Valentine’s Day: How to Send and Receive e-Cards Safely, with love from AVG (AU/NZ)

Melbourne, 2 February 2010 – With Valentine’s Day just a few heart beats away, millions of e-cards and messages will be flying through the Internet. But these low cost, eco-friendly expressions of affection can expose your home computer to security threats.

Internet security software distributor AVG (AU/NZ) warns that criminals are using this increasingly popular medium to deliver viruses and other malware to the computers of their unsuspecting victims. Because risky e-cards are typically made to look like they have been sent from a trusted friend, they fool the recipient into opening them.

Lloyd Borrett, Marketing Manager of AVG (AU/NZ), said. “Most people will automatically open an e-card if it’s from a friend or colleague. To protect yourself from unwanted attention from cyberspace be very careful what e-cards you open and what you forward on.

“While receiving an anonymous card from a Valentine can be exciting, opening an anonymous email with ‘I Love You’ in the subject line could be courting disaster. Don’t let some nasty piece of malware worm its way into the heart of your computer.”

Only a tiny percentage of e-greetings will contain a security threat but many PCs will be damaged or compromised. This results in not only lost documents, emails, photos and so on, but compromised PCs often become unwitting distributors of spam or their owners may become the target of identity theft.

Following AVG (AU/NZ)’s five practical tips will minimise the risk of becoming a victim of online fraud or cyber criminals this Valentine’s Day:

1. Don’t open attachments: legitimate e-cards should be links to a company website that then direct you to your card.

2. Identify legitimate messages: Don’t open any message with a disguised name, such as Your Friend or A Secret Admirer, or one from an unknown web site address. Watch for misspelled words or names.

3. When in doubt, delete: It’s better to do that than open your system to a virus or spam.

4. Know where you’re going online: Use free security software that detects and blocks web sites that push online scams, adware installations, attachments filled with viruses and other malicious downloads which could harm your system. Access AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0 with LinkScanner technology here: www.avgfree.com.au

5. Always read the fine print before accepting any terms: Some e-card scams list in their terms that they can send email to everyone in your address book.

Because spam e-mail and attached malware has increased to such intrusive levels, for the continuing safety of your home computer, AVG AU/NZ recommends anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software as essential, minimum protection.

“Using home computers safely has become very much easier as everything that’s required is now affordable and easy to install,” Borrett said.

As an example, the AVG Internet Security 9.0 full suite solution is an excellent Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Rootkit, Two-way Firewall and Anti-Spam protection software for all of your computer system needs. Carbonite Online PC Backup is cost effective insurance against the loss of documents, photos and all other valuable files.

“And, importantly, ensure your security and backup software is current by using automatic updates and that it is licensed, installed and running properly at all times,” Borrett advised.

For more AVG security tips, see http://www.avg.com.au/resources/security-tips/.

About AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd — www.avg.com.au

Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd distributes the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security products in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. AVG software solutions provide complete real-time protection against the malware, viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits used by cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG protects everything important and personal inside computers — documents, account details and passwords, music, photos and more — all while allowing users to work, bank, shop and play games online in safety. AVG provides outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for consumers, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG delivers always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktop, and notebook PCs, plus file and e-mail servers in the home and at work in  SMBs, corporations, government agencies and educational institutions.

Kingston Digital Launches New Ultra-Secure USB Flash Drive
DataTraveler 5000 Certified for Government-Approved Secure Data Protection
 
Sydney, Australia: February 2, 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 the DataTraveler 5000 USB Flash drive. The DataTraveler 5000 is FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified with Level 3 pending, and features 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption. It uses XTS cipher mode and also uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) algorithms to meet Suite B standards approved by the U.S. government.

“The DataTraveler 5000 delivers unsurpassed levels of security and encryption to government and enterprise customers,” said Vaughan Nankivell, Regional Manager, Australia and New Zealand, Kingston. “This portable data solution represents state-of-the-art data protection while providing end users with the simplicity of plug and play.”

The DataTraveler 5000 utilizes patented Secured by SPYRUS technology which supports hardware-based 256-bit AES-XTS and Suite B cryptography, including ECC. Suite B algorithms were specifically selected and approved by the U.S. government and the Department of Defense for use in multinational data sharing environments including both classified and unclassified applications. XTS-AES mode is a cipher mode for encryption that is much stronger than CBC, ECB and other modes. SPYRUS, Inc., is the leader in the development of advanced hardware-based encryption, authentication and digital content security products.

