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  • Xbox 360 News

    by Published on February 2nd, 2011 00:43
    1. Categories:
    2. Xbox 360 News,
    3. DCEmu Reviews
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    Evolve360 Wild Jungle Edition Controller Faceplate
    Manufacturer: Talismoon
    Site: Buy from Divineo China (Cow Fur) / Buy from Divineo China (Leopard Fur)
    Price: $14.95


    Overview : With Talismoon range of Evolve 'Wild Jungle' edition for the Xbox 360, gamers are treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to a soft 'like fur' finish, as well as refreshing and unique new look. Xbox 360 controller come complete with everything needed for a pain-free install, and each fur faceplate pattern will be unique. Styles consist of a 'cow' or striking 'leopard' fur finish. Jungle Edition is also available for PSP.

    Quality/Usability : Packaging design is very thought out and cleaver. With the inclusion of an installation guide, torx wrench and screwdriver, installation would be very easy. The quality of build is top-notch. Talismoon has never disappointed anyone with their line of products. The face of the faceplate of the controller feels really nice. I guess its similar to like a fur coat but not as long. Not to mention, you dont have to worry about it shedding. Unfortunately, no buttons or joysticks included so you'll have to use the original. The faceplate fits perfectly on the controller without any problems.

    Included:
    • 1x complete Xbox 360 controller faceplate
    • 1x screwdriver
    • 1x tamper resistant torx t8 wrench
    • 1x installation guide


    Conclusion : Overall, the Evolve360 Wild Jungle Edition is a great product and unique as well. It has a nice feel to it so its not bothersome. Since its made of "fur", the only problem would be for those with sweaty palms. Would it smell? Getting stains on it and removing it would be hard as well. Besides that, this is a great product. I wonder if they would come out with a product with snake skin or something like that.

    Images via comments ...
    by Published on February 2nd, 2011 00:43
    1. Categories:
    2. Xbox 360 News,
    3. DCEmu Reviews
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    Evolve360 Chrome Controller Faceplate
    Manufacturer: Talismoon
    Site: Buy from Divineo China
    Price: $16.95


    Overview : Thanks to the Talismoon Evolve 360 controller faceplate range, you can now take the customization of Microsoft's next generation gaming machine to a new level! The Evolve 360 controller faceplate features everything you need for some serious fine tuning of your controller in one complete package. Talismoon Evolve 360 plates do not only shine with vibrancy but also through a unique combination of plastic construction provide a reinforced shell for increased resistance and a longer life.

    Ultra-gloss finish is the result of meticulous handling throughout the production process, to the point where the final customer is the first person to actually touch the finished product.

    Right from the beginning the Xbox 360 is all about customization; now it's time do this prophecy justice with Talismoon Evolve 360 controller faceplates!

    Quality/Usability : With the inclusion of an installation guide, torx wrench and screwdriver, installation would be very easy. The quality of build is top-notch. Talismoon has never disappointed anyone with their line of products. Unfortunately, no buttons or joysticks included so you'll have to use the original. The faceplate fits perfectly on the controller without any problems. If you're loosing in a game against your friend, just turn the controller a certain way and blind them =).

    Included:
    • 1x complete Xbox 360 controller faceplate
    • 1x screwdriver
    • 1x tamper resistant torx t8 wrench
    • 1x installation guide


    Conclusion : Overall, the Evolve360 Chrome Controller Faceplate is a great product. The chrome will give the controller a unique and different look. Only problem with chrome is the potential fingerprints and smudge marks appearing. If you're anal and dont like marks, you might want to avoid this.

    Images via comments ...
    by Published on February 2nd, 2011 00:43
    1. Categories:
    2. Xbox 360 News,
    3. DCEmu Reviews

    Nyko GameFace 360
    Manufacturer: Nyko
    Site: Buy from Nyko
    Price: $20-28

    Overview : Get your Game Face on! Personalize your Xbox 360 with the GameFace customizable faceplate and skin kit. This two piece faceplate houses personalized templates placed between a high-grade clear polycarbonate front plate and a stylized base plate. Download the easy to use design software at www.nyko.com and instantly create faceplates using your favorite game characters, images, photos, patterns and more. Print the final creations on the 15 blank templates using any home printer or try one of the 6 pre-printed designs also included in the kit. The templates fit snugly between the faceplate pieces and snap into place on the front of the Xbox 360. With the GameFace 360, you get everything you need to make up to 16 custom faceplates right away all from the comfort of home.

