Let’s take a quick head count of high-definition devices that rely on HDMI inputs. There are Sky’s HDTV receivers, high-def DVD players and even games consoles like the upcoming PlayStation 3. So, why are so many new screens still arriving with only one HDMI input? It must be a lonely life being an HDMI input — you’re stuck on your …

French legislation that had caused an uproar for its approach to iTunes has finally entered the statute books–but the controversy continues. The law now in force is a watered-down version of a bill that had initially threatened to outlaw Apple Computer’s practice of using digital rights management technology with purchases made on the iTunes Music Store. Apple’s rivals can now …

Apple Computer has refuted claims by Norway’s consumer watchdog that it uses unfair practices by making its iTunes service incompatible with rivals’ systems. Norway’s consumer council complained to Apple earlier this year that iTunes’ lack of interoperability with digital-music players other than the iPod was not in the best interest of consumers. The watchdog said consumers must be allowed to …