www.gem.co.uk April 2012

“ “ “PlayStation” and “∆ O X �“ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. GRAN TURISMO®©1997-2012 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “Gran Turismo” and “GT” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.All rights reserved.

Logitech® Keyboard Casefor iPad2™ and New iPad™

Type and go

• Sleek case protects your keyboard and iPad 2/ New iPad

• Connects to iPad 2/New iPad over Bluetooth® wireless and charges via USB

• Recess behind the keyboard holds iPad 2/New iPad in portrait or landscape mode

Webcode 920-003411SRP £49.99

Logitech, the perfect partnerfor all things iPad.

Logitech® AV Stand foriPad2™ and New iPad™

Watch and share video on your TV

• Connect the included composite cable to output video to your TV

• Lay the versatile stand low for typing or stand it upright for easy viewing

• Use the included remote to control your videos and music from across the room

Webcode 980-000606SRP £69.99

CONTENTS

www.facebook.com/gemgroup @gemdistribution www.linkedin.com/company/gem-distribution-ltd

05 EDITORS COMMENTSMiss Le Duc gives a summary of recentgoings on in the magazine, the company andthe industry

06 WE WANT ONEThe T500 RS is the ultimate in true racingsimulation. Find out about this unique racingwheel here

07 GEM NEWSThe April update on all things Gem,featuring a fresh, new look company website

09 NEW TO USUnderstand the genius behind Roku, a newand exclusive vendor for Gem and leadingU.S. streaming platform

11 Q&AMeet Philip Munro, Gem’s Head of BusinessDevelopment, and find out what he brings tothe table.

13 THRUSTMASTER &HERCULESThe Future experiences the quality ofThrustmaster gaming controllers andHercules PC peripherals

15 KASPERSKYIntroducing Kaspersky PURE Total Security2.0, the second version of the first-classsecurity software

16 LOGITECHIt is all about wireless connectivity with the Wireless Boombox and Mini Boomboxfrom Logitech

22 HONESTECHSave your most treasured video contentwith the Honestech VHS to DVD™ 5.0Deluxe, the easy conversion option

24 PANDORA’S TOWERNintendo show off the eagerly anticipated, highly engaging Wii exclusiverole-playing game that is sure to have yougripped with excitement

28 NINTENDOMario dominates both page 28 and 29 withtwo of his newest titles to quench the thirstof fans around the globe.

32 DIRT SHOWDOWNCodemasters announce the latest intense,destructive arcade release from the multi-million selling DiRT series.

34 KINECT STAR WARSWith superb motion gaming, Kinect StarWars is right on track to be one of Kinect’sbiggest titles to date.

03TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Gem Logistics is a dedicated third party logisticsprovider who manages the distribution of physical

product on behalf of some of the leading DVD,Music, PC, Consumer Electronics

and Video Game Publishers.

We have proven experience in providing retail readyand direct to consumer solutions and by working

pro-actively with our clients, we continue to developa range of added value services and bespoke

solutions to meet their aspirations.

For these solutions and many more, call us today on:

0845 456 6400Or Online at:

(W) www.gem.co.uk/gemlogistics (E) enquiries@gemlogistics.co.uk

24/7 Secure Client Portal Access

Added ValueServices

UK, European &International

Delivery

Established TradingRelationships with all

Major Retailers &Leading Independents

ReverseLogistics

Direct Deliveryto the Consumer

Next Working& Same Day

Delivery

Full Suiteof Financial

Services

Dedicated3PL Facility

With the long, cold, dark evenings behind us for another year, spring is finallyupon us.

Spring incites thoughts of nurture, emergence and growth and the same is apparentwithin Gem.

We’re delighted that some of our longest standing vendors are developing with themarket and consumer demand to introduce new innovative products such as the newaudio range from Logitech who started in 1981 with mice and have since developedinto the peripherals giant we know today.

The market is evolving into an eco-friendly world, making room for new vendors suchas Energenie and their fantastic range of energy saving products allowing you, ourcustomers, to cater for the greenest of tech-enthusiasts.

Growth can be seen in a variety of ways within Gem; our corporate site launched in March to reflect the variety of services Gem now offers and the demand forcreative solutions has never been higher, be it dynamic marketing campaigns orbespoke bundles, we’re developing to give our customers point of difference in acompetitive market.

Not only are our services growing but our portfolio of vendors is increasing to ensurethat we cater for all requirements and stay ahead of the game. The evolution of thedigital platform has created a market for companies like our newest vendor Rokuwith their content streaming products, as well as expanded Gem’s services to offerdigital distribution with the acquisition of Ztorm.

In this month’s edition of The Future we’re delighted to welcome some of our newpartners, Thrustmaster and Roku to name but a few, as well as introduce someexciting new products from iFrogz and Honestech. Philip Munro, our Head ofBusiness Development has taken to the hot seat in our Q&A and MAGIX share someof their updates for the quarter.

The MCV Awards 2012 take place on the 19th April and, following an excellent PCRAwards last month. We’ve been nominated for a few more awards so many thanksto everyone who voted for us!

EDITOR’S COM-

Faye Le Duc PR & Marketing Manager

Managing EditorFaye Le Duc

Editorial AssistantJulian Cinque

Web ExecutivePeter Cox

DesignSophie Hammond

Finn MacLean

Gaming EditorKristan Reed

PublisherGem Creative

Gem Distribution LtdSt. George House, Parkway

Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QF

Head of MarketingKatie Rawlings

Contact DetailsTelephone Office: +44 01279 822800

Sales: +44 01279 822822 Facsimile Office: +44 01279 416228

Sales: +44 01279 412604

To place an order please call 01279 822822 between 9am-6pm Monday-Friday,

or visit store.gem.co.uk to buy online*

To open an account please visit ww.gem.co.uk or call our new accounts team on 01279 822800.

*Trade account required.

