Author - Jerry Paxton

Razer Unveils Leviathan Sound Bar

2014/10/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

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CARLSBAD, Calif. – Razer™, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today unveiled its Razer Leviathan elite gaming and music sound bar. The new device provides premium quality audio for a wide range of entertainment applications, from desktop listening to home theater sound that’s perfect for gaming, movies and music.

The Razer Leviathan’s 5.1 surround sound mode is ideal for gaming and movies. It also features a wireless music streaming mode via Bluetooth 4.0 for seamless music listening. The Razer Leviathan is able to deliver deep, powerful bass tones through a dedicated subwoofer, distinguishing it from other sound bars in its range that cannot produce lower frequencies as accurately.

Engineered for versatility, the Razer Leviathan can be repositioned easily for any situation – under any desktop monitor, in a living room console setup, or wherever high-fidelity sound is desired.

“The opportunity to produce a precision-engineered surround sound solution for high-performance gaming, movie watching and music listening, and make it versatile to use in any setting, was a very exciting proposition for us,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO.  “The Razer Leviathan delivers what music aficionados, movie buffs and gamers alike are looking for to improve their entertainment setup.”

Rich, full-range 5.1 virtual surround sound is produced by the award winning Dolby Virtual Speakers in the Razer Leviathan. The sound bar features four finely tuned drivers (two 2.5-in. full-range drivers and two 0.74-in. tweeters) that are optimized for surround sound gaming. Regardless of source type (stereo or multichannel audio via optical input), Dolby® Digital will convert audio from a sound card, console or set-top box into a virtual surround sound stage. The result is an immersive aural experience that is perfect for recreating epic in-game battle scenes or simply enjoying favorite movies scenes.

The Razer Leviathan seamlessly connects to other Bluetooth devices in wireless music streaming mode via Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX technology for audio quality virtually indistinguishable from a wired connection. With a connecting range of up to 10 meters, music can be enjoyed without the hassle of wires. The Razer Leviathan also remembers recently paired devices, allowing users to quickly connect with a single tap, and built-in NFC technology allows for ultra-fast pairing.

The Razer Leviathan delivers chest-thumping, deep impact lows by way of a powerful 5.25-in. downward firing subwoofer that is dedicated to accurate bass reproduction and is tuned to produce distortion-free lower tones. Crystal clear mids and impressive highs are delivered by the two precision-tuned, full-ranged drivers and tweeters, rounding-out the full spectrum of frequencies created by the sound bar.

FEATURES:

  • Powered by 4 expertly tuned drivers plus subwoofer
  • 5.1 virtual surround sound powered by Dolby Virtual Speakers, Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic® II
  • Direct audio streaming from any mobile device via Bluetooth v 4.0 aptX
  • Dedicated subwoofer for impressive bass reproduction
  • Space-saving design for versatility
  • Multiple connection methods via analog, optical or Bluetooth v 4.0 aptX
  • Adjustable tilt angles (0⁰, 15⁰, 18⁰) for optimal sound
  • 3 preset equalizer modes tuned for gaming, music and movies

TECH SPECS:

Sound bar

  • Total power output: 30 W (15 W x 2 RMS)
  • Full range drivers: 2 x 2.5 in. / 63.5 mm
  • Tweeter drivers: 2 x 0.74 in. / 19 mm
  • Impedance: 8 Ω
  • Frequency response rate: 180 Hz – 20 KHz
  • Approximate weight: 4.4 lbs. / 2 Kg

Subwoofer

  • Type: Passive
  • Total power output: 30 W RMS
  • Full range drivers: 5.25 in. / 133 mm
  • Impedance: 8 Ω
  • Frequency response rate: 20 Hz – 180 Hz
  • Approximate weight: 6.6 lbs. / 3 Kg

PRICE:  USA: $199/EUR: €199

AVAILABILITY:

Razerzone.com – Pre-Order

Worldwide – November 2014

Raymond Hill Mortuary Haunted House Review

2014/10/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, Haunted Attraction Review, News, Reviews

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This past weekend, during a tour of LA County haunted events with the folks from IsItOctoberYet and Park Journey, I got the opportunity to checkout the new haunted house from Evil Twin Studios, called the Raymond Hill Mortuary. I had not initially intended to write a review of the haunted house until I emerged from its gates, exhilarated and craving another go-through. The Fremont Centre Theatre in Pasadena, CA serves as host to the Raymond Hill Mortuary, which has twisted the building’s normally-beautiful facade into a nightmare, waiting for unsuspecting guests to enter its maw. We arrived at roughly 9pm and found parking was not bad at all – being available both on the street and in a few scattered lots nearby. We parked in the nearby church parking lot and had a very short walk to the haunted house’s entrance. I was surprised to find that the line of guests waiting to get inside was stretched down the sidewalk for quite some distance.

