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10 December 2006, 16:47
Sanyo Xacti HD1A 5.1MP MPEG4 High-Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom
Slightly Updated: Sanyo HD1a Solid-State HD Camcorder
Although some critics were unimpressed with the Sanyo Xacti HD1 when it was rolled out in January, calling its quality "disastrous," it still has the bragging rights as the smallest and lightest high-definition digital media camera.
Sanyo Xacti HD1A 5.1MP MPEG4 High-Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom The Sanyo VPC-HD1a Xacti digital media camera with 10x optical zoom is a high-definition compact digital media device that combines the functionality of a digital camera and a digital camcorder. Different than a standard digital camera that shoots short video clips, the VPC-HD1a offers advanced, next-generation video performance and high-quality stills in one small, lightweight camera. This powerful little device
Now Sanyo has updated the mini-shooter, calling it the Xacti HD-1a, which still has that unique ability to record both 720p HD video and 5.1-megapixel stills on an SD flash memory card.
Unfortunately the addition of that lowercase "a" to its name amounts to a mini update for the Xacti HD1a, because it looks like all that's been added is the ability to record 320x240 MPEG-4 clips that can be directly used on a video iPod and 16x9 still shooting capability.

BFD. Even though this thing is small, it's still nothing to get excited about.
Product DescriptionManufacturer DescriptionThe Sanyo VPC-HD1a Xacti digital media camera with 10x optical zoom is a high-definition compact digital media device that combines the functionality of a digital camera and a digital camcorder. Different than a standard digital camera that shoots short video clips, the VPC-HD1a offers advanced, next-generation video performance and high-quality stills in one small, lightweight camera.
Product Description
Use the Sanyo VPC-HD1A Xacti Digital Movie Recorder to capture those precious moments and perfect events -- te ones you'll never want to forget. Record your own 720p MPEG-4 movies, with full 60fps fluid motion VGA-Size recording -- the best digital video you can get. With its Digital Image Stabilizer, you'll get shake-free video. You'll even record better audio with the Sanyo's built-in digital stereo recording. Choose from multiple Sequential Shooting modes, up to 10 photos at 5fps. Store all your digital video and photos to an SDHC memory card. The pop-up flash ensures a detailed, beautiful picture in low light or nighttime conditions. Digital Image Stabilizer (video only, not for stills) Exposure controls - Program AE, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual Sequential Shooting 6 photos at 5 fps ([5M] mode), 10 photos at 5 fps ([1.2M] mode) Scene Select Modes - Auto, Sports, Portrait, Night View, Landscape, Fireworks, Lamp, Cosmetic, Monochrome, Sepia 2/10 sec. self-timer Full auto TTL white balance Audio microphone Records to SD memory card, up to 4GB Interface AV output - component video/composite video/S-Video, NTSC/PAL, stereo audio USB 2.0 in high-speed mode Built-in monaural speakers (L/R mixed output) Interfaces with docking station or connecting adaptor Multi-Language Display supports 11 languages - Japanese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, Korean, Traditional and Simplified Chinese Power Source - Lithium-ion battery (DB-L40, included - 1200 mA), AC adaptor (VAR-G8, included) Battery life with stills - CIPA standard 170 images Battery life - video - 75 min. Battery life - playback - 220 min. Unit Dimensions(WxHxD) - 80 x 119 x 36 mm (excluding protrusions) Weight - Approx. 235 g (including battery and SD card)
This powerful little device is designed to record both 720-pixel high-definition video and snap 5.1-megapixel digital still images, all of which are handily stored to a standard SD flash memory card. The high-precision LSI (large-scale integration) for image processing is the real "muscle" behind the Xacti HD1a's ability to record high-definition video. This powerful "high-definition engine" processes a massive number of calculations in a short period of time and enables the HD1a's high-definition 720p processing, real-time MPEG-4 compression, and noise reduction. Xacti VPC-HD1a Highlights 1280 x 720 progressive HD video scanning Thanks to highly efficient MPEG-4 technology, the HD1a is able to create high-definition 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) videos at 30 frames per second. That’s up to three times more pixels than standard conventional video cameras . These are richly detailed images that will display beautifully on any big screen TV. Advanced MPEG-4 technology The HD1a features Sanyo's proprietary high-definition engine to execute a vast number of calculations in a short period of time. This high-definition engine enables the Xacti HD1a's advanced image processing functions such as real-time MPEG-4 compression, noise reduction and high-definition processing. Recording