Pure Audio Blu-ray - msm-studios push back the boundaries

Events over recent years in the audio market have proved that a wider more commonly accepted base is needed rather than a pure audio HD format.

Whilst DVD-Video is no longer state-of-the-art and does not meet market expectations in terms of video or audio resolution, there is a growing movement within the professional audio industry that promotes Blu-ray Disc as a potential HD replacement for the audio CD. Full.HD has spoken to Stefan Bock, managing director of Munich-based msm-studios about their ground-breaking work developing Blu-ray as an HD audio only carrier. "At MSM, we believe the future for the music industry includes Blu-ray," explains Stefan Bock. "It offers consumers access to high resolution audio but unlike other recent developments it's not just a format for the high end market. "Blu-ray is the successor to DVD-Video and it could well serve as the successor to SA-CD and DVD-Audio. It does not need any adaption - basic Blu-ray serves us well today," he continued.

But is Blu-ray an audio format? "Well, not exactly," Stefan commented. "Primarily, the format is designed around video content; however there are ways to create audio discs using custom-developed Java programming. Such a Pure Audio Blu-ray Disc can be played back without a TV screen and it will deliver top quality audio on every standard Blu-ray player. It can easily switch between stereo and surround play back and it provides CD-like remote control operation."

msm-studios believes that the Pure Audio Blu-ray concept offers such potential that it has proposed it as a standard to the AES (Audio Engineers Society). Furthermore, the studio has developed a web kit which enables content owners to create their own Pure Audio Blu-rays with a little help from msm-studios. All a content owner needs to do is to encode their audio masters, generate a PQ sheet, prepare the list of track titles and supply their sleeve artwork. msm-studios will then create an audio Blu-ray Disc capable of playing on any BD player without a TV screen.

mShuttle - for those that find it all too physical

Another interesting development at msm-studios sees the launch of mShuttle - a feature that enables the content owner to load compressed versions (MP3, AAC, etc) of the same music on each Blu-ray alongside the high resolution audio data. "Once the Blu-ray player is IP connected to your home network you can access these compressed files and copy them to your music servers, iPods and other portable devices," Stefan Bock explains. "No illegal downloads - just local shuttles within your own LAN." "Blu-ray has the potential to rejuvenate the packaged music market - it can offer great high resolution market today and it can provide the convenience of downloadable music all from one disc."

For more information, go to www.pureaudio-bluray.com.

Eee PC 1201N Multimedia Netbook with dedicated NVIDIA ION Graphics

Priced at £399 SRP inc. VAT, the Eee PC 1201N breaks boundaries of what is possible on the netbook platform, owed to the dual core processor and dedicated NVIDIA® ION™ graphics chip.

The two technologies combine to bring the user the fastest netbook performance currently available, and high definition media support both at home and on the move.

PRESS RELEASE:

ASUS deliver unprecedented netbook performance with the Eee PC 1201N multimedia netbook featuring dedicated NVIDIA® ION™ graphics

ASUS have announced the Eee PC 1201N netbook with dual core processor and dedicated NVIDIA® ION™ graphics chip.

The two technologies combine to bring the user the fastest netbook performance currently available, and high definition media support both at home and on the move.

Rene Haas, general manager for notebook GPUs at NVIDIA said, "The ASUS Eee PC 1201N delivers exceptional performance for a netbook. This ION-powered Eee PC is ideal for anyone who wants a netbook with the ability to watch HD video, share and edit photos, play casual games, and convert video to a portable media player. With the upcoming Flash Player 10.1 from Adobe, it will soon handle streaming HD video as well as a high-end desktop PC."

The Eee PC 1201N will be available in the UK around mid January with an SRP of £399 Inc VAT.

Key Features and Benefits

* 12.1in high definition display for stunning visual clarity

* Intel® Atom™ 330 Dual Core Processor

* NVIDIA® ION™ dedicated graphics for full HD media support

* 750GB hybrid storage (250GB hard drive and 500GB online Eee storage – easy to save all your favourite media)

* Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 for seamless connectivity

* Up to 5 hours battery life

* Built in web-cam for easy video calls to friends and family

* HDMI port to play media on larger external HDTV screens

* Built in card reader for easy data transfers

* Available in black or silver

* Windows 7 operating system

* Priced at £399 SRP inc. VAT.      

