PS3 General Discussion

[FoolKiller]

I meant for console specific games only..

What I was trying to say was that, for example, if the xbox went totally download only the ONLY place you would be able to get your games from is xbox live.

I see what you are getting at, and I think you are right.

It's bound to happen though, we are becoming a more and more digital society. I would wager over the next 15 years you will see the irradiation of CD's and DVD/Blu-Ray movies. Futurist say we will all be connected to the internet soon so I don't see why games wouldn't follow in that exact same trend.

I think futurists are full of it. They also say that in 20 years we should have cars that slide up vertical walls.

Sorry, but the best futurists are the guys that weren't trying, like Arthur C. Clarke (RIP), Jules Verne, and Robert Heinlein.

Sure why would there be choice? The internet is a huge place and every company would try to get on board with these downloads and out do every one else.

But they have to go through Live, or whatever, it will be called, and so I won't be able to get a used game (which is how I buy most of mine) or take advantage of sales and bundles.

And think about game rentals? Just put some sort of DRM on the game that makes it expire after a given time.

Great idea. That worked wonders for movies.....

Backing up data would be quite easy as well, just run a RAID set up and everything is backed up....which leaves me with this question, can I do that on the PS3?

You can back it up on another external drive, yes. It is in the settings menu under Disc Backup, I think.

EMP=Electro Magnetic Pulse? If a big one does ever happen I think we need to worry about more than just our PS3 hardrives!

There is something more important?

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

One thing I will never understand is why people don't have broadband, don't companies realise that they should have it everywhere by now? And there is no reason to have broadband this slow, look at Japan or Korea, they are significantly faster.

The cost of upgrading is pretty huge. It's more cost effective to roll out fiber to a more densely populated area. Since then they can run copper wire for the last mile, or whatever the distance is, that can go to several houses. At least that is how DSL works right now. Companies that run fiber all the way to your house won't recover the costs for several years.


Only about 22% of people in the US have access to broadband. I doubt it is even that much.

 

[Casio]

What I was trying to say was that, for example, if the xbox went totally download only the ONLY place you would be able to get your games from is xbox live.

If you want a song you can go to many providers offering different prices, quality, drm free etc etc... The same goes for movies and thats a good thing, more competition

So in a way with games there would be no competition, the xbox live service would be the only place to get xbox games.... so no more great store deals or second hand games.

Exactly. Microsoft could start charging whatever they wanted for the games. They could charge 400$ for Halo 4 and they'd have no competition. If you wanted to play Halo 4 you'd have no other choice than too pay 400$.

And Complete Digital Downloads are still a long way off. First, maybe the US has super fast internet, but not everyone in the world does. I pay 50$ a month for a 512k connection, which is probably the average in this country, a 50gb file would take me 217 hours, assuming it ran at top speed the whole time, I don't want to buy a game then wait 9 days to play it later. Even a 2mbps connection takes almost 2 and a half days to download that. And yes, while you may say that internet speeds are getting quicker, game sizes are also getting bigger too. So yeah in 3 years we may all have 10mbps connections. However, in 3 years who is to say games won't be 100gb+ if they aren't bound by the storage limitations of traditional media.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Exactly. Microsoft could start charging whatever they wanted for the games. They could charge 400$ for Halo 4 and they'd have no competition. If you wanted to play Halo 4 you'd have no other choice than too pay 400$.

Well maybe not $400, but something over regular game price, maybe $80 or $100.

 

[Casio]

Yeah, I realize probably not 400$, but as a hypothetical they could.

 

[Joey D]

But they wouldn't because only a small handful of people would pay it. I think the next gaming systems will be quite different from how they are now and be more internet based. MS is going to have to do something about Live because people will eventually quit paying for it, either that or Sony is going to have to start charging. It really could go either way.

I don't think futurists are full of it, it's their forward thinking that gets a "buzz" generated about a certain concept. Technology could be advanced quicker then we are doing it now but I think people have a bunch of misconceptions about a lot of things. I still know people who won't buy anything online from places like Amazon because they don't think they are a trusted site and they will steal their CC number....but they have no problem ringing up the Home Shopping Network to do the same thing.

As for the digital downloads, Sony is testing the waters right now and it seems to be working for them. I don't see why they wouldn't capitalize on that. Although I often wonder why the downloaded version isn't cheaper since they don't have to pay for a box, delivery fees, import duty, the disc processing, etc. But I guess if we are willing to pay for it then they should continue doing it.

 

[kjb]

But they wouldn't because only a small handful of people would pay it. I think the next gaming systems will be quite different from how they are now and be more internet based. MS is going to have to do something about Live because people will eventually quit paying for it, either that or Sony is going to have to start charging. It really could go either way.

