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  • PSP News

    by Published on February 4th, 2011 09:16
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. PS3 News,
    4. PS2 News

    Sony's Networked Products and Services division has reported an operating profit of ¥45.7 billion ($564m / £348m) for the third quarter ended December 31, off the back of higher sales of PlayStation software and cost reductions on PS3 hardware.
    Sales decreased slightly by 6.4 per cent year-on-year to ¥566.6 billion ($6.995m / £4.318m) for the three months.
    During the quarter Sony sold 6.3 million PlayStation 3 units worldwide - slightly down on the 6.5 million it sold in the comparable quarter - bringing financial year to date numbers to 15 million. Sales this year have already outpaced the last full financial year sales of 13 million.
    There were 3.6 million PlayStation Portable units sold during the three months, down from 4.2 the previous year, bringing financial year to date numbers to 8 million. PlayStation 2 hardware sales were 2.1 million, the same as Q3 2009.
    PlayStation 3 game sales were up significantly by 10 million units, from 47.6 million to 57.6 million, while PSP software also rose to 16.5 million, from 15 million last year. PS2 game sales fell from 11.2 million units to 5.3 million.
    Overall the Sony corporation reported a net profit of ¥72.3 billion ($885.7 m), down due to the strong yen and poor margins on televisions. Sales were down 1.7 per cent to ¥1.98 trillion.

    http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...USD564m-profit
    ...
    by Published on February 3rd, 2011 02:01
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News

    News via http://www.psp-ita.com/?module=news&...7&view_reply=1

    A few days after the fix for CF 6:35 Custom V6 , here is the new release v7. The use is limited solely to the exclusion of the PSP 2000 TA-088v3 (8C or higher) , the attempt to install this on any other model of CF would lead to the brick's total PSP console.
    Following download and changelog

    Changelog, download and install:
    Quote:
    .: Changelog:.
    - Added support for extra memory and PARAM.SFO
    - Added option to enable USB.
    - Fixed a bug in the nid resolver, with the help of liquidzigong.
    - Aggionrato the installer to support the installation of other pre-existing CF
    - Added the function to access the Toggle USB Flash all'UMD by XMB

    . Installation:.
    1. Download the archive to view news
    2. Copy the UPDATE folder in the path ms0/PSP/GAME /
    3. Place the file in the official FW 6:35 renamed 635.PBP in the path ms0: / PSP / GAME / UPDATE / (not necessary if the FW 6.35 and already installed)
    4. Start the installer
    5. Restart the PSP if the CF is installed through HEN

    .: Links:.
    FW 6:35

    .: Download:.
    Download Here - 6.35 Custom v7

    NB: Please note that the 6:35 Custom can be installed not only on the PSP 2000 TA-088v3 . ...
    by Published on February 3rd, 2011 01:58
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News

    News via http://wololo.net/wagic/2011/02/02/a...petition-2011/

    Sony stopped distributing development hardware for the PSP1 at the end of 2010, and announced the NGP a few days ago.
    But the PSP’s not dead.
    Since its release in 2004, more than 60 millions of PSPs have been sold, and hundreds of thousands of players around the world enjoy homebrews on a daily basis. The scene has never been so alive, with HBL in 2010, and now the HEN for 6.20 and 6.35, or the recent possibility to run our homebrews on all PSPs without hacking them.
    So before we kiss the PSP1 goodbye, and start moving on to the next generation, we want to go with a bang. The PSP underground is more alive than ever, and respected scener npt is proving it by organizing the biggest PSP homebrew competition ever, the PSP Genesis Competition. By “biggest” I mean that the prizes are going to be massive. I can’t reveal much for now, but I’m glad to announce that not only will I be a judge in this contest, wololo.net will be a sponsor and add a bonus prize of 100$ that will go to my favorite entry. Just know that this 100$ prize will only be a tiny fraction of the total prizes in this competition.
    We are currently finalizing the rules and prizes, as well as looking for additional sponsors who might want to add their own contribution to this contest, but I’ll have more information in a few weeks.
    If you are a homebrew programmer and are thinking of starting on a new project, or finalizing some work in progress, now’s the good time to go full steam. We’ll give programmers enough time to submit something good, but I suggest you start now. Full information, including submissions rules, will be announced in a few weeks.
    Thought the PSP scene was dead? We will prove that 2011 is the year the PSP scene was reborn. Get ready to submit your best homebrews for the PSP Genesis Compo! ...
    by Published on February 3rd, 2011 01:33
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. Playstation Vita News

