Dead to Rights^® : Retribution, a ground-up reinvention of the multi-million unit selling crime action series for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION^®3 computer entertainment system, developed by Volatile Games. Thrusting players into a mature neo-noir crime drama as a vice-cop Jack Slate and his canine companion Shadow, the game introduces new gameplay elements that unify the third person shooting and brawling genres for a brutal and relentless new action-driven experience.

SYDNEY, 5^th March 2010 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. today announced the forthcoming arrival of Japan’s hit Fullmetal Alchemist franchise on PSP® in Australia, with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood scheduled for launch across EMEA this coming Winter 2010.

For the first time PSP gamers in Australia and beyond will get their hands on the battle action game based on the smash hit Japanese anime and manga.  Created by Hiromu Arakawa and first published in Japan by Monthly Shonen Gangan in 2001, Fullmetal Alchemist has secured itself a top five position in Japan’s incredibly vibrant and competitive manga scene, spawning multiple anime series and a length feature film.  Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is based on the most recent 2009 anime series of the same name, critically lauded as the most faithful so far to the spirit of the original manga.

The story of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the adventures of the Elric brothers, two young alchemists cursed after an ill-fated attempt to bring their mother back from the dead during which Edward suffered the horrifying loss of a leg and arm while Alphonse’s soul was ensnared in a medieval suit of armour. Driven by their strong relationship and remarkable skills they begin a new, battle-packed adventure on the trail of the philosopher’s stone. Only the stone has the power to restore their bodies. This time they’re fighting for more than just their lives.

The game’s Adventure Mode lets players live the adventure of the Elric brothers as they strive to foil a foul plot and take on other powerful alchemists in battles to the death. The game features a host of additional customisable playable characters with points earned in battle used to upgrade their special powers and abilities.

In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood the fights go down in a series of different battle arenas where players can flex their spectacular alchemist abilities, use the terrain’s topography strategically to gain the upper hand, and judiciously launch special Combination Attacks with their battle partner to turn the tide of battle. The Multiplayer Mode lets between two and four players co-operate or fight against each other via ad hoc wi-fi to find out once and for all who has the most powerful alchemy of all at their fingertips.

For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe and its entire line up of games please visit www.namcobandaigames.eu.

About NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe:

NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S., is a leading interactive entertainment software publisher based in Cergy-Pontoise, France. The company is a part of the NAMCO BANDAI group of companies known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including the RidgeRacer™, Tekken™, SOULCALIBUR™, Tamagotchi™, Digimon™, Dragonball® and Naruto™ brands.

“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

© Hiromu Arakawa/FA Projects, MBS

Game © 2009 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.

Published by NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe SAS.

Press Release © 2010 NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. All rights reserved.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

When searching for cracked games online, avid players may inadvertently download a malware cocktail onto their computers.

Australia – 9 March 2010 – BitDefender have today found that gamers attempting to download a cracked version of the game Silent Hunter 5 are exposing themselves to a number of e-threats. To protect the 5th part of Silent Hunter from piracy, its producers have implemented a new protection system, which has not only sparked discontent within the gamers’ community but also increased hackers’ desire to crack it. This in turn has seen gamers going on a passionate hunt for a cracked version of the game, clearly illustrated by search statistics in which the “name of the game + cracked” combination ranks very high. A search on the Internet over this very hot topic has revealed that no less than four different breeds of malware accompanying the returned results.

The malware cocktail that players are in for include two different Trojans, one Backdoor Agent and one Rootkit.

Backdoor Agents are classic Trojan backdoors that open infected machines to remote access. Rootkits attempt to hide processes, files, registry data and network connections and they are usually employed for malicious purposes, hiding viruses, worms, backdoors and spyware. In this case, for a complete malware pack, two other Trojans are delivered with the rootkit and the backdoor agent.

Hence, instead of commanding U-Bots in their search for fuel against allied forces stationed in Malta, Silent Hunter’s aficionados could easily end up sinking their machines under the heavy fire of e-criminals’ malware.