As the first netbook to integrate both the Intel® Atom™ 330 dual core processor and the NVIDIA® ION™ graphics, the Eee PC 1201N shatters previous single-core netbook constraints and delivers the best of both worlds to users seeking mobility and multimedia performance.

Dedicated graphics bring full HD media functionality to netbooks:

The four most popular uses of the Internet are Search, Social Media, Video and E-mail.  An increasing number of websites (such as the BBC with their iPlayer Platform and now YouTube with 1080P HD videos) have recognised this trend and now offer High Definition media via Adobe Flash for increased user enjoyment.

Adobe Flash was previously handled entirely by a device's CPU, but Adobe and NVIDIA have developed Flash 10.1 technology to be handled by the Graphics chip instead.  The result is that the 1201N, with dedicated NVIDIA® ION™ graphics, can now handle streaming HD video as proficiently as a high-end desktop PC.

Versatility for viewing HD content both away and at home:

Visual performance is boosted by the preinstalled ArcSoft SimHD technology which takes standard definition content and scales it up to a high definition quality – dramatically enhancing the quality of images across a wide range of file formats.

The Eee PC 1201N gives users total flexibility for how and where they enjoy video content. On the move, the 12.1" high definition display provides a smooth and portable platform for viewing videos in stunning clarity, whilst at home the HDMI output makes it a breeze to play video on a larger HDTV screen to experience full 1080p HD video and true-fidelity 7.1 audio.

Huge 750GB hybrid storage solves the dilemma of where to save large digital media files:

The Eee PC 1201N eliminates the need for users to worry about whether they will have enough room to save their HD content files. With 250GB of HDD storage and 500GB of WebStorage, there is ample space for all the high quality pictures, music and movies.

ASUS WebStorage not only makes it easy for users to share media with friends and family, but also offers a simple drag-and-drop interface for downloading free content such as games, wallpapers and software.

Specifications available online at:

www.tru-pr.co.uk/press/clients/asus/ASUSEeePC1201NPRFinal.pdf

Sales enquiries:

ASUS Sales Team

t: +44 (0) 1442 202720

www.asus.co.uk

www.youtube.com/asus

www.twitter.com/asusuk

NOTE: This product has not yet been evaluated. An in-depth review will be posted in due course. Reader comments are welcomed.

 

 

 

 

 

* Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. For more information, please visit http://eeepc.asus.com/global/computing.html. The estimated maximum battery life in Windows® 7 is measured with MobileMark® 2.

** Availability is dependent on selected model, country or operator support. Check with your local ASUS website for more details.

*** Complimentary one-year 500GB ASUS WebStorage trial. Please visit www.asuswebstorage.com for more details.

Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Please visit www.asus.com for more information.

 

Blackberry Storm 2 video preview

Is this the iPhone killer that Storm 1 failed to be?

Amazon's Kindle on sale to non-US customers Oct 19, 2009

Amazon.Com announce that from October 19, they are now able to ship the Kindle eBook device to United Kingdom for $279 (with free shipping). According to the announcement on the Amazon website, "Customers in United Kingdom will enjoy:

• Books in Under 60 Seconds: Think of a book and you could be reading it in under a minute

• Free Wireless: Free 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle. No monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots. For non-U.S. customers, there are also no additional charges for wireless delivery outside your home country.See Coverage Map. See Wireless Terms and Conditions

• Large Selection: Over 280,000 English-language books to choose from; plus U.S. and international newspapers and magazines

• Low Book Prices: New York Times® Best Sellers and New Releases are $11.99 to $13.99 (prices include VAT), unless marked otherwise. You'll also find many books for less - over 70,000 titles are priced under $5.99
• Learn more about Kindle features on the Kindle product page

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Important Product Information for Your Country

• Your international shipment is subject to customs duties, import taxes and other fees levied by the destination country. We will show you these fees upon checkout. Learn more
• Kindle ships with a U.S. power adapter and a micro-USB cable for charging your Kindle via a computer USB port. The U.S. power adapter supports voltages between 100V - 240V.
• You can transfer personal documents to your Kindle via USB for free at anytime. Service fees for transferring personal documents via Whispernet are currently $.99 per megabyte. Learn more
• Wireless download times can vary based on 3G or EDGE/GPRS coverage, signal strength and file size.
• Kindle books, newspapers, and magazine are currently priced and sold in United States dollars
• Blogs and the experimental web browser are currently not available for your country.

