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» Blu-ray Notebook's In 9 Months?

      Shipment volumes Blu-ray disc drive-equipped notebooks unlikely take off until second half 2010.

» Pioneer's First 12x BD Burner Goes Global

      Pioneer followed promises release 12x BDR burner world outside Japan.

» World Record HD Screen

      The world's largest High Definition (HD) video screen entered Guinness Book Records.

» Twitter Gets $100M Funding

      Twitter received $100 million a round funding a group investment firms.

» Panasonic's 50-inch Full HD 3D TV

      Panasonic developed a 50-inch Full HD 3D compatible plasma display panel (PDP) high-precision active shutter glasses enable viewing cinema-quality 3D images in living rooms.

» DVD-Squeeze http://www.dvdsqueeze.com/

    DVD backup compression tool enables copy any DVD movie a single standard CD.

» cladDVD http://www.clonead.co.uk/

    cladDVD a DVD ripper utlizing vobdec code. cladDVD comes a nice easy-to-use GUI.

» DVD2SVCD http://dvd2svcd.doom9.net/

    Free in one DVD SVCD program A truly noteworthy program does ripping cutting mixing cd image creation.

» SmartRipper http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/dvd_rippers/smartripper.cfm

    SmartRipper a DVD VOB file extractor (so called "DVD ripper"). program loaded nice features per-chapter splitting VOB files angle processing etc. also displays statistics length size max/min/average bitrate every chapter active selection. Highly recommended.

» RipItAll http://www.ripitall.be.tf/

    A simple efficient program includes every tool need convert DVD DivX.

» Official 1.10 firmware DVRFlash Windows XP

      Official 1.10 firmware DVRFlash Windows XP - details see Flash's review.

» Patched Firmware v 1.10

      Patched Firmware v1.10 - details see Flash's review

» Official Firmware Version 2.0a

      Besides read write performance increases DVD-R media firmware 2.0A also adds 8x DVD-R recording speeds 4x DVD-RW media recording speeds!

» Quiet Drive Utility

      From Pioneer utility A07-J allows three modes operation: quiet performance standard. useful annoyed driving spinning up when watching movies certainly when in a homebuilt entertainment system.

» A07 Official Version 1.09

      This firmware released Pioneer unmodified RPC2. RPC2 means drive region locked region can only changed up 5 times until permanently locked last change region.

» Ask Flash: How Long Burners Last?

Link:
Drive vendors tell us expected point failure a DVD+RW burner 50,000 75,000 hours operation--whether PC active simply drawing power in standby mode. Although a drive failure can occur just a few months vigorous use best drives can last five years even more. Heat drive's greatest enemy; can avoid premature failure ensuring PC good internal air circulation. Dust & smoke can cause premature failure clouding up laser lens careful dismantling drive cleaning IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) cleaning solvent a cotton bud drive can usually successfully restored former glory. carried out great care excessive force can damage lens assembly. course any dismantling drive invalidate any warranty should only carried out a last resort Heat dust can cause lubrication drives motor laser assembly carriage dry out sluggish. motors sluggish much can done laser carriage sluggish can cleaned along two silver bars IPA a cotton bud then re-lubricated WD40 similar light oil sprayed onto a cotton bud Take care get any excess lubricant other internal parts. Electronic failure components control circuit board rare can again brought excessive heat so again sure drive well ventilated any electronics fail then highly unlikely able repair it. Firmware:- Myth Upgrading firmware NOT cure a faulty drive only improve functionality a currently working drive usually improves reading & burning quality & speed specific media. advisable apply latest firmware manufacturer's site get most out drive. Subjecting drive excessive shock vibration can cause premature failure drive although manufacturers specify drive can mounted in horizontal & vertical positions IMO mounting vertically can cause uneven wear spindle motor bearings an contribute it's early failure. A clean dry cool environment help maintain a long & useful life burner. I avoid in a damp environment especially places kitchen laundry areas & where gas appliances without adequate ventilation (the waste fumes gas burners can cause corrosion metal parts components inside drive) suspected failures can down software setup PC always easy diagnose an easy way determine transfer drive another PC known work DVD burners check then works


» DataWrite VoyagerDrive

Link:


