Pioneer HD DVD writer reviewed

SYSOPT chooses to have a look at the Foxconn C51XEM2AA-8EKRS2H motherboard which is destined to AM2 users. As you already know by now socket 754 and 939 models are going to be phased out. That mobo is based on the nForce 590 SLI chipset. The board is black throughout with a Nvidia branded heat sink fan and a crammed layout. Loads of accessories with Dual GbE network interface and top performances. Just a few niggling problems here and there.

Digitalproducer.com reviews the Final Cut Express HD 3.5 software which includes both Soundtrack 1.5 and Livetype2. Stephen Schleicher tests it on a relatively sedate 2GHz MacBook Pro with 500GB RAID drive. FCE supports HDV format - 720p and 1080i. As expected, FCE suits prosumers users, producing quality output. For those looking to go beyond iMovie, FCE is ideal especially as it costs only $299 RRP.

PCStats tests the new Asus M2N32-SLI deluxe nForce 590 SLI AM2 motherboard. It comes with a substantial amount of accessories as well as an impressive array of IOs. The board itself harbours a rather imposing heat pipe cooling system. Overall, an excellent product with all the goodies that you can expect. Enjoy the Dual Link technology that allows two GbE ports to be seen as one.

Extremetech tests the Pioneer BDR-101A Blu-ray Burner. If you are ready to burn $1K, there are probably better ways to do that as Loyd Case finds out. The technology is still in its infancy, you cannot buy a Blu-Ray software movie player apparently. While the BDR-101A can burn DVDs, you certainly won't buy it for that. Like first generation DVD writers, this one will write only to single Layer medium.

XBitlabs wonders whether the Coolermaster Media 260 HTPC case is not one step away from being the perfect HTPC system. It ain't the cheapest, but then quality always come at a price. It allows full size ATX and allows flexibility as far as providing riser cards and a lot of accessories including a remote control, a few coolers, a LCD display and cut-outs for SCART connectors.

ITReviews tests the HP Officejet 6310 all in one printer. It aims at the entry level AIO market and does its job pretty well. The print speeds are 30ppm and 24ppm for mono and colour respectively. It includes a few innovations such as the ability to print video captures and even networking capabilities and bluetooth links. No support for transparencies and the autosheet feeder supports only 35 pages. µ