Consumer Electronics Daily News

SanDisk Targets Gamers With New Flash Memory Cards

SanDisk Announces 16GB Memory Stick Micro M2 Card for Sony PSP go System, 32GB Memory Stick PRO Duo and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo Cards for Sony PSP System, and 8GB SDHC Card for the Nintendo DSi System

SanDisk Corporation, the global leader in flash memory cards, today introduced new additions to its gaming card line designed to boost the storage capacity of handheld video game systems.

The 16 gigabyte (GB)1 SanDisk® Memory Stick Micro™ (M2)™ card is compatible with the Sony® PSP® go system; the 32GB SanDisk® Memory Stick PRO Duo™ and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ cards are compatible with the Sony PSP® system; and the 8GB SanDisk® SDHC™ card is compatible with the Nintendo DSi™ system. The cards enable gamers to store more of their movies, music, photos and content downloaded from the Internet without worrying about running out of space or consuming their handheld video game system’s onboard storage.

“Many of the new portable gaming systems offer substantial downloadable content for gamers to enjoy, and our gaming memory cards give consumers the added storage capacity they need,” said Tim Sutton, product marketing manager, gaming, SanDisk. “Downloadable games for the PSP system can consume more than 700 megabytes (MB)2 of memory each, not to mention the large file sizes of movies and TV shows which boost demand for expandable storage.”

“Gamers are increasingly using their handheld systems for non-gaming activities, with nearly half of U.S. PlayStation® Portable owners, for example, playing video or music on the device at least once per week,” said Lewis Ward, research manager, consumer gaming and mobile entertainment, IDC. "Digital content for these platforms is commonly available for download, and it is this evolving delivery mechanism coupled with large file sizes that has transformed memory cards from helpful accessories to something that many teens and young adults use on a regular basis."

16GB SanDisk Memory Stick Micro (M2) Gaming Card

The 16GB SanDisk Memory Stick Micro M2 gaming card doubles the amount of storage space available to PSP go system users. The card offers a convenient means of storing downloadable games, movies, TV shows and music. In addition, SanDisk offers a gaming compatibility pack (GCP), sold separately, which includes a Memory Stick Micro M2 to Memory Stick PRO Duo adapter and Mobile Memory Stick Micro M2 reader. The GCP allows gamers to use the SanDisk Memory Stick Micro M2 card in other Sony M2 compatible devices or in Memory Stick PRO Duo readers, as well as transfer media between certain Memory Stick Micro M2 mobile enabled devices and a personal computer via a USB slot.

32GB SanDisk Memory Stick PRO Duo and SanDisk Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo Gaming Cards

SanDisk also introduced a 32GB1 SanDisk Memory Stick PRO Duo card for use in the Sony PSP-3000 and PSP-2000 systems. The card is fully compatible with all Sony products with Memory Stick PRO Duo card slots, including Sony Cyber-shot® cameras and Sony Handycam® camcorders. In addition to expanding storage for PSP system users, SanDisk has introduced a 32GB SanDisk Ultra® Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ memory card. This high capacity, high performance card enables photography enthusiasts to take their images to another level with 30MB/sec* read and write speeds. The card is well-suited for shooting in full HD video mode, recording up to 240 minutes** of full HD 1920x1080 pixels at 15 Mbps.

8GB SanDisk SDHC Memory Card for the Nintendo DSi System

SanDisk also unveiled the SanDisk® SDHC™ card for the Nintendo® DSi™ system. Offering up to 8GB1 of removable memory, the card gives gamers a convenient means of saving and quickly transferring their photos between the Nintendo DSi system and a computer. The card also allows gamers to take advantage of AAC music playback and voice recording capabilities. Gamers can load the memory card with their favorite songs or musical creations and listen to them on the system.

Pricing and Availability

The SanDisk Memory Stick Micro M2 gaming card for the Sony PSP go system is shipping now in capacities ranging from 2GB to 16GB1 and is available at retailers in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan. The SanDisk Memory Stick PRO Duo card is shipping worldwide now in capacities ranging from 2GB to 32GB1. Exact pricing for the Memory Stick Micro M2, SDHC, Memory Stick PRO Duo and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo cards will be set by retailers. The 32GB SanDisk Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo card will be shipping worldwide in October. Currently available at North American, Latin American and European retailers, the SanDisk SDHC card for Nintendo DSi system comes in 4GB and 8GB1 capacities.

