If you plan to use component cables on a new system, anyway. According to a tip sent in to Kotaku today, a GameStop store update made note of a new PlayStation 3 model called the “K” chassis, which will not transmit High Definition video via component cables. Nevermind that component cables are perfectly capable of HD video, but according to this internal memo, all new PS3s will require an HDMI cable for HD visuals.
All future models of the PS3, the memo states, will require an HDMI cable for HD output, but previous models will not be updated to require HDMI for HD viewing.
The necessity of this move is questionable, to say the least. GameStop reportedly encourages its staff by reminding them that offering an HDMI cable to customers will “help drive add-on sales.” For Sony’s part, this smacks of new moves in the realm of Digital Rights Management.
More on this issue as it develops.
[source] Kotaku.com
How annoying. My main HDTV was purchased something like five years ago and has no HDMI. If I didn't win a TV in the local newspaper NFL Pick'Em challenge, I wouldn't have a TV that took HDMI bigger than 22".
This anti-piracy shit has to stop. REWARD your faithful customers. Flies. Honey. Vinegar.
people still buy PS3s?
Harsh.
The PS3 already restricts HD output over component - I think it peaks at 1080i, even for TVs that support 1080p over component.
Not that I miss component in any way, of course. Only having a single cable is a fantastic thing.
Sony also really needs to add USB ports back into the PS3. The slim only having two (and on the front, for fuck's sake) is ridiculous.
Although I use HDMI to connect my PS3, I don't like to lose options. Stop trying to control my media experience, Sony.
They're just conforming to a new industry standard for blu ray requiring players to use only hdmi
Bio's right. There's been clarifications that this only affects Blu-Ray movie playback - HD gaming will still work with components. But in December 2010 the AACS was finalized by the consortium of corporations that profit from Blu-Ray movies stating that component playback must be restricted to 540 resolution to prevent pirates from ripping HD movies with an analog capturing device. But... pirates will still get HD movie rips regardless so OH WELL.
I'm not sure who would actually want to copy from an analog stream.
Well to be fair a company has to prove that they're trying to protect their IP (aka DRM) in order to have a legal leg to stand on against pirates in court. But yeah, the effect this will have will be minimal, if anything.
I do not have any real problem with this, though I do find it amusing that the PS3's most feature rich offering (hardware wise) was the first SKU out of the gate and that they just keep taking out this or that.
Yeah doesn't bother me either. HDMI is clearly the choice going forward for most HD media. My PS3 has the component option and it will never get used.
Well I'm using component since my TV was one of the last models without HDMI.
It's also amusing that Sony let people use HD over components on the PS3 despite knowing that the consortium (which they're a part of) was certainly going to implement this years ago. So Sony skirted the rules that, um, Sony intended to pass.
Well as long as the legitimate consumer is inconvenienced as much as possible everything is OK. Its like they're trying to push people into piracy.