PS3 General Discussion

[fideles1986]

maybe this is not the correct thread to ask this, but i read in wikepedia that720p is as good or maybe slightly better than 1080i. so my question is to those who have a HD TV and can tell me the difference and also the difference in 1080p, i really cant find any tv here in the market that supports 1080p?'

thanx

hafa d.

 

[Solid Lifters]

maybe good news...

_________________________

After its initial launch of 400K units into the U.S. market, SCEA plans to ship another 800K units via air-freight through the end of the year, making 1.2 million units total.


Speaking to analysts late last week, the firm added some flesh to the bones of its recent announcements. The split between premium (60GB) and core (20GB) units at U.S. retail stores should be roughly 80/20. Sony believes it can ramp monthly PS3 production to 1.2 million units by January due to anticipated improvements in blu-ray laser supplies.

Sony had originally intended to ship four million PS3s by the end of the calendar year.

The firm says a further 1.2 million units will be available in Japan following the initial launch-day arrival of 100K units. Analysts believe Sony will have managed a run-rate of 14 million units for 2007.

Details of the PS3 online network were discussed in broad terms, with, as expected, plans for basic community features such as video, audio and text chat, gamer rankings, as well as limited content downloads such as casual games and game updates as well s non-games downloads such as full music and video, user-generated content, and Internet browsing. SCEA indicated that full downloads of console games will not be practical in the near term due to storage and bandwidth constraints.

to reach that goal, math tells me they have to produce 13.000 plus PS3´s per day... i wonder how many factories do they have

I think this is getting confusing. Sony wont make 1.2 million PS3 units for 2006. They meant by 2007, but for US only.

In a post from about a week ago, Sony hoped to have 400,000 at launch, and then an additional 1 to 1.2 million by the end of the 2007 holiday season for the US.

For world wide numbers, I have no idea.

maybe this is not the correct thread to ask this, but i read in wikepedia that720p is as good or maybe slightly better than 1080i. so my question is to those who have a HD TV and can tell me the difference and also the difference in 1080p, i really cant find any tv here in the market that supports 1080p?'

thanx

hafa d.

1080i appears much sharper than 720p. But, it has a lot of "dot crawl" or "pixelation" compared to 720p.

I prefer 1080i and let the "noise filter" on HDTV set handle the dot crawl.

But, my set will do 1080p, so I'm not worried about either.

 

[fasj6418]

I think this is getting confusing. Sony wont make 1.2 million PS3 units for 2006. They meant by 2007, but for US only.

In a post from about a week ago, Sony hoped to have 400,000 at launch, and then an additional 1 to 1.2 million by the end of the 2007 holiday season for the US.

For world wide numbers, I have no idea.

according to next gen and gamesindustrybiz, sony called the press up to give more details in their launch plans. as it stands now, its:

400k for US at launch
1.2m until december 31st

100k for japan at launch
1.2m until december 31st

total of 2.4 million ´til the end of the year - previously announced was 4 million worldwide.

still, they hope to ramp up the production and get to the promessed 6 millions until the end of the fiscal year. what was good in my opinion, is the promisse of 1.2m for japan, in november and december. means they are not taking form granted.

the report also mencioned that manufactoring will start later this month. i think its kind of late, but who knows...

 

[Solid Lifters]

according to next gen and gamesindustrybiz, sony called the press up to give more details in their launch plans. as it stands now, its:

400k for US at launch
1.2m until december 31st 2007

100k for japan at launch
1.2m until december 31st 2007

total of 2.4 million ´til the end of the year - previously announced was 4 million worldwide.

still, they hope to ramp up the production and get to the promessed 6 millions until the end of the fiscal year. what was good in my opinion, is the promisse of 1.2m for japan, in november and december. means they are not taking form granted.

the report also mencioned that manufactoring will start later this month. i think its kind of late, but who knows...

I added the years they were implying.

 

[Jeremy Ricci]

I added the years they were implying.

Sony was not implying 2007. You'd have to have lost your mind to think they'd only ship 1.2 Million consoles tho the US within an entire year. Literally, you'd have to be wearing a straight jacket, have a messy hair do, and hear voices.

