PS3 Netflix 1080p Streamin (No Disc)

PS3 Netflix Disc Arrives!

I got the PS3 Streaming Disc from Netflix last night. It's pretty cool. There is no login required, upon inserting the disc, the screen will flash a code where you have to go to Netflix.com/PS3 to register the code. Once completed, Netflix will let you stream 100 movies per category (ie. New Arrival, Action, Comedy, Thriller, Sci/Fi, Children, etc...). I can't find any search function thus limiting the viewing only to the 100 movies per category they selected. One way to work around is to setup a instant viewing queue from your PC and use that category to view the movies you want. The general playback, fast forward, rewind and user ratings are all available in this format. I'm very pleased with this service, kudos to Netflix in a big way!

The really good news is that there are lots of action flicks by Steven Seagal and Dolph Lundgren; sweet 90s style action that went straight to video is streaming into my PS3!

Video Game Bug - PSP-3000

The world of gadgetry can be quite confusing as new devices are constantly crossing over to a new territory. For instance, the iPod Touch has been shifted from a PMP into a gaming device. Another example is the home gaming consoles such as the Wii and PS3. Both offer WiFi and amazing gaming ability. My PS3 even goes as far as reaching the media-center status with BluRay, MUSIC, PHOTO and VIDEO support, basically far too many features for me to actually absorb, with a new firmware update 2.50 just released, internet browsing would even be better with Flash 9 supported with the system browser. As is, I would say I have barely tapped into either system's full potential (online store, networking, etc...)

Same goes for mobile devices. Short while ago, my attention was hardcore focused on the convergence of smartphones, I bounced between WinMo devices, Nokia N95-3 and Apple iPhones because they are all packed with a whole lot of features (internet, wifi, gps, multimedia and even gaming - iPod touch). Today, Sony brought out their third revision of the PSP called PSP-3000. In this version, Sony even built in a microphone to further enhance its capabilities as a communication device (ie. Skype calls, etc.). Being a hardcore portable gamig device, internet browser, video player (both UMD and on Memory stick) and supposedly amazing improvements over its new LCD calibration, I am being very tempted to pick one up to complete off my PS3-PSP collection. I've always been on the Nintendo camp with my GBA and GBA DS Lite, with GBA DSi on the horizon, I better give this some good thoughts and decide what I would prefer the most. It will be hard choices indeed.

A "HDMI" Cable is A "HDMI" Cable

For a gadget freak and electronics fiend, I am relatively behind in the world of video gaming. My last purchase was a Wii which was acquired back in December 07, prior to that, was a Game Cube sometimes in 2003. The machine I had prior is a SNES back in 1995.

Because of my recent acquisition of a 1080P LCD television, I decided to get a PS3 for its gaming as well as Blu-Ray capabilities. With the recent price drop ($399) and larger hard drive (80GB), I thought it was finally a good time to jump in. Too bad Sony took away the PS2 backwards compatibility...

The biggest complaint I have with the PS3 is Sony not including either Component or HDMI cable. For a device capable of HD 1080P output, not including a HDMI cable is just bad taste. While at GameStop, I noticed my option for a HDMI cable is packaged with some other cords like USB or Optical Audio, which would cost atleast $70. I finally found a Monster Cable HDMI on clearance for $49 at Toy's R Us (MSRP $99, Amazon has it for $82). Figuring the PS3 must have a proprietary connector on the back, I didn't hesitate paying for this Monster Cable labeled "for Playstation3".

When I got home to install the newly purchased cable, I noticed both ends of the cable looked the same. A little more research online revealed that PS3 accepts any standard HDMI cable; therefore, I could have just purchased some generic HDMI cable ranging from $10-$25. Further more, this article verifies that there is no difference in quality between a cheap vs. expensive HDMI cable, since the signal is digital, the cable construction itself doesn't make any difference especially in short distance where shielding is of concern.

For years, I have avoided expensive cables (I used standard AV to subsitute for Component, and gotten free Optical cables from a audio friend of mine). I would not have bought this cable if I didn't assume that PS3 had a proprietary jack design. Next time, I'll know, this Belkin HDMI looks pretty good at $12.

[For a complete timeline and revision information on everything you ever need to know about HDMI, take a look at this site.]

Playstation 3 Update

I saw a line formed in front of a Best Buy store on 23rd street and 6th ave. The security guard said people have been camping out since Sunday (12th) for the PS3 release.

Holiday Wish List: Mobile Devices

Holiday season is around the corner and I have come up with a wish list of mobile devices and gadgets. I am hoping at least someone in my pool of friends and family will be reading this list and pay close attention.

Laptop: Sony TXN-007 (James Bond 007 TX Spy Gear Bundle)
Runner-Up: Apple Macbook 2.0GHz

Small Form Factor PC: Sony UX Series
Runner-Up: SAMSUNG UMPC

Smartphone: Sprint Samsung IP-830W (International CDMA & GSM)
Runner-Up: Palm Treo 750v

Cellphone: Helio Drift (by Samsung)
Runner-Up: T-Mobile BlackBerry Pearl (I know, this is technically a smartphone)

Data Plan: Sprint 3G EV-DO Rev. A
Runner-Up: Cingular UMTS

Portable Gaming Console: Nintendo DS Lite
Runner-Up: Playstation Portable

Portable Entertainment: Apple iPod 80GB
Runner-Up: Apple iPod Nano 8GB

Playstation 3 Going for $2,011 on eBay

WOW... I am speechless. People are bidding up to $2,011 for a Sony Playstation 3 (60GB) on eBay. That doesn't include the $50 shipping charge either. At the time of post, another seller was offering a PS3 and Nintendo Wii combo for $5,999.99, and shipping is FREE.

Update: (11:37PM) That PS3 was sold for $2,125.