The next Content Drop in the Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3’s Content Season for Call of Duty® Elite will be available to Premium Members on the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network on February 21 with the release of Overwatch.

Call of Duty Elite Drop 3: Overwatch drops you into a construction site atop a New York City skyscraper. The battle takes place along two levels in a near symmetrical layout, with the central bridge and side routes open to attack from multiple angles. Watch your every step, as a lack of safety barriers surrounding the perimeter leaves nothing between you and a 70 story fall to the ground below.

Overwatch is the third Content Drop in Modern Warfare 3’s Content Season, which will include more than 20 pieces of brand new content over the 9 month season. Elite Drops 4-6 will be available in March for Premium Members on Xbox Live and will include the multiplayer map Black Box and two brand new Special Ops Missions, Black Ice and Negotiator. The full calendar of content is outlined here – http://www.callofduty.com/contentcalendar

The Modern Warfare 3 Content Season is co-developed by Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games and Raven Software. All content is available first to Premium Members on Xbox 360, but will be available to Premium Members on PS3 before non-premium members on their console.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is rated “MA15+” (Strong Violence) by the Australian Classification Board. For more information on the Call of Duty: MW3 content drops, season of content, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Call of Duty Elite visit www.callofduty.com/mw3 and www.callofduty.com/elite.

MELBOURNE, Wednesday, 8 February 2012: Madman proudly presents the haunting and beautiful Australian drama, THE HUNTER – available from today on DVD ($34.95srp), Blu-Ray ($39.95srp) and digital platforms. 

Academy Award® nominee Willem Dafoe (SPIDER MAN, PLATOON) stars as Martin David, a globe-trotting mercenary hired by a mysterious biotech company to track down the last remaining Tasmanian Tiger – rumoured to be alive and well deep within the Tasmanian wilderness. 

Under the wing of Jack Mindy (Sam Neill, THE PIANO), Martin lodges at the home of Lucy (Frances O’Connor, AI: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE), who is grief-stricken after the disappearance of her activist husband, Jarrah, and struggling to care for her two children, Sass and Bike. As Martin embarks upon his clandestine mountain search for the elusive creature, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to the troubled family and trying to resolve the mysteries hidden within the treacherous landscape. 

A powerful psychological drama set against the striking beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness, THE HUNTER released to critical acclaim in October, 2011 – grossing over $1 million at the Australian box office. THE HUNTER’s success also continues abroad, where it has topped the U.S. iTunes trailer charts, been selected to headline SXSW 2012 in March, and recently closed the International Film Festival Rotterdam. 

THE HUNTER’s DVD and Blu-Ray special features include the in-depth documentary, ‘The Making of THE HUNTER’ – a special behind the scenes look at how the film was made, featuring the people, the landscape and the myths around the legacy of the Tasmanian Tiger. Additional special features include an Audio Commentary with director Daniel Nettheim and producer Vincent Sheehan, ‘The Soundtrack’, Portrait Galleries, Deleted Scenes with Optional Audio Commentary and the ATOM Study Guide. 

To celebrate the release of THE HUNTER and its continuing international success, director Daniel Nettheim and producer Vincent Sheehan will be available for media interviews. To register your interest for media interviews or promotional giveaways, please contact Madman Publicity on the details provided below. 

THE HUNTER is available from today on DVD ($34.95srp), Blu-Ray ($39.95srp) and digital platforms.

Sydney, Australia – February 7, 2012 – Q.V Software, exclusive distributor of Turtle Beach, pioneers and market-leaders of the gaming headset category, are proud to announce that Turtle Beach headsets have been confirmed as the highest selling gaming headsets manufacturer in Australia for the 2011 calendar year.

Market data released by NPD Group Australia showed that Turtle Beach led the gaming audio category in its first full calendar year with sales equating to over $12 million dollars. This result places Turtle Beach in 1st place, leading all other 1st party and 3rd party manufacturers. Additionally, Turtle Beach ranked as the leading 3rd party manufacturer of all gaming peripherals (based on value sales) and exceeded only by 1st party format holders Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo.

