Neil Davidge of Massive Attack fame to compose the score for Halo 4

Andrew Edney
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0
Neil Davidge of Massive Attack fame to compose the score for Halo 4

Microsoft and 343 Industries today announced that the team has enlisted contemporary music icon Neil Davidge of Massive Attack fame to compose the score for “Halo 4,” the highly anticipated sequel to one of the entertainment industry’s biggest franchises.

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As co-writer and producer for the last three albums from pioneering trip hop group Massive Attack, Davidge is an award-winning composer, record producer, songwriter and musician who has helped create some of the most innovative sounds over the past two decades and made an indelible impression on the music industry. In addition to helping pioneer an entire genre of contemporary music, Davidge has established a career as a film composer, scoring acclaimed documentaries and composing additional music for Hollywood blockbusters like “Clash of the Titans.”

“As a passionate ‘Halo’ fan, I’m incredibly honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to compose the score for ‘Halo 4,’” said Davidge.  “Music has always been at the heart of what makes ‘Halo’ so captivating and iconic. With ‘Halo 4,’ we want to build upon the franchise’s amazing legacy and create a score that captures the awe and wonder of the ‘Halo’ universe, and reinforces the deeper and more emotionally impactful journey Master Chief will embark on.”

The partnership between Davidge and 343 Industries marks the first time a new composer has taken the reins for the landmark series’ score since the launch of the original “Halo” game more than a decade ago. Working in collaboration with 343 Industries, Davidge and his production team enlisted a 16 person hand-picked male tenor / bass choir plus 10 female Bulgarian vocalists, a full 50 piece orchestra and a whole host of other performers to bring the music of “Halo 4” to life through a massive production effort on par with a major Hollywood blockbuster.

“Neil has a deep love and appreciation for the ‘Halo’ universe, and the music he’s composed perfectly captures the heroic spirit and emotional power of Master Chief’s story,” said Sotaro Tojima, audio director for “Halo 4.” “Neil is a remarkably talented composer who has a unique vision for the future of ‘Halo’ music, and I’m confident his work will spark the passion and excitement of a whole new generation of fans.”

To offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the “Halo 4” score, 343 Industries released a new video feature today showing a choir and orchestral recording session at Abbey Road and Angel Studios in London. The video features interviews with Davidge, Tojima and other members of the audio team discussing their vision for the music of “Halo 4,” and highlights the scope of the score’s production as a colossal undertaking that rivals a blockbuster movie.

Music fans who are hungry for more insight into the creative process behind the “Halo 4” score can visit the Waypoint blog to read a blog post by Tojima about his collaboration with Davidge, listen to and download an exclusive sample track, and see the new behind-the-scenes video and photos of the recording sessions.

Launching worldwide exclusively on Xbox 360 this Christmas, “Halo 4” is the next blockbuster installment of the iconic franchise that has shaped entertainment history and defined a generation of gamers. Developed by 343 Industries, “Halo 4” continues the story of the series’ iconic hero Master Chief as he returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. “Halo 4” takes the series in a bold new direction by delivering its most epic and explorative campaign yet, alongside an emotionally resonant story and a groundbreaking multiplayer offering unlike anything before it – setting the stage for an epic new sci-fi saga.

Personally I can’t wait! Is it Christmas yet?

DVBLogic publishes DVBLink Remote API C# library

Andrew Edney
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0

If you fancy yourself a developer and want to start developing for DVBLink then you will want to grab the Remote API C# library that they just published.

This is what DVBLogic posted in their forums:

The attachment of this topic contains a set of C# classes that we use in our products to work with DVBLink Connect! Server using its Remote API.

With this library we would like to provide kick-start experience for our users who would like to write their own client for DVBLink Connect! Server.

At the moment there is not much documentation or sample code for this library. We will add them at a later stage. In the meanwhile I will provide a very short introduction to the code, hoping that it is largely self-explaining.

The core class is DataProvider.

This calss has a number of functions that directly correspond to the Remote API commands – like GetChannels, SearchEpg etc. Each of this functions takes an appropriate command object as input – ChannelsRequest object in case of GetChannels function, EpgSearcher object in case of SearchEpg function etc.

The result is returned asynchronously via IDataProvider interface implementation. DataProcessing function is called in case of success and ErrorProcessing in case of error. DataProcessing function returns a response object of a type that directly corresponds to the type of request: ChannelIdWithPrograms SearchEpg request, Channels in case of GetChannels request etc.

