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Sony's Prestige: The PlayStation 4's Unveiling Ushers in the Next-Generation of Console Gaming[teaser]Sony has shared details about the system's architecture, ease of development, online and social focus, DUALSHOCK 4 and PS 4 Eye, and a full slate of games.[/teaser] Sony's two hour presentation, dubbed 'PlayStation Meeting 2013' marked the first official unveiling of their new console, the PlayStation 4. Along with the flood of information that confirmed many rumors but dashed others was the absence of a few key details. Neither a date nor a price was mentioned, and Sony denied any visual of the actual console hardware beyond the controller and camera. Although Sony's showcasing of both the new social focus of the console, (players can use the share button to instantaneously record and share in-game footage) and the myriad of titles in store for the platform is understandable, however, one detail, the system's optical drive was hardly mentioned. Despite all the tech designed to allow players to play games and other content from the moment it begins downloading, the system will have a 6x speed Blu-ray drive. Full specs from Sony are available here. Much of what the PS4 is touting at the moment seems like a logical step forward for Sony. The system has a PC-like architecture to ease development and a dedicated CPU for background applications. The system also has a low-power state that allows the player to hop back instantly (like on a PSP or Vita). The controller is still a DualShock, but the ergonomics have changed, a Vita-like touchpad has been added to the front, and headset/mike jack are at the bottom, a monaural speaker is in the center, and as PS Move-like light sits at the front. Supplementing both PS Move functionality and the system's ability to let players share through Ustream is a dual camera PS Eye. The system will also support Remote Play through a PS Vita, with Sony stating that issues that have plagued PS3 Remote Play (both through the PSP and PS Vita) have been addressed. Sony hopes to have the majority of PS3 titles support Remote Play. Sony also briefly mentioned a desire and ability to integrate other touch screen devices, such as smart phones and tablets, into the system. The thorny issue of backwards compatibility was briefly addressed. Sony hopes to roll out in phases, backwards compatibility on the PS4 for the PS3, PS2, PS1, and PS Mobile titles. This is to be accomplished through Gakai streaming, just as Gakai will be central the new PSN's ability to allow instant access to software in the store. Games mentioned in the briefing include 'Knack,' 'Killzone: Shadow Fall,' 'Driveclub,' Jonathon Blow's 'The Witness,' 'Infamous: Second Son, an untitled 'Final Fantasy' title, 'Watch Dogs,' 'Diablo III,' and 'Destiny.' There were also technical demos from Quantic Dream, Square Enix, and Media Molecule. Source:PlayStation.BlogPosted Thu Feb 21, 2013 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
Prima Lets You Stream Movies Currently in Theaters at Higher than Blu-ray quality[teaser]Of course, the system is going to set you back a little bit - $35,000 for the player and $500 per film. [/teaser] As our own home theaters get more and more impressive, we start to dream of a day where going to the theater isn't the only way to see a brand new film. If you have the money to spare, that day is here. Prima Cinema allows you to watch the same movies playing at your local theater in the comfort of your home, and with impressive quality. You'll find a picture encoded at 10-bits instead of the usual eight, and 4:2:2 color instead of 4:2:0. Content downloads during the week and movies are ready to be watched when they launch in theaters on Friday. Of course, this kind of luxury doesn't come cheap. Prima Cinema will run you $35,000 while each film costs $500 for a 24-hour rental. Source: Big Picture Big SoundPosted Wed Feb 20, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Soundbar Sales Skyrocket in 2012[teaser]Compared to 2011, soundbars saw an 82 percent increase in sales at retail. [/teaser] More and more people are starting to embrace the need for improved sound instead of simply sticking with the speakers already present on their TV sets. Not all of them are buying full-on 7.1 channel systems though – an increasing number of people are spending on soundbars. Compared to the previous year, soundbar sales were up 82 percent in 2012. Fourth quarter 2012 compared to the same time period in 2011 is even more drastic, with a 126 percent increase. Quixel Research, which crunched the numbers for this report, counts variety and availability as prime sales motivators. Customers are free to get a cheap soundbar at Walmart, step up to something with a bit more quality and a subwoofer, or even spend on luxury sound. Source: TWICEPosted Wed Feb 20, 2013 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Vutec's New SilverStar SSX Screen is Shipping Now[teaser]The screen is made especially for rooms with high ambient light and even offers an optional LED edge-lighting system. [/teaser] There's a new screen on the market from Vutec and it's made to play nicely with multi-purpose rooms. You don't need a dedicated home theater to get the most out of the SilverStar SSX. "SilverStar SSX gives the perception of a modern appearance for today’s theater enthusiast," says marketing director Michael Palmisano. "With multi-purpose rooms becoming popular, SilverStar is a great solution for rooms with ambient light conditions offering 2D/ 3D video, vivid colors and an enhanced picture that exemplifies a true home theater." You can pick up the SilverStar SSX now in a variety of sizes and formats. There's also an option for LED edge lighting to give a bit of ambience to your theater. Source: Electronic HousePosted Tue Feb 19, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