Last week Datawrite announced next-generation VoyagerDrive USB 2.0 flash drive. (click image above full release).
Well "Flash" Drive I had get my hands namesakes see lived up my reputation. I a couple put paces. Datawrite illustrated moulded in a semi transparent blue plastic case brushed aluminium trimmings front & back. came in a sealed moulded bubble transparent plastic case normal small electronic accessories I find very awkward get my arthritis had cut edges case scissors leaving me excessive recyclable waste. My next gripe wrist band came separate drive had threaded a small loop one edge drive I worse threading a needle. Go England 2gig VoyagerDrive smaller standard DataWrite VoyagerDrive case a transparent England Red style brushed aluminium front & back comes in type packaging there a soft plastic fob England Logo one side a mobile phone cleaner other. I had difficulty threading attachment eye drive. nylon cord attached fob a plastic spring I stretched excessively when I tried extract drive USB connector.
The Go-England 2gig VoyagerDrive a "Write Protect" slider one side there mention in documentation there indication switch determine correct orientation. I sliding switch towards USB connector write protection was enabled. DataWrite VoyagerDrive illustrated above switch

Well that's my gripes cosmetic side drives now let's see how perform.
The VoyagerDrive comes preformatted FAT file system available space formatting expected a little short capacity drive (the extra being taken up file system overheads). drives instantly recognised Window XP OS generic windows drivers installed. I checked device manager sure had installed themselves USB2 High Speed Hub

I I left drive in PC when I booted up revert USB1 Hub an performance was degraded considerably.

I just removed drive a few seconds reinsertion connect USB2
As can see drive automatically identified in Windows XP "CBM2080 Flash Disc USB Device" Chipsbank chipset. Windows 98 need drivers installed before connecting drive drivers can downloaded HERE
check performance VoyagerDrive I transferred files full capacity drives & a fast hard drive. Transferring 1gig VoyagerDrive took under 5 minutes 1gig VoyagerDrive took just over a minute. I reformatted 1gig VoyagerDrive FAT32 file system tested again find an increase in time transfer drive 1 minute file transfer drive was same.
The 2gig drive took 5 mins 40 secs fill & only 2 minutes transfer my hard drive.
Hard Drive VoyagerDrive VoyagerDrive Hard drive
1gig VoyagerFat file system4mins 50secs 65 seconds
1gig Voyager Fat32 file system5mins 40secs65 seconds
2gig Voyager Fat file system7mins 53secs 2 minutes
I two programs called HD Tune ATTO Disk Benchmark check transfer rate VoyagerDrives compared results SD Memory cards in a fast Card Reader. current consumption was measured a digital ammeter connected in line VCC + supply line USB connector
Drive Size Idle Current Write Current Read Current Write Speed Read Speed
Go-England 2gig50mA99mA75mA 5.44 MB/sec 16.11 MB/sec
VoyagerDrive1gig50mA98mA75mA 5.85 MB/sec 16.59 MB/sec
Turbo SD 1gig102mA158mA150mA 9.13 MB/sec 9.64 MB/sec
Kingston SD512meg100mA 136mA126mA 2.55 MB/sec 7.33 MB/sec
Turbo SD Flash1gig 105mA133mA128mA 4.16 MB/sec 3.74 MB/sec
Kingston SD Flash512meg 91mA118mA107mA 2.26 MB/sec 4.23 MB/sec
click image relevant thumbnail graph below full size graph come up in a popup window.

Comparison 6 above Graphs (Click Graph an in-depth Comparison)

can see charts VoyagerDrives average a transfer rate 14,000 kBytes/s compared 8,000kBytes/s Turbo SD Card & over double 6,520kBytes/s 500meg SD card. speed comparable so old hard drives.
I played back an mpg video I had transferred onto my drive playback was faultless I then Played part a DVD Video Title I had VoyagerDrive I was unable distinguish original movie. Apart cosmetics drives being oriented towards younger generation represent modern technology amazingly fast efficient I am sure I good use them.
Now only I could remember where I put mine down

» TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0

Link: TMPGEnc Website

Takes DVD Creation Next Level Ease
TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0 brings advanced features flexibility DVD creation. Emphasizing ease-of-use makes work casual professional users alike. first DVD creation program in class offer Fit-to-Disc Transcoding DVD+R Dual Layer support DVD Author 2.0 makes easy fit content one disc maintaining video quality. DVD Author 2.0 is also first offer multichannel audio multi-lingual DVDs audio filters so users can ensure optimal audio quality before burning DVD.
I always a fan TMPGEnc DVD Author ease use a wide range features am pleased able review latest release.
With TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0 can change (author) MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 files DVD-Video structured files. high quality MPEG files TMPGEnc products MPEG capture device possible perform own DVD authoring quick easy.
TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0 an enhanced yet still easy-to-use software package creation DVD-video discs personal computers. enables everything editing video files (MPEG files) creating slideshows still images designing professional looking DVD menu storing final results writable DVD discs.
In terms reliability quality TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0 provides uncompromised high performance DVD authoring features. intuitive interface video editing engine a result extensive experience research development MPEG encoders DVD authoring software.
product suitable beginners advanced users looking enhanced product features well anyone in in creating own DVD-Videos.

