This page contains all the news items for all categories for the month of February 2010
Please select a date to view the news archive for this date:
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Vista Codec Package Updates to Version 5.5.8
Posted by: jmet, 05:58, February 10, 2010 |
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Viewed: 7436 Times |
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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 5.5.8 is as follows:
- fix S/PDIF audio bug
- update gabests filters 1635
- update ffdshow 3255
You may download this updated version of Vista Codec Package here.
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Windows 7 Codec Package Updates to Version 2.3.7
Posted by: jmet, 05:57, February 10, 2010 |
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Viewed: 15053 Times |
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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 2.3.7 is as follows:
- fix S/PDIF audio bug
- update gabests filters 1635
- update ffdshow 3255
Downloads
Windows 7 Codecs x64 Components
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China Busts Major Hacker Ring
Posted by: jmet, 12:52, February 9, 2010 |
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Viewed: 80 Times |
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China announced a major bust of computer hackers, Black Hawk Safety Net, the country's largest distributor of tools used in malicious Internet activity.
The hackers openly recruited new members online and assisted them in creating and distributing Trojan horses and other programs to carry out web attacks.
What doesn't make sense to me is that the "raid" supposedly took place in late November of 2009 but it is only being reported now...
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Windows Mobile 7 Coming Sooner than Expected
Posted by: jmet, 12:42, February 9, 2010 |
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Viewed: 77 Times |
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Microsoft is expected to show the world the new version of Windows Mobile at MWC 2010, which has been totally redesigned to focus more on finger inputs and easy-to-navigate controls.
WinMo7 should be an impressive refresh, and could give Microsoft a chance at competing with Android and iPhone.
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Netflix to Offer 1080p with 5.1 Audio
Posted by: jmet, 12:25, February 9, 2010 |
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Viewed: 85 Times |
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Netflix is throwing around the idea of sending out 1080p streams with 5.1-channel surround sound at some point later this year.
Thats all fine and dandy but, the other side to the equation is can people personal ISPs dish out the bandwith to support such a service?
Heck you need a steady 5Mbps connection just to stream 720p content.
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Adobe Flash on Mac Just as Good
Posted by: jmet, 12:17, February 9, 2010 |
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Viewed: 76 Times |
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Adobe has gone on record saying that the flash performance, with Flash Player 10.1, on the Mac will be just as good if not better than flash on Windows.
With support for a broad range of mobile devices, such as smartphones, netbooks, smartbooks and other Internet-connected devices, Flash Player 10.1 allows your content to reach your customers wherever they are.
Flash 10.1 is scheduled to ship in the first half of 2010.
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No More XBOX Live Service for Original XBOX
Posted by: jmet, 02:10, February 7, 2010 |
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Viewed: 142 Times |
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In their latest attempt to push everyone to upgrade to the XBOX 360 console, Microsoft is pulling the plug on the XBOX Live service for the original XBOX console.
Microsoft discontinued the original XBOX in late 2008 and officially stopped supporting the aging console in March 2009, so this was inevitable.
Starting April 15th, XBOX Live service will no more for the original XBOX.
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New HD Box Coming from TiVo
Posted by: jmet, 01:59, February 7, 2010 |
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Viewed: 159 Times |
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Both TiVo.com and BestBuy.com are completely out of TiVo's $250 HD DVR leading a lot of people to suspect they are about to release a new HD box.
That could be a result from strong holiday sales, but it is more than likely that TiVo is just trying to deplete current inventory before releasing its next HD box.
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Sony Still Battling PS3 Loses
Posted by: jmet, 01:51, February 7, 2010 |
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Viewed: 157 Times |
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Although the Sony has sold two more million consoles than last year at this time, they are still losing six cents for every dollar of hardware sold.
That equates out to about $20 for every console sold. Sony is still committed to improving the bottom dollar and has said it promises by March 2011 they will have a 15% reduction in cost.
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Happy Valentines from Nero
Posted by: jmet, 06:06, February 6, 2010 |
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Viewed: 330 Times |
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Nero has a Valentines promotion going on that when you buy Nero 9 , they will throw in the Blu-ray Disc Authoring plug-in & the DTS plug-in. A total package worth $145 for only $69.99.
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.
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 and other online communities.
- Play AVCHD and other HD formats
- Archive HD movies in highest quality AVCHD format to HDD including: USB stick and flash memory card, SD Card and Sony Memory Stick®. even without the use of an optical recorder NEW!
FREE
- Back up to hard drive, CDs, DVDs, and online storage
- Restore lost, deleted, and damaged files
- More...
