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Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:19:30 GMT

stfu n play colorful gaming discussion | games news, consoles, chat, opinion, technology, prediction

Journalist says Xbox Live will be free within 18 months ??

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:06:03 GMT

Gaming News : Journalist says Xbox Live will be free within 18 months ??

Not sure i can see that happening. Too much revenue for MS to just give it up. I think the PC version will be worth a fee in 18months once they have peeps sucked in.

Greg Howson of The Guardian raises the question of just how long MS can keep charing for Live on the Xbox 360. As you may be aware, the PC version of Xbox Live will now be available for free and Mr Howson believes that it will be very difficult for MS to justify charging a subscription for Xbox Live.

quote:

I'm a big fan of Xbox Live. Friend lists, achievements, ease of use - Live still towers above the Playstation and Wii online services. But then it should. Live costs around 40 quid a year, Sony and Nintendo's offerings are free. Sure the service is good but how long can Microsoft get away with charging? The news that Games for Windows Live - essentially a PC version of Xbox Live - will now be available for free makes it increasingly difficult for Microsoft to justify charging a subscription to Xbox Live.

Of course unlike the 360 the PC has a number of competitors for gaming services - Steam, in particular is a far slicker offering than Windows Live - and this has obviously had an influence on the price cut. And yes there are a stack of potentially exciting upgrades on the way for Live - Live Party and Primetime could ultimately be as important to the 360's future as Halo 4 - but you have to wonder how long we'll be asked to pay extra to play online with our 360's. My guess? Depending on US PS3 sales in the next year I reckon Xbox Live will be free within 18 months. What do you think?

News Source: Guardian
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/games/archives/2008/07/23/how_long_can_microsoft_keep_charging_for_xbox_live.html

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Europe: PlayTV will launch from September... Australia - Jan

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:03:26 GMT

Gaming News : Europe: PlayTV will launch from September... Australia - Jan

Europe: PlayTV will launch from September to December

SCEE president David Reeves has said that Play TV will be launching in Europe from September to December and will also hit the UK on September 10th. Reeves confirmed that the PlayTV twin-channel DVB-T tuner peripheral with digital video recorder (DVR) software will allow users to record TV while playing games. Reeves also revealed that they've "got Australia and New Zealand also lined up for it in January or February, because on their digital terrestrial they haven't actually set the standards yet."

quote:

Reeves announced at PlayStation Day in May that PlayTV would cost EUR 99 when it launched in September, but was unable to nail down a date.

News Source: eurogamer
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=191896

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Xbox 360 installs: 10 minutes, 30 percent improvement

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:27:12 GMT

Gaming News : Xbox 360 installs: 10 minutes, 30 percent improvement

Xbox 360 installs: Install takes 10 minutes, 30 percent load time improvements

According to GameSpot, Microsoft has told reporters that a Devil May Cry 4 hard disk installation will take around 10 minutes on the Xbox 360 and will result in around a 30 percent improvement in load times. Reduced noise is also another benefit of the new option. Although you will STILL need to have the disc in your drive!

quote:

One of the not-so-cosmetic changes in the fall update will be the ability to let you play your games directly from the hard disk. The new feature will let users install all of the game content directly onto the hard drive to improve game load times. Microsoft reports that it has seen a 30 percent improvement in load times in internal testing. As an interesting data point, Microsoft went out of its way to tell a group of reporters that the full Devil May Cry 4 hard disk installation took roughly 10 minutes on the Xbox 360. The installation took twice as long when we conducted our own installation tests on the PlayStation 3. Another side benefit of having games installed on the hard disk is reduced noise, since the optical disc no longer needs to spin up. However, you will still need to have the Game Disc in your optical drive while you're playing it, presumably as a piracy check.

News Source: Neogaf

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4 Comments

Wii fit; finally it's fun watching someone play a videogame

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 03:57:56 GMT

Gaming News : Wii fit; finally it's fun watching someone play a videogame

Damn, I love what Nintendo have done for the Videogame industry...

Some perv uploads a vid of his gf playing wii fit...

Open Youtube Page

ZOO gets in on the act:

Open Youtube Page

Playboy take it to the next level:

Open Youtube Page

Zoo fights back (not suitable for work, or any place that your gf/wife might see you watching it):

http://www.zootoday.com/girls/archive/2008/07/10/emma-frain-wii-fit-topless.htm

Playboy not to be outdone come back with this:

Open Youtube Page

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2 Comments

Killzone 2 is looking quite grey... urm nice

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:53:42 GMT

Gaming News : Killzone 2 is looking quite grey... urm nice

NextGen used to be all brown, now it's all grey

The ongoing cutscene stuff makes it look like a limited free roaming TimeCrisis, but it definately has the feel of the first Killzone on PS2 which was pretty gritty and got tiring for me after a while.

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1 Post

Firmware 2.40 - FAQ

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:33:03 GMT

Gaming News : Firmware 2.40 - FAQ

2 days to go, it will be interesting to see how it goes.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/06/30/firmware-v240-faq/

I enjoyed the Halo3 last night even tho i had a shocker of a run, i managed a few nice kills and the banter was enjoyable as always.

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12 Comments

Dont get distracted by girlie pics in COD4

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:19:34 GMT

Gaming Chat : Dont get distracted by girlie pics in COD4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR-QIMrqC-o

LMAO

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4 Comments

Dbarrade - missing in action

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:29:27 GMT

Gaming News : Dbarrade - missing in action

Well after moving too greener pastures a couple of months ago the man known, or formally known, as dbarrade has not been heard of. No phone calls, no emails and certainly no posts on our beloved forum. What can be made of this? Well there's only one answer. The man has obviously been abducted or is secretly working on the next huge PS3 project (no not home it's even better).

Still we are worried and would like to know how he is doing. So if any of our posters or readers happen to know of his whereabouts, please let us know.

