Joytech HDMI TriLink Switcher
Manufacturer: Joytech
Site:
Price: $54.95-79.95


Overview : Expand your digital connections with the HDMI TriLink™ from JOYTECH. Connect up to 3 HDMI compatible devices to 1 HDMI input on your TV or display. Ideal for use with PlayStation®3, DVD, or HD satellite and cable services, the HDMI TriLink™ features a Remote Control or Manual Selector Switch allowing you to navigate your HDMI source at a touch of a button. Supports HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection), HD resolutions of up to 1080p and multi-channel digital audio.

Features :

• Remote Control included
• Connect multiple HDMI signal sources to one HDMI input on TV or display
• Easily switch between three HDMI devices
• Supports full High Defi nition resolutions up to 1080p
• Three HDCP compliant HDMI 1.3 inputs provide a pure digital connection

Quality/Usability : With more and more technology being bought and used, eventually we'll have lack of inputs for all our devices. Yes, newer TVs have inputs in the front of the TV as well as on the side but its a hassle having to reach the back of the display each time you want to plug or unplug. At the same time, it can damage the ports as well.

Thats where selectors come into play. As technology advances, eventually we'll do away with regular audio/video cables (red/white/yellow, s-video, etc.) and everything will be HD (HDMI, DVI). HDMI selectors vary in look and design, features, functionality and most importantly...price.

Joytech's HDMI TriLink Switcher supports up to 1080p and is HDCP compliant but is also small and semi-affordable compared to some other HDMI selectors on the market. Inside the Tri-Link Switcher package, you'll find the Tri-Link Switcher, a remote control with preloaded battery, power supply, USB cable, infrared extension cable and manuals.

You must be wondering why it includes a USB cable. Well, its another way for you to power the HDMI TriLink Switcher. This is great if you dont have a spare wall outlet to plug in the power supply and you're near a computer or device that has USB ports. These days DVD players, PlayStation 3, Xbox360 and HTPC (Home Theater PC), all have USB ports.

There is a button on top of the switcher that lets you toggle between INPUT 1, 2 or 3. Which ever input is chosen, it will light up with a blue LED. It also has a infrared sensor. This allows you to use the included remote. The remote allows you to choose either INPUT 1, 2 or 3 instead of having to push the buttons on the Switcher. The remote control is fairly small and runs on CR2032 watch battery. Nothing fancy to be seen here. Just three buttons to choose your desired output. Whats nice about the Joytech HDMI Tri-Link Switcher is that it includes an infrared extension cable. Selecting inputs using the remote to the switcher can only go so far. With the extension cable, you plug it in to the side of the switcher and this will allow you to switch inputs from a further distance. The bottom of the extension cable has adhesive so you can stick it to your coffee table or something.

Conclusion : Overall, the Joytech HDMI TriLink Switcher works very well. I love the fact that its compact and light, I can control the switcher from across the room using the infrared extension cable and most importantly, it can run on USB. I ran out of slots on my power surge protector and I tend to plug and unplug power supplies if I am not using it that moment. My Samsung 32" has a USB port on it and it works great. Some or most should have USB ports as this is a way of upgrading firmwares on HDTVs. I think three HDMI ports on the switcher is enough considering on average, there are about 2-3 HDMI ports on a HDTV. Unfortunately, you'll have to supply your own HDMI cables.

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XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v2
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $22.99

Overview : XCM Multi-Console Component Cable V2 (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360). Not compatible with Xbox 1.

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system.
• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/1080p) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released their multi-console component cable that supports Xbox360, Wii, PS2 and PS3. This is pretty much an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center. Like always, XCM impresses us with their quality of products.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have four switches: 360HD, 360 Y/Pb/Pr, Wii and PS2/PS3. Of course, which ever system you are playing, you'll have to switch to that system. For those that dont know, 360 Y/Pb/Pr is like a standard component cable.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system. When switching to a difference system, there is a 2-3 second delay.

The cable itself is fairly long so you dont have to worry about having the systems close to the TV but you will have to have your systems near each other in order for the cable to reach each console.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is a neat product. Those looking to cut down on cables may want to look into this. It would have been nice if XCM had added a few inches more to the console cables so that the systems dont have to be so close to each other and for those who put their systems into entertainment centers. It would have been also nice if the 360HD and 360 Y/Pb/Pr had swapped places.

