Showing posts with label high definition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label high definition. Show all posts

12/17/2012

Xbox 360 HD DVD Player Review

Xbox 360 HD DVD Player
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I've been using this Xbox HD-DVD player for almost a month now and so far it works just great. I actually had no plans to buy either Blu-Ray or HD-DVD until one of those losers became a dominate player. Unfortunately it doesn't look like that's going to happen any time soon. And for $200, I couldn't pass it up since I already had an Xbox. And I couldn't bring myself to keep buying low-def regular DVD's with these awesome HD DVD's out there. AND, the HD DVD combo discs still have regular DVD content for normal DVD players in other rooms in the house.

Out of the box, this drive is extremely easy to setup. Just pop in the setup CD, plug it in, and you're ready to go. There is a separate power cord as well. The included remote is nice, but I'll stick with my Harmony 880. It's able to control all the basic functions of the player. The player is also unable take advantage of the improved audio quality of HD-DVD, so you just get the normal "good" audio quality you had with previous DVD's. Which isn't bad, but still somewhat disappointing. Otherwise, all the menu's work nicely, the player starts up fairly quick, and the picture quality is awesome - for component video at least.

Component is probably the biggest negative I can think of - and that's really due to the Xbox 360's fault, not the player itself. If you think HD DVD looks good on your xbox component connection in 1080i, just wait until you see it via your HDMI port in 1080i or even 1080p (if your TV accept 1080p and is big enough to take advantage of such a high res). Unfortunately, there is no word of HDMI for the xbox. So you only get 1080i via the Component connection. To get 1080p, you need the VGA cable, which has a somewhat better picture.

So I bought the VGA cable. The picture does look a little better on my 61' Samsung HL-S6187W since it's also at 1080p, but there is a 1-3" border around the screen, and the image is tilted. Samsung had no idea how to fix it. But I suspected that might happen since a TV with a VGA port is still a TV, not a PC Monitor. Your results will of course vary depending on your model TV.

The VGA port limitations aren't that big of a deal. If you REALLY want 1080p, you just need HDMI - period. I'll live with 1080i via Component for now until the 1080p players come down in price. In the meantime, at least I've got some awesome looking HD movies to watch on my new TV!

Pros:
* Cheapest HD-DVD solution if you have an XBox 360
* Easy to setup
* Accepts IR from your universal remote via the Xbox
* Great picture quality
* Includes Microsoft Remote and free King-Kong HD-DVD
* UPDATE: HDMI Output (with Xbox 360 Elite Only)

Cons:
* Only outputs 1080i via Component (VGA required for 1080p)
* VGA output has limitations, both due to Xbox and/or your TV
* Can't take advantage of HD-DVD improved audio quality formats

Bottom line, if you have an Xbox 360, and have a HD TV, you've gotta pick one of these up. You just can't go wrong for a $200 entry-level HD player!

*** ELITE/HDMI UPDATE ***

Just purchased the Xbox 360 Elite w/ HDMI. This HD DVD player is even more awesome than before. We just watched the entire Matrix Trilogy in HD DVD in 1080p on the 61" Samsung DLP - and it looked awesome. When compared to component, the HDMI picture is much more crisp, detailed, and even better black levels. Definately recommended!

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Product Description:
You've experienced next-gen gaming on Xbox 360™ ... now experience next-gen DVD movies with HD DVD. The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player is the most affordable way to jump into the next generation of DVD technology, along with the flexibility to enter when you are ready. Just plug Xbox 360 HD DVD Player into Xbox 360 and enjoy the ultimate home theater experience with more clarity and detail than broadcast, cable or satellite HD. Feed your HDTV the high definition content it craves with HD DVD on Xbox 360!Includes the movie King Kong on HD-DVD.Xbox 360 HD-DVD requires a Xbox 360 game console.This is not a stand-alone HD-DVD player.

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11/21/2012

Discovery Channel : PLANET EARTH "Pole To Pole, Mountains, & Ocean" DVD Review

Discovery Channel : PLANET EARTH 'Pole To Pole, Mountains, & Ocean' DVD
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Everybody should have one. I loved this . Lot of exciting things about nature .

