Compiled by Patrick Avenell

Two portable DVD players have been recalled from Target and Target Country stores nationwide. The Base branded players (product codes: TP-998 and TP-998a) were recalled due to a risk of electrocution.

“The back cover of the AC adapter supplied with the DVD player can separate from the casing…If the back cover of the AC adapter separates, live wiring may be exposed, posing an electrocution hazard,” according to the recall notice.

These two units were sold between 1 August 2010 and 1 July 2011. Affected consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Target Customer Relations on 1800 814 788.

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Activsion Blizzard; suppliers of the Call of Duty, StarCraft and Diablo games, amongst others; has entered into a distribution agreement with Synnex Australia.

Under this agreement Synnex will assist in distribution and channel management for Activision products.

“Synnex’s leading distribution and supply chain expertise should ensure greater efficiency and improved focus for our business partners and consumers, which can allow for an enhanced customer experience at every level,” said Activision Blizzard senior VP and MD Ben Graetz.

Synnex CEO Kee Ong is also happy.

“We are delighted to be working with Activision Blizzard to further strengthen our position in the supply chain for gaming products in Australia. This partnership demonstrates our capability in retail and consumer markets and we look forward to a long-standing relationship with Activision Blizzard,” he said.

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Still on Activision news, Call of Duty: Black Ops’ latest content pack Annihilation launching on 28 July 2011. This downloadable content will be available for PS3 and Windows PC users.

According to this announcement, Annihilation features new maps including a Cuban golf course and a 1950s American drive-in theatre, both common places where one would expect to be involved in ultra-violent gun play.

Here’s Mark Lamia from developer Treyarch to explain further.

“With Annihilation, the team at Treyarch and Activision has shown its continued commitment to bringing new and unique content to our fans,” he said. “Players are getting four of the best multiplayer maps to date with Hangar 18, Drive-In, Silo and Hazard. 

“They also get a brand new dose of thrills in Shangri-La, our latest Zombies offering, packed with deadly traps and dark secrets buried within the shifting walls of an ancient and mysterious temple.”

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For those that aren’t totally up to date on their internet memes, there’s a very amusing YouTube video doing the rounds concerning what could be the next great loss leader in the tradition of multifunction printers.

In this clip, we are introduced to the 3D printer, which when perfected will no doubt be sold at a loss, with profits generated through the on-going sale of cartridges with eye-popping margins.

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Also on Current.com.au today:

HTC and Garmin enjoying the 2011 Tour De France
Topfield has a new DVR
Panasonic finds an out-of-this-world market for its 3D gear
Electrolux Design Lab finalists