Blu-ray Disc Authoring Plug-in
Easy to Use Software to Burn and Create stunning High Definition video projects to play them back in your standalone Blu-ray disc player or your Sony PLAYSTATION® 3. With the Blu-ray Authoring Plug-in, you now have access to advanced authoring, and editing features for your High Definition content.
Experience true High Definition video with brilliant images in Full HD (1080p) with outstanding audio quality up to 5.1 channels with Dolby® Digital.
Highlights:
- Edit HD video content and then burn to Blu-ray Disc
- Capture videos from your HDV, DV, and AVCHD camcorder and customize it the way you like by adding high definition, high quality 2D and 3D menus
- Save considerable amount of time when creating Blu-ray Disc from AVCHD video sources using SmartEncoding
- Save time by modifying your editable Blu-ray videos right on the disc – no need to copy to another drive!
DTS Plug-in
Now enjoy high-quality theater style DTS (Digital Theater Systems) surround sound in the comfort of your living room with the Nero DTS Plug-in. With support for 5.1 and 2.0 multi-channel systems, the DTS Plug-in lets Nero 9 users enjoy DVD Videos with DTS audio tracks for the ideal home theater experience.
The DTS Plug-in supports:
Important Information
1. The DTS Plug-in can be used with:
* Nero 9 full version
* Nero 9 Essentials
2. The DTS Plug-in cannot be used as a stand-alone product.
Download your copy of Nero 9 here.
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Amazon Touch Screen Rumor
Posted by: jmet, 11:50, February 5, 2010 |
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Viewed: 163 Times |
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A new rumor is floating around that Amazon is thinking of buying out Touchco, a touch-screen company that will work with Amazon staff to incorporate it into the Kindle.
Although if you go to the official Touchco website, it says the company is no longer doing business.
Could Amazon have something in the works to compete with the iPad?
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AT&T Approves 3G Version of SlingPlayer for iPhone
Posted by: jmet, 11:39, February 5, 2010 |
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Viewed: 166 Times |
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AT&T announced today that it will allow Sling Media’s iPhone app to run on its 3G network (after some testing and revising) delivering live, streaming TV, as well as DVR-recorded content and movies downloaded at home, using an iPhone without a Wi-Fi connection.
“Just as we’ve worked with Sling Media in this instance, we look forward to collaborating with other developers so that mobile customers can access a wider, more bandwidth-sensitive, and powerful range of applications in the future,”
SlingPlayer Mobile is one of the most expensive apps on iTunes at $30 but, you still have to have Sling hardware at home that costs hundreds of dollars. So is it really worth it?
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Australian Judge Rules Against MPAA
Posted by: jmet, 11:27, February 5, 2010 |
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Viewed: 195 Times |
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About thirty four movie studios filed a lawsuit against iiNet after the ISP refused to send warning letters to its customers, who illegally downloaded movies using BitTorrent.
“While I find that iiNet had knowledge of infringements occurring, and did not act to stop them, such findings do not necessitate a finding of authorisation"
The lawsuit against the ISP, iiNet, over the copyright infringements of its users ended with the judge siding with the ISP, saying they are not accountable for what the user does with their internet access.
The fact that the movie studios lost the lawsuit, should set a good tone for any future similar cases.
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TMPGEnc MovieStyle Updates to Version 1.1.1.50
Posted by: jmet, 05:46, February 5, 2010 |
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Viewed: 1740 Times |
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MovieStyle gives you the freedom to convert your video clips for your portable and HD digital devices without the hassle of complex video tools or multiple applications.
Simply drag and drop your video files to easily convert them for 11 popular digital devices. Included tools and features help you organize, enhance, and transfer your video with just a few clicks!
Features At-A-Glance:
- Easy to use for beginners
- Converts most video file formats
- Support for 11 different portable and HD devices!
- Use the pre-made converting templates or use custom settings!
- Drag 'n Drop converting
- Quick Encode feature allows you to convert your movies without opening the application!
- Audio-only output option
- Karaoke Mode and Key Changer settings
- Creates high-quality DivX® video
- TransManager helps you easily transfer and organize your videos
- Folder Monitoring option
The official change log for version 1.1.1.50 is as follows:
- New ZuneHD output target added.
- New Lyrics display compatible WALKMAN output added.
- New Support for WALKMAN X-Apps registration.
- Registration through the WALKMAN X-Apps is available only for outputted files using the "Audio output" target.
- Fixed Stand-by mode could be triggered by the timer even during the encode process.
- Fixed Part of the text would disappear when using the Quick Encode.
- Fixed The Quick Encode icon would not appear in Windows 7.
