View Full Version : One-and-Only PS3 as Blu-Ray Player Thread



Bad_Boy_
11-10-06, 05:20 AM
thanks to the translation from one @ b3d, heres some nice information and pictures:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20061110/rt018.htm


http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20061110/rt18_04.jpg
+ Using XMB and web browsing won't spin the fan. Playing Blu-ray will spin the fan, but the load is still low especially for early MPEG2 titles. The fan spins steadily while gaming.

+ The picture/audio quality for video playback is excellent. Though Cell does not do much postprocessing right now, they are doing research for it.

+ TrueHD is converted to LPCM and outputted via HDMI.

+ No DVD upscaling for the time being. But they are looking at user needs and have a plan for the support.

+ The Blu-ray player response is very quick. The interviewer says he felt it's the fastest among Toshiba, Sony, Matsushita HD players/recorders he tested.

+ Some contents holders say the speed of BD-Java in the PS3 is the fastest.

+ By pressing the triangle button the XMB shows the folder tree structure as is just like Windows Explorer.

+ It can connect with USB mass-storage devices such as PSP, but not with ones with special transfer methods such as iPod and Walkman. They are collaborating with the Walkman unit for some interaction in the future.

+ It's decided that the RSX clock stays undisclosed

+ The EE+GS embedded in the PS3 does emulation for PS1/PS2 for initial shipments PS3, so no graphics upgrade for the time being. The software emulation technology is almost complete but not ready for the launch. As soon as it becomes complete EE+GS is removed from future units.

+ In Remote Play with PSP for the 60GB version, the PS3 resolution becomes 480p (16:9) and converts the screen to MPEG-4 Simple Profile at around 1Mbps to send it to the PSP. All control is transferred to the PSP and you can control the PS3 by pressing the PSP buttons. BD/DVD and other copyright-protected materials can't be sent. As for games the support will come in the near future.

+ Downloaded PS1 games are transferred from a PS3 to a PSP by a USB cable.
PLAYSTATION TV (the demo kiosk) starts the download service too.

+ The web browser can open up to 6 pages simultaneously. 64MB memory is always reserved for the browser, the instant messenger and other XMB OS activity even while in game.

+ Installing Linux creates a new HDD partition separately from the PS3 partition. After the setup, you can select which system to use at the boot menu. You can choose to auto-boot Linux too.

+ Aside from Linux, SCE's developers are still seeking the way to publish proper software development environment for the PS3 main OS and PSP for general users. But right now the PS3 main OS can run only signed applications (while PS3 Linux can run whatever applications on it).
It seems after a firmware updates, they plan to expand more on the blu-ray playback. :)

DVDoctor
11-10-06, 05:52 AM
It will be interesting to see how the Microsoft/Novell Linux deal effects Linux on the PS3

John

9158
11-10-06, 08:32 AM
The "Custom" option really just has a list of available resolutions, like (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p), it doesn't give you the option to enter anything manually. Personally I'm not sure what this option is for...

I'm not sure i have understood correctly.
The option i'm referring to is the one you get in the screen that looks like this:

Select the maximum TV resolution.

480p
1080i
720p
1080p
Custom

See this YouTube video (you have to pause at 1:24):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dRgTOiv4XlU

So are you saying that after selecting the "Custom" option (last one on the list) you get another screen that asks you AGAIN the same thing, i.e. to select between
480p
1080i
720p
1080p
without giving you any other options?

bfdtv
11-10-06, 08:53 AM
9158,

The custom screen may be intended for future use. At launch, only the most basic / common output resolutions are supported.

xbdestroya
11-10-06, 09:32 AM
It will be interesting to see how the Microsoft/Novell Linux deal effects Linux on the PS3

John

How/why would it?

ninjanki
11-10-06, 09:40 AM
Finally, some decent information starts to pop up.

It's nice to know that, even though Sony wanted to support PS2 and PS1 by emulation, they decided to go with hardware support until emulation is done and good to go. This shows their commitment to support their customer base that expects to use older software with the new hardware.(it is more expensive to add the hardware support than, let's say, promise emulation support and leave the customer hanging...)