In order to stay safe, BitDefender recommends that users do not follow suspicious links returned in Internet searches and to only download legitimate applications. Realising the importance of copyright and the risks users expose themselves to when downloading pirated software should also be kept in mind. Finally, installing and updating a complete antimalware software solution will help users play on and play safe.

About BitDefender®
BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry’s fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified security software. Since its inception in 2001, BitDefender has continued to raise the bar and set new standards in proactive threat prevention, emerging as the industry’s anti-malware innovator. Every day, BitDefender protects tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe — giving them the peace of mind of knowing that their digital experiences will be secure. BitDefender solutions are distributed by a global network of value-added distribution and reseller partners in more than 100 countries worldwide. More information about BitDefender and its products are available at the company’s security solutions press room. Additionally, BitDefender’s www.malwarecity.com provides background and the latest updates on security threats helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.

SPOIL MUM WITH A COLLECTION OF PORTARITS THIS MOTHER’S DAY

On April 2, Icon Home Entertainment will release The Portraits Collection, a range of titles that are available with deluxe packaging to showcase the beauty of Hollywood’s leading ladies. The Portraits Collection highlights fifteen award winning and critically acclaimed performances that accentuate the power and beauty of fifteen incredible women who have transformed cinema.

The highly collectable range will be available at a promotional price of $14.95rrp.

Affordable isn’t always tantamount to quality but in the case of The Portraits Collection, outstanding and elegant entertainment is guaranteed at a great price, making The Portraits Collection the ideal gift for Mother’s Day.

Sydney, Australia: March 9, 2010: Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the release of an SDHC Class 10 card. Shipping February 26, the Kingston SDHC Class 10 card is available in 16GB and 32GB capacities. The card meets the Class 10 data transfer rate specification but has an enhanced performance of up to 22MB/sec. read and 18MB/sec. write*.

“As viewing and recording in high definition becomes more popular, the Kingston SDHC Class 10 card’s large storage capability allows users to record hours of video on a single card,” said Vaughan Nankivell, Regional Manager, Australia and New Zealand, Kingston. “The Class 10 speed helps photographers optimize their equipment when it comes to shooting in burst mode as the memory card keeps up with sequential capture.”

The Kingston SDHC Class 10 card is designed to meet the SD Association Specification 3.00 with a guaranteed minimum data transfer rate of 10MB/sec. It is the ideal solution for the latest camcorders, digital SLRs and advanced point and shoot cameras. For compatibility, Kingston recommends users look up their device with the Kingston Memory Search tool on the homepage at www.kingston.com/anz.

The 16GB Kingston SDHC Class 10 card (Kingston part number: SD10/16GB) and the 32GB card (Kingston part number: SD10/32GB) are all backed by a lifetime warranty, free tech support and legendary Kingston reliability.

Kingston SDHC Class 10 Features and Specifications:
• Capacities**: 16GB. 32GB
• Dimensions: 0.94″ x 1.25″ x 0.08″ (24mm x 32mm x 2.1mm)
• Weight: 0.09oz. (2.9g)
• Performance: Class 10 – 10MB/sec. guaranteed minimum data transfer rate with up to 22MB/sec. read and 18MB/sec. write*
• Operating Temperature: -13°F to 185°F (-25°C to 85°C)
• Storage Temperature: -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C)
• Voltage: 3.3V
• Compliant: with the SD Association specification version 3.00
• Secure: built-in write-protect switch prevents accidental data loss
• Compatible: with SDHC host devices; not compatible with standard SD-enabled devices/readers
• File Format: FAT32
• Reliable: lifetime warranty
• Simple: as easy as plug and play

KingstonSDHC Class 10 Card

Part Number
Capacity and Features

SD10/16GB
16GB Class 10 SDHC Card

SD10/32GB
32GB Class 10 SDHC Card

SDHC Card Capacity
Photo1
Video2

6MP Images
8MP Images
10MP Images
12MP Images
6Mbps HD Extended
9Mbps HD Extended
13Mbps HD Extended

16GB
7624
5080
3208
2708
361 min.
240 min.
166 min.

