June 28th, 2012/ News

As the days grow cold and wet, give the Winter blues the flick this School Holidays by heading down to The Nintendo Experience, 67 Swanston St, Melbourne.

With something for everyone, check out the free events listed below to see what takes your fancy, or pop into the store any time to take part in the colouring competition!

There’s loads more activities happening at The Nintendo Experience these school holidays, so please check with the store for more details.

Super Mario Spectacular 

When: Saturday 30th June, 10am – 4pm

Cosplay competition at 2pm

With New Super Mario Bros. 2 and New Super Mario Bros. U on the horizon, it’s time to celebrate and brush up on a few Mario classics with a fun-filled day for the whole family. After receiving your special lanyard, take a tour through some Mario classics, old and new, on your way to receiving a special showbag* with plenty of goodies inside.

Show your true colours and take part in the Mario Cosplay Competition, where the best will walk away with games and trophies!

*Showbags are limited to the first 200 to finish their tour.

Mario Tennis Open Tournament

When: Wednesday 4th July, 10am – 4pm

Registration closes Midday

Mario recently smashed his way onto Nintendo 3DS in Mario Tennis Open, with all new ways to play and enjoy tennis with Mario and friends.

This tournament is sure to serve up an afternoon of fun with a single elimination tournament with prizes and trophies for the top 3 placed players!

With special lanyards for all who attend on the day and the chance to play a range of classic tennis games on Wii, this day is sure to ace its way through a rainy Wednesday.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version Battle Tournament

When: Sunday 15th July, 10am – 4pm

Registration closes Midday

Brush up on your Pokémon skills ahead of the release of Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 later in the year at the latest battle competition to hit The Nintendo Experience in Melbourne. Train up your favourite Pokémon and put them to the test in this single-elimination, double-battle format competition. Full rules will be available in store on the day.

With prizes and trophies up for grabs, each competitor will also receive a special lanyard for competing. What better way to prepare for a big year of Pokémon ahead?

News story link – http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=2103&pageID=6

Sony Computer Entertainment Australia recently announced that YouTube would soon be coming to PlayStation Vita, adding to PS Vita’s growing portfolio of applications that take advantage of the high definition and 3G capabilities of the device.  Today, we’re pleased to be able to confirm that the YouTube application is now live and available to download for FREE via the PlayStation Store on PlayStation Network.

With the YouTube application on PS Vita, you can watch millions of YouTube videos on the stunning 5″ OLED screen and take advantage of many of the YouTube functions you’re already familiar with – you can easily search for videos, choose favourites and make comments.  Your personal YouTube account is available right on your PlayStation Vita.

For more information on the PS Vita YouTube application, please visit:  http://au.playstation.com/psvita/news/articles/detail/item510544/

For a video highlighting the suite of PS Vita’s social applications, please visit:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEHU0Kh9zyc&feature=plcp

Canon’s renowned mid-range DSLR takes performance higher with enhanced shooting, ease-of-use and support for additional EOS accessories.

Sydney 28 June, 2012: Canon Australia has today announced an exciting new firmware upgrade for the popular EOS 7D digital SLR camera. Available for download from the Canon Australia website*¹ from 7 August 2012, firmware Version 2.0.0 introduces a number of enhancements that will allow photographers and videographers to get more out of their camera.

“The EOS 7D has established itself as the camera of choice for mid-range DSLR photographers who want the best in quality and performance in the APS-C segment,” said Rebecca Pearson, Assistant Brand Manager – EOS, Canon Australia. “Representing a major upgrade to the camera, the firmware update improves shooting performance, offers additional onboard features, and allows the camera to be used with our new GPS receiver.”

After installing the update, photographers using UDMA CF cards will notice a significant improvement in continuous shooting, with the ability to capture a burst of 25 RAW images at 8.0 frames per second (maximum burst of 15 images previously). For those who want to be able to tag their images with geo-positional data, the update also provides compatibility with the Canon GP-E2 GPS receiver.

However, it is the remaining feature upgrades that will be most welcomed by seasoned users of the Canon EOS 7D. “In releasing the firmware now, we’ve taken the opportunity to provide a number of feature enhancements that respond directly to feedback we have received from the photographic community,” continues Pearson. “Still shooters will enjoy the extra freedom afforded by the ISO Auto range maximum setting, in-camera RAW processing, and the ability to scroll around a magnified image with greater speed. And videographers will really appreciate the ability to set their audio levels manually.”

