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[Amir0x]

Well in light of the fact that Bill Gates pre-show keynote address is in 24 hours, I thought it's a good time to start collecting the required info to make a decent official thread.

Since this show encompasses a lot of non-gaming stuff, feel free to open threads in Off-Topic pertaining to CES that don't really follow the game stuff. However, I'll still do as best as I can to collect ALL CES info in this thread so that there's one source people at GAF can look through.

Visit the official CES WEBSITE.

So here we go...

________________________________________________________________________________

MICROSOFT
________________________________________________________________________________


*Click to visit site for webcasts and such*

Pre-show Keynote Address
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2006, Las Vegas Hilton

Bill Gates
Chairman and Chief Software Architect, Microsoft Corporation

Bill Gates returns to kick off the 2006 International CES with his vision of the year ahead in consumer electronics. If the past is anything like the future, expect the unexpected. Gates has used the International CES to showcase new products like the Xbox, Tablet PC and Smartphone. Under Gates' guidance, Microsoft continues its stronghold as the worldwide leader in consumer electronics through the design of groundbreaking technologies that lead to innovation in every aspect of human endeavor.

What will be shown or announced? Well, please don't EXPECT anything big or unusual. Just go with the flow, yo.

NEWS

● None yet
● None yet

________________________________________________________________________________

SONY
________________________________________________________________________________

Day 1 Opening Keynote Address
9 a.m. Thursday, January 5, 2006, Las Vegas Hilton Theater

Sir Howard Stringer
Chairman & CEO, Sony Corp.

CES welcomes the return of Sir Howard Stringer, chairman and CEO of Sony Corporation. Appointed chairman and CEO of Sony in June 2005, Stringer also serves as the head of Sony Corporation of America and as a member of Sony's Board of Directors. Prior to joining Sony in 1997, Stringer had a distinguished 30-year career in journalism and television, serving as president of CBS Inc. and chairman and CEO of TELE-TV. A native of Wales, Sir Howard Stringer was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1999.

Sony's CES website is opening tommorrow, you can visit what is currently up here. Their tagline is "entertaining the future."

Also, here is the press site: link.

Please please please don't expect much in the way of PS3, if at all. We'll be getting plenty of Blu-Ray stuff I wager and PS3 plays a role, but in terms of features, games, etc... don't expect anything. So if there actually is even one thing, it'll be neat instead of omg disasterton.

NEWS

● PSP Connect to launch in March for users to download full-length movies and titles. Link
● None yet

________________________________________________________________________________

BLU-RAY AND HD-DVD
________________________________________________________________________________

Ok, so this is a pretty hefty topic all its own it seems so I'm gonna give it its own section. Next-gen movie format war for the fuckin' LOSE.

NEWS

● First Blu-Ray support announced from Liongate, Twentieth Century Fox, Sony, Paramount
● Black Hawk Down and The Bridge on the River Kwai will be first available on 50 GB, dual-layer Blu-ray Discs Summer 2006.
● Picture of other Blu-Ray titles from companies like Disney, Warner, etc. Link
● Pioneer will launch their first PC Blu-ray burner in January, in Japan (pending 2 licensing issues) - no pricing yet. Link
● Paramount announces some of its HD-DVD support. Link
● Broadcom's new chip plays Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. Link
● Fox planning two sci-fi movies at 50GB Blu-Ray. What are they? Guess!

________________________________________________________________________________

OTHER
________________________________________________________________________________

This is for everything else, essentially. I don't think Nintendo is gonna be there in a big way (or any way) so please correct me if I'm wrong and I'll add a section for them. Fill in the blanks because up until now I haven't really followed pre-CES news...

