HP Press Release

PALO ALTO, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 12, 2005—HP (NYSE:HPQ) (Nasdaq:HPQ) today announced two additions to its Apple iPod from HP line of digital music players. The new iPod products allow consumers to carry and enjoy an extensive music and photo library wherever they go.

The Apple iPod from HP is available in two sizes—30 gigabytes (GB),(1) which holds up to 7,500 songs,(2) and 60 GB, which holds up to 15,000 songs.(2) In addition to a music library, the new players can each store up to 25,000 digital photos and can display them on a vivid, high-resolution color display.

Consumers can use an optional audio-visual cable accessory to share slideshows on big screen televisions and projectors.

“HP offers consumers simple, fun ways to enjoy and personalize their music and photo experiences,” said Siobhan O’Connor, vice president, Consumer Brand and Marketing, HP. “Along with products such as our new Media Center PCs, now available with an integrated iPod dock and pre-installed Apple iTunes software, these new iPods round out a complete music solution from HP.”

DigiMagic DM-220 DVD Burner is announced. The DigiMagic DM-220 DVD Burner is a portable storage device that enables you to copy your photos from a memory card onto a DVD or CD. All memory card formats are supported by the DigiMagic DVD Burner. The RRP for the DigiMagic DVD Burner is £350 incl VAT.

Cardmedia (Europe) Ltd Press Release

Cardmedia (Europe) Ltd, the official UK distributor and European agent for the manufacturer ezPnP, has announced the arrival of the DigiMagic DM220 DVD Burner.

The DigiMagic enables you to produce copies of your digital photos directly from you memory card onto a CD or DVD disc. The DigiMagic supports all types of discs: CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD-R / DVD+R / DVD-R.

It is the perfect companion for digital photographers both amateur and professional.

The control buttons alongside a small LCD panel operation and the stand-alone solution make using DigiMagic a snap. Other advantageous features of DigiMagic are that it is lightweight and portable. Requiring only 4 AA rechargeable batteries, DigiMagic goes where you go and eliminates the need for buying additional (and costly) memory cards.

I/OMagic GigaBank 6.0 is announced. The GigaBank 6.0 is a 6GB portable storage device is less than 2.5 inches square and weighs less than 2 ounces. The GigaBank 6.0 is powered through a USB 2.0 port and requires no battery or power adapter. The I/OMagic GigaBank 6.0 ships in May 2005 with a suggested retail price of $199.

I/OMagic Press Release

I/OMagic Set to Ship New GigaBank 6.0; The Company Expands its Portable Storage Device Line-up with New, Mini 6GB Unit
 
IRVINE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 7, 2005—I/OMagic Corporation (OTCBB:IOMG), a provider of data storage and digital entertainment products, today announced that it will soon ship the latest in its Portable Storage Device line-up, the GigaBank(TM) 6.0. The GigaBank(TM) 6.0 has up to 6 GB(a) of storage capacity in a mini (2"x0.5"x2.5”) and lightweight (less than two ounces) unit designed to store or back-up files, store MP3s or transfer files from one computer to another.

“The GigaBank(TM) 6.0 is perfect for anyone on the go,” said Tony Andrews, Vice President of Engineering and Product Development for I/OMagic Corporation. “It is pocket size so you can take important files with you anywhere. You’ll never have to be without the information you need with the GigaBank(TM) 6.0.”

FiringSquad have just published a very detailed guide to budget LCD monitors and monitor technology in general.

“If you choose the right monitor, you’ll get years of quality service.  In this comparison of 8 budget LCD monitors, FiringSquad’s pulled together its best team to help make the most sense of pixel refresh times and colorimetry.  You’ll learn about the myth of pixel refresh and why color accuracy is such an important element of a LCD monitor.”

Website: FiringSquad - Budget LCD Roundup April 2005

Hitachi Press Release

Hitachi lays groundwork for 20-GB Microdrive with century-old technology

Company Demonstrates 230 Gigabit Per Square Inch Data Density on Perpendicular Recording; Industry Luminaries Make History as Part of Worldwide Field Test Program

TOKYO – April 4, 2005 – Hitachi Global Storage Technologies is today announcing new advancements to a 100-year-old magnetic recording technology that will set the stage for ultra-high capacities such as a 20-gigabyte* Microdrive or a one terabyte 3.5-inch hard drive.