FIPS 140-2 certification requires a validation process that meets federal requirements set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This is critical because many governmental agencies in the United States mandate that sensitive “data at rest” (i.e., all information not in the network) must be encrypted with the FIPS 140-2 standard. Level 2 means the DataTraveler 5000 has a tamper-evident construction which acts to notify any users if their drive has been tampered with. It also has a power-on self test that verifies the encryption mechanism is running properly each time the drive is plugged into a USB port. The drive is expected to receive a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certificate soon.

The DataTraveler 5000 is available in 2-, 4-, 8- and 16GB capacities. It will also be available with an onboard Malware scanning application via Kingston’s extensive customization program.

For more information visit: www.kingston.com/anz.

DataTraveler 5000 Features and Specifications:

• Dimensions: 3.06″ x 0.9″ x 0.47″ (77.9mm x 22mm x 12.05mm)
• Capacities1: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB
• Compatibility: designed to USB 2.0 specifications
• Operating Temperature: 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C)
• Storage Temperature: -4°F to 185°F (-20°to 85°C)
• Minimum System Requirements2:
• • USB 2.0 compliant and 1.1 compatible
  • Two (2) free consecutive drive letters required for use
• FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Certified
• Secure: drive locks down after 10 intrusion attempts and encryption key is destroyed
• • Enforced complex password protection: password is user set with minimum characteristics to prevent unauthorized access
  •  Passwords never stored on device
  • Hardware designed and assembled in the U.S.
  • SPYRUS Suite B on Board
  • Elliptic curve cryptography
  • Secure channel communication
  • Digitally signed firmware updates using Suite B SHA-384 and ECDSA P-384
  • DT5000 can operate with AutoRun disabled
  • Enforces tamper-free AutoRun files
  • Fully customizable Malware scanning option3
• Cryptography: Made in the U.S.
• Full Privacy: 100 percent of stored data is protected by 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardware-based encryption ? master key recreated at logon
• Customizable3: preload content, full security policy customization, casing options
• Tamper Evident: tamper-evident coating/seal for physical security
• Waterproof4: protected against water damage
• Guaranteed: five-year warranty with free customer support
• Ruggedized: waterproof and titanium-coated stainless steel casing

1 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.
2 First free drive letters after physical devices such as system partition, optical drives, etc.
3 Available via customization program.
4 Up to 4 ft.
5 Does not support ReadyBoost™.

Product and Pricing Summary
Manufacturer: Kingston
Product Name: DataTraveler 5000
RRP:
DataTraveler 5000 2GB : AU$125.00,  NZ$157.00
DataTraveler 5000 4GB: AU$189.00, NZ$237.00
DataTraveler 5000 8GB: AU$255.00, NZ$320.00
DataTraveler 5000 16GB: AU$435.00, NZ$545.00
Website: 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 NZ
Warranty: Kingston products are backed by a three-year warranty and free technical support.
Availability: Shipping Immediately

To view Kingston’s FIPS 140-2 Validation Certificate No. 1227, please visit:
http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/140-1/140crt/140crt1227.pdf

FIPS Validated 140-2 is a Certification Mark of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which does not imply product endorsement by NIST or the U.S. Government.

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.

ASUS Unveils the World’s Lowest Radiation Motherboards

ASUS Protect 3.0 with Advanced Protection Shields, Anti-surge Features and System-optimised Efficiency Delivers the Lowest Electromagnetic Emissions in the Industry

Sydney, Australia, 2 January 2010 – ASUS has set a new standard in total motherboard protection with the launch of the ASUS Protect 3.0 Design based on Xtreme Design, which helps protect the earth, systems and users. Equipped with intelligent anti-radiation shielding, the technology lowers the generation and transmission of harmful radiation by up to 50%, offering the lowest electromagnetic emissions from a motherboard in the industry. Additionally, active anti-surge protection helps enhance component and system longevity. Protect 3.0 also includes the ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) chip to reduce system-wide power consumption by up to 80.23%*, to ensure a more environmentally sustainable operation.

