If a report from Kotaku is to be believed, it looks like a new PS3 model is being shipped out to retailers this week. Unfortunately, this new model, referred to as “K” chassis, actually removes a video output feature.
With the new “K” model, it will not be possible to play games or watch movies in HD through the use of a component cable. If you want HD support, you need to use an HDMI cable. All future PS3 models will have this requirement. Current hardware will not be updated to reflect this change (or so they say).
Earlier this year, blu-ray.com reported that a stipulation in the AACS Adopter Agreement states that Blu-ray players manufactured after December 31st, 2010 will no longer be able to output in HD through component cables. Existing models with component support can only be sold until the end of the year. It seems likely that this is the reason why PS3s are undergoing this change. You can read all about “Analog Sunset” here for more details.
This is awful news (if true), especially if you have an older HDTV that doesn’t have HDMI support. This also affects anyone that records gameplay footage in HD since nearly every device uses component cables and not HDMI. I can’t imagine what I would do if I couldn’t record in HD. If my PS3 happens to break down I’ll need to make sure that I don’t have a “K” model or above.
Source: Kotaku
Galgomite
The “analog sunset” terms have been clear for some time, so Sony will only be at fault in my eyes if they remove component HD from preexisting systems.
hate_smith
The first hdtv I bought didnt have a hook up for hdmi… I was like, WTF!?! Have since upgraded.
Nauraph
Can someone please explain how this works with recording HD through the component cable? I never thought nor heard of this, I’m interested. It would be great for recording gameplay.
hol
Nauraph, look up haupauge hddvr mate, think play.com sell them? Bloody useful for capturing footage, a few mates use it.
Nauraph
Thanks for that advice. I was hoping to find a less expensive card to put into my pc. But thanks anyway. ^^
Watchful
Sony don’t have a choice in this so moans and complaints shouldn’t be directed at them. Well, actually I guess they could choose to remove Blu-ray playback from any new PS3s instead. Would that make people happier?
billsmugs
I have to say, I thought you needed to use HDMI for HD pictures, so it looks like I’ve already been brainwashed by the marketing people!
I don’t really get this “Analogue Sunset” thing though, are the overall Blu-Ray committee saying that if your devices send HD through component cables, you can’t use Blu-ray drives? Couldn’t they just update the firmware (possibly for only new consoles) to make it so that films require HDMI, but games can output in HD through component (although PS3 games are Blu-rays, they might be exempt, because they’re not films and the discs even have special PS logos watermarked on the shiny side if I remember correctly, so they are non-standard discs.)
Nauraph
I believe there’s a difference between HD and Full HD. I was confused by the same mistake.
R4U Eldave0
Daft idea if true. My brother uses the HDMI port for visuals but has the red/white cables plugged into his monsterous sound system. Fingers crossed for him his PS3 doesn’t pack up :|
jayjay119
He’ll still be able to do that it’s removing the component video output, not component audio output which can be selected separately. I used to do it. It sounds like he is using composite anyway which is sub HD.
brillerment
I’m more interested in when it’s coming out. I need to get a new PS3 and the cheaper the better. And HDMI is perfect for me.
gazzagb
Sony should add a feature whereby you can capture what you’re playing at export into the XMB. Comet Crash on PSN had it, it was quite good.
InternationalGamer
They normally remove stuff because mainly people don’t use those features a lot(Who regulary used those SD card, CH and Memory card slots on the org. PS3?) or because of the hacking BS(Linux) and it makes the PS3 cheaper. But, why remove the component aspect? Doubt it makes the PS3 any cheaper, its just like for the hell of it.