
Other World Computing (OWC) has introduced a new member to its Blu-ray burner line-up by launching the Mercury Pro 12x External Blu-Ray Burner. Based on Pioneeer BDR-205 writer, the drive offers four different connection interfaces including FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0 and eSATA, an 8MB of buffer memory and provides 12x write speeds for Blu-ray Disc media, 16x for DVD and 40x for CD media. The OWC Mercury Pro 12x retails for $349.99. More

If you want to convert all of your old VHS tapes collection into Blu-ray files, then you might need the new JVC DR-BH250 DVR. The gadget features a 250GB hard drive, a Blu-ray recorder and a VHS player. Additional features include a memory card slot, a USB port and support for AVCHD. The JVC DR-BH250 DVR will be released in Japan early next month for 130,000 Yen or approx. $1500. [JVC]

JVC has come out with a new affordable Blu-ray player called the XV-BP11. This ultra-thin player can play BD-Rom, BD-R/RE, DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, Audio CD and CD-R/RW discs, and supports most multimedia formats including AVCHD, WMV, JPEG, MP3, WMA, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital plus, Dolby True HD, DTS as well as DTS HD Master Audio/Essential. It also comes with several connectivity ports including HDMI 1.3, RCA video, coaxial audio, analog audio and front-panel USB allowing direct connection to camcorders and other devices. The JVC XV-BP11 retails for $199.95. [SlashGear]

Pioneer has proudly introduced this morning the BDR-S05J-BK, which is the first BD burner that supports the 12x recording with selected BD-R SL and DL media (6x- certified). The SATA drive also supports 6x recording with BD-R LTH discs, 2x with BD-RE/RE DL, 16x with DVD±R, 8x with DVD±R DL and DVD±RW discs, 40x with CD-R 40 X speed and finally 24x with CD-RW discs. The Pioneer BDR-S05J-BK will be released at the end of this month for around 38,000 Yen ($416). [Pioneer]

LG Electronics today unveiled its new WIDEBOOK notebook range that provides an extreme entertainment experience to consumers. The LG WIDEBOOK range consists of five models including the R580, R560, R480, R460 and R380. Each models features an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, an SRS TruSurround HD sound, and a wide 16:9 HD LED-backlit display, which is optimized for HD content and provides in 1600 x 900 and 1368 x 768 HD pixel resolutions, depending on the model.
The R580 and R560 boast a 15.6-inch display, while the R480 and R460 feature a 14-inch screen. The R380 is a smaller model that comes with a 13.3-inch panel. The R580 and R480 are positioned as premium models and sport a stylish design, while the R560 and R460 are reliable everyday workhorses and the R380 offers a blend of performance at an affordable price. In addition, the LG R580 supports a Blu-ray drive. More
Toshiba has finally launched their first Blu-ray player. Dubbed as the BDX2000, the player supports BD-Live (Profile 2.0), 1080p/ 24 fps Full HD Video output, AVCHD playback, Toshiba REGZA-LINK (HDMI-CEC), Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and an SD memory card slot. You can purchase the Toshiba BDX2000 for $249.99. [Press Release]
by Johan on August 16, 2009

The Sony BDP-CX7000ES Mega Disc Changer allows you to load up to 400 Blu-ray discs. The player can automatically download Gracenote MusicID and VideoID data via an Ethernet connection, saving all of the information (including cover art) that you need to easily navigate disc titles onscreen. The navigation menu is also easy, thanks to the familiar Sony “Xross” media bar interface. The Sony BDP-CX7000ES also features an advanced DVD upscaling system. Audio support includes Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 channel sound. If you are interested, you can buy the Sony BDP-CX7000ES Mega Disc Changer for between $1798 to $1899. [technabob]

Harman has released a high-end Blu-ray player this week. Dubbed as the Lexicon BD-30, the Blu-Ray player supports for just about everything including BD-Live, BonusView, DVD, upconverted DVD, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD and USB. The BD-20 features Anchor Bay’s award-winning Video Reference Series technology for the best 1080p picture possible. Unfortunately, there is no word on pricing yet. Stay tuned for more updates. [Ubergizmo]

Here is good news for those who are living in the States because Onkyo has finally launched its latest Blu-ray player in the US market. Known as the DV-BD507, the player supports Deep Color and x.v. color specifications of HDMI 1.3a and can play AVCHD video files stored on SD/SDHC card or DVD-R/RW dics. The DV-BD507 also features BD-Live Profile 2.0 for online interactive content. The Onkyo DV-BD507 is currently available at a suggested retail price of $449. [Akihabara]

Marshal has launched its slim external BD player for the Japanese market. The Marshal MAL BDP02U2 is not an ordinary BD player. It is capable of burning BD-R/RE 1 layer at 2x or 1x for the 2 layers version. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000/XP and Vista OS. No word on pricing so far. [Akihabara]