Month: January 2008

Yesterday Sony’s official blog reported the street date and price for the highly anticipated Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Sony has decided to opt for digital distribution and a retail Blu-ray version

“The BD version will offer added value with an exclusive behind-the-scenes High Definition (HD) video feature called “Beyond the Apex”. This video will offer some awesome access to the folks at Polyphony and give some background on how they are able to create such a realistic and beautiful driving simulator.”

As much as I love the Gran Turismo series, I do not really care for the behind-the-scenes stuff, but I would rather own a disk vs. a digital copy of the game. This is not a matter of over coming some mental ownership hurdle of being able to physically touch a disk versus not being able to touch something on my PS3 HDD. After all, I download music from iTunes all the time. For me it is much simpler. I like having the ability to sell my games, so I will be picking up the Blu-ray version of the game. Besides, downloads from PSN take forever and a day.

There is only so much more time I can spend with the Gran Turismo HD Concept demo, but it looks like I still have another 10 or so weeks of Time Trial action.

If you are wondering, the price tag of the Prologue “demo” does not really bother me. I expect this $40 demo to be better than most racing games, so this should be a non issue for most fans of the series.

With the release of the PSP 3.90 firmware, Sony officially supports Skype, but only on the PSP-2000 series. Come again? Yes, those of you with a PSP-1000 (the original, non-slim version of the PSP) are left in the cold when it comes to using Skype.

QJ.net recently explained (or speculated)

“Although PSP-1000 and PSP-2000 are identical in basic functions, there are differences in hardware specifications to some extent and, for that reason, PSP-2000 may differ in features from PSP-1000. We had studied the possibility of supporting Skype with PSP-1000 but had to give it up because of the smaller size of main memory on PSP-1000 series.”

I guess I really did not pay too much attention to what was going on behind closed doors. After all, last fall I came close to preordering a new PSP (wanted that Star Wars version), but decided that the smaller footprint, video out, and faster load times were not worth the upgrade.

I guess the memory upgrade (64MB vs. 32MB) was the hallmark feature of the PSP-2000. Now the cows are out of the barn. What other future features will be excluded from PSP-1000 owners? Last night I wrote about PS3 SKU confusion, and now we get this beauty.

In the interest of disclosure, I do not use Skype, but that is irrelevant. Sony is going to isolate and piss off their core fan base, myself included. I have owned a PSP (original, fat, phat, PSP-1000, etc) since its launch, and I am rewarded by Sony deciding that my PSP is no longer in its future. I never realized that the leap from the PSP-1000 to the PSP-2000 was akin to a hardware leap. I thought this was more along the lines of Nintendo’s typical strategy of releasing a GameBoy Advance, followed by a GameBoy Advance SP, followed by a GameBoy SP Super Special Limited Edition (or whatever).

I am all for progress, but I would rather Sony come clean and say that those of you with a PSP-1000 are about to be left in the dust.

I started to post; stopped myself.  Then decided to do it anyway.  The entire internet is swarming with rumors about the demise of the 80GB PS3 and the interdiction of a new super, duper 120GB (or larger) PS3.  Why should this matter?  Why should I care?

Actually I only care because I want to see Blu-ray succeed, and I do not want any SKU confusion to … well … confuse developers.  Which features and extras are in and which are out?

Additionally, for selfish reasons, I want to see Sony continue with hardware backwards compatibility.  Once it is eradicated from current SKUs, it will be long gone and forgotten.  There are still many PSX and PS2 games still in circulation.  I want to be able to play these and I do not want to have to connect multiple systems to my TV.  Besides, the PS3 (and PS2 before it) have nice options to smooth out graphics and increase disk access times.  Keep it in Sony, even as a “premium” SKU to go with a “standard” SKU.  The more PlayStation options, the better.

How do I see things playing out?  In order to keep costs under control, and thus sell more PS3 systems, Sony will continue pulling features (and of course pushing Blu-ray) with each new SKU.  Sony will probably keep a higher end SKU, with a bundled game and high capacity HDD, but backwards compatibility will continue to move towards software emulation.

At some point, the PS2 will be officially retired.  By then, Sony will have costs under control, and realize that they can introduce a “new improved” premium SKU that includes all of the PS3 60GB day one features (4 USB ports, Wi-Fi, flash card readers, and of course hardware PS2 compatibility with the Emotion Engine).  Now that would be progress.