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Product Description:
More than five years in the making, Planet Earth redefines blue-chip natural history filmmaking and continues the Discovery Channel mission to provide the highest quality programming in the world. Award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver narrates this engaging series featuring never-before-seen footage and unprecedented high-definition production techniques. Plus, as a bonus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of each incredible episode.Pole to PoleFollow the sun as it touches the lives of creatures across the planet, bringing a fresh understanding of how the world is interconnected. From African herds migrating hundreds of miles in search of water to desperate animal hunts, Pole to Pole examines how the seasons produce the greatest spectacles on Earth.MountainsTour the planet's mightiest mountain ranges and meet the rare animals that inhabit them. From a never-before-seen hunt by snow leopards on the treacherous slopes of the Himalayas to a family of pumas struggling to survive the unstable weather of the Andes, Mountains reveals life on the planet's highest peaks.Deep OceanExplore the depths of the planet's oceans and discover some of this mysterious world's most spectacular species. From light shows performed by squids to the blue whale, the largest animal to ever exist, Deep Ocean investigates the waters that cover two thirds of the Earth's surface yet remain largely unknown.

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9/09/2012

PlayStation 3 AV Cable Review

PlayStation 3 AV Cable
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You're buying a first-party cable here, so expect to retain that cherished first-party feeling Sony puts into all their products. I bought this cable to hook up to my postage-stamped size TV and everything worked accordingly. The aluminum finish on the cable connectors are a beautiful touch and really make my $10 TV look amazing. My only gripe about using AV with a PS3 is that you're going to get what you paid for. The PS3's interface wasn't designed to be on a 19" SD TV - actually any SD TV - and those little 12pt lines of text that look gorgeous in 1080p are going to be microscopic to the point of squinting on most SD TV. It's a crime to use such an incredible machine on such a terrible piece of technology, so if you're purchasing this cable for daily use you should really think twice about what you're using your PS3 for.

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Product Description:
Composite A/V Cable for PS2/PS3

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7/07/2012

Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable Review

Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable
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The reason that I ended up buying the VGA cable was due to the fact that the component signal (both 720p and 1080i) is subject to overscan.This means that the screen "zooms in" slighty so that you are sure to see a complete picture with no black or static edges.This is a problem though with the Xbox 360 because it ends up cropping the image.For example, the HUD in GRAW is cutoff on the corners when using the component cables.This really bothered me so I gave the VGA a try and viola!

I can now go into the dashboard settings and specify 1360 x 768 which closely matches my LCD's native resolution of 1368 x 768.Thus, I am able to see the whole screen without any overscan/cropping.The only downside is that the overall image gets "washed out" when using the VGA cable.However, this is not really a big deal because most of the newer games (GRAW, Oblivion) have an in-game setting for brightness which you can turn down to eliminate the washed out look.

I highly recommend that you at least give the VGA cables a try.Depending on your TV, you may or may not like them.No big deal though because you can just return them.However, you may find that you really like them and will be glad that you tried them out!Check out my VGA vs Component pictures at http://spaces.msn.com/theshepherdsbag/photos/ and read about my detailed testing on my blog at http://spaces.msn.com/theshepherdsbag/blog/ and you can check out this xbox forum thread for further insights at http://forums.xbox.com/2885313/ShowPost.aspx

Lastly, I have the Samsung LNR238W and there is NO ghosting issues when using the VGA cable.

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Product Description:
VGA HD AV Cable X360

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4/22/2012

PlayStation 3 Component AV Cable Review

PlayStation 3 Component AV Cable
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The product summary doesn't mention it, but the box these come in DOES state that it's for use with Playstation 3 and Playstation 2.

I actually bought these for use with my Playstation 2 and was not disappointed.The difference between the output on the standard cable and this cable on a 61" HDTV is enormous!God of War looked blurry before, but now running it in progressive widescreen mode (480p) the difference is like night and day.Gran Turismo 4 outputs to 1080i and is amazing!

If you have HDTV and a Playstation 2 get this cable, don't worry that the product description doesn't mention playstation 2, the box does.

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Product Description:
SONY PS3 AV COMPONENT CABLE

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7/16/2011

Forza Motorsport 3 Review

Forza Motorsport 3
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It's often said the the third time's the charm, and in the case of Forza Motorsport 3, that couldn't be more true. FM3 manages to improve upon it's predecessors in almost every imaginable way. If you've played Forza Motorsport 2, you're probably aware that the game wasn't designed with casual gamers in mind. FM3 changes this, and finally brings the franchise to a level that it has appeal not only as an uber-realistic racing simulator, but also as an entertaining racing game that just about anyone can pick up and enjoy. The addition of autobraking and rewind undoubtedly make things easier on newcomers, while the tweaked physics engine and ramped-up AI will give even the most die-hard Forza fanatics a run for their money. With over 400+ cars and 100+ tracks, one would be hard-pressed to get bored with this game.

