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THE LATEST NEWS BELOW
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May 5th, 2010, 03:04 Posted By: bandit
We know our loyal readers already visit DCEmu Reviews, DCEmu Games Reviews and the DCEmu Network daily, but we wanted to do something a little extra to reward our loyal fans and grow our audience in some of the off-DCEmu social networking and content sharing sites that gamers hang out and visit. Not to mention, we need to clean house and make room for new stuff.
  
How It Works:
Follow DCEmu Reviews & DCEmu Games Reviews Contest Overview... It's Easy! That said, we want you to follow DCEmu Reviews on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook Fan Page and as a thank you for doing so we're going to pick a lucky winner from among our DCEmu followers / subscribers / fans on each of these sites to win some great gaming prizes! That's THREE (3) winners - one picked at random from each site. All you need to is click the images above to follow us on each site, and just keep following us! We'll pick our three winners on the last day of the month and announce them on the first day of the new month. The minimum prize value per site will be USD$45 MSRP and you can subscribe to all of YouTube, Twitter and Facebook to maximize your chances of winning. Thanks for following, spread the word and good luck!!
Follow DCEmu So You Can Win:- YouTube: The XCM USB VGA V-Box allows you to connect your Wii to a VGA screen. Record your gameplay on a hard disk for review, screen capture or to show your skills to friends!
- Twitter: The NEXiLUX Game Genie Turbo 360 Pre-Installed Controller gives your controller extra powers. Your triggers are individually configurable with settings from one (1) to ten (10) clicks/second. Whether on a FPS, Fighting game, Sports game, Game Genie mod is your best ally against the adversary.
- Facebook Fan Page: The Nyko Blu-Wave Infrared Remote allows you to easily control the playback of Blu-Ray movies, DVDs and CDs on the PlayStation 3 console & the DecalGirl PlayStation 3 Skin Kit gives your console a complete cool looking makeover without any permanent changes and also protects your console from those nasty finger prints.
Follow DCEmu Contest Details/Rules:
You must have a YouTube account, Twitter account and Facebook account.
Eligibility - Open worldwide! In order to participate as a follower / subscriber / fan of the DCEmu Reviews accounts in this contest you must have an account with YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. We'd love you to follow us in all three locations (that maximizes your chances of winning) but it's not required. One, two or all three is fine. If you're already following us when this contest starts, don't worry, you're entered automatically!!
Claiming Your Prize - Winners will be chosen randomly at the end of the month. Winning usernames will be posted to DCEmu Reviews homepage on the second week of the new month. Winners will be contacted via the respective sites (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube) and once initially contacted the follow-up will be conducted via email to work out details (address for shipping, etc.) on getting the prize. Winner must claim their prize within 48 hours of receiving the direct message by responding. Failure to respond within the 48 hours will forfeit their prize. Unfortunately, we are not responsible for any lost or damaged products during transit and any incompatibility issues with prize and console and/or games. All prizes are shipped with the cheapest method.
Contest, information and/or prizes may change or end at anytime without notice.
Prizes: (click on product image/links for review)
Follow YouTube:
Follow Twitter:
Follow Facebook:
Nyko Blu-Wave Remote & DecalGirl PS3 Skin Kit
*Prizes may be review products or newly purchased. They include everything needed and as they were received and in the same condition. This may or may not include box and/or instructions but will include all major components.
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May 5th, 2010, 03:04 Posted By: bandit
We know our loyal readers already visit DCEmu Reviews, DCEmu Games Reviews and the DCEmu Network daily, but we wanted to do something a little extra to reward our loyal fans and grow our audience in some of the off-DCEmu social networking and content sharing sites that gamers hang out and visit. Not to mention, we need to clean house and make room for new stuff.
How It Works:
Follow DCEmu Reviews & DCEmu Games Reviews Contest Overview... It's Easy! That said, we want you to follow DCEmu Reviews on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook Fan Page and as a thank you for doing so we're going to pick a lucky winner from among our DCEmu followers / subscribers / fans on each of these sites to win some great gaming prizes! That's THREE (3) winners - one picked at random from each site. All you need to is click the images above to follow us on each site, and just keep following us! We'll pick our three winners on the last day of the month and announce them on the first day of the new month. The minimum prize value per site will be USD$45 MSRP and you can subscribe to all of YouTube, Twitter and Facebook to maximize your chances of winning. Thanks for following, spread the word and good luck!!
