High-Definition Gaming Arrives

Consumers Presented With Yet Another Reason To Adopt Digital Television

30-Aug-01

Proving again the commitment by consumer electronics manufacturers to drive the digital television (DTV) transition, the newest gaming consoles (Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo GameCube) have component outputs for connecting the console to a DTV, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) noted. The combination of features is good news for gamers who may now engage in high-definition gaming, but also for DTV adoption, since it provides consumers with yet another reason to upgrade their existing sets. High-definition video means games enjoyed at their fullest in visual output. Additionally, digital audio provides surround sound gaming that immerses the gamer in a three-dimensional image. ""Being able play the latest games on a widescreen set at the highest resolutions possible is a compelling reason for upgrading to a digital set,"" said CEA Senior Analyst Sean Wargo. ""With prices falling and content steadily increasing in availability, these features help tip the scales towards digital and will help drive the DTV transition."" In addition to the Microsoft and Nintendo products, Sony's Playstation 2 has a 1394 output, along with an optical output for digital audio. Sony is the only manufacturer to also bundle in DVD playback functionality right out of the box. In all, game consoles promise to be a driving force behind the growth of digital entertainment during the fourth quarter of this year. For more information about the CEA, visit www.ce.org.

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