Archive for December, 2006
The internet is alight with reports that one of the encryption methods used by HD-DVD and Blu-Ray - AACS - has been cracked.However, the reports seem likely to be exaggerated, with those delving more deeply into the reports suggesting that the ‘crack’ is actually just a method of obtaining the encryption key for a small number of pre-recorded discs.The hacker claiming the crack, muslix64, revealed that his application “BackupHDDVD” would strip encryption from HD-DVD discs. A video hosted on YouTube seems to suggest that he has obtained a small number of encryption keys for pre-recorded discs and can then use these keys to circumvent the copy-protection on HD-DVD.
As a result, the crack is extremely limited in its potential use and only discs for whom the key is known can be copied. However, some commentators are suggesting that the news will give HD-DVD a boost over Blu-Ray, as the latter uses an extra level of protection.
December 29th, 2006
Samsung has announced that it has developed the industry’s first one gigabit Mobile DRAM (dynamic random access memory) for mobile products, using 80nm process technology.The new chip, also known as low-power DDR (double data rate) or synchronous DRAM , will be more cost effective than other high density mobile solutions and used for a wide range of advanced handset applications as well as for digital still cameras, portable media players and portable gaming products.
The monolithic 1Gb Mobile DRAM is a highly competitive choice for mobile applications over the double-die stack, 1Gb memory solution widely used today, as the electric current in the new chip drops a full 30 percent.
The new 1Gb Mobile DRAM chip uses the same packaging technique as the 512Mb double-die stack 1Gb package, however it introduces a new temperature-sensing feature. This new temperature-compensated, self-refresh feature maximizes the self-refresh cycle to reduce power drain in standby mode by 30 percent over conventional memory chip designs.
Also offering a more compact form factor, the new 1Gb Mobile DRAM chip is at least 20 percent thinner than a multi-stack package of 512Mb dies, allowing a single high-density package solution of 1.5Gb or even 2Gb Mobile DRAM memory, for which market demand is expected to grow in 2007. One 1Gb mobile DRAM also can be combined with Flash memory in multi-chip packaging including package-on-package designs.
Samsung plans to mass produce the new device beginning in the second quarter of 2007 at a time when demand for high-density 1Gb mobile DRAM is expected to be very high.
December 28th, 2006
Pre-Christmas figures suggest that Wii has trumped the PS3 in the holiday shopping stakes, outselling its rival at the rate of 2 to 1.
However, both consoles sold less units that the Xbox 360, meaning that Microsoft must be starting to feel just a little bit confident that it might be the ultimate winner.
The reasons behind Wii’s outselling of the Nintendo console are clear. Despite being lower spec, having a daft name and not even playing DVDs, it is more fun. The buzz around Wii easily eclipses that of the PS3 and a straw poll of TechSmec Towers confirms that the latest iteration of the PlayStation is perceived as just that - a small step forward, whereas the Nintendo console is a paradigm shift in gaming with its revolutionary control method and a games line up that is created with gaming in mind rather than the latest visuals.
December 28th, 2006
With the strong rise of LCD and Plasma TV’s the necessity to place the TV-set on or in a large cabinet no longer exists. It is often done anyway, because the DVD-player (or other A/V-device) needs to be placed close to the TV-set. Marmitek takes advantage of this trend with the introduction of the Invisible Scart. Now you can place your AV–device in another corner of the room and still control it and watch the images.How does the Invisible Scart work? - The Marmitek Invisible Scart sends a wireless signal from your VCR, DVD-players DVD-recorder, satellite dish, set top box etc. to your (second) TV-screen…
What can you do with it? - It is a stylish alternative for the thick and stiff scart cable that would otherwise run behind the TV. Furthermore, the wireless signal transmission from your A/V-device is the prefect solution if you don’t want or are unable to place your A/V- device close to your TV-set. With the infrared receiver that can be placed anywhere you can continue to control your A/V-device with your own remote control, even if it is not in sight, in a closed off cabinet, or in another room.
Freedom - The Invisible Scart works wireless, which means you are no longer bound to the length of your scart cable or the location of your A/V-devices.
Sublime simplicity - The novelty of the Invisible Scart is that it can be directly connected to the scart connection of your TV-set.
Types and price - Marmitek offers you the choice between two Invisible Scarts, namely;
The Invisible Scart 200™:
This short range version is especially suited to single room solutions and costs EUR 39,95.
The Invisible Scart 300™:
This full range version is also suitable for sending A/V signals to another room and costs EUR 49,95.
- Wireless replacement of the scart cable.
- Place your TV screen wherever; no long or thick scart cable in plain view anymore.
- Control your DVD player, VCR, satellite receiver, decoder, etc. from any angle, even through a wall or cabinet door, using the freely placeable IR receiver.
- Easy to install. The compact transmitter and receiver with a tilt scart connection fit behind any A/V equipment and TV screen, directly on the scart input.
December 14th, 2006
