Filed under: TV

DISH has been telling us that the unfortunate fate of AMC-14 wasn’t going to get in the way of its HD plans and you know, we’re starting to believe ‘em. Seriously, how could you not with all the new local markets recently, then CNN HD a few days ago and now the two channels many have really been waiting for — Battlestar Galactica in HD anyone? Now to those who subscribe to DISH’s AT100 and Essentials HD (or higher) package, SCI FI HD is available on channel 122 HD and USA HD is available on 105 HD. [Source: Satellite Guys]

[Thanks, Scott!]

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Filed under: Displays, Gaming

Sure, there’s a clip-on display for gaming on-the-go made for basically every console out there, but for whatever reason, Sony’s PlayStation 3 just doesn’t lend itself to being the perfect candidate the way Nintendo’s Wii does. Who knows, maybe it’s that curvaceous design or something. Anyway, Clearvision is hoping that you don’t much care how unsightly your console becomes when strapping its PS3 gaming monitor on, which adds a 7-inch LCD, a pair of speakers and little else. Unfortunately for those actually interested in picking one up, it seems you’ll have to put in an inquiry with one Shenzhen Madcow Digital Technology Co., Ltd. Good luck with that.

[Via Engadget Spanish]

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(Video in the full post - click on the link below)

Our friends from TeleRead have posted a link to this cool video of the Readius Rollable E-Book that also has a cellular wireless functionality. Now I wouldn’t call this a “cellphone ebook”, but I think that some might like the idea. There is a crowd of consumers that prefer the Readius device for its portability, compared to the Amazon Kindle, and it’s true, it is much more portable.

But in my opinion, e-books are far from ready for mass consumption. For one, they aren’t “good enough” from a technical standpoint. We need colors and faster refresh at least. Secondly, getting the content is still somewhat of a hassle and the choice is limited. Finally, it’s just too expensive. I would love to have the “perfect ebook”, but it’s just not there, yet. (Video in the full post)

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Filed under: Gaming, Portable Audio, Portable Video

We suppose we’re pretty easy to please: pack some NES emulation and some decent slide-out controls into a passable PMP form factor and we’re sold. Add in a 3-inch LCD, TV-out and a superfluous 1.3 megapixel camera… what more could we ever ask for?

[Via PMP Today]

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Filed under: Computers

Where, you ask, is the end of the Internet?

Well, in the time-space continuum that is virtual existence, the real question is when. And according to AT&T, without investment, the Internet’s current network architecture will “reach the limits of its capacity by 2010.”

The comments were made at a Westminster eForum on Web 2.0 this past week in London, where AT&T’s vice president of legislative affairs Jim Cicconi warned that the systems currently in place will not be able to handle the increasing amounts of content (read: homemade movies of your cat break-dancing).

He said that at least $55 billion worth of investment was needed in new infrastructure in the next three years in the U.S. alone — and that it would require $130 billion to improve the Internet worldwide.

Most outlandish quote:

“The surge in online content is at the center of the most dramatic changes affecting the Internet today,” he said. “In three years’ time, 20 typical households will generate more traffic than the entire Internet today.”

Psshhhyeah right. [Source News.com]

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For those who don’t know Carrefour, it’s huge retailer, much like a WalMart (except that they sell all kinds of food as well). They started out in France but Carrefour retail stores can be found in many countries. For example, there are around 10 Carrefour stores in Beijing. Anyhow, when you see a company like that going into the Movie Download business, it means a few things:

• The technology behind the business is a commodity. Sure, it can be improved, but it is no an edge anymore.
• Margins are going to get thin. I doubt that Carrefour will compete on user-interface or user-experience. They will compete on price. It’s their DNA.
• Expect more companies to jump in, as the technology behind it can probably be “bought” as a white label service.

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Filed under: Gaming

Sure, you’ve heard the horror stories of faulty Xbox power cables sparking up fires in homes, but it seems the latest case involves the aforesaid console’s successor: the Xbox 360. According to Little Rock, Arkansas fire department captain Jason Weaver, a 360’s power cord was to blame for a blaze that injured no one (thankfully) but caused some $100,000 in property damage. Mr. Weaver asserted that the power supply was likely crammed in a tight spot with no “space to dissipate heat,” and while we’ve certainly seen no shortage of overheating Xbox 360s, this marks the first time that we’ve seen high temperatures wreak havoc on more than just the machine’s internals. Here’s to hoping this isn’t the start of a dreadful trend.

[Via Joystiq]

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Filed under: Computers, TV

TiVo’s (intelligently) dipping its toes into the social networking waters by delivering the My TV application on Facebook. Granted, you don’t have to have a TiVo in order to join in, and while it’d be much nicer if you could import programs from your Season Pass, it’s not a half bad start.

Users who add the application can discuss episodes of their favorite shows with others, find out what friends are tuning into and discover material you aren’t currently watching (but totally should be). Eventually, we — like Gizmo Lovers — would greatly appreciate some sort of actual TiVo integration, and if it plans on setting itself apart from all the other me-too STBs, it probably wouldn’t be a bad move. [Source: MyTV via Gizmo Lovers]

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Light sabers just made their way into the best edge-weapon fighting game around: Soul-Calibur IV. As you can see, Darth Vader is providing some serious stabbing in this image, but he’s not the only one, Yoda is also in the game, and although the doesn’t turn in to an over-energetic chipmunk like in the movie, it’s cool. Warning: I’m a fan of the franchise since the Playstation 1 version, so I might be slightly biased. HD trailer for PS3 & Xbox 360

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Alright, so we know there aren’t hordes of you out there currently possessing one of GamePark’s GP2X F-200 handhelds, but we have absolutely no doubts that the owners that do exist are mighty vocal about their diminutive emulation powerhouse. When the unit was reviewed recently over at Ars Technica, critics found an awful lot to love, but it’s not like the admittedly hefty, battery-eating, mildly unsightly unit was flawless or anything. Sure, we know the hardcore emulation geeks out there are likely turning their attention to the forthcoming Pandora, but that’s not to say the F-200 can’t handle a good talking-to from its loyal followers. Go on, put away that unconditional adoration for just a moment and tell the world how this thing actually could be improved upon — we’re sure there’s something that grinds the gears.

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