Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Microsoft: Dropping HDMI cable gives Xbox 360 consumers 'flexibility']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/microsoft-dropping-hdmi-cable-gives-xbox-360-consumers-flexibi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/microsoft-dropping-hdmi-cable-gives-xbox-360-consumers-flexibi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/microsoft-dropping-hdmi-cable-gives-xbox-360-consumers-flexibi/#comments Microsoft's VP of Interactive Entertainment Business in Europe, Chris Lewis, tells GI.biz that the removal of the HDMI cable from the Elite packaging was to enable more "flexibility to consumers who can then decide which type of cable they want for their specific gaming and TV screen set-up." Pardon us, but that's like saying Sub-Zero ripping out your spine gives your body more "flexibility." Of course, the drawback is that you're dead.

Adding insult to injury, the new Elite bundle isn't just shipping sans HDMI cable, it has no HD cables at all; meaning that consumers now have even more flexibility to purchase better cables. While any old HDMI cable will do (they're cheap too!), the Xbox 360 component cable is proprietary and priced at $40 (as is the VGA cable). Want optical audio with your HDMI? That adapter's proprietary, too -- and $50. In fairness, PS3s don't ship with HD cables either (they do have an optical audio port, though), and that's always been a joke -- a joke that Microsoft is now in on.

Gallery: Xbox 360 Elite / Arcade Bundles (August 2009)

JoystiqMicrosoft: Dropping HDMI cable gives Xbox 360 consumers 'flexibility' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscableshdhdmihdtvmicrosoftXbox-360xbox-360-eliteThu, 27 Aug 2009 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Sale: First-party component cables]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/fire-sale-first-party-component-cables/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/fire-sale-first-party-component-cables/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/fire-sale-first-party-component-cables/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Oh my God! We're having a fire! ... sale. Oh, the burning!"

It's been only a month since Amazon last hosted its half-off sale on Nintendo's component cables, but the online shop is already at it again with an even deeper discount for today's one-day deal. The first-party cables are listed at $12.99, the lowest we've ever seen them sold for! Of course, Amazon will ship its goods to you at no extra cost if your order totals over $25.

Though this doesn't technically qualify as a "fire sale," we couldn't stay our hand at the chance to make an Arrested Development reference. Stop, drop, and roll past the post break for a video of Tobias Funke auditioning for a fire sale commercial.

Continue reading Fire Sale: First-party component cables

JoystiqFire Sale: First-party component cables originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonarrested developmentArrestedDevelopmentbargainbargainscablescomponentcomponent cablesComponentCablesdavid crossDavidCrossdealdealsdiscountdiscountsnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisalesalestobiastobias funkeTobiasFunkewiiThu, 28 Jun 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Third-party HDMI cable coming for non-Elite Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/third-party-hdmi-cable-coming-for-non-elite-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/third-party-hdmi-cable-coming-for-non-elite-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/third-party-hdmi-cable-coming-for-non-elite-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mod company XCM has reportedly created an HDMI cable for the regular, non-Elite white Xbox 360. According to the product page, the cable will allow you to output in 1080p. XCM told maxconsole that the product will be finished in about four weeks.

No details have been revealed as to how it will work, and if any modifications to the hardware will be necessary -- the above image is listed as conceptual, totally baffling our concept of reality. Our friends at Engadget reported when the Xbox 360 Elite came out that the visual upgrade is nigh discernible when using the HDMI cable, but we're betting someone will like the idea of using only one plug head as opposed to the five (three for video and two for audio) for component cables.

JoystiqThird-party HDMI cable coming for non-Elite Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablescomponentcompositehdmimodXbox-360xcmMon, 25 Jun 2007 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Half-off sale on Nintendo's component cables]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/half-off-sale-on-nintendos-component-cables/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/half-off-sale-on-nintendos-component-cables/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/half-off-sale-on-nintendos-component-cables/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sure, you could probably find Wii component cables for less than a tenner, but we know there are a lot of you out there who refuse to chance your gaming setup with third-party accessories from Hong Kong. If you've been holding out for a bargain on Nintendo's official product, now is the time to sneak your mom/wife's credit card out of her purse!