To achieve this, Hitachi has demonstrated the industry’s highest data density at 230 gigabits per square inch (Gb/in2) on perpendicular recording. Hitachi believes 230 Gb/in2, which represents a doubling of today’s highest longitudinal recording densities, will be implemented in commercial hard drive products in 2007. When fully realized over the next 5-7 years, perpendicular recording could enable a 10-fold increase in data densities over longitudinal recording, paving the way for new heights in capacity such as a 60 GB one-inch drive.

Staccato and Fujitsu Jointly Develop Industry’s First Wireless USB-Enabled Digital Still Camera Development Platform

First public showing of Staccato’s Ripcord™ UWB Development Kit and joint demonstration with the Fujitsu digital still camera development platform

Tokyo, April 5, 2005 — Staccato Communications, Inc. and Fujitsu Limited today announced their joint development of a wireless universal serial bus (USB) demonstration system comprised of Staccato’s new Ripcord™ UWB Development Kit (SC3100D) and the Fujitsu digital still camera (DSC) development platform. This system will be the first demonstration to show wireless USB connectivity to DSCs, one of the most popular applications of wireless USB.

Staccato and Fujitsu will jointly demonstrate this system in the Wireless USB Community at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) spring events to be held in Tokyo (April 7-8), Taipei (April 11-12) and Beijing (April 14-15). These developments are the first major marketing activities between Staccato and Fujitsu to promote the wireless USB and ultrawideband (UWB) markets.

LaCie 2TB Bigger Disk Extreme is announced. The new version of the Bigger Disk Extreme has 2 terabytes capacity and uses the FireWire 800/400 interface. The LaCie 2TB Bigger Disk Extreme has a built-in RAID 0 configuration that allows for instant high-speed data transfers of up to 85MB/s. The 2TB Bigger Disk Extreme will cost $2299 MSRP in the US.

LaCie Press Release

LaCie’s Bigger Gets Bigger: 2TB Bigger Disk Extreme

  * Professional choice for video/audio editing and imaging
  * Largest storage with up to 2TB capacity
  * Fastest throughput for optimal editing via FireWire 800
  * No setup required with built-in RAID 0 array

LaCie’s popular Bigger Disk Extreme with FireWire 800/400 gets a boost in capacity to 2TB. This compact and sturdy drive is designed to support multi-stream audio/video editing in a variety of formats with burst transfer rates reaching up to 85MB/s and unrivaled 2TB capacity.

Apacer Share Steno CD311 is introduced. The Apacer Share Steno CD311 is a portable storage device. Digital cameras and other USB devices can be connected to the CD311’s USB 2 interface. The Share Steno CD311 has password and hidden-file protection. The 40GB Share Steno CD311 allows you to store more than 40,000 3 megapixel photos.

ODS Distribution Press Release

ODS Distribution introduces the stand-alone Apacer Portable Photomate, the OTG USB Share Steno CD311, which is designed to copy image files from a digital camera without the need for a PC. At just 220 grams, the Share Steno CD311 is lightweight and easy to carry, even outdoors. The device has been nominated for the 2005 “National Gold Awards of Excellence”, for products made in Taiwan. The Share Steno CD311 allows users to access every precious moment captured with a digital camera anywhere, anytime. The Share Steno CD311 is a perfect solution for any digital storage requirement and aims to let everyone enjoy digital life to the full.

Find out about the latest colour management products in the March Colour Confidence Newsletter. Spyder2Plus from ColorVision (which I will be reviewing soon) and iCorrect EditLab Pro 4.5 are the featured products.

Website: Colour Confidence Newsletter

Canon Europe Press Release

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, March 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, has been awarded two prizes by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) for outstanding digital cameras: the Canon EOS 20D received DIWA’s Platinum Award for the best ‘Digital System Camera’ of 2004, and the Digital IXUS 40 won a gold medal in the Amateur Digital Mini Camera category.

Throughout the year, DIWA members rigorously test and review digital imaging products, awarding those with the highest scores gold, silver or bronze medals. Once a year, one of the gold winners from each of three categories is selected by the members as the best of the best – honoured by a DIWA Platinum Award.

“At Canon we are passionate about photography, so we are delighted to receive these two prestigious DIWA awards,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The awards reinforce our commitment to Canon customers and cement our dedication to continually setting standards in digital photography technology.”

Epson have released a new firmware update for thier P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer, which I enthusiastically reviewed earlier this week.