Printed in the uk by Cadmium Multimedia

www.cadmiummultimedia.co.uk

editor’s comment

05TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

19th April 2012The Lancaster London HotelLancaster Terrace London

London W2 2TY

Faye

Nominated Awards:High Street Distribution Team, Gem

Digital Distribution Team, ZtormSpecial Award, Darren Houghton

We Want One

Power. Precision. Realism.

For more information on Thrustmaster, contact yourGem account manager on 01279 822822 or go onlineat store.gem.co.uki

The T500 RS wheel and pedal set is a true racing simulator designed for the most hard-coreracing fans. Optimised for Gran Turismo 5, the ergonomics of the wheel completely enhancethe gameplay, performance and driving sensations.

The sequential gearlevers mounted on the base feature large 17cm levers that areconstantly accessible without letting go of the wheel whilst the spacing and height of themetal pedal set is also fully adjustable to accommodate individual driving preferences.

With over 20 years’ experience in the development of racing wheels, Thrustmaster hascreated the ultimate wheel and pedal set for Gran Turismo 5. Whether you prefer floormounted F1 style, or suspended GT style, the T500 RS will deliver the most intense racingexperience without compromise.

The Thrustmaster T500 RS Wheel is thedefinitive accessory for GT5 fans

“ “ “PlayStation” and “∆ O X �“ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. GRAN TURISMO® ©1997-2012 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “Gran Turismo” and “GT” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.

Gem News

This month see’s the launch of the new Gem Corporate website, focusing predominantly on Gem UK and the divisions within, which make up our full service offering.With separate Logistics and Creative companies at yourprovision, Gem is here to accommodate any area of yourbusiness that you wish to improve on.

The new and more accessible Gem Corporate website is there to focus on our relationship with you, the customer.Read all about our subsidiaries, partners, teams and haveaccess to all Gem and vendor related news and press as ithappens. Our press centre provides downloadable pressreleases, Gem related assets and our in-house publicationThe Future, available to read online.

The main objective of the Gem Corporate website is tohelp educate both our vendors and customers in understanding Gem’s wide range of services whilst not forgetting our product driven B2B website, which is stillavailable at store.gem.co.uk for you to register for an account and buy products online.

With Gem focusing on the online market more and more, please take the chance to follow us on Twitter andFacebook where brand new campaigns and competitionsare on the way. For any further enquiries please contactonline@gem.co.uk

GEM LAUNCH CORPORATE WEBSITEExplore why Gem really is the perfect partner

BRINGING BACK THEBOOM WITH TDKGem launches new audio range from TDK

Following the signing of a new agreement with Imation, Gem is delighted to announce an excitingnew range of audio products from TDK.

With a unique look, the fantastic new range fromTDK boasts top of the range audio technology whilst restoring an element of retro class and is setto retail between £299 and £499.

The current series includes the Sound Cube, the 2Speaker Boombox and, for the ultimate home audio experience, the 3 Speaker Boombox with ahigh power built in 15w subwoofer for deep baseand two 10w 6” drivers for crystal clear vocals andcrisp highs.

All 3 products are compatible with the full range ofApple MP3 players from the iPhone to the iPad,charge whilst they play and also include a built inAM/FM radio.

As well as the fantastic range of TDK Audio products, Gem is thrilled to add Memorex to their portfolio with a selection of USB drives andflash memory from Memorex, the market-shareleader in North America in optical media and media accessories.

www.gem.co.uk

EDITOR’Sgem news

07TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

GEM APPOINTS NEW DIRECTORANTHONY HAWORTH JOINS GEM AS PURCHASING DIRECTORWe’re delighted to announce that Gem has hired AnthonyHaworth as Purchasing Director for Gem Distribution.

Anthony brings with him a wealth of experience from histime at Spicers UK where he held a number of senior positions over the past 14 years including European Purchasing Director for Electronic Office supplies.

Anthony has joined Gem at a crucial time in the developmentof Gem’s service offering as we expand into the digital

market. Anthony will be responsible for Gem’s purchasingand dedicated vendor management teams whilst utilising hisin-depth knowledge of Far East procurement and developingprivate label strategies.

Anthony is also tasked with negotiating new and improvedterms to help key suppliers get the best in their route market.

Touch Mouse3KJ-00003

Microsoft®

www.microsoft.com/hardware© 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Microsoft®Hardware

Experience the best of Microsoft’s amazing technologyand innovative design with the signature touch series

• Windows® 7 has met its mouse

• Contoured shape

• Experience multi-touch with natural

gestures for effortless productivity

Explorer Touch MouseTouch. Flick. Click. GoU5K-00009 (Black)

U5K-00010 (Storm Grey)

Microsoft®

Arc KeyboardStyle That WorksJ5D-00007

Microsoft®

LifeChat LX-2000Mobile Audio Made Easy2AA-00003

Microsoft®

LifeCam HD-5000Stay Sharp With Autofocus7ND-00003

Microsoft®

Available throughout April. While stocks last.Independent offer only - terms and conditions apply

*BlueTrack™ Technology - Microsoft’s exclusivetechnology ensures you can use your mouse onalmost any surface*, rough, glossy or textured.

*Except for glass or mirrored surfaces

We are thrilled to announce the signing of a new agreement with Roku, the leading streaming platform in the U.S., as they storm the UK with their media players. The Roku platform enables theonline streaming of video, music and gaming content to any TV without a PC.

The way consumer’s access their media has evolved into a digital world where content is availableat the click of a button. The partnership with Roku will further strengthen Gem’s proposition to supply customers with innovative products and we’re delighted to have been selected as their distribution partner in the UK.

The Roku LT and the Roku 2 XS will be the first players available from Gem and will feature morethan 40 channels of content from Netflix and Crackle, to live and on-demand sports as well as music,photos and videos from Facebook and Flickr.

The Roku LT provides a low cost, easy to set up solution for media streaming, connecting to the Internet instantly using Wi-Fi and supporting up to 720p HD video.