Stream can be requested from the server using PlayChannel function. The returned Streamer object contains url that can be used to retrieve a stream and a handle, which should be used to stop streaming using StopChannel function.

Download the Library from here

BBC launches new Sport app for Connected TVs

Andrew Edney
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0
BBC launches new Sport app for Connected TVs

The BBC has launched its new sport app for connected TVs, enabling audiences to access the BBC’s interactive coverage of major sporting events via the BBC Red Button.

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This is the BBC’s next generation TV experience, seamlessly integrating linear TV with online and on-demand content at the simple click of a button.

Initially focusing on Formula 1, the BBC Sport app will bring all the race action together in one place, with live streams, on-demand video and additional content. During races that are covered live on BBC One, fans won’t miss a second of the race, with access to alternative options such as on-board cameras which take the viewer to the heart of the action and the ‘driver tracker’ that shows where each car is on the circuit. As well as the races themselves, there will be full coverage of practice and qualifying sessions.

Over the next few months, the BBC Sport app will also include coverage of Euro 2012, Wimbledon and London 2012 Olympic Games for sports fans across the UK.

The BBC Sport app will sit alongside the award-winning BBC News app, which includes the best of BBC News on TV, online, and on-demand along with the BBC iPlayer app for connected TVs.

The BBC News and Sport apps both launch today on Virgin Media’s TiVo service, bringing BBC Red Button to around 500,000 Virgin Media TiVo homes, for free. The BBC Sport app for connected TVs will be made available on a range of additional devices.

Launching BBC Sport on connected TVs is another important step in the BBC’s strategy to bring its content to audiences across four screens: the PC, mobile, tablet and connected TVs.

Phil Fearnley, General Manager for News and Knowledge in the BBC’s Future Media division, said: “We are very excited to be launching our new BBC Sport app and Red Button service for connected TVs. Today’s launch will ensure we bring our next-generation TV experience to sports fans across the UK, integrating TV and online content seamlessly at the click of a button.

“With predictions there’ll be almost 36 million connected TVs installed in UK homes by the end of 2016*, the new BBC sport app is a great new way for these audiences to access the best of BBC’s content.”

Netflix App for Android Updated to version 1.7.1

Andrew Edney
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0
Netflix App for Android Updated to version 1.7.1

The Netflix app for Android has been updated to version 1.7.1.

Netflix-android_thumb1

Download the free Netflix app to instantly watch TV shows & movies streaming from Netflix.

Netflix playback is supported on Android 2.2, 2.3, 3.x, and 4.x devices.

What’s in this version:

  • Improved UI for volume control function
  • Stability improvements and bug fixes
Download now from Google Play

ZOTAC announces the ZBOX nano XS AS11 Plus mini-PC

Andrew Edney
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0
ZOTAC announces the ZBOX nano XS AS11 Plus mini-PC

ZOTAC has announced the extra small ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus mini-PC – the world’s smallest PC capable of delivering a rich high-definition desktop computing experience.

ZBOX nano XS AD11 PLUS_1

An AMD E-450 APU with Radeon™ HD 6320 graphics processing sits at the heart of the ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus to render beautiful Microsoft® DirectX® 11 graphics and playback stunning online and offline high-definition content. The completely new ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS chassis shrinks the ZBOX nano chassis by nearly 17-percent into a 106-milimeter box that is only 37-milimeters tall that can easily slip into a jacket pocket.

“Size matters when it comes to desktop systems. We are always trying to push full-featured systems into the smallest size possible,” says Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. “Our new ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus shows that you can pack a complete high-definition capable desktop PC into a miniature form factor that conveniently fits in the smallest places.”

Solid-state storage makes a ZBOX debut in the ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus with a 64GB mSATA SSD as the internal storage source for lightning-fast boot times and system responsiveness. External storage expansion is available via eSATA, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 ports and a Memory Stick and SDXC compatible memory card reader on the ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus.

New high-amperage USB 2.0 ports enable the ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus to easily charge the latest high-end smartphones and tablets while simultaneously transferring data. Integrated Gigabit Ethernet allows high-speed wired network transfers while a USB 802.11n WiFi adapter is bundled for users that desires wireless network connectivity.