in the global multimedia standard MPEG-4 delivers exceptional video clarity and detail in an unbelievably portable configuration. What's more, because MPEG-4 is exceptionally efficient in the way it records digital information, higher quality videos and stills can be saved in smaller files. Super-fast 9Mbs frame rate The Sanyo HD1a high-definition digital media camera features an accelerated frame rate in the HD mode that is more than four times faster than earlier digital cameras. Transmitting data at 9 megabits per seconds ensures that camera and subject motion are smooth and natural, without the image lag or distortion that might occur in slower-responding systems. Super-fast 9Mbs frame rate The Sanyo HD1a high-definition digital media camera features an accelerated frame rate in the HD mode that is more than four times faster than earlier digital cameras. Transmitting data at 9 megabits per seconds ensures that camera and subject motion are smooth and natural, without the image lag or distortion that might occur in slower-responding systems. 2.2-inch LCD screen The HD1a features an incredibly clear 2.2-inch, Sanyo-developed Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with 210,000 total pixels. The display flips out from the camera and rotates up to 285 degrees on an axis that allows you to take great video or still images from otherwise-difficult-to-view positions. 5.36-megapixel CCD image sensor Inside the HD1a high-definition digital media camera is an advanced 5.36-megapixel (total) CCD image sensor to capture high-definition videos (at a very smooth and natural 30 fps!), with full-range stereo sound. Using a 2GB SD memory card (optional) the HD1a can record over 42 minutes of high-definition video, up to two hours of standard-definition video or up to 1190 five-megapixel digital still images. Record to standard SD memory cards The HD1a can record up to 21 minutes of 720p high-definition video per gigabyte on a standard SD card. Alternately, the camera allows you to record in Standard Definition (640 x 480 resolution) for up to one hour per gigabyte. If you're looking to shoot home videos of the kids carving pumpkins or a dance recital, you can easily store hours of video footage using the standard definition setting. If recording in high definition is your goal, then change the settings and get 720p high definition video. Switching between HD and SD modes Switching from standard definition to high definition is a breeze; you simply press the "HD/Norm" button located on the side of the camera body. Additionally, in the menu options, you can choose from six different video resolution modes (and six different resolution levels for your still photos!), depending on how your images will be used. Record specifically for your personal media player The HD1a has a new recording mode designed specifically to capture video destined for the iPod video or other MPEG4 capable media players. Shooting in the new Web-SHQ mode, you videos will be captured at 320 x 240 pixels at 30 frames-per-second – perfect for some of the most popular personal media players available. In-camera editing and playback With the Sanyo Xacti HD1a’s 9-image display function, users can quickly search for specific images or videos. And, with the slideshow feature, images can be played back continuously. The HD1a can also edit clips. Clips can be cut in user-selected points and spliced, all from the camera itself. Unwanted images can be easily deleted, freeing up memory card capacity. Versatile manual mode enables advanced-control shooting The following settings can be manually adjusted according to the shooting situation: Manual focus adjustment (22 settings); aperture adjustment (5 stops); exposure compensation (1.8 EV, 0.3 EV steps); shutter speed (16 settings); ND filter On/Off; and image-quality adjustment (for sharpness and color saturation). 16:9 still shooting With the new 3.8M / 16:9 shooting mode, you can display both your stills and videos on your full 16:9 television screen. Capture still and high-definition movie images simultaneously The Xacti HD1a enables simultaneous shooting of 5.1-megapixel still images and HD (1280 x 720-pixel) movie clips, with a simple press of the shutter button during the shooting of a movie clip. Users will never need to miss another precious photo opportunity. (Depending on the mode used to take still images, simultaneous video clip shooting may be interrupted. While shooting video clips, using the digital image stabilizer may change the angle of view for still images.) High-quality digital stereo recording The Xacti HD1a's 48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound for AAC-LC (MPEG-4 Audio) provides a sense of reality to match the realism of those impressive high-definition movies. And not only is it able to reduce noise caused by wind during shooting, the Xacti HD1a also features a dedicated terminal to which an external microphone can be attached. Built-in image stabilization High-definition can't hide shaky or erratic camera shaking. That's why Sanyo's HD1a comes with a sophisticated image stabilizer. Using a proprietary Sanyo algorithm, the HD1a automatically compensates for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow. It accurately distinguishes between unintentional camera shake and deliberate camera movement. This handy feature operates in both wide-angle and telephoto modes, giving every shot a solid, professional-looking feel. Sleek, ergonomic design On or off, the HD1a is a true work of art. Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, all video and still functions can be easily accessed with the thumb of the hand used to hold the camera. Aside from making everything much simpler and easier to use, this 'one thumb' interface lets you enjoy-and be a part of-each precious moment you record. Highly-efficient 10x optical zoom The HD1a digital media camera features a highly efficient 10x optical zoom with a bright maximum aperture of f/3.5. Consisting of nine groups and twelve total lenses with a built-in neutral density filter, the HD1a's lens provides a fantastic field-of-view with a 38-380 mm range (35 mm equivalent). Combined with the 10x digital zoom, the HD1a provides up to 100x zooming capability. Convenient docking station One of the more frustrating aspects of working with any digital media camera is juggling all the wires and connections necessary when you want to use it with external components for viewing or to download files. Sanyo's HD1a streamlines the whole process with an innovative docking station that provides an instant USB/AV (component, composite or S-video) connection to a TV or PC. The HD1a even recharges its internal battery when nested in the docking station. Easy connection to TV, VCR, DVD recorder or computer The Xacti HD1a enables easy playback of recorded high-definition images directly on a TV screen. Connect the HD1a to a VCR or DVD Recorder to back-up copies of recorded content. Still images and video clips on the Xacti HD1a are played back continuously and in chronological order. Along with MPEG-4 digital recording, the Xacti HD1a offers convenient connection to a PC. With simple drag-and-drop operation, it's easy to save recorded video clips and still images onto a computer's hard disk for emailing, editing or archiving. The HD1a also comes with a remote controller to operate the camera at a distance during playback. Super-fast start up Reduce your chance of missing the moment. The Xacti HD1a high-definition media camera is designed for super fast start-up and shooting. With the tapeless design, the HD1a eliminates the need to queue up a tape deck allowing the HD1a to begin shooting in as little as 1.7 seconds! When the HD1a is powered on, closing the LCD display puts the HD1a in standby mode. Simply open the display and the HD1a automatically powers up and can begin immediately recording in as little as 1.7 seconds.
See also:
New camcorder Hitachi DZ-GX5300, Sony HDR-HC7, Sony HDR-HDR-UX7.
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09 December 2006, 14:12
Sony and SanDisk, Memory Stick PRO-HG is compatible with Memory Stick PRO( 32GB.)
SanDisk and Sony Announce Memory Stick PRO-HG Format
Sony and SanDisk bump speed, capacity for the Memory Stick format
Sony and SanDisk, never ones to back down on releasing another memory card format for consumers to use, have taken the wraps off Memory Stick PRO-HG. Luckily for consumers this time around, Memory Stick PRO-HG is compatible with the existing Memory Stick PRO format and will be available in sizes up to 32GB.
In a flurry of communications, SanDisk has announced the availability of several upgrades in its industry-leading memory card series.
The 4GB Ultra II Memory Stick PRO Duo card doubles the capacity of the previous card in the Ultra II line. The card's minimum write speed is 9MB a second and minimum read speed of 10MB.
Memory Stick PRO-HG is expected to take digital storage to the next level by adding increased performance and large capacities (up to 32GB). Performance has been increased by upping the internal core clock from 40MHz to 60MHz. As a result, the maximum data rate has jumped to 60MB/sec -- three times that of the Memory Stick PRO format. Minimum write speed for Memory Stick PRO-HG media is listed at 15MB/sec.
A series of additions to the Extreme III card line. Three in all, they include the the 8GB CompactFlash card, the 2GB SD card, and the 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo digital film card. Each card boasts minimum write and read speeds of 18MB a second and features the company's Enhanced Super-Parallel Processing technology, which combines, among other things, NAND flash memory chips and 32-bit RISC processing. One other compelling feature is the company's own RescuePRO software, which allows easy recovery of lost or deleted images or data.
Sandisk's foldable SD card, aka USB-Flash Memory Combo Card, has gotten a boost to 2GB in size. This gem of a card has a write speed of up to 9MB a second and a read speed of up to 10MB a second.
