Engadget HD http://hd.engadget.com Engadget HD http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/hd.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget HD http://hd.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[JVC brings Blu-ray burning set-tops to the U.S., leaves all the fun overseas]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/10/jvc-brings-blu-ray-burning-set-tops-to-the-u-s-leaves-all-the/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/10/jvc-brings-blu-ray-burning-set-tops-to-the-u-s-leaves-all-the/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/10/jvc-brings-blu-ray-burning-set-tops-to-the-u-s-leaves-all-the/#comments
U.S. buyers wanting to slide a Blu-ray playing & recording deck into their setup finally have an option coming from JVC, but the domestic limitations are almost as high as the pricetags. Unlike their Japanese and European cousins, there isn't any support for DVRing television content to the hard drive or discs here, with support limited strictly to unprotected Blu-ray content, or imported video from cameras or other sources via the Firewire, SDHC and USB ports. Still, professionals and prosumers interested in easily duping their own Blu-ray discs, video editing or quickly creating one-offs the SR-HD1500 (250GB, $1,995) and the SR-HD1250 (500GB, RS-232, Final Cut Pro .mov file support $2,550) may find a home for these when they ship in October.

Continue reading JVC brings Blu-ray burning set-tops to the U.S., leaves all the fun overseas

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JVC brings Blu-ray burning set-tops to the U.S., leaves all the fun overseas originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250gb500gbblu rayblu-rayblurayburnercediacedia 2009Cedia2009final cut proFinalCutProjvcrecorderrecorderssr-hd1500sr-hd2550Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi's new Blu-ray DVRs have you covered, from super resolution to VHS]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/20/mitsubishis-new-blu-ray-dvrs-have-you-covered-from-super-resol/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/20/mitsubishis-new-blu-ray-dvrs-have-you-covered-from-super-resol/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/08/20/mitsubishis-new-blu-ray-dvrs-have-you-covered-from-super-resol/#comments
Mitsubishi has always tried to take a different tack with its Blu-ray recording DVRs in Japan -- see its DVR-BF2000 model for evidence -- and we're sure someone's glad to see them going the extra mile with these latest three models. The DVR-BZ330 combines a 1TB hard drive with the super resolution upconversion that promises to pull additional information from low res video via its Diamond HD chip. If that bit of video magic isn't impressive(or believable) there's always the similar DVR-BZ230 sans-Diamond HD and half the hard drive space, while true back compat freaks should opt for the DVR-BV530 with VHS playback (no recording, we know you had an LP tape you've been saving.) Expect these to hit the streets in October from ¥180,000 ($1,915) for the high end DVR-BZ330 to ¥120,000 ($1,270) for the DVR-BV530.

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Mitsubishi's new Blu-ray DVRs have you covered, from super resolution to VHS originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-rayblu-ray recordersBlu-rayRecordersbluraydiamond hdDiamondHddvrdvr-bv530dvr-bz320dvr-bz330japanmistubishimitsubishirecorderssuper resolutionSuperResolutionvhsThu, 20 Aug 2009 06:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's latest DVDirect camcorder-to-DVD recorder creates AVCHD DVDs with 5.1 sound]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/07/sonys-latest-dvdirect-camcorder-to-dvd-recorder-creates-avchd-d/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/07/sonys-latest-dvdirect-camcorder-to-dvd-recorder-creates-avchd-d/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/07/sonys-latest-dvdirect-camcorder-to-dvd-recorder-creates-avchd-d/#comments
It's some 60 percent smaller in size, but other than that Sony's new VRD-MC6 DVDirect looks and acts an awful lot like the previous VRD-MC10 and VRD-MC5: it can take 1080i video with 5.1 audio off your Handycam's drive or Memory Stick and shoot out an AVCHD DVD that plays back on compatible Blu-ray drives like the PS3. If you're not into the all-Sony seamless end-to-end HD experience, you can also bring in SD video over FireWire, composite, or USB to churn out regular old DVDs with automatic chaptering and custom menu backgrounds, or you can go totally old-school and just drop in an SD card full of photos and MP3s to generate a slideshow. Yeah, it's not nerd heaven and you won't be editing Oscar-winners here, but at $230 it's a pretty painless way for everyone else to archive and share their videos. Ships in September.

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Sony's latest DVDirect camcorder-to-DVD recorder creates AVCHD DVDs with 5.1 sound originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.1avchdavchd dvdAvchdDvddvddvd burnerdvd directdvd recorderDvdBurnerDvdDirectdvdirectDvdRecorderhandycamrecorderssonyvrd-mc6Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[AMEX Digital announces Venice-V38HD media player]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/28/amex-digital-announces-venice-v38hd-media-player/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/28/amex-digital-announces-venice-v38hd-media-player/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/28/amex-digital-announces-venice-v38hd-media-player/#comments
AMEX Digital doesn't seem to have found a gadget that it doesn't like, and it looks like media players are no exception, as evidenced by the company's new Venice V38HD device. Based on Sigma Designs' SMP8635/4 chipset, this one looks to pack just about everything you'd want short of a full-fledged media PC, including a hefty 2TB of storage, support for all the major video codecs, DVD backup / playback (no Blu-ray, though), HDMI output at 1080p, NAS support and other networking options, and your choice of silver or black color options, to name but a few highlights. No word on pricing or availability just yet, unfortunately, but you can at least get a closer look at the port situation after the break.

