HD DVD is dead.

Here at Schmadget we've been watching with interest as the next generation video format war played out. It's been a bitter, tit-for-tat affair but it seems the end is finally nigh for HD DVD with Reuters reporting today that Toshiba are on the verge of conceding defeat to the Sony-backed Blu-ray and are planning to wind down the operation, set to cost them a few $100 million.

Support for HD DVD has been slowly ebbing away over the last few months as major studios and distributors withdrew their support for the ailing format, with Netflix and Wal-mart putting the final nails in the coffin this week.

Looking on the bright side this is great for the consumer as it means the uncertainty and confusion is now over. You no longer have to worry about backing the wrong horse. Of course, those that did and bought HD DVD players will now be left with an obsolete piece of technology. The curse of the early adopter.

The PS3 has to be credited with significantly boosting Blu-ray's market penetration and credentials, it was a big risk for Sony but it appears to have paid off, at least on this front. Although you could argue that is has cost Sony dear on the gaming front with the high price of the PS3 with integrated Blu-ray player allowing Nintendo to steal a massive lead with the less sophisticated and much cheaper Wii.

As consumers, we can only hope that the big electronics companies will learn from this and avoid such 'wars' in the future. This is sure to be the last big physical media format war but the new frontier is digital of course and, unfortunately, I'm sure we'll see many more formats, wars and interoperability issues as long as there are big, greedy companies around trying to control the markets in which they operate, without first considering the consumers that buy their products.

Geo-tagging - another reason to upgrade your camera.

In November I replaced my Sony DSC-P10 digital camera with a very nice Canon IXUS 850IS. This was quite a big step for me - to move away from Sony, I debated whether I should get a newer Sony and took quite a bit of convincing against it - but at the end of the day, I was replacing my Sony because it had failed, not because it was out-dated. The Canon had excellent reviews, was comparable in every way and I have not looked back since.

The research to find the right camera meant considering the specs and reviews - now I get the sneaking sensation that this spec search in future will need to take into consideration geo-tagging.

Geo-tagging, in the case of photography, is the process of including geographical meta data, usually latitude and longitude to your photographs to tie them to their position on earth.

JOBO have a device, photoGPS, which allows for geo-tagging to be fitted to your camera's hot shoe -like a regular flash unit. This unit captures the country, region and district, city, street, postal code, and even the point of interest (POI) which is closest to the captured image location and adds it to your photograph's meta-data.

This information can be used in a variety of ways. Google Earth allows users, through Picasa to match their photos to a specific location - this opens up all sorts of possibilities for travel writers, holiday makers etc. Or perhaps from a personal history point of view, a record through your photographs of where on earth you have stood - something your children and grandchildren might re-visit or yourself in later years.

Also geo-tagging would offer you a new search criteria, appended automatically to your photos - for those less keen on manual organisation. If you want to see all the photos you took at a specific place then you can.

So with this solution appearing as an add-on for hot shoe enabled cameras how long before it becomes a standard inside your camera? I think its certainly the sort of feature I'd love.

PlayStation Home confirmed

Well no surprises that the rumour was true after the Kotaku incident but Sony confirmed it today and announced PlayStation Home. It's like a blend of Second Life, The Sims, Nintendo's Miis and Xbox's achievements.

Basically it's a virtual world in which you have your own customisable house (you can hang your own digital photos on the wall as pictures) and all of it can be explored using your avatar, which can also be customised like a Mii but in far more detail. But this is not just some ramshackle or cartoon-like world, it's full on PS3 graphics and looks pretty impressive.



See more photos in the Joystiq gallery here.

You can chat to your buddies, play in-built games like bowling and pool, or arrange online multi-player games. There are also loads of public places where you can watch move trailers in a virtual cinema, for example, or admire game trophies in great halls.

Sony are thinking of it as Game 3.0, kind of like Web 2.0 for games, bandying about terms like social, localisation and customisable. That's a bit odd, I'm not sure it's quite that ground-breaking, there are plenty of MMO games out there that offer a lot of these aspects already but whatever, this does seem quite interesting and certainly brings the PS3 much more in line with what Nintendo are clearly trying to do with the Wii.

Having said that, those people that want it (and I'm not one of them) have plenty of options for MMO already and if Sony has proven one thing it's that cramming every conceivable piece of functionality into things doesn't necessarily translate into a compelling experience; people tend to like simplicity and elegance. The PS3 needs to be good at games first and this sort of thing is a great added bonus second.