Follow DCEmu So You Can Win:- YouTube: The XCM USB VGA V-Box allows you to connect your Wii to a VGA screen. Record your gameplay on a hard disk for review, screen capture or to show your skills to friends!
- Twitter: The NEXiLUX Game Genie Turbo 360 Pre-Installed Controller gives your controller extra powers. Your triggers are individually configurable with settings from one (1) to ten (10) clicks/second. Whether on a FPS, Fighting game, Sports game, Game Genie mod is your best ally against the adversary.
- Facebook Fan Page: The Nyko Blu-Wave Infrared Remote allows you to easily control the playback of Blu-Ray movies, DVDs and CDs on the PlayStation 3 console & the DecalGirl PlayStation 3 Skin Kit gives your console a complete cool looking makeover without any permanent changes and also protects your console from those nasty finger prints.
Follow DCEmu Contest Details/Rules:
You must have a YouTube account, Twitter account and Facebook account.
Eligibility - Open worldwide! In order to participate as a follower / subscriber / fan of the DCEmu Reviews accounts in this contest you must have an account with YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. We'd love you to follow us in all three locations (that maximizes your chances of winning) but it's not required. One, two or all three is fine. If you're already following us when this contest starts, don't worry, you're entered automatically!!
Claiming Your Prize - Winners will be chosen randomly at the end of the month. Winning usernames will be posted to DCEmu Reviews homepage on the second week of the new month. Winners will be contacted via the respective sites (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube) and once initially contacted the follow-up will be conducted via email to work out details (address for shipping, etc.) on getting the prize. Winner must claim their prize within 48 hours of receiving the direct message by responding. Failure to respond within the 48 hours will forfeit their prize. Unfortunately, we are not responsible for any lost or damaged products during transit and any incompatibility issues with prize and console and/or games. All prizes are shipped with the cheapest method.
Contest, information and/or prizes may change or end at anytime without notice.
Prizes: (click on product image/links for review)
Follow YouTube:
Follow Twitter:
Follow Facebook:
Nyko Blu-Wave Remote & DecalGirl PS3 Skin Kit
*Prizes may be review products or newly purchased. They include everything needed and as they were received and in the same condition. This may or may not include box and/or instructions but will include all major components.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
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April 22nd, 2010, 15:20 Posted By: bandit
We got first videos of XCM's new Vbox2 Advanced.
XCM Vbox2 Advanced (Notebook VGA box)
Enable video game play on your laptop, netbook and desktop.
Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™/PS2™, PSP 2000/3000 series™, Xbox™ GameCube™ or any device with component output. You can record gameplay, movie or take a screenshot of the gameplay to the hard drive so you can edit, use it as a wallpaper or record your gameplay for analysis.
Compatible with Window 7, Window Vista and Window XP
Function : - Crystal Clear Picture Screen.
- Supports USB 2.0. Plug and play. Does not require any configuration
- Supports Streaming Video. Can be stored in multiple formats including: (MPEG-1/MPEG-2/MPEG-4/AVI/VCD/DVD/SVCD)
- Supports multiple picture file formats such as JPEG and GIF.
- Supports multiple input formats such as (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
- Auto playback allows you to store in game action to your PC/laptop
- Display settings can be adjusted such as Brightness/Contrast/Image Sharpness/Fullness/Color
- Supports Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems
Vbox2 Advanced is due to release at the end of April and will retail for approximately for $84.95. It will be available at Play-Asia, Divineo US, Divineo China, Divineo France, ConsoleSource, Extreme-Mods, Gp2xstore and Goldenshop HK.
Images via comments
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April 19th, 2010, 21:03 Posted By: bandit
New Sam & Max Game Series The Devil’s Playhouse Premieres Today on PlayStation® Network, PC and Mac!
First Episode of the Epic Five Game Comedy Saga Now Available
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – April 15, 2010 – The curtain rises today in Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse with the premiere of the first episode, entitled The Penal Zone, on PC, Mac, and PlayStation® Network, exclusively for the PlayStation® 3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Telltale’s landmark series returns for the biggest, best looking, most bizarre installment yet as the dog and rabbit detective duo battle an onslaught of fearsome villains bent on acquiring the source of Max’s newfound psychic powers. With new episodes releasing monthly, season passes are available now for the full five game series for $34.95. The PC and Mac version can be downloaded at http://www.samandmaxgames.com/thedevilsplayhouse.