    Features :
    • Personalize your Xbox 360 with your favorite game characters, bands, photos, drawings and designs
    • Includes base plate and clear front plate, 15 blank templates and 6 pre-printed designs
    • Includes easy-to-use Game Face software. Create and print your own designs
    • High quality construction, designed for easy installation and removal
    • Software downloadable here. Requirements: PC or Mac computer, internet connection, home printer


    Minimum System Requirements :
    • PC with Windows XP/2000 or Macintosh with OS 10.2 or higher
    • Dial up/broadband internet connection and compatible browser
    • Home Printer (with 8 1/2" x 14" compatible tray)


    Quality/Usability : One of the nice unique features of the Xbox 360 was the ability to customize your console faceplate. With that, Nyko released the GameFace 360 which retails for $20, to help those with a sense of creativity and those who want a unique system that is different from the rest.

    The Nyko GameFace 360 consists of a silver back plate and a clear front plate. In between the two plates, you place one of six preprinted paper templates or a custom design printed on one of the 15 included blank sheets. Each paper template has punch-out holes for the Xbox 360's disc tray, memory card and all face ports.

    Although the included preprinted templates are nice, they arent the best looking things. If you're looking to pick up the GameFace 360, you're not looking to get it for its preprinted templates but to customize it with your own style and image.

    In order to print your own design to be used with the GameFace you must download the GameFace software from Nyko's Web site. The software is compatible with Windows PCs and Macs. The software itself is fairly simple. Just download the program, extract it and start the application. Once the program has launched, a blank document in a shape of a faceplate is shown with a few editing options for you to choose from. The software allows you to import JPEG, GIF, Bitmap or TIFF files. Once you have loaded an image, you have the ability to rotate the image, scale the image, increase or decrease the contrast and brightness, inverting colors, adding grayscale and blurring images. The application is like a mini-Photoshop.

    Speaking of Photoshop, if you happen to have the program on your computer, Nyko offers a downloadable PSD template for you to use for you more advanced Photoshop users.

    Printing the templates are easy. Removing the template off the template can take a little patience as they can tear easily. Once you have removed the template, placing the paper template on the clear faceplate may be difficult as it doesnt line up with perfectly and may result in the paper being creased. Removing dual faceplate/sheet combos is a little difficult as well since you wont be able to remove all three at the same time. Be sure to take your time as you only have a limited amount of templates (15) to play with.

    Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko GameFace 360 is a great product for those who would like to give their Xbox 360 a unique and stylish look. Nyko offers a great range of flexibility when it comes to customizing the faceplate by either using their software or using Photoshop. Although you are limited to 15 blank templates, Nyko will be releasing replacement templates for those who have run out of the allotted 15.

    Images via comments ...
    by Published on February 1st, 2011 23:47
    1. Categories:
    2. PS2 News,
    3. Xbox 360 News,
    4. DCEmu Reviews

    XCM XFPS Mini Guitar (PS2/360)
    Manufacturer: XCM
    Site: Buy from Goldenshop
    Price: $59.00-79.95


    Overview : Enjoy all guitar games on Playstation 2 and Xbox 360 with XFPS Mini Guitar. Reduced size but with a great feeling, it is perfect for home but can be carried around easily!

    Only half the size of a classic PS2 guitar, the XFPS Mini guitar is compatible with all Playstation 2 guitar games but also with Xbox 360 when used with XFPS 360 (regular, Pro or Sniper version).
    Made of wood, it has a nice authentic feeling and is very convenient to play.

    Features :
    • Half the size of classic PS2 guitar
    • Compatible with Playstation 2 and Xbox 360
    • Includes all buttons for PS2 and Xbox 360
    • Made of wood for authentic feeling

    Requires XFPS 360 or XFPS 360 Pro to be used on Xbox 360.

    Quality/Usability : Everyone has heard of Guitar Hero. Whether you're a gamer, a parent or both, you heard the name before. Its one of the hottest music games to date and probably sold the most. There are Guitar Hero bundles where it includes game, guitar, strap and stickers. When a new game is released, sometimes its either game or another bundle or even both.