About SanDisk

SanDisk Corporation is the global leader in flash memory cards, from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

For more information, visit SanDisk.

Moosylvania Declares Digital Video Explosion In 2010

By the Time You Read Moosylvania’s XL Marketing Trends Report, TV and the Web Will Be Completely Integrated

Moosylvania, the digital, branding and promotion agency with an on-site, globally-ranked research facility, released today its much anticipated XL Marketing Trends Report: Chapter 2 – Digital Video. The second installment of Moosylvania’s six-chapter study defines the top digital video trends marketers must focus on now and well into the next decade. It is available for free.

“All conventional forms of media are incorporating digital video into their platforms,” said Rodney Mason, Moosylvania’s CMO. “Brand marketers now need to communicate directly with their target audiences through greater use of digital video on Mobile Web Devices, TVs, PCs, out-of-home and at the point-of-purchase because this is where their consumers are and what they prefer.”

The report notes that in 2010, Mobile Web Devices, such as smart phones and PDAs, will outnumber computers in the U.S. By their nature, Mobile Web Devices are designed to offer access to the Web via a minimized interface. This makes video a natural tool to deliver better Web-based information to mobile devices.

“Beyond its use on mobile devices, digital video – led by the TV broadcast networks, producers, manufacturers and out-of-home media groups – is making giant leaps to the Web and beyond,” said Gus Hattrich, Moosylvania’s president.

According to the report, the average Internet video experience soon will be more than just viewing a player with a little interactivity. On the horizon, look for two-way, real-time, 3-D, augmented, virtual, sensory enhanced, intuitive video. “It sounds like science fiction, but the technology is already in the pipeline,” Mason added.

All this and more is revealed in Chapter 2, which also includes access for brand marketers to the Mobile Marketing Tracker, a case-study engine that is a regularly-updated resource of current programs in the market.

To get a free copy of the Moosylvania XL Marketing Trends Report Chapter 2 – Digital Video, go to www.moosylvania.com and click on “Insights.”

To see how Moosylvania can help to identify and fulfill your marketing needs, contact Rodney Mason at 314-644-7987, rodney@moosylvania.com or www.twitter.com/rodmoose. Videos are welcome!

About Moosylvania

Moosylvania is The Great State of Design, where insights are hatched in a globally-ranked research facility and nurtured by experts in the fields of Digital, Branding and Promotion. Great design is more than the extraordinary composition of creative elements; it is a process of originating and developing a concept from insights and a carefully constructed strategy designed to achieve measurable results. For more information, visit www.moosylvania.com or contact Rodney Mason at 314-644-7987, rodney@moosylvania.com or www.twitter.com/rodmoose. Follow Moosylvania on www.twitter.com/moosylvania.

For more information, visit Moosylvania.

Hasbro Delivers Wide Range of Entertainment Experiences This Holiday Season

Company Maintains Focus on Leveraging Brands on a Variety of Entertainment Platforms

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) kicks off the holiday season with an exciting line-up of toys, games and entertainment experiences that can be enjoyed by children and families anytime and anywhere. With classic brands such as MONOPOLY, CANDY LAND, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY and NERF, Hasbro is home to some of the most recognizable and trusted names in toys and games that have been enjoyed by families for generations. In 2009 Hasbro continues to leverage its iconic brands in all new ways from traditional toys and games, to motion pictures, video games, television and more.

With the theatrical releases this summer of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Hasbro once again demonstrated how the Company’s brands powerfully translate to high octane entertainment. This holiday season, fans and kids can bring home the fantasy of these two iconic properties with all new toy lines featuring action figures, role play items and vehicles. Hasbro also continues to offer updated versions of its popular board games including the new MONOPOLY CITY and CLUE: SECRETS & SPIES which make great additions to any Family Game Night. Family Game Night invites families everywhere to turn off the outside world for a short time and reconnect with each other by playing board games for an evening of fun, learning and laughter.

