Some AMD Athlon 64 X2s now 41% below Intel price/performance curve

Almost one month after AMD signaled it would respond to Intel's then-forthcoming Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme releases with substantial price cuts, based on the latest performance data from Tom's Hardware Guide, TG Daily now projects that average street prices for Athlon 64 X2 processors now fall as much as 41.4% below the price/performance curve set by comparable Intel processors.

Our price/performance curves for Intel and AMD dual-core processors are based on the latest benchmark data obtained from Tom's Hardware Guide. We've projected a performance index for these processors based on how well they perform in five distinct categories, relative to how well an old single-core Pentium 4 2 GHz CPU used to perform. This morning, we updated our data with the latest performance results in general number crunching, gaming, applications, video processing, and audio processing, with each category representing 20% of the total score. We've also added new data for two dual-core Pentium Extreme Edition series processors, the EE 840 and the EE 965.
The new chart shows the latest results, now that the EEs have been added to the mix. In terms of performance, the EEs are the most expensive processors still on the market; in response to reader requests, we're including them in our tracking. Their addition doesn't change the fact that the Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme are now the best overall performers that THG has tested thus far; in fact, the EEs actually help establish Intel's newer models as better values. At $1,107.86, the Pentium EE 840, with a performance index score of 2.11, fails to demonstrate its performance value when pitted against a Pentium D 840, with an index score of 2.04 and an average price of $432. (A 2.04 score means the D 840 is 204% the performer that the P4 2 GHz was.) However, it's worth noting that the EEs are less popular as a result, just today falling off the chart of top 100 processors currently tracked by PriceGrabber.

As economic analysts will tell you (and as a few of whom told us), a price/performance curve is generally exponential. On the latest chart, the green dotted line projects AMD's curve last 18 July - in other words, you could use this curve to estimate how much an AMD processor would have sold for last month, given only data about how well it performs. The blue dotted line represents Intel's current curve, which is admittedly dragged up a bit by the addition of the EEs. Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme prices have risen marginally in the last few weeks, though they've tapered off in the past few days. After selling for as high as $1,298 on Tuesday, according to PriceGrabber, Core 2 Extreme prices have fallen to $1,211. On the lower end of the spectrum, Core 2 Duo E6300 prices are now selling for an all-time low of $217.

But AMD's prices, surprisingly, have continued to fall steadily, especially in recent days with news of the upcoming Athlon 64 X2 3600+ for the low end. The projected price for that processor is said to be $149, but already the 3800+ is selling for as low as $167. A hypothetical Intel dual-core processor with a comparable index score of 2.02, based on our revised numbers, would sell for $283.44; and the closest real-world match to the 3800+ is the Pentium D 840 scoring 2.04, and selling for $432. The 4200+ is currently the best value among AMD processors. With an index score of 2.12 and an average price of $183, the 4200+ sells for 41.4% less than a hypothetically comparable Intel processor. In the real world, it sells for a staggering 83.5% less than Intel's Pentium EE 840, whose index score is 2.11.

With AMD prices continuing to fall, the stage appears to be nearly set for the other shoe to drop: a possible new FX series processor that enables the FX-62's prices to fall, or a possible "4x4" series processor that takes over the premium side of AMD's price/performance scale. If neither of those possibilities come to fruition, Intel's Core 2 Duo E6700 could carve a sweet spot for itself on the premium side. With an index score of 3.21, the E6700 currently sells for an average of $634, according to PriceGrabber. A hypothetical, comparable AMD processor would sell for $1,502.10.

Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter Rolls Out; Prepares for First Flight

Boeing has rolled the first 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter (LCF) out of the hangar at Taipei's Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport. The enormous airplane is the first of three specially modified jets that will be used to transport major assemblies for the all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

"This is one of the most unusual modifications Boeing has ever done," said Scott Strode, 787 vice president of Airplane Development and Production. "We've relied on the world's best talent to design and build the LCF and we can all be proud today to see it standing on the tarmac."

Ground testing is under way to prepare the LCF for its first flight. After initial flight testing in Taipei, the LCF will fly to Seattle to complete the flight test program. First flight and the ferry flight to Seattle are expected to occur by the end of August.

The modifications have been performed by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp. (EGAT), a joint venture of EVA Air and General Electric and a part of Taiwan's Evergreen Group. The second airplane continues to be modified and will be completed this fall. The third airplane will begin modification next year. The first two LCFs enter service in 2007 to support the final assembly of the first Dreamliners.