“These numbers are no accident.” said Omar Braery, Marketing Manager at QVS, Turtle Beach’s exclusive distributor in Asia Pacific. “We have worked hard to make Turtle Beach the headset of choice and connect with the local consumers who recognise the high quality of the product, and we will continue to build on this.

Andrew Milgate of NPD said “The Gaming Audio genre saw substantial growth in 2011, with the strong performance of Turtle Beach being a key driver of that increase.”

The release of the NPD sales data ends a spectacular debut year for Turtle Beach in Australia with the release of critically acclaimed gaming headsets such as the Ear Force XP500 (Xbox 360), Ear Force PX5 (PlayStation 3), Ear Force Z6A (PC/Mac) and the partnership with Activision to release a range of gaming headsets specifically designed for the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in November 2011.

In 2012, Turtle Beach will continue to push the leading edge of gaming audio technology with the release of new gaming headsets across all gaming formats and headsets for the mobile gamer and music lover on the go.

For further information please visit www.TurtleBeachAU.com

SYDNEY, 7 February, 2012 – Launched to meet the imaging needs of explorers, travellers and adventurers alike, Canon Australia has today announced the arrival of the PowerShot D20 – a tough-built camera designed to take on any shooting condition and cleverly trace image locations through GPS tracking technology. The PowerShot D20 is the perfect travel partner for adventures across all four corners of the globe!

Through integrated GPS technology, the PowerShot D20 allows travelling photographers to track and log activity on Google Maps, where images can be connected to the places they were taken, ensuring travel locations are never forgotten. Combined with the camera’s 12.1MP High Sensitivity CMOS, full HD video recording and 5x optical zoom lens with Intelligent IS, the PowerShot D20 delivers improved low-light and close-range macro photography performance resulting in crystal clear images from the beach, under the water or in the snow!

“Whether the user’s passion lies in skiing, sitting on the beach or scuba diving, the PowerShot D20 is the perfect camera for both action seekers and adventure travellers,” says Kai Lebens, Brand Manager – Digital Still Cameras, Canon Australia. “Combining both technical smarts and slim lines,, the PowerShot D20 introduces a suite of features to ensure crisp, clear and true-to-life images of a great holiday or everyday moments….whatever the conditions!”

New and improved features of the PowerShot D20 include:
• GPS technology: Perfect for those off on adventure and travelling the world, the PowerShot D20’s GPS technology feature allows users to log and track their journey to later display with Google Maps.
• Waterproof: The PowerShot D20’s water-tight camera body* enables spectacular underwater photography up to a depth of up to ten metres with macro mode functionality. With Canon’s WP-DC45 underwater casing, the PowerShot D20 is waterproof to a further 40 metres.
• Freeze proof: Able to withstand temperatures as low as-10oC**, the PowerShot D20 is ideal for capturing fast-action snowboarding, cross country skiing or snowball fight moments.
• Shockproof: Sturdy and shock proof, even when dropped from up to 1.5 metres*** – Perfect to stand up to the demands of travel and adventure sports
• 12.1 Megapixel High Sensitivity CMOS Sensor: Perfect for taking photos in low light, the sensor also allows for better noise reduction, making it ideal any indoor or outdoor situation.
• Optical Zoom Wide-angle lens: The 5x Optical Zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens allows users to get closer whilst capturing those unforgettable moments and beautiful landscapes.
• Full High-Definition Movies: The PowerShot D20 delivers sharp, high quality full HD movies to capture moving footage of action in the snow or ocean wildlife of the deep. Picture-perfect travel movies can be replayed directly to your HDTV with an optional HDMI terminal.
• Intelligent IS: Intelligent IS is a unique Canon technology and features in the PowerShot D20. The camera will automatically choose the correct image stabilisation to use in different shooting situations
* Waterproof standard: Awarded the 1IEC/JIS Protection Class rating IP8X equivalent for waterproofing
** Freezeproof performance: Performance of the NB-6L battery pack may decrease at temperatures between – 10°C to 0°C
***Shockproof performance: Camera dropped using unique standards, based on MIL Standard 810F Method 516.5 Selecting Procedure IV
****Dustproof performance: Awarded the IEC/JIS IP Protection Rating IP6X equivalent