    • ZOTAC Redefines mini-PC Form Factor with Extra Small ZBOX nano XS
    • ZOTAC nano XS AD11 Plus
    • AMD E-450 APU (1.65 GHz, dual-core)
    • AMD Radeon HD 6320 GPU
    • HDMI output
    • 2GB DDR3
    • 64GB mSATA SSD
    • 2 x SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports (back panel)
    • 2 x High-Speed USB 2.0 ports (back panel)
    • Combo eSATA / USB 2.0 port
    • Gigabit Ethernet
    • USB 2.0 802.11n WiFi adapter included
    • 6-in-1 memory card reader (SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MS/MS Pro)
    • Combo analogue / mini-Optical S/PDIF output
    • Microphone input
    • Integrated IR receiver
    • Bundled MCE-compatible remote w/ USB IR receiver
    • Bundled VESA75/100 mount
    • AMD Steady Video technology
    • AMD Perfect Picture HD technology
    • AMD VISION Engine
    • Microsoft DirectX 11 technology

Product Name

ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus

SKU

ZBOXNXS-AD11-PLUS

Memory

2GB DDR3

Hard Disk

64GB mSATA SSD

CPU

AMD E-450 APU

GPU

AMD Radeon™ HD 6320 GPU

Video Memory

Shared memory architecture

Display Options

HDMI

Memory Card Reader

6-in-1 (SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MS/MS Pro)

SATA

eSATA/USB2.0 combo

Ethernet

10/100/1000Mbps

WiFi

Bundled 802.11n USB WiFi adapter

USB Ports

2 USB 2.0 (rear)

2 USB 3.0 ports (rear)

Audio

HDMI Audio

Combo Analogue Audio / Digital mini-Optical S/PDIF

DirectX® Support

DirectX®11

Other Features

AMD Steady Video, AMD Picture Perfect HD and AMD VISION technologies

HDCP:

Yes

Software Features

 

Windows® 7 Capability

Windows® 7 with Aero® user interface and DirectCompute compatible

 

ZBOX nano XS AD11 PLUS_2ZBOX nano XS AD11 PLUS_4ZBOX nano XS AD11 PLUS_5ZBOX nano XS AD11 PLUS_6ZBOX nano XS AD11 PLUS_10ZBOX nano XS AD11 PLUS_13

Learn more from the ZOTAC website

RIM to release updates to BlackBerry Apps for easier BBM contact connection

Andrew Edney
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0
RIM to release updates to BlackBerry Apps for easier BBM contact connection

A series of updates to BlackBerry apps will be released over the coming days to make it even easier for users to stay connected with their BBM contacts.

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RIM today announced that Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones, Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones, BlackBerry Travel, BlackBerry App World and BBM Music will now include BBM connectivity, allowing users to keep in touch with their friends, share experiences and discover new things from within their own BBM community easily.

Facebook and Twitter Apps Integrated with BBM
Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones (version 3.0) and Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones (version 3.0) now allow users to share their Facebook status or latest Tweet with their BBM friends right from within the app, why update three status’ individually when you can update them all in one go?

BlackBerry Travel Goes Social
It is now easier than ever to update those who matter most about your travel plans. The new BlackBerry Travel app (version 2.5) is now BBM-connected, allowing travel plans to be shared with a few select friends or the entire BBM community.

App Sharing Made Simpler
With BBM (version 6.2) and BlackBerry App World (version 3.1.2), users can easily update their BBM profile to let their friends know about the great new app they’ve just downloaded from BlackBerry App World. With this updated version of BlackBerry App World, users can also instantly share info about their favourite app or a list of their installed apps with friends using BlackBerry Tag.

BBM Music – Music Discovery Made Better
With the enhanced BBM Music (version 1.2), discovering music and making friends is easier than ever. New BBM Music friends can be recommended to users right from within the BBM Music app itself, making it easier for users to connect and expand their music collection. The new feature even allows users to sample others’ songs before accepting new contacts on BBM Music.

BBM Made Better
In addition to integration with BlackBerry App World, BBM (version 6.2) offers a polished, enhanced and more personal experience. It includes a new selection of animated avatars, a simpler way of updating one’s personal message in their profile, and now allows users to quickly send voice notes.

Availability
Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones version 3.0 is available now and Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones version 3.0, BlackBerry Travel version 2.5, BlackBerry App World version 3.1.2, BBM Music version 2.1 and BBM version 6.2 are scheduled to be available for download over the next ten days on BlackBerry App World (www.blackberry.com/appworld).   Stay tuned to BlackBerry social channels to confirm when each app becomes available.

