Microsoft bolsters video game line-up as Xbox turns 20

SAN FRANCISCO, United States - Microsoft unveiled Sunday a batch of new titles for Xbox at the world's premier video game trade show, including award-winning sensation "Hades" and long-time hit "Halo".

The Xbox maker showed off 30 new games coming to its console, which in November will celebrate two decades on the market.

"Our team strives to make Xbox a place where you'll find the greatest games, the most dedicated developers, and the most passionate community," unit chief Phil Spencer said during a streamed event on the second day of a virtual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

Microsoft revealed a coming take of beloved "Halo", along with new creations such as science-fiction action title "Starfield" and a vampire-battling adventure called "Redfall" from Bethesda Softworks.

Microsoft recently-acquired Bethesda Softworks, the maker of hits including "Fallout" and "Elder Scrolls."

As trailers depicted tense battles and the games' rich graphics, Microsoft stressed that all but a few would be available for play at its subscription Xbox Game Pass service.

The company also highlighted titles that will be exclusive to Xbox, which competes with rival consoles Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

Award-winning "Hades" from San Francisco-based Supergiant is coming to Xbox as well as PlayStation, the independent studio said Sunday.

"Hades" has so far only been available for play on personal computers and Switch.

"Hades", which snagged five honors this year at Britain's prestigious BAFTA Games Awards, is a "dungeon crawler" that challenges players to fight their way through the underworld.

The line-up of new titles comes as Microsoft works on software and a plug-in device to let people play Xbox video games on internet-linked televisions without need of consoles.

"As a company, Microsoft is all-in on gaming," chief executive Satya Nadella said in introducing the plan last week.

Microsoft has been playing on the strength of its Xbox unit as it vies with Luna and Stadia cloud gaming services run, respectively, by Amazon and Google.

In coming weeks, cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions will be possible through internet browsers Chrome, Edge and Safari, according to Microsoft.

Many are expected to tune in on the closing day of E3 on Tuesday for a Nintendo streamed event at which it may reveal a new version of its coveted Switch consoles along with showing off new games.

Agence France-Presse

Sony goes higher than High Definition

TOKYO, Japan — Before I started making movies, I was a fan of movies. When I was younger, I’d go to the cinemas, and as the films played, the pictures would take me away from my seat and transport me to a world of, say, Middle Earth or Hogwarts. I’d be engrossed because the pictures would be so clear and so vivid, it’d be like nothing else existed.

This is called “movie magic” — when a screen can teleport a viewer into another realm. For decades, we’ve tried to replicate this magic in our homes, from the Betamax to the Laser Disc to the DVD to Blu-ray. But the result has always been wanting. TV screens have gotten bigger, yes, but image quality has lagged behind. Those of us with LED TVs know this: You may have a 48-inch screen, but switch to channels two and seven and notice how fuzzy the pictures look.   





This is because image quality is tied to the number of pixels your screen contains. If you turn on your TV and lean in, you’ll see little dots across the screen — those dots are called pixels. The fact that you can see these dots means that the image isn’t true-to-life (put your eyes close to your table, for example, and you won’t see dots).

Now, imagine if the pixels were so small, that you couldn’t see them? The result would be images so clear and so vivid, that just like in a movie house, if you were watching footage of a landscape, you’d feel like you were actually there.

Enter the new generation of Sony Bravia 4K LED TVs. While the high definition (2K) TVs we have in our homes today have a resolution of 1,920 pixels in length by 1,080 pixels in height, or a total of only two million pixels, 4K refers to a screen resolution of 3,840 pixels in length by 2,160 pixels in height — a whopping eight million pixels of pure visual bliss.

The TVs were recently launched in Tokyo, at a press event I was invited to attend. I got to see the products up close and my verdict is that the new Bravias deliver an immersive home entertainment experience you have to see to believe.



