[Surfer94303]

Any thoughts about which system will be 'better'? Things i am looking for:* support for HDTV* support for living room media control / integration (e.g., ability to function as a DVR, etc.)* Game selection

[Nick Nguyen]

Both will have support for HDTV, the PS3 is supposed to launch with support for Dual HDTV's, a configuration which is so rare that I wonder how much time game designers will spend implementing this. One potentially interesting application of dual screen is having a smaller tv act as a dashboard with the HD display being the view for the game. We're still too far away to know what the impact of this feature is. As for media integration, it's obvious that Sony is a content provider whereas Microsoft views themselves as the distributor of that content. The PS3 will support blu-ray dvd, which should provide the ability to play prerecorded HD DVD's, assuming that standard takes hold. Since blu-ray is a Sony standard and is subject to their draconian licensing agreements, it can still fail if they haven't learned their lesson from Betamax. Neither products will have DVR functionality at launch (the optional drives are far too small), but 360 will have the ability to act as a media center extender, where it can stream content off a media center PC on your home network. I have a media center PC and I haven't looked back at my TiVo since, and Windows Vista is supposed to have MCE functionality built into the OS. Also, there is ipod connectivity included (where you can stream non drm music through your 360 from your ipod) and it appears that interoperability with other devices is a key part of the 360 strategy. I will not be surprised if the 360 will allow you to view digital photos on your home PC in HD resolution on a television. The PS3 has arguably superior hardware to 360, but both are so capable that the limiting factor will be the capabilities of the game developers, not the hardware. I think based on what I've seen of the launch titles, XBox 360 will remain strongest for sports, first person shooters, and arcade racing games, whereas the PS3 will get more of the RPG, simulation, and oddball japanese titles. And, of course, if you are a Halo fan, there is really only one choice. I think I will probably end up getting both.