New Game World

Consumer Tech for April:

By: Susan Davis & Richard M. Sherwin

With the resurgence of video game play, your grandma is just as likely to be flinging a numb chuck as your toddler is learning her first mathematics through a challenging round of Leap Frog learning software. According to noted video game and technology analyst Len Wanger, approximately 70% of the U.S/North American population played video games last year, up from 60 % in 2006.

The research group NPD had even higher totals. Both surveys said among the people playing games, 58 % said they played online.

Wanger, told Newgameworld that the fastest growing segment of the video game market is the most mature and affluent demographic in the industry's 40 year history...with Tweens the second fastest growth demographic.

If you are somewhere in between that demographic, you might have noticed that your TV, especially if it's an HDTV, has become the focus of your family's game playing. In addition, the big TV makers, high end audio manufacturers and "elite" accessory providers are now labeling some of their wares as video game compatible... and have dedicated video game inputs, outputs and even special built-in technology for video games.

Two of the biggest TV makers and two of the earliest to capture and improve upon the video game experience (through console play or dedicated gaming sites) are Sharp and Panasonic, two companies who haven't hidden their desire to get the attention of video gamers.

Sharp's AQUOS LC-32GP3U-B is a dream come true for game players. This second generation LCD TV series is designed from the ground up to be optimized for all types of video game play. The unique Vyper Drive game mode eliminates any perceptible lag between the video game and the TV display. Side-mounted terminals provide easy connections to game consoles. This is definitely an improvement from even my late model AQUOS, whose input controls require me to be a circus performer to connect anything. A custom remote control includes an innovative "Game" button that quickly jumps into Vyper Drive and activates the assigned input for gaming. Subwoofer audio output allows active subwoofer connection for a strong bass sound and a more powerful gaming experience. Again, the company's commitment to expansion of video and audio connected products is seen as it has Five 1080p compatible terminals (3 HDMI™ inputs, 2 component) to ensure the images from your game console's 1080p outputs will be as clear as possible. Finally, the GP3U's incredible 6ms response time and 10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, combined with Full HD 1080p resolution provides superior picture quality.

And this line of TVs is also available for gamers in red: LC-32GP3U-R and white: LC-32GP3U-W.

Panasonic has two variations for high-end gamers or just great TV viewing. Model PT-AX200 is a projection system that we found excellent for watching sports events or playing video games in daylight conditions and surely for viewing movies in a dark room. Powerful 2,000-lumen brightness and new Light Harmonizer 2 technology make it easy for people to enjoy dynamic images even if they don't have a special theater room.

However, Panasonic's TH-42PZ80U 42" Class (41.6" Diagonal) Widescreen VIERA Plasma 1080p HDTV (with arguably the best New Anti-Reflective Filter on the market in our view) is also designed from the inside out for high end video pleasure. Its special Game Mode, Built-In SD Card Slot/GalleryPlayer Ready to View, 3 HDMI Inputs and VIERA Link HDAVI Control exceed almost any higher-end TV we've seen this season. The only downside to Panasonic's new lineup is that we wish it had these features on some its lower priced smaller screen units...since those units are still more popular in dens and second bedrooms.

Other more than honorable mention TV makers taking advantage of the video game business and proving it with gaming features are Westinghouse Digital, whose TVs have as many inputs designed for game play as some of the more famous makers, while Westinghouse Digital's dedicated (no tuner) HDTV-PC monitors...make this relatively new company a leader in any kind of video viewing. LG is due out soon with several models that enhance video game viewing and playing.

VIDEO GAMES, MP3s, INSTANT MESSAGING ALL-IN -ONE?

For a lot of video gamers, the action doesn't stop when they've left their den or living room and head towards work or school. Mobile telephony is now a fully...almost profitable...segment of the video game industry. For those gamers who want it all and don't want an overpriced IPhone, there are now several models from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon that are perfect for the handheld games available for download either by subscription or outright purchase for their devices.