Amazon has the first-party cables on sale for $15.00, half their regular cost. Tack on another item, and you might also be eligible for the online shop's Free Super Saver Shipping (orders over $25). Act now! This deal ends today!

[Via CAG]

JoystiqHalf-off sale on Nintendo's component cables originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecablescomponentcomponent cablesComponentCablesfirst partyFirstPartyfirstypartynintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiofficialwiiwii component cablesWiiComponentCablesSat, 26 May 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster's Wii cables selling at horrifying prices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/monsters-wii-cables-selling-at-horrifying-prices/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/monsters-wii-cables-selling-at-horrifying-prices/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/monsters-wii-cables-selling-at-horrifying-prices/#commentsFiled under:

We had heard about Monster Cable's plans to sell Wii component cables several weeks ago, but we held off on announcing the product until its inevitable boutique pricing was revealed. Amazon now has the item available for sale, listing the 10' cables at $59.99. That's double what Nintendo charges for its official component cable and six times the cost of other third-party solutions.

Now that component cables for the Wii are in good supply, are prices like that justifiable? We understand that Monster is aiming for the high-end market, but how different can its product be from what others are selling for much cheaper? Does the quality actually match the pricing?

JoystiqMonster's Wii cables selling at horrifying prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncablecablescomponentcomponentcablecomponentcablesmonstermonstercablesnintendonintendowiiwiiThu, 19 Apr 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 3rd party cables void the PS3 warranty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/rumor-3rd-party-cables-void-the-ps3-warranty/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/rumor-3rd-party-cables-void-the-ps3-warranty/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/18/rumor-3rd-party-cables-void-the-ps3-warranty/#commentsFiled under: ,


A rumor has been circulating that using 3rd party component cables will void the warranty of your PlayStation 3. The origins of this rumor stem from AVS forum poster ragedogg69 who tells this tale but fails to mention what exactly was wrong with his console.

Our phone call to Sony tech support left us with ambivalent answers. Our representative explained that if a third-party cable caused our PS3 to short-circuit then, quite obviously, Sony would see that as the fault of said third-party and not their problem. However, if the problem was seemingly unrelated, such as a failure of the Blu-ray drive, the operator's response became less clear.

The Consumerist dug into the PlayStation 3's warranty and found a clause that rather unclearly states that you assume the liability and risk of using non-Sony products with the console.

We contacted Sony and received the following official statement:

At SCEA, we have the same warranty for PS3 as we have for the other PlayStation platforms. Our Customer Service department will trouble shoot fully to see what the set-up environment is and what may be causing the issues. We are determining more info about this specific instance. In typical situations, video cables would not void the warranty, but each situation is unique.

In other words, buyer beware. Through Froogle we found some first-party PS2 component cables, which are compatible with the PS3, for sub-$20. For that price, you're better off being safe than sorry.

[Via Netjak; thanks to the very many people who sent this in!]

JoystiqRumor: 3rd party cables void the PS3 warranty originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecablescomponenthard wareHardWarePS3rumorrumorsThu, 18 Jan 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii component connection on the cheap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/wii-component-connection-on-the-cheap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/wii-component-connection-on-the-cheap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/wii-component-connection-on-the-cheap/#commentsFiled under:


For those of you who find adventure to be the spice of life, we've got one worth $6.71 USD. See, these Hong Kong cables, available for pre-order from superufo.com (they release on the 30th), look the part and are available at an insane price. Still, we've always been told if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Applying that lesson, we cannot bring ourselves to order them. Any of you willing to take the plunge or have you already made your own? Maybe third party products aren't your thing and you're going to wait out Nintendo's stock?

[Via Joystiq; thanks to all that sent this in!]

