SCEA President Kaz Hirai opened Sony’s press conference down in Culver City today with the following words: "Technology is just an enabler. The real power of PS3 rests in the hands of the content creators. We aren't easily entertained these days; we want freedom, we want choice, we want to share experiences with others, but most importantly, we want to be entertained in new and unique ways."
And, with no further ado, right here is the first pic of the final PS3, with its newly unveiled motion-sensing, wireless controller. At launch on November 17th it’s going to set you back £340/$499/499 Euros for the 20Gb hard drive version and £410/$599/599 Euros for the 60Gb hard drive version. The machine will be available in silver and in the black version that you can see right here.
The information you need to know on the controller is as follows:
The controller for PS3 employs breakthrough technology of high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that does not require any devices other than the controller itself for seamless interactive operation, thus eliminating additional settings to TVs. With this technology, ways to enjoy PS3 will be further enhanced by accessing PS3 through the network, while retaining the six-axis sensing capability.
In addition to the “3-posture-axis” of roll, pitch and yaw, “3-dimension acceleration information (X, Y, and Z)” can be detected in high-precision and in real-time. In addition to standard key input available in existing controllers, more natural and more intuitive play will become possible as if the controller has become part of your body.
Pursuant to the introduction of this new six-axis sensing system, the vibration feature that is currently available on DUALSHOCK® and DUALSHOCK®2 controllers for PlayStation and PlayStation®2, will be removed from the new PS3 controller as vibration itself interferes with information detected by the sensor.
The shape of L2/R2 buttons located on the top of the controller has also been enlarged with increased depth in stroke for more subtle control in games. At the same time, the tilting angle of the analog joy sticks has been slightly broadened to enable more delicate and more dynamic manipulation. Along with these improvements, precision of above information detection (L2/R2, analog joy stick) has been increased from 8 bit to 10 bit.
Those lucky Japanese get their hands on the PS3 one week earlier than us Brits and ‘Mercans on November 11th. Sony has also confirmed that they are to ship 2 million worldwide during the November 11-17th launch window, 4 million by end of 2006 and 6 million by the end of March, 2007.
In terms of key PS3 titles, Polyphony Digital’s Kazunori Yamauchi showed off an impressive Gran Turismo HD prototype – the final game should be ready fairly soon after launch, so expect to be playing it by spring next year. A new Heavenly Sword demo also wowed attendees, plus our man on the ground made special note of Naughty Dog’s new IP – a jungle-based treasure-hunting action adventure. More details on all these titles and more as we get them throughout the week.
A video was also shown of a number of third party titles, including Assassin's Creed, Mobile Suit Gundam, Coded Arms Assault, Ridge Racer 7, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway, Tekken 6, Sonic the Hedgehog, Virtua Tennis 3, Virtua Fighter 5, John Woo's Stranglehold, Fatal Inertia, Bladetorn and Armored Core 4. An impressive list, we’re sure you’ll agree.
The two final game trailers which really impressed were Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIII trailer, which had been seen earlier at the Square Enix conference up the road, plus, for many the highlight of the day, the brand-new Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots trailer – with Hideo Kojima promising a 2007 release.
Hirai wrapped up the proceedings, telling the amassed hordes: "We have shown you that PlayStation 3 is the most advanced computer entertainment system in the world, designed for games and to manage a myriad of entertainment content and network services."
Internet gaming forums are now alight with the expected fanboy chatter, with some claiming that Sony has scuppered Nintendo’s Wii plans, by introducing a motion-sensor into the PS3’s controller. Others, meanwhile, are accusing the firm of ‘copying’ Xbox Live. SPOnG’s man on the ground made a fair point telling us that: “It’s not really a matter of copying Xbox Live – Xbox Live is currently the standard for online gaming which Sony has to beat.”