- Fixed Other minor fixes.
Download your updated copy of TMPGEnc MovieStyle here.
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K-Lite Codec Pack Updates to Version 5.7.0
Posted by: jmet, 05:45, February 5, 2010 |
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Viewed: 5526 Times |
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The K-Lite Codec Pack is a collection of codecs and related tools. Codec is short for Compressor-Decompressor. Codecs are needed for encoding and decoding (playing) audio and video. The K-Lite Codec Pack is designed as a user-friendly solution for playing all your movie files. With the K-Lite Codec Pack you should be able to play all the popular movie formats and even some rare formats.
The K-Lite Codec Pack has a couple of major advantages compared to other codec packs:
* It it always very up-to-date with the latest versions of the codecs.
* It is very user-friendly and the installation is fully customizable, meaning that you can install only those components that you really want.
* It's easy to make an unattended installation.
* It has been very well tested, so that the package doesn't contain any conflicting codecs. It tries to avoid potential problems with existing codecs and even fixes some problems.
* It is a very complete package, containing everything you need to play your movies.
* There are different packages. From small to extra-large.
There are three versions of the K-Lite Codec Pack: Basic, Standard and Full.
Basic contains only the most essential things. It contains everything you need to be able to play the two most popular and widespread formats, DivX and XviD. It is small enough to fit on a single floppy. Also great for including on your movie cds.
Standard contains everything you need to play all the most commonly used formats. This package should be enough for the average user.
Full contains even more codecs. It also has encoding support for various formats. This package is for power users and people who do their own encodings.
There was also a Mega version of the codec pack with basically everything, including the Real Alternative pack.
The official change log for version 5.7.0 is as follows:
- Updated Media Player Classic Home Cinema to version 1.3.1595.0
- Changed default video renderer in MPC-HC on Vista/7 to "EVR Sync"
- Changed default H.264 decoder from "ffdshow (libavcodec)" to "DivX H.264"
- This gives better decoding performance, certainly on computers with multiple CPU cores
- Updated Gabest MP4 splitter to version 1.3.1572.0
- Updated AC3ACM to version 1.5
- Updated Codec Tweak Tool to version 4.2.0
- Updated Win7DSFilterTweaker to version 2.8
- Minor changes
K-Lite Codec Pack
K-Lite Mega Codec Pack
K-Lite Codec Pack 64-Bit
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DVDRemaster Updates to Version 6.1.1
Posted by: jmet, 05:45, February 5, 2010 |
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Viewed: 2406 Times |
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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 6.1.1 is as follows:
- Fixed an issue causing the application to appear after each task is completed
- Fixed an issue preventing the progress window to be shown after aborting an operation
- Fixed somes issues with certain DVDs that were incorectly reported as corrupted
- Improvements to the user interface
Downloads
DVDRemaster Standard
DVDRemaster Pro
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Get the Perfect TV for Sports
Posted by: jmet, 14:54, February 3, 2010 |
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Viewed: 241 Times |
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Different TVs handle screen motion different ways. Some better than others, so here you will see which TVs are prime candidates for watching the Super Bowl or the Olympics.
All of the TVs listed below can handle all the fast action you throw at it to make your viewing experience almost as good as actually being there.
