News July 2009 News Archive

Description

This page contains all the news items for all categories for the month of July 2009

Please select a date to view the news archive for this date:
 

Verizon FiOS Logo

Verizon FiOS TV 4th of July Special

Posted by: jmet, 10:55, July 3, 2009
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Viewed: 119 Times

Through July 6, six films can be found in a special folder within the VOD section of the FiOS TV Interactive Media Guide.

The films are The American President, Apollo 13, Independence Day, Air Force One, National Treasure and The Patriot, and they are available for as little as $2.99.

Customers will also be able to watch July 4 fireworks on TV in HD.


TiVo Logo

TiVo Offers $50 Upgrade

Posted by: jmet, 10:18, July 3, 2009
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Viewed: 88 Times

Wednesday TiVo will begin to offer "dedicated customers" the chance to upgrade to a new high-def version of their TiVo DVR and provide a $50 coupon that can be used in the upgrade process.

To be eligible for the special upgrade and $50 coupon, you must have owned a TiVo DVR for at least one year and be ready to upgrade to an HD DVR.


Windows 7 Logo

Windows 7 Codec Package Updates to Version 1.2.0

Posted by: jmet, 03:59, July 3, 2009
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Viewed: 4553 Times

Win7Codecs Package is a codec pack for the Windows 7 operating system.

The Win7codecs package does not change or interfere with what Microsoft has going on concerning native codec support in Windows Media Player 12 and Media Center.

DXVA accelerated H264 playback is provided by the codec package for all other capable players.

 The official change log for version 1.2.0 is as follows:

  • updates Gabests filters to 1164
  • update FFDshow to rev 3020
  • add codec testing tool to MISC TAB
  • previous version MUST be uninstalled



Downloads

Windows 7 Codecs


Windows 7 Codecs x64 Components


Vista Codec Package Logo

Vista Codec Package Updates to Version 5.3.2

Posted by: jmet, 03:57, July 3, 2009
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Viewed: 3192 Times

Vista Codec Package is a free codec pack (freeware) for Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2003 and Windows NT. With Vista Codec Pack package installed, you won’t need to install any other codec or filter. The codec pack combines all the best and popular codecs available in the world. The author also tracks down the latest updates to the codecs used in the pack, and tests their functionality before been updated and included in the package, plus resolve all possible conflicts.

The official change log for version 5.3.2 is as follows:

  • updates Gabests filters to 1164
  • update FFDshow to rev 3020
  • add codec testing tool to MISC TAB
  • previous version MUST be uninstalled



You may download this updated version of Vista Codec Package here.


Joost Logo

Joost Goes in a Different Direction

Posted by: jmet, 00:46, July 3, 2009
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Viewed: 88 Times

The folks at Joost have given up as a streaming video site to put more focus on the actual technology behind streaming than providing the service.

"Although the internet has proven itself as a viable alternative to watching TV, it's a highly fragmented environment, and figuring out where to find the TV show, film or information that you're looking for can be painful."

The restructuring of the video site involves pushing the technology behind Joost and to become a "white label video provider" (seller of the technology) for the online video businesses.


Dell Logo

Dell Pays for Typo on Website

Posted by: jmet, 12:38, July 2, 2009
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Viewed: 142 Times

The Dell website in Taiwan made a crucial pricing error when it listed a $150 LCD monitor for only $15.

In the eight hours it took Dell to figure out and pull the ad, 26,000 people had already ordered close to 140,000 monitors.

Dell did say they would honor the price goof for the people that only ordered one monitor, but people who ordered more than one would receive discounts on the rest.


DVD ReBuilder Logo

BD Rebuilder Updates to Version 0.24.01 Beta

Posted by: jmet, 03:16, July 2, 2009
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Viewed: 6457 Times

BD Rebuilder is a Blu-ray disc re-encoder and re-authoring package. From the same programmer as DVD Rebuilder, the current (early beta) version of BD Rebuilder allows you to re-encode Blu-ray movies and rebuild their navigational/content structure, just like how DVD Rebuilder works with DVDs.

