The PGC runs on Embedded Windows XP, and will be able to play PC games on your television. The Embedded Windows XP is said to be near-instant-on, meaning that the console should boot up almost instantly upon hitting power. VIA has said, though, that the consoles OS will not be "locked down", so Linux enthusiasts may have something to play with here.

The PGC will also come with the Windows Media Player installed as well. Add this with the built in Ethernet port, and you should be able to transfer songs from your PC to play through the PGC, if you desire. The built in VIA "Vynil" Audio chip will supply you with surround sound, if you have a home theater setup to plug it into.

The PGC is said to be running on a new VIA chipset, called the CN400, that runs at 1.4 Ghz, and gets its visuals from a VIA graphics chip, the VIA S3 Delta Chrome.

Other features include a 40 GB hard disk drive; six USB ports; RCA (composite) video out, S-Video out, and HD (High Definition) component video out built in (no need for expensive adaptors for better video types!); and, presumably, a built in optical out for the 5.1 surround sound. Obviously, DVD movie and CD audio playback are also included.

It is said that the pricing of the PGC will be between $299-$399, but no definite price point has yet been set. We'll have to see what comes out of the CES in a few days.

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Originally posted by Decker

Sorry if I'm dense here but what does everyone mean when they talk about using it as an emulator?

I have a few problems with this, naturally. First off, it is made by Apex, who I don't have a lot of confidence in with their quality.

Also, though I get PC Gamer magazine (good article on this unit) I really don't play many PC games. I have never liked the controls for pc games (other than simple ones like Dune II, X-Com, etc.). Granted they are probably just as good as any others today (confirm?), but I still haven't gotten into it.

Having said all that, I am intrigued as hell. Ignoring exclusives that are on consoles for now, the great equalizer is the fact that the publishers do not have to pay Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo as cut, so the games tend to be $10 to $20 less and drop much quicker. Another nice thing (even though I ripped on the controlers earlier) would be having the ability to use good controls for flight sims, racing (though there are good ones for consoles), etc.

Anyway, I could actually see it take off. Why more than regular PC gamers? The consoles will appeal to old time console players (like me) who prefer to have a computer on a screen, and games on a TV.

Anyway, this out to fuel a pretty good debate.

.........................................................................

Again, I don't think this unit will break the mold, but it might be the start of things and someone with the ability might do it. Hell, you can buy a dell with more crap on it right now for this price. They may not want to rock the boat with Microsoft, but Gateway may. And they have started to branch out in a number of ways as well.

And the price probably wouldn't bother me knowing the games would be quite a bit cheaper.

Originally posted by spainlinx0
Is this the CD-I part 2?