I don't think futurists are full of it, it's their forward thinking that gets a "buzz" generated about a certain concept. Technology could be advanced quicker then we are doing it now but I think people have a bunch of misconceptions about a lot of things. I still know people who won't buy anything online from places like Amazon because they don't think they are a trusted site and they will steal their CC number....but they have no problem ringing up the Home Shopping Network to do the same thing.

As for the digital downloads, Sony is testing the waters right now and it seems to be working for them. I don't see why they wouldn't capitalize on that. Although I often wonder why the downloaded version isn't cheaper since they don't have to pay for a box, delivery fees, import duty, the disc processing, etc. But I guess if we are willing to pay for it then they should continue doing it.

You pay for the convenience of buying it at home

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

You pay for the convenience of buying it at home

And the server costs

Maybe Sony doesn't want too many people to download games. Are all the downloads coming off of their servers?

 

[shaka]

I'm sorry but I think it's silly to think they will bring something out that soon.

microsoft doesnt have aother choice, i dont think they will launch abother system after the x360, really it keeps costing them billions and now with millions of RROD consoles around the world.

 

[GT4 genius]

Thats true, as far as I know MS havent made any profit what so ever on their Xbox divison so why would they start spending money on yet another system that'll cost them more money.

 

[Vonie]

I read recently that Xbox just became profitable in the last 6 months of last year.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/24/xbox-goes-profitable-almost-like-a-grown-up-business/

 

[Brett]

Well, I picked up Rainbow Six Vegas 2 today. I thoroughly enjoyed the first game and have read the second is basically an extension of the first, which means I will very likely thoroughly enjoy RSV2.

 

[Vonie]

Well, I picked up Rainbow Six Vegas 2 today. I thoroughly enjoyed the first game and have read the second is basically an extension of the first, which means I will very likely thoroughly enjoy RSV2.

I'm hoping to pick up a cheap version of the first now that no. 2 is out.

 

[WallRunner]

Well, I picked up Rainbow Six Vegas 2 today. I thoroughly enjoyed the first game and have read the second is basically an extension of the first, which means I will very likely thoroughly enjoy RSV2.

Apparently it's good, some people are complaining about "Glitches", like the squad being afraid to step over a puddle, going into the rooms and shouting "Clear!", when in reality there are 5 guys in the room, but that isn't a glitch, that's just what happens in every Tom Clancy game (other than Splinter Cell), that I've ever played

From,
Chris.

 

[Brett]

I'm hoping to pick up a cheap version of the first now that no. 2 is out.

The first game is great. I really enjoyed playing through it and was surprised throughout at how effective your team could be at times. I would definitely recommend picking up a copy. 👍

Apparently it's good, some people are complaining about "Glitches", like the squad being afraid to step over a puddle, going into the rooms and shouting "Clear!", when in reality there are 5 guys in the room, but that isn't a glitch, that's just what happens in every Tom Clancy game (other than Splinter Cell), that I've ever played

From,
Chris.

Well I have been playing the game for probably about two to three hours straight now and the game basically picks up where the last one left off, gameplay wise that is. As far as I can tell, the story has yet to be picked back up from the first game, though I may have missed something.

The squad mechanics are just as good as on RSV and your squad mates are still very effective with good command skills. I have had the tendency to do a thermal sweep, when instead I meant to tell my guys to move; that is due to built in muscle memory of the controls from GRAW2 more than anything else. The control layout is pretty intuitive and easy to pickup, I am just having problems breaking habits from GRAW2. I really wish Ubisoft would have gone with the RSV layout for GRAW2, as it is much more fluid.

I have to say that RSV2 is a game that fans of the first game will like, as it is very similar to the first. There are a few extra new things added in for the new game and Ubisoft has done a nice job of seamlessly integrating them in. The new sprint feature is kinda nice when you need to quickly move between areas of cover. So far, I would recommend the game to anyone who liked the first and would also recommend it to anyone who likes tactical shooters.

 

[Robin]

Some sad woman trying to cash in on the Blu Ray rise... They sit on meaningless patents for years hoping someone like Sony comes along and trips over it slightly...

US gov't investigating PS3's Blu-ray
Sony named in International Trade Commission inquiry into allegations of patent infringement on the console's light-emitting diodes.


In February, HD DVD creator Toshiba officially called an armistice in the high-definition video playback wars, saying it would cease production of its format standard and let it fade into obscurity alongside Sony's Betamax. While Toshiba's pullout defaulted the victory in the HD disc war to the Sony spearheaded Blu-ray Disc Association, skirmishes surrounding the format linger on.

