Pirate Bay Users Jump Ship Over Site Sale
Swedish company’s purchase of The Pirate Bay (TPB) for $7.8 million draws ire and “arghs.”
Beyond Firefox 3.5: A Sneak Peek at Mozilla’s Next Browser
Mozilla released its beefed-up Firefox 3.5 browser on Tuesday — and already, engineers are hard at work developing its successor.
5 Features Internet Explorer Will Likely Crib from Firefox 3.5
Here are five features introduced in Firefox 3.5 that you likely see in Internet Explorer 8.5.
5 Traps the (New) Pirate Bay Must Avoid
If the new owners want The Pirate Bay to thrive, it might want to heed this advice.
*OFFICIAL* Denon AVR 2310CI / 890 Owner’s Thread
FOR GENERAL FAQ AND DENON SETUP HELP, PLEASE VISIT:
http:/batpigworld.com/
DENON AVR 890
http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4918.asp
- MANUAL: http://www.usa.denon.com/AVR-890-OM-E_003.pdf
- PRODUCT SHEET: http://www.usa.denon.com/AVR-890_Lit526.pdf
DENON AVR 2310CI
(forthcoming…)
- PRODUCT SHEET: http://batpigworld.com/AVR-2310CI_Lit608.pdf
AVR 2310CI ($849) / AVR 890 ($799) Feature Summary:
- 7.1 channels (105W x 7) of built-in amplification
- full HD audio support including Dolby TrueHD + DTS-MA decoding
- 5 HDMI 1.3a inputs, 2 component video inputs (60 MHz bandwidth)
- 2 optical / 2 coaxial digital audio inputs on rear, 1 optical input on the front
- Seven fully assignable video source "names" (TV, CBL/SAT, DVD, HDP, DVR, VCR, V-AUX)
- Dedicated PHONO input with phono preamp stage
- Full Audyssey suite (MultEQ + Dynamic EQ + Dynamic Volume) with adjustable reference level for Dynamic EQ
- Dolby Pro Logic IIz
- New ABT-2010 video processor with:
— full color HD GUI (overlays on all sources)
— full scaling for all sources up to 1080p (60 or 24) selectable by input
— picture calibration controls (including noise reduction and "enhancer") selectable by input
————————————
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is the difference between the three-digit models (e.g. AVR 890) and the four-digit models (e.g. AVR 2310)?
A: Essentially, NOTHING. Denon puts out two parallel receiver lineups, with four-digit and three-digit model numbers. The four-digit models are generally sold by high end stereo shops and custom installers, and the three-digit models are the "consumer" version sold in retail outlets like Circuit City and Fry’s.
However, there is ZERO difference in terms of power, specs, sound quality, build quality, etc. between the two lines. Denon has been doing this for years, it is exactly analagous to the Yamaha HTR and RX-V parallel receiver lines.
There will usually be one or two minor differences to differentiate the three-digit and four-digit models. There is typically a slight cosmetic difference between the two lines, and different remotes.
In the specific case of the 2310CI vs. 890, the only differences (besides the cosmetics) is:
1. the 2310CI has a second, Zone 2 remote in addition to the two-sided regular remote
2. the 2310CI adds "CI" features for integration into automated, custom integrated home systems: an RS-232 port (e.g. for Crestron/AMX 3rd-party control, as well as for loading firmware updates), assignable 12V trigger
In all other respects, the 2310 and 890 are IDENTICAL.
For more info, please see the Denon Model Numbers page at batpigworld:
http://batpigworld.com/models.html
Q. What do I gain from stepping up to the 2310/890 model as opposed to saving cash and just getting a 1910/790?
A: The major "step up" features of the 2310CI/890 are:
1. A 5th HDMI input
2. A slightly better amp section
3. A dedicate Phono input with pre-amp
4. usable S-video inputs (i.e. not just for the Denon ipod dock) on the rear, and front panel optical / s-video input
5. high-end ABT-2010 video processor with full color GUI, overlay over HDMI, HDMI>HDMI processing, and picture controls with brightness/contrast/hue/saturation and noise reduction settings which are memorized by input (allowing for independent source calibration even when running one HDMI cable to TV)
6. the 2310CI model (not the 890) will also include an RS-232 port, second smaller Zone 2 remote, and a 12V trigger output for custom integration ("CI") functionality.
Q. Should I buy the 2310CI/890 model or grab a great close-out deal on the 2809/989 from last year?
A: In simple terms:
2310/890 pros: 5 HDMI inputs, full color GUI with HDMI overlay, ABT-2010 video processing
2809/989 pros: more power, Audyssey MultEQ XT (vs regular MultEQ), better DAC’s, AL24+ processing on FL/FR channels, pre-outs for all 7.1 channels, 3-zone/3-source (2809CI only, 989 is 2-Z/2-S)
The 2809/989 is, overall, a more flexible and powerful unit, and should have better "raw" sound quality. The 2310CI has some newer features and especially the full color GUI and powerful video processing.
Gamers React Angrily To StarCraft II’s Lack of LAN Support
The StarCraft II drama continues: Over 5,000 people have signed an online petition aimed at getting Blizzard to re-think its decision to not support LAN play in the game. The petition reads, in part:
"We, your most loyal fans, implore you to reconsider adding LAN as a network feature to StarCraft II. This is a response to the announcement that the only multiplayer in StarCraft II will be via Battle.net. We understand you will be adding amazing new features to Battle.net that you can’t talk about yet, but regardless of any features you might add online, we would still like to be able to play in a traditional network where no internet connection is needed. For an internet connection might not always be available."
