The state of videogaming. Be afraid...be VERY afraid!

Razer · 4934 5157 5662 5658 Gender: Joined: 07 Oct 2002

These stories can be found at www.gamepro.com. I think it's most interesting that Microsoft is trying to block Sony and thereby limit our access to greater technology possibilities while Sony is trying to take over the world one home at a time...formerly a Microsoft goal. Both companies are stepping into very dangerous waters here. Also, it's most unsettling to know that Sony is integrating their chips into our homes without our knowledge. It almost makes me not want to get a gaming system anymore.

***News: Xbox 360 HD-DVD Drive Designed to Block PS3's Blu-ray [PS3]
Sony and Microsoft have more sway in the next-gen DVD war than you might think.
Blu-ray or HD-DVD? Blu-ray has the edge in storage capacity, but HD-DVD discs are cheaper to manufacture.

Whatever your preference, the next-gen DVD format squabble is building to epic levels as the HD-DVD group (led by XXX) and Blu-ray group (led by Sony) dig in their heels and prepare for war.

The latest piece of intelligence comes from the New York Times, which reports that Microsoft specifically developed the Xbox 360 external HD-DVD drive in order to short-circuit Sony's chances with the more advanced Blu-ray format.

The Times article cites an unnamed executive as saying that Microsoft was determined to keep Sony from using its Blu-ray DVD capabilities as an exclusive selling point.

But the key question is: how much will Microsoft's Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive cost? CNN Money's Game Over column guesstimates as much as $299, which is the same price as an Xbox 360 Core system. But even if that's true, that investment would still make the Xbox 360 one of the cheapest HD-DVD players on the market...at least, for the time being.

***News: PS3 'Cell' Chip to Be Included in Every Toshiba TV [PS3]
An interesting development in Sony's plans for PS3 domination.
Sony's plans for 'Cell' domination have taken one step forward.

At CES, Toshiba announced that every Toshiba TV shipped in 2006 will contain Sony's high-tech Cell chip, which is the powerhouse chip behind the PS3.

The Toshiba announcement is a strange one, but integrating the Cell processor into other consumer electronics has been a key part of Sony's plan all along.

But how will a Toshiba TV and a PS3 interact? Will there be some symbiotic advantage to playing a PS3 game on a Cell-equipped TV? It's not as far-fetched as it might seem: Sony has suggested that Cell chips are specifically designed to work in tandem.

RuneLateralus · Otaku Knight Gender: Joined: 27 Sep 2002

Don't forget that Microsoft might put an external Blu-ray drive if HD-DVD fails as well.

And the external drives will be for movie playback only. MS has stated the drives are not for gameplay.

And what did you expect from Sony? We are talking about a company that tried to pass off the PS2 as a computer more than a video game system before it came out.

But every video game company has its evil greedy side.

GAAZ · MOD Black Sheep Commander Gender: Joined: 14 Oct 2002

I kinda like the Idea of my TV working in Tandem with my game system.

Guess that means I'm buying Toshiba with my Tax Return.

Shino · Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:12 am Post subject:

Could you imagine... a Game System/TV combo where when the TV can lend processor cycles to the Game System.

Technically... it could happen.

I doubt it will anytime soon... but it could.

Silver Adept · Otaku Lord Age: 42 Gender: Joined: 20 May 2003

I get the feeling that the Cell plan is so that the PS3 won't have to utilize cycles to get the output into something TV-readable - it can just send the video data straight out to the TV's Cell, which can do the rendering work in a dedicated and likely quicker manner than the PS3. Buying a Cell-enabled TV might make your PS3 run faster, for all I know. That's my guess, anyway.

Of course, with the standards war going on, it'll really be a question of which games sell. If it's a popular game, the platform it's going to be exclusive to will sell better than the other. It sounds like it's gearing up to be a bit of Halo versus Square.

Zzyxx · *bursts into flame* Gender: Joined: 30 Sep 2004

THat would be an interesting war.....
I seriously wonder who would win, Master Chief or Cloud Strife?

RuneLateralus · Otaku Knight Gender: Joined: 27 Sep 2002

Actually Square Enix is considering no longer being just exclusive to Sony.

Nothing official if they are, but it is not surprising though. The cost of of making the games is kinda high to just play favorites this time...plus since the hardware can produce similiar specs.

Blackmage · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 5:34 pm Post subject:

Uhm all i can see realistically between Cell based PS3s and Cell Based TVs is a full digital uncompressed image being strait to the tv then processed there.

Godwyn · Senior Otaku Gender: Joined: 25 Oct 2004

Personally, I am in favor of Blu-Ray over HD-DVD if only because Sony lost out horribly the last time it backed a format and is due to get one right, sometime. Laughing

As for the Sony world take over, ah well. If the chip in the TV still makes the TV work, what is the worry about it being able to do a bit extra as well.

Terin · Huzzah! Gender: Joined: 27 Oct 2003

yeah lol, remember those old PS2 games that had the blue backs? I have like, maybe 2?
-T