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Penguin United PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable
Manufacturer: Penguin United
Site: Buy from Penguin United
Price: $21.99

Overview : Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system with component input. The Final High-Definition Solution for all your Next Generation Gaming Consoles. Avoid the Hassle of switching cables behind your television or dealing with tangled cables from all your Consoles, not to mention the saving from buying 1 cable instead of 3. Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/ 1080p) technology. Actual resolution displayed will be determined by the technology supported by the Console in use.

The three AV plugs for each console should NOT be connected to their respective consoles simultaneously. Only one console should be connected for the cable to function properly. If more than one consoles are connected, even if it is set to "off" loss of audio or video may occure, but there will not be any damages done to the console.

Cable is 8 foot long or 2.4 meter in length.

Features :

• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080 i/1080 P) technology.

Quality/Usability : This is the second multi-console component cable we will be reviewing. The first review coming from XCM. We have reviewed a couple of Penguin United's Wii Component Cables already (Regular / Gold / Premium). All of them were pretty good for a new 3rd party peripheral manufacturer.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. Unlike the XCM multi-console component cable, there is no switch on the cable that allows you to switch to whatever system you are going to play with. You will have to plug each plug into the system if you want to play with the console.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good when connected one by one. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system.

The cable itself is fairly long measuring approximately 8 feet long. The cables for each console once split from the cable itself is fairly long enough but you will still have to have your consoles near each other.

Conclusion : Overall, the Penguin United PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is another alternative to those looking to eliminate cables and is looking for a all-in-one source. The quality of the product is great just like all of the other products Penguin United offers. My only complaint was having to insert the plug into the console I want to play each time. Would of been nice if there was a switch of some sort where I can easily switch back and forth without having to keep on removing the cables.

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HDfury DVI/HDMI to RGB Converter
Manufacturer: HDfury
Site: Buy from HKmod / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $129.99-$150.95


Overview : The HDfury is a revolutionary product that allows you to use the full resolution (up to 1080p) of any DVI/HDMI device on a CRT projector, PC monitor, older HDTV/Plasma TV, or any other device without a DVI/HDMI input! If you own a high quality projector/monitor/TV that does not have a DVI/HDMI connector you need this device! Why buy a new expensive display device when your existing one can already support high definition?

HDfury module will transform any "technically able" ANALOG display into a DIGITAL display performing a perfect visual HD & Full HD fury @ 720p/1080p from any HDMI/HDCP sources such as HD-DVD/Blu-Ray players, PS3, X360 Elite, Satellite/Cable HDTV set-top boxes, HTPCs with HDMI graphic cards, to name a few! Simply plug the HDfury into your projector, your DVI/HDMI device into the HDfury, and watch! Installation takes seconds.

The HDfury delivers a razor sharp picture with absolutely NO video noise. The picture quality improvement as compared to RGBHV analog video is immediately obvious, providing an amazingly clear and detailed picture!

The HDfury is 100% HDCP compliant. It is not an 'HDCP stripper'. The HDCP copy protected digital signal is first decrypted and then the digital RGB 4:4:4 signal is converted to an analog signal.