For the ultimate TV entertainment and unique casual gaming experience, the Roku 2 XS comes witha motion-controlled gaming remote which connects via Bluetooth and a MicroSD slot for additionalgame storage. With all of the content found on the Roku LT, the Roku 2 XS supports up to 1080p HDvideo and enjoys additional benefits such as USB and Ethernet ports for a wired connection, as wellas built in Wi-Fi.

EDITOR’Snew to us

09TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

The ultimate in TV entertainment

HEADPHONESBUILT FOR SOUNDBUILT FOR MUSIC

HEADPHONES & ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE NOW

CONTACT YOUR GEM ACCOUNT MANAGER ON 01279 822 822

Philip Munro under the spotlightGet to know Gem’s Head of Business DevelopmentWhat was your first job and how did you get into it?Straight from boarding school into banking, Eurobonddealing to be precise, a job I obtained on my own merits I might add. Anyone who says it was as a resultof my father being on the board of The Bank of England is misguided.

Tell us a bit about your role at Gem?My job title “Head of Business Development” says it all. Ilook at ways in which we can grow our business in bothtraditional and non-traditional market sectors to ensurethat Gem continues to deliver innovative products withgreat quality at competitive prices.

What do you hope to bring to the table that maydifferentiate from what’s been demonstrated before?I don’t hope; I do. I bring a fresh pair of eyes and focus tothe business. I give the tools to my colleagues to deliverincremental profitable business to Gem.

What has been your toughest moment at work so farand how did you resolve it?Toughest moment? I can’t say there has been a singlemoment that stands out. Every day delivers newchallenges, turning these challenges into opportunities isreward in itself.

Print or online news?No question, print. I’m old school.

What would your superpower be?The ability to read minds… Can you imagine?

Follow Gem for the latest news & updates

Q&A

11TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

The launch of the new MAGIX MIX series is well underway ensuring 2012 is a key year in the company's 17 yearassociation with the UK.

Whilst we continue to outsell all our competitors in thevideo, photo and music sectors throughout Europe, we aredelighted that the Gem Sales team have targeted the MIXproduct range as the perfect solution to buddingfilmmakers and music makers.

This summer there is the Queens Diamond Jubileecelebrations; not just in London but across the UK in everycity, town and village; offering budding photographershuge opportunities with MAGIX software.

Supporting these products, our continual product reviews throughout the consumer press, the MAGIX PRmachine ensures there are reviews each and every monthcreating demand.

With so much turmoil in the gaming retail sector, it isrefreshing that MAGIX stay ahead of the multimediacommunity targeting the traditional retail sectordelivering quality and value whether it be traditionallyboxed or downloadable software in an ever changingretail environment.

Tony Cornock, UK & Scandinavia Sales Director shares MAGIX updates…

Tony CornockSales Director, MAGIX

Hercules XPS 101Multimedia 2.1 Speakers

Simply sublime, in terms of both sound quality and design.

SRP £169Webcode : 4768174

Say hello to Thrustmaster and HerculesTake a look at a snippet of what these brands have to offer.

13TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Italia Racing Wheel

What better way to sum up what Thrustmaster representsin a product than with the Ferrari 458 Italia Racing Wheelfor Xbox 360® and PC! Although this paddock may not bethe most comprehensive racing wheel and doesn’t featuredual carburettors or overhead camshafts, it does boast twoofficial licenses from Ferrari and Xbox 360®, an exclusiveworldwide collaboration.

Value for money is high with such an iconic replica of thewheel equipping the Forza Motorsport 4 hero vehicle, the

official F458 Italia. Boasting both controls specific to theXbox 360® and exceptional ergonomics, whilst still beingcompatible with PC, the racing wheel provides the idealcombination to enjoy a truly immersive gaming experience,a must-have for true motor racing enthusiasts!

SRP £59.99Webcode B005K1SI8A

Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog™ Joystick and Throttle

A huge amount of development has gone in to thispremium replica in order to create a joystick that meets themost specific and precise requirements of the experts.

Development from both Thrustmaster’s teams andmembers of the simmer community has paid off, resultingin the Hotas Warthog™ joystick, inclusive of a dual throttlesystem and dual throttle control panel of the U.S. Air ForceA-10C attack aircraft.

Weighing more than 6.5kg and using metal for the joystick,throttle handles and bases, this is a physically imposingpiece of kit. Features are market-leading inclusive of 55fully programmable action buttons and 2 four-direction hatswitches, each with a built-in push button, something thathas never been seen before.

SRP £263.99Webcode B00371R8P4

For more information on the Thrustmaster and Hercules range, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

Hercules HD Twist Webcam

High quality gaming accessories from Thrustmaster are notall that Guillemot has to offer. The sister brand, Hercules,has an array of PC peripherals that are sure to fly off theshelves. The Hercules HD Twist Webcam is no exceptionfrom this as it is small, sleek, and comes in an array ofcolours to suit all preferences.

A key feature is the flexible base that can twist in anydirection, helping the webcam become useful in a varietyof ways. The HD Twist Webcam is great for video chats in

HD as well as recording videos for online posting. Overall,this is a webcam that has all the practicalities of anycompetitor on the market but includes a unique funky, fashionable edge.

SRP £24.99Webcode 4780734 x6

Hercules XPS 101 2.1 Speakers

Hercules also offer an amazing range of speakers to gowith their existing product line up. A beautifully sleekdesign coupled with a smart glossy piano-like finish bothadd to the fantastic aesthetic qualities possessed by thehigh-end Hercules XPS 101 Speaker System. Thesequalities are further enhanced as the line input connectoris neatly stored underneath the subwoofer leaving theproduct looking clean.

The fantastic speaker set includes satellite bottoms and asubwoofer crafted of metal alloy that are formed via a ‘DieCast’ pressure injection method to optimise product

durability. The satellite stands being made of clearPlexiglas enhances the sound quality as well as giving asmart finish to the system.

