Is PlayStation 3 a bargain at $599?; 2K Football back?

I'm still not sure if Nintendo's sharp little Wii unit is a fad or not, but initial sales are through the roof. If I was Nintendo I'd be readying an HD-Wii that could get closer to XBox 360 and PS3 for processing power while still delivering the fun quotient brought forth by the Wii-mote.

I think we'll see similar remote control devices and games from Microsoft and Sony (whose current controller will detect up and down and side to side motion already), which is hurting because of the high costs of launching such an expensive video game system. This week, Sony said the PS3 was chiefly to blame for a five percent dip in net profit for the final three months of 2006.

"Startup costs are high, and the losses (in the gaming division) will continue for some time," Chief Financial Officer Nobuyuki Oneda told reporters.

I think Sony will recover. It's going to probably have to drop prices a little but I think people will begin to see there's a bargain to be had with PS3.

It does so much more than just play games. It's a true machine that can be the hub of your entertainment network. I've been playing around with the unit quite a bit recently, using it to read photos from memory cards, CDs and even those little USB thumb drives. I can save them to the PS3 hard drive seamlessly. You can even browse the internet on your big screen, which is kind of cool.

The PS3 will also play DVDs and CDs and Super Audio CDs, which provide better sound like regular versions. But best of all, the PS3 will play Blu-Ray DVDs, giving viewers a true high definition experience via DVD. The PS3 will output in 1080p, which is the highest resolution possible. Most TVs today can't render it but you can see the difference in quality. Blu-Ray discs look better than over-the-air HD, which before now, was the king daddy of HDTV.

Sony recently released a $20 bluetooth remote controller that is simple to pair with the PS3 and makes operating the DVD and CD functions much easier than using the game remote. Now the PS3 won't upconvert movies (at least best I can tell) but that's not the worst thing in the world and you can't change resolutions at the touch of the button, but for what's you're getting, I think it's a nice package.

So if you consider a Blu-Ray DVD player can cost as much as $1,500 alone, maybe ol' PS3 -- for those interested in such things -- is looking like a better bargain. Now if you're buying strictly to beat your buddies online in Madden, well, it's still an awfully expensive game machine.

2K FOOTBALL COMING SOON

It looks like cult favorite 2K Football is coming back, three years after Electronic Arts signed an exclusive deal with the NFL that knocked the title off store shelves.

EA's agreement made Madden the only licensed NFL game. When that happened Sega sold Visual Concepts, the studio that made 2K, to Take-Two Interactive. Take-Two started 2K Sports and released hockey, baseball and pro basketball titles.

Visual Concepts now is ready to get back into football, president Greg Thomas told the GameSpot website. Look for All-Pro Football 2K8 on next generation video game systems this summer.

Thomas is tight on details but rumors floating say the game will feature former pro players, though that would require 2K to sign licensing agreements with every old player featured. It could work, though, and might be better than generic players. I'm sure some gamers would rather use generic players and assign them real-life names and numbers on their own.

We'll see what happens. Bottom line, Madden will have some competition this fall and I know a lot of gamers out there are loving that fact.

Planning to try Vista, let me know how it goes

You going to try Vista today?

I'm on the fence about trying Microsoft's new operating system. I ran the company's diagnostic tool last week to see if my Dell laptop had enough horsepower to handle the complex new program. It does and now I'm in a quandry.

I want the new promised speed and security, but my setup -- while sometimes a bit, um, "cloggy" -- works well. XP is the most reliable version of Windows I've ever tried.

So I'm watching Billy Gates on the Today show and he's talking about how Vista is so secure, how I can keep tabs on what the kids are doing, how the internet is going to revolutionize TV and I'm darn near ready to go to CompUSA and pull out the Visa Gold.

But then I get an email from David Milman, founder of RescueCom, an independent national computer reapir and technology company.

Milman says I should not buy Vista and neither should you. Not right now.

He says we should wait for the glitches to be worked out. Gates said the product was tested by five million people and is ready to roll.

"While the hype surrounding Vista is in many ways justified, we are urging the tens of thousands of businesses and home computer users we service to take a wait and see approach," Milman said. "Sometimes the latest is not necessarily the greatest and we'd hate some minor glitch to result in major headaches for our customers or anyone else."

