndustry.biz that Microsoft is currently planning to price the standalone HD-DVD drive at GBP 199 (~293EUR or ~370USD), and to package it with two HD-DVD movies. The sources also suggested that Microsoft will bundle the Premium console and next-generation movie player together for under GBP 400 (~589EUR, ~745USD) – and that the price could even be as low as GBP 375 (~552EUR, ~700USD).
It’s expected an official Premium bundle will be made available in early November, with a newly released triple-A third-party title included.
No Microsoft Xbox 360 HDMI Cable
Joystiq :: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
A newly discovered Gamestop and EB Games listing reveals an Xbox 360 HDMI cable, a rather ponderous product considering the fact that the console does not have the necessary port to accomodate such a miraculous transmissive device. Is it an expensive adapter that automagically goes from the bulky 360 AV connector to an HDMI output? Feel free to entertain such a possibility, so long as you remember that Microsoft wants nothing to do with it. After constantly pestering them for a comment, they informed us that the product was not one of theirs and that “Microsoft has not announced any additional support beyond component video for HD output. MS is watching the market closely and they will continue to evaluate any options in the face of consumer demand.”
Razer Barracuda HP-1 Gaming Headphones
Think Computers :: Sunday, September 10, 2006
“Razer is known for making gaming products, more specifically mice, so going into the audio market is a new venture for them. They start off this new venture with 2 products; the AC-1 sound card and the HP-1 gaming headphones. We are going to be taking a look at the HP-1 headphones today. These headphones feature eight discrete audio drivers, a built-in microphone and a 99% oxygen-free cable. Let’s see if these headphones can compete with the other popular gaming headphones out there and Razer can make a name for themselves in the audio market.”
Sandisk Sansa E250 2 gig MP3 Player Review
Xtreme Computing :: Sunday, September 10, 2006
I really think this player is Outstanding, despite the thumbwheel making the sound hiss, it’s exactly what it says on the package, the fact it comes in three different sizes and can be upgraded makes all the difference to me. You can see that Sandisk have designed this player with quality and style in mind from the LCD color display, right down to the metal back casing with its smooth feel.
Razer Barracuda HP-1 Gaming Headphones Review
MVK Tech :: Sunday, September 10, 2006
“Razer has become a powerful name in gaming peripherals with cutting-edge technology such as their gaming mice, surfaces, accessories, keyboards and audio products. Professional gamers, to enthusiasts and you’re grandma can all agree on one thing, Razer products kick ass. We have had the pleasure of using Razer’s gaming mice and surfaces over the last several years and have a lot of experience with the Diamond Back, Diamond Back SE, Copperhead and eXactMat products. And with excellent results from using these products as our main interface devices, there was no doubt in our minds we wanted to check out the new Razer Barracuda HP-1 Gaming Headphones.”
Super Talent Mega Screen MP3 Player Review
Techgage :: Sunday, September 10, 2006
Super Talent has been impressing us with their enthusiast memory over the past few months, and now they have gone ahead to release an MP3 player with a huge screen! In addition to MP3/WMA support, you can also view your images and even listen to the radio.
Razer Barracuda™ HP-1 8 Channel Gaming Headphones at Modders-Inc.com
Modders Inc. :: Sunday, September 10, 2006
Razer, the leader in high performance gaming mice, has jumped full force into the sound products arena with their Barracuda HP-1 Headphones. Razer knows how much gamers want the best hardware available to beat down their opponents and hearing your foe before he hears you can mean a win or a loss! Did Razer do what they set out to do and give users of the Barracuda HP-1 Headphones an advantage over everyone else?
Razer Barracuda HP-1 Gaming Headphones Review at XYZ Computing
XYZ Computing :: Sunday, September 10, 2006
Despite Razer’s great reputation for making hardware, the audio market will not necessarily be as hospitable to their expansion as the input device market has been. As opposed to doing more of what they do best, this is a new area for Razer and they have to deal with some major competition from companies like Creative, Shure, and Sennheiser. While competing with big companies is nothing new to Razer, they might be a bit out of their comfort zone with audio products.
JBL On Time iPod Dock Review
Digital Trends :: Sunday, September 10, 2006
“JBL’s On Time is a hybrid alarm clock/iPod Dock that can crank out tunes all day long without missing a beat. ”
Copyright: A Guide for the Perplexed (Part 2)
PC Mech :: Sunday, September 10, 2006
Infringing technologies are an invention of the modern age, we’ve seen how Sousa reacted to the Player Piano in Part 1 of the Copyright: A Guide for the Perplexed series, but before we get to your desktop, we must introduce three other actors in the ongoing battle of copyright control: the photocopier, the VCR, and digital audio tape.