Western Digital starts shipping WD Scorpio Blue 7 mm hard drive

Andrew Edney
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0

Western Digital today announced it is shipping the WD Scorpio Blue 7 mm hard drive, the latest addition to its mobile hard drive family and the 2.5-inch drive with the lowest power consumption on the market today.

wdfScorpioBlue_JPVT

Specified to a best-in-class 400Gs shock tolerance, the new single-platter WD Scorpio Blue small form factor hard drives are available in 500 GB and 320 GB capacities and the drives’ compatibility with industry-standard 9.5 mm slots make them ideal storage options for mainstream notebooks as well as slimmer notebook and Ultrabook devices that require a 7 mm drive height.

“Consumers want thin and light personal computers, but the limited storage capacity of SSD-based notebooks forces them to pick and choose what files to bring from their library,” said Matt Rutledge, vice president and general manager for WD client storage products. “With the release of the new WD Scorpio Blue 7 mm mobile hard drives, WD is able to offer capacity, reliability and data-protection features combined with excellent power management all in a slim form factor perfect for thin and light notebooks.”

Features of the new WD Scorpio Blue 7 mm hard drives include:

· Low power consumption – Advanced power management features and algorithms optimise the way the drive seeks data, which significantly improves power consumption.

· Shock Tolerance – WD’s ShockGuard™ technology, now increased to a best-in-market 400Gs shock specification, protects the drive mechanics and platter surfaces from shocks.

· Cool and quiet – In a notebook drive, silence is golden. WD’s exclusive WhisperDrive™ technology enables quiet performance.

· Reliable – WD’s SecurePark™ parks the recording heads off the disk surface during spin up, spin down, and when the drive is off. This ensures the recording head never touches the disk surface resulting in improved long term reliability due to less head wear, and improved non-operational shock tolerance.

· Compatibility Tested – WD performs tests on hundreds of systems and a multitude of platforms in its FIT Lab™ and Mobile Compatibility Lab to give customers confidence that drives will work in specific systems.

Price and Availability
Shipping now through select distributors and resellers, the WD Scorpio Blue 7 mm 2.5-inch mobile hard drives are covered by a two-year limited warranty. MSRP for the 500 GB, model number: (WD5000LPVT) is $99.99 USD and the 320 GB, model number: (WD3200LPVT) is $79.99 USD. Additional information about WD Scorpio Blue hard drives and limited warranty terms may be found on the company website at http://wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=140.

NVIDIA Release GeForce 301.24 Beta Drivers

Andrew Edney
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0
NVIDIA Release GeForce 301.24 Beta Drivers

NVIDIA have released a GeForce 301.24 beta driver for it’s graphics cards.

GeForce-Logo_thumb_thumb_thumb

This is the first unified driver from the R300 family of drivers (versions 300.00 to 301.99).

GeForce R300 drivers are packed with new industry-leading, GeForce-exclusive features as well as some really nice performance increases in top games.

New in R300 Drivers:

  • New GPU Support – Adds support for the new GeForce GTX 680, the fastest, most efficient GPU ever built.  
  • Performance Boost – Increases performance for GeForce 400 Series and 500 Series GPUs in several PC games vs. GeForce 296.10 WHQL-certifieddrivers. Results will vary depending on your GPU and system configuration:GeForce GTX 570/580:
      • Up to 23% in Just Cause 2 with SLI
      • Up to 21% in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
      • Up to 17% in StarCraft II with SLI
      • Up to 14% in Far Cry 2 with SLI
      • Up to 9% in Bulletstorm
      • Up to 7% in Civilization V
      • Up to 6% in Deus Ex: Human Revolution with SLI
      • Up to 6% in Dragon Age 2 with SLI
      • Up to 5% in Metro 2033 with SLI
      • Up to 5% in Total War: Shogun 2

    GeForce GTX 560/560 Ti:

      • Up to 20% in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
      • Up to 15% in Just Cause 2 with SLI
      • Up to 13% in Far Cry 2 with SLI
      • Up to 12% in Bulletstorm
      • Up to 11% in Civilization V
      • Up to 10% in StarCraft II with SLI
      • Up to 9% in Batman: Arkham City
      • Up to 4% in Deus Ex: Human Revolution with SLI
      • Up to 4% in Dragon Age 2 with SLI
      • Up to 4% in Metro 2033 with SLI
      • Up to 4% in Total War: Shogun 2
  • NVIDIA FXAA Technology – shader-based anti-aliasing technology available from the NVIDIA Control Panel that enables ultra-fast anti-aliasing in hundreds of PC games. FXAA delivers similar quality to 4x multi-sample antialiasing (MSAA) but is up to 60% faster, enabling substantially higher performance in games. FXAA is supported on all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs. Note: This feature is disabled for games that already have built-in support for FXAA.
  • NVIDIA Adaptive Vertical Sync – dynamically enables vertical sync based on your current frame rates for the smoothest gaming experience. Adaptive VSync is supported on all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs.
  • NVIDIA Frame Rate Target – dynamically adjusts frame rate to a user specified target. Support for this feature is enabled via third party applications via NVAPI.
  • NVIDIA Surround Technology – Adds the following new Surround capabilities.
    • Add in a fourth accessory display to get access to your email, web, or other applications while you game.
    • Maximize an application to a single physical display when in Surround mode (enabled by default).
    • Confine the Windows Taskbar to the center display (enabled by default).
    • Enable bezel peeking – a feature which enables users to temporarily ‘peak’ behind the monitor bezels using a hotkey (Ctrl + Alt + B). This feature is designed to be used in conjunction with bezel corrected resolutions.
    • Add or remove resolutions from the list of Surround resolutions (only those selected will be available to applications).
    • Full center display acceleration for single wide display modes (center display must be connected to the master GPU).
  • NVIDIA SLI Technology – Adds or updates the following SLI profiles:
    • Alan Wake
    • Call of Juarez: The Cartel
    • Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
    • Deus Ex: Human Revolution – The Missing Link
    • Left 4 Dead
    • Orcs Must Die!
    • Portal 2
    • Risen 2: Dark Waters
    • The Darkness II
  • NVIDIA 3D Vision – Adds or updates the following 3D Vision profiles:
    • All Zombies Must Die! – rated Fair
    • Ghosts ‘n Goblins Online – rated Good
    • Oil Rush – rated 3D Vision Ready
    • Postal III – rated Good
    • Rayman Origins – rated Good
    • SevenCore – rated Fair
    • Stacking – rated Good
    • Unigine Heaven Benchmark v3.0 – rated 3D Vision Ready
    • Wargame: European Escalation – rated Good
    • Warp – rated Good
    • Wings of Prey – rated Fair
    • Krater – rated Poor

Other Details

  • Installs PhysX System Software v9.12.0213.
  • Installs HD Audio v1.3.14.1.
  • Supports OpenGL 4.2
  • Supports DisplayPort 1.2 for GeForce GTX 680.
  • Supports multiple languages and APIs for GPU computing: CUDA C, CUDA C++, CUDA Fortran, OpenCL, DirectCompute, and Microsoft C++ AMP.
  • Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 11, and OpenGL, including 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel and AMD motherboards.
Download the beta drivers from here

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Release 1.0.0.6008

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Release 1.0.0.6008

StableBit DrivePool has had an update taking it to release 1.0.0.6008.

600px-Stablebit_drivepool_screen_thu16

Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.1.6008 ———-

* When setting duplication on a read-only folder, it used to error out with access denied.

* Do not error out on in-use duplicated files / other expected error conditions when removing disks from the pool.

Learn more from the new Stablebit DrivePool home Download Stablebit Drivepool build 6008 here

AMD Catalyst Software Suite Version 12.3 Released

Andrew Edney
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0
AMD Catalyst Software Suite Version 12.3 Released

This morning my computer told me about an update for the AMD Catalyst Software Suite – taking it to version 12.3.

11-04-2012 09-38-08

This is what is included in this update:

NEW FEATURES

Full Support for AMD Radeon HD 7000 series of products

  • Catalyst 12.3 now fully supports the AMD Radeon HD 7900, AMD Radeon HD 7800 and AMD Radeon HD 7700 series of products

RESOLVED ISSUES

 

Resolved Issues for the Windows 7 Operating System

This section provides information on resolved known issues in this release of the AMD Catalyst 12.3 software suite for Windows 7. These include:

