DISCover®
It was bound to happen. Perhaps the cause stemmed from Microsoft's Xbox game console with it's 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' Played”™. The image above was
a model used at E3 2003
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 witho 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 gameport, 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 ApexExtreme 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' Played”™ 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 are available HERE,
and the DHS 5 are HERE
 Check out the DISCover® official website,
and Alienware of course is at their own website.
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