    What if you just want the game and not have another huge box/guitar take up room? XCM has stepped in and released a XFPS Mini Guitar. The Mini Guitar is constructed out of actual wood. The main plug is a PlayStation 2 plug but can also work on the Xbox 360 with the addition of XCM's XFPS PRO or 3.0 Sniper. The guitar is fairly small and measures approximately 12 inches. Although the guitar is made of wood, it is actually lightweight.

    On the front are 5 fret buttons, two selection buttons, strum bar, whammy bar, start and select buttons. On the back of the guitar is a switch that lets you choose between Guitar Freak & Drum Mania games (Option A) and Guitar Hero games (Option B). Below are usage instructions:




    So how good is the Mini Guitar? Where do I even begin? The size and weight is great but it just feels too awkward. Its way too small and feels like a ukulele. The fret and selection buttons are too small and too close to each other. If you have the fret buttons on the left hand, its fine but if you have the fret buttons on the right hand, it will feel uncomfortable as you have a piece of the guitar obstructing your gameplay.

    Its cool that the fret and selection buttons light up but you wont be looking at the guitar when you're playing the games so I think its useless. Theres also no need to press on the strum bar which by the way feels awkward. Feels like its going to fall off. Just pressing the any of the fret buttons alone will register as a button press. If you look at the video below from XCM, you'll see what I mean. Just watch the fingers on the fret and strum.


    Around 45 seconds into the video, you can see that fret buttons are the only ones pressed and the strum bar is not and this happens every so often during gameplay. (video from XCM)


    Around 1:14 into the video, you can see that fret buttons are the only ones pressed and the strum bar is not and this happens every so often during gameplay. (video from XCM)

    The whammy bar is different as well. On the Guitar Hero guitars, you can swivel the whammy bar to your preferred location which the Mini Guitar allows you to do also. But what it doesnt let you do or as much is press down on the whammy bar. There is no spring reaction. The whammy bar on the Mini Guitar was more parallel to the guitar itself than the stock image below (must be registered to view).

    Activating the Star Power can be an annoyance if you prefer to tilt the guitar. I personally prefer to hit the SELECT button even on the Guitar Hero guitars. On the Mini Guitar, sometimes it activates and sometimes it wont. The Star Power will sometimes even activate with a slight tilt or shake of the controller which sucks especially if you're trying to build up on Star Power for that perfect moment.

    Conclusion : Overall, the XCM XFPS Mini Guitar (PS2/360) didnt do so well in our testing. The only good thing about the Mini Guitar was that its light and small. Pressing of only the fret buttons is easier for some as you only have to worry about the buttons but it takes the fun out of the game. Its like playing Dance Dance Revolution but with only your fingers. For the prices that online stores are charging, it might be better to pick up a normal sized controller from a 3rd party manufacturer from a retail store for an extra $10-20. If XCM followed the style of the Guitar Hero's, they might have a good product as the GH guitars were perfect for playing. Revamping the style and look backfired on them.

    Images via comments
    by Published on February 1st, 2011 23:16
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. PS3 News,
    4. PS2 News,
    5. Nintendo Wii News,
    6. PC News,
    7. Xbox 360 News,
    8. Nintendo Gamecube News,
    9. DCEmu Reviews
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    XCM USB Vbox2 Advanced
    Manufacturer: XCM
    Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from ConsoleSource / Buy from GoldenShop / Buy from Amazon.com
    Price: $85.00

    3x RCA RGB Component Video Splitter
    Site: Buy from Amazon.com

    3 RCA RGB Component Video Cable
    Site: Buy from Amazon.com (3.3ft Monster Cable) / Buy from Amazon.com (6ft Generic)


    Overview : 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 Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

    Feature :
    • 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

    Quality/Usability : Whether you're a game reviewer or a gamer who just wants to record their gameplay to show off to friends, post on the web or even capture the greatest moments, you would need to point your camera at your TV or connect your consoles to a capture video card on your computer. XCM has released the Vbox2 Advanced. This is an updated version of XCM V-box for the Wii. The Vbox2 Advanced works not only for the Wii but for Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP 2000/3000, Original Xbox and GameCube.