The XPS 101 comes with a great multifunctional remotecontrol complete with line in and headphone connectors, apulse switch and backlighting in addition to the customaryfeatures of volume, bass and treble control.

SRP £169Webcode 4768174

PROMOTIONAL PRICING Available from 2nd until 13th April 2012

Set for release this month, Kaspersky PURE Total Security2.0 delivers total PC protection for your home, combiningeverything you need to ensure the security of your PCs,identity, passwords, photos and more. Plus, Kaspersky Pure2.0 is even more easy to use, allowing you to easilymanage the security of every PC in your home, across ahome network from a single PC.

Kaspersky Lab has been hard at work improving thesuccessful first version of PURE, in order to defend againstever increasing levels of internet based malware. As aresult of Kaspersky’s hard work comes an abundance ofwell-designed features designed to protect the homecomputer user on the internet.

Key features now include Hybrid Protection which bringstogether the latest information about malware threats fromthe cloud with the security capabilities in Kaspersky Pure2.0, providing unbeatable real-time protection.

A two-way firewall and anti-spam feature will help keephackers out and ensure no malware reaches your PC.

Maintenance of your entire home PC network has neverbeen so easy. From one PC, you can easily view andmaintain all security tasks, set and adjust parental controlsettings and monitor all online activities for all the PCs inyour home.

There are also several specialist identity protectionfeatures built in such as a password manager, a virtualkeyboard for sensitive data, an anti-phishing defence, andthe two-way firewall that was mentioned previously.

Kaspersky Pure 2.0 even has an online banking mode thatopens a special walled-off environment when visitingfinancial websites to keep hackers out and ensure yourfinancial information is always safe.

All in all, Kaspersky PURE Total Security 2.0 gives youmuch more than just anti-virus software. It’s everything youneed to protect all the most important assets in your digitallife: your computer, your online accounts, your mostvaluable data… even your family.

It gives you the peace of mind of knowing your digital lifeis safe, your PC is in tip-top condition, your most valuableinformation is secure and your family is protected.

15TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

For more information on the Kaspersky range, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

The Ultimate Solution for Home PC ProtectionIntroducing Kaspersky PURE Total Security 2.0

Kaspersky PURE Total Security 2.0Release Date: April 2012

SRP £59.99Webcode: KL1907UBCFS

p1415_Kaspersky_Future 28/03/2012 15:44 Page 2

Black £69.99 Webcode: 984-000205

White £69.99 Webcode: 984-000212

Red £69.99 Webcode: 984-000211

Logitech Mini Boombox

Booming doesn’t always mean bigCreate great sound with this handy space-saver from Logitech

Bluetooth brilliance from LogitechDiscover the superb quality of these advanced Bluetooth-enabled devices

17TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Logitech are a well known manufacturer of industry-leading products and the LogitechWireless Boombox and the Logitech Mini Boombox are no exception, both includingBluetooth capabilities amongst other first class features.

Logitech Wireless Boombox

The Logitech Wireless Boombox can truly be used whereyou want. You can place your speaker, up to 10 metresaway from the device you are controlling it with.

This can be any smartphone or tablet to open up themarket to as many people as possible and the device canbe used as a touch-screen player and remote control tostream stereo audio to the speaker. Listen for up to sixhours straight on the rechargeable battery, and forgetabout costly and wasteful disposable batteries.

Eight custom-designed drivers separate sound frequencies,so you hear crisp, clear high notes, and rich, full mid-rangeand deep powerful bass.

The stand out feature is the portability and ease that youcan take all your entertainment with you. This compactspeaker and power supply fits easily into a suitcase orbackpack so whatever you listen to, let it out to play.

SRP £69.99Webcode 984-000182

Logitech Mini Boombox

Whatever you do with your smartphone or tablet, whereveryou do it, do it out loud. This speaker pairs easily withsmartphones, tablets or other Bluetooth®enabled devices.

Just like the full size Wireless Boombox, you can place theMini Boombox within 10 metres of your mobile devicehowever the smaller version wins hands down on batterypower as you are able to listen for up to ten hours straighton the rechargeable, internal NiMH battery.

Also, a specifically designed acoustic chamber deliversgreat sound with enhanced bass resulting in a smallspeaker that genuinely packs a punch.

The backlit, touch panel controls make it easy to stay incommand, night or day. The handy speakerphone withbuilt-in mic gives you crystal-clear calls in the office, in thecar or in the garden.

For more information on the Logitech range, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

ig

SRP £69.99Webcode: Black 984-000205 White 984-000212 Red 984-000211

You won’t believe something so small can do so much

19TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

For more information on the Roku range, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

®

Plug it in Connect to Network Enjoy1 2 3

Since launching in 2008 as the first product ever designed to streammovies from Netflix instantly on TV, Roku have delivered entertainmentcontent to over 2.5 million streaming players and Gem is delighted tohave been selected as the exclusive distributor launching these productsin the UK.

Barely larger than a coaster; Roku is a small device that streams movies,TV shows, music, and other entertainment to your TV via the Internet.Since Roku streams (rather than downloads) video, you get instant accessto a huge library of entertainment without having to store any video fileson your computer or hard drive.

With over 150,000 movies and shows available from the biggest and bestplaces, Roku instantly delivers that perfect title to match your mood fromthe best Netflix experience out there, featuring up to 1080p HD video andsupport for English subtitles, to TV catch up. With Roku you can accesshundreds of free movies from Crackle and an ever-increasing abundanceof channels. So much so that two months ago Roku had 40 UK channelsand now has over 100.

With Roku in the room you’ll always find the perfect entertainment selectionwhether it be music or television. The popular BBC iPlayer application is nowavailable and gives you the opportunity to catch up on anything you havemissed on your television screen rather than your laptop or desktop PC. Moreon demand channels are in development along with some exciting newchannels that we’re unable to talk about!

There is even a dedicated UFC channel, an increasingly popular sport in the UK,plus much more sport on the way. The Roku platform also delivers internationalfree to air and subscription channels which are extremely popular with ex-patsin the UK.

