Entertainment

As more areas prepare to turn their Analogue TV signals off more companies are bringing out HD TV digital boxes, here an offering from Grundig that in my area anyway gives stunning pictures from the three HD channels.

The first from Jabra ‘music and talk meet the streets’. The second from Creative who at one time were the only name that mattered in sound cards, the Aurvana In-Ear2 earbuds which promise up to 95% noise suppression.

Stepping back in time to a period when Egypt and Rome were the dominant forces in the known world is a game now available in Avanquest’s Click & Play catalogue.

These full HD (1080P) in 32inch TV’s are still rare but to get two in a row to review is unprecedented. The size and shape and even some of the menus are very similar. This one however – even though it has the same rear speakers – has acceptable sound.

Following the successful introduction of the Margrave family, and knowing MumboJumbo’s love of sequels, it was not surprising to discover a second title in what could become a long series.

Here I am looking at two sets of earbuds, the first from a name familiar to all – but not necessarily for earbuds – the second from a company that a lot of people will say just one word WHO? Read on for both sets of details.

Allowing you to play music from a variety of sources is a new product from Yamaha combining a distinctive appearance and ease of use.

When there are issues with growing crops and solving problems with sick animals there is only one person you can call upon. That person is none other than Scarlett the green-fingered lead character of Alawar Melesta Farm Frenzy series.

For those with an Analogue TV you will soon either need to buy a new TV or – a cheaper option if it is working well – purchase a digital box. If you are disabled or certain elderly then you may get help, if not you need to pay, and, this offering from Philips may fit the bill.

Regular readers will know that I looked at some rechargeable batteries and chargers earlier in the year (12-5-10). Since then it has become apparent that I was not the only person who did not know Duracell did rechargeables.

A puzzle solving adventurer is required to help a girl with the power to produce paintings that let you enter the depicted scene as a new game in the Drawn series appears.

With the digital switch-over already under progress, the thoughts of many viewers are turning towards the subject of a set-top box to work in conjunction with their existing analogue television set.

Apparently these units have been available in Australia and China for two years, now they are available in the UK. Full HD 32inch TV’s are still quite rare with most only starting at 37inch and ‘HD Ready’ still being the norm at 32inch.

With over 15 million players worldwide, the Jewel Quest series can justifiably claim to be one of the most popular games in the Match-3 genre. To the original Jewel Quest I, II and III titles plus a couple of offerings in the Jewel Quest Mysteries series, we can now add Jewel Quest Heritage.

They are small, cute and loveable – no I’m not referring to the people responsible for Gadgetspeak but the characters of a puzzle game from Wadjey Eye.

Sometimes it is not the solving of the crime but more the capture of the criminal that forms the focus of a game. The Unicorn Killer is one such offering.

Hidden Objects do not just need to be found, they sometimes need to be replaced as happens in a world that provides an author with inspiration.

Adding to its range of audio products, Edifier has released the “On the Go” iF350. This is a portable speaker system designed specifically for the iPod and iPhone.

Getting the balance right between ease-of-use and a difficulty level can cause problems. This next game only really succeeded in one of these two areas.

Way back in time – before the iPod – Creative had one of the early MP3 players. Here one of the latest generation of such devices called the Zen. Of course time moves on and so does what we expect from such a device.

Avanquest gives you the opportunity to explore a Pharaoh’s tomb and various sites in America with a Click & Play title.

Although not a particular TV addict there are times when it's good to be able to tune in. This natty little USB receiver from AVerMedia allows you to so do while on the move.

A company that I think of for high end audio equipment, however thanks to a recent briefing I find they also do more ‘affordable’ items the first of which is a range of earbuds and a headset that give quality sound at a reasonable price.

London is the location for the latest game to emerge in the SpinTop hidden object extravaganza published by PopCap.

Like most of us I have little luck in raffles of draws but I was lucky enough to win this in a draw at a recent event. It’s a tiny TV receiver that fits into a USB port on a laptop, Netbook or PC however you do need to be running Windows 7.

The first two are from Naim with recent offerings from Neil Cowley and Fred Simon. The other is a solo guitar album from a new name to me Chris Flegg, calling this Jazz stretches the definition a little but it is relaxing.

Carrying out a little background research following the arrival of Nancy Drew Danger by Design, I was surprised to discover that this mystery adventure game was the 14th title in the series and that this detective character was originally created in 1930. This latter fact certainly makes me feel young by comparison. But back to Danger by Design and helping Nancy solve this mystery.

Combining hidden object game play, match-3 jewel boards and scrolling search windows is another addition to the Jewel Quest franchise of casual game titles.

Having recently reviewed my first Freeview + HD with PVR along –sort of – comes another. I am assured the units that you buy in the shops will be so; in either 46inch or 40inch size they both have the extra yellow gun.

As part of its Casual / Snack Games portfolio, XING Interactive has released Pizza Deliciozo. As you might surmise from its title, this game features pizzas (not one of my favourite meals but then the food is not for personal consumption) which you need to make and serve to your customers as you build up your business in the quick food sector.