  • AMD Catalyst Control Center startup issues/ delays have been resolved
  • Tom Clancy HAWX: No longer crashes after task switching with MLAA (Morphological Anti-Aliasing) and Anti-Aliasing enabled
  • Furmark Benchmark: No longer crashes when launched in High Performance mode.
  • Quake 4: No longer display corruption after task switching when run in High Performance mode
  • XPlane: Textures no longer exhibit flicker and corruption
  • Skyrim: No longer displays flickering and texture corruption.
  • Alan Wake: A system crash is no longer experienced when running the game in DirectX 9 mode with Crossfire enabled
  • Far Cry 2: A random system hang is no longer experienced when running the game at high in game setting

Resolved Issues for the Windows Vista Operating System

This section provides information on resolved known issues in this release of the AMD Catalyst™ 12.3 software suite for Windows Vista. These include:

  • AMD Catalyst Control Center startup issues/ delays have been resolved
  • Enemy Territory Quake Wars : no longer exhibits random corruption

KNOWN ISSUES
Known issues under the Windows 7 operating system

The following section provides a summary of open issues that may be experienced under the Windows 7 operating system in the latest version of AMD Catalyst. These include:

  • Vsync may be disabled after task switching when playing Rage
  • Enemy Territory Quake Wars may crash when launched in High Performance mode
  • Crysis 2 may hang randomly when run in DirectX 11 mode.

Known issues under the Windows Vista operating system

The following section provides a summary of open issues that may be experienced under the Windows Vista operating system in the latest version of AMD Catalyst™. These include:

  • The Catalyst Control Center may not display if launched while using WinDVD to play a BluRay disc.

Known issues under the Windows XP operating system

The following section provides a summary of open issues that may be experienced under the Windows XP operating system in the latest version of AMD Catalyst™. These include:

  • The system may hang when playing Dirt 3 at maximum in-game settings
  • The system may hang when launching Crysis – Warhead at maximum in game settings
  • Dragon Age 2 may display random graphics corruption.

Microsoft releases Windows Home Server 2011 Computer Monitoring Error hotfix

Andrew Edney
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4
Microsoft releases Windows Home Server 2011 Computer Monitoring Error hotfix

Some users of Windows Home Server 2011 have been reporting Computing Monitoring Errors. If you are one of those users then Microsoft have just released a hotfix to cure your problem.

WHS 2011 hotfix

Symptoms

After you updated a server that is running Windows Home Server 2011 with the Update Rollup 2 for Home Server 2011, you receive the warning “Computer Monitoring Error” in the Home Server 2011 Launchpad or Dashboard. You receive this warning every 30 minutes.
This happens after the system installs Update Rollup 2. You find the following exceptions in the SharedServiceHost-AlertServiceConfig.log file.

120222.003152.9814: NetworkHealthEngine: Exception happened in Microsoft.WindowsServerSolutions.NetworkHealth.Engine.BinaryActionDefinition: System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. at Microsoft.WindowsServerSolutions.Servicing.Alerts.MacClientUpdateCondition.Run(IActionContext context)

Additionally, this can occur when you have removed a previously connected network computer from the server.
The log file is located in the following folder:

%Programdata%\Microsoft\Windows Server\Logs

You do not receive a warning reminding you to update your Mac client connector. There is no effect on other alerts or product features.

Cause

This occurs when one of the Alert evaluation components in Home Server 2011 tries to iterate through the records of all client computers in the network. It throws an unhandled exception when the component accesses the record of a client computer that was removed.

Resolution

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem.

You must submit a request to Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Request the hotfix from here

New D-Link MovieNite Streaming Media Player Announced

Andrew Edney
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2
New D-Link MovieNite Streaming Media Player Announced

D-Link have unveiled a new streaming media player called the MovieNite.

DSM-310_front

• Stream new movie releases the same day they come out on DVD with VUDU
• Instant access to unlimited entertainment choices from VUDU, Netflix, Pandora and YouTube right on your TV
• Full HD 1080p quality

Here is the press release:

Now Available in Walmart Stores Nationwide

Sub-$60 MovieNite™ Supports full 1080p HD and Instant Access to Movies, Music,

Photos and More from VUDU®, Netflix®, Pandora®, Picasa® and YouTube®

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – April 10, 2012 – D-Link today unveiled its newest addition to its entertainment product line – the MovieNite™ streaming media player (DSM-310) delivering instant access to an unlimited amount of 1080p HD movies and TV shows, and personalized Internet radio straight to any TV at an affordable price. Easy to setup and even easier to use, MovieNite offers a range of home entertainment content available via one-click of the remote, including: VUDU, Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Picasa, as well as the ability to view mydlink-enabled network cameras. The sub-$60 MovieNite is now available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide.

