FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2006--InterVideo(R), Inc. (NASDAQ:IVII) announced today that BenQ, the leader in affordable notebook computers, is bundling InterVideo Home Theater(TM) with the new BenQ Joybooks as a part of the Q Media software suite. With InterVideo Home Theater, users can easily enjoy digital content, including video, photos and music, from anywhere.
"The BenQ Joybook provides users with the utmost in visual enjoyment," said Steve Ro, CEO and president of InterVideo. "InterVideo Home Theater software is the natural partner to deliver a complete mobile entertainment solution on the laptop."
InterVideo Home Theater is a multimedia software application that provides the full gamut of TV-watching tools, including support for DVB-T, DVB-S and ATSC digital signals. Users can also take advantage of time-shifting features with the ability to pause/rewind live TV and can enjoy support for EPG (electronic program guides).
On the radio side, users can listen to FM and digital audio broadcasts, and record in real time or according to a published schedule. They can also rip and categorize music, watch video files and photo slideshows, and playback DVDs. In addition, users can burn data, music or video to disc.
"InterVideo Home Theater software is the perfect choice for users who want to join the ever-growing group of people who like to enjoy their multimedia on the go," said Hank Horng, BenQ Associate Vice President. "Not so long ago, it was unthinkable to receive premium TV on a notebook computer, much less to record it and timeshift it as well. Our Joybook and InterVideo Home Theater make this as easy as switching on your TV."
The BenQ S73, 14" Joybooks, and S61, 12" Joybooks feature Intel(R) Centrino(R) Duo mobile technology and embedded European standard (DVB-T) digital TV reception, allowing users to watch TV programs anytime and anywhere. Aimed at mobile users who require premium-quality graphic display cards, widescreen displays and exceptional multimedia features, these two notebooks also have enhanced speaker placement and noise suppression to provide users with the best in mobile visual and audio performance.
InterVideo markets Home Theater to consumers and hardware OEMs. For more information, visit www.intervideo.com.
About BenQ Group
The BenQ Group is currently comprised of ten companies that operate independently while sharing resources and leveraging synergies among them. The BenQ Group companies include AU Optronics Corporation, the world's third largest manufacturer of LCD panels; Darfon Electronics Corporation; Daxon Technology Inc; Airoha Technology Corporation; Darly Venture Inc; BenQ Guru Software Co., Ltd; Philips BenQ Digital Storage; Cando Corporation, and BenQ Mobile. 2004 revenues for BenQ Group exceeded US$10.8 billion dollars.
BenQ Corporation consists of three main business groups -- Computing Products, Digital Media and Mobile Business. Although these business groups encompass a broad range of products, each retains a focus on providing consumer-oriented solutions designed especially for the digital lifestyle. 2004 revenues exceeded US$5.1 billion dollars. For more information, please visit our website at BenQ.com.
About InterVideo, Inc.
InterVideo is a leading provider of integrated digital and high-definition multimedia and audio/video content solutions in the PC, CE and wireless industries. The company's broad suite of integrated multimedia software products are designed to enhance the consumer's entertainment experience, whether the content is delivered to a home system, HDTV set, wireless system, mobile or personal multimedia device. InterVideo's unique iMobi(TM) multimedia codec technologies are widely used by Smartphones, GPS units and portable entertainment device OEMs and ODMs to enhance music and video enjoyment...anyplace, anytime. The firm's worldwide headquarters is at 46430 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA, 510-651-0888, InterVideo also has major offices in Taiwan, Japan, Mainland China and around the globe. For more information, visit www.intervideo.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for the historical statements contained herein, the foregoing release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding InterVideo's Home Theater product. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially due to several factors, including but not limited to the ability to forecast customer behavior and recognize or respond to emerging trends, changing preferences or competitive factors, the market acceptance of our new products and product enhancements, the resolution of any notices of claims regarding alleged infringement of third parties' intellectual property rights, the ability to maintain or expand our relationship with PC OEMS and other risks and uncertainties. Please consult the various reports and documents filed by InterVideo with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to InterVideo's Form 10-Q for other risk factors that could cause actual results to differ. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and InterVideo disclaims any responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statement provided in this news release.