Milman says we should wait six months before we jump headfirst into Vista.

"Allow the early users to discover the flaws and weaknesses and allow Microsoft to perfect this exciting product before blindly and enthusiastically placing your computers and your data in its care," Milman said.

I'm still on the fence, but if any of you jump in, please let me know how it goes for you.

Midway Readies First Person Shooter for PC/Next Gen Consoles

Midway Games Inc. announced BlackSite: Area 51, an action packed, first person shooter experience which pits gamers against alien enemy forces using the infamous U.S. government landmark, Area 51, and the surrounding areas as the battlefield backdrop. BlackSite: Area 51 is currently in development for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft PCs.

The game is set in present day and players take the role of a decorated military veteran charged by the government to lead a squadron of “secret soldiers,” each with his/her own specialty skill set, into the Rachel, Nevada area to fight off the invasion of unidentified enemy races.

Countdown To Super Bowl Online

Beginning Wednesday, CBSsportsline.com will present a 30-minute Super Bowl pregame show shot on location in Miami.

"Countdown to Super Bowl" will be hosted by eight-year NFL veteran and CBS Sports reporter Spencer Tillman, former NFL personnel executive and now NFL.com analyst Pat Kirwan and former NFL General Manager and now part of The NFL Today on CBS Sports, Charley Casserly.

The show, which will appear online daily no later than 6 p.m., will feature the latest news, interviews and expert analysis surrounding Super Bowl XLI, including special guests such as Hall of Fame quarterback and analyst for The NFL Today on CBS Dan Marino, Hall of Fame running back and Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl IX Franco Harris, Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, former All-Pro tight end and analyst for The NFL Today on CBS Shannon Sharpe and "Mercury" Morris, the starting running back for the historic 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins.

Daily Schedule of Guests on "Cadillac Countdown to Super Bowl"

Wednesday, January 31st
Former All-Pro tight end and analyst for The NFL Today on CBS Shannon Sharpe; The starting running back for the historic 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins, "Mercury" Morris

Thursday, February 1st
Hall of Fame quarterback and analyst for The NFL Today on CBS Dan Marino; Hall of Fame running back and Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl IX Franco Harris

Friday, February 2nd
Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon
New York Giants LB Antonio Pierce
Baltimore Ravens LB Bart Scott

Saturday, February 3rd
Buffalo Bills WR Lee Evans
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt
Boxers Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Complete PGA Tour Season In HD

The PGA Tour announced that all broadcast network coverage in 2007 will be presented in high definition for the first time, beginning with last weekend's coverage of the Buick Invitational on CBS.

Under the new six-year deals, tour network partners CBS and NBC will provide exclusive weekend broadcast network coverage and will telecast all of their coverage during the inaugural FedExCup points competition in high definition. In addition, all live early-round Golf Channel coverage for these events will be simulcast on the new Versus Golf HD Channel. In total, 29 PGA TOUR events and approximately 440 hours of action will be broadcast in high definition by the three television partners.

“Golf is the ideal subject for showcasing the power of the HD format. It enhances the viewing experience more for the PGA Tour than for any other sport,” said Gil Kerr, Senior Vice President of Broadcasting, Programming and Productions for the PGA Tour. “One of the most attractive aspects of the game to our viewers is the spectacular places we play – the famous 7th hole at Pebble Beach, the majestic beauty of Amen Corner and the water-lined closing holes at The Player's Championship.

"Golf is not simply about players playing each other; it is about players battling the course. HDTV will capture the challenge of every course like never before – whether it’s a towering drive on a driveable Par 4, a buried lie in a greenside bunker or a tee shot on a windy day at the famous island green at TPC Sawgrass.”

Dubya In HD on HD Net Tuesday

Cable network HD Net will provide live HDTV coverage of President Bush's state of the union address Tuesday at 8 p.m.

The coverage, hosted by Dan Rather, will include the Democratic response to the President’s Address and an interview with Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards.