    The Vbox2 Advanced comes in a well built, white shell and a fairly small adapter. The USB cord is approximately 3 feet long. In order for this to work and to set it up, your computer needs to be near the consoles or you can use a laptop/netbook. This will not work on MAC's as the software works only on Windows Vista, XP and Windows 7. The driver and software can be downloaded at here. Some other system requirements are support for Direct X9.0 or higher version of AGP video card, Pentium 4 1.8GHz or higher, Centrino 1.4 GHz or higher, 256MB RAM, USB 2.0, Harddrive space (200MB for software, 1GB or more for recording space depending on length of record and file format.

    Installation is very easy. Its like any other computer program. Simply download the driver from the link above and save it to you desktop. Once downloaded, extract the file. Double click on the file named "Vbox2 Advanced DRIVER.exe". Follow the prompts and at the end, it will require to restart your computer. Once your computer has rebooted from the restart, now its time to install the software. Double click on the file named "Vbox2 Advanced.msi" which is in the same folder as the driver. Follow the prompts and at the end, it will require you to restart your computer again. Once the computer has rebooted and the installation has been installed, there will now be a new icon on your desktop.

    The first time you plug in the Vbox2 Advanced to the USB port on your computer, it will pop up with a message showing "Found New Hardware - USB 28165 device" and than "Found New Hardware - Your new hardware is installed and ready to use". Typical for any USB device being used for the first time. Now that the device has been found and ready to use, you can double click on the new Vbox2 Advanced icon. Double clicking on the icon will load up the software and will display the Vbox2 Advanced splash screen and sound clip. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Before disconnecting your console from your TV, be sure to set the consoles resolution to 480i/576i or 480p/576p. This is the only way the Vbox2 will recognize the signal from the console. If you dont and you just plug the cables to the Vbox2 Advanced, you'll get nothing but static or black screen.

    Once you have set the correct resolution on the console, you can unplug the component cable from your TV and plug it into the Vbox2 Advanced. To display your console on the software, you will need to click on the camcorder icon (Switch to Media Viewer Mode) under viewer. A new set of toolbar icons will show underneath. Under "Select" click on "Device Options". This will show a window with "Video Format...", "Video Setting...", "Video Source", "Audio Format..." and "Audio Capture Pin...". Select "Video Source", it will show another window with "PAL", "NTSC", "480i/576i" and "480p/576p". From here, you will select the resolution of your console.

    There are so many things you can do such as record your gameplay, take snapshots of your gameplay, play in full screen. You can even save a profile with your settings.

    Videos below is to show you how to set up the Vbox2 Advanced with many consoles:
    Microsoft Xbox 360


    PlayStation 3 PS3


    Nintendo Wii


    Nintendo GameCube


    PlayStation 2 PS2


    PlayStation Portable PSP 2000/3000
    ...
    by Published on February 1st, 2011 23:15
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. PS3 News,
    4. PS2 News,
    5. PC News,
    6. Xbox 360 News,
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    XCM 1080p Mega Cool VGA Box
    Manufacturer: XCM
    Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France / Buy from ConsoleSource / Buy from Amazon
    Price: $79.90-120.00


    Overview : Connect any Component Video source to any VGA monitor for the best resolution possible! Supports up to 1080p HDTV resolution! New sleek design.

    Features :
    • Supports PC video display resolutions up to UXGA (1600 x 1200 @ 75 Hz) or HD TV (up to 1920 x 1080)
    • Supports 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p
    • Display pictures from your console (Game Cube, Playstation 2, Xbox, PSP Slim, Wii , Xbox 360, Playstation 3) on your PC monitor (up to 1600 x 1200) or HDTV (up to 1920 x 1080)
    • Supports SDTV, HDTV, XGA, SXGA, and UXGA video formats.
    • Works on both PAL & NTSC systems.
    • Easy Plug and play installation.
    • Connect any compatible YPbPr (component video) device to your VGA monitor via Integrated YPbPr to RGBHV converter.
    • Applications: TFT LCD monitor, CRT monitor, Set-top box, Display projector
    • Works on LCD TFT monitors
    • Video output: VGA
    • Automatic video source mode detection (film/graphic)
    • Motion-adaptive interfiled de-interlacing
    • Uses the power from your USB port, no extra power supply needed!

    Quality/Usability : I dont like to have lots of wires dangling or have to constantly plug/unplug cables so I opted to use the XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3. The XCM 1080p Mega Cool VGA Box is housed in a sturdy chrome casing with component cable input, VGA input and output, stereo speaker input and USB power input. The top of the XCM 1080p Mega Cool VGA Box contains a SOURCE button as well as directional pads. The SOURCE button lights up when in use (blue for component and green for VGA) and allows you to switch between your computer/laptop or consoles. The directional pads allows you to change resolution and frequency on your monitor.

