The UpStream (Page 557)

After weeks of rumors, Toshiba announced today that they would no longer developing or producing the HD-DVD format. They have lost a lot of traction lately, with Target, Blockbuster, Netflix and Wal-Mart, plus studios like 20th Century Fox and Warner all announcing allegiance to Sony's Blu-Ray format.

Toshiba has said there are an estimated 1 million HD-DVD players globally, so Sony's decision to include Blu-Ray into their PS3 may not have been such a bad idea after all, having sold 10.5 million consoles alone globally, which has lead to the decision by these retailers and studios.

We would also like to congratulate Sony on finally developing a technology that people want, after a string of bad luck (Betamax, Hi-8, MiniDisc).

Everyone loves Captain Jack from Dance Dance Revolution and Vermont Bears, right? How much better can it be than to combine them into one epic commercial?

Hit the break to see the video.

PLuGHiTz Technologies is looking for a new staff member, and it could be YOU. If you are interested in current gaming, Internet, music and technology news, have a good sense of humor, and can put it to use in writing, we need you. Here is what we want you to do: read the Engadget article at the bottom of this post, write an article based on the information and email it to staff@plughitz.com. Remember to write it in a catchy, comical way. If you need inspiration, think Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert. That is your mission, if you choose to accept it. This message will self-destruct in 3, 2, 1...

A new patch will give you some cool enhancements for your City of Heroes account.

The "flashback" ability will allow you to go back in time and "participate in exciting events from the history of Paragon City and the Rogue Isles. Heroes and villains can also use this feature to play or replay hundreds of missions from earlier in the game," according to Matt Miller, lead developer for both City of Heroes and City of Villains.

In addition to flashback, there is also a new weapon customization tool. All of this in a free update!

Rolling Stone is reporting that Metallica might be debuting their new single through our new favorite game.

"There are a couple of things we've committed to, one of them with Metallica for example. They've reserved the right to give us their first single from their new album for the game," said MTV SVP Paul DeGooyer.

This should be a lot of fun if we start seeing new music debut through rhythm games. We've come a long way from the days of DDR 2nd Mix, and not knowing any of the music.