At the end of the day, we'll just have to wait and see. PlayStation home goes into beta in April and should be launched properly sometime in the Autumn. Now if Sony would actually just release the bloody PS3 over here, people might just have one more reason to go and buy one.

Sony release a whole load of new stuff

Sony have announced new products in virtually all their lines. As I'm not interested in some of them, I'll only post about those that I am. So here goes.

New V-series HDTVs

Not their top of the line X-series sets but the respectable 1080p capable V-series are updated to accept 1080/60p and 24p signals and have the advanced Bravia EX engine, thus far found on the X-series sets, for super high-quality picture processing. They also have 10-bit processing for better colour gradients.

Also interesting is that the displays now use Sony's XMB Xross Media Bar interface, the same as used on the PS3 and PSP. I'd like to see for myself if that works well, it could be really interesting.

They did also announce one updated 32-inch X-series set that has three HDMI inputs and a 120Hz refresh rate (Sony call it Motionflow) to help reduce blurring and motion artefacts.

The existing line of Sony LCDs have had great reviews, so I'm particularly looking forward to seeing how these new ones fair. For me right now, if you're buying LCD, it's Sony vs. Sharp.

Cheap(er) Blu-ray player

This is good news for anyone looking to grab a Blu-ray player. Sony announced a much cheaper version of the existing trés-expensive BDP-S1 player. The new BDP-S300 will be $600 as opposed to $1000 (no word on UK pricing yet) and offer pretty much the same features.

The model also supports AVC-HD discs encoded with xvYCC technology, a new international standard for wide colour space, which Sony has branded as x.v.Color.

This will hurt HD DVD I'm sure as it will bring the Blu-ray players down to a much more comparable price level. Although I expect we'll be seeing cheaper HD DVD players out soon as well.

New Cyber-shot cameras

"Sony is introducing a line of slim and stylish Cyber-shot T-series cameras that are destined to be the fashionista crowd’s favorite party companion."

Sony's lovely marketing speak but they actually look pretty well featured. The 8 megapixel DSC-T100 has a 5x optical zoom and 3-inch LCD screen and is available in red, black and silver.



Also 8 megapixels, the DSC-T20 has a more usual 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD screen and will be available in pink, white, black and silver.

At less than half an inch thick, the cameras are easily portable and you can even buy matching cases in pink, red, green, grey, crème, brown and black! Good for the ladies ;)

Bluetooth headphones

I like the sound of these (no pun intended) bluetooth headphones. The idea of wireless headphones appeals, tangley wires always annoy me. These look perfectly suited for using in the house maybe streaming music from iTunes or something if your computer (or any other bluetooth-enabled music device) supports A2DP, AVRCP, HFP or HSP stereo bluetooth profiles, which my Mac doesn't.



They've got a 17-hour battery life (200 in standby) and you can even use them with your mobile phone to answer and end calls with the press of button. Nice.

PS3 UK/PAL launch details confirmed

Sony confirmed the details of the PS3 launch in the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand last night. 23rd March is the day and £424.99 / €599 / A$999.95 / NZ$1,199.95 are the respective prices.



There will be one million of the consoles available in Europe, with 300,000 of those likely earmarked for the UK. It will only be available in the premium 60GB version initially, the cheaper 20GB version may be available later in the year depending on demand.

There are going to be around 30 games available at launch including Resistance: Fall of Man, Genji: Days of the Blade, Call of Duty 3, The Elder Scrolls lV: Oblivion and Formula One Championship Edition to name a few.

With the Xbox 360 having already sold 10 million units worldwide and the Nintendo Wii selling 700,000 units in Europe in December alone, Sony are definitely playing catch-up. The high price of the PS3 won't help, you could buy a premium Xbox 360 AND a Wii for only £35 more than a PS3.

Nevertheless, it will surely sell out at launch. It's just whether it can keep selling once the hype has died down. With rumours that stores are struggling to shift the gaming behemoth in the US and Japan post-Christmas, it will be interesting to see if there is a similar pattern over here.

PS3 and Wii launch in the US

The US market is the first to get the next generation holy trinity of 360, PS3 and Wii.