As this software is still in the beta testing stages, there will be bugs present and all bugs should be reported to this forum thread.

The official change log for version 0.24.01 Beta is as follows:

  • Added code to increase output size prediction accuracy. A WARNING to those using custom sizes in order to make "adjusted" output, -- you will likely oversize/undersize. The actual size of the output should now be closer to that specified in the selected target parameter. A special thanks to lithiumus for his help in the sizing adjustments.
  • Changed the default values for AC3. Reencoding will now be done at 640Kbs for 5.1 (rather than 448Kbs) and 224Kbs for 2.0 (rather than 192Kbs). Also the setup dialog option has changed to enable 448Kbs as a secondary option (previously 640Kbs).
  • Fixed an inconsistency in the percentage reporting to the status bar when in minimized mode.
  • Added a LOG entry when BD-RB can't find the X264 window handle. This is just to clearly identify if the 50% complete problem is a result of a failed attempt to retrieve the handle.
  • Corrected a bug that could under certain conditions prevent playback of streams that had secondary video on the original disc.
  • Added code to prevent failed encode on very small sources due to ridiculously low specified bitrate.
  • Added and ETA field to the status display of the GUI that shows an estimate the time needed to complete the current encoding pass.
  • Added a partial implementation of PiP rebuilds. The video should now be included on full backups. Audio support is still in development.
  • Changed the name of the INF file. Previously the job status information (INF) was saved to a file called "BDREBUILDER.INF" in the destination folder. Now, to keep the information for debugging, etc. I have named it according to the source.
  • Added an option to the SETUP dialog for automatic removal of the WORKFILES directory after rebuild. Warning: Selecting this option removes all files required to perform another REBUILD in the event you decided to "tweak" the source slightly. Use with caution.
  • Added a "Shutdown after REBUILD" option under the FILE menu. This will shutdown your computer at job completion (only if BD-RB has successfully completed all its encode and rebuild steps). A warning/abort dialog gives the opportunity to abort the shutdown.
  • Updated X264.EXE to a newer release (r1173).
  • Other minor corrections and cosmetic fixes.



You may download this new software here.


Nero 9 Box

Nero Burning ROM Updates to Version 9.4.13.2b

Posted by: jmet, 03:08, July 2, 2009
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Viewed: 2053 Times

Simply Create, Rip, Burn, Copy, Share, Backup, Play, and Enjoy

Nero 9 is the next generation of the world’s most trusted integrated digital media and home entertainment software suite. It features new cutting-edge functionality that makes enjoying digital media content simple.

This easy-to-use yet powerful multimedia suite, gives you the freedom to create, rip, copy, burn, edit, share, and upload online. Whatever you want – music, video, photo, and data – enjoy and share with family and friends anytime, anywhere.

With easy-to-use Nero StartSmart command center, your digital life has never been more flexible, feasible, and fun.

Nero 9 Highlights:

  • Fast and easy rip, burn, Autobackup, and copy functions
  • Backup files to CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs*
  • Create professional-looking DVD movies with integrated 3D menus
  • Copy, burn, share, upload, and create music mixes like a DJ
  • Convert music, photos, and DVDs to play on your iPod® and other mobile devices
  • Quick photo and video upload to My Nero, YouTube™, and MySpace
  • Watch, record, pause, and customize your live TV experience
  • Play AVCHD and other HD formats

 

Features:

Creative Projects Are Easier than Ever
Using the intuitive Nero StartSmart command center of Nero 9, your digital life has never been more flexible, feasible, and fun. You directly access features and perform one-click functions such as Audio Ripping, Burning, Copying, and AutoBackup, with optimized performance for Windows Vista® with Nero DiscCopy Gadget.

