Looks like NetFlix should've went the route of offering a download rental service after all. Movielink joined forces with Sonic Solutions so that customers will (hopefully) soon have the ability to download films AND burn them to DVD.

This technology is called Sonic's Authorscript DVD-on-demand, which allows customers to peruse the Movielink library, buy movies, then transfer them to DVD format. But aren't DVDs protected? Yes, but according to PCMag.com, this technology will be formatted so that you can playback the DVD on any standard DVD player.

Furthermore, "Authorscript includes a digital rights management (DRM) gateway for secure export of content, as well as video codecs that allow for conversion of Internet-delivered video to MPEG-2 video for DVD, and an Extensible Media Protection Architecture (XMPA) that allows for application of "studio-approved" copy-protection mechanisms."

All I know is, I'm excited about this. I've rented several movies from Movielink in the past, but didn't have the proper cables to watch the rented movies from my laptop to my television. If this technology is initiated, then I won't need 'em! Just a stack of DVD-R discs! Of course, it all depends how much it will cost to download and burn these DVDs.

We'll keep you posted on when the DVD-on-demand burning technology is available to consumers.

Some Nintendo folks were in town today, along with some of the Nintendo Wii games that'll ship at launch and soon afterward. I didn't get to go to E3 last May, so this was my first hands-on experience.

Can I just say that I think the controller is genius: It's wireless and motion-sensitive, similar to the Gyration mouse, with tactile feedback. It will work well for so many games. Sports games like baseball and tennis, both of which I tried, are a blast, and the very interactive WarioWare: Smooth Moves was quite fun too. You can use the controller like a hand, a club, a steering wheel, a sword... anything game designers can dream up.

I also saw a demo of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, which uses the plug-in adjunct Nunchuk controller together with the main controller. It looked a bit complicated to use, for me, anyway, but I think shooter fans will be happier by far than with a regular joystick controller or keyboard and mouse combo.

For now, Wii Sports and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess are confirmed to ship at launch, which is sometime in Q4; the Wii will cost less than $250. That's all I can tell you, but I'll keep you posted.

In the words of Sheryl Crow, a change would do you good. Time to give away that ordinary hub of yours and opt for the uniquely-designed USB Rota-Rota Hub. It comes with ports that can be rotated to 180 degrees. Fold up the ports for portability. It allows you to connect at least 4 different USB devices at the same time. 
   

Other features:

• USB 2.0
• Backwards compatible with USB 1.1
• Data transfer rate at 1.5/12/480 Mbps
• Plug and play
• LED indicator
• Supports windows 98/2000/Me/XP or Mac OS 8.6 or above
• Comes with USB extended cable

Get the USB Rota-Rota Hub for $16.

[via Everything USB]

Are you a super Superman collector? Well, it doesn't have to end at your desktop or laptop. Dress up your iPod, cell phone, or gaming device with SkinIt's vinyl skins.

The company offers the following Superman designs: "Superman" (shown here), "Superman Returns", "Superman Faster than a Bullet", and "Superman Holding the World".

If you don't want to contribute to all of the Superman hysteria, then check out the site's other design categories, such as military, fashion, collegiate, and sports. Just select the design and then choose the device/model name you want to create that skin for. The company then sends you the Skin in which you apply yourself.

The site offers personalization to: You can design your own photos as a skin and vote for brands, designs, or device models not listed.

But are the Skins easy to remove? According to SkinIt.com: "Yes, it is very easy to remove the Skin, should you choose to do so. Once removed, however, the Skin will never again adhere quite as well as the first time. Skinit advises customers to have a new Skin ready to apply to your device immediately."

Skins for laptops and gaming devices cost $29.95; MP3 player and phone skins cost $14.95.

Thanks to Matthew for the tip!

If Elvis were alive today, I think he'd be pretty shocked that we wear much more than a ring around our necks. (Heck, we see more than hips on TV these days, too!) And as Arthur Koestler, British novelist and journalist would say: "If the creator had a purpose in equipping us with a neck, he surely meant us to stick it out."

So Gearlog is bringing you a list of ten things to wear around your neck—techy style—that will surely make your neck stand out.

1.) Mosquito Repeller Necklace ($6.99, shown at right)
Rid of those chemical bug sprays with this battery-operated necklace. It transmits a sonic repelling frequency to keep those mosquitos away. Effective up to 10 ft.

2.) USB Key with Lanyard ($41, Japan only)
Designed by Thanko, it's a 512MB USB key with a lanyard. When you're ready to use the drive, unhook it from the strap. Available in two colors, blue and black.

3.) Michael Leung's Hardwood USB Keys ($50, shown at left)
These necklace 256MB USB Flash drives, encased in gorgeous hardwood and leather, are a product of Michael Leung's creativity. Currently available in dark wood only.

4.) RAM Necklace ($14.99)
Each necklace is hand-made from one RAM chip that hangs from a beaded chain. It measures 16-inches long and the RAM measures 2 inches.

5.) Cat 5 Choker ($30)
The perfect gift for the IT professional. A hand-made category 5 ethernet cable choker necklace. An attached chain allows for size adjustment from 13in to 16in. Made in Chicago.

6.) Personal Cooling System 3.0 ($29.95, shown at right)
Made by Sharper Image, just fill this cooling system with a few ounces of water, place around your neck and switch on for maximum cooling. Comes with 2-oz. water bottle for on-the-go refilling. Quiet motor. Runs on one AA battery. Select silver or cobalt blue.

7.) O2-Cool iFan ($17.99)
Available at retailers Kmart and Walgreens and also for purchase on eBay, the iFan is another way to cool yourself off. Although it's a bit loud when the motor is running and weighs down your neck. Still, it provides adequate coolness when the AC at your office isn't working.

8.) Thomas Pink Commuter Tie ($69, shown below)
This limited edition neck tie features a pocket on the reverse side to hold your iPod nano or other MP3 player. You'll also find an extra loop to keep headphones from tangling. Made of 100% silk. Comes in red, navy, and pink.

9.) Samsung YP-F2JZ ($109.99)
A 1GB MP3 player with an FM tuner, clock display, eight equalizer presets, up to 10 hours on single charge, and comes with a necklace to carry around your neck.

10.) Coby CX-007 ($7.31)
This device is a mini AM/FM pocket radio with a neck strap. It's made of chrome and features DBBS (Dynamic Bass Boost System), included lightweight earphones, and LED power on/off indicator. Also comes with a belt clip if you get tired of wearing it around your neck. Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included). Available in blue, silver, or red.

The fun doesn't end here. Listen to Gearlog Radio this Friday for a commentary on neck tech, and make sure you check out other wearable tech on gearlog.