Watch, record and replay TV shows on demand – Turn PS3 into a High Definition digital TV tuner and video recorder 

Sydney, 2 November 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) announced today the introduction of PlayTV™ – the device that turns PlayStation®3 (PS3™) into a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) and High Definition digital TV tuner. PlayTV will be available in Australia on 26 November at a compelling recommended retail price of $169.95 and is set to become a favourite on the gift lists in time for the festive season. 

With the ability to watch, pause and record free-to-air TV, PlayTV reinforces PS3’s rightful place at the heart of the family’s home entertainment needs. With twin HD tuners, PlayTV allows you to watch one program while recording another, or even record while playing a game or enjoying a Blu-ray movie. PlayTV offers a simple solution to the Australian family’s TV needs. 

“PlayTV further extends the broad entertainment credentials of PS3, and makes it a must-have item for every Australian family,” said Michael Ephraim, Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment Australia and New Zealand. “PS3 already provides the best High Definition gaming, Blu-ray Disc movie playback, VidZone music video streaming, video, photo album, web browsing and PlayStation®Network content. With the introduction of PlayTV’s state of the art TV tuner and PVR functionality, PS3 continues to be the best choice for the home entertainment needs of the Australian family.” 

PlayTV also makes it possible to watch TV programs on the go via Remote Play on PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) or via WiFi or 3G with Sony Ericsson’s AINO phone. Visit the new www.playstation3.com.au website to find out how to start getting more entertainment out of your PS3 console. 

Feature List 

• PlayTV provides the sort of features you’ll only find on top of the range PVRs:
• Two High Definition TV tuners: both able to watch, pause and record TV in High Definition, as well as Standard Definition. Ability to record TV while playing games or watching a Blu-ray movie or DVD.
• Electronic Program Guide: an incredibly user-friendly, seven-day interface, that provides the navigation for programming the PVR features of PlayTV – it’s fast and simple to use, with either SIXAXIS™ controller or the Blu-ray Remote Control for PS3.
• Compatibility: PlayTV operates on the widely available Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial (DVB-T) format.
• Easy to use: Intuitive controls, single button help features, tutorial videos and simple navigation make PlayTV a joy to use compared with the complex navigation of other PVR models.
• Optional on-screen graphical display provides a wealth of information about the status of PlayTV and enables quick access to program information, stored TV programs and the controls to pause or record live TV.
• PlayTV will also determine the correct settings for either Standard Definition or High Definition displays automatically for a hassle-free viewing experience.
• Portable viewing with PSP: Seamless PSP connectivity allows you to set recordings, watch live TV and recorded TV programs remotely on the PSP, via a WiFi connection (using Remote Play feature).
• Portable viewing with Sony Ericsson AINO: Remote Play via a WiFi or 3G connection.
• It’s future-proof: PlayTV will evolve with time – with new features added and updated via PlayStation Network.
• With PlayStation 3, the game is just the start. PS3 is so much more than a games console; now it’s a TV tuner and recorder as well – PlayTV is one more reason why PS3 kick starts the home entertainment experience in the living room.

Logitech Harmony 700 Remote Simplifies Home Entertainment  

Rechargeable Remote Features One-Click Control, Colour Screen 

SYDNEY, Aust. — November 2^nd  2009 — You and your family love to be entertained – enjoying TV, movies, games and music – in the comfort of your living room. But getting to your entertainment can be difficult, often requiring you use several remotes just to get to your favourite TV show. The Logitech Harmony® 700 remote, the newest universal remote from Logitech is now available in Australia and can help simplify your home entertainment by replacing up to six remotes. The Harmony 700 remote features a colour screen, rechargeable batteries and one-click control of your favourite activities.

“Millions of families around the world are investing in better home-entertainment systems, complete with flat-screen TVs and other devices; however, each new device adds another remote to the coffee table and another level of complexity to what should be an enjoyable experience,” said Ashish Arora, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s Harmony business unit. “If you have a half-dozen components and an AV receiver, the new Logitech Harmony 700 is the smartest way to get the most out of that setup.”