Let us know your thoughts on these matters in the forums below. For now, we'll reserve judgement until we've had a good play on all these new toys at the show later this week. And don't forget to check right back here tomorrow for SPOnG's full reports on Nintendo and Microsoft's pre-E3 press conferences.
By Stefan Walters
And, with no further ado, right here is the first pic of the final PS3, with its newly unveiled motion-sensing, wireless controller. At launch on November 17th it’s going to set you back £340/$499/499 Euros for the 20Gb hard drive version and £410/$599/599 Euros for the 60Gb hard drive version. The machine will be available in silver and in the black version that you can see right here.
The information you need to know on the controller is as follows:
The controller for PS3 employs breakthrough technology of high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that does not require any devices other than the controller itself for seamless interactive operation, thus eliminating additional settings to TVs. With this technology, ways to enjoy PS3 will be further enhanced by accessing PS3 through the network, while retaining the six-axis sensing capability.
In addition to the “3-posture-axis” of roll, pitch and yaw, “3-dimension acceleration information (X, Y, and Z)” can be detected in high-precision and in real-time. In addition to standard key input available in existing controllers, more natural and more intuitive play will become possible as if the controller has become part of your body.
Pursuant to the introduction of this new six-axis sensing system, the vibration feature that is currently available on DUALSHOCK® and DUALSHOCK®2 controllers for PlayStation and PlayStation®2, will be removed from the new PS3 controller as vibration itself interferes with information detected by the sensor.
The shape of L2/R2 buttons located on the top of the controller has also been enlarged with increased depth in stroke for more subtle control in games. At the same time, the tilting angle of the analog joy sticks has been slightly broadened to enable more delicate and more dynamic manipulation. Along with these improvements, precision of above information detection (L2/R2, analog joy stick) has been increased from 8 bit to 10 bit.
Those lucky Japanese get their hands on the PS3 one week earlier than us Brits and ‘Mercans on November 11th. Sony has also confirmed that they are to ship 2 million worldwide during the November 11-17th launch window, 4 million by end of 2006 and 6 million by the end of March, 2007.
In terms of key PS3 titles, Polyphony Digital’s Kazunori Yamauchi showed off an impressive Gran Turismo HD prototype – the final game should be ready fairly soon after launch, so expect to be playing it by spring next year. A new Heavenly Sword demo also wowed attendees, plus our man on the ground made special note of Naughty Dog’s new IP – a jungle-based treasure-hunting action adventure. More details on all these titles and more as we get them throughout the week.
A video was also shown of a number of third party titles, including Assassin's Creed, Mobile Suit Gundam, Coded Arms Assault, Ridge Racer 7, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway, Tekken 6, Sonic the Hedgehog, Virtua Tennis 3, Virtua Fighter 5, John Woo's Stranglehold, Fatal Inertia, Bladetorn and Armored Core 4. An impressive list, we’re sure you’ll agree.
The two final game trailers which really impressed were Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIII trailer, which had been seen earlier at the Square Enix conference up the road, plus, for many the highlight of the day, the brand-new Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots trailer – with Hideo Kojima promising a 2007 release.
Hirai wrapped up the proceedings, telling the amassed hordes: "We have shown you that PlayStation 3 is the most advanced computer entertainment system in the world, designed for games and to manage a myriad of entertainment content and network services."
Internet gaming forums are now alight with the expected fanboy chatter, with some claiming that Sony has scuppered Nintendo’s Wii plans, by introducing a motion-sensor into the PS3’s controller. Others, meanwhile, are accusing the firm of ‘copying’ Xbox Live. SPOnG’s man on the ground made a fair point telling us that: “It’s not really a matter of copying Xbox Live – Xbox Live is currently the standard for online gaming which Sony has to beat.”
Let us know your thoughts on these matters in the forums below. For now, we'll reserve judgement until we've had a good play on all these new toys at the show later this week. And don't forget to check right back here tomorrow for SPOnG's full reports on Nintendo and Microsoft's pre-E3 press conferences.