Verizon's LG Voyager, has as good a touch key sensitivity as an IPhone....with lower cost and arguably a better resolution screen. While music managing, downloading and playing through the hard to use VCast music system is a bit challenging, the rest of the features, on this unit make it an ideal gaming handheld for the mobile phone set. The AT&T Palm-based Centro...a huge hit for teenagers but too small for "guys" hands...has decent SmartPhone features and enough multimedia functions that it's sort of a prep course for teenagers, who may use a more robust Smart phone in the future.

If you want to combine video game play on a mobile device and still have your so called SmartPhone applications in one device, Samsung's I761, AT&T's Tilt and Nokia's N810, while they may not standup as music players, all surpass IPhone in speed of access as well as content manipulation for business and pleasure.

In fact, while everyone is waiting for Verizon to release the long anticipated LG SmartPhone allegedly far superior in all aspects even to IPhone or Samsung i760...any of these devices are very good alternatives to the IPhone...especially for gamers.

DEDICATED DIGITAL PLAYERS

If you just want to listen to your MP3, view your favorite picture and movies and also don't want to drink the Apple Cool-aide, then there's several MP3-multiuse handhelds that many experts believe are better buys than the IPod. San Disk, whose flash drives are up to 8 gigs for a micro SD card...excellent for saving video game data or any digital data, use a similar high speed flash technology to produce three of the best MP3 players on the market. There best attributes is the fact that you can move your digital video, music and photos with ease using a number of software programs. The SanDisk Sansa View, Clip and Shaker models, all offer better value than the comparable IPods.

IT'S TIME AND NECESSARY TO ACCESSORIZE!

Since HD video and surround sound cables are often not included in the box with your PS3 (depending on the retailer), Monster's GameLink™ Component Video and Fiber Optic Digital Audio A/V Kit for PLAYSTATION 3 is really a nice trade up accessory from the game system's original equipment. This A/V kits offers:

- Nitrogen gas-injected dielectric insulator which maximizes video signal strength for the best possible picture.

- Extra low-loss optical fiber reduces digital "jitter" for clearer, more accurate game and movie sound.

- Heavy-duty dual-layer shielding for maximum rejection of EM and RF interference.

- 24k gold contact Turbine connectors for enhanced conductivity and maximum signal transfer.

If you just need an optical cable for the audio portion of your Blu-Ray DVD playback or intense game play then the Monster GameLink™ Fiber Optic Digital Audio Cable for PLAYSTATION 3 offers:

- Precision-polished fiber optic terminations for maximum digital signal transfer with higher accuracy. And if you've used one of the Wal-Mart specials and wonder why you're always connecting and re-connecting your optical cable, perhaps the extra $7 you saved for that cable wasn't worth it. This cable delivers explosive 5.1 and 7.1 digital surround sound. ...and again for many PS3 systems there are no surround sound cables included in the box with your PS3. The cable also has built-in InsuLight™ inner jacket which reduces performance-degrading internal reflections for more precise digital bitstream transfer.

And, after all you have invested in your game system and audio-video components, Monster has offered up its new Computer PowerCenter™ PC 800 RP with Surge Protection...and while nothing is 100% protected against power outages, flare-ups and surges, whether in an apartment or a private home or condo, this PowerCenter comes with a $25,000 Monster guaranteed connected equipment protection and lifetime warranty.

If you have an older TV or cable system which is providing only DVI cable connections, Monster's DVI400 Super-High Performance DVI-D Video Cable for HDTV Transmits full-bandwidth and uncompressed digital signal from a source to HD display using gas-injected dielectric for maximum signal strength and ultra-low loss, even over long runs. We used one with an older Sharp HDTV that has no HDMI and got great color and a very clear signal. If you need to connect your HDMI-based device to a DVI-based cable box, DVD player or TV then the Monster 400 for HDMI to DVI High Definition Digital Video Cable is your best bet. Belkin also makes a reliable cable that allows you to connect components with HDMI to DVI interfaces.

One of the more unique Power Strip surge protectors geared to the high end market, is the Tributary. Model T12 offers all the regular guarantees associated with the best surge protectors, but it's design allows you to rotate the outlets as much as 90 degrees. This flexibility is unbelievably convenient since many power adapters now take up enough room to fill half of the usual 8 outlets with only one device.

