Blu-ray writers are more affordable than ever. We look at four internal models to find the best way to go high-def. The last time we did a round-up of optical drives, the former war was in full swing. But now Blu-ray has at last seen off HD DVD and taken its place as the industry standard for high-capacity optical media.

We find out where the new HD formats are heading from the industry experts.

In the latest twist of a heated battle over next-generation DVD technology, Paramount Home Entertainment said it would release high-definition movies in the Blu-ray format backed by a group led by Sony Corp.

The first Blu-ray drive to actually BE available in Australia. The massive price should fall quickly.

The cut-down PS3 costs the same as the Xbox Elite, has lost of its key features and still has that cracking Blu-ray player

Is this yet another nail in the HD-DVD coffin?

Japanese electronics firm Sanyo has announced a new type of blue laser diode, which it said could double the capacity of existing Blu-ray discs to 100GB..

Cheap HD-DVD players creating pressure in the US.

Nvidia’s latest graphics cards and chips throw down the gauntlet to Intel and AMD. Go behind the scenes with this guide to the big technologies including PhysX, CUDA, and games like Far Cry 2 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R Clear Sky.

Selecting presents for the geek or gadgeteer in your life? We take the hassle out of gift buying, so you can put your feet up and relax.

Hold-off on that high definition movie player - this could be a good reason to go Blu-Ray.

High definition video is the next big thing for Australia. We explain the essential technologies for your TV or living room PC, and what to expect from our broadcasters.

Target Technology files suit over use of silver alloy material.

Confirmation of the PlayStation 3's launch details announced at the media and business partener launch.

The Sim2’s pictures are a thrill in every way – if $13,000's your limit, it’s the prime candidate

TrueSpace has always led the pack in terms of features as far as Windows 3D animation packages under $2,000 are concerned. Recently, however, the market has become rather crowded, with a powerful upgrade to Ray Dream (reviewed issue 9, p100) and the cut-down version of LightWave 3D (Inspire 3D) both challenging it on features and price.

Where incremental steps forward are becoming commonplace, the Sony is a giant leap – simply stunning

Designed to sit between the low-end Inspiron and high-end XPS families, it comes in 15in and 17in flavours and its target audience could be pretty much anyone: few laptops are as customisable as this.

Digital video camera technology is constantly changing. The transition from analog to digital has been slow, with tape still being the standard. But, while the Mini DV tape may be the most popular recording media today, many experts tip that within a few years most of us will be recording direct to disk. Already several companies are producing DVD-based camcorders and with the introduction of Blu-Ray disks in coming years it seems the days of tape may be limited.

Scintillating performance but at a high price. It’s this thrilling blend of affordability, flexibility and (above all) capability that makes the IN82 so special. Nothing else we’ve tested at this price gets close.