Here's a recent photo of the man in question

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12 Comments

1 TB and Counting - Got to love torrents :)

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:48:16 GMT

Chat : 1 TB and Counting - Got to love torrents :)

Just hit a kewl milestone with one of my sites.

1 TB uploaded, it would have been reached earlier if i hadnt had my account closed for some time last year.

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1 Post

Sony confirms PS3 firmware v2.40 to include in-game XMB &

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:38:44 GMT

Gaming News : Sony confirms PS3 firmware v2.40 to include in-game XMB &

Getting closer

Sony confirms PS3 firmware v2.40 to include in-game XMB & trophies

Over at the Official Playstation blog Sony has confirmed that PS3 firmware v2.36 will be launching soon and this will improve the stability when playing select PS format software titles. However of more interest is news that the v2.40 firmware will include the much awaited in-game XMB access and trophies!

quote:

A new PLAYSTATION 3 firmware update (v2.36) will be launching soon, improving system stability when playing select PlayStation format software titles. We're also happy to officially report that the 2.40 system software update for PS3 will include XMB access in-game. The update will also include trophies, an exciting new feature that we'll be providing more details on soon, as well as some other new enhancements. We've talked about some of this on the blog previously and know that many of you can't wait to get your hands on these features. You can expect us to share all of the official details shortly.

News Source: Playstation
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/06/17/firmware-v236-coming-soon-v240-to-include-trophies-in-game-xmb/

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4 Comments

Whos getting MGS4 on Day1 ?

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 06:18:49 GMT

Gaming News : Whos getting MGS4 on Day1 ?

Preorder or just going to walk in ?

I intend to just walk into the local JB and see what the deal is.

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15 Comments

Forza 3 details leaked, 100 tracks, 2 discs

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:16:40 GMT

Gaming News : Forza 3 details leaked, 100 tracks, 2 discs

Earlier on, you may have read more regarding the existence of Xbox Live Avatars which seemed to have been leaked by Intellisponse. However, it seems as if more information has been found via the research firm's backend regarding Forza 3.
The details concern potential pricing, full specs of the game, information on DLC and details of a looming collector's edition.

There seems to be over 100 tracks, 400 cars, loads of new race modes and it will come via a TWO disc set.

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2 Comments

Cumulative PS3 sales pass cumulative Xbox 360 sales in Europ

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:09:24 GMT

Gaming News : Cumulative PS3 sales pass cumulative Xbox 360 sales in Europ

According to estimates from VG Chartz, sales of the PS3 have surpassed those of the Xbox 360 within Europe despite the PS3 launching much later than the Xbox 360. PS3 sales stand at 5,450,869 while Xbox 360 sales in Europe stand at 5,415,053 units in Europe.

quote:

With data for the week ending June 14, 2008 now in, PS3 hardware sales have passed Xbox 360 sales in Europe . Despite launching over a year after the Xbox 360 did in Europe, PS3 sales stand at 5,450,869 while Xbox 360 sales in Europe stand at 5,415,053 units in Europe. The larger Others' region covers places like Australia, Africa, and mainland Asia in addition to Europe, which is why Xbox 360 is still slightly ahead of PS3 in Others. Additionally, Sony and Microsoft define Europe' differently in their financial reports, while in this case Europe' simply means the entire continent of Europe.

At 5,415,053 units in 132 weeks , Xbox 360 has sold an average of 41,023 units per week in Europe since launching in 2005. PS3 has caught the Xbox 360 in Europe by selling an average of 83,860 units over 65 weeks of sales in Europe, a pace roughly double Xbox 360 sales but still off the pace of Wii and PS2.

News Source: VGChartz
http://news.vgchartz.com/news.php?id=1310

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1 Post

Calling all Wii owners

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:54:46 GMT

Gaming Chat : Calling all Wii owners

OK, I might have to wait a while for a hit here, but.... I want to add some friends to my (Wife's) Wii so I can see this Mii roaming in action. IMO the Mii's are the best thing about the Wii.

We added the Mii Channel on the weekend and got everyone from Jack Black to Darth Vader, Indy Jones, Michael Jackson, you name it.

It's really cool to play bowling or something and see Darth Vader having a beer with Charlie Brown for example...

Anyway, I really want to see this Mii Roaming thing in play and also can we play multiplayer games and things across the Net?

Cheers,

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1 Post

Wii Fit - Who would have thought it could be so good

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:31:09 GMT

Gaming Chat : Wii Fit - Who would have thought it could be so good

Well worth a look for a Monday morning. Very enjoyable

http://videoarticles.playboy.com/?fr_story=ec49c46aa27df3061f2978a400845021b089030a&rf=bm

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1 Post

AutoArt Tuning release #23 Xanavi Nismo Skyline GT

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:42:35 GMT

Gaming News : AutoArt Tuning release #23 Xanavi Nismo Skyline GT

RELEASED TO THE AH COMMUNITY THIS FRIDAY JUNE 6TH

AUTOART PRESENT

A850 MULTI-TRACK TUNED 350,000CR BUYOUT 24HRS

Two magic looking Skyline GT's too tickle your fancy! Both replicated to perfection by our own RMMfan, these 2008 SuperGT replicas will be the perfect addition to your garage.

First release will be the #23 Xanavi Nismo version tuned by brk05. Multi-tuned for all tracks in the game, this RB26 beauty is a screamer and race winner from the start. From a month of testing this car has proven to be more than capable on any track in the game and be a competitive force to some very famous cars!

Testing has thrown up some impressive results as well, some indicative times are shown below. And I am the first to admit I am no hot lap jockey as I usually jump straight into the first available race and it is nice to know you have a car you quickly jump into and know it will perform no questions asked.