JoystiqWii component connection on the cheap originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd3rdpartycablescomponentnintendonintendowiipartythirdthird-partywiiMon, 27 Nov 2006 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Third-party Wii component cables for under $7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/third-party-wii-component-cables-for-under-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/third-party-wii-component-cables-for-under-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/third-party-wii-component-cables-for-under-7/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's really sort of bizarre when you think about it. The saga of the Wii component cables has been a long and storied one: first, they were rumored to be online-only; then Perrin Kaplan confirmed they'd be hitting retail; then they showed up online and were promised in stores by December 5th; they sold out within a day and retail dates were pushed back; finally, frustrated with the lack of an official solution, resourceful gamers made their own. The saga may come to an early end with the release of Blaze's $6.71 third-party component cables, shipping from Hong Kong on the 30th (we know, more waiting!) from online retailer Superufo.com. Until we can easily pick up a pair of Wii component cables, either online or at brick-and-mortar joints, this saga is still playing out.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqThird-party Wii component cables for under $7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blazecablescomponentcomponent cablesComponentCablesHigh-defWiiMon, 27 Nov 2006 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Use the right cables for your TV [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/psa-use-the-right-cables-for-your-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/psa-use-the-right-cables-for-your-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/psa-use-the-right-cables-for-your-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As Wired and IGN have discovered, the Wii looks significantly better using component cables with an HDTV versus its bundled composite connection. 480p is a big step up from 480i. Gamers haven't had the same problem with the Xbox 360 or PS3 because it ships with cables that support high-definition signals, but the basic issue is the same.

HDTVs look great with HD sources, but when playing analog signals, they look even worse than the analog TVs they replace. That's one of the dirty secrets of the HD upgrade; 480i games and broadcasts look weak. If gaming on a TV with component inputs, those cables are a must; they even make Xbox, PS2, and GameCube titles clearer. (And for fully HD consoles, cables that carry digital signals -- like HDMI -- are best.)

Wii buyers with 480p-or-better TVs, be sure to budget those cables into your console purchase.

[Update 1: PS3 users with HDTVs, you're going to have the same issue. Somehow we forgot that the component or HDMI cables cost extra. Thanks to all the readers who pointed our the error.]

Read: Hil's Blargh! - Composite Cables - The Wii Killer
Read: Wii Component Cables!

[Via Digg]

JoystiqPSA: Use the right cables for your TV [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablescomponentDVIGameCubeHDMIHDTVlaunch06PS2PS3WiiXboxXbox-360Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii and the 480p connection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/wii-and-the-480p-connection/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/wii-and-the-480p-connection/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/wii-and-the-480p-connection/#commentsFiled under:

Confirming that 480p would be a go for launch, Nintendo stated that certain games would support component cables for progressive scan output. What we hadn't heard, however, was whether or not gamers with component cables for their GameCube would be able to utilize them with their Wii. Well, we finally got the answer, although it was not the exact answer we had been searching, and hoping, for.

Component cables will have to be purchased for the console, which are only available for purchase online, and those with GC component cables will not be able to plug them into their Wii for use. Sad news for all the hopeful, we know. Online retail outlets where the cables may be purchased, for a sum of $29.99 US, are Best Buy, Circuit City, EB Games, and Nintendo's own online store.

[Thanks WiiBoy2000 and Hiro!]

JoystiqWii and the 480p connection originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablesgamecubenintendonintendogamecubenintendowiiwiiFri, 20 Oct 2006 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii-cessory photos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/wii-cessory-photos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/wii-cessory-photos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/wii-cessory-photos/#commentsFiled under:



As plays on the name go, "Wii-cessory" is probably not going to catch on, but y'know ... we're okay with that. It's so hard to come up with new witticisms when we're gazing upon the smooth, silky cables, so dark and lustrous. We can imagine how they'll slide through our fingers as we lovingly unwind them from their cruel and twisty knot of torture. The flat expanse of the sensor bar, just waiting, waiting for its place of honor atop our televisions. Ah, the pristine white shimmer of the nunchuk, so fresh and unspoiled by our grubby jam-hands. Oh, Wii. Why must we wait so long to be with you?

[Thanks to creamsugar for the tip. The original site seems to be experiencing intermittent downtime, so we're linking to Go Nintendo's pictures. Look out for some severe watermarking, however.]

