Sony develops new audio CD format

The internet has been buzzing lately with stories of Sony's announcement in Japan that it is launching a new audio CD format - the Blu-spec CD. Apparently the format uses Blu-ray laser diodes and advanced polymers in order to improve on the standard CD format (reduction of jitter) while operating within the format parameters.

According to one report: "A roughly translated Japanese press release about the new technology claims the new CD cutting machines 'eliminate vibration', thus improving the quality of the laser beam and bringing sound quality closer to that of the master tape".

Apparently Sony Music Entertainment has announced plans to release 60 titles of classical music, jazz and other genres in the new format for 2,500 yen (715 yen more than a conventional CD). The first releases will be ready for launch in the Japanese market on Christmas Eve, including albums from Miles Davis and ELO. There is no indication of when or if the technology will be released in Europe.

For more information http://www.sony.co.uk/section/home

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Sony develops new audio CD format

DVD shows record-breaking performances

New figures reveal that the film and home entertainment industry is experiencing record sales as the British public opt for a cosy night in with a movie, according to the British Video Association (BVA).

The BVA recently announced DVD sales of an unprecedented 51.7 million to the end of September, the UK's best ever third quarter performance, up 6.5% on that of 2007.

Lavinia Carey, director general of the BVA, told One to One: "2007 was a record year for sales of DVD and so it's very encouraging to see another record nine months into 2008. Everyone enjoys a well-told story and at times of economic hardship, history has shown that UK consumers turn to the home entertainment and film industries for comfort. As a popular and value-for-money choice for leisure spend, we expect to see continued volume growth in our market, as consumers tighten their belts in response to increasing economic uncertainty."

The UK cinema industry has also seen its best performance in 40 years, with the Cinema Exhibitors' Association (CEA) announcing total admissions for the months of June to August this year of 53.6 million. This is a 6% increase on the same period last year, itself seen as a particularly strong performer in recent times.

Phil Clapp, chief executive of the CEA, added: "With films such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Sex and the City, The Dark Knight, Mamma Mia! and Wall-E driving cinema audiences in another particularly miserable summer, it is understandable that the public find attractive,, affordable entertainment as some kind of escape, even if only for a few hours, from the prevailing gloom. We expect the latest Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, to have a similar effect at the end of this month."

Carey concluded: "We are now seeing Blu-ray contributing to the success of the home entertainment market. As this summer's successful films join the pre-Christmas line-up on all video formats, we are hopeful of another record year for the home entertainment sector."

For more info http://www.bva.org.uk/

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DVD shows record-breaking performances

HDC Media Groups Green Policy - CD Duplication

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
A brief overview of what we've done, doing, and want to do to reduce HDC Media Groups carbon footprint and impact on the environment in 2008.Our green policy is to constantly look for ways in which we can improve our green credentials. We are achieving this by appointing a "green officer" to explore ways to achieve our statement promises.

What We've Done
Our website is hosted on solar powered servers.
Offer a free recycling service to our customers.
Recycle all plastic, glass, tin, paper, cardboard, CD's and DVD's within our office.
We have installed multi-functional devices (for faxing, printing and photocopying) in our office that will reduce energy and paper usage.
We reuse, or recycle, all of our incoming packaging materials (cardboard, shredded paper, etc)
We are using 100% use of digital photography for the production of marketing materials. This minimises the use of film developing chemicals.
Taken advantage of natural light as much as possible by installing skylights.

What We're Doing Now
Wherever possible we try and purchase goods and services locally, to help the local economy and to reduce carbon miles.
Integrate environmental consideration into all of our decision-making activities.
We now print on office paper from either recycled or sustainable sources.
Turn off all electrical equipment instead of leaving them on standby. (Even at dinnertime).

What We Want To Do Next
Continue to look at new areas for reducing our environmental impact.
Keep encouraging e-mailing. When paper is necessary, photocopy on both sides
Buy more office plants as they absorb airborne pollutants and negative ions from computers, whilst emitting oxygen.

CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

HDC Media Groups Green Policy - CD Duplication

DVD download to disc from Pioneer

Pioneer Electronics (USA) has introduced two DVD/CD computer writers featuring Qflix DVD Download & Burn technology; these writers, said the company, "Allow users to take advantage of this exciting technology while expanding their entertainment collections with a tangible, familiar media that will maintain into the future."

Jointly developed by Pioneer and Sonic Solutions, Qflix is an emerging DVD technology that gives consumers the opportunity to purchase licensed Hollywood films. "Consumer adoption of digitally distributed entertainment will happen at a far greater rate than the extinction of the DVD player," said Mark Ely, executive vice president of strategy, Sonic Solutions.

"Qflix is an important and necessary bridging technology that allows content owners to deliver a more flexible product that combines the convenience of digital distribution with the permanency and portability of the DVD."

For home audiences who were previously relegated to viewing downloaded content on a small computer screen, Pioneer's new writers with Qflix technology enables users to preserve digital content for playback on standard DVD players and then watch it on a big screen television.

Click here for more info www.pioneerelectronics.com

CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

DVD download to disc from Pioneer

New Baby at HDC Media Group

Congratulations Emma from everyone at HDC Media Group on having a beautiful baby boy!

Jack Thomas Richmond was born on 08.10.08 at around 5:25am and weighed 8Ib 7oz.

Go Green with HDC Media Group - CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

New Baby at HDC Media Group

Grab A Green Pack Game - Eco Friendly Packaging Game

Instructions
Simply use your mouse to guide the hand and grab as many Green Packaging sample packs which our team members are popping up with, around the HDC Media Group office.

>> Click here to play the game

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Go Green with HDC Media Group - CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

Grab A Green Pack Game - Eco Friendly Packaging Game