Immediately following the Democratic response, the network will go to
Dallas, Texas, where HDNet World Report Chief Correspondent Greg Dobbs will lead a spirited discussion among Americans with varied personal and political viewpoints.

Play 3D Golf In Real Time With Live TV

Some of the coolest technology I've heard of lately is the new Golf Launchpad/XTV Experience, which allows users to play along with their favorite golfers during televised tournaments.

While watching a PGA tour event on television, viewers can use the Golf Launchpad/XTV Experience to virtually play and compete with their own clubs, on the same course, at the same time – and all from the comfort of their own home.

XTV Ready is plug-and-play software that makes DVRs the center of the home entertainment network by simplifying content transfer. It enables subscribers to download content securely to a variety of CE devices – such as a game console – using a USB port on the set-top box. With XTV Ready, subscribers can enjoy a wider range of services while operators increase revenues for better ROI on their content.

By connecting the XTV Ready DVR to Golf Launchpad, together these companies have created an entirely new gaming experience.

Golf Launchpad/XTV Experience will be available in June of 2007 from local cable and satellite TV providers.

Epson Projectors Hope To Make Big-Screen TV easier

The Epson MovieMate 30/33 ($999) is ta projector video and music player combo that delivers a cinematic, big-screen experience, high quality audio and easy setup for use in a variety of locations.

Epson MovieMate comes with everything viewers need to create an instant home theater: a projector with superior LCD picture quality; an integrated JVC DVD/CD player that reads multiple video, audio and photo formats; sound by JVC, with built-in stereo speakers and illuminated remote control.

Just plug in a power cord to easily enjoy widescreen movies, video games, sports, digital photos and music CDs anytime - and in virtually any location.

Epson's Home Cinema 400 ($1,599) is designed for professional home theater and AV enthusiasts. Its 16:9 wide panel format features Epson's 3LCD micro display projection technology for superior color quality and video performance. The projector is a premium, yet economical HD front projector, which includes 720p native resolution, 5000:1 contrast ratio, and brightness up to 1500 ANSI lumens. The PowerLite Cinema 400 ensures a true high definition experience, with advanced video processing and maximum installation flexibility.

Local Gamer Wins Madden Challenge

The best Madden gamer in the Charlotte region, at least this year, is Brian Armstrong of Charlotte. Armstrong won the Madden Challenge regional tournament in Charlotte this month and has advanced to the Madden Challenge finals.

The finals take place during Pro Bowl week next month in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Armstrong will compete for $100,000 grand prize.

Armstrong is one of 31 regional and international winners to advance to the finals.


“Gears of War” Juggernaut Tops 3 Million Units Sold

Xbox 360 stalwart Gears of War has gone triple platinum, reaching the 3 million-units-sold milestone in just 10 weeks on store shelves, ending 2006 as the top-selling game among all platforms during December.

Gears is the fastest-selling title of 2006 and the fastest-selling original exclusive Xbox game of all time.

Since the downloadable content’s release via Xbox Live Marketplace less than two weeks ago, the new maps have garnered an astounding 750,000 downloads. There have been more than 1.5 million total downloads of all “Gears of War” content currently available via Marketplace.

Not just a gaming sensation, the acclaimed “Gears of War: Mad World” cinematic trailer was featured in Advertising Age’s Book of Tens as one of the top creative concepts of 2006. With more than 2.4 million views of the trailer online, the campaign has inspired not only tremendous sales, but also a number of hilarious parody videos currently circulating around the Internet.

Crackdown Goes Gold

Microsoft Game Studios announced that the highly anticipated action title Crackdown has gone gold. From developer Realtime Worlds and the mind of acclaimed creator Dave Jones, Crackdown hits store shelves Feb. 20. Price is $59.99.

The game offers gamers the opportunity to take down the gangs of Pacific City in a massive, single-player campaign or with a friend over the title’s cooperative mode via Xbox Live.

“The excitement for ‘Crackdown’ is evident through the significant number of pre-orders and affirms the continued Xbox 360 momentum in 2007,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing in the Interactive Entertainment Business Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft Corp.