I just need to know what is the support for other audio codecs, since TrueHD seems to be decoded internally. Also, if there is current support or plans for bitstream support to all advanced codecs in the future(this is HDMI 1.3 after all)

The Linux tidbits are all I expected from the system, and looks like the most feasible way to provide support without compromising the ps3 basic system, no matter what the user do on the linux partition... I feel it will make a great HTPC. All we need now is a good USB cable receiver for PVR functions, and a bigger HDD upgrade in the future...

gandley
11-10-06, 09:46 AM
bfd is that the resolution 750p? if so then i might think yes.

today i played ps3 on a tv which has 750p instead of 720p. i thought it was a typo. but maybe there is something like 750p. it was on a sony bravia tv.

i have to say though it doesnt look as good as 720p or 1080p. the game i tested was ridge racer 7 and devil may cry.


750p and 720p are the same thing just stated differently. Panasonic do this with there dvd players, for instance they quoye 1080i as 1125i. I have no idea why but if i select 750p or 1125i my display reads that as 720p and 1080i.

not sure why they do this but some do, may just be a euro thing.

xbdestroya
11-10-06, 09:47 AM
Finally, some decent information starts to pop up.

It's nice to know that, even though Sony wanted to support PS2 and PS1 by emulation, they decided to go with hardware support until emulation is done and good to go. This shows their commitment to support their customer base that expects to use older software with the new hardware.(it is more expensive to add the hardware support than, let's say, promise emulation support and leave the customer hanging...)

I just need to know what is the support for other audio codecs, since TrueHD seems to be decoded internally. Also, if there is current support or plans for bitstream support to all advanced codecs in the future(this is HDMI 1.3 after all)

The Linux tidbits are all I expected from the system, and looks like the most feasible way to provide support without compromising the ps3 basic system, no matter what the user do on the linux partition... I feel it will make a great HTPC. All we need now is a good USB cable receiver for PVR functions, and a bigger HDD upgrade in the future...

You can upgrade the HDD yourself to whatever size you're willing to pay for, so hell - just buy the 20GB version and get yourself a larger hard drive (2.5" SATA) from Newegg and you're good to go.

Here's a page already of someone upgrading their drive to 120GBs:

http://ruliweb2.dreamwiz.com/ruliboard/read.htm?num=19646&table=game_ps04&main=ps

timothias
11-10-06, 12:44 PM
In addition, with the 60GB version you get to use the memory card slots, you have the built-in wifi (the Ethernet port is still there) and you get a HDMI cable (cheap but hey it's free).


I thought neither version of the PS3 came with an HDMI cable, and they only ship with lame composite cables. Did I miss something? Just curious.

orogogus
11-10-06, 01:13 PM
thanks to the translation from one @ b3d, heres some nice information and pictures:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20061110/rt018.htm


http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20061110/rt18_04.jpg

It seems after a firmware updates, they plan to expand more on the blu-ray playback. :)

Which is odd to me since if the PS3 is more fully featured than existing stand alones and costs 1/2 as much, why buy anything else? I think I'd be pissed if I were a CE manufacturer, but they had to see this coming... so I understand no upscaling at launch and no 1080p24, but if they add those, what's left in the stand alone market? Aesthetics?

WriteSimple
11-10-06, 01:20 PM
I thought neither version of the PS3 came with an HDMI cable, and they only ship with lame composite cables. Did I miss something? Just curious.
Yes you missed something. Of course, the media likes to play-up PS3's bad news instead of the good news. The 60GB does come with a HDMI cable. But you can get cheap and working HDMI cables from AVS Forum sponsors like monoprice for less than US$10.

If your HDTV/monitor has HDMI/DVI, go get the cables there. Don't pay a premium!


fuad

WriteSimple
11-10-06, 01:26 PM
You can upgrade the HDD yourself to whatever size you're willing to pay for, so hell - just buy the 20GB version and get yourself a larger hard drive (2.5" SATA) from Newegg and you're good to go.

Here's a page already of someone upgrading their drive to 120GBs:

http://ruliweb2.dreamwiz.com/ruliboard/read.htm?num=19646&table=game_ps04&main=ps
I can't read Korean but that is SO WICKED! Not 24-hours have passed and somebody already tore it apart! :D :D :D

That is really good news to hear that you can upgrade the HDD yourself! Hopefully you do that before you start playing any games.

The XBox 360 fanboys are going to have more to gripe... :cool:


fuad

timothias
11-10-06, 01:32 PM
Yes you missed something. Of course, the media likes to play-up PS3's bad news instead of the good news. The 60GB does come with a HDMI cable. But you can get cheap and working HDMI cables from AVS Forum sponsors like monoprice for less than US$10.

If your HDTV/monitor has HDMI/DVI, go get the cables there. Don't pay a premium!


fuad

I know that the 60GB test units that IGN/Gamespot received DID come with an HDMI cable, but I remember IGN writing that the retail units will not.

