Media 100 (http://www.media100.com), a provider of advanced editing systems for the corporate, broadcast, postproduction, and new media industries, has announced Media 100 Suite, next-generation Media 100 software with Multicam Editing and Boris RED for US$1,295. In addition to AJA video I/O cards, Media 100 Suite supports Matrox MXO2 for portable, broadcast-quality input/output, monitoring, and up/down/cross conversion. Media 100 Suite also includes a new Voice Over Tool for audio recording direct to the Media 100 timeline. Wickham Strub, product manager, Media 100, says feature highlights of Media 100 Suite include: * Multicam Editing. Media 100 Suite's new Multicam Editing feature facilitates real-time editing. Cameras can be added to an existing multiclip as their source media becomes available, allowing editors to begin cutting a multicam shoot faster. Cameras can be synced via timecode, sync marks, or in-points. When syncing via timecode, additional footage can even be assigned...

Divine Fiat (http://www.divinefiat.com) has released Concrete & Cardboard, a theme set for Keynote. Keynote is Apple's presentation component of the US$79 iWork suite. Concrete & Cardboard consists of two themes named "Concrete" and "Cardboard." According to the folks at Divine Fiat, Concrete is a complete one eighty from the slick look of the Mac and Apple's marketing style. The scarred blacktop and painted on caution stripes allows you to be bold in your presentations by going concrete and steel instead of plastic and glass, they say. Despite its name the Cardboard theme has a subtle and refined way of presenting your ideas and images, according to the folks at Divine Fiat. Both themes provide customizable icon objects, as well as color and texture palettes. Video tutorials on how to achieve some unique Concrete & Cardboard looks are also included. The individual themes can be purchased for $26 each. The Concrete & Cardboard Theme Set can be purchased for $46.80.

LaCie (http://www.lacie.com) has announced the Rugged XL, a new consumer desktop drive that leverages the design and features of the legacy Rugged Hard Disk, including a 1TB capacity boost. Rugged XL offers aluminum casing for protection, as well as the signature orange rubber sleeve. It also features an internal bumper and heat dissipating features. The Rugged XL is compatible with both Mac and PC environments. In addition, it supports two interfaces: USB for universal compatibility, and the extreme speed of eSATA 3Gb/s. The new drive also includes a software bundle for formatting with LaCie Setup Assistant, as well as Intego Backup Assistant software for Mac users. The LaCie Rugged XL will be available in a 1TB capacity, through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+ or LaCie Storage Partner starting at the suggested retail price of US$159.99.

SmartSound Software, a provider of music solutions for the video industry, has launched a new plug-in (http://www.smartsound.com/finalcutpro) for Apple's video editing software, Final Cut Pro. The plug-in integrates SmartSound Sonicfire Pro 5 with Final Cut Pro to automatically edit and deliver customized music soundtracks. SmartSound Sonicfire Pro 5 is a music solution offering such features as Mood Mapping and Timing Control which work with a large collection of customizable music. Now integrated with Final Cut Pro, these features enable control over a variety of dynamic music elements. With the release of SmartSound's new Final Cut Pro plug-in, editors will be able to set markers or in/out points in their video sequence and use the Sonicfire Pro 5 "Send To" button to automatically deliver custom-fit music tracks within any of their markers. Once a SmartSound music track is in Final Cut Pro, the "Open in Editor" command will allow full roundtrip editing of the track. Editors can use...

Group Logic has introduced native Microsoft Distributed File System (DFS) support for Macs with the release of ExtremeZ-IP 6.0 (http://www.grouplogic.com/products/extremeZ-IP/?fa=latest-features). The latest version also delivers support for Network Spotlight, the full content search function for Mac users. Together, these important new features give organizations the ability to provide both Mac and Windows users with the same level of network compatibility, file and print sharing capabilities in Windows-based infrastructures, says Derick Naef, chief technology officer for Group Logic. As companies with Macs look to deploy DFS in order to improve the manageability, reliability, and performance of their file server infrastructure, ExtremeZ-IP's support for DFS is critical to providing "compatibility without compromise," he adds. ExtremeZ-IP 6.0 provides full virtual DFS Namespace access to Mac clients on Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5 and supports full DFS replication and site costing....

Other World Computing (http://www.macsales.com) has announced the new Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2, a plug and play desktop hardware RAID storage solution that features a quad interface of FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and eSATA ports. It also sports four Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive bays and four user selectable hardware RAID settings. The Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 offers up to 8TB of total storage capacity and data transfer speeds up to 300MB/second. A front panel selector switch provides configuration of the four hardware RAID settings: 0, 1, 5, 10, as well as a Span (NRAID) setting, for the best level of speed, capacity, or redundancy; or any desired combination of the three operations. The OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 is available in seven configurations: ° 2TB OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 (500GB x 4 w/64MB cache), US$679.99; ° 3TB OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 (750GB x 4 w/128MB cache), $849.99; ° 4TB OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro Qx2 (1TB x 4 w/128MB cache), $979.99; ° 6TB OWC...

