Excellent scores achieved in October’s 2009 Microsoft Server 2008 test  

AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND – October 13, 2009 – BitDefender® today announced that its BitDefender Security for File Servers was awarded VB100% certification from Virus Bulletin for its ability to detect 100% of viruses on the WildList with no false positives. 

The outstanding level of malicious program detection without any false positives has brought BitDefender Security for File Servers another well-earned VB100 award, which further proves the depth and accuracy of their antivirus technology, while at the same time ensuring customer peace of mind. The October 2009 Virus Bulletin comparative review assessed products from multiple security vendors specifically for the Microsoft Server 2008 platform. 

“BitDefender is dedicated to providing businesses with superior protection from viruses, spyware and rootkits, while lowering the burden of administrating a server software solution,” said Bogdan Dumitru, BitDefender’s chief technology officer.  “Achieving VB100% certification from Virus Bulletin for BitDefender Security for File Servers further proves our dedication to fulfilling that promise.” 

In order to display the VB100 logo, an antivirus product must have demonstrated to meet or exceed Virus Bulletin’s stringent testing standards in the product’s default state, including: 

• The detection of all “in the wild” viruses currently spreading throughout the world’s diverse user population
• Maintains detection rates using both on-demand and on-access scanning
• Generates no “false positives” when scanning a set of clean files

BitDefender Security for File Servers is a data security solution specially dedicated to Windows- based servers. Easy to install, configure and manage, BitDefender offers world-class protection from viruses, spyware and root kits without significantly impacting the performance of the server. 

Virus Bulletin provides PC users with a regular source of intelligence about computer viruses, in addition to the prevention, detection, and the removal of malicious software following an attack. Virus Bulletin offers impartial advice on the many aspects of antivirus security to their readers, while conducting independent comparative testing of the market leading anti-virus technology and solutions. The testing methodology includes virus, spyware and rootkit detection rates, as well as the scanning speed of file sets that are known to be clean. 

The complete text of the review is available in the October edition of Virus Bulletin or on the website.
To stay up-to-date on the latest e-threats, sign-up for BitDefender’s RSS feeds

PANORAMA – Asia Pacific Animation Challenge 2009

Autodesk, Mayan and Cyberport Incutrain Centre launch inaugural animation competition to showcase regional talent, and groom the next generation of digital artists 

Sydney, October 13, 2009 – Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, has launched PANORAMA – Inaugural Asia Pacific Animation Challenge (URL: www.apac-panorama.com). Conceptualised and sponsored by Autodesk, the contest is co-organised by Cyberport IncuTrain Centre with support from Hong Kong Cyberport Management Co. Ltd. and the Mayan: Hong Kong User Group, and with Animax as the official regional media partner. 

PANORAMA will see students from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore submitting their original animation projects for a chance to represent their country in the finals of the contest – the Autodesk Animation Challenge Bootcamp. Students must be aged 18 years and above and form teams of three in order to participate in the contest. Shortlisted participants will be selected by in-country judges and announced on November 15, 2009. 

“Autodesk is committed to grooming the next generation of digital artists, and to providing them with opportunities to acquire the skills and industry exposure they need to excel,” said Tom Joseph, director, Education Programs, Autodesk Asia Pacific. “With PANORAMA, we hope to inspire students in Asia Pacific, and impart the technical capabilities they need to overcome real-world industry challenges, even before they graduate.”

The Autodesk Animation Challenge Bootcamp will be held from December 11 to 14, 2009 at the Hong Kong Cyberport, and will see 12 finalist teams mentored by professionals from award-winning media and entertainment companies, including:

• Lucasfilm Animation Singapore – whose credits include the hit CG-animated TV show Star Wars™: The Clone Wars™, NDS games Star Wars™: The Clone Wars™: Jedi Alliance and Republic Heroes, and created visual effects for Transformers, Iron Man and Star Trek.
• Imagi Studio – a Hong Kong-based company which developed CG-animated films including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Astro Boy.

