QNAP Systems, Inc. today announced the release of the business-class TVS-x71 series Turbo vNAS that supports 10GbE networks and provides a high-efficiency storage solution for 4K video playback, transcoding and on-the-fly editing.

Besides incorporating comprehensive business-demanding applications and advanced virtualization features, the TVS-x71 series features the exclusive QvPC Technology that allows the NAS to be used as a cost-effective PC by allowing users to directly access stored data, monitor live surveillance feeds, enjoy digital entertainment, and much more.

MSI, world leading in motherboard technology, is pleased to announce its release of the MSI X99S GAMING 9 AC motherboard. The MSI X99S GAMING 9 AC is a custom designed motherboard, specifically for gamers who demand the best onboard gaming features, ready to e0-mbrace all new DDR4 memory and 8 core CPU power. The imposing heatsinks and Dragon Armor on the MSI X99S GAMING 9 AC motherboard highlight its unique features. Its masterpiece is Streaming Engine, a premium dedicated onboard hardware streaming solution for streaming gaming activities at 1080p 60Mbps without impacting FPS and gameplay. The MSI X99S GAMING 9 AC also comes with Audio Boost 2, USB Audio Power, Killer LAN, Turbo M.2 32Gb/s, SATA Express, Intel Wi-Fi AC and 4-way Multi-GPU support.

MSI introduces the world's first onboard hardware streaming solution, called Streaming Engine. A dedicated onboard hardware card which delivers even better performance and quality than Intel Quick Sync (which is not supported on the X99 platform), because having superior video quality and streaming performance is essential when sharing gaming activities with the world. Gamers can stream at amazing 1080p 60 Mbps quality using HD H.264 hardware compression.

MSI, world leader in motherboards, debuts its first AMD AM1 Socketed Kabini Mini-ITX motherboard, the MSI AM1I. With Kabini being sold separately, the MSI AM1I is fully upgradable and gives the user flexibility when looking for a ultra-low power dual or quad core solution. With MSI AM1I's rich feature set and support for the powerful power efficient Kabini APU, packed with high performance DirectX 11.2-support, it is the ideal motherboard to use in a compact desktop, HTPC or other multimedia solutions.

Kabini is the first x86 quad-core System on a Chip solution for mainstream use with improved performance per watt and best-in-class graphics. Now being sold separately, instead of soldered to a motherboard, the AM1 platform offers a complete, customizable package together with the MSI AM1I motherboard.

SAPPHIRE Technology has just added a 2 GB model to the recently introduced HD 7790 series of graphics cards. Like the other members of the series, the SAPPHIRE HD 7790 2 GB OC is based on the latest Bonaire chipset featuring the highly acclaimed graphics GCN (Graphics Core Next) architecture from AMD and sets a new standard for performance in mainstream graphics.

The SAPPHIRE HD 7790 2 GB OC Edition has 2 GB of the latest DDR5 memory and is factory overclocked, with core clocks of 1050 MHz and memory clocks of 1600 MHz (6.4 GT/s effective), to deliver new levels of performance in its price segment. Performance is optimized with the latest version of AMD's PowerTune technology.

Logitech today announced the Logitech Webcam C930e, taking desktop video for business to the next level with industry-first features that include an extra-wide 90-degree field of view, support for the H.264 SVC and UVC 1.5 video encoding standards and high-definition digital pan-tilt-zoom.

The full 1080p high-definition Logitech C930e delivers enterprise-grade video collaboration with the widest field of view available in a desktop webcam for business, making it possible - for example - to show a full whiteboard on an office wall during a brainstorming session. The Carl Zeiss-certified glass lens is engineered to avoid the "fish eye" distortion that often detracts from wide-angle images.

Logitech today introduced a unique enterprise-grade keyboard with integrated phone and video call controls, designed exclusively for Cisco Jabber, making it fast and easy to communicate through a computer or thin client in virtual workspace environments. The Logitech UC Solution for Cisco 725-C brings together three new products: the innovative Logitech UC Keyboard K725-C with dedicated keys for managing calls on a computer or virtual desktop, the full-HD Logitech C920-C Webcam and the ergonomically shaped Logitech M525-C Wireless Mouse.

As a Preferred Solution Developer in the Unified Communications category of the Cisco Developer Network, Logitech has completed interoperability verification testing required by Cisco for the Logitech UC Solution for Cisco 725-C.

Synology Inc. today launched VisualStation VS240HD, a cost-effective surveillance solution designed for ease of multi-channel viewing on local HDMI displays.

VS240HD boasts powerful image decoding capability by supporting up to 24 channels of simultaneous high-definition viewing at 240 FPS in 720p. Dual HDMI video outputs make it an ideal surveillance solution for large-scale deployments, allowing users to stream high-quality footage to different screens in a state-of-the-art security control center.