International MXT-MVA Extreme Armored Vehicle

From Gizmag:

The world’s most macho vehicle range has added an armoured variant in the form of the International MXT-MVA (Military Vehicle - Armored) shown for the first time yesterday at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Grounds. The MXT-MVA is an all-terrain, armored wheeled vehicle platform designed to provide a new level of ballistics and blast protection on the battlefield and against the new threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

It is a derivative of the MXT 4x4 Pickup which makes an ideal base as it is so big that the crew cab can seat five sumo wrestlers with ease (providing one of them can drive) and the tray can carry a jet ski or a motorcycle with the tailgate up. Not surprisingly, the MXT-MVA can handle the weight of the armor with ease, especially over long distances, rugged terrain and when maneuverability is critical. Powered by a 300-horsepower International V8 diesel engine with 530 lb.-ft. of torque, additional armor does not adversely affect the vehicle's superior payload ability, towing capacity or durability. The cab can be configured to fit as many as six crew members in full gear, while the body of the MXT-MVA is versatile enough to accommodate an array of weapons, navigation and communications systems and applications such as convoy protection, field shelter, ambulance and communications units, which are seamlessly integrated with the company's proprietary multiplexed electrical system.

International Military and Government LLC (IMG) is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corporation, and has collaborated extensively with established armor providers and military development engineers within the US Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Centers (TARDEC) National Automotive Center to develop the right armor solutions for the full spectrum of military operations.

Free F.E.A.R. Combat

Sierra Entertainment today announced that the multiplayer component from the award winning PC title F.E.A.R.™ has been renamed F.E.A.R. Combat, and will be made available to the public as a free download on Thursday August 17th, 2006. F.E.A.R. Combat is the complete multiplayer component of F.E.A.R. and includes all the updates, additional official maps and additional official game modes all in one downloadable file. F.E.A.R. Combat users will be able to play against the owners of the retail version of F.E.A.R. as well as the other F.E.A.R. Combat users.

3Com's 3108 WiFi VoIP phone gets FCC nod

From Engadget:

Looks like 3Com is dipping its toes in the ever-growing VoIP phone pool, with its 3108 wireless phone recently snagging that much-needed FCC approval. This one is SIP-based which means it'll work with just about anything as long as it's not Skype, unless it has some dual-mode action 3Com's not telling us (or the FCC) about -- so we're guessing not. Still, if it suits your needs, the phone looks to be decent enough, with a 1.8-inch color LCD, 2.4GHz external antenna, firmware that can be updated over WiFi, and a range of about 65-165 feet indoors and a purported 820 foot range outdoors in line-of-sight. The fact that it also looks like a regular phone doesn't hurt either, given the sorry state of some VoIP phone designs. With all the info we've got coming from the FCC filings though, that of course means we don't know how much it'll cost or when it'll be available.

Intel roadmap confirms 2.67 GHz quad-core Core 2 Extreme

From Toms Hardware:

A new version of a roadmap distributed by Intel to its closest partners lists the upcoming quad-core "Kentsfield" as the new flagship of the firm's desktop processor portfolio. The new Core 2 Extreme will arrive with a clock speed of 2.67 GHz, more L2 cache and substantially higher power consumption.

If it is only the fastest processor that matters to you, then your 1P dual-core processor system will be outdated by the end of this year. AMD will soon be introducing a 2P platform, called 4x4, with two dual-core processors that transition the company's high-end offering to the first native quad-core processor scheduled to launch in Q2 or Q3 of next year; Intel's Kentsfield, which is promised to be available in time for the holiday season, will not be a "native" quad-core since it will combine to dual-core Conroe cores in one package, but it will be the first quad-core processor available on the market.

The roadmaps currently distributed confirm an earlier report on TG Daily, which stated that the quad-cores Kentsfield (desktop) and Clovertown (1P and 2P server and workstation, due in Q1 2007) will run at 2.67 GHz, slightly down from today's 2.93 GHz and 3.0 GHz for the dual-core versions. According to sources, the processors will grow significantly in size and double the L2 cache from 4 to 8 MB per processor. Positioned on the very high end of each segment, Intel pushes once again the power envelope to an expected 110 watt (up from 75 watts of the 2.93 GHz dual-core Core 2 Extreme and 80 watts of the 3.0 GHz dual-core Xeon 5160), which is still below the 125 watt of the Athlon 64 FX family and should provide some room for overclockers. Sources told TG Daily that the Core architecture will be good for at least 4 GHz in commercial systems down the road.