NEWS

● iRiver G10 revealed. "PSP Killer". 800 x 480 pixel 26k color display, 4 or 8GB of storage. See pic here and here. Read article at Engadget.
● 102" LG Plasma. Image here.
● Dolby True HD (7.1) Revealed/Info. Link
● Philips Entertaible announced. Combines the excitement of electronic gaming with the fun and interaction of traditional board games. Visit thread here.
● Novalux delivers high-power, blue, solid-state light sources to consumer electronic partners. The NECSEL™ solid-state light sources have been designed to increase performance and reduce cost of microdisplay-based devices, including home theater front projectors and rear-projection TVs. Read about it Link.
● Panasonic delivers 102" plasma and "HD-PLC Adapter (High Definition Power Line Communication) lets you transfer video through the power lines in your house. BL-C1 camera is designed for use with it as a security cam around the home." Link

DISCUSS.

 

[Deg]

This should be off topic since its hardly about games?

 

[Amir0x]

Should it be? Vote today!

 

[krypt0nian]

Wow that was fast.

 

[Deg]

102" plasma screen:

http://www.ga-forum.com/showthread.php?t=79002

no joke

 

[RidgeCityFM]

i believe both ms and sony will have niche spaces in their booths to show off how the ps3 and 360 could potentially own the livingroom convergence wise.

 

[krypt0nian]

I'm hoping for something on MS' IPTV and SONY's Locationfree TV.

In the short term, that excites me more than HD-DVD/BD-ROM.

 

[Red Scarlet]

I thought E3 replaced this?

 

[Kabuki Quantum Lover]

I thought E3 replaced this?

Just the videogames portion. Consumer electronics, baby!

 

[bishoptl]

This should be off topic since its hardly about games?

Don't make me come over there!

 

[jett]

That iRiver thing is MASSIVE PSP rapage. Seems to be pretty small too. ~

 

[krypt0nian]

That iRiver thing is MASSIVE PSP rapage. Seems to be pretty small too. ~

Once it gets GTA you have a point.

It does embarass the PSP in terms of storage though!

 

[Outlaw Pro Mod]

102" plasma screen:

Warranty = 90 Days

 

[Lord Error]

With buttons like that, the only thing G10 can rape are my hands If it has a touchscreen, that device will be very neat for web browsing, though. If not, those buttons will again prevent it to be any good at browsing, unless they at least put some kind of analog control option. It might be good for multimedia stuff too, but will videos look like on a 14.5bit (WTF) color depth screen?

 

[Amir0x]

the only way it'll be confirmed PSP rapage is if its 4GB model comes in at under 300 bucks.

 

[Aruarian Reflection]

I don't know if the Bill Gates keynote will be streamed, but Major Nelson has said he's trying to get an audio recording of it that would be up shortly after the speech.

 

[krypt0nian]

I don't know if the Bill Gates keynote will be streamed, but Major Nelson has said he's trying to get an audio recording of it that would be up shortly after the speech.

YUP!

As I mentioned in my ‘cast earlier this week, I am working on getting the hookup to record and ‘cast all of annual Bill G CES Keynote speech. Assuming I can get clearance (I am pretty close) and navigate the red tape, I’ll have it up about an hour after the speech is over (around 9:30pm PT Wednesday night.)

Things are looking good to ‘cast Bill G’s keynote tomorrow. In addition, I may be able to grab a few minutes with Peter Moore to record an interview before the Keynote…got any questions you want me to ask him?

 

[dorio]

Sounds like the 360 will have some presence if Peter Moore and Major Nelson is there.

 

[fugimax]

lol @ the pic of Bill Gates with "What's the next big thing?"

I got to see a copy of the speech..

"The next big thing? Oh, that's next week at MacWorld.."

ZING

 

[XMonkey]

I like those breaks in the line dividers. Nice touch. Seriously.

Ok, carry on...

 

[Lo-Volt]

Sounds like the 360 will have some presence if Peter Moore and Major Nelson is there.

Major Nelson could just be demonstrating the 360 and the Windows living room, and nothing more. Or not. I don't know that Nelson's presence really means anything we'd be interested in, but we'll see shortly.