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While the Raymond Hill Mortuary has its share of monsters that jump out at you, it is the additional level of interactivity that they offer which pushes the experience over the top. With this haunted house, you will be asked to push on your comfort zones with tight, dark spaces and uncomfortable situations. I would not consider Raymond Hill Mortuary an “extreme haunt” like the infamous Blackout, but it does a masterful job of skirting the line every so often. I would caution those of you with bad knees or mobility issues to ask for the “chicken bypass” during these moments just to avoid any potential issues.

The actors inside the haunted house were all very energetic and engrossed into their roles – with only one monster slightly breaking character during my walk-through. Even then, it was to assist me in finding the exit to the room I was in. Guests of the haunted house are put into groups of 8 people each and these groups have to be spaced out accordingly to avoid bunching up.

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While sending people into the experience in smaller groups means that the portions of haunted house best suited for guest interactivity can be better enjoyed by all, it also makes for a varied level of pacing during your journey. Sometimes monsters will be yelling at you to move and get out of their haunting grounds and other times you could be asked to wait somewhere longer than you probably want to as a group ahead of you finishes up.

The folks at Evil Twin Studios and the volunteers working to make the Raymond Hill Mortuary the best haunted house it can be should be very proud of themselves. The Raymond Hill Mortuary is easily one of the best haunted attractions I have visited over the course of this entire haunt season. It has just the right amount of straight-up scares mixed with slightly uncomfortable moments that make it extremely memorable without requiring a change of trousers.

The Raymond Hill Mortuary is open October 18, 24, 25, 26, 31, and November 1. Tickets cost $13 dollars online and $15 dollars at the door. The front of the line option is an additional cost of $10 dollars but well worth it if the line stretches down the block like it did during our visit. Proceeds benefit the South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF). This means you can have a great time getting scared and also support a good cause.

You can find ticket information and more at the Evil Twin Studios official website.

World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition Adds French Tech Tree

2014/10/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Xbox 360 News

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October 28, 2014 — Wargaming announced the addition of the Vive La France content update for its free-to-play* console multiplayer game, World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition. The update, now live globally, is available as a free download for all Xbox Live Gold members, and can be experienced by all new players through a free seven-day trial for Xbox Live account holders.

Behind some of the most iconic and powerful tanks to ever grace the field of battle, France has contributed tremendously to the storied history of armored vehicle warfare. Vive La France pays tribute to the country’s contribution with the addition of 28 all-new vehicles into the game, including such iconic tanks as the Foch 155, Renault FT and the AMX 50 100. Fast and nimble, but packing surprisingly strong firepower, the French tanks will provide players with the opportunity to experience first-hand what truly makes these tanks formidable foes on the battlefield.

Vive La France also adds two new maps into the rotation—Karelia and Asia Miao (Pearl River).

For more information on the Vive La France update, visit: http://worldoftanksxbox360edition.com/en/news/news/vive-la-france-summary/

For more information about World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition, visit:

*Xbox Live Gold membership (sold separately) required. Additional in-game content available and sold separately.

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H1Z1 Zombie Makeup Tutorial

2014/10/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos

soe-makeup

Just in time for Halloween, SOE has released makeup tutorial videos to teach players how to transform into their favorite characters from titles such as EverQuest Next and the upcoming H1Z1.

H1Z1 Zombie

PlanetSide 2 Empires

DC Universe Online Leopard Inspired Character

EverQuest Firiona Vie

EverQuest Next Dark Elf

Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward Details

2014/10/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

heavensward

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 27, 2014) – This past weekend, London hosted over 2,000 FINAL FANTASY XIV: A REALM REBORN® fans at its first European FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival. At the event, SQUARE ENIX® announced more details for the upcoming expansion, Heavensward™.

During the opening ceremony presentation, Director and Producer Naoki Yoshida introduced flying mounts, new beast tribes and primals and a new job: Dark Knight. These will all be featured inHeavensward when it launches next spring.

