Uxi

Huh? Yammie VF-1's 1/60 and 1/48 alike came with the AMM-1 and UMM-7. You had to get the FAST Packs to get the RMS-1's... because, like you noted, they just look funky without the armor. What other missile types are you talking about?

Yeah, the Display button tells you audio codec (Dolby Digital, DTS, etc), the audio bitrate (1.5Mbps, etc), the Video codec (MPEG2, VC1, AVC, etc) and the Video bitrate (22Mbps). Video birate fluctuates fairly rapidly. The problem with the combo disks (there are DVD9/HD-DVD15 discs) is that 1) they're more expensive (typically 2-5$ per) and two, noone is really using the DVD side. DVD owners don't want to pay on average of $10 more and HD-DVD owners complain about it being an unnecessary additional expense. I had every intention of sitting out the format war for at least 2007. Then CC had that $50 off coupon and $150 bucks was just too attractive to pass up since I already had the 360. I knew it was just a matter of time of getting a PS3 and thus I have Blu-ray. The PS3 is such a good player, though, I probably won't need a standalone BD player if ever. I want a silver PS3, so if they release one, I could see getting another one and either selling the black one I have now or maybe putting it on bedroom duty (for the 1080i 34" HDTV)...

There are multiple considerations, most obviously (and prominently), High Definition. I would rather watch something more mediocre in High Def than something "good" in standard def. But getting a 60" 1080p set will do that to you. Even good SD DVD releases are obviously standard def, even when upconverted. The "pop" you get from a good HD signal makes it more than worth the trivial expenses involved for equipment I have already (being a gamer, I already had a 360 and knew the PS3 was just a matter of time). High Def is a requirement for me and while some DVD releases are good (hello Superbit, Criterion Collection, etc), they're just not good enough to wow me like I am every time I watch a quality HD release, from V for Vendetta and King Kong on HDDVD to Kingdom of Heaven & Black Hawk Down on Blu-ray. I'm not a format partisan. I have both the HD-DVD add-on for the 360 and the PS3 and have about the same number of titles for each. The PS3's Blu-ray playback is EXCELLENT. It is the fastest loading HD-player of either format and has great utility and geek factor (bitrate meter and codec display in addition to the usual chapter/time/etc info you get when you hit the 'display' button on the remote), in addition to giving you the meat & potatoes of Hi Def. VHS had yet to run out of it's lifespan when DVD premiered but it happened. I like accessing my disc menus and chapter searches and being able to skim the special features and reconfigure the audio and subtitles on the fly while the main title plays. You just cannot do that on normal DVD, which has throughput issues as well as capacity issues that are a severe hindrance to anyone desiring High Definition. The secondary consideration is copy protection. As regretable as we all might think DRM is, it is an unfortunate fact of life right now. CSS was cracked from the get go and all of the major studios are hoping AACS proves more robust (and it's recertification process should . Despite AACS, some studios wanted even more (Fox & Disney primarily) and thus we have BD+ for the Blu-ray side of it. While your 'Beta-ray' quip was amusing (if ignorant), even if Sony folded up today, Matsushita, and Pioneer and Philips and the rest would not. Nearly all of the major players in the DVD Forum except Toshiba joined the Blu-ray Disc Association for their own varied reasons. 20th Century Fox and Sony's studios are as firm as NBC Universal and are not going to be switching formats. The content change is coming whether you want it to, or not. You can adapt or you can stay behind. Just don't expect to find new DVD releases at retail this side of 2010. Ultimately, most of the content providers would like digital distribution, but it's just not feasable for Hi Def in the short term (say the next two decades at the very least).

There IS a remote control. I picked up the bluetooth BD remote this last Friday from Gamestop ($25 bucks).

20th Century Fox is exclusive Blu-ray in fact.

