DCEmu Featured News Articles

Sumo Omni and Otto Bean Bag Chairs
Manufacturer: Sumo Lounge
Site: Buy from Sumo Lounge
Price: $129.00 (Omni) / $75.00 (Otto) / $50.00 (Beads)


Overview :
OMNI
This super-sized pillow by Sumo is the ultimate solution for all your relaxing needs. We've come up with 10 ways to use it, but some people say we lack imagination!

It's a crash mat, lounge chair, loveseat or floor pillow to name a few, but the possibilities really do go on.

Sumo Beanbags are made from space age rip-proof nylon and come filled with top quality Sumo Beads. Omni is 4.5' x 5.5' and it only weighs 18 lbs!

OTTO
Whether you're looking for a comfy place to rest your feet or a seat in front of the coffee table, the Otto is the perfect accessory to match your space.

Sumo Beanbags are made from space age rip-proof nylon and come filled with top quality Sumo Beads. Otto is 50cm radius and it only weighs only 5 lbs!

Features : (Omni)

• Space age, rip proof nylon
• Little foam beads
• Huge - 5.5 x 4.5 feet
• Lightweight
• Versatile - 10 in 1
• Colorful
• Water repellant
• Stain resistant
• Easy to clean
• Incredibly comfortable

Quality/Usability : I have been looking for some type of furniture that would let me lean back, play games or watch TV and be comfortable. Yes, I can do that on my leather/suede couch but its not the same. I have to slouch or lay sideways which makes gaming difficult. I can also use the lazyboy but I'm positioned in one way. I dont have the control or the ability to adjust how I sit according to my mood/comfortability.

Bean bag chairs came into popularity in the 1960s and 1970s as a hip, comfortable new family room or living room seating option. The chairs' construction consists of a large bag made of fabric or plastic that is filled with tiny pieces of styrofoam or PVC beads. The chair is positioned directly on the floor and forms around the contour of the body when seated upon. However, Sumo Lounge has improved on the hip bean bag chairs turning it into a modernized bean bag chair.

The Omni has 10 colors to choose from while Otto is 2 colors shy with 8 colors to choose from. Both are made of rip proof nylon filled with Virgin Polystyrene Foam, also known as little foam beads. Sumo beads are tiny little foam balls, polystyrene foam to be specific, that conform to your body like nothing else. That's what the bean bags so comfortable - the little foam balls. Sumo Lounge says there is 10 ways to use it. Do I agree? Yes. Are there other ways to use the Omni? Only your imagination can tell you and thats probably a yes also.

The Omni was light in weight making portability easy to move around the house even up and down the stairs. I'm 5' 9" and the size was perfect for me. I was able to fit my body nice and snuggly into it. The foam balls contoured my body nicely. On the side is a velcro enclosure. Once you separate the velcro, it will reveal a zipper. This is where all the foam balls are stored. So if you ever need to refill or replace the foam balls, this is where you will do so. The velcro adds extra security in case you forget to close up the zipper or your child from accidentally unzipping it.

The Otto was also light in weight and had a velcro but attached itself to the side of the Otto and a zipper inside. What I did notice was the part of the zipper that we grab onto to zip/unzip, wasnt a full piece. More than half of it was missing. I'm not sure if this was a production mistake or intended to be like this. If it was intended to be cut in half, I dont know what the reason for that was. Maybe this allowed the velcro to cover more of the area? Even so, the velcro overlapped the zipper allowing it to prevent access to zipper or the foam beads.

Conclusion : Overall, Sumo Omni and Otto Bean Bag Chairs were very durable and a perfect size. The Omni contoured my body nicely. Once I was situated in a position, I did not move around. I probably could of stayed in that one position for hours. Although the Omni is perfect for one person, you can try and squeeze in a second person. Granted, there wont be a lot of room, but will bring you closer to your loved one. It was so comfy that both my sister and my girlfriend passed out on the Omni.

The Otto(man) with the combination of the Omni makes the perfect "couch" with footrest. The Otto is a perfect height. The Otto isnt filled completely with foam balls and is not stiff so it will contour your foot slightly but not enough where your foot will sink into it. You can also use the Omni as a little stool to sit on. I personally would of preferred it to be a little stiffer.

However, since its made of nylon, you'll be making some sound while moving around. It would be nice if Sumo Lounge offered a suede or cloth version.