Flying mounts enable players to take their adventure to new heights. Two types of flying mounts were revealed at the Fan Festival, a flying black chocobo and single-rider airships, both making it easier to explore the floating lands that will be featured prominently in the expansion.

Heavensward also introduces two new beast tribes, the Vanu Vanu and the Gnath, as well as their primals, Bismarck, and Ravana, respectively.
Finally, the first new job to be released in Heavensward was revealed: Dark Knight. This new job will serve as a tank, wields a two-handed greatsword, utilizes darkness-based actions and unlike the existing jobs in the game, will not feature a base class that later evolves into a job.

Yoshida concluded the keynote by announcing that more details, and more jobs will be revealed (he said while pretending to shoot a gun), for Heavensward will be shared at the next Fan Festival event, taking place in Tokyo on December 20 – 21.

The free trial version for PC is available for download at www.ffxiv-freetrial.com. The free trial features the ability for new players to play up to 14 days for free and allows for character development until level 20.

Related Links
The Lodestone: http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/
Official Website: http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com
Heavensward Official Website: http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/heavensward/
Official Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV
Official Twitter:  @FF_XIV_EN
Official YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/FINALFANTASYXIV

ARES Knight’s Armament M110 SASS Airsoft Sniper Rifle Review

2014/10/25
Jerry Paxton
Action Sports, Airsoft News, Airsoft Reviews, Articles, News, Reviews

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ARES has created a truly amazing airsoft replica of the Knight’s Armament M110 SASS (Semi-Automatic Sniper System). For the history/real steel firearm aficionados out there, the Knight’s Armament M110 SASS is based off of legendary weapon designer, Eugene Stoner’s, AR-10 platform. Fielded from 2008 to the present, the M110 SASS was meant as a semi-automatic replacement of the venerable M24 sniper rifle platform utilized by the US Army.

The ARES replica was built under the grueling specifications of Knight’s Armament, and comes in both tan and black varieties. Out of the box, the rifle measures in at about 41 inches in length and is roughly the exact dimensions of the real steel M110. The big difference between the two is in their weight – the real firearm weighs about 16 lbs whereas the airsoft version weighs in at slightly over 8 lbs. While bring 50% lighter, this airsoft rifle has plenty of heft and lugging it around the field is a bit of a workout.

Additional out of the box accessories include three rail covers, two QD sling attachments, one QD sling point rail mount, a 160 round mid capacity magazine, and a replica of the real M110’s scope mount. A final bow on the ARES Knight’s Armament M110 airsoft sniper rifle experience comes from its certificate of authenticity. Each M110 SASS from Knight’s Armament and ARES should have one in the box to denote the airsoft gun’s attention to detail and function. Additionally, each ARES Knight’s Armament M110 SASS has its own serial number, which just adds an additional layer of “tacticool” to the airsoft gun.

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ARES does make some additional accessories, which you can see in the image gallery. The first are additional midcap magazines for the rifle, which contain 160 rounds and run about $25 dollars each. They also make a replica of the real steel M110’s barrel extension, which adds about seven inches to the overall length of the M110. The barrel extension has a spring loaded mounting system which holds very well and requires no tooling around with it at all. Once gotten the hang of – taking the extension on and off will only require seconds. The bipod which you see in the photo gallery is just a random model I had floating about my kit and, well, I always recommend getting a stable bipod for your airsoft sniper rifles.

A final touch of awesome that you will enjoy is that ARES has removed the standard trigger system found in most AEGs and replaced it with an electronic control switch. This system allows you to use an optional control box to customize the firing modes of the airsoft rifle. Without the control box, you will have great benefits of the electronic switch trigger, such as better longevity than than traditional “contact” trigger switches and a very speedy response time from trigger pull to BB firing.

Overall, the ARES Knight’s Armament M110 SASS airsoft sniper rifle is an exceptionally well-built airsoft gun that is an almost exact replica of the real steel firearm. It retails for about $500 dollars and is well worth the price of purchase should you be looking for a serious AEG sniper rifle.