The flagship Roku 2 XS features a Bluetooth remote with sensors for motion-based game play, as well as game-ready buttons to support furiousbutton action. Hit games available include the Angry Birds series, PAC-MANChampionship Edition, Galaga, and Jeopardy with new games added all the time.

Once you set up Roku, you do not need a PC to use it. Roku connects directly toyour TV and your high-speed Internet service home using your wireless homenetwork. It then lets you access the streaming entertainment channels that yousign up for right from your TV, using a handy remote.

Good things come in small packagesUnlock the world of digital entertainment in just 3 easy steps, with no PC.

Motion controller

WI-FI ETHERNET®

XS only

OR

MAGIX is a prominent international provider of high-qualitysoftware, online facilities and digital content formultimedia communications. Since 1993, MAGIX hasdeveloped leading technologies for creating, editing,managing and presenting photos, graphics, videos and music.

From just a 3-person company to the market leader formultimedia software with over 300 employees, fifteenyears of market presence and over a thousand awardsworldwide demonstrate the company’ s power of innovation.

The first product launch from MAGIX was their MAGIXMusic Maker. Under the leadership of Tilman Herbergerand Titus Tost, who had success with their digital audioworkstation Samplitude in 1989, MAGIX Music Maker,made Samplitude technology accessible to the privateuser, regaining unimagined fullness of sound from thehome PC.

With countless design options and CD-filling soundtemplates, MAGIX Music Maker was able to convince alarge audience and soon became one of Europe's mostsuccessful music editing programs.

Fresh for 2012, MAGIX have launched the MX range,adding a whole new twist to the way we view and shareour data.

MX stands for Media X-Change and allows for quick andeasy sharing between other compatible MAGIX softwarepackages which already include MAGIX Music Maker,Movie Edit Pro as the leading 2 MX titles with many moreMX compatible MAGIX releases due for launch later this year.

The benefits of having multiple software programs workingtogether are endless. For example, Movie Edit Pro is idealfor the uploading of videos from a digital camera, addingmusic, titles and effects and burning the finished project toDVD is now easy.

There are 3 versions of Movie Edit Pro to suit all users. Ifone thing is clear with the MX software, the acceleratorpedal is firmly pressed to the floor — even on old andslower computers.

Businesses are also catered for with the new MAGIXVideoCloud. Whereas the MAGIK MX is aimed more atconsumers, the MAGIX VideoCloud is targeted at

businesses, allowing them to make their videos moreadaptable and target specific audiences. Videos can bedirectly uploaded from MAGIX Video Pro X into theVideoCloud and are then automatically converted into anyfile format required.

The MAGIX VideoCloud aids organisations and businessesto manage their video content in a simple, secure andefficient fashion.

They can also be embedded into CI-configurable webplayers with adaptive steaming and play list functions formaximum flexibility. Users can also concentrate on specificregions or people with the help of geographic controls andrights management.

Dive into a world of unlimited data transfer

21TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

For more information on the MAGIX range, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

Powerful and Effortless Video Conversion Solution

With just a few clicks, you can archive your videotape collection onto DVD or Blu-ray Disc. Alternatively create your own DVD or Blu-ray movies from your Camcorder, VCR, DVD player, and more!

USB capture device, USB cable, RCA cable, SCART adaptor, Honestech VHS to DVD™software CD, and Quick Start Guide included.

For more information on all products available from honestech™ contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or go online at store.gem.co.uk

SRP

£49.99

Videotapes can deteriorate over time. Your old videos will have colour bleed, white specks, and other distortions. Ensure that this doesn’t happen to your home videocollection by creating digital copies with the best protection possible in honestech’s VHSto DVD™ 5.0 Deluxe.

Honestech VHS to DVD™ 5.0 Deluxe offers you two modes, depending on what you need itfor. Perfect for beginners, Easy Wizard Mode helps even the most technologically phobicget to grips with a straight forward method of transferring video to DVD or Blu-ray Disc.This can be done quickly and easily with the click of a button and, furthermore, this modeincludes step-by-step pictorial instructions to guide you through the process. Although thismode may not offer the most customisable of services, it offers a solution for those of youwho seek a no-thrills way of getting the job done.

For the more computer literate users there is a much more creative option of the AdvancedMode. This has all the capabilities of the Easy Wizard Mode with added control as to whatyour finished project will look like. Advanced mode splits the process in to five easy steps;firstly you can capture video from an analog or HDV/DV camcorder, VCR/DVD player ormore. Next comes the fun bit where you can edit unwanted scenes, choose from a wideselection of transition effects and include custom menus. Then you will have to make thechoice of what format to display your file on as you can either convert video formats to

iPhone, iPad, PSP, or burn your finished project to DVDs and Blu-rays. If online is thedesired destination for your video then utilise the direct upload to YouTube function toshare with all your friends.

There is also the Audio Recorder function that allows you to record directly from yourlibrary of cassettes, LP records, and video tapes to create WMA files or audio CDs. Full of up to date features and straightforward steps to follow, the VHS to DVD 5.0 Deluxehas everything you need to protect your most treasured files.

Webcode EVDD5ESRP £49.99

Comprehensive protection for your home video collectionHonestech VHS to DVD™ 5.0 Deluxe provides everything you need to easily convert your videos to digital formats.

23TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

For more information on Honestech, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

Launching on 13th April, the eagerly anticipated Wii exclusive role-playing gamePandora’s Tower has been announced by Nintendo.

Enjoy action-packed gameplay as you assume the role of Aeron, an Athosian soldier facinga deeply personal and emotionally charged mission. With his friend, Elena, bound to agrave fate that is causing her to mutate into a demonic abomination, you’ll feel thepressure of time and the rush of accomplishment as you take up the fight to eradicate thespreading evil that has gripped her. To add to the drama of this melancholic andunconventional adventure, it is only by consuming the morsels of monster flesh from thebeasts Aeron has slain that the cruel curse binding Elena can be reversed.

