DVD comes to the Video Game World - PlayStation 2

[John Beavers]

Before I got so heavily into Home Theater I was a die hard video gamer. I loved RPG's, Racing, and Strategy games. There were times when I'd be up most of the night completely emmersed in a game. I eventually drifted away from it as so few games were being produced that were in the genres I enjoyed. I have high hopes for Playstation 2 in rekindling my interest. My only concern is, are the games going to be Projection TV friendly.

[Mats]

From what I heard they are having quite some problem with Playstation 2 and the DVD due to the toy is geating over heated...




Mats
HTGuide

[SiliGoose]

I'm a big game fan too. I think the world of the PS2 but I'm putting my money on the Xbox winning the next generation race (Dreamcast vs. PS2 vs. Xbox vs. Starcube).

As consoles advance so too do the games. More animation and realism make for less static screens. It is, of course, static screen elements that can harm your RPTV. Few games even have on-screen scores today. I'd say most games available for the PS2 will be safe to play on your RPTV.

I will have my PS2 on October 26th (if not a few days earlier).




-Sili

[Lexman]

Oh, so PS2 is coming that soon Sili? What are those other systems you mentioned? Dont' you think that from a software perspective, PS2 will be an instant winner?

I had the opportunity to buy a dreamcast used for 110 Saturday, but passed. It always seemed that Sega was behind both PS2 and Nintendo for software releases. So, for someone that used to be heavy into gaming, and has invested way to much in looser systems, I decided to wait on PS2. My daughter agreed with that call.

Why are there so many dreamcasts sold used??? Is it the software or lack of quality/quantity thereof?

Lex





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[SiliGoose]

PS2 is coming that soon Sili?

October 26, yes. They will be very difficult to obtain. If you pre-ordered one from a retailer you are still not guaranteed to receive it.

What are those other systems you mentioned?

Xbox is Micosoft&#39;s entry into the console market. It&#39;ll be powered by Intel and nVidia and has some really well thought-out design elements (unified memory being the stand-out). It is not PC compatible and does not run Windows. This is a dedicated game console with preliminary specs that are simply amazing. It is DVD based and should appear in stores fall 2001 (with $500,000,000 in advertising behind it).

Starcube is looking to be the official name for Nintendo&#39;s next console (previously known as &#34; Dolphin&#34; ). It&#39;s powered by a version of IBM&#39;s PowerPC chip and a custom video processor. We&#39;ll know more about it at the end of this week when Nintendo announces official specs (and hopefully some pictures). It&#39;s DVD based but may not play DVD movies. Expect it to be released at the same time as Xbox.

Dont&#39; you think that from a software perspective, PS2 will be an instant winner?

No. The initial batch of software isn&#39;t as exciting as I had hoped for. There are few titles that really show off the system. I&#39;m afraid the really good stuff won&#39;t be released until 2001.
That said, the PS2 is already a winner. The release software will sell (it just won&#39;t be critically acclaimed) and the console will be extremely successful.

Why are there so many dreamcasts sold used??? Is it the software or lack of quality/quantity thereof?

The Dreamcast is a great system. It just has this monster of a competitor about to enter the ring. Dreamcast has been competing with PS2 since Sega released it last August. Competing with a product that isn&#39;t even on store shelves is rather difficult. Public perception is that PS2 will be so powerful that Dreamcast isn&#39;t worth the investment.

Is that the case? For hardcore gamers, no. For casual gamers yes it is. PS2 initially will look a bit better than Dreamcast (often they&#39;ll look pretty much the same). However, at this time next year, you&#39;ll start to see PS2 software start hitting its stride and Dreamcast will look very dated.




-Sili

[SMiLEY]

When I first got my RPTV I played games on it. That was back when the first Playstation came out. About a month later I found out that games can be bad for the RPTV and I quit. I tried to find out then what the problem was and Pioneer insinuated that the signal from a game console is somehow different and can harm the CRT's.

Is this the case? If the only problem with video games and RPTV's is screen burning, then newer games should be just fine!!

One thing that always confused me was the "Game Position" my RPTV has. It's an older Pioneer, P4571 I think... Anyway, it's one of the video display modes and it seems to dull down the image. Contrast is reduced and the colors aren't as bright. Any ideas why this would be? It seems to support the 'stronger signal' of game consoles that the Pioneer rep spoke of.

[Lexman]

Smiley, I believe that screen burn in is the only risk. If you really want to play games on it, I think if you played in 15 minute intervals, you would be fine. Say play 15, change to something in motion for 30. I really think it would be ok, but I wouldn't want you to do this without it being your own decision. My policy is, I don't play games on my RPTV. I used to use a 35" Mitsu. But with it in my bedroom now, I opted to purchase a used Toshiba 27" at a pawn shop for 185 bucks for video games. Works great

Lex

[SMiLEY]

Yeah...

I don't think I'll try it. I've got a 20" Sony I'm using for games right now, and I think I'll stick with it. Maybe if I ever get enough money to upgrade to HDTV I'll use the old RPTV for games...