New Xbox 360 $479 In April W/HDMI

[Woochifer]

I don't think the PS2 is hurting the long-term profitability of PS3, if anything, it's helping it. Definitely not encouraging PS3 sales, but it's probably not hurting them. If they're still buying PS2, it's because they aren't the kind of consumer who's willing to shell out for PS3stuff, yet. Best to make some money off them, than none. If you're right, and they're losing money on each unit now, best to keep catering to the loyal PS fans, then wait until they make a bit more money off each sale in the future.

Great to see fewer exclusives, IMO...competition is good.

So where are things at right now...how many PS2's and Xbox's were sold, and how many PS3's and 360's?
Is it even 20% of the previous generation's sales, yet?

Here are a couple of the commonly linked sales charts. As with the chart that I posted in the Blu-ray thread, this is a composite from different sources. The PS3 had actually been keeping pace with the PS2 debut until February when sales took a big nose dive.

At this juncture, none of the next gen consoles have matched the sales rates for the PS2 and the Xbox (though the more recent Xbox 360 console sales have held up better than the original Xbox which persistently had unit sales under 200k in its second year). By the PS2's second holiday season, December console sales reached 1.9 million in North America alone. I don't know if either the Wii or PS3 will reach that sales level by this December, since the Xbox 360 peaked at 1.1 million in its second December.

This link has the most current data for North America dating back to November 2001, while the image below shows the North American sales from the PS2 debut onward.

[powerlord]

I'm so glad I've come to grips with the differences of my consoles,I love both machines and all their differences now,it's what makes them unique,they both have excellent qualities and were worth the money I spent,the kids enjoy them and the grand kids love both,and they brag to their friends all the time that I have BOTH bad ass systems.Alot of the arguments I see are from people that are worried about keeping up with technology which isn't a bad thing(guilty as charged) I just think both companies came out with great machines and I'm glad,I was waiting for the next big break in gaming and movie technology and wow it came double!

[emorphien]

As far as I'm concerned this type of unit should be able to browse network shares (perhaps use iTunes on each computer to tell it where to look as I believe MS does with the Xbox).

Not that I want one or am planning to buy it but that's a big design oversight to me. I wouldn't really want one anyway because it would require the use of iTunes which is bad enough on a Mac but a complete mess on Windows.

[Groundbeef]

As far as I'm concerned this type of unit should be able to browse network shares (perhaps use iTunes on each computer to tell it where to look as I believe MS does with the Xbox).

Not that I want one or am planning to buy it but that's a big design oversight to me. I wouldn't really want one anyway because it would require the use of iTunes which is bad enough on a Mac but a complete mess on Windows.

I don't think that it would browse each Itunes, after all, Itunes will only recognize 1 Ipod per computer, and Each IPod is tied to 1 Itunes.

I would imagine that the player is tied to the 'main' computer of the household. One that is always on the network.

It is intriguing, but no where near as handy as the 360. With it you can get new content off the marketplace, or stream video on your computer already. But it is NOT required to use a computer, as it can do video on its own.

[emorphien]

I suppose Apples DRM got in their own way then, although the Xbox doesn't have that issue. Personally I don't think it's the same as loading an iPod with music because then you could bring it to another computer and give that person your music. With the apple TV it doesn't have to keep a copy of what it plays, and I still see no reason it would have to be tied to one computer.

Oh well, it's a product that doesn't make sense.

[Groundbeef]

I suppose Apples DRM got in their own way then, although the Xbox doesn't have that issue. Personally I don't think it's the same as loading an iPod with music because then you could bring it to another computer and give that person your music. With the apple TV it doesn't have to keep a copy of what it plays, and I still see no reason it would have to be tied to one computer.

Oh well, it's a product that doesn't make sense.

Also, I seem to remeber reading that it will NOT play .wmv files (MS format) further hobbeling it, as much of video out there is the of the .wmv style.

I think that they are trying to prop up the whole Itunes video d/l up. The problem is that the video isn't optimized for playback on TV's (although maybe for this it will be). I just see it not catching on.

Frankly, I'm just getting tired of the whole "i" thing. The phone was a strech, but I don't see this device getting major play or working out in the long run.

[emorphien]

http://shop.pcmag.com/shop/product/A.../40833654.aspx

It does stream. Didn't read it all so I'm not sure if it mentioned what formats.

[emorphien]

After reading a bit on the apple TV, it has relatively thin format support.

[ShockOpera]

To anyone who can help:

I'm setting up 3 movie theaters in the house. One is an actual screening room, the other two will be projector systems, as well. I'll post more on the screening room and basement one shortly. However, for my "mancave" I'm using an Optoma HD70 projector against a wall with special paint for movie projectors and for sound, I'm using an NHT (now hear this) system of 2 Absolute Zero bookshelf speakers, one of NHT center channel speakers and NHT iw3 side fills and an SVS 10" sub. This will be the identical set up, actually, for the basement as well. For an amp, I'm using any one of several that are available through Best Buy. There seem to be a lot less costly Pioneer amps than Best Buy's top of the line Pioneer for $1000 that appear to do the same thing in terms of plugging in a microphone and having it calibrate to the room. The total harmonic distortion is different, sure, but for the sake of .03%, I think my ear can live with it, right?

I'm more affluent in terms of the video side of things than the audio, so I'm looking for some help from anyone out there that really has an idea of what they are doing in this world of audio/video. Since I am buying all my components through Best Buy, can anyone help?

The last part of my question is: I bought an Xbox 360 through Best Buy, as well. I haven't taken it out of the box yet, so, since it's nearly April 1st, should I just take it back and buy the one that comes with a bigger hard drive and the HDMI cable? Keep in mind, the projector that I'm using supports everything up to 1080i. The T.V. on the opposite side of the movie wall will have a 1080p T.V. on it (bedroom).

So, talk to me like I'm a 4 year old when explaining things to me, people. I want the best value for my buck. Just because I'm putting in several theater systems, doesn't mean I want to be raped on the cost of components, as well.

Thanks,

Shock
ShockOpera@aol.com

[Groundbeef]

It depends.

If your audio inputs in your reciever support HDMI it may pay to wait. If not, then the HD size may or may not be important.

If you want to rip alot of music, and d/l movies, then you might wait.