Compiled by Patrick Avenell

Coffee brand Lavazza and machine partner A Modo Mio have launched retail training program designed to empower staff to successfully sell the right coffee machines to the right consumers.

Called the Caffe Connoisseur Series, this online education program also offers prizes to sales staff that successfully complete the six modules.

These modules are: About Lavazza; The Art of Coffee; Authentic Italian Espresso; The Capsules; The Machines; and Coffee, My Way.

The major prize is flights, accommodation and a ticket to Lavazza’s marquee in the Birdcage on Melbourne Cup Day. There are also $400 A Modo Mio prize packs available throughout the program.

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Netgear has launched the second iteration of its Push2TV HD TV Adaptor, which allows users to wireless stream content from their PC to a TV.

Here’s Netgear director of consumer channels, Brad Little.

“With the increase of consumers using the internet to download high-quality entertainment content, the ability to watch HD movies and television shows on your TV enriches the viewing experience,” said Little.

“With the development of the second generation Push2TV Adapter, Netgear continues to build its relationship with Intel while providing consumers with a quick and simple way to browse the Internet and stream their favourite online videos, music and photos to their TVs in full HD.”

Push2TV will only work with PCs featuring both current and next generation Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) technology. This Adaptor is RRP $149.

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Optical storage specialist Lite-On has released a new integrated 12x Blu-ray Disc writer. Called the iHBS212 (RRP $129), this unit should comfortably fit into the optical disc bay on desktop PCs and home theatre PCs, according the release.

Here’s the alliteration-loving marketing manager Minnie Lin.

“Blu-ray is for canny content consumers who want the full cinema experience when high definition just does not cut it,” she said.

“It offers superior sound and impressive picture quality and we understand what customers want; physical media will always have its place in the market. In addition to entertainment, the Lite-On iHBS212 is resourceful in upgrading existing computers and ideal for providing fast high-capacity external backup.”

And here’s an image of the new drive:

Lite-On's new Blu-ray Disc writer.
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Also on Current.com.au today:

Samsung’s cashback promotion on refrigeration
Shriro completes purchase of Hagemeyer Brands Australia
Productivity Commission recommends change to GST threshold
Industry responds to Productivity Commission report