By Stefan Walters
Companies:
Sony
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Comments
Showing the 20 most recent comments. Read all 40.
king skins 9 May 2006 12:40
21/40
ohms wrote:
Having 2 price points seems dumb from my, and I guess most other people here's, point of view, because who wants any features missing, but the 'casual gamer' (whoever that is), and any kids who get one bought for them, may not miss the lack of proper HD output and wi-fi/PSP connectivity too much.
One thing I'm real dissapointed about tho, is the lack of dual screen outputs. It could have been an interesting prospect, and last e3 it really made Sony seem like they were pushing the boundaries. Well... at least it still has 7 controllers (um, I hope).
One thing I'm real dissapointed about tho, is the lack of dual screen outputs. It could have been an interesting prospect, and last e3 it really made Sony seem like they were pushing the boundaries. Well... at least it still has 7 controllers (um, I hope).
The two system thing is even more of a bastard when you reaslise that you can't upgrade it to a full system like you can with the 360core system. You'll have to buy a whole new console to upgrade it.
Lack of HDMI is also a huge loss. No HD Movies or 1080p... the real High Definition?
I don't think 7 controllers going to 4 will will make that much difference, but I will miss the rumble!! Joypads that don't rumble feel dead.
Ditto 9 May 2006 12:46
22/40
What's an sku?
Oh well, might skip this generation after all.
Let's face it, we have an overpriced PS3 then and Wii with no software.
I'm happy with the Gamecube and GBA.
Oh well, might skip this generation after all.
Let's face it, we have an overpriced PS3 then and Wii with no software.
I'm happy with the Gamecube and GBA.
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thane_jaw 9 May 2006 12:54
23/40
king skins wrote:
ohms wrote:
Having 2 price points seems dumb from my, and I guess most other people here's, point of view, because who wants any features missing, but the 'casual gamer' (whoever that is), and any kids who get one bought for them, may not miss the lack of proper HD output and wi-fi/PSP connectivity too much.
One thing I'm real dissapointed about tho, is the lack of dual screen outputs. It could have been an interesting prospect, and last e3 it really made Sony seem like they were pushing the boundaries. Well... at least it still has 7 controllers (um, I hope).
One thing I'm real dissapointed about tho, is the lack of dual screen outputs. It could have been an interesting prospect, and last e3 it really made Sony seem like they were pushing the boundaries. Well... at least it still has 7 controllers (um, I hope).
The two system thing is even more of a bastard when you reaslise that you can't upgrade it to a full system like you can with the 360core system. You'll have to buy a whole new console to upgrade it.
Lack of HDMI is also a huge loss. No HD Movies or 1080p... the real High Definition?
I don't think 7 controllers going to 4 will will make that much difference, but I will miss the rumble!! Joypads that don't rumble feel dead.
is that confirmed, the harddrives won't be removable? If so then that's a terrible descison to make. I was wondering whether the 20gig sku was going to the be same box with the option to upgrade to a larger harddrive later, but if they're going to be removing a little plug in the back saying hdmi (because otherwise you know it'll be cracked sooner rather then later)that's just flies in the face of everything they've previously said about ps3 being the true hd experience.
7 controllers always seemed a skewed number to me, its fun occasionally playing multitap with 8 people on fifa but I couldn't think of any games which would really take advantage of it. Plus getting that many people in one room is a bit of a struggle.
Personally I would rather play bomberman online via live or the Wii service (where its more likely to come out, Hudson having signed a deal with Ninty to put their old 16bit games on the Wii (including, hopefully the mega drive version) and the weird 1st person bomberman game for the 360 will hopefully include some old skool gaming bomberman). Plus getting that many mates round at one time is a proper stretch.
king skins 9 May 2006 13:06
24/40
thane_jaw wrote:
king skins wrote:
ohms wrote:
Having 2 price points seems dumb from my, and I guess most other people here's, point of view, because who wants any features missing, but the 'casual gamer' (whoever that is), and any kids who get one bought for them, may not miss the lack of proper HD output and wi-fi/PSP connectivity too much.