I'm right along with you thinking that they won't make 1.2 Million for the US, I'm guessing maybe 800K to 1 million, but the extra 200K...probably not.

But I can't agree about 2007, they are specifially talking about *this* calendar year, and *this* holiday season, nothing else. They've said it many times, in many interviews, on many websites. But, like they always do, they're being a bit over hopeful for their numbers, just like Microsoft.


Duck - $200 more, maybe so, but it's about $400 in features ahead of the 360.

 

[Mr Deap]

I've done so well to purchase the XBOX 360 early. (February 2006)
7 months with the High end graphic.👍

Like I said many many time, I won't buy the PS3 at launch, but there'S high chance that I'll get one myself.

4 month still for the PS3 to launch. Still a lot of time to save money & have huge fun.

 

[DuckRacer]

maybe this is not the correct thread to ask this, but i read in wikepedia that720p is as good or maybe slightly better than 1080i. so my question is to those who have a HD TV and can tell me the difference and also the difference in 1080p, i really cant find any tv here in the market that supports 1080p?'

thanx

hafa d.

1080i has less jaggies, but it's not as "stable" (meaning it looks like the screen shakes up and down, though it barely does this) and smooth as 720p.

Duck - $200 more, maybe so, but it's about $400 in features ahead of the 360.

True. But it all depends whether you're going to use all those features or not. Which I would think 20-somethings like you would, but the average kid like me won't.

 

[Mr Deap]

Cell to power next generation of supercomputers
The Cell processor has been marketed as a super chip ever since the PlayStation 3 was announced, and it looks like the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration has found a use for it as well.

According to an announcement by the Cell's main developer, IBM, 16,000 Cell processors B.E. (no, that's not a typo) and 16,000 AMD Opteron processor cores will be used to make a new supercomputer capable of tackling both scientific and commercial applications. It has been confirmed that the supercomputers will begin shipping at the end of this year.

"This new supercomputer demonstrates a commitment to achieve a major advance in technological capability that will help enable scientists and businesses solve the most challenging problems," said Bill Zeitler, senior vice president of IBM Systems and Technology Group.

The Cell will also be powering the PlayStation 3, Sony's contender in the next-gen console war. The PlayStation 3 will be hitting stores on November 11th in Japan and November 17th in North America.

Ps3land

The Cell is a good concept for uber high performance. Did you notice how small the cell is?

The Cell is somehow incomplete. The real cell for the supercomputer will have more than 8 spu. I've seen in some article that they can add more spu if they wanted too. Let's hope it doesn't have a bottleneck, cause it's a new type of CPU. I wonder how the controller will handle all the new SPU?

 

[Jeremy Ricci]

1080i has less jaggies, but it's not as "stable" (meaning it looks like the screen shakes up and down, though it barely does this) and smooth as 720p.


True. But it all depends whether you're going to use all those features or not. Which I would think 20-somethings like you would, but the average kid like me won't.

Fair enough. But, if you're what, 15-16? In 4-5 Years, you'll be 20, and maybe then you'll want to use those features lol.

My thing is, I like that the extra $200 nets me the ability to have wifi, 60GB HDD, HDMI, CF/SD/MSP slots, and Blu-Ray.

I travel a lot, so going to a hotel and playing online will be sweet since nearly all hotels have Wi-Fi now.

And being able to put my pictures straight on my PS3 (I'm a photographer) will be awesome.

The 60GB HDD will be awesome too, since I'll have plenty of room for anything I could possibly want.

 

[DuckRacer]

Fair enough. But, if you're what, 15-16? In 4-5 Years, you'll be 20, and maybe then you'll want to use those features lol.

I'm 14. 4-5 years from now would make me 18-19. But I see your point.

My thing is, I like that the extra $200 nets me the ability to have wifi, 60GB HDD, HDMI, CF/SD/MSP slots, and Blu-Ray.

True.

I travel a lot, so going to a hotel and playing online will be sweet since nearly all hotels have Wi-Fi now.

...I haven't thought of that before.

