Here's a development that will bring joy to those that prefer to hear mechanical noises from their hard discs instead of the inky silence of the new solid state drives. The current perpendicular magnetic recording technology used in today's hard discs are due to hit a brick wall within a couple of generations or so. This will finally give SSDs the chance to make mechanical drives obsolete once and for all when their capacities increase and the prices drop. To get around this, TDK intend to use lasers coupled with a high coercivity material to achieve this capacity improvement. The coercivity value of a material is a measure of how difficult it is to magnetize ie how strong the magnetizing field needs to be. A material with low coercivity, is easy to magnetize, but it can also lose its magnetic imprint (north and south domains) easily, especially with densely packed data and is easy to erase with stray magnetic fields and to some extent, physical shock. Conversely a material with a high coercivity value can be damned hard to magnetize, but will keep its magnetic imprint much more stably and crucially for data storage, can retain much smaller magnetic domains, giving rise to greatly increased storage capacity for all that ever increasing avalanche of crucial data, such as music files, dodgy videos and humungous video game installs.

Here's the latest Radeon Catalyst driver suite for all you Radeon graphics card fans! It has one major new feature:

Enables AMD HD 3D technology support on DisplayPort panels, such as the Samsung 750 and 950 series 3D displays

which sounds very cool and is begging to be reviewed and benchmarked, plus quite a few fixes:

Known for coming up with innovative new high-end non-reference graphics cards for overclocking, ZOTAC is treating the GeForce GTX 580 GPU to a strong VRM and cooling to aim to be every overclocker's desire. To begin with, the card uses a strong 18-phase VRM to power the GTX 580. Power is drawn from two 8-pin power connectors, and is conditioned by the VRM that occupies a large part of the PCB including the rear portion and a top portion that's protruding above the full-height limit. The VRM uses high-grade MOSFETs, server-class capacitors, and proadlizers to condition power. The source notes that the VRM can handle up to 500W load.

To cool the beast, there are two heatsinks, first is the component heatsink that is spread across the length of the card, cooling VRM and memory; and the primary heatsink, which is a massive aluminum fin array to which heat is fed by six 6 mm thick heat pipes. The heatsink is ventilated by two 120 mm fans. The card is overclocked out of the box, with the core running at 850 MHz, 1700 MHz CUDA cores, and 1100 MHz (4.40 GHz effective) memory. Display connectivity includes two DVI and one each of HDMI and DisplayPort. You can use two connectors at a time. There's no info on pricing and availability, though ZOTAC is known for releasing such specialty products in Asian markets only.

German computer major Wortmann introduced Terra LED 2450W, which is a 24-inch, LED-backlit LCD display with full-HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The LED 2450W makes use of a thin bezel and overall thickness. It also uses a flat, passive base, with the display inputs located at the back of the panel, against a trend of LED-backlit monitors with display inputs located at the base. The panel uses a piano-black bezel finish, while the panel is non-reflective matte.

Resolution aside, the panel features maximum brightness of 250 cd/m², "stellar" dynamic contrast ratio of 15,000,000:1; and response time of 5 ms. The display takes input from DVI and D-Sub, and audio from 3.5 mm stereo jack for its tiny stereo speakers. To keep the display thin, Wortmann decided to use an external power brick instead of internal SMPS. Backed by a 3-year warranty, the Wortmann Terra LED 2450W is priced at €209.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the 23-inch MultiSync EA232WMi, a 16:9 model designed for corporate, financial, healthcare, engineering, CAD and other professional applications.

Replacing the popular MultiSync EA231WMi, the new MultiSync EA232WMi maintains an IPS panel for superior color, viewing angles and image quality. Additionally, it adds LED-backlit technology, which provides more energy efficiency and less power consumption, heat and carbon dioxide emissions. The display's ambient light sensor and ECO Mode can further help save energy and prolong product life.

BenQ announced a new 27-inch LED-backlit LCD monitor, the EW2730V. It makes use of a vertical-alignment (VA) panel with LED-backlit illumination, giving viewing angles of 178/178 degrees. It offers full-HD resolution (1920 x 1080), with a contrast ratio (static) of 3,000:1. VA panels are said to offer better color reproduction compared to TN-film panels. The monitor looks to be very slim, with a piano-black bezel and a brushed metal stand that has the display connectivity. Unfortunately that the biggest picture on the web, of this mysterious display.

Planar announced its latest 3D display suited for home entertainment, the NVIDIA 3D Vision certified Planar SA2311W. It is a 23" widescreen with full-HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and 120 Hz refresh rate, to compliment that, it has a rated response time of 2 ms. Display input options include DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI. Its stand allows height and tilt adjustments. Backed by a 3-year warranty, the SA2311W is priced at $449, and will be available for order soon.

I-O Data is readying the HDCA-U desktop external hard drive. The drive is designed to work not only with PCs and Macs, but also camcorders, and TVs. Measuring 39 (W) x 185 (D) x 120 (H) mm, these weigh around 1.1 kg, and come in two variants: the 1 TB variant goes for $155, and 2 TB at $247, when they release in Japan later this month.

