97w ago - Update: Sony has now confirmed the news via ArsTechnica stating, to quote: "The new CECH-3000 series PS3 requires HDMI only for BD movie output in HD, in compliance with AACS standards, PS3 continues to support component output for HD gaming and streaming content."

Today Kotaku (linked above) reports news of a rumor that Sony may be removing HD downscale for the component output on new 'K' PS3 Slim models making an HDMI cable mandatory for them.

To quote: "A tipster sends us rumored word (and image) of an incoming replacement model for the 160GB PlayStation 3 which brings with it a change in the way some people will hook the console up to their HD television.

The new "K" chassis, which Sony will begin shipping to retailers this week, will require customers to use an HDMI cable to play a game or watch a movie in high definition, according to the tipster. The component out, which on all other models supports high definition video modes, will no longer do so, according to a memo apparently sent around at GameStop today.

All future models of the PS3, the memo continues, will require an HDMI cable for high definition output. Previous models will not...

214w ago - Too much heat can put laptops and other devices out of action, so manufacturers equip them with metal plates to discharge it.

A new composite can do this better, to quote:

While portable computers were still rather cumbersome several years ago, they now easily fit inside small briefcases. This is because the components on the substrates and microchips are shrinking in size with each successive model.

They are also spaced closer together, allowing more circuits to be accommodated on each chip. All of these components generate radiant heat, much like small power plants. The more components are packed into a limited space, the more difficult it is to dissipate the heat. And too much heat could put the electronics out of action.

The components and connecting elements can only withstand temperatures of 90 to 130 degrees Celsius. Manufacturers therefore mount a small copper or aluminum plate underneath them to conduct the heat away. The plate, in turn, is soldered to ceramic components or silicon (the main constituent of the chip).

If this system heats up, the metal plate expands about three or four times as much as the silicon or the ceramics. This causes tension which can lead to cracks in the soldered joints, so there are limits to how far components can be miniaturized.

223w ago - What did Microsoft want to achieve with this nebulous, spyware-like update?

That question was posed by the author of Dedoimedo, when he found that the latest update to Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB951847) secretly added a strange new component to Firefox.

This is a very serious breach of user trust. Not only is this package delivered without explicit approval, it's also made difficult to remove.

Moreover, its use is not clear. The change affects third-party software, not one of Microsoft's products.

I was not asked to approve or even confirm this installation. There is no mention that this thing was going to be installed, neither on the Microsoft pages or during the installation itself. And now, it seems, it cannot be removed. Fortunately he did find a way and details the removal process HERE.

So what is Microsoft up to, quietly adding components to Firefox? Even if this addition is perfectly benign, are there any guarantees it will always remain so, especially given the STM corporation's dubious history?

Imagine if the Firefox team snuck in an addition...

274w ago - The guys at www.XCM.cc let us know they have now posted a comparison chart (below) and new video of their XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3!

For those interested, a recap of all the features are below as well:

- Fully Compatible with Xbox 360, Wii, PS3/PS2, PSP Slim, Xbox.
- Built in switch prevents interference of other consoles
- High quality shielded cable.
- Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
- High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
- Support Dolby Prologic.
- Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
- Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
- Support Stereo Sound
- Support Optical Signal on Xbox 360
- Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
- Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
- Support D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080 i/ 1080 P) technology.

274w ago - The folks at www.XCM.cc have let us know their new XCM Multi-Console Component Cable V3 is due to arrive this week.

Features include:

- Fully Compatible with Xbox 360, Wii, PS3/PS2, PSP Slim, Xbox.
- Built in switch prevents interference of other consoles
- High quality shielded cable.
- Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
- High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
- Support Dolby Prologic.
- Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
- Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
- Support Stereo Sound
- Support Optical Signal on Xbox 360
- Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
- Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
- Support D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080 i/ 1080 P) technology.