Continue reading AMEX Digital announces Venice-V38HD media player

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AMEX Digital announces Venice-V38HD media player originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 28 May 2009 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amesamex digitalAmexDigitalother hardwareotherhardwarerecordersv38hdvenicevenice v38hdvenice-v38hdVeniceV38hdThu, 28 May 2009 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[VOOM HD gear goes up for auction]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/22/voom-hd-gear-goes-up-for-auction/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/22/voom-hd-gear-goes-up-for-auction/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/22/voom-hd-gear-goes-up-for-auction/#commentsVOOM HD auction paddleListen up, aspiring HD content creators -- VOOM HD's demise could be your gain. If the HD video features of the latest crop of DSLRs and DILs (digital interchangeable lens) aren't enough for you, you'll have a chance to pick up some of VOOM HD's gear at an auction on June 16. Among the items up for grabs are a bunch of Sony HD camcorders, Canon HD lenses, and 5 Panasonic PT-AE2000U projectors that we imagine would do a perfectly fine job in the living room. If you've got some cash burning a hole in your pocket, this could be a great way to jump-start your HD rig, but those attending the auction in person will need to watch out for snipers sitting in on the webcast.

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VOOM HD gear goes up for auction originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 22 May 2009 21:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbusinesscamcordercanonmonitorother hardwareotherhardwareotherspanasonicplasmaprojectorrecorderssonystudiovoomvoom hdVoomHdFri, 22 May 2009 21:43:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS adds 4GB of storage to its USB Express TV Stick tuner]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/27/asus-adds-4gb-of-storage-to-its-usb-express-tv-stick-tuner/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/27/asus-adds-4gb-of-storage-to-its-usb-express-tv-stick-tuner/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/04/27/asus-adds-4gb-of-storage-to-its-usb-express-tv-stick-tuner/#commentsASUS USB Express TV StickWe can't say that the market has been calling out for a USB stick that combines both a tuner and a flash drive into one tidy package, but that's just what ASUS has delivered with its new Express TV Stick. Aimed at markets outside the US, the Express TV Stick makes good use of the storage by packing all the software necessary to run the hybrid DVB-T / analog tuner right on the device itself. Plug into a USB 2.0 port, install a driver, and away you go. If you can record right to the flash drive -- and we don't see why you shouldn't be able to -- we think TV junkies who need a DVR with truly grab-and-go portability might find room for this among their gear.

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ASUS adds 4GB of storage to its USB Express TV Stick tuner originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asusdvb-texpress tv stickExpressTvStickflash driveFlashDriveotarecordersusb tunerUsbTunerMon, 27 Apr 2009 03:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's BDZ-A950 / BDZ-A750 Blu-ray recorders do the network thing]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/03/28/sonys-bdz-a950-bdz-a750-blu-ray-recorders-do-the-network-thin/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/03/28/sonys-bdz-a950-bdz-a750-blu-ray-recorders-do-the-network-thin/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/03/28/sonys-bdz-a950-bdz-a750-blu-ray-recorders-do-the-network-thin/#comments
By and large, one Blu-ray recorder is just the same as the another. Not so with Sony's latest duo, which both come ready to toast material to blank BD-R media and tap into the wide world of internet video. Both the BDZ-A750 (320GB) and the BDZ-A950 (500GB) are able to stream and download video from Tsutaya TV and acTVila VOD services in Japan, and moreover, they can forward that material to a PSP or other compatible DAP via USB. In case that's not enough, the duo is also DLNA compatible, and the HDMI output ensures crisp, clean 1080p output. So, ready to change your mind on that whole "would you buy a Blu-ray recorder?" question?

[Via Akihabara News]

Gallery: Sony intros BDZ-A950 / BDZ-A750 Blu-ray recorders in Japan

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Sony's BDZ-A950 / BDZ-A750 Blu-ray recorders do the network thing originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acTVilabdBDZ-A750BDZ-A950blu rayblu-rayblu-ray burnerblu-ray recorderBlu-rayBurnerBlu-rayRecorderblurayDLNAjapanrecorderrecorderssonyTsutayaSat, 28 Mar 2009 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Aleratec slashes prices of Blu-ray recording wares]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/03/26/aleratec-slashes-prices-of-blu-ray-recording-wares/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/03/26/aleratec-slashes-prices-of-blu-ray-recording-wares/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/03/26/aleratec-slashes-prices-of-blu-ray-recording-wares/#comments
If you've been holding off on buying yourself a Blu-ray duplicator, bravo. Aleratec has just announced price drops of up to 65 percent on its 1:3 Copy Cruiser Blu LS LightScribe-enabled disc publisher and its 4x BD-R Blu-ray recording media. The former has seen a 25 percent dip down to $1,575, and for those unaware, it provides the ability to produce a trio of Blu-ray Discs at 6x each. The latter is potentially most riveting, with a 10-pack of "duplicator grade" BD-R media falling all the way down to $57.99 (MSRP). By our math, that's under six bucks a disc, and that's definitely hovering a lot closer to respectable than what we've seen in months past.