The firmware provides the following enhancements:

1) Supports JPEG images from digital SLR cameras with an image-capture sensor of up to 17.8 megapixels.
2) Added Histogram information that shows the photo’s distribution of highlights, shadows, and mid-tones.
3) Additional RAW file support. The P-2000 now supports images in RAW format with the following digital SLR cameras..
EPSON R-D1, Nikon D100, D1H, D2H, D70, D1X, D2X, Canon EOS D30, EOS D60, EOS 10D, Kiss Digital, EOS 1D Mark II, EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS Digital Rebel, EOS 20D, Konica Minolta Maxxum-7D, Pentax *istD and*istDS

Website: Epson America

Konica Minolta USA Press Release

KONICA MINOLTA ANNOUNCES CONSUMER MAIL-IN REBATES

Rebates available for DiMAGE Z2, DiMAGE Z3 and Maxxum 7D digital cameras

Mahwah, NJ (March 28, 2005) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. announces new consumer mail-in rebates for the purchase of a DiMAGE Z2, DiMAGE Z3 or Maxxum 7D digital camera. Available now until June 30, 2005, consumers that purchase a Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2 or DiMAGE Z3 digital camera are eligible for a $50 rebate. In addition, consumers that purchase a DiMAGE Z2 or DiMAGE Z3 together with a qualifying Epson printer are eligible for an additional rebate from Epson (total up to $100 in rebates from Konica Minolta and Epson). There is also a $200 mail-in rebate available for consumers who purchase a new Maxxum 7D digital SLR camera.

“These new consumer rebates put the power of digital photography within everyone’s reach,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “Whether a consumer is making their first digital camera purchase, or they’re upgrading to the top-of-the-line digital SLR, there’s a rebate available to make their purchasing decision much easier.”

Do you want to calibrate your monitor, but are unsure of exactly which product to choose? Digital Outback Photo have published a very useful overview of ten of the major contenders, including the recently-announced Spyder2 Pro (pictured).

“The ColorVision Spyder2 bears little resemblance to the original Spyder. That is a good thing. The tonality and accuracy of shadow colors is excellent. Grayscale accuracy is, overall, exceptional. The exception was on some laptop monitors. The Dell UltraSharp was one example. Here the Spyder2 was good but not outstanding. A strength of ColorVision has always been their feature-laden software. This still holds for the new offering. The Spyder2Pro software is flexible and powerful with most of the features I deem essential. One exception is not calibrating to the native gamma for CRT screens, but a draw your own gamma curve gives even more power.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Hardware Monitor Calibration systems: which ones to buy and use?

DPNow have published a comprehensive review of the Sandisk Photo Album, a device that allows you to easily view digital photos on a TV.

“SanDisk’s designers have come up with an ingenious solution to this problem and it also makes your photos more accessible. TV screens are relatively low resolution devices, so it’s possible to reduce the resolution and increase the data compression of digital photos, making the file sizes smaller and much faster to load, without affecting the displayed quality on-screen. By using a second Compact Flash card slot on the rear of the SanDisk Photo Album, you have the option of archiving slimmed down copies of your photos to a CF card that can be left semi-permanently slotted into the Photo Album. In our experience, images can be reduced to around 60K in size, enabling a modest 128MB card to store over 2,000 TV-ready images.”

Website: DPNow - SanDisk Photo Album Review

Samsung Announces Mass Production of World’s Smallest Multimedia Cards

SEOUL, South Korea—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 24, 2005—Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the leader in advanced semiconductor technology, announced today that it has begun mass-production of the smallest memory card available for mobile phones. The MMCmicro(TM) device can read data at 10MBps (megabytes per second) and write at 7MBps, which is 3.5 times faster than that of competing flash memory cards.

The new thumbnail-sized memory card, designed specifically for mobile phones with advanced multimedia features, is one-third as large (12x14x1.1mm) as the reduced size multimedia card (RS-MMC) available today and can support four NAND Flash memory chips, enabling higher performance.

Alera Technologies Press Release

PC Magazine Editors’ Choice Award Goes to Aleratec Digital Photo Copy Cruiser Plus

Digital Photo Copy Cruiser Plus Earns Best of Breed

CHATSWORTH, Calif., March 21, 2005—Alera Technologies, developer and manufacturer of Advanced Optical Recording Solutions, proudly announces that its advanced new Aleratec Digital Photo Copy Cruiser Plus(tm), that copies digital photos directly to CD from camera memory cards of any capacity, without a computer, has been selected by a panel of PC Magazine editors and leading industry experts for PC Magazine’s coveted Editors’ Choice Award.