NEATENING UP THOSE WIRES/CABLES

Monster Cable-It is an ideal solution for neatening up virtually any home theater, home office, or home studio system. It lets users wrap up all their cables neatly, quickly, and easily. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, its EZ Cable Zipper tool automatically wraps Cable-It around the cables. Reusable, it can be easily cut to custom lengths with a pair of scissors. The large version holds 8-12 cables; medium holds 5-8, Small holds 3-5.

CONNECTING YOUR MP3 PLAYER TO YOUR TV?

Griffin, Belkin and Monster all make a version of some form of a TV-Link that let you watch your video content on your Zune, IPod and other multi-media and MP3 players. There are some knockoffs also coming on the market and to flea markets. The best way to make sure you are purchasing a audio-video link or cable that has enough shielding to prevent interference on your portable players is to make sure the say double shielding for maximum rejection of RFI and EMI.

MICROSOFT WIRELESS ENTERTAINMENT DESKTOP 7000

Comfort Keyboard / Rechargeable High Definition Laser Mouse

Microsoft, not known for wonderful accessories, has finally come up with a winner. The new ultra-thin WIRELESS ENTERTAINMENT DESKTOP 7000 lets you easily transition between work and fun in comfort. Want to leave your desk? The rechargeable mouse works with virtually no interference from up to 30 feet away. A battery status indicator flashes when batteries need recharging and it connects wirelessly right out of the box.

Mouse features: Click the scroll wheel button to instantly display your open windows, then point and click to select. Point and click to enlarge and edit detail using the Magnifier.

Keyboard features: Press the Windows Start Button to launch your Start menu and search your PC or the Web if you have Windows Vista installed. Place your hands naturally and work comfortably using the ergonomist-approved Comfort Curve design with quiet touch keys. One-touch and you can access weather information, news updates, traffic maps and slide shows of online photo albums. The Media Center Start Button offers one-touch access to Windows Media Center. The Windows Live Call Button lets you access your Windows Live Messenger buddy list, then select an Online Contact and start a video conversation. Media Controls allow you to easily navigate to next track, previous track, play, pause and volume control. Access the folders, files, and Web pages you use most with one-touch My Favorites Keys.

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=081

YOGGIE GATEKEEPER PICO SECURITY MINI-COMPUTER

Plug-in Security Hardware

Worried about viruses or hackers? How about the banking information that you keep on your laptop? Are you sure it's secure? If you're not worried, maybe you're in denial. Or maybe you already have Israeli security company Yoggie's tiny Gatekeeper Pico™ security mini-computer.

Billed as the 'next generation of Internet Security', it's a powerful USB key-size Linux-based 520 MHz computer with 12 built-in security applications. Designed to off-load installed security software from your PC, the plug-in Gatekeeper Pico replaces your security software, adds additional security features and, since your PC's resources are no longer dedicated to security tasks, all that security won't slow you down. Installation is quick easy. But be forewarned, a note in the packaging warns first time users that "The first time you install this product it will automatically download ALL relevant updates and may take up to 15 minutes, during which time you will be unable to use it." Oh well, after that, it really is quick and easy.

http://yoggie.com/pico-personal

LOGITECH diNovo Mini

Plug-in Security Hardware

Is it a make-up mirror? A blackberry? A new mobile phone? No, no and no, it's the cute little diNovo Mini cordless mini-keyboard you're holding in the palm of your hand. And with it, you're connecting your PC to your TV. Or downloading movies and watching them on your big screen. The first new accessory for the PlayStation 3....that doesn't take up much space....still takes a little time to get used to since the device doubles and triples as a remote for other devices...

Integrated, dual-purpose ClickPad: Use as a touch pad to point and click - or as a directional pad to navigate menus and make selections. Backlighting: Makes text entry effortless - even in low light. Two backlight colors tell you what mode you're in – orange for cursor mode, and green for media control mode.