Product Link

[easyreview title=”ARES Knight’s Armament M110 SASS Airsoft Sniper Rifle Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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WE Tech FN SCAR-H SSR AEG Rifle Review

2014/10/24
Jerry Paxton
Action Sports, Airsoft News, Airsoft Reviews, Articles, Geek News, News, Reviews
WE Tech SCAR-H SSR Airsoft Rifle

WE Tech SCAR-H SSR Airsoft Rifle

Recently, I got the chance to check out the WE Tech FN SCAR-H SSR airsoft rifle. This is the airsoft rifle version of the real steel FN SCAR-H Mk 17 Sniper Support Rifle (SSR), chambered in 7.62mm. It is a rifle, in the real world, designed to give operators long-range precision as well as close up fighting capabilities – something that is often times hard to do in one package. The longest of the WE Tech SCAR series, the SCAR-H SSR measures just over 1,000mm in length and, amazingly, only weighs about 7 lbs. This is, in large part, due to its lightweight, yet very durable aluminum upper receiver and polymer lower receiver. For you lefties out there, note that this rifle’s magazine release and fire selector are ambidextrous. Additionally, the rifle features a very long, monolithic upper rail for optics as well as side and lower rails for whatever accessories you prefer. Internally, WE Tech added a good array of pre-upgraded parts inside the gearbox, such as a polycarb piston, ported piston head, steel gearset, and 8mm bushings.

WE Tech SCAR-H SSR Airsoft Rifle

Using .25g BBs, the airsoft rifle was rated at 377 FPS using our in-house chronograph. On the field, I was consistently impressed with the WE Tech SCAR-H SSR’s lightweight design. I have used a lot of airsoft guns in my time as a player and this was, by far, the best rifle combination of size and weight I have fielded. The trigger response is super-snappy thanks to it pre-compressing the spring the first time you pull the trigger. In fact, I would actually recommend that you fire the rifle once in semi-auto with no magazine in it for the first shot. Then, the spring will be compressed and subsequent rounds will fire as normal – but, I digress. After you are finished playing, you will hear a very strange sound as you switch the airsoft rifle back to the safe fire mode. This is the super-cool feature of an automatically decompressing spring! You no longer have to fire a single shot at the end of every game to decompress your spring simply switching the gun to safe will work even better. This is an awesome feature and something I wish more airsoft guns would implement.

WE Tech SCAR-H SSR Airsoft Rifle

Something I wish WE Tech included in the box was a black, metal flash hider as the rifle only comes with the bright orange plastic one. It would be nice to have the option to change it out for milsim events. As a reminder, GamingShogun.com recommends that you keep your orange flash hiders on your airsoft guns anytime they are not in designated, milsim events on monitored, private property – safety first, folks! In the box, you will find a 330-round high capacity magazine – it is worth noting that you can ONLY use WE Tech SCAR-H magazines in this airsoft rifle. Additionally, at the time of this writing, WE Tech does NOT make mid-capacity magazines for this rifle yet. This is a big problem should the games you play only allow mid-caps. If you want to use this in a milsim game, you would want to speak to the game host in order to setup some alternative rules (maybe you only get 1 magazine for the game, etc).

Overall, the WE Tech FN SCAR-H SSR airsoft rifle is one of the nicest airsoft weapons I have had the chance to field. It easily gives the VFC-built version a run for its money in the externals department, and takes the lead when it comes to internal quality and features. The WE Tech FN SCAR-H SSR retails for $429.99 at AirSplat.com and we would like to thank them for letting us use one from their inventory in this review.

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AirSplat Product Video

New MiGs Heading to World of Warplanes in Update 1.6

2014/10/24
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

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October 24, 2014 — Wargaming today announced the launch of content update 1.6 for its massively multiplayer aviation combat game World of Warplanes. The update adds a new line of Tier 5 and higher Russian MiG fighters as well as revamps the currently existing plane roster by adding a new multirole class of warplanes for ultimate player freedom and customization.

Known for their breakneck speed and power, the Russian MiG line of jets helped define an entire era of aircraft combat. Starting at Tier 5, the new line of aircraft includes the MiG-3, MiG-9 and the legendary MiG-15bis, one of the world’s first swept wing jet fighters to be ever produced and find success in the skies of battle.

Update 1.6 will also see major changes in the creation of a brand new class of warbird—the multirole fighter. Made specifically for players looking for fighters with a balance between both air and ground combat, the new multirole class will allow them to outfit planes with armaments balanced between high caliber guns and ground destroying bombs and rockets. Previous aircraft in the fighter class, as a result, have now been designated as pure aerial combat dogfighters, which will also benefit from new balance changes for both cannons and machine guns.

Lastly, the El Halluf map will see its boundaries extended, providing a more ample landscape for battle.

For more information on World of Warplanes Update 1.6 and to register for a free account, visit:

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