Over the course of the four-day boot camp, mentors will teach finalist teams how they can fine-tune the animation projects that they submitted during the qualifying stages of the contest. These will then be judged once more, and the ultimate winners of PANORAMA will be announced on December 14, 2009. 

“The PANORAMA Asia Pacific Animation Challenge 2009 provides an excellent training opportunity and platform for youth to showcase their creative animation work,” said Mr. Anthony Au, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Cyberport IncuTrain Centre and Board of Directors of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Co. Ltd. “The creative industry is one of the six priority areas that the Hong Kong Government is actively promoting and developing, and Cyberport is pleased to be part of this alliance. This initiative is also in line with Cyberport’s mission to establish a regional centre of excellence for IT and digital media training for developing human capital in IT through collaboration and partnership with the industry, academia, and professional bodies.” 

Finalist teams will be judged on creativity and originality, motion, technical excellence and overall design. The top three winning teams of PANORAMA stand a chance to win cash prizes, Autodesk software and trophy prizes. Other team-based awards for the contest include the Best Teamwork Award, Best Rookie Award and Animax Extraordinaire Award. PANORAMA also promises to offer students regional exposure, as the original works by the 12 finalist teams will be aired as vignettes on Animax from December 25, 2009 onwards. 

“In Hong Kong, Autodesk is providing secondary and primary school students with the same 3D technology that professional product designers and Hollywood movie-effects artists use.  Traditionally this had been reserved until students reached post secondary level. We believe that this will serve as a seedbed to generate greater interests in design in the digital arena among the young, setting the standards ahead,” said Wendy Lee, branch manager, Autodesk Hong Kong and Macau. 

“Autodesk has been working with leading animators, game developers and visual effects artists globally for many years, and our solutions are the backbone of the global media and entertainment production environment,” said Marc Su, head of media and entertainment, industry marketing, Autodesk Asia Pacific. “We’re honoured that our customers will mentor the shortlisted PANORAMA participants in Hong Kong, and are grateful for the strong support of our Mayan: Hong Kong User Group. We look forward to seeing the results of the participants’ efforts!” 

For more information on PANORAMA, please visit www.apac-panorama.com. 

About the Mayan: Hong Kong User Group

The Hong Kong Maya User Group is a passionate, non-profit organisation formed by dedicated Maya users.  The primary objective of the group is to promote and cultivate professionalism in digital content creation with a focus on 3D computer graphics, animations and digital visual effects creation, especially to the education community.  The group has developed a strong network among similar user groups in the APAC region, and aim to elevate users’ skills through the exchange of ideas, programs and best practices. For additional information, visit www.mayan.hk/mayan/Welcome.html

About Cyberport IncuTrain Centre

Funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund, Cyberport is Hong Kong’s first and only incubation and training centre for the digital entertainment industry. Dubbed as the “IncuTrain Centre”, it aims to promote the commercial success of Hong Kong’s digital entertainment industry, foster entrepreneurship and competence amongst small-to-medium size businesses, and generate a pool of creative business talents for the local industry. IncuTrain also provides incubatee companies with fully equipped office spaces, advance digital production facilities, support in business development, training, legal advice, internship recruitment, and facilitates partnership matching and collaborations with local and overseas organisations. For more information, visit www.incutrain.hk.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD® software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software to help customers experience their ideas digitally before they are built. Fortune 100 companies – as well as the last 14 Academy Award® winners for Best Visual Effects – use Autodesk software tools to design, visualize and simulate their ideas to save time and money, enhance quality, and foster innovation for competitive advantage. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com.au.

Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

© 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved

# # #

SUPERSTAR DJ AND PRODUCER DAVID GUETTA TO START THE PARTY AS EUROPEAN AMBASSADOR AND SPOKESPERSON FOR DJ HERO™

 French DJ to Endorse the Highly-Anticipated Release of DJ Hero with Exclusive Downloadable Content 

Ibiza, Spain – 1 October 2009 – Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced that world-renowned DJ/producer David Guetta will serve as a European ambassador and spokesperson for the revolutionary new music gaming experience DJ Hero™.  The superstar DJ will also be endorsing the game with the creation of three mixes, available as downloadable content in late-2009, further bringing the club experience to living rooms and house parties across the world.