 

[gofreak]

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-04-2006/0004241959&EDATE=

A couple of sample boxes:

"Beginning this Spring, SPHE will support the rollout of BD-compatible
players, PCs and drives from a variety of consumer electronics and computer
companies by offering a wide-breadth of high-definition movies and other
promotional materials," said Mr. Feingold.
The first slate of BD titles encompasses a diverse mix of genres including

The Fifth Element, in multichannel uncompressed audio
Bram Stoker's Dracula,
Desperado,
For a Few Dollars More,
The Guns of Navarone,
Hitch,
House of Flying Daggers,
A Knight's Tale,
Kung Fu Hustle,
The Last Waltz,
Legends of the Fall,
Resident Evil Apocalypse,
Robocop,
Sense and Sensibility,
Stealth,
Species,
SWAT
and XXX.

Black Hawk Down and The Bridge on the River Kwai will
also be available on 50 GB, dual-layer Blu-ray Discs Summer 2006.

"With the announcement of these first 20 titles, I am delighted to say
that the age of Blu-ray has truly arrived," said Mr Feingold. "BD delivers
the most advanced high-definition experience available to entertainment
enthusiasts today, while offering filmmakers a limitless canvas to express
their artistic vision."
In addition to 1920x1080p HD master quality, consumers will benefit from
Blu-ray Disc's immense improvements over current DVD technology including
enhanced menu navigation, increased added-value and new interactive
capabilities.
"MGM has always been committed to presenting its films in the best formats
available," said Blake Thomas, head of MGM Home Entertainment. "The Blu-ray
high definition format allows us to give movie lovers what they deserve: the
absolutely best viewing experience available today."
Commencing Summer 2006, SPHE will begin adding bonus BD Java games, and
other anticipated features, to new release titles including Underworld
Evolution that will street day-and-date with DVD. The studio announced it
will also deliver four catalog titles per month beginning this Summer,
accelerating to 10 titles per month by the fourth quarter 2006. Also being
readied for Summer release is the complete television series of sci-fi
favorite, "Stargate Atlantis," in high-definition.
"Our strategy is to release new feature films on Blu-ray Disc day-and-date
with DVD to drive consumer awareness, excitement and sales of high-definition
movies. We will also release a continuous slate of catalog titles that film
enthusiasts love to own, to further maximize consumer interest," added Mr.
Feingold.

Kind of funny Charlie's Angels isn't there at launch

This site would appear to be going up later:

http://www.sonypictures.com/bluray

 

[golem]

rats...

anyways, not a bad lineup of titles.

 

[gofreak]

Kind of funny how they've announced the exact same support for Blu-ray as HDDVD, given that they were a defector from the HDDVD camp.

Blu-ray:

http://home.businesswire.com/portal...d=news_view&newsId=20060104005375&newsLang=en

Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment Announces Debut Line-up for Blu-ray Disc Format; Studio Selects Ten Launch Titles to Introduce Paramount HD Content

LOS ANGELES --(Business Wire)-- Jan. 4, 2006 Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment announced today its upcoming slate of "Paramount High Definition" titles for the launch of the new Blu-ray Disc format.
Among the titles to be released in conjunction with the Blu-ray hardware delivery to retail stores are recent hits such as "Four Brothers" and "Sahara," sci-fi thrillers "Aeon Flux" and "Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow," action-adventures "The Italian Job" and "Tomb Raider," the renowned music documentary "U2: Rattle and Hum" and Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow." The ten title launch slate also includes "We Were Soldiers" and "Manchurian Candidate" starring Academy Award(R) winners Mel Gibson and Denzel Washington, respectively.

Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment will continue its roll out of Blu-ray titles throughout 2006 and beyond, including the highly anticipated release of "Mission Impossible 3" alongside "Mission Impossible" and "Mission Impossible 2."

"Paramount is pleased to demonstrate its support for Blu-ray with these launch titles," said Thomas Lesinski, President, Paramount Pictures, Worldwide Home Entertainment. "We feel confident that the breadth and quality of the 'Paramount High Definition' line-up will provide consumers with a compelling home entertainment experience for years to come."