The two new kids on the block joined the 360 and launched in the US at the weekend. As you might imagine, chaos reigned as people queued for days to get hold of them. The PS3 was in particularly short supply and caused a mini crime spree with armed robberies and shootings - only in America!

So, what happens next? Well, the reviews have been flying, mostly positive for the PS3 and Wii but both have also had some negative press, most notably the New York Times panned the PS3.

Both have suffered with some technical glitches as well, some Wiis are getting 'fatal errors' when upgrading the firmware and the PS3 is having backwards compatibility, HDTV compatibility and a few other issues. All to be expected these days with new technology unfortunately.

I still remain quite skeptical about the PS3, technical glitches and game compatibility issues not withstanding, it's inevitably getting compared to the 360 and the comparison doesn't look that great for the PS3.

The 360 has had a year's head start on the PS3 to iron out it's own issues, enhance it's multi-media offering and for game developers to learn how to harness it's graphical power.

People are looking at the considerably more expensive PS3 and wondering why they need to pay so much extra for something that doesn't really do anything more than the 360 and at this stage doesn't offer the superior graphics or game play that Sony promised (the launch line-up of games on the PS3 is pretty lacklustre). That will change over time I'm sure but for now, today, it's got no real advantage, unless you want a cheapish Blu-ray player.

And what of the Wii? Well, in some ways it's off on it's own because Nintendo never got into the technical arms race, so they aren't necessarily being judged on the same criteria. For the Wii, it's all about the innovation. Most people seem to think it lives up to it's potential so far and is great fun to play. Whether that feeling can last and whether it turns out to be a novelty only time will tell but the DS vs PSP battle has seemingly proved that innovation and interesting game play can win the day over pure graphical power and multi-media capabilities.

Today though, I put my money where my mouth is and pre-ordered a Wii from Amazon, ready for it's UK launch on December 8th. And I expect that next year I will be getting a 360, purely for Halo 3. So that's my decision made. I'll let you know next year whether I think I made the right one.

Where do you stand with the next-gen consoles? Post your thoughts and what you intend on buying in the comments!

Updated: Typos and stuff.

Tags: sony, ps3, nintendo, wii, microsoft, xbox360, gaming, tech, technology, gadget, schmadget, scb

PS3 goes on sale in Japan

Sony today released the PS3 to thousands of queuing fans in Japan. People started getting in line yesterday and by 7.00am local time today they were being turned away before the shops were even open!

There were only 100,000 units available in Japan at launch and as you might expect they have completely sold out. When the console launches in the US next Friday there will be 400,000 units ready to be snapped up.

As you probably know by now, we in Europe will have to wait until March next year to get our hands on a PS3, by which time Sony says it will have shipped 6 million of the next generation consoles worldwide.

In contrast, Microsoft, who launched their Xbox 360 a year ago, have already sold 6 million units and expect that figure to be around the 10 million mark by the end of this year.

Nintendo's Wii enters the fray in the US on November 19th just two days after the PS3, followed in Japan on December 2nd and then Europe on December 8th.

The next generation console war has begun. It will be fascinating to see how the 3 machines fair in the coming months once supply and demand reach a balance and the initial rush subsides.

Is the Nintendo going to get trampled under foot in the stampede for the PS3 and can the PS3 catch up with the 360 after it's year long lead?

Only time will tell. We'll keep you posted.

Tags: sony, ps3, playstation, microsoft, xbox360, nintendo, wii, consoles, gaming, tech, technology, gadget, schmadget, scb

Xbox Live Video to offer HD downloads

Microsoft have announced that they will start offering movie and tv downloads through Xbox Live on November 22nd in the US.

This is a significant announcement for a few reasons, perhaps most importantly that some of the content will be in high definition, which places them at the cutting edge of video downloading.

They're clearly moving to counter on two fronts: firstly to compete with Amazon's Unbox service and Apple's iTunes and iTV; and secondly to differentiate the Xbox 360 from the Sony PS3 and Nintendo Wii.

It's a very interesting move that gives Microsoft a leg-up on their competition in a few ways. If they decide to link the Xbox 360 with the upcoming Zune, it could give them an interesting eco-system with which to properly compete with the iPod, with the full living room through to portal device strategy that Apple is now obviously pursuing.

Could Microsoft actually get there before Apple?

And it kind of neuters one of Sony's key points about the PS3 and it's Blu-ray drive. In some ways it's a leap beyond the next-generation DVD battle between HD DVD and Blu-ray. Why buy physical high definition media when you can just download it to a device that is already plugged into your TV?

