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Official 1080p transport proposed for component video
Finally, a group of A/V installers has heard the cries for 1080p via component instead of HDMI. The official spec defining component video transport, CEA-770.3, does not officially allow that cable system to transmit the highest spec of HD: 1080p. Now, most have found out that component can indeed handle the signal and in fact, since most installers have found component is easier to work with than HDMI, there is a group pushing for 1080p support. However, even if this spec is indeed updated to handle 1080p support, there is no doubt that next-gen DVD players and game systems will not allow it due to piracy concerns. Hopefully the MPAA is too busy suing some random 12-year-old and doesn't notice the spec bump as we would love to see 1080p support via component.
Fire Sale: First-party component cables
"Oh my God! We're having a fire! ... sale. Oh, the burning!"It's been only a month since Amazon last hosted its half-off sale on Nintendo's component cables, but the online shop is already at it again with an even deeper discount for today's one-day deal. The first-party cables are listed at $12.99, the lowest we've ever seen them sold for! Of course, Amazon will ship its goods to you at no extra cost if your order totals over $25. Though this doesn't technically qualify as a "fire sale," we couldn't stay our hand at the chance to make an Arrested Development reference. Stop, drop, and roll past the post break for a video of Tobias Funke auditioning for a fire sale commercial.
Third-party HDMI cable coming for non-Elite Xbox 360
Mod company XCM has reportedly created an HDMI cable for the regular, non-Elite white Xbox 360. According to the product page, the cable will allow you to output in 1080p. XCM told maxconsole that the product will be finished in about four weeks.No details have been revealed as to how it will work, and if any modifications to the hardware will be necessary -- the above image is listed as conceptual, totally baffling our concept of reality. Our friends at Engadget reported when the Xbox 360 Elite came out that the visual upgrade is nigh discernible when using the HDMI cable, but we're betting someone will like the idea of using only one plug head as opposed to the five (three for video and two for audio) for component cables.
Gefen goes wild: extenders, HD PVRs, and wireless HDMI
That wireless USB hub you peeked this morning was just the calm before the storm, as Gefen has now unveiled a smorgasbord of HD converters, extenders, and other accessories that you just can't do without. Up first is the $249 Component + Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter, which pipes that recently one-upped component and Toslink connection into a single HDMI cable. Next, it looks like Gefen is expanding its PVR lineup with an HD iteration that supports HDMI and is capable of recording HDCP-compliant sources in 1080p. Moving on, you'll find a 4x4 HDMI CAT5 Matrix to string your HDMI signals along up to 200-feet using vanilla CAT5 cabling, and the $399 Component Audio Extender enables nearly any audio source to be transferred 330-feet away over Ethernet. Last (but certainly not least), the $699 Wireless HDMI Extender delivers a plug 'n play method of extending HDMI signals up to 33-feet over the air with no loss in quality. Unsurprisingly, Gefen's latest niche convenience products won't enter your AV system without a premium, so be sure and avoid the gallery below if you're already being negatively tempted to pick something up.Read - Component + Digital Audio to HDMI AdapterRead - Personal Video RecordersRead - 4x4 HDMI CAT5 MatrixRead - Component Audio ExtenderRead - Wireless HDMI Extender
Half-off sale on Nintendo's component cables
Sure, you could probably find Wii component cables for less than a tenner, but we know there are a lot of you out there who refuse to chance your gaming setup with third-party accessories from Hong Kong. If you've been holding out for a bargain on Nintendo's official product, now is the time to sneak your mom/wife's credit card out of her purse!Amazon has the first-party cables on sale for $15.00, half their regular cost. Tack on another item, and you might also be eligible for the online shop's Free Super Saver Shipping (orders over $25). Act now! This deal ends today![Via CAG]
Monster's Wii cables selling at horrifying prices
We had heard about Monster Cable's plans to sell Wii component cables several weeks ago, but we held off on announcing the product until its inevitable boutique pricing was revealed. Amazon now has the item available for sale, listing the 10' cables at $59.99. That's double what Nintendo charges for its official component cable and six times the cost of other third-party solutions.Now that component cables for the Wii are in good supply, are prices like that justifiable? We understand that Monster is aiming for the high-end market, but how different can its product be from what others are selling for much cheaper? Does the quality actually match the pricing?
Microsoft prepping component to HDMI adapter?