Increased maximum burst during continuous RAW shooting

The maximum burst is increased when shooting RAW images from approximately 15*^a to more than 25*^b consecutive shots and, when shooting RAW+JPEG (Large/Fine), from approximately 6*^a to more than 17*^b consecutive shots. The increased maximum burst enables users to capitalise on the EOS 7D’s fast continuous shooting speed of 8 approx. frames-per-second, to ensure that fast-moving action shots are not missed.

Support for the GPS Receiver GP-E2 (optional accessory)

When using the optional GPS Receiver GP-E2, firmware Version 2.0.0 makes it is possible to append images with the

shooting location’s longitude, latitude, and elevation. Additionally, a separate log file is recorded, which tracks the route the

photographer took, even though they may not have taken images during this time.

ISO Auto Range Maximum setting

With ISO Auto, it is now possible to set a maximum ISO figure from 400 up to 6400 ISO, in full stop increments. This makes it easier for photographers to prioritise better noise control over blur-free images.

In-camera RAW processing

Photos that were captured at full size RAW can now be processed in-camera, helping photographers to optimise their memory card usage while on the go.

In-camera rating function

A five-scale image rating function has been added to help streamline image management.

JPEG resizing

JPEG images can be resized in-camera and saved as a new file, useful when the photographer wants low resolution copies to email or upload to the web.

Quick Control during Playback

By pressing the Q button during playback, photographers have quick and easy access to functions such as rating, in-camera editing, and configuring how the image is displayed.

Audio Level Adjustment

Videographers can now manually set the sound recording levels in 64 increments. This provides far greater control over how audio is captured through built-in and external microphones, when capturing video.

Manual File Naming

Photographers can now set the file name prefix before capturing images, helping them to categorise their images based on who they are photographing or where they are, for example.

Faster scrolling of magnified images.

When checking focus at full magnification during playback, it is now possible to scroll around the frame much faster, allowing the photographer to be more productive.

Any new EOS 7D cameras shipped from Canon Australia after 7 August 2012 will have the new firmware installed.

*1 Firmware Version 2.0.0 will be available for download from 7 August 2012 at http://support-au.canon.com.au/P/search?model=EOS%207D&filter=0&menu=Download

Related links:

• Firmware Version 2.0.0 (from 7 August 2012)

• Firmware Version 1.0.x for WFT-E5A/B/C/D/E (from 7 August 2012)

When using the WFT-E5 with an EOS 7D updated to firmware Version 2.0.0, it will be necessary to update the WFT-E5 with Firmware Version 1.0.x

• EOS 7D digital SLR camera

• Canon World of EOS – Take your photography to the next level

About Canon:

Canon is the world’s leading imaging brand that actively inspires with imaginative ideas that enable people to connect, communicate and achieve more than they thought possible through imaging solutions for business and consumers. Canon’s Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-four US patent recipients* for the past 20 years, and had global revenues of around $US46 billion in 2011. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit www.canon.com.au, www.facebook.com/canonaustralia, www.twitter.com/canonaustralia, www.youtube.com/canonaustralia

SYDNEY – 28 JUNE, 2012 – China Lion Film Entertainment today announced that Australian cinema fans will be the first in the world to experience the highly anticipated 3D supernatural fantasy spectacular PAINTED SKIN RESURRECTION. Continuing its aim to bring Chinese blockbusters to Australian cinemas on the same day & date as China & Hong Kong, PAINTED SKIN RESURRECTION hits screens in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne on June 28.

“With the time difference between Asia & Australia, local audiences will actually get to see the general public release of PAINTED SKIN RESURRECTION before anyone else in the world!” said Michael Robbins, China Lion’s International Marketing Manager. “The film will be releasing in China on June 28 and Hong Kong July 5, so local cinema fans in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane actually get to enjoy the film before their Asian friends!”

According to demon lore, it takes hundreds of years to attain human form. Even then, lacking a human heart, a demon cannot experience the true pains and passions of existence. However, there is a legend that if a pure human heart is freely offered to a demon, it can become a mortal and experience true life. Painted Skin Resurrection is based on Pu Songling’s famous work from the Qing Dynasty “Erotic Ghost Story” starring Vicki Zhao as Princess Jing, Zhou Xun as Xiao Wei and Chen Kun as general Huo Xin in this big-budget supernatural action fantasy by rising Director Wueshan. 3D PAINTED SKIN RESURRECTION opens in cinemas June 28 at the following locations;

SYDNEY: Event Cinemas George St, Event Cinemas Macquarie, Greater Union Hurstville, Event Cinemas Burwood.