Kentsfield will continue to be running on FSB1066 and use the 975X chipset.

It is unclear at this time what will happen to the current Core 2 Extreme, which was confirmed by Intel to be available as a 3.2 GHz version by the end of this year. The roadmap does not list such a chip and in fact shows the dual-core Core 2 Extreme to be phasing out by Q1/Q2 of next year. What we do know, however, is that the upcoming Core 2 Extreme will be the only option at Intel if you want to get your hands on a quad-core processor. Senior vice president David Perlmutter said in a recent interview with TG Daily that we "will start seeing four cores on the high-end and they will be going into the mainstream, but it will take a while. I think that it will be two or three years until you are going to see four cores entering the mainstream."

Boeing to Discontinue Connexion by Boeing Service

From Boeing:

CHICAGO, Aug. 17, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that a detailed business and market analysis of Connexion by Boeing is complete, and the company has decided to exit the high-speed broadband communications connectivity markets. Boeing will work with its customers to facilitate an orderly phase out of the Connexion by Boeing service.

"Over the last six years, we have invested substantial time, resources and technology in Connexion by Boeing," said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney. "Regrettably, the market for this service has not materialized as had been expected. We believe this decision best balances the long-term interests of all parties with a stake in Connexion by Boeing."

As initially disclosed in the company's second-quarter 2006 financial results on July 26, Boeing now expects to recognize a pre-tax charge of up to $320 million, or $0.26 per share, in the second half of 2006, of which approximately $290 million will be taken in the third quarter and the balance in the fourth quarter. The company also expects a benefit to earnings of approximately $0.15 per share starting in 2007 without further investment in Connexion. The company will update its financial guidance when it releases third quarter results on October 25.

The charge relates to writing down certain assets, payments of early termination fees and other costs related to shutting down the service. Boeing expects the majority of Connexion employees will find other jobs within the company.

Boeing acknowledged it was reviewing the Connexion business on June 26. This effort included an assessment of the market and discussions with existing customers and potential new business partners.

THE WAR AGAINST THE CAPS LOCK KEY IS ON

From Engadget Originally from Slashdot

We've seen our fair share of battles in the consumer electronics industry, but this war is distinctly different than those waged in courtrooms or even conference centers, as the focal point here isn't a person, company, or even an entity. Pieter Hintjens is rounding up his troops in order to bring about a change that's most improbable: to have the Caps Lock key retired, permanently. Although some of you may chuckle at the idea and deem it unworthy of such an effort, we can imagine Pieter isn't alone in his disdain for the awkward key. Judging solely by the rate at which fellow petitioners are claiming their allegiance on the CAPSoff website, there are indeed an army of haters gaining strength. The group's mission is to awaken the public and get them to seriously think about the precious keyboard real estate that is so unfairly utilized by the (nearly) worthless uppercasing shortcut. Hintjens is a man on a mission, but he's keeping a cool head, and by offering up alternatives that could hopefully appease both camps, some sort of resolution can presumably be found; he has suggested that Caps Lock be relocated beside Scroll Lock, so that Fortran programmers (about the only folks on the planet aside from Nigerian email scammers who use this key with any frequency) can still have access to quick uppercasing. Now that you've been briefed, and you're fully aware of what's at stake, there's really only one question that remains: will you just sit around and gawk, or will you fight for CAPSoff?

Hey, we need to just get rid of the keyboard and mouse all-together and control the computer with our mind.

Joel Johnson, Kyosho Evolva, Sirio power win Great Lakes Challenge

From RCcaraction:

Kyosho America's Vice President Joel Johnson and the new Kyosho Evolva 2005 WC Edition win the Great Lakes Challenge! Hosted by the One Eight Racers of Toledo, the Great Lakes Challenge is one of the longest running, most well attended races of the year. Scott Kimbrough took TQ honors with the Kyosho Evolva 2005 WC, and Kyosho placed the most cars in the A final with a total of seven. Joel Johnson was on the wrong end of a first turn incident at the start of the A-final, which left him in last place at the end of the first lap. The superior pace of his Sirio-powered Evolva, however, allowed Johnson to take the lead half way through the race, which he held until the end of the race to earn the title of 2006 Great Lakes Challenge Champion. Andy Powers also took the win in the 1/10 200mm Open class with a new Kyosho V-One RRR Evo, making it a very successful weekend for both of the current World Champion vehicles from Kyosho.