As Brian Leahy reported earlier today, Blizzard seems pretty adamant about not including LAN play, mainly to prevent piracy. In a statement, a Blizzard spokesperson said:
"We felt that moving away from LAN play and directing players to our upgraded Battle.net service was the best option to ensure a quality multiplayer experience with StarCraft II and safeguard against piracy."
Personally, I don’t see what the big deal is. Battle.net is free, and, according to Blizzard will remain free, even after it is upgraded. It’s reliable, too. And seriously, when was the last time you found yourself unable to connect to the internet?
As Leahy pointed out, Blizzard’s plan may well be to allow users to verify their copies over Battle.net, and then play over LAN anyway. If that’s the case, there is no downside, other than the mild pain of verifying your games before you play. Either way, it’s Blizzard’s game. Given Blizzard’s amazing track record and reputation, you have to figure the company has thought this through pretty thoroughly, and has decided there won’t be LAN support. so if they decide there won’t be LAN support, gamers can decide not to buy the game. But I have a feeling few of the 5,000 or so petition signers will really boycott StarCraft II.
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Monolith Productions Hiring For New "Cutting Edge" AAA Title
According to a new job listing, developer Monolith Productions is in the market for a Senior Software Engineer, Game Systems to work on a “triple-A…cutting-edge first-person action game on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.”
While this listing could be in reference to a new F.E.A.R. (unlikely though since F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin came out last February), Condemned, or obviously an entirely new IP, I’m sincerely hoping it means a next-gen installment in the brilliant 1960’s-era FPS series No One Lives Forever is in the works. (Don’t even ask how much time I spent just playing the demo for No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.’s Way. Seriously, it’s embarrassing).
Then again, the fact that the listing says "first-person action game" rather than "first-person shooter" could suggest a new IP, perhaps in the vein of Condemned or even Mirror’s Edge. It’s really anyone’s guess at this point, so speculate away.
Seriously though, anyone else pushing for a new No One Lives Forever?
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id Software Looking Into Quake Live For PlayStation 3 And Xbox 360?
Quake may come to consoles, but not in the form we expected. id Software was teasing Quake III: Arena for Xbox Live for a while, before revealing that publishers weren’t behind the project and id’s focus was moving to the web-based Quake Live. But has the popularity of Quake Live re-ignited the studio’s interest in producing a multiplayer-only shooter for consoles? I’ve found evidence it’s possible.
id is currently looking for a game programmer to work on the company’s Quake Live project. Said programmer would is required to have experience working on both PC and web platforms, but both Xbox 360, Xbox Live and PlayStation 3 work are listed as bonuses to prospective applicants.
This runs contrary what id was telling G4tv.com earlier this year.
"The core concept here is that one of the major things that PCs do much better than consoles is the web browsing experience… PCs are still just plain better than consoles at that," said co-founder John Carmack. "It also allows you to use a mouse and keyboard. Well, the PS3 does, but the XMB web browser isn’t that great — I wouldn’t expect it to support anything like Quake Live."
While it’s hardly confirmation Quake Live is coming to Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, id’s flirtation with Quake III: Arena makes the idea plausible, even if id was dismissing the concept while launching Quake Live earlier this year. Considering Quake Live still hasn’t come to Mac or Linux, though, console ports seem a little ways off.
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NBA 2K10 Special Edition Massively Impressive
Team Xbox has the inside word on what will be included in NBA 2K10 basketball game. In order to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the series, 2K is pulling out all the stops and releasing an amazing product. Here’s what you can expect:
- A copy of NBA 2K10 (duh)
- A numbered 2K Sports game storage locker with combination lock that can store up to 20 games,
- An exclusive figurine from McFarlane Toys featuring NBA 2K10 cover athlete and spokesman Kobe Bryant
- A 16"x36" 2K Sports Kobe Bryant poster designed by Shepard Fairey’s Studio N° 1
- A NBA 2K10 10th anniversary video that explores the history of the NBA 2K franchise
- Access to the "Gold Room," NBA 2K10’s VIP online lobby.
Reportedly, all this can be yours for the relatively low price of $99.99.
Personally, I’m not into "collectors editions" of games. I’m not much of a collector by nature. I keep my lifestyle and home as free of stuff I don’t use as possible, and that means don’t see much use in gamer swag. (Plus, I get a lot of stuff for free.) But I’m probably in the minority here. I also think the idea of an "exclusive" lobby in a video game is probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of. What do you think? Is all this stuff worth the extra 40 bucks it will cost you when the game launches?
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Blizzard: No LAN multiplayer in StarCraft II to prevent piracy
Planning a LAN party to celebrate the launch of StarCraft II (whenever that is)? You can still do that, but you’ll all have to be connected to Battle.Net first.
Blizzard has confirmed that the upcoming RTS game will not support LAN play to further build up Battle.Net as the multiplayer solution for their games. That, and to combat piracy. Here’s their official statement:
We don t currently plan to support LAN play with StarCraft II, as we are building Battle.net to be the ideal destination for multiplayer gaming with StarCraft II and future Blizzard Entertainment games. While this was a difficult decision for us, we felt that moving away from LAN play and directing players to our upgraded Battle.net service was the best option to ensure a quality multiplayer experience with StarCraft II and safeguard against piracy.
Several Battle.net features like advanced communication options, achievements, stat-tracking, and more, require players to be connected to the service, so we re encouraging everyone to use Battle.net as much as possible to get the most out of StarCraft II. We re looking forward to sharing more details about Battle.net and online functionality for StarCraft II in the near future.
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