*UPDATE*
It seems to me that I received a defective Otto. The zipper handle was not suppose to be cut off. Also, upon closer inspection, even though the zipper is completely closed, the other end of the zipper is open. Luckily, the ...

News via pspita

New release for PSP3D. anmabagima developer plugin developed by introducing the effect on our PSP stereoscopic 3D anaglyph red / cyan. This new version, which bears the prx to version 0.2, adds support for four new games and adds Compatible with the other two types of glasses: green / magenta and blue / yellow.
A complete changelog and follow the link to download.

Changelog v0.2:

Quote:

- New supported games:
• Metal Gear Solid Portable OPS
• Star Wars Battlefront 2
• Death Jr.
• Tomb Raider Legends

- Support for the following glasses: green / magenta and blue / yellow ...

News via pspita

New release for PSP3D. anmabagima developer plugin developed by introducing the effect on our PSP stereoscopic 3D anaglyph red / cyan. This new version, which bears the prx to version 0.2, adds support for four new games and adds Compatible with the other two types of glasses: green / magenta and blue / yellow.
A complete changelog and follow the link to download.

Changelog v0.2:

Quote:

- New supported games:
• Metal Gear Solid Portable OPS
• Star Wars Battlefront 2
• Death Jr.
• Tomb Raider Legends

- Support for the following glasses: green / magenta and blue / yellow ...

iSkin CERULEAN F1+TX BT Headset
Manufacturer: iSkin
Site: Buy from iSkin
Price: $189.99


Overview : Nothing feels better than having the freedom to do the things we love without being tied down by wires. The CERULEAN F1+TX gives you the freedom of wireless sound from your iPod, mobile phone or computer. It delivers crisp, clean stereo sound and superior headset functionality in a sleek and compact design that's attractive, easy to use and feature filled.

The CERULEAN F1+TX was built with iTunes in mind and integrates flawlessly. It also works well with other audio applications on your PC or Mac for a hassle free listening experience. If you have just upgraded to OS X Leopard, don't worry.... it works there too.

Since everybody has a unique pair of ears, we ship the F1 with two different earhook shapes. They are designed to be comfortable and keep the F1's in an optimal listening position at all times.

Charge your F1 and TX using any powered USB charging port or USB 5V(DC) wall charger, power options are endless. Your F1 is fully charged in just over 2 hours and ready for over 8 hours of continuous music play back. You can get up to 10 hours of talk time on a single charge.

The CERULEAN F1 features full Bluetooth 2.0® compatibility and contains the necessary profiles to work with many of today's Bluetooth® mobile devices.

Features :

• Small, light weight and ergonomic design
• Multi-point pairing
• Operational range 33 feet (10m)
• Stereo Bluetooth® 2.0 equipped
• Music playback 8 hours
• Talk time 10 hours
• Standby 300 hours

Suggested Users :

• Listen to audio from iTunes®, DVD's, CD's or any applications wirelessly.
• Listen to and remotely control your iPod wirelessly.
• Stream stereo music from your iPhone and use your F1 headset for phone calls simultaneously.
• Compatible with most mobile Bluetooth devices for hands free calls and music.

Quality/Usability : With how technology is advancing in today's world, wireless is starting to play a major part in our lives ranging from mobile phones, internet, music players and remotes around the house. Cerulean thought they would chime in on the wireless technology by releasing a wireless combo known as the iSkin Cerulean F1+TX, for our beloved iPod and cellphones. The F1+TX allows you to listen to your iPod without the hassle of cords dangling from your headset and doubles as a hands-free headset for your mobile phone.

The F1 is the model of the headset. The TX is a small dongle that attaches to your iPod. Included with this package is a USB cable for charging the F1, pair of alternative ear hooks, foam earphone covers and extra rubber rings for the earphones. Also included is a USB adapter for the TX so that you can stream music from your computer to the F1 heaset.

The F1 heaset looks similar to some of the bluetooth headsets you see on the market for mobile phones but instead of only one, there are two. Both are connected via a small cable. All of the controls are on the right headset. The face of the headset features a multi-function button (Play and Pause) with an LED status light. The back has an ON/OFF switch. The top has a NEXT and PREVIOUS track controls. The bottom has a Volume UP and Volume Down buttons as well as the USB charging port. A small microphone is on the front of the F1.

The TX dongle does not have as much features or buttons on it. All there is on the TX is iPod plug with a USB charging port to the left side of the TX and a LED indicator on the front face. It's compatible with any Apple device that uses the standard 30-pin connector.