Of course, a TV screen with eight million pixels needs content that contains eight million pixels. Movies on High Definition Blu-Ray discs contain only two million pixels, while the images broadcast by local networks like channels two and seven are at only 345,000 pixels (that’s why they look so fuzzy!).

Thankfully, Sony has this covered. With the X-reality PRO processing engine, the new Bravias can actually upgrade content. Sony says that the chip reduces visual noise and corrects image shapes, but also up-scales 2K content to a near 4K native resolution. In order to do this, the TVs employ a state-of-the-art “Reality Creation” database as well as “Super Resolution” processing — a system that optimizes images, and produces stunning picture quality with richer colors and sharpness.

Moreover, Sony promises a wealth of 4K content, since the company not only makes TVs, but also professional filmmaking equipment such as cameras, recorders, and monitors — and since the company also owns a major Hollywood studio in Sony Pictures. Recent box office attractions such as Oblivion and After Earth were shot in 4K, while classics such as Lawrence of Arabia are being remastered in 4K. (I saw a preview during my Tokyo trip, and the results are impressive.)


Other winning features

For me, the colors on the Sony Bravia 4K LED TVs are another winning feature. The TVs have Triluminos Display LED backlighting; they also integrate QD Vision’s Colour IQTM optical component — a one-two punch that, explains Sony, presents rich colors with subtle tones while also replicating hard-to-reproduce reds and greens in order to deliver a significantly wide color gamut and provide a heightened sense of depth.

To complete the experience, the new 4K Bravias also offer a better sound experience. Sony’s proprietary Magnetic Fluid Speakers deliver sound pressure levels that are higher than what conventional TVs can produce. The TVs, out of the box, deliver such loud and rich audio that there is no need to buy an external sound system for these babies.

Now, these aren’t the first 4K models Sony has launched. Sony dipped their feet into the medium last year with an 84-inch model that cost P1.2 million. (The company says they’ve sold four units in the Philippines).

So, what do the new Bravias have over their predecessor? Aside from improved image quality, and aside from the X-reality PRO processing engine, which upgrades content, the come-on for me is the price. The 55-inch Bravia 4K TV retails for P299,000, while the 65-inch model sells for P399,000. It seems that Sony is on a mission to bring the magic of the big screen to a broader reach of consumers.

source: philstar.com

Sony goes back to basics with ‘Triluminos’ tech in new TVs

BORACAY, Aklan — Competitors may harp about the Internet functions and 3D features of their TVs, but Japanese electronics brand Sony would rather go back to basics and improve the picture quality of their TV sets, starting with how close they mimic color in real life.

This was the message sent by Sony Philippines President and General Manager Yasushi Asaoka during the launch of their new Bravia TVs here, headlined by models that include a new color-production technology called “Triluminos,” which the company claims provides a wider spectrum of colors for TVs.

“Sony has constantly set the benchmark on delivering the best television experience; this time, we are bringing picture to life with a breathtaking palette of rich, natural colors never before seen on a television,” Asaoka said as he unveiled Sony’s new lineup of Bravia TVs.

The Triluminos technology, developed internally by Sony engineers, extends the available color palette viewable on TV screens so that it comes just a little bit closer to the color spectrum that can be seen by the human eye.

Executives said that through this development, images viewed on the Triluminos-powered screens give off bolder shades of red, darker hues of blue, and more natural colors of green. Models that carry this technology include the 4K-powered X9004A, as well as the W945A and the W904A. All will be available in the Philippines come June.

“We decided on investing on picture quality because we think that’s how we can stand out,” Asaoka said during an interview with reporters. “We didn’t want to just go with fringe features such as Internet functions and 3D technology.”

The Sony Philippines head honcho, himself an expert on Sony’s Bravia line of televisions, was referring to competitors such as South Korean firms Samsung and LG, which have both been overplaying the Internet connectivity and 3D functions of their TV products. More than being key differentiators, Asaoka said these specifications are mere “features” that do not add value to the product.