One thing I'm real dissapointed about tho, is the lack of dual screen outputs. It could have been an interesting prospect, and last e3 it really made Sony seem like they were pushing the boundaries. Well... at least it still has 7 controllers (um, I hope).
One thing I'm real dissapointed about tho, is the lack of dual screen outputs. It could have been an interesting prospect, and last e3 it really made Sony seem like they were pushing the boundaries. Well... at least it still has 7 controllers (um, I hope).
The two system thing is even more of a bastard when you reaslise that you can't upgrade it to a full system like you can with the 360core system. You'll have to buy a whole new console to upgrade it.
Lack of HDMI is also a huge loss. No HD Movies or 1080p... the real High Definition?
I don't think 7 controllers going to 4 will will make that much difference, but I will miss the rumble!! Joypads that don't rumble feel dead.
is that confirmed, the harddrives won't be removable? If so then that's a terrible descison to make. I was wondering whether the 20gig sku was going to the be same box with the option to upgrade to a larger harddrive later, but if they're going to be removing a little plug in the back saying hdmi that's just flies in the face of everything they've previously said about ps3 being the true hd experience.
7 controllers always seemed a skewed number to me, its fun occasionally playing multitap with 8 people on fifa but I couldn't think of any games which would really take advantage of it. Plus getting that many people in one room is a bit of a struggle.
Personally I would rather play bomberman online via live or the Wii service (where its more likely to come out, Hudson having signed a deal with Ninty to put their old 16bit games on the Wii (including, hopefully the mega drive version) and the weird 1st person bomberman game for the 360 will hopefully include some old skool gaming bomberman).
I haven't read anything about the HDD being removable. But the 20GB PS3 does not have HDMI, Memory Card slots (SD, etc.), No WiFi and something else missing I can't remember at the moment.
You could probably add a WiFi adapter later, but a HDMI output and Memory Card readers?
thane_jaw 9 May 2006 13:36
25/40
king skins wrote:
[
I haven't read anything about the HDD being removable. But the 20GB PS3 does not have HDMI, Memory Card slots (SD, etc.), No WiFi and something else missing I can't remember at the moment.
You could probably add a WiFi adapter later, but a HDMI output and Memory Card readers?
I haven't read anything about the HDD being removable. But the 20GB PS3 does not have HDMI, Memory Card slots (SD, etc.), No WiFi and something else missing I can't remember at the moment.
You could probably add a WiFi adapter later, but a HDMI output and Memory Card readers?
I don't think there is anything else missing, at least nothing that's obvious from the press release. My reasoning was whether if it was removable akin to the 360, a harddrive upgrade later could return functionality depending on how everythings set up accross the 2 skus
Ah well, I guess we'll have to wait until someone grows some balls and asks sony outright what's going on with that.
Adam M
Sku stands for stock keeping unit, it commonly refers to billable entities of stock.
In this respect the various flavours of ds are different skus, such that a special edition mario kart ds and a regular one are from different skus. Its typically being used at the moment to talk about the different hardware options offered by sony and Ms with their consoles.
e.g. the core and premium 360 packs have different hardware and pricing, and are catalogued in inventory seperately as two SKUs. Its just a way of corporate speak telling us we've got different options for purchasing their products.
fluffstardx 9 May 2006 13:48
26/40
IIRC, no HDMI = no HDCP = no way of playing a Blu-Ray film. That's just plain silly.
And people thought the 360 was a "two tier system of gamers created by hardware".
And people thought the 360 was a "two tier system of gamers created by hardware".
TwoADay 9 May 2006 14:09
27/40
After reading about the conference last night, thinking I wouldn't get a PS3, and going to bed then reading all the updates this morning, I have come to this conclusion:
There is no way in hell I would ever get one of these. Again, the price is too high for me, and the developments about the controllers, two tiers, and so forth just seal the deal.
