26/06/2008 by Gavin.

Starting this Summer, Sony is rolling out it’s Video on Demand service starting with the PS3.

“Sony will increase network and wireless connectivity across its family of devices and build a
service platform to provide a seamless user experience across our key hardware devices and
content. We are planning to expand services that will enable our customers to enjoy content such as motion pictures and television programming through the network on a variety of Sony
products such as BRAVIATM LCD TVs, PS3, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and Walkman® video music players”.

The press release can be found here.

I’ve used the XBOX 360 Movie service once to watch a high def film.  What I want to know is why does a hi def download cost more than the standard def version?  I wonder if Sony will do the same, charging more for the ‘quality’ of the experience, whether high def on the PS3 or lower quality on the PSP.

Posted in Sony, Home Entertainment | Print | 1 Comment »

26/05/2008 by Gavin.

There’s a lot of discussion on the web just now about whether HD DVD is worth buying into given the current bargain prices.  Well, if you have an XBOX 360 then it is worth picking up one of the external drives for it.  Why?  Well, as you have a 360, and if you are running Vista Home Premium or ultimate, then you have access to the rather fab Media Center.

What I have done is use the  360 drive with my PC to rip high quality WMV files to my PC, allowing me to stream high def over my home network (using Homeplug AV200).  Excellent results can be had on file sizes around DVD size, 8Gb, albeit at 720p.  Nice!

Posted in Microsoft, Xbox 360, Networking, Home Entertainment | Print | No Comments »