HDDVD:

http://news.google.ie/url?sa=t&ct=u...sId=20060104005378&newsLang=en&cid=1103308219

Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment Unveils HD DVD Launch Titles; Action, Special Effects and Star-Power Showcased with Titles Ranging from ''The Italian Job'' to ''Mission Impossible 3''

LOS ANGELES --(Business Wire)-- Jan. 4, 2006 Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment announced today a diverse line-up of "Paramount High Definition" titles for release on the HD DVD format in 2006.
"We are excited to support the launch of HD DVD with ten titles from Paramount's storied library," said Thomas Lesinski, President, Paramount Pictures, Worldwide Home Entertainment. "As the appetite for high definition entertainment grows, Paramount will leverage its depth of content to help satisfy consumer demand around the world."

The titles scheduled for launch include recent hits such as "Four Brothers" and "Sahara," sci-fi thrillers "Aeon Flux" and "Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow," action-adventures "The Italian Job" and "Tomb Raider," the renowned music documentary "U2: Rattle and Hum" and Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow." Rounding out the debut slate are "We Were Soldiers" and "Manchurian Candidate" starring Academy Award(R) winners Mel Gibson and Denzel Washington, respectively.

The 2006 line-up continues with the debut of a "Mission Impossible" trilogy for HD DVD which includes the new "Mission Impossible 3," "Mission Impossible" and "Mission Impossible 2," scheduled for later in the year. Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment plans to support the HD DVD format with an extensive slate of titles throughout the year and beyond.

Also, some more Blu-ray cases, from here (you'll spot a fair number of currently unannounced titles):

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=28691

I spy: Kill Bill (Disney), Fantastic Four (Fox), Pirates of the Caribbean (Disney), Troy (Warner), Total Recall (), Lord of War, Into the Blue (Sony), Hero (Miramax/Disney)...

Also, Pioneer will launch their first PC Blu-ray burner in January, in Japan (pending 2 licensing issues) - no pricing yet:

http://www.macworld.com/news/2005/12/27/pioneer/index.php

Twentieth Century Fox announces 20 "first wave" Blu-ray titles

http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/rel...earchText=false&showText=all&actionFor=574032

Continuing its unwavering support for the Blu-ray format, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced today the first wave of feature films to be released by the studio on the much-anticipated new Blu-ray Disc (BD) platform. The broad range of titles chosen will optimally demonstrate the next generation format's superior high-definition audio and visual elements. The initial titles in development include such action-packed blockbusters as FANTASTIC FOUR, THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, BEHIND ENEMY LINES and KISS OF THE DRAGON, the CGI-animated comedy ICE AGE along with many others that will bring Fox's total number of first wave releases to 20 titles. The company plans to debut its initial line-up of BD titles to coincide with the Blu-ray hardware launches in North America, Japan and Europe in 2006. Twentieth Century Fox will also plan simultaneous releases of its films on BD and DVD as the format takes hold and household penetration grows.

"Blu-ray is the superior high definition technology that fully delivers on the promise of a next generation format and represents the bright future of home entertainment," noted Mike Dunn, President Worldwide, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. "The release of our films on Blu-ray will provide consumers with in-home entertainment beyond anything they have imagined."

Fox's commitment to emerging technologies is dedicated to enhancing the consumer experience of its products and providing for backward compatibility with their existing home entertainment libraries while also aggressively protecting its intellectual property from piracy. The Blu-ray member companies fully embrace the Studio's steadfast commitment to the fight against piracy and the preservation of the integrity of its properties. Twentieth Century Fox joined the Board of Directors of the Blu-ray Disc Association in 2004 and remains an active contributor to the formats continuing development.

 

[Vaandaviii]

It all begins...

 

[gofreak]

Subscription required, but mentions and hints at further announcements for both Blu-ray and HDDVD:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117935452?categoryid=20&cs=1

Lionsgate will release its perennial new format driver, "Terminator 2," among its first wave of high-def movies. Lionsgate president Steve Beeks says his company will be ready to release as many as 10 titles as early as March or April or whenever the first players hit the market.

Lionsgate is an exclusive Blu-ray backer, AFAIK.