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Aleratec slashes prices of Blu-ray recording wares originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1:3 Copy Cruiser Blu LS1:3CopyCruiserBluLsAleratecbdbd rbd-rBdRblu rayblu-rayblu-ray duplicatorBlu-rayDuplicatorbluraydisc duplicatorDiscDuplicatorduplicatorlightscribemediarecordersThu, 26 Mar 2009 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer reveals 8x BDR-203BK Blu-ray burner in Europe]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/03/03/pioneer-reveals-8x-bdr-203bk-blu-ray-burner-in-europe/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/03/03/pioneer-reveals-8x-bdr-203bk-blu-ray-burner-in-europe/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/03/03/pioneer-reveals-8x-bdr-203bk-blu-ray-burner-in-europe/#comments
Blu-ray burners that do their thang at 8x aren't entirely new, but Pioneer is just now deciding to follow those other guys with an 8x BD writer of its own. The BDR-203BK is fully compatible with Blu-ray, DVD-+R/RW, DVD-RAM and CD media, and can toast BD-REs at 2x, DVD-R/+R at 16x, DVD-R DL/+R D at 8x and CD-Rs at 32x. It's available now on an OEM basis across Europe for €250 ($314), but there's no word on when us Yanks can expect a release here on US soil.

[Via CDRInfo]

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Pioneer reveals 8x BDR-203BK Blu-ray burner in Europe originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While we're not totally in agreement with Sony Optiarc Europe's claim that its AD-7240S DVD burner (AD-7220 A/S pictured) is the first on the planet to achieve a 24x burn rate, we won't deny the awesomeness. Inappropriately hailed as a "speed miracle," the drive features the company's Auto Strategy Technology in order to ensure perfect burns every time. You should also know that it'll toast blank CDs at up to 48x and dual-layer DVD-Rs at 12x. Nah, it's no Blu-ray burner, but it's not like you can even afford that kind of optical media, anyway.

[Via TG Daily]

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Sony Optiarc Europe lets loose 24x AD-7240S DVD burner originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24xAD-7240Sdvddvd burnerdvd writerDvdBurnerDvdWritereuropeOptiarcoptical driveOpticalDriveother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwarerecorderssonySony OptiarcSonyOptiarcTue, 03 Mar 2009 04:31:00 EST<![CDATA[OWC pushes quad interface Blu-ray burner to 8x]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/02/26/owc-pushes-quad-interface-blu-ray-burner-to-8x/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/02/26/owc-pushes-quad-interface-blu-ray-burner-to-8x/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/02/26/owc-pushes-quad-interface-blu-ray-burner-to-8x/#comments
So much for staying atop the pile, eh? Just four months after OWC introduced the world's first external Blu-ray drive with a quad interface, the company has already outed the next iteration. Spec-for-spec, it's exactly the same as the prior version save for the drive speed, as this one will toast BD-Rs at 8x, blank DVDs at 16x and writable CDs at up to 32x. You'll still find USB 2.0, FireWire 400, FireWire 800 and eSATA ports 'round back, and if you're certain you won't be angry when the 16x model ships by Fall (just a hunch, really), you can hand over your $399.99 right now.

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OWC pushes quad interface Blu-ray burner to 8x originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8xbdblu rayblu-rayblu-ray burnerBlu-rayBurnerblurayothersowcquad interfaceQuadInterfacerecordersThu, 26 Feb 2009 03:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic showcases UK-bound DMR-BS850 Blu-ray recorder]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/02/25/panasonic-showcases-uk-bound-dmr-bs850-blu-ray-recorder/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/02/25/panasonic-showcases-uk-bound-dmr-bs850-blu-ray-recorder/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/02/25/panasonic-showcases-uk-bound-dmr-bs850-blu-ray-recorder/#comments
While the results in our most recent poll were decidedly mixed, those over in Britain will soon have the option of procuring their own Blu-ray recorder thanks to Panasonic. The DMR-BS850, which was recently showcased across the pond, will sport a dual FreeSat tuner and will rival the heralded Humax FOXSAT-HDR. Details beyond that are few and far between, but we should hear more during the run-up to its late 2008 release. Check the read link for a few more looks.

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Panasonic showcases UK-bound DMR-BS850 Blu-ray recorder originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdblu rayblu-rayblu-ray recorderBlu-rayRecorderblurayDMR-BS850globalpanasonicrecorderrecordersukWed, 25 Feb 2009 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac slips out three slimline USB Blu-ray drives, including a $99 reader]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/02/12/fastmac-slips-out-three-slimline-usb-blu-ray-drives-including-a/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/02/12/fastmac-slips-out-three-slimline-usb-blu-ray-drives-including-a/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/02/12/fastmac-slips-out-three-slimline-usb-blu-ray-drives-including-a/#comments
We'd heard of a FastMac USB external slimline Blu-ray reader poking around Macworld last month, but we never got anything official until today, when the company pinged us to let us know that the $99 APP-6907 DVD±RW / BD drive, the $299 APP-6963 1x BD-R drive and the $399 APP-6964 4x BD-R drive are now all available. All three drives support both Macs and PCs, although you'll need Windows to play BD movies. Not bad deals all around, but we're still not convinced we need a Blu-ray drive for our computers when we barely use the one in the living room.

Read - APP-6907
Read - APP-6963
Read - APP-6964

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FastMac slips out three slimline USB Blu-ray drives, including a $99 reader originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>690769636964app-6907app-6963app-6964bd drivebd-rBdDrivebdrblu rayblu-rayblurayfastmacrecordersThu, 12 Feb 2009 01:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Prepared for Super Bowl XLIII? Here's how.]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/01/22/prepared-for-super-bowl-xliii-heres-how/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/01/22/prepared-for-super-bowl-xliii-heres-how/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/01/22/prepared-for-super-bowl-xliii-heres-how/#comments
Believe it or not, Super Bowl XLIII is but days away. If you've been putting off that home theater expansion, the time to get serious is now. We've hosted up a handy guide to get your abode totally ready for hosting a rather monumental bash, so why not head over to Engadget Classic and check it out? We're not responsible for the condition of your wallet should you follow each and every recommendation, but we are guaranteeing that it's a darn good recipe for joviality.

