American Idol now on iTunes

Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox Interactive Media, 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia and Apple, for the first time, have partnered to bring music fans all of the contestant performances from Season Seven of television’s most popular show exclusively on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com). Kicking off with the “American Idol” Top 24 semifinalists this week, customers can purchase music performances for 99 cents per song, and viewers will be able to purchase the full video of Top 12 finalist performances for $1.99, starting March 11. In addition, beginning today, fans can pre-order performances of their favorite contestants from the iTunes Store, which will be automatically downloaded the day after the show airs.

“We have some truly outstanding talent this year, and by working with Apple and iTunes, we’re giving viewers another great way to enjoy America’s brightest new stars from ‘Idol,’” said Simon Fuller, creator of “American Idol” and Founder of 19 Entertainment. “I’m sure there will be many memorable performances that viewers will want to relive from this 2008 season.”

“We’ve created a special section on the iTunes Store for ‘Idol’ fans with an incredible array of music and video performances from television’s most popular show,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes. “We think ‘American Idol’ viewers are going to love the ability to purchase and download ‘Idol’ performances from iTunes.”

iTunes will also provide exclusive direct links from the free streaming performance videos on americanidol.com (www.americanidol.com), the official website of the show and home to MyIdol, the Internet’s largest “American Idol” fan site. Fans will be able to simply click through to iTunes if they want to purchase their favorite performances to own and enjoy on their iPod, iPhone™ or Apple TV.

The iTunes Store is the world’s most popular online music store with over four billion songs sold, and has the world’s largest catalog with over six million songs. With Apple’s legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as new iTunes Movie Rentals, integrated podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, the ability to turn previously purchased tracks into complete albums at a reduced price, and seamless integration with iPod and iPhone, the iTunes Store is the best way for Mac and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and video online.

Pricing & Availability
iTunes 7.6 for Mac and Windows includes the iTunes Store and is available as a free download from www.itunes.com. Purchase and download of songs and videos from the iTunes Store requires a valid credit card from a financial institution in the country of purchase. American Idol music and video content is available in the US and Canada only. Music performances are 99 cents (US) and video performances are $1.99 (US) per episode and can be viewed on a Mac or PC, iPod nano with video, iPod classic, fifth generation iPod, iPod touch, iPhone or on a widescreen TV with Apple TV.

Asus now FSB1600

ASUS Unleashes Intel P35 Chipset Capabilities to Fully Support Upcoming FSB1600

With the upcoming release of FSB1600 CPUs, ASUS, leading producer of motherboards, has once again kept up with leading developments and announced the release of FSB1600 supported motherboards. Through extensive R&D, ASUS has unlocked certain chipset capabilities to provide users with the latest BIOS for optimal performance and functionality. To this end, chipsets like the P35 for example – previously labeled as only officially supporting up to FSB1333, have been upgraded to be able support up to FSB1600.

FSB1600 Performance
FSB1600 can significantly increase 20% of bandwidth between the CPU and Northbridge – providing enhanced speeds of up to 12.8GB/s.
 
FSB1600 Ready Motherboards
The chart below shows the ASUS motherboards that currently support FSB1600. More FSB1600 ready ASUS motherboards will be announced soon

ASUS FSB 1600 MHz Support List
Motherboard Model	Platform	FSB	Since BIOS
Gaming Series
Maximus Extreme	Intel X38/ICH9R	1600	0904
Maximus Formula	Intel X38/ICH9R	1600	0907
Blitz Extreme	Intel P35/ICH9R	1600	1005
Blitz Formula	Intel P35/ICH9R	1600	1402
P5E Series
P5E3 Deluxe/WiFi-AP@n	Intel X38/ICH9R	1600	0903
P5E3 Deluxe	Intel X38/ICH9R	1600	0903
P5E3	Intel X38/ICH9R	1600	0808
P5E	Intel X38/ICH9R	1600	0502
P5K Series
P5K3 DELUXE/WIFI-AP	Intel P35/ICH9R	1600	0907
P5K Premium/WiFi-AP	Intel P35/ICH9R	1600	0504
P5K DELUXE/WIFI-AP	Intel P35/ICH9R	1600	0705
P5K-E/WiFi-AP	Intel P35/ICH9R	1600	0906
P5K-E	Intel P35/ICH9R	1600	0906
P5K PRO	Intel P35/ICH9R	1600	0701
P5KR	Intel P35/ICH9R	1600	0502
P5K	Intel P35/ICH9	1600	0902
P5KC	Intel P35/ICH9	1600	1001
P5K SE	Intel P35/ICH9	1600	0901
P5K-V	Intel G33 /ICH9	1600	0801

Asus launches new optical drive

Asus just released the ASUS DVD-E818A2/A2T. This series of optical drives is the world’s first ODD that supports 5X DVD-RW DL, and provides users with cutting-edge multimedia experiences backed with superior playback capabilities and high-speed data transfers; while built-in advanced ASUS exclusive technologies will provide a quieter, more stable and higher performance multimedia environment.

