NuVision Lucidium NVU32FX5 32-inch LCD HDTV Review by Jeff Roy

Over the past several years there has been a great improvement in digital video. Starting with DVD, we went to HDTV and then blu-ray, with resolutions up to 1080p. But with high resolution, there is a potential downside. With how great HDTV and blu-ray look, you still need a good quality display. Up for review is the NuVision Lucidium NVU32FX5 HDTV display.

The NuVision Lucidium NVU32FX5 is a high quality 32” 1080p display. Some of its key features are listed below:
-TFT LCD display
-Full HD Television (480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p)
-Can connect to a PC
-Pixel-based motion and edge adaptive de-interlacing
-Advanced Chroma Processing
-HDMI (Deep color, x.v. color compatible)
-Coaxial digital audio output
-Temporal and spatial Digital Noise Reduction image processing
-16:9 wide screen

The input/output terminals include:
-1 coaxial digital audio output
-3 HDMI v 1.3a inputs
-1 VGA input (DB-15 for PC)
-2 Component inputs
-2 Composite A/V inputs
-1 Composite Analog audio output
-1 S-Video input
-4 analog audio inputs
-NuControl Interface for 1R input/pass through and RS-232 control

The NuVision Lucidium NVU32FX5 has the typical features that you find in current HDTVs. These features include an OSD for picture, audio adjustments, and settings, backlight, DNR, and MPEG NR. There are also time settings for the time, as well as timers. The timers include your typical timer for when the TV will turn on, as well as a sleep timer.

NuVision claims they are “The Flatscreen Connoisseur.” That belief comes out in some of their proprietary features and technology. These features include:
-FX5 120 Hz film mode –gives a blur and flicker free image without the need of 3:2 pull down, by repeating each film frame five times.
-The LCD Panel boast a true native 120 Hz refresh rate
-Digital Switching Deep Black –NuVision’s deep black LCD panel technology and dynamic backlight that tracks the program material yields a measured contrast ratio of 15000:1
-Proprietary Nido IV 10-bit video processing- gives artifact-free viewing on the native 1080p display, even with DVD’s and standard definition.
-Deep Color Spectrum –expands the range of colors for more enjoyable viewing.
-Discrete circuitry and Proprietary firmware –a lot of manufactures cut corners by using “HDTV on a chip” technology. NuVision however engineers it’s set using discrete components optimized in their facility and then spend 4 to 6 times longer than other manufacturers tuning each chassis to provide the best image.
-Installer and End-User Friendly –additional options via NuControl for custom installers.
-NuCore –the best warranty in the industry: 2 years parts and labor, 30 day return policy, phone support, and 2 working day turn around time on in-home service.

Setting up the NVU32FX5 was very simple. The HDTV comes well secured in its packaging. The unit also comes shipped on its stand. The gloss black stand matches the elegant looking glass black frame. Shipped along with the main unit are the remote control, power cable, and literature. The literature consists of owner’s manual, quick start guide and registration card.

I was impressed with the included remote control. The remote control feels solid in your hand, and includes brushed aluminum trim. The buttons were well laid out, and well labeled. The remote is also backlit, which I really liked. But NuVision took it a step further and has clear icons on each of the buttons. That way, when the remote is backlit, the blue light comes through so when viewing in the dark you know what each button does. Kudos! One thing that would have been nice however is a wider functioning angle on the remote, that way you would not have to point the remote right at the infrared sensor on the TV.

For sound, you will always get better sound when using a receiver and separate speakers. But I was impressed with the sound quality from the internal speakers. They are rated at 10 watts per channel for each of the two channels. Distortion was inaudible at normal listening levels, and just slightly audible at high listening levels. But some tweaking of the built-in 5 band equalizer may help that. Using the surround mode was also successful in adding a sense of realism. Sounds were crisp and vocals were well articulated. They even produced some midbass.

The picture quality however was where it performed particularly well. The 1080p resolution looked amazing. The colors were not only accurate but also well saturated, and not overly so. All material that I threw at it looked good. The one weak link, if you can call it such, is with standard definition material. But that is the case with just about every HDTV display. The NuVision NVU32FX5 boasts a proprietary Nido processor for displaying standard definition and DVD’s on its native 1080p display. The best video processor cannot make standard definition look just like 1080p, and neither does the NuVision.

High definition however looked very good to excellent. This all was partly dependant on the source material. Broadcast HDTV looked sharp and detailed. The best picture however came from blu-ray discs. Performance here was nothing short of stellar. Images were very sharp with lots of resolution. Contrast ratio was excellent, and images were very dynamic, with an impressive black level performance and shadow detail. While obviously not a 3D set, there was a high level of depth to the image. Film also looked just that…very film-like. Flesh tones looked very natural. And thanks I am sure to the Nido processor, the image was smooth and artifact free, even in action scenes.

In the video display market, there are a lot of options. As a 32” display, the NuVision NVU32FX5 has some excellent features with 1080p resolution, native 120 Hz LCD panel, lots of inputs, an excellent remote, and a good built-in video processor.

The standard warranty is also excellent, with a full 2 years of coverage and in-house repair. All of this, along with its performance, has earned the NuVision Lucidium NVU32FX5 our Highly Recommended award. Excellent job NuVision! With electronics you tend to get what you pay for, and with NuVision quality also appears to be on the list with an MSRP of $1,249. For more information and complete specks, check out their website at http://www.nuvision.com/.

Kingston Technology Ships HyperX Fan in Black Color

New Color Raises Cool Factor in Systems; Keeps Memory Temperature Low

Fountain Valley, CA -- October 21, 2010 -- Kingston Technology, Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it is shipping the HyperX® fan in black. The new black fan is identical in performance and specifications to the blue-colored HyperX fan released in June 2009.
The dual 60mm fans optimize airflow around the modules helping memory run at peak performance for longer periods of time. The black HyperX Fan is made of anodized aluminum and when turned on, the blades are illuminated by eight small blue LEDs. Power use is minimal and noise is not an issue as the fan runs at a whisper-quiet 25 dBA*.
The black HyperX fan (Kingston® part #: KHX-FAN-B) ships as a stand-alone product and has an MSRP (U.S.) of $23.00. It is backed by a one-year warranty and free 24/7 technical support. For detailed information please visit the Kingston Web site at www.kingston.com.

* Maximum acoustical noise 28 dBA
About Kingston Technology Company, Inc.
Kingston Technology Company, Inc. is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Kingston designs, manufactures and distributes memory products for desktops, laptops, servers, printers, and Flash memory products for PDAs, mobile phones, digital cameras, and MP3 players. Through its global network of subsidiaries and affiliates, Kingston has manufacturing facilities in California, Taiwan, China and sales representatives in the United States, Europe, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, India, Taiwan, China, and Latin America. For more information, please call 800-337-8410 or visit www.kingston.com.

Editor’s Note: For additional information, evaluation units or executive interviews, please contact David Leong, Kingston Technology Company, Inc. 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA USA 92708, 714-438-2790 (Voice). Press images can be found in Kingston’s press room at kingston.com/press/default.asp

Dirac Research Unveils Dirac Dimensions™Audio Optimization System

Acoustic sound field synthesis technology revolutionizes the in-car audio experience


Uppsala, Sweden - October 20th, 2010—Dirac Research (www.dirac.se), a world leader in room correction and sound field synthesis, has announced the introduction of Dirac Dimensions, the most advanced digital signal processing solution ever engineered for automotive high fidelity. Dirac Dimensions virtually alters loudspeaker positioning to suit each automotive interior, providing an expanded acoustic environment and perfectly balanced sound from every seat in the car. One stumbling block to achieving the benefits of sound field synthesis has been that the technology requires too many loudspeakers for real-life applications. Dirac Dimensions is the first solution that uses the car's existing loudspeakers to deliver the advantages of sound field synthesis, and the technology is available now in the 2011 Bentley Continental GT.