Pandora’s Tower features 13 tower-based environments, each one home to uninvitingmonsters who can be attacked in two ways – with a bladed weapon offering hard-hittingresults up close, or with a magical chain possessing uses that extend far beyondovercoming opponents. Using both his sword and the magical Oraclos Chain, Aeron mustdefeat the creatures that lurk in the tower and harvest their meat to feed to Elena.

As you progress, the weight of Elena’s predicament will spur you on, her physicalappearance becoming more grotesque the longer it takes you to overcome each tower.

Minutes truly matter, depending on the level of her mutation, as you will have to judgewhen to go back and keep her topped up with demon carcass, or when to press on and nabthe meatier monsters. The more often you return to help Elena will affect how the game’sending will play out, with multiple versions possible.

Pandora’s Tower is a novel adventure that requires devotion as you immerse yourself in tothe role of Aeron. As the time seeps away, the fate of your friend grows all the moreunthinkable so you best get yourself ready for a fight that is guaranteed to get personal.

24

3REASONS TO STOCK

PANDORAS TOWER

• Eagerly anticipated Wii exclusive RPG

• 13 tower-based environments

• Striking, highly emotional storyline

NINTENDO | NINTENDO WII - £39.99 | 13th APRIL 2012

25TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk

Nintendo re-promotionWith the Nintendo Wii U launch expected at E3 in June and seeing that the Nintendo Wii is in it’s twilight period, we, at The Future,

thought it would be fitting to check out some of the console’s recent key titles.

Pandora’s Tower is one of the last of four Japanese RPG’s to hit the Wii in recent history, following Xenoblade Chronicles, The Last Storyand Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. All of the above past titles have been very successful for the Nintendo Wii and the following key

reasons point to why:

REASONS TO STOCK

Xenoblade Chronicles• Vast, stunning organic world• Strategic real-time battling

using special ‘Arts’ skills• Huge variety of quests and

storyline content

The Last Story• Time-honoured RPG gameplay• High customisation of items

and characters• Superb online deathmatch,

team deathmatch and co-op modes

Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword• Re-energised shaken up version

of highly storied franchise• Intuitive control enabled by Wii

MotionPlus technology• Massive, multi-layered world of

forests, volcanoes and deserts

Wii Gamers re-promotion: LaydownKey TV Spotsmedia laydown

2nd April 9th April 16th April 23rd April

Ubisoft's hugely anticipated new Ghost Recon title hits the shelves this month,promising another must-have cutting edge military adventure.

Featuring its trademark blend of cutting-edge technology, prototype high-techweaponry, and state-of-the-art gameplay, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier providesgamers with an exciting glimpse into the technological future of strategic warfare.

Following five years on from Ubisoft's 2007 award-winning GRAW 2, GhostRecon: Future Soldier will beyond the core Ghost Recon franchise and deliverplayers a fresh gameplay experience, with "unparalleled levels of quality" forboth the series newcomer and the grizzled veteran.

Future Solider is set in a highly charged political climate of the near future, andplayers must help the Ghosts take on a deadly ultra-nationalist force that hastaken control of Russia.

With a determined enemy force looking to invade neighbouring nations, the four-man Ghost team must slip unseen behind enemy lines and perform their missionswith maximum skill and efficiency.

The Ghosts comprise of a commando, a sniper, a reconnaissance expert, and anengineer, and each member provides a crucial specialist role, and come outfittedwith the most comprehensive array of high-tech gear ever assembled.

This character-focused campaign tasks players with leading Sergeant JohnKozak and his veteran team through eight spectacular locales, from the heat anddust of Africa to the icy Arctic Circle.

Getting the job done means being the ultimate “quiet professional”, andperforming unique stealth kills and brutal close-combat moves using cutting-edge, authentic military tech. With more than 50 weapons available, theoptions are broad.

The thrilling 14-mission campaign can be played either alone, or with up to threehuman players in stunning co-op. Teamplay is essential, with each playerrequired to perform highly-coordinated takedowns and devastating large-scalestrikes utilising multiple viewpoints.

Online play, meanwhile, promises to be both "thrilling and innovative," with inteland teamwork right at the core as players take on the three classes available:Rifleman, Engineer and Scout.

Ten multiplayer maps and four modes will ship with the game - including theclassic Siege mode - and new exclusive game types. On top of that, owners ofMicrosoft's Kinect add-on benefit from the new Gunsmith customisation mode.Using just their voice and hand movements, players will be able to choose fromdozens of attachments and components, and intuitively replace triggers, barrels,stocks and more.

The release of Ghost Recon Future Soldier marks a welcome return for a much-loved series. Get in touch with your Gem account manager today, and don'tmiss out on one of 2012's biggest titles.

26

3REASONS TO STOCK

TOM CLANCY’S

• First full title in the series since 2007

• Huge marketing presence

• Kinect support

GHOST RECON FUTURE SOLIDERUBISOFT | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £49.99 | PC - £39.99 | 25th MAY 2012

27TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTo BUy onLInestore.gem.co.uk

[gunsmith mode is] an

interesting perk that will no doubt help

that version pick off a few players that

were considering another platform, as it

seemingly serves as a great living room

demo of the Kinect's capabilities

gameS raDar

The gunplay itself has a sharp,

efficient feel that attests to ghost

recon's origins as a simulation. Tactical

rifles pick out headshots with minimal

recoil, and there's a submachine gun in

our pocket for close encounters

oxm

[It] may be faster and flashier

than its measured, belly-crawling

predecessors, but its military hardware

is so new and so different that there's

no way a whole new clutch and concept

of tactics won't spin out of it

eUrogamer

The cover system is amongst the

best I’ve used, and is quite possibly as

good as anything epic’s managed in gears

of War. Using cover feels much more

natural in this realistic environment

The SIxTh axIS

This is going for the more Call of

Duty-style cinematic experience, with

everything very stylised and slick

STraTegy Informer

p2627_Ghost Recon FS_digital_Future 28/03/2012 17:04 Page 2

28

Available exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS, the BAFTAnominated Super Mario 3D Land perfectly combinesretro and modernist Mario titles in one hugely

original platform classic.