ASUS announced a trio of full-HD (1920 x 1080 resolution) 27-inch monitors. The VK278Q and VE278Q have LED-backlit illumination with dynamic contrast ratio (DCR) of 10,000,000:1, and the third model, VE276Q, with common CCFL illumination with 100,000 DCR. The VK278Q features a 2 megapixel webcam. All three models give you 2 ms response time GTG, 3W stereo speakers. The VK278Q and VE278Q, and VE276Q are priced at €359, €339, and €329, respectively.

AOC Europe added two new full-HD (1920 x 1080) monitors to its lineup, the WLED backlit e2240Vwa (21.5") and e2440Vwa (24"). The displays sport a transparent bordering on the bezel, and feature nature-inspired motifs on the stand and back. Since there's no CCFL, the heat output is lower, and so lower number of vents. The power consumption is also lower, nearly half that of CCFL-illuminated flat-panels of the same size. Apart from its resolution, the panels feature 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 250 cd/m² brightness, 5 ms response time, and display connectors that include DVI and D-Sub. Prices are yet to be announced.

Hyundai today rolled out the W243S 3D monitor in Europe. This 24-inch monitor suited for 3D entertainment uses a TN panel with a native resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1, brightness of 300 cd/m², and response time of 5 ms. Display inputs include Component, HDMI, DVI, and D-Sub. 3W stereo speakers are integrated. The stand allows height and tilt adjustments. A software that converts 2D video to 3D is bundled. Hyundai is pricing the W243S at €1,399.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the master-key that overrides or unlocks HDCP-encrypted digital content may have been leaked. The worst fears of the HDCP team are coming true, with Intel, a main developer of HDCP, confirming that the master-key leak is genuine. High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is everywhere, wherever there's commercial high-definition video content, such as Blu-ray movie titles, HDTV set-top boxes, PCs capable of Blu-ray playback, and so on. It is an encryption layer that protects the HD content in its natural audio-video quality from being ripped. Without HDCP one would still be able to watch HD content, albeit with degraded quality.

The immediate repercussions of the master key leak are directed at consumer electronics manufacturers, they might hesitate to adopt HDCP paying its royalty for making use of the protocol, there is technically no fidelity left in it. Grey-market and el-cheapo consumer electronic manufacturers can circumvent HDCP compliance to offer near-perfect video playback. What's worse, it's party-time for pirates. Devices that recover digital content while retaining perfect picture/audio quality by stripping out the encryption can be made. Whatever the consequences Intel maintains it won't affect HDCP much.

DisplayLink Corp., the market share leader with more than three million USB graphics users worldwide, today provided a glimpse at its new SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) chip platform for next generation displays, docking stations and other integrated devices to be showcased next week at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, California, in booth #948.

The new DisplayLink single-chip family, DL-3000 and DL-1000 series, includes integrated display and networking connectivity, high performance audio and HD video support, as well as third generation DisplayLink adaptive real-time compression technology that dynamically manages bandwidth, taking full advantage bi-directional throughput of SuperSpeed USB. This means multiple full HD videos, high resolution graphics and networking data can be processed simultaneously, while also substantially increasing today's HighSpeed USB (USB 2.0) graphics performance and enabling graphics delivery over gigabit Ethernet.

Dell started adding to its display lineup for fall 2010, the company released four new 16:9 widescreen display models in sizes ranging from 20-inch to 23-inch. The offer starts with the 20-inch IN2020M that has a native resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels; 22-inch ST2220M and ST2220L; and 23-inch ST2320L. These three models are full-HD (1920 x 1080) ready. These monitors have dynamic contrast ratios as high as 8,000,000:1, with response times as low as 5 ms. DVI and D-Sub are standard inputs, while the ST2220L and ST2320L add HDMI input to the mix. Expect these models to reach stores in the weeks to come.

Samsung Japan recently added to its lineup, a 27-inch full-HD monitor with a blazing-fast response time of 1 ms. The new Samsung P2770FH makes use of a TN film panel with a matte screen. It features a piano black frame. Apart from the 1920 x 1080 pixels native resolution and 1 ms response time, the panel features a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 (70,000:1 DCR), and maximum brightness of 300 cd/m². Display inputs include DVI, HDMI, and D-Sub. Samsung did not give out a price yet, but one can expect it to be on the higher side.

Touch screen computing experience has just got better. Acer brought the ease of use of touch technology to LCD displays with the T230H model. Now the company takes a step further with the all-new T231H LCD, combining the immediacy of touch with an advanced ergonomic design that ensures maximum comfort even during sustained use.

The reason of the success of touch screen technology is easy to understand: it's through touch that we start to interact and discover the world we live in. This is why one of the most common reactions when we see an object is the desire to touch it. Touch is natural and immediate: users do not have to know how to use a computer, and even neophytes can make their choices simply touching the monitor.

