This past week, U2’s Zoo TV Live From Sydney was re-released on DVD nearly 12 years after its first VHS release. In addition to the standalone DVD, U2 also released a limited 2-DVD version which includes the original concert DVD plus a second which includes bonus live tracks, mini-documentaries and the legendary Video Confessional. The DVD is mixed in Dolby Digital 2.0 (Linear PCM Sound), Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS.
Zoo TV (1992-1993) was a 157-show tour featuring a gigantic spectacle of music, video, television, and Trabants (old East German cars). Bono, The Edge, Larry, and Adam performed great tracks from Achtung Baby and Zooropa and several classics from the 1980s. The elaborate stage setup included 36 video monitors, several televisions, and 11 painted Trabants suspended in mid-air. The constantly changing monitors and screens rotated through images, art, and videos meant to create a feeling of information overload. Later in the show, Bono assumes the role of MacPhisto an over-the-hill rock star who has brought us the “evils” of music, TV, and war (MacPhisto, of course, looks like the devil). To get a flavor of the show, the bonus DVD features clips from the video confessional which fans used during the show. As U2’s Manager described it: “There were people who proposed to each other. There were people who confessed to adulterous liaisons. There were people who took their clothes off – that was quite common. Yeah, and there were people who made serious points. We used to edit them together in the afternoon before the show…. there’s a good sample of those on the DVD.”
We just received notice that Cambridge SoundWorks is taking 40% off of select B-stock speakers until 9/25/05. Specifically, the sale applies to the following products: T100 Tower, S100 Rear Surround, MC100 Surround, BassCube 10, M80 Bookshelf, and Outdoor 52. As always, you get free shipping on purchases over $75.
While you are exploring the store, we have several coupons you can use. Please note that these coupons have several exclusions (including B-stock speakers) and expire on 10/3/06.
Some of the best technology deals are available on refurbished items. We will write more about this topic soon, but for now, lets focus on iPods because Apple just slashed the prices of refurbished iPods.
What is a refurbished iPod? It is a pre-owned Apple iPod that undergoes a stringent refurbishment process and is then certified by Apple and covered by Apple’s one-year limited warranty. As these products are each individually refurbished and certified, supplies are limited. The recent batch released for sale by Apple includes newer and older models at prices ranging from $99 to $229. Here is a list of the available models and corresponding discounts.
As reportedeverywhere, Microsoft has officially announced the launch of Zune, a music and entertainment platform which includes portable media players and a content download service (Zune Marketplace). Expected to arrive just before the holiday shopping season (at TBD price), the first Zune device is a 30GB digital media player built by Toshiba which includes WiFi, an FM tuner, and a 3-inch screen. Every Zune device comes preloaded with content from several labels including Virgin, Sub Pop, and Astralwerks. Zune comes in three colors: black, brown, and white.
Zune Marketplace is an application which works like iTunes or Napster in allowing you to manage your existing content (music, movies, and photos) while buying new content from the service. Content can be purchased a la carte or through the Zune Pass subscription service.
Sharing and community are key components in the Zune product line. Using a wireless connection, Zune users can share some of the full-length tracks with friends who also have a Zune. You can listen to any shared track three times over three days. If you like it, you can flag it and the device will purchase it from the Zune Marketplace.
At launch, you will be able to purchase several Zune accessories including a Car Pack to enable integration into your car, a Home Pack which will include a dock with wireless remote and various cables, and a Travel Pack which will include premium earphones, a remote control, and a bag.
iPod Video
Apple announced the 6th generation iPod which will be similar to the current iPod Video but with several major upgrades. The 60GB iPod is being replaced by a new 80GB iPod. Prices are also dropping as the 30GB will retail for $249 and the new 80GB will retails for $349. Additionally:
The screen will be 60% brighter (as if the current screen wasn’t great already)
Battery life was upped from 4 to 6.5 hours
Includes games such as Tetris, Pac-Man, Mini Golf, Texas Hold ‘Em, Mahjong, and Bejeweled
Additional games can be downloaded from iTunes for $5
Instant search will make it easier to find tracks
iPod Nano
Also changing is the new second generation iPod Nano which is now available in colors (black, blue, green, and pink) and aluminum. Pricing and sizes are as follows: 2GB Nano (aluminum) for $149, 4GB (colors) for $199, and 8GB (black) for $249.
iPod Shuffle
The new second generation 1GB iPod Shuffle comes in an aluminum case and includes a built in clip. Oh, and it’s the size of a stamp. It’s the smallest MP3 player on the market. Priced at $79 it will include a dock and the new earbuds.
iPod Accessories
Even iPod accessories are seeing a change. The ubiquitous earbuds have changed a bit and the power charger is 40% smaller.
The not-so-secret-secret is no longer a secret: Apple has added full-length movies to iTunes 7. As expected, the first 70 movies all come from the Disney family. New movies will cost $12.99 as pre-orders and during the first week. To help produce “Near-DVD” video, movie resolution is upped to 640×480 instead of 320×240. This feature is only available at the US store but will launch internationally in 2007.
The new iTunes 7 will look similar to iTunes 6 but also an organized navigation bar, album viewing, and album art viewer. The upgraded iTunes will also download missing album art (a feature which will make many iPod Video users very happy). Another major update is the ability to transfer purchased content between authorized computers using your iPod.
As for new shows, iTunes 7 will offer highlights of the whole 2006 NFL season for $1.99 per game or $24.99 for a season pass.
Buy a Mac get a free iPod nano. That’s right, you can get a free iPod nano (after mail-in rebate) if you buy a new education-discounted MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, or Power Mac G5 by September 16, 2006. You have to prove you are a student to get the discount and the rebate. The $179 rebate can be applied towards other iPods although you will have to make up the difference.
Cambridge Soundworks has just released its September coupons. The following coupons expire on October 3, 2006 and have some exclusions, so please verify eligibility before you complete your checkout:
$10 off $100 or more (excludes: Newton HD, SurroundWorks,CSW Radios, Open Box, B-Stock, Clearance, Megabuys, and Creative. Regular and sale priced in-stock items only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.)
$20 off $200 or more (excludes: Newton HD, SurroundWorks,CSW Radios, Open Box, B-Stock, Clearance,and Megabuys. Regular and sale priced in-stock items only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.)
10% off $400 or more (excludes: Newton HD,SurroundWorks,CSW Radios, Open Box, B-Stock, Clearance,and Megabuys. Regular and sale priced in-stock items only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.)
$100 off $750 or more (excludes: Newton HD, SurroundWork,CSW Radios, Open Box, B-Stock, Clearance, Megabuys, and Creative. Regular and sale priced in-stock items only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.)
10% off $1000 or more (excludes: Newton HD, SurroundWorks,CSW Radios, Open Box, B-Stock, Clearance, and Megabuys. Regular and sale priced in-stock items only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.)
This past week, U2’s Zoo TV Live From Sydney was re-released on DVD nearly 12 years after its first VHS release. In addition to the standalone DVD, U2 also released a limited 2-DVD version which includes the original concert DVD plus a second which includes bonus live tracks, mini-documentaries and the legendary Video Confessional. The DVD is mixed in Dolby Digital 2.0 (Linear PCM Sound), Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS. 