Tension Software has released Url Extractor X 3.0 (http://pomola.com/products_urlextractor/urlextractor.html). Url Extractor X is a Mac OS X app for extracting emails address and generic URLs from files on the HD or directly from the web using a list of "starting" web addresses and working unattended after the startup. Url Extractor can extract thousands of URLs from the web starting from a single web page and using "cross navigation" and extraction. With version 3.0, it allows you to specify a series of keywords, then it searches web pages related to the keywords via search engines and start a cross navigation of the pages collecting URLs. Url Extractor requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher and costs US$30. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.

Napatech (http://www.napatech.com) has introduced a new member to their NT4 family of four-port 1 Gbps Ethernet network adapters for PCI-Express. The new adapter is named NT4E-STD and is an enhanced PCI-Express version of the Napatech XD adapter for PCI-X. The NT4E-STD provides 4 x 1 Gbps Ethernet ports, doubling the number of interfaces currently provided by the XD Adapter. The NT4E-STD also provides complete RMON1 standard support, allowing full off-load of statistics collection from host CPUs. In addition to PCI-Express and RMON1 support, the NT4E-STD provides a number of additional enhancements to the XD feature set: ° Support for 4 x 1 Gbps ports both electrical RJ45 and Optical SFP versions; ° Support for additional DDR2 RAM for data burst buffering up to 4GB; ° Fixed Slicing functionality for payload discard; ° Support for multiple CPU cores via 1, 2, 3 or 4 host buffers with individual statistics. The NT4E-STD uses the same API (application programming interfaces) and...

QuickerTek has announced an extended life battery (US349.95) for all models of the Apple MacBook Air. The company says users gain eight to 12 hours of additional battery power beyond the power of the built-in battery. This is the only product that charges the internal battery of the MacBook Air while in use. New technology allows 25 percent more power from a smaller physical size battery, according to the folks at QuickerTek. This produces not only a smaller battery, but also longer battery power. Customers can either send in their MacBook Air MagSafe power adapter for an upgrade ($25), or buy an already-upgraded MagSafe adapter for use with the new MacBook Air External Battery Charger ($100). For more info go here: http://www.quickertek.com/products/macbook_air_charger.php

HP has released a software update for the HP MediaSmart Server (EX485/EX487 models), providing remote video streaming and video conversion of unprotected content. The new software enables the HP MediaSmart Server to automatically convert videos (including unprotected DVDs) into two resolutions. The original, high-resolution file will stream to most devices on a home network including PCs, Macs and gaming systems. The mobile resolution version of the video can be downloaded and played on popular mobile devices including the iPod touch, iPhone and PlayStationPortable (PSP). The video converter will transcode most popular video formats into both high and mobile quality MPEG-4 (H.264) versions. In addition, owners of an iPod touch and iPhone can download a new HP MediaSmart Server iStream application at no charge from the Apple App Store, enabling them to stay connected to their digital media stored on the MediaSmart Server. Users can access their pictures, listen to their music...

RE:Vision Effects (http://www.revisionfx.com) has released Twixtor Express for Final Cut Express. Twixtor enables users to speed up, slow down image sequences. In order to do so, Twixtor synthesizes unique new frames by warping and interpolating frames of the original sequence, employing RE:Vision Effects' Academy Award winning technology that calculates motion for each individual pixel. This simpler-to-use version has been engineered for Final Cut Express users and is specially priced at US$169.95. Twixtor Express is available as an FxPlug plugin for Final Cut Express 4.0.1 and up. Note that Twixtor Express isn't available for Final Cut Pro, but the regular and Pro versions continue to support Final Cut Pro users.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MacForge.net: Now Over 65,000 Mac Open Source Projects - Mac open source index has grown substantially - MacForge continues to present open source that runs on the Mac April 10, 2009 -- WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA -- MacTech(r) Magazine announced today that its MacForge(tm) Mac open source project index now has over 65,000 projects. In 2005, MacForge.net was created for not only the experienced open source user, but to introduce the Mac technical community to the wonderful array of projects available. With the huge availability of open source out there, it can be difficult to find projects most relevant to the Mac. MacForge indexes open source projects that either have already been built for/tested on the Mac, or are likely to run on the Mac, without major porting work. "MacForge was originally created out of necessity, but quickly became popular among thousands of users looking for open source solutions on the Mac," said Neil Ticktin, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, MacTech...