“With The Penal Zone launching on four separate game platforms, the new season of Sam & Max is the biggest episodic premiere in Telltale’s history,” said Telltale CEO Dan Connors. “This series has been about pushing boundaries, from humor and story to episodic gaming as a whole. The Devil’s Playhouse continues that tradition, and it’s easily the deepest, most visually stunning season to date. We can’t wait for players both new and returning to dive in.”
Also available on the iPad, The Penal Zone was a launch title for Apple’s new tablet device and is available now for the introductory price of $6.99 on the App Store.
As Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse begins, Max’s latent psychic abilities emerge after discovering ancient and arcane artifacts coveted by the universe’s most despicable villains. In The Penal Zone, Sam & Max investigate the root of Max’s new powers in the shadow of an invading gorilla warlord that is stomping around the city – searching for the artifacts, taking prisoners and spreading chaos.
Sam & Max is Telltale’s longest running series to date and a prime example of the company’s unique expertise in storytelling and cinematic production. The franchise’s latest installment has some of the best animated character performances in a game, presenting an experience on par with today’s feature theatrical releases.
For more information please visit http://www.samandmaxgames.com/thedevilsplayhouse
***New screens along with art and video available at http://vip.telltalegames.com
# # #
About Sam & Max
Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is based on the indie comics by Steve Purcell. Sam is a six-foot dog in a baggy suit sporting a trombone-sized .44 hand-cannon. Max is three feet of pure unleashed id with a saw blade grin and the impulsive nature of the average piranha. Together they patrol the sticky streets of a fantastical New York City, righting wrongs, pummeling perps, and ridding the urban landscape of the shifty legions of "self-propelled gutter trash" that litter their streets. Sam & Max is Telltale's longest running episodic game series to date.
About Telltale, Inc.
Telltale is a leading independent digital publisher of interactive stories playable on every major gaming platform. Telltale is also the pioneer of episodic delivery of content developing games as series and successfully releasing on a schedule to create a longer consumer engagement for each release. Founded in 2004 by LucasArts veterans with decades of experience, Telltale has quickly become an industry leader, establishing the model for downloadable game seasons and releasing more than 30 games to date. Telltale’s reputation for quality extends has been established across more than 25 published releases that have an cumulatively earned an average Metacritic score above 80%. Telltale's titles have won numerous awards including, "Adventure Game of the Year" accolades from publications such as IGN, PC Gamer, GameSpy, and Adventure Gamers, and have been recognized by mainstream outlets ranging from USA Today, to The New York Times to Variety. Telltale currently develops and publishes episodic series on PlayStation(R) 3, iPad, Mac, PC, Wii (TM), and Xbox 360 (TM).
Demo versions of The Penal Zone on Mac and PC are available at the links below:
Mac:
http://www.telltalegames.com/macdemo/thepenalzone
PC:
http://www.telltalegames.com/demo/thepenalzone
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April 16th, 2010, 21:29 Posted By: bandit
Razer Imperator Gaming Mouse Mice
Manufacturer: Razer
Site: Buy from Amazon / Buy from Razer (US) / Buy from Razer (Europe)
Price: $79.99 (US) / €69.99 (EU)
Overview : The Razer Imperator is not just a mere mouse, it is an extension of your hands. Its right-handed ergonomic form factor with a contoured thumb grip delivers comfort and a better fit for gaming, whether you use a palm or fingertip grip. Be empowered to take on foes and fatigue alike - for longer gaming sessions without strain.
When every aspect of your game matters, customize your game play with the unique adjustable side buttons, giving you optimum reach for easier access to mission critical keys and macros.
Ergonomic right-handed form factor with contoured thumb grip
The Razer Imperator’s right-handed ergonomic form factor maximizes comfort during intense and extended gameplay so you can outlast and outfrag the competition. The contoured thumb grip cradles your hand delivering increased control to low sensitivity gamers who often lift and swipe their mouse.
Adjustable side buttons for optimum reach
2 adjustable side buttons delivers optimum reach regardless of palm size or grip style; and for gamers who often lift their mouse or make rapid movements during gaming, the customizable buttons makes mission critical keys and macros accessible at all times.
5600dpi Razer Precision™ 3.5G laser sensor
The 5600dpi Razer Precision 3.5G laser sensor arms you with gaming grade precision and reliable tracking that will keep up with your every movement. Be it a small twitch of your wrist or a long range swipe to take out your foe, the Razer imperator delivers your every instruction with pinpoint accuracy.