Unlocked all of the time trials and I'm not working on the drifting. Might take a break in a bit for some dinner, though. last pic for now:

one more:

and another:

This game is pretty damned fun. I haven't had a GT4 fix except to test it real quick on the PS3. Here's some quick shots:

I have 3 rules: 1) I never trust sailors unless they're a Corpsman and even then I'm suspicious 2) I don't camp out 3) I don't buy sight unseen I mangled my sentence though. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. In this case, Target at opening (I was there to pick up some stuff for my baby and they were restocking their PS3's). My setup is just about complete. Just need to get an HDMI switching Denon to replace my Sony AVR and I'll be set. I'm probably going to wait until next year if/when there should be some HDMI 1.3 Dolby TrueHD/DTS-MA HD decoding receivers, hopefully. I was dead set on a 4306 but now I'm thinking there will either be a CI upgrade or new 4308 model coming up. Silver, of course. I'll see about snapping up some pics, though.

Yup.

It's actually available TODAY from the US PSN. I'm just over half done with my download. PLAYSTATION®Store Offers Gran Turismo HD Concept Free for PLAYSTATION®3 Owners This Holiday Season World's Most Popular Driving Videogame Franchise Available in Full HD* FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today the December 24 North American release of Gran TurismoHD Concept, available for free download, exclusively on the PLAYSTATION®Store (PS Store) for the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) computer entertainment system. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., this driving game features an all-new course for players to be the first to drive a Ferrari on a PS3, as well as have the option to select a car from nine other worldwide manufacturers that include Infiniti, Lotus, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Suzuki. Available only for a limited time, Gran Turismo HD Concept takes full advantage of the PS3 PLAYSTATION 3 hardware performance by providing full HD 1080p* resolution and next-generation car physics ushering in a new era of racing for the gaming industry. "Gran Turismo HD Concept provides PS3 and automotive fans a glimpse into the future of Gran Turismo," states Kazunori Yamauchi, famed creator of the Gran Turismo franchise. "With the power of the PS3 technology, the world of Gran Turismo is refined by its full HD visual presentation and unique interactive experience, resulting in an even more realistic and true driving simulator." Upon downloading Gran Turismo HD Concept, PS3 users have access to the Eiger Nordwand course and can compete in Time Trial races to collect and unlock new cars. Upon unlocking the initial 10 cars, the player has access to 10 more "Tuned Cars," as well as access to a new driving mode called "Drift Trial." In the "Drift Trial" mode, the player can master the art of drifting and achieve ultimate control of their car. Furthermore, when connected to the PLAYSTATION®Network (PS Network), the player can upload their times and view the Top 10 rankings for each car and mode, as well as play and save replays online. Featured Automobiles in Gran Turismo HD Concept (Year, Manufacturer, Model) In order of appearance in game (available in stock and "tuned" versions): -- 1995 Suzuki Cappucino -- 1989 Mazda Eunos Roadster -- 2004 Honda Integra TYPE R -- 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR -- 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe -- 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR -- 2005 Lotus Elise 111R -- 1994 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R Vspec II -- 1995 Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Rally Car -- 2006 Ferrari 599 Additional Information About The Game Modes in Gran Turismo HD Concept In "Time Trial" mode, the player selects a car and must complete the Eiger Nordwand course within the target time indicated at the top of the screen. Each time the player beats the target time, a new car is unlocked and made available for selection. As stated, upon unlocking all of the cars, the player can access tuned cars, along with the option to race Eiger Nordwand in the opposite direction. In "Drift Trial" mode, the player's drifting technique is tested, rather than their lap time. The player earns drift points based on their drift angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various turns on the course. For each evaluation zone, the results are based on the number of flags and a numerical figure. The point total from all zones determines the player's drift points for the lap and is counted toward the rankings. The following settings are available during gameplay: 1) Transmission -- the player can select either Manual or Automatic. 2) Stability Management (SM) -- the player can turn this ON or OFF during gameplay. ASM is designed to prevent vehicle skidding by controlling each of the four wheel brakes independently. 3) Traction Control (TC) Level -- the player can set the TCS level, which senses drive-wheel slip and prevents wheel spin. 4) Tires -- the player can select front and rear tires from nine types of brands. About Gran Turismo With more than 45 million units sold worldwide, the award-winning Gran Turismo franchise for the PlayStation® platforms serves as the racing game of choice amongst the automotive and gaming audience due to its true-to-life graphics, physics and real-life cars and tracks. Since the inception of the Gran Turismo franchise, famed creator - Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony Digital Inc. in Japan have revolutionized the racing category as we know it today. His offerings provide the gamer with the most true-to-life driving simulation within the industry and a unique medium for automobile manufacturers to showcase their products. In Motor Trend Magazine's February 2005 and 2006 issue, Yamauchi was selected as #17/50 most powerful people in the automotive industry. For more information, please visit http://www.gran-turismo.com . The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated all Gran Turismo properties "E" for Everyone. For more information about the ESRB, please visit http://www.esrb.org. Please note that all press materials can be obtained online at: http://presscenter.playstation.com username - SCEA password - SC3APR About The PLAYSTATION Store Utilizing the PS Network on PS3, the PS Store is an integrated and streamlined online storefront that allows all PS3 users to browse and download available entertainment content, including free** high-definition game videos and playable demos. On an ongoing basis, users will also be able to purchase full games exclusive to the PS3, as well as classic PlayStation (PS one®) software titles that are playable via the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) computer entertainment system. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. NOTE: "PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", "PSP" and "PS one" are registered trademarks and PS3 is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Use of "Gran Turismo HD Concept" (the "Software") is subject to the PLAYSTATION®Network Terms of Service/User Agreement. If you do not wish to accept all these terms, do not use this item. The Software download service is offered on a limited time basis. An advance notice of service termination is given on PlayStation® Store. The ranking service for the Software may be discontinued or suspended as necessary. © Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All manufacturers, cars, names, brands and associated imagery featured in this game are trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Any depiction or recreation of real world locations, entities, businesses, or organizations is not intended to be or imply any sponsorship or endorsement of this game by such party or parties. Gran Turismo is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. *Full HD 1080p requires an HDMI cable and a 1080p native display with an HDMI input supporting HDCP. This game supports displays ranging from standard definition to 1080p displays. **User responsible for all applicable internet fees. Some services or features may require additional fees. SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