Gamers and fans alike will be able to rule the party with remixes of the ubiquitous “When Love Takes Over” featuring Kelly Rowland, the chart topping “Sexy Bitch” featuring Akon and “On The Dance Floor” featuring will.i.am and apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

Performing since the 90’s, David Guetta was a prominent figure in the rise of dance and house music and a major influence in the clubs of Paris.  Since relentlessly touring the planet, performing in the hottest parties, coolest clubs and headlining major festivals, David is now firmly established as the worlds leading artist in his field.  Referred to as the maestro of dance, whose latest platinum album, the worldwide hit “One Love” is currently dominating the European charts and airwaves with its blend of electronic music and the greatest urban vocalists and having already produced two number 1 singles since its release in August, will be the basis for three downloadable mixes in DJ Hero.  

As a DJ famed for his dynamic style and eclectic music tastes, David Guetta’s tracks are a perfect downloadable addition to DJ Hero’s 93 mix on-disc set list featuring the biggest tracks in hop-hop, pop, rock and dance. “I’m delighted to be announcing the involvement of David Guetta with DJ Hero,” said Michael Sportouch, Senior Director Guitar Hero Europe. “As an inspirational figure to music fans and wannabe DJs across the globe, he represents the ultimate European ambassador for a title that is set to revolutionize the way consumers interact with music and gaming.” 

“DJ’ing has taken me a lifetime to master, but DJ Hero opens the art up to the masses. Players who have never touched decks will be able to easily get the authentic DJ experience and feel the euphoria of playing to an audience.” commented David Guetta. 

DJ Hero delivers an all-new interactive music experience that allows players to start the party and not only experience, but to hear music, in an all-new way. With over 100 individual songs, highlighted in over 90 unique never-before-released mixes that blend genres of music, including hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and electronica, DJ Hero delivers the most diverse and international collection of music ever assembled in a music game.  Created exclusively for DJ Hero, the turntable controller immerses fans into the authenticity of DJ culture and a sea of music as they utilise and master various DJ techniques including scratching, blending, crossfading and sampling.

 DJ Hero is being developed by FreeStyleGames for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 systems and Wii.  The game is rated 12+ by PEGI. For more information about DJ Hero, please visit djhero.com, facebook.com/djhero, and twitter.com/djhero. 

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. 

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com. 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors, licensees, licensors and third-party developers, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Blizzard’s success in completing the integration of the operations of Activision Publishing and Vivendi Games in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated, and the other factors identified in the risk factors section of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

###

© 2009 Activision Publishing, Inc. Guitar Hero and Activision are registered trademarks and DJ Hero and Band Hero are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc.  All rights reserved. 

“PlayStation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.  Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.  © 2006 Nintendo. All rights reserved.

“…a side-splitting adventure you’ll still be laughing about the morning after.”

Claudia Puig, USA Today 

Some Guys Really Can’t Handle Vegas 

THE HANGOVER: EXTENDED CUT  

Arrives on BLU-RAY for $49.95RRP, DVD for $39.95RRP,

ON DEMAND and TO DOWNLOAD this 25 November 2009! 

Experience the mayhem with more content not

seen in theatres including more pictures

from the lost camera! 

Re-live the bachelor party gone wrong when The Hangover: Extended Cut arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on 25 November 2009 from Warner Home Video.  From director Todd Phillips (Old School, Starsky & Hutch) comes a laugh-out-loud comedy about three groomsmen and their journey to retrace their steps from a downright crazy Vegas night in hopes of finding the missing groom. Available on DVD and Blu-ray, The Hangover: Extended Cut contains seven additional minutes of hilarious content not seen in theatres!  The original theatrical film will also be available on the Blu-ray version.