Those gamers anxious to get an early glimpse at the title will be able to enjoy the Crackdown demo available through Xbox Live Marketplace this month. And, as previously announced, Crackdown fans will be offered a special bonus with the purchase of each specially marked copy: access to the coveted Halo 3 multiplayer beta program.*

Bible Society Survey Says You Want Less Violent Games

A recent study by the American Bible Socity and the American Bible Society First Amendment Poll shows that a small majority of video game consumers want less violent video games.

Imagine that.

A total of 9,095 people were polled recently by Zogby International and The American Bible Society, one of America’s leading authorities on the Holy Scriptures, and 51% of those polled felt that the entertainment world should develop games containing positive messages and even refer to God and the Bible.

The study entitled “What Is More Offensive On Television: Religion Or Sex And Violence?” proved that 21% of Americans felt that future programs should be free of sex and murder. Of those polled, 83% said they are not offended by references to God or the Bible on network television.

Atomic Tank For Xbox Live Easy and Fun

PopCap Games has released Heavy Weapon on Xbox Live Arcade on the Xbox 360. The new version features new multiplayer Mission and Survival modes, as well as an all-new “Boss Rush” mode, leader boards, high-definition graphics and other features and is available exclusively on Xbox Live Arcade. Available now for 800 Microsoft Points, Heavy Weapon can be played in trial mode prior to purchase.

“Our goal with Heavy Weapon was to make a game in the vein of the old collaborative-style arcade games like Ikari Warriors, where you and a friend could play together as a team, just enjoying the visceral sensation of blowing lots of stuff up,” said Jason Kapalka, Chief Creative Officer at PopCap. “We spent a lot of time revamping Heavy Weapon for Xbox Live Arcade, and I think it shows; the game plays and looks better, and works beautifully with the Xbox 360 controller. We haven’t been able to stop playing the beta version here in our offices, so it should be well received by the XBLA masses!”

A quick review shows the game is simply to play and pretty to look at. It's a side-scrolling game, which seemed a bit too much of an old-school throwback, but the missions are simple: eliminate the enemy which attacks you in tanks, jeeps, fighter jets and helicopters.

There are 19 missions into several countries and six secret weapons. Be sure you find them before your enemy does or, well, you'll see.

By nature, it's violent but the multiplayer modes make it fun to go off and play new friends from all over. I'd rate it a solid B.

El Matador On Gamer's Gate

Gamers Gate announced "El Matador" ($19.99) is available on its digital platform. The game gives players a chance to become "El Matador", a DEA special agent tasked with taking down the drug barons.

A new narcotics cartel is rising across Central and South America, sharpening its claws and extending its reach. Locate the encampments, infiltrate the headquarters, and put an end to the cartel's influence. In a tale of corruption, revenge and morality, the mission brief is simple: Eliminate the threat – Ultimate justice, "El Matador" style.

Game features include:
- Hard-hitting, movie-style storyline
- Huge arsenal of realistic weapons
- Diverse South American settings, from lush jungle to mansions and harbours- Real physics, interactive environments and destructible objects- Gang members, clan bosses, kingpins, and many more villainous enemies- Atmospheric engine animations bring the scenery to life

Big Brother Game Now Available For Your Cellie

If you've been dying to play CBS' "Big Brother" on your mobile phone, now is your chance. The game, which will allow you to play with your favorite house guests from the show, is available for download at botme.com for $2.99.

In this action game, players take on the role of an uninvited visitor
and go on a mission to explore a model of the Big Brother house and
set up spy cameras. If players are caught by one of the
simulated house guests then they will be punished and must either clean
the virtual toilet or do the dishes and then they will be kicked out of
the Big Brother model house.

Elder Scross IV Expansion Upcoming

Bethesda Softworks has confirmed the upcoming release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles, the official expansion for the award-winning The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Shivering Isles will be released for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows this Spring. Details are presented in the exclusive cover story for Official Xbox Magazine’s (US) February issue, which hits newsstands this week.

Shivering Isles features more than 30 hours of new gameplay and allows you to explore an entirely new plane of Oblivion – the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. Shivering Isles adds to the existing world of Oblivion so you can continue playing with your existing save game/character, or create an all new character just to explore the new content.

