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Posts with tag elite

Dell offers inexplicable Xbox 360 Elite bundle with certain XPS M1730 purchases

by Paul Miller, posted Jul 21st 2008 at 10:24AM


There's just one problem with this, the way we see it: most folks with $3000 earmarked for a gaming laptop probably already own an Xbox 360. Just a thought. Other than that we see little to dislike about this little promotion. Dell is offering up its top-of-the-line XPS M1730 system with an Xbox 360 Elite bundle tossed in for good measure. The bundle includes, a pair of faceplates, two game and of course the Xbox itself, and while it's not exactly "free" -- you're looking at a couple hundred dollar premium over a similarly specced M1730 -- it's still a savings of over $300, and should be eBayable, if nothing else. Offer expires July 24th.

[Thanks, Cezar]

Pioneer intros 60-inch KRP-600M KURO plasma in Japan

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 11th 2008 at 4:45PM


Here in North America, we already saw Pioneer get official with its second-generation of KURO plasmas, but today is all about Japan. Said outfit has just revealed the dazzling KRP-600M, which checks in at 60-inches diagonally and 64-millimeters in depth. Pioneer is being its typical self when it comes to specs by simply tossing the 1,920 x 1,080 resolution out there and insisting that it pretty much looks better than any other TV on the entire planet. Not that we really dig that Bose approach™, but at least we're told that there are component, VGA, DVI, HDMI, Ethernet, RS-232C, IR repeater and audio in / out jacks. The set should hit Japanese shelves later this month for around ¥850,000 ($7,970), while the optional table stand, wall mount and speaker system will run you quite a bit less.

[Via Tech-On]

Second-generation Pioneer KURO unveiled: 5x deeper black levels

by Darren Murph, posted May 7th 2008 at 9:00AM

Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD
Quite a lot has gone on in Pioneer's world since it wowed us all with the Project KURO at CES, but one thing hasn't changed: it's dedication to world-class black levels. Announced alongside several other fine pieces of kit today in NYC, the 2008 KURO family will posses black levels "five times deeper than the previous KURO." According to company bigwig Paul Meyhoefer, the ultimate goal is "pure, absolute black," and it's well on its way with the latest line. You'll also find a feature dubbed Optimum Mode, which "simultaneously monitors video and room light conditions" and then makes the most appropriate adjustments based on what it senses. Sadly, most of the nitty-gritty details have been omitted for now, but you can count on the June-bound models checking in at just 3.7-inches thick, sporting 1080p panels alone (no 720p), coming in 50- ($4,000) / 60-inch ($5,500) sizes (no 42-inch) and arriving with a new remote / redesigned HD interface. Jump on past the break for the full release, but we're warning you, there's an awful lot of gloating down there.

Continue reading Second-generation Pioneer KURO unveiled: 5x deeper black levels

Pioneer reveals 2008 Elite AV receiver family

by Darren Murph, posted May 7th 2008 at 9:00AM


You do know it's quite rude to stare, don't you? No worries -- we're pretty sure Pioneer fully expected its 2008 line of Elite AV receivers to catch a few eyes, much like its succulent Elite SC-09TX did last fall. The luxurious new crew consists of the Elite SC-07, SC-05, VSX-03TXH and VSX-01TXH, all of which were designed specifically to complement the second-gen KUROs and fresh new BD players. As expected, the whole lot handles internal decoding of DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus, not to mention support for 12-bit Deep Color and a Faroudja video scaler. If you're curious about dollars and ship dates, you can look for the SC-05 / SC-07 to land in August for $1,800 / $2,200, while the VSX-01TXH and VSX-03TXH will hit next month for $750 / $1,000. Then again, those obsessed with instant gratification could snag the VSX-94TXH right now for $1,600. Check the full release waiting after the break.

Continue reading Pioneer reveals 2008 Elite AV receiver family

Pioneer gets really official with $9,000 Elite KURO projector

by Darren Murph, posted May 7th 2008 at 9:00AM


Sure, those flashy new KURO plasmas or that new array of receivers may have taken you by surprise, but don't pretend you didn't know this one was coming. Known simply as the PRO-FPJ1, this 1080p beamer incorporates LCoS technology, dual HDMI 1.3 ports, wide lens shift capacity, a trio of viewing modes (standard, dynamic and movie) and a real semblance to JVC's DLA-HD100. According to the firm, it's designed for "high-end cinematic installations and supports advanced calibration," and of course, you can't escape a KURO release without a little bragging about black levels. We're still waiting on a finalized specifications list, but 'til then, you can chew on that $9,000 price tag and wait for these to hit dealers next month.

