labDV newsletter

Contents:

1. Review: Sony DRU710/DRX710. 16x recorder with Dual layer capability
2. Newbies: DVD to DivX easy with DVDx 2.3
3. HP Media Center : a PC for movies, music and TV
4. HD DVD: Toshiba and NEC promise to commercialize HD-DVD during 2005
5. Pocket Media: Archos Gmini400 player
6. labDV roadmap (new web site soon)

October 23th, 2004

1. Review: Sony DRU710/DRX710. 16x recorder with Dual layer capability

Sony's 7th generation DVD recorder technology pushes the speed boundaries further than anyone else. DVD+R discs can now be written at break-neck 16 speed. DVD-R is still running at a slower but still whopping 8x. And Dual layer technology is fully supported. The DRU710/DRX710 can handle the 8.5 GBytes discs without problems.

We reviewed the DRX710 in the field as soon as it hit the stores. Our field reporter is out in the USA and brings you this as a first.

Read the exclusive labDV review (must be registered)...

2. Newbies: DVD to DivX easy with DVDx 2.3

DVDx is known as the most popular all-in-one DVD copy software, to make VCD and S-VCD from DVD movies.

Far ago, Jean-Luc added the AVI support feature to make AVI files and particularly DivX movies. A lot of other solutions such as EasyDivX and recently AutoGK are more popular for DVD to DivX copy but DVDx is maybe better and easier!

Just give a try...

We did, with DVDx 2.3 and DivX 5.2.1 (Windows XP SP2 platform) and we were very pleased and surprised, DVDx provides some features that other software don't:

Preview with subtitles

When AutoGK always crashes trying to show a preview, DVDx provides flawless real time preview. Thus you can tune picture size and subtitles position before starting a one or two hours encoding process and you're sure to get what you want.

DVDx is extremely fast

While a one-pass movie encoding with AutoGK takes about 2 hours (for a 90mn movie), it takes 1 hour with DVDx. This is achieved because DVDx gives you access to the DivX codec parameters while AutoGK builds its own command-line encoding.So with DVDx you benefits from latest DivX codec improvements, with no effort.

Give a try and write your feedback in DVDx forum:

• download DVDx 2.3 (you must be registered),
• get latest DivX codec,
• write a feed back to the DVDx users.

And you can do much more with DVDx, learn how to with the official DVDx guide (you must be registered)...

3. HP Media Center : a PC for movies, music and TV

HP is probably the PC manufacturer the most advanced in promoting user experience and the HP Media Center is an affordable ($2,000) and powerful PC for video enthusiasts.

The affordable HP Media Center PC does everything you'd expect from a computer, plus it allows you to record and pause live TV, watch DVDs, listen to your music, create and watch photo slideshows, and edit your home movies. And you can control the whole thing with an easy-to-use remote control.

• record and pause live TV
• enjoy DVDs your way
• go Hollywood with your own movies
• play that funky music
• make photo slideshows
• it's a pc, too!

The HP Media Center PC still does everything you'd expect from an HP computer. You can surf the Internet, check your e-mail, create Microsoft Office documents, and print your holiday cards with an HP Photosmart printer.

Learn more at HP Media Center PC web site...

4. HD DVD: Toshiba and NEC promise to commercialize HD-DVD during 2005

At the 27th Steering Committee Meeting (September 22, 2004), new DVD standards have been published by the DVD Forum and the HD DVD and HD DVD-ROM logo have been approved as well:

• DVD-R Dual Layer (release 2.9)
• DVD-R 16x (revision 6.0)
• DVD-R 12x (revision 5.0)
• DVD-RW 6x (revision 3.0)
• HD DVD-R
• HD DVD-RW

In addition to requiring the VC-9 codec (VC-9 technology used in Microsoft's Windows Media Video 9. ) when products are made to the HD-DVD video specification for playback devices, the DVD Forum steering committee also mandated the inclusion of MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC (H.264).

Memory-Tech Corporation, NEC Corporation, SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. and Toshiba Corporation, proponents of HD DVD, the next-generation high-definition optical disc format, today announced that they will together form the HD DVD Promotion Group, a voluntary association, to promote development of HD DVD hardware and content, assure early product launches, and promote the widespread commercial dissemination of HD DVD hardware and software products in the marketplace.

The definition and standardization of key HD DVD formats have already made significant progress at the DVD Forum, the international association that brings together over 220 consumer electronics, entertainment, software and other related companies around the world, and that determines DVD disc specifications. Version 1.0 physical specifications for the read-only HD DVD ROM and for the HD DVD Rewritable formats are already completed, and the write-once HD DVD-Recordable (R) format has been authorized as version 0.9.

As founding members of the HD DVD Promotion Group, the above four companies will establish a preparatory organization, and expect to establish the official organization in spring 2005.

While Toshiba and NEC have promised to commercialize HD-DVD during 2005, Sanyo Electric unveiled a prototype player supporting the next-generation optical disc format HD-DVD at the Ceatec 2004.

5. Pocket Media: Archos Gmini400 player

The Gmini400 features the most advanced operating system available today for portable audio/video players. It has never been easier to navigate and organize music, video, photo, and data files. Synchronize music files directly on the device thanks to the ARCHOS ARCLibrary. Enjoy thumbnail views for photos and videos.

Video

Store and playback videos and movies and view them on the high-resolution 2.2" color LCD screen or directly on a TV. Play MPEG-4 videos with CD quality stereo sound.

Audio

Listen to and record up to 300* hours of music - that's 5,000* songs! Play MP3, WMA, and WAV music files compatible with major on-line music stores. Organize songs with the ARCHOS ARCLibrary and view by artist, genre, title and year (ID3 compatible). Record from any standard audio source with high-quality stereo sound. Make playlists directly on the device…no computer needed! Be the DJ at your next party by connecting the Gmini400 to a stereo to play all your favorite tunes. Use the Microphone for voice recordings.

Games

Play popular games directly on the Gmini400. A free version of Iceblox is included in the device along with selected demos. Purchase additional games right here on our Web site.

Photo

Want to show off photos from last night's party? Easily transfer photos from memory cards from any digital camera to the Gmini400 using the built-in CompactFlash™ reader. Download photos directly from a PC or Macintosh computer through the USB 2.0 interface. Now enjoy viewing your JPEG photos on the high-resolution color LCD or directly on a TV.

Pocket Data

The Gmini400 is seen as an additional drive on your computer (PC or Macintosh). Transfer music, videos, photos and data files using the USB 2.0 interface, which is also USB 1.1 compatible. Organize files while on the go thanks to the Double Browser.

Here's a the Gmini 400 Tech Specs:

6. labDV roadmap (new web site soon)

Kimo, one of the most dedicated labDV team contributor, has nearly finished to update the labDV software database. She updated every software detailed information and uploaded latest releases. And she finally added a lot if new software. Every free software will be available for download as well as every commercial demos available.

In the mean time I've started the latest phase, the migration. It's going to be a tough work to ensure a flawless transition, I expect no sever downtime.

Expecting this newsletter to be the latest before the new web site, I'll keep you posted on labDV roadmap and plans soon,

Jim, Founder of labDV.com