SONiVOX (http://www.SONiVOXmi.com) has released the latest version of their downloadable virtual instrument plug-ins. These plug-ins, branded as DVI 2.0 (which stands for Downloadable Virtual Instruments), give musicians and composers access to a large collection of sample based virtual instruments for Macs and PCs. DVI 2.0 adds features in addition to offering deeper control over SONiVOX's next generation of in-house developed synthesis engine technology. It also includes additional DSP / Special FX by renowned signal processing pioneers and manufacturer, iZotope. As a part of the rollout SONiVOX is offering a free trial program allowing musicians to try these downloadable virtual instruments before they purchase them. There are currently 59 DVIs available for download and a free trial including orchestral instruments, vintage keyboards, ethnic tonal and percussion instruments, electronic instruments, guitars, basses, and more. Pricing starts at US$19.95.

FileMaker authors John Mark Osborne and Steven Blackwell are teaching the new "FileMaker Training Series (FTS)" and the "Philosophy of Scripting for FileMaker Pro 10" in San Jose, California. The "FileMaker Training Series" dates are Jun 1-5. The "Philosophy of Scripting" dates: are June 8-12. "The FileMaker Training Series" is the official training curriculum from FileMaker, Inc. It offers a series of 12 training modules that cover a set of topics designed to help participants master the essentials of FileMaker solution development. This new series incorporates the new features of the FileMaker 10 product line throughout the modules but stresses good programming skills for FileMaker 7, 8, 8.5 and 9. You can take the first three days or the last two days of the FileMaker Training Series. Take all five days and save US$500. To find out more information or register for a class, visit the Database Pros web site: http://www.databasepros.com/training.html

Virtual Programming (http://www.vpltd.com) has announced two new games for the Mac and other systems that are scheduled for release throughout 2009: Hearts of Iron 3 and The Elven Legacy. Pricing and release dates haven't been announced. Here's how the games are described: "Hearts of Iron 3: the next Grand Strategy title to be released from the Paradox Interactive development team is the third installment in the Hearts of Iron series, a strategic game series on World War 2. Hearts of Iron 3 will follow that tradition closely while focusing on satisfying veteran players through a multitude of brand new features and systems, including a huge map with more than 10,000 provinces." "The Elven Legacy: he shadows of destruction begin to loom on the horizon once a human mage uncovers a dark and powerful secret dating back to the remote past of the Elven race. However, the Elves cannot allow this forbidden knowledge to fall into the hands of others and thus imperil the world. For the first...

Markzware (http://www.markzware.com) -- a developer of pre-flighting, data extraction and conversion software -- has released an upgrade to its utility, Pasteboard 8 for QuarkXPress 8. Pasteboard is an XTension that changes the width and height of the pasteboard. This is similar to changing the pasteboard width percentage using the QuarkXPress application preferences menu. Pasteboard 8 is now available for QuarkXPress 8 on the Macintosh. Markzware's Pasteboard v8 is available from Software House International (SHI), Software Spectrum, Programmers Paradise, MacConnection, CDW and through Markzware Direct Sales at (800-300-3532), or at Markzware's online store, http://www.markzware.com/store/. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is US$29.95.

http://www.tycoongames.eu/adventures/collegeromance.php) is a "visual novel" game developed by Ewan Grantham. It costs US$14.99; a demo is available for download. Here's how the game is described: "You are just starting your first year at the university where your brother recently graduated. It's your first exposure to college life, your first time living on your own, and possibly your first true romance. As you explore this world, you can meet: "Jules -- A waitress at the cafe that's a year older than you, and works there only part time as she goes to your school the rest of the time. She dreams of a life of travel, but can she be part of your dreams? "Jessica -- Jules' twin sister. She works with Jules at the cafe, but has different dreams than her sister for her future. Play the game, and find out why! "Sarah -- Her family has just moved to Alta so she can go to the university. She works at a convenience store, has a full load at school, but for you she may be willing to fit some...

The Runtime Revolution programming tool has been updated to version 3.5. The new version includes a brand new Data Grid object, allowing flexible and professional presentation of any kind of data or layout, according to Kevin Miller, Runtime Revolution CEO. The company has also also added object-oriented behaviors allowing developers to greatly enhance the speed and maintainability of their code. Other new features included a re-imagined RevOnline code sharing community and Collaborative Documentation. These features make it easier for developers to get help, share code, widgets and knowledge, Miller says. There are also 100 other bug fixes and minor enhancements. Revolution 3.5 is available in three editions: Revolution Enterprise (US$499), intended for professional programmers; Revolution Studio ($249), for consultants and business managers; Revolution Media ($49), for beginners and hobbyists (version 3.5 of this edition is coming soon). Users can download a free trial of version 3....

