Make HD-DVD disks the same price as DVDs, or less. I don't care about getting a cheap player if the disks are going to cost me 25%-75% more for a movie that looks just as good (right now) on my TV as the cheaper DVD that I already own a bunch of players for.
Meh, it doesn't really matter at this point. Digital Distribution is going to end this format war a lot faster than Sony's or Toshiba's corporate posturing.
I'm not saying it's not a good start, but enforcing the communication barrier should be the job of the parent, not the developer.
Put in a Mute mode if the console is set to T. Otherwise, treat every random player like a friend. Then, for those adults who don't want the verbal abuse that sometimes comes up from these kinds of systems, then can set that console ID to ignore and never have to play that person again. And with matches that do work, that's one more friend to play again.
It's this kind of nannying that gives Nintendo it's reputation as being a kiddie console. SSMB may be cartoonish, but it's fun for all ages and should take that into account.
The problem with DRM is that the copyright holders want it to be a magic bullet to control exactly how a product is used by the consumer. Unfortunately for them, the consumer usually has a different idea of what they want to do with their own legitimately purchased products.
The Media companies need to understand that what they really need to focus on is getting customers to pay for the song. How they get it should be device agnostic -- a download, a CD, recorded off the air, etc. Once the "license" for that song is acquired, the consumer should be legally entitled to do whatever they want with it, including (but not limited to) space shifting, time shifting, remixing (for non-commercial use), transcoding, and demonstration.
While I don't agree with "file sharing" in a general case as a legitimate practice anymore (I think enough legal alternatives exist) the litigation-happy companies going after every last dime because someone ripped a legally purchased song into an MP3 that's on their iPod, desktop PC, Laptop PC, car CD changer, digital picture frame, gaming console, playing in the background of a youtube video of their kids, and their cellphone ringtone. Technology has made media accessible EVERYWHERE, and the rights of the consumer to use it as such should outweigh the nickle-and-dime dreams of the RIAA.
Considering this will be the first BIG online game for the Wii, I'm hoping they're taking their time to make sure it's done right. I don't know if the Wii can download patches as easily as the PS3/x360, so if the Big N takes a little extra time to reduce lag and latency's effect on gameplay *now* I'll be happy for the delay.
Now if they could just get rid of these damn buddy codes. All it does is move the matchmaking from an in-game browser to the web forums. I know it's all about "protecting the kiddies" but that's why these consoles have parental control options. Turn off the parental block, and let adults play with adults without the barriers.
The DX1 Input System includes a Pad, a removable Tray, 25 numbered Keys with a storage tray, preprinted labels, an installation CD and a Quick Start Guide.
So with only 25 keys, which of the 26 letters of the alphabet do you like least? You could go Roman and use "V" for "U"'s, or drop F and use "PH" instead.
Or, you can be really revolutionary and go with the Decabet, which will even leave you enough keys for all 0-9 numerals and some punctuation too!
Honestly, will you put your son or daughter on the altar of science to prove a theory? Could you live with yourself if you were wrong?
I'm a recent parent who insisted on a thiemerasol-free vaccine for my child. Note that I'm not against vaccines -- I just asked for the one without the mercury. They're available and didn't cost anything extra.
Why? Because if there was even a 1/1000th of a percent of a chance that it could cause irreparable harm I wasn't going to take the risk. I don't put much stock in anecdotal data, but if I have the option I'll choose to be sure. I'm sure science will someday discover the true cause of this terrible disease, but until they know for sure then I'll make the choice that doesn't give me any doubts.
I know I can't protect my child 100% of the time, but this was an easy choice. Even in light of this report, I'll still insist against the mercury-based preservative. Not because I distrust science, but because it's one less risk to take.
Most consumers aren't just waiting for the the format war to be over. They're watching the cost of media and waiting to see which drops under the magic 19.99 first. That's when DVD's really took off over VHS cassettes -- when the VHS movies were coming out at $14.99 and the DVDs at $19.99.
As long as there's a huge price difference between a DVD and a HD-DVD or BluRay disk, most consumers aren't going to shell out the investment for a high-def player just for the privelage of spending MORE money for the same movie. And DVDs don't degrade with use like VHS tapes did, so there's no need to go out and rebuild your library if you choose to stay with the standard DVD and a decent up-converting player for the time being.
Forget porn. If this stalemate continues, the only winner will be direct download sites. Otherwise, the first to even up the cost of media with DVD is going to win the hearts of consumers.
Well... well, like to get this job. I mean, did... did you do, or... or were you asked to do anything lewd... or unsavory, or... or, otherwise repulsive to your... your person, huh?
Try as William Gibson might to distance himself from Blade Runner's influence, the game adaptation of his seminal novel
I'm sure Phillip K. Dick will be glad to know that Gibson's now taking the heat for Blade Runner's influence! It must be a huge weight off his shoulders to know that some other Sci-Fi author gets to deal with his burdeon.
I'm actually glad to see this getting any attention at all. A cheap do-it-yourselfer is the perfect box for a hobbyist or a beginner to get their feet wet with. Since it's not too expensive you don't have that "I don't want to ruin it" nervousness that keeps people from getting their hands dirty mucking around with a machine ten times this price.