Technical Specifications:- Ergonomic right-handed design
- Adjustable side buttons
- 5600dpi Razer Precision™ 3.5G Laser sensor
- Razer Synapse™ On-board Memory
- Up to 200 inches per second / 50g acceleration
- Seven independently programmable Hyperesponse™ buttons
- 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms response rate
- On-The-Fly Sensitivity™ adjustment
- Zero-acoustic Ultraslick™ Teflon® feet
Approx. size in mm: 123(L) x 71(W) x 42(H)
Hardware requirement:- PC/Mac with USB port
- Windows® 7 / Windows Vista® / Windows® Xp or Mac OS X (v10.4 and above)
- Internet connection (for driver installation)
- At least 35MB of hard disk space
Quality/Usability : Although this mouse is mainly for PC/Mac and PC gaming use, this review mainly revolves around console gaming with the use of XFPS 4.0 Force for PS3 and Speed for Xbox 360. This can also be used with XFPS Rateup for PS3 and XFPS Sniper Plus for Xbox 360.
The Razer Imperator's box has a cover flap and when opened, it shows the mouse behind a clear plastic box/cover. Included with the package are separate instructions for both Mac and PC, pamphlets, as well as a coaster, stickers and a seal of authenticity.
The scroll wheel is fairly big and not small. The left and right buttons have a big clickable surface where your fingers and rest easily. Underneath are two more buttons that are used to adjust sensitivity on-the-fly. On the side are two thumb buttons and can be programmed. These are adjustable for those of you who have very long or very short thumbs. These are the only buttons that are adjustable. On the bottom of the mouse is a switch. As you move this up or down, the thumb buttons also move. Also on the bottom is a button labeled "PROFILE". This button is used for on-the-fly profile switching so you don't need to minimize or ALT+TAB out of your game to open the application. This button is only useful for PC/MAC use. There are some features that will not work on console games.
A cool factor about the mouse is that the logo on the front/top of the mouse pulsates and lights up. It does serve a purpose or anything except for the fact that it lets you know the mouse is powered. The scroll wheel also lights up blue as well. The USB plug has a gold plated USB connector, as well as the 7 foot long braided cord which allows for greater durability. No matter what your setup is, the 7 foot of cord is long enough.
Since the Razer Imperator is connected to the computer, its best that you download the software since you can use it as your new mouse for your computer. I'm not going to go through the whole process of installation and settings as its like any software install and some of the features that is used for PC game does not work for console. If you're interested in knowing more about this mouse for PC gaming, please do a search on this mouse as others have reviewed this witht he focus of using it for PC gaming. However, I will discuss some functions that will work for console game and settings. You can adjust the DPI up to 5600! That insanely high. You can also adjust the acceleration and polling rate (125Hz, 500Hz or 1000Hz), toggle whether you want the light on the logo to be ON or OFF and the same goes for the scroll wheel. The software allows you to check to see if there is any new updates if you feel your mouse is not performing well or if there is a bug.
Adjusting the DPI on your computer will not have a major effect on what is displayed on your TV for your console gaming. I've tried 1800dpi as well as 5600dpi. Having it set to 5600dpi, the cursor on my mouse was zipping across the screen but in console gaming, the movement was quick but not the same to that on the computer (this was tested on XFPS 4.0). Putting it on a lower DPI, it worked and looked fine on my monitor but on my console games, it would skip and jump. So there will be some playing around to find the right setting that is perfect for you as well as your games. Using products such as XFPS Rateup or XFPS Sniper wouldnt matter as you are connecting directly to the adapter and there is no way to adjust settings. Having compared the Razer Imperator with my wireless Logitech Mouse and cheap wired DELL USB mouse, the Imperator is definitely better when it comes to slight movements since it has a higher DPI.
There is no need to assign buttons or anything for console games as you'll be programming them either through the product itself or through the software provided by the manufacturer of the adapter.
I loved the comfort the Razer Imperator provided. It fit like a glove and I did not have to lift my hand off the mouse to readjust.
Conclusion : Overall, the Razer Imperator Gaming Mouse is a well built product. The ability to adjust the thumb buttons allows me to set it to a spot where I can comfortably rest my hand on the mouse without having to move my hand up just to reach the buttons. The click response is very good and the mouse has a very fluid movement. Using this with your computer and PC gaming gives you multiple settings and customizations that will suit your needs. When it comes to console gaming, there isn't much you can do and you're limited. But thats not the Razer Imperator's or any PC peripherals fault. Its dependent on the adapter/accessory it communicates with and console.