BRISBANE: Event Cinemas Brisbane City Myer Centre, BCC Cinemas Garden City Mt Gravatt

MELBOURNE: Cinema Nova Carlton.

About China Lion 

Chinalion Film Entertainment & China Lion Film Distribution  specialises in the distribution of Chinese language films and entertainment outside Asia.  Its shareholders include founding partners Jiang Yanming (President),  Milt Barlow (CEO) and leading Chinese film studios Huayi Brothers Media Corporation and Bona Film Group Ltd.  China Lion releases the best of Chinese and Asian Cinema in Australia , New Zealand , USA , Canada & the UK and seeks to release day-and-date with mainland China and Asia.  China Lion has offices in Los Angeles, Toronto, Beijing, Sydney and Auckland.

Telltale Games have just released the launch trailer for episode two of The Walking Dead entitled ‘Starved for Help’ (which is now available) and if you need a catch up on the previous installment, check out the recap. Both trailers are below for your enjoyment.

Episode 2 Launch Trailer

Episode 1 Stats recap video

Melbourne Australia – June 28, 2012 – ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) hosts the latest Melbourne Winter Masterpieces called GAME MASTERS THE EXHIBITION which showcases 35 of the world’s leading international video game designers.

The exhibition was officially opened in Melbourne today by Premier Ted Baillieu with the media given a chance to listen and talk to some of the world’s greatest gaming gods, Tim Schafer (Full Throttle, Brutal Legend), Warren Spector (System Shock, Deus Ex) and up and coming gaming entrepreneur Rob Murray (Flight Control). Good Game presenters Steven (Baj) O’Donnell and Stephanie (Hex) Bendixson were MC’s for the opening and provided their own personal charm to kickstar the event.

Needless to say, the exhibition was spectacular and there are some amazing Easter eggs littered throughout the massive expanse of games such as Tim Schafer’s job application for Lucasarts and some great sketches of Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series.

Apart from over 125 playable games that were broken up into three categories that included Arcade Heroes, Game Changers and Indies, Game Masters is also presenting a variety of forums, talks and workshops throughout the life of the exhibition. These additions give a unique insight into not only the history of gaming but also the future.

The ACMI exhibition itself runs from the 28th of June to the 28th of October and is the spiritual gaming successor of their 2008 presentation Game On. Unlike Game On, Game Masters is more about the behind the scenes of the video game industry as it links world famous developers such as Warren Spector, Peter Molyneux and Tim Schafer who not only lend their expertise to the exhibits but showcase some of their amazing concept art and scripts that were used in the creation of these games.

With a collection of classic arcade heroes that include Pac-Man to an anthology of Metal Gear Solid games from the amazing mind of Hideo Kojima, this exhibition touches on a variety of gaming genres from all eras that not only provides a blast from the past but will make new gamers appreciate the diverse history of this modern art.

With interactive displays, interviews and of course games on the PC, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3 and XBox 360, Game Masters is a must see exhibition to anyone who loves games. Check out some of the games on display below to experience a taste of this exhibition.

For more information, please visit www.acmmi.net.au/gamemasters

New Summer Festival Update Just In Time For Summer Vacation

Seoul, Korea, June 26, 2012— Joymax, leading online game developer and publisher, announced today its latest update for the popular online massive multiplayer title, Digimon Masters.  A fantastic universe where our world and the Digital World are closer than anyone would have imagined is about to change in ways never expected!  Digimon Masters continues the story and heightened sense of urgency found in the Digimon anime. This summertime update will bring tamers a raised level cap, all-new Digimon, new items and new maps!  New and returning players can check out all the fun at the Joymax portal at http://www.joymax.com/portal.

The new Summer Festival will have power growing stronger as players and their Digimon can now attain the lofty goal of level 90!  With this increased level cap, comes new powers to explore, and players will now have the opportunity to delve deeper into the mazes of the Digital World with four new Maze floors to explore on the journey to 90!