32GB
15248
10160
6416
5416
542 min.
362 min.
251 min.

(MP=Megapixels: MB=Megabytes, GB = Gigabytes)

* Based on internal testing. Performance may vary based on system settings.
** Some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. For more information, please consult Kingston’s Flash Memory Guide at Kingston.com/Flash_Memory_Guide.
1 Approximate number of JPEG (compressed file) pictures. JPEG file sizes vary based upon camera model and internal file size and compression settings, as well as user-selected resolution and compression mode settings. In addition, JPEG compression will result in different file sizes based upon picture complexity. Some host devices may not support all of the Flash storage capacities listed. Consult your device’s owner’s manual for supported capacities.
2 Actual recording time will vary based upon camera model, selected resolution, compression settings and the content being recorded. Some host devices may not support all of the Flash storage capacities listed. Consult your device’s owner’s manual for supported capacities.

Product and Pricing Summary
Manufacturer: Kingston
Product Name: 16GB and 32GB SDHC Class 10 card
RRP:
AUD SD 10/16GB: $169.00
SD 10/32GB: $329.00
NZD SD10/16GB: $219.00
SD10/32GB: $429.00
Website: http://www.kingston.com/anz/
Australian Distributors: Avnet Australia Pty Ltd, Ingram Micro, Simms International Pty Ltd., Synnex Australia PTY Ltd.
New Zealand Distributors: Ingram Micro NZ, Synnex NZKingston memory is backed by a lifetime warranty and free technical support.
Availability: Shipping now

To discuss this product on Kingston Blog, please go to www.kingston-blog.com. To try the game “Challenge Your Memory”, please go to
www.kingston-blog.com/challenge_your_memory/en/. To get the freshest information on Kingston, please go to http://twitter.com/KingstonFEPR.

To find out if your Kingston product is genuine, Kingston also provides an online verification site: www.kingston.com/anz/verify. To try the game “Search for Genuine Kingston”, please go to anti-counterfeit.kingston-blog.com. For the interesting animation: The Adventures of Rex, please visit: www.theadventuresofrex.com.

About Kingston Digital, Inc.
Kingston Digital, Inc. (“KDI”) is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com/anz.

AVAILABLE TO RENT AND OWN ON DVD (10th/11th of MARCH) & BLU?RAY (NOT NOW)
DVD: RRP $39.95 ? 113mins – PG / BLU?RAY: RRP $49.95 ? TBC ? PG

From acclaimed Australian film director Bruce Beresford comes the true story of a small boy’s extraordinary journey from poverty to international stardom. MAO’S LAST DANCER captures the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity, the pain of exile, and ultimately the triumph of individual endeavour over ideology.

Filmed in China, the US and Australia and with a brilliant performance from CHI CAO as Li Cunxin, and a star?studded cast including KYLE MCLACHLAN, AMANDA SCHULL and JACK THOMPSON, MAO’S LAST DANCER is an exhilarating exploration of what it means to be free.

Boasting an impressive $15 million at the cinema box?office, and more than 300,000 in book sales, MAO’S LAST DANCER is the inspiring film you’ll want to watch time and time again.

Monday 8^th March 2010 – SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced that Iron Man™ 2: The Video Game will feature the voices of renowned actors Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson. Expanding their roles from the upcoming Iron Man 2 summer blockbuster from Marvel Studios, Cheadle voices Tony Stark’s close friend James “Rhodey” Rhodes – the powerful War Machine – while Jackson joins the game as S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury. Together they complete a cast of characters that transports fans into a deeper and more authentic cinematic video game experience. 

