Reprinted from an Apple press release:

Apple today introduced Mac mini, the most affordable and compact Mac ever. Starting at just $499, Mac mini is the ideal desktop computer for anyone looking to get started with Mac OS X and features iLife ‘05, the latest version of Apple’s innovative suite of software for managing digital photo and music collections, editing movies and creating music. Just two-inches tall and weighing only 2.9 pounds, Mac mini redefines design for the sub-$1,000 desktop.

"Starting at just $499, Mac mini is the most affordable way to enjoy Mac OS X and iLife," said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. "Just plug in your display, keyboard and mouse and you’ve got an incredibly compact Mac for a price that almost anyone can afford."

Every Mac mini includes iLife ‘05, which was introduced today, and is the must-have upgrade to Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications with major new versions of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and GarageBand. iLife ‘05 also features the latest version of iTunes, the world’s best digital music jukebox software which includes the iTunes Music Store, the world’s number one online music store.

Mac mini offers the processing and graphics performance to take advantage of demanding consumer applications with either a 1.25 GHz or 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor and ATI Radeon 9200 graphics with 32MB of dedicated DDR memory. Both models come with a slot-load Combo drive for watching DVD movies and burning CDs, and up to an 80GB hard drive for storing digital media creations.

Mac mini includes one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports for easy plug-and-play connections to popular peripherals such as Apple’s market-leading iPod digital music player, digital still cameras, digital video camcorders and printers. Mac mini offers a DVI interface that also supports VGA so customers can easily connect to a variety of LCD or CRT displays. The new Mac mini includes built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and a 56K V.92 modem for easy Internet access, and offers optional support for an AirPort Extreme Card for 54 Mbps 802.11g fast wireless networking* along with an internal Bluetooth module for the latest in wireless communications.

Mac OS X version 10.3 "Panther" is pre-installed on every Mac mini and delivers breakthrough features including iChat AV desktop video conferencing, Mail, Safari web browser, Sherlock, Address Book, QuickTime, iSync, iCal, DVD Player and the Classic environment. Mac mini also comes with a collection of outstanding productivity and entertainment titles designed to meet the needs of the entire family, including Quicken 2005 for Mac, Nanosaur 2 and MarbleBlast Gold.

Pricing & Availability
Mac mini will be available in the US on Saturday, January 22 and worldwide on Saturday, January 29 through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers in two standard configurations.

The 1.25 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $499 (US), includes:

The 1.42 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $599 (US), includes:

Build-to-order options and accessories include up to 1GB of RAM, SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW), AirPort Extreme Card, internal Bluetooth module, wired or wireless Apple Keyboard and Apple Mouse and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

Mac mini is also available to education customers in the US and Canada through the Apple Store for Education at www.apple.com/education/store or by calling an Apple education sales representative at 800-800-APPL.

*Actual speed will vary based on range from the base station, environmental conditions and other factors.

Reprinted from a TMPG press release:

TMPG, Inc. (www.tmpg-inc.com), the company that makes digital video easy, introduced today its newest application for digital video creation: the TSUNAMI MPEG DVD AUTHOR. Built on the strength of the company’s TSUNAMI MPEG encoder, widely-used since 1998, this new software makes DVD creation easy for home and professional users alike. The first in a series of TMPG products be launched to the retail market, the new TSUNAMI MPEG DVD AUTHOR is available beginning next month at a special North America retail introductory price of $49.95. A free trial version is available for download from the company’s Website at www.tmpg-inc.com.

Easy to use, even for beginners, the new TSUNAMI MPEG DVD AUTHOR overcomes complication with its easy navigation Wizard that guides users through every step of creating quality DVD video, audio, chapter creation and more easily and intuitively. And, its comprehensive support for multiple audio and video formats makes it the most flexible choice. Import video clips from MPEG-1 or -2, AVI, Microsoft DirectShow, DVD Video or DVD-VR files; and add audio from MPEG-1 Audio Layer 2, Dolby Digital (AC-3) or Linear PCM (.wav), or use it for easy editing of materials recorded on a DVR. TSUNAMI MPEG DVD Author creates a finished DVD in standard DVD Video format, with MPEG-1 Audio Layer 2 or Linear PCM sound that, unlike the DVDs that many others’ products output, will play on most DVD players.