The US International Trade Commission said this week that it will be launching a patent infringement investigation of "certain short-wavelength light emitting diodes, laser diodes, and products containing same." Parties named in the investigation include Blu-ray creator Sony, along with 30 other top electronics manufactures, including Nokia, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba, Pioneer, and Hitachi.

The investigation stems from a complaint filed by Gertrude Neumark Rothschild on February 20. Rothschild claims diodes currently imported for use in "hand-held mobile devices, instrument panels, billboards, traffic lights, HD DVD players (e.g., Blu-ray Disc players), and data storage devices" infringe upon one of her patents, and thus are in violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. As such, Rothschild is requesting that the US trade body issue exclusion and cease and desist orders to all companies named in the investigation.

 

[Beerz]

That's pathetic.


As if...

 

[Joey D]

This is why we have investigations, to figure out whether or not the claim is valid.

 

[Jedi2016]

Given her history (she's won several of these cases already), she's quite right. I didn't read the report, but I doubt it goes into too much detail. Apparently, she's not claiming to have invented the diodes themselves, but she patented the methods used to create them. The investigation is to determine whether or not the diode manufacturers are using her methods.

I also don't believe she's going after them quite so vehemently as is implied in those articles.. unlike some of the more litigious asshats out there, she's not trying to destroy Blu-ray or any of the other technologies, she's simply looking for recognition and compensation for creating the technologies that they're using to make their stuff.

Given the history of the case, it's likely to settle out of court and both sides will end up happy.

 

[FoolKiller]

I read recently that Xbox just became profitable in the last 6 months of last year.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/24/xbox-goes-profitable-almost-like-a-grown-up-business/

Yes, they make money on each 360 sold, finally, and the PS3 is about to start turning profits on individual units.

However, Microsoft's entire consumers electronics division has lost billions in the long run and last I heard was something like $6 billion in the hole after the RROD issue. The difference between Microsoft/XBox and Sony/Playstation is that when Microsoft launched the 360 they completely dropped the XBox. Sony is still selling the Playstation 2 and games for it and offering support, all of which is nearly pure profit at this point.

Even with more 360 sales and more 360 games selling from multiplatform titles the Playstation brand is making more money overall and Microsoft has a lot of catching up to do before being able to say that they have ever made more money on gaming than Sony.

 

[harrytuttle]

This is right now, give it 2 or 3 years. Technology, especially internet technology, advances stupidly fast now and even more so if there is a demand for it. My computer here at home has a 6mb connection and I download all sorts of things is a pretty resonable time that are several gigs.

What is the global penetration of high-speed internet access? Do you really think it's enough to support download-only games? Don't be misled by the fact that simply because you have something, most of the world could have access to it. Until high-speed home internet access reaches the same popularity as analog phone lines (which also isn't 100%), no major game maker is going to bother with download-only.

And how long ago was 720 standard? As long as there are people wanting bigger and better things companies will be producing them. At Best Buy they have a 70" 1080 HDTV which looks like crap because the resolution can't go that high. People are going to want TV's like that. The only bits and pieces I have heard about the next generation TV's are from a friend who sort of works in the field, which is hardly creditable.

Er, 720p and 1080i (among other formats) were all "standard" at the same time. In fact, 1080i was more popular early on because it was easier to display and marketed better than 720p. Not everyone understands the difference between 'i' and 'p'. Among the HD standards, there is no set resolution that any broadcaster/studio/developer has to limit themselves to. They can all stick to 480i if they want. Sure, it may not grab the most eyeballs, but it's up to them what they want to do. Nintendo's doing just fine with 480p, as I'm sure you know.

And never judge any TV on display at Best Buy or any other major retailer. They're all set up to be as bright as possible with the sharpness cranked up, so as to appear "bright and sharp" to the uneducated masses. That's just the beginning of retail setup issues, though.

Backing up data would be quite easy as well, just run a RAID set up and everything is backed up....which leaves me with this question, can I do that on the PS3?

And what version of RAID should that be? The two reasons anyone should be running RAID is for real-time failover or increasing the speed of data access. No one ever uses RAID as a backup; if they do, they shouldn't be in IT. Backup always consists of something off-line, or, at most, near-line. As in an external drive, be it tape, disc, or optical.

I guess I misspoke there. 1080p is not standard either, nor will be. HD is (will be) the standard. And we only did that because the FCC forced them to. HD has been around for decades.

Why can't 1080p be standard (I'm sure you meant "commonly used") when BD's are routinely 1080p and just about all new models of displays (LCD, plasma, SXRD, etc) are 1080p native? The FCC has exactly zero to do with resolution, or even HD. The only thing the FCC has been pushing for is the changeover from analog TV broadcasts to digital TV broadcasting -- all of which is over-the-air only. As in, if you have a yagi on your roof, you need to pay attention. Otherwise don't worry. At all.