“We are committed to delivering customers a unique and user-friendly viewing experience, and MovieNite complements D-Link’s media player solutions, offering an effortless way for people to enjoy their digital content on a big screen at a great value,” said Ken Loyd, director, consumer products, D-Link. “We are very excited to work with Walmart to bring this family-friendly viewing experience to consumers. Whether it’s streaming new releases the same day they come out on DVD with VUDU, or streaming the perfect music list for your party, MovieNite offers high-definition picture quality and high-quality sound all in one convenient device.”

The easy-to-use MovieNite features a simple three-step setup, built-in wireless and Ethernet connectivity for quick connection to a home network, HDMI output to stream HD movies up to 1080p, and composite audio/video connections to turn any analog TV into a Smart TV. Simply plug the MovieNite into a TV and power outlet and set up MovieNite using the onscreen menu. With an easy onscreen menu and user-friendly one-button instant navigation remote control, MovieNite is the ideal media player for any user.

Easily stream movies and more with one simple click of the MovieNite remote, including:

  • · VUDU® – Enjoy the hottest new releases and largest HD library with a cinema-like experience at home with no monthly subscription fees (simply pay for what you watch)
  • · Netflix® – Instantly watch thousands of TV shows and movies under monthly subscription
  • · YouTube® – Discover and watch video clips from the Internet and share your favorite online videos on the big screen
  • · Pandora® – Listen to free Internet radio, personalize your stations and discover new music

MovieNite also offers additional streaming capabilities, including the ability to conveniently view live mydlink™-enabled network cameras on a TV using the mydlink app to monitor your home and keep an eye on your kids or pets, as well as online photo sharing with the Picasa® app. And, a free MovieNite remote app is available for iPhone® and Android™ allowing consumers to control MovieNite using the smartphone remote app.

Learn more from the D-Link website

Let us know if you get one!

Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone available to order in the UK

Andrew Edney
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0
Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone available to order in the UK

We have talked a few times about the Nokia Lumia 900 smartphone here at CDW, and now you can order it here in the UK.

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Nokia is delighted to announce that the amazing Nokia Lumia 900 is now available to order from Phones4U and Carphone Warehouse in the UK. With its large 4.3″ AMOLED clear black display touchscreen, lightning fast dual carrier download support, 8 megapixel camera with HD video with video calling across multiple platforms, the new Nokia Lumia 900’s high specification delivers stunning performance.

Featuring Nokia’s largest smartphone screen to date, the beautiful Nokia Lumia 900 offers superb rich content experiences from a phone that still fits easily in your hand. The main camera includes Nokia’s exclusive Carl Zeiss optics, with a large capture lens and wide angle focal length (28mm) that takes superb quality images even in low-light conditions. The Nokia Lumia 900 also includes a front-facing camera that ensures sharp, bright images for high-quality video calling, right out of the box. To take full advantage of these great camera specifications, the Nokia Lumia 900 also includes some excellent new imaging applications.

The third smartphone in Nokia’s Lumia family, the Nokia Lumia 900 builds on the portfolio’s sleek design on the outside and rich social and Internet experience on the inside. The People Hub is the quickest way to connect with friends through the fantastic Live Tiles experience, and provides real-time updates at a glance right on the home screen. Internet Explorer 9 Mobile for fast Web browsing, combined with unique, signature Nokia experiences, such as Nokia Drive, giving you free voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation, Nokia Maps and subscription free streaming music service, Mix Radio, are also featured.

In addition to all of this, the Nokia Lumia 900 is also a business tool, and comes with Microsoft Office Suite/365, Lync and Skype, making this a very serious business tool, and compatible with the largest PC file formats in the world.

The Nokia Lumia 900 is priced from £36 per month on contract and will be available from two of the UK’s largest retailers in the coming weeks. The White Lumia 900 will be exclusively available from Phones4U on-line and in store and available to pre-order from today (you will also receive a free Nokia Play 360° wireless speaker worth £120). Carphone Warehouse will also be ranging the Lumia 900 in store and on-line.

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So what do you think of the Lumia 900?

Sony Announce the VAIO E Series 14 laptop

Andrew Edney
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Sony Announce the VAIO E Series 14 laptop

Sony announced today a new laptop – the VAIO E Series 14, and it has a new stylish wrap-around design with colour accents.