The price however is a bit steep costing $80 but this is a 5600dpi mouse. If you're a serious gamer and competitor, its worth every penny. If you're a casual gamer I would pass and I would definitely not get this for normal everyday computer use. Majority of the features will go unused or untouched. The lights are very bright but come in handy when you're playing in the dark but if its too dark for you, you can turn them off. Would have been nice if you also had the ability to adjust the brightness.
If you're a lefty, this wouldn't be for you as this is geared towards right-handers but Razer does have left handed mouses such as Razer DeathAdder (US - $59.99) or if you're in Europe (€59.99).
Images via comments
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April 14th, 2010, 17:51 Posted By: bandit
XCM XFPS Storm Light Gun (PC)
Review by: TrialSword
Provided by: DCEmu Reviews
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from ConsoleSource / Buy from GoldenShop / Buy from Amazon
Price: $99.00
 
Overview : XFPS Storm Light Gun brings first person shooters to a whole new experience. With the XFPS Storm, you can snipe your foes with precision aiming using this unique light gun. No more keyboard, no more mouse and having to rest your wrist with point and click. Simply point and shoot.
The Storm will support CRT, LCD, Plasma, DLP as well as Projector. It supports every gun shooting game on PC. Storm can be upgraded via software and is compatible with Windows XP, Window vista and Windows 7 operating system. Now you can enjoy gun shooting games with your LCD, Plasma or any other display you have.
Quality/Usability : The XFPS Storm Light Gun peripheral for the PC has one simple goal: to turn your first person shooters into a more interactive, contextual experience. With it, the player can aim, move, fire, and perform other in-game functions using an assortment of shortcut buttons and a very familiar motion tracking mechanic. Is this something to pull the trigger on, or should you check the safety first?
The Storm Light Gun sports a relatively safe design that champions utility over style. The grip is sizable and designed to hold with one hand. Attached to the side is a smaller grip that can be detached and appear very much like a nunchuk for the Wii. Shortcut buttons can be found here and on the gun itself, on both sides. This is aside from the two analog sticks, which can also be pressed in, and the trigger. The material feels sturdy but is a very benign, shiny blue plastic. Liken it to the look and feel of a shiny blue lego. Sleek is hardly the word that comes to mind, but despite the lack of flair I could not say that it is cheaply constructed.
The technology at work here is almost exactly that of the Wii. The Storm Light Gun comes packed with an IR sensor that could easily be mistaken for the same one packed with the Wii. It is intended to rest on top of your monitor, so make sure there's a home for it or that your monitor can accommodate. Both the sensor bar and the gun itself connect via USB, so two free ports are necessary to use the Storm Light Gun.
The good news is that this peripheral is completely plug and play. Once you've plugged it in, the IR tracking serves as a proxy for mouse navigation. The trigger is the left mouse click and the shortcut buttons can be remapped in-game as a regular gamepad would. The gun conveniently transfers the controls to most PC FPS games in an accurate, intuitive way: The analog stick on the nunchuk lets you move your character, the trigger fires, and you can aim your weapons by simply aiming the gun itself. If you have played any FPS on the Wii at all, one can easily gain a sense for what they will be turning their game experience on the PC into.
There are a few snags, of course. The IR sensors can be spotty at times, resulting in the player character reeling their aim into the far corners of the map, but when responding appropriately can provide a surprising degree of control and accuracy. In addition, the sensor bar requires that the player be about 3 feet from the monitor at minimum, which is further than many PC gamers are used to.
I tested the Storm Light Gun with a number of games:- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Battlefield: Bad Company 2
- Left 4 Dead 2
- Half-Life 2
For games with relatively simple control schemes, the gun provided a fun, new experience. Half-Life 2 and Left 4 Dead 2 accomodated especially well, requiring few button shortcuts and few opportunities in which you won't be running and gunning. For all the novelty, however, it never really crossed my mind that this could be a legitimate replacement control scheme for the games I was playing. This rings especially true for the more complex games, which require more context-sensitive button presses. Having both hands full with the nunchuk and the gun's grip also makes it somewhat cumbersome to even reach the buttons at times. Chances are, a player will be dead long before they have found the time to navigate to some of these buttons.