Everything is converging as the technology becomes more pervasive - where do you draw the line between the battle for the living room, next-gen consoles and high definition media or are they just part of a much wider war for our homes, content and entertainment in general? I think so.

For more details of Xbox Live Video head over to Engadget HD.

Tags: microsoft, xbox360, high definition, video, download, apple, nintendo, sony, blu-ray, hddvd, schmadget, gadgets, tech, technology, scb

Another PR disaster for Sony

They've done it again. No it's not the laptop battery debacle or delayed, overpriced and oversized PS3s; this time Sony Computer Entertainment Europe sought and gained a High Court order in London to prevent Lik-Sang importing Sony PSPs into the UK from Asia and sets a precedent for the grey importing of PS3s for example.

The result is Lik-Sang has closed down and ceased trading. The response from the gaming community has been, as you might expect, one of great shock, huge disappointment and anger towards Sony.

Customers of Lik-Sang are the very people that Sony should be looking after. They're the early adopters and influencers; the people so excited about Sony products they can't wait to get hold of them. They create a groundswell of interest in products and tell their friends about them and encourage them to buy them as well. It's priceless, free product marketing.

And now these are the very people they have decided to prevent getting hold of Sony products. Judging from some of the gamer comments at the bottom of Lik-Sang's closing down statement, they are even planning on boycotting Sony.

A sad state of affairs for European gamers who are now going to have to wait until Sony finally get their act together and release the PS3 in Europe some 4 or 5 months after Asia and the Us.

That is, if they haven't by then decided to buy an Xbox 360 or Wii instead.

Tags: sony, ps3, lik-sang, xbox360, wii, nintendo, microsoft, gaming, schmadget, gadgets, tech, technology, scb

Blu-ray becomes a reality in the UK

The HD war comes to the UK this week with the launch of the first Blu-ray players. The Panasonic DMP-BD10 and the Samsung BD-P1000 are both state-of-the-art offering 1080p output, perfect for one of those 1080p TVs you've been eyeing recently.


They're pretty pricey mind you, at around £1000 for the Panasonic and £800 for the Samsung. The DMP-BD10 paired with Panasonic's matching SA-XR700 AV Receiver and a Viera plasma would be a stunning combination though, even if it did set you back the best part of 3 or 4 thousand pounds.

The retaliation comes next month with Toshiba launching their HD-XE1 and HD-E1 HD DVD players, with the E1 half the price of the Panasonic Blu-ray player and the high-spec XE1 still several hundred pounds cheaper, it should make for some interesting competition.

So, let the battle commence. But unless you have a lot of money to throw around, you may just want to hold back, watch them fight it out and wait for prices to come down before you decide who to pledge your allegiance to.

Tags: hd, high definition, samsung, toshiba, panasonic, blu-ray, hd dvd, 1080p, tech, technology, gadget, schmadget, scb

Compact digital camera roundup

People ask me all the time "Which camera should I buy?", by which they are normally referring to a point and shoot digital compact.

Over the summer there have been new compacts announced by pretty much all of the major manufacturers, so here's a summary of some of the best and a quick feature comparison.

I hasten to add, I haven't used any of these cameras, so make sure you read some proper reviews before making any purchasing decisions!

I've selected the newest, most comparable offerings from each manufacturer, so these are really the high-end of the ultra-compacts with the latest features, not your budget cameras.

So, here they are, in alphabetical order:

Canon Digital IXUS 850 IS

• 7.1 megapixels
• 2.5" LCD
• 25.1mm thick
• 640 x 480 @ 30 / 15fps movie mode
• ISO 1600
• 3.8x optical zoom
• Face Detection / 9-point focus
• SD / SDHC / MMC memory cards
• Optical image stabilisation
• Approx. 270 shots on one charge
  

Casio EXILIM Card EX S-770

• 7.2 megapixels
• 2.8" widescreen LCD
• 17.3mm thick
• 704 x 384 (Wide), 640 x 480 movie mode
• ISO 800 (Anti Shake or High Sensitivity modes)
• 3x optical zoom
• 9 point multi focus
• SD / SDHC / MMC memory cards
• Anti-shake DSP
• Approx. 200 shots on one charge

