Xbox 360 is a new product with new technology, so the slow start is understandable, but next Christmas the Xbox is not going to be there by itself. Newer consoles from Sony and Nintendo will also be there.

That's going to be a very difficult game especially for a team that has lost three games. This is a World Cup and there are no easy games. We had to qualify to get here. Maybe we had things too easy in the qualifying series. But it is difficult out here.

Microsoft is the only console maker so far to launch a paid subscription service.

Microsoft has been most aggressive with Xbox Live, connecting the Xbox 360 to the Internet for game play and allowing users to download content, either paid or free. This is really just another step in that process to make what was a video game console into more of a living room entertainment center.

XBox appeals to the oldest demographic of the three consoles. Generally, Nintendo appeals to a much younger audience. Sony has covered the gamut from pre-teens to people in their 30s. Microsoft is trying to make their appeal to a younger demographic because there is a lot of money to be made among younger players.

In consumer electronics, ease-of-use is essential for users. The USB-IF created Certified Wireless USB to retain the same plug-and-play capabilities as wired USB. The association models spec enables manufactures to build host solutions that will allow one host to connect with up to 127 devices from different manufacturers -- all built on the Certified Wireless USB technology.

I can't think of another franchise that has taken this approach. This is a broad-based marketing push to do everything all at once. The TV show will support the video game and the video game will support the TV show.

You can play with people across the street, across the country, across the world. Some allow you to chat while you are gaming. So there is this socialization aspect. There's a competitive aspect to it as well, and it can get very competitive.

In order for Clemson University to become a Top 20 university, we need to increase our endowment.