Here are some times:

Mugello Short: 57.6xx
Road Atlanta Short: 54.6 (#450)
Road Atlanta: 1:23.xx
Motegi East: 1:24
Maple Valley: 1:28
Maple Short: 37.9
TT Copperhead: 47.493 (#650)
Motegi Full: 1:58

The #24 Clarion Woodone replica will be released as an LE Speed Tune from fordrulz4 - you will remember his devestating Z28 Camaro from the Fun Pack - well he's at it again! Trust me this will not be something you want to miss. Over 7 days we will release a car to the AH for 24 hrs. Pricing has yet to be determined for the LE but will be announced closer to the release.

Just to wet your whistle here are some photos of the beasts in action... enjoy!

THANKS FOR LOOKING AND HAPPY RACING!

Official sellers:

TGM Bjohn21

TGM OverLord

Hazzaa121

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2 Comments

AutoArt Tuning release #24 Woodone Clarion Skyline GT

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:43:39 GMT

Gaming News : AutoArt Tuning release #24 Woodone Clarion Skyline GT

If you are into Forza Motorsport 2 and especially Speed Tunes, then you will want to grab yourself one on these

RELEASED TO THE AH STARTING THIS WEEKEND

THE LIMITED EDITION SPEED TUNE #24 WOODONE CLARION ADVAN V35 SKYLINE GT FROM THE 2008 SUPER GT SERIES A850 SPEED TUNE

In tandem with the #23 Xanavi Nismo General Release comes it's angry brother in arms. Packing 580KW and a smooth as silk Speed Tune, this is one brother not to be messed with.

Only one car will be released per day for seven days. All auctions will be 24 hours non-featured some with buyout some with no buyout. Starting bids will be 500,000.

My aim with tuning this car was to make a speed tune that is as easy to drive as it is good looking. Going fast in style!

I am still getting my times down with this car but some indicative times are:

Sunset Short: 57.xx with penalties
Sunset Long: 1:27.xx with penalties
Road America: 2:07 with penalties

More times from our testers and drivers will be posted.

I have so much faith in this car that the first person to beat my times and prove it with a screenshot or postable time will receive 1 MILLION CR!!

It should be fairly easy for those missile freaks out there!

Enough said, here are some pics! First release should be approx GMT 10:00 (AEST 18:00). The cars will all go up at random times over 24 hours to try to give all a chance at ownership.

This car will look awesome in your garage along side your #24 Xanavi - complete your collection and look out for more Super GT cars coming soon from AutoArt!

Just look at that gorgeous RMMfan paint!!

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BIDDING!

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1 Post

360 Weird Blade Problems

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:33:45 GMT

Gaming Chat : 360 Weird Blade Problems

Anyone else having problems in the past few days with the 360 Blades ??

If i dont log into Live all is fine but as soon as i log into Live the first 2 blades go blank and just stay on "Loading". Marketplace, Games & one other just dont reappear. The other blades are fine.

I can play on Live no worries and see friends etc but i cant access the hdd to play demos without disconnecting from Live to be able to see them. Once the game is loaded Live logs in fine.

Just me ? I will have to try my other 360 and see what the go is.

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5 Comments

Time for a New PC

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 03:45:14 GMT

PC : Time for a New PC

Last Purchase was a P4 2.4Ghz that is still running ok but it was time to move it into the house for the young one to use. Give me some space :)

So this is what ive spending time on this week, first one ive built from scratch and i almost stuffed it when i very nearly broke one of the seating clips for the cpu fan. :oops:

Core 2 Duo E7200 2.58ghz
2GB PC2-6400 Dual Channel DDR2 800 Mhz
ASUS P5K-EPU Mainboard (FSB1333, DDR2, PCIEx16, SATA2, 1394a, Gblan,8 Channel Audio)
Logitech Cordless Desktop
LG 22" Widescreen LCD
500GB Sata HDD
256MB PCI express - Geoforce 8400GS

Cost me just over $700 :kewl:

Video card could have been better but i dont really need it, more than happy for the price. I have 2 obsolete IDE HDD's now, this machine has only one eIDE channel and im using that for my a115 burner and the kreon samsung.

$99 ex gst for the 500gb sata, i couldnt say no. Samsung, supposedly very good, i hope. 5yr warranty anyway.

Got to love wholesale :)

:wink: :P

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6 Comments

Sign up for Tom Clancy's EndWar Private Beta - June

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:09:40 GMT

Gaming News : Sign up for Tom Clancy's EndWar Private Beta - June

You can now sign up for exclusive access to the Private Beta of Tom Clancy's EndWar

quote:

Tom Clancy's EndWar Private Beta
Register to take part in EndWar Private Beta
Thank you for your interest in the Private Beta of Tom Clancy's EndWar.

The Private Beta will take place for 3 weeks in June and July, and will be available in English only. The Beta will feature 3 maps and be playable exclusively online in 1v1 and 2v2 matches. The Beta will be available for Xbox 360, and you will need to be an Xbox Live® Gold Member, with a broadband internet connection, and 3 GB of free space on your Xbox 360 Hard Drive.

The version will be in a Test state and you will likely encounter some bugs and crashes. Your contribution will be very important and will help us to produce a better and more polished final product. Your participation in this Beta will be strictly confidential, and you will not be allowed to share your experiences playing EndWar anywhere outside of this website.

https://www.endwarbeta.com/signup/default.html

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5 Comments

Official MGS 4 strategy guide writer gives top 12 tips

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:14:54 GMT

Gaming News : Official MGS 4 strategy guide writer gives top 12 tips

Cant wait for this one, these seem handy tips to know early

James Price, part of the team at Piggyback finishing up 'Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots: The Complete Official Guide' has given his top 12 tips for the game. Check them out in the forums.

1. Life Gauge

Keeping the Life Gauge topped up is vital, but it's just as important not to panic and keep filling the gauge unnecessarily with precious items. Though you can replenish it with healing objects such as Rations and Noodles, you should take care not to waste them especially on higher difficulty levels. Using a Ration when Snake's Life Gauge is 80% full, for example, is plain foolish. You usually don't need to even think about refilling the gauge until it drops below 25%. During boss fights or difficult skirmishes, you should instead equip Rations, Noodles or Regain and position them as an active item. Once Snake's health reaches zero, these will be automatically used until your stocks are exhausted.

