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Ask Joystiq: On region-free downloading, Xbox streaming and Karnov
This week on Ask Joystiq, we look at downloading foreign content to a foreign system, streaming content to an Xbox 360, and identifying one --or possibly two? -- obscure Argentinian NES games.If you have any burning questions, unsolved gaming mysteries, or just a desire for musings from our knowledgeable cadre of writers, drop us a line at ask AAT joystiq DAWT com (and yes, we write it that way for a reason).Q: I might be going to Japan towards the end of the summer and might pick up some games or a system. If I get a system, how would that work when I bring it back to the states and log on-line for a Wii, PS3 or 360?? Would a Japanese Wii let me log in to only US servers or would I be able to download Japanese games from the marketplace. Same question applied to the other systems...-- iwantmymtvA: For the Wii, the region of the console corresponds to the region of the Wii Shop Channel -- Japanese systems will access the Japanese store, no matter where you plug them into the intertubes. You have to buy Wii Points that correspond to the system's region too, which means using a Japanese credit card or getting some Japanese Wii Points cards imported. [source]Any PS3 will play downloads from any region, but each PSN account is locked to a specific region when you create it. Luckily, it's relatively easy to set up "dummy accounts" for each region you want to buy content, as long as you have a credit card from that country. Be warned, though: there is a significant language barrier for navigating the Japanese store.Xbox Live users can also create dummy accounts to get around regional restrictions, but there are reports that Microsoft has been blocking downloads from accounts where this practice is detected. As always, let the international buyer beware.-Kyle Orland
Connect360 3.2 now streams DivX / Xvid for Mac
Connect360 -- software that allows gamers to stream video, music, and movies from their Mac to their 360 -- has been updated to accommodate the new codecs introduced in the recent Fall Update. In other words, Connect360 3.2 will allow anyone to stream DivX or Xvid right to their television. The full application will run you $20, though the update is free to existing users. We haven't tried it out ourselves, but our cantankerous controllers over at Joystiq claim that the app outperforms Microsoft's official Windows streaming. Anyone else out there care to testify?[Via Joystiq]
Connect360 patches video problems
Nullriver Software just brought their Mac-friendly Connect360 up to version 3.1, which fixes some issues had with streaming video after the (Northern Hemispherical) Spring Update. According to Alex Lovett of Nullriver, there was a rounding error on a floating point number that was inadvertently causing the wrong data to be output at random intervals. Either way, it's been addressed in the update and any of you who have been having issues with video streaming should have smooth sailing. All in all, how is the new video codec support treating you?[Thanks, bighitter]
Connect360 returns after being shut out by Dashboard update
Mac users using Nullriver's Connect360 software to stream content to their Xbox 360 got an unpleasant surprise after installing the most recent Dashboard update, which beefed-up their 360's capabilities but unceremoniously severed the link with their Macs. As is often the case with such things, however, the software's developers have been quick to respond, not only fixing the problem but throwing in a few updates for good measure. Most notably, Connnect360 now boasts support for H.264 and MPEG4 video streaming, and you'll also now be able to stream podcasts straight from iTunes. While the update is free for exisiting users, the software itself is not (setting you back $20) -- although until Microsoft decides to add some Mac support itself, it looks to be about your only option.[Via Arrogantics, thanks Zizzy]
Connect360 gets an update, works again
Apple owners rejoice, because your Connect360 is back and better than ever. If you recall, when the new Spring dashboard update rolled out Connect360 users soon found that their software didn't want to play nice anymore. But the Nullriver programmers got to work and just released Connect360 version 3.0 which is fully compatible with the Spring update. Not only does the program work again, but they've added H.264 and MPEG4 video support as well as iTunes podcast streaming. So, download Connect360 and try out the new podcast streaming feature using everyone's favorite Fancast. What? Just some shameless self promotion ...[Via Arrogantics, Thanks zizzy]
Connect360 having hiccups with latest update
It would appear that not everything about the latest spring update is all wine and roses. Application developer Nullriver is currently having to deal with the Spring Update with Connect360, the Mac solution to as according to tipster Rob Avery, checking your video shows your music, and there is an apparent 2000 viewing list limit. Either way, Nullriver is working on the problem and will have addressed the different nuances as soon as possible. Once everything is in place things should definitely look up for Mac users, as the addition of H.264 support is music to our ears. Apple based X3Fanboys, do you utilize Connect360?