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Prepared for Super Bowl XLIII? Here's how. originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballnflother hardwareotherhardwarerecordersspeakerssportsportssuper bowlsuper bowl xliiiSuperBowlSuperBowlXliiiThu, 22 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget HD: Best Blu-ray optical drive for my PC?]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/01/14/ask-engadget-hd-which-blu-ray-optical-drive-for-my-pc/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/01/14/ask-engadget-hd-which-blu-ray-optical-drive-for-my-pc/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/01/14/ask-engadget-hd-which-blu-ray-optical-drive-for-my-pc/#comments
This week's Ask Engadget HD question touches on a subject that's rarely covered in the mainstream flow of Blu-ray news, but matters much to those with HTPCs or big-screen monitors attached to their towers. Have a look at a Kerry's concerns:

"I'm looking to upgrade the optical drive in my HTPC with a Blu-ray drive. My hardware is new enough to support the demands of BD, but I want to make sure I get the best value in a Blu-ray burner. Obviously, speedier drives would be nice, but I'm okay with the next quickest thing to save a few bucks. Which drives have readers had success with?"

So, there you have it. What BD drive is currently packed tightly within your living room PC? Have you had any playback / compatibility issues? Spill the beans below.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

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Ask Engadget HD: Best Blu-ray optical drive for my PC? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askask engadget dhask engadget hdAskEngadgetHdbdblu rayblu-rayblurayfeaturesoptical driveOpticalDriverecordersWed, 14 Jan 2009 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony brings two DVDirect Handycam-to-DVD writers to the US]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2009/01/07/sony-brings-two-dvdirect-handycam-to-dvd-writers-to-the-us/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/01/07/sony-brings-two-dvdirect-handycam-to-dvd-writers-to-the-us/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/01/07/sony-brings-two-dvdirect-handycam-to-dvd-writers-to-the-us/#comments
While it's certainly not the most invigorating release from Sony today, those stuck with too much video on their Handycams will be head over heels. The firm is expanding its DVDirect line by two, and while one of 'em (the VRD-MC10) has been released in Japan previously, this marks the first time it'll ship to American consumers. Said unit incorporates HDMI, component and composite inputs, and features the ability to transfer AVCHD-quality video to DVD; it also includes an i.LINK (FireWire 400) port as well as a USB socket for use with a wider range of devices. Moreover, the MC10 touts a 5-in-1 multicard reader for taking flash-based media straight to DVD, and the 2.7-inch LCD is just fine for previewing things beforehand. The DVDirect Express VRD-P1 DVD writer is tailor made to work quickly and easily with some of Sony's newly announced camcorders, and the lack of advanced functionality means it'll only run $150 (compared to the $300 stick on the MC10) when it ships in March.

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Sony brings two DVDirect Handycam-to-DVD writers to the US originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2009Ces2009dvd burnerDvdBurnerDVDIRECTother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwarerecorderssonyVRD-MC10VRD-P1Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:18:00 EST<![CDATA[OEM Blu-ray deck manufacturers in China / Taiwan slammed from price drops]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/12/22/oem-blu-ray-deck-manufacturers-in-china-taiwan-slammed-from-pr/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/12/22/oem-blu-ray-deck-manufacturers-in-china-taiwan-slammed-from-pr/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/12/22/oem-blu-ray-deck-manufacturers-in-china-taiwan-slammed-from-pr/#comments
Whoa, shocker of the century here. DigiTimes has it that OEM Blu-ray Disc player manufacturers in China and Taiwan are seriously feeling the burn after a number of companies decided to deeply discount their decks in order to get them moving from store shelves. Imagine that, right? What's interesting is that the source also mentions that these very OEM companies "have received almost no orders from the US so far in December," signaling that current inventory channels are likely clogged up. Eh, they can gripe and moan all they want about their dwindling profit margins, but we the consumer are quite thrilled with all this price slashing. Can we get an amen from the congregation?

[Image courtesy of HDTVUK]

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OEM Blu-ray deck manufacturers in China / Taiwan slammed from price drops originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-rayBlu-ray DiscBlu-rayDiscbluraychinaeconomyglobalrecorderssalesMon, 22 Dec 2008 21:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray recorders surpass 50% market share for all DVD recorders in Japan]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/12/09/blu-ray-recorders-surpass-50-market-share-for-dvd-recorders-in/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/12/09/blu-ray-recorders-surpass-50-market-share-for-dvd-recorders-in/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/12/09/blu-ray-recorders-surpass-50-market-share-for-dvd-recorders-in/#comments
Okay, so having half of the DVD recorders in Japan be of the Blu-ray variety is pretty impressive in and of itself, but considering that this same statistic sat at 30% in late October (with players included), we can't help but be floored. Going back to October 2007, BD recorders made up just 10% of the market, and perpetually falling prices are thanked for the rapid increase over the past year and change. Additionally, new research has found that "Blu-ray Disc recorders are replacing DVD recorders 1.5 times faster than DVD recorders replaced VHS recorders," and not surprisingly, the availability of low-cost HDTVs is credited with helping to speed the transition. Just imagine these figures post-Christmas.

