media
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Klegg Electronics goes big with its 40-inch, MCE-infused LCD TV
Klegg seems to be kicking it up a notch from the wee LCDs it's accustomed to producing, as the 40-inch KLM-4010 is more suited for your living room than your front pocket. While it's certainly not the first LCD TV to stuff MCE functionality into its confines, this brushed aluminum beast packs quite a laundry list of impressive specs. It boasts a 1000:1 contrast ratio, 500cd/m2 of brightness, 1,366 x 768 resolution, HDMI, a pair of DVI ports, component, S-Video, composite, digital audio output, and a built-in Hauppauage PVR-150 MCE tuner. Additionally, it rocks an Intel Pentium 4 3GHz 630 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce 6200 graphics card, dual-layer, slot-loading DVD burner, FireWire / USB 2.0 connectors, flash card reader, and dual seven-watt integrated speakers. This PC / TV hybrid touts the ability to download video directly from the internet and store it without the need for a separate HTPC, but unfortunately there's no (presumably high) pricetag or release details to ponder over.[Via CrunchGear]
Xbox 360 backup hack leads to surging dual-layer DVD+/-R sales
Although a lot has been said regarding the hackability of the Xbox 360, there's always a way if there's a will. Sure enough, the clever, engineering minds of the world finally figured out how to flash its firmware, create backup discs, and subsequently destroy any remaining warranty. While Microsoft certainly doesn't appear to be the beneficiary in this here scenario, someone's always there to catch the spoils of such widespread hackeration, and this time it's the dual-layer DVD manufacturers. As the hack has seemingly become quite the rage, companies such as CMC Magnetics and Ritek are seeing demand for their "dual-layer DVD±R discs" creep upward; coming off numerous months of sluggish sales, the outfits are pointing the finger at widespread availability of the Xbox 360 hack to explain the sudden resurgence in popularity. While "global DVD±R DL disc shipments are expected to reach 100 million in 2006," analysts are now expecting that number to "double" in 2007, so hopefully the cost of backin' it up will continue to become more affordable than ever (until Microsoft rolls out another fix, that is).
Sony exec admits PSP more about media than games
Dave Karraker, new PR head for Sony, was recently confronted by Gamasutra in a pretty intense interview. While it focuses mostly on the upcoming PLAYSTATION 3, Karraker had a few interesting things to say about the PSP:The PSP is doing incredibly well, and I think that you'll see even more interest behind it now that the PS3 is coming out, because the inner-connectivity between the two, I mean you saw the demo in terms of accessing your PS3 harddrive through your PSP. That's just the tip of the iceberg of what can be done with that... I'm not just talking about games, I'm talking about entertainment content as well. Already the TiVo-to-go option for the PSP is turning into a huge hit for us, as people discover that they can take the shows they've already stored on their TiVo and put it on their PSP and while they're riding the bus to work or to school, they can watch television shows on the PSP, I mean that's huge. You can't do that on anything else. So again, I think when you compare the two products, the Nintendo product versus our product, it's kind of apples and oranges. We're providing more of an entertainment system, and they're focused more on gaming.While the Nintendo fanboys may criticize Sony's approach to creating a media convergence machine, I highly applaud it. I do a lot more things than simply game on my handheld, as I have no desire to carry around a huge laptop to watch movies, listen to music, and use the internet.
PSP Media Manager 2 reviewed
Sony really dropped the ball early on in the PSP's life when there was no official media software available. However, Sony finally came through when they released the PSP's Media Manager, but like many other available software programs, it had problems, too. Well, Sony is giving it another shot with Media Manager 2, and CNET has had a chance to take it for spin.Positives The new interface is "pretty stylish and sleekly designed." Features XMB crossbar. Better access to system's multimedia capabilities. Ability to transfer word documents and view them in HTML. Negatives Most of the functionality is available in other freeware programs. Somewhat high system requirements. Can't transfer copy-protected DVD's or audio files. Won't encode at 368x208 size. Overall, CNET gave Media Manager 2 a 6.3 and said if you have a decent understanding of how to run a computer, you'll be better off with a third-party software, such as PSP Video 9. While it looks like Sony didn't do much better with its latest media software incarnation, its release really begs the question "Do we really need it at this point?" I manage to do all my file transfers and video encoding through freeware just fine, so I see no reason why anyone should spend the $17 to download the software or especially the $25 for the boxed version. But if you really feel the need to pick this up, you can buy it here.