Pioneer intros 2008 Signature Series Elite KURO monitors

by Darren Murph, posted May 7th 2008 at 9:00AM


Not content with just busting out a new pair of Elite KURO plasmas, Pioneer has separately introduced four 1080p Pro models for those with (even more) exquisite tastes and deep wallets to back it up. The whole lot enjoys the firm's highly touted Optimum Mode, which "simultaneously monitors video and room light conditions" and then makes the most appropriate adjustments based on what it senses, and "industry leading" calibration features. As for the 50-inch PRO-111FD ($5,000) and PRO-151FD ($6,500), you can expect a bolstered two year warranty and a ship date to be determined, while the Signature Series PRO-101FD (50-inch) / PRO-141FD (60-inch) units will arrive in October and August (respectively) with prices not yet disclosed.

HP's Elite 3 megapixel webcam says "hello" in stereo

by Thomas Ricker, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 5:10AM


While it may look like an overhead projector without any hints to the scale, you're actually looking at HP's (relatively) tiny Elite Auto Focus Webcam. Compatible with all the major PC-based, video chat solutions out there (Yahoo, Skype, MS Messenger, AIM), the USB 2.0 cam clips onto your monitor and features a 3 megapixel CMOS camera capable of shooting video ranging from 640 x 480 pixels at 30fps quality on down to 1,600 x 1,200 at a stuttering 5fps. It also brings a built-in stereo microphone, face tracking and Magic-i video effects software, 3 programmable buttons, and a sliding "privacy cover" which lets your date know that the camera really is, off.

Microsoft says 360 Elite is just so hot right now, no SKU changes planned

by Nilay Patel, posted Feb 1st 2008 at 10:00PM


Naturally curious as to why Xbox 360 Elites are so difficult to find, we went straight to the source -- and Microsoft tells us that demand is simply outstripping supply on the 360 Elite right now, and that no model lineup changes are planned at this time -- especially since the Elite is their hot seller. Well, so much for that conspiracy -- guess we're back to reading the PS3 tea leaves.

Will Xbox 360 Core become Xbox 360 Arcade on August 24th?

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Aug 20th 2007 at 5:59PM


It appears the Xbox 360 rumor mill is hard-partying once again, this time over the fairly sketchy information that in addition to the European price cut we mentioned earlier, the game system may be receiving a "changing of the guard" on the SKU front, with the dismissal of the Core system, and the inclusion of a new "Arcade" package. Word on Box Street is that Microsoft is about to upend the low-impact Core units, add an HDMI port, throw five free XBLA games in the mix, slap on a wireless controller, and put a new line of text somewhere on the box. Otherwise the system will remain the same -- AKA no hard drive, white finish, and a target of constant ridicule by your friends, and will be made available for €279 (or about $376). The whole thing makes you wonder if this could have something to do with that discontinued SKU rumor we keep hearing about in the US. Can't wait to find out? Join the club.

[Via Joystiq]

Microsoft shipping Xbox 360 Elite in Europe on August 24th

by Paul Miller, posted Jul 10th 2007 at 11:11PM Breaking News

We're still a little curious at the hold up, but Microsoft has finally announced that the Xbox 360 Elite is going to hit Europe on August 24th. In addition to the Elite, Microsoft also shared the good news that Xbox Live types in Europe and Canada will be able to share in the video download goodies currently being enjoyed by their US counterparts, including but not limited to that hefty high-def Disney catalog that Microsoft is adding to the service tonight.

Xbox 360 Elite coverage roundup -- are you getting one?

by Ryan Block, posted Apr 27th 2007 at 12:34PM


Unless you're a die-hard Target customer you can't get your Xbox Elite until this Sunday, but if you were at all curious about the thing, we hope we delivered the goods yesterday with our coverage of the HDMI-totin' console. In case you missed any of the action, check out the links below.

The faceoff
Xbox 360 Elite vs. classic: the test

The hands-on, drive kit, and vote
Xbox 360 Elite arrives - unboxing, comparison ensues
Xbox 360 Hard Drive Transfer Kit hands-on
Black on black: Xbox 360 Elite vs PS3, which is more 1337?

