Is Blu-Ray Really The Future?

With HD-DVD being the Betamax of the 21^st century, Blu-Ray players are, apparently, the future. Of course, the PS3 offers one of the most affordable all-round solutions to owning a Blu-Ray player, but we don’t all want to use a games console that bears a striking resemblance to a George Foreman grill to watch films.

Unfortunately, try though I might, it’s a real struggle to find any Blu-Ray players or recorders that stand out. News that Blu-Ray sales tumbled (from an already unimpressive figure) last month does little to make us believe that things are likely to improve in the near future.

Sony, presumably not wanting to compete with the PS3, are equally responsible (if not more so) than any other company. Their own efforts appear over-priced and under-featured compared to the PS3.

It is possible to get a Blu-Ray player for marginally less than the price of a PS3 but the hardware definitely seems to suffer as a result. Sharp have released a couple of decent efforts, in terms of price, but the sensible money still rests with the PS3 – for now, at least.

For those of us that are always on the look out for a new avenue of gadget dreams, the future does not look Blu. We are on the look out for Blu-Ray equipment to review, but if you see anything first, let us know.

9X Media Wins Multiple Monitor Peeing Contest

I didn’t really know one existed either but apparently so. The Masterplex started it all with a six screen multiple monitor rig. More entries subsequently joined the race, but all have been competely eclipsed by the 9X Media system. While it would work with as few as two monitors, it’s the bigger end of the boast that we’re particularly interested in.

The X-Top enables users to combine up to 64 screens in a multi tiled display spanning 1 to 3 rows. The screens on offer range in size from 19” to 40” and are high spec LCD monitors. 9X will completely customise your rig for you, and it’s a hardly surprise when you consider how much you would probably have to pay for this kind of set up.

I say “probably have to pay” because try as I might I can’t find any indication of a price, even for the “smaller” set ups. Again, though, if you have to ask… you know the rest. Incredible though it looks, I do tend to question the actual deployment of a 64 screen multi-tiled display using 40” monitors. I think you’d struggle to play GTA IV on a video wall that size. And another point, presuming you use 3 rows of monitors, that would require two rows of 21 monitors and a single row of 22 monitors. That’s just not symetrical.

All Go! For PSP Owners

Hot on the heels of the Go!Messenger service, Sony has announced that video download service Go!View will be released some time in summer. Sony is partnering with Sky to release the Go!View service.

Users will be able to download TV episodes, films, and other content to watch while on the go. In true Sky style, the service will be released with a subscription and a pay-per-view price package so users have the freedom of how they want to pay as well.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about this release is that it’s the first official video download service available to European PSP owners. While no specific details have been leaked yet regarding the actual content that will be available, the listings should be pretty comprehensive and will almost definitely include the latest incarnation of Lost and 24.

While no firm release date has been announced, Sky and Sony have declared that it will be released some time in summer. Users will need to register first, then download content onto their PC, and then transfer it on to their PSP at a later time. It’s possible that a similar service may also be released for other handheld devices but, guess what? No official word on this has been released yet.

Portable Cinema Screen For Your Back Yard

Have you ever dreamed about having your own cinema in your house? Well it can now become a reality with this portable cinema screen.

This backyard cinema portable projection system and all of this can be yours for around £500.  The screen is easily constructed using an aluminium tubed frame so you can be watching your favourite movies on this large screen in no time at all.

The large screen measures 10.5 by 6 feet and there is also a massive screen that measures an amazing 13.5 by 9 feet. You can pick up one of these beauties from back yard drive ins website. Happy viewing.