PlayStation 3 media formats
The (unofficial) PlaystationTeam posts this list of media formats that are compatible with PlayStation 3: Blu-Ray (ROM, -R, -RE) DVD (ROM, -R, -RW, R, RW) CD (ROM, -R, -RW, Super Audio) MPEG-1 MPEG-2 (PS, TS) MPEG-4 SP MPEG-4 AVC/H.264. ATRAC AAC MP3 WAV JPEG GIF PNG TIFF BMP Aside from obvious disc differences, PS3 and PSP accept a near-identical list of formats (PSP is compatible with WMA files). It is disappointing that PS3 won't support some of the popular video codecs (e.g., XviD, DivX) out of the box, but if this Linux proposal comes together, then presumably, the compatibility list would grow.
The first combination HD DVD / Blu-ray media PC
So you've pondered the benefits of the two high-definition formats, HD DVD and Blu-ray, and you just can't make up your mind. AACS or AACS? 1080p or 1080p? Well forget building your own homebrew "combination" player or waiting for some manufacturer to build a combo laser or all-in-one disc, and head on over to your local specialty shop to pick up a VidaBox LUX or MAX, as the company has just announced a pair of upgraded combination HD DVD / Blu-ray systems with both formats inside! Having your cake and eating it too will cost you, though: $1629 over the regular $3499 price of the LUX and a grand total of $4399 for the MAX. Of course each version comes with the usual 1080p HDCP-capable outputs, dual analog and dual digital tuners, and up to 3TB of storage, but no word on whether they require two separate media player applications or not. So go hedge your bets, pick one of these bad boy media PCs up, and let us know how the two formats compare on the same hardware, will ya?
Windows Media Center support makes PSP an even better PMP
PSP fanboys know that the iPod can kiss our butts when it comes to being the best personal media player out there. Sure, the iPod outsells the PSP by a wide margin, but it lacks PSP's widescreen display, a crucial feature for any movie lover. Sure, the PSP was notorious for its unconvential naming scheme for videos, but ever since the 2.80 firmware upgrade, the PSP has been quite versatile in accepting iPod-formatted videos, no matter what they're named. Now, Sony's taken another step in beating Apple in the PMP game. Sony's newly updated Media Manager not only allows you to convert AVI, MOV, MP4, and WMV files for the PSP (something the free PSP Video 9 can handle quite well), but it'll convert Windows Media Center content, for those of you that use DVR on a Media Center PC.To quote our sister site PVR Wire: "If Microsoft is going to insist on using DVR-MS files, then it's nice to companies that don't include Windows software on their PMPs steeping up and making it easier to get DVR-MS files onto their devices. Sony's done it... Wouldn't it be nice if Apple followed suit?"[Via PVR Wire; Thanks, gregger!]
Arbitron's Portable People Meter bags FCC approval
We first caught wind of Arbitron's catchily and somewhat scarily-named Portable People Meter way back in April of last year, but it looks like it's now finally getting closer to reality, recently snagging that all-important FCC certification. The wearable/pocketable device, for those not up to speed, will supposedly monitor an individual's daily media diet, sending all the juicy details back to Arbitiron at the end of the day so they can crunch the numbers. It can't pick up every bit of content you consume, of course, just that from cooperating radio and TV stations, who are required to encode special signals into their programming -- but if it works as claimed, you can bet that more broadcasters will be quick to sign up. In addition to picking up listening/viewing information on the go, the Portable People Meter will also work in conjunction with docks/chargers that can be placed throughout the house, relaying information though the AC wiring and contacting Arbitron through your plain-old landline. And since few will understandably be willing to participate just for the fun of it, Arbirtron looks to be offering several incentives, including a basic rate of $5 per month just for participating, a one-time $100 bonus after 90 days, another $100 annual gift, and additional bonuses depending on how much you media you consume. Just don't plan on quitting your day job for some round-the-clock TV viewing -- it looks like the most you can earn for your excessive couch potatoing is an extra $2.50 per month.[Thanks, David]
Target gets ready for Wii mania
What's next, holiday merchandise? Oh, wait, that stuff's already up in many stores. Guess we shouldn't be too surprised then that some Target stores are setting aside space for the Wii despite the long (and sadly empty) weeks remaining until release day. Have you seen something similar at Target -- or any other store? Let us know! Take some pictures, tell a story, grab a video -- whatever works for you. Just be careful about taking pictures when and where it's not welcome. We wouldn't want you to have to throw down just for us.