Linux also requires users to have a little more familiarity with your hardware, so you're not just learning about how to use the system -- you're learning about what's inside, too.
On the downside, 512MB of RAM is barely enough these days; I'm sure they could have left out the speakers and gone with a full gig, unless part of their plan is to make money on these kinds of aftermarket options.
It's also very cool how they integrated the Google apps into the system, albeit without the official blessing of the big G. I guess the real question is, when are they going to put out a similar product on their own?
For the slightly more obscure, Sega Master System
on
Convert NSF Files to MP3s
·
· Score: 3, Informative
For a slightly more obscure video game ringtone, you can use VGM2MIDI to turn your Sega Master System VGM music file into a perfectly useable MIDI ringtone. The FM processor in the Japanese version of the SMS made for much better music than the square and triangle waves the NES was capable of, and as a result the games have much better soundtracks for listening to.
I've got the Phantasy Star theme going right now, and it's better than most NES theme songs. Mario and Zelda are too pop culture, and just about anything else isn't worth the effort.
As a long time user of a larger trackball, I actually hate the tiny marble-style thumb trackballs that seem to be prevalent in today's models. I'd much prefer a ball that can be used with the pointer/middle finger, leaving the thumb and pinky to do the majority of the button-mashing.
Maybe that's why I'm much happier with the Wiimote than I am the Dualshock or the Xbox360 controllers. I've never gotten comfortable with the thumb-controls on the newer controllers -- I always used my pointers for the D-Pad layouts of consoles past (the Master System and the NEs MAXX controllers tied for most comfortable, with honorable mention to a softer clone of the original 2600 joystick)
Learning to drive elsewhere, I have no idea how many cars I've honked and swore at for waiting at a red light to make a right turn, even at an empty intersection.
I've also seen woot as an acronym for "(i) Want One Of Those", as in Woot.Com and the more interesting iWoot.com, which is kind of a british ThinkGeek.
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Make HD-DVD disks the same price as DVDs, or less. I don't care about getting a cheap player if the disks are going to cost me 25%-75% more for a movie that looks just as good (right now) on my TV as the cheaper DVD that I already own a bunch of players for.
Meh, it doesn't really matter at this point. Digital Distribution is going to end this format war a lot faster than Sony's or Toshiba's corporate posturing.
I'm not saying it's not a good start, but enforcing the communication barrier should be the job of the parent, not the developer.
Put in a Mute mode if the console is set to T. Otherwise, treat every random player like a friend. Then, for those adults who don't want the verbal abuse that sometimes comes up from these kinds of systems, then can set that console ID to ignore and never have to play that person again. And with matches that do work, that's one more friend to play again.
It's this kind of nannying that gives Nintendo it's reputation as being a kiddie console. SSMB may be cartoonish, but it's fun for all ages and should take that into account.
Names won't be shown and messages won't be sent. Neither your identity nor your opponents' will be known, so you can play without any worries.
Might as well be playing with a half-decent AI then, donchathink?
The problem with DRM is that the copyright holders want it to be a magic bullet to control exactly how a product is used by the consumer. Unfortunately for them, the consumer usually has a different idea of what they want to do with their own legitimately purchased products.
The Media companies need to understand that what they really need to focus on is getting customers to pay for the song. How they get it should be device agnostic -- a download, a CD, recorded off the air, etc. Once the "license" for that song is acquired, the consumer should be legally entitled to do whatever they want with it, including (but not limited to) space shifting, time shifting, remixing (for non-commercial use), transcoding, and demonstration.
While I don't agree with "file sharing" in a general case as a legitimate practice anymore (I think enough legal alternatives exist) the litigation-happy companies going after every last dime because someone ripped a legally purchased song into an MP3 that's on their iPod, desktop PC, Laptop PC, car CD changer, digital picture frame, gaming console, playing in the background of a youtube video of their kids, and their cellphone ringtone. Technology has made media accessible EVERYWHERE, and the rights of the consumer to use it as such should outweigh the nickle-and-dime dreams of the RIAA.
Considering this will be the first BIG online game for the Wii, I'm hoping they're taking their time to make sure it's done right. I don't know if the Wii can download patches as easily as the PS3/x360, so if the Big N takes a little extra time to reduce lag and latency's effect on gameplay *now* I'll be happy for the delay.
Now if they could just get rid of these damn buddy codes. All it does is move the matchmaking from an in-game browser to the web forums. I know it's all about "protecting the kiddies" but that's why these consoles have parental control options. Turn off the parental block, and let adults play with adults without the barriers.
A crowbar can't be more than a kilo or two, and look how the power of leverage works for it.
Bonus: it can even be used to ward off alien invaders from another dimension, or smash crates.
The DX1 Input System includes a Pad, a removable Tray, 25 numbered Keys with a storage tray, preprinted labels, an installation CD and a Quick Start Guide.
So with only 25 keys, which of the 26 letters of the alphabet do you like least? You could go Roman and use "V" for "U"'s, or drop F and use "PH" instead.