The gaming fun doesn’t end with traditional board games either as Hasbro’s brands continue to be embraced in the video game aisle. This holiday season, consumers can expect to see new videogames from Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) based on popular Hasbro brands including LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS, NERF “N-Strike” Elite as well as HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT 2 which features several classic Hasbro games like OPERATION, JENGA and PICTUREKA.

“As we approach the holiday season, we are very pleased to provide a wide variety of entertainment options for children and families around the world,” said John Frascotti, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Hasbro, Inc. “We’ve re-imagined several of our most popular brands to continue to delight our consumers with an entertainment portfolio of toys, games, movie, video games, books and assorted other products that deliver innovative play experiences and tremendous value for the holidays.”

About HASBRO

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. 

For more information, visit Hasbro.

EA SPORTS & Toy Island Line Of Innovative Sporting Goods Hits Shelves This Fall

Partnership with Industry Leader Toy Island Marks Expansion of EA SPORTS Brand

A unique new line of EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), branded sports equipment created by Toy Island will be in stores and available for purchase this fall. Designed to help young players take the excitement for sports to a new level as well as to develop core sports skills, Toy Island has begun rolling out the Sweet Spot Sports, Voice Command and Sure Shot lineup of EA SPORTS-branded products. All products will be on shelves by early October.

This is the first merchandising deal of its kind for the EA SPORTS brand under a partnership with IMG announced in February 2008. IMG Licensing, a division of global sports and entertainment company IMG, is the exclusive worldwide consumer product and brand licensing agent for the EA SPORTS brand.

“We’re expanding the brand to give young and future EA SPORTS fans a realistic and innovative experience in the real-world of sports, just as you can in the interactive world by playing an EA SPORTS videogame,” said Glenn Chin, Vice President of Brand Marketing at EA SPORTS. “In our games, EA SPORTS strives for playing experiences that are authentic and help fans enjoy and learn more about the sports they love. With these products, we’re helping young players find their passion and skills for sports as well, while also learning the proper techniques as they go.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased with our line of EA SPORTS-branded products,” added Robert Weinberg, CEO of Toy Island. “It was our intention along with EA to bring something completely different to the youth sports category and I believe we have succeeded in doing so.”

The unique and differentiated EA SPORTS-branded products are bringing classic sports activities to life in many new ways, utilizing infrared motion, touch sensors, and voice command. Each EA SPORTS-branded item helps the player become a better athlete by improving their basic throwing, fielding, kicking or basketball skills, and also offers fun game modes that bring out the thrill of competition.

EA SPORTS branded products will be available for young baseball, football, basketball, soccer and hockey players. Additional products are expected to follow this year’s launch. The initial products available in this fall include:

Sweet Spot Sports Product Line

The Sweet Spot Sports line of products comes with special electronic features that emit an audio reward when a user hits or holds the ball in the right spot, the “sweet spot” improving accuracy and hand-eye coordination. All Sweet Spot Sports products have an MSRP between $14.99-$19.99. The following Sweet Spot Sports products are designed for youth ages 5 and up:

• Sweet Spot Football
• Sweet Spot Baseball with Bat
• Sweet Spot Hockey Stick and Puck
• Sweet Spot Basketball and Hoop

Voice Command and Sure Shot Product Lines

The Voice Command and Sure Shot product lines, which have MSRPs between $69.99-$79.99, feature interactive training tools with instructional coaching to help athletes ages 5 and up hone their techniques. Whatever the sport — baseball, football, basketball, soccer or hockey — the Voice Command and Sure Shot product lines take the excitement of sports simulations out of the digital realm and into the physical world. Products include:

• Voice Command Pitching Machine
• Voice Command Quarterback
• Sure Shot Basketball
• Sure Shot Hockey and Sure Shot Soccer combo (Available Exclusively at Target Stores)

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA Mobile TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

For more information, visit EA.