Antec Fusion Media Center Case
Think Computers :: Monday, September 04, 2006
“As I have said many times Antec is one of the best case manufacturers out there. Every case of theirs that I have had the chance to look at I’ve been impressed with. That is why when I first heard of the Fusion case I was extremely excited. For those of you who don’t know the Fusion case is Antec’s newest member into their LifeStyle family of enclosures. This is not Antec’s first media center case, but it’s the best looking one so far. All of the features and the one of a kind design of the case make it one of the best media center cases out there. Read on to check it out…”
Samsung LN-S4051D 40″ LCD TV
Bytesector :: Monday, September 04, 2006
“Earlier this year, we got a chance to preview Samsung’s latest Bordeaux lineup at a downtown press event in Toronto. This was the first time we got a chance to see Samsung’s first Blu-ray player (BD-P1000) combined with their stylish new 40″ LCD TVs. For the past month, we have had the chance to play with Samsung’s LN-S4051D 40″ LCD model and, without a doubt, the experience was fantastic.”
How To Properly Clean Your DVD Collection
Hardware 3d :: Monday, September 04, 2006
“Properly cleaning the data side of DVDs is one of the most disregarded hardware longetivity precautions. Often times, individuals wipe off grease and/or dust by simply rubbing the non-label side of a disc in a circular fashion, using harsh abrasives, such the underside of a t-shirt, or worse, a towel. Truth be told, that’s not the way to do it! Yes, you may have temporarily fixed the read issue, but you have also permanently scarred the disc, which could cause many more read issues in the future. Why not take a few extra precautions and do it the right way, and make your data last longer?”
http://www.bytesector.com/data/bs-article.asp?id=675
Madshrimps :: Monday, September 04, 2006
Zalman has been on the pc components market since past century. Through all those years they´ve evolved into one of the biggest silent computing companies in the world not only having silent CPU coolers, but also offering chipset/video card cooling, water-cooling, fanless cases, power supply´s, audio products,… And still, they continue to develop even more products. We take a closer look at their latest HTPC case, the HD135.”
Sonos BU80-ZP80 Digital Music System Review
Cool Tech Zone :: Monday, September 04, 2006
“We evaluated the original Sonos digital music system back in mid-2005, and needless to say, we were amazingly impressed with a newcomer that made working with digital music systems so easy. Sonos is a prime example of how responsible companies should understand a problem and then work on a solution to remedy them. Think of Sonos as the Apple of consumer electronics. The ZP100 and now the ZP80 are both built on simplifying the consumer experience with simplicity and reliability at an “affordable” price tag.”
Razer Barracuda HP1 Gaming Headphones Review 
Virtual Hideout :: Monday, September 04, 2006
“I think I’ll take my experience and call it good. Great sound is always a treat. For Lan party’s, the volume control module rocks, and true 6 channel sound is always better than stereo. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t also mention the ability to turn off the bright blue lighting whenever I choose, without affecting the operation of the speakers.”
Viewsonic N3260w 32 Inch Widescreen HDTV Review 
XYZ Computing :: Monday, September 04, 2006
The model that replaced the N3250w is the N3260w, another 32″ HDTV but with a few upgrades from the older product. With the recent advances in LCD televisions, the progress from one generation to the next can be substantial, especially in the lower end, where technology and design elements tend to trickle down from the more expensive models. Because Viewsonic has made a name for itself by producing computer displays, not televisions, they have had to keep prices low in order to compete with brands like Sony or Samsung. This ends up working out very well for the consumer.
iPod FM Tuners / Transmitters
The Tech Lounge :: Monday, September 04, 2006
“Since our original review of the iPod nano we’ve also brought you reviews of two different iPod clock radios from JBL and iHome. Today we’re going to look at a couple more iPod accessories, both of which are FM tuners/transmitters. We’ll be reviewing these products side by side in order to give you a better comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of both.”
Altec Lansing AHP612 Wireless Headphones Review
Techgage :: Monday, September 04, 2006
With the advent of wireless devices, it’s no surprise that the technology has made its way to headphones. Not only are they becoming more abundant, but they are not that expensive either. We are taking a look at a contender from Altec Lansing and after reading you will surely know whether they are for you or not.
Blu-Ray shortage could halve PS3 shipments
Game Industry Biz :: Friday, September 01, 2006
Sony may be forced to drastically cut its PS3 unit shipments for the launch of the console in November, due to a shortage of blue laser diodes. 8/31/2006 9:09 AM
Opinion: Microsoft’s Vrignaud, UbiSoft’s DeLoura on Blu-ray
Gamasutra :: Friday, September 01, 2006
Xbox strategy group member and outspoken blogger Andre Vrignaud has responded to a recent open dialogue with former Sony Development head and current technical director for Ubisoft, Mark DeLoura, regarding Sony’s Blu-ray support with PS3, concluding, to his surprise, that the two are in “violent agreement.”
Vrignaud kicked off the debate with two earlier posts on his Ozymandias blog, citing Sony claims that the Blu-ray’s increased storage capacity were essential for its inclusion in its next generation hardware. On the contrary, said Vrignaud, it was drive speed that should be the deciding factor, and there, he concluded, the Blu-ray might fall short:
iPod Tips: Play On–Get More Battery Power From Your Player
PC World :: Friday, September 01, 2006
There are millions of iPod stories in the Naked City, and many of them involve dead or dying batteries.
