Discover
Encyclopedia : D : DI : DIS : Discover
DISCover is a technology that allows drag-and-drop play of PC games on a video game console/multimedia center. It attempts to bring games console user-friendliness to the PC games market. Alienware is the foremost manufacturer of DISCover-based systems. DISCover made its debut at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show.
The DISCover architecture allows users "Drop n' Play" PC games that are compatible with the technology, installing the game automatically. Third-party interfaces such as My Games and GameSpy will facilitate online multiplayer games, and downloadable content such as free trials and rental of commercial software.
DISCover systems require an internet connection to work, as - much like the abortive DIVX DVD rental system - the software will connect automatically to central servers in order to download updates and new compatibility lists.
DISCover has been compared to Panasonic's 3DO Interactive Multiplayer system, which was able to easily run several different types of media discs, but failed due to market oversaturation and a prohibitively-high price. Like the 3DO, most DISCover-capable units retail at a high price (Alienware's DHS 2 console retails at $1,600), but this is typical of most high-end Media Center PCs.
See also
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