Dell, AMD expected to expand chip pact

From Cnet:

Dell, the last of the big four server makers to accept Advanced Micro Devices' chips into its product portfolio, is expected to announce Thursday that it's expanding its partnership with the chipmaker to include with new AMD-based servers, desktops and laptops.

EA-18G Growler flies for first time

The first EA-18G Growler, EA-1, takes off from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

The U.S. Navy's newest aircraft, the EA-18G Growler, took to the air for the first time Tuesday from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, beginning a new era for Airborne Electronic Attack.

Boeing F/A-18 Chief Test Pilot Ricardo Traven and Chief Weapons System Operator Rick Junkin conducted the flight. The first EA-18G, known as aircraft EA-1, is the first of two test aircraft built under a System Development and Demonstration contract Boeing signed with the Navy on Dec. 29, 2003.

Several members of the Growler team were on hand as the aircraft lifted off, including Boeing EA-18G Program Manager Mike Gibbons, who said of the flight, "This is what we've worked so hard for three years to accomplish. And to do this [one month] ahead of schedule and within budget is a tribute to the entire team."

Junkin said of his role as the electronic countermeasures officer, "The AEA systems are very intuitive to operate and provide the situational awareness to execute the mission more effectively than anything the AEA community has seen before."

Traven echoed Junkin's words, calling the flight "a new chapter in the F/A-18 history book. In the EA world, I feel that the integration of the systems is such a leap in modernization that it's not a new chapter in the EA history book, but the first page in a new book."

A derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet, the EA-18G's highly flexible design enables warfighters to perform an array of AEA missions, operating from either the deck of an aircraft carrier or land-based airfields. The EA-18G will replace the Navy's current aircraft-carrier-based AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, that has been in service since 1971. The first production Growler will join the Navy's aircraft fleet in 2008.

Cool real time Bandwidth speed check

Don't go to Russell and Smith Honda in Houston

This blogger dropped off his Honda S2000 at the dealership for service work, and before the work is even begun, he gets a call that technician has wrecked his car on an unauthorized test drive.

Searching for bargains on Google Maps

From ZDnet:

Google Maps will begin offering printable coupons for everything from pizza to car washes on Wednesday as the search giant makes a move designed to appeal to peoples' appetites for a bargain.

RIAA drops suit against grieving family

From ArsTechnica:

The RIAA is famous for suing anyone, anywhere, no matter how unlikely the target or how bad it makes them look. Apparently, even its avarice has limits, as the group has decided to drop the suit against Larry Scantlebury's estate. Scantlebury was named as a defendant in one of the RIAA's lawsuits. He recently passed away, and the RIAA graciously decided to stay the case for 60 days while his family grieved his loss.

In response to the uproar surrounding the situation, the RIAA has decided to drop all proceedings against the estate. In a statement, RIAA spokesperson Jonathan Lamy said that "out of an abundance of sensitivity, we have elected to drop this particular case."

AMD intros new Opterons

Overview of all 23 new Socket F and AM2 Opteron processors

From Toms Hardware:

AMD today unveiled its first answer to Intel's Core micro architecture. An updated version of the processor that is driving the firm's revenue growth and market share gains claims to not only close the gap to "Woodcrest" but even surpass it in speed and power consumption. And then there is the promise that quad-cores won't consume more power than today's dual-cores.

AMD's new Opteron processors are based on the new Socket AM2 - which has been introduced earlier for Sempron and Athlon desktop CPUs - and Socket F. In total, there are 23 new dual-core CPUs - which do not represent a radical departure from the previous product generation, but a rather evolutionary step for AMD to upgrade the processor that has been challenging Intel in the server and workstation market so successfully in recent months.

On the surface, there are still three Opteron series processors - the "8" series for up to 8P systems, the "2" series for up to 2P systems and the "1" series for 1-way servers and workstations. But the new chips carry a four-digit model number instead of the three-digit number of their predecessors. According to AMD, the number explains the scalability, the socket generation as well as the relative performance within the series. For example, model 2216 (2.4 GHz) is two-way capable (first "2"), carry the second generation socket (second "2") and run faster than the 2214, but slower than the 2218.

All new regular 8P and 2P processors based on the Socket F are rated at a thermal design power of 95W; 1P (Socket AM2) versions run at 103W. Socket F models ranging from 2.0 GHz (XX12) to 2.6 GHz (XX16) are also available in a low-power "HE" version that is rated at a TDP of only 68W and closely matches Intel's Woodcrest processor rating (65W to 80W). Next to the mainstream (95W-103W) and low-power (68W) processors, AMD is also offering a 2.8 GHz high-end model: The 1220 SE and 8220 SE - think "sport edition" - will ask for 125W and 120W, respectively.