    Below is a video of the Mega Cool VGA Box being used with the Multi-Console Component Cable.


    I connected my PSP Slim, Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Dell computer to the Mega Cool VGA Box and to my Dell 24" 1080p Widescreen monitor. All worked flawlessly without a problem. Pictures displayed just like it would on a TV/monitor. There were no lags or distortions. I liked that you were able to change the resolution and refresh rate from the VGA box rather than going through all the menus on your monitor/TV. What I dont like however is that it only supports 1 component cable. Luckily, I have the multi-console cable but others might not and this may be an annoyance.

    When switching devices, it does not remember the display resolution. So you'll have to go and change it each time. Its not a big problem but would be nice if it remembered the previous setting. I like the fact that it gets it power through the USB. Having multiple consoles, TV, satellite box, computer and other devices plugged in, I am running out of sockets in the surge protector. So using a USB port from either the Xbox 360, Wii, PS3 or PC is a PLUS in my book. If you're not using that device that the VGA box is connected to, it wont be powered. So you'll have to turn it on.

    Conclusion : Overall, the XCM 1080p Mega Cool VGA Box works great but as mentioned, it only allows for one component input. So if you have a PS3, Wii and Xbox 360, you can only connect one. If you want to play a different console, you'll have to unplug the cable and insert the other one. If you're like me and want to make your life easier, I suggest looking into XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3. One cable that has all the connections for all consoles. When you want to use that console, just move the switch to that corresponding console and you're ready to go. No unplugging or plugging needed.

    Would be nice if this was extended to incorporate additional component cables and turned into maybe a selector?

    Images via comments ...
    by Published on February 1st, 2011 23:15
    1. Categories:
    2. PS3 News,
    3. PS2 News,
    4. Nintendo Wii News,
    5. Xbox 360 News,
    6. Xbox News,
    7. Nintendo Gamecube News,
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    XCM Universal YPbPr 1080p VGA Box
    Manufacturer: XCM
    Site: Buy from Play Asia / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Amazon
    Price: $59.00


    Overview : A true universal VGA box compatible with the new generation consoles on todays market (Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii) and also with Xbox.

    Compatible with both PAL and NTSC system, it is available with European or US power supply. A plug and play installation will give you Ypbpr input with all consoles, now with a 1080p resolution!

    Features :
    • High quality 3rd party product.
    • Fully Compatible with all component devices - e.g. x-box, x-box 360, PSX3, Wii, DVD players, etc...
    • Compatible with PAL or NTSC system.
    • Double scan conversion (31.5KHz for NTSC, 31.25KHz for PAL,67.5KHz for 1080p).
    • Output resolution ; up to 1080p
    • Plug and play installation.
    • Connect compatible YPbPr device to your VGA monitor.
    • Integrated YPbPr to RGBHV converter.
    • Supports 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p.
    • Applications: TFT LCD monitor, CRT monitor, Set-top box, Display projector.
    • Works on LCD TFT monitors.
    • Video output: VGA.
    • Automatic video source mode detection (film/graphic).
    • Motion-adaptive interfiled de-interlacing.
    • Get the power from USB port of consoles or PC, no extra power supply needed.
    • Comes with 3 component cables - PSX3, Wii & XB360.

    Quality/Usability : The XCM 1080p allows you to hook up your PS3/Wii/Xbox360 computer monitor via VGA. With all the new consoles and the ability to output into high-definition, and the high costs of HDTV's, not everyone has them. But we actually do...our computer monitors.

    Included in the package, you'll find the following items:
    • XCM 1080p VGA box unit
    • USB to USB-miniB cable
    • Component cables:
      • Wii (non-shielded)
      • Xbox360 (shielded, includes optical digital audio connector)
      • PS3 (shielded)
    • Instruction booklet

    Unfortunately, no VGA cable was included. This was probably due to cost factor. Had XCM included the cable, price of the product would of been higher. So to keep the price down, they didnt include the VGA cable.

    Like all cables that XCM releases, they are sturdy and high quality cables. You will not be disappointed.