Packed with favourites from the movie and comic book worlds, Iron Man 2: The Video Game offers gamers a chance to choose between Iron Man and War Machine, as they battle through hugely destructible indoor and outdoor environments. Tony and Rhodey both come equipped with their own distinct assortments of fully customisable, earth-shattering weapons, as well as vicious melee combat moves, all of which will come in handy against the likes of Crimson Dynamo and other classic Marvel foes. 

“We wanted to ensure players could experience the Iron Man universe firsthand by playing Iron Man 2: The Video Game” commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director, SEGA Europe.   “Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson are two of Hollywood’s top leading men and with them voicing their characters from the upcoming film, the video game will mean players feel fully immersed in Tony Stark’s world”. 

Iron Man 2: The Video Game will be available across Australia and New Zealand from April 2010 for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™ system and Nintendo DS™ system. 

For more information, please visit the official site at www.sega.com/ironman2 or to download screenshots, videos and art, please visit www.sega-press.com.  

About SEGA® Europe Ltd.

SEGA® Europe Limited is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe’s web site is located at www.sega-europe.com. 

About SEGA® of America, Inc.

SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive  entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America’s Web site is located at www.sega.com/usa

IPL Communications now distributing Panasonic KX-NT400 IP Telephone and KX-NT700 IP Conferencing Phone 

Sydney. 8 March 2010 – IPL Communications today announced the availability of the most advanced IP telephone on the market, the Panasonic KX-NT400 IP Telephone, and the premium Panasonic IP Conferencing Phone, the KX-NT700. 

Distributed exclusively by IPL, the Panasonic KX-NT400 features a large 5.7 inch touch screen and sleek interface and is ideal for businesses looking to simplify their phone systems and increase productivity.  The built-in Communications Assistant software manages eight screens simultaneously and users can access contact details, weather forecasts, text chat and a camera screen at the touch of a button. 

The camera viewer remains permanently connected to a network camera from Panasonic’s KX-HCM or BL-C series and offers users a live view with options such as zoom, tilt and pan.  This clever technology means business owners can keep a watchful eye on shop fronts, entrances and foyers from their desks. 

The KX-NT700 IP Conferencing Phone offers the premium alternative to face to face meetings.  As the business world has led to a decline in travel budgets and more conference calls, the KX-NT700 Multi-party Desktop IP Conference System supports Hi-Definition sound and web-based conference solutions to help make communications as simple as a face to face meeting. 

Boasting features such as high definition voice quality, SD card recording and noise reduction technology, the KX-NT700 streamlines a call between two people or an entire boardroom with ease.

In a Panasonic exclusive, it comes with built-in real-time slow talk functionality.  This world-first technology allows you to easily understand a fast talker by slowing down spoken words while shortening the silent intervals between them. 

Paul Scanlan, General Manager, IPL Communications, expects the Panasonic KX-NT400 IP and KX-NT700 will be warmly welcomed by B2B channel partners: 

 “Since partnering with Panasonic last year, IPL has increased distribution of Panasonic IP telephony products to a growing number of resellers.  The Panasonic NT400 and NT700 boast advanced features designed to help business owners maximise productivity.  World first technology such as real-time slow talk in the NT700 and the innovative permanent connection to an IP camera available with the NT400 will help resellers meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of their customers.” 

Mark Deere-Jones, Director, Panasonic Business Systems, said: “Our partnership with IPL has proven to be an outstanding success since it commenced just a few months ago.  IPL is delivering excellent service to existing and new customers in the reseller network, and we look forward to building on this success with our latest market offering.”

WD® Introduces New My Passport™ Studio™ Portable Drives, Delivering Super-Fast, Go-Anywhere Performance for Mac® Computers
E-Label Smart Display Helps Creative Professionals Organize Their Storage

Sydney, Australia: March 8, 2010 – WD®, the world’s leader in external storage solutions, today introduced its new My Passport™ Studio™ portable drives featuring the super-fast FireWire® 800 interface and a customizable e-label that’s always visible, even when the drive is unplugged. Sporting a sleek and stylish design, the new high-performance My Passport Studio drives are formatted for Mac® computers, compatible with Apple® TimeMachine® software, and feature automatic and continuous backup with WD SmartWare™ software, and 256-bit hardware-based encryption. Available now at select retailers, the new My Passport Studio drives are offered in capacities of 500 GB and 640 GB.