Compared to Intel's sparkling new micro architecture, AMD's new Sockets almost look a bit bland. Yes, there is support for DDR2 memory - 667 MHz for F and 800 MHz for AM2 - and there is AMD's virtualization feature, previously code-named "Pacifica" and now officially introduced as "AMD-V." The question, however, is if that will be enough to maintain the firm's current momentum against Intel's much praised Core architecture.

In a conversation with TG Daily, AMD representatives were very confident that the Opteron is the better processor from several perspectives. First, AMD says that the Socket F CPUs can beat Woodcrest (Xeon 5100 series) in at least one benchmark (SPECfp_rate2000 (Linux) by 11%. Second, the firm claims that it is still offering the most power-efficient processor - if not only the processor's power requirement is considered, but the power of the memory and Northbridge as well. And third, AMD tells its customers that it has a history of offering more consistent platforms with less dramatic changes and the opportunity to keep fine-tuned applications and to easily upgrade to the upcoming quad-core generation.

1-terabyte drive to debut later this year

From ZDnet:

Desktop hard drives holding 1 terabyte, or 1,000 gigabytes, of storage will likely debut in 2006, according to Bill Healy, senior vice president of product strategy and marketing at Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. These drives, which will have a 3.5-inch diameter, are expected to be incorporated into PCs and home servers.

Video: Ultimate RC jet crash

Video: Flying inside an R/C Jet

Skype phones by US Robotics and Logitech

From Toms Hardware:

Chicago (IL) - Skype VoIP phones packaged in a traditional handset form factor have been making their way into the market since early this year. The first generation has been somewhat pricey with manufacturers testing the mass-market appeal of such devices. Now we are seeing the first signs of diversification - US Robotics just announced a simple $25 Skype phone and Logitech a higher-end speakerphone.

Skype claims to have hundreds of millions of users with multiple millions using the service as an alternative to their regular phone everyday. Skype or competing services such as Gizmo have left their geek status and are positioned well in the mainstream segment. But most Skypers are still using the regular Skype softphone in combination with a microphone and speakers or headsets. A new generation of Skype phones could change this scenario.

For the price of an entry level headset, you could also choose US Robotics' USR9602 USB Internet Mini Phone. The $25 device is not the prettiest phone you may have seen, but it promises to act more like a traditional phone for people who cannot or do not want to get used to a headset. The USR9602 resembles the look of a small cellphone with a cap covering the area where you normally would expect to find the screen of the phone. There is a keypad to dial regular phone numbers, but calling contacts by name is only supported through the softphone application.

US Robotics also offers a slightly larger phone that includes a display. The USR9601 device comes with a "bright, high-resolution" blue back-lit LCD screen that provides convenient access to contact and call status, and supports Skype caller ID. The USR9601 is priced at about $50. Logitech today announced its first products specifically targeted at the use of Skype. According to the manufacturer, the "Quick Call" USB speakerphone "delivers premium voice quality": The device uses two microphones - one on each side of the phone- and is able to capture sounds from a wider area in a room. Logitech claims that the phone eliminates the echo effect in Skype, which solves a common problem when the VoIP service is used with common PC speakers and microphones. The Quick Call phone will be available for about $100 in October.

Logitech also introduced a new keyboard which integrates a speakerphone and comes with a headset. The "EasyCall Desktop" will be available in mid-September for about $130.

Best Bang for the Buck PC

STEREO spacecraft to view sun in 3D

The STEREO spacecraft is checked out at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville¸ Fla. in preparation for planned Aug. 31 flight on a Boeing Delta II rocket.

Boeing, working with NASA, hosted 10 media organizations as they viewed the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) spacecraft Friday preceding its fueling and encapsulation at the Astrotech Space Operations facility. STEREO is set to launch on a Boeing Delta II rocket from Space Launch Complex 17-B at 3:12 p.m. EST Sunday, Aug. 31, from Space Launch Complex 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

Once in space, STEREO will divide into two spacecraft whose primary mission is to provide the first ever 3-D "stereo" images of the Sun by observing the same area from two different locations. STEREO will study how coronal mass ejections affect the Earth, its atmosphere and space weather.

During the two-year mission, the twin space-based observatories will explore the origin, evolution and interplanetary consequences of coronal mass ejections, the most intense explosions in our solar system. When directed at Earth, these powerful eruptions affect satellite operations, radio communications and power systems.

