Learn Guitar in 7 Days

Archive for August, 2009

Serato, the New Zealand concern, has announced the sequel to ITCH, dubbed, wait for it, wait for it, ITCH 2. The second generation software introduces modular
components, effects, and indicates a new road map for the digital mixing software.

With ITCH 2, and Vestax officially announcing the VFX-1, Serato is now set to finally bring effects to their DJ software. The Vestax VFX-1 has a powerful range of effects that are hosted within Serato ITCH 2.0, and will be the very first product that will showcase Serato DJ effects. (Note: Serato has not announced exactly what effects will be available —Ed.)

The Vestax VFX-1 is styled to match the popular Vestax VCI-300 but will also work with other ITCH DJ controllers. “The focus of the ITCH project has been the development of future DJ controllers. The second generation ITCH components allow for a more customizable setup for professional DJs. They also compliment the current all-in- one ITCH hardware for those wanting a more advanced DJ rig, “ stated Serato’s Sam Gribben.

Microsoft has announced that the Zune HD, the next generation of Microsoft’s portable digital media player, is now available for pre-order and is set to hit store shelves on Sept. 15. The player, available in 16GB and 32GB flavors, is the first touch-screen Zune.

The Zune HD features HD radio, NVIDIA Tegra video, Wi-Fi and 720p resolution. It will bow in a 16 GB black model for $219.99, and a platinum 32GB color for $289.99. You can pre-order the Zune HD from Amazon.com, Best Buy, Walmart and Microsoft today or wait until September 15 to score one at major retailers. Both the 16GB and 32GB Zune HD models will be available in five different colors with the option to customize your player with one of 10 new engravings.

Features:
» Built-in HD Radio receiver. Allows you to listen to higher-quality sound than is available from traditional radio channels, as well as access additional programming through HD2 and HD3 multicast channels from many of your favorite local FM radio stations at no extra cost.

» HD video output capabilities. Supports HD video playback from the device through a premium HDMI A/V docking station directly to an HD TV in 720p, making it easy to enjoy better-than-DVD-quality video on your own big screen at home.

» OLED touch screen. Allows you to easily flip through music, movies and other content. The 3.3-inch glass screen and 16:9 widescreen format display (480×272 resolution) offer a premium viewing experience.

» Built-in Wi-Fi. Allows for browsing, streaming or downloading new music from Zune Marketplace.

» Internet browser. Full-screen Web browsing, optimized for the multi-touch screen with zoom-in and zoom-out gestures.

» Accessories, at home and on the road. Zune HD and AV Dock charges and syncs players while playing supported 720p HD videos on HDTVs. Play HD Radio, music and podcasts from your Zune HD device through your car stereo using the Zune Premium Car Pack.

» NVIDIA Tegra chip ultra low-power HD processor.