One other method of restoring Snake's health is simply to find a safe hiding place and let him stand still. After a few seconds the Life Gauge will slowly start to creep back up. If you crouch or go prone, it will refill more quickly. If you have good cover, you'll find that this even works during boss battles. This can be a great way of refilling your Life Gauge for free essential when playing on a high difficulty level. Note that recovery speed depends on the condition of Snake's other main gauge, the Psyche Gauge; the higher the Psyche Gauge, the quicker the Life Gauge refills. (Incidentally, if you have an extended break from playing MGS4 that lasts for more than 24 hours, you may notice that Snake's Life and Psyche gauges are refilled by 20% per day. It's hardly necessary, but a nice touch nonetheless.)

2. Psyche Gauge

The Psyche Gauge is situated directly below the Life Gauge, appearing as four separate blocks. This represents Snake's psychological wellbeing, which has a direct effect on his performance. Essentially, the more stressed Snake is, the less effective he becomes. Keeping him as calm and focused as possible should be your main goal in terms of managing this meter. The Psyche Gauge can be refilled with certain healing items, such as Noodles; dedicated Psyche-related objects such as the Compress do not directly refill the gauge, but instead temporarily increase the speed at which it is replenished. Cigs can also be equipped to regain Psyche, but to the detriment of the Life Gauge.

As with the Life Gauge, the Psyche Gauge can also be refilled simply by staying still, and more quickly by crouching or going prone. The better Snake feels generally (not too cold, hot, wet, dirty, or overloaded) the faster his Psyche will replenish. You can tell when he's not feeling great by observing his behavior or murmurs of discontent if he starts feeling his age, it's usually a direct sign that something is wrong. Finding solutions to assuage these symptoms is usually just a matter of common sense. If Snake is freezing in cold water for instance, get him out of there; if he's overheating in direct sunlight, find some shade where he can cool down. One of the major effects of a low Psyche Gauge is that it will severely hamper Snake's ability to aim accurately. The more stressed and hyped up he is, the more his aim will be impaired; this can have a particularly detrimental effect when he's using a sniper rifle. Try using a scope when Snake is overanxious and you'll see how his unsteady hands make it thoroughly difficult to make a clean headshot. The Pentazemin item can be used to temporarily improve his marksmanship when required, but preventative maintenance is always better.

3. Stress Level & Combat High

The Psyche Gauge is affected by, which is depicted by a number that appears underneath it. If Snake is sweltering in a hot, evil-smelling location, or alternatively shivering in a freezing location, his Stress level will rise. He will also become stressed if his equipment is too heavy (over 70 kg), or during an Alert phase. When Snake's Stress level exceeds 50%, the display will turn red and he will begin to lose Psyche. As his Stress rating continues to increase, his Psyche will diminish at a great rate. However, as long Snake is not experiencing a Combat High, his Stress level can only reach a maximum of 80%.

A Combat High will kick in if Snake shoots with a gun more than 100 times during the Alert phase. Notification that he is currently experiencing a Combat High will appear next to the Life Gauge. During this enhanced state, Psyche does not decrease, and any damage caused by enemies is halved. But it's not all good news: during a Combat High, Snake's Stress level can shoot up as far as 100%. It's a short-term boon, but the repercussions can be painful.

4. Choosing your Equipment: Weapons

When it comes to selecting weapons, you have two important choices to make which five weapons you have available by pressing the R2 button (which you decide in the pause menu), and which one of these five weapons you will actually wield (which you decide in the weapons window). Your chosen five should always be balanced. A good configuration would be to have a silenced weapon, a powerful submachine gun for close-range action, a sniper rifle, a grenade type, and one diversionary item such as an empty Magazine. The weapon you actually hold should obviously always reflect your immediate needs.

There are many ways to obtain new weapons or ammo. The most obvious is to search for hidden collectibles and pick up weapons from the battlefield, but you can also search corpses or pay a visit to Drebin's Shop.

5. Choosing your Equipment: Items

As with weapons, you have two important choices to make here: which eight items you will have available to you by pressing the L2 button (which you decide in the pause menu), and which one of these eight you actually use (which you decide in the items window). The eight that you choose should also be balanced, although this decision is less critical than with weapons. However, the one active item you opt for is very important. At first, you will probably tend to equip the Solid Eye most of the time, because it gives you a better understanding of your surroundings. As you eventually acquire the knack of using the Threat Ring instead of the Solid Eye, though, you'll soon be able to free up the item slot for something else such as a Ration during boss fights.

To obtain new items, you can either pick up any that you find (as shown on the maps in this guide) or search bodies. You can't buy any from Drebin so take great care not to waste anything (especially healing items such as Rations).

6. Choosing your Equipment: Weight

Items and weapons in the game have a weight stat. If the burden of Snake's load (five weapons and eight items) exceeds 70 kg, his Stress will increase, thus reducing his Psyche and overall effectiveness. Just be sensible when it comes to weight distribution, and make sure you compensate for particularly heavy objects with at least a light one if you notice that you are approaching the 70 kg mark. This is generally only a danger when preparing Snake for a boss fight, as there's a natural tendency to bring out rocket launchers and the like for such occasions.

7. The Solid Eye

When you first obtain this item, you'll find life in the field infinitely easier if you keep the Solid Eye selected in your items window most of the time. This gadget, which enables the Baseline Map radar function when active, has three modes: Normal, NV and Binos. When selected, the Solid Eye will display basic data for both enemies and allies, such as which faction they belong to. As it can be too easy to accidentally open fire on your allies during a hectic firefight, this information can be decisive. You'll find that friendlies are much less likely to help you if you start spraying lead indiscriminately, and they may even turn on you if suitably provoked. The information shown is color-coded. Gold, the default color, denotes a neutral character, blue indicates an ally, and red signals an enemy. The Solid Eye is also invaluable in helping you locate hard-to-spot collectable items, as it increases their visibility by placing a digital frame around them.