Two days before his wedding, Doug drives to Las Vegas with his best buddies for a blow-out bachelor party they vow they’ll never forget…only they did.  When the three groomsmen wake up the next morning with pounding headaches, their hotel suite is trashed and the groom is lost. With little time to spare, the trio attempts to retrace their bad decisions from the night before to figure out where things went wrong in the hopes of finding Doug and getting him back to L.A. in time for his wedding. 

The Hangover stars Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers, He’s Just Not That Into You, Yes Man), Ed Helms (TV’s The Office), Zach Galifianakis (What Happens in Vegas), Justin Bartha (National Treasure: Book of Secrets) and Jeffrey Tambor (TV’s Arrested Development).

The Hangover: Extended Cut will be available on DVD for $39.95RRP and on Blu-ray for $49.95RRP.  The original theatrical film will also be available on the Blu-ray version. 

The Hangover will also be available to buy on 25 November as a Digital Download from digital movie retailers. It will also be available to rent ON DEMAND through internet movie retailers and a games console.  

On 9 December The Hangover will be available to rent on a pay per view and ON DEMAND basis through Digital Cable and Satellite TV.  

SYNOPSIS

From Old School director Todd Phillips comes a comedy about a bachelor party gone very, very wrong. Two days before his wedding, Doug (JUSTIN BARTHA) drives to Las Vegas with his best buddies Phil and Stu (BRADLEY COOPER and ED HELMS) and his future brother-in-law Alan (ZACH GALIFIANAKIS), for a blow-out bachelor party they vow they’ll never forget. When the three groomsmen wake up the next morning with pounding headaches, they can’t remember a thing. Their luxury hotel suite is beyond trashed and the groom is nowhere to be found. With no clue about what happened and little time to spare, the trio must attempt to retrace their bad decisions from the night before in order to figure out where things went wrong in the hopes of finding Doug and getting him back to L.A. in time for his wedding. The more they begin to uncover, the more they realise just how much trouble they’re really in!

DVD

Special Features:

• “Map of Destruction” (TRT 15 min)

Re-trace each step the guys took during their fate-filled evening and see the real locations, learn about their Las Vegas lore and see the filming that took place there.  

• “Three Best Friends Song” (TRT 1:25)

Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis “freestyle” their own song.

• Gag Reel (TRT 7:57)

Rating:

TBC

Approximate DVD Feature Runtime:

103 mins

BLU-RAY 

Extended and Theatrical versions of the film 

Special Features:

• “Map of Destruction” (TRT 15 min)

Re-trace each step the guys took during their fate-filled evening and see the real locations, learn about their Las Vegas lore and see the filming that took place there.  

• “Three Best Friends Song” (TRT 1:52)

Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis “freestyle” their own song.

• More Pictures from the Missing Camera (100 Stills)

                        More photos exposing the events from the night of mayhem.

•  “The Madness of Ken Jeong” (TRT 7:38)

                        Ken Jeong’s non stop hilarious improv.

•  “Action Mash-Up” (TRT :30)

Compilation of all the physical comedy from the film.

• Picture-in-Picture Commentary (TRT 101 min)

Hilarious Picture-in-Picture Commentary of the Theatrical Cut with hangover remedy tips featuring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Todd Phillips.

• Digital Copy of the Theatrical Version

BD-LIVE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: 

• “Iron Mike Online Teaser” (TRT 1:40)

The Champs’ rendition of “In the Air Tonight”

• “Cursing Mash-Up” (TRT :51)

            Hilarious compilation of all the cursing from the film. 

• “The Dan Band!” (TRT 1:06 min)

                        The Dan Band performs, “Fame.” 

Rating:

TBC 

Approximate Blu-ray Feature Runtime:

99 mins – theatrical

107 mins – Extended Cut

Australian created and customised for carefree cruising 

Sydney, Australia, October 12, 2009 – LASER Corporation, makers of Navig8r GPS devices, today announced the new G Series GPS range, G35 and G43. The first navigation device in Australia with free map updates for life*, the Navig8r G Series ensures an easier travel experience offering monthly modifications made to roads, signs or other map data, and displays familiar “UBD style” map skins. Continuing to lead the local way, the Navig8r G Series combines clear-cut design with superior software developed in Australia, specifically for Australians. Utilising a unique text-to-speech (TTS) engine, users can hear typical Australian names such as Parramatta and Wollumbi pronounced in a friendly native accent. 

