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This article comments on the developments made by DVD media in the U.S. as of September 2004. DVD media continues to capture the recording and storage fancies of U.S. consumers, with faster speeds and longer recording times highlighting the introductions of new merchandise. At the same time, the increasing volume of DVD media sold in multipacks mirrors consumer demand for finding discs at the best price. Consumers are generally using recordable DVD media much in the same way they did CD-Recordable (CD-R)--as higher-capacity, higher-quality recording media for digital files, and as storage for images from their digital cameras. Today, consumers are finding DVDs to be a good addition to CD-R for recording large volumes of music purchased online or storing large image files that may be too large for a single CD-R. With DVD sales booming for both the industry and Memorex Products, Brad Yeager, senior product marketing manager for the Cerritos, maker of digital media and media accessories, said industry data has been showing about 500% increases in DVD unit sales. Nearly everything people use and enjoy today is digital and the volume is growing exponentially. Nearly 60% of homes have at least one personal computer, and users are downloading more information. INSET: Blank DVD Media Sales 'Unaffected' By Software Copy Ban.

This article reports on the role played by digital cables in enhancing the quality level of television viewing and listening, and with those retailers looking to increase the decline of their hardware margins, amid the dawn of the age of consumer electronics convergence and home theater. Cables have allegedly become a part of the video team, taking the newest in television hardware and video components to sensory levels. In addition, a home theater system is not complete without the cabling that connects elements, and that retailers can assume users will spend between 5 percent and 10 percent of the cost of a home system to purchase products that can make a difference in its use. In a statement by Mark Schaffner, vice president and general manager at Power Sentry, in the digital arena, the sight and sound experience becomes paramount, and that the ability of retailers, regardless of channel, to showcase high-definition television (HDTV), both audio and video, will become a key driver in terms of revenue. Although not a high-profile sale, the audio/video category can allegedly generate a significant margin opportunity. Apparently, growth of digital HDTV sources and components is driving the potential in 2004 for consumers to further embrace digital video cables and components. INSET: Coming To Terms With Cables.

The article offers ways on how to save money through the use of technology such as delivering digital media content via a server-based digital management system and through the use of a digital clocks. Online delivery of server-based digital media can be delivered anywhere, anytime and even in homes. Resources, bandwidth usage and licenses can also be easily updated and managed from a centralized location, ensuring a district won't be vulnerable to license violations. On the other hand, k-12 clock systems are analog and not networked, which leaves the Facilities Department with a vast task of keeping track of all clocks to ensure accuracy. Just changing the clocks for Daylight Savings Time can cost several thousand dollars in man hours for medium to large school systems.

The article reports on the launching of digital media and learning initiative by the MacArthur Foundation in the U.S. According to the director of education grant making Connie Yowell, the five year $50 million budget of the foundation will support cross-sector research, writing and demonstration projects. She added that the digital media has transformed the business and music industries. It will explore the technologies from video gaming to social networking to determine how young people learn, play and socialize.

The article reports on the approval of an official standard for mobile digital television (TV) by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC). LG Electronics plan to release its portable digital video disc (DVD) player/personal digital TV combo in early 2010. According to Anne Schelle, executive director of Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC), the service is being tested by broadcasters in 29 markets and is expected to grow to 70 by the end of 2009.

This article looks at the efforts of U.S. television stations to prepare for the transition from analog to digital television. According to the author, local television stations have spent billions of dollars updating their equipment and infrastructure for the digital transition. He claims that more than 92 percent of full-power television stations in the country are already broadcasting in digital alongside their analog broadcasts. But, the author observes, only half of consumers nationwide know anything about the transition.

The article reports on a wireless connectivity technology which would be the first to simultaneously stream multiple high-definition (HD) video programs in uncompressed form among multiple devices up to 33 feet apart. According to the group WirelessHD, the planned technology is expected to come out in spring 2007. It uses multigigabit speeds with enough bandwidth for multiple compressed HD programs to preserve HD-signal quality of wired connections. It can also deliver wireless convenience to standard-definition video sources.

Examines the value of digital signage. Assistance and opportunity provided by networked digital signage; Importance of content control and location in determining the effectiveness of digital signage, according to Jeff Porter, executive vice president of Scala; Industries with great potential for the technology.

The author reflects on the culture of entertainment in which everything has converged using devices, mobile and digital media in the home setting.