I finally got my 60GB this last Monday. Right place at the right at Target, when they were restocking in the morning. Blu-ray player works great. Easily as good as my 360 HD-DVD add-on, if not better. VERY responsive and fast... no more than 10 seconds to start a movie from inserted disc in standby mode to play. Remote commands are very fast. Bitrate meter and visible audio/video codecs are great for the geek factor on the Display. I picked up 2 games (Resistance and NBA07) and 2 Blu-ray movies (Stealth - sucky movie but great visuals and X-men 3, which joined Kingdom of Heaven and Black Hawk Down which I already owned in anticipation). I've since followed with Monster House, as well. Joining my 7 HD-DVD's for the 360 add-on, I'm finally making some headway against my self-imposed moritorium against DVD purchases for the last 6 months. 40 person CTF games on Resistance easily match anything I've experienced on my XBL trial and it's free! Already downloaded the Motorstorm, Genji, and Forumla One demo's. Motorstorm looks great. I'm thinking of setting up a Jap or HK account so I can d/l the Gran Turismo HD demo on Xmas Eve.... All this on my 60" SXRD connected via HDMI and optical to my AVR (i don't have an HDMI switching AVR yet). PQ and AQ ncredible!

I want a sky blue VF-22S then a Max. Then a Milia. Then a YF-21.

WTF??? I've come close twice (both at Target, where I saw the PS3's in person but i was still 2 or 3 people behind in getting them). Could I perhaps talk into helping a fellow MW'er out and and get it and i'll hit you up for it. Maybe even a bit of a finder's fee? I could care less about a Wii, OTOH. I passed up two chances for it so far (once last Saturday I was at Best Buy at opening and they had a gazillion of them. You had to line up but there was still a sizeable stack afterwards. I thought about playing ebay, but that's just not my style. Leave it to someone who wants it and/or wants to go through the trouble of selling it). My 60" SXRD screams for Blu-ray, though!!! I'm already enjoying HD-DVD from my 360 but I need something to play the Kingdom of Heaven and Black Hawk Down Blu-ray discs I bought... I've come up empty from Worst Buy, Jerk It City, EB/Gameslop, you name it. I go in and ask for a PS3 and I get laughed at and told March or early next year. If you're down, I want a 60GB....

