Qtv launches console IPTV platform on the PlayStation.... 2
by Richard Lawler 
posted Apr 21st 2009 at 7:22AM
playstation 2 posts
Sony's 1.80 PS3 firmware enables 1080p upscaling for games and movies
by Darren Murph posted May 23rd 2007 at 11:16AM
Hot on the heels of an 80GB Korean-bound (and US, too?) PlayStation 3 comes news that Sony is planning on seriously upping the abilities of the PS3 with a forthcoming firmware update. Compared to minor changes that have occurred in the past, this one looks to be fairly substantial, so we'll cut to the chase and give you the skinny. First off, firmware v1.80 will enable "upscaling of PlayStation / PlayStation 2 games and DVD movies up to a full 1080p when viewed on a compatible HDTV set." Of course, that "up to" bit frightens us a bit, but we'll take any progress we can get. Moving on, PSP users will enjoy Remote Play on their PSP across the internet, which will allow them to "access their PS3 anywhere in the world where a broadband internet connection is available." Additionally, owners can now view multimedia stored on a DLNA-enabled media center PC "seamlessly," and there will even be an option to print images stored on the console's HDD or inserted media to a "selection of Epson printers." The tough news, however, is that this attractive update won't be available until May 24th, so go dig up that original Twisted Metal disc in the meantime so you're ready to rock when the time comes.[Via PS3Fanboy]
Xploder HDTV Player for PS2 reviewed
by Richard Lawler posted Nov 1st 2006 at 10:19AM
We were skeptical about Xploder's HDTV Game Player package for the PS2 back when it was first announced, and IGN's review has done nothing to convince us otherwise. The kit includes a disc that must be inserted every time the PS2 is hard-booted, component cables, and manual to enable setting your PS2 to output games at 480p, 576p, 720p, or 1080i. It's not that the PlayStation 2 didn't support these resolutions, but most games did not include them as an option. IGN didn't have any problems when setting things for 480p, and did notice a slight improvement in quality, however they got distortion and stretching not unlike TNT's "HD" broadcasts when using 720p and 1080i. Apparently, 576p is supposed to avoid some of these scaling distortions but their display could not accept that resolution. All in all, it seems if you really need 480p in games that didn't support it -- for example to avoid gaming lag -- this might be worthwhile but its not suddenly going to turn your PS2 into an HD-pumping beast.Playstation 3 price rumors: $599 for Blu-ray movies?
by Richard Lawler posted Feb 7th 2006 at 3:29PM
Since there's
nothing for a slow news day like a wild unfounded rumor, let me make sure you've seen this one. Gamerandy is reporting that Gamestop and Electronics
Boutique will start taking preorders for the Playstation 3 for $399.
The kicker is that if you want to play more than games, i.e. Blu-ray movies, you'll need the $599 version, or possibly
an unlock of some kind.A large part of the PS3's appeal is as a low-priced Blu-ray player, and while $599 would still put it well below the standalone players already announced, it's still a bit rich for many gamer's blood. If this is true, or at the least, Sony copies Microsoft's dual-SKU strategy, does this affect whether or not you will buy a PS3 at launch?