MSC Embedded Inc., manufacturer of highly integrated standard board level products and customer-specific boards and systems, today introduced a powerful, new COM Express Type 6 module family. This family, called MSC C6C-A7, is based on the AMD embedded R-Series processors also known as accelerated processing units (APUs). MSC C6C-A7 members are compact form factor computer-on-modules characterized by very powerful graphics and high parallel computing performance with low power dissipation.

The MSC C6C-A7 module family integrates AMD R-460L 2.0 GHz (2.8 GHz Turbo) or AMD R-452L 1.6 GHz (2.4 GHz Turbo) quad-core processors. The thermal design power (TDP) levels are 25 W and 19 W, respectively. The two dual-core versions are populated with the AMD R-260H 2.1 GHz (2.6 GHz Turbo) processor or the AMD R-252F 1.7 GHz (2.3 GHz Turbo) processor -- each featuring 17 W TDP. The processors support the AMD64 technology and the AMD-V virtualization technology. The AMD Fusion Controller Hub (FCH) A75 chipset was also selected. The main memory can be expanded to 16 GB DDR3-1600 dual-channel SDRAM via two SO DIMM sockets.

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient computing platforms, today announced the VIA EPIA-M920 Mini-ITX board, the first VIA Mini-ITX board to feature the latest VIA VX11H media system processor (MSP) enabling DirectX 11 and 3D stereoscopic display capabilities for immersive environments. Providing superior performance with the latest in connectivity technology in a low power envelope, the VIA EPIA-M920 Mini-ITX provides the ideal platform for a wide array of next-generation compact devices for applications in healthcare, gaming, digital signage, and other vertical market segments.

With the choice of a 1.2GHz VIA QuadCore-E processor for high-end performance or a 1.0GHz VIA Eden X2 dual core processor for fanless system design, the VIA EPIA-M920 is a highly flexible platform for compact, low power systems with today's latest connectivity options including HDMI and USB 3.0. In combination with the VIA VX11H MSP, the VIA EPIA-M920 Mini-ITX provides the latest in graphic capabilities, for richer textures and more life-like images in even the most demanding multi-display environments.

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient computing platforms, today announced VIA Magic Box, a complete hardware and software solution for dynamic digital signage. VIA Magic Box integrates the user friendly VIA Magic View content management software optimized for a range of VIA x86 hardware platforms to provide a high performance, scalable digital signage solution ideal for a wide range of user scenarios.

Currently available with the choice of a VIA ARTiGO A1150 or fanless VIA ARTiGO A1200, VIA Magic Box provides full HD support and playback of the most popular video codecs through video decoding hardware acceleration including DivX, WMV9, VC1 and H.264, in ultra compact, low power designs. The VIA Magic View content management software has been optimized to provide a user friendly interface to manage digital signage content, layout and scheduling.

Hauppauge Digital, Inc., the world's leading developer and manufacturer of TV tuners and HD video recorders, has launched their latest high definition video game recorder, HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition at the Gamescom, Cologne, Germany. HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition will have a list price of £159.99 and features high definition HDMI and Component video recording up to 1080p/30, plus HDMI 'no delay pass-through' so gamers can record their game play while playing on a TV monitor.

The HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition is a complete kit for gamers who want to record their Sony PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 game-play in high definition. HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition has near perfect video quality and records HD video from either HDMI or Component video at up to 1080p/30. Gamers can share their best video game-play with friends on YouTube by using the included Showbiz application to record and then upload videos to YouTube. HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition allows any user to produce their own video movies from their game-play. All cables necessary to record game-play, including HDMI in and out cables plus a special PS3 Component video cable are included.

Today AMD launched the AMD FirePro A300 Series Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) for entry-level and mainstream desktop workstations. Featuring AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology, the new AMD FirePro A300 Series APUs are designed for users who demand a high-performance computing platform to power their computer-aided design, and media and entertainment (M&E) workflows. The new AMD FirePro A300 Series APUs combine industry-certified performance and reliability for professional applications with world-class 24-hour customer support, delivering highly-tuned performance and robust feature support across a range of professional applications and tools.

