Having now mastered the game console at home, its time to hit the road with portable game consoles, commonly called handhelds. Handhelds are lightweight, portable devices with a built-in screens, game controls and speakers; they are easy to carry and can be used virtually anywhere. Unlike video game consoles, the controls screen and speakers are all part of a single mobile unit.
In the market for handhelds, Nintendo was king. From their pioneering Game Boy, which revolutionised portable game place, to the current DS line, Nintendo captured the lion’s share of the gaming market with the worldwide introduction of Tetris.
The DSi is the current Nintendo to rule the roust and is an upgrade from the popular Game Boy Advance (GBA) series. The basic DS system sports two screens in a clam shell design. The lower screen is touch sensitive and can be operated by a stylus or in some cases, a finger. It has a built in microphone and wifi for multiplayer gaming and online browsing. With the upgraded DSi, you’ll lose backward compatibility with GBA games, but you’ll have access to the DSi shop for downloable games and SD card access that allows you to listen to stored music. The DSi will set you back about US$130.00.
The only handheld to rival the popularity of the Nintendo series is the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP). The PSP is more expensive than the DS line, but here is why ... The PSP offers rich graphics and amazing game play with a larger collection of games than the DS. It has an AV output that allows you to watch videos or games on a regular TV. You can browse the web, play music and watch movies, listen to internet radio, talk on Skype and enjoy multigame play with competitors in the room or across the world. It’s about US$40 more and with all that power, the games do load slower than the DS. Point to note, the PSPs uses the UMD (Universal Media Disc) format.
Some may classify the new iPod Touch and iPhone as handheld game devices. But, gaming is not the core function of either device. That said, the iTouch and the iPhone are two pretty cool handheld game consoles. There are over a 100 game titles available, some free, and they are easy to source online. The iPod Touch and iPhone are both great for ammeters and may be of some interest to game enthusiasts as well.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... Online gaming
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tech Time: Game Consoles
Last week, we explored all the basics of video gaming, so now it’s time to “get in the game” and acquire a game console. A game console is the actual machine used exclusively for game play. When buying a new game console, the box will include the core unit (like a PC tower with the CPU, RAM and audiovisual coprocessor) and a controller (to input information and interact with the screen). Optionally, the console may also come with a game and a memory card.
Based on my informal research, four consoles are most popular in Jamaica.
Sony PlayStation 2 aka PS2
Though no longer in production, you can get a PS2 in stores for about US$50.00. There are lots of optional game accessories, 100’s of game titles available and the PS2 plays CD/DVD’s and had a built in broadband modem for online connectivity.
Sony PlayStation 3 aka PS3
For roughly US$400.00, the PS3 has a built-in hard drive (up to 80 GB) and a Blu-ray disc player with true HDMI output. The PS3 operates by wireless controllers using Bluetooth technology, has an interchangeable hard drive (2.5 sata drive), USB and has removable card support for multiple formats. The console has built-in Wi-Fi and broadband to support online gaming and shopping, but the interface is not nearly as good as the Xbox Live.
Microsoft Xbox 360
Like to PS3 the Xbox 360 has a superior selection of games and some impressive console exclusive games has well all in hi-def. It has an internal hard drive to save game and can play CD/DVD’s using Dolby surround sound, but has no Blu-ray compatibility. Truly impressive however is Xbox Live. Using the Xbox built in Wi-Fi or broadband modem, you can access an excellent, easy to use online services centre for gaming and commerce. Download whole games, movies and TV shows right to the console. Online game however requires an annual paid subscription. Purchase of the console itself will set you back about US$300.00
Nintendo Wii
Like a game console for non-gamers, the Wii is for everyone at US$250.00. It has no internal hard drive and only has SD card support, it has no high end graphics and it can’t play CD/DVD’s. But it does have a revolutionary game controller that uses a combination of infrared technology and accelerators to determine the position and movement of the controller in 3D space. This means that the game is controller with physical gestures in combination with traditional button pressing. The Wii comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and broadband modem connectivity, but it “eats” batteries and the nunchuck controller is sold separately. On the plus side, it does have free online services and game play.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... Portable game consoles aka handhelds
Based on my informal research, four consoles are most popular in Jamaica.
Sony PlayStation 2 aka PS2
Though no longer in production, you can get a PS2 in stores for about US$50.00. There are lots of optional game accessories, 100’s of game titles available and the PS2 plays CD/DVD’s and had a built in broadband modem for online connectivity.