Friendly tipster Evan M wasn't too stoked to see an Xbox 360 Elite headed for store shelves after he'd just purchased a Premium 360, especially considering the fact that his TV has a whole HDMI port twiddling its thumbs, just waiting to get its game on. After informing Microsoft of his displeasure through what we're sure was a politely worded email, Evan claims to have received a slightly encouraging response from a Microsoft support person, promising an upcoming HDMI to component adapter for the 'box to make his situation perhaps a bit more bearable. Unfortunately, the support person also mentioned that "we do not have information as of the moment if the cable will be sold separately," which might mean such an adapter is only destined for sales with some sort of updated Premium SKU, at least for the immediate future. We'll keep our eyes peeled.[Thanks, Evan M]
Apple TV kinda sorta works with certain 4:3 SD TVs
Semi-good news for the folks out there short a fancy widescreen display to plug an Apple TV into: nothing's going to explode or nothing if you go ahead and hook it up to your regular old TV. The folks at Rogue Amoeba have been celebrating just such a feat, since the Apple TV seems to be running just fine at 480i on their ghetto-school 4:3 CRT via component, unfortunately, it seems their celebrations are a tad premature. They claim to have video running unsquished, but as you can see in the pic above, which compares the Rogue setup to our own, the menu at least is most definitely being squeezed to fit. The word on the street is that 4:3 TVs are fine as long as they have the proper hookups and a simulated widescreen mode, but it's pretty clear that the Apple TV itself provides no support for 4:3 viewing.[Via El Reg]
Rumor: 3rd party cables void the PS3 warranty
A rumor has been circulating that using 3rd party component cables will void the warranty of your PlayStation 3. The origins of this rumor stem from AVS forum poster ragedogg69 who tells this tale but fails to mention what exactly was wrong with his console. Our phone call to Sony tech support left us with ambivalent answers. Our representative explained that if a third-party cable caused our PS3 to short-circuit then, quite obviously, Sony would see that as the fault of said third-party and not their problem. However, if the problem was seemingly unrelated, such as a failure of the Blu-ray drive, the operator's response became less clear.The Consumerist dug into the PlayStation 3's warranty and found a clause that rather unclearly states that you assume the liability and risk of using non-Sony products with the console.We contacted Sony and received the following official statement:At SCEA, we have the same warranty for PS3 as we have for the other PlayStation platforms. Our Customer Service department will trouble shoot fully to see what the set-up environment is and what may be causing the issues. We are determining more info about this specific instance. In typical situations, video cables would not void the warranty, but each situation is unique. In other words, buyer beware. Through Froogle we found some first-party PS2 component cables, which are compatible with the PS3, for sub-$20. For that price, you're better off being safe than sorry.[Via Netjak; thanks to the very many people who sent this in!]
Today's most progressive game video: Wii Component Cables 480i VS. 480p
Okay folks, it's laid out right here for you. If you got your grubby little hands on Wii, then maybe you've been wondering if the component cables really make a difference. Maybe you even blew off buying them, scoffing at the Wii and its low graphics capabilities when compared to the behemoth graphics on-board both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Well, look no further. This video after the jump clearly shows a pretty fair-sized gap between component and composite, so you might want to reconsider picking some up if you can find 'em. If you were wise and invested in a set of cable, then you can gloat silently in your wisdom. Now I just wish someone would design a website with photos and video of everything I want to buy, laid out comparison-wise. It sure would make the whole decision process a lot easier.
Microtek enters LCD HDTV market with duo of 1080p sets
Hot on the heels of Microtek unveiling four new plasmas to feast our eyes upon, the firm has taken the wraps off two new 42-inch LCD HDTVs, which marks its first offerings in the LCD TV realm. Both sets tout that oh-so-coveted (or not) 1080p "Full HD" resolution, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 1,200:1 contrast ratio, and a 176-degree viewing angle as well. Additionally, the firm claims that each set is calibrated at the factory to set the "optimum brightness, contrast, sharpness, color saturation, and color balance for a typical home viewing environment," but we're sure you videophiles out there could always find something just a bit off kilter. Nevertheless, both displays also feature ATSC / NTSC tuners, component / S-Video / composite inputs, VGA in, and HDMI for that silkly smooth 1,920 x 1,080 imagery. Likely to make an appearance at next week's CES, the pair of TVs should be available anytime now, and while the silver-clad L42CX2A will run you $1,899, the all-black Cineon CL42HA demands an extra Benjamin just for the "superior" color motif.
XCM unveils Multi-Component Cable v2: console connections unite
We're all about keeping things nice and well kempt, and if you're the type who's sporting a house full of consoles, you know precisely how difficult a clean wiring solution is to maintain. Helping to clear out that rat's nest of cabling is XCM -- those same folks who brought us the XFPS -- which is delivering the Multi-Component Cable v2 to simply that cord conundrum. Sporting a trio of connectors, this single device can simultaneously connect to your Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3, and reportedly your dusty PS2 as well, and plugs into your TV set via component outs. As you might expect, a simple flip of the toggle switch changes the console you see on screen without you having to risk your life climbing atop the television. Currently, the device is still stuck in "preview" mode, but XCM promises to have a full list of specs and availability details ready soon, and if you can catch a video sneak peek after the jump.