Earlier this morning, Mannheim Regional Court in Germany granted Motorola a sales injunction against Microsoft's Xbox 360, Windows 7, Internet Explorer, and Windows Media Player. It's no more a question of "if", but "when" the judgement will be enforced. When that happens, Motorola can insist on pulling those products off the German market. Motorola holds two technology patents this case is built around: EP0538667 and EP0615384, which are key to getting the H.264 video compression format to work. Motorola is obliged to license these patents to other under "fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory" (FRAND) terms, however, it demanded royalties from Microsoft that would amount to an excess of US $4 billion annually. Microsoft did not accept Motorola's terms, and knocked the doors of regulators claiming Motorola was being unfair and unreasonable with its patents. A case of patent infringement by Motorola is pending against Microsoft, but it is held up as authorities in the US are yet to ascertain Microsoft's allegations (of Motorola being anti-competitive).

VIA is out with its latest addition to the Artigo family of compact barebones PCs, the Artigo A1200, the company's latest addition after Artigo A1150. The A1200 is powered by VIA Nano X2 E dual-core processor clocked at 1.20 GHz, and VIA VX900 chipset that packs integrated graphics with enough compute power for smooth 1080p video playback, with hardware-accelerated decoding of MPEG-2, WMV9 and H.264 HD video formats. The system packs one DDR3 DIMM slot, supporting up to 4 GB of memory. There is room for one SATA HDD. Display outputs include D-Sub and HDMI. Other connectivity includes two gigabit Ethernet interfaces, one USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0 ports, optional 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, and one CFAST interface. The system is fan-less, and passively cooled by heatsinks. Pricing and availability information is not known.

Hauppauge Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAUP), the world's leading developer TV tuner products, has announced that Broadway, Hauppauge's live TV streamer for the iPad and iPhone, now has TV recording support. With this new feature, Broadway can record TV programs locally and then stream it to an iPad or iPhone at a later time. "Broadway" is a stand alone "box" which allows live TV to be watched on an Apple device in the home through a WiFi connection, or anywhere in the world via an Internet connection.

Broadway has-2 built in DVB-T Tuners supporting Freeview allowing users to watch one channel and simultaneously record another. Broadway also connects to cable or satellite set top boxes. Once connected to a TV source, Broadway can tune into a TV program and then either stream the live TV program to an iPad or iPhone, or, with the new feature, record the TV program to a locally attached storage device and then stream the recording at a later time.

Hauppauge Digital, Inc. has announced 'StreamEez', a high definition video streamer designed for organisations who want a simple to use, high quality video streamer to broadcast live events on the Internet.

The StreamEez 'box' connects to an HD video camera using either HDMI or Component Video, compresses the camera's video using a built-in high quality H.264 encoder into a form which is compatible with many common streaming video sites such as Ustream and Justin.TV. StreamEez then connects to a laptop computer over USB. The computer has the Hauppauge StreamEez control application installed, which makes a connection to the streaming Internet web site.

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the two latest VIA modules in the growing VIA Modular Solutions portfolio, the VIA COMe-8X92 and the VIA QSM-8Q90. The modular design approach allows for short time-to market, application-specific customization, simplified development, high stability and long life cycles allowing customers to rapidly develop new and exciting devices.

Measuring 95mm x 95mm, the VIA COMe-8X92 is based on the industry standard Computer-on-Module (COM) Express Compact form factor, developed and maintained by the PICMG (PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group). The VIA COMe-8X92 module combines a 1.2GHz VIA NanoTM X2 E-Series dual core processor and the VIA VX900H media system processor (MSP) providing a ruggedized solution targeted at industrial PC and large OEM customers focused on dynamic application segments, including medical, advanced gaming, industrial automation and digital signage.

It looks like Mozilla has given in to the pressure of incorporating H.264 CODEC into its Firefox web-browser, and could incorporate it in future versions of the browser. The CODEC allows online videos utilizing H.264 format to run. Mozilla has been avoiding H.264 support since it is proprietary, riddled with patents, and requires Mozilla to purchase a license for millions of Dollars from MPEG-LA.

Mozilla has been trying to push for standards alternative to H.264, such as WebM, and the VP8 format. It had originally planned its push for an H.264-free web at a time when it was a much stronger player in the web-browser market, which now sees a strong presence of Google Chrome, which already features H.264. H.264 is superior to its alternatives, in being lighter on the system's resources (hence, lighter on the battery).

AverMedia, specialists in video encoding and archival hardware, introduced the Live Gamer HD addon card. This product solves the problem of gameplay streaming/recording software introducing lag because the software syncs the framerate to match the framerate of the encoded video/stream, not to mention the additional burden on the CPU and hard drive. The addon card acts as an intermediate between the graphics/audio cards and the display/headset, encodes gameplay at resolutions up to full-HD, that's 1920 x 1080 @60 FPS, without affecting the framerate the gamer experiences (the display stream and the recording stream needn't be at sync). The card packs a hardware H.264 encoder, which then works with a software to either stream it online (via streaming services such as Livestream), or records it onto local storage (since it's writing a pre-encoded video, HDD activity will be much lower compared to screencapture programs that write heavy lossless video). AverMedia did not give out pricing information.A video presentation by AverMedia follows.