Nikon Coolpix S7c

• 7.1 megapixels
• 3.0" LCD
• 21mm thick
• 640 x 480 @ 30fps movie mode
• ISO 1600
• 3x optical zoom
• Face-priority AF focus
• SD memory cards
• Vibration Reduction
• WiFi connection
  
• Approx. 200 shots on one charge

Pentax Optio S7

• 7.0 megapixels
• 2.5" LCD
• 19.5mm thick
• 640 x 480 @ 30 fps (DiVX) movie mode
• ISO 400 (800/1600 at 4 MP)
• 3x optical zoom
• 5-point multi focus
• SD / SDHC / MMC memory cards
• Blur reduction mode
• Approx. 180 shots on one charge

Sony CyberShot DSC-T10

• 7.2 megapixels
• 2.5" LCD
• 20.6 thick
• 640 x 480 @ 30fps movie mode
• ISO 1000
• 3x optical zoom
• 5-point multi focus
• Memory Stick Duo™ / Memory Stick Duo™ Pro memory cards
• Optical image stabilisation
• Approx. 250 shots on one charge

Comparison table

(click image for large, readable version!)




So, all of the cameras have about the same resolution sensors; similar sized, decently large screens; similar movie modes and at least some kind of anti-shake or blur reduction.

I think table shows that spec-wise the Canon is the leader with it's high ISO 1600 sensitivity, optical image stabilisation, 3.8x zoom, face detection auto-focus and 270 shots on one charge. However, it does sacrifice on it's size and weight and is the most chunky of the 5.

The smallest is the Casio at just 17mm thick, nearly 8mm thinner than the Canon, while still managing to pack a 2.8" 16:9 display (the only widescreen display amongst this bunch), a 3x zoom, the same resolution and good battery life. It also has a widescreen movie recording mode. Very impressive and if having the most ultra-compact camera is what you're after, this is the one.

The Nikon has the largest screen at 3" and is the only camera here with WiFi for transferring images to your computer or printer wirelessly (although that may be frustratingly slow when downloading a whole memory card). It also has the same high ISO 1600 sensitivity and face recognition auto-focus as the Canon but it is also the second thickest after the Canon and doesn't support the new SDHC memory card format.

The Pentax doesn't really best any of the others in any category but it isn't too far off in most areas. It's the second thinnest after the Casio but it has the worst battery life at only 180 shots and only manages 4 megapixels at it's high sensitivity setting (7 megapixels normally). Otherwise, it's pretty much in line with the others with the 2.5" LCD, 3x zoom and 640 x 480 30fps movie mode.

Finally, the Sony is similar to the Pentax but slightly thicker, it does though have the second best battery life and is the only one here, other than the Canon, to have proper optical image stabilisation. But one of my pet hates about Sony is their insistence on using their own memory card format. All the other cameras here use SD but the Sony uses Memory Stick Duo, so if you already have SD cards, you're going to have to buy all new Memory Stick Duo cards to use the Sony.

So, which one would I buy? In the absence of hands-on reviews, judging purely on the specs and what I know of previous cameras from these manufacturers, I would say if you don't mind the extra bit of bulk, the Canon will probably take the best pictures but if smaller is better, then the Casio could well be the one. I would also consider the Nikon as it's possibly the best all round compromise between features and size.

I definitely recommend you try and find some decent reviews of these cameras before buying one though and as always, go into Jessops or something, have a look and try them out as well.

dpreview.com is always a good place to find excellent reviews.

Tags: cameras, canon, casio, nikon, pentax, sony, digital, review, roundup, tech, technology, gadget, schmadget, scb

Sony drop PS3 price by 20% and include HDMI 1.3

Finally, some good news from Sony. They just announced today that they are cutting the launch price of the 20GB version of the PS3 in Japan by about 20% to ¥49,980. They have stated so far that this is a Japan only price drop and the US and Europe pricing remains unchanged.

Not only that but the 20GB, lower-end version of the PS3 now includes an HDMI 1.3 output (the latest spec), which was the other major sticking point that so many people were unhappy about.

So what does all this mean? Well, I think it absolutely proves Sony's strategy was wrong on the PS3 from the beginning by making it so expensive relative to the Xbox 360 and Wii and not including an HDMI output on the low-end model to enjoy all of the much-hyped Blu-ray content in full-on 1080p digital clarity.