New Digimon have also joined the fray including two new Mercenaries: Salamon (who will digivolve to BlackTailm

on) and FanBeemon.  In addition, Lopmon’s Ultimate form can now be unlocked via the Angel Ring item.  Two new field drops for companion Digimon are also included in the update, Dogmon and Armamon, making a total of six new Digimon available for the summer.  Salamon was the official winner of the “Most Wanted Digimon Poll” event and Joymax is pleased to add him to the game.  Leveling these new partners is the perfect opportunity to try out the hot new items including twelve new summer avatars!

Digimon are well known all over the globe as part of the famous Japanese TV animation series.  Digimon Masters is the first ever 3D online game based on the Digimon universe with more than 1,000 characters featured from seasons 1 through 5 of the series. Not only is it faithful to the art design, Digimon Masters closely follows the original story that will satisfy both loyal fans of the series as well as the average gamer. The game seamlessly combines pet training simulation with role-playing elements to deliver a one of a kind gaming experience. Featuring real-time combat, Gamers will be thrilled with the challenges brought forth by real-time combat which requires quick thinking and good reflexes. Players can also become one of 8 Royal Knights. Royal Knights are Digimon who are in charge of each area in the Digital World. Leaders of a guild that conquers one of these areas can become a Royal Knight who has the right to impose taxes along with other perks and obligations.

To get the latest information and regular contests for amazing prizes, players are encouraged to follow the official Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/digimonmasters  Players can also check out more details at http://twitter.com/dmojoymax/

Sydney, Australia June 18, 2012:   BenQ, a brand which boasts a well earned reputation internationally for superior visually technology and digital lifestyle innovations has declared their focus for forthcoming and future product releases:  Interactive Display Technologies.  

Said general manager for BenQ Australia, Chee F. Chung, “Interactive displays have become one of the most powerful presentation tools in use today, revolutionizing traditional meetings and training with a new and engaging style of communication that greatly enhances efficiency, productivity and collaboration.  

Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs)

With the full support of its sister company and long term strategic partner, AUO, a world leading manufacturer in the design, R&D and manufacturing TFT-LD panels, BenQ launched today an all new product line-up of large format displays.  Touch integrated interactive flat panel (IFP) products are designed for use in corporate, education, banking and retail applications which aim to transform conventional ways of information presentation into powerful, influential engagements.

BenQAustraliaintroduced new 42-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch interactive flat panels (IFPs) with 1920x1080p full HD resolution. For education and corporate applications, the new T420, T650, and TL550 combine high dynamic contrast ratios with touch technology and multimedia connectivity to transform ordinary presentations into powerful, impactful experiences.

Combining the power of touch technology with multimedia connectivity, the T420, TL550, and T650S maximize the learning experience for students, while enhancing meeting efficiency, training effectiveness, collaborative discussions, data visualization, and team building exercises in corporate, government, and military applications such as conference rooms and command and control. In addition, the IFPs are ideal for interactive applications in a wide range of environments, including eBoard information displays for menus, airport flight schedules, and much more.

The CCFL T420 and T650S offer dynamic contrast ratios of 4,000:1 and 9,000:1, while the LED TL550 offers a dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1. Key features of all three IFPs include:

• Optical Sensing Touch      Technology: Provides more      accurate control at the four corners of the display. Users can pan, zoom, and scroll through documents and websites with ease.
• Optical Dual Touch      Technology: Turns the      displayed image or spreadsheet into a multitouch screen — when paired with      Windows® 7 — for versatile presenter/listener interaction and      collaboration.
• Picture-in-Picture (PIP)      Function: Displays two incoming images      simultaneously for enhanced productivity.
• Anti-Image Retention: Prevents image ghosting caused by displaying fixed      images for an extended period of time.
• Ambient Light Sensor: Delivers optimum visual clarity and color presentation      under uniform brightness and low temperature.
• Reliable and Durable10-bit      PID Panel: provide support for quick and      easy setup, in addition to simultaneous multiprojection display      capabilities.
• Integrated Speaker: Makes every presentation more engaging by taking      advantage of videos, music, and sound effects.

RRP: $3,999 – T420 / $6,999 – TL550 /$9,999 – T650S.

