New PS3 SKU requires cable add-on for HD movies

by Steven Williamson on 14 July 2011, 11:49

Tags: Sony Computers Entertainment Europe (NYSE:SNE)

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Purchasers of the next new PlayStation 3 SKU will need to purchase a HDMI cable for their high-definition Blu-ray kicks.

Currently, on all existing PS3 SKUs, users can play videogames, stream content and watch Blu-Ray films all in full HD via a component cable. A DRM mandate which states that “full high-def video resolutions must use either HDMI or DVI cables that support high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP)” - and that it must be put into place by 2014 - has prompted Sony to include this measure on the new SKU, currently dubbed the “Cech-3000 series”.

Sony has been quick to reassure users that they can still stream and play HD content via a component cable, but you will need a HDMI cable in order to watch high quality Blu-ray movies. Nonetheless, it does mean that those looking to pick up a new console will have to fork out a little bit more for the additional cable.

The new Cech-3000 PlayStation 3 has recently launched in Japan and carries a 320GB hard drive and is said to consume less power and be lighter than other models. A release date for the console in North America and Europe has not yet been set.


HEXUS Forums :: 9 Comments

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Posted by Badbonji - Thu 14 Jul 2011 12:04
I don't see this as a big issue really, I have yet to meet someone who doesn't use HDMI cables with their PS3…
Posted by miniyazz - Thu 14 Jul 2011 19:38
The principle, however, is something else. I hate that some nameless corporation is now dictating what cable I may or may not use to watch the Blu-ray that I purchased on the PS3 that I purchased.
Not to mention those that may be wishing to watch their Blu-ray films on an older, yet hi-def, projector - they presumably won't play over VGA?
Posted by ClashRocker - Thu 14 Jul 2011 22:43
This is only news because it's fashionable to hate Sony right now (Microsoft spin doctors have a hand to play in that methinks)..

The fact is, this ALSO applies to ever other Blu-Ray player you will be buying from 2012 onwards, it would also apply to the Xbox, had it not been such a last-gen pile of **** and actually included a Blu-Ray player.
Posted by finlay666 - Thu 14 Jul 2011 23:03
miniyazz
The principle, however, is something else. I hate that some nameless corporation is now dictating what cable I may or may not use to watch the Blu-ray that I purchased on the PS3 that I purchased.
Not to mention those that may be wishing to watch their Blu-ray films on an older, yet hi-def, projector - they presumably won't play over VGA?

Well Blu ray/HD DVD state the content should be displayed using HDCP so you are technically limited to either HDMI, DVI (possibly displayport) so are actually following the spec

It's possibly a partial kickback from the fuss about HDMI/displayport adapters being unlicensed due to the HDMI spec only supporting HDMI-HDMI cables and no adapters (mini/full either end)
Posted by miniyazz - Fri 15 Jul 2011 00:15
Yup. Damned copy protection everywhere - going back to my earlier example, the only way I can watch that Blu-ray on my projector would be to pirate the film. Nuts.

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