The G35 and G43 are power-packed with the latest features and practical-priced making them the best value for money GPS devices on the market. Included in the unit is a trial version of SpeedAlert** which confirms current speed limits with visual and audible warnings. SpeedAlert cautions users if the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit, as well as alerting drivers to speed limit changes such as school zones and time of day. Additionally, the new Advanced Turn Assist (ATA) illustrates upcoming turns clearly and correctly with an actual map snapshot preparing users for turn guidance in good time and allows the recording of trips for playback of journeys via Google Earth. 

With its intuitive interface, users can view maps in 2D or 3D and effortlessly navigate from A to B. Determine detours to avoid traffic caused by road blocks, collisions and other accidents and with handy re-route, comfortably calculate a new course mid-journey. The full screen Speedometer, used in conjunction with SpeedAlert, provides highly accurate speed information and can be viewed in analog or digital format. Both SpeedAlert and Speedometer serve to protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians, plus a user’s licence. The G35 and G43 are also equipped with a comprehensive catalogue of POI which is now hosted by StartLocal, Australia’s local search engine and business directory. 

Featuring a 3.5” or 4.3” LCD touchscreen with anti-glare brightness, the G35 and G43 offers complete GPS capabilities in a compact package. Sophisticated yet simple to use, the Navig8r G Series helps users stay on track saving time, money and fuel – knowing where you are going and getting there without getting off course.

The Navig8r G Series are available now through electrical retailers and computer resellers in Australia. RRP: G35 – AU$169 inc GST, G43 – AU$229 inc GST. Data sheets attached.

* Free map updates for life are available for only the map purchased and covers only current areas, new suburbs are not included. Customers can purchase the latest map with recently added suburbs and features for an upgrade fee of AU$59 inc GST. 

** SpeedAlert is available at time of purchase on a 30 day free trial. Subsequently customers may purchase for AU$9.95 inc GST. 

About LASER Corporation

LASER Corporation is an IT and consumer electronics accessories company established in Australia over 20 years ago. A leading challenger brand, LASER products are the value brand of choice and can be found in a range of retail mass merchants and the dealer and IT market. Furthermore and core to its business, LASER offers end-to-end OEM solutions with LASER Private Label. LASER Corporation’s head office is based in North Ryde, Australia, with offices in New Zealand, China and Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.laserco.com.au.

New compact LifeSize® Passport™ delivers HD video communications for under $3200 

Sydney 12 October 2009 – Australian technology distributor IPL Communications today announced the new compact LifeSize® Passport™ video conferencing system, ideal for SMEs, SOHO and teleworkers, will land in Australia in November. 

Developed by LifeSize Communications, the global leader in high definition video communications, the LifeSize Passport is a portable video conferencing unit.  It is also the world’s first HD video communications system to enable Skype audio calls to the more than 480 million registered Skype users. 

According to Paul Scanlan, General Manager of IPL Communications, the LifeSize Passport makes high-definition video conferencing accessible to SMEs as well as Corporate and Enterprise customers.  IPL’s network of resellers are now taking orders for the LifeSize Passport, for delivery in November. 

“LifeSize has been extremely successful in making video conferencing more accessible to all kinds of businesses.  LifeSize Passport takes this to a new level by creating a portable video conferencing system at a price point attractive to SME, home office and teleworkers. 

“Gone are the days when the only choices were an expensive high-end boardroom system or low a quality web cam based system.  With LifeSize Passport anyone can take advantage of HD video and audio, anywhere there is a broadband internet connection,” Mr Scanlan continued. 

“We anticipate there will be a huge level of demand for this system and are making it available through our network of resellers across Australia,” he said. 

Commenting on IPL’s role as nation-wide distributor for LifeSize, Mr Scanlan said: 

“IPL’s partnership with LifeSize has gone from strength to strength.  Since we were appointed as distributor in January we have signed resellers throughout Australia.  We expect the new price point of LifeSize Passport will drive further reseller growth as more businesses turn to LifeSize for cost-effective video conferencing solutions.” 