Sony PlayStation 3 aka PS3
For roughly US$400.00, the PS3 has a built-in hard drive (up to 80 GB) and a Blu-ray disc player with true HDMI output. The PS3 operates by wireless controllers using Bluetooth technology, has an interchangeable hard drive (2.5 sata drive), USB and has removable card support for multiple formats. The console has built-in Wi-Fi and broadband to support online gaming and shopping, but the interface is not nearly as good as the Xbox Live.
Microsoft Xbox 360
Like to PS3 the Xbox 360 has a superior selection of games and some impressive console exclusive games has well all in hi-def. It has an internal hard drive to save game and can play CD/DVD’s using Dolby surround sound, but has no Blu-ray compatibility. Truly impressive however is Xbox Live. Using the Xbox built in Wi-Fi or broadband modem, you can access an excellent, easy to use online services centre for gaming and commerce. Download whole games, movies and TV shows right to the console. Online game however requires an annual paid subscription. Purchase of the console itself will set you back about US$300.00
Nintendo Wii
Like a game console for non-gamers, the Wii is for everyone at US$250.00. It has no internal hard drive and only has SD card support, it has no high end graphics and it can’t play CD/DVD’s. But it does have a revolutionary game controller that uses a combination of infrared technology and accelerators to determine the position and movement of the controller in 3D space. This means that the game is controller with physical gestures in combination with traditional button pressing. The Wii comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and broadband modem connectivity, but it “eats” batteries and the nunchuck controller is sold separately. On the plus side, it does have free online services and game play.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... Portable game consoles aka handhelds
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tech Time: Personal Gaming
Though the first “video game” was introduced in 1947, many might agree that it was the Atari Game Console which truly spawned the video game phenomenon on the mid 70’s.
Modern day video games all incorporate audio and more sophisticated games also provide feedback such a vibration through peripherals.
Course, what sets video games apart from TV, is the level of interaction if affords the gamer through the use of various input device or game controller. This may range from a simple joystick, to a keyboard and mouse and many things in between.
Video games can be played on many platforms, including the now less popular arcade, very popular console, portable handheld, practical PC or non-game devices. Some games transcend several or all platforms. Consoles are specialised electronic devises that connect to an external TV screen or monitor, think the Sony Playstation, Nintendo Wii, X-Box 360.
The handheld is a self contained, dedicated device used in your hands. Think Nintendo DS and Playstation Portable.
The arcade game is highly specialised electronic device designed to play usually one game and is enclosed in a cabinet. Definitely not portable in any way and doesn’t typically support online gaming.
PC games are most versatile and can be played on standard computers, but a high resolution monitor is always an asset.
Then there are phones, PDA’s and calculators which are in a way the ultimate multi-purpose mobile gaming machines.
Video game genres are used to categorize video games based on their game play interaction rather than visual or narrative differences. They are classified independent of their setting or game-world content. Genres include: Action, Shooter, Action-adventure, Adventure, Construction and management simulation, Life simulation, Role-playing, Strategy, Vehicle simulation and Puzzle among others.
Jamaica is a popular market for video games, but North America, the UK and Japan take the biggest slice of the video game market cake. It is a multi-billion dollar industry.
More for us to talk about including:
Which are the best games and where to get cheats?
Which is the best platform and how to get locally?
In the mean time, get your Tech Time course credit by visiting:
www.str8gamesja.com
www.techjamaica.com
Buy a game at:
Watt’s New
Innovative Systems
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... More on Personal Entertainment - Gaming
Modern day video games all incorporate audio and more sophisticated games also provide feedback such a vibration through peripherals.
Course, what sets video games apart from TV, is the level of interaction if affords the gamer through the use of various input device or game controller. This may range from a simple joystick, to a keyboard and mouse and many things in between.
Video games can be played on many platforms, including the now less popular arcade, very popular console, portable handheld, practical PC or non-game devices. Some games transcend several or all platforms. Consoles are specialised electronic devises that connect to an external TV screen or monitor, think the Sony Playstation, Nintendo Wii, X-Box 360.
The handheld is a self contained, dedicated device used in your hands. Think Nintendo DS and Playstation Portable.
The arcade game is highly specialised electronic device designed to play usually one game and is enclosed in a cabinet. Definitely not portable in any way and doesn’t typically support online gaming.
PC games are most versatile and can be played on standard computers, but a high resolution monitor is always an asset.
Then there are phones, PDA’s and calculators which are in a way the ultimate multi-purpose mobile gaming machines.