Mad Catz Wii Component Cable now on sale for $20
Ok, Wii fans who are still stuck without component cables, your prayers have been answered. Mad Catz is now offering a nearly 10-foot model -- which will support resolutions up to 480p -- for the low price of a Jackson. So assuming everyone doesn't slam Mad Catz all at once, this should solve the fact that getting proper Nintendo-sanctioned cables has been pretty tough, leaving folks to resort to other measures. Heck, buy two just in case there's a shortage again. [Thanks, Mike]Update: We've just gotten word from Mad Catz that the pic we posted previously was in error. The new version does not, sadly, come with composite video plugs. We've replaced the older pic with the new one.
Nintendo component cables back in stock
One of our readers was perusing Nintendo's online store when he found that the Wii component cables were back in stock as of yesterday. The site states that backorders of the product are officially being filled, so if you've ordered them and have been waiting, shouldn't be long before the package arrives on your doorstep. Better hurry and get them now, while you can.See also: Nintendo sells out of their component cables DIY: Wii component cables Wii component connection on the cheap [Thanks Ryan!]
Wii component connection on the cheap
For those of you who find adventure to be the spice of life, we've got one worth $6.71 USD. See, these Hong Kong cables, available for pre-order from superufo.com (they release on the 30th), look the part and are available at an insane price. Still, we've always been told if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Applying that lesson, we cannot bring ourselves to order them. Any of you willing to take the plunge or have you already made your own? Maybe third party products aren't your thing and you're going to wait out Nintendo's stock?[Via Joystiq; thanks to all that sent this in!]
Third-party Wii component cables for under $7
It's really sort of bizarre when you think about it. The saga of the Wii component cables has been a long and storied one: first, they were rumored to be online-only; then Perrin Kaplan confirmed they'd be hitting retail; then they showed up online and were promised in stores by December 5th; they sold out within a day and retail dates were pushed back; finally, frustrated with the lack of an official solution, resourceful gamers made their own. The saga may come to an early end with the release of Blaze's $6.71 third-party component cables, shipping from Hong Kong on the 30th (we know, more waiting!) from online retailer Superufo.com. Until we can easily pick up a pair of Wii component cables, either online or at brick-and-mortar joints, this saga is still playing out.[Via Engadget]
3rd party Wii component cables
Those HDTV owners lucky enough to have a Wii may well know the sting of the Wii component cable shortage; with the ~$2 part (cost, not retail) fetching upwards of $100 on eBay, we think Blaze may have just saved the day with its $6.71 3rd party Wii component cables. Unfortunately even those are on backorder until this Thurdsay, the 30th, and even then you have to buy it from the same totally unimpeachable operation that brought you the Wii glove. So either way it looks like your ass is going to be rocking the 480i until further notice.[Thanks, Zekie]
DIY Nintendo Wii component cables
While finding a Wii system isn't out of the question this holiday season, getting your hands on component cables has been nearly impossible, with the connectors MIA at most retailers so far and occasionally sold out on Nintendo's own website. At times like these we must take matters into our own hands. We've made our own cables before but this time you'll have to follow the lead of the NFG forums, and MacGyver a connection together; since the composite cable included with the system doesn't have all the pins necessary, some clever modders have resorted to paper clip stand ins. We don't know how well this will work as a long term solution, but if you're waiting the long two weeks or so before the official cables hit store shelves this should definitely hit the spot.[Via Joystiq]
DIY: Wii component cables
Not to be outdone by diminished stock and having to traverse the outside world's various brick-and-mortar outlets, the folks over at NFG Games forum have come up with their own solution: make their own! Apparently it's a fairly easy procedure, given that forum poster acem77 (who is responsible for the above "mess" as he puts it) used paper clips to add pins. Anyone planning on trying this out to hold them over until component cable stock is restored?[Via Joystiq]
Make a Wii component cable
Mere hours after the Wii launched with underpowered composite cables -- not even Y/C -- the distributed minds of the internet have figured out how to mod that connection into component; members of the NFG Games forum pulled off this smooth hack. Nintendo says its component cables are on the way, but can you just sit patiently and hope to buy them soon? 480p waits for no one.The Wii end of the in-the-box cable doesn't have the full pin-outs that make the Xbox 360 cable a delight to mod. But, Macgyver it up a bit -- "acem77" on the NFG Forums used paper clips -- to add new pins. Follow the forum thread or wiki for signal and construction details.See also: Add VGA to standard Xbox 360 cable[Thanks, Vince Vu]