I already purchased a monoprice HDMI cable for the PS3 I'm picking up next week because I was under the impression that it did not come with one.

I guess it does, considering you sound extremely confident that the 60GB includes an HDMI cable.

Now that brings up another question. Why would the 60GB come with an HDMI cable and not the 20GB? Both have HDMI outputs.

Bad_Boy_
11-10-06, 02:11 PM
complete package shot.
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/743/743893/playstation-3-whats-in-the-box-20061110105759007.jpg

timothias
11-10-06, 04:02 PM
K, I guess I wasn't wrong. No HDMI included. CANNOT WAIT!!!

DVDoctor
11-10-06, 04:05 PM
How/why would it?
Re Linux and PS3
Microsoft seems to be keeping a few steps ahead of where SONY is going, and making some interesting moves.

The Novell Microsoft deal sorts out a number of patent issues, and makes for a more patent litigation free version. RedHat since it is open source, looses the ability to do a patent cross licensing deal, and could be more at risk.

If you look at some of what Sony is saying, you can get the sense that they are really trying to launch a computer platform, in a way have a three way split with Microsoft/Apple/Sony. The software strategy is tied to Linux and an expanded relationship with Sun. So like a game of chess, Microsoft could be making the moves against their Linux strategy.

I think Sony has a three prong strategy here, first was locking up the studios with its format AND DRM control ie BD+, Leading the next generation of optical with BD, but also building the next computer platform for the home/entertainment system both hardware and software.

Will be interesting to see how it pans out
John

briankmonkey
11-10-06, 04:11 PM
Sweet it has been comfirmed by IGN that PS3 works with 3rd party HDD's (Sony has comfirmed 1080p movies can be played off of a HDD) :D


PS3 Accepts Any Third-Party HDD
Official hard drives not needed.
by Chris Roper
November 10, 2006 - According to the PlayStation 3's included Safety and Support manual, the system will accept any 2.5" Serial ATA hard disc drive, and not only officially licensed Sony products. This opens up the possibility of installing a much larger drive than what the system comes with. The manual does note that "Proper operation is not guaranteed for all models" of hard drives, but obviously this is Sony's "just in case" small print.

We're in the process of testing this ourselves and will keep you updated.

sbarrier
11-10-06, 05:33 PM
How will you connect the PS3 via component? I see that it comes with a composite cable :confused:, but what about component?

orogogus
11-10-06, 05:35 PM
Sweet it has been comfirmed by IGN that PS3 works with 3rd party HDD's (Sony has comfirmed 1080p movies can be played off of a HDD) :D

I wonder if cracking the thing open and replacing your HDD voids your warranty? What about ghosting the drive, or is the PS3 'OS' on non-volatile memory on the electronics?

orogogus
11-10-06, 05:35 PM
How will you connect the PS3 via component? I see that it comes with a composite cable :confused:, but what about component?

Buy them Sony AV cables of course! Or for even more Xtreme Performance(TM), some $150 MONSTER component cables (now with 1000% more shiedling to get all of your 1080 pixels delivered in pristine form!)!! :)

But I understand the AV breakout is compatible with the PS2, so if you have PS2 component cables, those are alleged to work with the PS3.

briankmonkey
11-10-06, 05:42 PM
I wonder if cracking the thing open and replacing your HDD voids your warranty? What about ghosting the drive, or is the PS3 'OS' on non-volatile memory on the electronics?

Not sure, but doesn't sound like it would. After all Sony announced a long time ago that people would be able to use non-sony HDD's.

xbdestroya
11-10-06, 06:15 PM
Re Linux and PS3
Microsoft seems to be keeping a few steps ahead of where SONY is going, and making some interesting moves.

The Novell Microsoft deal sorts out a number of patent issues, and makes for a more patent litigation free version. RedHat since it is open source, looses the ability to do a patent cross licensing deal, and could be more at risk.

If you look at some of what Sony is saying, you can get the sense that they are really trying to launch a computer platform, in a way have a three way split with Microsoft/Apple/Sony. The software strategy is tied to Linux and an expanded relationship with Sun. So like a game of chess, Microsoft could be making the moves against their Linux strategy.

I think Sony has a three prong strategy here, first was locking up the studios with its format AND DRM control ie BD+, Leading the next generation of optical with BD, but also building the next computer platform for the home/entertainment system both hardware and software.

Will be interesting to see how it pans out
John


I still don't understand what you're saying. Again, what does Novell vs Red Hat have to do with Sony? PS3 can run any Linux distro adapted to Cell - it can come from Novell, Red Hat, Terra Soft (as present), or anywhere else.

