Sony has not only become one of the biggest names in film entertainment, but also one of the biggest publishers in the current industry for entertainment in the evolving interactive video game medium. As of 2010, Sony set out on a mission along with many other like-minded companies such as Samsung, LG, Panasonic, etc to provide mainstream consumers with what we term as the “3D-Craze” in stereoscopic display blooms. WhatIfGaming  has been devoted to all thing 3D and unlike most other entertainment publications has been covering 3D for more than 10 years since 2000 from conventions to 3D technology industry events (3DFF, etc). This means those 1950s DVDs with the 3D glasses. Naturally, when Sony released this product November 10, 2011, it was essential to cover this highly enticing 3D TV set for any consumers for Christmas season and holidays, especially given what Sony claims to offer. We have conducted the most rigorous tests anyone can on this $499 MSRP 24” Sony PlayStation 3D TV bundle using our 2 sets in-office for reasons of control, quality, and multisampling. While the Sony PlayStation 3D TV is enticing for consumers who cannot necessarily pay more for a higher quality entry 3D-TV set, it comes with some noticeable problems in the testing rounds which should serve consumers to think three times before purchase. Colors are not saturated accurately, the reflective glare of the LCD coating is an abysmal problem, and the very notion that the 3D is even being utilized for all purposes is generally missing despite the “FULL-HD” moniker. Sony has made a 3D TV that is decent for a 24” TV set if it were priced at $199-299, but something which does not feel like it is even worth half of what more superior entry-sized 3D TVs offer at $499.

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Back in the technologically impaired time stratum of 2001, Apple released their first iPod – an invention which macadamized and out-sparked a revolution in the way which people listened to music on-the-go. The concept seemed odd from the loud clanking spins of our CD players and the variable MP3 options available that were charging too high for quality that was simply too low. This CD player was history. This first generation iPod was a primitive device compared to the iPod of today but it paved the way for the basic design which has allowed Apple to create this extraordinary product that has moved way beyond the basics of listening to music but instead given a minicomputer that includes vast amounts of features and options that keeps it ahead of the curve. From the first moment that the iPod Touch is turned on, it gives the sense of having many hidden talents which will still only be found after a few weeks of getting used to all the features it possesses. It is simply a remarkable piece of hardware that is incredibly easy to use and has an impeccable design.

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For those of us who like to take our Xbox 360 to our friend’s house or other social gatherings, Madcatz has made a wonderful carrier for the Xbox 360. Finding a way to transport consoles around has always been a challenge. To have the complete security of your $400.00 console, Madcatz has created an amazing transport system that is durable, dependable and moreover incredible.

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Original Review Content by Contributor: James Pikover

When it comes to music game instruments, there is very little selection in terms of hardware. It is essentially first party from Harmonix’s Rock Band 1 or 2, any version of the Guitar Hero guitars, and now the Guitar Hero World Tour drums and microphone. With the exception of a few things here and there, such as ION Audio’s Premium Drum Set and Pearl’s Omega Drum Pedal, there is no market for music gaming equipment.

For those of us who have spent too much time and money at game shops buying the latest software and hardware, you will recognize Madcatz as a name to stay away from except for very specific situations. In the past, they have been known as that 3rd party peripheral company who makes worse hardware than 1st parties, but with one or two features that made them sell well enough for some of us to buy. Features like a macro button or wireless connectivity (back when wireless wasn’t the standard).

After keeping quiet for a few years, Madcatz is making a comeback in a big way: making music equipment for the likes of Rock Band. They have introduced a very solid lineup of peripherals, and we had the chance to look at their three biggest ones: the Fender Precision Bass, standalone microphone and cymbal expansion kit. The results are surprising.

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IStarUSA is known to make great technology: from power supplies, to internal divisions and in this case, the latest Xage-n99-us hard drive docking station. Coming with the works of RoHS compliancy, the latest storage division supports up to 2.5” and 3.5” SATA hard drives up to 1TB, offering for a versatility that we just don’t see too often in terms of storage devices and the way the efficiency of items are brought up.

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Nvidia’s Tegra aims to take the same market segment that treats the company’s reach into a new market that currently has a demand of more than 1 billion processors per year.

So what the heck is it? It is a computer. Yeah…I know. A computer. The kicker? It is on a small nanochip. Revolt! Tegra can be formally called a “system-on-a-chip” (SoC) or “computer-on-a-chip” (CoC). Tegra has:

• ARM11 CPU core
• GoForce (renamed into GeForce ULV) GPU
• an image processor (digital camera support)
• a HD video processor (PureVideo for handhelds)
• memory (NAND Flash, Mobile DDR)
• a northbridge (memory controller, display output, HDMI+HDCP, security engine)
• a southbridge (USB OTG, UART, external memory card SPI SDIO, etc).

ATI has been able to create an external GPU. The card, codenamed Lasso, should be introduced to the public at Computex. The press release states that the new tech, while incredibly innovative, won’t be compatible with existing laptops. In fact, the external GPU requires a new high-speed connector to function properly. This pops up the question; will the new USB be challenged? In any case, the prospects of an external GPU should be the holy grail of gaming.

M-Audio announced three new products at this year’s Musikmesse international tradeshow in Frankfurt, Germany that are already making audiophiles drool at the temptation. Umong them is the Fast Track Ultra 8R High-speed 8 x 8 USB 2.0 Interface with 8 Preamps and MX Core DSP.

The Fast TrackUltra 8R audio/MIDI interface delivers 8 x 8 I/O at 24-bit/96kHz fidelity, high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, MX Core DSP mixer and eight preamps for serious studio work. But do not take off your pants yet. Coupled with award-winning Octane technology, M-Audio’s USB recording interface with a built in preamp is compatible with most USB devices. OK, maybe every USB port works with it. Either way, this should be a treat for all the people who like having perfect sound waves through their ears or other stuff. We will not go into detail.