At present Kindle can only be purchased on the Amazon US website.

• We hope to evaluate this product very soon. Reader comments are welcome

Livestream Launches Livepack - satellite TV truck in a backpack

Livestream Launches Livepack – The World's First Solution for Wireless Live Streaming at HD Quality A satellite television truck in your backpack! Turnkey hardware solution available today directly from Livestream Built in wireless connection, encoder, battery and touch screen Six load balanced 3G/EVDO modems included with data contract Power up, plug any DV camera and press one button to go live Highest Quality - Up to 1Mbps H.264 Ideal for sporting events, city hall meetings, paparazzi, university graduations, transmission from a moving car, weddings, ceremonies and a variety of enterprise applications. How Livepack Works The technology aggregates the bandwidth from six built-in 3G modems in order to get the highest possible available bit rate. Maximum redundancy and reliability is achieved even if one or two of the networks are not available or have very poor connectivity (i.e. the technology can usually get a high quality stream out to the Livestream Platform). Fully Integrated with the Livestream Platform Free or Premium Works with Livestream Free and Livestream Premium (learn more). Dedicated IP Stream directly to your Livestream channel with a dedicated IP address.   Camera Mixing Your feed appears just like any camera source in the Livestream Studio - ready for mixing with other live sources. Archive Your live stream is recorded on the Livestream server for on-demand replay.   Photos More Info Details Livestream Livepack is available for monthly or yearly rental directly from Livestream. Typical delivery within a week. Livepack includes : Hardware unit to encode and transmit, Custom designed backpack, Dedicated IP address to stream to your Livestream channel, Firewire cable, all 3G/EVDO network contract and charges included in rental price. Optional : External batteries (Up to 3 hours of autonomy) Not included : DV camera, tripod (Inquire for recommendations). Currently available in US only (Inquire for other countries). Up to 1Mbps uplink connectivity Pricing Month to month rental (no commitment) $2,500/month + shipping cost. Yearly rental (12 month commitment) $1,500/month + shipping cost. Special LiveU pricing for use with Livestream Platform only Includes 30 hours of streaming uplink time per month - all 3G telecom charges included. Payment method : Visa, Mastercard, AMEX. Deposit : First month payment and one month deposit required before shipping. Actual Live Coverage Recordings New York Fashion Week Roaming Camera (On-demand recording - seek to 30min to see actual fashion show) MTV Video Music Awards 2009 Harry Potter London Premiere Pixie Lott Live To order, or to get more info, email us at getlivepack@livestream.com. Find our more about the Livestream Livepack here. Thanks, — The Livestream Team

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Cambridge Audio unveils the Azur 650R 7.1 AVR with HDMI 1.3c reception and processing

Cambridge Audio unveils the Azur 650R 7.1 AVR with HDMI 1.3c reception and processing, suggested retail price $1799 (USD) / £ TBC / € TBC Available late 2009

The new 650R AV receiver featuring full HDMI 1.3c reception and processing decodes all the latest surround sound formats and its video capability is coupled with 7 x 100 Watt audiophile grade discrete amplifier stages.

Using a completely new Cirrus Logic / Crystal chipset with the latest twin core 32-bit DSPs, Cambridge Audio has enabled full support for Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution and the superb new Lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats.

DTS speaker re-mapping allows the playback of DTS-HD High Resolution or Master Audio formats with encoded height information on standard 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 speaker setups.

A new video PCB with digital-domain video transcode means the 650R can also transcode analogue video inputs to HDMI for simplicity and flexibility, requiring just one cable to the TV screen.