InterVideo is a registered trademark and InterVideo Home Theater is a trademark of InterVideo, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
home theater speaker : CHOPIN SA Super Audio Home Theater Speaker
" A win-win solution for decorators & audiophiles. Delicate, uncolored sound, quick transient response ......
1. Superior craftsmanship. 2. Easy adaptable speakers placement to reproduce good audio. 3. Satisfying performance in both cinema & music audio reproduction. 4. Deep, firm bass even without a subwoofer........
Coherent continuity in soundstage, great wrap around effects.... " ( Prime AV 11/2001, issue 79 )
Chopin SA super audio home theater speakers ( stereo speakers) is specially designed for today's high fidelity multi channel requirement. The whole series is closely developed for the ultimate Super Audio CD (SACD) surround sound listening experience that can literally transport you into the performance itself!
All the Chopin speakers use identical drivers, providing flexible mix and match possibilities. Thus, they deliver each full range channel with equal quality, allowing the natural acoustics of the original recording environment to come through, creating a truly immersive audio experience for the listener.
Copyright (c) 2003-04 HOME THEATER 2U. COM., E Direct International, LLC. All rights reserved.
1. Superior craftsmanship. 2. Easy adaptable speakers placement to reproduce good audio. 3. Satisfying performance in both cinema & music audio reproduction. 4. Deep, firm bass even without a subwoofer........
Coherent continuity in soundstage, great wrap around effects.... " ( Prime AV 11/2001, issue 79 )
Chopin SA super audio home theater speakers ( stereo speakers) is specially designed for today's high fidelity multi channel requirement. The whole series is closely developed for the ultimate Super Audio CD (SACD) surround sound listening experience that can literally transport you into the performance itself!
All the Chopin speakers use identical drivers, providing flexible mix and match possibilities. Thus, they deliver each full range channel with equal quality, allowing the natural acoustics of the original recording environment to come through, creating a truly immersive audio experience for the listener.
Copyright (c) 2003-04 HOME THEATER 2U. COM., E Direct International, LLC. All rights reserved.
Home Theater Speaker: POLAR LIGHT Home Theater Speaker
An Exquisite Slim Design with Big System Sounds
All drivers utilize a Neodymium Magnet, which can create a magnetic field that's 10 times stronger. The end result is a highly efficient but much more compact driver which greatly narrows the front panel size.
The Transmission Line speaker design can also provides a slim & tall appearance w/ extended base response.
Woofers are introduced in tower, bookshelf, and center channel speakers. Due to the non-directional nature of its low frequency, the side or top firing configuration will fit in the side panels of the slim cabinet perfectly. Since there is no lower frequency duty, our midrange driver has become even smaller.
The center channel reproduces 50% of an entire movie sound track and over 90% of the dialogue, but has often been purposely ignored by Satellite Speakers to make way for its mini-sized design. Polar Light center speakers use not only the same high-efficiency tweeters & midranges to ensure articulate & agile performance, but also includes a woofer to perform the extended bass response. All the Polar Light speakers use the exact same drivers in order to have a close timbrel match for the highest degree of sonic realism.
A space saving Band Pass Powered Subwoofer is added to ensure a true cinema experience, with extended frequency response and greater dynamic range. ( The woofer is fully encased within the cabinet; the air load is in the coupling cavity, not in the open air, so a much smaller cone is used to produce an even higher efficiency.)
Contemporary Looks with Classic Touches
Due to the use of a rigid titanium dome (tweeter) & a non-dust-cap cone (midrange) , the grill is no longer needed. This not only eliminates the possible diffraction cause by the frame, but also gives the speaker a more Hi-Tech look.
The champagne silver powder mirror-finish makes the speakers a perfect match to modern hometheater's metallic looks. It does so without yielding to "cold" metal or "cheap" plastic feels. The lavish dark red piano mirror-finish on the side attains a highly refined appearance that can only be found in the best classic wood furniture.
