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Hard Disks

06 July 2007

A few weeks ago, we reported that Verbatim had agreed to acquire SmartDisk's external hard disk drive and digital imaging business. According to a press release sent out this morning, the acquisition was completed on June 30th and includes SmartDisk's physical assets, patents, trademarks, technology, engineering and marketing expertise.

Verbatim Corporation and its parent company Mitsubishi Kagaku Media (MKM), announced today the purchase of substantially all of the assets of SmartDisk Corporation’s external hard drive (HD) and digital imaging business. The acquisition, which includes physical assets, patents, trademarks, technology, engineering and marketing expertise, was effective on June 30, 2007. The purchase price has not been disclosed.

The Verbatim brand is recognized worldwide for delivering data storage solutions with the latest technologies, the highest quality, and features that add value for the consumer. The company’s role as an innovator is especially apparent in the magnetic and optical storage markets where it has been known as a pioneer for more than 30 years. Verbatim is also enjoying an increasing presence in the global portable storage market. As part of its corporate strategy to capitalize on this trend and complement its existing portable storage product line, the company purchased SmartDisk’s hard drive and imaging assets. NPD reported that SmartDisk had a 16 percent market share in the US retail portable drive market in 2006.

If you'd like to read more, Verbatim's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Hard Disks

11 June 2007

We've gotten word through one of our industry contacts that Verbatim and its parent company, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media (MKM), recently agreed to purchase SmartDisk's portable hard disk drive and digital imaging business. To help smooth the transition, several SmartDisk employees will also be joining Verbatim. While neither company has officially announced the deal, the transaction is expected to close in mid to late June. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, feel free to leave your comments in the forum. Add a comment

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Hard Disks

12 June 2007

Toshiba sent out a press release this morning, announcing the launch of two new digital video recorders (DVR). The RD-A600 and RD-A300 support Toshiba's new "VARDIA engine" and can record two digital HD television programs at once. The two DVR's also feature an integrated HD DVD writer, giving users the ability to record programs directly to disc or transfer HD video from the hard drive.

Toshiba Corporation today announced two high-end additions to its VARDIA digital video recorders (DVR) that add the capabilities of HD DVD recordable drives to a wide range of advanced functions. The new DVR introduce the ability to record two digital HD television programs simultaneously, and also integrate Toshiba's new "VARDIA engine", which supports significant enhancements to ease of use and performance, including faster drawing of the graphic user interface (GUI) and improved HD DVD disc operation. The HD DVD VARDIA RD-A600 and HD DVD VARDIA RD-A300 will be rolled out in the Japanese market from the end of June.

The new models offer consumers a choice of hard disk drive capacities. The 600-gigabyte (GB) RD-A600 can record about 78 hours*1 of digital HD broadcasts to its hard drive in HD picture quality, while 300GB RD-A300 can record about 39 hours*1. Both integrate an HD DVD recordable drive that can directly record HD television programs to an HD DVD-R disc or transfer HD images stored in HDD to an HD DVD-R disc. Like standard DVR, the new recorders allow users to build libraries of their favorite content, whether dramas, movies or sport, but add the ability to do so in vibrant, high definition detail, by storing HD content to HD DVD-R discs.

While Toshiba has not announced a price, AV Watch expects the RD-A600 and RD-A300 to cost about 200,000 Yen ($1644US) and 150,000 Yen ($1233US) respectively. More information, including a full list of specs, can be found here. Add a comment

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Hard Disks

04 May 2007

Plextor Europe has announced a new pocket sized 160GB hard disk drive. Compatible with both Macs and PCs, the PX-PH16U2 can be powered off a computer's USB bus and comes preloaded with Plextor's PlexTools software.

Extending its range of personal storage and high reliability optical products, Plextor today announces a new portable hard disk drive - small enough to fit in your pocket. In a stylish, brushed aluminium case this high reliability, premium quality HDD offers excellent value for money. The PX-PH16U2 is also Mac and PC compatible.

Ideal for all types of media including video, music, photos and office files, the drive offers a practical data capacity for everyday use and the compact size (only 17mm thick and 200g in weight) means you can easily slip it into your pocket, briefcase or handbag. Included is a handy carrying pouch for extra protection.

No word on price. However, the PX-PH16U2 is expected to ship later this month. More information is available on Plextor's website. Add a comment