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Blu-ray recorders surpass 50% market share for all DVD recorders in Japan originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With all the talk of Blu-ray stalling out, it's easy to see why Blu-ray DVRs haven't been something that manufacturers have even tried to sell the American public. Over in Japan, things are a little different -- just take Mitsubishi's DVR-BF2000 Blu-ray DVR model, for example. The hefty sum of ¥178,000 ($1900 US) nets you a DVR with a 500GB hard disk, dual tuners and a disc burner that can write out on BD-R/RE media and DVD-R/RW for when you don't need such capacious archiving. The unit also has some automatic editing features for cutting out those pesky commercials you don't need to store on your shelf. With these kind of features, we'd at least like to see these offered up here in the US -- they certainly won't get cheaper until they're available -- but we're not holding our breath.

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Mitsubishi's DVR-BF2000 Blu-ray DVR up for grabs in Japan originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not interested in Qflix, huh? No worries, as Plextor has four others for your consideration. Up first is the PX-610U 8x slim external USB Super Multi Drive for both Mac and PC, which requires no AC adapter and comes bundled with Roxio burn software. Next are the 6x PX-B310SA (internal SATA) and PX-B310U (external USB) drives, both of which read Blu-ray Discs at 6x and burn blank DVDs at an undisclosed (but undoubtedly zippy) rate. Batting cleanup are the 22x PX-850SA (internal SATA) and PX-850A (internal PATA) Super Multi drives, which forgo the whole BD-compatible thing and stick strictly to DVD. Each of the units should be available now, though pricing remains a mystery. Nothing like a little anticipation, right?

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Plextor announces four new optical drives, 6x Blu-ray readers included originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lookie, lookie -- yet another 8x Blu-ray burner to choose from. In Japan, of course. The BDR-S03J SATA drive is able to write to single- and dual-layer BD-R media at 8x, and that rate doubles when toasting to blank DVDs. It also features 4MB of cache and can burn CD-Rs at 32x and CD-RWs at 24x, but it'll only ship in the Land of the Rising Sun (at least initially) this January for ¥38,000 ($399).

[Via Impress]

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Pioneer introduces 8x BDR-S03J Blu-ray burner originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While RPTVs teeter on a bellbottom-styled return to the mainstream, Sharp and Nichia are focused squarely on the future. The two have just entered into a LED patent cross-licensing agreement covering both LEDs and laser diodes; the deal grants each company the right to use "inventions related to LEDs and laser diodes covered by the vast number of patents owned by the respective companies in Japan and in major countries." The release gets interesting when touching on Sharp's intentions -- it states that the company is hoping to "create unique, one-of-a-kind products in the future that feature both devices [Blu-ray recorders and LED lighting] at their core." Color us very intrigued.

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Sharp and Nichia link up for LED patent cross-licensing deal originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot on the heels of Pioneer's latest Qflix-enabled duo comes a fresh pair from Plextor. The PX-806SA (internal) and PX-Q840U (external) both feature Sonic Solution's sophisticated burn technology that enables users to imprint CinemaNow movies onto specially-keyed blank DVD media. Yes, you actually need proprietary media for this to work -- fun, right? Anywho, the drives come bundled with Roxio Venue / Creator 10 CE software alongside a pair of recordable Qflix discs, and both should be available right now in North / South America for $89.99 and $149.99, respectively. Full release after the break.

Gallery: Plextor reveals PX-Q840U / PX-806SA Qflix-enabled DVD burners

Continue reading Plextor reveals PX-Q840U / PX-806SA Qflix-enabled DVD burners

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Plextor reveals PX-Q840U / PX-806SA Qflix-enabled DVD burners originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinemanowDRMdvd burnerDvdBurnerMPAAother formatsother hardwareotherformatsotherhardwarePlextorPX-806SAPX-Q840UQflixrecordersroxioMon, 03 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray surpasses 30% of all DVD recorder / player shipments in Japan]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/10/23/blu-ray-surpasses-30-of-all-dvd-recorder-player-shipments-in/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/10/23/blu-ray-surpasses-30-of-all-dvd-recorder-player-shipments-in/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/10/23/blu-ray-surpasses-30-of-all-dvd-recorder-player-shipments-in/#commentsWe knew Japan was warming to Blu-ray, but apparently those tepid desires have morphed into infernos of passion. According to new statistics loosed by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), Blu-ray Disc recorder / player shipments hit a level of 138,000, or around 107 times more than the shipments posted a year ago. Moreover, those shipments accounted for 31% of "overall shipments of DVD equipment on a volume basis." Unsurprisingly, BD equipment -- coupled with flat-panel TVs -- were the two biggest drivers of consumer electronics shipments in Japan this year, with visual equipment shipments rising 8.2% year-over-year. Blu-ray and HDTV: a match made in heaven. Or Tokyo.

[Image courtesy of TVSnob]

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Blu-ray surpasses 30% of all DVD recorder / player shipments in Japan originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's debatable whether or not Apple is losing its touch with FireWire, but you can rest assured that OWC hasn't. Said outfit has just announced the industry's first Blu-ray external drive with a quad interface, meaning you can link it up to your PC or Mac via FireWire 400, FireWire 800, USB 2.0 or eSATA. The Mercury Pro SW-5583 arrives with the capability to toast BD-Rs at a rate of 4x and includes a pair of 25GB BD-R discs for $499.99; the closely related Mercury Pro SW-5583T throws in a full retail version of Roxio Toast 9 Titanium (OS X) and sells for $579.99. Now, if only we could convince Steve that Blu-ray and Macs could indeed get along together, we'd really be satisfied. Full release after the break.