TSUNAMI MPEG DVD AUTHOR runs on a Pentium III 800MHz (Pentium 4 recommend) IBM compatible computer with 256MB of RAM (512MB + recommended) running Windows 2000/XP. And it’s one of the first products in its class with DVD +R double layer support, so, for users with the appropriate DVD burner and media, it can create DVDs with up to 8.5GB of DVD video on a single disk.

Available beginning in February at retail stores across North America, TSUNAMI MPEG DVD AUTHOR carries a special introductory MSRP of just $49.95, making it not only the best in class for ease of use and features, but the best priced, too.

TMPG joins the international community at large in support for the victims of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. To show our support, for each TSUNAMI MPEG DVD AUTHOR purchased through the retail channel, TMPG will make a donation to the relief and rebuilding efforts in the affected areas in South Asia for each. For details on the support effort, visit TMPG’s Website at www.tmpg-inc.com.

Reprinted from a Digital Juice press release:

In the four years since they were first released, Digital Juice’s Jump Backs network-quality animated graphic backgrounds have grown from a pioneering three-CD set into a 24-volume DVD library. The addition of four new volumes brings the total number of animated backgrounds in the collection to nearly one thousand.

More than 20 animators collaborated to create the Jump Backs library. Most animation shops only staff one or two artists, which means that the animations they produce often have a similar look and style. Jump Backs are much more creatively unique and varied, even within a single volume. The technical quality of the movies is impeccable, distributed using lossless encoding at 60 progressive frames per second. This native format is easily converted to a format that is compatible with your editing software, whether you are on a Mac or a PC, whether you are in Europe or the United States or anywhere else in the world.

Each Jump Backs animation is seamlessly loopable, so it can play at whatever length you desire, two seconds, two minutes or two hours. These professional animations increase the perceived quality of a production while lowering costs for studios and businesses that cannot afford to employ an entire creative team.

The new releases include Volume 21: High Impact VIII, which offers high-energy animations in a variety of styles. Volume 22: Global Impact has globes and map themes for international business applications and world news programs. Volume 23: Clean Streak features sharp, retro-style animations, with cool colors and shapes in motion. And Volume 24: Tunnel Vision winds through warp tubes and wormholes, down dimly lit passageways, around hairpin curves, and through tunnels of light.

All 24 Jump Backs volumes are available for $99 each, but can be as low as $49 per volume in bundles of ten.

Reprinted from a Verbatim press release:

Verbatim Corporation announced today that it has begun shipping engineering samples of its new 4x DVD-R Dual Layer (DL) media to DVD burner manufacturers and their software suppliers for read/write and compatibility testing. Shipments for consumers will begin late in Q1 2005, after the official specification is finalized. The specification enables the new DL-compatible burners to write a complete 8.5GB Verbatim dual layer DVD-R disc in about 25 minutes.

Verbatim and its parent company, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media (MKM), were among the first to confirm the technical feasibility of 4x speed recording of dual layer DVD-R media. To ensure high performance without sacrificing reliability or compatibility, Verbatim and MKM developed unique dye materials and coating techniques, as well as manufacturing techniques for stamping the grooves into the media that guide the write and read processes. Broad compatibility is maintained by using a thin layer silver alloy that serves as a reflector in the upper layer. The technologies developed by Verbatim/MKM allow the laser beam to pass through the first layer and the reflective layers to write to the second layer. The result is consistently reliable write/read performance for each layer.