The Solid Eye additionally has an intuitive radar system, which translates the vibes that Snake picks up from enemies, including sound and movement. It shows the relative location of all targets around you, but keep in mind that it also detects animals which can be rather disconcerting if you're in location filled with rats, for example. The NV or Night Vision mode is a special goggle that enables you to see more clearly in dark areas, as well as spot hidden items more easily. Scanning a dark room with NV active is sometimes the quickest way to assess its contents. If you wish to zoom in to view a distant point, simply select the Binos option, and then press up or down on the directional pad.

8. The OctoCamo

Snake's OctoCamo system goes way beyond the camouflage system found in Metal Gear Solid 3, and has several different modes. In Automatic mode (generally speaking, the most effective), it enables Snake to blend in with the textures and colors of his surroundings. In order to enjoy the functionality of Automatic mode, Snake must either be prone or pressed up against a wall and remain motionless. After a short pause, you will notice his suit change to match his surroundings; a sound effect accompanies this process. If you check the Baseline Map in the top right-hand corner, you will see Snake's Camo percentage increase as the transformation takes place.

In Manual mode, you choose one specific camo pattern for Snake that doesn't automatically adapt itself to the environment. This is only really effective if you are prepared to alter it as Snake's surroundings change, and is also limited to memorized surfaces and terrains that have been previously stored.

9. The Threat Ring

The Threat Ring is a translucent circle that appears around Snake's body when he crawls or crouches during a few seconds. The best way to explain its function would be to describe it as Snake's intuition: it indicates the presence of any people, creatures or active objects (such as vehicles) within Snake's immediate vicinity. Any such dangers are represented visually by waves that correspond with the position of each potential threat.

The higher the wave, the closer (and, sometimes, larger) it is. For example, a soldier that is standing some way away from Snake will only appear as a faint bump in the ring, while multiple enemies standing close by will cause the Threat Ring to undulate like a digitized Rocky Mountains. It's a brilliantly instinctive way of instantly assessing Snake's current situation. Once you get to grips with it, you'll find that the Threat Ring can be just as reliable as the Solid Eye in terms of enemy detection.

The Threat Ring stays permanently active whenever you crawl, or when you crouch-walk at the slowest speed. If you stand up, move at a faster pace, or ready a weapon, it will immediately disappear. Its efficiency is governed by Snake's current Psyche level: the lower the gauge gets, the smaller and more difficult to read the Threat Ring becomes.

10. The Metal Gear Mk. II

Metal Gear Mk. II is a mobile terminal that can be selected from the Items menu and controlled manually. Use the left Analog Stick to move it around, but don't forget to activate its stealth camo function with the X button if there are potential aggressors nearby. This ensures that Mk. II is hidden from the naked eye, though it can still be detected by infrared sensors. Use Mk. II to remotely reconnoiter areas while Snake lies low, or even have it knock out isolated soldiers with its electric shock device by holding the L1 button and then pressing the R1 button. You can also press the Triangle button while controlling the robot to perform a variety of context-sensitive actions, such as disarming traps, knocking on walls to distract enemies, and flicking light switches. When you're done, tap the L2 button or change to a different item to return control to Snake.

Mk. II may not be big enough to wreak havoc in the manner of its much larger namesake, but never less than useful especially if you favor stealth over direct confrontation. It's also invaluable during the Mission Briefing cutscenes at the start of each Act, where you can control it to explore the Nomad and collect hidden items. It's also handy for exploring ventilation shafts, removing the Need for Snake to crawl laboriously for minutes at a time.

However, the use of Mk. II is not without drawbacks. The most important thing to remember is that Snake is vulnerable to discovery and sneak attack while piloting it. Secondly, Mk. II consumes battery power at a voracious rate, particularly when its stealth functionality is active. Finally, the device has a limited range, so it's not possible to use it to explore large areas unless you regularly reposition Snake.

11. The Art of Stealth

It can't be emphasized enough; stealth is the key to success in MGS4, just as it was in all previous installments. Certainly there will be times when direct aggression is best or unavoidable especially in your first playthrough but for the most part it's vital that you learn the art of sneaking. How you move and the stance you adopt is of paramount importance. Though there will be occasions when it's safe for you to run upright without a care in the world, you'll usually find that it's best to adopt either the crouch-walk or crawl stance. Bear in mind, though, that you're far from immune to detection when crouch-walking it can still be rather noisy, with the reduced Camo rating reflecting Snake's increased visibility.

Trust your senses and let your ears be your guide. If you can hear Snake pattering across a wooden floor, then so can the enemy. Slow it down, and above all be patient. Crawling is always more effective than crouching in stealth situations. With your body flattened to the floor, making regular pauses to enable the OctoCamo to adapt to new surfaces, you can easily maintain a Camo rating in excess of 65%, even while moving. On the downside, you're slower to react when crawling on your belly, especially if you're attacked from close range.

Observation of the enemy is another key aspect of effective sneaking. It won't matter in the slightest how quiet you are if you inadvertently stumble directly into the path of a patrolling soldier. Take time to observe the enemy's patterns of movement from behind cover. Careful observation should enable you to figure out when to move and when to stay put. Whether you wish to use this information to bring targets down silently, or merely sneak past when their back is turned, is entirely up to you. It's also prudent to make use of the gadgets and objects at your disposal. For example, Metal Gear Mk. II is a vital tool for scouting an area without attracting unnecessary attention.