According to iSkin, the first charge should take about 6 hours but any charge after that should take only 2 to 3 hours. With new products that requires charging, I usually let it charge overnight. With moderate use of listening to music only, the F1's battery lasted a couple of days. If you forget to turn off the headset, you'll obviously drain the battery more quickly.

Once the F1 is fully charged, you'll need to pair it to the TX. To do so, its similar to that of pairing it with your mobile phone. Plug the TX into the iPod and turn the F1 on by holding down the multi-function button. Thats it! The TX draws its power from the iPod battery so you will experience shorter battery life on the iPod.

The F1 doubles not only as a headset to listen to music on both the iPod or mobile phone but it is also a bluetooth headset. But do remember that when you're using the F1 to listen to music on your mobile phone, that you phone must be A2DP compatible. Not all phones will allow you to use stream music to a bluetooth headset. You'll need to pair the F1 to your phone. The process is the same but without the use of the TX. Simply set your phone into pair mode and hold down the multi-function button on the F1. Once paired, you can use the controls on the F1 to answer calls (press once), ignore calls (hold down until you hear a beep), adjust the volume, redial, and place calls on mute or hold.

If you receive ...

XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France
Price: $39.99


Overview : Finally a single cable to connect ALL your consoles to your TV! No more switchbox's needed, this cable can handle it all. Finally you can free up those extra inputs on your TV for other devices!

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™/PS2™, PSP Slim™, Xbox™ consoles.
• Built in switch prevents interference of other consoles while in use.
• High quality shielded cable.
• Supports Component Signals (Stereo).
• High Quality and High Speed of Transfer Signal.
• Supports Dolby Prologic.
• Supports DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Supports DOLBY Digital Surround Sound.
• Supports Stereo Sound.
• Supports Optical Signal on Xbox 360™.
• Compatible with Surround Sound Receiver or Integrated Amplifiers.
• Supports CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Supports D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080i/ 1080P) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released another multi-console component cable but unlike v2, v3 supports not only Xbox360, Wii, PS2, PS3 but now PSP and the original Xbox! This is an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center.

There are five plugs for your console: PSP, PS2/PS3, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360. On the other end are the component cable inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have six switches: PSP, PS2/PS3, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360HD and 360SD. So just switch to the system you are playing with.

The quality of the cable is sturdy and very durable. The visual quality that the cable outputs is on par with that of the stand alone cables. I did not see any ghosting or any lag. The colors were bright and crisp from what I have seen during the testing. Switching between consoles only took a couple of seconds for it to be displayed. However, switching between consoles on the switcher can be a little annoying. Sometimes you'll "overshoot" the switch that you want. So you'll have to slowly push the switch.

In my original review of the Multi-Console Component Cable v2, I mentioned that the cable from system to system is fairly long. Its long enough if your system was near or next to each other. But after upgrading my entertainment center and having my systems in different locations, the cables were not long enough especially if you have them on different shelf heights. The cable from the TV to the switcher has a decent length to it.

Below is a video on how to connect the Multi-Console Component Cable v3:


Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3 works great like its predecessor. Quality and build is sturdy. Visual quality is great as well as the color. However, the length of the cables from system to switcher and to other systems isnt long enough if you have systems in different locations or on different shelves. If you have majority of the systems and they are near each other, you wont have all those cables dangling and it frees up your AV slots. However, if you only have 1 or 2 systems, this is not worth the cost. The price tag of $39.99 is fair but $29.99-$34.99 would be the sweet spot.

Images via comments ...

microSD to MS Pro Duo Adapter
Manufacturer: N/A
Site: Buy from ConsoleSource
Price: $12.99


Overview : This adapter converts Micro SD / Micro SDHC / T-Flash into a MS Pro Duo and to be used with the growing number of MS Pro Duo compatible devices such as Sony PSP, PDAs, digital cameras and cellphones.

Features :

• Support to 1GB MicroSD to 8GB MicroSDHC
• Plug-N-Play

Quality/Usability : With different electronics available comes different media storage. Like everyone, you probably bought a memory stick for a device and the device either broke, got something new or is no longer being used. So what are you to do with those memory sticks? You either let it sit on your shelf and collect dust, try and sell it or reuse it with the help of an adapter.