And being able to put my pictures straight on my PS3 (I'm a photographer) will be awesome.

Cool. Mind if you can link to some of your photos (out of curiosity)?

The 60GB HDD will be awesome too, since I'll have plenty of room for anything I could possibly want.

True.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Sony was not implying 2007. You'd have to have lost your mind to think they'd only ship 1.2 Million consoles tho the US within an entire year. Literally, you'd have to be wearing a straight jacket, have a messy hair do, and hear voices.

I'm right along with you thinking that they won't make 1.2 Million for the US, I'm guessing maybe 800K to 1 million, but the extra 200K...probably not.

But I can't agree about 2007, they are specifially talking about *this* calendar year, and *this* holiday season, nothing else. They've said it many times, in many interviews, on many websites. But, like they always do, they're being a bit over hopeful for their numbers, just like Microsoft.


Duck - $200 more, maybe so, but it's about $400 in features ahead of the 360.

Solid Lifter's Estimate for PS3 Units Shipped to the US for the 2006/2007 Holiday Season

January 1st, 2007 = End of the Holiday season 2007

400,000 on launch day = November 17, 2006

200,000 about two weeks later = December 1, 2006

300,000 about two-and-a-half more weeks later = December 19, 2006

200,000 about two more weeks later - January 1, 2007; the end of the holiday season.

 

[YSSMAN]

That certainly is "uplifting" news, but what about the Japanese market? Aren't they even more Playstation crazy than we Americans are?

In the words of Han Solo:

"...I've got a bad feeling about this..."

 

[DuckRacer]

That certainly is "uplifting" news, but what about the Japanese market? Aren't they even more Playstation crazy than we Americans are?

In the words of Han Solo:

"...I've got a bad feeling about this..."

Remember, even the Gamecube, the Gamecube, is outselling the Xbox 360 in Japan. And I doubt anyone of the massive Playstation fanbase over there is going to settle for the Wii solely.

 

[Jeremy Ricci]

Solid Lifter's Estimate for PS3 Units Shipped to the US for the 2006/2007 Holiday Season

January 1st, 2007 = End of the Holiday season 2007

400,000 on launch day = November 17, 2006

200,000 about two weeks later = December 1, 2006

300,000 about two-and-a-half more weeks later = December 19, 2006

200,000 about two more weeks later - January 1, 2007; the end of the holiday season.

Well, I see what you're saying, but Jan 1st 2007 is actually the end of the 2006 holiday season. Kind of like football, wehre the Superbowl happens in February, but is the end of the prior years season (i.e., this year it will be the 2006 Superbowl Champs, not the 2007 Superbowl Champs).

But I see where you're coming from. And you're numbers are only 100K shorter than Sony's

 

[Jeremy Ricci]

That certainly is "uplifting" news, but what about the Japanese market? Aren't they even more Playstation crazy than we Americans are?

In the words of Han Solo:

"...I've got a bad feeling about this..."

Possibly, but they aren't willing to spend the money we are. Look at the DS sales. DS Smashes the PSP in Japan, but the playing ground is much closer in the US. It'll be similar in Japan, the Wii will do extremely well over the PS3 (depending on how well recieved the controller is at TGS).

 

[DuckRacer]

Possibly, but they aren't willing to spend the money we are. Look at the DS sales. DS Smashes the PSP in Japan, but the playing ground is much closer in the US. It'll be similar in Japan, the Wii will do extremely well over the PS3 (depending on how well recieved the controller is at TGS).

The PS3 has too much of a fanbase in Japan to be beaten mercilessly by the Wii. I see the Wii edging out the PS3, but not by much.

 

[Solid Lifters]

More news about the Australian launch day...

Sony has locked in 17 November as the Australian launch date for the PlayStation 3, just in time for Christmas. The system will come in two bundles -- a PS3 with a 20GB hard drive (confirmed RRP of AU$829) and one with a 60GB HDD (confirmed RRP of AU$999).

As a comparison, the Xbox 360's core bundle retails for AU$499, while its upgrade bundle which includes a 20GB hard drive retails for AU$649.