“Sony and SanDisk share the common goal of providing exciting new digital audio and video applications to consumers,” said Eli Harari, Chairman and CEO for SanDisk. “This is the driving force that is behind our relentless efforts to leverage our expertise and extensive intellectual property in flash memory cards to develop the Memory Stick PRO-HG. I am proud of the close cooperation we have with Sony over the years and look forward to seeing the exciting new products that Memory Stick PRO-HG media enable.”
Memory Stick PRO-HG is an extension of Memory Stick PRO so Memory Stick PRO-HG media can work in Memory Stick PRO devices and vice versa.
The first Memory Stick PRO-HG media will be available in 2007. There is no word on when the format's maximum 32GB storage capacity will be reached. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMemory Stick is a removable flash memory card format, launched by Sony in October 1998, and is also used in general to describe the whole family of Memory Sticks. This family includes the Memory Stick Pro, a revision that allows greater maximum storage capacity and faster file transfer speeds; Memory Stick Duo, a small-form-factor version of the Memory Stick (including the Pro Duo); and the even smaller Memory Stick Micro (M2). In december 2006 Sony added the Memory Stick Pro-HG, a high speed variant of the Pro, to be used for high definition still and video camera's. The original memory stick was available in sizes up to 128 MB, and a sub-version, Memory Stick Select allows two banks of 128 MB to be on the same card. An 8 GB card was unveiled at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but according to Sony the Memory Stick Pro has a maximum potential size of 32 GB. The Memory Stick is defined in the minds of many by its proprietary nature, as the majority of portable devices that use it are Sony and Sony Ericsson devices. The significant third-party licensees that make Memory Sticks are SanDisk and Lexar. In spite of its proprietary nature (or because of Sony's continuing support for the format), the Memory Stick has outlived almost all other strictly proprietary flash memory formats, and has a longevity comparable only to CompactFlash and Secure Digital (SD), though critics would attribute this more to Sony's stubbornness than any virtues inherent to the format. Applications
Typically, a Memory Stick is used as storage media for a portable device, in a form that can easily be removed for access by a PC or Mac. For example, Sony digital cameras use Memory Sticks for storing image files. With a Memory Stick-capable reader (typically a small box that connects via USB or some other serial connection), a user could copy the pictures taken with the Sony digital camera off to his or her computer. Sony uses and has used Memory Sticks in digital cameras, digital music players, PDAs, cellular phones, the PlayStation Portable (PSP), and in other devices, and the Sony VAIO line of personal computers has long included Memory Stick slots. Aside from copying image files from digital cameras, a user could also copy any type of file to or from a stick. There are also readers that use PCMCIA, CompactFlash, 3.5" floppy drive, and other formats. In terms of compatibility, older Memory Sticks can be used in newer MS drives (Memory Stick Duo with an adapter can be used in newer drives as well). However, Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Pro Duo are often not supported in older drives. Also, while high-speed Pro or Pro Duo cards will work in Pro drives (Pro Duo needing an adapter), their higher speed may not be available. Formats and form factors