JoystiqWii-cessory photos originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cableshardwarephotospower supplyPowerSupplysensor barSensorBarWiiFri, 06 Oct 2006 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/cheaper-ps3-loses-hdmi-slots-wi-fi-40gb/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/cheaper-ps3-loses-hdmi-slots-wi-fi-40gb/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/cheaper-ps3-loses-hdmi-slots-wi-fi-40gb/#commentsFiled under:

PS3 SKU comparison montage
As you can see above, there are a few things different between the two PS3 SKUs planned. (Hint: the obvious alterations concern high-def output and wireless connectivity -- though Bluetooth controllers should work just fine with both, with or without any chrome case highlighting.)

So what's HDMI, built-in multimedia card-reader slots, wireless internet connectivity, and an extra 40 gigabytes' hard disk space worth to you? $100? Now that Sony's gone with the 2-SKU approach with its next-gen hardware (a la the Xbox 360's premium and "Core" systems), we can expect some tough consumer choices after six months -- with console shortages possibly for another six months after that -- as $100 separates the base $499 and premium $599 versions of Sony's "Clear Black" hope.

HDMI is important to those who want to take full advantage of Blu-ray high def and have the new screens to use it; MemoryStick, SD, and CompactFlash slots would be nice for the PS3 memory-card users and those will run multimedia on the system; Wi-Fi's the only way to avoid stringing ethernet cables for online access; and 360 owners might appreciate the full 60GB available to potential buyers of the premium PS3 model. Neither model comes with a second HDMI port; thankfully, one should hopefully be all most users need. The details are laid out in a feature-comparison table at the end of Sony's official PS3 hardware press release, available in both Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word formats. Determine what's most important to your PS3 ambitions there.

[Image pieced together from the PlayStation.com forums; thanks, Guru]

JoystiqCheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 May 2006 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$100$499$500$599$6002-SKU20GB36040 GB40Gb6 months60GB6MonthsaccessAdobe ReaderAdobeReaderalterationsambitionambitionsbaseBlu-rayBluetoothbuilt-inbuyerbuyerscablecablescard readercard-readerCardReadercaseCFcheapcheaperchoicechoiceschromeClear BlackClearBlackCompact FlashCompactFlashcomparisoncomparisonsconnectivityconsolecontrollercontrollersCorecustomerdifferentethernetexpensivefeaturefeature-comparisonfeaturesformatformatsforumforumshard diskhard driveHardDiskHardDrivehardwareHDHDMIhigh-defhighlighthighlightinghighlightsimage montageImageMontageimportantinternetmemory cardMemory Stickmemory-cardMemoryCardMemoryStickMicrosoft WordMicrosoftWordmodelmodelsmontagemore expensiveMoreExpensivemultimedianext-genofficialomissionsonlineoutputpotentialpremiumpress releasePressReleasePS3ReaderscreenscreensSDSecure DigitalSecureDigitalshortageshortagessix monthsSixMonthsSKUSKUsslotslotsSonySony'sspacesystemsystemsuserusersWi-FiWiFiwirelessWordXboxXbox 360Xbox360Tue, 09 May 2006 03:32:00 EST<![CDATA[XCM360 5 output cable has five outputs!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/xcm360-5-output-cable-has-five-outputs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/xcm360-5-output-cable-has-five-outputs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/xcm360-5-output-cable-has-five-outputs/#commentsFiled under:


Constantly moving your 360 from screen to screen? VGA connection in the office, component downstairs, S-video at Grandma's place, regular old composite in the laundry room?

No, you don't? Neither do we...but apparently somebody does, 'cause Team Xtender's new XCM360 5 Output Cable provides five separate output methods for your 360 all in one cable! There's no price or release date info yet, but considering how overpriced mind-numbingly marked-up first-party console cables are, it wouldn't surprise us if this ended up being competitively priced.

Team Xtender is also offering the XCM Multi-Console Component Cable, a cable with component connections on one end and PS2, Xbox, and Xbox 360 connections on the other. This I can wrap my brain around.

For some reason Team Xtender's site doesn't support permalinks to entries, so you'll have to scroll down to the post to read it.

[Via Xbox360.qj.net]

Continue reading XCM360 5 output cable has five outputs!

JoystiqXCM360 5 output cable has five outputs! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Apr 2006 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCablesTeam XtenderTeamXtenderMon, 24 Apr 2006 15:45:00 EST