AACS confirms hacks on high-definition DVD players

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A consortium of movie studios and technology companies backing the encryption system for high-definition DVDs on Thursday confirmed that hackers have stolen "title keys" and used them to decrypt high-definition DVDs through flaws in DVD player software. Both the title keys and a number of decrypted films have been posted on peer-to-peer Web sites for downloading and copying, a spokesman for the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) Licensing Authority said. The large size of the files and the high cost of writable hi-def discs make large-scale copying of high-definition DVDs impractical, but the attacks on the new format echo the early days of illegal trafficking in music files, AACS spokesman Michael Ayers said on Thursday. "We want to make sure we address this now.

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Get DVD, TV in your car sun visor

Engdaget: This new aftermarket visor packs a seven-inch widescreen display, built-in DVD / CD /MP3 player, TV tuner, and even includes an SD slot and USB port for additional expansion options. Moreover, you'll get integrated controls and a wireless remote, and while we're not sure if this thing includes a built-in speaker, we do spot a couple of headphone jacks just in case. So if you're looking for an admittedly tacky way to add a bit of in-car entertainment before your next journey, the Sun Visor Theater is available now for $299.95 (around €231). sun visor theatre .

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Will dual-format players end the battle between HD DVD and Blu-ray?

Will hybrid Blu-ray/HD DVD players like the LG Super Multi Blue Player put an early end to the next-gen format war? ABI Research believes so. In a new research note, the firm calls the LG dual-format player an "exit strategy" from the nascent format war and forecasts that the dual-format players will become the standard. Most consumer electronics makers and movie studios are anxious to head off what could be a long and tedious format war. Two competing formats means consumers scratching their heads in the aisle of their favorite big-box retailer and wondering which expensive player they should buy. A hybrid player removes that doubt because the buyer is guaranteed compatibility with both formats. Keeping the hybrid down At the moment, there are two significant barriers to the widespread adoption of dual-format players: price and availability.

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10 American Pie Naked Mile DVD Winners

Time to pick hte 10 winners of American Pie Naked Mile on DVD. This Pie is filled with the trademark laugh-out-loud, I-can't-believe-they-actually-did-that antics, high energy and hilarious fun that have shocked and delighted audiences who remember "their first piece" of American Pie. The ever-lovable and befuddled Mr. Lowenstein (American Pie veteran Eugene Levy) returns in this newest adventure, joined by the legendarily oversexed Stifler tribe including paternal horn dog Mr. Stifler played by Christopher MacDonald (Happy Gilmore). This time, events take place in the world of college during one of the most raucous weekends of campus life -- when students let off steam to relieve the pressures of final exams by running in the legendary Naked Mile. "For the huge fan base anxiously awaiting their next 'slice' of American Pie, this newest DVD Original release is indeed cause for rejoicing," stated Craig Kornblau, president, Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

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In 2005, 18.744 Million DVD Players Were Sold In China With Sales ...

In 2005, 18.744 million DVD players were sold in China with sales revenue reaching RMB11.528 billion. The market retained a rapid growth while sales revenue grew slowly due to the intense competition. Sales volume rose by 2.242 million units, or a 13.6% increase compared to 2004; sales revenue increased by RMB 0.501 billion over 2004, or a 4.5% year-on-year growth. The compound growth rate of sales volume reached 45.3% from 2001 to 2005 and that of the sales revenue 14.9%. Scale and Increase of Sales Volume in China DVD Player Market, 2001-2005 The consumer behaviour and consumption characteristic are different according to regions. For instance, the consumers in North China pay much more attention to the brand, quality as well as services; the consumers in East China are not so sensitive to the price, but care more about the brand favourite and have a high demand for the functions; However, the consumers in southwest and northwest regions are more practical and show obvious attention to the price fluctuation.

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Bvlgari Bvlgari-bvlgari bb33sldauto Watch [Perfect Christmas Gift Idea] (Mechanical movement with automatic winding, Black leather strap, Stainless st...

Mechanical movement with automatic winding. Black leather strap. Stainless steel case. Black dial with Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 oclock position and indexes. Date indicator at 3 oclock position. Double logo engraved on the bezel. Water resistant to 30 meters. Sapphire crystal. Case diameter: 33 mm

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DVD Review magazine to feature James Bond book for 100th issue

DVD Review is to mark its 100th issue with a retrospective guide to the best DVD packages and a James Bond covermount book in the UK - reports Brand Republic. DVD Review, which launched in 1999, said the March issue would include a "100 greatest discs of our time" article, featuring the best-rated films reviewed in DVD Review since it began, including 'Lord of the Rings', 'Terminator' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. The issue will also feature an exclusive covermount book called 'The James Bond DVD Dossier', containing a review of every James Bond DVD, a preview of the forthcoming 'Casino Royale' disc, and a "Bond Bible" of 350 007-related facts. Cassie Whittell, editor of DVD Review, said: "The magazine is the UK's bestselling DVD title and we have some exciting plans to continue its development as we guide readers through the high-definition format war." The 100th edition, which comes out February 1, will also contain articles on Blu-Ray and HD-DVD releases and an interview with Kevin Smith, director of 'Clerks', 'Chasing Amy' and 'Dogma'.

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HD DVD players to go below $500 in 2007?

HD DVD players may enter a much more affordable market towards the end of this year, with some manufacturers claiming that we could see sub-$500 units. Most of it is speculation, driven by lowered cost for components like chipsets as time goes on, and a reduction in units coming off the line dead. It isn't too far off, given that some players can now be had for $600, such as from Toshiba. Blu-ray is still a bit more expensive, which may gave HD DVD a boost, since cost is hugely important for most home consumers. .

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