By offering two recording layers, Verbatim’s new 4x DVD-R DL discs provide a capacity increase of about 80 percent, compared to the 4.7GB DVD-R media. With the higher capacity, consumers will be able to store up to 4 hours of DVD-quality video (16 hours of VHS-quality video) or 8.5GB of data on a single side while maintaining compatibility with the majority of today’s DVD players, recorders, drives and burners.

Availability
Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, Verbatim 4x DVD-R DL media will be available through leading retailers, Internet resellers and distributors across the country late in Q1 2005.

Reprinted from a Samsung press release:

Proving that great things do come in small packages, Samsung Electronics America, Inc., an award-winning DV-technology innovator, expands its line with three new Mini-DV Camcorders, the SC-D353, SC-D455, and SC-D955. All combine superior video capture capability, enhanced usability and features, and a streamlined, lightweight design. Samsung’s full camcorder line will be on display during CES 2005 at the Samsung booth, #11024 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 6th - 9th.

“Samsung’s newest Mini-DVs continue the company’s tradition of digital video excellence with a groundbreaking new chassis design that’s resulted in our smallest profile, most fully-featured Mini-DV Camcorders to date,” said Claude Frank, Director of Digital Audio/Video Products, Samsung Electronics America. “Our compact DV camcorders fulfill the need for ultimate portability while packing the ultimate in quality video performance, features and value.”

The ultra-compact SC-D455 packs a large amount of movie-making power into a truly minute space that’s just 53.5 x 74.5 x 102 mm (407 cc) small. Enhanced Image Quality and 10x Optical / 900x Digital Zoom keep colors brilliant and images in sharp focus. A 2.5″ 123K LCD screen and color viewfinder help users arrange and execute the perfect shot. The camcorder comes with a light and connects easily to PCs via standard fire wire or USB 2.0 cable. And if the 32 MB of built-in memory isn’t enough, users can take advantage of the built-in Memory Stick Slot to expand their storage capacity.

The top-of-the-line SC-D955 combines a compact, elegant design with 12x Optical/900x Digital Zoom that provides big value in a small package. The 1.33 Megapixel CCD creates ultra-high resolution video images and produces still images at 1280 x 960 resolution. The camcorder features a built-in flash for still shots, and an analog input that allows users to record from analog devices. For the ultimate storage convenience, the SC-D955 comes equipped with 64MB of memory in addition to a Multi Card Slot that allows users to choose between Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MMC Card or SD Cards.

The entry-level SC-D353 is packed with features and value. The camcorder sports a streamlined body for easy carrying, and plenty of value-enhancing features. A 680K CCD and 20x Optical / 900x Digital zoom provide excellent picture clarity and high recording flexibility. A viewfinder and 2.5″ LCD screen let users plan their shots, edit scenes, and playback video. The camera also features Enhanced Image Quality with DSP6 Digital Signal Processing technology, and upgraded USB streaming capabilities (VGA, 30fps).

All three Mini-DVs employ Samsung’s latest usability enhancements. The Instant ON feature brings the camera to shooting mode in less than one second. A new battery display feature replaces the old three-step graphical battery indicator with a real time battery arc that lets users know exactly how much recording time and playing time is left. And PictBridge technology allows the camera to print directly to a compatible printer with a standard USB cable.

The SC-D353 will be available in February 2005 for an MSRP of $299.99; the SC-D455 will be available in March 2005 for an MSRP of $399.99 and the SC-D955 will be available in April 2005 for an MSRP of $449.99.

Reprinted from a Samsung press release:

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., recognized worldwide as an innovator of DVD technology, is taking a lead in the DVD recorder category with the introduction of three powerful new models, the VR-325, TR-520, and HR-720. The new line up offers DVD recording solutions for everyone, including a DVD/VCR multi-recorder, a Dual DVD deck, and DVD recorder with a built in 120BG hard disk drive. Samsung’s new DVD recorder lineup will be on display during CES 2005 at the Samsung booth, #11024, in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 6th - 9th.