One-Click Control

To get you to your entertainment faster, the Logitech Harmony 700 remote offers one-button control. Instead of a complex series of button presses, or complicated lists of what to turn on or which button to select, after completing the online setup you just select what you want to do – such as “Watch a DVD” – and your Logitech Harmony 700 remote does the rest.

Colour LCD Screen

The colour LCD screen gives you at-a-glance access to your entertainment options. For example, if you’re watching TV, you can see icons for your favourite channels making it easy to jump to your favourite shows with one click – there’s no need to enter or remember the channel number.

Always Charged and Ready

The Harmony 700 comes with rechargeable AA batteries that can go several weeks between charges. When it’s time, just connect the remote to the power adaptor and plug it in to recharge.  You won’t have to hunt for fresh batteries when it’s time for your favourite show.

Easy To Set Up

Setting up the Logitech Harmony 700 remote is a snap. You’ll never need to punch a code into your remote. Instead you connect the Harmony 700 to your PC or Mac® computer, go to www.logitech.com/MyHarmony, and download the software. You’ll then be prompted to enter the name of your component and the model number – the Logitech Harmony software does the rest. From Betamax to Blu-Ray – you can be sure the Logitech Harmony 700 remote can control virtually any IR home-electronic device. Our online database of more than 225,000 home entertainment devices grows every day. So, you can be sure your remote will work with what you own today and what you add tomorrow.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Harmony 700 remote will be available in Australia in early November for a suggested retail price of AUD $299.95 inc GST.

About Logitech

Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Good-Bye Clutter: Logitech Harmony 900 Remote Controls Home-Entertainment Devices, Even When They’re Out of Sight 

Remote Features New Wireless RF Control, Full-Colour Touch Screen, Replaces Up to 15 Remotes 

SYDNEY, Aust. — November 2^nd  2009 — Logitech Australia today announced the availability of the Logitech Harmony® 900 remote. With its redesigned RF technology, full-colour touch screen and intuitive button layout, the rechargeable Logitech Harmony 900 remote makes it easy to enjoy and control your TV, movies, games and music – even when your components are neatly hidden behind cabinet doors.

“Like all Harmony remotes, the Harmony 900 simplifies home entertainment, which is particularly relevant with more and more people staying home to watch movies on their big-screen TVs, enjoying surround sound and experiencing hi-def video from the comfort of the couch,” said Ashish Arora, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s Harmony business unit. “Unfortunately, more remotes and more wires tend to be by products of increasingly sophisticated home-entertainment systems. With the Harmony 900 remote’s RF technology and ability to control up to 15 devices, you can say good-bye to the clutter while gaining better control of your devices.”

Simple-to-Install RF System

The Harmony 900 remote’s completely redesigned RF system makes it easy to control (up to 100 feet away) a cabinet full of devices without the hassles often associated with RF setups. Just place the included IR blaster and one or two of the mini blasters on the cabinet shelves near the devices you want to control. (Unlike other RF remotes, there’s no need to tape emitters to each of your devices.) Then use the Harmony 900 remote’s colour touch screen to choose the devices you want to control with RF. Once setup is complete, you’re free to close the doors on entertainment-system clutter and point your remote anywhere you want.

Easy to Hold, Easy to Use

Based on the award-winning design of the Logitech Harmony® One remote, the Logitech Harmony 900 remote’s intuitive button layout is divided into four distinct zones (numbers; traditional DVD controls; D-pad with volume and channel up/down; and on-screen menu buttons), making it easy to find the right one quickly. Only the 44 most-essential buttons appear on the Harmony 900 remote, and each of those buttons is individually sculpted, providing useful tactile cues so you can operate the remote by touch, rather than having to rely on sight.

One Touch to Your Entertainment

As with all Logitech Harmony remotes, the newest addition to the lineup can have you watching your favourite movie or show with one press of a button. With the Harmony 900 remote, there’s no need for complicated lists and long explanations about how to use your home-entertainment system; it simplifies your entertainment with one-touch activity-based control. The whole family, your friends, and even the babysitter can simply select what they want to do by choosing the appropriate on-screen icon – such as “Watch TV” – and the Harmony 900 remote does the rest. The remote will turn on the TV, the cable box, the A/V receiver and any other necessary devices.