As far as weapons are concerned, nothing arouses the attention and ire of surrounding troops like a deafening hail of machine gun fire. It's no good diligently crawling with care in full camouflage gear, only to bring the enemy swarming to your position with an ill-judged salvo of bullets. Use of silenced weapons or CQC is absolutely essential. One well-aimed headshot or smoothly-executed CQC attack will fell your quarry instantly and silently, but botched attacks or poor marksmanship can give your target the chance to call for help. A headshot is also more potent with anesthetic weapons it generally results in a swift takedown, with enemies losing consciousness instantly.

Your Solid Eye's Night Vision function can be extremely effective when it comes to tracking enemy movements, as it reveals the footprints left by patrolling guards. Don't overuse NV, though, as it actually emits a low noise while active, and may alert a sharp-eared soldier.

12. Maximizing Battle Efficiency

Efficiency actually depends on what your goals are. Naturally, if you're trying to achieve a no-kill playthrough, you won't have the same priorities as when your bloodlust dictates that you shoot everyone and everything in sight. But overall, the following tips are true in most instances.

* Aiming for the head works a treat (headshots usually result in instant death/unconsciousness, or increased damage on bosses).
* Using upgraded weapons (scopes, red dots, et al) makes you more accurate and effective.
* When surrounded, activate Auto Aim mode to quickly eliminate all enemies (change targets by pressing left or right on the right analog stick). This is less effective on higher difficulty settings, though.
* Choosing the right location is important. For example, a high vantage point works best if you are sniping, it pays to operate from a defensible position during combat, and picking a secluded spot to silently take down a target is always sensible.
* Press the R3 button to turn Snake to face the camera direction. This even works when he's lying down or manning a turret.
* Make sure militia/rebel fighters are friendly to you by helping them out as much as possible during battles, especially when they ask you to. Make a point of not aiming at or (however inadvertently) shooting them.
* Never fight if you're in a weak or dangerous position, especially a location that exposes you to fire from several directions. If in doubt, bolt for cover.
* Always try to eliminate your most dangerous opponents first. Snipers and turret operators should obviously be your principle targets.
* Be sure to reload frequently to avoid the dreaded dead man's click, and have weapons prepared in reserve for more unrelenting assaults.
* Conserve valuable items and ammo, and try to save your most powerful weapons for the strongest targets.

News Source: blog.us.playstation.com

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Toshiba planning to fight BluRay with "High Resolution&

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:53:13 GMT

Gaming News : Toshiba planning to fight BluRay with "High Resolution&

Man, will they not learn!

"Nothing too notable here -- just that Toshiba is apparently fixing to unveil a brand new DVD player in the age of Blu-ray that will be "capable of producing high-resolution images from regular DVDs." As you're laughing heartily, ponder this: are we looking at a simple upconverting DVD player? Or will that Cell-based SpursEngine chip bring "super-resolution" to a standalone deck? According to unnamed sources cited by Daily Yomiuri Online, the planned release "signifies an effort to recover from a humiliating setback suffered in March after announcing its decision to withdraw from its HD DVD business." We really cannot fathom why Tosh would even dream of fighting BD with souped-up DVD, but reportedly, it plans on marketing the unit "as a device with which consumers can enjoy a broader array of content than is available in the Blu-ray format." Congratulations Toshiba -- we thought it couldn't get any lamer than HD VMD, and you handily proved us wrong."

source: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/science/20080530TDY01303.htm

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3 Comments

Motion controller & Microsoft Mii system has been confir

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:47:40 GMT

Gaming News : Motion controller & Microsoft Mii system has been confir

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but i really dont see why MS feel the need to worry about it, the 360 is fine as it is.

Future Publishing: motion controller & Microsoft Mii system has been confirmed

"both the 360 motion controller and Rare-helmed Xbox 360 'Mii' project are real, and will be out before the end of the year." According to Future Publishing: "The Microsoft Mii system is well into development at Rare's offices here in the UK, while the controller itself remains more mysterous," and "Partnering with a third-party hardware developer as Nintendo did, Microsoft would want to bring the controller to market before the end of 2008."

quote:

Last week Microsoft Game Studios boss played dumb on the Newton rumours, telling us: "I've never heard of a motion sensing controller... I don't know what you are talking about..."

News Source: cvg
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=189501

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5 Comments

Rumor: In-game XMB coming this June with Firmware Update 2.4

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:15:34 GMT

Gaming News : Rumor: In-game XMB coming this June with Firmware Update 2.4

Please let this rumour be right.

Rumor: In-game XMB coming this June with Firmware Update 2.40

According to reports, PS3 Firmware Update 2.40 is coming this summer with many features including in-game XMB. There will also apparently be a few other surprises including soundtracks.

quote:

We've finally received word that the long awaited, and much rumored, PlayStation 3 Firmware Update 2.40 is indeed the real deal and is said to be coming relatively soon. Many of the most requested features, such as a universal friends list and in-game messaging will be included, in addition to a few rather nice surprises (*cough*soundtracks*cough*). We definitely can't divulge all of the details, but trust us, it's coming.

News Source: gaming-age

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Some MGS 4 cut-scenes last 90 minutes

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:47:03 GMT

Gaming News : Some MGS 4 cut-scenes last 90 minutes

Wow - im not sure i could sit there and watch for 90mins, without a pause or ability to rewind etc.

According to PSW magazine who have completed MGS 4, the game contains multiple cut-scenes that last around 90 minutes. "MGS4's story is massive. The videogame equivalent of all three Godfather movies on one disc," said PSW.

quote:

"As you'd expect, you'll spend a lot of time watching cut-scenes, so if you found previous games' story exposition laborious, then you'd better find yourself a nice cushion and plenty of teabags in readiness for MGS4's.

"They can be skipped, but you'll be missing out on some of the finally crafted examples of FMV footage anywhere in gaming," the article boldly proclaims.

News Source: cvg
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=189543

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6 Comments

Nintendo Channel launches tomorrow in Europe an Australia

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:53:36 GMT

Gaming News : Nintendo Channel launches tomorrow in Europe an Australia

Press Release
Arriving 30 May on Wii will be Nintendo Channel, an interactive guide to what's new in the world of Nintendo. Downloadable free of charge via Wii Shop Channel, Nintendo Channel allows you to watch videos, search for games, download game demos to your Nintendo DS® and recommend games you've played.