Fully Enjoy Your Content at Home, Online and On-the-go
Whether it’s video, photo, or music, you can convert and share everything your imagination creates in your digital world. Convert & share multimedia files to play on iPod®, PSP®, and upload online your coolest photos and videos to share with online communities like My Nero, YouTube™, and MySpace.

Make Your PC a Dynamic Home-Entertainment Device
Experience TV from the comfort of your sofa with state-of-the-art TV technology, even for HDTV and DVB Radio. Pause, record, schedule, manage, and playback your TV shows.

Best in the Business Software Gets Better
The ripping and burning capabilities of Nero 9 are the most reliable in the industry. Burn and copy to CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc – even copy movies*. With DVD-R Dual Layer and DVD+R Double Layer support, you’ll get more data on a disc than ever before!*

Trusted and Reliable – Backup, Restore, and Secure
Don’t lose your valuable memories and important files to life’s potential hazards, system crash, or risky hardware. Backing up, securing, and managing files and data is a point-and-click away.

 *Please note:
Blu-ray capabilities are subject to change.
Does not copy DVDs or other discs with copy protection.


Unfortunately, there was not a change log released for version 9.4.13.2b.



Downloads


DVDRemaster Logo

DVDRemaster Updates to Version 5.1.5

Posted by: jmet, 03:05, July 2, 2009
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Viewed: 1335 Times

From the Official Site :

DVDRemaster is an utility for Mac OS X to recompress large (unprotected/unencrypted) DVDs so that they fit on standard DVD5. DVDRemaster can work in two modes.

It can either preserve all tracks (including menus, multiangle, commentaries, other languages, ...) or work in "Movie Only" mode where everything but the main feature is discarded, thus leaving more space for the main feature and a better quality of image.

Advanced users will appreciate the Pro version, which lets you choose exactly which video and audio tracks you want to copy.

The official changelog for version 5.1.5 is as follows:

  • Fixed a conversion issue that prevented some DVDs to convert successfully
  • Minor improvements to the german translation

 
Downloads

DVDRemaster Standard

DVDRemaster Pro


Pirate Bay Logo

The Pirate Bay sold for $8 Millon

Posted by: jmet, 11:35, July 1, 2009
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Viewed: 143 Times

A Swedish digital distribution company (Global Gaming Factory) has reportedly bought The Pirate Bay site for $7,760,000 and some change in hopes to turn the site into a legal site.

The new owners have it worked out to actually compensate the content providers and copyright owners for each time their file is downloaded.

"We would like to introduce models which entail that content providers and copyright owners get paid for content that is downloaded via the site, "

The Pirate Bay is one of the 100 most visited Internet sites in the world and one of the leading search engines for file sharing. The site has more than 20 million visitors and over one billion searches per month.

Global Gaming Factory will assume total responsibility and operation of the site after the closing of the deal which is set for sometime in August of 2009.


Circuit City is Back

Circuit City's $1,000 a Day Give Away

Posted by: jmet, 09:30, July 1, 2009
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Viewed: 129 Times

The newly launched CircuitCity.com is continuing a “$1,000 a Day for 100 Days Sweepstakes” in a effort to gain new customers.

One hundred customers will win a $1,000 shopping spree at CircuitCity.com. The winner will be selected daily from a random drawing from all the entries received the previous day.

Customers are automatically entered in the sweepstakes when they make a purchase from CircuitCity.com but, you can also go to the website and enter that way too.


TV.com Logo

TV.com Links up with Facebook

Posted by: jmet, 09:19, July 1, 2009
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Viewed: 104 Times

Facebook Connect lets users log onto TV.com site using their Facebook account to share and interact with friends about TV shows on the streaming site.

“With the launch of Facebook Connect on TV.com, we have made it even faster and easier than ever for fans to seamlessly publish their thoughts and reactions about their favorite shows to their friends on Facebook, enhancing the social experience across both TV.com and Facebook,”

The link allows for a easier registration, easy publishing and provides users the ability to engage with a social network.