QNAP Systems, Inc. today unveils the next generation of its extremely popular and award-winning TuboNAS server lineup, along with its latest VioStor NVR video surveillance systems. In addition, the company is pleased to debut new NAS Firmware (3.6) and a new storage expansion solution for its business-class Turbo NAS.

The new NAS series, available in 2, 4, 5, 6, or 8-drive versions, are powered by a high performance dual-core Intel Atom processor. This new range provides the perfect blend of performance, business-ready features and value that make QNAP the ideal networked storage choice for small and medium-sized businesses.

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the VIA VB7009 embedded Mini-ITX board. Measuring only 17cm x 17cm, the VIA VB7009 Mini-ITX is an extremely flexible embedded board with top class functionality and performance for POS and kiosks.

The VIA VB7009 is a cost effective solution offering a broad range of power efficient VIA CPU choices, including the dual core VIA NanoTM X2 processor, providing superior flexibility to match customers' embedded computing needs. Paired with the VIA VX900 unified all-in-one media system processor, the VIA VB7009 Mini-ITX embedded board delivers a highly optimized platform that boasts stunning HD video performance of the most demanding video formats at resolutions of up to 1080p.

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced Android support for VIA x86 embedded platforms, starting with support for the VIA EITX-3002 Em-ITX board. Running Android on an x86 platform offers increased flexibility, great multimedia support and cost saving advantages for embedded applications such as in-vehicle entertainment and interactive kiosks.

Key advantages for Android on x86 include leverage of Android development resources and existing apps, rich I/O flexibility, greater CPU performance as well as higher display resolutions of up to 1920 x 1080. In addition VIA has released SMART ETK, an Embedded Tool Kit which allows monitoring and control of peripheral devices through the Android OS, allowing for greater environmental control of kiosk and other installed environments.

Well, it looks like the freemium model of selling software is working quite well in the industry, as Bram Cohen's very popular BitTorrent application, uTorrent, has just adopted this model. Known for being fast, efficient and light on system resources, it has now gained a few pounds, sorry features in version 3, some of which are available only for a subscription of $24.95 per year. These include things like an antivirus scanner powered by BitDefender, a media player and integrated support for converting popular video file types such as MPEG4, H.264, Theora, and VP8, as well as MP3, AAC and AC-3 audio files. The media player is interesting, in that it allows playback of videos that are still downloading. Note that this feature is also available in the free version.

For those that still want to hang on to the lean and mean free version, it's still available and isn't going away any time soon. Both versions can be compared here. Perhaps it's ironic that this legal application which is often used for software "piracy" can now itself be pirated… Cohen's take on this will be interesting.

Today, we're happy to announce the release of Silverlight 5. Silverlight is part of a rich offering of technologies from Microsoft helping developers deliver applications for the web, desktop and mobile devices. Download Silverlight 5, a free plug-in less than 7 MB in size that can be installed in less than 10 seconds.

New features in Silverlight 5 include Hardware Decode of H.264 media, which provides a significant performance improvement with decoding of unprotected content using the GPU; Postscript Vector Printing to improve output quality and file size; and an improved graphics stack with 3D support that uses the XNA API on the Windows platform to gain low-level access to the GPU for drawing vertex shaders and low-level 3D primitives.

Yes, you heard that right, when completed, the Raspberry Pi foundation will be selling a credit card sized computer running Linux that can plug into your television and play H.264 1080p30 videos. Raspberry Pi is the somewhat cheekily-named UK registered charity which has been set up to design and build a very low cost computer that is targeted for use in computer science lessons in schools, to "put the fun back into learning computing." Why, was it ever not fun?! However, such a simple and cheap general purpose gadget has the potential for many other uses than the classroom, as the world is full of inventive tech-minded people that can tinker with something like this and build innovative projects with them, perhaps by using several of these together.

The product will come in two configurations, a $25 Model A with 128 MB SDRAM & $35 Model B with 256 MB SDRAM and both will come with the same 700 MHz Broadcom BCM2835 media processor featuring an ARM11 (ARM1176JZF-S) core, Broadcom GPU core, DSP core and support for Package-on-Package (PoP) RAM. We expect that in this day and age, most people will go for the 256 MB model, which is still a very small amount of RAM. For those that want to get the most out if this device, the website - www.raspberrypi.org - has a forum and a wiki with tons of technical details on the device, including benchmarks and links to many other news stories & blogs about the product. There's even a shop, although at the moment, it's only selling keyboard stickers of the foundation's logo.