    The VGA box itself is also sturdy and well built. The outer casing is made of opaque clear plastic. The connectors are standard quality and nothing special. Something caught my eye though. Under the VGA CARD slot, although the connection is a male connector, there was a female type connector. This connector uses the two screws similar to that when you're connecting your monitor to your video card on your PC. You can see it in the image below but on the mock up images, you dont see it. To fix this problem, simply remove the shield around it so that you can connect the cable.

    Before purchasing this product, you must know that the VGA box does not change the output resolution. So you should check your monitor to see if it supports the resolution you are going to be used.

    Connecting everything to the VGA box is fairly simple and is explained easily in the instruction manual. On top of the box is a switch that allows you to switch between VGA and COMPONENT. The front has a MONITOR and VGA CARD port. On the back, it has YPbPr inputs. To the left are SOUND IN, SPEAKER OUT and 480p~1080p/1080i switch. And on the right side is the USB POWER port to power the VGA box.

    All images looked crisp and I didnt have a problem with any of the consoles. Just remember that the Wii can not upscale images as it is not capable of doing so.


    Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Universal YPbPr 1080p VGA Box is a useful product for those who do not have HDTV. It would of been great if they included the VGA cable as the box allows you to switch video signals. So you can use video signal from your console or connect to your PC's video card to output to your monitor. Its understandable that they left it out to keep costs low. If you have an extra VGA cable around the house, you wont have to worry.

    Images via comments ...
    by Published on February 1st, 2011 23:15
    1. Categories:
    2. PS3 News,
    3. PS2 News,
    4. Nintendo Wii News,
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    DecalGirl Guitar Hero 3 Controller Skin
    Manufacturer: DecalGirl
    Site: Buy from DecalGirl
    Price: $14.99 (available for Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3)


    Overview : Dress up your Guitar Hero™ III Gibson Les Paul Guitar controller with a luscious, full-color guitar skin kit from DecalGirl! The brilliant, high resolution, full color design is digitally printed on premium adhesive-backed cast vinyl then covered with a clear protectant layer for the ultimate in durability! An innovative repositionable, removable adhesive means no air bubbles and a fast, easy and accurate installation. As always, the skin can be removed at any time without leaving any sticky residue! Each kit includes a head stock skin and (for Wii versions) a matching skin for the Wii remote controller.

    Quality/Usability : With Guitar Hero 1 and Guitar Hero 2, you were unable to change the faceplate of the guitar. Only way to customize it was by doing it yourself with paint or other means. When Guitar Hero 3 came out, RedOctane allowed gamers to customize their guitar by being able to change the faceplates. Unfortunately, some faceplates were just hideous looking.

    DecalGirl jumped on the Guitar Hero train and produced skins for the Wii and PS3/Xbox 360 guitars. DecalGirl is well-known for their high quality vinyl skins. Skins produced by DecalGirl are vibrant in color and durable. There are a lot of skins to choose from and there will be some that will catch your eyes. You can even match all your consoles such as DS, Wii, Xbox 360, etc. to have the same skin.

    The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 guitars are similar in size and style. However, since the Wii guitar requires the Wiimote to be placed into the guitar and there is an opening in the faceplate, the Wii gets a skin for the controller as well to match. The vinyl skin comes all on one sheet. The sheet also includes the fret and fret dots.

    To apply the console skin, I started with the biggest piece which was the faceplate. Considering its rounded all around, I didnt have a specific spot to start from. However, I did make sure that one side was aligned before smoothing out the remaining area. Considering the skins are fairly big, it should not be a problem applying the skin. There are a couple of ways to smooth out the skin. You can use a credit card or something similar, your fingers or a rag. I personally use my fingers first to set the skin in place and use a rag to flatten and smooth the skin out. I dont use a card because it has sharp edges/corners and if there is a small hard particle that got trapped underneath the skin, it can ruin the skin.

    Applying the fret vinyl skin was also fairly easy. There are six small circles that you'll need to poke out. I started with the bottom of the fret and worked my way up (end). Once all the main pieces have been applied, you have the option of going all out and adding colored fret dot vinyl skins. There are nine colors to choose from and each has 6 dots.

    Those who have the Wii version, installing the controller skin is very easy as well. Just start anywhere by matching up the corners and work your way around the controller and you should be set.

