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DW FACTS by Dark Watcher
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".
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.

MODELS Officially licensed releases
ApeXtreme Media & Game Console (unreleased)
$ApeXtreme Top \ Front$


Alienware DHS 2



Alienware DHS 5



CLONES Non-licensed hardware releases
This system is already a clone (PC architecture)

CONSOLE RATINGS
by Marriott_Guy

Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release. A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being excellent. The Alienware DHS 2 with DISCover Technology is being reviewed.

CRITERIA	RATING	NOTES & COMMENTS
Console Design	08	The DHS is housed within a stylish silver casing that is designed to fit into any AV standard (16.9" W x 15.6" D x 4.0" H). Brightly lit LED displays adorn the front of the unit with a very convenient flip-down door providing easy access to various inputs.
Console Durability	08	This is a pretty sturdy unit and does have some girth to it. I have not experienced any issues with this device in the two years that I have had it. The DHS is also surprisingly quiet (unlike the early 360 consoles).
Controllers	02	A controller does not come with the unit - just a wireless keyboard/mouse and multi-functional remote. These function well for general navigation of the system, but are rather brutal when it comes to gaming. Connections for standard PC gamepads are available (2).
Graphics	07	The ATI Radeon X300 does a fairly good job running most games that are not overly complex. Video playback is excellent, even when multi-tasking.
Audio	07	Overall rather average compared to its high-end PC competitors, but having the built-in 7.1 Surround Sound inputs is a definite plus.
Media	09	The DHS 2 supports basically all forms of CD (48x read) and DVD (16x read) media. See the Specs & Manuals section for more details.
Game Library	08	The DHS uses Windows XP Media Center Edition as its operating system, so the compatible library is quite extensive.
Gamer Value	03	If you already have a PC, it is difficult to recommend the DHS 2 due to its high cost. The system does feature a myriad of multimedia functionality (TV tuners, DVR, etc.), but chances are that most people already have these bases covered.
Collector Value	07	This is a tough rating to determine. The DHS 2 seems to be a bit rare and is rather pricey (at least mine was). Considering there are only two systems that have built-in DISCover Technology (the DHS 5 being the other), snagging one of these will probably pay off in the long run.

FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO
Interesting facts on software for this system

Though not proprietary in nature, DISCover Technology does open the door for many gamers to experience some great PC exclusives on their HD displays.

The PC gaming world is sometimes avoided by gamers due to the necessity of setting various options, specifying video drivers and the like. With Drop 'n' Play technology that is offered with DISCover systems, you truly can be enjoying PC gaming in a matter of minutes. These systems are definitely worth a look, especially if you have an existing PC games collection.


SCREENSHOTS Captured in-game images
Loading Screen	Game Interface

EMULATION
First and third party system emulators

Not required - this system is designed to play PC games on a standard television.

SPECS & MANUALS
For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.

Processor Type	Processor Speed	Other Processor Information	RAM \ Video RAM
Intel Pentium 4 Processor	3.0 GHz	ATI Radeon X300 Graphics Controller	512 MB DDR SDRAM \ 256 MB DDR SRAM
Screen Resolution	Color Palette	Polygons \ Sprites	Audio
Up to 1920 x 1080 (HD)	16.8M colors	Unknown	HD Audio, 192.0 KHz Sampling Rate. Dolby Surround Sound
Media Format	Media Capacity	Games Released	Other Supported Formats
CD-ROM (48x Read\Write), DVD (16x Read, up to 16x Write)	Varied	Thousands (PC Compatible)	CD\CD-R\CD-RW, DVD\DVD-R\DVD+R\DVD+RW, MP3, etc.
Internal Storage	External \ Removable Storage	Game Controllers	Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
160 GB Serial ATA HD	8-in-1 Multimedia Card reader	Keyboard, Mouse, Gamepad	Compatible with standard PC devices (keyboard, etc.)
Controller Ports	Network Ports	Other Ports	Audio \ Video
Two (IR Control)	56.7 Kbps Modem 802.11g Ethernet Port	1394a FireWire, USB 2.0, 7.1 Channel Surround Sound, FM Antenna, Microphone jack, Headphone jack	RF\Coax (out), Composite (in\out), S-Video (out), VGA (out), DVI (out)
Power Supply - External	Other Outputs	Other Details \ Notes
Input : 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) Backup Battery: 3.0V coin cell	Toslink Optical Digital Audio out Coax Digital Audio out	Windows XP Media Center Edition OS, built-in DVR, TV Tuner (2)
Manuals
Not available. Can you help us out? You will definitely receive full credit for your contribution. Email MG@videogameconsolelibrary.com.