Other studios planning to release in both formats, including Warner, New Line and HBO, as well as the lone studio supporting only the HD DVD format, Universal (the studio is said to be about to announce it will also release in Blu-ray), will announce their titles late Wednesday at CES. But Amazon.com lists many of the titles from those studios already, including U's "King Kong" and "The Bourne Supremacy," Warner's "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Batman Begins" and "Friends," New Line's "The Lord of the Rings Trilogy" and "Seven""Seven" and HBO's "Band of Brothers."

Studios would not confirm the accuracy of those titles Tuesday.

Also, Disney apparently won't be officially announcing their titles till Thursday evening (but again, you can see some in the photo posted above).

 

[XMonkey]

The blue for the boxes doesn't look good. Something a shade darker would be better (it looks childish/cheap).

And holy crap @ Black Hawk Down on a 50GB dual layer BRD. That movie already looks really damn good on DVD

 

[fugimax]

Anyone going to miss the "DVD" acronym?

"BR" just doesn't seem to have the same ring to it...and Blue-Ray is way too long to say.

 

[gofreak]

The blue for the boxes doesn't look good. Something a shade darker would be better (it looks childish/cheap).

I wondered about it too at first, but it'll grow on me. I guess they simply wanted something that would stand out on the shelves against other DVDs, and going with a lighter colour might help that.

 

[Defensor]

Try "BRD" or "BD"

 

[fugimax]

But the symmetry of "DVD" was so nice..

Not to mention the similar sounds of all the letters...Dee Vee Dee..


Anyways...that new Kodak dual-lens camera on gizmodo looks h0t.

 

[Deg]

Dolby True HD (7.1)

http://www.avinfo.co.uk/index.php?main=story&id=15125014

"The Dolby TrueHD logo is the consumer's assurance of pure, lossless audio performance, 100 percent of the time," said Craig Eggers, Manager, Consumer Electronics Marketing, Dolby Laboratories. "When a playback device displays the Dolby TrueHD logo, viewers are assured they are hearing the highest-quality audio performance possible -- as if they are hearing the studio master itself."

 

[Deg]

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=13487&Page=1&pagePos=9

"Our chipset will play 100 per cent of HD DVD and 100 per cent of Blu-Ray, and all the special features that come with that," Goldberg said.

Kinda like DVD + and -

 

[Borys]

GO GO BLU-RAY!!!

This support for Sony makes me all warm inside

Where are the PS3 news???????

 

[Wollan]

1080p is a fad.
Im really happy to see Knight's Tale, Fifth Element and Dracule to be in the launch list.
Too bad Universal and New Line ain't on it yet but I think this show may open their eyes.

EDIT: Oh, they are about to announce Blu-Ray support. Nice.

 

[TTP]

And holy crap @ Black Hawk Down on a 50GB dual layer BRD.

Gotta take a moment or two to rip it to my PSP :lol

Borys, Stringer's speech is tomorrow. Also, CES goes from 5th to 8th.

 

[D3VI0US]

Anyone going to miss the "DVD" acronym?

"BR" just doesn't seem to have the same ring to it...and Blue-Ray is way too long to say.

I say we all call it BLU, I think that sounds the coolest lets make it stick.

 

[bud]

LOTR on BRD

:O

 

[gofreak]

Too bad Universal and New Line ain't on it yet but I think this show may open their eyes.

Universal is not there, yet at least, but New Line should be, via Warner. It'll be interesting to see if Warner follows Paramount's lead with equal support for both formats. There was speculation previously that the likes of Paramount and Warner would give preferential treatment to HDDVD.

 

[BlueTsunami]

Black Hawk Down and LOTR = Nice

 

[gofreak]

LoTR isn't confirmed yet. Amazon lists it for HD-DVD (though with absolutely no detail). We'll have to see if Warner replicates support across both formats.

I mean, I'm sure it will come..but whether it gets officially announced at CES or not..

 

[gofreak]

Lions Gate first 10 titles include:

Lord of War
The Punisher
The Devil's Rejects
Saw
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Reservoir Dogs
Total Recall
Dune
Rambo: First Blood

Also:

"Lionsgate's upcoming May theatrical horror release "See No Evil," featuring WWE star Kane, will be the company's first title released simultaneously on DVD and Blu-ray, Lionsgate president Steve Beeks said."