“In fact, all of our new TVs also have these features,” he stressed, pointing out that more than just these features, Sony’s Bravia line truly excels in picture quality.

Changing demographic

Larry Secreto, director of sales and marketing at Sony Philippines, added that this trend is merely aided by the change in consumer demographic, as households with younger members increasingly prefer to purchase TV sets that come with these new features.

But Asaoka stressed that they do not want to play in that game, even if it means that their products are priced a little bit higher than their competitors.

“We noticed that the Philippine economy is growing, so people have more spending power and are choosing TV sets with larger screens, even if they are more expensive,” he explained. Historically, according to Asaoka, the TV market is dominated by 32-inch screens and below, but consumer demand in recent years had indicated a move toward larger screens, such as those measuring 46 inches and above.

In this space, Sony has a formidable player in the form of the KD-84X9000, an 84-inch ultra-HD TV set that is built on top of 4K technology, or the video standard that contains four times the pixel count of traditional 1080p Full HD videos.

But to up the ante, the company announced here the upcoming availability of the Bravia X9004A, a 4K TV set that will be available in 55-inch and 65-inch models and will be priced significantly lower than the 84-inch model’s P1.2 million price tag.

“This is our way of bringing 4K technology to more mainstream users,” executives said.

On top of superior picture quality, Secreto said they had also tried to bring existing sound technology to their new 4K TV sets, particularly in the use of “magnetic fluid” speaker technology that reduces vibrations and therefore eliminating unwanted sound coming from the TV’s sound system.

“In CRT TVs, the entire TV box is part of how a TV produces sound,” Secreto explained. “But after changing from CRT TVs to LED TVs, the form factor has become very slim, and customers started complaining about the sound.”

With the magnetic fluid technology, Sony uses proprietary digital signal processing that can fit into slim LCD screens and produce similar — if not better — sounds as CRT TVs.

Sony hopes that these new models will propel the company and its TV line back to its luster about two decades ago, as it guns for double-digit growth in their TV business this year in the hopes of leaving its third spot in the local market in terms of market share.

source: interaksyon.com

Vizio's new big-screen line starts at $999 for a 60-inch LED TV

Is it too early to think about holiday shopping? Not if you're a TV maker like Vizio.

We recently reviewed two impressive, high-value Vizio TVs, the 32-inch E320i-A0 and the 47- and 55-inch M3D0KD series, but the company is just getting warmed up. Today it announced a slew of new big-screen TVs, highlighted by the 60-inch E601i-A3, which is available now for $999.

That's just about the lowest price I've seen for a 60-inch LED TV with Smart TV. The E601i-A3 offers Vizio's VIA apps suite, which has one of the most comprehensive content lineups around, albeit nested in a ho-hum interface. Vizio also includes the same "flipper" remote with the backside QWERTY keyboard to ease searches within apps, although unlike some suites VIA omits a web browser. The edge-lit LED panel has a matte finish and refreshes at 120Hz.



Vizio also offers the same TV in 70 inches for another grand, model E701i-A3. Again, that's one of the lowest prices anywhere for a 70-inch TV. Both of these sets compete directly against Sharp, namely that company's value-priced LC-LE640U series.

In addition, Vizio also launched three new models in its step-up M series, one at 55 inches and two at 65. Aside from screen size their specifications seem similar to the 60- and 70-inch E models, so at first blush the E's seem like the superior bargain. One of the two new M-series 65-inchers, model M3D651SV, has passive 3D Vizio calls "Theater 3D".

Here's the full rundown in order of screen size.

• M550VSE (55-inch, $949)
• E601i-A3 (60-inch, $999)
• M650VSE 65-inch, $1,499)
• M3D651SV (65-inch, 3D, $1,699)
• E701i-A3 (70-inch, $1,999.99)

I have the 60-inch, $999 E601i-A3 in the lab now, so expect a full review soon. It lacks the edge-lit local dimming of the M3D0KD I reviewed earlier so I don't expect it to reach that level of picture quality, but it could rival that of our reigning favorite 60-inch LED value, the Sharp LC-LE640U. In the 60-inch range both also have to compete against the likes of the excellent Panasonic TC-P60U50 plasma--although the latter is a "dumb" TV.