Watch videos from trailers, mini-documentaries, TV commercials, product demonstrations and game play videos. When you access Nintendo Channel you can view the latest videos, simply click on the one you want to watch for it to play. More information about the video content will be forthcoming so stay tuned!

Search for games browse the game guide pages to find information on your favourite Wii and Nintendo DS games. Search by release date, platform, publisher, genre, or by keywords. Once you find the game you're looking for, click on the game's title to find out more detailed information.

DS Download Play using the DS Download Service, you can download game demos and videos on to your Nintendo DS! Choose a game demo, select DS Download Play' on your Nintendo DS, and moments later you'll be playing the latest game demos. Your demos will be playable until the Nintendo DS is turned off.

Recommend games you've played after you've played a Wii game for over an hour, the Nintendo Channel allows you to rate it. Everybody's opinion counts! Enter your gender and age, rate the game, and recommend if you think it should be played alone or with friends. Results are then graphed and will be published on an ongoing basis to help you find games based on other people's recommendations.

By accessing Nintendo Channel, you will be kept up-to-date on all the latest information for past, present and future games on all Nintendo platforms.

Wii is far more than just a game console; explore the other Wii Channels including, Mii Channel, Everybody Votes Channel, News Channel, Forecast Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Internet Channel, Photo Channel and Mii Contest Channel to discover entertainment and information that the whole family can enjoy.

Visit
http://www.nintendo.com/wii/channels for more information on Wii Channels.

Visit http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na/channelsNintendo.jsp for detailed information on how to use Nintendo Channel.

Please note that the above URLs are a reference only, and some Australian content may vary from US content.

A compatible internet connection is required to use the Nintendo Channel. Certain features of this channel also require that the Internet Channel be installed on your Wii.

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Splatterhouse officially announced for Xbox 360/PS3

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:12:53 GMT

Gaming News : Splatterhouse officially announced for Xbox 360/PS3

Namco today announced the long-awaited debut of the Splatterhouse franchise on next generation consoles with an all-new installment of the series for the Xbox 360 and PS3 computer entertainment system, developed by BottleRocket Entertainment. Inspired by the landmark 1988 arcade hit, Splatterhouse combines visceral, adrenaline-soaked combat with horror elements to deliver an original gaming experience that defies the boundaries of the traditional action category with over-the-top gore and shocking new gameplay mechanics. The game is set to launch in 2009.

Press Release
NAMCO BANDAI GAMES ANNOUNCES SPLATTERHOUSE

Classic Action-Horror Franchise to Debut on the Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3 System in 2009 with Gruesome Combat and Heart-Stopping Scares

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (May 29, 2008) NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced the long-awaited debut of the Splatterhouse franchise on next generation consoles with an all-new installment of the series for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, developed by BottleRocket Entertainment. Inspired by the landmark 1988 arcade hit, Splatterhouse combines visceral, adrenaline-soaked combat with horror elements to deliver an original gaming experience that defies the boundaries of the traditional action category with over-the-top gore and shocking new gameplay mechanics.

Splatterhouse follows college student Rick Taylor as he tries to rescue his girlfriend, Jennifer, who has disappeared after entering the mysterious and run-down West Mansion. Confronted by horrific other-worldly creatures, Rick comes across a mystical sentient mask that promises to give him the power to find Jennifer. Full of desperation and rage, Rick puts on the Terror Mask and is transformed into a juggernaut of pure violence and destruction. Featuring an original storyline by critically-acclaimed comic book writer Gordon Rennie (Necronauts, Judge Dredd), Splatterhouse takes Rick beyond the mansion as he scours the ends of the world to rescue his beloved Jennifer.

Embodying the unfiltered, primal aggression of its namesake, Splatterhouse gives players countless ways to decimate the mansion's assortment of demons, monstrosities and abominations. Featuring a dynamic combat system, Rick will be able to use his brute strength to perform bone-crushing melee combos, savage grapples and wield an assortment of makeshift weapons including the series' trademark 2x4 and even limbs and heads ripped from enemies themselves. Players will also be able to reanimate the corpses of fallen enemies to fight alongside Rick, imparting strategic depth to the game's battle and unique puzzle systems. More agile than ever before, Rick can now leap great distances and propel himself to out of reach areas by swinging from outcroppings in the environment, adding an all-new level of exploration to the series.

Introducing a new regeneration mechanic, players will be able to determine Rick's status in battle by visible cues detailing how injured he is, doing away with the traditional health bar. If he succumbs to the mansion's deadly inhabitants, they will begin to dismember him, savagely tearing away limbs and ripping at his flesh to expose his internal organs. To survive, Rick must call upon the power of the Terror Mask to regenerate his mutilated body, allowing players to watch in gory detail as bones, veins, muscles and skin return to his body in real-time.

Splatterhouse promises to deliver an experience full of the gore, hard-hitting action and gritty atmosphere that fans of the franchise expect, said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for NAMCO BANDAI Games America, Inc. Packed with plenty of surprise twists and gripping gameplay, this entirely new entry in the series is set to introduce the bloody saga of Rick and the Terror Mask to a new generation of gamers when it launches in 2009.

Splatterhouse will launch for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system in 2009. The game is currently featured on the cover of the June issue of EGM, now available at newsstands nationwide. For more information, please visit www.namcobandaigames.com.

