Aug 27

Sony getting out of PC optical drive business due to ‘fierce competition’

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Sony getting out of PC optical drive business thanks to 'fierce competition'

It’s being reported that Sony is closing Optiarc Inc., its company subsidiary that manufactures optical disc drives for PCs. Officials are quoted as saying that “fierce competition” forced prices down, causing the business to operate at a loss despite controlling roughly 15 percent of the market. Operations will be wound up by March of next year, with around 400 employees being offered early retirement and others being moved to other parts of the business. Don’t worry about the future of your Blu-Ray and DVD player just yet though — the company will continue to manufacture both as part of its Device Solutions Division.

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Sony getting out of PC optical drive business due to ‘fierce competition’ originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 05:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 24

LG Challenges the Global Audio Visual Market with a Wide Range of Smart TV Technologies, Enhanced 3D, and Innovative Designs

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LG is set to show off a variety of audio and video products at this year’s IFA tradeshow in Berlin. Following the strategy that gave LG leadership in the 3D TV market, LG is aiming to lead the global audio visual market with its strength not only in 3D and Smart TVs, but also in enhanced smart de-vice compatibility and innovative design.
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The BH9520TW is a 3D home theater system with four towering 9.1 3D speakers pumping out an immersive and …

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Aug 23

Gigabyte P2542G gaming laptop hands-on (video)

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Gigabyte P2542G gaming laptop handson

While we managed to get our hands on Gigabyte’s latest graphics card-toting Ultrabook back at CeBIT, we’ve just finished handling the P2542G (its high-end gaming sibling) at the laptop and motherboard maker’s UK launch event. Packing a 15.6-inch 1,920 x 1,080 display, it runs on an Ivy Bridge Core i7-3610QM, with a 2GB NVIDIA GTX 660M card to power PC gaming’s latest and greatest. Add in a Blu-ray player and THX-certified dual-woofer sound system and you have the makings of pretty capable beast — not to mention looking the part with a yellow paint job and dual exhaust vents along the back edge. Read up on our impressions and check out our video hands-on after the break.

Gallery: Gigabyte P2542G gaming laptop hands-on

Continue reading Gigabyte P2542G gaming laptop hands-on (video)

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Gigabyte P2542G gaming laptop hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 22

Sainsbury’s pairs up with Rovi for video service, stays ahead of the techie curve

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SSB

Beloved UK supermarket Sainsbury’s is making a big push into digital media, after snapping up e-book retailer Anobii and music company Global Media Vault, it’s now partnering with Rovi for a digital video service. Launching later in the year, it’ll offer video-on-demand and downloadable copies of “major” film and TV titles, available the same time the discs are available in store. It’ll initially be limited to computers, before rolling out to Smart TVs, connected Blu-Ray players, smartphones and consoles. The only question we have is if we’ll be able to collect Nectar Points on our purchases — if so, we’re sold.

Continue reading Sainsbury’s pairs up with Rovi for video service, stays ahead of the techie curve

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Sainsbury’s pairs up with Rovi for video service, stays ahead of the techie curve originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 19:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 20

Warner quietly extends the expiration dates of digital copies, discs remain ornamental

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Warner quietly extends the expiration dates of digital copies, discs remain ornamentalMissed out on claiming digital copies of video included with your discs because the expiration dates have passed? Well, Warner Bros. wants to make such frustrations a mere memory, as Tech of the Hub has found it’s silently updated the use-by dates of a significant portion of its catalogue. By browsing the WB digital copy support page, it’s evident most titles are now available until May 17th 2017, although we did find several exceptions. Some may discover that despite the extension their original codes won’t work, but Gabe at Tech of the Hub was swiftly provided with fresh and functional ones when he notified WB, so we assume you’ll get the same treatment. With streaming support now available for many of these digital copies through iCloud and expiration dates a thing of the far future, there’s never been a better time to pack those shelves with limited editions and classic re-releases.