The Australian launch date will come one week after the US and Japan release for Sony's next generation games console. European territories will also receive the PS3 on 17 November. The almost simultaneous worldwide launch date is a stark contrast to Microsoft's Xbox 360, which was released in Australia a number of months after its US release. However, we wouldn't bet money on Sony hitting that date, as global launches are a logistical nightmare, and as with Xbox 360, supply issues could cause delays.

According to Sony's latest specs list for PS3, there are several key differences between the 20GB PS3 and the 60GB PS3 apart from hard drive capacity. While the 20GB PS3 has all of the basic power and functionality of its more expensive sibling (including a Blu-ray drive), the 60GB bundle comes with card slots (Memory Stick, SD, Compact Flash), HDMI support and built-in 802.11b/g wireless.

Sony revealed the PS3's pricing and release dates at a pre-E3 press conference held in Los Angeles this afternoon. Also revealed was the final form factor for the PS3's controller, which looks exactly the same as current PlayStation control pads. The PS3 controllers, however, feature built-in Bluetooth for wireless gaming, with the R2 and L2 buttons enlarged. There is also a large button beneath the Start and Select buttons, although its exact use was not disclosed.

Sony has also taken a leaf out of Nintendo's book with its PS3 controller, equipping it with built-in motion sensitivity that can be used to control games. The PS3 controller features a six-axis sensing system that can detect pitch, roll and yaw, as well as three-dimension acceleration in the X, Y and Z axis. In a demonstration at its pre-E3 conference, Sony showcased the upcoming game Warhawk, which allowed you to maneuevre its flying vehicles by tilting the PS3 controller.

 

[Jeremy Ricci]

^^^ Have you read that....because it's *seriously* outdated, and I'm sure none of that launch info pertains anymore.

AU won't be getting their consoles on 17 November, as far as I know, they are considered along side the "EU" territories. March at earliest for AU.

 

[Solid Lifters]

^^^ Have you read that....because it's *seriously* outdated, and I'm sure none of that launch info pertains anymore.

AU won't be getting their consoles on 17 November, as far as I know, they are considered along side the "EU" territories. March at earliest for AU.

You know what, I think you're right. I heard something about the Australian launch date, and ignored it. When I saw it again, I posted it and started reading it. It does appear to be old news... sorry about that...

Here...

PS3 delay boon for rivals
Andrew Colley
SEPTEMBER 12, 2006

SONY'S decision to delay the Australian launch of its PlayStation 3 until after Christmas would cost the company valuable marketing resources as rivals bear down on its market, according to Australian retailers.

Technology retailer Harvey Norman said it would divert funds assigned to promote the console to Christmas shoppers, and instead boost competing products such as Microsoft's Xbox 360.
"We'd devoted a large chunk of our marketing dollars to the PS3 launch. We'll now be spending that money on other activities," Harvey Norman computers and communications general manager Rutland Smith said.

"Xbox will certainly be one of the other activities. We'll focus more on other categories, such as MP3 players and digital cameras," he said.

Late last week, Sony said it had cancelled the November launch of its PlayStation 3 console in Australia (and other countries using the PAL system) by four months, citing problems obtaining parts to manufacturer the DVD drive used in the units.

The decision is widely viewed as a free kick for rivals Microsoft and Nintendo.

The Australian

 

[Tenacious D]

Well, Jeremy, I can now say the PS3 is $200 more than the 360.

I'm not sure you understand why the ratio is what it is. The reason that 80% of the PS3s are 60gigs is because public demand is for the more expensive console.

Woops... did I say people wanted to buy a more expensive console?? Imagine that...

 

[fasj6418]

The PS3 has too much of a fanbase in Japan to be beaten mercilessly by the Wii. I see the Wii edging out the PS3, but not by much.

if was a sony exec, i would not be worried about the wii. people move from generation to generation since the 70´s, and i don´t think it will be different now.

i would go as far as saying that even DS and PSP are not fighting for the exact same market. they offer different things.

the wii will sell a lot of units by expanding the market, not by changing the culture of people. when i say that i mean, people will not stop wanting a next gen console just because they bought a wii.

without offending nintendo, the wii is that kind of party-playing with friends-virtual console thing, and it will not be considered the one and only console for people. you would still want mature games, sim games, RACING GAMES and so on. the wii can be great at what he promess, but not as a primary system.

so far the 360 sold 75k in japan this year. with that first shipment, sony already beats that. that´s why they are so cool about the japan. let the wii have his way, it won´t hurt in the long run.