How Dirac Dimensions works:
Dirac Dimensions is the first in-car audio optimization system to offer true MIMO (multiple-input multiple output) control of the entire sound field. Frequency response, spatial attributes, impulse responses, and the acoustic summation of all loudspeakers are optimized jointly to deliver the most realistic audio reproduction possible.

Sound engineers at Dirac Research team with automotive manufacturers to analyze acoustic properties within the car using the Dirac Dimensions Measurement and Design Tool. Based on the results, engineers can then “draw” an optimal listening environment in the Dirac Dimensions™ Room Editor, placing virtual speakers at desired locations while defining other target parameters for the desired performance. The result is balanced, accurate sound seemingly decoupled from the physical loudspeakers and extending beyond them in every direction.

Automotive Applications:
Dirac Dimensions is the ultimate solution for creating the perfect stereo or 5.1 audio experience across all seating positions in an automotive environment. Dirac Dimensions succeeds in overcoming the limitations of conventional car speaker placement by using patent-pending control algorithms to create virtual loudspeakers outside the car while evening out response variations throughout the passenger cabin. The result is the most lifelike listening experience ever achieved for any automotive environment.

The ultimate in sophistication and performance, the 2011 Bentley Continental GT utilizes Dirac Dimensions optimization technology to transform the in-car listening experience. "Our technology optimizes the sound field to achieve an unprecedented sense of space and realism from all seating positions in the car,” said Mathias Johansson, CEO and CTO at Dirac Research. “Dirac Dimensions actually transforms the output of the existing loudspeakers to create an entirely new listening environment. Due to its effectiveness and adaptability, we anticipate an increased demand for Dirac Dimensions in home, commercial and automotive applications,” Johansson added.

About Dirac Research: Founded in 2001, Dirac Research is a premier R&D company specializing in high-performance digital sound optimization, room correction and sound field synthesis. The company was founded by researchers from the Signals & Systems Group of Uppsala University, Sweden, which has fostered 8 Nobel Prize laureates. With Dirac's patented toolbox for efficient and accurate audio system optimization, customers such as BMW, Bentley and Datasat Digital Entertainment™ have achieved dramatically improved sound quality and a shortened time-to-market. Dirac Research maintains offices in Sweden, Tokyo and Detroit. www.dirac.se

FOR DEMONSTRATIONS OF DIRAC TECHNOLOGY IN NORTH AMERICA, PLEASE CONTACT WIRC MEDIA

Press Contact:
Micah Sheveloff
WIRC Media
wirc1@wircmedia.com
203-795-3141

Ninth KICKER Big Air Bash Provides a Night Out During SEMA Show

STILLWATER, USA – This year’s post-event focus for thousands of SEMA Show attendees will be KICKER Big Air Bash 9! The 2010 Bash
will be loaded with all the excitement and insanity that has made it the unforgettable Las Vegas party that people from around the world come
to witness!
Big Air Bash 9 once again takes the show to the Palms Casino Resort, on November 3 at 7 p.m. Motocross racing personalities Erin Bates,
Malcolm McCassey and Ronnie Renner play host during a blazing night of motorized vehicles slashing through the air, America’s craziest
show cars strutting their stuff and jaw-dropping entertainment from Recycled Percussion!
Behind the turntables, DJ Impulse will be dropping the beats and officially starting the party by working the crowd prior to the popular mini-moto
race. Team Associated’s nitro-powered R/C cars plan to utilize the freestyle moto ramps as part of their demo, and the show’s main events will
include freestyle motocross from Cowboy Kenny Bartram, Twitch Stenberg, Ronnie Faisst, Cody Elkins and others. An awesome exhibition
demo of quad freestyle by Caleb Moore, Colten Moore and Marco Picado will leave the masses wanting more. KICKER athletes will be
hanging throughout the event, providing several star-spotting opportunities! Attendees can look for extreme-sports celebs Travis Pastrana,
Ryan Sheckler, Chad Kagy, Donny Robinson, Chanelle Sladics and many others.
Marketing partners help make the Bash the most exciting SEMA Show party in Vegas! KICKER partners Oakley and Makita will be on hand
again, along with Toyota, Team Associated, General Tire, Rockstar Energy Drink, Air Lift and Bullet Liner.
The Bash is held annually in association with the SEMA Show, this year running from November 2-5.
KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio
aftermarket at authorized dealers worldwide, and also through selected Original Equipment Manufacturers. Consumers needing more
information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand Web site at
www.kicker.com. Follow KICKER at facebook.com/kickeraudio and twitter.com/kickeraudio.

New Versawhite Projection Screen Material Combines Dry-Erase Capabilities with Projection Screen Technology

Cerritos, California. Oct. 18, 2010-Elite's new matte white projection material with dry-erase capabilities has created an interested stir within the commercial integrator and retail sales channels alike. The Versawhite is a dry-erase material that functions with equal facility as a front-projection screen or as a whiteboard writing surface for training/classroom facilities.

Available Models
Versawhite material is available as either a hard-framed whiteboard (WhiteBoardScreen Universal), or as a pliable adhesive projection screen (Insta-DE ) or magnetic (Insta-DEM) screen.

WhiteBoardScreen Universal (click to view)


The WhiteBoardScreen Universal takes the traditional whiteboard design and fuses it with a professionally crafted projection surface. The Versawhite material used will not hotspot or create an unsightly color shift which is common when projecting on a regular whiteboard.

Key features of the WhiteBoardScreen Universal:

Versatile hard-backed whiteboard/projection screen combination product
Projection surface is coated in a "glare-free" scratch-resistant optical nanotech resin

Insta-DE (click to view)

The Insta-DE screen is ideal for converting any office wall space into an instructional whiteboard-projection screen. Its magnetically-backed variant, the Insta-DEM is for converting ferromagnetic surfaces.

Key features of the Insta-DE & DEM screens:

Instant whiteboard/projection screen converts empty wall space in minutes
Contour padded backing has choice of adhesive (DE)or magnetic (DEM) attachment
Projection surface is coated in a "glare-free" scratch-resistant optical nanotech resin

Material
The 1.1 gain matte white material is ideal for use with standard, interactive, and/or short-throw projectors. It is coated with a highly durable scratch-resistant optical nanotech resin. This allows the Versawhite material to fulfill its dual role as a dry-erase writing surface. Versawhite also performs with clear color reproduction that should be expected from a precision designed projection screen but has never been performed by a regular whiteboard. Insta-DE Screens are available in many sizes in a 4:3, 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio.


For more information about Elite Screen's various product lines, please visit our website at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=a9gq48bab&et=1103782980259&s=18175&e=0012m9UaMKEp7erGZc7rBm6AU4ncrE3WdbpTBaKVy3Jq1ck9OUEEFbywTjdUn7szsAhaVAhcDvT-6itYlKcUBaAg_J8w1eMwLn0qvCY7on11WIl_isy8S-aIA==.