Sony has their own like of memory sticks and their highly popular sticks right now are the Pro Duo. But the prices are fairly high compared to other cards on the market. A 4GB MS Pro Duo can cost as much as $60. It use to cost over $300 when it was first released and depending on brand. Currently, the 8GB costs just as much as the 4GB when it first released. Within a couple of months, these prices will drop dramatically to a more reasonable price but it would still be expensive.

SD cards are also a very popular and highly used format. With technology advancing, so are the sizes of memory sticks. The TransFlash also known as microSD/microSDHC (SDHC is higher capacity) which usually comes with an SD adapter is proof. microSD's are used in cellphones, PDAs and camera's with the use of the adapter. But the price is what makes it very affordable and highly used in electronics. A 1GB microSD can be purchased for $10 or even FREE after rebate.

Manufacturers are always looking of ways to provide a solution on using other memory cards in other devices. The microSD to MS Pro Duo Adapter is similar to that of the Kingmax microSd to Pro Duo Adapter.

This review was tested with both a normal 1GB microSD card as well as a 4GB microSDHC card. Both cards fit flush inside the adapter. The adapter is the same exact size as a SanDisk or Sony brand Pro Duo. During our tests, we did not notice any slow down during reading and writing to the microSD with the Pro Duo adapter.

Conclusion : Overall, the microSD to MS Pro Duo Adapter worked just as it should. If you have extra microSD's laying around or dont want to pay for the high priced Pro Duo cards, you might want to check this out. However, the quality of the adapter is cheap. The plastic is very lightweight and thin compared to SanDisk or Sony brand Pro Duos.

Images via comments ...

Extreme-Mods Disc Repair Service
Manufacturer: N/A
Site: Buy from Extreme-Mods
Price: $5.99 per disc + shipping costs (ships internationally)


Overview : Send us your scratched or damaged Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii, Playstation 2 (PS2), Playstation 3 (PS3), Gamecube, CD, DVD, HD-DVD, BluRay, PC discs and have them professionally resurfaced and promptly returned to you. Using specialized machine(s) we are able to get great results that remove all scratches and restores the disc to "like new" condition.

Notice: We do not guarantee ALL discs will be repairable but we will do our best to repair it to its original playing condition. We are not responsible for discs lost in the mail or in transit.

Attention Xbox 360 Users: If you accidentally scratched a game disc in your console like the disc pictured above, we are here to help! This is scratch ring is easily removed with our special machine(s) and techniques. We will restore your disc to like new condition so you can enjoy playing it again.

Quality/Usability : So I know we all had a bunch of scratched disc whether it be from poor handling of the disc, letting a sibling, child, pet damage it or from your player. Upon trying to play the disc, it was badly scratched that we had to either try and repair it ourselves with a disc repairer, have a store try and repair it or throw it away.


Well, I had Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 for the Xbox 360. Unfortunately, someone sent this to me from a trade. Upon looking at it, I was greatly disappointed at the condition. I thought it would still work despite the condition and the game would not read or load. I tried taking the disc to many stores such as GameCrazy, EB/GameStop, Blockbuster, FYE and many other retail stores that deals with videogame, movies and music. None would repair my disc. They would only repair lightly scratched discs but as you can see by the image above.

I noticed that Extreme-Mods provided a service on repairing discs. Although they state that do not guarantee that all discs are repairable, I was willing to give it a shot. I have nothing else to lose. No other stores would take it and the disc is already useless. I have nothing to lose.

Cost of repair is $5.99 per disc. Shipping starts at $3.38 for First Class. Depending on how many discs you send and how heavy the package is, price of shipping will vary. I sent the disc with a blank DVD case and it costs around $2.00 via First Class, give or take a couple of cents (depending on location). If you add any extra services such as tracking or insurance and what shipping method, it will cost more. So in total, it will cost almost $12 just to ship, have it done and shipped back to you.

Having shipped the package on a Monday via First Class, it arrived within a couple of days. Extreme-Mods had the item shipped back 2-3 days after receiving it. I received the package a couple days later. So in total, from shipping to receiving, it took almost 2 weeks. Again, depending on shipping method you choose, it could be sooner.


As you can see from the picture, the ring scratch is no longer visible. But upon looking at it very very and I mean, very closely, I can still see a little bit of a ring that was left. This is only visible held in a certain way with the right lighting. Other than that, its impossible to see. Also, the machine used to repair the disc left some very very small hairline buff marks. Again, this is impossible to see unless held in a certain position and lighting.