The whole Microsoft/Novell thing is a total tangent to what's going on with Sony and Linux, and doesn't effect it at all. In fact, I wonder whether the majority of people really understand Sony's own involvement with Linux, or their over-arching strategy towards the PS3 computing model.

If litigation concerns are where you feel Sony is at risk (again, not sure why since they don't distribute Linux), here's this for you from last year:

http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/11/10/HNlinuxpatent_1.html

But really, I am just trying to understand the 'chess move' you feel that Microsoft's Novell partnership constitutes in the context of PS3 running Linux.

xbdestroya
11-10-06, 06:16 PM
But I understand the AV breakout is compatible with the PS2, so if you have PS2 component cables, those are alleged to work with the PS3.

Exactly.

camaj
11-10-06, 08:00 PM
ign (http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/743/743899p1.html) had a quick look at the BD playback:

One of the PlayStation 3's biggest features is its Blu-ray drive. Capable of storing 50GB of data, Sony says that its inclusion in the system will help future-proof the PlayStation 3. But not only does that allow game content to grow exponentially in size, but it of course allows for the playback of Blu-ray movies, and Sony as a whole is betting a lot on the format's success.

The first 500,000 PlayStation 3 units will ship with a copy of Taladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby on Blu-ray to give users a taste of what the high-def format is capable of. We also received a copy Ridley Scott's excellent Black Hawk Down with our package to test out the system's playback capabilities, so we promptly popped in both discs to see what the fuss is all about.

First off, the image quality is fantastic. We don't have a standalone player in the office at the moment so we can't do a side-by-side sampling with a separate player, but on its own we're quite impressed. Playback is also very fast - it only takes a few seconds to first load up a disc, and skipping through chapters and the like is at least as fast as a DVD. Good stuff.

Of course, the PlayStation 3 will also play DVDs, though it won't upscale them, even through an HDMI connection. Playback quality looked to be pretty good, though it doesn't look quite as nice as a standalone player with a high-end video processor, like a Denon or some such.

Playback controls are fairly similar to what you'll find on the PlayStation 2's DVD player. X and Start will pause and play, L1 and R1 skips chapters, and L2 and R2 will fast-forward and rewind. One pretty cool thing is that by pressing Select you're able to bring up a status bar that gives you a number of data stats. On the top bar you'll see the current sound format, how many channels are in use, the audio frequency and its bitrate. At the top right you'll see video stats with the video format and current bitrate shown, which updates once per second. Along the bottom of the status overly you'll see more common stats like title, chapter and the time progress bar.

One of the cool things about Blu-ray is that it allows for a menu overlay while the video continues to run. Pressing Square will bring this up, allowing you to look through the movies chapters or special features while it runs in the background. Cool stuff.

As for fast-forward and rewind speeds, it ranges all the way from 1.5x up to 120x, which would technically allow you to watch a two-hour film in one minute.

legbone
11-10-06, 08:29 PM
sounds good. too bad they don't have a standalone to compare it to. now if the remote would just hurry up and come out. guess i better start buying some blu ray flicks to add to my hddvd collection.

camaj
11-10-06, 09:13 PM
Yep, but to be fair they're a gaming site rather than a HT/film site. However I imagine we'll see some reviews shortly

eightninesuited
11-10-06, 09:24 PM
ign (http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/743/743899p1.html) had a quick look at the BD playback:

One of the PlayStation 3's biggest features is its Blu-ray drive. Capable of storing 50GB of data, Sony says that its inclusion in the system will help future-proof the PlayStation 3. But not only does that allow game content to grow exponentially in size, but it of course allows for the playback of Blu-ray movies, and Sony as a whole is betting a lot on the format's success.

The first 500,000 PlayStation 3 units will ship with a copy of Taladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby on Blu-ray to give users a taste of what the high-def format is capable of. We also received a copy Ridley Scott's excellent Black Hawk Down with our package to test out the system's playback capabilities, so we promptly popped in both discs to see what the fuss is all about.

First off, the image quality is fantastic. We don't have a standalone player in the office at the moment so we can't do a side-by-side sampling with a separate player, but on its own we're quite impressed. Playback is also very fast - it only takes a few seconds to first load up a disc, and skipping through chapters and the like is at least as fast as a DVD. Good stuff.

Of course, the PlayStation 3 will also play DVDs, though it won't upscale them, even through an HDMI connection. Playback quality looked to be pretty good, though it doesn't look quite as nice as a standalone player with a high-end video processor, like a Denon or some such.