ASUS & Brain Tunnelgenix Technologies Partner to Deliver First PC-Based, FDA-Approved Temperature Monitoring System

American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA (October 16, 2010) - ASUS® and Brain Tunnelgenix Technologies Corp.™(btt™Corp.), of Bridgeport, CT, have established a partnership to deliver the first personal computer-based temperature monitoring system approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Specifically designed to be used during surgical procedures, in the recovery room, in intensive care and for general patient monitoring, the new Abreu btt™ 700 System for continuous temperature monitoring incorporates an ASUS Eee PC 1005HA as a key component. The Abreu btt 700 System is the world’s first continuous and noninvasive device that measures temperature on the skin surface of the body with the highest thermoconductivity, the fat-free skin that overlies the Brain Temperature Tunnel (BTT), a new thermal organ in the body discovered in groundbreaking research by Dr. Marc Abreu of Yale University. “We feel privileged to be working closely with Brain Tunnelgenix Technologies on this revolutionary and proprietary product, which now gives the personal computer a major role in medical practice and improving patient care,” said Ben Thacker, Vice President, North America Systems Business Group, Sales & PMs. “We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Brain Tunnelgenix Technologies Corp. and to further important and exciting technologies introduced by them.” Brain Tunnelgenix Technologies Corp. Chief Executive Officer Rick Foreman sees a similar benefit from the partnership. “We are delighted that one of the tech industry’s leading innovators has partnered with us. ASUS has a well-earned reputation for unsurpassed reliability, and their first-class product will help preserve the health of countless patients and reduce the overall cost of patient care.” To see the Abreu btt™ 700 System incorporating the ASUS Eee PC 1005HA, please visit the San Diego Convention Center, Booth 3815, from Oct 16-18. ASUS Eee PCsIn 2007, ASUS changed the PC industry with the introduction of the Eee PC, the original netbook. Used by the thousands in health care facilities, schools, and homes, the Eee PC makes it easy to learn, work and play. Many Eee PCs carry EPEAT certification, and ASUS is regularly recognized as the most reliable brand for notebooks and netbooks in the major reliability studies, including those by Squaretrade and Rescuecom.* To see ASUS’ full lineup of Eee PCs for health care and other commercial segments, please visit http://commercial.asus.com/category/index/17.
About ASUSASUS is a leading innovator in personal computing products and a preferred supplier of technology products to the health care sector. The company offers a broad portfolio of products that includes notebooks, netbooks, motherboards, graphics cards, displays, servers, multimedia, wireless solutions, and networking devices. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,268 awards in 2009, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than 10,000 people and a world-class R&D team of 3,000 engineers, the company's revenue for 2009 was US $7.5 billion.About Brain Tunnelgenix TechnologiesBased on the groundbreaking discovery by Yale researcher Dr. Marc Abreu of the Brain Temperature Tunnel, a new thermal organ in the body, Brain Tunnelgenix Technologies Corp. (btt Corp.) has developed revolutionary technology that promises to transform human temperature measurement. Offering the first advancement in modern thermometry in 300 years, btt Corp. now makes it possible for human brain and core temperature to be noninvasively and continuously monitored, the same as other vital signs -- heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate. The company’s technologies are protected by a worldwide, multi-million dollar investment in patents, with more than 60 patents and patent applications in the U.S. and in more than 40 other countries, representing 85% of the world's purchasing power. www.braintunnelgenix.com.

Patriot Expands Apple™ DDR3 Memory Lineup

Fremont, California, USA, October 12, 2010 - Patriot Memory, a global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash and computer peripheral solutions, today announced the immediate availability of 1333MHz SODIMM memory modules qualified for use in the latest Apple iMac computer systems. The newest Patriot Signature Line for Apple modules are offered in 2GB and 4GB modules and 4GB and 8GB kits at 1333MHz CL9.
Patriot’s Signature Line of DDR3 PC3-10666 (1333MHz) SODIMMs for Apple computer systems delivers the quality, reliability and performance that makes them the perfect memory upgrade solution. These modules are qualified on the latest product lineup of 21.5” and 27” iMac systems using the Intel® Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors. These latest iMac computers are the first systems from Apple to use hi-speed 1333MHz SODIMMs.
“Our Signature Line of SODIMMs for Apple computers provides qualified upgrade options for users of the newest iMac systems” states Les Henry, Vice President of Engineering at Patriot. “Patriot maintains our leadership position through dedicated research and development, qualification and partner relations. With these products, we deliver yet another high quality solution to the market that satisfies users’ needs and meets our objective of offering the latest technology and best performance in our vast product lineup.”
Patriot Signature Line 1333MHz SODIMMs for Apple are available immediately from Patriot’s world wide channel of authorized distributors, resellers and partners.

Product Description
Model #
UPC
Warranty
Signature 1333MHz 8GB DDR3 SODIMM Kit (2x 4GB)
PSA38G1333SK
815530010494
Lifetime
Signature 1333MHz 4GB DDR3 SODIMM
PSA34G13332S
815530010470
Lifetime
Signature 1333MHz 4GB DDR3 SODIMM Kit (2x 2GB)
PSA34G1333SK
815530010487
Lifetime
Signature 1333MHz 2GB DDR3 SODIMM
PSA32G13332S
815530010463
Lifetime

Apple and iMac are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
For more information on the Patriot Signature Line 1333MHz SODIMMs for Apple computer systems, please visit the product page here.
For the product image embedded above, please visit the following link here

For more information about Patriot’s products and solutions, please contact your Patriot Sales Representative or visit http://patriotmemory.com/
About Patriot Memory:
Patriot Memory designs, manufactures and markets high performance, enthusiast memory modules, flash products, and computing technologies. Patriot products have become world renown for their extreme performance, reliability and innovation. Patriot Memory sells its products through original equipment manufacturers, retailers, e-tailers and distributors throughout the world with operations in North America, Asia and Europe. Patriot Memory’s parent company, PDP Systems, Inc., was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Fremont, California, USA.
All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability, and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Kingston Increases microSDHC Card to 32GB

Large Capacity Card Perfect for Content-Rich Smartphone Use

Fountain Valley, CA -- October 6, 2010 -- Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it will ship its first 32GB microSDHC Class 4 card on Monday, October 11. The ultra-large 32GB microSDHC card is the perfect mobile storage solution for entertainment and business applications as smartphone use integrates into everyday life.
“The need for additional portable storage has grown as the mobile phone has transitioned from a simple voice device to a powerful multifunctional tool which is used to email, listen to music, take photos and watch movies,” said Mike Kuppinger, Flash card product manager, Kingston®. “Mobile phones are about more than just staying in touch as we also use them to take pictures at our kids’ sporting events, shoot videos on vacation and post to social media sites. An extra 32GB of expandable memory takes these capabilities even further.”
Kingston’s 32GB microSDHC card is capable of storing nearly 29,000 photos, over 6,000 songs and more than 2,000 minutes of video. The card has worked flawlessly when tested on the latest crop of smartphones including the HTC Evo™ 4G and Shadow™; Motorola
Droid™ X; RIM (BlackBerry®) Bold™ 9000; and, Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant™.
Mobility and versatility are taken a step further as the card is available with a variety of adapters including SD and miniSD, allowing one card to be used in several devices. Kingston also ships the 32GB microSDHC card with a small USB reader for convenient data transfers. The 32GB microSDHC Class 4 card is backed by a lifetime warranty, 24/7 tech support and legendary Kingston reliability. For more information visit www.kingston.com.

Kingston 32GB microSDHC Class 4 Features and Specifications:
· Compliant: with the SD Specification Version 2.00 (Class 4)
· Versatile: when combined with an adapter, can be used as a full-size SDHC card
· Compatible: with microSDHC host devices; not compatible with standard microSD-enabled device/readers
· File Format: FAT32
· Reliable: lifetime warranty
· Capacities*: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
· Dimensions: 0.43" x 0.59" x 0.039" (11mm x 15mm x 1mm)
· Speed: Class 4 – 4MB/sec. minimum data transfer rate
· Operating Temperature: -13°F to 185°F (-25°C to 85°C)
· Storage Temperature: -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C)


Kingston microSDHC 32GB Class 4 Card
Part Number
Capacity and Features
MSRP (U.S. only).
SDC4/32GBSP
32GB Class 4 microSDHC Card (card only)
$ 153.00
SDC4/32GB
32GB Class 4 microSDHC Card (w/SD adapter)
$ 155.00
SDC4/32GB-2ADP
32GB Class 4 microSDHC Card (w/two adapters)
$ 159.00
MRG2+SDC4/32GB
32GB Class 4 microSDHC Card (w/reader)
$ 159.00