The piano mirror-finish reflects the color & environment of its surrounding, artfully blending the speakers into the your home decor. The elegantly tall, slim design is carefully balanced to enhance & compliment your home theater without distracting your attention from the screen.
Each speaker in the system is uniquely designed, timbre matched and seamlessly coordinated. The result is a smooth, powerful and spacious sound that belies the speakers' size. Thus, the Polar Light Home Theater Speakerss are only available in sets to ensure the most impressive sonic attribute.
Copyright (c) 2003-04 HOME THEATER 2U. COM., E Direct International, LLC. All rights reserved
All drivers utilize a Neodymium Magnet, which can create a magnetic field that's 10 times stronger. The end result is a highly efficient but much more compact driver which greatly narrows the front panel size.
The Transmission Line speaker design can also provides a slim & tall appearance w/ extended base response.
Woofers are introduced in tower, bookshelf, and center channel speakers. Due to the non-directional nature of its low frequency, the side or top firing configuration will fit in the side panels of the slim cabinet perfectly. Since there is no lower frequency duty, our midrange driver has become even smaller.
The center channel reproduces 50% of an entire movie sound track and over 90% of the dialogue, but has often been purposely ignored by Satellite Speakers to make way for its mini-sized design. Polar Light center speakers use not only the same high-efficiency tweeters & midranges to ensure articulate & agile performance, but also includes a woofer to perform the extended bass response. All the Polar Light speakers use the exact same drivers in order to have a close timbrel match for the highest degree of sonic realism.
A space saving Band Pass Powered Subwoofer is added to ensure a true cinema experience, with extended frequency response and greater dynamic range. ( The woofer is fully encased within the cabinet; the air load is in the coupling cavity, not in the open air, so a much smaller cone is used to produce an even higher efficiency.)
Contemporary Looks with Classic Touches
Due to the use of a rigid titanium dome (tweeter) & a non-dust-cap cone (midrange) , the grill is no longer needed. This not only eliminates the possible diffraction cause by the frame, but also gives the speaker a more Hi-Tech look.
The champagne silver powder mirror-finish makes the speakers a perfect match to modern hometheater's metallic looks. It does so without yielding to "cold" metal or "cheap" plastic feels. The lavish dark red piano mirror-finish on the side attains a highly refined appearance that can only be found in the best classic wood furniture.
The piano mirror-finish reflects the color & environment of its surrounding, artfully blending the speakers into the your home decor. The elegantly tall, slim design is carefully balanced to enhance & compliment your home theater without distracting your attention from the screen.
Each speaker in the system is uniquely designed, timbre matched and seamlessly coordinated. The result is a smooth, powerful and spacious sound that belies the speakers' size. Thus, the Polar Light Home Theater Speakerss are only available in sets to ensure the most impressive sonic attribute.
Copyright (c) 2003-04 HOME THEATER 2U. COM., E Direct International, LLC. All rights reserved
Home theater Speaker: NATURE Home Theater Speaker
" The entire range of speaker is surprisingly balanced & weighty, consisting of a deep, taut bass with open, silky, and richly detailed high- & mid-ranges. The resulting sound is smooth and provides the easy listening that can only be found in home theater speaker that cost at least twice as much .......
Great speaker adaptability to perform with various grades of equipment. Other attributes include: 1. Solid construction... 2. High end materials... 3. Diverse speaker upgrade options.......
It provides a natural timbre with adequate definition & transparency, as well as fearless beyond -the- speaker imaging that make it a thrilling experience to listen to an orchestral reproduction. The price for the Nature home theater speaker series is definitely unreasonably low ......." ( Audio Art 05/2001, issue 152 )
The Nature series home theater speaker ( stereo speaker) is our flagship high end home speaker system: reliable and versatile, it has been setting a new standard of performance in its price range. Whether it is being used for easy music listening or a true cinema experience, Nature home theater speaker can not only provide you sonic sensations but can also blend into your home decor and lifestyle 'naturally'.