Without a doubt, the two most significant improvements are the graphics and the new "Storefront". Forza Motorsport 3 displays in a native 720p (upscaled to 1080p by the console) running at 60 fps. This translates to a rich, detailed, and smooth-flowing picture that makes you feel like you're actually racing in Le Mans. To further immerse gamers, Turn 10 added a true in-cockpit view that was rendered to be a perfect likeness of the real life car. The environment and tracks weren't spared from this graphic overhaul either, and I often found myself going on free rides just to scope out the scenery and enjoy the ride.

Glossy graphics aside, the "meat" of the game is still incredibly satisfying. Those who were avid players of FM2 can testify to the integral part that online activities played. Don't worry, as Turn 10 was obviously aware this and made sure to spice things up just for you. Painting cars, applying vinyls and decals, and selling customized cars in FM3 couldn't be easier. In fact, this practice is encouraged with the addition of the new "Storefront". Players now have the ability to sell not only liveries for cars, but also tuning configurations. Making a name for yourself as an artist in Forza Motorsport 3 is a definite goal for some, but even those who lack the finesse required to create liveries can benefit from the changes.

Overall, this game not only meets all expectations set forth by hardcore FM2, but exceeds them. Those of you who are looking for a fun and relaxed racing game won't be disappointed though, as Forza Motorsport 3 was also designed with you in mind. I would, without a doubt, recommend the purchase of this game. The only downside is that the game comes with two disks (and a total of 1.9 GB of data) and necessitates the use of a hard drive if you plan on adding the bonus content (100+ cars and 3 environments).

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(UPDATE - November 4, 2009) - Numerous reviews have been posted addressing the shortcomings concerning the online multiplayer mode. They are correct. Turn 10 absolutely perfected the single player aspect of this game with "Season Mode" but, upon playing a few hours in the online multiplayer mode (which, due to all the waiting, is only two or three races) a glaring flaw reveals itself- Turn 10's "reset" of the new matchmaking system sucks. A lot. Gone are the days of creating your own custom party. Gone are the days of racing sub-A class cars. Gone are the glory days of online multiplayer.

While this may not be a huge deal to me (I mostly play single-player anyways), it's definitely a problem that NEEDS to be addressed. I've also noticed some problems in single player mode..* Some in-car views aren't interactive, or don't render correctly.

* While the sound of cars has been vastly improved, there are still some problems. It seems that the exhaust note is based solely on displacement of the engine. A Camaro shouldn't sound like a Murcielago.

* Uploading the "Movies" doesn't work unless they're shot in low-res. 720p videos just don't upload.

* The "Performance Index" is broken. A Dodge Ram with a PI of 700 should, logically, perform on par with a Lamborghini Reventon with a PI of 700, right? Well, that's not how it works. I don't know how the PI is calculated, but it's not right.

* The resolution of Photomode leaves alot to be desired. While it's understandable that there needs to be a limit on file size to relieve strain on Turn 10's servers, I feel that the quality of the pictures doesn't do the game justice.

* Everything sold in the Storefront has a price cap of 10,000 credits. While this is just temporary, it's a huge disincentive at to spend hours upon hours perfecting a quality livery to be sold.

* The AI occasionally does stupid things. Though it's rare, I've seen opponents slam on their brakes for no reason when they're in the lead, slam into walls, or just stop driving. I don't know if these are just glitches, or the AI trying to be "more human". Whatever the cause, it's not right.
MY ratings so far-

[*****] - Single Player Mode
[****_] - Soundtrack
[*****] - Visuals
[****_] - Multiplayer (Split-screen)
[*____] - Multiplayer (Xbox Live)
[***__] - Fit and finish (Ready to be released?)

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Product Description:
Whether it's an exotic sports car like the new Audi R8 V10, a classic American muscle car like the Ford GT or a hot Asian import like the Nissan 370Z, everyone has a dream car. Now you can drive that dream with Turn 10's latest racing epic. Exclusively for Xbox 360, Forza Motorsport 3 unites the racing game genre, making it possible for everyone to experience the thrill of the world's most exotic and exquisite cars.