Iiyama introduced two affordable 22" LCD monitors under the ProLite series, starting at 144 EUR. This includes the E2208HDD-1, and the B2209HDS-1. Both monitors have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (full-HD), while the E2208HDD-1 has a response time of 5 ms, with dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1 (1,000:1 static), brightness of 300 cd/m2, and connectivity which includes DVI and D-Sub, the ProLite B2209HDS-1 is snappier with 2 ms response time, 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, D-Sub, DVI and HDMI for input, and built-in 2W stereo speakers. The B2209HDS-1 goes for around 198 EUR.

PQI's USB3.0 2.5" portable hard drive H566 has been officially released and it is the world's first USB3.0 2.5" portable hard drive to the market. Since H566 began mass production last week, it has already resulted in a volume of inquiries from domestic and international buyers, making it the first USB3.0 device with significant sales volume. PQI's H566 not only has spectacular bandwidth provided by USB3.0, but its 2.5" hard drive dimensions make it convenient to carry and has aesthetically pleasing looks, making it the new IT toy you just have to have!

Dell gave its Pine-Trail based Mini 10 netbook a specifications update to create a variant, called the "Performance Plus" option. The variant includes Broadcom's Crystal HD chip, that accelerates HD video on the netbook's 720p capable display. The Crystal HD chip also helps playback of full-HD 1080p video. It also includes a 10 inch screen with a native resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The audio controller packs SRS DSP for audio effects. HDD space is also upped to 250 GB (vs. 160 GB on the base-model). The 56WHr 6-cell battery maintains high rated battery life with these new components integrated. The Performance Plus pack can be opted for on Dell's online store. The Mini 10 with this pack sells for around $410.

Samsung introduced two high contrast LCD monitors - the SyncMaster 70 Series F2370H and SyncMaster 80 Series F2380MX. The latter targets the casual user, while the former targets professionals. Both are 23-inch displays with native resolution of 1920 x 1080 (Full HD). The selling point here is a dynamic contrast ratio of 150,000:1 and static ratio of 3,000:1. Both use HDMI for input apart from the usual DVI. Both displays further feature a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees. The F2370H and F2380MX are expected to be priced at around 640€ and 675€, respectively, when the release later this month in Korea.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the addition of a new commercial-grade product line, the E Series. Debuting for this entry-level series are the 32-inch E321 and 42-inch E421, which give corporate users an affordable option for lobbies, boardrooms and small conference rooms, while addressing the display needs of digital signage users in retails stores, waiting rooms, and health clubs.

Due in part to the continuing advancement of the display industry and breakthroughs in technology, NEC is able to offer high-definition resolution, integrated analog/digital tuner and 10W stereo speakers as standard options with this series. The E Series brings corporate and digital signage users the professional performance and looks of the latest large-screen displays in a flexible, affordable digital signage solution. Multiple source inputs allow users to work from a variety of sources and easily maneuver between desired content. These LCD displays feature brightness and contrast levels suitable for most applications, providing vivid image quality and easier viewing in areas with high ambient light such as lobbies and health clubs. Low power consumption in the E321 and E421 reduces energy costs, while the capability to adjust the backlight lowers total cost of ownership.

LaCie today unveiled LaCinema Mini HD, the all-in-one WiFi High Definition media center. Its amazingly small and stylish design packs a big punch, bringing your HD movies, photos and music collections to your widescreen TV in full 1080p resolution.

LaCinema Mini HD bridges the gap between the computer and entertainment worlds in full HD quality. Featuring built-in high-speed 802.11n WiFi, LaCinema Mini HD brings a DLNA media player and server to your home without wires.

Transferring content to the LaCinema Mini HD is easy through the bus-powered USB connection for maximum transfer speeds, or by connecting the drive to a home network. Users can conveniently load files wirelessly from their computer or via the Ethernet connection.

BenQ will release two new full-HD LCD monitors to the market, the 21.5 inch G2222HDL and 24-inch G2420HDBL. The two are characterized by LED backlit illumination, and share nearly identical specifications which include glossy black frames, native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixel TN panels, 5 ms response time, 1,000:1 contrast ratio with 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, brightness of 250 cd/m², and connectivity which includes DVI and D-Sub. The G2222HDL and G2420HDBL are expected to be priced at £149 and £169, respectively, available from this week.

LG Display Co., Ltd., a leading innovator of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) technology, announced the world's first commercial launch of 3D LCD panel boasting full HD resolution. The new product is a 23-inch 3D monitor LCD panel for use with shutter glasses that delivers full HD resolution. It offers picture quality that is almost twice as crisp as HD 3D displays currently available in the market.

The panel adopts the company's proprietary technologies such as "high performance 3D exclusive controller" capable of processing more than twice as much image data as other HD 3D LCDs and "copper bus line" to improve on the resolution and picture quality. In addition, the panel is able to reproduce both 2D and 3D images, meaning that users can switch back and forth from 2D and 3D modes.

Japanese firm Iiyama announced the ProLite E2210HD S Series 21.5 inch full HD monitor. It comes with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, with a maximum brightness of 250 cd/m², response time of 2 ms, static and average contrast ratios of 1,000:1 and 20,000:1, respectively. The Eco Panel feature decreases energy consumption by up to 41.5 percent. Its input connectivity options include the usual DVI-D (HDCP capable), HDMI, and D-Sub.