This is not going to be very pretty. I have spent too much time trying to get my PS3 to stream my iTunes music files. Looks like it is not going to happen anytime soon, which sucks because the PS3 is supposed to be some sort of centralized, all-in-one media and entertainment gizmo. Unless it comes to AAC files that are coded to iTunes (i.e. Apple specs; MP4 … not sure of all the technical codex jargon).

First I had to get Windows Media Player to allow Media Sharing. That was pretty easy (Library – Media Sharing option).

Out of the box, Media Player does not support playing AAC files. I guess Microsoft knows that iTunes users will not want to use anything less than iTunes, so why bother. At least I assume something silly like that is their reasoning for not providing simple, out of the box support.

In order to fix this problem, I had to make liberal use of Google, leading me to the installation of two Media Player plugins: Tag Support Plugin for Windows Media Player and The Orban/Coding Technologies AAC/aacPlus Plugin.

My Media Player can now see and play my iTunes files, but that was not really what I wanted. Streaming to the PS3 was the goal.

After all this time and effort, my PS3 could see the files, including some simple file info (artist, album, song name), but my PS3 could not recognize the file format. Those liberal Google searches that I mention led me to one cold hard fact. For some inane reason Sony has decided that support for AAC files (at least ones generated by iTunes) is not that important. This just does not make sense to me.

First, if I rip my own music from CDs that I have purchased, they should not have any copyright info, so they files should play. If Sony wants to support (and push) their own ACC format, more power to them, but I should be able to use the most popular music format on my PS3. Second, Apple (via iTunes) allows you to register several computers to play your purchased files. The PS3 is just another conduit for playing music files. Or rather it should be that cut and dry.

So what gives? I have several hundred CDs that I decided to rip using iTunes. Before I had my iPod, I would use Easy CD-DA Extractor to create MP3 files for my music programs. After I purchased my iPod, I decided that I could get better music quality, and take up less space, by using iTunes to rip music in its preferred format. MP3 was dead. Long live MP4. Seems like a reasonable decision, and I am sure that millions of other iPod owners do the same.

Seems like Sony has different ideas. For some reason they will not allow ripped iTunes music files and the PS3 to play nicely. I blame this all Sony because the rest of the world has accepted iTunes native music format as the digital music standard. I blame Apple for now allowing me to play purchased iTunes music files on my PS3. If Apple wants everyone to go digital, they should make previsions for playing legally purchased music on my entertainment centers (be they consoles such as the PS3 or a standard laptop).

Not a pretty picture.

Watching the Rolex 24 at Daytona, doing some blogging, and catching up on the PlayStation blog. Just came across something I am not sure what to make of; should I be happy or just kind of blah? Twisted Metal: Head On – Extra Twisted Edition (PS2; MSRP $19.99) will be out next week (Feb 5).

At first, while watching the video I was thinking this was a PSP game. I guess I have been spoiled on PS3 graphics, but then the PS2 logo was shown. I really like the Twisted Metal series, especially TM1, TM2, and TM Black. I sold my PSP TM game because I could never get into the controls, so I was really hoping for a new PSP version with tighter controls. Then again, we really need a new PSP with a better analog stick, but I digress.

I doubt I will pick this one up, but $19.99 is a great price. Hopefully they are working on a PS3 version, complete with 1080p support (yes; color me a graphics whore).

As I mentioned in the MLB 08 post below, I really like what Sony is doing with their blog. Yes, it is a propaganda piece, but it is also nice to see some of the Sony employees answer questions (which is the reason I linked to the post with comments).

I have not been able to watch as much of the race as I would like, but what I have seen has been fun.  It is always good to see NASCAR drivers do well in this race.  With less than 45 minutes left in the race, Juan Pablo Montoya’s team is in first, Jimmie Johnson’s team is in second, and Kurt Busch’s team is in third.

I know these guys are not the flagship drivers, but it is still very cool to watch the Cup boys run in front of the pack.

Sony is getting smarter with their official blog, which they can use to help pimp their upcoming titles, and reach out to their fan base. The recent MLB 08 entry is a good example.

“This year, we added over 500 more gameplay animations. That number doesn’t even include the presentations, personal pitcher deliveries and batter stances (including their own personal walk up sequences). The pitcher batter duel is also an area where we put a lot of focus. Personalizing pitchers breaks, how they attack the batter/user and the adjustments that the pitchers make based on the users tendencies all were improved upon.”