Pricing and Availability

LifeSize Passport is available in two models starting from a RRP $3161 ex tax: LifeSize Passport with Focus and integrated microphone; and LifeSize Passport with PTZ camera and mic pod. 

LifeSize Passport with Skype audio capabilities will be available globally in Q4 2009.  Contact IPL Communications (02 9667 7444) to register interest in this model. 

About LifeSize Passport

• LifeSize Passport delivers the telepresence experience to anyone, anywhere.
• Delivers 720p 30 frames per second HD video and HD audio.
• Built-in ringer alerts the user to an incoming call when connected to a multi-purpose display. 
• Supports HD video calls at just 1Mbps over any IP network, and up to 2Mbps maximum bandwidth.
• Light, compact and easily carried anywhere.
• 20.3cm width x 11.9cm depth x 3.3cm height.
• Weighs less than 0.5kg; 1.18kg with cables and power supply included.
• LifeSize Passport is the first HD video communications system with an integrated Skype capability.  
• Enables Skype users to experience Skype-to-Skype calling.
• Skype presence ensures you always know when your business colleagues or partners are on online and available for a call.
• Simple, seamless conversations between two parties: Skype’s easy to use Contact List allows you to place a call at the touch of a button.
• The ability to deliver the best picture – at least 2 times better than competing products – across any bandwidth due to LifeSize’s unique network efficiency and performance.
• Only LifeSize has Adaptive Motion Control™ (AMC). AMC dynamically adapts to changing network conditions to deliver the highest quality of visual motion control and clarity. 

LASER new product category, first to market with Pocket Digital TV

Sydney, Australia, October 12, 2009 – LASER Corporation, an IT and consumer electronics accessories company, today announced its foray into a new product category with the release of a Pocket Digital TV range – DVBT-C30 Classic C30, DVBT-MP32 Multimedia Plus, and DVBT-ST35 Slim Touch. This is the first product of its kind to hit Australian shores, a digital video broadcasting – terrestrial (DVB-T) pocket-sized TV that allows users to watch digital TV anywhere, anytime. 

Featuring a portable and petite 3.5” screen with digital FM radio, the Pocket Digital TV puts on view mainstream TV such as ABC, Channel 7, 9 and 10, Prime, SBS, Southern Cross, and WIN, as well as digital specific channels including ACC, GO!, EXPO, One, NITV, Teachers TV, and Digital Forty Four. Incorporating an electronic program guide (EPG), users can navigate, select and discover content by time, title channel, and genre, plus the aspect ratio adjustment assures picture perfect proportions. Auto-scanning makes finding stations simple and the unit comes with a built-in antenna for high reception areas, external antenna for low reception areas*. Furthermore, with most countries in Europe and Asia now broadcasting free-to-air television via the DVB-T format, the Pocket Digital TV can be used overseas with users tuning in to local stations. 

DVBT-C30 Classic C30

The DVBT-C30 Classic C30 is the entry-level Pocket Digital TV – a 3.5” handheld DVB-T TV with remote control, digital FM radio and EPG presents channel previews, subtitles (where supported) and multi-language options. There is no need to wait to recharge on-board batteries as the unit comes with an external battery pack. What’s more, the Classic C30 doubles as a set top box offering an additional use, alternative and affordable transition from analog to digital television in the home. 

DVBT-MP32 Multimedia Plus

On to the DVBT-MP32 Multimedia Plus, this 3.5” handheld DVBT-TV comprises multimedia rich further features and formats supported. As a media player watch movies, listen to music and view pictures…or take it to the next level – the DVBT-MP32 Multimedia Plus doubles as a diminutive digital video recorder (DVR). Record preferred programs to watch later with the multimedia plus recording function. 

DVBT-ST35 Slim Touch

Following on, the DVBT-ST35 Slim Touch with its touchscreen interface lets users interact directly with the device and the sleek design also supports digital FM radio and EPG presents channel previews, subtitles (where supported) and multi-language (option). 