Kingston Storage Chart
Pictures
Photo Storage**
1.3MP
3MP
5MP
2GB Kingston microSD
3144
1808
1190
4GB Kingston microSDHC
6288
3616
2380
8GB Kingston microSDHC
12576
7232
4760
16GB Kingston microSDHC
25152
14464
9520
32GB Kingston microSDHC
50304
28928
19040




Music Storage - MP3 & WMA***
Approximate Songs

2GB Kingston microSD
380


4GB Kingston microSDHC
760


8GB Kingston microSDHC
1520


16GB Kingston microSDHC
3040


32GB Kingston microSDHC
6080






Video Storage†
Approximate Minutes
2GB Kingston microSD
136


4GB Kingston microSDHC
272


8GB Kingston microSDHC
544


16GB Kingston microSDHC
1088


32GB* Kingston microSDHC
2176



* Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the products. For more information, go to Kingston's Flash Guide at kingston.com/flash_memory_guide.
** Approximate number of standard JPEG pictures. JPEG file sizes vary based upon camera model and default settings, as well as user-selected resolution and compression mode settings. Some host devices may not support all of the Flash storage capacities listed.
*** Approximate number of songs. Assumes 4MB file size. Results may vary based upon compression rates and devices used.
† Approximate minutes of video clips. Assumes MPEG1 format. 1.5Mbps file size. Results may vary based upon video compression rate.

About Kingston Digital, Inc.
Kingston Digital, Inc. (“KDI”) is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com or call 800-337-8410.

KIDZ GEAR WINS CREATIVE CHILD MAGAZINE 2010 AWARD

Wins in “Kids Electronic Gear Category” for First Wireless Car Headphones
Designed Specifically for Children

October 5, 2010, El Dorado Hills , CA -- Kidz Gear www.GearForKidz.com, the award-winning Grown-up Performance, Built for Kids! brand, announced today that they won the Creative Child Magazine “Kids Product of the Year” 2010 Award in the “Kids Electronic Gear Category.” Kidz Gear Wireless Car Headphones for Kids are the first wireless car headphones on the market designed specifically for children, the largest users of in-car DVD and video systems.

Creative Child Magazine chose Kidz Gear Wireless Car Headphones for Kids as a 2010 Product of the Year, to be announced in its annual awards November/December Holiday issue. The Creative Child Magazine Kids Product of the Year Awards are unique in that all products are reviewed by a committee of moms, music educators, and early education professionals -- the very people who purchase these type of products.

Child-Friendly Comfort at a Lower Cost

Priced at only $34.99, Kidz Gear Wireless Car Headphones for Kids deliver the same performance as headphones sold by car dealerships, but with comfortable child-friendly features and at a lower cost. The standard headphones that come with vehicles are not designed for children -- they are uncomfortable, large and bulky. Kidz Gear solves these problems with their lightweight Wireless Car Headphones for Kids made with uniquely sized headbands and comfortably padded ear-cups. Other features include automatic power-off when not in use; independent volume control on the ear-cup; extremely rich sound quality for a variety of video and audio content; and 100% compatibility with all U.S. cars that support a built-in IR DVD or video system. In addition, the Kidz Gear Wireless Headphones for Kids can also be used at home with the optional purchase of the IR68KGTR wireless transmitter.

Kidz Gear Wireless Car Headphones for Kids are available immediately online priced at $34.99 at www.GearForKidz.com, www.Amazon.com and other fine online retailers. For more information, call 916-933-7858 or visit the company’s website: www.GearForKidz.com.
About Creative Child Product of the Year Award
Each year, over a hundred guest reviewers are invited by Creative Child Magazine to attend a 2-day event held at the Henderson , Nevada Convention Center. All products are divided into various categories and displayed at review stations. Guest reviewers are asked to sit and review each product and then move to another station and so forth. This allows for each product to receive multiple reviews for more objectivity. Award winners are officially announced in November on the www.creativechild.com website and published in Creative Child Magazine’s Holiday issue, distributed in November. For more info on the awards, see: http://www.creativechild.com/toy-guide.
About Kidz Gear
Incorporated in 2001, San Ramon , California Supply and Beyond, LLC is the exclusive manufacturer of the Kidz Gear brand of products and accessories. The Kidz Gear brand was created by founder and mother Laurie Peterson with the purpose of developing a line of products and accessories with adult features, performance and quality but with ergonomic and economic sizes, styles and prices for children. The Kidz Gear product line has received rave reviews and awards from various Mother’s Group Organizations and industry publications. The company is continually focused on bringing more products to market that support the company’s mission – Grown-Up Performance, Built for Kids!
For more information visit www.GearForKidz.com, email: greatproducts@gearforkidz.com or phone: 916-933-7858.

DeLorme and SPOT Collaboration Being Honored with 2010 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award

First Handheld GPS Navigation System with Ability to Send Text Messages Via Satellite. Highly-Anticipated Product Release is Now Widely-Available At Retail and Online.
YARMOUTH, Maine -- (October 4, 2010) -- The groundbreaking new DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator will receive a prestigious 2010 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award during a special ceremony Tuesday at the Hearst Publishing corporate headquarters in New York City.Combining global positioning and satellite communications technologies, this unique product pairing comprises the first handheld GPS navigation system capable of keeping users connected with family, friends and, if necessary, emergency coordination services from remote locations around the world.
Popular Mechanics chose 10 products and innovators in science and technology that they believe moved society forward in 2010. In explaining their selection, Popular Mechanics editors described the PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator as “a valuable tool on any trip that extends well outside of cell phone range. It not only provides detailed topographical maps and GPS guidance in the backcountry, it also lets explorers send SOS messages with embedded coordinates via satellite if they're in trouble — or Facebook updates if they're not."
A special interface on the PN-60w connects it wirelessly with the SPOT Satellite Communicator (engineered to work exclusively with the PN-60w). Custom Type & Send text messages are created on the PN-60w's internal keyboard, and sent via the SPOT Satellite Communicator to email addresses, cell phones, and or the user’s Facebook and Twitter pages. In addition, family and friends can track the user's progress via Google online maps.
“This has been an ambitious project requiring a great deal of engineering expertise from both DeLorme and Spot LLC,” said Caleb Mason, DeLorme Vice President. “The end result is a new way for those who venture into the wilderness around the globe to navigate their adventures and also stay in touch with those they’re close with.”
Katie Schoeben, Global Marketing Director for Spot LLC said “It’s an honor to be recognized as innovators in technology by such a prestigious magazine as Popular Mechanics. We are proud to partner with DeLorme on the PN-60w and SPOT Satellite Communicator providing consumers handheld GPS technology with satellite messaging capabilities for the very first time.”
The other companies being recognized with Innovation Awards are Bosch, Chevrolet, GoPoint Technologies, Nissan, Qualcomm, Sony, Sprint, Stihl, and Trane. The Award winners will be highlighted in the November issue of Popular Mechanics, on newsstands Oct. 12, with winner profiles currently online at http://envelope.delorme.com/emailmarketer/link.php?M=6346407&N=326&L=401&F=H.
The Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator is now widely available for purchase at retail stores and online, from major sporting goods and electronics resellers. SPOT communication and tracking services are activated via low-cost subscriptions at http://envelope.delorme.com/emailmarketer/link.php?M=6346407&N=326&L=403&F=H
For more information, visit http://envelope.delorme.com/emailmarketer/link.php?M=6346407&N=326&L=114&F=H.
About DeLormeDeLorme is the longtime leader in innovative mapping and GPS solutions for both consumer and professional markets. Based in Yarmouth, ME, DeLorme offers a unique set of core competencies across the complex areas of map data creation and management, software development, and integration with GPS. The ability to develop all the critical components necessary to compete in the fast-changing navigation world provides a distinct competitive advantage. DeLorme is one of a handful of mapmakers that still own and produce their own content, and its Street Atlas USA, Topo North America, XMap, and Earthmate GPS products have introduced countless first-to-market innovations. To learn more, visit http://envelope.delorme.com/emailmarketer/link.php?M=6346407&N=326&L=114&F=H.
About Spot LLCThe SPOT product family uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or an emergency service call center. SPOT LLC, a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: GSAT), provides emergency notification technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. Thanks to this affordable, cutting edge personal safety device, the company offers people peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how Spot LLC is helping users live to tell about it - from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure purposes – visit http://envelope.delorme.com/emailmarketer/link.php?M=6346407&N=326&L=402&F=H.