Because the gun is essentially a plug and play gamepad with IR tracking, it does not always perform the same for every game encountered. For instance, Modern Warfare 2 requires little in the way of shortcut keys and a simple mechanic for firing/aiming that accommodate the gun very well. Games like Battlefield: Bad Company 2, however, have many contextual button presses that would be hard to map or reliably execute with the gun, such as piloting any vehicles or arming/disarming bombs.
The obvious statement to make here is that anyone attempting to use this gun for multiplayer in lieu of a traditional keyboard and mouse will always be at a disadvantage for virtually every game they'd want to play. I cannot recommend it for any level of competitive play or for any game that will have your character regularly changing control schemes. The plug and play nature of this peripheral is a double edged sword: while it provides a mostly unilateral experience for any FPS, another obvious statement is that every FPS is different, and none are made specifically for this method of control.
Conclusion : Any attempt to alter or simplify controls for the FPS is a battle in itself. No contender has managed to dethrone the classic keyboard and mouse combo, and unfortunately, the XFPS Storm Light Gun does not come close to that vaunted status. Instead, it provides a solid, reliable and effective method of altering the controls in a way engaging enough to facilitate a second or third romp through a personal favorite title or two. It suits the mentality that games are to be played for fun and spectacle, not necessarily as a serious engagement or a competitive grudge match. In this way the Storm Light Gun is much like the games it's meant to play: the experience is entirely what you make of it.
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April 8th, 2010, 17:02 Posted By: bandit
VDIGI VD-W3 Wii HDMI Upscaler
Manufacturer: VDIGI Electronics
Site: Buy from VDIGI Electronics
Price: USD$59.00 (WAS $75)
Overview : This is the world first dedicated Wii HDMI Upscaler, it can support connection though HDMI or DVI, and enjoy resolution up to 1080p or monitor resolution 1680x1050.
Features :
Powerful Video Signal conversion- Crystal shape image, Outstanding picture quality.
- Full HD (1080p) output.
- True 10-Bits high definition video scaler engine.
- AV grade scaler engine.
User Friendly- No external power required.
- Easy to setup.
- LED status indication.
Wide Range Video support- Support TV (HDMI) and PC Monitor (DVI).
- HDMI-Audio and Analog audio out.
- Various HDTV video out.
- Native resolution for LCD monitor.
Specs :- Input: Wii AV Connector x 1, USB Type A Plug x 1.
- Output: HDMI x1 , 3.5mm Stereo Audio Jack.
- Video lag time: 8 ms
- Video In Supported: EDTV(480i/576i), SDTV(480p/576p)
- Video Out Supported : 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1680x1050 (at refresh rate 59.94Hz)
- Audio Out: HDMI audio, Analog audio.
- Bi-Color LED: Blue and Red.
- Operating Temperature: 5°C to 60°C (41°F to 140°F)
- Dimensions (approximate): 12cm (L) x 7cm (W) x 2.5cm (H)
- Mass (approximate): ~180g
Quality/Usability : This review was tested on a 32" Samsung 720p HDTV (HDMI) and a 24" Dell Widescreen 1080p Monitor (DVI).
Let me start off by saying that the VD-W3 is a upscaler. Those expecting the VD-W3 to render images to high quality, this is not the product. VD-W3 will upscale the Wii's 480p signal and can independently scale SD images horizontally and vertically to achieve a quality picture for video display up to 1080p resolutions. The VD-W3 provides an HDMI connection, which is an alternatives to AV or component connections. This will also allow you to display your Wii on a monitor using DVI with audio output.
Upscalers are not new...at least not on the market. They were usually primarily used for DVD players but this is the FIRST solely dedicated for the Nintendo Wii. Upscalers basically output smoother and cleaner images on your display.
Connecting the VD-W3 is not complicated at all. The VD-W3 simply replaces the standard AV/Component plug and has a USB cord attached to it. This USB cord is what will power the VD-W3. No extra socket or power cord needed. This is great because I have daisy chained surge protectors in order to have enough sockets. On the other end of the VD-W3 is a port to insert your HDMI cable. If you do not have a HDMI TV or monitor, you will need to use a HDMI-to-DVI adapter and use a DVI cable. Do note that using a DVI cable does not transmit sound, so you will need to insert a 3.5mm cable from an external speaker.