Continue reading OWC introduces first external Blu-ray drive with quad interface

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OWC introduces first external Blu-ray drive with quad interface originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ah, Qflix. That snazzy burn technology that enables users to toast CinemaNow flicks onto specially-keyed blank DVD media for playback in your DVD player. For the eight people out there that still find this appealing, Pioneer is looking to compete with a handful of rivals by introducing the internal DVR-2920Q and external DVR-X162Q DVD / CD writers, both of which are Qflix-enabled. Each drive is also bundled with Roxio Venue software to facilitate the whole download-to-DVD process, and the Roxio CinePlayer will allow you to play back the resulting disc right on your PC (should you so choose). Mum's the word on a price / release date, but the pair ought to be hitting soon enough.

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Pioneer intros DVR-2920Q and DVR-X162Q Qflix-enabled DVD burners originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Land of the Rising Sun has all the fun, doesn't it? Today, we Europeans, North Americans, et al. are being forced to lust after this here piece of electronic goodness, which goes by the sobriquet DR-BX500. The JVC-built Blu-ray recorder packs twin digital TV tuners (along with a single analog tuner), a 500GB internal hard drive and a built-in EPG to boot. You'll also find an SD card slot for loading up multimedia stored on flash cards, and the HDMI port (among other lovely sockets) ensures that your BD flicks get outputted in 1080p. Check it in Japan next month for a currently undisclosed price.

[Via Impress]

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JVC intros stylish DR-BX500 Blu-ray / HDD recorder in Japan originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Color us skeptical, but HDGuru has it that Panasonic is actually going to bring a standalone Blu-ray recorder over to US soil as early as next year. In case you haven't noticed, each and every BD recorder we see is sourced and sold exclusively overseas, but it seems Panny may be well on its way to changing that. Unfortunately, that's all the details we have for now, but we can't say we totally believe it. For starters, BD recorders are mighty expensive, and given that Blu-ray players still aren't selling out at sub-$300 price points, we can't really imagine $800+ BD recorders being the next iPod over here. At any rate, we suppose we'll see in 2009, and hopefully at CES.

[Via AfterDawn]

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Panasonic bringing Blu-ray recorder to US in 2009? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdblu rayblu-rayblu-ray recorderBlu-rayRecorderblurayceatecceatec 2008Ceatec2008panasonicrecordersususaWed, 15 Oct 2008 00:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer launches Blu-ray recorders to Japanese market]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/09/16/pioneer-launches-blu-ray-recorders-to-japanese-market/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/09/16/pioneer-launches-blu-ray-recorders-to-japanese-market/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/09/16/pioneer-launches-blu-ray-recorders-to-japanese-market/#commentsPioneer BDR-WD900 and BDR-WD700 Blu-ray recorders
True to its word, Pioneer has introduced a pair of Blu-ray recorders in 2008, and the BDR-WD900 (1TB hard drive) and the BDR-WD700 (500GB drive) are due out on Japanese shelves in October. Both models feature H.264 encoding, dual DVB-T ISDB tuners and a "High-definition Just Copy" wizard for optimizing transfers from the hard drive to a Blu-ray disc. The Blu-ray decks are BonusView affairs (no mention of BD-Live, so we assume these are Profile 1.1) with support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, and Kuro Link-flavored HDMI-CEC for smooth integration with all your other Kuro gear. Also getting top billing is the 0.8s "Quick Startup" feature, which has been kicking around for about a year in Sharp's AQUOS BD-HDW20 and makes us wonder how much original engineering Pioneer's done for its own model.

[Via eMediaLive]

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Pioneer launches Blu-ray recorders to Japanese market originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man, what a toll the loss of HD DVD has taken on Toshiba. Judging by the vast expanse of floor space at Tosh's booth not covered with people (seriously, look for anyone in the gallery below) and the inclusion of CES-announced DVD / VHS recorders (yes, really) as premiere products, we'd say the outfit is still hurting from the outcome of the format war. In all honesty, we felt kind of sad sashaying through its installation while reading slogans like "See everything in HD (even the non-HD stuff)." We even viewed the Super Resolution Technology demonstration with an open mind, and while there's certainly a mild difference with SRT, these sets hardly make SD signals into high-def. Grab a tissue and wander through the gallery below.

Gallery: Hands-on with Toshiba's SRT REGZA HDTVs, other old crap

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Hands-on with Toshiba's SRT REGZA HDTVs (and other old crap) originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Niveus Media came to this year's CEDIA locked and loaded, and while most typical consumers won't look too far past the sub-$2,000 Vail system, those with cash to spare and colleagues to impress will certainly appreciate the Core i7-powered $19,999 Pro Series n9 media center PC. The rig setup on the show floor had said HTPC connected to four dual-CableCARD boxes via USB ($1,500 a pop), giving it the ability to record eight HD shows simultaneously while streaming HD movie clips to ten other Media Center Extenders (without a hiccup, might we add). The mid-range Denali was also on hand, and Blu-ray drives were found across the board. We also spent a tick with the new v1.5 Niveus Movie Library, which very neatly enabled us to surf to any media stored locally or on the networked 16TB Cargo Media Server. Even if you can't afford it, this stuff is still worth a look.

