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Come-Up? NBA 2K10 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition, Local Gamestops are SOLD OUT

g$ — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:14:20 +0000

[[Show as slideshow]]

…let me rephrase that, NBA 2K10 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition… with Kobe Bryant all over it, the main feature, the league owner, the ring owner, but with Take 2 Interactive!? Why not EA, Kobester!? That didn’t stop us from coming up on 2 of these bad boys, apparently only 30,000 released the morning of Tuesday October 6th, 2009. Some pics for your collector’s fix: (Thanks Wifey!)

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A Wireless Multimedia Solution for Dual Console Households (Xbox 360 and PS3)

g$ — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:23:51 +0000

I have the tendency to believe wireless streaming was already a known trend with console owners: everyone owns either or both, yet there are mass tutorials all over the internet and youtube. After discussing this topic with a few relatives within the past 2 weeks, I’ve come to realize a handful of peers didn’t have a clue about wireless streaming capabilities to their consoles. Today, our household can easily access a digital collection of our DVDs, and its pretty awesome once the groundwork is laid out. Today’s Come-Up is a vigorous attempt to share a tested setup with the least amount of steps where I excluded a couple of detailed moves. You definitely need patience to readily troubleshoot and test, and probably could use some tech savviness (is that even a word?)

An XBox 360 wireless stream from Sound of Music

Remember, if you choose to, please attempt this at your own risk! Cannot help but repeat it takes time and patience to get comfortable with the setup, especially from the family given they have to sit through occasional stream breaks (movies would pause.) It also takes time and patience to stock up on the media collection, converting DVDs to wmv format is a TIMELY process. There’s obviously a loss in quality when DVDs are compressed. However, its decent enough to remain cost effective in terms of consuming more storage space and labor time in general, the compressed files are optimal for better wireless streaming in terms of less skipping and streaming breaks. Just an opinion, considering we’ve gone a full year with this setup, WMV happened to be the best medium for the 2 consoles.

Requirements:
PS3 (Upgrade latest firmware)
Xbox 360 (Upgrade latest firmware, Wireless Adapter)
PC running Windows XP or Vista (Must be wired to network router)
Windows Media Player 11+
Wireless G Router (N Routers for optimal)
Lots of storage! A local 1TB+ drive
Software used: DVDFab 5.1 Platinum with Mobile Option

We’ll start with the software…
DVDFab5.1 Platinum gets the job done for us. I remember spending around $20 for the full version with “Mobile Option,” this allowed me to fully control conversion settings: from 30 fps, to max resolution, optional subtitle control, and video formats. I tend to max the output settings possible for wmv conversions, but refuse to spend any more time on “optimal” performance because this setup simply works.

PS3
1. Connected to our secured wireless network. You’re straight if you’re already gaming online.
2. a.) Enabled WMV Playback under System Settings, b.) Enabled Media Server Connection under the Network Settings.
3. Restarted the console.

Xbox 360
4. Purchased a Wireless Adapter and connected to our network.

PC running Windows XP or Vista
5. Opened Windows Media Player.
6. Under the Library dropdown, checked the Media Sharing settings. Allowed the Xbox and the “Unknown Device.”
7. Under the additional Settings, I chose “Media Library” as the media server name and made sure everything was selected.

8. Back under the Library dropdown, “Add to library” specified my media folder.

9. Double-checked Windows Media Player background services, made sure Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service was started and set to automatic.

10. I also tend to restart every time, so I must have restarted the PC.

Results
Restart and test the PS3. select the setup media server. Here you could see my “Media Server.” Under All Folders, you could access the WMV backups from the main PC. The video download stream ranging from 1.1-1.5Mbps was pretty good for my standards, pretty clean considering the movie was compressed to about 1/5 of the actual DVD. I know there are probably better, more efficient, and more secure setups and tutorials out there…. But really… this setup is perfect for the household – it gets the job done, and we are truly satisfied accessing a digital library of our DVD collection. Not to mention, there are 2 Zune players in the household and have yet to explore their potential with their native wmv format and wireless capabilities. There are folks out there who need a quick yet effective way to learn, and there isn’t much time to run in triangles from each setup when you’re already running in circles with the family. Hopefully, today’s come-up will limit the triangles for you.

Beware, test at your own risk. I’m basically sharing our household’s current setup for Today’s Come-up thinking some of you could benefit. This also might save me a couple of trips to set up my relatives. Geestreet.net is not liable for problems that may arise from mirroring my setup. Feel free to comment and let us know if you dive into this madness!

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Milking the Opportunity, NBA 2K10 Collector’s Edition

g$ — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:46:11 +0000

Take 2 Interactive scores on a year long date with 2009 Finals MVP Kobe Bryant, and they are indeed milking this opportunity to convert the last of us NBA Live junkies – well let’s call it an aggressive attempt. They are releasing NBA 2K10 in style at a damn perfect time. In terms of appreciation in value down the road, why not consider this a come-up? Mark your calendars because on October 6, 2009, they are releasing 30,000 copies of the NBA 2K10 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition.