I did not try the PS3 version last year, but have been a fan of the PSP games. I am sure both versions will be pretty, but I want the developers to concentrate on quicker games (under thirty minutes), realistic statistics, and of course quality AI. The article talks about situational awareness, but pretty much from a graphical standpoint.

I hope Sony goes all out and provides some nice PS3 to PSP options, gives us 1080p support, and plenty of online support (say online leagues). I am not sure that I will play online, but it would be nice to be able to setup some leagues.

It should be interesting to see what Sony throws up for their weekly MLB 08 nuggets, but so far I have not placed a preorder. I am waiting to see something that knocks my socks off.

I am surprised with the number of hits, searches, and referrals I get for airgun info, so a couple of weeks ago I added a new airgun category to allow those of you coming to the site for airgun info to quickly find airgun posts.

I also moved up the Category section on the left nav because it was lost below several years of archive links.  This will allow you to quickly navigate to airgun posts (if that is your thing) or just stay on topic with videogame posts (for those of you that do not care about my airgun digressions).

Crosman is introducing an entry level PCP called the Crosman Discover. It comes in .177 and .22 flavors, with or without a pump, and will allow for CO2 or compressed air. Sounds interesting.

I love my Beeman R7, but would like something with a little more pop to take out those pesky squirrels. Don’t get me wrong; I can take them down with the R7, but the Discovery in .22 would give me more options and another toy to play with and a reasonable price just shy of $400.

I guess I do not really need another airgun, but the Discovery is pretty darn tempting.

I can never say enough good things about the Hardball Times. The website is fantastic, and their yearly annual is always a great read. I just found their trade review of Andy Marte and Edgar Renteria, which provides an interesting read.

The Braves are the unequivocal winners from this swap of talent despite what the doomsayers were claiming at the time of the original Marte/Renteria transaction.

John Schuerholz and the Braves have an uncanny knack for jettisoning seemingly high-ceiling young talent in trades yet always landing on the good side of the deal. Many thought this particular deal would prove Schuerholz’s comeuppance—they were wrong.

This is my biggest problem with OOTPB; I always over value prospects. Anyway, if you are a Braves, Red Sox, or Indians fan (or just a baseball fan looking for a good analysis of a past trade), check out the article.

I do not know enough about Mike Smith to have an opinion, but it is obvious that opinions vary. First, from espn.com we get the “good Smith”

“Although the group that Jack Del Rio assembled in Jacksonville featured five former NFL or college head coaches, Smith was arguably the staffer most responsible for the franchise’s success over the past half-decade.”

Next the Macon Telegraph gives us the “bad Smith”

“Leftwich said Smith would never receive enough credit in Jacksonville because many assumed Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio, a former defensive coordinator, was the real mastermind of the defense.

Jaguars defensive end Marcellus Wiley confirmed that opinion when he said on ESPN Wednesday, “Jack Del Rio was the defensive coordinator, and if it wasn’t him, it was (linebacker) Mike Peterson.”

After the Bobby Petrino disaster (3-10 and out), new GM Thomas Dimitroff cannot do any worse with Mike Smith than the 2007 Petrino train wreck. The Falcons are assembling an interesting staff. First you have a defensive head coach, and “I am a college guy” Brian VanGorder is back with the Falcons’s as defensive coordinator after a month sabbatical with the Gamecocks. New offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey looks to be a good hire. He had good success as Pittsburgh’s a few years ago, and he brings head coaching experience to the staff.

I hope what appears to be a somewhat conservative staff, brings a conservative draft. Going after a QB with in the first round is not what this team needs. The Falcons have gaping holes on the offensive line, they need a bruising running back that can pound the ball, they could use more depth on the defensive line, and the secondary is a little suspect. Unless the Falcons are sure to get a sure fire Hall of Fame QB with the first pick, there is no need to take a chance on the QB position early in the draft. They should look towards the second, third, or fourth rounds for a QB. Should be interesting to see how it plays out.

I received my gun back from Crosman today, which is a nice three week turn around.  The repair order said “new screws and loctite” so I guess the original screws were lose or stripped out.  Maybe it is that 1000 fps working the action lose from the stock.

Crosman was also kind enough to include a can of wadcutter pellets.  A freebie is a freebie, and it just shows that Crosman has good customer service.