New Industry Format 5X DVD-RW (DL) Support
The ASUS DVD-E818A2 and ASUS DVD-E818A2T provide leading-edge multimedia experiences with the ability to read 5X DVD-RW DL – the brand new industry format. With this support, users will be able to view high quality videos directly burnt into DVDs from camcorders and obtain fabulous playback capacities. It also allows users to access all CDs, DVD-ROM/DVD±R/ DVD±RW/DVD-RAM and DVD-Video discs.

Multi-functional and Fast Data Transfers
The ASUS DVD-E818A2/A2T optical drives are designed to provide users with versatile and fast data transfer speeds with DVD-ROM max data transfer rates of 24930 KB/s (18X), and CD-ROM max data transfer rates of 7200 KB/s (48X). Access times are also shortened with fast random access times for DVD access at 105 ms versus typical 95 ms CD access times.

QuieTrack – Quiet and Stable Operations
The innovative ASUS exclusive QuieTrack technology is developed to dampen drive noise in every conceivable fashion while improving stability, and consists of two revolutionary features:

Airflow Field Modification (AFFM): Noise and vibration are two major headaches users encounter when using a high-speed drive. AFFM is designed to change the uneven airflow field inside the drive to a balanced pressure distribution that leads to a quiet and stable operation.

Auto Vibration Reducing System (AVRS)
The AVRS technology is designed to minimize the vibration caused by the spindle motor and resonance between components as well as the drive and PC cases. AVRS is designed to reduce vibration and noise induced by unbalanced mass of rotating machinery. With AVRS, ASUS DVD-E818A2 and ASUS DVD-E818A2T provides high readability and playability.

Enhanced Features for Improved Usage
The ASUS DVD-E818A2 and ASUS DVD-E818A2T also provide users with many other features to allow users ease and convenience during usage. Some of these features include the support for Speed Auto-Switch Function, High Speed CD-Audio Playback, High Speed Digital Audio Extraction, the choice to mount the drives vertically or horizontally, the unique dust resistance design, as well as support for changeable panels.

Specifications

	DVD-E818A2	DVD-E818A2T
Read Speed	18X CAV at DVD-ROM (Single Layer) 10X CAV at DVD-ROM (Dual Layer), DVD-R or +R, DVD+RW or –RW 8X CAV at DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL 5X CAV at DVD-RW DL 5X CAV at DVD-RAM 48X CAV at CD-ROM 48X CAV at CD-R 32X CAV at CD-RW	18X CAV at DVD-ROM (Single Layer) 10X CAV at DVD-ROM (Dual Layer), DVD-R or +R, DVD+RW or –RW 8X CAV at DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL 5X CAV at DVD-RW DL 5X CAV at DVD-RAM 48X CAV at CD-ROM 48X CAV at CD-R 32X CAV at CD-RW
Sustained Transfer Rate	DVD: 18x max. ~ 24930 KB/sec CD: 48x max. ~ 7200 KB/sec	DVD: 18x max. ~ 24930 KB/sec CD: 48x max. ~ 7200 KB/sec
Burst Transfer Rate	Ultra DMA/100: 100M Bytes/sec max. Ultra DMA/66: 66.6M Bytes/sec max. Ultra DMA33: 33.3M Bytes/sec max. Rate PIO Mode 4: 16.6M B/s max. Multi-word DMA mode 2: 16.6M B/s max	Ultra DMA/100: 100M Bytes/sec max. Ultra DMA/66: 66.6M Bytes/sec max. Ultra DMA33: 33.3M Bytes/sec max. Rate PIO Mode 4: 16.6M B/s max. Multi-word DMA mode 2: 16.6M B/s max
Random Access Time	DVD: 105 ms typical CD: 95 ms typical	DVD: 105 ms typical CD: 95 ms typical
O/S Compatibility	Windows XP/ ME/ 2000/98/VISTA	Windows XP/ ME/ 2000/98/VISTA
Interface	ATAPI/E-IDE	SATA
Data Buffer	198 KB	198 KB
Disc
Disc Formats	DVD: DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, DVD-18, DVD-ROM, DVD±R, DVD±RW DVD-Video, DVD-RAM	DVD: DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, DVD-18, DVD-ROM, DVD±R, DVD±RW DVD-Video, DVD-RAM
	CD: Audio CD, CD-ROM/XA, Video CD, CD-I, Multi-session Photo CD, Karaoke CD, CD-Extra, CD-TEXT	CD: Audio CD, CD-ROM/XA, Video CD, CD-I, Multi-session Photo CD, Karaoke CD, CD-Extra, CD-TEXT
Disc Diameters	12 cm and 8 cm	12 cm and 8 cm
Reliability
MTBF	100,000 Power On Hours	100,000 Power On Hours
	Operating Duty Cycle (Read) 20% POH	Operating Duty Cycle (Read) 20% POH
MTTR	30 Minutes	30 Minutes
Configurations
Mounting Orientation	Vertical and Horizontal	Vertical and Horizontal
Dimensions (H/W/D)	42.3×148x172.4 mm	42.3×148x172.4 mm
Weight	651g	645 g
Electrical and Environmental Specifications
Power Requirement	DC+5V +/- 5%, DC+12v +/- 10%		DC+5V +/- 5%, DC+12v +/- 10%
Temperature	Operating: 5? to 45?		Operating: 5? to 45?
	Storage: -20? to 60?		Storage: -20? to 60?
Humidity	Operating: 20% ~ 80% (Non-condensing)		Operating: 20% ~ 80% (Non-condensing)
	Storage: 15% ~ 85% (Non-condensing)		Storage: 15% ~ 85% (Non-condensing)