Features

• DVI-D 24p Female Port Input (100% digital).
• A HDMI -> DVI-D cable can be use to connect to an HDMI source.
• RGB 4:4:4 (8 bits) digital input (every HDMI source MUST be RGB 4:4:4 compatible).
• Compatible with non-HDCP or HDCP sources.
• Compatible with any RGB Display
• Directly connect to VGA input.
• Easy to install within a minute. (Plug & Play)
• 10 bits 175MHz triple video DAC - Inter-DAC : 2%
• RGB-H/V Male Port D-SUB 15 Output video analog signals (0,7Vpp over 75 ohms impedance)
• Ultra short Analog links (<1 cm) on the HD fury RGB 1080p for optimal quality.
• DVI video bandwidth in VGA/RGB outputs: 25-165MHz
• DVI Data Rate - Bandwidth 1.65 Gbps (Single link)
• Maximum resolutions: UWXGA (1920x1200) at 60Hz or SXGA (1280x1024) at 85Hz
• Computer compatible (PC, Mac)
• HDTV ready (480p/576p/720p/1080i/1080p48/50/60 compatible)
• DVI1.0 compliant / HDMI interoperable and HDCP ready
• HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Disc players compatible
• Playstation3 and X360 Elite compatible
• SAT and CABLE setbox for HDTV channels compatible
• HDCP compatible with embedded keys loaded.
• Energy management : DVI et VESA DPMS compatible.
• Ultra low power consumption in Standby (3,5mA)
• Maximum power : 0.4A under 5V (at 165MHz pixel clock)
• On-board DC/DC converter (5V) with extra-low EMI signature
• Power +5V from DVI/HDMI
• Blue LED to display active digital link.
• Safe cost solution – Single IC solution + external eeprom
• Small size : 75x56mm black cabinet
• Installation: the RGB 1080p module is DIRECTLY screwed to the back of the display (where VGA SUB-D plugs stand).
• Shortest RGB analog video link as possible
• HDCP rules compliant: no end-user access to decrypted analog video. Once screwed, this module becomes "a part of the display itself".
• Professional factory made (mass-production) using pick/place and reflow/wave solder pro. equipment.
• Gold Plated connectors, tracks and material
• Warranty: One year warranty

INPUT
1080p FULL HD COMPATIBLE

• Blu-Ray / HD-DVD Player
• Playstation 3, X360 Elite
• PC HDMI Graphics Card
• SAT & Cable HDTV Box
• Any DVI or HDMI source

OUTPUT
Display a 1080p visual fury

• PC monitor (CRT, tubes, LCD)
• HDTV, Plasma, LCD
• LCD, DLP, SXRD, D-ILA proj.
• 3 tubes proj Barco, Nec, ..
• Any RGB, VGA, YUV Display

Quality/Usability : HDfury allows you to display HD quality @ 720p/1080p from any HDMI/HDCP sources such as SAT & Cable HDTV setbox, Xbox360 Elite, PlayStation 3, HDMI graphic card, etc. on a analog display such as TV, PC monitor, projector, etc. Yes, thats right. HD visuals on non-HD displays!

HDfury imitates itself to be a HDCP-supporting receiver, that outputs DRM-stripped analog RGB content at the same resolution and aspect ratio as if output in digital form. The HDfury is encased in a black case with a gold plate on the front that says 1080p. On the gold plate is a window and that shows a Silicon Image chip. I presume this is where all the magic happens. Sorry, but I'm not a HT expert.

The review sample that we received only came in a clear plastic packaging with HDfury, and extended VGA cable (if there is not enough space to connect HDfury). The final packaging will include a manual. Since the HDfury is a DVI to VGA adapter, you will need a HDMI to DVI adapter or cable to connect to the HDfury.

Using the HDfury, I was able to play the PlayStation 3 and Xbox360 via HDMI to DVI-D cable to my monitor. Display was converted to 1280x1024 pixels. The visual was clean and crisp both on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox360 Elite. 1080p on the PlayStation 3 is only available in HDMI mode and when I turned on the PlayStation 3, it booted up fine. I went into the settings to confirm and indeed it was set to 1080p and the screen was displaying what was playing in the PlayStation 3. If there was ever a need to update HDfury, the eprom could be reflashed externally by dealers and manufacturer.

Here is a video of HDfury in action with the PlayStation 3:


Conclusion : Overall, the HDfury HDMI/DVI to RGB Converter is a sweet unique product. I no longer have to fight with the gf to see who gets to use the HDTV or be confined to it. I can now use my PC monitor to play my PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 Elite with HD quality visuals You'll have to supply your own HDMI to DVI-D cable, DVI/HDMI adapters or DVI to DVI cable, depending whether or not you have the cables needed already. If not, you'll have to purchase one which usually costs about $7-13 for the cable and about $5 for the adapter. The price of the HDfury is a pricey. Price can range from $129.99 to $150.95 but it is well worth it for those looking to play their HD products without the need of a HDTV.

*UPDATE*
I was informed the following from the Project Manager:


The above review is based on the BLUE version which includes HD15 VGA extender cable and tested on a Dell 2405FPW. For those who are Home Theater fiends/exotics/pros/etc., there is also a RED version which includes a Barco Port 3 Cable and a GREEN version which includes a 5-BNC breakout cable. Both of which is not available as the time of this review but they should be available late June/early July. The look and color of the HDfury will still be the same just the packaging will be in its respective color and cable.

