The next generation of DVD technology is shaping up to be a Beta vs VHS type of battle. eCoustics has an article that covers the current battle as well as some of the technology involved.

Using dual-layer techniques, HD-DVD can store as much as 30 gigabytes of data while a Blu-Ray disc can pack in a whopping 50 gigabytes. In the lab, techies already are working on several-layered discs that could allow more than 100 gigabytes of storage on one disc. That’s enough for several HDTV movies, special features and compelling interactive content. Or a content provider could put more than 100 hours of standard-definition quality programming on one DVD. All 180 episodes of Seinfeld on one disc, anyone?

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Don’t be jolted awake by an alarm or radio. Let dawn-like light wake you gently. Forget a noisy buzzer or early morning DJ – this alarm clock/lamp wakes you naturally with light that mimics sunrise by going from dim to bright. The light’s 72 bright-white LEDs wash over you to chase away winter blues (effective against Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)). When used for reading, they’re easier on your eyes than regular fluorescent or incandescent lights.

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By Typh Tucker, Associated Press Writer
Man Astounds Crowd in Oregon With His Soundless Sound Invention

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Elwood “Woody” Norris pointed a metal frequency emitter at one of perhaps 30 people who had come to see his invention. The emitter — an aluminum square — was hooked up by a wire to a CD player. Norris switched on the CD player.

“There’s no speaker, but when I point this pad at you, you will hear the waterfall,” said the 63-year-old Californian.

And one by one, each person in the audience did, and smiled widely.

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The incredibly accurate radio-controlled watch is specially designed for those who require the features of a digital watch but prefer the aesthetic elegance of an analog timepiece. Updated daily by a signal from the U.S. Atomic Clock in Boulder, Colorado — the definitive source for time, accurate to within one second every 20 million years — the watch is highly dependable, even adjusting itself automatically for Daylight Saving Time. When traveling between time zones, simply press a button and the watch will automatically update its display to show the new local time. A World Time function allows the wearer to scan through presets showing the current time in 30 of the world’s major cities.

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Khalsa run
By Charlie Demerjian: Monday 18 April 2005, 09:21

IN LONDON LAST WEEK, I ran across the Gizmondo store, and stuck my head in. Gizmondo is a handheld game system akin to the Nintendo DS and the PSP, but with a lot more advanced connectivity features, mostly it is an SMS device.

Seeing the store I stuck my head in to see what, if anything, was new, and found one interesting device, the video recorder.

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It’s hard to believe this miniature powerhouse can pack so many amazing features in such a tiny configuration. But Ultra’s 256MB MP3 player offers 8 dynamic functions in one—Of course, it’s a hot little MP3 player—plus: ID3 tags, Voice recording, FM radio tuner, USB pocketdrive, Language learning function, E-mail function (yes, you can read and receive email anywhere!). Non-stop entertainment wherever you go! Plus, this phenomenal Ultra player reads SD and MMC cards! Indeed, the Ultra 256MB MP3 player takes versatility to a whole new level. Features a large, easy-to-read LCD display that informs you of song title, artist name, lyrics and more. And the Ultra 256MB MP3 player is expandable – use either MMC or SD.

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Media people love their gadgets, whether it’s mobile phones, Blackberries or those natty little earpieces. But is it vital to have the latest technology?

Gavin Parr was, until recently, senior advertising manager at men’s gadget weekly, Stuff. He is now senior ad manager for Print Week and Print Buyer.

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The Geeks favorite CD/DVD case manufacturer, Slappa, has created a CD/DVD case that can hold up to 600 media!

Total Impact Industrial Ltd, a leading manufacturer of storage units for digital products today announced the launch of its new SLAPPA® 600 Pro™ HardBody Case.

The new 600 Pro HardBody case broadens the SLAPPA CD storage line by introducing the largest capacity CD storage case of its kind to date. The 600 Pro’s ultra-portable design, featuring sturdy roller wheels and a 5-stage telescope handle handle, will make it a highly sought after case among serious collectors and the mobile DJ crowd. The 600 Pro HardBody shares the superior qualities of the other products in the SLAPPA HardBody line, including:
o Patented d2 pockets, a double pocket system, with a soft rear pocket for disc storage, store 300 discs and 300 covers or 600 discs.
o Molded Duro-Shock case that is crafted from molded xEVA, a durable yet flexible body that is impact, heat and water resistant material.
o Ultra long life urethane wheels
o 5-stage telescopic handle for EZ carting
o Heavy duty handle
o 2 industrial strength zipper pulls per case
o Meets airline carry-on luggage size requirements

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Well we obviously didn’t have enough of the amazing Master’s tournament. In fact, we’re a bit delirious and started thinking we could be just like Tiger. ok, probably not, but this little gadget could help us move a few steps in the right direction. The Executive Caddie is a golf score acquisition and analysis software program that allows you to understand your golf game in finite detail. The system will highlight your strengths and identify your weaknesses. The valuable information will help you improve in two distinct ways: 1. Lower scores through better decision making and 2. Lower scores through quality practice.

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Holographic media will get an airing next week in Las Vegas, as InPhase Technologies promises a demonstration of its first prototype system.

In addition, InPhase firmed up its product plans, too — the first InPhase drives will ship to commercial customers in 2006, at a larger 300-Gbyte capacity point.

Holographic storage has been in development for years, although InPhase announced its product, the Tapestry HSD5000 media, this past January. At the time, the company said a 200-GB drive, the HDS-200R, would ship this year with a 20-Mbyte transfer rate. For now, the technology is write-once, or WORM.

Based upon a statement released this week, however, InPhase has increased the capacity to 300 Gbytes. Access times are less than 200 milliseconds. The drives will be shipped to customers in 2006, the company said.

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