DIGITAL DIGEST - http://www.digital-digest.com
DIGITAL DIGEST | LIVE UPDATE Issue 33
6 July, 2003

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TOP NEWS SUMMARY :

1. What's happened on DivX Digest since the last newsletter?

2. What's happened on DVD Digest since the last newsletter?

3. What's happened on DVD±R Digest since the last newsletter?

4. How to cancel/change your subscription email address/settings
- how to maintain the subscription to this newsletter even if
your email address has changed

5. A simple thank-you and some concluding words

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1. What's happened on DivX Digest since the last newsletter?

Since the last newsletter was only 3 days ago, nothing much really
has happened in these past few days.

One interesting piece of news is the release of a special test
version of the DivX Pro codec, from DivX Labs.

DivX Pro "Kauehi" improves decoding speed, user changeable post
processing thresholds and strength, quality improvements with B
frames and a new Psychovisual mode.

The new version is free for download, but limited to a 30 day trial
period for those that don't have the purchased version of DivX Pro.

In terms of other updates, the AVI repair tool, AviFiXP, was updated.
There are also updates to the ACE Mega CoDecS Pack and the AVI info
displayer, AviChecker. I have also just added a new software called
Bsi Load Maker, which is a DivX CD launcher, but with the ability to
make your DivX movies self contained (no need for addition codecs,
players for playback). It also includes a CD burning function.


Related Links :
DivX Pro "Kauehi" : http://labs.divx.com/archives/000010.html

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2. What's happened on DVD Digest since the last newsletter?

I have finally finished the WinDVD 5.0 review. It's a longer review
than I had expected, since there are actually quite a few new
features in the 5.0 version (especially when you include the optional
Audio Booster and Mobile Technology add-on packs).

In short, both 5.0 versions of PowerDVD and WinDVD received equal
scores (91%). WinDVD has more features, but PowerDVD presents better
value for money. I guess it all depends on whether the extra features
that WinDVD offers appeal to you or not. The review only reflects the
opinion of the reviewer, so while I try to be as subjective as
possible, it's not always possible.

The score of 91% is fair, I think, since both players can still be
improved in certain areas. One area I would like to see improved is
with the capturing facilities, and providing the ability to do audio
captures. There should also be a way to change the playback aspect
ratio to any custom ratio that the user specifies - this comes in
handy for those that connects their PC to widescreen devices at
irregular resolutions, which sometimes is necessary to achieve the
best possible picture quality. I would also like the ability to
change the position of subtitles (eg. put it in the widescreen bars,
instead of overlayed on top of the picture), which is probably not as
easy to do as it is with DivX subtitles.

Other than these areas, not much can be improved upon these players
(after all, they are in their 5th generations).

In terms of other updates, a new version of Zoom Player has been
released. There are also updates for the movie management software,
eXtremem Movie Manager and DVDdb. In between, a new version of Hero
Video Convert was also released.


Related Links :
PowerDVD : http://www.digital-digest.com/dvd/downloads/powerdvd.html
PowerDVD 5.0 review : http://www.digital-
digest.com/dvd/software/players/powerdvd.html
WinDVD : http://www.digital-digest.com/dvd/downloads/windvd.html
WinDVD 5.0 review : http://www.digital-
digest.com/dvd/software/players/windvd.html

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3. What's happened on DVD±R Digest since the last newsletter?

It's been pretty quiet on DVD±R Digest these last few days ...


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4. How to cancel/change settings/email address for your subscription
to this newsletter

Changing subscription status for this newsletter is pretty easy.

To un-subscribe :
- Send an email to liveupdate-unsubscribe@egroups.com using the email
account that receives this newsletter.

To change the email address that receives this newsletter :
- Un-subscribe using your current one, and sign up using a new email
address


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5. A simple thank-you and some concluding words

Just a note to thank all the thousands of people (6800+ at last
count), including you, who joined the Digital Digest LiveUpdate list.
I've spent quite a bit of time developing this site, and making it
what it is today, and really do appreciate your continued support.

I hoped you enjoyed another issue of the LiveUpdate newsletter. You
won't have to wait seven more months for the next issue, I promise :)

Thanks!!

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