Memory Sticks include a wide range of actual formats, including two different form factors plus a third announced. The original Memory Sticks were approximately the size and thickness of a stick of chewing gum, and came in sizes from 4 MB up to and including 128 MB. This size limitation became limiting fairly quickly, so Sony introduced the now-uncommon Memory Stick Select, which was similar in concept (if not in execution) to the way in which 5.25" floppy disks used both sides of a disk. A Memory Stick Select was two (or rarely four) separate 128 MB partitions which the user could switch between using a (physical) switch on the card. This solution was fairly unpopular, but did allow for users with older Memory Stick devices to use higher-capacity flash memory. A special Memory Stick can be used by Sony's AIBO robot pet, to enable the use of Aiboware, software intended for use on AIBOs. The Sticks allowing users to write programs include a copy protection mechanism used by the robot, are coloured pink and referred as programmable or programming Memory Sticks. Only 8MB and 16MB versions are available. The Memory Stick Pro, introduced in 2003 as a joint effort between Sony and SanDisk , would be the longer-lasting solution to the space problem, and most devices that use the original Memory Stick form factor support both the original Memory Sticks and the Pro Sticks; some readers that were not compatible could be upgraded to Memory Stick Pro support via a Flash ROM update. Memory Stick Pros have a somewhat higher transfer speed and a maximum theoretical capacity of 32 GB (as of June 2005 they are available in sizes up to 4 GB). High Speed Memory Stick Pros are available, and newer devices support this High Speed mode, allowing for faster file transfers. All Memory Stick Pros larger than 1 GB support this High Speed mode, and High Speed Memory Stick Pros are backwards-compatible with devices that don't support the High Speed mode. High capacity memory sticks such as the 4 GB versions are usually extremely expensive compared to other types of flash memory such as SD cards and CompactFlash. Memory Stick Duo Adaptor and Memory Stick Pro Duo.The MagicGate standard for Memory Sticks is an encryption system to allow music to be downloaded to the card and played back by an authorized device, but not shared. Certain standard Memory Stick and all Pro sticks are MagicGate compatible. The Memory Stick Duo, which is slightly smaller than the competing Secure Digital format and roughly ⅔ the length of the standard form factor, was developed in response to Sony's need for a smaller flash memory card for pocket-sized digital cameras and cell phones, as well as Sony's PSP handheld game console. Memory Stick Duos are available in all the same variants as their larger cousins: normal ones limited to 128 MB, higher capacity Pro Sticks (called Memory Stick Pro Duo in the Duo form factor), with and without High Speed mode, and with and without MagicGate support. There's also a simple adapter (often sold along with the Memory Stick Duo) which allows a Duo to be used in any device that can accept its larger cousins. Memory Stick Micro.In a joint venture with SanDisk, Sony released yet another new Memory Stick format on 6 February 2006. The new Memory Stick Micro (M2) measures 15 × 12.5 × 1.2 mm—roughly one-quarter the size of the Duo, around the size of a fingernail—with 256 MB, 512 MB and 1 GB capacities (could theoretically have 32 GB in the future). Maximum transfer speed is 160 Mbit/s. It comes with an adapter, much like the Duo Sticks, to ensure compatibility with current Pro devices. On December 11 Sony, together with SanDisk, announced a new version of Memory Stick. The Memory Stick PRO-HG evolved out of the PRO, and offers a theoretical speed increase to 480 Mbps (3 times as fast as the Pro) and a write speed of 120 Mbps. The speed increase was achieved by increasing the bus frequency to 60 MHz and adding a parallel 8-bit interface. The Pro-HG is compatible with the older Memory Stick Pro. If inserted into a device that only recognizes Pro, it will operate at Memory Stick Pro-speeds. Specifications Transfer speedsStandard:Maximum write speed: 14.4 Mbit/s (1.8 MB/s) Maximum read speed: 19.6 Mbit/s (2.5 MB/s) Duo/Pro Duo: Transfer: 160 Mbit/s (20 MB/s) Minimum write speed: 15 Mbit/s Maximum write speed: 80 Mbit/s (High Speed Pro Duo) Micro (M2): Transfer: 160 Mbit/s (20 MB/s) Form factorsStandard and Pro: 50.0 mm (W) × 21.5 mm (H) × 2.8 mm (D) Duo and Pro Duo: 31.0 mm (W) × 20.0 mm (H) × 1.6 mm (D) Micro: 15.0 mm (H) × 12.5 mm (W) × 1.2 mm (D) (i.e., ~1/4 the size of Duo)
, ~1/4 the size of Duo)
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08 December 2006, 15:00
Nintendo's newest machine of joy has officially spread across the globe.