400+ customizable cars.
Viewlarger.
100+ international tracks.
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Amazing in-car detail.
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New game modes & events.
Viewlarger. Live the most realistic racing experience ever as you take the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved cars on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe. With breathtaking high-definition graphics and the most advanced vehicle performance modeling in a video game, Forza Motorsport 3 includes a host of driving assists and adjustable skill levels to make the game a gripping pick-up-and-play experience for audiences of all ages and skill levels.

Your escape into the world of car culture in Forza Motorsport 3 doesn't stop at the track. Turn 10 is a proven leader in user-generated content creation in games. Forza Motorsport 3 further fuels the imaginations of its already thriving community of painters, tuners and photographers with improved customization tools and brand-new ways to share creations with the world via Xbox LIVE.* Xbox LIVE makes your journey into the Forza Motorsport community and the world of user-generated content easy and fun.A love of cars lives in all of us. Forza Motorsport 3 is the automotive playground we've all been waiting for.

Key Game Features


    Where Dreams are Driven: The Cars and Tracks
    Featuring the latest and greatest production offerings as well as the world's fastest and most exotic street cars, Forza Motorsport 3 offers more than 400 fully customizable and tunable cars from over 50 of the world's leading manufacturers. Whether your passion is classic American muscle cars, European roadsters, purpose-built race cars or high-tech Asian imports, Forza Motorsport 3 puts you in the cockpit of the cars you love. In addition to the return of world-famous tracks from previous Forza Motorsport games, including Suzuka, Nurburgring Nordschleife and the Sebring International Raceway, Forza Motorsport 3 invites you to conquer the corners on more than 100 tracks, including some of the most beautiful road courses in the world. New environments like the gorgeous mountainous Montserrat region in Spain, the rugged Amalfi Coast in Italy and the American Southwest are presented in such majestic detail that you might find yourself pulling over just to take it all in.
    The Look and Feel of a Modern Racing Game
    Forza Motorsport 3 is the definitive racing game. The appreciation of the automobile in Forza Motorsport 3 is due in large part to the team's attention to detail. This is why automotive engineers from manufacturers like Audi and champion race teams like Peugeot as well as experienced computer graphics specialists from across Microsoft Corp. have all teamed up with Turn 10 to make Forza Motorsport 3 the most beautiful and realistic racing game ever made. All 400-plus cars in the game have been built with more than 10 times the amount of polygons as Forza Motorsport 2. This includes painstakingly researched cockpits and interiors for every vehicle. But realism isn't just about pretty graphics. Turn 10 takes realism to new heights, leading the industry with the most advanced physics model, artificial intelligence and damage calculations. Whether it's the differences in how each car handles through the corners, how the engines sound at top speed or how different tires and upgrades impact your car's performance, you'll find yourself leaning into your turns as if you were really behind the wheel of your favorite ride.
    It's Easy to Go for a Spin
    Forza Motorsport 3 redefines the racing genre. Simulation games can be too hard for some players. Forza Motorsport 3 rises above the distinction between simulation and arcade games. Using a myriad of cutting-edge driving and gameplay assists such as auto-braking, gameplay rewind and auto-tuning, Forza Motorsport 3 delivers an experience where everyone can have fun behind the wheel, regardless of your skill and dexterity. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned racing game pro, Forza Motorsport 3 caters to how you drive and evolves with you over time as your skills increase.
    Express Your Car Passion
    User-generated content and Xbox LIVE. Painters and tuners will once again be able to showcase creativity through the celebrated Livery Editor, Auction House and deep tuning garage in Forza Motorsport 3. The car is literally the artistic canvas as some of the world's most creative car painters and designers find new layers of depth and freedom to create shocking visual masterpieces before sharing them with others over Xbox LIVE.* Each car in Forza Motorsport 3 is fully upgradable, allowing gear heads to take on the challenge of turning a Honda Civic into a supercar killer. New Xbox LIVE Leaderboards celebrate not only the greatest racers but also the most prolific car tuners and painters in the community.
    New Game Modes
    Forza Motorsport 3 is an epic racing game featuring more content and more ways to play than any racing title today. An innovative single player season mode puts you through a completely personalized racing calendar that includes more than 200 different events, including Circuit, Oval, Drag, Drift and Timed Events. No two calendars are the same; they react to the cars you love and the races you enjoy most. In addition, the online multiplayer mode* gains an all-new game rules editor. This gives players a never-ending variety of ways to play with friends. Whether you're a speedster, dragster, drifter, painter, tuner or just a lover of cars, Forza Motorsport 3 is the definitive racing game for you.
* Xbox LIVE Gold account required for online multiplayer gameplay.

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