  • New Interface easy-to-use always new functions.
  • Adapted settings in other TSUNAMI MPEG / TMPGEnc products. - Improved "Cut-edit" (smart rendering) "Chapter point" ability
  • Allows writing DVD+R DL (Double Layer)
  • Reduce quickly DVD contents Transcoding function. - Plays in Most DVD Players (Thanks DVD Writing Tool powered Sonic Solutions)
Main features
  • Improved DVD Menu Building Wizard
  • Smart Rendering
  • Transcoding capabilities Intercom's® Transcoding Engine
  • Improved Audio Capabilities
  • Creating slideshows
  • Simulation

Starting Scratch
Opening program brings up project menu where can select start a new project open an existing project.
As well launching DVD Writing tool viewing help file.
The initial Video system defaults previously selected changing automatically require a new project started
DVD Videos NTSC PAL cannot mixed the disc Transcoding formats requires additional software.

Start a new Project
This brings up source section options add files create tracks. The Source Wizard brings up three main options file types can imported

  • MPEG1 MPEG2 files
  • DVD-Video DVD-VR DVD-RAM
  • Windows XP Media Centre Video Files

    • Each imported file brings up Clip Information Box containing file information once accepted basic info displayed in centre window a thumbnail start frame. individual files can selected edited just double clicking thumbnail bring up Clip Information box where can select Audio options edit Video file.
    The cut edit screen displays play window a scrolling edit point window. standard play & navigation buttons enable easy selectable in & out points various cuts in particular video file.
    audio options improved previous TMPGEnc DVD Author ability 2 independent audio streams
    Quote:-Improved Audio Capabilities
    For consumer DVD authoring software price range DVD Author 2.0 first software package supports high quality 24bit/96KHz (2 ch)* linear PCM input output now also possible add two simultaneous audio streams per video track. DVD Author 2.0 also supports Input output Dolby Digital® audio streams. * highest possible sound quality DVD-Video standard.

    Smart Rendering
    TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0     supports frame level MPEG editing features. Frame level editing most precise method MPEG editing because operates frame level precision. Until now frame level editing required complete re-encoding output video resulted in degradation output video quality well a slow DVD building process. TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0 provides a smart rendering feature eliminates problem. automatically analyzes video clips makes sure only smallest possible number frames re-encoded. In other words smart rendering feature dramatically improves DVD building process in terms speed preserving highest possible video output quality.

    Improved DVD Menu Building Wizard
    TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0     features a completely redesigned DVD menu wizard takes DVD menu creation a completely new level. Even though a wide range new customizable features added DVD menu creation process dynamic simpler before. TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0 also features a large number brand new pre-designed templates in near future provide a download service website allow download new template designs.
    The menu features impressive countless templates ability create a motion menu any suitable mpeg source background image can a mpeg video just an image thumbnails chapter points selectable images mpeg previews menu points any mpeg video clip. mpeg previews can selected run a specific time selected start point also loop continuously.
    There 3 menu options

    • Create a Menu a Template
    • Create a Custom menu
    • No Menu
    Creating a menu any templates available a cinch use should suitable most demanding artistic users.
    The type menu structure selected template can selected different ways
    • Automatic
    • Top Menu Only
    • Track Menu Only
    • Top & Track Menu
    When disc inserted playback can selected ways
    • Display Top Menu
    • Play Tracks
    • Play Header Track only
    After selected track played next display can selected
    • Display Top Menu
    • Display Track Menu
    • Play Next Track
    • Play Next Track (Disc Loop Playback)
    Creating custom menus quite easy & I easy select a menu template customise rather start scratch. text fonts selectable in size & colour easily adjusted individual requirements. Adding motion menus full screen just thumbnail images chapter points makes a very menu display

    Transcoding capabilities Intercom's® Transcoding Engine
    You may often experience DVD-Videos projects too large fit onto writable DVD discs when add more contents them. DVD Author 2.0 contains a transcoding engine Intercom helps solve problem. Rather completely re-encoding video contents transcoding engine dynamically rapidly recompresses video data streams a minimal reduction in quality so fit exactly size writable DVD media (4.5GB/8.5GB).