LG Puts $655 Million Into OLED Mass Production[teaser]The company expects to be up to full production numbers in the first half of 2014. [/teaser] We've been waiting a long time now for OLED to hit the marketplace in any significant way and at this point it seems to be inevitable. The folks at LG have pumped over half a billion dollars into getting their manufacturing up to speed and expect to be pumping out a significant amount of OLED sets by early 2014. As far as exact numbers go, LG says they'll be able to handle around 26,000 input sheets, which translate to 156,000 55-inch TVs. Not a bad start to what could be a dominant technology not too far into the future. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Feb 19, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Vizio Co-Star Updated with Vudu and Amazon Streaming[teaser]The low cost Google TV finally has access to a pair of hotly demanded streaming options. [/teaser] Vizio set an impressively low price point for their Google TV set-top and while it's not always as up-to-date as the others, the company seems to be updating on a regular basis. The latest addition, and one that should please HD movie lovers, is Vudu. With Vudu, you can get streaming movies without having to sacrifice picture quality – something not common among streaming sources. The other new addition to the Co-Star is Amazon Instant Video, which gives Prime members access to a deep library of movies and TV shows. Vizio says to expect the update sometime over the next month. Source: EngadgetPosted Tue Feb 19, 2013 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
Bonus View Digest - February 15, 2012[teaser]Where does the time go? February is half over and the weather is starting to get a little warmer. Let's not jump to conclusions though. Warmer is a relative term here. Most of us are probably better off inside, next to our portable heater, reading The Bonus View. [/teaser] Monster Madness Since Sundance is officially over now, we can get back to the business of killing off monsters in order to find the supreme ruler of them all. Remember to vote! Below are the matchups we had this week: The Mummy vs. Swamp Thing – Cthulhu vs. Graboid Killer Birds vs. Killer Tomatoes – Kraken vs. Blob Blu-ray News In case you didn't know 'Skyfall' hit Blu-ray this week, let me refresh your memory. 'Skyfall' hit Blu-ray this week. There. If you find yourself in the "I Hate 'Skyfall' So Much I Want to Scream," club, then take a look at Josh's Blu-ray Highlights column this week to see if there are any other releases that tickle your fancy. Into collector cases? Well, this week on Full Metal Jackets we cover the impending release of the Steelbook for the 25th anniversary release of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' We also took some time to take a look at the killer new giftset Blu-ray release of 'The Walking Dead: Season 3.' Zombie heads in an aquarium anyone? Theatrical News The biggest opening this week was for the newest 'Die Hard' movie, 'A Good Day to Die Hard.' Bryan liked it, but there are plenty on the "Hated it," side also. What side are you on? We also have a review for a little-known film called 'Bless Me, Ultima' if you're interested in what might be opening in your local art house cinema. TV Recaps So, 'The Walking Dead' returned to television. Does anyone still care? In case you do, Aaron recapped the 9th episode of the 3rd season for you. We also have a recap for 'Community.' Special Features The Weekend Roundtable last week was an extremely interesting topic. We discussed famous last movies from actors and directors. What are some film titles that come to mind when you think about that? The Mid-Week Poll appealed to people's varying degrees of OCD. In a Blu-ray Combo Pack, which side of the package do you like the Blu-ray to be? Vote now. Thanks for joining us for another week of tremendous high-def hilarity. Here's to warmer weather and better movies!Posted Fri Feb 15, 2013 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Intel's Internet Based TV Project Confirmed and Launching This Year[teaser]Intel plans to succeed in doing something that no one else has been able to pull off. [/teaser] Though there's little to no supply currently, the demand for an alternative to traditional cable and satellite offerings is high. There have been attempts from companies like Microsoft to get an internet based service going and they've fallen flat every time. Despite that, Intel is aiming for the sky. "We have been working for around a year now to setup Intel Media -- it's a new division that includes a lot of people from outside of the company," says Intel GM Erik Huggers. "It's an over-the-top service, delivering network channels, pay-TV channels, catch-up television, on-demand, and a host of applications." Intel isn't doing an a la carte service, but Huggers did say that we can expect to see more customizable bundles. There was no word on an exact launch date, but Intel is planning on debuting the service this year. Source: EngadgetPosted Wed Feb 13, 2013 at 11:58 AM PST by: -
Theta Digital Releases a $4,000 3D Blu-ray Player[teaser]The company says that the Compli Blu 3D will give you 100 percent color accuracy, premium video quality and pure digital audio output. [/teaser] Some people have a hard time swallowing the cost of higher end Blu-ray players while others settle only for the top of the line. Theta's new player is definitely not for those who want to stay in a lower price range, coming in at $3,995. For that price, it offers features like Marvell Qdeo video processing and ultimate color accuracy. You'll find a 16-gage steel chassis and a custom aluminum front for impressive sturdiness and, unlike most high-end products we see, a Wi-Fi adapter and the ability to stream from Netflix, Pandora and Vudu. Audio is where the Compli Blu might surprise you. Your only option for output is digital. The Compli Blu doesn't have any DACs because, as Theta's chief engineer Dave Reich puts it, "It’s simply impossible to build a DAC into a disc player that can compare with the finest outboard units." He says that they could waste money and raise the cost of the unit by including a DAC, but that it'll never compare to separate components. Source: Electronic HousePosted Wed Feb 13, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Sonos Launches a Soundbar for Wireless Multi-Room Audio[teaser]You’ll find three tweeters and six mids for a total of nine drivers in all. [/teaser] The folks at Sonos are known for one thing – whole home wireless audio. Everything they make is designed to let you listen to the music you want to, no matter where you are in your house. The new Playbar soundbar is a further extension of that which provides sound in a way that Sonos products previously didn’t. Sonos has packed three tweeters and six midrange drivers into the Playbar, each of which is driven individually. You can control the volume via your TV remote or through the iPhone and Android Sonos apps. The Playbar runs $699 and will be available in March. Source: TWICEPosted Tue Feb 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by:
