HP launches 8x write speed DVD burners and new Media Center PCs

HP has launched an armada of new kit in the UK including 8x write speed DVD burners and more Media Center PCs. The DVD drives start at ?129 for the internal IDE drive, ?179 for the external and ?219 for the new Movie Writer dc4000 which includes all the ports, wires and software you need to back up your VHS tapes too. The m400 series of Media Center desktops cost either ?1,199 or ?1,299 depending on specification although both are based on Hyper Threading P4s and offer large disks for storing media files. ...more

Toshiba handheld unveiled

Toshiba has taken the wraps off its Pocket PC e570 handheld. Already available in Japan as the Genio, the PDA is targeted at the corporate market, resplendent in its PocketPC 2002 livery and the high price that entails. With no official price point fixed, a Toshiba spokesperson reckoned it would sell for around ?375 ex VAT. ...more

Suck it and see broadband is UK's cheapest

Fast4 claims it is launching the UK's cheapest broadband service, and with a one-month minimum contract. At ?18.79 a month, Fast4 undercuts FairADSL, previously the UK's cheapest offering, by 20p. ...more

UPDATED: Blu-ray accelerates introduction of new DRM technology

The Blu-ray Disc Association has announced that following breaches of the security of the high-definition format's AACS security technology, it has brought forward the planned release date of the BD-Plus (BD+), a more advanced anti-copying system. BD+ is an entirely different encryption system to AACS. Instead of each movie having the same encryption key, BD+ allows each disc to install a small piece of encryption software on a player, so that each disc has its own key. ...more

Toshiba steers clear of Blu-ray

Bring it to the Forum and we'll talk about it. Toshiba has said it will not participate in next-gen DVD initiative Blu-ray unless it is submitted to the DVD Forum for examination. The company told us, 'As Chair of the DVD Forum, [we] recognise the need to take a neutral stance and to consider the wider interests of the DVD industry and consumers. ...more