Nvidia launches the APX 2500

NVIDIA just introduced NVIDIA APX 2500, a breakthrough applications processor that enables intuitive 3D user interfaces and engaging high-definition video on connected Windows Mobile phones. The APX 2500 applications processor delivers an unprecedented 10 hours of 720p HD playback—an industry first for video quality and power consumption on a mobile device, as well as stunning HD camcorder and ultra-high-resolution photo imaging capabilities.

“This is the dawn of the second personal computer revolution,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO of NVIDIA. “Technologies are converging in amazing mobile devices, that have all of the rich, visual capabilities of a modern PC—from watching movies and making video calls to surfing the web and playing 3D games. The APX 2500 combined with Microsoft Windows Mobile, will make the next generation of smartphones our most personal computer.”

NVIDIA has worked closely with Microsoft on the development of APX 2500, marking a significant milestone in a long-term relationship that has seen the companies share a passion for making interaction with technology more visual and instinctive across multiple platforms. The combined engineering efforts of the two companies will ensure that next generation versions of the Windows Mobile operating system will harness the capabilities of the APX 2500 applications processor across challenging multimedia use cases.

“Microsoft is dedicated to providing people true mobile freedom, so that they only need to carry one device for both communication and entertainment,” said Todd Warren, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s mobile communication business. “We are delighted to work with NVIDIA to offer our users an amazing visual experience on the next-generation Windows Mobile phones.”

The NVIDIA APX 2500 applications processor, which is the culmination of 800 man years of engineering, delivers:

• The industry’s first HD (720p) playback and capture capability for handheld devices.
• A new ultra-low-power (ULP) GeForce core that is fully OpenGL ES 2.0 and Microsoft Direct3D Mobile compliant and the lowest power 3D hardware solution available for acceleration of intuitive 3D user interfaces.
• NVIDIA nPower technology, enabling over 10 hours of high-definition video playback and up to 100 hours of audio—more than four times the audio playback of the latest touch-screen phones.
• The connectivity and media acceleration technologies required to enable the latest Web 2.0 applications, from effortless web browsing and social networking to GPS and mapping applications.

The NVIDIA APX 2500 applications processor is sampling today with key customers and will enter into full production by the end of Q2 2008.

Cooler Master Launches Centurion 590

PC enthusiasts are no stranger to the name Cooler Master. Known for industry leading designs and superb thermal performance, using Cooler Master means using the best. Today, Cooler Master is proud to launch the latest PC chassis in its award-winning Centurion series – the Centurion 590. Sporting a fully-meshed front panel design, tool-free user-friendliness, and an extra roomy interior, the Centurion 590 offers a mid-tower case fit for PC users everywhere.

Bold and sleek, the Centurion 590 performs as well as it looks. Its front panel features a fully-meshed design that provides superior airflow. Add to that fully ventilated side and top panels and you have a PC chassis capable of keeping the most demanding systems cool as can be. In fact, the Centurion 590 can accommodate up to eight 120mm fans for high-efficiency ventilation. Air cooling not enough? The Centurion 590 has you covered with rear retaining holes designed for after-market liquid cooling kits. Any way you slice it, the Centurion 590 is one cool customer.

Excellent Cooling

Mesh front panel for excellent air flow

Fully ventilated top and side panels for 120mm fans

Rear panel with retaining holes for liquid cooling kits

But the Centurion 590 is more than just about staying cool. Cooler Master has incorporated numerous innovations to make the Centurion 590 the most user-friendly PC chassis yet. A completely tool-free design allows users to easily install and maintain their hardware. Removable hard drive racks means drive devices provide for easy assembly and add-on cards can be installed and removed in a snap, all without the need for clumsy tools. Hardware freaks will be happy to hear that the spacious interior of the Centurion 590 accommodates a full NVIDIA SLI setup, and for even more expansion, users can purchase the optional 4-in-3 device module that allows users to install 4 hard disks in the space of three 5.25 inch drive bays – another example of Cooler Master’s innovation.

Spacious Interior and Smart Design

Roomy interior for NVIDIA SLI Setups

4-in-3 device module packs 4 HDDs in a 3 bay space

Front panel with three 4-in-3 device modules

Rounding off an already impressive package are several thoughtful touches. Distributed throughout are cable management holes for better cable routing and neatness. A bottom-mounted power supply eases installation and improves thermal performance. Finally, a front-mounted IO panel provides easy access for your favorite peripherals.

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