    Sony's initial goal with the NGP is to match the install base of its current PSP system, so says SEA CEO Kaz Hirai.
    Hirai discussed the platform holder's sales expectations for the new device, which was unveiled in Tokyo last week, in an interview with the PlayStation Blog.
    "One of the things we want to accomplish with the NGP is match - number one - the install base that we have on PSP worldwide."
    Once that mile marker is reached, it can than push on and attempt to go further than its predecessor, Hirai explained. "The fact that we're working hand in hand with the worldwide studios internally but also with a lot of the third party publishing partners already. That, combined with some of the exciting features - whether it's leveraging the 3G networks, or the front and back panels, or the sensors that we have incorporated into NGP – is a really strong combination to really match the install base we have for PSP and certainly go beyond that as well."
    The video interview also offers fleeting glimpses of a few NGP titles in action – including the new Uncharted offering.
    http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...p-install-base
    ...
    by Published on February 2nd, 2011 11:48
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. PS3 News,
    4. PS2 News,
    5. Nintendo Wii News,
    6. Xbox 360 News,
    7. Xbox News,
    8. Nintendo Gamecube News,
    9. DCEmu Reviews
    Article Preview

    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 2nd, 2011 11:43
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. Nintendo 64 News,
    4. PS3 News,
    5. PS2 News,
    6. Nintendo DS News,
    7. Nintendo Wii News,
    8. GBA News,
    9. PS1 News,
    10. Xbox 360 News,
    11. Xbox News,
    12. Nintendo Gamecube News,
    13. DCEmu Reviews
    Article Preview

    Shinobii Console Toolkit
    Manufacturer: Shinobii
    Site: Buy from Shinobii / Buy from Amazon
    Price: €19.99 / $24.99


    Overview : This 19-piece toolkit contains everything you need in order to disassemble all the latest consoles such as Wii, DSi, PS3, XBOX 360 and PSP 3000. Of course, we havent forgotten about classic console owners therefore this kit also includes tools for opening up older consoles such as DS, DS LITE, PS2, PS1, XBOX, PSP1000, PSP2000, GAMEBOY, GAMECUBE, PSTWO, N64, SNES as well as Game cartridges and cellphones.

    Perhaps you want to replace a defective drive, burnt out laser lens, scratched or cracked screen or any other defective part. Maybe you want to add an internal fan providing less noise and more cooling? No matter what, as most gamers already know, the console makers really give you a hard time when trying to open up their units and it`s a real challenge to find all the right tools to get the job done at least without damaging your console. The solution is the Console Toolkit™ from Shinobii.

    All tools are precision machined from heat treated chrome vanadium steel and have chrome finish.

    Console Toolkit™ includes: (Tools marked with a * are tamper resistant.)
    • T2
    • T3
    • T6*
    • T8*
    • T10*
    • T15*
    • T20*
    • PH#0
    • PH#00
    • PH#000
    • PH#1
    • Triwing#00
    • Triwing#01
    • Hex 0.05
    • Slotted 7/64
    • Linehead Nut Setters #6
    • Linehead Nut Setters #8
    • 360Tool
    • Tweezer
    • Anti-slip Rubber Handle
    • EasyGuide Plastic card (explaining what tools to use)

    Quality/Usability : So the fine folks at Shinobii sent me their newest product, the Console Toolkit™. The tool kit consists of 19 pieces needed to disassemble everything from the Wii, DSi, Xbox 360, PS3 and PSP3000 all the way to old school and semi-old school products like the Xbox, DS, PS2, PS1, GameCube, N64 and even the SNES. The 19 pieces are placed inside a small black plastic case. Underneath the cover are 10 tools and tweezers. The bottom holds a 360 tool and anti-slip rubber handle.

    All 10 tools are held in place by a rubber holder that prevents any of the falling out or. On the top of this rubber holder is a loop that allows you to pull the bits out and on this rubber holder are numbers. This lets you identify what tool is what by looking at the EasyGuide card. Incase you forgot where they belong, the numbers are also printed on the pieces themselves as well as Shinobii's company name. All the bits/pieces has two ends of them except for two (Linehead Nut Setters). So the end that is not used will be inserted into the anti-slip rubber handle and the side that is needed, is exposed.