    Creating slideshows
    You can create a DVD-Video VRO files recorded a DVD-RAM recorder. Editing can done easily.
    Simulation
    TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0     comes an integrated simulator allows preview tweak a DVD-Video project before burning disc. simulator can verify DVD menu layout navigation chapter settings playback tracks well slideshows.

    Output
    This gives DVD Video build options Transcoding single Dual Layer DVD post build option burn DVD afterwards final option Shut Down Hibernate Standby

    Other features
    • Add a "first play" track automatically start playback when disc inserted DVD player
    • Add background music menus
    • Design own DVD menus save templates
    • Add audio configuration pages DVD menus
    • Customize layout menu items background images thumbnails buttons text applying various special effects (colour shading shadows transparency lighting etc.)
    • Apply audio correction filters (noise reduction fade in/fade-out audio gap correction etc.)
    • Supports timecode corrected MPEG files
    TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0 professional features simple use suit Professional well amateur alike creating DVD Video productions. definitely my favourite DVD Authoring program


    » Pioneer DVR-111 vs DVR-110

    Link:

    Pioneer DVR-110
    Pioneer DVR-111D
    seems only yesterday since I received my Pioneer DVR-110 now I Pioneer DVR-111D rumoured DVR-111 was produced quickly because serious burning problems DVR-110 DVR-111 reputed superior burning quality. specifications I see there only a few minor enhancements so I decided give two drives head head burn quality test see rumours true.
    start tests I Pioneer DVR-111D identical DVR-111 absence DVD-RAM writing capabilities I hope receive DVR-111 before final results published so I can include DVD-RAM burning in my comparison. DVR-111 & DVR-111D similar drives my tests show results DVR-111 include results DVR-111D
    specifications only 4 changes I noted
    • The 111D allows a reduced speed 4x CD-R burning
    • DVD-RAM Access time decreased 250msec 210msec
    • The weight reduced 1.0kg 0.9kg
    • The case redesigned reduce vibration (note dimples top)
    DVR-110DVR-111SpecificationsWrite Speed CD-RAccess Time DVD-RAMNet Weight
    • 40x CAV (6.00 MB/sec)
    • 32x PCAV / Zone CLV (4.80 MB/sec)
    • 24x PCAV / Zone CLV (3.60 MB/sec)
    • 16x CLV (2.40 MB/sec)
    • 10x CLV (1.50 MB/sec)
    • 40x CAV (6.00 MB/sec)
    • 32x PCAV / Zone CLV (4.80 MB/sec)
    • 24x PCAV / Zone CLV (3.60 MB/sec)
    • 16x CLV (2.40 MB/sec)
    • 10x CLV (1.50 MB/sec)
    • 4x CLV (0.60 MB/sec)
    • 250 msec (Random Average)
    • 210 msec (Random Average)
    • 1.0 kg
    • 0.9 kg

    A comparison in burn Quality & Burn Time tested media
    DVR-110 Media DVR-111 DVR-110 Media DVR-111
    Click Disc Click Disc
    For Details For Details
    6mins 8secs Burn Time 6mins 5secs 7mins 22secs Burn Time 7mins 23secs