GAMETAP LAUNCHES NEW WORLD FOR “MYST”

In preparation of the highly anticipated early 2007 release of “Myst Online: Uru Live”, GameTap will release a new area of the city and a never-before-seen Age Friday, January 19.

GameTap, an entertainment television network, also announced that a Macintosh compatible version of Myst Online is in active development and will bring the world of Uru to Macintosh users for the first time.

The “Myst Online: Uru Live” preview storyline continues to build with last week’s introduction of Cate Alexander. Cate’s appearance has had a significant effect on the D’ni Restoration Council (DRC) and the cavern restoration effort as a whole, as evidenced by the recent opening of several city areas. That pattern continues with the opening of more city areas, including the Great Zero, and the restoration of an all-new Age, which explorers can visit for the first time ever.

NCAA March Madness Ships

NCAA March Madness 07 features Adam Morrison of the NBA Charlotte Bobcats on its cover and is available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation2 .

This year the home crowd will have more of an effect on the game, like in real life, and players will become effected by the pressure or pumped up by the intensity.

The all-new Intensity Control that changes momentum by allowing you to pump up the crowd, motivate your teammates, raise your own composure or even intimidate your opponent. Plus, become immersed like never before by interacting with student sections, school mascots, cheerleaders, and even the band.

The game offers custom playbooks for each team through the Floor General Playcalling system, the EA SPORTS Lockdown Stick that allows your players to pressure the ball, force turnovers and pester opponents on the court, and an enhanced Dynasty Mode with new School Pride and Recruiting features that let you build your school into a national powerhouse.

The game features 325 Division I universities and colleges and the popular voices of college basketball with ESPN’s Dick Vitale and Brad Nessler calling the action courtside.

Bible Society Survey Says You Want Less Violent Games

A recent study by the American Bible Socity and the American Bible Society First Amendment Poll shows that a small majority of video game consumers want less violent video games.

Imagine that.

A total of 9,095 people were polled recently by Zogby International and The American Bible Society, one of America’s leading authorities on the Holy Scriptures, and 51% of those polled felt that the entertainment world should develop games containing positive messages and even refer to God and the Bible.

The study entitled “What Is More Offensive On Television: Religion Or Sex And Violence?” proved that 21% of Americans felt that future programs should be free of sex and murder. Of those polled, 83% said they are not offended by references to God or the Bible on network television.

Atomic Tank For Xbox Live Easy and Fun

PopCap Games has released Heavy Weapon on Xbox Live Arcade on the Xbox 360. The new version features new multiplayer Mission and Survival modes, as well as an all-new “Boss Rush” mode, leader boards, high-definition graphics and other features and is available exclusively on Xbox Live Arcade. Available now for 800 Microsoft Points, Heavy Weapon can be played in trial mode prior to purchase.

“Our goal with Heavy Weapon was to make a game in the vein of the old collaborative-style arcade games like Ikari Warriors, where you and a friend could play together as a team, just enjoying the visceral sensation of blowing lots of stuff up,” said Jason Kapalka, Chief Creative Officer at PopCap. “We spent a lot of time revamping Heavy Weapon for Xbox Live Arcade, and I think it shows; the game plays and looks better, and works beautifully with the Xbox 360 controller. We haven’t been able to stop playing the beta version here in our offices, so it should be well received by the XBLA masses!”

A quick review shows the game is simply to play and pretty to look at. It's a side-scrolling game, which seemed a bit too much of an old-school throwback, but the missions are simple: eliminate the enemy which attacks you in tanks, jeeps, fighter jets and helicopters.

There are 19 missions into several countries and six secret weapons. Be sure you find them before your enemy does or, well, you'll see.

By nature, it's violent but the multiplayer modes make it fun to go off and play new friends from all over. I'd rate it a solid B.

El Matador On Gamer's Gate

Gamers Gate announced "El Matador" ($19.99) is available on its digital platform. The game gives players a chance to become "El Matador", a DEA special agent tasked with taking down the drug barons.

A new narcotics cartel is rising across Central and South America, sharpening its claws and extending its reach. Locate the encampments, infiltrate the headquarters, and put an end to the cartel's influence. In a tale of corruption, revenge and morality, the mission brief is simple: Eliminate the threat – Ultimate justice, "El Matador" style.