Other coverage
Xbox 360 Elite: new, black limited edition Xbox with HDMI and 120GB drive
Xbox 360 Elite and 120GB drive now official
Xbox 360 Elite hands-on video
First Xbox 360 Elite pre-order ready for your cash
Mod your 360 with an off-the-shelf 120GB HDD, save $100

So, you think you're gonna get one? Vote!

Xbox 360 Elite vs. classic: the test

by Ryan Block, posted Apr 26th 2007 at 5:19PM Featured Story


Well, we've had a few hours with our Xbox 360 Elite wherein we've done nothing but test it against the most rigorous (unscientific) means at our disposal. But finally we are able to answer the question: is an HDMI-enabled Xbox 360 capable of outputting noticeably higher quality gameplay and movies? We compared our classic Xbox 360 (manufactured 12/08/2005) with our spankin' new 360 Elite (manufactured 3/4/2007). Ready for the face-off? Check out the gallery, and read on for our conclusions.

Continue reading Xbox 360 Elite vs. classic: the test

Black on black: Xbox 360 Elite vs PS3, which is more 1337?

by Ryan Block, posted Apr 26th 2007 at 2:27PM


Mirror, mirror on the wall, which black high def console is the 1337est of them all? We know some people were bummed that the Xbox 360 didn't get to compete in the 2006 Engadget Awards with the PS3 and Wii (hey, it was launched in 2005!), but now's your chance to square off the two most expensive game consoles around. So who's gonna take it, Sony's piano black PlayStation 3, or Microsoft's matte black Xbox 360 Elite?

Xbox 360 Hard Drive Transfer Kit hands-on

by Ryan Block, posted Apr 26th 2007 at 2:13PM Featured Story


Here's that Xbox 360 Hard Drive Transfer Kit that Microsoft so generously bundled with our Elite (don't expect to get one with yours, it doesn't come in the box). The documentation they sent with this thing was pretty substantial for an adapter and a CD you plug into your Xbox, but we think they want us to make sure we don't screw anything up and lose all our precious, precious data. Here's what you need to know (and some observations, to boot):
  • You don't just transfer data to your 20GB drive externally -- you have to plug your 20GB drive into your Elite, and use the 120GB drive externally. (Yeah, we photographed the unit attached to our 20GB drive though.)
  • You can only transfer content ONCE. This isn't a backup or duplication tool, it's one-time use per drive.
  • Even after turning off the console our externally adapted drive kept spinning because it was powered by USB. Weird.
  • Despite the on-screen diagram, our instructions say to use the BACK USB port. Woops, we didn't. Pray it doesn't kill our data.
  • Apparently Microsoft wants you to dispose of your transfer cable after use. Um, ok?
  • XBLA and Marketplace content (i.e. downloaded games and shows) require online authorization. In other words, some licenses can't transfer, and you won't necessarily be able to watch all your transferred media without logging on. Whatev.
  • Movie rentals cannot transfer drives. "Watch them first!" because they're not going to make the trip, period. Double whatev.
  • If your 20GB drive is maxed out like ours, it could take a while. The system transfer will tell you how long it estimates the transfer to take: moving our 17.5GB of data was estimated at 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  • You can restart or stop the transfer at any time during the move, but you'll have to start all over again next time. But you won't lose any data. Supposedly.
  • "Microsoft is not liable for any loss of data resulting from the transfer process." That's the third and final whatev!
We'll let you know the final time it took to transfer our drive's contents.

P.S. -Our bestest buds at Joystiq got the same document and scanned it in for us, check it out in the gallery.

Update: All done! It took under an hour to move all 20GB over, not the hour+ the guide estimated. Best to keep expectations low, right? Still not super fast, but we'll live. Stick close for more details about the device, pricing, availability. (Anything else you want to know? Ask it in comments while we've got Microsoft's ear.)

Gallery: Xbox 360 Hard Drive Transfer Kit hands-on

Xbox 360 Elite arrives - unboxing, comparison ensues

by Ryan Block, posted Apr 26th 2007 at 1:14PM Featured Story


Well, our Xbox 360 Elite finally arrived! We're not going to spoil the moment with a lot of words, so check out all our photos (including comparison shots to the original, now completely obsolete Xbox 360), and stay tuned for more coverage.

Gallery: Xbox 360 Elite arrives - unboxing, comparison ensues

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