Copyright (c) 2003-04 HOME THEATER 2U. COM., E Direct International, LLC. All rights reserved.
Great speaker adaptability to perform with various grades of equipment. Other attributes include: 1. Solid construction... 2. High end materials... 3. Diverse speaker upgrade options.......
It provides a natural timbre with adequate definition & transparency, as well as fearless beyond -the- speaker imaging that make it a thrilling experience to listen to an orchestral reproduction. The price for the Nature home theater speaker series is definitely unreasonably low ......." ( Audio Art 05/2001, issue 152 )
The Nature series home theater speaker ( stereo speaker) is our flagship high end home speaker system: reliable and versatile, it has been setting a new standard of performance in its price range. Whether it is being used for easy music listening or a true cinema experience, Nature home theater speaker can not only provide you sonic sensations but can also blend into your home decor and lifestyle 'naturally'.
Copyright (c) 2003-04 HOME THEATER 2U. COM., E Direct International, LLC. All rights reserved.
Home Theater Speaker: Ethereal Home Theater’s Frog Speaker Adds Great Sound and Whimsy to Outdoor Settings
Posted by Denise Salvaggio on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 03:07 pm:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:
Denise Salvaggio
The EVOK Agency
407-302-4416 x 401 (phone)
407-302-4417 (fax)
denise@evokadvertising.com
HOLLY HILL, FLA., APRIL 17, 2006: Here’s a frog that can make more interesting sounds that just “ribbit.” In the garden or by the pool, Ethereal Home Theater’s frog speaker adds a touch of whimsy while delivering 75 watts of outstanding audio performance. Its 6.5" two-way speaker is built to withstand the elements to provide season after season of enjoyment. Sold individually. MSRP: $ 149.99. Phone: 866-839-9187. www.etherealhometheater.com
Based in Holly Hill, FL, with offices in Long Beach, CA, Metra (www.metraonline.com) is a leader in the auto sound industry as parent company of such consumer and professional installation brands as Axxess, Install Bay/FishMan, Raptor, Silencer and Tsunami, as well as the Ethereal (www.etherealhometheater.com) brand of home audio/video interconnects.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:
Denise Salvaggio
The EVOK Agency
407-302-4416 x 401 (phone)
407-302-4417 (fax)
denise@evokadvertising.com
HOLLY HILL, FLA., APRIL 17, 2006: Here’s a frog that can make more interesting sounds that just “ribbit.” In the garden or by the pool, Ethereal Home Theater’s frog speaker adds a touch of whimsy while delivering 75 watts of outstanding audio performance. Its 6.5" two-way speaker is built to withstand the elements to provide season after season of enjoyment. Sold individually. MSRP: $ 149.99. Phone: 866-839-9187. www.etherealhometheater.com
Based in Holly Hill, FL, with offices in Long Beach, CA, Metra (www.metraonline.com) is a leader in the auto sound industry as parent company of such consumer and professional installation brands as Axxess, Install Bay/FishMan, Raptor, Silencer and Tsunami, as well as the Ethereal (www.etherealhometheater.com) brand of home audio/video interconnects.
Home Theater Speaker: Rotel introduces two new Class D power amplifiers (11/5/2006)
Rotel, well-known throughout the world as a manufacturer of affordable high-end components for music and home-theater audiovideo systems, has launched two new Class D power amplifiers, the RB-1091 and RB- 1092 both featuring ICEpower(R).
With the recently introduced RMB-1077, these two new switching-mode power-supply amplifier designs augment the Rotel Class D lineup to provide multiple power-amplifier options for the widest array of Home Theater and Hi Fi applications.
According to Mike Bartlett, Vice President and General Manager of Rotel of America, "Consumers today are looking for ways to put a large number of electronics into small spaces, especially in custom installations. When that occurs, heat becomes a problem. That's the beauty of Class D power amplifiers-you can achieve very high efficiency with lots of output power and very little heat."