ASUS Introduces new HD6000 series with HD6870 & HD6850 Graphics Cards

ASUS Continues To Set the Performance Bar in Graphics with the EAH6800 Series of Graphics Cards
-- The latest generation graphics from AMD, enhanced by ASUS with innovative features designed to ensure quality, reliability and superior performance --

Fremont, CA (October 22, 2010) - Featuring even more processing power than the award winning EAH5000 Series of graphics cards, the new ASUS EAH6800 Series brings HD graphics performance and smooth gameplay to PC enthusiasts. With cutting-edge technology and a range of exclusive performance-boosting improvements gamers cannot go wrong with the ASUS EAH6800 Series. Both the EAH6850 DirectCU/2DIS/1GD5 and EAH6870/2DI2S/1GD5 cards feature AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology, AMD HD3D technology and DirectX® 11 support. In addition, exclusive ASUS Voltage Tweak overclocking technology offers a superior overclocking experience allowing users to adjust the GPU voltage to reach higher than reference clock speeds. The EAH6850 DirectCU and EAH6870 also ship with factory overclocked cores set to 790MHz and 915MHz ensuring that even straight out the box users have better gaming performance.
EAH6870/2DI2S/1GD5
EAH6850 DirectCU/2DIS/1GD5
Product Highlights***
Exclusive award winning ASUS Voltage Tweak technology offers real-time voltage adjustment of various GPU components, including the graphics core and video memory. In combination with the award winning Smart Doctor VGA graphics utility users have extensive control over the frequencies and fan controls of the EAH6800 Series.
The EAH6850 DirectCU is factory overclocked to 790MHz and the EAH6870 to 915MHz. This is 15MHz higher than reference designs and offers higher frame rates in games right out of the box.
ASUS’ proprietary cooling technology, DirectCU, uses custom-flattened dual 8MM all-copper (nickel plated) heat pipes in direct contact with the GPU core. This results in the EAH6850 DirectCU operating up to 20%* cooler than reference designs.
The ASUS EAH6870 is equipped with an aluminum fan cover that improves cooling efficiency and reduces surface temperatures up to 14 degrees Celsius* compared to the reference design’s plastic cover.
AMD Eyefinity technology supports up to six** displays for a fully immersive viewing experience.
AMD HD3D technology provides stereoscopic 3D gaming and movie watching.
AvailabilityASUS EAH6800 Series graphics cards are available now from authorized ASUS resellers.
* Subject to system configuration and usage. Results may vary. ** DisplayPort 1.2 compatible monitors required for six-screen AMD Eyefinity output. Please visit www.amd.com/Eyefinity for more information.*** Product features and specifications may change without prior notice. Please check usa.asus.com for further details.
About ASUSASUS, the world’s top 3 consumer notebook vendor and the maker of the world’s best selling and most award winning motherboards, is a leading enterprise in the new digital era. ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today's digital home, office and person, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, displays, desktop PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia, wireless solutions, networking devices and mobile phones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,268 awards in 2009, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than ten thousand people and a world-class R&D team of 3,000 engineers, the company's revenue for 2009 was US$7.5 billion.

ASUS ROG Crosshair IV Extreme Pushes AMD Performance

-- Innovative features and performance oriented design continue to prove why ASUS Republic of Gamers is the Gamers and Overclockers platform of choice --


Fremont, CA (October 1, 2010) - ASUS, the leading provider of high performance motherboards, launches the highly anticipated Republic of Gamers (ROG) Crosshair IV Extreme motherboard in North America today. Featuring a class leading design and innovative features, the Crosshair IV Extreme sets a new standard for a world class enthusiast motherboard based on an AMD chipset. Rigorously tested and approved by leading enthusiasts, the Extreme series is engineered from the ground up for exceptional performance, stability, overclocking prowess, cutting edge BIOS controls and most of all, reliability under extreme conditions.

Innovation Design and Features are the standard in ROG Extreme Motherboards
Solid and efficient power management is something every overclocker and enthusiast knows is critical in board design. This includes enhanced trace layout ensuring optimal performance and efficiency under varying loads. The VRM and electrical components have been carefully chosen to provide levels of performance allowing AMD CPUs or high frequency DDR3 to reach new levels of performance. The use of high quality chokes, capacitors and effective heatsink assembly ensure leading performance in all aspects of usage.

The Crosshair IV Extreme is based on the AMD® 890FX / SB850 chipsets and fully supports the six-core Phenom™ II X6 processors and up to 4-way video card configurations utilizing AMD CrossfireX™ technology. ASUS also implemented emerging technologies such as ASUS’ CrossLinx 3™ technology with the innovative Lucid® HYDRALOGIX™ engine.

New features helping to differentiate the Crosshair IV Extreme from other motherboards whether it is in gaming or overclocking are:

CrossLinx 3 Technology
With ASUS CrossLinx 3 technology, Crosshair IV Extreme users gain the ability to mix and match multiple graphics cards from both NVIDIA and AMD, including models of different GPU generations as well as offering 2-way and 3-way NVIDIA® GeForce™ support. This technology uses the Lucid HYDRALOGIX engine, which bridges various graphics cards to enable their simultaneous usage. By removing compatibility hurdles, CrossLinx 3 makes it possible to experiment with different configurations of graphics cards for maximum performance.

ROG Connect and RC Bluetooth
The award winning and community praised ROG Connect hardware / software implementation offers class leading overclocking and monitoring tools that can be controlled with a smartphone or a separate computer via quick connects technology to ensure the best possible overclocking experience. With the Crosshair IV Extreme ASUS is excited to introduce remote overclocking support using the Apple® iPad™, iPod Touch™ and iPhone™. In addition ROG Connect Bluetooth allows for normal Bluetooth functionality when not in ROG Connect mode.

USB BIOS Flashback and Dual Bios
Continuing the trend of providing class leading features and functional designs ASUS implemented the award winning USB BIOS Flashback technology on the Crosshair IV Extreme. USB Bios Flashback offers low-level bios flashing without the need to mount or install a CPU, memory, or graphics card. This allows for the easiest and quickest way to ensure the newest bios is in place prior to setting up a system. All that is required is a flash drive, the BIOS ROM file and connection to the ROG Connect USB port with standby power.

With ASUS’ dual BIOS technology, users can keep two unique BIOS versions for different purposes. The first BIOS can be used for the overclocking, while the second BIOS can used for gaming or applications. In addition if a BIOS becomes corrupted, users can still use the system with the secondary BIOS.

Next Generation SATA6G and USB3.0 and Intel Lan
The Crosshair IV Extreme also incorporates the latest in I/O technologies with full support for true SATA 6G and USB 3 to ensure the highest levels of performance for internal and external storage devices. The Crosshair IV Extreme features a class leading Intel® based Gigabit network controller to ensure the user’s online experience is exceptional whether playing the latest game or viewing HD media content.
The Crosshair IV Extreme will be available soon at ASUS retailers for an MSRP of $309.