Rechargeable Li-ion batteries: Last longer - up to one month between charges. Bluetooth 2.0: Enjoy long-range wireless control from up to 30 feet away. Requires a PC with Windows XP or Windows Vista and a USB Port. And, yes, it's officially PLAYSTATION3 compatible.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3848&cl=us,en

PINNACLE STUDIO MOVIEBOX ULTIMATE

Plug-in Security Hardware

The handy little Studio movieBox, billed as "Your Life in Movies. Transferred and Mastered," is one of the first fully HD compatible integrated hard and software packages. What it does is, it lets you control your video quality and style by pairing a high-speed USB 2.0 capture device with the Pinnacle Studio™ Plus video editing software. The device captures video from any analog or digital source. You can also output video to a VCR or analog camcorder. It really enables you to easily take advantage of the latest technologies. A spokeswoman says that Studio Plus is now easy enough for amateur users as the product has always been a staple of Pro-sumers for video editing and manipulation.

Capabilities include compatibility with the Windows Vista™ operating system, HD DVD and AVCHD format editing and disc authoring, hi-fi audio music generation, and automatic Web publishing. It includes BIAS Inc's SoundSoap™ audio cleaning tools, professional level special effects from ProDAD© VitaScene, precision Panning and Zooming with StageTool™ MovingPicture, and a ChromaKey green screen backdrop for easy-to-achieve professional results.

http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Home+Video/Studio+Family/Studio+MovieBox+Ultimate+version+11.htm

CyberLink DVD Suite 6

The Ultimate HD Playback and Creativity Software

DVD Suite 6 Ultra is for creating discs of your high-definition video content, editing videos automatically, and watching Blu-ray Discs and HD DVDs.

You can watch high-definition Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD movies, create high-definition videos quickly with Magic Editing Tools, produce videos to Blu-ray Discs and HD DVDs with high-def menus and backup and burn data securely to DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and HD DVDs. DVD Suite 6 lets you make the most of music and photos. You can make quick fixes with all kinds of photo tools, rip MP3 files from CDs and create music discs. You can design disc labels and CD cases from a library of high-definition images or your own picture collection. And you can fix backlighting and making color corrections, putting 5.1 Dolby Digital audio on your disc menus.

http://www.mdofpc.com/onlinestore/cyberlink-dvd-suite-ultra-full-download-p-1048368.html

BYTES AND PIECES/USERS BEWARE

While the gaming attributes of the now newly dead HD-DVD format promised better gaming activities than winner Blu-Ray format, Toshiba's HD-DVD model and LG's dual HD-DVD and Blu-Ray combo models, are still selling at Best Buy and Circuit City...Does somebody know something that we don't?

While the new Microsoft Zune 8 gigabyte edition seems to be one of the first MP3 players to challenge the IPod in style, performance and is actually selling a bit, there is a major downside. The Zune desktop software, trying to be "catchy" by mimicking some of the language of ITunes, has a very misleading reminder when you are removing songs from your computers collection. Instead of just removing the songs from your collection but keeping them in your computer for later use, the new instructions lead you to actually delete all those files from your computer, as well as from the Zune completely. Best choice for us in that category is still the Samsung P2. Its software is agnostic, meaning you can use almost any software to manage your music, and its own software is better than ITunes...

While nearly every TV maker has introduced some form of a slim bezel to improve sight lines for the hardware around their TVs, and many audio-video component makers have also designed their product finishes to be smoother and fit in better with living room feng shuei...for the average "Joe or Joan" this has added to the difficulty in finding the controls or input – outputs for your connections... Amazon's hot selling Kindle electronic book reader is in its second manufacturing cycle allegedly selling out in only a few months, and outselling Sony's Reader, but on a recent plane ride with many of the journalists and analysts, who have the device and have reviewed it, I got the sense that the "craze" was over with those aficionados and the unit was back on their laboratory or home office shelf...AOL users who use Macs with Leopard OS, are still operating at a disadvantage since the latest version of the AOL software for PC users is much improved...but that upgrade isn't ready for Mac users...and may not be for a while...

While the PlayStation 3 firmware upgrade slated for release this month has been delayed slightly, a preview for analysts of the service revealed some really cool features. The system is adding Blu-ray Disc/Profile 2.0 or BD-LIVE, enabling PS3 owners to experience interactive features, such as downloadable video content, ringtones, games, and more. In addition to BD-LIVE, the system software update (v. 2.20) will enable photo and music playlists on PS3 to be copied to the PSP handheld.