But the kicker for me is how evasive Sony has been with not commenting on the differences between the two tiers. Sure, the 360 two tiers is dumb, but at least over time you can get it up to the premium package.
The impression that Sony is running out of creative juice and just running on past successes is clearly evident to me. Say what you will about M$ trying to cash in. That's true -- all of them are. But at least I'm seeing SOMETHING out of them, even if it's variations of the same theme.
There is no way in hell I would ever get one of these. Again, the price is too high for me, and the developments about the controllers, two tiers, and so forth just seal the deal.
But the kicker for me is how evasive Sony has been with not commenting on the differences between the two tiers. Sure, the 360 two tiers is dumb, but at least over time you can get it up to the premium package.
The impression that Sony is running out of creative juice and just running on past successes is clearly evident to me. Say what you will about M$ trying to cash in. That's true -- all of them are. But at least I'm seeing SOMETHING out of them, even if it's variations of the same theme.
PreciousRoi 9 May 2006 15:50
28/40
I wonder if the exclusion of rumble functionality has anything to do with the legal battles over it?
Also, possible impact on backwards compatibility...can't remember any PS/PS2 titles that rely on rumble as a major gameplay feature but I'm sure there are...not that I consider backwards compatibility to be an issue, but apparently many think its a big deal.
Also, I haven't been paying much attention lately, (my best friend and fellowgamer passed on, games have been leaving me flat) what the hell does Wii mean (I gather its the new moniker for the Ninty nextgen, but??) was there a W and this is the sequel? Looks an awful lot like wwii to meh. Someone at Ninty Marketing was drinking too much sake, methinks.
Also, possible impact on backwards compatibility...can't remember any PS/PS2 titles that rely on rumble as a major gameplay feature but I'm sure there are...not that I consider backwards compatibility to be an issue, but apparently many think its a big deal.
Also, I haven't been paying much attention lately, (my best friend and fellowgamer passed on, games have been leaving me flat) what the hell does Wii mean (I gather its the new moniker for the Ninty nextgen, but??) was there a W and this is the sequel? Looks an awful lot like wwii to meh. Someone at Ninty Marketing was drinking too much sake, methinks.
thane_jaw 9 May 2006 17:04
29/40
PreciousRoi wrote:
I wonder if the exclusion of rumble functionality has anything to do with the legal battles over it?
Well apparently rumble features interfere with the gyroscope so that's why they've taken it out. A feature which could be used for pretty much any game vs something that only a small number of games will take advantage on.
I smell bs, so yeah MS owns 10% of immersion, the company which successfully sued both MS and has been persuing sony for the last 2 years. I guess Sony realised they could be screwed under licencing if they continued to use rumble features so they're continuing to appeal. If they don't successfully appeal soon they will be forced to licence the technology at estimated costs of $30 million a year or prevented from selling software and hardware which takes advantage of the technology (read; any game with feedback and all dual shock controllers)
PreciousRoi wrote:
Also, I haven't been paying much attention lately, (my best friend and fellowgamer passed on, games have been leaving me flat) what the hell does Wii mean (I gather its the new moniker for the Ninty nextgen, but??) was there a W and this is the sequel? Looks an awful lot like wwii to meh. Someone at Ninty Marketing was drinking too much sake, methinks.
the site you are looking for is: http://wii.nintendo.com/
It explains the reasoning behind the naming (it means a lot of things in different languages amongst other stuff) and gives a cool little video. The name has begun to grow on me, its not as stupid as it sounds although I do have difficulty talking to my mates about it with a straight face.
Twoaday;
Sony taking the best parts out of other's peoples hardware/software is fine, as long as they do something new and push it forward. E.g. the first dual shock controller used 2 analogue sticks compared to the n64 - they were able to move the tech forward and its had a marked impact in gaming, to the point where 2 analogue sticks were the standard last gen. I can't say I've seen anything that suggests they have got anything which either MS or Ninty would want to copy with the ps3 (notably notably with the controller MS considered using gyroscope technology but rejected it as lacking purpose for anything but a few games).