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  • Stylish new ‘wrap-around’ design with colourful accents
  • Enjoy sound loud and clear with xLOUD, Clear Phase and Dolby Home Theatre V4
  • Backlit keyboard and large multi-gesture touchpad
  • Energy-efficient design with long battery life, performance hybrid graphics and Rapid Wake + Eco

Everyone can express their personal style this spring with the VAIO E Series 14 – the 14” laptop from Sony that’s made for smarter, easier everyday computing.

At home, on campus, or carried easily to the nearest café, the new VAIO E Series stands out from the crowd with its ‘wrap-around’ design. Three fresh colours – white, black or pink – are accented by complementary colour flourishes around the laptop’s edge, lid, touchpad and keyboard. Chic, individual credentials are emphasised further by the aluminium speaker bezel.

The comfortably-spaced isolation keyboard features a handy backlight for error-free low-light typing. It’s activated by an ambient light sensor that also dims screen brightness to conserve power in low-light conditions.

The generously-sized multi-gesture touchpad offers a large clickable surface for intuitive, ‘button-free’ control. There’s plenty of space to navigate pages, edit photos and more with fingertip scroll, flick, pinch/zoom and pivot movements.

Brand new to VAIO, Gesture Control lets you interact with your computer using intuitive hand movements. Just hold your hand up in front of the web camera and swipe left or right to flick though web pages or your photo gallery. Pull your hand down to pause music playback or a slideshow, or adjust music volume up or down with ‘rotate’ movements. Gesture Control is currently supported by Windows® Media Player, Internet Explorer® 9, PowerPoint® and PowerDVD.

Video chats are clearer and crisper with the built-in HD web camera powered by ‘Exmor for PC’. Friends and family will enjoy seeing you with sharper details, higher contrast and rich colours; even in low light where other web cameras struggle with grainy, fuzzy images.

The new VAIO E Series 14P gives you effortlessly clear, sparkling sound to match its good looks. Unique to Sony, xLOUDTM and Clear PhaseTM technologies boost volume levels without distortion for impressive-sounding movies and games. Alternatively, switch to Dolby® Home Theatre® V4 for rich, cinema-style audio, whether you’re listening through built-in speakers, external loudspeakers or headphones.

At work or play, the energy-smart design of the VAIO E Series keeps you up and running for longer. With battery life of up to 7 hours, there’s plenty of power for note-taking in lectures, followed by some ‘me time’ surfing or after-hours social networking.

Hybrid graphics use a dedicated GPU for demanding applications like games, video and photo editing. For less intensive tasks, VAIO automatically switches off the dedicated GPU to boost battery life. Endurance is pushed even further by the efficient VAIO Display and energy-efficient processors, plus an on-board optical drive that shuts down to zero power consumption when it’s not in use.

Can’t afford to hang around? With new Rapid Wake + Eco, you’re ready for action in moments. This energy-saving mode puts VAIO into an ultra-low power deep sleep, keeping all your data safe for up to ten days. Open the laptop’s lid and you’re up and running in seconds, with all your files just as you left them.

Organising, editing and sharing your media collection is even more of a pleasure with the VAIO E Series. Bundled at no extra charge, PlayMemories Home by Sony lets you add effortless polish to your photos and video clips, making home movies and even 3D content creation easier than ever.

The new VAIO E Series 14P is available in a choice of white, black or pink colourways. Other colours and configurable options are available at www.sony.co.uk.

Model

VAIO SVE14A1S1EW

Processor

Intel® Core™ i3-2350M Processor

OS

Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64bit with Service Pack 1

Memory

4GB DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM

Drive

500GB HDD 5400rpm

Screen

35.5cm (14”) VAIO Display (1366×768) with wide (16:9) aspect ratio

Graphics

AMD Radeon™ HD 7670M (1GB VRAM) + Intel® HD Graphics 3000

Optical drive

DVD SuperMulti Drive

Others

WLAN 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth® Ver. 4.0 + HS; USB 2.0 (x2), USB 3.0 (x1), USB 3.0 with USB charge (x1); HDMI out; stereo speakers with Dolby® Home Theater® v4; HD Web Camera powered by ‘Exmor for PC’ (1.31 megapixels); Web, VAIO and Assist buttons; backlit keyboard and touchpad with gesture support

Dimensions DxHxW

Approx. 245 x 22.4 x 341mm

Weight

Approx. 2.3kg (with standard supplied battery)
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