    Each piece is about 4½" long. When inserted into the rubber handle, approximately 2¾" is exposed. The rubber handle is just shy of 3½" long and 1" wide. The pieces insert smoothly but may feel a little loose at times but will not fall out unless you heavily shake it out. Each bit is also magnetic so you will be able to pick up screws without having to worry about dropping them or using a second hand to help you hold the screw in place while the other holds the handle. The bottom of the handle has grooves/curves that help assist you in gripping the handle better and tightening or loosening screws.

    I'm not the type to go and open up perfectly working consoles unless I really have to but since I had some busted up and non-working electronics laying around, I thought I would give it a try. The handle felt good in the hand and removing screws was very easy and didnt require any effort. I was able to grip onto the handle thanks to the anti-slip rubber. I'm the type that has sweaty hands so this is a plus. I had an old PS1 that stopped working and was going to recycle it in the trash but was too lazy. Once I took the console apart, I didnt want to stop. I tried finding other electronics such as my old handheld TIGER devices, old cellphones that stopped working (fit the screws on the cellphones I had) and eventually, I couldnt find anything else. Now, I'm left with gutted and disassembled electronic casings and chipsets.

    Conclusion : Overall, the Shinobii Console Tool Kit is a very nice product. It eliminated some of the bulk but putting a piece on each end rather than have 19 different pieces and makes fairly easy to carry and dropping it in your bag. I love the fact that the handle has grooves for your finger/thumb to allow you to have a better grip for turning and for someone who has sweaty hands, I didnt loose my grip. I also like that each piece is magnetic so the screws cling on to the piece for easy removal and insertion without the need for a second hand. However, I would of probably liked to see the anti-slip rubber handle be slightly bigger. Those with big hands may find the handle a little small for their grips.

    Images via comments ...
    by Published on February 2nd, 2011 11:43
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. PS3 News,
    4. Nintendo DS News,
    5. Nintendo 3DS News,
    6. Nintendo Wii News,
    7. Xbox 360 News,
    8. Playstation Vita News,
    9. Zune News,
    10. Android News,
    11. Apple iPad,
    12. Apple iPhone,
    13. DCEmu Reviews
    Article Preview

    XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger
    Manufacturer: XCM
    Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Amazon
    Price: $39.99


    Overview : Finally a way to charge all your valuable electronics with one device!

    Introducing the Multi-Charger from XCM. This unit will charge your iPhone, PSP (all PSP series from 1000-3000 series), Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, PS3 Wireless Controller, NDS (all NDS series, including NDS, NDSL and NDSi) and more.... (all devices using USB 5v input will be supported, such as the Nokia mobile phone series etc) with ease. No more lugging around multiple chargers, this one does it all. Made with the high quality craftsmanship you've grown to expect from the XCM brand, this charger will surely provide the power you need for many years to come!

    Features:
    • 4 USB ports
    • Supports any USB 5v input

    Compatible with:
    • PSP (1000-2000-3000)
    • NDS, NDS Lite, NDSi
    • iPhone
    • Nokia mobile phones and many more

    Includes:
    • PSP USB cable
    • DS Lite USB cable
    • DSi USB Cable
    • iPod/iPhone USB Cable
    • US AC plug
    • EU AC Plug
    • Australia AC Plug
    • BS AC Plug

    Quality/Usability : I must admit, I'm a gadget freak. I have surge protectors daisy chained to each other. There just isnt enough outlets! I'm surprised my house hasnt burned down with all these wires. If I find an open slot in my surge protector, I'll charge my DS, PSP, camera battery, cellphone..thats if I'm lucky to find 1 spot. If I cant, I use my USB port on my computer. Now, my USB ports are starting to become scarce as more portable devices start to use them. Yes, you can purchase a USB hub but majority of the time, they arent powerful enough to charge the device and you get an error message on your computer. Even the ones that come with power plugs gives me an error.