I think Sony must have realised what a mess they'd made and, fair play to them, have corrected the mistake before launch. They are probably petrified about the competition from the much cheaper Wii in Japan specifically and the Xbox 360 with HD-DVD add on in the US and Europe. They had to do something and in fairness this does seem like a good move.

I think it certainly makes the 20GB much more attractive and it now begs the question of why you really need the more expensive 60GB version, just for the sake of WiFi, a larger hard drive and a memory card reader?

The next-gen console wars aren't over yet.

Tags: sony, ps3, hdmi, nintendo, wii, microsoft, xbox360, gaming, console, tech, technology, gadget, schmadget, scb

HD: More 1080p TVs from Fujitsu, Sony, Hitachi, Sharp, Toshiba

I've been trying to keep up with HDBeat's coverage of The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo - admittedly not something I'd heard of before - where there has been tons of HD stuff announced.

Your best bet is to head on over to HDBeat for all the details but from what I can tell, some of the best stuff announced (TV-wise) is as follows:

• Fujitsu 50" and 65" 1080p Aviamo plasmas
• Sony 52" 1080p LCD
• Hitachi 42" 1080p plasma
• Sharp 42" 1080p Aquos LCD
• Toshiba 42" and 47" 1080p REGZA LCDs
  

Of course, these are all US focused announcements but even since my last post on 1080p TVs in July, there are quite a few available in the UK now by the above manufacturers.

Personally, I like the look of the Toshibas and Sonys.

Update: Found the 42" Sharp LC42XD1E on the UK site, looks very nice. The screen has a 4ms response time as well. I think it's the same model as referred to above in the US. Also, having looked into the Toshiba WLT66 series LCDs currently available in the UK, I don't think they can accept a 1080p signal, even though they have 1920 x 1080 resolution. So the Sharp is my new favourite!

Tags: hd, highdefinition, plasma, lcd, 1080p, fujitsu, sony, hitachi, sharp, toshiba, tech, technology, gadget, schmadget, scb

No PS3 in Europe until March 2007!

Oh it's all going wrong for Sony. I feared they were already in trouble with the PS3 strategy, with it's complicated manufacturing and cutting edge technology.

Now it seems that has bourne out and bitten them hard, they can't mass produce some of the components for the Blu-ray drive quickly enough.

There is to be no PS3 in Europe until March 2007. That gives Nintendo and Microsoft a free run this Christmas.

I think Sony are in pretty big trouble.

Via BBC.

Tags: sony, ps3, playstation, nintendo, wii, microsoft, xbox360, schmadget, gadgets, tech, technology, scb

Opinion: Is Sony heading for big trouble?

I'm worried about Sony. I think they could be about to have a couple of big disasters on their hands - the PS3 and Blu-ray.

I'm particularly worried about the PS3; it's complicated to manufacture, very expensive, a year behind the Xbox 360, has no killer games for launch, very negative press from practically all quarters, is inextricably linked to the fate of Blu-ray (which may turn out to be good or bad) and will be launched around the same time as perhaps the most innovative and interesting console ever - the Nintendo Wii.

This comes on the back of other recent failures for Sony - they've been stomped on by Apple in the digital music player space and Nintendo in the portable gaming space. Frankly, they can ill-afford either the PS3 or Blu-ray to fail, yet I can't help thinking that public opinion appears so against them, it could be an inevitability.

You only have to go and read the press articles or the comments on other gadget blogs to realise that people are very skeptical of Sony's strategy now.

They haven't exactly got a stellar record when it comes to media formats either, we all know the story of Betamax but what about UMD more recently? And Blu-ray, like the PS3, is going to be later and more expensive than HD-DVD, it's competitor.

I think HD-DVD and Blu-ray are going to hurt each other mind you, it's not quite as clear cut as the console wars. I think consumers will be very nervous to commit to either format until they are confident that it won't become obsolete in a year's time. But my personal preference at the moment is for HD-DVD - it appears to have superior picture quality and is cheaper.

Of course, Sony have been banking on the PS3 being a Trojan horse for Blu-ray, sneakily getting it into millions of households without consumers even really realising it. But I'm not sure this is actually going to happen. I think people are going to look at the lacklustre launch lineup of games for the PS3 and it's horrendous price tag and think "I could have a 360 and a Wii and get the best of both worlds for the same price as the PS3".