Wii Launches Everywhere Else, Sells Out
The Nintendo Wii is officially a worldwide phenomenon. The new console last week launched in most parts of Europe, Australia and New Zealand and was greeted by gamers in the similar fashion of the North American and Japanese launches.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Wii (pronounced as the pronoun "we," IPA: is a video game console released by Nintendo. The console was previously known by its project code name of Revolution, and is the successor to the Nintendo GameCube. Although the Wii console primarily targets a demographic different to that of Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3, as part of the seventh-generation of gaming consoles it competes with the other two on some levels. A distinguishing feature of the Wii console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote. It can be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions. The console also notably features WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming very little electrical power. Nintendo first mentioned the console in the 2004 E3 press conference and later unveiled the system at the 2005 E3. Satoru Iwata revealed a prototype of the controller at the September 2005 Tokyo Game Show. At E3 2006, the Wii console won the Game Critics Awards for Best of Show and Best Hardware. In the December 2006 issue of Popular Science the console was awarded with the Grand Award Winner in Home Entertainment. Spike TV's Video Games Award also granted the console the award in breakthrough technology. No matter on which side of the ocean or hemisphere, gamers alike were lining up days in advance to ensure that they would go home with a Wii. “I can't believe it's real, I've been waiting for this for ages,” said Marwan Elgamal, 17, after he had queued for two days in London’s cold and rain. “It was definitely worth it, I'd do it again,”
Just as how Nintendo used Toys ‘R’ Us and EB Games in the U.S. as official launch stores, HMV was the official launch partner for the UK launch – but reports say that retailer GAME received the greatest number of units. Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, GAME CEO Lisa Morgan said of the launch, “I have to say, I've just walked around the corner, and I think that's the biggest queue I've ever seen for any of the launches I've attended – and I've done every single one.”
Police were called in the night before the morning of launch to keep order over the hundreds of gamers who were lined up outside major shops. London Police went even further by proactively providing a written safety warning with every Wii console sold advising new owners of the dangers of owning one of the season’s most coveted items (see image lower right).
Name
The console was known by the codename of "Revolution" until April 27, 2006, immediately prior to E3. According to the Nintendo Style Guide: A Guide to the Proper Usage of Some of Nintendo's Products, the name "is simply Wii, not Nintendo Wii." This means it is the first home console Nintendo has marketed outside of Japan without the company name featured prominently in its trademark. Nintendo spells "Wii" with two "i"s to imply an image of players gathering together, as well as to represent the console's controllers. The company has given many reasons for this choice of name since the announcement; however, the most well known is:
Wii sounds like 'we', which emphasizes that the console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.
Despite Nintendo's justification for the name, members of the press, online communities and game developers initially reacted negatively to the name change. Some wished "Nintendo had stuck with 'Revolution'," pointing out phonetic similarities to the French word oui and several words in English. Fear was also expressed "that the name would convey a continued sense of 'kidiness' to the console." Reggie Fils-Aime acknowledged the initial reaction and further explained the change:
Revolution as a name is not ideal; it's long, and in some cultures, it's hard to pronounce. So we wanted something that was short, to the point, easy to pronounce, and distinctive. That's how 'Wii,' as a console name, was created.
Nintendo defends its choice of "Wii" over "Revolution" and suggests to that those who dislike the name: "live with it, sleep with it, eat with it, move along with it
Regardless of territory, Wii consoles completely sold out on launch day. “It took just 10 minutes for all of them to go,” said a salesman in a Virgin Megastore in Paris.
Nintendo’s UK General Manager David Yarnton said that around 50,000 Wii units were sold within the first 12 hours of release. “We are delighted with the amazing response to Wii and that people of all ages and gaming experience are embracing the way that we are turning the industry on its head. With so many units sold it is great to see that people will be enjoying Wii with their families this Christmas,” Yarnton said.
As much as Yarnton is pleased to see people enjoying Wii with their families, there are even more who are frantically searching to put a console either next to their television sets or underneath the Christmas tree. Gamers, mothers, fathers, significant others and friends all throughout North American have been on the hunt for a Wii ever since launch day, only to find that even the millions of Wii promised by Nintendo to be not enough. The situation looks to be no different on the other side of the pond.
“We're hoping to get more deliveries next week. We haven't had anything confirmed as of yet so we don't want to over promise and under deliver, but as soon as we get stock it will be turned around and in the stores the following day,” said Morgan.
Gamers down under were in the hundreds outside an EB Games location in Melbourne, though the situation is a little bit different in the southern hemisphere. Australia has always been a tough market for Nintendo, and according to reports, some stores are not experiencing complete sellouts within minutes of launch. Some gamers were able to walk into stores without preorders and walk out with a Wii.
New Zealand, on the other hand, appears to experience the rapid sellouts that the rest of the world has. A store manager of a GamePlanet in Auckland believes that finding a Wii before Christmas would be near impossible. “It would be like finding a golden egg,” he said.