Screens: ign

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Bioshock coming to PS3

Thu, 29 May 2008 23:23:52 GMT

Gaming News : Bioshock coming to PS3

Sounds like it's going to be more than just some hacked models for UT3 too :)

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9 Comments

Sony announces $870 sound system - golf ball-sized speakers

Thu, 29 May 2008 11:23:03 GMT

Gaming News : Sony announces $870 sound system - golf ball-sized speakers

Sony announces $870 sound system that uses golf ball-sized speakers

Sony has announced a new 5.1-channel home theater system that features powerful but tiny golf ball-sized speakers. Sony say the tiny speakers can "deliver the sound of a top-notch home-theater sound system" and that it can connect to the PS3. The HT-IS100 system hits Japan next month and Sony say it will also hit Europe and North America in the future.

quote:

Apart from five tiny speakers, the HT-IS100 system also includes 440 millimeters (17 inches) tall box for the amplifier and subwoofer. Besides, the system features 5.1-channel, three-HDMI input.

News Source: ap.google.com and techshout
http://www.techshout.com/hardware/2008/24/sony-ht-is100-home-theater-system-announced-in-japan/

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www.plannedfailure.com - my blog

Tue, 27 May 2008 12:41:40 GMT

Gaming Chat : www.plannedfailure.com - my blog

Hey guys long time no post :(
I've got my new site up and running, www.plannedfailure.com. It's an online diary detailing my attempts to make two full length features flicks at the same time with little to no cash. Drop by when you can and hopefully you'll have a laugh or two.

She's a little bare at the moment but more soon...

Cheers!

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3 Comments

Atari founder says stealth encryption chip to end PC piracy

Mon, 26 May 2008 07:01:27 GMT

Gaming Chat : Atari founder says stealth encryption chip to end PC piracy

Interesting, nothing is uncrackable tho. It will just mean they will produce modchips for PC now :)

Atari founder, Nolan K. Bushnell, has said that PC game piracy is set to be eradicated with "a stealth encryption chip called a TPM that is going on the motherboards of most of the computers that are coming out now." Bushnell believes that once the install base of the chip is large enough, companies will start to see revenues coming from Asia and India.

quote:

"What that says is that in the games business we will be able to encrypt with an absolutely verifiable private key in the encryption world - which is uncrackable by people on the internet and by giving away passwords - which will allow for a huge market to develop in some of the areas where piracy has been a real problem."

Bushnell thinks that piracy of movies and music, however, is probably unstoppable because "if you can watch it and you can hear it, you can copy it."

"Games are a different thing, because games are so integrated with the code. The TPM will, in fact, absolutely stop piracy of gameplay.

News Source: gamesindustry
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/encryption-chip-will-end-piracy-open-markets-says-bushnell

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Lost.Planet.Extreme.Condition.Colonies.Edition.

Mon, 26 May 2008 03:26:52 GMT

Gaming Chat : Lost.Planet.Extreme.Condition.Colonies.Edition.

Just grabbing this one, it might make me play some ice combat again. Interested in the new maps.

Lost.Planet.Extreme.Condition.Colonies.Edition.

Lost Planet: Colonies provides explosive action
for both online and offline players. Gamers who
missed the original Lost Planet will have the
opportunity to experience the epic gameplay
that made the original a global hit with the
added bonus of fresh new content and cross
platform multi-play.

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3 Comments

Organise-A-Game

Mon, 26 May 2008 02:05:57 GMT

Gaming Chat : Organise-A-Game

Hey all I thought here might be a nice place to organise games etc. I know from looking around various other places that this seems to be popular as peeps can drop their deets and organise a game. Great for us Aussies! Anywah - Playstation, 360 whatever. Starting a game let us know :)

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224 Comments

Apple sizing up casual gaming with Apple TV

Mon, 26 May 2008 00:51:35 GMT

Gaming News : Apple sizing up casual gaming with Apple TV

According to analyst Jason Schwarz of Lone Peak Asset Management, Apple is planning a foray into the casual games market through its Apple TV set-top box. By developing a 3D gaming platform, Apple is a serious candidate to deliver the next big thing. said the analyst.

quote:

There have been a number of hints over the past year to suggest it may only be a matter of time before the set-top box, like the iPod and iPhone, will double as a casual gaming console, Schwarz told MCV sister site CasualGaming.biz.

According to CasualGaming, Apple recently filed a patent for a Wii-style 3D game controller that would work with its TV system.

However, when contacted about the possibility of Apple TV's gaming potential, an company rep declined to comment.

Apple TV Technical Specifications

Processor and storage

* Intel processor
* 40GB or 160GB hard drive2 for storing content locally
* Up to 50 hours (40GB) or 200 hours (160GB) of video3
* Up to 9,000 songs (40GB) or 36,000 songs (160GB)4
* Up to 25,000 pictures5

System requirements

* Mac or PC
* iTunes 7.6 or later
* Mac: Mac OS X v10.3.9 or v10.4.9 or later
* PC: Windows XP Home or Professional (SP2) or Windows Vista
* AirPort Extreme, Wi-Fi 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n wireless network6 (wireless video streaming requires 802.11g or 802.11n) or 10/100BASE-T Ethernet network

Ports and interfaces

* HDMI (video and audio)7
* Component video
* Optical audio
* Analog RCA stereo audio
* 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
* USB 2.0
* 802.11n wireless networking6
* Built-in IR receiver (works with included Apple Remote)

Video formats supported

* H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): Up to 5 Mbps, Progressive Main Profile (CAVLC) with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps (maximum resolution: 1280 by 720 pixels at 24 fps, 960 by 540 pixels at 30 fps) in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
* iTunes Store purchased video: 320 by 240 pixels, 640 by 480 pixels, 720 by 480 pixels (anamorphic), or high-definition 720p
* MPEG-4: Up to 3 Mbps, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps (maximum resolution: 720 by 432 pixels at 30 fps) in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats

Audio formats supported

* AAC (16 to 320 Kbps); protected AAC (from iTunes Store); MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps); MP3 VBR; Apple Lossless; AIFF; WAV; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound pass-through

Photo formats supported

* JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG

News Source: mcvuk
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/30663/Apple-ripe-for-games-invasion

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