The 650R is also the first to feature Cambridge Audio Mic Controlled Auto Set-up (CAMCAS) with a supplied microphone for extremely quick and easy installation. And completing the perfect picture, LipSync audio delay means the user can simply adjust for processing delays in the source or TV.

Cambridge Audio truly believes the new 650R to be its best sounding AV receiver to date. Key features:
• Full HDMI 1.3c reception with 3 fully assignable HDMI inputs for Blu-ray/DVD players, HD satellite receivers and games consoles
• Latest generation Cirrus CS49700 chipset features twin 32-bit DSP cores for compatibility with the latest CODECs including Dolby Digital Plus, DTS- HD High Resolution and the Lossless Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats
• Full support for analogue or digital legacy formats - LPCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, DTS ES Matrix, DTS ES Discrete, DTS 96/24, Neo:6, ProLogic II, ProLogic IIx, in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 variants
• DTS Speaker re-mapping allows the playback of DTS-HD High Resolution or Master Audio formats with encoded height information on standard 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 speaker setups
• Fully supports multi-channel PCM over HDMI for DVD-A/SACD and other external audio formats
• 24/192kHz capable DACs for all channels
• 24 bit A/D conversion for digitally processed analogue modes
• Pure Analogue Stereo Direct mode for audiophile playback of analogue stereo sources
• Full post-processing of 2.0, 5.1 or 6.1 material is also possible with PLIIx or DTS Neo:6 to turn these formats into full 7.1
• Analogue to digital video transcoding (composite, S-video and component video to HDMI)
• True power output of 7 x 100 Watts rms per channel, 8 ohms all channels driven
• Analogue stereo direct mode for audiophile stereo sources (pure analogue, no DSP) - 120W output
x 2
• Oversize low flux toroidal transformer
• Cambridge Audio Mic Controlled Auto Set-up (CAMCAS) with microphone supplied
• On-Screen Display (OSD) available on all video outputs
• Adjustable LipSync delay feature
• New optional bi-amping mode for front left/right with surround back left/right in 5.1 set-up
• FM/AM tuner with RDS
• X-Tract™ Forced/Convection Heat Tunnel for virtually silent performance
• Fully specified for custom install applications:
o Cambridge Audio Incognito Ready™ / A-BUS™ multi-room outputs o RS232 port, IR emitter In, Control Bus In/Out
• Navigator style Azur remote which also controls:
• Clear Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)
• Completely new wrap-around casework with substantially thicker front panel and an ultra rigid, acoustically dampened chassis
• Available in silver or black finishes

A full range of digital and analogue inputs enables connection of a plethora of source equipment including the latest Blu-ray players such as Cambridge Audio's own 650BD. The 650R subsequently decodes inputs into stereo, stereo and sub or the latest digital surround formats including Dolby Digital Plus, DTS- HD High Resolution, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1. It's also capable of decoding analogue or digital stereo sources in Dolby Pro Logic® II or IIx and DTS Neo:6, again in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 variants for a convincing and effective surround experience from a matrix encoded stereo source. Post­processing of 2.0, 5.1 or 6.1 digital material is also possible with PLIIx or DTS Neo:6 to turn these formats
into full 7.1.

The 650R carries a 5.1/ 6.1 /7.1 channel analogue input for connection of a DVD Audio or SACD player equipped with a 5.1 output and is also compatible with future external 6.1 or 7.1 audio formats. Multi-channel PCM over HDMI is supported for playback of lossless content. As well as the full complement of audio inputs, the 650R performs composite, S-video and component video input switching and transcoding to HDMI. The component video inputs and outputs are progressive scan and HDTV compatible and the unit features full On Screen Display on all video outputs.

X-Tract™ cooling.
Another crucial aspect of the 650R's audiophile pedigree is Cambridge Audio's proprietary Forced / Convection Heat Tunnel - X-Tract™. This custom design enables the company's flagship AV powerhouse to operate extremely quietly and at a low temperature. A careful balanced combination of forced cooling and natural convection effectively draws heat away from the 650R's substantial toroidal transformer and output stages.

Multi-room compatibility is featured for connection to Cambridge Audio's Incognito system or other custom install applications. Additionally, an RS232 port, IR Emitter In and Control Bus In/Out make it easy to fully integrate the 650R into more complex custom install systems.