Developed by the legends over at Nintendo EAD Tokyo, thiscritically acclaimed title provides gamers with everythingthey love about Mario games - and more.

Super Mario 3D Land delivers environments in true 3D -but without the need for special glasses. For the first timein the series' long history, this innovative technique allowsplayers to intuitively pick out the depth and distance of theland as players run, jump and stomp on enemiesthroughout a succession of creatively designed levels.

With its emphasis on the side-scrolling, level-basedstructure of the classic Marios, Super Mario 3D Land willfeel instantly familiar to those used to the Super MarioBros. series.

But with its movement and visual style from the SuperMario Galaxy classics on Wii, the new 3D style lends thegame an alluring freshness that brings the series bang upto date without losing anything that made it so popular inthe first place.

Inspiration from past Mario titles runs throughout thegame, with old abilities like the Tanooki tail (last seen in1990's Super Mario Bros. 3) allowing Mario the ability tohover, glide and attack - but the fun doesn't end there.

Awesome new moves like the Somersault attack and thedash move make the cut, while other power-up suits lendMario spectacular new abilities in order to conquerfearsome challenges and enemies, such as the newPiranha Plant that spits ink at the camera.

Meanwhile, the controls play a big part in the game, withfluid, responsive and accurate control from the Nintendo

3DS' Circle pad, and gyroscopic camera controls to allowplayers to view areas of the level in first person byphysically moving their Nintendo 3DS console around.

In short, Super Mario 3D Land is another bona-fideNintendo classic, and a genuine showcase for theNintendo 3DS. Make sure you've got enough to keep pacewith the ongoing demand for this superb title.

• Universally acclaimed• Exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS• Combines the best of 2D and 3D Mario gameplay

NINTENDO | NINTENDO 3DS - £39.99 | OUT NOW

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND

29TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Start your engines! It's time to race for the prize in thelatest and greatest Mario Kart adventure.

Available exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS, Mario Kart 7brings the beloved franchise into the third dimension, andtakes full advantage of the advanced features ofNintendo's superb handheld gaming system.

As you'd expect from Nintendo's wonderfully playable title,players get to firstly pick their favourite MushroomKingdom character, and then take those rivalries out ontothe track.

All the iconic Nintendo favourites feature, and whetherplayers choose to race as Mario, Donkey Kong, Peach orYoshi, they can tweak the handling of their racingmachines by selecting different frames and tyres to suit

the demands of the course. For instance, chunkier tyresmay suit off-road courses, while smaller tyres will helpkarts accelerate quickly on paved courses.

In addition, gadgets such as the glider allows players tosoar over short cuts and collect mid-air coins, while thegame's all-new trick system allows racers to performdaring stunts in mid-air to earn boost.

New weapons such as the Fire Flower and the Super Leaf make a grand entrance too, as well as a selection ofold favourites.

A host of other new features are also present, includingunderwater driving, gyroscopic controls, an optional firstperson mode, as well as full Mii support, which allowsplayers to compete using their own creation.

Meanwhile, eight player multiplayer over wi-fi or theinternet allows for intense competitive matches on a seriesof iconic tracks, including one set in Wuhu Island from WiiSports, and the jungles of Donkey Kong Country Returns.

Just like the previous Mario Kart titles, this is an evergreentitle that never goes out of fashion. Call your Gem accountmanager now!

• Huge-selling franchise• Consistently popular• Biggest Nintendo 3DS title to date

NINTENDO | NINTENDO 3DS - £39.99 | OUT NOW

MARIO KART 7

Enter the wonderful world of the Nintendo microsite

The Nintendo microsite is accessible once you havesigned up for a Gem online account. The site is easy toregister to and comes with considerable benefits as aGem customer, such as exclusive content, one-click assetdownloads and online ordering, plus much more!

More than meets the eye

Register now at www.gem.co.uk/nintendo

31TO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Prepare to tap out some rocking rhythms as Nintendoand SEGA launch the latest rhythm action-adventure,Rhythm Thief™ & The Emperor’s Treasure, exclusively

for Nintendo 3DS™ on 5th April 2012.

This funky, up-tempo adventure is packed full of over 50rhythm-based challenges set against the background of a3D anime style Paris that is waiting to be explored. If youjust can’t wait until the game launches, then make sureyou check out the playable Nintendo 3DS Demo, availableto download from the Nintendo eShop right now.

In Rhythm Thief & The Emperor’s Treasure we meetRaphael, a young Parisian boy who leads a secret doublelife. He seems just like any other boy, living in the Frenchcapital with his trusty dog Fondue but he assumes the new

persona of a virtuous thief. On his adventure he meetsMarie, a violinist with a mysterious past, and clashes withVergier, the superintendent at the Paris constabulary; allthe while hoping to find his missing father.

Help Raphael work his way through the rhythm-basedchallenges that he faces by utilising the fantastic range offeatures offered by the Nintendo 3DS. Tap the TouchScreen, push the buttons, work the stylus and control thegyro in time to the music. As you progress through thestory, new areas of the map will become available and youare free to explore the beautifully rendered city, along withsome of the most notable Parisian landmarks. Completeside quests, collect sound bites and visit Auban’s Shop tohelp progress along the Parisian Quest of the main story line.

You can also challenge your friends in a variety ofmultiplayer levels through either Local Wireless orDownload Play. When you encounter another Rhythm Thiefplayer via StreetPass™, a new character appears on thestreets of each player’s map and they will only stay on yourmap if you can beat their high score in a rhythm game battle!