Second Generation Point Draw Interactive Projection Technology

The new MW860USTi and MP780 ST+interactive short-throw projectors with ultra-short-throw ratios of 0.37 and 0.49, respectively are designed to provide teachers and students with the ultimate interactive experience in any classroom setting.  These versatile teaching tools feature BenQ’s second-generation PointDraw™ interactive projection technology with dual pen support.

BenQ’s second-generation PointDraw™ interactive projection technology comes with the new PointDraw™ Pen 2.0, which features a faster response time to support remote interactivity up to 25 feet away from the board or projected surface. Dual pen control is supported by the newly designed QDraw 2.0 interactive software — enabling endless collaboration through simultaneous teacher-student interaction.

“With the MW860USTi and MP780 ST+, students can enjoy taking turns making their contribution to the lesson using their own independent tool bar, which is under the teacher’s complete guidance and control,” said Chung. “Like its predecessor, the second-generation PointDraw™ technology requires no system calibration. Teachers can easily set up their lesson to begin teaching by simply turning on the projector and the PointDraw™ pens.

“With the original PointDraw™, we introduced an innovative interactive solution that freed teachers from the hassles of system calibration and allowed them to teach from anywhere in the classroom,” she said. “With the second generation, we’ve taken interactivity to an entirely new level by doubling the functionality PointDraw™ offers. With this amazing technology, the MW860USTi and MP780 ST+ are the most advanced interactive tools available on the market.”

In addition to their enhanced interactivity, the MW860USTi and MP780 ST+ are packed with a number of other powerful features and functions to further future-proof every classroom, including:

• DLP®Link™ maximizes students’ learning by creating an immersive      learning environment through 3D visualization.
• WXGA short-throw projection increases the viewing area by 30 percent compared to      XGA, and provides sharper, clearer images with less shadow distractions.
• 20-W built-in speaker power with audio pass-through and microphone input replaces      classroom audio systems at no extra cost.
• LAN Display and USB Display      options provide support for quick and      easy setup, in addition to simultaneous multiprojection display      capabilities.
• USB Drive Display and Remote      Desktop support PC-less teaching by      allowing teachers to simply use a USB flash drive, or remotely access      their computers via a wireless mouse and keyboard over the LAN.

The MW860USTi and MP780 ST+ are available now.

RRP:  $2,299 and $1,999 respectively.

27^th JUNE, 2012 Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announced that the English-born actress Camilla Luddington has been chosen to be the voice and performance actress of famous video game adventurer, Lara Croft in the new Tomb Raider® game.

After an international talent search using scouts in Europe and the US, Luddington stood out as delivering both a depth of emotion and the youthful tone needed for Lara Croft in the upcoming reimagining of the Tomb Raider franchise, due for release on March 5, 2013.

“This has been one of the most important jobs for us to get right,” said Darrell Gallagher, head of studio at Crystal Dynamics “‘This Tomb Raider game is very different to any other and we are demanding far more from the voice and performance acting than ever before as we take the franchise in a new direction.”

This July Luddington will also participate in the Nerd HQ and Comic-Con panels in San Diego, where she will join the development team as they talk about Tomb Raider and the story behind its creation.

Recently Luddington has starred in hit Showtime series, Californication© and can also be seen in the current season of HBO’s True Blood©.

Tomb Raider is slated for release on March 5^th 2013. 

Related Links

For more information, visit www.Tombraider.com

Twitter: http://www,twitter.com/tombraider

Facebook: http://facebook.com/tombraider

Tumblr: http://officialtombraiderblog.tumblr.com/

YouTube: http://youtube.com/tombraider

Catch a glimpse of the latest in eye-catching, iconic Diesel and their younger lifestyle brand 55DSL’s apparel and Diesel homewares for your Sims in the new trailer for The Sims 3 Diesel Stuff Pack. See how you can play with attitude, play with design and play with standing out from the crowd with hot fashions and décor from one of the most popular lifestyle brands in the world.

The Sims 3 Diesel StuffPackallows you to outfit your Sims in the latest women’s and men’s fashions from Diesel and 55DSL and customize your Sims’ homes with industrial-chic Diesel furnishings, straight from the showroom to your loft. Featuring a range of modern, sophisticated outfit combinations and more than a dozen distinctive furniture items to choose from, your Sims will be free from uniformity with The Sims 3 Diesel StuffPack, available at retailers across Australia on the 12^th July & New Zealand on the 13^th July.

For more information, please visit www.thesims.com/au/diesel.