2010s - NOTES
 DW FACTSby Dark Watcher |
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It was bound to happen. Perhaps the cause stemmed from Microsoft's Xbox game console with its computer like architecture. What are we
referring to you may ask? It is called DISCover.
At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2003, Digital Interactive Systems Inc (The "DIS" in DISCover) debuted a patented technology that allowed console gamers the ability to play computer PC games on a console like machine. The machines themselves were merely computer components in a compact casing. It is even driven by Microsoft's Windows XP computer operating system. So what makes it special? The DISCover patented technology was developed to take the fuss out of computer gaming. Units are preloaded with thousands of scripts that automatically configure all the game requirements needed to run a particular game. No need to adjust computer settings or tweak graphics and frame rate. The gamer simply places a CD computer game into the console and the game simply starts up like any console game would (and either on TV or monitors). DISCover also connects itself behind the scenes via dial-up or broadband to the company's server database for script updates and game mods. This technology was called "Drop 'n' Play". |
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DISCover consoles would vary hardware wise. This is because Digital Interactive took the 3DO approach. In other words they license the
DISCover technology out to retailers. The retailers can then put out their own versions of the DISCover console. They had negotiated
with Hyundai Electronics, Pioneer, Apex, Gateway, Alienware, HP, ABS and Dell. Manufactures could use the technology with set top
boxes, DVD / MP3 players and TiVo type devices. Also since the units make use of Windows XP it will be compatible with any other
input devices necessary such as game port, USB, firewire, standard mouse and keyboard connections, etc.
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2004, the first console to make use of DISCover patented technology was debuted by Apex. The ApeXtreme was a set top box that would feature a 40 GB Hard Drive, nVidia nForce 2 IGP, 256 MB DDR RAM, a digital video recorder, an AMD Athlon XP 2000+ Processor, Progressive Scan and HDTV Support. It would also have a 56K v.92 modem and an Ethernet connection with four front USB ports for keyboards, mice, gamepads or joysticks and one rear port. Unfortunately, the company lacked the financial stability to bring it to consumers. It never appeared. Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2005 saw the rebirth of DISCover. The company partnered up with Alienware and used the technology exclusively in their new Media Center PC line. The technology now featured the addition of downloadable games and services on top of their existing "Drop 'n' Play" service. It was now called "My Games" and seems to have stolen the Phantom Console's thunder. FACT: Two Alienware Media Center PC's became available in 2005, and both featured DISCover technology. The technical specs for the DHS 2 (original model) are located in the Specs & Manuals section. |
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