    DataWrite
    Classic Yellow
    16x DVD-R

    		 TTH02 DataWrite
    Optima Blue
    16x DVD-R     		RITEK
    F1
    49.86% Burn Quality 79.03% 84.25% Burn Quality 84.6%
    18mins 20secs Burn Time 17min 14secs 6mins 3secs Burn Time 6mins 33secs
    VERBATIM
    4x DVD-R
    Dual Layer     		MKM01
    RD30     		PHILIPS
    16x DVD-R    		 MCC03
    RG20
    88.83% Burn Quality 94.67% 85.89% Burn Quality 92.55%
    44mins 13secs Burn Time 44mins 9secs 7mins 45secs Burn Time 8mins 19secs
    RICOH
    8x DVD+R
    Dual Layer     		RICOHJPN
    D01-02    		 TUFF DISC
    8x DVD-R    		 CMCMAG
    AE1
    79.91% Burn Quality 80.61% 81.39% Burn Quality 95.77%
    8mins 30secs Burn Time 7mins 34secs 6min 1sec Burn Time 5mins 54secs
    DataWrite
    TITANIUM
    16x DVD+R     		CMCMAG
    M01     		Verbatim
    16x DVD-R    		 MCC03
    RG20
    90.75% Burn Quality 95.10% 86.18% Burn Quality 93.40%
    7mins 39secs Burn Time 7mins 18secs 6mins 15secs Burn Time 6mins 19secs
    DataWrite
    Grey
    16x DVD-R     		Prodisc
    F02    		 Plextor
    16x DVD+R    		 YUDEN
    000T03
    88.77% Burn Quality 94.30% 91.97% Burn Quality 92.17%
    15mins 7secs Burn Time 8mins 32secs 63mins 27secs Burn Time 63mins 49secs
    DataWrite
    MACH4
    8x DVD-R    		 INFODISC
    -R20    		 RiDisc
    DVD-RAM    		 RITEK
    DVD-RAM
    0.00% Burn Quality 52.77% 98% Burn Quality 100%
    8mins 17secs Burn Time 8mins 16secs
    RiDisc
    8x DVD-R     		RITEK
    G05
    94.82% Burn Quality 94.4%
    A Total 12 different DVD medias tests although DVR-110 burned media faster DVR-111 ALL quality scores turned out better DVR-111 burns. only marginally better others a great improvement in quality.
    From tests I can categorically say DVR-111 produces better quality burns DVR-110 an upgrade well worth it.


    » Philips SPD2400 DVD Burner Smashes £20 Barrier!

    Link:

    Click drive see Specifications

    a four years now since I purchased my first DVD burner Pioneer DVR-103 just under £350. drive burnt 1x speed taking a full hour burn a full 4.7gig DVD. whilst burning I had hold my breath sure I did nothing else PC in fear buffer underuns creating a £2 coaster.
    How times changed we now a drive costing under £20 5.5% my original purchase price 16x burning creating a full 4.7gig DVD in under 6 minutes media now costs little 10 pence
    That a decrease in burn time 10% a media cost decrease 5% in just 4 years.
    When I was asked I review new Philips burner I was a little sceptical results in view under £20 price tag I was pleasantly surprised
    drive an OEM drive manufactured Liteon mechanics Liteon SHW-1635S SONY DW Q30A (In fact drive identifies itself SONY DW Q30A Y5H3 7=3 when writes burn data a DVD) physically quite short compared my other DVD burners typical Liteon drives
    Installation was straight forward I configured jumper back Master my IDE controller card Windows XP automatically drive controller operate in UDMA4.
    16x media I put showed up 16x burn 6x 8x 12x & 16x speeds being available burn speed below 6x could selected any 16x speed media. Surprisingly 16x burns achieved 16x maximum completion burn.
    DVD+R Dual Layer Single Layer produced discs a DVD-ROM Book type although bitsetting was available in DVDInfoPro & checking Liteon bitsetting utility confirmed changing type supported in current firmware.
    Dual format drive 8X DVD+R DL writing
    • 16X dual format drive combining 8X DVD+R dual layer 4X DVD-R layer writing speed 8.5GB double layer media 8X rewrite speed DVD+RW media

    Click Details
    Witness latest technology
    • 8.5GB storage capacity a single sided double layer disc
    • Double layer writer +R -R DL media
    Extreme Reliability Robustness
    • Safe reliable rewriting Seamless Link
    • Dynamic Calibration ensure writing quality high DVD speed
    • ADIP based writing method optimal data recognition
    • Optimum recording speed any recordable disc
    • Confidently play DVDs drives set-top devices
    • Best writing quality high DVD speed
    Superior Performance
    • 16X top writing speed DVD+R
    • DVD ReWriter supporting 16X DVD-R
    • 8x writing DVD+R DL
    Convenience
    • Plug & Play easier installation
    Download Specification Sheet (PDF Format)
    Click image relevant disc below graph results popup
    TESTLAB MEDIA
    I tested drive's performance a variety media compares favourably expensive drives currently available burning media 16x speed consistently reaching maximum speed. burn time just under 6 minutes a full burn compares favourably other drives. Burn quality good 70% & 80% media I tested Dual Layer + & - even better playback media burnt very good without any problems.
    Philips specify drive "Seamless Link" adopted BenQ. drives I tested Liteon "Smart-Burn" I am able disable & enable facility Liteon utility ImgBurn. So far I only one comparison does appear much difference way. Check out in DataWrite Grey results
    price tag drives does reflect in performance I say drives represent extremely good value money


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