    Conclusion : Overall, the DecalGirl Guitar Hero 3 Controller Skin gives the guitar a sweet look to it. Installation is very simple and clean. I love the fact that DecalGirl also includes vinyl skin for the fret and fret dots. It would of been nice if DecalGirl included maybe vinyl skins for the fret buttons as well.

    Images via comments ...
    by Published on February 1st, 2011 23:15
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    Talismoon HDMI Auto Switch
    Manufacturer: Talismoon
    Site: Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
    Price: $29.95


    Overview : Tired of Switching? Here is the solution. Talismoon HDMI Auto Switch lets you connect 3 HDMI devices to your screen and switches automatically to the device YOU want! For example, if no device is turned on and you power one on, it will automatically switch to it. Turn a second one on, and it will jump to that new device. Turn it off, it will go back to first one etc. No need to waste time finding the remote and switching back and forth all the time, the HDMI Auto Switch does the job for you.

    A small (easy to hide) and smart HDMI 1.3 switch that make old HDMI switches pointless! Excellent performance characteristics allows source devices to be used with HDMI cables up to 15 meters away using AWG 28 HDMI cables at resolutions up to 1080P FULL HD!

    This product is confirmed and tested to pass 1080p FULLHD and the new Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio loss-less audio formats found on Blu-ray.

    Features :
    • Compact in size (only 5cm x 5cm).
    • 3 HDMI/DVI-D (hdcp) inputs.
    • 1 HDMI/DVI-D (hdcp) output.
    • HDCP compliant.
    • No IR Remote needed.
    • No Power Supply needed in most cases.
    • Auto selects any active input signal from the three inputs to the single HDMI output.
    • Manual selection button (for manually selecting an input if needed).
    • Signaling rates up to 10.2Gbits in support of 1080P Full HD displays.
    • Powerful receiver equalization to compensate for 15m HDMI cable losses.
    • Pre-emphasis to compensate for PCB losses.
    • Each HDMI port supports HDMI or DVI inputs.
    • Dust covers provided for unused inputs.
    • Smart Function (Auto Selection)
    • HDMI signal to the display. As result of this functionality, user could use simple method of power off/on sources to choose the desired HDMI signal. If several sources are powered on, the last powered source will be chosen. This allows the switch to still be used with sources that are always on such as cable TV and satellite receivers.

    Quality/Usability : Having my DirecTV, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 all hooked up via HDMI, it sometimes gets annoying and time consuming having to switch my video output between my 3 devices. Each device is connected to a HDMI port on my 32" Samsung. Luckily for me, I have 4 ports while for others, you may have 1 or 2 ports whether it be on your HDTV or computer monitor.

    The Talismoon HDMI Auto Switch can help you give you additional HDMI ports and helps you switch between HDMI sources with a press of a button. As of late, I've been watching more TV than playing games so I have my DirecTV receiver plugged into INPUT1. So when a friend calls me up to hop online to play some games, all I would need to do is turn on my console and the HDMI Auto Switch will automatically select that INPUT and my console is now displayed on my HDTV. No need to go to the TV or to pick up the remote to change input. Simply turn on console and thats it. When you turn off your console, the HDMI Auto Switch will automatically switch back to the first device.

    Next to the OUTPUT port, there is a small selector button. This allows you to cycle through the INPUTS if you have all 3 devices turned on. So I can have my 360, PS3 and DirecTV all turned on. I can be downloading a movie or an update on one system while playing online with the other. To check the status, I would just press the "SELECTION" button to select the input that I want to display.

    The switching between inputs is fairly quick with minimal lag/delay.


    Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon HDMI Auto Switch is a great product if you have less than 2 HDMI ports on your TV or hate having to change the input on your TV. Each input port has a dust cover for when it is not in use. Its great that it automatically switches to the newest input and goes back to its original when the newest input is turned off. Its also nice that they included the ability to select your input if you have more than 1 device turned on.

    Images via comments ...
    by Published on February 1st, 2011 23:15
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. PS3 News,
    4. Nintendo DS News,
    5. Nintendo 3DS News,
    6. Xbox 360 News,
    7. Playstation Vita News,
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    11. Apple iPhone,
    12. DCEmu Reviews
    Article Preview

    Talismoon Overlife Universal Charger
    Manufacturer: Talismoon
    Site: Buy from Divineo US
    Price: $30.99

    Universal Travel Charger (for non-EU users)
    USB Power Travel Charger with Plug Converters / Travel All-in-One Universal AC Adapter with USB Power / Universal Travel AC Adapter Plug


    Overview : More than a universal all in one charger, the Overlife will store energy to reload any devices independently. It is your ideal nomad companion. Overlife is a small, black shiny design nomad battery.

