So it’s 2009 and, perhaps a little later then we’d have anticipated, there are finally some great affordable players on the market. Our favourite definitely has to be the Sony BDPS350 (yeah trying saying that a few times) with it’s great features, price and quality (heck it’s a Sony product after all). Now is the time to get into HD.

Let’s get all the geeky bits over and done with, the Sony BDPS350 sports the following:

• 1080p output at 24fps
• HDMI and component video connections
• PhotoTV HD
• BRAVIA Sync
• Network Update
• BD-Live
• 7.1 Channel HD
• BD-ROM/R/RE, DVD-+Video/R/RW, CD Playback, AVCHD Playback

Now with that out of the way we’ll summarise that for you – this Blu-ray player is upgradeable via it’s network updates, supports the highest HD output, looks stylish and has amazing audio. Inside the box you’ll find a remote control, the player itself, instruction manuals and disc for your PC. Batteries are included for the remote control but you’ll need to source your own HDMI and ethernet cable to connect it up to your system.

Plugging in and connecting up via HDMI was easy and with one cable you get both video and audio sent down it. HDMI truly is an amazing way to cut down on clutter behind the TV. Upon powering on the setup routine takes you through a few questions with the defaults being more than sufficient. With all that done the first thing we did was to upgrade the device via the network update. Downloading the update was painless and applying it took about 10 minutes. Sadly there was no progress bar output on the TV but the front the device said ‘VUP 1/9′ and progressed through that.

The menu system (XrossMediaBar) is similar to that of other Sony products and quite clutter free. Most of the time you’ll never need to bother with it as simply slotting in a disc starts the movie. If you’ve never seen HD before then you’ll be blown away by the quality of Blu-ray movies. There’s no comparison between DVD with scenes being crisp and clear. Colours were extremely vivid giving you that ‘Wow!’ moment.

Of course all of the new Blu-ray features are there with inline menus and video that you can access whilst the movie is playing. This can include things like directors commentary which can pop up while watching. BD-Live support is in there too letting you enjoy additional content (such as extra scenes, games etc) when connected to the Internet. This does require a USB flash disc which you can insert at the back of the player.

And don’t about all your existing DVD movies as the BDPS350 ‘upscales’ existing DVDs so you get a better picture quality. Of course it’s no substitute to HD but definitely gives your old DVDs a new lease on life.

The player itself is finished to a high quality and decently sized. Still think it could be a little bit smaller but hey no doubt the next few models will fix that. It’s whisper quiet (yeah can’t imagine what it must have been like to watch HD DVDs on the xbox360!) and does not take too long to load discs, probably averaging around 6 to 7 seconds. Our one gripe will be the blue light on the front of the player which we found to be a bit distracting. No doubt after using it for a while you’ll get used to it, but why do they design it like that?

The remote control fits nicely in your hand and has all the options you need. We tested the player on a Toshiba 1080p LCD TV and between the two they decided they could talk to one another over ‘Regza Link’. This mean we could control the player via the TV remote. Very handy and it looks like this is support on other devices too. Hey if we can do away with one more remote control then why not.

Now the best part about this Blu-ray player must be the price. Very affordable at $289.99 / £149 and you’ll be able to grab it from Amazon. Check out out the reviews there and you’ll see that everyone is raving about it.

Final verdict : If you’re looking to get into Blu-ray and have been holding out then go on and splash out on the BDPS350. It’s not going to break the bank, is from a reputable brand and is packed with features and quality. Enjoy!

The Nintendo DS Lite is all about entertainment with the games being really fun. Just ask Andrew but I don’t often get hooked on games as they’re all so serious these days. But this little device packs games that are ultra fun and addictive (no way you’re getting me away from Super Mario Bros!).

And if you’re more intellectuality inclined then there are some great puzzle and brain training games. Oh and of course you can even use it to plan your dinner with Cooking Guide. You also have access to the vast library of GameBoy Advance games.

There have been a few design improvements with the d-pad and buttons are raised up over the first generation counterpart and the dual screens are definitely brighter. The DS Lite really shines by being so intuitive and fun. What more can you ask for out of a gaming device? WiFi is built in so look forward to multiplayer action when you’ve got some friends around. Heh now if there were others with the DS Lite on the train with you then it could definitely get interesting

Our only niggle with this is that due to the smaller design GameBoy Advance games result in the cartridges not sitting flush with the device. Oh and make sure you get a carry case to keep it in it’s pristine condition. Young or old will appreciate this due to the variety of games so grab one now from Amazon USA / UK

Inside the stylish packaging you’ll find the Apple TV unit itself, power cable, remote control and quick start guide. We’re not sure if Apple is expecting you to already have cables in place but they don’t include either an HDMI or component video out cables. Something you’ll need to grab at the checkout along with the Apple TV. Perhaps it’s to keep the cost down but it’s very annoying indeed. Not quite the all-in-one experience we were hoping for.