 

[Mr Deap]

It's a bit hard to believe what they say... But I hope their stage are as big as they say. Quake 4 on PC only use 2,5GB & FEAR use 4.6GB of space in my hard drive. When you put the texture on highest in Quake 4, it take 1,5GB & FEAR take up to 800MB in my memory usage on my PC .

Insomniac: Why Resistance Needs 22 Gigs
Sep 11, 2006 @ 3:08pm

Summary:
The president of Insomniac Games sheds more light on the massive data storage requirements of PlayStation 3 launch title Resistance: Fall of Man.


Full Text:

Why the massive storage requirements? Easy: HD visuals and audio, huge levels, and HD-level movies

On his blog, Insomniac Games CEO Ted Price explains why PlayStation 3 launch shooter Resistance: Fall of Man requires over 20 gigs of storage space on a Blu-ray Disc.
First, Price points out that the reports are true -- the final game will use more than 20 gigs. Part of the reason for the game's vast storage requirements, which are over three times what the largest Xbox 360 game can handle, are due to the game's massive, detailed-packed environments. Price explains that many levels and sub-levels take up over 300 megs each, even after compression. Price expects over 40 "different large loaded areas" on the final disc, between the game's single-player campaign and multiplayer arenas.
Game cinemas also share some of the blame, as Resistance will offer game moves in high-def HD and PAL formats, audio for all supported languages, as well as "some of those Insomniac 'extras' that our fans have come to expect."
No word yet on any other specifics, but we'll keep you posted.

Huge: Resistance takes up over 20 gigabytes of data, necessitating a Blu-ray disc

 

[slackbladder]

"All supported languages" is nice to see. Hopefully this will be the case with the majority of PS3 games released, negating the need for delaying their release in different territories.
HD level movies probably takes up a Gig or so. "Extras" may be making of vids, galleries etc. I'm hoping this will be the norm, not the exception.

Edit: 1UP.com have an item suggesting (or declaring) that Sony will be using Xfire for Online. Now I have'nt the foggiest idea who or what Xfire is. Sounds interesting though. www.1up.com

 

[fasj6418]

first great good news in a while:

Sony's Answer to Xbox Live Revealed


How does Sony intend to compete with Xbox Live? Here's how.


by Luke Smith, 09/12/2006

Microsoft's Xbox Live has existed since 2002. How will Sony, who has never had a dedicated and successful online program in the console space -- the PS2's online was a total free for all -- compete with Microsoft's nearly four-year lead in the online console gaming service sphere?

They'll use Xfire, that's how (the image to the right is a mock-up).

By incorporating an existing service into their own PlayStation Network Platform (PNP), Sony hopes to circumvent existing problems in the console space that Microsoft has had to sort out and in using Xfire -- a company with an established messaging, matchmaking and gaming client -- Sony hopes to narrow the four-year gap in online gaming services that Microsoft currently enjoys (Xfire has been around since 2002).

In a transcript of Viacom's Q2 earning's report conference call a deal between Sony and Xfire was revealed:

Importantly, Xfire just signed a deal with Sony to create a version of their platform for the new PS3, which will now enable Xfire to extend its reach further into the huge console gaming market.

Although Sony and Xfire offered no further comments or details about the PS3 and Xfire connection, neither company denied the connection.

Testing of the Xfire client for PS3 appears to already be underway, with PS3-exclusive launch title Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom appearing in the supported software list on the PC Xfire client's .ini file.

Months ago, Sony's Computer Entertainment chief Ken Kutaragi indicated that PS3's online service would likely be free:

We don't charge for the basic functions of the network like matching services. Things like that are taken for granted on a PC, aren't they? There's the feeling of why a game console gets to charge for a service that's normal on a PC. So, we just made the basic services available, and based our business on the contents.