Hardware The Wii console is Nintendo's smallest home unit yet; measuring 44 mm wide, 157 mm tall, and 215.4 mm deep in the vertical orientation without the included stand (which itself measures 55.4 mm wide, 44 mm tall, and 225.6 mm deep). It is approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together (approx. 4.5 cm x 15 cm x 20 cm). It also weighs 1.74kg(3.84 pounds), which makes it the lightest of the three current-gen consoles. The console can be placed either horizontally or vertically. The prefix for the numbering scheme of the system and its parts and accessories is "RVL-", after its project code name of "Revolution".
The front of the console features a slot-loading media drive illuminated by a blue light which accepts both 12cm optical discs for Wii software and 8cm discs from Nintendo's prior console, the GameCube. The Disc slot light briefly illuminates when the console is turned on, when connected to WiiConnect24 and when receiving new data, such as messages, and upon having selected "Bright" or "Dim" in the "Slot Illumination" settings for WiiConnect24. The disc slot light does not stay illuminated during game play or when using other features of the Wii console. Two USB ports are located at its rear, and an SD card slot hides behind the cover on the front of the console. However, the usefulness of the SD slot remains in questions since, although it can be used to backup saved game data and downloaded Virtual Console games, that data cannot be restored to any system, even the orginal, presumably as a rudimentary form of digital rights management. Also, to utilize the SD, a software update must be downloaded.
Nintendo has shown the console and the Wii Remote in various colors, including white, black, silver, lime green, and red, but initially it is only available in white. At E3 2006, the Wii Remote was shown in light blue. Numerous minor changes were made to the design between its original unveiling and launch, mostly in the Nintendo branding used and button placements.
The launch Wii package includes the console, a stand to allow the console to be placed vertically, a circular clear stabilizer for the main stand, one Wii Remote, one Nunchuk attachment, one Sensor Bar, a removable stand for the sensor bar, one external main power adapter, two AA batteries, AV cables (component video and other types of cables are available separately), and (in all regions excluding Japan) a copy of Wii Sports.
A Nintendo spokesperson has confirmed that Nintendo plans to release a version of the console with DVD-Video playback capabilities in Japan, but that release in other territories is not currently planned. This corroborates an earlier press release by digital media company Sonic Solutions, stating that Nintendo had chosen their CinePlayer CE DVD Navigator software engine to provide this functionality. Even though software will be used to enable DVD-Video functionality, it apparently "requires more than a firmware upgrade" and cannot therefore be implemented through the WiiConnect24 network.
Wii Remote The Wii Remote is a one-handed controller that uses a combination of accelerometers and infrared detection (from an array of LED's inside the Sensor Bar) to sense its position in 3D space. This allows users to control the game using physical gestures as well as traditional button presses. The controller connects to the Wii console using Bluetooth, and features force feedback, 4KB non-volatile memory and an internal speaker. The controller can connect to other devices through a proprietary port at the base of the controller. Perhaps the most important of these is the Nunchuk unit, which features an accelerometer and a traditional analog stick with two trigger buttons.
Technical specifications Nintendo itself has released few technical specifics regarding the Wii console, but some key facts have leaked to the press. Known details include:
Processors: CPU: PowerPC based "Broadway" processor, made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process, clocked at 729 MHz GPU: ATI "Hollywood" GPU made with a 90 nm CMOS process,[33] clocked at 243 MHz
Memory: 88 MB main memory (24 MB "internal" 1T-SRAM 64 MB "external" 1T-SRAM RAM) 3 MB GPU texture memory
Ports and peripheral capabilities: Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth). One SD memory card slot. Two USB 2.0 ports. One Sensor Bar port. One accessory port on the bottom of the Wii Remote. Four Nintendo GameCube controller ports. Two Nintendo GameCube memory card ports. Mitsumi DMW-W004 WiFi 802.11b/g wireless module Compatible with optional USB 2.0 to Ethernet LAN adaptor.
Storage: 512 MB built-in flash memory. Expansion available via SD card memory, 2 GB maximum supported capacity. GameCube Memory Cards (for saving GCN games only). Slot-loading disc drive compatible with: 8 cm GameCube optical disc. 12 cm Wii optical disc. Mask ROM by Macronix.
Video: Up to 480p(PAL/NTSC) or 576i (PAL/SECAM), standard 4:3 and 16:9 anamorphic widescreen. Component (including Progressive scan), RGB SCART, S-Video, composite output, or D-Terminal.
Audio:
Main: Stereo - Dolby Pro Logic II-capable.Controller: Built-in speaker.
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