The Must-Have Accessories of the HD-era Gamer
In the old days, even if you had a black and white TV you could enjoy gaming. It didn't even matter if you had a RF hookup or those "little prong things". Now, gaming can NOT be fully enjoyed unless you have the proper equipment. I'd like to cover some of the necessities in this article.
Audio
Ah, the days of mono TV audio are over. Welcome to the age of digital surround sound. If you're a PS2 or Gamecube gamer, you should invest in a sound system that uses Dolby ProLogic II, as most games on those systems are optimized for this type of surround sound. If you're an Xbox gamer, then you have the distinct honor of being able to use real-time encoded Dolby Digital 5.1. A while back, I finally got enough money to blow on a DD5.1 system, and I'll NEVER game without it. Playing an FPS and hearing someone walk up behind you, or hearing which direction the bullets are originating are just a few of the perks to this system. Also, being encoded in real-time allows the sound to change around you as you move. This adds a whole new element to the gameplay, and allows the experience to become that much more immersive. So remember, if you're thinking of upgrading your home theater system, pick up one that supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic II, and even DTS if you can.
Visuals
If you haven't already moved up, it's about time to get rid of your TV that only supports RF. Hell, composite video isn't even enough anymore. At the very least, I'd recommend using at least S-Video, but component with HDTV would be most recommended. I am currently using component on a standard definition TV, and it's a huge step up from composite. I can't imagine going back to anything lower. I hope to move up to an HDTV, and even more hopefully one supporting 16:9, and I'd recommend the same to all the other gamers out there.
So as the HD era begins, make sure you are prepared for all gaming has to throw at you.
In the old days, even if you had a black and white TV you could enjoy gaming. It didn't even matter if you had a RF hookup or those "little prong things". Now, gaming can NOT be fully enjoyed unless you have the proper equipment. I'd like to cover some of the necessities in this article.
Audio
Ah, the days of mono TV audio are over. Welcome to the age of digital surround sound. If you're a PS2 or Gamecube gamer, you should invest in a sound system that uses Dolby ProLogic II, as most games on those systems are optimized for this type of surround sound. If you're an Xbox gamer, then you have the distinct honor of being able to use real-time encoded Dolby Digital 5.1. A while back, I finally got enough money to blow on a DD5.1 system, and I'll NEVER game without it. Playing an FPS and hearing someone walk up behind you, or hearing which direction the bullets are originating are just a few of the perks to this system. Also, being encoded in real-time allows the sound to change around you as you move. This adds a whole new element to the gameplay, and allows the experience to become that much more immersive. So remember, if you're thinking of upgrading your home theater system, pick up one that supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic II, and even DTS if you can.
Visuals
If you haven't already moved up, it's about time to get rid of your TV that only supports RF. Hell, composite video isn't even enough anymore. At the very least, I'd recommend using at least S-Video, but component with HDTV would be most recommended. I am currently using component on a standard definition TV, and it's a huge step up from composite. I can't imagine going back to anything lower. I hope to move up to an HDTV, and even more hopefully one supporting 16:9, and I'd recommend the same to all the other gamers out there.
So as the HD era begins, make sure you are prepared for all gaming has to throw at you.
posted by Gnome at 3:20 AM
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