Significant Elimination of Harmful Electromagnetic Rays with Low Radiation Design

On average, users are exposed to about eight hours of electromagnetic radiation daily from computer usage. Protect 3.0 effectively reduces this radiation exposure by up to 50%—achieving the lowest radiation emission levels in the industry. A Low Radiation Circuit Design reduces the radiation produced by electrical components by positioning oppositely-charged electrical flows across each other to cancel out the fields generated. Additionally, a Radiation Moat Design effectively eliminates radiation leakage to surrounding components by confining it to small region around an active area.

Enhanced Component and System Longevity with Anti-Surge Design

With its Anti-Surge Design, Protect 3.0 detects under or overvoltage conditions in components and prevents electrical surges from spreading. Whenever surges occur especially during a thunderstorm or periods of unstable grid power delivery, Anti-Surge will immediately shut off the electrical supply and prevent potential component damage—thus enhancing total system longevity.

Superb Efficiency and Eco-friendly Operations with EPU Energy Saving Design

Protect 3.0 includes the ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit), an energy-saving chip that intelligently reduces power consumption by up to 80.23%. EPU automatically fine-tunes the power channelled to components such as the CPU in real time for superb efficiency. To further reduce energy consumption, EPU also automatically delivers the most appropriate power via intelligent acceleration and overclocking. Such enhanced efficiency results in less CO₂ released to the atmosphere from lower power generation. In fact, 10 million EPU-enabled motherboards can help eliminate up to 207,430 tons of CO₂**—equivalent to Australia’s annual carbon emissions.

Specifications

*Results may vary according to different system operations and configurations.

**A single EPU-enabled motherboard can save up to 33kw of electricity annually, reducing the release of CO₂ into the atmosphere by 20.7kg. Source: http://carma.org (Carbon Monitoring for Action)

Specifications are subject to change. Please visit www.asus.com for the latest information.

Houdini done it – or did he?

2010 marks the centenary of powered flight in Australia, or does it? On Thursday 18 March the engine from what is believed to have been the first aircraft to fly in Australia will go on display at Scienceworks, highlighting the achievement, drama and controversy of early flight in Australia.

The engine will be on display in Going Places: The Technology of Transport, an exhibition that explores how science makes it possible to fly, float and cover vast distances as we move around the globe. Going Places includes a flight simulator and hands-on exhibits focusing on airships and airport security.

“The story surrounding early flight in Australia is a tale of trial, error, skulduggery, showbiz and big egos,” said David Crotty, Museum Victoria’s Curator, Engineering and Transport.

On 9 December 1909, English racing driver Colin Defries piloted a Wright Model A airplane, (named ‘The Stella’ after Defries’ wife) travelling approximately 100 yards (91m). The flight was witnessed and reported by several reliable sources, but was not officially recognised.

Australia’s first official flight is instead credited to the famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini who, while on tour through Victoria, flew a Voisin biplane at Digger’s Rest on 18 March, 1910.

Defries’ airplane was lost when its owner, Lawrence Adamson, dumped it at sea off Port Phillip Bay to avoid paying a hefty customs fee. The Wright’s engine and its two propellers were salvaged in late 1910.

“The engine from Defries’ aeroplane is one of the most significant aeronautical artefacts in the Museum Victoria’s collections,” said Crotty.

“While it’s not possible to definitively answer the question of whether Defries’ was the first Australian flight, the Houdini centenary is a fitting occasion at least to recognise Defries’ effort,” he added.

The display at Scienceworks joins celebrations across Museum Victoria marking the centenary of flight:

• Visit the replica of the original Duigan biplane at the Melbourne Museum foyer, the first Australian built aircraft, designed and flown by John Duigan on 16 July 1910 at Mia Mia, near Kyneton.

Other events across Victoria include:

• Digger’s Rest Festival of Flight Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 March

Celebrate the centenary of Harry Houdini’s flight at Diggers Rest with a commemoration ceremony on Thursday 18 March and a weekend of celebrations 20 to 21 March, including an array of aircrafts that have flown in Australian skies over the last 100 years, a flying display, live entertainment and kids’ activities. The Digger’s Rest Festival of Flight is organised by the Shire of Melton.

Defries’ Wright engine – Centenary of flight in Australia display

18 March 2010 until 17 October 2010

Scienceworks, 2 Booker St, Spotswood

Adults $8, Children and Concession FREE

For more information phone 03 9392 4800 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks

Trojans dominate BitDefender’s top ten e-threats for January

Autorun and Javascript – January’s main vectors of infection

SYDNEY & AUCKLAND – February 2, 2010 – BitDefender today released a list of the top ten e-threats detected during the month of January, with six of the ten e-threats being Trojans.