I'm still considering purchasing one, but I would not even think about buying the neutered version.
config 9 May 2006 17:29
30/40
fluffstardx wrote:
And people thought the 360 was a "two tier system of gamers created by hardware".
It was, because one had different core functionality than the other.
I really don't get what some are bleating about.
The low-end option offers pretty much everything even a hardcore gamer would want - HDTV out, network capable, HD storage.
What's missing?
Smaller HD; this is my biggest issue, but on consideration I figured you'd prolly only fill it with games downloaded from the PS Network platform and video/audio files. Oh, and perhaps replays of Burnout crashes or Singstar Eyetoy (it will come!) videos.
HDMI; might be a problem for BluRay movie playback, but it's not necessary for gaming. Banter here suggest that, so long as the AV out offers HDCP of some sort, then BR movies will play. Myself, I dunno. Discuss. Anway, given the general response of "I'm not rebuying all my DVDs on BluRay", why exactly is this an issue? It'll play those DVDs just fine.
WiFi; okay, so running a hardline for netplay might not be ideal, but it's not removing a core function. It's only a bummer for PSP gamers, and even then, how many games are going to use it? Bugger all! It'll be best suited to audio or video transfer. Besides, since 90% of people here seem to bitch about PSP anyhoo, what's the big deal?
Card reader; another feature that's angled to the home entertainment hub, and ripping it out won't interfere with your gaming.
I think Sony has though about this long and hard, and come up with a great split;
The low-end video gamer's console
The high-end home theatre whore's media hub
TwoADay 9 May 2006 17:58
31/40
thane_jaw wrote:
Twoaday;
Sony taking the best parts out of other's peoples hardware/software is fine, as long as they do something new and push it forward. E.g. the first dual shock controller used 2 analogue sticks compared to the n64 - they were able to move the tech forward and its had a marked impact in gaming, to the point where 2 analogue sticks were the standard last gen. I can't say I've seen anything that suggests they have got anything which either MS or Ninty would want to copy with the ps3 (notably notably with the controller MS considered using gyroscope technology but rejected it as lacking purpose for anything but a few games).
I'm still considering purchasing one, but I would not even think about buying the neutered version.
My point exactly. What has the PS2 or PS3 offered that's new? Nadda. Dualshock controllers were a gen-one innovation. Sony has been coasting since the PS1, content to do nothing for the industry, just becoming a leech that cannot innovate for itself - or when it does, we get a boomerang controller which is ridiculed, and they cave in to the pressure.
config 9 May 2006 18:43
32/40
Disagree gyros are a gimmicky addition.
A gyro-based controller could make for an excellent interface to any FPS;
The gyro controls where you look/turn and the analogue stick controls movement, leaving fingers and one thumb for fire, jump and weapon switching.
There there's the more fine control for steering an any driving and flying game (ref: Warhawk video)
There are many possible applications across genres, though not sure platformers would benefit.
A gyro-based controller could make for an excellent interface to any FPS;
The gyro controls where you look/turn and the analogue stick controls movement, leaving fingers and one thumb for fire, jump and weapon switching.
There there's the more fine control for steering an any driving and flying game (ref: Warhawk video)
There are many possible applications across genres, though not sure platformers would benefit.
thane_jaw 9 May 2006 18:50
33/40
Damn you config and damn your thought out responses shutting everyone up.
Concerning hdmi, the fcc has plans to downgrade digital tv broadcasting from 1080p (which noone does anyway) to 480p which would prevent rampant copying of high def through component analogue cables. In a similar route bluray players must comply with the AACS which restricts resolution to 960×540 on non-HDCP outputs. One assumes the ps3 is complying with this, which would suggest that unless DVI is included somewhere in the lower sku, ps3 output for Bluray movies will not be at 1080p.