I-play Launches Hip Hop All Star For iPhone & iPod Touch

Multiplayer DJ Battles, Breakthrough Real-Time Scratching Technology and an Integrated Facebook Connect Feature Usher In I-play’s First Micro-transaction Enabled Music Game, Now Available in the Apple® App Store

I-play, Oberon Media’s publishing division and the world’s leading multi-platform casual games publisher, today launched Hip Hop All Star for iPhone™ and iPod® touch. Featuring an original playlist with some of the biggest names in hip hop including Busta Rhymes and Kid Cudi, Hip Hop All Star introduces an all-new way for fans and hip hop enthusiasts to experience their favorite tracks. Turning the iPhone into virtual turntables, players use the touch screen to scratch and spin their way to DJ stardom. Hip Hop All Star brings the swagger back to music games with a playlist starring hip hop chart-toppers alongside old-school hip hop classics, some of them exclusive to the game.

Hip Hop All Star puts players behind the wheels of steel and on center stage as they rock the crowds in five different party locations—starting at a house party and spinning their way to a fan-packed arena. When the crowds crave more, players can turn their show into a showdown with WiFi and BlueTooth DJ battle modes. Aspiring DJs go head-to-head to earn power-ups, show off scratch tricks and unlock in-game accessories. When a winner emerges, players can earn DJ bragging rights by posting top scores and trash talk directly to Facebook with the integrated Facebook Connect feature.

Hip Hop All Star is I-play’s first micro-transaction enabled music game. Players will be able to make in-game purchases on their favorite Hip Hop All Star songs through a direct link to the iTunes® Store. In addition, once the 10 included songs have been mastered on the turntables, players can keep the party going by purchasing the Hip Hop All Star Track Pack that includes two additional songs for $0.99. The music never has to stop, as I-play will keep the needle on the record with the release of additional Track Packs.

“If you are a hip hop music fan, this game is for you,” said Don Ryan, chief operating officer of Oberon Media. “As the first and only all hip hop DJ game, we wanted to make sure players are continuously engaged with the music and that the game was true to real DJing techniques and principles. The micro-transactions keep the game fresh by offering players an entirely new experience with each purchase.”

The Hip Hop All Star set list features tracks from Busta Rhymes, DJ Green Lantern, Slim Thug, Unk, Mya and Ray J, with exclusive music from Kid Cudi, DJ KO, Greg Nice, DJ Jason Nevins, Scarchild, Eddie Jaymez, and DJ Serafin. Kool G Rap, one of the most influential and skilled MCs of all time, joins them with an exclusive track.

“It’s mind blowing to see how hip hop has evolved from the beginning,” said Kool G Rap. “When I began in this business, I never could have imagined turntables like this. But it goes to show that great minds will continue to revolutionize hip hop and the DJ experience—that’s why hip hop will be around forever.”

Hip Hop All Star is now available through select mobile carriers, and in the Apple® App Store for a special, two-week price of $2.99. Download the game at www.itunes.com/apps/HipHopAllStar.

Check out the Hip Hop All Star trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdb3toyn2Fw

Become a fan of Hip Hop All Star on Facebook.

About I-play

I-play, the publishing division of Oberon Media, Inc., is the world's leading multi-platform casual games publisher. With powerful franchises and massive distribution across the three most popular entertainment screens -- online, mobile, and interactive television -- I-play content reaches global consumers, and delivers fun, entertaining, accessible content to casual gamers of all ages. I-play's PC publishing division, formerly Oberon Games, is based in Seattle and created the hit Dream Day Series, as well as the first casual games for bestselling author James Patterson and legendary mystery author Agatha Christie, including the Causal Connect 2008 Game of the Year, Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile. I-play's mobile division has delivered some of the biggest selling franchises in the mobile space, including the world's #1 best-selling racing franchise, The Fast and the Furious, based on the blockbuster movies. I-play's interactive television group, formerly PixelPlay, creates and distributes games featuring top brands including Centipede™. Missile Command®, Asteroids™, Monopoly®, Scrabble®, Boggle®, and Yahtzee™. I-play is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Seattle, San Mateo, London, and Dunfermline, Scotland.

For more information, visit I-play.