Trojan.Clicker.CM ranks first, with 8.30 percent of the total amount of infected computers and is mostly found on file sharing websites such as torrent portals, ‘warez’ communities and other services hosting pirated content. The Trojan is in fact a small script forcing advertisements into your browser. While some of the advertisements are related to free online games, others may expose the computer user to pornography or other types of inappropriate content.

The second most prevalent e-threat for January is Trojan.AutorunInf.Gen, a generic mechanism to spread malware using removable devices such as flash drives, memory cards or external hard-disk drives.  For instance, Win32.Worm.Downadup and Worm.Zimuse are two of the most famous families of malware to use this approach to infect other systems. Attention should be paid to the use of such external devices: they may be a convenient solution when it comes to data transportation,  but also poses the risk of harming your machine if used carelessly. Libraries, internet cafes and other public hotspots have the highest potential for infection.

Ranking third in this month’s e-threat report, Win32.Worm.Downadup.Gen is responsible for 6.18 percent of global infections. Exploiting the Microsoft Windows Server Service RPC Handling Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (MS08-67), this worm spreads on other computers in the local network and restricts users’ access to Windows Update and security vendors’ web pages. Newer variants of the worm also install rogue antivirus applications, among others. The worm’s persistence after more than one year since its original appearance reveals that most users are reluctant to updating both the operating system and their locally-installed antimalware solution.

BitDefender’s fourth e-threat for January is Exploit.PDF-JS.Gen, with 5.76 percent of the total amount of infections. This generic detection deals with malformed PDF files exploiting different vulnerabilities found in Adobe PDF Reader’s Javascript engine in order to execute malicious code on users’ computer. Upon opening an infected PDF file, a specially crafted Javascript code triggers the download and automatic execution of malicious binaries from remote locations.

Ranking fifth with 4.30 percent of the global infections, Trojan.Wimad.Gen.1 is mostly found on Torrent websites disguised as an episode of your favorite series that has not been aired yet. These fake video files are able to connect to a specific URL and download malware posing as the appropriate codec required for playing the file. Trojan.Wimad.Gen.1 is particularly active when box-office titles are expected to appear on file-sharing websites.

The sixth place with 2.73 percent of the infections triggered globally is taken by Win32.Sality.OG. This malicious e-threat is a polymorphic file infector that appends its encrypted code to executable files (.exe and .scr binaries). The Sality family is extremely difficult to detect and annihilate because these viruses constantly change their code, while the rootkit component tries to disable various antivirus applications installed on the infected system.

Trojan.Autorun.AET, a malicious code spreading via the Windows shared folders, as well as through removable storage devices, ranks seventh with 2.01 percent of the worldwide infections. The Trojan exploits the Autorun feature implemented in Windows operating systems prior to Vista SP2 for automatically launching applications when an infected storage device is plugged in. Given the potentially harmful side effects of the Autorun feature, Microsoft decided to disable it in Windows Vista SP2 and Windows 7.

Worm.Autorun.VHG is an Internet / network worm that exploits the Windows MS08-067 vulnerability in order to execute itself remotely using a specially crafted RPC (remote procedure call) package (an approach also used by Win32.Worm.Downadup). The worm ranks eighth with 1.69 percent of the global infections.

Trojan.Script.254568 ranks ninth with 1.40 percent of the global malware detection in January. This heavily-encrypted JavaScript code looks for a cookie file called “CoreBeta”; if the cookie is not on the computer, then it will be created and set to expire in a day. The cookie’s presence signals the Trojan that the system had already been infected. If the script finds the cookie, then it would inject some masked components in various webpages, while other web resources will be hijacked to “about:blank” pages.

With 1.40 percent, Trojan.JS.QAF is tenth in Top Ten e-threats. This highly obfuscated Java Script is hard to be read, making its detection quite difficult. Trojan.JS.QAF creates an “IFrame” that redirects the users to http://google-cn.msn.ca.shoplocal-com.[removed].ru:8080/interia.pl/interia.pl/ google.com/ empflix.com/debonairblog.com/

BitDefender’s January 2009 Top 10 E-Threat list includes:

To stay up-to-date on the latest e-threats, sign-up for BitDefender’s RSS feeds here.

# # #

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.