• Navigate the 3D Parisian streets• 50 rhythm-based challenges• Challenge friends in multiplayer levels

NINTENDO | NINTENDO 3DS - £39.99 | 5th APRIL 2012

RHYTHM THIEF& THE EMPEROR’S TREASURE

32

CODEMASTERS | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £49.99 | 25th MAY 2012

DIRT SHOWDOWNFrom the makers of the multi award-winning DiRT

series comes DiRT Showdown.

Described as a "dive in and drive adrenaline rush ofspeed, style and destruction," this exciting newarcade driving title invites gamers to speed, trickand smash their way to glory.

Set to test their skills behind the wheel to the limit in the 'Showdown' finals, players will go head-to-head with their fiercest rivals in front of awild, festival-like atmosphere.

Designed to appeal to a broad audience, DiRTShowdown boasts pick up and play controls andthree flavours of action-sports driving: Racing, DemoDerby & Hoonigan events.

In the game's expansive career mode, playersembark on a globe-spanning adventure that takesplace in iconic locations from Miami to SanFrancisco, London to Tokyo and many more.

Boasting more than 50 race events across fourchampionship challenges, gamers aim to not onlywin the race but the adulation of the crowd at"frenzied" unsanctioned race events.

Players will be challenged in a variety of raceconditions, taking in sun, snow, and rain, and setboth during the day and under the glare of thefloodlights at night.

Each course promises to provide an intensechallenge, filled with ramps, multiple routes andobstacles, with an impressive, advanced damagemodelling system that will push drivers to theirlimits in bone-crunching, fender-bending collisions.

Elsewhere, Hoonigan events allow gamers todemonstrate their freestyle driving skills in huge free-roaming stunt parks.

DiRT Showdown is said to be Codemasters' "mostconnected" game ever. Players can looks forward tonot only split-screen multiplayer, but eight playeronline racing, as well as both on and off-line quick-fire party games.

Meanwhile, YouTube integration allows players toupload their finest moments of chaos, while the new'Showdown Challenges' lets them lay down thegauntlet to their mates in both on and off-line modesof play.

In terms of the vehicle line-up, DiRT Showdownprovides an "exciting and eclectic" mix of licensed and bespoke cars, rendered spectacularlyby Codies' benchmark-setting EGO GameTechnology Platform.

Players can look forward to the debut of Ken Block'sall new Gymkhana 4 HFHV Ford Fiesta, alongside avaried selection of vehicles, including saloons,muscle cars, pick-up trucks, hearses and vans.

Pushing destructive, high octane racing tospectacular limits, DiRT Showdown is the newstandard for arcade driving delirium.

3REASONS TO STOCK

• Intense, destructive arcade action• Latest in the multi-million selling series• Split-screen and online multiplayer

33TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UKTO BUY ONLINEstore.gem.co.uk

A happy celebration of motorsport'sless serious side

EUROGAMER

This is chaotic fun at its finest, filled with smokey burnouts, donuts and crushed metal

GAMESRADAR

Visceral, anarchic and superb to behold.It certainly possesses the necessary tools tobring the DiRT franchise to a much moremainstream audience

CVG

DiRTseries timelines

It's frickin' chaos...and we loved it!

X360 ACHIEVEMENTS

EXCLUSIVETO GEM

Showdown really sucks you in. The ultimate hangover cure

TOP GEAR MAGAZINE

You are the entertainer: a crowd-pleaserin a huge theatre of fans, jumps,pyrotechnics, and obstacles

OXM

1998-2004Four Colin McRae Rally

titles establish Codemasters as a rallygame leader across PS1,

PS2, Xbox & PC

June 2007Colin McRae DiRT

(Xbox 360, PS3 & PC)

Sept 2009Colin McRae DiRT 2

(Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii,PSP, DS & Mac)

May 2011DiRT 3

(Xbox 360, PS3 & PC)

May 2012DiRT Showdown

(Xbox 360, PS3 & PC)

The first motion-based Star Wars title hits the streetson April 3rd, exclusively on Xbox 360.

Aiming to truly bring the Star Wars universe to life like noother game before it, acclaimed developer Terminal Realityharnesses the controller-free power of Kinect in order tolet fans physically experience being a Jedi Knight.

Players will wield a Lightsaber, train to be a Jedi Master, soar in command of a space fighter, become achampion Podracer, wreak havoc as a rampaging Rancor,battle Dark Side opponents, as well as dance for Jabba theHutt himself!

Presented with stunning cinematic visuals, Kinect StarWars is fully faithful to the look and feel of the movies,

with locations drawn from the original trilogy, and atimeline that begins shortly after The Phantom Menace.The game features four main modes in total. Firstly, 'DarkSide Rising' mode lets players wield a Lightsaber, masteruse of the Force in combat, engage in space battles, andpilot Speeder Bikes and Landspeeders.

Duels of Fate mode, meanwhile, features one-on-one duelswith the likes of Count Dooku, Sith, and Darth Vader, aswell as Speederbike/Landspeeder racing levels, spacecombat sorties and Jedi combat.

Elsewhere, Podracing mode challenges players to become the galaxy's champion across five planets, whileRancor Rampage mode tasks players with levels of intense destruction.

Galactic Dance Off mode, meanwhile, pits players againstJabba the Hutt and other favourite Star Wars characters to"tongue-in-cheek" remakes of popular songs with a StarWars theme.

With huge variety guaranteed, Kinect Star Wars looks setto deliver another superb motion gaming experience for allthe family.

• Train to be a Jedi• Fight the mighty Darth Vadar• Relive iconic moments from the movies

34

MICROSOFT | KINECT FOR XBOX 360 - £39.99 | 3rd APRIL 2012

KINECT STAR WARS

www.facebook.com/xboxukwww.xbox.com

©2011 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, the Microsoft Studios logo, Xbox, Xbox LIVE, the Xbox logos and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. LucasArts, the LucasArts logo, Star Wars and all related characters, names and

*sensor sold separately

Available:3rd April 2012

Call 01279 822 822TO PRE-ORDER TODAY FROM GEM