Game features include:
- Hard-hitting, movie-style storyline
- Huge arsenal of realistic weapons
- Diverse South American settings, from lush jungle to mansions and harbours- Real physics, interactive environments and destructible objects- Gang members, clan bosses, kingpins, and many more villainous enemies- Atmospheric engine animations bring the scenery to life

Big Brother Game Now Available For Your Cellie

If you've been dying to play CBS' "Big Brother" on your mobile phone, now is your chance. The game, which will allow you to play with your favorite house guests from the show, is available for download at botme.com for $2.99.

In this action game, players take on the role of an uninvited visitor
and go on a mission to explore a model of the Big Brother house and
set up spy cameras. If players are caught by one of the
simulated house guests then they will be punished and must either clean
the virtual toilet or do the dishes and then they will be kicked out of
the Big Brother model house.

Elder Scross IV Expansion Upcoming

Bethesda Softworks has confirmed the upcoming release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles, the official expansion for the award-winning The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Shivering Isles will be released for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows this Spring. Details are presented in the exclusive cover story for Official Xbox Magazine’s (US) February issue, which hits newsstands this week.

Shivering Isles features more than 30 hours of new gameplay and allows you to explore an entirely new plane of Oblivion – the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. Shivering Isles adds to the existing world of Oblivion so you can continue playing with your existing save game/character, or create an all new character just to explore the new content.

GAMETAP LAUNCHES NEW WORLD FOR “MYST”

In preparation of the highly anticipated early 2007 release of “Myst Online: Uru Live”, GameTap will release a new area of the city and a never-before-seen Age Friday, January 19.

GameTap, an entertainment television network, also announced that a Macintosh compatible version of Myst Online is in active development and will bring the world of Uru to Macintosh users for the first time.

The “Myst Online: Uru Live” preview storyline continues to build with last week’s introduction of Cate Alexander. Cate’s appearance has had a significant effect on the D’ni Restoration Council (DRC) and the cavern restoration effort as a whole, as evidenced by the recent opening of several city areas. That pattern continues with the opening of more city areas, including the Great Zero, and the restoration of an all-new Age, which explorers can visit for the first time ever.

NCAA March Madness Ships

NCAA March Madness 07 features Adam Morrison of the NBA Charlotte Bobcats on its cover and is available on Xbox 360 and PlayStation2 .

This year the home crowd will have more of an effect on the game, like in real life, and players will become effected by the pressure or pumped up by the intensity.

The all-new Intensity Control that changes momentum by allowing you to pump up the crowd, motivate your teammates, raise your own composure or even intimidate your opponent. Plus, become immersed like never before by interacting with student sections, school mascots, cheerleaders, and even the band.

The game offers custom playbooks for each team through the Floor General Playcalling system, the EA SPORTS Lockdown Stick that allows your players to pressure the ball, force turnovers and pester opponents on the court, and an enhanced Dynasty Mode with new School Pride and Recruiting features that let you build your school into a national powerhouse.

The game features 325 Division I universities and colleges and the popular voices of college basketball with ESPN’s Dick Vitale and Brad Nessler calling the action courtside.

Get Your Hi-Def Fix In Every Room Of The House

OK, so you've got your Hi-Def TV and you're amazed at just how sharp Jack Bauer looks on Fox's "24" or how you can see every single inch of makeup of the faces of the anchors of "Good Morning America."

Now, you just want your HDTV fix in more places.

Avocent Corporation has what it's calling the industry's first wireless high-definition media extender providing both wired and wireless connectivity in one product.

This is a cool emerging technology that's going to have good uses in the future. Right now, it seems a bit pricey for the average consumer and you must have multiple hi-def sources (computers, TVs) to make use of the technology, but being able to only rent on HD-Box from DirecTV or DISH or Time Warner cable might prove to be a cost-saving option for some people, or even being able to start watching a broadcast in the den and finish in the bedroom, might be a big convience.

The Emerge MPX1000 HD Multipoint Extender incorporates high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) technology for moving high-definition content from one source to multiple destinations.