Guided Online Setup
Logitech’s online setup makes getting the Harmony 900 remote up and running as easy as possible. The intuitive setup wizard guides you, prompting you to enter the make and model numbers of your components. The Harmony software then programs the remote with the appropriate IR codes from Logitech’s database of more than 225,000 devices from more than 5,000 manufacturers. And with more device codes added every day, you can be confident that devices you buy tomorrow will be covered too.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Harmony 900 advanced universal remote will be available in Australia from early November for a suggested retail price of AUD $899.95 inc GST. The remote ships with a recharging cradle, rechargeable battery, power supply, IR blaster and two mini blasters.

About Logitech

Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Australia… It’s Hammer Time 

Xbox Australia is pleased to welcome MC Hammer down under from November 8^th to November 12^th. 

In Australia to launch the new Xbox exclusive karaoke title Lips: Number One Hits, which features his chart topping smash hit ‘U Can’t Touch This’, and demonstrate the new Xbox Twitter feature , MC Hammer will perform at a select number of private Xbox events whilst in the country. 

Hammer, who is recognised as the fourteenth most influential musician on Twitter¹, with more than 1.6 million Twitter followers, will also guest host a lecture at the University of Technology Sydney for Xbox 360 and the Social Media Club Sydney. 

He will talk directly about his social media experiences on Twitter and the importance of building and maintaining a strong online community. 

MC Hammer will be visiting Melbourne and Sydney while he is in the country. 

About Lips: Number One Hits 

With 40 songs on-disc from Coldplay, Lily Allen, Lady Gaga and more, plus an additional five song pack of your choice to download for free² from Xbox LIVE, Lips: Number One Hits will let you find the perfect song to let loose to. Just in time for get-togethers this summer, the game will debut on November 26th. 

More information on Lips is available at www.xbox.com/en-AU/games/l/lipsnumber1hits/. 

About Xbox LIVE – Facebook and Twitter 

Share the fun with your friends on the biggest social network on the planet. From a groundbreaking partnership with

Facebook, to integration with Twitter, and movie and photo parties with friends, Xbox LIVE gives you the power to share your entertainment experiences with your friends almost anywhere in the world.

• Facebook. Coming in November, Xbox LIVE will take Facebook from your computer and onto your TV! With Facebook on Xbox LIVE you will be able to share and interact with friends from around the globe, post real-time status updates and check out photo galleries on the big screen while kicking back on the couch at home.
• Twitter. In November you will also be able to stay connected with Twitter on Xbox LIVE. Be in the know and keep your social circle up-to-date by reading, posting and replying to tweets right from your Xbox 360. Follow friends and celebrities, discover news as it happens, and let people know what you’re up to all on Xbox LIVE. States and/or other countries.

On your marks… get set… FLIP! 

Flip Video camcorders now on shelves across Australia and New Zealand, offering consumers a simple and fun way to bring video into everyday lifestyles 

SYDNEY, Australia – November 2, 2009 – Cisco® the makers of Flip Video^TM, one of the lead selling camcorder lines in the United States, has announced the introduction of the Flip Mino and Flip MinoHD camcorders into the Australian and New Zealand markets. Flip Video camcorders put the power of video into consumers’ pockets by enabling them to instantly capture and share their personal videos anywhere, at any time. Flip Video makes video fun and revolutionises the way people capture and share their favorite moments and memories.

Facts/Highlights:

• The iconic Flip Mino and MinoHD models are recognised for their sleek and stylish design and are available in a slick black color. With up to 60 minutes of recording time, both models have features that make them easy to use such as the sleek flat back panel with simple backlight, one-touch controls to record, play, share, save and delete.
• The introduction of the Flip MinoHD makes it one of the most unique HD video cameras in the world with crisp, clear high-quality video. The Flip MinoHD has a stunning resolution of 1280×720 at 30 frames per second with up to 60 minutes of recording time of HD quality video.

