Live Your Words

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John Kennedy, 35th U.S. president

Add comment July 3rd, 2007

Will Apple and Universal Sever Digital Music Ties?

While Apple’s iPhone division basks in the glory of the media spotlight, the Mac-maker’s iTunes division is baring the brunt of some potentially game-changing news.News reports claim that ongoing tension between Apple and Vivendi SA’s Universal Music Group could lead the latter not to renew its long-term contract to sell digital music downloads at the iTunes store. Other reports indicate that Universal is merely considering the notion.

Neither Apple nor Universal could immediately be reached for comment, but industry analysts said there’s too much at stake for both sides not to continue discussions. “I can’t see how it would be to either company’s advantage not to maintain this relationship,” said Tim Deal, a senior analyst with Pike & Fischer. “I’d be hard pressed to think the companies wouldn’t resolve these issues.”

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Add comment July 3rd, 2007

Toshiba Fights Back in Next-Gen DVD Battle

While the European Commission investigates possible anticompetitive practices by supporters of the Blu-ray DVD format, the HD DVD camp is trumpeting both a permanent price cut on the latest players and new and improved features.Toshiba is releasing a new update in September that will allow a 24p mode on its HD-XA2 and HD-A20 HD DVD players. The change will usher in presentations that more closely resemble a multiplex experience — if you have a 24p-capable television.

Last week, Toshiba announced that it would make the $299 price point permanent for its entry-level HD DVD player. The company reported that sales spiked when it introduced the lower price points in May during a “limited time offer” promotion. That makes the HD-A2 player $299 and the HD-A20 is $399. The price of the HD-XA2, the top-of-the-line model, is unchanged at $799.

Click here to read the rest of this story on NewsFactor.

Add comment July 3rd, 2007