Sydney, AUSTRALIA – 2 February 2010 – Belkin has launched three new iPad sleeves to protect your new Apple iPad while you’re on the move; the Vue, Max, and Grip. These 10-inch sleeves are designed with reinforced panels to fully protect your device’s touch screen from scratches, while still offering storage for other media devices such as your iPhone, media reader,or headphones. 

The iPad user is always on the go and regularly connects to the internet, so we’ve designed our cases to not only offer protection, but to allow fast and easy access to the device. The textured surface of the Grip Sleeve also gives you a stronger grip on your iPad to prevent it from slipping. 

As iPad users aim to stay connected, they tend to carry additional gadgets, that needs to be stored, including smartphones. The Vue Sleeve features a windowed pocket that lets you conveniently store and find your accessories. To accommodate extra gadgets the Max Sleeve’s unique pleated design expands to create more space, and collapses flat into a slim profile when storage is not needed. 

We have learnt from our consumer insight research that people want to be able to connect to the online world at any given point in time; while they’re at the doctor’s office, waiting in line at the grocery store, or even in a café. The new iPad unlocks this opportunity for the connected user, allowing them to read books, play games, watch movies, send emails, listen to music and browse the Internet, while on the move. 

Belkin’s new Vue, Max, and Grip Sleeves not only protects your iPad, but also provide instant access to it, as well incorporating additional storage for your accessories. 

AVAILABILITY NOW 

Vue, Max, and Grip Sleeves are available now in Australia and New Zealand 

D3Publisher InkS Exclusive Worldwide Video game Publishing Agreement For UNIVERSAL PICTURES and illumination entertainment’s despicable me^™ 

First Games Based on the 3-D CGI Feature Scheduled for Winter 2010 

CAMBRIDGE – February 2nd, 2010 – D3Publisher (D3P), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, together with its parent D3, Inc., today announced a worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Partnerships & Licensing for video games based on Universal Pictures and Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment’s inaugural 3-D CGI feature, Despicable Me, the studio’s first from Meledandri (Ice Age, Ice Age 2: The Meltdown, Horton Hears a Who!), who produces through his Universal-based family-entertainment company. 

The film follows Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), one of the world’s greatest super-villains, as he uses his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and a small army of minions to pull off the biggest heist in the history of the world.  The video games are scheduled to release across PAL territories on console and handheld systems in late summer/early fall to coincide with the theatrical release.

“Despicable Me has all the right ingredients for a successful game,” said Bill Anker, Vice President of Business Development and Licensing, D3P.  “The film’s unique cast of characters and playful, mischievous action will translate exceptionally well into the interactive space.  We look forward to working closely with the Universal team to deliver an authentic and compelling gameplay experience for fans of the film as well as gamers of all ages.”

“Working with D3Publisher, we look forward to creating a fun-filled game loaded with humor, clever puzzles, in-game rule breaking and surprises,” said Bill Kispert, Vice President, Digital Platforms, Universal Partnerships & Licensing.  “Players can explore the slightly wicked side of themselves as they carry out hilarious capers on a comical quest for world domination.”

In Despicable Me: The Game, players will experience the inventiveness of being a despicable genius as they become Gru, the film’s criminal mastermind, planning heists and plotting attacks on Gru’s archnemesis, Vector, as they work their way to villainous greatness.  Despicable Me: The Game offers a unique blend of action and puzzle solving that combines the fun of commanding an army of loyal-but-manic minions and using an arsenal of wacky gadgets, weapons and vehicles to entertain players of all ages.

About Despicable Me (The Movie)

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn.  Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout.  Surrounded by an army of tireless, little yellow minions, we discover Gru (Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world.  He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!) in Universal’s new 3-D CGI feature, Despicable Me.

 Gru delights in all things wicked.  Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way.  Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad.

 One of the world’s greatest super-villains has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.  www.despicable.me

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing

UP&L oversees Universal’s consumer product licensing, film and home entertainment promotions, and all corporate alliances for Universal’s theatrical, home entertainment, theme parks and stage productions.  This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the studio’s vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities.  UP&L is part of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.  Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks.  NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.

About D3Publisher

D3Publisher, a subsidiary of D3, Inc., is a video game publisher for Wii™, Nintendo DS™, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.  D3Publisher has operations in the U.S., U.K., and Japan.  The company also owns development studio Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., and its technology platform, Vicious Engine®.  For more information about D3Publisher, please visit: www.d3publisher.us.