Specifications
Model ROG Crosshair IV Extreme
CPU AMD socket AM3 Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/ Sempron™ 100 Series Processors
Chipset AMD® 890FX / SB850
Memory DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866 (O.C.)/ 1800 (O.C.)/ 1600(O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 MHz memory 4xDIMM, max. 16GB
Expansion Slots *5x PCIe2.0 x16 slots (dual @ x16, triple @x16 , quad@x16 x16 x8 x8)
1 x PCI 2.2
Multi-GPU Support HYDRALOGIX / ATI CrossFire™X Technology
Storage - 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 (Red)
- 2 x SATA 3Gb/s ports (Gray)
- 2 x External SATA 3Gb/s ports at rear (SATA On-the-Go)
Bluetooth Bluetooth V2.0/V2.1+EDR accessories card
RC Bluetooth ON/OFF switch
LAN Intel® Gigabit LAN
Audio 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
IEEE1394a 2 x 1394a ports (1 port at back I/O, 1 port onboard)
USB NEC® USB 3.0 controller - 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear
AMD SB850 chipset - 13 x USB 2.0 ports
Form Factor Extended ATX , 12”x 10.6” (30.5cm x 26.9cm)

###

About ASUS
ASUS, the world’s top 3 consumer notebook vendor and the maker of the world’s best selling and most award winning motherboards, is a leading enterprise in the new digital era. ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today's digital home, office and person, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, displays, desktop PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia, wireless solutions, networking devices and mobile phones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,268 awards in 2009, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than ten thousand people and a world-class R&D team of 3,000 engineers, the company's revenue for 2009 was US$7.5 billion.

The Osprey Tension Dual wins Custom Retailer Magazine's 2010 Excite Award

Cerritos Calif., September 30, 2010-Elite Screens is proud to announce that its Osprey Tension Dual Projection Screen has won Custom Retailer Magazine's coveted 2010 Excite Award.


Each year Custom Retailer invites nominations for products that stand out for being innovative, high-performing and solutions-oriented for the custom installation professional. The Osprey Tension Dual runs a pair 16:9 and a 2.35:1 projection screens in tandem for today's anamorphic projectors. A combination of exquisite design and practical innovation has resulted in an outstanding product that is really being recognized and appreciated by installers.


For more information about Elite Screen's various product lines, please visit the website at www.elitescreens.com.

GoPro® - World’s Best Selling Wearable HD Camera Company - Launches HD HERO® 960

Line
September 29, 2010 — Half Moon Bay, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — GoPro, the world’s best selling wearable HD camera company, is proud to announce the release of the HD HERO 960, an entry level $179 version of the award winning HD HERO camera. The HD HERO 960 incorporates the same professional image and sound quality that has made the original HD HERO the camera of choice for more athletes and filmmakers than any other sports camera in the world. The HD HERO 960 is available today at GoPro.com and worldwide at authorized GoPro retailers for $179.99 (USA MSRP).

Whether you’re passionate about outdoor sports or motorsports, jumping out of gondolas or out of airplanes, chances are you’ve heard about GoPro’s now world famous HD HERO line of wearable and gear mountable cameras. Designed for attaching to your body, head, helmet, and favorite gear, the HD HERO line of sports cameras makes it easy to capture professional quality HD video of you and your friends in action. A wide array of mounting accessories ranging from chest harnesses to head straps, pole mounts to surfboard mounts make it easy to capture incredible footage normally only seen in professional productions. As a result, GoPro’s HD HERO line of cameras is not only the top selling sports camera in consumer markets but is also the top selling camera to Hollywood for film and TV productions where an “easy to mount anywhere” professional HD camera is needed. GoPro’s success is best illustrated by the number of TV shows airing on Discovery Channel, National Geographic, CNN, CBS, BBC, Versus, FuelTV, SPEED TV, and more that feature footage from HD HERO cameras.

"When I saw the footage from the GoPro on our big screens at Skywalker Ranch, I was amazed,” said producer Rick McCallum of Lucasfilm Ltd.

The HD HERO 960 is an entry level version of the original 1080p HD HERO, sharing the same cutting edge video and audio capture technology but with resolutions on the HD HERO 960 limited to 960p (1280 x 960) and 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second, and WVGA (848 x 480) at 60 frames per second. Also removed from the HD HERO 960 is the HERO BUS™ expansion port that is present on the full featured 1080p HD HERO. The HERO BUS allows for LCD, secondary battery and additional expansion BacPacs™ to be attached to the original 1080p HD HERO camera, but not the HD HERO 960.

Aside from theses changes, the HD HERO 960 is a full blooded GoPro camera. Retained are the award winning image and audio quality, ease of use, and durability. A sample of video shot in 960 on the HERO can be seen here. The HD HERO 960 is compatible with GoPro’s full line of mounting accessories and comes standard with GoPro’s first class customer service and one year warranty.

Also featured in the HD HERO 960 is GoPro’s hands-free 5 megapixel timelapse photo mode. This automatic photo taking feature landed ASP World Longboard Champion, Harley Ingleby, on the cover Australian Longboarding Magazine this past July. The above photo is the original shot that landed the on the cover of the magazine. “I just paddled out and the wave that got the cover shot was actually the very first wave I ever set it up to shoot still photos,” said Ingleby.

A new feature on the HD HERO 960 is “One Button Mode” which locks the camera into video or photo mode and automatically starts recording once the camera is turned on. Since the camera is locked into recording once turned on, this new “One Button Mode” makes it easier than ever to capture the footage of your most exciting moments with the single press of a button. Perfect for new users, loaning the camera to friends, or when rented out to rental customers, One Button Mode makes the HD HERO 960 as easy to use as pressing a button. One Button Mode can be turned on and off, depending on the user’s preference.

The HD HERO 960 shares the same bomb-proof housing construction that has taken the original 1080p HD HERO to both the North and South poles, to the edge of Space and down to the great depths of the ocean. Rated to 180’/60m, the HD HERO 960’s housing protects the camera during any activity so that you can focus on having fun without worrying about the camera. In the event that you do damage the housing, replacement lenses, housings, and other parts are available so that you can replace only those parts you need, not the entire camera.

Included mounts that come with the HD HERO 960:

•Head Strap – Allows you to wear the camera like a headlamp. You can also pull this strap over helmets for easy camera sharing between friends.
•Flat and Curved Surface Adhesive Baseplates - Baseplate easily adheres onto a flat or curved surface allowing the HD HERO 960 with simple click on and quick release mounting.
A new mount featured in the HD HERO 960 is GoPro’s Helmet Front Mount, a curved extension arm that makes it easy to mount the HD HERO 960 on the front of a helmet like a miner's light or headlamp. The most low profile and convenient way to mount a camera on a helmet, the Helmet Front Mount also allows for the camera to be extended out in front of the helmet and pointed back at the wearer, allowing for incredible self portrait videos and photos of the action.

GoPro’s HD HERO Cameras Capture Video You and Others Actually Want to Watch

“We’ve been amazed at not only the quality of video that our customers have produced with the HD HERO since it’s launch, but also the variety of activities our customers are engaged in. People use the HD HERO camera for every type of activity imaginable,” said Nicholas Woodman, founder and CEO of GoPro, “Everyone has their passion and we’re so stoked that the HD HERO seems to be people’s solution for capturing incredibly high quality HD footage of that passion. The reason behind the HD HERO 960 is to make it easy for even more people to GoPro. We can’t wait to see the amazing footage all of our new customers are going capture and share.”

A simple search for “GoPro” on video sharing sites brings back thousands of videos consumers have created and proactively tagged as ‘GoPro.’

“We don’t automatically mark videos that were uploaded from a GoPro, so the fact that people are tagging their videos ‘GoPro’ is a great sign that our customers are really fired up on GoPro’s brand,” exclaimed Woodman. “Equally exciting is the average number of views these videos are getting. It’s telling that so many people love watching content captured with a GoPro camera. Your average GoPro customer is creating content that is often on par as with network television programming. That’s our most satisfying accomplishment...that we’re putting the power of professional HD capture into the hands of everyday enthusiasts. GoPro, indeed,” Woodman exclaims.

