Pioneer denies dual-format optical drive

Pioneer has scotched reports that its forthcoming BDR-103 optical drive will support both the Blu-ray and HD DVD high definition formats. The company said that rumours originating at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin were inaccurate. 'Currently we have no plans to do so,' the company said although it did not rule out the possibility at some later date. ...more

HRH://politics - Web democracy

The Queen believes that the Internet could herald an age of extra-efficient democracy. Speaking at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Westminster, she spoke of how the Web might allow politicians and members of the public to communicate with each other, and could open channels between national parliamentarians. Last year's meeting between Commonwealth Heads of Government was, she said, "a kind of world wide web. ...more

Gartner predicts Ofcom rules will bring in more UK broadband players

Gartner's latest research predicts that recent price setting measures by Ofcom will make wholesale broadband products more attractive, encouraging new players to enter the UK market. Currently, most ISPs offer broadband to their customers using BT's IPStream products - essentially renting a BT-managed broadband line and making a bit on top - but operators that have taken up DataStream products and moved into exchanges under the Local Loop unbundling schemes stand to benefit from a proposed pricing system which will maintain a specific margin between wholesale and retail prices. Gartner suggests that the effect of new regulations and proposed pricing structures to be implemented early next year will allow existing DataStream and operators using Local Loop Unbundling options to be able to expand their geographical coverage and provide a range of new services. ...more

Matsushita plans DVD console

Leading Japanese electronic company Matsushita is to launch a DVD player that will also be able to play console games. The company will launch the new device at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles tomorrow. Details are sketchy, but a report in Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbum says that the DVD player/console hybrid will be compatible with the Nintendo Gamecube. ...more

BT reaches out to potential ADSL customers

BT is planning to increase the maximum distance between customers and ADSL-enabled exchanges. Currently you need to be within 3.5km from an exchange to be a considered a suitable case for installation. ...more