Labeling on the Netflix Envelope is a little different, note the DO NOT RETURN THIS DISC notice.

Disc is not the typical SILVER coated top, but Lovely RED…

Pop it in and it shows up as a RED NETFLIX ICON under movies.  Launch it and it pulls up a screen that says goto www.netflix.com/ps3 and enter the CODE BELOW:

I tried to use my iPhone to do it didnt work, then realized you have to be logged in.  So went to computer, logged in, went to URL and then entered the code and seconds later before I did anything on the PS3, the screen changed.  Like it was checking to see…. Which is some nice codework I must say.

Screen loads in and any suggestions, stuff in your queue shows up.  Tabs across the top with all the categories as if you were on the Netflix site.  You push down once on the arrow when on a  tab to view the movie posters.  Hit Right and Left to see next and previous.  If your on a movie you like, you can Press the arrow down to view the movie details.

Launched a movie and it took about 60-80 seconds to start.  Didn’t have any preloading bs so the slight wait was not a big deal.

Visual quality is nice, better than low def on demand from Comcast.  Pause worked quickly, unlike on-demand Comcast.  Forward was cool, as you go forward it shows still images of where the film is at.  Made it easier to see where you were at.  Play from Pause and Play from Forward were spot on.

Pressing Stop, took about 20-30 seconds to go back to the main screen.

I understand the REASON for the DISC is to circumvent  a MS+XBOX exclusive deal which expires in about 6 months or so, then there will be a built in PS3 app.  I thought the Netflix/PS3 disc solution was smart and well exectuted and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you Snag a disc.

Killa J

Closed Beta beg Nov 14 for PS3, Open Beta to PC in Dec.  Demo will include 1 map: “Arica Harbor”.

DICE had the following to say:

I’m going to have a “wait and see” mindset on this, but I am hopeful.  DICE maintains the stance that dedicated servers for MP games are key, compared to Modern Warfare 2 which is p2p, and then they actually host servers to support the community.  The PC is in such DIRE NEED for an upgrade path to something beyond BF2/2142 and I hope this hits the mark.

Hi all,

Just thought I would let you know, I have the cd/dvd on its way and will be personally testing it and giving a full write up.  I will note user interface, startup time, stream quality using a 40″ Sony 1920 x 1080 tv, selection, etc. and get back with you all.

Key Features:

* The latest Kaspersky Lab anti-virus technologies for ultimate protection
* Real-time scanning of files, Internet downloads and mail attachments
* Protects you from passing PC malware from your Mac onto PCs on your network
* Small, frequent updates for always-on protection
* Fast and non-intrusive with only 1% CPU impact on Mac performance
* Familiar, customizable Mac-type interface and operation
* Special safeguards to prevent Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac from being compromised

General Requirements:
Intel-based Mac computer (PowerPC processor not supported);
512 MB free RAM;
80 MB free hard drive space;
Mac OS X 10.4.11 operating system, or higher.

Operating System:
Mac OS 10.4.11 or higher

———————————————————————————-

Actually Kaspersky is a solid app on the PC, and I have used it on XP, and Vista and always liked how it worked and how easy it was to turn off.  The fact they are pitching this as an app to really help prevent Windows Viruses from spreading is a much more honest approach and the price seems to match the fact that there are less threats on the Mac platform at this time.

1 Mac, 1 year $40.

3 Macs, 1 year $60.

I’m going to find out how it runs on a system, how much processor cycles it really uses, if there is a kernal extension (surely there must be), etc and share with you all.  Its actually in our favor to have these options, especially in mixed network environments, and from my own personal use of Kaspersky products, I would say the app should do what it says.  Just hope they wrote it and they didn’t sub it out to a different team.

Maximum external transfer rate       300MB/s
Maximum sustained data rate     138MB/s
Average rotational latency     4.2 ms
Spindle speed     7,200 RPM
Cache size     64MB
Platter size     500GB
Areal density     400 Gb/in²
Available capacities     2TB
Idle power     8.2W
Read/write power     10.7W
Idle acoustics     29 dBA
Seek acoustics     30-34 dBA
Warranty length     Five years

for this nice hardware report, and tech images.  Western Digital Black Caviar 1TB drives are a sweet spot right now with cost+tech, but the 2TB look to be a viable solution once their prices drops a bit.

[Get the full 411]

“ The changes affect both the ‘Map’ and ‘Hybrid’ styles, and include numerous refinements to color, density, typography, and road styling worldwide.  For example, in map view, local and arterial roads have been narrowed at medium zooms to improve legibility, and the overall colours have been optimized to be easier on the eye and conflict less with other things (such as traffic, transit lines and search results) that we overlay onto the map.  Hybrid roads have gained a crisp outline to make them easier to follow, and the overall look is now closer to an augmented satellite view instead of a simple overlay.”

[Source: Google]

Initially will need to load a Disc as it ties into BDLive but it looks like a future OS release of PS3 will roll it into the OS with no disc needed.

“Initially, watching movies instantly streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc,” Sony explains, which “leverages Blu-ray’s BD-Live technology to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3 system.”

[More info]

Not everyone is aware that windows Vista was notorious for slowing down over regular use, eventually calling for you to reinstall everything to make it zippy again (UGH).  TomsHardware has a good article and new findings on this phenomenon for Windows 7.

TomsHardware article

Tintin and I approach the target, BAM! Barrage of artillery.  Keep low to the ground….