Or, you can be really revolutionary and go with the Decabet, which will even leave you enough keys for all 0-9 numerals and some punctuation too!
DO NOT WANT!
Now, who are you again?
Honestly, will you put your son or daughter on the altar of science to prove a theory? Could you live with yourself if you were wrong?
I'm a recent parent who insisted on a thiemerasol-free vaccine for my child. Note that I'm not against vaccines -- I just asked for the one without the mercury. They're available and didn't cost anything extra.
Why? Because if there was even a 1/1000th of a percent of a chance that it could cause irreparable harm I wasn't going to take the risk. I don't put much stock in anecdotal data, but if I have the option I'll choose to be sure. I'm sure science will someday discover the true cause of this terrible disease, but until they know for sure then I'll make the choice that doesn't give me any doubts.
I know I can't protect my child 100% of the time, but this was an easy choice. Even in light of this report, I'll still insist against the mercury-based preservative. Not because I distrust science, but because it's one less risk to take.
No, but I know that Wapner's on at 4.
Any game with Alton Brown in it is bound to be a success.
Though I think it would be more interesting if they did a "Feasting on Asphalt" game first. The name even rocks!
It's not just the lack of personality, it's the utter lack of distinction that makes these laptops a complete non-announcement.
Lets call it an "Unnouncement"
Yes, we're going to be doing the same thing as everyone else.
Yes, it will cost about the same amount.
No, we don't really do anything different.
It's a laptop. Huzzah.
Most consumers aren't just waiting for the the format war to be over. They're watching the cost of media and waiting to see which drops under the magic 19.99 first. That's when DVD's really took off over VHS cassettes -- when the VHS movies were coming out at $14.99 and the DVDs at $19.99.
As long as there's a huge price difference between a DVD and a HD-DVD or BluRay disk, most consumers aren't going to shell out the investment for a high-def player just for the privelage of spending MORE money for the same movie. And DVDs don't degrade with use like VHS tapes did, so there's no need to go out and rebuild your library if you choose to stay with the standard DVD and a decent up-converting player for the time being.
Forget porn. If this stalemate continues, the only winner will be direct download sites. Otherwise, the first to even up the cost of media with DVD is going to win the hearts of consumers.
To be, or Knot to be -- that is the question.
Well... well, like to get this job. I mean, did... did you do, or... or were you asked to do anything lewd... or unsavory, or... or, otherwise repulsive to your... your person, huh?
Try as William Gibson might to distance himself from Blade Runner's influence, the game adaptation of his seminal novel
I'm sure Phillip K. Dick will be glad to know that Gibson's now taking the heat for Blade Runner's influence! It must be a huge weight off his shoulders to know that some other Sci-Fi author gets to deal with his burdeon.
I'm actually glad to see this getting any attention at all. A cheap do-it-yourselfer is the perfect box for a hobbyist or a beginner to get their feet wet with. Since it's not too expensive you don't have that "I don't want to ruin it" nervousness that keeps people from getting their hands dirty mucking around with a machine ten times this price.
Linux also requires users to have a little more familiarity with your hardware, so you're not just learning about how to use the system -- you're learning about what's inside, too.
On the downside, 512MB of RAM is barely enough these days; I'm sure they could have left out the speakers and gone with a full gig, unless part of their plan is to make money on these kinds of aftermarket options.
It's also very cool how they integrated the Google apps into the system, albeit without the official blessing of the big G. I guess the real question is, when are they going to put out a similar product on their own?
For a slightly more obscure video game ringtone, you can use VGM2MIDI to turn your Sega Master System VGM music file into a perfectly useable MIDI ringtone. The FM processor in the Japanese version of the SMS made for much better music than the square and triangle waves the NES was capable of, and as a result the games have much better soundtracks for listening to.
I've got the Phantasy Star theme going right now, and it's better than most NES theme songs. Mario and Zelda are too pop culture, and just about anything else isn't worth the effort.
I turned on my flash light the other day, and instead of a nice round beam on the wall I saw this message:
"HELP! I AM TRAPPED IN A NANO SOUP FACTORY"
actually, that would be a 2-headed version of my Ascii-Hiro (the YATTA! in this case is silent)
As a long time user of a larger trackball, I actually hate the tiny marble-style thumb trackballs that seem to be prevalent in today's models. I'd much prefer a ball that can be used with the pointer/middle finger, leaving the thumb and pinky to do the majority of the button-mashing.
Maybe that's why I'm much happier with the Wiimote than I am the Dualshock or the Xbox360 controllers. I've never gotten comfortable with the thumb-controls on the newer controllers -- I always used my pointers for the D-Pad layouts of consoles past (the Master System and the NEs MAXX controllers tied for most comfortable, with honorable mention to a softer clone of the original 2600 joystick)
No rights on red.
Learning to drive elsewhere, I have no idea how many cars I've honked and swore at for waiting at a red light to make a right turn, even at an empty intersection.
I've also seen woot as an acronym for "(i) Want One Of Those", as in Woot.Com and the more interesting iWoot.com, which is kind of a british ThinkGeek.
\o/