An interesting way to get your player into living rooms, but perhaps sony were looking to reduce costs by not paying license fees for HDCP. Regardless, assuming some kind of alternative av output and the ability of your tv to connect with it, the lower sku should still be able to run games at 1080p (if there are any running it at launch) - otherwise Sony would have removed it from that press release.
Given that bluray is such an integral part of the ps3, it appears strange to neuter the secondary function of your formtat in such a fashion (assuming people will buy the ps3 primarily for games rather then as a bluray player). However it could also just be a way of preventing other bluray manufacturers crying foul play when the lower price sku ps3 undercuts their players. It'll be interesting how this reduction (well increase in the case of the higher sku) in quality for bluray playback is marketed (if at all) at launch. I can't imagine sony admitting that high def movie content, the reason for bluray in the first place, will not be accessable on lower skus. Hopefully for them, they've worked out a way around it.
Concerning hdmi, the fcc has plans to downgrade digital tv broadcasting from 1080p (which noone does anyway) to 480p which would prevent rampant copying of high def through component analogue cables. In a similar route bluray players must comply with the AACS which restricts resolution to 960×540 on non-HDCP outputs. One assumes the ps3 is complying with this, which would suggest that unless DVI is included somewhere in the lower sku, ps3 output for Bluray movies will not be at 1080p.
An interesting way to get your player into living rooms, but perhaps sony were looking to reduce costs by not paying license fees for HDCP. Regardless, assuming some kind of alternative av output and the ability of your tv to connect with it, the lower sku should still be able to run games at 1080p (if there are any running it at launch) - otherwise Sony would have removed it from that press release.
Given that bluray is such an integral part of the ps3, it appears strange to neuter the secondary function of your formtat in such a fashion (assuming people will buy the ps3 primarily for games rather then as a bluray player). However it could also just be a way of preventing other bluray manufacturers crying foul play when the lower price sku ps3 undercuts their players. It'll be interesting how this reduction (well increase in the case of the higher sku) in quality for bluray playback is marketed (if at all) at launch. I can't imagine sony admitting that high def movie content, the reason for bluray in the first place, will not be accessable on lower skus. Hopefully for them, they've worked out a way around it.
tyrion 9 May 2006 19:02
34/40
thane_jaw wrote:
In a similar route bluray players must comply with the AACS which restricts resolution to 960×540 on non-HDCP outputs.
Just a point of order. Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players have to comply with this ruling only if the disc demands it.
Sony have already gone on record saying their Blu-Ray discs won't demand this quality step down, at least at first.
So we'll still be able to watch Spider-man and James Bond in 1080p if we get the 20GB version of the PS3 and the correct connectors are released.
warbaby 9 May 2006 21:18
35/40
I seriously, not even kidding... thought this was a joke when i first read it. I kinda just glanced at the pic and saw some words... "New Controller" "Tilt"... I mean, its the same damn controller that was released with the original playstation. Kudos to Sony for sticking to their guns with that boomerang controller... The dualshock is lookin a lil long in the tooth, it looks like its starting to show its age... plain ugly.
I always cracked jokes about how Sony pulled their boomerang controller about the time Ninty showed off the Wiimote. How they were just going to rip something from Nintendo...
The joke that came true. Good God...
I always cracked jokes about how Sony pulled their boomerang controller about the time Ninty showed off the Wiimote. How they were just going to rip something from Nintendo...
The joke that came true. Good God...
king skins 10 May 2006 12:01
36/40
config wrote:
HDMI; might be a problem for BluRay movie playback, but it's not necessary for gaming. Banter here suggest that, so long as the AV out offers HDCP of some sort, then BR movies will play. Myself, I dunno. Discuss. Anway, given the general response of "I'm not rebuying all my DVDs on BluRay", why exactly is this an issue? It'll play those DVDs just fine.