It is too cold today to take the gun for a test, and I am still doing lots of kid duty, so I will wait until later to post an update on the gun post repair.

When it is all said and done, I may try to sale this gun to help fund another purchase.  The Sierra Pro has been a good first purchase, but I am not sure how much time it will see because my Beeman R7 is more suited for my backyard needs.  Still, I may “discover” that another Crosman is in my future.

This weekend kicks off 28 days of worthwhile sporting events; February is huge! It is almost time for

• 2008 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona (Jan 26)
• Super Bowl XLII (Feb 3)
• Spring Training; Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers to report (Feb 15)
• 50th Running of the Daytona 500 (Feb 17)
• UGA baseball is upon us (at Arizona Feb 22).

There is a little something for everyone. I just wish SPEED TV did not plan on having an 8 hour gap from 10PM to 6AM in their 24 Hours of Daytona coverage. I need something to watch in the early morning hours.

I am not sure if yesterday’s title mishap (of course last night was Sunday NOT Saturday) was a result of:

1. Three day weekend; must have thought it was still Saturday night.
2. Sleep deprivation; I am up with the baby, writing this at 3AM, which has been the norm over the last two weeks.
3. One two many glasses of wine.
4. I am only human, born to make mistakes (with apologies to Distinct Nature).
5. All of the above.
6. None of the above.

I started to update the title, and figured, what the heck, may as well play along. It gives me something to do in the middle of the night.

So, happy Monday to you!

Today I actually broke out the PS3 for something other than Blu-ray deliciousness, spending some quality time with Super Stardust HD.  Hard to believe that with the PS3 price point, a fairly cheap PSN game gets the majority of my attention.  Oh well.  Maybe the PS3 groove will make it back at some point.  I did download a few demos to try out tomorrow, but for now I do not have an inclination to throw $60 at a new PS3 game.

Speaking of PS3 games, I just dumped NCAA Football 2008 on eBay for $29; not bad considering that it is now $39.99 new at most retail stores.  The game was fun for a few weeks, but ultimately it was fairly forgettable.  Maybe 2009 will be the “it” game for me.

While I was messing around the PS3, I noticed that the newest version of Folding@Home allows you to play your own music, and more importantly, it will power off your PS3 when it finishes its current protein.  I may do a few more folds knowing that my PS3 will not run all night (or day).  “Set it and forget it” mode was a pretty smart addition.

The Wii has been a huge hit with the kids, especially my oldest son.  Lots of Madden 2008, Wii Sports, Wii Play, and Mario Galaxy.  Since the Wii is setup in the kids’ room, I have not had must time with some of the games.  It is kind of hard to get any gaming in when I have free time because the kids are fast asleep.

I have played a little Madden with the advance controls, and honestly, it is pretty fun.  I thought it would be more of a gimmick, but most of the motion invoked moves are fairly natural (or at least easy to execute).  A few years ago I would have kept a close watch on the game’s statistical engine, but I really have not played enough to comment.  I will say that my oldest son took the Falcons to a perfect season using the Family control mode, gradually increasing the difficulty settings from rookie to pro to all-pro.  My son is certainly not a student of the game, so going undefeated with the Falcons should tell you all you need to know about the simulation aspects of the game.

The funny thing about the Wii is that my 70 something year old step father spent a few minutes with Wii Sports playing bowling and baseball and decided he wants a Wii.  Seriously.  My wife also wants me to pick up a couple of extra controllers so the whole family can play.  Score a huge victory for Nintendo.

I have to admit that there is something gratifying about hitting home runs, bowling strikes, and hooking fish (Wii Play).  It really is good stuff.  Sure Wii Sports and Wii Play are not very deep, but they provide gratifying, addictive pick up and play experiences.  I wish I had more time to dive into some of the games.  It is probably a good thing that I decided to put the Wii far away from the living room.

No real updates on the PSP.  I should probably sale it and move on to something else.  Maybe a DS or a good book.

Now that Chris’ IOSBL is defunct, I have not put in any time with OOTPB 2007.  I understand that 2008 is out, but I do not want to just join any random league.  If you enjoy online leagues, you will appreciate that it is hard to find a like minded group of mature baseball enthusiasts.

I am also not sure why I keep giving my money to Blizzard.  I only play WoW a couple of hours a month, which is pretty much a waste of money.  Same song and dance.  I either need to play or cancel my subscription.

All for tonight.