The bottom of the VD-W3 contains a bunch of dip-switches and a RESET button. Different combinations of the dip-switches will change resolution (480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p and screen 1280x1024, 1440x990 and 1680x1050) as well as adjusting image (NORMAL or ENHANCED) and choosing between HDMI or DVI setup. There is an option for MODE 1 and MODE 2. There was no mention of this in the paper menu that was included but was told by VDIGI representative that this is for zooming in and out. If you have a black border, this would zoom in which will remove the black border. I did not have any black borders, so I was unable to confirm. If you have made a change in the dip-switches, the screen should automatically refresh within a couple of seconds. If it does not, you can press the RESET button and it will refresh the screen.
Comparing Component output and VD-W3's, I noticed that with the component cable, the display was brighter. With the VD-W3, the display was dimmer. As stated, this will upscale the Wii's 480p signal. There was some slight improvements that was noticeable but nothing jaw-dropping. Certain areas you would see that jaggies present in component was slightly improved and cleaner looking on the VD-W3. In some areas, jaggies was still noticeable but not as bad. DO NOT expect this to be a complete Wii HD.
With the less than a handful of GameCube games that are left in my collection, the VD-W3 had a little trouble with menus, in-game loading and intros. Images either froze or were slightly distorted. This can be resolved by playing around with the dip-switches on the bottom of the VD-W3. However, this can get annoying and bothersome.
The following images are from VDIGI using a HDMI capture card. VDIGI used AverMedia Capture HD capture card, directly captured from the VD-W3 HDMI output, this provide the best pictures on how it should be look like. For this capture card, it only allows them to capture up to 1080i HDMI/DVI output, so they cannot capture 1080p picture for your reference. This will provide a much more accurate view rather than taking a picture of a screen with a camera. Left hand side is 480p and Right hand side is 1080i, Click for the below pictures to display the bigger image (~500KB to 1MB in each file size, longer download time may needed)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conclusion : Overall, the VDIGI VD-W3 Wii HDMI Upscaler is a nice product but had some flaws. The brightness of output is dimmer than that of my component cable and the improvement is visible but nothing drastic. Within a week of VD-W3's release, VDIGI has read a lot of comments after our newspost was posted and most of the comments were about the price. After serious thoughts about the comments from potential buyers and for the Wii market need, VDIGI has dropped the price from $75 to $59! VDIGI's VD-W3 is the first Wii HDMI dedicated upscaler on the market and there is no comparable product to compare price. It's difficult to set a starting price but VDIGI used the upscaler price standard to define the VD-W3 as the same grade as most of the common AV upscalers.
I do agree that the $75 price tag was a bit steep but I am glad (as well as many others) that VDIGI lowered the price to something more affordable.
If you dont have additional HDMI cables, you may want to purchase VDIGI's 1.5m/5ft HDMI cable (Male to Male 1.3b 28AWG with Ferrite Cores) for an additional $8. If you purchased it separately, it would be $16.
If you are using a DVI cable for your monitor, VDIGI Electronics sells a Female DVI to Male HDMI Converter for an additional $5 with purchase of VD-W3 or $10 by itself. Purchasing both the 1.5m/5ft HDMI cable and converter with VD-W3, its $12.00. Its not a bad price for the combo but its either one or the other. You cant use both.
VDIGI is open to comments, suggestions and will do suitable adjustment to respond to feedbacks.
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April 6th, 2010, 19:15 Posted By: bandit
After our newspost about VDIGI's VD-W3 Wii Upscaler, we have more screenshots and videos. The screenshots were taken with a screen capture rather than from a camera taking a picture of the screen to give a more accurate comparison and improvement.
The following images are from VDIGI using a HDMI capture card. VDIGI used AverMedia Capture HD capture card, directly captured from the VD-W3 HDMI output, this provide the best pictures on how it should be look like. For this capture card, it only allows them to capture up to 1080i HDMI/DVI output, so they cannot capture 1080p picture for your reference. This will provide a much more accurate view rather than taking a picture of a screen with a camera. Left hand side is 480p and Right hand side is 1080i, Click for the below pictures to display the bigger image (~500KB to 1MB in each file size, longer download time may needed)
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April 6th, 2010, 19:11 Posted By: bandit
Sunflex Europe, known for high-tech gaming accessories of the brand snakebyte for all gaming consoles, handhelds and the PC, has used the last few months to improve the Remote XL+ with new features:
 
Motion Plus integrated:
Motion Plus is already integrated in the remote to offer you a comfortable all-in-one solution, which automatically (de)activates the Motion Plus feature while playing games which do, or do not support Motion Plus.
Increased range:
The integrated camera was emphatically improved and now also offers you the possibility to step away up to 5 meters from the Sensor Bar.