Video game genres are used to categorize video games based on their game play interaction rather than visual or narrative differences. They are classified independent of their setting or game-world content. Genres include: Action, Shooter, Action-adventure, Adventure, Construction and management simulation, Life simulation, Role-playing, Strategy, Vehicle simulation and Puzzle among others.
Jamaica is a popular market for video games, but North America, the UK and Japan take the biggest slice of the video game market cake. It is a multi-billion dollar industry.
More for us to talk about including:
Which are the best games and where to get cheats?
Which is the best platform and how to get locally?
In the mean time, get your Tech Time course credit by visiting:
www.str8gamesja.com
www.techjamaica.com
Buy a game at:
Watt’s New
Innovative Systems
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 876-878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... More on Personal Entertainment - Gaming
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Tech
To recap, home theatre is effectively a combination of devises to recreate the movie theatre experience at home. Components needed include:
· A speaker system
· A big screen with great picture quality
· A playback system or source (such as a blue ray disc player or HDTV signal)
Our last programme generated a lot of calls, comments and questions about the screen and playback systems, so, let’s elaborate.
When buying a DTV or HTV set, there are some specs to look out for (pun intended) to ensure the best image quality. DTV and HDTV are better than SDTV for several reasons, not the least of which being resolution.
· Frame Size: this is the number of pixels usually states as the number of horizontal pixels by the number of vertical pixels (e.g. 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080)
· Scanning System: With interlaced scanning, half the image is displayed at first, then the other half, with progressive scanning, the entire image is displayed (e.g. i25 p60)
· Frame Rate: this is the number of frames per second, the number of times the image appears on the screen within a single second
To put it in perspective:
· For SDTV’s the standard displays have a 4:3 aspect radio, DTV/HDTV has a 16:4 aspect ratio (much more like a movie theatre)
· SDTV’s have a resolution of 704 x 408, DTV/HDTV’s best resolution is 1920 x 1080
· SDTV’s generally have a 24 frames per second frame rate, HDTV has 60
· And finally, using plasma and LCD technologies, you can enjoy huge screens, without the bulk of CRT monitors
Now that you have the TV, you need to watch something on it. Source options include:
· Satellite or cable services providers
· Game consoles
· Computers
· Blue ray discs
Notice, I didn’t say DVD. DVD looks great on an HDTV, but its not a true HDTV signal. Not all channels or programmes will broadcast in HD, but those that do look amazing, and those that don’t look good.
Game consoles such as the PS3, some computers and blue ray disc players all transmit a true HDTV signal.
Note, you’ll need special cabling to true enjoy the magnificent picture. Ideally, you will need a HDMI cable. Second best is a composite video cable.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... More on Personal Entertainment - Gaming
· A speaker system
· A big screen with great picture quality
· A playback system or source (such as a blue ray disc player or HDTV signal)
Our last programme generated a lot of calls, comments and questions about the screen and playback systems, so, let’s elaborate.
When buying a DTV or HTV set, there are some specs to look out for (pun intended) to ensure the best image quality. DTV and HDTV are better than SDTV for several reasons, not the least of which being resolution.
· Frame Size: this is the number of pixels usually states as the number of horizontal pixels by the number of vertical pixels (e.g. 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080)
· Scanning System: With interlaced scanning, half the image is displayed at first, then the other half, with progressive scanning, the entire image is displayed (e.g. i25 p60)
· Frame Rate: this is the number of frames per second, the number of times the image appears on the screen within a single second
To put it in perspective:
· For SDTV’s the standard displays have a 4:3 aspect radio, DTV/HDTV has a 16:4 aspect ratio (much more like a movie theatre)
· SDTV’s have a resolution of 704 x 408, DTV/HDTV’s best resolution is 1920 x 1080
· SDTV’s generally have a 24 frames per second frame rate, HDTV has 60
· And finally, using plasma and LCD technologies, you can enjoy huge screens, without the bulk of CRT monitors
Now that you have the TV, you need to watch something on it. Source options include:
· Satellite or cable services providers
· Game consoles
· Computers
· Blue ray discs
Notice, I didn’t say DVD. DVD looks great on an HDTV, but its not a true HDTV signal. Not all channels or programmes will broadcast in HD, but those that do look amazing, and those that don’t look good.
Game consoles such as the PS3, some computers and blue ray disc players all transmit a true HDTV signal.
Note, you’ll need special cabling to true enjoy the magnificent picture. Ideally, you will need a HDMI cable. Second best is a composite video cable.
Interface with us:
Online: trivialonfame.blogspot.com
On email: famefm@rjrgroup.com
On SMS: 878-FAME
Next on Tech Time ... More on Personal Entertainment - Gaming
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