Consumer Home Piracy Research Findings July 2008

Consumer Home Piracy Research Findings July 2008
It used to be that counterfeit CD and DVD media originated from overseas and found its way onto popular auction websites. But in a wake of widespread technology developments, anyone is capable of creating completely indistinguishable copies of their favorite audio CD or movie DVD. Do most people still purchase the original content, or is everyone stealing from the artists? In this article, Benchmark Reviews offers a candid look into Consumer Home Piracy as we present the Research Findings for July 2008 as provided to us by Futuresource Consulting in partnership with Macrovision.

Epson Stylus Photo R2880 Review

Epson Stylus Photo R2880 Review
The Epson Stylus Photo R2880 is a new professional A3+ photo printer. Replacing the older R2400 model, the R2880 uses advanced UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment inks for a wider colour gamut with vibrant blues and pinks. It also employs a 3 black-ink system which promises true black and white output as well as outstanding grey balance. The Epson R2880 features a new advanced driver mode for true black and white printing and toning, and can print directly onto printable CDs and DVDs. Retailing for £570 / $800, is the Epson R2880 a worth successor to the popular R2400? Read Jon Canfield’s review to find out…

Critics’ Choice: New CDs

Critics’ Choice: New CDs
New releases from Supergrass, the Roy Hargrove Quintet, Old 97’s and Santogold.

Yahoo: Burn your DRMed tracks to CD now

Yahoo: Burn your DRMed tracks to CD now
Yahoo has become the latest company to abandon customers who bought tracks from its music store encoded with DRM.

iPod to LP DOCK Converts your LP Discs into iPod!
Here’s a cool iPod to LP DOCK which allows you to convert your LP Discs on-the-fly to your favorite iPod. - Ion Audio USB turntablewith universal dock for iPod - Revolutionary new USB turntable that transfers vinyl to iPod - You can also use the included recording software toarchive your records to CD or MP3 - LP DOCK also […]

Music and the Environment

Music and the Environment
Digital music. Is it better for the environment to buy CDs or to download music to an i-Pod or MP3 player?

iPod to LP DOCK Converts your LP Discs into iPod!

iPod to LP DOCK Converts your LP Discs into iPod!
Here’s a cool iPod to LP DOCK which allows you to convert your LP Discs on-the-fly to your favorite iPod. - Ion Audio USB turntablewith universal dock for iPod - Revolutionary new USB turntable that transfers vinyl to iPod - You can also use the included recording software toarchive your records to CD or MP3 - LP DOCK also […]

CD ROM Fish Craft

CD ROM Fish Craft
Instructions to make a cute, hanging fish out of old Cds.

Convert Music CDs into Digital Music Library
Convert your Music CD library collection into a Digital Music Library

CD ROM Fish Craft

CD ROM Fish Craft
Instructions to make a cute, hanging fish out of old Cds.

The Ultimate Spy Hidden Camera Disguise!

The Ultimate Spy Hidden Camera Disguise!
Download latest version of Flash to view video!. Click Here to View in Full Screen Mode This $479 disguised Spy Hidden Camera can be an Air Purifier, Alarm Clock, Ionizer, Mantle Clock, DVD Player, Boom Box, Motion Detector, Portable CD Player, VCR, Wall Clock, Calculator, or even an Lantern Style Clock. For the ultimate spy hidden camera, […]

CD Holder Album Inside Pages
CD Holder Scrapbook Album - Inside Pages 1

Convert Music CDs into Digital Music Library
Convert your Music CD library collection into a Digital Music Library

G4 EXCLUSIVE: First review of Video Games Live CD

G4 EXCLUSIVE: First review of Video Games Live CD

G4 got its hands on one of the very first copies of Video Games Live Volume 1, the debut album based on the best-selling concert tour of orchestral performances of videogame music. And let me tell you friends, if you are a fan of game music, this disc is an absolute must-have.

Video Games Live premiered at the Hollywood Bowl in July of 2005. Since then, the concert tour has played to over 250,000 people around the world. Like their live shows, VGL creators Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall have put together an eclectic mix of music spanning the history of gaming.

Many of the songs are presented in unique arrangements which have never been commercially released. The album opens with a series of recordings made at Abbey Road Studios, including the majestic theme of “Kingdom Hearts,” the anthemic “Warcraft Suite” and the chant laden “Myst Medley.” Other highlights include the world beat styled “Civilization IV Medley” and “Tetris Piano Opus No. 1” performed solo by video game pianist Martin Leung.

Three of the songs are live recordings from stops on the VGL tour, including “Medal of Honor” and “God of War Montage” from a sold out performance in Brazil. The album closer, “Castlevania Rock” is from a different concert and features guitar from Tallarico and Dweezil Zappa, in an epic performance of rock band versus orchestra. Tallarico’s ambitious musical vision from “Advent Rising” is spectacular as is the biggest surprise on the album, a five minute plus music montage from “Tron.”

Hands down though, the most stunning thing here is the “Halo Suite.” Halo composer Martin O’Donnell contributed to the new orchestration of this piece. Even if you have all three Halo soundtracks, you don’t have this. Combining movements from all three Halo games, this six and a half minute masterpiece featuring Steve Vai on guitar is reason enough to buy the album. Consider the other 10 songs bonus material if you have to, but this is required listening.

After hearing “Video Games Live Volume 1” you will be craving a Volume 2 immediately. The only negative thing to be said about this disc is some listeners, especially Nintendo fans, may feel their favorite songs got omitted. Just remember there is a lot of game music out there, and this is the first disc in what will hopefully be a long line of listening experiences.

–Rick “Wants Volume 2 Now!” Damigella

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