ON Semiconductor Launches Constant Output Power Audio Amplifier

NCP2830 Delivers Constant 1 Watt to Deliver Continuous High Quality Audio Output as Battery Depletes; with Integrated Charge Pump as Space-Saving Solution for Portable Devices

ON Semiconductor, a leading global supplier of high performance, energy efficient, silicon solutions, has introduced a new Class D Audio Amplifier with an integrated charge pump that provides a cost-effective and space-efficient speaker amplifier solution for applications such as cell phones, digital video recorders and portable speakers.

The NCP2830 is a 1 watt (W) constant power filterless device that delivers continuous, high quality audio output to an 8.0 ohm (Ω) Bridge Tied Load (BTL) with less than 1 percent total harmonic distortion - even if the input voltage varies. This results in longer equipment operating times as the user does not experience reduced audio volume or distortion as the battery depletes.

Housed in a 20-pin QFN package measuring just 3 mm x 3 mm x 0.5 mm, the NCP2830 occupies minimal board space and can also be used where component height is restricted. The integrated design reduces the need for external components and also helps simplify and speed the implementation of a reliable, complete audio amplifier solution.

The NCP2830 operates from a supply voltage of between 2.7 volts (V) and 5.5 V, has a fast start-up time of 200 micro seconds (µS) and a superior power supply ripple rejection ratio (PSRR) of -88 decibels (dB). Overall efficiency is up to 89 percent, and low noise performance is underlined by a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 100 dB. An optimized Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) output stage gives the NCP2830 filterless capability that further reduces the number of external components required.

“The growth and diversity of the market for portable wireless products such as cell phones and PDAs continues at an exciting pace. One challenge the designers are facing is to deliver powerful, yet clear audio output,” said Marie Capron, low voltage power management business unit director with ON Semiconductor. “The NCP2830 achieves the constant high power audio output with the smallest solution size and cost, thanks to the switched capacitor structure that makes the device unique in the market.”

The NCP2830 uses a halogen-free molding compound and is a RoHS compliant, Pb-Free device.

About ON Semiconductor

With its global logistics network and broad product portfolio, ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ONNN) is a preferred supplier of high performance, energy efficient, silicon solutions that enable designers to quickly and cost-effectively improve system efficiency for electronics in the computing, communications, consumer, automotive, industrial, medical and military/aerospace markets. The company’s portfolio includes power management, signal, logic, discrete and custom devices. The company operates a network of manufacturing facilities, sales offices, and design centers in key markets throughout North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific regions.

For more information, visit ON Semiconductor. 

JamBase Mobilizes Live Music Fans With Version 2 Of Its iPhone App

New JamBase iPhone and iPod touch Application Delivers Individualized Concert Information Direct to the Fan On the Go

JamBase (www.jambase.com), the largest database of live music listings and ticket information, announced today the availability of an upgrade to its free application (Version 2) for the iPhone™ and iPod® touch. Music fans can access the JamBase iPhone App and create their own personalized concert schedule for free from the App Store(SM) at: http://jambase.com/iphone/app.

“As a site built by fans, for fans, JamBase is tapped into this audience’s dynamic needs,” said Andy Gadiel, president and founder of JamBase. “With our latest iPhone App, we listened to what fans were requesting in order to deliver them the best mobile access to the world of live music.”

The JamBase application for iPhone and iPod touch gives today’s mobile live music fan instant access to the largest live show database, which uniquely combines member-contributed concert information along with data received from thousands of music industry partners such as booking agencies, venues and record labels. JamBase’s listings are up-to-date and highly accurate, featuring 60,000 artists across more than 50 genres, performing in 70,000 venues worldwide.

In developing Version 2 of the JamBase iPhone App, JamBase turned to the more than 1300 reviews of the initial application to gain insight into how they should evolve the application features. Now, with Version 2, individual users can personalize their mobile connection to “My JamBase” features. “My JamBase” is the FREE JamBase member experience which enables music fans to track favorite artists and add upcoming shows to calendars.