The article offers information on various peer-to-peer (P2P) applications that uses BiTorrent technology. BiTorrent is a technology that distributes video and other files by passing the data among millions of users who share their bandwidth. One of such application is Vuze, a type of BiTorrent which provides an open entertainment platform from which users can download, stream and upload files. Another one is the Open Television Network which attempts to set up a digital media distribution site.

The article features online information resources related to digital media. "Inside the Editors' Studio" provides insights into the real world of editing for feature films, television (TV) shows and documentaries. On the other hand, the Spirit Riders podcast produced by Channel G to educate and create positive understanding and action among people and cultures.

The article reports on developments related to digital media. Design and motion-graphics studio, SG//Arts, has completed the promotional package for ABC's television series "Dance Wars: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann." Fairfield University of Connecticut has added three Hitachi SK-3020P HDTV studio/EFP cameras to its media center. Total Training Inc. has unveiled its DVD release of "Total Training for Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium."

The article features several information resources related to digital media. These media resources include a DVD on "Critical Skills for Streaming Producers, the books "Producing Flash CS3 Video: Techniques for Video Pros and Web Designers," by John Skidgel and "Mixing Audio: Concepts, Practices and Tools," by Roey Izhaki," and the government report titled "Transreflective Displays: A Comparison of Transreflective and Transmissive Mode LCD Displays," by Adi Abileah.

The article discusses the key factors to a successful high-definition (HD) digital signage distribution. A key to effective distribution of HD content mentioned in the article is optimization of a digital-signage system to transport large media files. Moreover, it suggests that a comprehensive end-to-end solution integrating hardware and software must be used to ensure the quality of the content.

The article offers news briefs related to digital content production in the U.S. McCann San Francisco, T.A.G and AKQA collaborated on "Believe," an effort comprised of television commercials and an interactive Web site that features images from a diorama by New Deal Studios. NetBlender announced a high definition training series to provide hands-on education for digital video disc developers. HD Expo announced Q, a pavilion where entertainment content creators converge for an exchange of ideas.

This section offers news briefs on the consumer electronics industry. Monster announced a product development deal with Diego, producer of the Moxi digital media recorder, in which they will take advantage of the growth of Internet Protocol-connected entertainment choices. Active Thermal Management introduced its new Cool-Stack III air exhaust system at CEDIA Expo. Gefen added two HDMI signal-boosting products.

The article reports that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is tapping into emerging digital technologies to leverage its programming library and fan base. Through an expansive assortment of licensed gaming software and its Sony-distributed home video catalog, it is already a staple at Best Buy and Wal-Mart. WWE is beginning to expand its presence within the cable and wireless industries in addition to creating its own site, www.WWE.com. It has maintained a high profile at Consumer Electronics Show, where executive Tom Barreca led a contingent that included wrestler Hogan.

The article reports on the Micro Device Display Consortium (MDDPC) formed in Japan aimed at publicizing and promoting the features and benefits of digital projection television products. Founding members of the consortium include Arisawa Manufacturing, Seiko Epson and Victor Company of Japan. MDDPC will promote the growth of micro-device display projection televisions (MDDP) and awareness of the technology to consumers, retailers, industry experts and the mass media. Preparing marketing materials for consortium members to share in promoting the common advantages of MDDP is one of the planned public relations activities of MDDPC.

The article focuses on the increasing application of digital and high definition technologies by churches and worship media producers in the U.S. The authors states that churches prefer to use the technology in order to broadcast their message across multiple generations, geographical locations, and media cultures.

This article offers outlook for the U.S. high-definition television (HDTV) and digital television (DTV) markets for 2006. According to the author, 2006 looks bright for HDTV and the overall analog to digital television transition. From 1998 to 2005, more than 32.5 million DT products have been sold in the U.S. The author notes that U.S. citizens have embraced digital television faster than they took to color TV. According to him, more and more consumers are familiar with HDTV and DTV. The author is optimistic that HDTV can reach its full potential.

Reports on the launch of the Roku HD1000 digital media player from Roku, a company started by ReplayTV founder Anthony Wood, in 2003. Features; Cost.

In order to simplify pricing of CD-recordable media, digital optical storage products company Memorex has instituted a national consumer price realignment program, mainly through the elimination of consumer rebates. With elimination of rebate programs, Memorex said consumers now can easily evaluate the purchase of the company's compact disc recordable media, based on quality and price.