• Both the Flip Mino and MinoHD models come preloaded with FlipShare™, the intelligent integrated software that enables users to organise, edit and share their videos seamlessly. Consumers can plug the camcorder’s flip-out USB arm into any Mac or PC to access FlipShare’s simple drag-and-drop interface for immediate video sharing via email or direct upload to YouTube™, MySpace™, and other popular social media sites. Another fun feature is that users can capture still photos from the videos they take and easily share them, so consumers do not have to decide whether to snap a photo or capture video.
• The rechargeable batteries power up automatically when the flip-out USB arm is connected to the computer.

Supporting Quotes:

• Craig Gledhill, Cisco Consumer Products, Vice President, Asia Pacific

“Flip Video has dramatically changed the way we capture and share life’s experiences with friends and families. Traditional camcorders sit in cupboards, but Flip Video is designed to fit in a pocket or purse and enables people to quickly share their experiences captured on video. The simplicity and slim size along with the pre-installed FlipShare™ software, which help users easily edit, organise and share their video, makes it a complete camcorder for people who want a stylish, high quality, take-anywhere pocket video camera to capture memories and spontaneous moments.

Flip Video has been a hit with the social networking generation in the United States because it delivers the perfect combination of sleek design, ease of use and great video quality. Flip Video has been the top selling camcorder in the U.S. with millions of units sold in the past two years. We believe that the Australian and New Zealand markets are now ready to share and embrace the Flip experience as well.”

Pricing and Availability

Both the Flip Mino and MinoHD models are being introduced for Christmas and will be available from Harvey Norman, Dick Smith, Officeworks and WOW Sight and Sound for a manufacturer’s sales recommended price of AUD$229.95 and AUD$299.95 respectively.  

Supporting Resources:

• Flip Video Web Page: www.theflip.com.au
• Find out who else uses Flip at Flip Sightings
• Become a fan on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/FlipAustralia
• Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/FlipAustralia

• Engage with us on our blog site at http://blogs.cisco.com/consumer

A fourth character has been revealed for the upcoming DLC for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2. Watch the trailer here and see how the Black Panther’s patience is wearing thin.  

For more information please visit www.marvelultimatealliance.com

Two Downloadable Mixes Feature Chart-Topping Hits From 50 Cent Featuring Mary J. Blige, Hall of Fame Inductee Queen, Gorillaz and Public Enemy 

Sydney, Australia  – November 2nd, 2009 – Living room legends and budding superstar DJ’s alike who have already started the party in what Time says “delivers in every way” and IGN.com has hailed as “exhilarating” and “a new beginning for the music genre, “ can now add to the 93 mixes available in DJ Hero™ with two party rockin’ grooves: 50 Cent featuring Mary J. Blige “All Of Me” mixed with Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga” and “DARE” by Gorillaz vs. Public Enemy’s “Can’t Truss It.” 

Also joining the mix, on November 24th, will be a three Mix Pack from one of the hottest house DJ’s in the world, David Guetta.  David Guetta Mix Pack 01 will contain remixes of his tracks, currently tearing up the airwaves and dance floors both domestically and internationally, “When Love Takes Over” featuring Kelly Rowland, the chart-topping “Sexy Chick” featuring Akon and “On The Dance Floor” featuring will.i.am and apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. 

DJ Hero Extended Mix Pack 01 features the following mixes:

“All Of Me” by 50 Cent featuring Mary J. Blige vs. “Radio Ga Ga” by Queen

“DARE” by Gorillaz vs. “Can’t Truss It” Performed by Public Enemy 

DJ Hero Extended Mix Pack 01 is available now on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 480 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation®Store for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system $8.45,.  All mixes in the Mix Packs will be released on November 24th as downloadable singles for Wii™ for 300 Wii Points each. 

To download DJ Hero video assets featuring the mixes in DJ Hero Extended Mix Pack 01, please visit www.redoctane.us/press/djh/dlcmixes.php (login: presspass; password: jimihendrix). 