High resolution computer graphics up to 1280 x 768, HD video up to 720p, stereo audio, and control data are wirelessly transmitted to as many as eight wireless or wired receivers.

"This breakthrough," said Mitch Friend, senior vice president and general manager of Avocent. in audio-video delivery is a step towards meeting the market's push for higher resolutions by providing true digital picture and sound content delivery to displays for presentation and digital signage applications."

The MPX1000 includes a transmitter and receiver that provide feature rich, high-definition media support for use in professional audio-visual applications. The Emerge MPX1000 extension product extends video and audio over standard 10/100 Ethernet wiring up to 3000 feet and wirelessly through walls up to 150 feet, or up to 1000 feet line of sight with optional directional antenna.

The MPX1000 extender solution is accessible through two primary user interfaces: an on-board web server that allows browser-based unit control and configuration, and a front panel display that provides push-button access to system status. The extenders allow for control of attached audio-visual equipment through RS-232 serial and infrared connections.

Components of the wireless HD extender solution include a transmitter priced at $1,095 (MSRP), a receiver priced at $995 (MSRP), and a transmitter module and receiver module priced at $195 (MSRP) each.

Universal Readies Digital Comic to Promote Film

Are we ready for digital comic books?

Universal Pictures and Planetwide Media are launching a Smokin' Aces digital comic to help promote the feature film on the same name that drops Jan. 26 and stars Ben Affleck, Alicia Keys and rapper Common along with the real star of HBO's "Entourage," Jeremy "Ari Gold" Piven.

The 30-page comic includes six stories written by Smokin' Aces writer/director Joe Carnahan, with illustrations by IDW Publishing.

The movie has, what producers call, "interlocking tales of high stakes and low lifes," including a Mob boss Primo Sparazza who has taken out a hefty contract on Buddy "Aces" Israel (Piven) -- a sleazy magician who has agreed to turn state's evidence against the Vegas mob. The FBI, sensing a chance to use this small-time con to bring down big-target Sparazza, places Aces into protective custody -- under the supervision of two agents dispatched to Aces' Lake Tahoe hideout.

For me, this will be a must-see -- in the summer or fall on HBO. The comic? Probably will pass on it, too.

Football On Your Cell Phone

If you can't to get home to get your Madden videogame fix, Gameloft has Reggie Bush Football available to play on your cellie.

The publishers claim the game will "redefine how players experience football on their cell phones. With all new offensive moves and exclusive quarterback passing controls, players can participate in sixteen full games on a textured field with high-quality graphics."

Me? I think the screen might be a little small.

EA Launches New The Sims Titles

Electronic Arts is The Sims Stories, laptop-friendly games that will feature engaging characters and easy-to-play storylines.

The Sims Stories games are the latest offering from the popular Sims franchise, which has been translated into 22 languages and sold more than 70 million games worldwide.

The Sims Stories, introduces an all-new Story Mode with two stories that follow the lives of Riley Harlow and Vincent Moore, two very different characters who have reached similar crossroads in their love lives. Players can take their Sims through unique and entertaining storylines filled with romance, intrigue and dramatic twists. Will female lead character Riley ditch beau number one to marry and have kids with beau number two? Will successful entrepreneur Vince ever find love, or the culprit who’s been foiling his heart-earned efforts to find it?

“Everyone loves a good story. The Sims Life Stories gives players two wonderful romantic comedies to enjoy,” declared Rod Humble, VP Head of Studio for The Sims Division. “For those who are interested in The Sims, The Sims Stories are accessible and fun for everyone.”

Ace Attorney Justice Hits DS

Capcom has released Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice For All for the Nintendo DS. The second game in the court room battle series from Japan introduces four new cases featuring new characters, plot twists and gameplay features. Players resume the role of Phoenix Wright, a defense attorney who must prove his client’s innocence against the toughest of odds and most ruthless of adversaries.

Players must exercise their legal prowess as they collect evidence, examine witnesses, analyze testimonies and seek the truth to ensure that justice prevails. The game is characterized by its memorable characters, engaging storylines and unique gameplay format, all presented in a comical anime style.