A quick visit to GoPro’s Facebook page shows both the diversity of its customers as well as their authentic passion for the GoPro brand and their own personal HD HERO cameras. Visit it at http://www.facebook.com/goprocamera

About GoPro
Based in Half Moon Bay, California, GoPro is the world's leading activity image capture company. Since 2004, GoPro has been designing cameras and accessories that make it easy for people to capture hands-free images and video during their favorite activities. Its products include the patented HERO line of shockproof/waterproof wearable cameras and gear-attachment devices. www.gopro.com


Be a HERO…. GoPro.

Patriot Introduces New Convoy Storage Devices

Fremont, California, USA, September 28, 2010 - Patriot Memory, a global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash and computer peripheral solutions, today announced the immediate availability of the Patriot Convoy 4x4 series of 5.25” bay enclosures for 2.5” Hard Disk Drives or Solid State Drives. The Patriot Convoy 425S and Convoy 425XL expand upon the award winning Convoy product line of 3.5” bay devices for two 2.5” drives.

Designed with storage density and performance in mind, each Patriot Convoy 425S and 425XL storage device provides a simple to install solution for up to four 2.5” HDD or SSD with the 425XL offering RAID functionality. Displayed during the 2010 Computex trade show as part of a technology showcase with high capacity SSD systems, the Convoy 425XL was a key component for the Patriot Artemis II technology demonstration. Paired with 56 Patriot Inferno 100GB SSDs in RAID 0 configuration, the storage and performance benefits of this enclosure were evident: maximum storage density in a small space with extreme performance. In the Artemis II system, the Patriot Inferno SSDs and the Convoy 425XL achieved breathtaking performance of over 240,000 IOPS.

“What started as a way to promote our expertise with large scale SSD storage PCs, evolved into the Convoy 425 series of enclosures” says Jack Chen Director of Business Development. “Expanding on the existing Convoy family of two drive enclosures and offering the four drive enclosures provided an improvement on storage density and performance. The integrated RAID functionality of the Convoy 425XL offers a great step up in features from earlier products and an excellent solution for users building high-density high-performance storage systems.”
Patriot Convoy 4x4 enclosures have an industrial design featuring a rugged aluminum housing and two 40mm fans for superior cooling and heat dissipation, four individually hot-swappable drive trays and support HDD or SSD drives up to 12.5mm in height. Hardware RAID functionality on the 425XL model offers RAID 0,1,3,5,10 and JBOD which can be easily configured using the dip switches found on the EZ RAID back-plane. The Patriot Convoy 425S and 425XL are ideal for creating a performance oriented storage solution with scalability.


Product Description Model # Hardware RAID UPC Warranty
Convoy 5.25" Enclosure for 4 x 2.5" drives w/ RAID
PCC425XL 0, 1, 3, 5, 10 JBOD
0879699009805 2 Years

Convoy 5.25" Enclosure for 4 x 2.5" drives
PCC425S N/A 0879699009799 2 Years





For more information about Patriot’s products and solutions, please contact your Patriot Sales Representative or visit http://www.patriotmemory.com.

About Patriot Memory:

Patriot Memory designs, manufactures and markets high performance, enthusiast memory modules, flash products, and computing technologies. Patriot products have become world renown for their extreme performance, reliability and innovation. Patriot Memory sells its products through original equipment manufacturers, retailers, e-tailers and distributors throughout the world with operations in North America, Asia and Europe. Patriot Memory’s parent company, PDP Systems, Inc., was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Fremont, California, USA.

All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability, and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Head to Head: AMD vs. Intel

Today we get to see a head to head showdown of AMD and Intel systems using Gigabyte motherboards. The motherboards are Mico ATX in size, and would be perfect for a HTPC. The boards are model #880GMA-UD2H for AMD socket AM3 based processors and model #H55M-UD2H for Intel socket 1156 based processors. Both boards have built-in video, and an MSRP of $100. While I would recommend using a dedicated video card, having built-in video will save some cash upfront if you need to save up for a video card. I used a card I had on hand, an economical ATI HD5570 1GB low profile card that retails for around $90, perfect for a HTPC. The processors used from AMD are their quad core Phenom II X4 970 BE and Athlon II X4 645, and dual core Phenom II X2 565 and Athlon II X2 265. The Intel processors used are the quad core i7-870 and dual core i3-540. The AMD prices as listed below range from $185 to only $76. The Intel i7-870 retails for ~$300 and the Intel i3-540 retails for ~$125.

The features and specs of the new AMD processors are:
Model & Core Frequency: X4 970 / 3.5GHz ~$185
L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1, 64K of L1 data cache per core (512KB total L1 per processor)
L2 Cache Sizes: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor)
L3 Cache Size: 6MB (shared)
Total Cache (L2+L3): 8MB
Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *
Memory Controller Speed: Up to 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
Memory Supported: Unregistered DIMMs to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066MHz) PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333MHz)
HyperTransport 3.0 Specs: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)
Processor-to-System Bandwidth: Up to 37.3GB/s total bandwidth [21.3 GB/s (DDR3-1333) + 16.0GB/s (HT3)]
Up to 33.1GB/s total bandwidth [17.1 GB/s (DDR2-1066) + 16.0GB/s (HT3)]
Packaging: Socket AM3 938-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)
Process Technology: 45-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
Approximate Die Size: 258mm2
Approximate Transistor count: ~758 million
Max TDP: 125 Watts
AMD Codename: “Deneb”

Model & Core Frequency: X2 560 / 3.3GHz ~$105
L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 and 64K of L1 data cache per core (256KB total L1 per processor)
L2 Cache Sizes: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (1MB total L2 per processor)
L3 Cache Size: 6MB (shared)
Total Cache (L2+L3): 7MB
Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *
Memory Controller Speed: Up to 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
Types of Memory Supported: Unregistered DIMMs to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066MHz) PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333MHz)
HyperTransport 3.0 Specs: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)
Processor-to-System Bandwidth: Up to 37.3GB/s total bandwidth[21.3 GB/s (DDR3-1333) + 16.0GB/s (HT3)]
Up to 33.1GB/s total bandwidth [17.1 GB/s (DDR2-1066) + 16.0GB/s (HT3)]
Packaging: Socket AM3 938-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)
Process Technology: 45-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
Approximate Die Size: 258mm2
Approximate Transistor count: ~758 million
Max TDP: 80 Watts
AMD Codename: “Calisto”

Model & Core Frequency: X4 645 / 3.1GHz ~$122
L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 64K of L1 data cache per core (512KB total L1 per processor)
L2 Cache Sizes: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor)
Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *
Memory Controller Speed: Up to 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
Types of Memory Supported: Unregistered DIMMs to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066MHz) PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333MHz)
HyperTransport 3.0 Specs: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)
Processor-to-System Bandwidth: Up to 37.3GB/s total bandwidth [21.3 GB/s (DDR3-1333) + 16.0GB/s (HT3)]
Up to 33.1GB/s total bandwidth [17.1 GB/s (DDR2-1066) + 16.0GB/s (HT3)]
Packaging: Socket AM3 938-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)
Process Technology: 45-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
Approximate Die Size: 169 mm2
Approximate Transistor count: ~300 million
Max TDP: 95 Watts
AMD Codename: “Propus”

Model & Core Frequency: X2 265 / 3.3GHz ~$76
L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 and 64K of L1 data cache per core (256KB total L1 per processor)
L2 Cache Sizes: 1MB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor)
Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *
Memory Controller Speed: 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
Types of Memory Supported: Unregistered DIMMs to PC2-6400 (DDR2-1066MHz) PC3-8500 (DDR3-1333MHz)**
HyperTransport 3.0 Specs: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)
Processor-to-System Bandwidth: Up to 33.1GB/s bandwidth [17.1 GB/s (DDR3-1066) + 16.0GB/s (HT3)]
Up to 28.8GB/s bandwidth [12.8 GB/s (DDR2-800) + 16.0GB/s (HT3)]
Packaging: Socket AM3 938-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)
Process Technology: 45-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
Approximate Die Size: 117.5 mm2
Approximate Transistor count: ~234 million
Max TDP: 65 Watts
AMD Codename: “Regor”









The features of the motherboards are actually quite similar. They both feature Gigabyte’s Ultra Durable 3 with 2oz copper PCB, 50,000hr Japanese solid Caps, and Dual Bios. The Intel based board does however give you 2 PCI-Express 16 slots (1 at 16X and one at 4X) and 2 PCI slots, but no PCI-Express 1X slots. The AMD based board gives you a PCI-Express 1X slot and the same types of video card slots but only 1 PCI slot. It does however give you Gigabyte’s 333 Onboard Acceleration, which is USB 3.0, and SATA 3.0. So from that stand point the 880GMA-UD2H is a bit more future proof. Both give plenty of USB, SATA, and even 1394 and eSATA. Well, they both have plenty of features, and good build quality.