“It is a double honor for the Aleratec Digital Photo Copy Cruiser Plus to be selected by PC Magazine’s distinguished editors and industry experts as Editors’ Choice,” stated Perry Solomon, President and CEO. “This is the second PC Magazine distinction for this product in less than 6 months. We believe these back to back awards demonstrate our success in exceeding the expectations of the toughest industry critics and our customers. By designing the Digital Photo Copy Cruiser Plus to copy photo memory cards directly to CD and bring your video, photo and music creations directly to your home or mobile entertainment center, we continue to be the Prosumers’ Choice with professional level solutions at consumer prices. It is particularly gratifying to receive the PC Magazine’s most sought after award for excellence.”

Dice America Press Release

DICE America - Rochester, NY– March 17, 2005.  Dice America announced that their Wi-Pics units have begun shipping. Wi-Pics is a patent-pending network appliance that allows any digital camera that has a Type II CompactFlash card slot, to transmit images via wireless networks, without modifying the camera’s firmware, impacting camera performance or affecting battery life. Wi-Pics transmit image files from the camera to editing stations, servers, or FTP sites via network access points. It can be configured with an optional 20GB hard drive for image storage/back up and a bar code scanner allowing associated data to be transmitted along with the images. In addition to a multi-mode 802.11a/b/g radio, Wi-Pics units have a 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet interface for studio use.

Pentax 645 Digital - further details on the 18 megapixel Pentax 645 Digital medium format camera have emerged from Pentax UK. This camera will launch in 2006, the name Pentax 645 Digital is still to be officially confirmed and 3 prototype versions of the Pentax 645 Digital are currently on show at the Photo Imaging Expo in Tokyo.

Pentax UK Press Release

News flash: Pentax 645 digital showcased at photo imaging expo 2005

Pentax is showcasing its latest concept digital camera at this year’s Photo Imaging Expo in Tokyo. The camera is expected to have 18 effective megapixels and incorporate a Kodak-developed extra large CCD image sensor.

The 645 Digital will offer full compatibility with existing smc PENTAX lenses. Three proto-types are being displayed, each with different design themes in order to maximise customer and client feedback, before a decision is made on the final design.

Pentax anticipates launching this camera in 2006.

Further specifications and photography will be made available at a later date.

Please note: the product name ‘Pentax 645 Digital’ is tentative and Pentax cannot confirm at this stage availability, final specifications, style or price.

Kodak Press Release

New 18 Megapixel Image Sensor Expands Kodak’s Portfolio for Medium-Format Markets

Pentax Selects New KODAK KAF-18000CE for Upcoming 645 Digital Camera

Rochester, NY, March 16, 2005—Eastman Kodak Company once again is leading the market by providing technology that allows professional photographers to capture images with superior resolution without sacrificing the quality demanded by their clients. The company has expanded its image sensor portfolio for medium-format camera manufacturers with announcement of the KODAK KAF-18000CE, a new 18 million pixel image sensor. This sensor, which leverages the same award winning imaging technology that has made Kodak the leading image sensor supplier for medium-format camera manufacturers, has been selected by Pentax Corporation for use in the PENTAX 645 Digital camera now being developed.

Pentax 645 Digital Camera is announced. The Pentax 645 Digital Camera will be on show under glass at the Photo Imaging Expo in Japan this week (starts tomorrow). The Pentax 645 Digital Camera is an 18.6 megapixel digital medium format camera that uses the Pentax 645 autofocus mount and which will be compatible with all existing smc PENTAX 645 lenses. Price and availability of the Pentax 645 Digital Camera to be confirmed.

Pentax USA Press Release

FIRST PENTAX 645 DIGITAL TO BE UNVEILED AT TOKYO TRADE SHOW

GOLDEN, CO (March 15, 2005)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced that PENTAX Corporation will unveil the first PENTAX 645 Digital medium-format camera at the Photo Imaging Expo (PIE) from March 17–20, 2005 in Tokyo.  This latest PENTAX digital advancement will be showcased under glass at PIE 2005.

The PENTAX 645 Digital camera will offer professional quality digital image reproduction.  The camera will also feature:

  * A reliable PENTAX 645 AF mount
  * Compatibility with existing smc PENTAX 645 interchangeable lenses
  * A Kodak developed extra-large CCD image sensor with 18.6 total megapixels.*