The whole chain has to be HDCP compliant. So the PS3's output and your TV's input and the cable in-between all have to be HDCP compliant.
Also, without the HDMI I don't think you can output in 1080p, I think Component Video does not have the bandwidth to support 1080p. That's why MS only support 720p and 1080i.
So no TRUE high definition for the 20GB pack.
None of this is the biggest problem tho, the price is. I'm just about to move house so it looks like I'm not gonna have the spare cash for one :(
The only two games that really caught my attention where Eight Days and Heavenly Sword.
tyrion 10 May 2006 12:33
37/40
king skins wrote:
Also, without the HDMI I don't think you can output in 1080p, I think Component Video does not have the bandwidth to support 1080p. That's why MS only support 720p and 1080i.
Well, DVI has the bandwidth to support HD resolutions, I'm sitting in front of a 1920x1200 display running at 60Hz over DVI at the moment. Also, I think there is a scheme for running HDCP over DVI.
All it takes is for the Multi A/V to be able to output digital signals and for a DVI lead to emerge and the 20GB PS3 can support HDCP and therefore 1080p Blu-Ray movie playback.
Maybe.
king skins 10 May 2006 12:39
38/40
tyrion wrote:
All it takes is for the Multi A/V to be able to output digital signals and for a DVI lead to emerge and the 20GB PS3 can support HDCP and therefore 1080p Blu-Ray movie playback.
But doesn't the DVI port need a HDCP chip to descrable the signal? and most, if not all, TV's will have this chip connected to the HDMI port...
thane_jaw 10 May 2006 13:24
39/40
tyrion wrote:
Well, DVI has the bandwidth to support HD resolutions, I'm sitting in front of a 1920x1200 display running at 60Hz over DVI at the moment. Also, I think there is a scheme for running HDCP over DVI.
All it takes is for the Multi A/V to be able to output digital signals and for a DVI lead to emerge and the 20GB PS3 can support HDCP and therefore 1080p Blu-Ray movie playback.
Maybe.
It depends on why Sony aren't including HDMI, if its to do trying to keep with licensing fees for HDCP down then its unlikely they'll support DVI. If its just the cost of adding HDMI then there's no reason to suppose that DVI couldn't be used. Anyway aren't DVI leads like £30/40? Given MS' precedence I can't imagine that they'd include it in the retail box
tyrion 10 May 2006 17:27
40/40
king skins wrote:
But doesn't the DVI port need a HDCP chip to descrable the signal? and most, if not all, TV's will have this chip connected to the HDMI port...
I am not a TV designer, but I would have though the HDCP chip would be in the signal decoding hardware that would be connected to all input ports, not just to one. Again, that's just me thinking about it, I have no idea if it's true or not.
thane_jaw wrote:
It depends on why Sony aren't including HDMI, if its to do trying to keep with licensing fees for HDCP down then its unlikely they'll support DVI.
I can't see the HDCP licensing costs being high enough that this will make a difference. I personally think that Sony have a split SKU approach so they can have a "games only" and a "home cinema" model, with the higher spec model having the larger hard drive to support more downloaded movie content.
thane_jaw wrote:
If its just the cost of adding HDMI then there's no reason to suppose that DVI couldn't be used. Anyway aren't DVI leads like £30/40? Given MS' precedence I can't imagine that they'd include it in the retail box
Not that I'm pimping for them, just the first place I checked, but Scan.co.uk have a 2m DVI-D lead for £3.16 inc VAT which they claim has "premium signal quality". If anybody is charging £30-40 for any type of DVI lead, I'd burn their shop down!
I can't see a DVI lead being included with the PS3/20 either. We may be lucky to get an HDMI lead with the PS3/60 (Scan price £8.17 - pimp, pimp). More likely we'll get a component lead and an S-Video lead that use the Multi A/V port for starters and a set of "attractively priced" Sony-branded A/V accessories released at the same time.