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
tom_lord
“This is awful news”……….
Delriach
I added an “if true” for you ;P
Seems likely though…
jayjay119
Good add. Personally for me it’s more impartial news, I’ve used an HDMI since day one with my PS3
skibadee
same HDMI day one.
cc_star
Copy protection concerns?
Delriach
Doubt there would be any other reason. Unless Sony just likes removing features for the hell of it now lol
Edit: On second thought…
tonycawley
Wow, that is indeed quite the bombshell isn’t it? A lot of people are gonna be pissed about this one!
djhsecondnature
Who on earth is outputting HD through component?
Delriach
I am, so I can bring you lovely videos like these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vRGJjJ39Js
e8
Lovely & awesome. Was 5min in, when i realised it’s 30min long. I’ve bookmarked it for another time,(a hot chocolate & slippers time:)
Darksidesystems
Finally had a chance to watch the whole thing. Beautiful and inspirational. This should be an article all of it’s own
cc_star
Loads of people to capture devices, not sure how capture devices get around HDCP in HDMI, but I don’t really know anything about that
Of course an extremely small minority will be using it to copy movies etc, although surely they can just rip from Blu-ray drives in PCs these days
Delriach
Yeah, I don’t know how some devices get away with HD recording with HDMI output. Maybe there is some technical workaround. I’m sure the info is available somewhere…
jayjay119
Couldn’t this just spark a new line of HDMI to Component cable adapters that could remedy the situation? There’s always a way around something.
nemesisND1derboy
I sometimes output through component for recording videos. HDPVR’s can’t record through HDMI at the moment, so they use component connections. It’s a pain in the ass, but it’s the price you pay.
cc_star
Probably never will be able to thanks to HDCP
HDCP is the main reason that the industry granted us a useful do-it-all cable, then we’ve got ‘Image Constraint Tokens’ arriving soon, which downgrade the resolution of new Blu-rays on current Component compatible kit (so if someone uses component to hook their PS3/BD Player up to their TV which may not have HDMI ports or whatever) then the disc tells the player to downgrade the res to 540p. Not an issue for the HDMI using majority but another instance of selling an ability but later removing it to suit a business aim
Bastards!
colmshan1990
It’s really to be expected though.
I honestly thought that this would have come out earlier, it already has for blu-ray players, and that is one of the PS3’s main features…
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/analog-sunset-begins-all-the-new-blu-ray-players-will-only-outp/
Delriach
Yeah, that whole analog sunset thing is what that blu-ray.com link I provided discusses as well. I never really thought about it affecting the PS3 until I read the rumor on kotaku earlier. Had to dig it out of my bookmarks lol.
xdarkmagician
I expect a firmware update that has the phrase Sony reserves the right to discontinue HD component cable support, or even Blu-ray firmware support somewhere in the new ToS.
Delriach
Soon the new catchphrase will be “It only does nothing!”
bunimomike
Like the missus.
xdarkmagician
lol, I think Sony will try to highlight the positive, and go with “It still plays games*”
* current firmware required for gameplay
jayjay119
Or the fact that it will still play HD, just not via component.
bigdon23
It also could be money related
Sony save money taking the component part away from the ps3
Then
Sony make money by making an extention which connects to an hdmi, which converts the signal and inputs the tv by componant.
if that makes any sense (forgive the speeling, its late)
Uhyve
Man, I really wanna Godwin this article with a “First they came for…” reference. Bleh, what the hell:
First they removed BC, but I didn’t speak out because I have a PS2.
Then they removed Linux, but I didn’t speak out because I don’t use Linux.
Then they removed component HD, but I didn’t speak out because I don’t have an old TV.
Then they removed something I cared about, and there was no-one left to speak out for me.
teflon
Except for, well… You.
You’re not going somewhere, are you? :P
Uhyve
Hehe, true, I think I’ll always find something to complain about.
Pemberton_
Comment of the year.
PeacekeeperAlpha
Relax. Don’t worry.
iAvernus
Why are they removing more stuff? Personally I don’t use it, but I’m sure it will inconvenience people that do!
C’mon Sony, improve your system, not take out stuff.
hate_smith
Maybe they are cutting cost to get ready for a price drop?
KeRaSh
I might not know what I’m talking about but they are not actually removing the port for the component cable itself to save costs but they are blocking the output of HD content (or downscaling it) when using said cable on a software level.
When was the last time Sony really added a cool new feature to the PS3? Been a while, I guess.