Not all Class D amplifiers are alike. There are two categories: namely digitally controlled Class D and analog-controlled Class D. The former features a digitally generated control that switches a power stage. The latter amplifier design utilizes an analog input signal with a switching power supply. Rotel has taken this analog-controlled Class D design a step further with the implementation of two important technologies from ICEpower(R).
The first is Controlled Oscillation Modulation (COM). The COM circuit is analog throughout. A saw-tooth waveform modulates the analog input to generate the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal that drives the switching output stage. This architecture yields lower noise and distortion than would an otherwise equivalent design based on a digital modulator.
The second improvement is Multivariable Enhanced Cascade Control (MECC). This circuit encloses the output filter within a feedback path, resulting in very low output impedance (high damping factor) across the entire audio band. Not only is the amplifier clean and quiet, it also has flat frequency response no matter what sort of speaker impedance is hung across its output.
Rotel's new RB-1091 and RB-1092 switching Class D amplifiers incorporate both COM and MECC. A 500-watt mono amplifier is found in the RB-1091, and the RB-1092 is a 2 x 500 watt stereo amplifier. They can be configured in various ways to provide from one to seven channels, or more, of extremely high power with very little heat.
These intelligent designs feature high-power output capability with a minimum of chassis height and represent one of the very few real advances in power amplifiers since the invention of the solid-state transistor. Both the RB-1091 and RB-1092 have also been designed with custom installation in mind, and include 12-volt triggers, detachable IEC power cords, five-way binding posts, and Neutrik Speakon(R) connectors, a quik-lock connector used in professional audio systems.
With the recently introduced RMB-1077, these two new switching-mode power-supply amplifier designs augment the Rotel Class D lineup to provide multiple power-amplifier options for the widest array of Home Theater and Hi Fi applications.
According to Mike Bartlett, Vice President and General Manager of Rotel of America, "Consumers today are looking for ways to put a large number of electronics into small spaces, especially in custom installations. When that occurs, heat becomes a problem. That's the beauty of Class D power amplifiers-you can achieve very high efficiency with lots of output power and very little heat."
Not all Class D amplifiers are alike. There are two categories: namely digitally controlled Class D and analog-controlled Class D. The former features a digitally generated control that switches a power stage. The latter amplifier design utilizes an analog input signal with a switching power supply. Rotel has taken this analog-controlled Class D design a step further with the implementation of two important technologies from ICEpower(R).
The first is Controlled Oscillation Modulation (COM). The COM circuit is analog throughout. A saw-tooth waveform modulates the analog input to generate the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal that drives the switching output stage. This architecture yields lower noise and distortion than would an otherwise equivalent design based on a digital modulator.
The second improvement is Multivariable Enhanced Cascade Control (MECC). This circuit encloses the output filter within a feedback path, resulting in very low output impedance (high damping factor) across the entire audio band. Not only is the amplifier clean and quiet, it also has flat frequency response no matter what sort of speaker impedance is hung across its output.
Rotel's new RB-1091 and RB-1092 switching Class D amplifiers incorporate both COM and MECC. A 500-watt mono amplifier is found in the RB-1091, and the RB-1092 is a 2 x 500 watt stereo amplifier. They can be configured in various ways to provide from one to seven channels, or more, of extremely high power with very little heat.
These intelligent designs feature high-power output capability with a minimum of chassis height and represent one of the very few real advances in power amplifiers since the invention of the solid-state transistor. Both the RB-1091 and RB-1092 have also been designed with custom installation in mind, and include 12-volt triggers, detachable IEC power cords, five-way binding posts, and Neutrik Speakon(R) connectors, a quik-lock connector used in professional audio systems.
Home Theater Speaker: Jonathan Takiff | New technology adds to game play
THE GIZMO: While spiffy new systems from the "Big 3" of the video-game industry (Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft) dominated reports from last week's Electronic Entertainment Expo, there were plenty of other newsworthy unveilings at the Los Angeles trade show.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCITEMENT: High-definition graphics and novel controllers that you wield like a sword or baseball bat aren't the only new ways to pull users deeper into a game. At E3, Philips unveiled a breakthrough called amBX - short for ambient experience technology - to expand the game field and the player's sense of participation with light-, climate- and vibration-producing peripherals.