    XCM has released a stand alone Universal USB Multi-Charger. No need to plug this charger into a computer or USB port. Choose your AC plug and connect plug it into a socket (AC 100-240V) and the other end into the Multi-Charger. The Multi-Charger has a square glossy white casing with a small LED light that lights up when plugged into outlet and the logo on top. The logo uses a Walt Disney type font. On the front of the Multi-Charger are 4 USB ports. Since it draws its power from the socket, you wont have to worry about overdrawing power or having to wait 5 hours to fully charge a device when it should only take 1 hour or so.

    The Multi-Charger measures 5 inches long, 4 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick and comes with four (4) AC plugs (US, EU, UK and Asia). The plugs are short in length so you will not be able to place it on a table or next to your computer. Wires measure about 16 inches long from tip of plug that inserts into XCM Multi-Charger to the base of AC plug (not the prongs). Also included are four (4) USB plugs (PSP, DSL, DSi, iPhone/iPod). You're not limited to using only these devices. I was able to charge my Blackberry device, Bluetooth headset, PS3 controller, Xbox controller, USB battery, pretty much anything I can think of that uses a USB to charge the device. The charge time is about the same time it would take if you use the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) chargers that came with the device.

    Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger is a great product. I do not have to use all my USB ports nor do I have to leave my PS3, Xbox 360 or computer on just to charge my USB devices. Since some wall chargers are huge and can cover up an empty socket, this also eliminates the amount of wall chargers and bulk. I was able to charge all my devices without a problem. My only complaint is the lack of cord length on the AC plug for the Multi-Charger. I was not able to place the Multi-Charger on a desk. I had to place it on the floor. This is also a drawback for those who need to plug this in the back of a shelf or entertainment center. You can use an extension cord but do you want to go out and buy one or even find one in the house? The price was originally $70 but it was wayyyy to overpriced for a 4-port USB charger. But it seems XCM has lowered the price to a much more affordable price range. However, $40 is still a little pricey. I think $25-30 would be a nice sweet spot.

    Images via comments

    DIGG THIS ...
    by Published on February 2nd, 2011 11:43
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. Nintendo DS News,
    4. Nintendo 3DS News,
    5. Playstation Vita News,
    6. Android News,
    7. Apple iPhone,
    8. DCEmu Reviews

    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 ...
    by Published on February 2nd, 2011 11:43
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. PS2 News,
    4. Nintendo Wii News,
    5. Xbox News,
    6. Nintendo Gamecube News,
    7. DCEmu Reviews
    Article Preview

    XCM HDMI Blaster Converter
    Manufacturer: XCM
    Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France / Buy from Amazon
    Price: $99.99


    Overview : The XCM HDMI Blaster will allow you to connect any Component Video Source to your HDTV via HDMI inputs to save those valuable Component Video Inputs for other devices or for use with sets that do not have component video inputs but do have HDMI inputs.

    Features :
    • Finally an HDMI converter for older (hdmi-less) consoles that brings the analog signal into the digital age.
    • Converts your old analog signal to the new High Definition standard digital signal (HDMI).
    • Compatible with Wii, PS 2, Original Xbox consoles, Gamecube, PSP Slim and more.
    • Also compatible with any component (YbPbR) signal (ie: DVD Player, DVB, Cable Box, Satellite Receiver, etc).
    • Experience the Brilliant, Colorful and Sharp video output on your HDTV.
    • Supports any device with VGA output. Input resolution for vga is 800x600, 1024x768.
    • Works on any HDTV or Monitor with HDMI or DVI inputs.
    • Fully automatic power supply management. When there is no input signal, the power supply will shut off automatically for energy savings.
    • Includes DVI to HDMI adapter.

    Quality/Usability : XCM has been pumping out a lot of audio/video adapters for video game consoles whether it be VGA or DVI/HDMI. The newest product from XCM is the HDMI Blaster. The HDMI Blaster lets you converter analog signal to digital signal. It claims to be compatible with the PS2, Original Xbox, GameCube, PSP Slim and many more. However, older consoles dont have HDMI so you'll need a YPbPR (Component) cable. Since older consoles never came with these, you would have to purchase them separately whether they be OEM cables or XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3.