MCE Technologies (http://www.mcetech.com/) has begun shipment of the Blu-ray recordable drive available for the Mac. The MCE 8X Blu-ray Recordable Drive is capable of recording to Blu-ray media at up to 8X, to DVD+-R media at up to 16X, and to CD-R media at up to 48X. Natively compatible with Mac OS 10.5.2 or later the drive can record data to Blu-ray, DVD, and CD media directly from the Finder with no additional software required. Professional Blu-ray movies, playable on set-top Blu-ray players and the Sony Playstation 3, can be created with the MCE 8X Blu-ray Recordable Drive using Adobe Premier Pro CS4's Encore program in conjunction with either Adobe Premier Pro CS3 or Apple's Final Cut Pro editing software and basic Blu-ray movies can be created using optional Roxio Toast 10 Pro. The MCE 8X Blu-ray drive is user-installable and designed for Mac Pro and Power Mac systems. A version specific to the Mac Pro (2009) is also available, along with an External 8X Blu-ray Recordable...

KnowledgeMiner Software, in partnership with Intel and Microsoft, has released a major new data mining application for the Mac called KnowledgeMiner (yX) for Excel (http://www.knowledgeminer.com/). KnowledgeMiner (yX) for Excel takes advantage of multi-core processors thru the use of parallelization to achieve speeds more then 600 times faster then previously, claims creator Frank Lemke. The goal of using KnowledgeMiner (yX) for Excel is to obtain useful knowledge from large collections of data. The discovered knowledge can be equations describing properties of the data, frequently occurring patterns, clusterings of the information, etc. "The technology for data collection has made it easy to create massive stockpiles of data and these are growing rapidly." Lemke says. "On the other hand the technology of data analysis has lagged far behind and tends to be time consuming and expensive. KnowledgeMiner (yX) for Excel is aimed at making the process faster and easier. Spreadsheets are...

FileMaker, Inc. (http://www.filemaker.com) has announced the new FileMaker Training Series for FileMaker 10, a self-paced learning program to help intermediate to advanced database users and developers master the essentials of the new software. The training series also provides the building blocks necessary for developers who plan to become FileMaker 10 Certified Developers, says Ryan Rosenberg, vice president of marketing and services, FileMaker. The certification examination will be available in June. The FileMaker Training Series can help users to hone their skills to get the most from the new design and features of FileMaker 10, Rosenberg says. The training series can also benefit everyone from professional trainers to in-house corporate developers and independent developers running their own businesses, he adds. The FileMaker Training Series consists of 12 modules with detailed, step-by-step instructions on key FileMaker development topics. The materials include a 700plus page...

Digital Anarchy (http://www.digitalanarchy.com/), a provider of special effects software for Adobe and Apple products, has released a 3D design tool for use in Adobe Photoshop. Co-developed with Zaxwerks 3D Invigorator for Photoshop allows artists to create complex 3D objects, logos and text. 3D Invigorator starts with Adobe Illustrator outlines or text generated within Photoshop, gives the object depth, and then sculpts the graphic into a "3D masterpiece," says Zax Dow, president of Zaxwerks. Photoshop artists can use the vector tools in Invigorator for real-time changes to their 3D objects. They can also access its built-in text engine to transform True Type and Type 1 fonts, and take advantage of Photoshop features like Smart Objects and Smart Filters. 3D Invigorator for Photoshop is regularly priced at US$199, but will be available for an introductory discount of $149 through April 30. The product works in Photoshop CS2 and higher, although CS3 or CS4 are recommended for use...

Solid State Logic (http://www.solid-state-logic.com) -- a manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast and post production professionals -- has announced the release of X-Desk at Musikmesse 2009. It will be available beginning in May 2009 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$2,899. The X-Desk is a portable, compact mixing desk. It combines a 16 channel SSL SuperAnalogue summing mixer with a compact analogue audio hub for a studio. It features 100mm faders, professionally featured artist and studio monitoring with Dim & Cut buttons. It also boasts stereo and mono aux sends, channel and master bus inserts and accurate bar graph level metering. The X-Desk comes with rack ears for standard 19-inch rack mounting (X-Desk is 7U). It's hand built in the UK with an all metal chassis and high quality controls and components. Several X-Desks or X-Desk & X-Racks can be cascaded via D-Sub connection to expand up to 150...

Apple has announced an updated Xserve that the company says delivers up to twice the performance of the previous system. Using Intel "Nehalem" Xeon processors and a next generation system architecture, the 1U rack-optimized Xserve delivers up to an 89 percent improvement in performance per watt, according to David Moody, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Mac Product Marketing. Xserve is available with up to two 2.93GHz Intel Xeon processors and storage options that include a low-power solid state drive (SSD) and up to 3TB of internal storage. Starting at US$2,999, Xserve includes an unlimited client license for Mac OS X Server version 10.5 ("Leopard"). The new Xserve includes Intel Xeon processors running at speeds up to 2.93GHz, each with an integrated memory controller with three channels of 1066MHz DDR3 ECC memory that delivers up to 2.4 times the memory bandwidth while cutting memory latency up to 40 percent, Moody says. he adds that it also delivers a 19 percent reduction in...