Coming first for PC play this fall, then for new-gen game systems in 2007, amBX will work with all games, thanks to special, intuitive software. But it will function most effectively with new games packing a proprietary coded "script." Here's one scenario: When a lightning storm strikes on screen, amBX LED lights will flicker, transforming the whole room. Or, as you move across a game's desert landscape, color-shifting lights will turn a brownish hue.
Put pedal to the metal in an auto-racing game and you'll really feel the wind in your face, the breeze blowing from small amBX fans mounted on your desk.
If your vehicle crashes, you'll feel it in your hands and across the desktop, the impact reverberating through a wired, rumble-enabled amBX wrist pad.
Eight to 12 amBX-enabled games from four publishers will be available around the system's launch, starting with the global-adventure/puzzle-solving "Broken Sword IV" from Revolution Software and THQ.
A starter kit of amBX peripherals, including pairs of fans and LED lights (the latter neatly built into the tops of small desktop speakers), will cost in the $100 to $150 range from Philips' Peripherals and Accessories division. The rumble maker will add $20 to $30 to the tab.
As the system is modular and linkable, many more devices can be easily added. For use with game consoles in a living room setting, Philips will offer larger lights to position around the space like a home theater speaker system, creating an enveloping game chamber. The peripheral array also is likely to include fast-response heaters and "active" furniture.
Noted game peripheral maker SpectraVideo PLC has likewise signed on to make amBX products under its Logic3 brand.
MORE FROM THE FLOOR: GestureTek's video gesture recognition technology will be deployed in the Xbox Live Vision camera for Xbox 360, Microsoft's answer to (and elaboration on) the Sony EyeToy.
• Sony demonstrated a novel way to use its PSP portable system in tandem with the new PS3 game console. On an auto racing game, hold the PSP out to your side and it becomes a rear view mirror, showing who's creeping up behind you.
• Nokia wants to make game playing a lot easier on mobile phones. A single button push on new N Series and S60 devices will take users instantly to Nokia's next-generation mobile gaming platform and N-Gage virtual arena, coming in 2007. (Current N-Gage owners will have to trade up to a new device to play on the new system.)
• Microsoft chief Bill Gates was also touting increased compatibility between the Xbox 360, the soon-to-come Windows Vista PC operating system and mobile phones. With any of those devices and a cross-platform "Gamer tag" ID, users will be able to communicate through the Xbox Live game network to send e-mail, chat or share content.
• BestBuy.com used E3 to launch a line of pricey, custom gaming PCs from Velocity MicroPC.
• Alienware and PC Rides.com introduced a goofy line of PCs built into cases resembling a Dodge Magnum, Charger or Viper, plus limited-edition desktop and notebook PCs decorated with a big "Superman" logo, tied to the upcoming "Superman Returns" film.
• Toshiba Satellite notebook computers (and soon, many other brands of PCs) will add a virtual gaming console, developed and managed by online game publisher WildTangent.
Five top-selling casual games will be built into the notebooks. Plus, the computer will link (through any kind of connection) to a portal for fast and seamless download and installation of 3-D-quality games.
WildTangent also announced a new "currency" to pay for games on a per-session basis. "Wild Coins" are virtual tokens with a 25-cent retail value that consumer can earn, win or purchase (in increments of $4.99) to play downloadable games. No subscriptions necessary.
• Ziff Davis Game Group has just launched the beta version of Gazerk.com, a search site to locate comprehensive game news, reviews, cheats, screenshots and more.
• The broadband entertainment network GameTap hopes to keep subscribers coming back with its new and exclusive "Sam & Max" game series, played in episodic, cliffhanger fashion like an old movie serial. Will this dynamic, dog and rabbit duo survive to fight crime again? Tune in and play next week!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Send e-mail to takiffj@phillynews.com.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCITEMENT: High-definition graphics and novel controllers that you wield like a sword or baseball bat aren't the only new ways to pull users deeper into a game. At E3, Philips unveiled a breakthrough called amBX - short for ambient experience technology - to expand the game field and the player's sense of participation with light-, climate- and vibration-producing peripherals.