Blu-ray and PS3 games will work since US and Japan are in the same region, but they are enforcing DVD/PS2/PSX region coding so no US releases will currently work for those 3.

Do you really doubt they'll achieve 500,000 sold? All it takes is enough PS3 hardware getting out there and it's practically a license to print money.

Picked up an HD-DVD add on today. Watched MI3. Looked great on my SXRD! I'll have time for King Kong (included with the set) tomorrow. Pro: PQ outstanding. Much faster loading than the rather clunky Toshiba HD-A1/XA1 and without any of it's quirks (no resume play, etc). Great surround sound from through my 1000W surround. Unfortunately, my analog inputs remain empty and I still don't have an HDMI equipped AVR (probably in the next year). Included King Kong and backlit remote (the cheaper standard 360 one, not the better Logitech) are nice freebies. Con: 360 is still noisy as hell, and is especially noticible during the more quiet dialog scenes. Add-on is ergonomically awkward. Hopefully MS will do a new SKU with integrated HD-DVD drive (if not an HDMI port, but IIRC that will require a new video board as the Xenos currently being used is analog only, which means no HDCP). On a related note, I just was at a demo the last weekend where a local guy with an AWESOME home theater (Qualia 006 1080p front projector, 133" inch screen, Pioneer Elite and 7.1 sound system. 30' long dedicated theater room with perfect acoustics and the whole thing just ISF calibrated. And the decorations: Many posters and LOTR swords and on the wall, as well as Masterpiece Replicas lightsaber hilts (Anakin Ep3 and Mace Windu). Anyhoo, he invited a bunch of us from AVS Forums for a Blu-ray/HD-DVD face-off. The results: Basically a wash. There was no quantifiable difference in PQ or AQ for most of the features (Mission Impossible 3, Aeon Flux dead even with Corpse Bride getting a slight node on superior color saturation). Upconversion (SD Gladiator) was a wash, as well, though the Panasonic BD player was more friendly in it's responsiveness than the Toshiba HD-DVD (and it should be since it's over twice the price!)...

No, you should sell it to me for MSRP.

THAT would be a reson for me to consider the Wii. As is, I'm not finding very many...

I would like to have the option for all of these deleted scenes to be displayed in the movie ala T2 Ultimate/Extreme seemless branching. It would require a new score to be done, though but I'm sure as part of an Ultimate 6-Disc set it could be well worth it (think of being able to 'build your own cut' version taking out chapters, etc - switch Greedo shooting first, last, or at the same time as Han, Hayden-Ghost or Sebastian-Shaw-Ghost, "Bring my shuttle!" or "Alert my Star Destroyer...", etc etc. All the raped childhoods could find a measure of therapy and the rest of us could get to enjoy some goodies mixed back in. The whole nascent Rebellion subplot for Ep 3 would be nice. I would particularly like to see the original Ep3 Sidious/Jedi duel (Anakin decides to join Sidious in his office and never goes back and spills the beans to Mace and is watching the whole duel, though he doesn't take action until Mace is ready to kill Sidious just as with the release version). We know it was shot and then Lucas changed his mind post production and had some pickups done to "fix" it. Finish some special effects, go through a wizard and there you go. This would probably be something that would require iHD(i) on HD-DVD and/or BD-Java for Blu-ray rather than something possible with "ordinary DVD."

Also I read somewhere (maybe here, maybe another forum), and I agree: all limited high-demand launches should be done by raffle/lottery and not camping. Every one gets an equal chance, etc. The ebaying madness there's just no solution for, by virtue of it's nature (being high demand and brand new/rare). That's what the staged higher intro price would be for.

It definitely makes me think Sony should have charged $999 and $899 for it for the first month. Then after December, they could charge $799 and $699. Then the next month $599 and $499 and stay there for a period of time. No point in losing money on at least the launch consoles. In Japan too, the price cut wasn't necessary. They ALL sold out the first day, so they could obviously charge more. They just don't need to stay at inflated prices.

Well the one saving grace scenario here is that many PS2 owners already have the component cables from the Multi-AV out. I was planning on using that for my bedroom 34" 16:9 CRT HDTV and I have an extra HDMI cable anyways, though.

The PS3 Manual: http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en...rent/index.html