Backyard or park, poolside or seaside, with the weather heating up it is never a better time to hit the outdoors and at the same time enjoy digital entertainment. The LASER Pocket Digital TV range will be available from October 2009 in time for Christmas and the Australian summer. Available through electrical retailers and computer resellers. Data sheets attached. 

RRPs inc GST

* Device works best where there is known good TV reception. 

About LASER Corporation

LASER Corporation is an IT and consumer electronics accessories company established in Australia over 20 years ago. A leading challenger brand, LASER products are the value brand of choice and can be found in a range of retail mass merchants and the dealer and IT market. Furthermore and core to its business, LASER offers end-to-end OEM solutions with LASER Private Label. LASER Corporation’s head office is based in North Ryde, Australia, with offices in New Zealand, China and Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.laserco.com.au.

New laptop bags by Targus take users beyond the boardroom  

Sydney – 12 October, 2009 – Make the transition from work to play with Targus’ new range of laptop bags that blend thoughtful design and unrivalled functionality to appeal to today’s savvy laptop users. Based on extensive consumer and trend research, these new bags allow users to express themselves whether in the office, travelling between engagements or at a café with friends. Each new bag has been thoughtfully designed with premium materials to provide quality laptop protection, stain-resistance, water repellency and ergonomic support.

“As the take-up of laptop and netbook computers continues to grow, Targus is investing heavily in consumer research in order to create products that keep up with the latest trends in mobile computing,” said Targus Australia Managing Director, Alenka Tindale. “We recognise that laptop users are venturing out beyond conventional office settings into living rooms, cafes, classrooms and airports and this latest collection of laptop bags adapts to these new environments.”

 All products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. These and other Targus bags are available through leading retailers.

Armageddon Expo shaping up to be the biggest yet

For Immediate Release: Monday October 12, 2009.

Melbourne residents have proven to have a love for all things weird, wacky and wonderful with pre-event ticket sales for the Armageddon Multimedia Expo up on previous years.

Commencing on Saturday October 17, 2009, the Armageddon Multimedia Expo is Australia’s leading science fiction, fantasy and gaming event with more than 15,000 people expected to flock to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre across the duration of the expo. 

Headlining the international guests appearing at this year’s event include the creators of Robot Chicken, Seth Green, Michael Senreich and Tom Root who will be on hand to meet their fans and discuss the development of the Emmy-winning stop-motion series.

Other celebrity guests appearing at the Armageddon Multimedia Expo include Christopher Heyerdahl, Bronson Pelletier and Cameron Bright (New Moon), Joe Flanigan, Paul McGillion and Joe Flanigan (Stargate Atlantis) and Gigi Edgley (Farscape and Rescue Special Operations). 

Bill Geradts from the Armageddon Multimedia Expo said this year’s event will also feature a number of attractions which will be popular with both the young and old.

“For the first time ever, the Armageddon Multimedia Expo will feature a replica of the Delorean Time Machine which appeared in the Back to the Future movies,” Geradts said.

“On top of this we will have on display the largest private collection of memorabilia, film props and wardrobe articles from Twilight and New Moon.

“The whole range has been sourced by costume designer, John Henson who has spent hundreds of hours putting together the collection which features screen pieces and duplicates from the popular movies.

“We will also have a number of musical performances by New Zealand-based group Battle Circus with part of their debut EP, ‘The Half-Light Symphony’ used by HBO to launch the True Blood series.

“Japanese-American pianist, singer and song writer, Lisa Furukawa will also be doing performances during the event.

“The ever-popular live wrestling, pillow fight, Dragonball Z Kamehameha, pizza and fear factor eating competitions will return along with the new SuperInk Tattoo contest and Bad Ladies Burlesque demonstration.”

Tickets for the Armageddon Multimedia Expo start at $20 and are available through Ticketmaster or at the door.

For more information on the events and attractions at the Armageddon Multimedia Expo can be found at www.armageddonexpo.com/au.