DVD library

Real Networks, best known for its ties to the Rhapsody music service and RealPlayer multimedia software, announced Monday the release of a DVD copy and playback program at DEMOfall 08 in San Diego. RealDVD lets users copy DVDs to hard drives for later playback.

Ryan Lukin, spokesperson for Real Networks said, "It's very reasonable for someone to save a DVD to a portable drive and want the ability, flexibility to watch on his or her home computer, work computer, etc."

Real Need?

What's your next step if your company's high-definition DVD format lost the war? If you're Toshiba, you come out with a new DVD player that converts to high-def.

Toshiba America announced Monday its XD-E500 player with XDE technology -- that is, "eXtended Detail Enhancement." The company said the E500 is "more than just DVD up-conversion." It provides conversion from 480i/p to 720p, 1080i or 1080p, as well as selectable picture-enhancement modes so that a user can get more details, more colors, and better contrast. (720p, progressive, and 1080i, interlaced, are HD video modes.)