“Samsung is fast establishing itself as a leader in DVD recorders and our new line reaffirms this with the most varied and extensive suite of DVD recorder solutions on the market today,” says Claude Frank, Samsung Electronics America’s Director for Digital Audio/Video. “We offer multiple formats in our DVD Recorders for expanded usability. We expect that these devices will accelerate Samsung’s growth in this field.”

DVD/VHS Recording
Samsung’s DVD-VR325 is a VHS-DVD multi-recording device that lets consumers record between VHS tapes and DVD discs with total ease. With both formats supported in the same machine, consumers can easily convert treasured VHS tapes to DVDs at the touch of a button, with no special wiring required. Users also can record directly from television to either format. But the DVD-VR325 isn’t just a recording powerhouse, it’s also a top-flight DVD and VHS player in its own right. The player offers High- Definition conversion from both DVD and VHS playback and HDMI out and DVI-in jacks. Again Samsung has incorporated its Hi-Def conversion feature into this recorder, offering consumers 480p/720p/768p and 1080i. The device’s sleek and clean front panel design ensures it will look at home in all home theater settings.

Dual-Deck DVD Recording
Samsung’s DVD-TR520 is a powerful new dual-DVD recorder for consumers who want a way to easily share recorded memories with friends or family. With two DVD trays, the DVD-TR520 allows users to copy directly from disc to disc. With 4x - 8x speed copy, two hours of content can be copied in as little as 30 minutes, while the digital-to-digital interface ensures superb, high-picture quality every time. A simple, uncomplicated design lets copies be made literally at the push of a button. This twin-tray recorder is also a top-flight multi-DVD player as well, allowing discs to be played back from either tray.

Hard Disk Drive DVD Recording
Samsung’s DVD-HR720 is the ultimate DVD recorder solution for consumers with large media libraries and extensive recording needs. The DVD-HR720 incorporates a gigantic 120GB hard drive as well as a DVD recorder that records in DVD-RAM, -RW, and -R formats. This means users can record programming onto the hard drive, then easily archive it onto DVDs - or vice versa. With 4X speed, two-way copying between hard drive and DVD, two hours of content can be transferred in just an hour. Further, the DVD-HR720 integrates the latest electronic program guide from TV Guide, making the recording of favorite programs onto the hard drive as simple as surfing and clicking. The player also boasts an HDMI digital interface, DV input, and Samsung’s trademark sleek design.

Across the board, Samsung’s new DVD recorders are packed with coveted features. Both the DVD-VR325 and the DVD-HR720 offer auto chapter creating, which provides automatic indexing of video contents, like the DVD title. This feature also lets users easily create a menu screen with thumbnail images, and gives discs the ability to play back chapters easily on other players. The DVD-VR325 supports a 10-in-2 multi-card reader that accepts virtually every popular format of memory card, including SD, Compact Flash, Mini SD, XD, MMC, Smart Media, Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro. This allows for the easily viewing and archiving of digital photos.

Many DVD recorders don’t play well with strangers — discs burned in a recorder that supports one format are unplayable in a unit that supports a different format. Samsung avoids this problem with a proprietary multi-format technology that allows these new models to be flexible in the face of competing recording formats. DVD- the most flexible recording format available to DVDs, has several distinct advantages. Its non-contact optical pick-up ensures that each disc is scratch-free for repeated use, and it can adapt to -RW for playback on older players. It also allows for a mixed storage of video, audio and other types of data from both the PC and AV worlds. It’s non-linear characteristics enable unique features, like time-shifting and time-warping. This means the user can start watching a program from the beginning while the end is being recorded. In addition, Samsung supports both DVD-RW and DVD-R, ensuring consumers won’t face rejection when sharing discs with friends.

The DVD-VR325 will be available in May for an MSRP of $449.99. The DVD-TR520 will be available in July for an MSRP of $499.99 The DVD-HR720 will be available in July for an MSRP of $549.99