ECO-Mode:
Thanks to improved efficiency, the Remote XL+ uses less energy than comparable products on the market. The batteries have a longer life, therefore reducing the environmental pollution.
Integrated batteries and charging possibility via USB:
The Remote XL+ already has batteries included in the delivery which can be charged via USB directly in the remote. A USB cable is also included in the set. Since the batteries are off-the-shelf items, they can be exchanged with any other AA batteries at any time without having to buy expensive accessories.
External sync button:
Because the sync button is on the outside of the remote, you do not have to open the battery compartment to synchronize your remote with the Wii.
The Remote XL+ is available from April for 49.99€ in the stores or the snakebyte web shop.
Source: via Email
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March 26th, 2010, 01:05 Posted By: bandit
WaterField SleeveCase Laptop
Manufacturer: WaterField Designs
Site: Buy from SFBags
Price: $39.00-100.00
Overview : Over 100 different sizes. Proper protection starts with a proper fit. Our San Francisco sewing shop churns out a dizzying array of sleeve sizes in 1/2" increments to ensure a custom fit for your specific laptop.
Cushioned with high-grade neoprene and wrapped in a ballistic nylon shell, our SleeveCases function as a stylish stand-alone laptop case or can be inserted into another bag. And no need to take your laptop out of its snug compartment when going through airport security—it's TSA Checkpoint Friendly. We've got your fit. It's a slam dunk.
Quality/Usability : So ever since owning my 13" Macbook, I have been carrying it around with the iSkin SOHO Macbook Sleeve Case. Although it has served its purpose, there was no pockets to hold paperwork or CDs and no strap. I had to hold it in my hand. Having reviewed many Waterfield Designs products, why not give another product of theirs a shot as well as a review.
Like most of WaterField Designs cases, its made of a durable nylon shell with a checkered board type bottom. The inside is lined with high grade neoprene so you dont have to worry about your laptop being scratched or anything. The fitment of the case to the laptop is perfect. Not too tight and not too loose. Another thing I noticed is that all cases have a strap or loop. This allows you to put 1 finger through the loop to help anchor the case while you slide/pull out the device.
The back pocket allows you to insert papers, CDs, cables or anything you might need. However, depending on the size of your mouse and power supply brick/cable, the pocket may hold it. Inserting letter sized papers (8.5"x11") into the pocket will stick out allowing you to grab them easily but also fold the edges or crease them. Since this review is based on a 13" Apple Macbook (Black), the size of the case is 12.78" (l) x 8.92" (h) x 1.08" (d) which is big enough to hold letter sized paper. If you have a netbook which is smaller, the case will be smaller and will have paper sticking out or you would have to fold the paper in half.
The strap is very durable as well. The hooks are made of metal and not cheap plastic or aluminum. The padding on the strap has two different textures on each side. One side has a leather texture while the other side has a dotted rubber material similar to that of a basketball. There is no specific side but more of your preference. Of course, if the leather side is on your shoulder, it will be sliding where as the rubber texture wouldnt.
Price of the SleeveCase starts off at $39. As you get bigger in bag size, so does the price which can go as high as $59. You can choose your case to be inserted horizontal or vertical but there is no additional charge to this.
If you want to add a flap, it will cost an additional $15.
You can also add straps which ranges from $12 (regular strap), $18 (padded strap) or just D-Rings for $5, if you want to use your own straps. You can view different straps here.
Now, if the small pocket on the side does not hold your power cable, mouse or any other accessory, you have the option of purchasing a "Piggback". This will cost you $25 and the pouch clips onto the D-Rings. You can also purchase the Piggback separate by going to this link.
 
Conclusion : Overall, the WaterField SleeveCase Laptop is another great product by SFBags. There is nothing to complain or anything negative...well, maybe except for trying to keep it clean. Make sure you dont put the cases on any crumbs because with the nylon, there are small crevices and small food particles can get caught inbetween the grooves. $39 is a great price point for such a great product but as you add stuff to it such as flap, shoulder strap, Piggyback, price can get a bit hefty. Prices vary for everyone as some would want a flap, while others dont, some would want strap, while others dont need it. On average, you're looking to spend between $39-$75 based on what options you add.
Whats great about SFBags is that if you dont see your laptop manufacturer, you can submit your laptops info such as manufacturer, brand and dimensions and they would help you find the correct size. Even though it might not be listed, one of the current sizes can fit your laptop.
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