How will Xfire function on PS3? Details are sparse, but it's a safe bet that the features offered on Xfire's PC implementation will carry over to the PS3 version of the software.

Friend Tracker
Like Xbox Live allows users to manage their Friend's lists, Xfire also allows users to track friends, seeing what they are playing and what they have been playing (and for how long).

One-Click Join
Similar to how Xbox Live allows users to click on their name and 'Join' the game if it's available, Xfire lets users do the same thing. If a friend is playing a game you want to, there's no need to input your IP address or server information, Xfire takes care of it for you. Safe to assume that the PS3 implementation of Xfire will only be the touch of a button (an 'X' perhaps) away from joining users from your Friend Tracker.

Server Browser
This feature allows users to see the variety of servers available for different games. The most useful part here, is the ability to sort between favorite maps, or your friend's favorite maps and gametypes. Will we be able to sort out Resistance: Fall of Man gametypes based on which servers are hosting our favorite map?

Xfire In-Game (IM While You Play) with Voice Chat
Obviously, in-game IM would be a bit more utilitarian on a PC, where all users have a keyboard, but Xfire's PS3 implementation may see use of a keyboard (the open-ended online platform is ripe for MMO development). Without a keyboard, Xfire and PS3 will provide a way of their own to communicate with users (perhaps entering letters via the controller like on Xbox Live). In addition to text communication, Xfire supports voice chat -- expect a version of voice chat to be included in whatever PS3 plans for online.

File & Patch Downloads
When there's an update for a game on Xbox Live, Microsoft automatically detects it when the game is booted up and prompts users to snag the download. Optional downloads (like marketplace transactions) are shown on the marketplace, will Xfire's file/patch download systems be a gateway to whatever form of marketplace Sony conjures up?

Profiles with Automatic Stats
Xfire exports an .xml feed of your stats (what games you play, how long you play them for) -- just like Xbox Live. Via the official site: "They're (the stats) on your profile and Miniprofile, which can be embedded anywhere on the web."

In addition to partnering with a software client that could potentially offer much of the functionality of Xbox Live, Sony's Xfire-powered PNP also serves as a second coup -- it strikes at the unified front Microsoft hopes to create with its Live Anywhere initiative. That program, the synergizing of Xbox Live and PC gamers, is something Sony could replicate if the PS3's version of Xfire interacts with the PC version of the program. But, will the games play together? And if PS3 and PC gamers can play together and Xbox 360 and PC gamers can play together, does cross platform gaming become even more of a reality?

--------------------
we can only hope more details show up now... that was kind of news by acident

 

[Jeremy Ricci]

It's a bit hard to believe what they say... But I hope their stage are as big as they say. Quake 4 on PC only use 2,5GB & FEAR use 4.6GB of space in my hard drive. When you put the texture on highest in Quake 4, it take 1,5GB & FEAR take up to 800MB in my memory usage on my PC .

WHy don't you just come out and say you only believe what Microsoft says...we all know it's on your mind.


Resistance will be awesome, all of the 1st hands on impressions were great, and the 40player online displays no lag, as stated by OPM and 1UP.

That's miles ahead of any FPS on the 360 right now, since they have what, 16palyers max I think? ANd even then lag sucks.

 

[DuckRacer]

That's miles ahead of any FPS on the 360 right now, since they have what, 16palyers max I think? ANd even then lag sucks.

Battlefield 2 MC has 24 player online, with very, very little lag.

But still, 40 player online with no lag is nuts.

 

[ERA WUNER]

My counter strike source isnt even that enjoyable. god i cant wait for ps3

 

[fideles1986]

how would a HEAD SET hook up to the PS3 controller, wireless maybe?

 

[DuckRacer]

how would a HEAD SET hook up to the PS3 controller, wireless maybe?

Via bluetooth I'm guessing.

 

[Mr Deap]

how would a HEAD SET hook up to the PS3 controller, wireless maybe?

Easy to answer that... USB.

Feel free to add 50$ for a wireless one,