They're scheduled to start hitting in Spring.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsA...2_RTRUKOC_0_US-FILM-BLURAY.xml&archived=False

The original Lionsgate PR: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-04-2006/0004242114&EDATE=

Also, the BDA is holding a presentation is being held tomorrow. The HD-DVD camp scheduled a presentation for tonight in response.

 

[Gravitom]

"BR" just doesn't seem to have the same ring to it...and Blue-Ray is way too long to say.

They are both two syllables.

 

[BlueTsunami]

Lions Gate have 10 launch titles planned, including:
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Reservoir Dogs
Dune
Rambo: First Blood

YES! YES! YESSSS!

 

[Kabuki Quantum Lover]

Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Reservoir Dogs
Total Recall
Rambo: First Blood

No... no... NO!!!

Damn it, I'll get 'em in BLU! (the trend begins)

EDIT: And Kill Bill... in HD...

Fuck me...

 

[gofreak]

Just a small correction to the Lionsgate news - they're not all necessarily launch titles, but Liongate's first 10 titles, that will start hitting at launch in Spring.

 

[kaizoku]

Eugh, this might sound weird, but those Blu-Ray boxes are ugly

DVDs look nice and have that collectible factor, you put them on your shelf etc. But those BR boxes look cheap and tackly and have you seen the players? Like horrible beasts from low budget sci-movies (PS3 included).

I have no bias in the HD war, but man blu ray is so ugly on so many fronts. I think even the disc itself is ugly, whats the deal with that?

yes I'm quite shallow I guess

 

[Kabuki Quantum Lover]

Yeah, the cases need a little redesign, but it's their way of standing out from the DVD Amaray cases.

EDIT: In fact, they should just keep the logo blue and the rest in black.

 

[Kleegamefan]

http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/01/03/broadcom/index.php

January 03, 2006 3:25 pm ET

IDG News Service


By Tom Krazit, IDG News Service

Broadcom Corp. could help PC and DVD manufacturers sidestep the choice between two high-definition recording standards with a chip that can decode signals recorded in either format.

The chip company unveiled the BCM7411D chip Tuesday, ahead of the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show where high-definition players and recorders based on the Blu-Ray and HD DVD standards are expected to be showcased.

A new recording standard is needed to accommodate the rapacious storage requirements of high-definition video, but as with the DVD-RW and DVD+RW and VHS-versus-Betamax debates, two different standards backed by industry heavyweights have emerged. Blu-Ray is supported by consumer electronics vendors Sony Corp. and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (Panasonic) as well as PC vendors Dell Inc. and Apple HD DVD is backed by Toshiba Corp., NEC Corp., Intel Corp., and Microsoft Corp. Major entertainment companies have announced support for both standards.

Video recorded using one standard will not play on DVD players built using the other standard, which promises to frustrate consumers looking to play DVDs from one movie studio on both their PCs and living-room DVD players. But Broadcom’s technology will allow PCs or DVD players using the chips to play video recorded with either standard, said Jonathan Goldberg, senior product line manager with Broadcom.

The chip supports the H.264 and VC-1 recording standards, both of which are used by Blu-Ray and HD DVD recording technology. It also supports video recorded in the high-definition MPEG-2 format. The company released a reference design with the BCM7411D and a companion chip that gives manufacturers a blueprint to build high-definition DVD players.

“Our chipset will play 100 percent of HD DVD and 100 percent of Blu-Ray, and all the special features that come with that,” Goldberg said.

Toshiba was supposed to have the first HD DVD recorder out by the end of last year, but a delay in the finalization of a key copy-protection technology has pushed back the launch date. Blu-Ray recorders are expected to launch later in 2006. Devices based on both standards will get a thorough airing this week in Las Vegas at CES.

 

[Rabid Wolverine]

Terminator 2 = MINE !!!!

Hope the original gets done also.