Images via comments. Images of monitor screenshots are from MyAV (Chinese). ...

Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2
Manufacturer: Zoozen
Site:
Price: $19.95


Overview : If you have ever attempted any repair or improvement of any kind, you know that the right tools can make the difference between a good experience and a bad one. The Access Pro Toolkit by Zoozen has everything you need to get into your console and accessories. It is the only toolkit that includes tools for every console and handheld on the market today. And it includes unique and custom tools that are only available from Zoozen.

This tool kit includes the tools you need for the:

· Microsoft products, including: Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and accessories like the Xbox 360 wired controller, and the Xbox 360 wireless controller. Special tools: the OneSnap, the only one-piece Xbox 360 case separator, and a special long neck tamper resistant Torx bit.

· Nintendo products, including: the Nintendo Wii, GameCube, GBA, DS, DS Lite, and most accessories like Nintendo Cartridges, Gamecube controllers, and power supplies. Special Tools: Triwing bits in two sizes and two sizes of rare Linehead Nut Setters in hardened steel. Also has the correct tools for most of the retired Nintendo game machines (those not currently for sale in the marketplace).

· Sony Products, including: PS3, PS2, PStwo, and PSP and many accessories (for example: Sony controllers).

· The Access Pro Tool Kit also has the correct tools to open most third party products.

The tools are all housed in a convenient plastic case that keeps all the parts just where they belong. And, duplicates of most bits are provided, just in case you drop a bit behind your desk during a critical procedure.

Includes:

• 1pc Easy grip screwdriver handle
• 1pc Magnetic Tweezers
• 1pc "OneSnap" tool for opening Xbox 360
• 1pc Linehead nut setter (small size)
• 1pc Linehead nut setter (large size)
• 1pc Flathead bit, Long
• 2pcs Torx Size 6, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 8, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 10, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 15, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 20, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Hex Size .05
• 2pcs Triwing Bit
• 2pcs Phillips #000
• 2pcs Phillips #0
• 2pcs Phillips #1
• 2pcs Slotted 7/64

Quality/Usability : Those who mod consoles or want to start modding, the Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 will help you out tremendously. The Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 has tools for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo products ranging from console to games and accessories. This toolkit will open even the new nex-gen consoles.

Xbox 360 – Torx T8, T6, T8, T10, Hex 0.05, Slotted 7/64, OneSnap and a Long Slotted Screw Bit
Xbox – Torx T10, T15, T20
PS3 – Torx T10, Phillips 0, Phillips 1, Phillips #000
PS2/Two – Phillips 0, Phillips 1
PSP – Phillips #000
Wii – Triwing, Phillips 0, Phillips #000
Gamecube – Linehead Nut Setter #8
DS/DS Lite – Triwing #00, Tripoint #0, Phillips #000
Gameboy – Triwing #00, Tripoint #01
Nintendo Cartridges – Linehead nut setter #6

The screwdriver handle is made of a rubberized grip instead of plastic like some screwdrivers are made of. This allows for easy gripping. Each bit that was placed was held in place very tight.

Each bit unscrewed each screw nicely without stripping the screws. Screwing each screw back into place worked wonderfully as well.

Dropped a screw and cant reach it or need to hold a wire or LED in place? Zoozen also included a magnetic tweezer to help hold those thin wires or screws that may be too small to hold in your fingers.

Conclusion : Overall, the Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 is a modders dream come true. Everything you need to help open your mod frenzy finger is all in this Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2. Add a dremel and a soldering iron and this would be the Ultimate modding tool! It would also have been useful if the bits were magnetic to pick up the small screws. The price of $19.95 is definitely well priced and worth it.

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Moxia USBCell Rechargeable Battery
Manufacturer: Moixa
Site: Buy from Moixa
Price: $17.00 (2 pack)


Overview : This NiMH AA cell can be used like a normal battery and can be recharged simply by plugging into a USB port.

With over 15 billion Alkaline batteries made and thrown away each year - wasting resources, C02 and creating toxic Landfill - USBCELL offers a eco-friendly alternative as can be re-used hundreds of times as no charge adaptor or cable is needed, saving you money, hassle and waste.