The 360 has already sold 6 million or so units and is on target for 10 million in the not too distant future, that's a massive lead over both Nintendo and Sony.

After a downbeat start the Wii has gained a surprisingly big following in the gaming community and there appears to be real excitement and great anticipation for the launch. People can't wait to get their hands on it and try the motion sensing controller and fun new gameplay styles.

The DS has proved that graphics and technical supremacy aren't everything - people want interesting, innovative and involving games. The DS has delivered that in spades but the PSP has seen far more than its fair share of derivative, lazy PS2 ports.

Yes, it's technically superior to the DS, has much better graphics, can play movies and music but people don't necessarily want all that, they just want to play great games.

I think the PS3 is making the same mistake, they're trying the PSP strategy again - they assume that by making it technically superior and cramming Blu-ray into it that it will win. Well I don't think it will.

I think the Wii is in a class of it's own and a lot of people will buy one in addition to either a 360 or a PS3; that means that the Wii could actually outsell both of the others and potentially the PS3 could come third. What a fall from grace that would be.

I don't envy Sony's position right now, they are up against one of the most innovative companies in the world with Nintendo and one of the richest with Microsoft. What a bad combination.

And as for Blu-ray Vs. HD-DVD, well the jury's out on that one, maybe they'll both fail or people will become less interested in physical media as Apple, Amazon and others launch proper movie download services?

Only time will tell, it's certainly interesting to watch but Sony have so much riding on these two pieces of their strategy, I dread to think what will happen if they've got it wrong.

Sources:
Joystiq
DS fanboy
The Guardian
Joystiq
Gamasutra
The Register
Engadget
Joystiq
HDTV UK

Tags: sony, ps3, wii, xbox360, ds, psp, hd, highdefinition, blu-ray, hd-dvd, gaming, tech, technology, gadget, schmadget, scb

Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR2 review

Ultimate AV have a great, very detailed review of the Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR2 LCD TV (known as KDL-46X2000 in the UK).

Being a 1080p capable beast, I was very interested to read it. Sounds like it's pretty excellent for an LCD as well. Worth a read if you're in the market for a top of the range HDTV at the moment.

If I had to buy a TV tomorrow, this one might well be it.

Update: Added UK link.

Tags: hd, high definition, hdtv, 1080p, sony, bravia, 46xbr2, 46x2000, tech, technology, gadget, schmadget, scb

New digicams from Sony and Pentax

Sony today announced the 7-megapixel Cyber-Shot DSC-T10 digital camera. It's got a (pretty much standard these days) 2.5 inch LCD and 3x optical zoom lens. And with the increasingly common optical image stabilisation and high ISO (1000) as well. Comes in a choice of colours too - black, white, silver and pink!

Pentax announced the new Optio S7 last week as well. This also features a 7-megapixel sensor with a "Blur Reduction mode" high sensitivity setting - up to ISO 1600 (only at 4 mp though). Some new Face Recognition AF & AE for "photos of people with perfectly focused faces" has been thrown in for good measure along with a DivX Movie Mode and support for the latest SDHC memory card format.

Tags: sony, pentax, camera, optio, cyber-shot, digital, digicam, dsc-t10, optio s7

HD: 1080p TVs

1080p, the so-called "holy grail" of high definition, is pretty near impossible to come by at the moment, particularly here in the UK.

Basically, it's a higher resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels progressively scanned; as opposed to the 'normal' HD Ready TVs which usually have a resolution of 1280 x 720 or 1366 x 768, which can be used to display 720p or 1080i content. In theory therefore, 1080p should give a sharper, more detailed picture. More on all this and the pros and cons of each in a later post. (If you want to read more on this now, try this, it's quite techie though).

Anyway, with the imminent launch of next generation technologies like Blu-Ray and the PS3 that are capable of outputting 1080p, we are seeing more and more 1080p TVs being launched or announced. Here are a few examples of some of the 1080p capable TVs that are either already available or coming soon:

Sony KDL-46X2000
Sharp LC65GD1E
Sharp LC-37D90U
Panasonic VIERA PZ600 series
Toshiba 47WLT66 and 42WLT66

So there you go. They are about, if you're prepared to pay top dollar! I'm certainly waiting for the dust to settle a bit with HD before I get myself a 1080p set.

Tags: hd, 1080p, high definition, tv, sony, sharp, panasonic, toshiba, plasma, lcd