In addition, the forces related to the solar eruptions are hazardous to scientific spacecraft and astronauts. This is especially important information to learn for astronauts who will one day make a trip to Mars.

The STEREO mission will be the 318th launch in the history of Boeing’s Delta program. Boeing Delta IIs have carried payloads into orbit both for government and commercial customers, including NASA, the U.S. Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office as well as a variety of commercial customers.

Air Force CSEL radio

Boeing has received a $22.7 million U.S. Air Force full-rate production contract for 2,645 additional Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) communication system radios and support equipment. (Boeing photo)

Boeing has received a $22.7 million U.S. Air Force full-rate production contract for 2,645 additional Combat Survivor Evader Locator communication system radios and support equipment.

Early last year, Boeing received an initial $43.6 million order to deliver 5,053 CSEL hand-held radios and support equipment to the joint services by January 2007. The anticipated total acquisition of as many as 46,000 CSEL radios by the Air Force, Army and Navy could ultimately push the contract’s total value to $250 million. To date, Boeing has delivered more than 8,200 radios to the joint services.

“Demand for CSEL remains strong, especially now that it has been authorized for use in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Michael Bates, Boeing CSEL program manager. “CSEL is accomplishing its mission, which is to ensure our warfighters, should they ever become isolated behind enemy lines, are rescued quickly and safely.”

In March, the U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Persian Gulf region, announced that Boeing’s CSEL communications system has been authorized for use by the joint services now operating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

CSEL is the U.S. Department of Defense’s program of record for Combat Search and Rescue communications.

Designed for easy use, the multifunction CSEL radio is a cost-effective technological breakthrough that gives U.S. forces a tactical advantage. Unique communication and message encryption techniques prevent signals from being intercepted or decoded. Using communications satellites and global positioning technology, CSEL radios will save lives by providing real-time encrypted information about the precise location of isolated personnel such as downed pilots.

In addition to precise geo-positioning information, the hand-held survival radios provide line-of-sight recovery forces and over-the-horizon joint search and rescue centers with two-way secure data communications capability. CSEL enables rescue forces to authenticate and communicate with isolated personnel in near real-time, anywhere the world. Boeing developed the joint services CSEL system under contract to the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Currently Boeing maintains CSEL and conducts pre-planned program improvements under contract to the U.S. Air Force Electronics Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.

HD DVD and Blu-ray are both losers

Based on a new media research report that says neither the HD DVD nor its Blu-ray contender will deliver a "knock out" punch in the digital video ring, consumers may well think twice before upgrading their home theater system.

The report notes that the success of DVD was based on the fact that it offered better quality and greater convenience than the VHS format it replaced. This time, though, both standards support similar features, and the differences are likely to confuse the average consumer.

For example, while the two formats look similar, a Blu-ray disc cannot be played on an HD DVD player and vice versa. And, Blu-ray discs hold up to 50 GB of content compared with HD DVD's 30 GB, Screen Digest notes.

What's not confusing is the price: each player is listing for as much as $1,500.

2006 ROAR Electric Off-road Mod Nats

The Track
The Pits
Adam Drake
Ryan Cavalieri
Jared TeboJared Tebo

Planet RC in Lawrence, IN--right outside of Indianapolis.

The Mod Nats consists of three classes: 2WD buggy, 4WD buggy and stadium truck. All classes run, you guessed it, modified motors.

Qualifying:

2WD Buggy
1. Ryan Cavalieri
2. Dave Montgomery
3. Jesse Robbers
4. Ryan Maifield
5. Mike Truhe
6. Chad Due
7. Jared Tebo
8. Ronnie Gardner
9. Adam Drake
10. Steve Hartson

4WD Buggy
1. Jared Tebo
2. Ryan Cavalieri
3. Billy Easton
4. Ryan Maifield
5. Adam Drake
6. Dave Montgomery
7. Mike Truhe
8. Ronnie Gardner
9. Jesse Robbers
10. Steve Hartson

Stadium Truck
1. Ryan Cavalieri
2. Ryan Maifield
3. Jared Tebo
4. Steve Hartson
5. Jesse Robbers
6. Adam Drake
7. Brent Thielke
8. Dave Montgomery
9. Mike Truhe
10. Billy Fischer

The Champs:

2WD Buggy - Ryan Cavalieri (TQ)
4WD Buggy - Jared Tebo (TQ)
Stadium Truck - Ryan Cavalieri (TQ)