A fresh new look
A completely redesigned wrap-around casework adds significant appeal and is augmented by a substantially thicker brushed aluminium front panel. This matches Cambridge Audio's new 650BD Blu-ray player and the recently introduced 650C CD player - it is not uncommon for Cambridge Audio AVR customers to prefer a dedicated CD player to make the most of their music collection. All this proprietary engineering is housed within a new low resonance, acoustically damped chassis featuring dual layer damped feet all of which contribute to better resonance control. A highly ergonomic navigator remote handset also offers full control of the 650R's wide range of features and functions and can be used to control iPods.
http://www.cambridge-audio.com/
Cambridge Audio is a brand of Audio Partnership Plc Registered Office: Gallery Court, Hankey Place, London SE1 4BB,
United Kingdom.
Registered in England No. 2953313
Note: This product has not been tested by HardwareDaily. If evaluation sample is received from the makers, a more detailed review will appear in due course.

Introducing the new iPod nano. Now with video recording.

Price £115 (8Gb); £135 (16Gb)

Shop Online Find a Store 0800 048 0408 Shop online for free shipping or pick one up today at the Apple Retail Store. Video recording with effects The new video camera in iPod nano lets you shoot video and even add video effects, wherever you are. Yet it's still the same ultraportable size. Learn more Genius Mixes Genius acts as your personal DJ, searching your iTunes library to find songs that go great together, then organising them into mixes you'll love. All automatically. Learn more FM radio with Live Pause The new built-in FM tuner has amazing features like Live Pause so you can pause a live broadcast without ever missing a beat. Learn more Pedometer and Nike + iPod Count every step you take with the new built-in Pedometer feature. Or add a Nike + iPod Sport Kit so your iPod can track your fitness progress. Learn more See the latest iPod models. iPod nano isn't the only iPod that just got better. Check out the new iPod touch and the new colours of iPod shuffle. Buy now Download the new iTunes. The newly redesigned iTunes introduces great features like iTunes LP, Home Sharing and Genius Mixes. Download now Great iPod. Great cause. Choose a (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition iPod nano and a portion of your purchase price goes to help fight AIDS in Africa. Available only from Apple. Buy now Personalise iPod nano free. Pick up iPod nano today. Order an iPod nano from the Apple Online Store, including Apple Store exclusive colours and get free laser engraving. Shop now Choose from all the brilliant colours, including some that are exclusive to Apple, at your favourite Apple Retail Store. Find a store

iTunes Tagging is currently available only in the U.S. on radio stations that support iTunes Tagging. Radio frequency shown is for illustration only and is not available in all areas. iPod models are not available in all colours at all resellers. Nike + iPod Sport Kit is sold separately. Messages engraved on iPod classic and iPod touch are limited to two lines, 29 characters each; on iPod nano, two lines, 29 characters each; on iPod shuffle, two lines, 14 characters each. Engraving and gift wrap are not available for refurbished iPod models. Some products and promotions are not available in all countries. The mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and represents neither an endorsement nor a warranty. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of these vendors or products. The iTunes Store is available only to persons age 13 or older in the U.S. and many other countries; click here to see the list of countries. Requires iTunes, compatible hardware and software and Internet access (fees may apply). Terms apply. Click here for more information. Content sold separately. Available on iTunes. Title availability is subject to change. NIKE and the Swoosh Design are trademarks of NIKE, Inc. and its affiliates, and are used under licence. iPod and iTunes are for legal or rightholder-authorised copying only. Don't steal music. Prices and product specifications are subject to change. Prices include taxes but may not include shipping. Free shipping is available on all iPod models and on orders over £76 inc VAT. For more detailed information on the Apple Online Store terms and conditions, please click here. Celebrity endorsement not implied. Apple Sales International, Hollyhill Industrial Estate, Cork, Ireland. Company Registration number: 15719. VAT number: IE6554690W. All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy My Info If you would prefer not to receive commercial email from Apple, or if you have changed your email address, please click here. TM and copyright © 2009 Apple Inc.