TVs to be Internet Ready

The same type of widgets that allow Internet content to be viewed on a PC desktop without a browser are being integrated into the next generation of TVs.

Internet-ready TV - Los Angeles Times

Seemingly every major set manufacturer unveiled models that can offer video from the Internet, while the brands already selling Internet-ready sets announced support for a wider range of sites. For example, Sony, Samsung, LG and Vizio all said they would produce TVs this year that can display Yahoo's TV Widgets, a bit of software that any website can use to deliver content from the Net. TV Widgets, , eBay, Twitter and YouTube In short, "cable ready" has given way to "Internet ready."

USB Memory challenges CD

Aussie based D:Net has launched a pilot of its 'DDA' format. This is a combination of USB memory with CD ROM features, such as additional content and web interactivity - all wrapped up in a tactile package. Nice packaging, but shame about the MP3-only format (why not at least FLAC as well?). Enhanced CDs have given the same functionality for years, but have never really caught on because the added value is not perceived (therefore leaving the record producer with just added costs).



DDA music format combines the physical and digital - MP3 Players

Australian company D:Net Media launched the format on December 1 with a focus on the extra content found on each DDA stick. Such features include promotional videos, song remixes, interviews, press releases, biographies, photos and lyrics. There are also online features such as artist forums, live news updates and a Facebook application. New artist content is automatically downloaded each time the USB stick is plugged in.

Check out our low cost CDZine alternative to D:Net here

Procopy November News 2008

To see the Procopy NEWs and specials for November 2008 follow this link.

PROCOPY NEWS NOVEMBER 2008 

You'll find a variety of information on Christmas gift ideas and a link to some fantastic free audio software courstesy of NCH.

Branded USBs become THE corporate gift of 2008

Marketing Directors seem to have found the ultimate way to keep their brand front of mind with custom USB thumb drives. They are banking on their clients using the giveaways long after the holiday and into 2009. While 80% are choosing blank drives, an increasing number are preloading data, including video, audio, powerpoint files and even PDF brochures. The cost of Flash memory continues to fall at a rate greater than the sharemarket. Quality issues are emerging, with some cheap drives likely to damage the reputation of the corporate giver. Would you like to explain to a client how his precious files got corrupted?

Game consoles the next challenge for traditional media

For several years, consumer electronics and computer companies alike have fantasised about creating the ultimate entertainment hub, a single set top box that could manage all your music, movies, video games, andeven tap into the Internet. With a major software upgrade this week, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 may come close to realizing the fantasy.

Reviews: Will New Xbox Experience Kill Apple TV?, by John R. Quain - Electronic House Product News