    Just plug it to any USB port or wall plug, and you can directly charge any Motorola - Samsung - Nokia - Sony Ericsson - Samsung - iPhone - iPod - Mini USB - NDSL - NDSi and all PSP models. You can also store energy in, so you can charge any of your devices on the go.

    A blue LED indicator shows you the level of charge and the charging status.

    This perfect nomad companion will avoid you traveling with numerous bulky chargers, and provide emergency power in any situation.

    Features:
    • High capacity Lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack style
    • Charge anywhere, recharge anything - standard USB input and output
    • Inter-changeable connector heads charging different mobile phones, MP3/MP4 player, iPod, iPhone, PSP, NDS, etc.
    • Power indicator LED shows battery capacity level.
    • Impressive 2500mAh storage (recharge your devices and gadgets several times)
    • None memory effect, short circuit protection
    • Powerful power supply is enough for even the most power-hungry mobile devices.

    Specifications:
    • Battery Type: Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery
    • Capacity: 2500mAh
    • Input Voltage: AC 100V-240V/50Hz-60Hz DC 5V / 1A
    • Output Current: 1000mA (Max)
    • Output Volts: 5.4V (+/-0.2V)
    • Output Current: 1000mA (Max)
    • Charging time: 3 ~ 3.5 Hours.
    • Cycle Life: At least 500 times
    • Operating Temperature: -10°C / 40°C
    • Storage and Transportation Temperature: -20°C / 50°C
    • Dimension: 92.5 * 57.3 * 13.8 mm
    • Weight: 80g

    Quality/Usability : Sometimes I forget to charge my PSP, DS, iPod and most importantly, my Blackberry cellphone. Its worse when you're not near a wall outlet, computer or have your charger on you. These days, majority of portable devices can be charged via USB. Talismoon has developed a product to help give you enough power to beat that boss on the last level or to help you get through you long commute with your music/movie or even that last minute call to your wife/mother.

    The Talismoon Overlife Charger has a nice piano black gloss casing but can be a potential to be a fingerprint magnet and scratches. The front has a "CHECK" button. Around this button are 4 LEDs. When you press the "CHECK" button, blue LEDs will light up that will display whether the battery is LOW, HALF or FULL. If Overlife is fully charged, all three blue LEDs will be lit up. As the charge slowly dissipates from charging other products, the LED next to FULL will get dimmer and dimmer. As more charge is drained from Overlife, the LED will get dimmer until it is fully discharged. The fourth LED is when the Overlife is in use (USE) and lights up blue as well.

    I personally dont know why Talismoon choose this method of display when you check the status of battery. I would of preferred a single LED to tell me if its full, half or low. Having the LEDs dim can get a little confusing considering its a little hard to tell by the brightness of the LEDs. Or even a single LED that changes color to let me know how much power is left.

    The charge time on this is a little disappointing. It takes about 3 hours from a drained Overlife to a fully charge Overlife. I can live with 1.5-2 hour charge but 3 hours is a very long time. To charge the Overlife, you can use the included USB cable. However, this USB cable has two purposes...one is to charge the Overlife and one is to charge other devices. Simply connect the USB cord into the USB out port at the top of Overlife, attach one of the heads to the other end of the USB cable and start charging! The USB out port has a rubber cover to protect it. Unfortunately, this cover doesnt come out or pull out. You will have to pull it back. Sometimes, this can get in the way. Would have been nice if it came out further.

    I've tried charging a completely dead Sony PSP using the interchangeable head and Overlife, the charging indicator on both the PSP and Overlife constantly blinked on and off. I charged the PSP and at 10%, the Overlife still blinked and the power status light on the PSP didnt change orange but stayed green but you can slightly see orange blink. Despite the LED indicators, the PSP's power source now stated "external" but was not charging (when PSP is turned on). So it seems that Overlife is not powerful enough to charge a completely dead PSP since it probably requires more power in the beginning. You only get a steady orange light is if the PSP is on, you connect the charging cable and you put the PSP to sleep. If you turn on the PSP, it turns on and than turns off. You'll have to unplug the charging cable in order to turn the ...
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