Vizio will also send us the M3D651SV for review in the next few weeks.

source: cnet.com

Viewsonic 22” LED Display With Superclear IPS Wide View Technology

MANILA, Philippines — ViewSonic Corp. has introduced the world’s first ultra slim 22” Full HD LED widescreen display with the latest SuperClear™ IPS wide viewing angle technologies. Featuring an super slim 6.8mm profile , the VX2260S-LED display delivers an amazing 178-degree of viewing angles in a 1920x 1080 Full HD resolution with accurate color performance great for high-def gaming, movie watching, and other entertainment applications.

Designed to satisfy users with a high demand for image quality and an interest in entertainment applications, the VX2260S-LED comes equipped with SuperClear IPS technology which offers 178 degrees of vertical and horizontal viewing angles.

To present a brilliant color performance, SuperClear™ IPS technology along with a Full HD resolution and Mega Dynamic Contract Ratio, enhance the grey levels of the dark images resulting in a high contrast ratio capable of displaying images in distinct color and depth.

It automatically adjusts the LED backlight to maximize the display’s color range and contrast ratio. With the VX2260S-LED, users experience accurate, vivid and consistent brightness levels whether looking at the screen from above, below, the front or the side.

The VX2260S-LED features an ultra slim bezel design with a sleek, high neck that complements any interior while accentuating the visual experience.

It also comes with sleek and seamless touch sensitive controls to provide a stylish and intuitive user experience. With only 6.8mm deep, the fashionable design ensures users enjoy a captivating view while watching movies and playing games.

The VX2260S-LED comes standard with sRGB and Color Adjustment technology which ensures a stunning visual performance without decreasing or compromising color quality. With the environmental friendly ECO Mode functionality, three energy saving modes- Standard (100%), Optimize (75%) and Conserve (50%), help to support brightness adjustments in different scenarios.

For connectivity, it has DVI-D and VGA inputs to cater to connection between peripheral devices. The VX2260S-LED is equipped with features that allow users to enjoy vivid visuals, and maximize their entertainment and productivity.

source: mb.com.ph

Quality Television Programs For Children

MANILA, Philippines — The protection and promotion of children’s rights and privileges are embodied in Republic Act (RA) 8370, the Children’s Television Act of 1997, providing access for Filipino children to quality television programs that are creative, informative, educational, and entertaining.

TV is the next most powerful tool in shaping the minds of children, second only to the family. The child absorbs images subliminally and unconsciously. A study showed that preschoolers spend several hours a week watching television.

“We should not leave parenting to television. It is a fundamental obligation of adults and a social responsibility of networks to actively pursue child-friendly programming that can have a lasting imprint on the minds of our young. No country can claim to be fully-developed and educated without caring for its children,” Department of Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro said at the launching of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for RA 8370 on July 17, 2012.

The IRR stipulates that 15 percent of daily airtime on all local TV networks should be allotted for child-friendly television shows. Child-friendly shows are given incentives, such as being exempted from review by the MTRCB. Child-friendly TV programs are shown between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. news programs must censor sensitive or violent images. Parents, guardians, and caretakers are advised to monitor which television shows are fit for children.

We congratulate the Officials of the Philippine Government, headed by President Benigno S. Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay; Department of Education, headed by Secretary Armin A. Luistro; Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, led by Chairperson Mary Grace P. Llamanzares; National Council for Children’s Television, led by Chairman Mag Cruz Hatol, other Officials and Personnel, for the efforts to safeguard the well-being and welfare of Filipino children. We wish them all the best and success in all endeavors. MABUHAY!

source: mb.com.ph