Posted Mar 24, 2008 at 11:08AM by Isaac C. Listed in: Off Topic Tags: DVR, TV tuner, patent, Nintendo Company Ltd., WiiWare
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New Wii Patent suggests TV tuner for Wii - Image 1


Nintendo will be trying the waters of online services with the release of their online games via WiiWare. However, that's just a drop in the bucket compared to the online services offered by the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

One of the more prominent strengths of the Sony and Microsoft consoles are their video services. The 360 has the XBL Video Marketplace, while the PlayStation 3 will soon get PlayTV and BD Live. But what can the Wii offer in this arena?

According to a trademark filed by A-Ha! Toys, we could probably see a similar service for the Wii. Their trademark is called "Wii TV Technology" and is described as:

Electronic games and toys, of a internal, non-cartridge based platform on Wired Intuitive Interaction, includes hand held devices, wired TV based devices.


This suggests a TV tuner of some sort, similar to the one for PlayTV - although it's doubtful the Wii will have the same DVR features because of the console's limited storage space. However, it does sound like an interesting venture for the Wii.

The mention of "handheld" devices could also suggest some interactivity with the Nintendo DS. Perhaps WiFi broadcasting between the platforms? Well, we can dream. We'll keep an eye out for developments, so check back for updates.

[Via United States Patent and Trademark Office] Permalink  |   Email this  |   Linking Blogs   |   Digg It!

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7 Comments


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   by Goglu666 - 2008-03-24
 » Why is this in the NDS section

Anyway, regarding this news... that could be possible. Did anyone heard that with the comming of the TV channel in Japan, the Wiimote is supposed to work as a tv remote? I've read that not long ago.

   by Mister Common Sense - 2008-03-24
 » ?

A TV tuner for the Wii would make absolutely no sense. It's already hooked to a TV!

I'm guessing a half assed attempt to duplicate the services provided by the PS3 and XBOX 360. Of course since it's impossible to connect a hard drive to the Wii, one can only guess what it could do with a little memory stick.


   Re: FreePlay - 2008-03-24
 » Agreed.

Totally useless.

   Re: xche78x - 2008-03-25
 » its a miracle

i also agree with with MCS.
the only reason to hook up a tv tuner to the wii console is if it is 1seg digital broadcast which most tv's cant do and the somewhat hard to believe HDTV signal. which of course both are near impossibility.

this may also be a receiver for a nintendo channel, who knows, i remember way back year 199x nintendo had a sattelite channel for its super famicom (snes) which offers demo's and game infos exclusively to japan sfc users / members.

oh and HDD on wii is not an impossibility but may not invented too.

   Re: Mister Common Sense. - 2008-03-25
 » look

at how all three surf each other butt-holes

   Re: joefro007 - 2008-03-25
 » lol

I love how your trying to start conflict when its a rumor and yet you think its going to fail when the wii its self has kicked the butts of the other consoles so far.
   by Stewies - 2008-03-25
 » & Brian

Oh on the contrary!, a HDD will be possible to connect with the developments of homebrew.However I'm still not too sure about this TV tuner. No matter, victory is mine!



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