From the producer of Lord of the Rings comes this special effects masterpiece,  where Vikings and aliens collide.

709AD, a space craft streaks across the night’s sky and crash lands in a Norwegian fjord.  From its wreckage emerge, Kainan (JIM CAVIEZEL) a soldier from a far away planet and a deadly alien stowaway, the Moorwen.  Before he has a chance to track down the Moorwen, Kainan is captured by Viking warrior, Wulfric (JACK HUSTON) and held prisoner in the local village led by King Rothgar (JOHN HURT). 

Grudgingly accepted into the clan after saving Rothgar’s life, Kainan confides in Rothgar’s fiercely beautiful daughter, Freya (SOPHIA MYLES), about his past. 

As the Moorwen wreaks terror and destruction on neighbouring villages, the threat of conflict between the clans escalates and Kainan is called upon to kill the creature.  Aware of their prey’s strength, Kainan and Wulfric fuse his advanced alien technology with the Viking’s Iron Age weaponry.  Joining forces with the bloodthirsty Gunnar (RON PERLMAN), they lead one last mission to seek out and slay the Moorwen. 

In the face of the Viking’s destruction, the tale of Kainan becomes legend. 

OUTLANDER is directed by Howard McCain and co-written with Dirk Blackman, both of whom are currently scripting Brett Ratner’s CONAN.  The film was produced by Chris Roberts (LORD OF WAR, LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN) and Barrie M. Osborne (LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, THE MATRIX). 

“It’s Heaven. OUTLANDER is nearly the perfect action movie”

Death Ray Magazine, Guy Haley 

DVD

Special Features:

• None

Approx Runtime:

110 mins 

Rating:

MA15+ – Strong horror violence, blood and gore 

BLU-RAY

Warner Home Video Blu-ray Discs offer resolution five times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and colour and beautifully crisp sound. The new format also provides a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu-bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film. 

Special Features:

• None  

Approx Runtime:

115 mins 

Rating:

MA15+ Strong horror violence, blood and gore

Available to own on BLU-RAY for $49.95RRP and  DVD for $39.95RRP from 10 March 2010.   

Nature never intended for you to survive here.  Find out why when Whiteout arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand and to Download 10 March, 2010 from Warner Home Video.  Kate Beckinsale stars in this nail-biting thriller that follows a detective in Antarctica who races to find a mysterious killer before she becomes his next victim.  

For U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko, things are about to get even more dangerous when she is sent to investigate a body on the ice. Antarctica’s first homicide. A shocking discovery in itself, it will plunge her into an even more bizarre mystery and the revelation of secrets long-buried under the endless ice…secrets that someone believes are still worth killing for. 

From Director, Dominic Sena (Swordfish, Gone in Sixty Seconds), Whiteout stars Kate Beckinsale (Underworld, Serendipity, Pearl Harbour) Gabriel Macht (The Recruit, The Good Shepherd), Columbus Short (Cadillac Records, Quarantine) and Tom Skerritt (TV’s Brothers & Sisters). 

SYNOPSIS 

The wind hammers at 160 KPH. The temperature plummets to -80° C. Nature doesn’t intend for people at Amundsen-Scott Research Station to survive Antarctica. For U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko, things are about to get even more dangerous. The only law enforcement in this unforgiving territory, she has just been sent to investigate a body on the ice. Antarctica’s first homicide. A shocking discovery in itself, it will plunge her into an even more bizarre mystery and the revelation of secrets long-buried under the endless ice…secrets that someone believes are still worth killing for.  As Stetko races to find the killer before he finds her, winter is already closing in. In the deadly Antarctic whiteout, she won’t see him till he’s a breath away. 

“jam packed”
– Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly 

DVD

Special Features:

• Deleted Scenes 

Approx Runtime:

97 mins 

Rating:

MA 15+ – Strong violence and brief nudity 

BLU-RAY

Warner Home Video Blu-ray Discs offer resolution five times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and colour and beautifully crisp sound. The new format also provides a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu-bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film. 

Special Features: Exclusive to BD

• The Coldest Thriller Ever
• Whiteout: From Page to Screen
• Additional Scenes in Hi-Def 

Approx Runtime:

101 mins 

Rating:

MA 15+ – Strong violence and brief nudity