Coming first for PC play this fall, then for new-gen game systems in 2007, amBX will work with all games, thanks to special, intuitive software. But it will function most effectively with new games packing a proprietary coded "script." Here's one scenario: When a lightning storm strikes on screen, amBX LED lights will flicker, transforming the whole room. Or, as you move across a game's desert landscape, color-shifting lights will turn a brownish hue.
Put pedal to the metal in an auto-racing game and you'll really feel the wind in your face, the breeze blowing from small amBX fans mounted on your desk.
If your vehicle crashes, you'll feel it in your hands and across the desktop, the impact reverberating through a wired, rumble-enabled amBX wrist pad.
Eight to 12 amBX-enabled games from four publishers will be available around the system's launch, starting with the global-adventure/puzzle-solving "Broken Sword IV" from Revolution Software and THQ.
A starter kit of amBX peripherals, including pairs of fans and LED lights (the latter neatly built into the tops of small desktop speakers), will cost in the $100 to $150 range from Philips' Peripherals and Accessories division. The rumble maker will add $20 to $30 to the tab.
As the system is modular and linkable, many more devices can be easily added. For use with game consoles in a living room setting, Philips will offer larger lights to position around the space like a home theater speaker system, creating an enveloping game chamber. The peripheral array also is likely to include fast-response heaters and "active" furniture.
Noted game peripheral maker SpectraVideo PLC has likewise signed on to make amBX products under its Logic3 brand.
MORE FROM THE FLOOR: GestureTek's video gesture recognition technology will be deployed in the Xbox Live Vision camera for Xbox 360, Microsoft's answer to (and elaboration on) the Sony EyeToy.
• Sony demonstrated a novel way to use its PSP portable system in tandem with the new PS3 game console. On an auto racing game, hold the PSP out to your side and it becomes a rear view mirror, showing who's creeping up behind you.
• Nokia wants to make game playing a lot easier on mobile phones. A single button push on new N Series and S60 devices will take users instantly to Nokia's next-generation mobile gaming platform and N-Gage virtual arena, coming in 2007. (Current N-Gage owners will have to trade up to a new device to play on the new system.)
• Microsoft chief Bill Gates was also touting increased compatibility between the Xbox 360, the soon-to-come Windows Vista PC operating system and mobile phones. With any of those devices and a cross-platform "Gamer tag" ID, users will be able to communicate through the Xbox Live game network to send e-mail, chat or share content.
• BestBuy.com used E3 to launch a line of pricey, custom gaming PCs from Velocity MicroPC.
• Alienware and PC Rides.com introduced a goofy line of PCs built into cases resembling a Dodge Magnum, Charger or Viper, plus limited-edition desktop and notebook PCs decorated with a big "Superman" logo, tied to the upcoming "Superman Returns" film.
• Toshiba Satellite notebook computers (and soon, many other brands of PCs) will add a virtual gaming console, developed and managed by online game publisher WildTangent.
Five top-selling casual games will be built into the notebooks. Plus, the computer will link (through any kind of connection) to a portal for fast and seamless download and installation of 3-D-quality games.
WildTangent also announced a new "currency" to pay for games on a per-session basis. "Wild Coins" are virtual tokens with a 25-cent retail value that consumer can earn, win or purchase (in increments of $4.99) to play downloadable games. No subscriptions necessary.
• Ziff Davis Game Group has just launched the beta version of Gazerk.com, a search site to locate comprehensive game news, reviews, cheats, screenshots and more.
• The broadband entertainment network GameTap hopes to keep subscribers coming back with its new and exclusive "Sam & Max" game series, played in episodic, cliffhanger fashion like an old movie serial. Will this dynamic, dog and rabbit duo survive to fight crime again? Tune in and play next week!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Send e-mail to takiffj@phillynews.com.
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