Expanding upon the revolutionary easy to pick up/challenging to master gameplay mechanics developed and refined in Guitar Hero®, DJ Hero delivers an all-new interactive music experience that allows players to start the party and not only experience, but to hear music in an all-new way. Featuring mixes created by DJ AM, Cut Chemist, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Jazzy Jeff, J. Period, DJ Shadow, DJ Z-Trip and more, spinning over 100 individual songs, highlighted in 93 unique never-before-released mixes that blend genres of music, including hip-hop, pop, rock and dance, DJ Hero delivers the most diverse and international collection of music ever assembled in a music game by incorporating anthems from legendary artists.  Created exclusively for DJ Hero, the turntable controller immerses fans into DJ culture and a sea of music as they utilise and master various DJ techniques including scratching, crossfading and sampling, while leaving room for creative expression with a variety of effects and player chosen samples and scratches, transforming a face in the crowd into the life of the party. 

The DJ Hero Renegade Edition includes a copy of the game, a premium Renegade turntable controller, hardshell turntable carrying case that converts to a performance-ready DJ stand, and an exclusive JAY-Z and EMINEM 2-CD pack featuring “best of” and new, unreleased material.

 Available now, DJ Hero was developed by FreeStyleGames for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems and the Wii™ system from Nintendo.  The game is rated “PG” (Mild themes, sexual references and coarse language).  For more information about DJ Hero, please visit djhero.com, facebook.com/djhero and twitter.com/djhero.

Perth, Western Australia — October 29, 2009 — Scott Kevill, president, GameRanger Technologies, today announced the addition of Borderlands to the multiplayer matchmaking service, GameRanger. Borderlands marks the 600th supported game after just a year since the PC release of GameRanger.

GameRanger opened to PC gaming in November 2008 with over 500 supported games. A year later, it has now reached 600 supported games with the latest major title, Borderlands. Unlike the built-in service, GameRanger solves router and firewall network problems automatically, making it simple to host online Borderlands games with friends.

“Borderlands provides a strong co-op experience that is best played with people you already know,” said Scott Kevill, president of GameRanger Technologies. “I’m very pleased offer an easier way for Borderlands fans to play their friends online.”

GameRanger runs on Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 and is available as a free download from <http://www.GameRanger.com>

About GameRanger

GameRanger is the longest running multiplayer online gaming service, having originally opened to Mac gaming in 1999. In November 2008, GameRanger expanded to PC gaming and now offers full lobby support for over 600 games — significantly more than any other multiplayer service — and is rapidly becoming the preferred choice of gamers for playing their friends online. GameRanger Technologies is located in Perth, Western Australia.

QVS and PDP Bring the Energizer Induction Technology Into Play

Innovative addition to Energizer® Power & Play™ line makes charging Wii remotes even easier 

Sydney (October 29, 2009) – through direct partnership and association, Energizer, Performance Designed Products® LLC (“PDP”) and QVS are making charging your Wii remote easier with the introduction of the Energizer® Flat Panel Induction Charger to the Energizer® Power & Play™ series this month. 

“Energizer is always looking at innovative solutions to power people’s lives and the Flat Panel Induction Charger does just that for everyone who likes gaming,” said Jeff Ziminski, Chief Marketing Officer, Energizer. “Utilizing contactless charging technology, the Flat Panel Induction Charger makes charging your Wii remote simple and convenient.” 

Gamers simply lay their Wii remote down on the charge pad. There is no fussing with wires or battery packs, and no need to remove sleeves, Wii MotionPlus or lanyards. Magnets secure the Wii remotes in the perfect position on the charger. The Energizer Flat Panel Induction Charger features a futuristic design and comes in a two-remote and a four-remote design. 

“PDP wants to make charging your game controller as convenient and simple as possible so you can continue on with the important part – gaming,” said John Moore, Senior Vice President of Marketing, PDP. “The Energizer Power & Play product line continues to grow, and new products like the Energizer Flat Panel Induction Charger keep the line on the cutting edge.”  

“As we continue to position ourselves as the leading Interactive Entertainment Specialist across Australia/NZ, the partnership with PDP was a natural fit given the quality of the range,” said Omar Braery, Marketing Manager, QVS. “The Energizer Flat Panel Induction Charger is a ‘hassle-free, premium product which further enhances your overall gaming experience”.

The Energizer® Flat Panel Induction Charger – Double and Quad – will be available in retailers across the country.