Features :

• Rechargeable AA NiMH Battery 1.2v 1300mah
• 90%+ Charged after 5 Hours by powered USB
• Built in Intelligent Charger
• Charge by powered USB
• Also can be charged in approved NiMH Chargers

Quality/Usability : Majority of today's electronics such as digital cameras, portable devices such as MP3/CD players, remotes, flashlights, and controllers all use alkaline batteries.

No more need for disposable batteries. Yes, there are lots of rechargeable batteries on the market but in order to recharge them, you will need a charger. What happens if you dont have a charger on your? USBCell is similar that it is rechargeable but to recharge them, its different. The name of the product can give you a hint as to how it would recharge...USB. But you can also charge in any rechargeable battery charger as well

The design of the USBCell is unique. With USB ports on PC, laptops and even game consoles, it is fairly easy to find USB ports to recharge. To charge, you simply, pull of the green cover. The green cover is attached to the battery with an elastic band so you wont lose the cover by accident. Once the cover is off, a USB plug is explosed. Pull back on the cover and insert the USB plug into any USB port.

Once inserted into a USB port, a green LED light is lit up to inform you that it is charging. When the battery is fully charged, the LED will turn off.

Having charged the USBCell batteries for the recommended 5 hours, I was about to get a little more than 20 hours with the Wiimote before the battery died. Although a Xbox 360 controller is pictured with the USBCell, I was unable to fit both batteries into the Xbox 360 wireless controller but I was able to fit one into the plastic holder. Even with the one battery, it felt a little snug.

Conclusion : Overall, the Moixa USBCell Rechargeable Battery are probably the most unique product we have reviewed. There are some problems that I see. If you have a USB port that is recessed or further in to your device, the USBCell may not reach. Another problem is the mAh. Although 1300mAh is perfect for devices that doesnt draw a lot of power but when used with devices such as digital cameras, people prefer 2000mAh or higher for high powered devices. But these would come in handy as a temporary backup solution. Other sizes are are planned to be released but no further information has been mentioned.

Price of the USBCell is a bit pricey. For maybe double the price or less (depending if there is a deal), you can probably get a charger, four batteries and a higher mAh battery such as 2500mAh.

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EA CEO John Riccitiello said during the company's third quarter conference call last night that the publisher has a "very exciting" unannounced first person shooter in the works.


"... The intention for us at least is to have strong FPS entries each year," Riccitiello said, according to Seeking Alpha. "For quite a long time now, I've been saying that it's our long-term goal to take back the first-person shooter category leadership.

"We made strong progress in calendar '10 over calendar '09," he added. "This year, with the trail end of Battlefield Bad Company 2 still doing well, Medal of Honor doing well, Crysis and Bulletstorm, we're clearly going to make more progress on our goal, and that's before we get to what I think is going to be a very exciting entry later in the year that we're not yet announcing."

One FPS we're very excited about is the new IP former Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella are making for EA at their new studio Respawn. That game surely won't be released this year, but a reveal's certainly not out of the question.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS ...

The increasingly negative, argumentative attitudes of many gamers and critics is stifling creativity and discouraging developers from taking risks with their games, so says Call of Duty: Black Ops developer Treyarch.

Speaking in an interview with NowGamer, community manager Josh Olin cited the troubling trend as the biggest problem the industry faces today.

"Personally, as a community manager who lives in the media or social media world every day, I think the social culture of video games is moving in a more negative direction as technology and social media continues to grow," Olin explained.

"Rather than growing with it, the trend seems to be devolving. More and more gamers seem to forget what this industry is all about.

"It's a creative industry – the most creative form of entertainment in existence," he continued. "Too many developers who try new things are getting burned by 'pundits' and angry entitled fans who look to be contrarian, sometimes simply for the sake of being contrarian.

"The only thing this attitude aims to achieve is stunt that creativity and innovation even further, which is something that no rational gamer looking to be entertained would want to do."

Fair point? Harmonious, generous-of-spirit readers of Eurogamer, you decide.

Of course, Treyarch knows what it's talking about when it comes to disgruntled gamers. There has been plenty of mud slung in its direction recently over the current state of Black Ops on PlayStation 3.

Maybe the First Strike DLC pack, out today, will help smooth things over.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...fle-creativity ...