New console, the Phantom?

[TheJANG]

http://www.phantom.net/

It's basically a PC. However, no CD/DVD? Pay per play? I'm having trouble figuring out the model from their preview video.

They do mention that it'll launch with more games than "any other console." I'm assuming that means it will run PC games (no reason it shouldn't... it's a full Wintel box), installable via an add-on external CD drive.

Anyone heard anything about this?

[22benjamin22]

If I remember the info correctly it's an online delivery method only. Nobody has seen one in action, nor even a working prototype, only an empty box.

Speculation leads to be PC games ported for online delivery. No external media will be supported - either for read or write to help prevent digital theft.

That also severly limits its capabilities as a home media hub, which both MS and Sony seem to be gearing towards.

Let's see: fully remote controlled (we're talking normal size RF remote), TiVo capable, DVD (read/write), DiVx, AVI, WM*, MP*(both audio and video), and the ability to send and recieve data to/from a network (be it broadband or local). Fully NTSC de-interlaced and tuned for US TV sets (with an output option for 1024x768 15pin DSUB). Oh yeah, console specific games and PC based would be nice too.

Now some might say most of that is capable now. Anyone watch their PC on a TV? I've seen some high end setups running OK, but they're all a little off in their video quality. Until all of that can be in one package, I'll stick with a stand alone DirecTiVo, DVD and PS2 on the TV and have a Gaming/Multimedia PC.

[-nick]

one word...

HOAX

-Nick

[madrusty289]

I have read alot about this console. First, it is prettymuch a computer crammed into a box. Second, nobody knows if it exists. Third, you can only download games.

Should be interesting to see how it turns out.

[HardcoreDragonX]

I think they have some interesting ideas, but overall, I dont like it that much. Because it operates over the net, and everything is stored on a hard-drive, security will be a big issue so that you dont get a bug and loose everything. The number of games it can store could also be a possible problem. Some people have more games than would ever fit on a harddrive. Plus, it makes it impossible to share games with your friends, you've gotta let them borrow the whole console.

Interesting, but some of the ideas need work.

[weezergeek]

i believe it was supposed to be released for Christmas but they delayed it. I dont know what to think of it . I hope if its real the games will be cheap since nothing has to be manufactured

[swanytroon9]

i heard about this console last october and have forgot about it since