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Warner quietly extends the expiration dates of digital copies, discs remain ornamental originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 14:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 14

Avatar Blu-ray 3D Collectors Edition finally comes to retail in October (video)

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Avatar Bluray 3D Collectors Edition finally comes to retail in October

Despite being one of the most widely viewed 3D movies, and the highest grossing film of all time, viewers still have not been able to buy Avatar on Blu-ray 3D by itself (without paying high prices to resellers) due to an exclusive pack-in deal with Panasonic, but that will change this fall. Fox just announced the Avatar Blu-ray 3D Collector’s Edition will debut globally October 15th, and release in North America October 16th. There’s no word on any extra special features, as producer Jon Landau indicates in the press release (included after the break) it will contain the theatrical cut of the flick inside special packaging. Originally, the delay in releasing the movie widely on disc in 3D was blamed on a lack of 3DTVs in homes. We’ll see if the prospect of watching the $2.7 billion juggernaut “the way it was meant to be seen” according to director James Cameron, nudges more buyers towards a new display this fall. Check below for a video clip of Cameron sharing the news to the movie’s fans on Facebook, plus an extra treat that didn’t make it into the movie.

Continue reading Avatar Blu-ray 3D Collectors Edition finally comes to retail in October (video)

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Avatar Blu-ray 3D Collectors Edition finally comes to retail in October (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 12

Pioneer BDP-450 3D Blu-Ray Disc Player

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Pioneer BDP-450 3D Blu-Ray Disc Player

Pioneer Europe has announced the availability of the BDP-450 3D Blu-ray player. It is equipped with two HDMI outputs, allowing you to connect two 3D TVs, video projectors, or HDTVs simultaneously. The Pioneer BDP-450 is also DLNA certified, offering access to video and music content shared from a compatible PC or network server via your home network. What’s more, it is equipped with DLNA DMR2 (Digital Media Renderer) capability, enabling content to be pushed directly from a portable source, such as a compatible smartphone. The Pioneer BDP-450 Blu-ray disc player will be released in October 2012. [Akihabara]

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Aug 09

New BDP-450 features Qdeo video processing, dual HDMI outputs and high-grade audio parts

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Pioneer Europe announces the release of the BDP-450, a new top-quality Blu-ray 3D player bringing advanced technologies and a range of features AV enthusiasts will appreciate, including dual HDMI outputs to simplify connections with an AV receiver or multiple displays, Qdeo video processing for exceptional visual performance, DLNA networking, wireless capability1 and the ability to play back Super Audio CDs, DVD-Audio discs and various audio and video files.
The Pioneer BDP-450 delivers …

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Aug 06

Redbox, Sony extend distribution deal, keep the movies flowing with no delays

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Redbox, Sony extend distribution deal, keep the movies flowing with no delays

While Redbox’s parent company Coinstar rejoiced over earnings results that showed revenue growth that was partially due to last year’s price hike, the kiosk movie renter had more good news after extending its DVD licensing deal with Sony Pictures. This means Redbox can rent Sony movies the same day they go on sale in stores and has the option to license Blu-ray movies as well through September 2014, when Sony will have the option of two one-year extensions. We’ll still have to wait and see if it can work out an arrangement with Warner and Disney, and what its streaming service has to offer, but more new movies right away is always good.

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Redbox, Sony extend distribution deal, keep the movies flowing with no delays originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 04

Ask Engadget: best external Blu-Ray drive?

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Ask Engadget best external BluRay drive

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget inquiry is from Dominic, who’s moving into the world of drive-less laptops but can’t let go of his Blu-Ray discs. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“Hi guys, I’m about to purchase a laptop without a disc drive and I’d like to get a portable Blu-Ray drive to go with it. Do any of you know of any USB bus-powered units that are small(ish) and cool-looking? Thanks!”

Well, if you’re looking for a truly stylish piece of hardware, then we suggest taking a look at ASUS’ art-deco inspired offerings, but beyond that? Let’s turn it over to you, the friendly Engadget community — come share your knowledge.

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Ask Engadget: best external Blu-Ray drive? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 23:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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