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TECHNOLOGY by Marauder

TECHNOLOGY

In a move that could start a new wave in PC sales, Dell and Paramount Pictures today announced that they have signed a joint venture that will see “Iron Man” come pre-loaded on Dell computers for anyone who wishes to order the unit. (http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/09/30/now-you-can-buy-computers-pre-loaded-with-movies 9/30)

Another drawn-out court battle is brewing over consumer rights to digital content with the official release of RealNetworks’ RealDVD software. RealDVD allows Windows users to make a digital copy of store-bought DVDs (extras and all) and save a backup copy of the movie to their hard drives for transfer to DVD-R. RealNetworks figures the product is legal because it leaves CSS encryption intact, making uploading and sharing of the ripped DVD a challenge. But just to be sure, the Seattle-based company filed a pre-emptive lawsuit against the studios and the MPAA yesterday asking for a declaratory judgment protecting it against legal action. Sure enough the MPAA cried foul, filing a temporary restraining order itself against RealNetworks for violation of copyright protections. MPAA attorney Greg Goeckner even managed to insert a pithy one-liner into the brief, referring to RealDVD as “StealDVD.” (Cynopsis 10/1)

The 65-inch model of the company’s new LCD TV will retail for about $12,000 in Japan, with a 52-inch version selling for $9,300. The XS is Sony’s slimmest LCD ever at 23mm in depth. The New York Times/IDG News Service (9/30)

Sony demonstrated an 11-inch superthin monitor and a 27-inch TV set that were both based on organic light-emitting diode technology at an industry show in Japan on Tuesday. Panasonic showcased a 150-inch plasma screen, and Hitachi displayed an ultrathin energy-saving TV. Japan Times (10/1) , CNET (10/1) , TWICE (9/30)

To win a bigger share of the global electronics marketplace, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. is rebranding as Panasonic Corp., discarding a 90-year-old corporate identity. The company currently markets three electronics brands — Matsushita, National and Panasonic. Of these, Panasonic has the highest global profile, according to a survey by the consultancy Interbrand. The Wall Street Journal (10/1)

The certification will allow Panasonic to market its tru2way technology, which enables interactive digital features without a set-top box. The company plans to introduce 42- and 50-inch tru2way TVs in time for the holidays. Light Reading (9/30)

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