    In the package, you'll get the HDMI Blaster, HDMI Male/Male cable, HDMI to DVI Converter, Power cord and supply and instruction manual. Since I rarely read the manual to any of my electronics, hooking up the HDMI Blaster was pretty much straight forward and simple. You simply plug the component cable to the HDMI Blaster, plug the power to the wall and turn on your video game system and HDTV. The top of the HDMI Blaster contains a switch. This switch lets you toggle between Component output and VGA.

    Component signals are outputted at 720p and resolution of 1024x768 on VGA. Although low even though you might have a display/console that can output 1080i/p, the quality is excellent. Since I got rid of my launch PS2 and original Xbox, I had to go and borrow one from a friend who actually likes to keep everything. I did however, have some games left since the PS3 and Xbox 360 are backwards compatible.

    The colors were vibrant. From a normal and distant distance, the quality looks great. Of course, if you look up close, you will see jagged lines and pixels. Some will say that component will give just as good of a visual but if you're connecting component cable to the HDMI Blaster and connecting it via HDMI to the monitor, the quality is actually improved and better.

    Since I was testing some older consoles, I thought I would try the Wii since it outputs at 480p. Yes, I can use component but wondered how it would look. After connecting the Wii to the HDMI Blaster, the quality was a lot better just like the older consoles. I was impressed. The PSP also produced great quality but was hampered with the length of the cord so you would be sitting close to the display.

    Those looking to use VGA on this or computer monitor, I would not recommend this option. Using VGA would result in the quality being blurry and stretched out. If you're looking for a VGA adapter, I suggest taking a look at XCM 1080p Mega-Cool VGA Box. I would solely use the HDMI Blaster for component and DVI/HDMI.

    Here is a video of the HDMI Blaster Converter in action...


    Conclusion : Overall, the XCM HDMI Blaster is a great product for those looking to connect their old consoles and Wii via HDMI. Consoles connected via component will look great coming out of the HDMI Blaster. Unfortunately, the highest output for the HDMI Blaster is 720p and resolution of 1024x768 on VGA regardless if your console or monitor can display 1080i/p. Hopefully, XCM will release a 1080p version of this.

    Images via comments. ...
    by Published on February 2nd, 2011 11:42
    1. Categories:
    2. PSP News,
    3. DCEmu Reviews

    Kingmax microSD to Pro Duo Adapter
    Manufacturer: Kingmax
    Site: Buy from Brando
    Price: $17.00

    Overview : Transform microSD into Memory Stick Duo

    Features :
    • Ideal for use in small digital devices
    • Transform microSD into Memory Stick PRO Duo format
    • Compatible with Memory Stick PRO Duo device e.g. PSP


    Specifications :
    • Form factor:
    • MS PRO Duo adapter: 31(w) x 20(H) x 1.6(D)mm
    • Operating Voltage: 2.7V~3.6V
    • Weight Aggrox. 1g


    Quality/Usability : Some of you have probably heard about this unique adapter. The Kingmax microSD to Pro Duo Adapter allows you to use your microSD card, also known as TransFlash, in your electronic devices that uses Pro Duo such as Sony Ericsson cellphones and your Sony PSP.

    Prices of microSD are fairly cheap and are the size of a thumbnail. If you can find the right deal, you can get a 1GB microSD card for free or for $10. The bigger the storage, the higher the price. This is a great alternative to having to buy a 1GB Pro Duo card.

    Slipping the microSD card into the Pro Duo adapter is like any other adapter whether its Pro Duo to Memory Stick adapter, microSD to SD adapter and so on. Removing it is the same as well.

    Once a microSD card is inserted, reading and writing is about the same as if it was a Pro Duo. I used Brando 55 in 1 Card Reader/Writer and the speeds of reading/writing to the card is fairly quick.

    I tried the adapter both in my Sony PSP and Sony Ericsson w810i. I tested this with a SanDisk, PNY and US Modular 1GB microSD cards. In both devices, they both read the adapter without a problem. Listening to music and playing videos did not show any signs of slow down. With regards to playing games on the PSP, I didnt notice any slow downs or lags.

    Conclusion : Overall, the Kingmax microSD to Pro Duo Adapter is great if you have microSD cards laying around the house. The speed of reading and writing is as fast as a normal Pro Duo card. Luckily, the price of microSD cards are cheap so it makes a good alternative to the Pro Duo card. Currently, the highest microSD card available is 2GB.

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