WD’s My Passport Studio drives are designed for creative professionals and Mac enthusiasts. Their production and use of many large files require the fast transfers from computer to My Passport Studio drives that FireWire 800 provides. Professionals such as photographers also benefit from the e-labeling system to effectively organize their work.
    
The e-label smart display on the front of the My Passport drives can be changed as often as desired using the included WD SmartWare software. Users can easily create a label to personalize their drive or remind themselves of its contents. The e-label also shows available capacity and whether the drive is locked. Utilizing e-paper technology, the information on the display remains clearly visible, even when the drive is unplugged.
    
According to research firm Parks Associates, the average U.S. broadband household currently has over 120 GB of digital media and files which is projected to grow to over 1 TB of data by 2013.
    
“Many of our customers store their content on multiple external drives, making it difficult to know what content is on each drive,” said Dale Pistilli, vice president of marketing of WD’s Branded Products group. “The e-label smart display is an elegant and practical solution for organizing and keeping track of one’s digital life and work. WD SmartWare software makes it easy for users to protect their valuable content with automatic and continuous backup and encryption.”
    
The new My Passport Studio is fully compatible with Apple TimeMachine software for easy backup of your most important files.  It also offers the option of the simple and intuitive WD SmartWare software, with automatic continuous backup and real-time visual interface, giving users a reassuring view of their backup as it happens. After the first backup, users’ files are backed up automatically every time they change or add a file. 
    
My Passport Studio drives also feature user-selected password protection combined with 256-bit hardware-based encryption, which scrambles files before they are stored. Typically found only on much more expensive drive systems, the encryption acts as a virtual padlock to keep users’ data safe.

Price and Availability
Manufacturer: Western Digital
Product Name: My Passport Studio
RRP:
AUD 500GB AU $239.99
        640GB AU $269.99
NZD  500GB  NZ $299.99
        640GB NZ $349.99
Website: www.westerndigital.com
Warranty: Three-year limited warranty
Australian Distributors: Synnex Australia, Simms International
New Zealand Distributors: Ingram Micro NZ and Synnex NZ
Availability: Now    

My Passport Studio
     The new WD My Passport Studio ultra-portable drives feature:
     – Smart display – a customizable e-label that reminds users of what is stored on the drive and provides available capacity and security status at a glance even when the drive is unplugged;
     – FireWire 800 – users can save and access data at top speeds with the high-performance FireWire 800 interface;
     – Plug-and-play, designed for use with Mac computers and compatibility with Apple TimeMachine software;
     – WD SmartWare software that visually presents consumers’ data in a software control center;
     – 256-bit hardware-based encryption and password protection for peace of mind knowing that data is protected from unauthorized access;
      – USB 2.0 interface – for convenience and compatibility among multiple computers;
     – Planet-friendly packaging derived from recycled materials to minimize waste;
     – HFS+ Journaled formatting and are compatible with Mac OS X Tiger®, Leopard® and Snow Leopard®;
     – 3-year limited warranty.

WD SmartWare Software
     WD SmartWare software features:
     – Visual backup displays that show content in categories and shows the progress of backup;
     – Automatic, continuous data backup will instantly make a second copy whenever you add or change a file;
     – Retrieve valuable data to its original location whether it’s lost data or the file has been overwritten; and,
     – Customizable data backup that allows users to set drive security, run diagnostics, manage the power settings, and more from the WD SmartWare control center.

About WD
WD, one of the storage industry’s pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users’ data accessible and secure from loss. Its advanced technologies are configured into applications for client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own consumer storage and media products. 

WD was founded in 1970. The company’s storage products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital® and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company’s Web site (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.