Availability
The PowerShot D20 digital compact camera will be available from June, 2012 (RRP TBC). For further details, visit the Canon website via: www.canon.com.au

Canon’s renowned lens technology enables sleek and stylish designs with high optical zoom, while 3.2-type LCD ‘touch’ screens and Wi-Fi connectivity make viewing and sharing images easier than ever

SYDNEY, 7 February, 2012 – Canon Australia has announced the latest models in the IXUS range of digital compact cameras – the 12 x optical zoom IXUS 510 HS and 5 x optical zoom IXUS 240 HS. Matching their superior optical performance, both of these new compact cameras feature Wi-Fi connectivity* and large 3.2-type LCD ‘touch’ screens to enable easier sharing and enjoyment of high-quality photographs.

“The compact camera market remains very strong in Australia as consumers continue to upgrade to technology offering greater image quality,” says Kai Lebens, Brand Manager, Digital Still Cameras, Canon Australia. “The new IXUS 510 HS and 240 HS are ideally positioned to satisfy this demand, with outstanding optical zoom and low-light performance, and they take the user experience further with large touch-screen control and Wi-Fi connectivity for social media and email sharing*.”

Launching in Australia this April, the slimline IXUS WiFi compact camera range delivers an ultra-stylish look with a slimline camera body that slips perfectly into a pocket or handbag. Backing up its good looks with the smarts to match, the new IXUS range also features a 12x (510HS) and 5x (240HS) optical zoom to get users closer to the action, a High Sensitivity CMOS sensor to deliver quality images in virtually any lighting scenario, Full HD video recording capabilities and a DiG!C 5 Image Processor to ensure true-to-life images every time.

Across the two new models, key new and improved features include:

• Wi-fi technology: Users can now share their favourite images and movies via email and by uploading to some social media sites via web-enabled Wi-Fi devices, smartphones and tablets including iPhone 4/4S, iPad/iPad2 and iPod Touch 4th generation with iOS 4.3 or higher.

• High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor: Combined with DiGiC 5, the High Sensitivity CMOS sensor featured on both the IXUS 510 HS (10.1 megapixel) and 240 HS (16.1 megapixel) enables users to take photos with high ISO, high shutter speed to reduce image blur, and improve noise reduction, delivering a standard for low-light photo quality from a compact camera unit. This feature also allows for better noise reduction for delivering outstanding quality images, making it ideal for any indoor or outdoor situation.

• DiG!C 5 Image Processor: Canon’s unique DiG!C 5 Image Processor delivers natural looking images, reduced blur, improved white balance and better noise reduction, making it even easier to capture beautiful images or exciting action shots on the go in true colour and clarity.

• Intelligent IS and Face ID: Making it even easier to achieve perfect clarity in fast-action shots, Intelligent IS works to reduce blur from incidental camera shake. Shots of friends in action or baby’s first smile are captured through three rapid, consecutive shots, where the camera selects the clearest and best option, ensuring the perfect shot every time.

• Full HD movie recording: Full HD 1080p movie recording means not only still but also moving images can be captured and kept to share with loved ones and viewed directly on an HDTV.
* Wi-Fi connectivity is supported for smartphones/tablets including: iPhone 4/4S, iPad/iPad and iPod Touch 4th generation with iOS 4.3 or higher.

Availability
The IXUS 510 HS and IXUS 240 HS digital still cameras will be available from April, 2012 (RRP TBC). For further details, visit the Canon website via: www.canon.com.au

SYDNEY, 7 February, 2012 – Canon Australia has today launched the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS; the new leader in slimline, high-performing compact cameras delivering an impressive 20x optical zoom, 25mm wide-angle lens, high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and GPS technology for worldwide image tracking, making it the perfect companion for adventures near and far.

Available in Australia from March 2012, the PowerShot SX260 HS is equipped to deliver true-to-life colour and clarity to whatever photo challenge is set by the user, simply at the press of a shutter button.