But aside from that connecting the unit up was a breeze especially if you’re using HDMI. Apple was able to fit the power supply into the device so you’ll be pleased to know that there won’t be another brick to add to the mess by the plug! Connection to your home network is done either via WiFi or Ethernet. Now usually we’d be somewhat worried about streaming over WiFi like other devices but the Apple TV features a hard drive and sync’s content from iTunes thus avoiding any potential stuttering issues.

Once you’ve gone through the initial setup and paired your Apple TV with iTunes on either the Mac or PC you’re set to go. Anything in your library, including video, music, podcasts and photos will be available form the comfort of your living room. Even your grandmother will be able to operate the remote control as, in the usual Apple way, it’s simple. You’ve got your play/pause, volume and menu buttons.

The Apple iTunes store features all the content you could want. From the latest music to TV series such as Lost. These can either be purchase, or in the case of movies, rented for cheaper than going out to the video store. Now whenever you’re in the mood for the movie you can watch it. What could be better than that? YouTube and flickr feature some amazing videos and pictures, perhaps you’ve even uploaded some yourself. Now gather the family around to gaze at these and more.

Apple TV truly is a revolutionary product and will fit in perfect alongside your TV. There is nothing better than being able to access all your digital media from your PC on your TV. We at Tech Gift Guide (TGG) definitely recommend this for people of all ages. Grab one now, with free delivery, from Amazon USA / UK

We’ve been pretty excited about this game – it’s been a long time coming. The original Ninja Gaiden games were a trailblazer for this genre and were fantastic fun.

So Ninja Gaiden II is not much different from the original games, which is both good and bad. The bad is that the game doesn’t appear to have taken advantage of the capabilities of the new generation gaming consoles. Graphics, environments and interactions haven’t move along at all and you’d be forgiving for thinking you were playing an extension of the original game.

We got the game just before it was released and it was still pretty buggy, with no updates available yet. Our hero, Ryu Hayabusa, routinely carries on walking when he should have stopped. A number of times I’ve been in the middle of a battle when the next level begins loading, depicting my fallen enemies dead around me. I assume this is being triggered by Ryu moving into a particular area in the game.

And there is unfortunately one more criticism – the camera handling is not the best. In the middle of a frantic fight, it can be really hard to keep your eye on your character. This is a really basic error that should never have been allowed to happen.

But despite all this, the game is immensely playable and great fun. The new weapons are a treat and the fight animations and sounds are better than ever. The early levels are incredibly easy – I don’t think I was killed even once within the first 4 levels. It does get tougher though. There are many more boss battles than in previous incarnations and they vary in difficulty. Some are a real challenge and will really put your skills to the test. Beating a bad boss is incredibly satisfying. Perhaps because we’d all like to beat our bosses in the real world? Or is that just me?

Anyway … if the previous versions of the game hadn’t been so kick-ass, Ninja Gaiden II may have been better rated. The game itself is absolutely one of the best games we’ve seen this year, although it doesn’t have the focus of the earlier versions. With luck, there will be a patch released to fix those annoying bugs.

Go buy the game, you won’t regret it!

The best prices we’ve found for this game are at Amazon. Click to buy Ninja Giaden II (UK) / Ninja Gaiden II (US)

Okay so we all know that the Nintendo Wii is the flavour of the month, and deservedly so. While not exactly providing groundbreaking graphics, the machine has been a massive hit with gamers of all ages.

If you’re looking for fancy high-def games that immerse you in their world, the Wii is not for you. The XBOX 360 is the way for you.

But, as everyone knows, girls just wanna have fun. And so do boys. And the Nintendo Wii is undoubtedly the new definition of fun. The wireless, motion sensitive remote is the key to the Wii’s success. They can be used to simulate just about any action, from playing tennis of golf to shooting a bad-ass alien. Sure it doesn’t look as impressive as Halo or Gears of War, but it sure is fun, and a lot easier on the thumbs!

Wii Sports and Wii Fit really do give you a pretty good workout. And it’s not as boring like going to gym.

Depending who you are, you could either love or hate the Wii. If you’re a casual gamer and just want to play for fun, the Wii is perfect for you. If it’s graphics and processing power you’re looking for, stick to the XBOX 360 or the PS3.

The best prices we’ve found for this media player are at Amazon.  Click to buy Nintendo Wii (UK) / Nintendo Wii (US)