Conclusion : Overall, the Extreme-Mods Disc Repair Service exceeded my expectations. I was expecting maybe a Disc Doctor type of repair where it would leave huge buff marks or Extreme-Mods emailing me and informing me that it was unrepairable. The disc is useless already...so I have nothing to lose. Extreme-Mods repaired a disc that no other store would perform. Even if the stores said that they can try to repair but couldnt guarantee that it can, I would of given it a shot. But they turned me down.

After being denied of repair from stores, I was so close to snapping the disc in half and tossing the disc in the garbage until I found the repair service. Extreme-Mods says they usually ship the disc back in 24-48 hours but it took about 48-72 hours due to them being a little swamped. Now, I am able to trade this game rather than have a coaster on my hand. So is it like new condition? Yes, definitely. However, the cost of repair including shipping costs is a bit too high and may put a dent in the wallet. $6 to resurface a disc? $3 would of been more reasonable. If sending disc(s) to be repaired, use a bubble padded envelope and place discs in a blank DVD case or something sturdy to prevent it from being snapped during transit.

Images via comments ...

News via PSPita

It's been a few days after the release of the official firmware 6:37 that, surprise, check out a new version of system software: the 6:39. As it has done to the firmware 6.36, this new 6:39, discovered by a user forum PSPKing, is included nell'UMD a Japanese game, but for which the title was not disclosed. For this reason, we present the news as a rumor, waiting to find out more details on this new firmware.

* UPDATE *
The same user PSPKing has recently updated his post, announcing that the FW is contained nell'UMD 6:39 Japanese edition of 3 Valkyria Chronicles released last January 27. ...

iPorter xSD Memory Card Holder
Manufacturer: ePorter
Site: Buy from ePorter
Price: $9.95/2 pack

Overview : The iPorter xSD fits the SD, MS Duo, MMC, xD and other smaller form cards. The exterior resembles a digital camera image. The interior holds 3 cards. The iPorter xSD is great for the photographer on the go who doesn't have time or equipment immediately available to download on the road until they get back from their excursion or photo shoot.

The ePorter products are perfect for the cards, as they fit easily in your pocket along with your keys. They do not take up a lot of room in your camera bag, yet they are large enough to prevent the cards from getting lost.

The products are also great tools that allow you to cary an extra card for your PDA program or swap the card in your MP3 player to get new music.

Features :

• Holds 3 Memory Cards
  - Secure Digital (SD)
  - xD Picture Card (xD)
  - Memory Stick Duo (MSD)
  - Multimedia Card (MMC)
  - MMC Reduced Size
• Protects cards
  - Anti Static Additive to reduce risk of shock and dust collection
  - Prevents loss
  - Can be used as a mailer to protect media
• Holds Cards of different formats or sizes
• Maximum Portability
  - Fits on key chain or zipper
  - Small form factor
• Keeps spare cards accessible
• Low cost
• Great logo / Promotional product idea

Quality/Usability : The item does its job. It protects your memory cards whether its SD, xD, Pro Duo/Duo or MMC. Its made of plastic so its very light and wont add extra weight to your keys. The case flips open pretty much like book or diary where it has that locking mechanism. Upon opening it, you will see three "sleeves". These sleeves are where you place your memory cards. To hold them in place are little "clamps". Pretty much the same thing that holds PS2 and PSP manuals in place in their respective cases.

When you place the memory cards in the "sleeve", it is held pretty well and doesnt move around at all. Even if you shake it, it still in place. You can use this for memory cards such as your Pro Duo/Duo for your PSP or your SD/xD/MMC cards for your digital camera, PDA or cellphone.

iPorter xSD comes in four different colors: Brown, Grey, Green and Blue. Currently they are sold in packs of two. You can either purchase two of the same colors or one of each color.

Conclusion : Overall, this is a great item to have if you have multiple memory cards to carry around. Its light weight and small. My only complaint is that everything is made of plastic. My only fear is that eventually when you keep opening and bending the hinges over and over again, the hinges tend to get weaker and weaker and will break sooner or later (like any other plastic items out there). This can happen to the case itself (hinges), the locking mechanism or the "sleeve" that holds the memory cards.


*UPDATE* - Response from CEO (James Porter)

If you would like to run the case over with your car or SUV to test the strength and durability, feel free to. Just know that ePorter nor DCEmu is held reliable for any damages to your case.

Images via comments ...