Gallery: Hands-on with Niveus Media's Denali, Rainier and Cargo media wares

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Hands-on with Niveus Media's Denali, Rainier and Cargo media wares originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-raybluraycablecardcargocediacedia 2008Cedia2008core i7CoreI7denaliextenderextendersfeatureshands-onhtpcmedia center extendermedia center pcmedia serverMediaCenterExtenderMediaCenterPcMediaServermovie libraryMovieLibraryNiveusNiveus medianiveus movie libraryNiveusMediaNiveusMovieLibraryother hardwareotherhardwareothersrainierrecordersThu, 04 Sep 2008 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Japan unveils latest Blu-ray recorders with CREAS upscaling]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/09/03/sony-japan-unveils-latest-blu-ray-recorders-with-creas-upscaling/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/09/03/sony-japan-unveils-latest-blu-ray-recorders-with-creas-upscaling/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/09/03/sony-japan-unveils-latest-blu-ray-recorders-with-creas-upscaling/#comments
Japan has only a few weeks to prepare for the latest Sony 6X Blu-ray recorders, ready to hit the streets in a wide array of sizes and features. All pack BD-Live support as well as the company's latest "CREAS" upscaling technology -- Resolution+ vs. CREAS, fight! -- promising 14-bit "HD Reality enhancement" and "Super Bit Mapping for video" with only high end X series models seen fit to include DRC-MFv3 image processing already seen in the latest BRAVIA LCDs, plus the ability to transcode and transfer video to PSP / phone / walkman. From the high end BDZ-X100 (1 TB, ¥280,000, $2,574 U.S., September 27, pictured) to the bottom BDZ-T55 (320GB, ¥110,000, $1,011 U.S., October 10) there's a DVR to fit your 15 h.264 HD channels in here somewhere. wondering about a U.S. release? Don't hold your breath.

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Sony Japan unveils latest Blu-ray recorders with CREAS upscaling originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There aren't too many audiophile firms that really take a whole-systems approach, but Naim has been at it for years. The firm is adding new models to its whole-home audio systems, but sadly for us, the pricing is pretty much the same -- too expensive. New to the NaimNet music server lineup are the NS01 ($6,800), NS02 ($7,900) and the NS03 ($9,575). For your dollars, you get one-touch CD ripping, an easy-to-use UI, database information from AMG, support for six simultaneous streams and storage of your precious bits on mirrored 400GB drives. Oh yeah, and the system will offer up non-DRM'ed music files on your plebian networked or USB-attached devices, too. Having spent some time with Naim equipment, we're not complaining about the functionality or build quality, but these prices make us consider Sonos, Slim Devices, Apple, or even sprinkling dedicated PCs throughout the house.

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Naim's NaimNet to bring audiophile-quality sound to your whole home originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blu-ray and VHS together at last -- so crazy it just might work? Probably not, but if you're still clinging to a library of tapes and haven't been able to bring yourself to upgrade or transfer them to a more 21st century-friendly format, you'll no doubt be happy to know that Panasonic has now introduced the combo player of your dreams -- in Japan, at least. For maximum combo-ness, the DMR-BR30V also boasts a 320GB hard drive to boost your recording options, along with both digital and analog TV tuners, a USB port, and an SD card slot. For those ready to make a clean break with their past, Panasonic also has three VHS-less models with hard drives of various sizes, each of which are also apparently exclusive to Japan for now. Just don't expect any of them to come cheap, as the DMR-BR360V leads the way with a price tag of ¥160,000, or just about $1,500.

[Via OhGizmo!]

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Panasonic intros DMR-BR360V Blu-ray / VHS combo player originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-rayblu-ray-vhsbluraydmr-br360vother formatsotherformatspanasonicrecordersMon, 25 Aug 2008 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi Chemical to produce laser diodes for BD pick-up heads]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/08/17/mitsubishi-chemical-to-produce-laser-diodes-for-bd-pick-up-heads/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/08/17/mitsubishi-chemical-to-produce-laser-diodes-for-bd-pick-up-heads/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/08/17/mitsubishi-chemical-to-produce-laser-diodes-for-bd-pick-up-heads/#commentsGiven that Sharp will obviously be needing a few high-power laser diodes to go into its forthcoming 8x Blu-ray burners, it's good to see Mitsubishi Chemical hopping in the fabrication game in order to lower costs and keep consumers smiling. A new report asserts that the previously mentioned company will be dedicating at least some of its efforts to producing high-power (200 to 300mW) laser diodes, which are currently in short supply and used in the pick-up heads of BD writers. As it stands, just Sony, Nichia and Sharp are producing these things in volume, though a fourth wheel will certainly be welcome. There's no word on when exactly Mitsu Chemical plans to ramp up production, but the sooner the better, we say.

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Mitsubishi Chemical to produce laser diodes for BD pick-up heads originally appeared on Engadget HD on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdblu rayblu-rayblu-ray burnerblu-ray diodeblu-ray writerBlu-rayBurnerBlu-rayDiodeBlu-rayWriterbluraycompetitiondiodediodesindustrylaser diodesLaserDiodesmitsubishimitsubishi chemicalMitsubishiChemicalrecorderssupplierSun, 17 Aug 2008 04:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan warming to Blu-ray, sales break six-figures in June]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/23/japan-warming-to-blu-ray-sales-break-six-figures-in-june/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/23/japan-warming-to-blu-ray-sales-break-six-figures-in-june/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/23/japan-warming-to-blu-ray-sales-break-six-figures-in-june/#comments
With royalty fees just around the bend for Blu-ray recorders in Japan, it seems as if locals are snapping up units left and right before the taxation is enacted. For the first time in a single month, shipments of recorders and players based on Blu-ray Disc broke the six-figure mark in June 2008 with 122,000 units. That's coming from data reported by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), which shows a notable increase from the 82,000 units shipped in May. Analysts are expecting the numbers to rise further in the coming months, as the Beijing Olympics draw near and many Japanese citizens spend their mid-year bonus on high-def wares. Still, it's not like folks in Japan are getting any stellar deals; the cheapest BD deck there is Sharp's BD-AV1, which still demands around ¥44,800 ($420). Just imagine those sales figures if there were a few reasonably priced players to choose from.