With Version 2 of the JamBase App for iPhone or iPod touch, live music fans can:

• Easily search and find artist and concert information: fans can explore the breadth of the JamBase database of show listings by artist, venue, location or radius to their location.
• Instantly track favorite artists: individuals can check out their favorite artists with direct links to artist pages which include complete tour itineraries and biographies. From here, they can select to track the artist with just one click in the application.
• Plan in advance: fans keep track of upcoming shows by synching with their “My JamBase” show calendar.
• Be spontaneous: fans leverage Show Finder and GPS targeting to include live music in their plans—anytime, anywhere.
• Purchase tickets on the go: buy tickets with direct link access from the JamBase App.
• Register for a “My JamBase” account: from the application, sign up for a “My JamBase” account to take full advantage of the Version 2 features.
• Still enjoy all the current features of the application including: access to the largest database of live show listings; organize by favorites; “Send to a Friend” share link; integrated maps with directions to venues; artist photos in main listings and data is saved to avoid server refresh.

“There’s really no price tag on seeing live music made right there in front of you,” said Gadiel. “At least that’s the sentiment of the JamBase community. We also know that there’s a tremendous amount of shows to see, and there are many that fly under the radar. You need the right data, at the right time, to make it to the show. The JamBase App for iPhone and iPod touch delivers to music fans the always-on connection, the organization, the data and the convenience to get them to the show.”

About JamBase

Established in 1998, JamBase is the premier website for fans of live music. By providing the largest database of show listings and ticket information, authoritative content, community, and personalization tools for fans, JamBase connects music fans with the music they love and empowers them to go see live music. Originally founded by fans for fans, JamBase quickly evolved to serve not only devoted music enthusiasts, but all lovers of live music, while providing a platform for musicians to be discovered. Today, more than a half million people participate in the JamBase community every month and rely on the website to find the most accurate show listings available for 60,000 artists across 50 genres, performing in 70,000 venues worldwide. Through its syndication partners—AOL, Billboard, Blip, Gracenote, imeem, iConcertCal, Rhapsody and others—JamBase expands the reach of its content to more than 50 million monthly unique visitors. JamBase is headquartered in San Francisco.

For more information, visit JamBase. 

Elgato EyeTV On Your iPhone – At Home And On The Road

Elgato has released the EyeTV app for iPhone and iPod touch, available starting today on the App Store. With the EyeTV app, EyeTV users can watch live TV and recordings on an iPhone and browse the detailed program guide. They can also use the iPhone to start recording TV shows back home on a Mac immediately, or to schedule them to record later. The EyeTV app connects to any Mac running the latest version of Elgato's award-winning TV software, EyeTV 3.2, and can automatically find a Mac on the local network using Bonjour. The EyeTV app can also find and access a remote Mac via "My EyeTV", a free locator utility introduced today as part of EyeTV 3.2.

The latest in streaming technology

EyeTV 3.2 and the EyeTV app use Apple’s new HTTP streaming technology that was introduced with iPhone OS 3.0. Unlike other proprietary streaming solutions, EyeTV relies on Apple's specifications for adaptive streaming using H.264 video and AAC audio codecs. EyeTV also uses the iPhone's hardware acceleration for playback, and delivers the best possible streaming quality with minimum battery use.

Connect via Bonjour

Thanks to Bonjour technology, the EyeTV app automatically finds any Mac on a local Wi-Fi network that is running EyeTV 3.2. Once connected, the iPhone can play live TV, change channels, watch EyeTV recordings, browse the Program Guide, and start or schedule recordings.

Watch TV anywhere

On the road, the EyeTV app offers the same functionality that is available over a local network (note: a Wi-Fi connection is required for live TV). Elgato makes it easy to access a Mac with EyeTV via a remote connection. A new utility in EyeTV 3.2 sets up any router that supports UPnP or NAT-PMP protocols automatically. This locator utility is part of a new free service called “My EyeTV”, and is similar to Apple's "Back to my Mac". Alternatively, users can manually configure their routers and/or use a dynamic DNS service.

System Requirements

The EyeTV app requires a Mac computer (live TV streaming requires an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or better), EyeTV 3.2 or higher and a compatible TV tuner connected. Wi-Fi connection required for live TV.

Availability

EyeTV is available from the iTunes Store at a price of US $4.99/ CA $4.99/ 3,99 €/ £2.99/ AU$5.99/ NZ$ 6.49. EyeTV 3.2 is available as a free update for EyeTV 3 users. Elgato EyeTV tuners are available at the Elgato Online Store (www.elgato.com), at Apple retail stores and from local Mac resellers.