1. Samsung LN40B650
- 40-inch LCD HDTV with full HD 1080p resolution for the sharpest picture possible and red Touch of Color design
- Auto Motion Plus 120Hz for amazingly fluid motion, 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 4ms response time, Wide Color Enhancer 3 for more vivid colors
- Internet@TV online content service from Yahoo!, Flickr, YouTube via your broadband connection; side-mounted USB port for displaying JPEG/MPEG files and listening to MP3 audio
- Inputs: 4 HDMI-CEC, 2 component, 2 composite, 1 PC, 2 USB, 1 Ethernet, 1 optical digital audio output
- Includes removable stand; measures 39.2 x 27.8 x 10 inches with stand; 15-watt x 2 bottom mounted speakers with subwoofer
2. Sony Bravia KDL-40W5100
- Motionflow 120Hz technology reduces judder and sharpens fast-moving images for a crisp, more natural picture
- The built-in BRAVIA Internet Video feature allows you to access select on-demand entertainment available through your broadband connection
- Select and personalize your entertainment experience with widgets on your BRAVIA HDTV
3. Vizio VT470M
- 120Hz Smooth Motion technology gives you smooth, blur-free picture with less judder
- SRS TruSurroundHD brings you an immersive surround sound experience
- SRS TruVolume balances audio levels to eliminate volume inconsistencies
- Multimedia USB Ports enables you to view personal media including music and photos
- JAVA finish. 4 HDMI inputs
4. Samsung LN46B750
- 46-inch high definition TV with 1080p resolution
- Four HDMI, two component, one PC, and two composite video inputs; two 10W bottom speakers and SRS TruSurround HD for a rich surround-sound experience from two speakers
- Samsung technology like Auto Motion Plus 240Hz, 2ms response time, 150,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and Wide Color Enhancer 3 for a stunning high contrast picture
- Medi@2.0 lets you enjoy Internet@TV for content via Yahoo! and more; sync home electronics with DLNA; enjoy pre-loaded Flash content like recipes; use USB 2.0 for connecting thumb drives or cameras
- One-year parts and labor warranty
5. Vizio VT420M
- 120Hz Smooth Motion technology gives you smooth, blur-free picture with less judder
- SRS TruSurroundHD brings you an immersive surround sound experience
- SRS TruVolume balances audio levels to eliminate volume inconsistencies
- Multimedia USB Ports enables you to view personal media including music and photos
- JAVA finish. 4 HDMI inputs
6. LG Electronics 42LH55
- 240Hz TruMotion Technolgy virtually eliminates motion blur for fast motion clarity
- Intelligent Sensor automatically optimizes the picture to the lighting conditions of the room for an enjoyable viewing experience
- Full HD 1080p resolution fro enhanced picture quality
- 80,000:1 Dynamic contrast ratio for deeper blacks and greater picture detail
- Picture Wizard enables self-calibration for picture adjsustments
7. Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR9
- 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920x1080)
- BRAVIA Engine 3 fully digital video processor
- Motionflow 240Hz
- Live Color Creation technology w/ WCG-CCFL backlight
- USB to view photo/music/video
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Toshiba Calling it Quits
Posted by: jmet, 11:59, February 3, 2010 |
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Viewed: 210 Times |
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Toshiba contemplating on leaving the LCD production business due to low demand, price decline, and shrinking demand.
The company lost a little over 200 million during the months of April though December last year. What I didn't know was those are about the same figures from 2007 and 2008.
Perhaps buying out Panasonic wasn't the smartest move after all?
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JVC Debuts New HD Camcorder
Posted by: jmet, 11:45, February 3, 2010 |
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Viewed: 171 Times |
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JVC has just released the GZ-HM340, which comes with 16GB of internal Flash memory, a 20x optical Konica Minolta zoom lens, and 1.37 megapixel CMOS sensor.
Of course it will also have image stabilization feature, one-touch upload to YouTube, face detection and an SD / SDHC expansion slot.
The GZ-HM340 should retail for just under $500 and will hopefully be out to purchase by the end of the month.
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Reality TV on the PS3
Posted by: jmet, 12:05, February 2, 2010 |
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Viewed: 224 Times |
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Sony Computer Entertainment is trying something new by offering a new reality TV series called The Test, on the PlaySation Network as a free downloadable series.
Each Thursday starting February 18 a new episode will be available for free download on the PlayStation Network.
Check out the trailer and more information on the panelists and judges at TheTester.com.
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250GB Hard Drive Coming to XBOX
Posted by: jmet, 11:58, February 2, 2010 |
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Viewed: 188 Times |
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Microsoft has now released a standalone 250GB Xbox 360 hard drive accessory in Japan but may coming to the US eventually.
"We work closely with retailers to determine the best approach for our products on a region-by-region basis."
If you really don't want to wait, don't forget that XBOX 360 hard drives are region free so you could purchase one over seas for about $173 and have it shipped over here.
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Lost Season Premiere Leaked
Posted by: jmet, 11:50, February 2, 2010 |
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Viewed: 201 Times |
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ABC hosted a sneak preview of the LOST season premiere in Hawaii and someone out of the 12,000 people that attended recorded it and uploaded it to YouTube.
It wasn't up there long before ABC had Google remove it. The actual premiere is about twenty eight hours away, so you don't have that long to watch the real thing.
There is an official sneak peek video on YouTube here.
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Panasonic Gives 3D Its Own Space
Posted by: jmet, 11:44, February 2, 2010 |
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Viewed: 184 Times |
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Panasonic will be first company with a full Blu-ray 3D Advanced Authoring Center that has opened at Panasonic's R&D facility where studios and filmmakers will have the ability to author and encode interactive content for Blu-ray 3D from start to finish.
The first Blu-ray 3D hardware is not expected to arrive in stores until this summer but, thanks to this facility Blu-ray 3D discs will be available as early as this spring.
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February 2010 News Archive