Plus, any TV that size will have issues with digital signals unless you go projection.

With digital signals the resolution will have to increase or anything over 60" may need to be projection, but as all the broadcast stations have just replaced, or are in the act of replacing, all their equipment to at most 1080p I don't see anything higher being used outside of gaming.

Care to explain why? I see no logic behind that statement.

 

[FoolKiller]

Why can't 1080p be standard (I'm sure you meant "commonly used") when BD's are routinely 1080p and just about all new models of displays (LCD, plasma, SXRD, etc) are 1080p native? The FCC has exactly zero to do with resolution, or even HD. The only thing the FCC has been pushing for is the changeover from analog TV broadcasts to digital TV broadcasting -- all of which is over-the-air only. As in, if you have a yagi on your roof, you need to pay attention. Otherwise don't worry. At all.

I think I have been stumbling over my words a bit there.

The FCC is pushing digital signal, but not HD video. Some public broadcasters are actually using the added bandwidth of an HD signal to put out 6 stations of SD quality.

But any industry standard will be set by the industry. And I do see it stopping at 1080p, at least for a while.

Care to explain why? I see no logic behind that statement.

Which part?

In the TV part, if you have a non projection image your pixels at a certain size begin to get noticeable. If you increase size but not pixels then you will either get bigger pixels or a bad screen door effect. At a certain point it becomes almost unbearable, but the act of projecting the image on a screen tends to hide that. (Note: I have no clue why I made a distinction about digital, as it is the same on analog SDTVs, other than digital and HD seems to be pushing big TVs a lot more.)

As for broadcasters not going up anymore: well, they buy a certain grade of equipment and general maintenance upgrades are done a bit at a time but in this case everything relatively switched at once and so it will be a while before any of them are ready to upgrade to a system that can do even more across the board. But then I am unsure what maximum quality the current broadcast systems are at.

 

[LaBounti]

Yes, they make money on each 360 sold, finally, and the PS3 is about to start turning profits on individual units.

Read into a little more like I did as I thought the same thing. Its not the console its self, it is the entire game division. They say its was mostly due to Halo 3 meaning they are including software sales. Sony announced a few months ago that the PS3 hardware alone is turning a profit already. The PS2 and PSP keeps the game division out of the whole. Not to mention there is no charge for PSN usage so they are doing well.

 

[Joey D]

Can I use a PS3 controller on my PC if I plug it in with the USB cable? Is there a driver or programme I need to get? I want to play FIFA 08 and I don't really want to buy another 360 controller seeing as I already have four.

 

[Giancarlo]

Can I use a PS3 controller on my PC if I plug it in with the USB cable? Is there a driver or programme I need to get? I want to play FIFA 08 and I don't really want to buy another 360 controller seeing as I already have four.

Welcome to Google.

 

[shaka]

Weird PS3 game, but i want it so bad.

http://sev1512.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/lingerinshadows-not-just-a-demo/

http://www.4players.de/4sceners.php/dispbericht/-/58253/0/index.html&world=4sceners

http://www.4players.de/4sceners.php/dispbericht/-/58253/1/index.html

 

[WallRunner]

PS3 just got 2.20

 

[FoolKiller]

PS3 just got 2.20

Yep.

I am curious though because earlier they had said Blu-Ray 2.0 would come in firmware 2.4. So, what is in 2.4?


Also, because this has never been completely clear to me, does Blu-Ray 2.0 allow the PS3 to copy any Blu-Ray movie to the PSP format or just the new Blu-Ray 2.0 supporting movies when they come out? It just seems to me that if I am waiting for a movie to have a PSP copy on disc that it may be quite a while as the PSP movie market seems to be a bit slow. But if it is just converting the video files then it should be able to do it with any Blu-Ray, shouldn't it?

 

[Eric.]

So I was messing around with the media server functions and I got it partially working. Through Vista (and WMP11) I have the sharing enabled and have the default folders as well as my external hard drive (which is accessed through another computer on the network) checked as the ones that should be shared. The "My Music", "My Videos", etc folders appear fine on the PS3, but I don't use those. All of my media is on that external drive which is nowhere to be found on the PS3. Does anyone have some advice?

The external drive is shared on a Windows Server 2003 machine with a username and password required, but I don't think it would matter when its connecting to that through the Vista machine which has already "signed in" to that hard drive.

I'd really appreciate any help.

 

[TB]

Will it "hop" like that? Going from one machine (Server 2003, aka Bob) to another (Vista, aka Pete) is obviously fine. But I doubt the PS3 can access Bob through Pete. If the external HD is connected to Pete, it'll work.