For more information, visit Elgato EyeTV.

Hudson Entertainment’s DECA SPORTS 2 Ready For Action

Ten New Games and Online Play Added to Successful Sports Compilation Franchise

Game time! DECA SPORTS 2 brings the sports compilation franchise back with 10 new sports, online multiplayer and the same gameplay that helped the original DECA SPORTS ship over two million copies worldwide. Published by Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American publishing arm for HUDSON SOFT, DECA SPORTS 2 is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and available exclusively for Wii™ at an SRP of $29.99.

“DECA SPORTS 2 features one of the most diverse selections of sport games to date,” said Mike Pepe, Director of Marketing at Hudson Entertainment. “DECA SPORTS 2 is going to give ‘DECAthletes’ across the country the chance to test each other out with the awesome new online multiplayer mode.”

With the addition of Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection online multiplayer, DECA SPORTS 2 allows players to remotely do battle with other gamers across the country in tennis, ice hockey and dodge ball. The game also features diverse sports such as synchronized swimming, motorcycle road racing, speed skating, mogul skiing and darts, as well as lesser known, but no less exciting, international sports such as petanque and kendo. Gamers will also be able to design their own teams, customizing uniforms, athlete skills and even the looks of the athletes themselves. DECA SPORTS 2 will truly take the original game’s credo of “the Everybody Sports Game” to the next level.

About Hudson Entertainment, Inc.

Hudson Entertainment is the North and South American publishing arm of Hudson Soft, an international provider of games and entertainment content founded in 1973. Hudson Entertainment focuses on four key businesses: console retail games, digital download content, mobile games, and music. Hudson introduced best-selling videogame franchises including Bomberman, Bonk, Military Madness and DECA SPORTS. Hudson's mobile division is a leading supplier of games and personalized content. Through numerous partnerships with record labels, Hudson has become a leading provider of digital music and video content. For more information on Hudson Entertainment, please visit www.hudsonent.com.

For more information, visit DECA SPORTS 2. 

Rockstar Games Announces Beaterator Now Available In Stores & For Digital Download On PlayStation Network

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., is proud to announce that Rockstar Games and Timbaland present Beaterator is now available in North America for Sony’s PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system in stores and for digital download on the PlayStation®Network. Developed by Rockstar Leeds, Beaterator combines the power of music creation with unparalleled ease-of-use and accessibility for people of all ages and skill levels. Beaterator will be available at retail on UMD® and digitally from the PlayStation Network internationally on October 2, 2009.

"Beaterator is a new direction for interactive music,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “What makes Beaterator truly astounding is that literally anyone can be up and making music within minutes.”

“My partnership with Rockstar Games has resulted in something amazing,” said Grammy Award-winning producer, Timbaland. “Beaterator puts studio-quality production tools in your pocket, and makes them easy enough for anyone to use.”

Beaterator is a professional-level, portable studio that guides users through the process of constructing beats and songs with thousands of loops and sounds made by both Timbaland and Rockstar. Jam in Live Play mode with genre-specific templates, or jump into Song Crafter to compose original drum beats, melodies, and even record vocals. No matter the skill level, Beaterator puts the power to make studio-quality music at peoples’ fingertips in a format that's portable, accessible and fun.

Beaterator has received outstanding press across the board: USA Today called Beaterator “a powerful, portable music studio for your back pocket.” Wired says Beaterator “teaches children (and adults) the fundamentals of song-crafting by removing the sense of intimidation” around music creation. Top digital music site, CreateDigitalMusic claims Beaterator “could be a revelation.” MTV exclaimed that Beaterator is “one of the most interesting titles coming to the PSP this year.” Gaming site, Kotaku raves “Beaterator is digital music creation made easier.” GameSpy elaborated, stating “the difference between Beaterator and these rhythm/music games is that here you're creating music, not imitating it.”

Beaterator is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will also be available later this fall on the iPhone™ and iPod® touch. For more information, log onto www.rockstargames.com/beaterator.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation®3 (PS3™) and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. Take-Two also distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. 

For more information, visit Take 2 Interactive.