But how do they perform? Given both boards are not only from the same manufacturer, but at the same price point, it will be easier to compare performance. So we are able to do a head to head comparison. And the reference components used in the benchmarks are the ATI video card mentioned above, and 2 GB Patriot DDR3-1333. Benchmarks were done with the processors at stock frequency and overclocked.

Benchmarks were run using SiSoft Sandra 2009, PCMark Vantage, and 3DMark Vantage. The benchmarks were run at stock frequencies and and overclocked, except for the Intel i7-870. It has built-in turbo boost that will automatically overclock it up to 3.6GHz. So for that processor, the benchmarks were run with turbo boost disabled with a stock frequency of 2.93GHz, and then turbo boost enabled for frequencies up to 3.6GHz. So who was the king of the hill? Let’s find out below.
























And the results show that Intel is the current King of the Hill. The Intel i7-870 is top dog. If you want the best performance, it has got to be the Intel i7-870. And the i3-540 dual core even beat the Athlon II X4 quad core in some categories. BUT, and there is a big but- Intel is also priced higher. If you take into account the percentage price difference, the crown moves from Intel to AMD in all categories except SiSoft Sandra 2009- Cryptography, and just marginally in 3DMark Vantage- CPU. So while Intel is the performance king, if money is a big consideration and you want the best performance per dollar spent, then you better go with the Phenom II X4 970 BE. And whichever processor you go with, either of these Gigabyte boards would make a great HTPC board given their size.

The Intel i7-870 based on performance has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. Given the performance and price of the Intel i3-540 and AMD Phenom II X4 970 BE earn out Highly Recommended Award. The Phenom II X2 560 and Athlon II X2 265 earn our Recommended Award. The performance of the motherboards also earned Gigabyte our Highly Recommended Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their websites at www.intel.com, www.amd.com, and www.gigabyte.com.

Cascade Audio's VBLOK Automotive Noise Control Products Review

If you want to improve the sound of your car stereo, you could always upgrade your speakers. But a better solution could be thinking outside the box. Instead of improving the sound, through better speakers, you could always improve the sound through noise control. This is typically done using sound dampers. Enter Cascade Audio Engineering.

When you think of these types of products, many people will think of Dynamat. In this regard, Dynamat is kind of like Kleenex. Kleenex is a brand of tissue paper. But many of us will call tissue paper, Kleenex, whether it is the Kleenex brand or just a generic brand. Dynamat was one of the early producers of this type of product, so it is easy to refer to these types of sound dampening products, whether they are Dynamat or not, as Dynamat.

Cascade Audio Engineering makes an excellent product in VBLOK. There are actually many products available, depending upon application and location. They are:
1) Vibration Dampers – help eliminate or reduce structural resonance and vibration. They do not block sound. VB-1X, VB-2, VB-2HD, V-MAX, VB-FD.
2) Sound barriers- blocks sounds like road noise, i.e. exhaust, airflow, drive train and tire noise.
3) Sound absorbers – helps soak up mid and high range frequencies, not damper vibration, TG-1, I-12, VB-TS, VB-TSM.
4) Gasket materials – eliminates squeaks, rattles, and buzzes and to seal speakers. VB-5

They also sell Audio Enhancement products. One such product is the Deflex PowerPads. The audio system in a car is a difficult environment to produce good sound. This is especially true when it comes to the door speakers. A car door is not an ideal speaker enclosure. They can suffer from water exposure. Then there is also the physics behind the speaker and how it functions: In the car environment, sound waves emanates from the rear of the speaker. These sound waves bounce off of the inside door panel and back to the speaker. The sound waves that come off of the back of the cone is equal to that coming off the front. This sound energy causes breakup and distortion. The Deflex PowerPads stops this reflection, thereby greatly improving the sound quality.

The products used here in the review are the VBLOK VB-2, VB-4.5, V-MAX, and Deflex PowerPads. The VB-2 was used behind the door panels with the Deflex PowerPads. The VB-4.5 was used on the trunk floor, and the V-MAX was used on the trunk sides and lid. The rattle from the subwoofer installed in my trunk will benefit the most from the V-MAX.

The VB-2 is a thin lightweight and moldable vinyl based silica-mica and ceramic load suspension vibration damping sheet material that can stretch up to 40%. This allows the VB-2 to mold to the odd shapes of your vehicles door panel. VB-4.5 is a multiple foam layer that reduces noise. The V-MAX product is a CLD (Constrained Layer Damper), which is made up of a lightweight butylene layer loaded with ceramic microspheres. The butylene layer is bonded to a 4 mil. black anodized aluminum sheet.

Installing the products was fairly straight forward. The VB-2 was sticky on the backside. It applied to the door panel rather easily, replacing the cheap plastic vapor barrier applied by the factory. Using a heat gun and more effort, the VB-2 was more pliable. Using your finger or an application tool, the VB-2 can now be pressed into the contours of the door panel.

The installed VB-2 looked great. It appeared as a skin to the door panel. The finish is also very durable. After being installed and the door panels put back on, the VB-2 performed as stated. The vibrations that were previously heard in the door were gone. It did a great job against vibration, and also reduced road noise.

Turning to the trunk, I turned to the help of V-MAX and VB-4.5 products. The trunk is a difficult area, especially if you have a stereo system with subwoofers in the trunk. Subwoofers can produce a lot of vibration. This vibration energy takes away from the potential of your subwoofer. The VB-4.5 works to eliminate the road noise conflicting with the subwoofer. The V-MAX works to eliminate vibrations. Unlike the vibrations that you tend to find in your doors, thanks to a subwoofer there tends to be a lot more vibrations in the trunk. Because of this, the entire trunk area was treated with V-MAX. The trunk floor was treated with VB-4.5 to reduce noise.

Installation was also straight forward of the V-MAX and VB-4.5. Unlike the VB-2, a heat gun is not used since it does not need to be pressed into all the contour lines like in the doors. The V-MAX is also sticky on one side, like the VB-2, and is installed into the panels, trunk lid, and throughout all the trunk. While it can always be professionally installed, it is sufficiently simple for the DIYer. Between the included instructions and installation help tips and instruction video on the Cascade Audio’s website, no experience is needed for the installation.

Sound testing was very rewarding. The VB-2 used in the doors did a great job in getting rid of door vibrations, and reducing some noise. The VB-4.5 also worked well in the trunk. And for maximum vibration control with subwoofers, the V-MAX was excellent in getting rid of the trunk rattles. And last but not least is the Deflex PowerPads. They made a noticeable difference in adding a cleaner sound out of my component door speakers, and reduced distortion.

Cascade Audio produced an excellent product line in VBLOK. When upgrading your car audio system, it is not only about speakers and amplifiers. You can increase the performance of your current system through sound control. And VBOLK products from Cascade Audio perform this function well. Then if you chose to upgrade your speakers later, they will sound even better. For more information and complete specs, check out their website at www.cascadeaudio.com. Based on their performance, Cascade Audio’s VBLOK products have earned our Highly Recommended award.