Xbox 720 set for E3 2012

Xbox 720 set for E3 2012

According to a Crytek insider Microsoft was showing off the new machine in video form at the recently concluded E3 2011, with Microsoft again planning to release their new console before Sony.
Speaking to VideoGamer.com, the Crytek mole revealed that development on TimeSplitters 4 is based on Microsoft's existing DirectX 11 technology for the PC and uses a version of CryEngine 3 - which was last used for Crysis 2.

Apparently tessellation, multithreaded rendering, and compute shaders are all planned for the console, which would probably be very exciting if we knew what any of that meant.
A new TimeSplitters has been rumoured a number of times before, ever since Crytek bought creators Free Radical Design and renamed them Crtyek UK. According to these new rumours the new game will feature, 'branching paths and exploratory nature, with sandbox-style gameplay elements a big priority.'
Which doesn't sound much like the TimeSplitters we know and love, but as long as it's more like its inspiration GoldenEye 007 and less like Free Radical's awful Haze we're just happy to have more.
We would advise some caution here though, as it's not the first time Crytek has predicted an imminent reveal of next generation consoles, and it's not clear how much of the prediction is based on wishful thinking and how much on insider knowledge.
That said there seems little question that Microsoft (and Sony) are working on new consoles, with rumours prior to E3 suggesting that some developers already had development kits for the Xbox 720 - or whatever it ends up being called.
A reveal of the new system at E3 2012, or at least a hint as to its existence, has been widely predicted for some time. You might even hear something about it first at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in early March.
As for Crtyek they're already trying to expand their business onto smartphones, tablets and other formats, including the Wii U. Their ultimate goal seems to be to make CryEngine 3 as ubiquitous as the rival Unreal Engine 3 from Epic Games.

Read more: Metro

PlayStation 3 - Is it the Best Blu-ray Player?

There is no denying the fact that while the PlayStation 3 has not performed the best when compared to other gaming consoles, it has consistently ranked high on many best of Blu-ray Player lists. A recent poll conducted by Nielson rating system showed 65% of the people who purchased a PlayStation 3 did so because they wanted a Blu-ray Player. Clearly, many people still view it as a good Blu-ray option. But why would anyone still consider it the best Blu-ray Player on the market. By today's standards it is a rather old piece of equipment, having first been released a few years ago. Here are some reasons why many still perceive the PlayStation 3 to be the best Blu-ray Player and will be for some time to come.

It's Not Just a Blu-ray Player

Sony has made the PlayStation 3 into a multi-purpose entertainment system. It is a gaming console, upscaling DVD player, Blu-ray Player and has many other multimedia capabilities. Obviously, the fact that it is a gaming console is the big difference when compared with other players. The PlayStation 3 can play video games like Grand Theft Auto IV, Uncharted 2 and Little Big Planet. And with the release of a firmware upgrade, it will be capable of 3D Video Gaming. This is a nice extra feature for those just looking to buy a Blu-ray Player.

Many predict the future of home Entertainment will not be Blu-ray but streaming digital media. If this is the case, Sony has prepare the PlayStation 3 to handle digital streaming and distribution. The PlayStation 3 is DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified. Meaning you can connect the PlayStation 3 to your Home Network, via the Ethernet Port or built-in Wi-Fi, and stream data from your computer or mobile device to the PlayStation 3. With it's PlayStation Network you can download High Definition videos and TV shows. And Sony recently added online streaming media services in it's deal with Netflix. The simple fact is, no other player can provide the consumer with such a high return value for their investment.

Blu-ray Quality

A few years ago, the PlayStation 3 was really the only game in town when one considered to purchase a Blu-ray Player. This is no longer true. Today there are many stand-alone players that perform extremely well, producing great video and audio quality. However, the PlayStation 3 still holds up rather well when compared to the new Blu-ray models. It still has very fast operational and disc loading speeds. With 1080p playback via HDMI, it produces excellent image quality on both Blu-rays and DVDs. Audio quality is equally impressive. The PS3 supports internal audio decoding for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. With the new PS3 Slim you can bitstream out Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to your A/V receiver to decode over HDMI. Also, with the new PS3 Slim you get 55% less power consumption when playing Blu-rays. A feature that should appeal to many consumers.

Sony's Investment

In the High Definition format wars between Blu-ray and HD-DVD, Sony sided with Blu-ray and helped create and develop the HD format. Needless to say, Sony has a lot invested in Blu-ray's success. Adding Blu-ray to the PlayStation 3 was an attempt to secure this success. It provided a great feature other gaming console did not have. To compete with the other gaming console Sony has to keep it's Blu-ray Player relevant. The only way to do this is to continue to upgrade the Blu-ray Player on the PlayStation 3.

PlayStation 3 is Future Proof

The PlayStation 3 is a Profile 2.0 Blu-ray Player. So as Blu-ray technology continues to develop, PlayStation 3 owners are able to download firmware to update the players features and functions. For example, many experts predict 3D viewing will be the next big thing in the home entertainment market. To view 3D movies a 3D Blu-ray Player is required. Those who own a PlayStation 3 will not have to invest in purchasing new equipment. Sony will release a firmware upgrade making their system capable of playing 3D Blu-ray Discs. The benefits of this are limitless, as there will certainly be other upgrades to Blu-ray technology in the future. The PlayStation 3 is able to accomplish this due to its extremely powerful internal processor, large hard drive and peripheral support.

THE PROS:
- PS3 Slim is 32% reduction is size
- PS3 Slim is more energy efficient
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Excellent HD Images and Audio

THE CONS:
- No Backwards support for PS2
- Remote Control is sold separately
- No IR Port

The Final Word
With so many advances in stand-alone Blu-rays over the last couple of years, it is debatable to still consider the PlayStation 3 the best. But with a price tag of $299.99, it definitely remains one of the best choices when it comes to purchasing a Blu-ray Player.

For more information on Blu-ray and Blu-ray Players try this handy comparison guide: Bluray Players Or view our Videos and blu-ray player reviews here: Blu-ray Player Reviews Copyright 2010. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Curtis_Hoskins