Apple faced one of its biggest public-relations brouhahas when users of first-, second-, and third-generation iPods complained en masse about the relatively short life of the music players’ lithium ion batteries. After only a few months (sometimes weeks) of use, they could no longer hold a charge. Even notebook batteries go south after a time, but at least you can replace a laptop’s battery–you can’t swap out an iPod battery (although Apple replaces out-of-warranty iPods containing failed batteries for $59, plus $7 for shipping).
HD VMD Takes the Blue Out of Hi-Def DVD
Digital World :: Friday, September 01, 2006
I used to follow the progress of New Media Enterprises’s VMD (Versatile Multilayer Disc) format on occasion, expecting it to beat HD DVD and Blu-ray to market in an effort to gain traction. Never heard of VMD? It’s New Media’s…
Logitech’s Sleek New Speakers
Digital World :: Friday, September 01, 2006
Seriously, just what kind of overtime are the elves over at Logitech pulling down? Because they seem to be releasing new products every 20 minutes or so. The latest: their gorgeous Z10 speakers, which incorporate media player and Internet radio…
Sharp LC-32D6U 16×9 32-Inch HD LCD Television
About.com :: Friday, September 01, 2006
LCD flat panel sets are becoming very popular with consumers, because of lower prices and increased performance. The Sharp LC-32D6U is a 32-inch diagonal 16×9 unit, with HDTV display capability… 9/1/2006 3:00 AM
Outlaw Audio Announces LFM-1 Plus Powered Subwoofer
About.com :: Friday, September 01, 2006
Outlaw Audio has announced a “souped-up” version of their popular LFM-1 Subwoofer While still featuring a 12-inch driver with a downward firing design, Outlaw has added a new … 8/31/2006 3:00 AM
Term of the Week – SCART
About.com :: Friday, September 01, 2006
The SCART Connection is a common type of audio/video cable used throughout Europe and UK for connecting DVD players, VCRs, and other components to Televisions. The SCART connector has 21 pins,… 8/30/2006 3:00 AM
Onkyo Announces New High-End Loudspeakers
About.com :: Friday, September 01, 2006
Onkyo has teamed up with Acoustic Guitar Maker, Takamine, to develop the first loudspeakers based on the sonic properties of acoustical guitar construction. The thin wall construction of the D-TK10… 8/29/2006 4:00 AM
Pioneer HTS-260 Compact 5.1 Channel Home Theater System
About.com :: Friday, September 01, 2006
I get asked by readers often how they can get started in home theater without spending a fortune and having to buy lots of components.
Yamaha RX-797 Stereo Receiver with XM Satellite Radio
About.com :: Friday, September 01, 2006
If surround sound is not your thing, or you are looking for a second room receiver, then check out the Yamaha RX797 stereo receiver. Features include; XM Satellite/AM/FM Tuner, 100WPC… 8/25/2006 3:00 AM
TDK develops 200GB Blu-ray disc
InfoWorld :: Friday, September 01, 2006
In the battle of new optical storage formats, Blu-ray Disc has added another weapon — even more storage.
Japan’s TDK has developed a prototype single-sided recordable blue laser disc with a capacity of 200GB, surpassing the current 25GB capacity for single-layer Blu-ray discs and 50GB for dual-layer discs, the company announced at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin.
Movie Download Service Sued Over Spyware
PC World :: Friday, September 01, 2006
Movieland.com is the second company to be sued under Washington’s spyware law.
Toshiba’s RD-A1 HD DVD recorder with 1TB disk
engadget :: Friday, September 01, 2006
Hey, early adopters, we’ve got something big for ya! Measuring in at about half the size of your average consumer electronics she-waif (that’d be 33-pounds), we bring you the RD-A1 HD DVD recorder set to drop July 14 in Japan. Now, an HD DVD recorder alone is newsworthy being a first and all, but this monster screams for attention with a 1TB disk, TV tuners for Hi-Vision (Japanese hi-def) and terrestrial analog, and good ol’ Ethernet for DLNA media streaming around the house. Oh, and for those of you unhappy with the, er, limited 1080i output of Tosh’s HD-A1 player, this pup slaps in 1080p capable HDMI from ABT. And if you really need to record more high-def TV than the 92 hours (or 74 days in standard def!) allowed by that massive disk, well, first check your priorities TV-boy then kick back smugly ’cause the RD-A1 records to both HD DVD-R single-layer (15GB) and dual-layer (30GB) discs with support for DVD-RAM/R/RW/R-DL formats to boot. She also packs in all the video and audio jacks you’ll likely need in addition to support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD codecs. No word on a US release, but if the launch of the HD-A1 was any indicator, we could see this on US shelves just a few weeks after it drops in Japan for ¥398,000 or right around $3,464 in dead presidents. Oh, and if you thought the HD-A1’s remote control was cluttered, just check the new remote and more after the break.
High-Def DVDs Aren’t Impressing Retailers
Extreme Tech :: Friday, September 01, 2006
Hollywood is hoping high-definition DVDs will reignite a slowing market for movies at home, but they have drawn mixed reviews from retailers and analysts due to technical issues and a bitter format war.