“The amazing 20x optical zoom capabilities of the PowerShot SX260 HS deliver unmatched optical versatility, allowing users to bring far away images into frame, such as familiar faces in a crowd, a championship-winning goal or wild animals on safari, without taking a step,” says Kai Lebens, Brand Manager – Digital Still Cameras. “Matched with Canon’s unique trio of TruCapture technology features which include image stabilisation (IS), DiG!C 5 image processor and High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, PowerShot SX260 users are assured every expression and experience is captured faithfully with accurate colour and clarity”.

Introducing the PowerShot A-Series

Also launching today is the new PowerShot A-series compact range. Canon’s revitalised PowerShot series delivers an energised line-up of new features for users that demand high-quality images from an affordable, compact package. Delivering both high-quality still and moving images with HD video recording capabilities, the range offers the perfect suite of tools to capture photo memories and spontaneous moments from travels abroad, sporting games, music festivals or family events like baby’s first steps or birthday celebrations.

Across the PowerShot SX260 HS, PowerShot A4000 IS, PowerShot A2400 IS and PowerShot A2300 models, new and improved features include:

• Optical Zoom Wide-angle lens: Ranging from 20x Optical Zoom (SX260 HS), 8x Optical Zoom (A4000 IS) to 5x Optical Zoom (A2400 IS and A2300), each of the cameras in the range allow photographers to get closer to their subject without taking a step. A 25mm (SX260 HS) and a 28mm (A4000 IS, A2400 IS, A2300) wide-angle lens enable users to fully take in the scenery for high-impact panoramic landscape shots.
• High Sensitivity Sensor: The 12.1 megapixel High Sensitivity CMOS Sensor (SX260 HS) and 16 megapixel CCD Sensor (A4000 IS, A2400 IS, A2300) are perfect for low-light photography.
• GPS Technology: Innovative GPS technology on the PowerShot SX260 HS logs the current shooting location and allows users to display image location data with the help of Google Maps, making that breath-taking waterfall in the Amazon easier to find second time around!
• Intelligent Auto Mode: New advanced automation allows users to capture fast movement images with stunning clarity*.
• Full HD video: Full HD 1080p video recording means not only still but high quality moving images of favourite travel destinations and celebrations can also be kept and shared with friends and loved ones, or viewed on a HD TV through an optional HDMI cable. **!

* Intelligent Auto Mode note: SX260 HS = 58 scenes, and the PowerShot A4000 IS, A2400 IS and A2300 = 32 scenes.

** Full HD Video note: SX260 HS = FULL HD and the PowerShot A4000 IS, A2400 IS and A2300 = HD

The PowerShot SX260 HS and A-Series digital compact cameras offer versatility and quality in the shape of a slim, easy-to-carry body that will become a true friend in photography and trusted travel companion for years to come.

Availability

The PowerShot SX260 HS, PowerShot A4000 IS, PowerShot A2400 IS and PowerShot A2300 digital cameras will be available from March, 2012 (RRP TBC). For further details, visit the Canon website via: www.canon.com.au

Experience the Third Instalment of the Hit New Series… Just Before the Blockbuster Movie Opens in Cinemas

The Avengers Ironman Unleashed – On DVD March 7 2012

When the planet is threatened by Super Villains, time traveling conquerors, alien invaders, mythical monsters or mad robots bent on the total destruction of humanity, when the forces of evil are so overwhelming that no single hero has the power to save the world, when there is no hope left… the AVENGERS ASSEMBLE! Together they forged an alliance that changed the world. United they become a symbol of hope and courage against impossible odds! ZEMO leads the MASTERS OF EVIL in a systematic takedown of THE AVENGERS. WASP must team up with CAPTAIN MARVEL in order to stop a KREE sentry from destroying the planet. KANG the conqueror comes from the 41st century to eliminate CAPTAIN AMERICA in order to save his world our future — from being destroyed. Following the battle against KANG a dark warning is left with THE AVENGERS, the worst is yet to come…

DVD Specifications
6 episodes / 1 disc
Approximately 138 minutes running time
SRP: $19.95