New Game World

Consumer Electonics Show Update

By Lee Danuff.

The 41st annual circus of circuits, AKA the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is about to begin, but the buzz already created in Las Vegas has commenced in full throttle. Even before the show began, most journalists predicted the quick demise of the HD-DVD.format, coming off the heels of the recent announcement of Warner Home Video's plans to release their DVDs in Blu-Ray. During the CES Press Day on Sunday, representatives from Toshiba, who support the HD-DVD format, stressed they would continue to back what they thought was the best format for the consumer. "We've been declared dead before," said Jodi Salley of Toshiba, "and in the end, it is a rich environment that matters." This environment incorporates a dual density compression format that promises an immersive experience with more intense exciting colors and animation.

In the world of television, thin is still in with manufacturers slimming their displays down this year to a mere 9mm thickness. Toshiba representatives also noted that this year black remains the "new black" 1080p is the new 720p, 120 Hz is the new 1080p, and real value can be found below $3000. This translates in that the 2008 lineup of high definition televisions will have richer colors, a better HD picture quality as well as give you a great bang for your buck. Toshiba, Panasonic, and Sharp all announced gaming modes for their high end televisions. Toshiba representatives noted that the gaming market is still a viable area since the 15 year old gamers from ten years ago are still going strong at 25. Their gaming mode in some Regza models promises to deliver faster gaming response to make sure that you won't have any delays during play. Sharp introduced the Aquos HDTV gaming TV designed specifically for the video game enthusiast, complete with a unique swivel stand for ultimate viewing and gaming flexibility and a specially designed remote that allows the user to "jump" into games easier. An incorporated Vyper Drive reduces the lag time between game and TV. Panasonic's Viera series also has Game Mode on many of its models which reduce lag time between the image on the screen and the player's response time.

Sharp showed off their Organic LEDs (OLED-organic light emitting diodes) TV's but said that the displays were not ready for prime time because it was difficult to produce, its life span is only 3-5 years and it just can't compete with the new generation of LCDs. However, Sony's Sir Howard Stringer announced the availability of their first North American OLED, an 11 inch $2500 TV that hit the stores this week. Sony stated that the screen has an amazing display quality, uses low power consumption and is extremely thin at 3mm.

Sony also announced a game mode for their W760 Walkman phone. The cell phone which incorporates a 2.2 inch screen features a motion sensor (via the flick of your wrist) complete with an accelerometer and 3D horizontal gaming with A/B button control. The phone will be available in the second quarter of 2008 for $99.

Other notable pre-show mentions were:

--Pyramat's Gaming Chair that wirelessly connects to a PC trough a built in wireless receiver. The chair also incorporates two speakers, a subwoofer, an input for mp3s and an armrest mounted mouse wheel and touch controls.

--Do you like playing Guitar Hero but want to learn how the big boys really play? Music Wizard will be offering software along with a device that connects to your electric or steel string acoustic guitar that show you, though the use of easy to understand icons, how to play actual songs on the guitar. The software resembles the online fretboard from Guitar Hero, but will show you how to strum each note of an actual song. Available in Fall 2008.

- Saitek's new flight simulator controllers called the Pro Flight Yoke System, Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant and their Flight Instrument Panel - an LCD screen designed to replicate the instruments in a real aircraft cockpit -- are also worth a look. The products were specifically designed for high end flight simulator players and are based on actual aircraft control. All come with programmable buttons and controls to heighten your "flying" experience. The company is also introducing their new line of Cyborg PC Gaming peripherals which they hope will whet the appetite of even the most avid PC gamers. Most notable, says the company, is the Cyborg Keyboad which features TruVu, tri-color illumination and is fully adjustable. It also has 12 programmable keys.