FileBrowse - a media browser companion for Finder
Romain Guy at The Apple Blog has penned a nice walkthrough of an interesting new app called FileBrowse, which acts as more of a streamlined tool for media file browsing and manipulating tasks, as opposed to a full-fledged Finder replacement (cuz we all know how well that's going). FileBrowse makes use of subtle display and 3D elements to provide more information when rooting through folders of images, music and video. As you can see, it draws Windows XP-like thumbnails on folders of images, allowing one to peek at what's inside without actually having to crack it open. It also offers far more information (like metadata) when viewing items individually, and it even renders album artwork on music folders, along with video file previews, a unique visual grouping system, and more.FileBrowse looks like an interesting app, so check out Romain's walkthrough if you've been feeling the Finder is a bit lacking in these departments lately. At $25 though, it probably won't be for everyone, but it's nice to see some new file browsing tools that focus on a few things, and doing them well.
McDonalds brings "m-Venue" user-selected media to face stuffers
Today's discerning consumer can no longer be satisfied by a mere peel-and-win game on their box of fries, now it takes 10 flat-screen TVs and a sound system to keep those burger lovers coming back. McDonalds has started to roll out a new m-Venue system to franchisees, which provides music and videos to customers via text-messaging and WiFi. Users can select the video content they'd like burned into their retina by the in-store big screens via text message while they chow down on fries, and can purchase ringtones, video, wallpaper and games for download as well. This new effort definitely isn't the first attempt at getting customers into McDonalds for more than the meals, but positive reaction at pilot stores might mean this idea is a bit less ill-fated. [Via The Wireless Report]
Slingbox beta client coming for Mac OS X
If you're primarily a Mac user, you probably haven't heard much about Slingbox, largely in part because it's never had a Mac OS X client. Slingbox, for those interested, is a device that attaches to your home TV/cable/DVR setup and allows you to stream your TV programming over the internet, typically to a Windows PC or even some mobile phones - but soon, a Mac as well. Blake Krikorian, Sling Media's CEO, confirmed yesterday in an interview with the The Guardian that a beta Mac client was coming "this week" for Slingbox, though since it's already Friday even in the U.S., maybe Blake includes 'the weekend' when defining 'a week'.All joking aside, this is great news for Mac users, as the Slingbox has typically been in the ranks of those gadgets reserved for the elite Windows nerds who just gotta have their TV (don't forget, 'nerd' is technically preferred over 'geek' as a positive adjective). We'll keep you posted when an actual Slingbox client is launched. Thanks Dave ZatzUpdate: Dave Zatz just informed me that Sling Media's VP dropped him a line to say that Blake was misquoted by The Guardian. As it turns out, the private beta is live and well, but the public beta is still a month or so out.
Zune Marketplace to keep your Zune player stocked
The iPod had to move over (even if only a little today), and now it's turn for iTunes to move as well. Zune's software is, of course, called Zune, and it encompasses everything you'd expect from your standard single-shot media player, download, and management console. You've got the usual: genre exploration, top songs, albums, artists, new releases, featured stuff; they're definitely on the indie bend with this one, no doubt about it. The media manager will also handle photos, though, which is certainly a nice addition (and one less iApp for Microsoft to compete with). Microsoft's Zune Marketplace store will have a library of "millions of songs" in "many popular formats" (no word on what) will also, naturally, accept Microsoft Points so you can purchase without the use of a credit card. The Zune software will be able to import both iTunes and Windows Media Player files, but, of course, you won't be able to play those files that you already plunked a few dollars for from the iTunes Store (at least not yet). The Zune player itself comes with songs pre-loaded from various labels including DTS, EMI Music's Astralwerks Records, Virgin Records and others, but once you're bored of the standard stuff, you can wirelessly share songs, playlists or pictures between you and your friend's Zune. Shared songs can be fully played up to three times over three days and then can be flagged for purchase direct from the online store, but we still don't have prices yet. Microsoft is also bringing some all-you-can-eat love with a Zune Pass subscription, available a flat rate (again, we don't know how much) -- we're hungry to take it for a spin.Big version!
TUAW gets 15 seconds on CommandN
CommandN, the venerable podcast hosted by Amber MacArthur and Mike Lazazzera covering headlines, tips and other tech stuff, cited my Windows Vista is Boot Camp friendly post in episode #60 (iTMS link). They cover the issue with other headlines in the beginning of the show, and Mike catches Amber when feigning interest in trying out Vista on her Mac. Way to keep her on 'er toes, Mike, and thanks to CommandN for our 15 seconds!I, however, am feeling a bit more adventurous, and I have an 'Install Vista on your Intel Mac' how-to post in the works. Dan Pourhadi did Vista on his MBP back in June, but he had to go the nasty route by deleting his EFI partition which, in addition to causing other problems, impairs Boot Camp's ability to reclaim the Windows partition it creates for Mac OS X. I've managed to get this latest build installed cleanly through Boot Camp, and I assure you: no partitions were harmed in the installation of Vista on my MacBook Pro. My how-to post will offer some gotchas to look out for and tips to get things running as smoothly as possible. Stay tuned.
Elebits to have online bits?
Regardless of what we've heard about third-party titles not being online until 2007, Konami is saying that Elebits could very well ship with online capabilities. During Konami's recent Summer BBQ 2006 event in San Francisco last week, Denis Lee, who is the Group Marketing Manager at Konami, revealed that "the team is looking into online and trying to find out what the best kind of gameplay they can get into the game is and still make launch window. We're working on a few ideas, but we're not talking about online specifically."So Konami is looking at online gameplay for Elebits, but can't really comment on how it will be implemented. Co-op is a given, but what other kind of cool online gametypes would support the overall focus of the title? How about some time-based challenges?
Mainstream Madden Love
The insane popularity of the Madden series among general gaming public continues to garner mainstream media attention -- and meaningless holidays. Mayor John Street proclaimed August 22 a "Madden Holiday" in the City of Brotherly Love (I would have settled for parking ticket amnesty). Meanwhile, the Enquirer devoted a few days of coverage to the EA juggernaut. Next thing you know, the MSM will be blogging about video games.
More Red Steel media goodness
Following the recent impressive-yet-slightly-silly trailer for Red Steel, IGN has obtained a large quantity of artwork for the game. While the character models and environments have been criticized for being bland and graphically unimpressive, the art style of the game is undeniably beautiful. Well, I guess you could deny it. If you do so, however, please click here.Please do your best to ignore the ugly watermark.
Sony gets their 50GB dual-layer Blu-ray discs out the door
Well, they missed their June launch plans by a couple of months, but Sony has finally managed to ship their 50GB Blu-ray discs to a doting public. Just as expected, the discs are going for that $48 slap-in-the-face of a pricetag, and you'll still be better off buying a pair of 25 giggers, or a few DVDs if you're looking for price-per-gigabyte. But if you've gotsa have the latest and greatest, or just would like to find something nifty to do with that new Blu-ray drive of yours, it doesn't get much hotter than 2x 50GB discs with AccuCORE protection. Sony is still promising rewriteables for later in the year -- these discs are just write-once -- and we're guessing prices won't stay so lethal forever.[Via HD Beat]
Zune & its impact on PSP's identity crisis
Rocky Mountain News recently sat down with senior marketing manager and friend John Koller about the current state of the PSP, and how it faces an identity crisis. "We looked at (the PSP)... as a strong portable game system with multifunctional limbs... It's still a gaming system at its heart." The article notes that Sony wanted to highlight the games of the system first and foremost, and with an excellent library of launch games, the gaming critics and community at large embraced the handheld.However, with a lack of consistent high-profile original games for the system, many PSP users demanded the media functions of the system to be up to snuff. With the failure of UMDs, and cumbersome media restrictions, the PSP has failed to reinvent itself as a defining media platform as well: "The PSP consumer has turned out to be a different consumer in many ways than what we have targeted," Koller admits. By focusing on firmware upgrades, the upcoming GPS and camera peripherals, Sony has a chance to redefine itself. Some other highlights of the article include: As mentioned before, Sony is working on a DRM that can deliver video and music to the system. They are considering how to deliver content, whether it be through Connect, or even a third-party service. "Future iterations of the PSP are likely, Koller said, but Sony is counting on the current version to be around for 10 years, much like their consoles. Sony typically releases a new console about every five years, while continuing to support previous models for another five years." While Nintendo will be Sony's direct competitor, Microsoft's upcoming Zune appears to worry Sony. "I am assuming, we are assuming, that the Zune will eventually have game play," Koller predicts. He expects Zune to have "a huge impact" on the industry. [Thanks steve, Via Kotaku]
iChat Mobile: could this be the iPhone?
Alright boys and girls, WWDC is less than a week away, rumors are flying and now: so are the images. This 'iChat Mobile' device could exist only in Photoshop for all we and Engadget know, but the possibilities sound pretty delicious. If you let your imagination run wild for just a little bit, however, even that slogan can sound like something Apple would produce.Could this somehow tie into iChat itself, fulfilling so many of those VoIP + Leopard rumors that have been flying around? Might this also offer a true iTMS experience, packing iPod-nano sized memory, sans a song cap? Time will only tell if WWDC reveals anything about one of Apple's worst kept secrets as of late.Alright: let the speculation continue!