[Image courtesy of DayLife]

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Japan warming to Blu-ray, sales break six-figures in June originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-raybluraybusinessdataindustryJapanplayerrecordersreportresearchsalesWed, 23 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's PlayTV begins European rollout September 10th in UK]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/18/sonys-playtv-begins-european-rollout-september-10th-in-uk/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/18/sonys-playtv-begins-european-rollout-september-10th-in-uk/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/18/sonys-playtv-begins-european-rollout-september-10th-in-uk/#comments
So much for early 2008 or even July for that matter. Sony's David Reeves now confirms that PlayTV -- the €99 PS3 TV tuner / DVR add-on -- will hit the UK on September 10th. The service will then march onto the continent before completing the European rollout in December -- Australia and New Zealand get theirs in January or February. Notably, the service will in fact record television in the background without interrupting your regularly scheduled gaming regimen thanks to the recent 2.41 firmware PS3 update. Phew, for a moment we felt threatened by a lack of manufactured distractions.

[Via gamesindustry.biz]

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Sony's PlayTV begins European rollout September 10th in UK originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david reevesDavidReevesdvreuropeotaplaystation 3Playstation3playtvps3recorderssonyukFri, 18 Jul 2008 04:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer to launch Blu-ray recorders by year's end]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/07/pioneer-to-launch-blu-ray-recorders-by-years-end/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/07/pioneer-to-launch-blu-ray-recorders-by-years-end/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/07/pioneer-to-launch-blu-ray-recorders-by-years-end/#commentsBlu-ray recorders have been on the scene for a while now, but now that the format war's over, it looks like more companies are starting to commit to BD-R devices -- like Pioneer, which announced today that it'll have a Blu-ray recorder out in Japan by the end of the year. The company didn't say what model it would be or what price point it was aiming for, but the tech is being jointly developed with Sharp, so hopefully it's have a family resemblance to units like the 1TB AQUOS BD-HDW20 in everything but the $2,611 pricetag.

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Pioneer to launch Blu-ray recorders by year's end originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bd-rbdrblu rayblu recorderblu-rayblu-ray recorderBlu-rayRecorderBluRayBluRecorderpioneerrecordersMon, 07 Jul 2008 23:52:00 EST<![CDATA[MCE offers 6x Blu-ray burner for Mac Pro and Power Mac G5]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/02/mce-offers-6x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pro-and-power-mac-g5/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/02/mce-offers-6x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pro-and-power-mac-g5/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/07/02/mce-offers-6x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-pro-and-power-mac-g5/#comments
MCE is at it again providing the wares that Apple simply won't. After offering up a 2x Blu-ray burner for the Mac Pro and Power Mac G5 last year, the company is keeping up with the industry by introducing a 6x variant for the very same machines. You'll also find compatibility with BD-RE (2x), DVD±R (16x), DVD±RW (6x - 8x), DVD±RW DL (4x), CD-R (40x) and CD-RW (24x). The drive itself is available as we speak for $499, while a bundle with Roxio Toast 9 Titanium goes for $599 and an external version runs $749.

[Via The Mac Observer]

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MCE offers 6x Blu-ray burner for Mac Pro and Power Mac G5 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6xapplebd-rbd-reblu rayblu-rayblu-ray burnerblu-ray writerBlu-rayBurnerBlu-rayWriterbluraymacmac proMacProMCEos xOsXpowermacrecorderssuperdriveWed, 02 Jul 2008 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer lowers Blu-ray combo drive price in China, Sony unit to hit Taiwan]]>http://hd.engadget.com/2008/06/24/pioneer-lowers-blu-ray-combo-drive-price-in-china-sony-unit-to/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/06/24/pioneer-lowers-blu-ray-combo-drive-price-in-china-sony-unit-to/http://hd.engadget.com/2008/06/24/pioneer-lowers-blu-ray-combo-drive-price-in-china-sony-unit-to/#comments
Take all of this with a grain of salt for the time being, but word on the street has it that Pioneer has lowered the retail price of its BDC-S02BKZ Blu-ray Disc Combo drive in China by just over 41%. The new sticker shows 999 yuan ($145), while just last week it was marked 1,699 yuan ($247). We're also hearing that Pioneer will soon be lowering the retail price of its BDC-S02 optical drive in the Taiwan market, and if that wasn't enough, (hopefully believable) sources have stated that Sony will launch a Blu-ray Disc Combo drive in this very region for around $230 next month. We can't say that BD prices are where they need to be for mass adoption, but it's good to see them finally headed in the right direction.

Read - Price drops
Read - New Sony drive

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Pioneer lowers Blu-ray combo drive price in China, Sony unit to hit Taiwan originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdBDC-S02BDC-S02BKZblu rayblu-raybluraychinacombo driveComboDriveoptical driveOpticalDrivepioneerpricepricespricingrecorderssonyTaiwanTue, 24 Jun 2008 12:04:00 EST