Here’s the scoop:

*NBA2K10 Game
*Locker
*3″ McFarlane Figure of Kobe
*Poster
*Special online Access…
*Accurate and complete details at GameStop.com

OK so I might be a Kobe fan, but the numbers alone determine why this is such a come up.

1. 30,000 copies. Staples Center sells out 19,000 seats each Lakers game. Millions watching from their television sets.
2. If someone can calculate the ratio of Lakers fans playing 2K, I’m sure its close if not well beyond 30,000.
3. NBA Live heads, we’re coming up whether you like Kobe or not, because we’re not opening either box (limit 2)…and will continue playing NBA Live. Remember this is only an aggressive attempt.
4. Supply and demand factor, this could be huge.

Game Stop and EB Games (same store right) are currently taking pre-orders, limit 2, available for shipping or pick-up on October 6. Oh yeah… $99.99.

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The Ultimate Classic – Bubble Bobble

g$ — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:25:17 +0000

My daughter is turning 3 this October, and she’s already asking to play with a Nintendo DS (thanks to her generous brother who has a new DSi). I must confess I’m an absolute cheapskate when it comes to buying video games and PC parts. Given she’s conquered PC games Fisher Price’s Cool School, Care Bears (they have a Tetris-like game), and Sports Illustrated for Kids – and currently learning a silly game included in the Lion King 1 1/2 DVD (on a PS3 remote), she’s probably ready to challenge a Nintendo DS. My intention isn’t to create an obese video gamer, but I personally feel video games contribute so much to our cognitive and logical skills… especially with this classic game we’re about to come up for $15 shipped at eBay… yes, a video game for $15 to our doorstep. I’ve bought and sold too many through eBay, so the trust is there, and the thought of our game never arriving.. is also there.

Peers, moms, dads, kids, friends… this is definitely a game to keep in the family collection… especially for $15!

Daily Check-up: Froogle is showing $14.99 Used, next $15.49 at GameBay.com, shipped! Hmmm… should I pay the extra $0.50 to avoid eBay?

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PS3 and Logitech – Harmony at last! 43.99 @ Buy.com

g$ — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:23:40 +0000

So we continue to juggle 3 remotes in the living room, 1 currently missing, and 1 currently switched from another bedroom, yet the OEM Sony PS3 DVD/Blu-Ray Remote nice and safe in the remote box. To provide some history on PS3′s blue tooth capabilities, they weren’t compatible at one point with the almighty Logitech Harmony remote. The adapter is priced @ Buy.com $43.99 + Free shipping, clearly explaining why they’re sold out. We’re now thinking of moving the 360 downstairs to see everything literally in harmony. The TV, DirecTV Receiver, Xbox 360, and now the PS3… can these pups also control a Zune player? (the head unit of our stereo).

Sorry, this isn’t technically a come-up because Buy.com is “temporarily” sold out. We weren’t aware this came out, so today’s run-in is definitely the come-up. Probably something we’ll sit on until Christmas time, as we dig through our cushions daily for the darn remote control just to lower the volume.

Daily Check-up: Froogle performed a more in depth price comparison, and next best is around $54, Pricegrabber.com next best at $59.

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Pre-Order Madden NFL 10 (XBox 360) @ your nearby Micro Center – $35 EXPIRED

g$ — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:37:51 +0000

What perfect timing! Geestreet.net’s favorite come-up for the entire weekend! Hopefully there’s a location nearby because here’s the catch: You have to visit a local Micro Center location, deposit $5 for your reservation, then pay the additional $30 when you pick it up between 8/14/09 – 8/30/09…. we believe that’s it (not too sure about tax, its basically a $25 coupon off retail.). The offer looks good Friday 8/7/09 to Sunday 8/9/09, limit 1 per customer. I’ve never visited a Micro Center store, but will be making my first appearance 6 days from now!

Xbox 360 heads… I’m hoping you guys catch this. Check for a Micro Center nearby. OC and Bay Area covered.

Daily Check-up: Xbox 360 games at retail – if you own this console, you know how expensive these can get.

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geestreet.net » Gaming Community

Come-Up? NBA 2K10 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition, Local Gamestops are *SOLD OUT*

A Wireless Multimedia Solution for Dual Console Households (Xbox 360 and PS3)

Milking the Opportunity, NBA 2K10 Collector’s Edition

The Ultimate Classic – Bubble Bobble

PS3 and Logitech – Harmony at last! 43.99 @ Buy.com

Pre-Order Madden NFL 10 (XBox 360) @ your nearby Micro Center – $35 *EXPIRED*

Come-Up? NBA 2K10 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition, Local Gamestops are SOLD OUT

Pre-Order Madden NFL 10 (XBox 360) @ your nearby Micro Center – $35 EXPIRED