Playback controls are fairly similar to what you'll find on the PlayStation 2's DVD player. X and Start will pause and play, L1 and R1 skips chapters, and L2 and R2 will fast-forward and rewind. One pretty cool thing is that by pressing Select you're able to bring up a status bar that gives you a number of data stats. On the top bar you'll see the current sound format, how many channels are in use, the audio frequency and its bitrate. At the top right you'll see video stats with the video format and current bitrate shown, which updates once per second. Along the bottom of the status overly you'll see more common stats like title, chapter and the time progress bar.

One of the cool things about Blu-ray is that it allows for a menu overlay while the video continues to run. Pressing Square will bring this up, allowing you to look through the movies chapters or special features while it runs in the background. Cool stuff.

As for fast-forward and rewind speeds, it ranges all the way from 1.5x up to 120x, which would technically allow you to watch a two-hour film in one minute.

You know what's the best news out of this entire article?

That ordinary gamers will appreciate the enhanced image qualities of Blu-ray.

camaj
11-10-06, 09:54 PM
That ordinary gamers will appreciate the enhanced image qualities of Blu-ray.

Is that because they said the quality is fantastic? That's not news, "gamers" aren't some seperate species with poor eyesight!

Hef
11-10-06, 10:19 PM
Is that because they said the quality is fantastic? That's not news, "gamers" aren't some seperate species with poor eyesight!

Well they don't even have a standalone player to compare to, so what good is their judgment. A lot (not all) of gamers are part of the "it plays everything at throw at it" species.

HybridHB
11-11-06, 01:18 AM
A retail PS3 that I have access to with firmware version 1.00 does NOT upconvert DVDs, it plays them in their native resolution. Check out the 5th element picture I took a few days ago here:

http://s133.photobucket.com/albums/q79/k-maan/PS3

That said, as I don't know the hardware details there might not be anything but a firmware update preventing Sony to enable it.

Do you have a standalone to compare PQ to?

briankmonkey
11-11-06, 01:37 AM
Sweet news on using a 3.5" Drive.. Good news for those planning on watching 1080p movies of a HDD

Its a Seagate drive:

http://www.theimageplace.net/uploads/faaa0e9bae.jpg
http://www.theimageplace.net/uploads/1fb6ac6625.jpg
http://www.theimageplace.net/uploads/e36c9f7ec9.jpg
http://www.theimageplace.net/uploads/cc3ef0c80e.jpg
http://www.theimageplace.net/uploads/95a94cb055.jpg
http://www.theimageplace.net/uploads/1c83502bc5.jpg

http://plusd.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0611/11/news004.html


:D Also, someone figured out how to make a 3.5" HDD work on PS3!!! :D

http://xs308.xs.to/xs308/06456/19158_up4030_122_336lo.jpg

veniex
11-11-06, 02:46 AM
I read that upgrading the HDD doesn't void your warranty. Very good decision on Sony's part.

gundyrat1
11-11-06, 03:05 AM
Say I buy The Corpse bride will it play in the PS3 encoded with VC-1 the specs make no mention of supporting VC-1?

Do Blu rays have to Video codec So it has something to fall back on if the other doesnt work?

bfdtv
11-11-06, 03:30 AM
Say I buy The Corpse bride will it play in the PS3 encoded with VC-1 the specs make no mention of supporting VC-1?VC-1 is in the Blu-ray specification. No player can feature the Blu-ray logo unless it supports VC-1.

The PS3 supports VC-1, as the Blu-ray specification requires, but Sony doesn't like to advertise that fact, due to their anti-all-things-Microsoft politics.

Slacker George
11-11-06, 09:55 AM
There's some info here on BD playback, in Japanese. Hopefully it will get a real translation soon.
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20061111/ps3.htm

A few BD/DVD related highlights:


No 480i output from HDMI, 480p/720p/1080i/1080p only.

"Reproduction quality of image also has a very high quality."

"However, compared with HD DVD to which disorder and the color noise of Mach band-like gradation appeared here and there, PLAYSTATION 3 is the impression by which the noise was stopped very much. But the difference between HD DVD and BD may have influenced rather than the difference between PS3 and HD-XA1." Comparing Full Metal Jacket HD-DVD on HD-XA1 to the Blu-ray version on the PS3. They mention the quality of the HD-DVD version was not very good though.

"It can be called a high level with quality of image compared to BD related products on the market now, it is infallible, and remarkable. The expression "just a sufficient BD player" is not applicable here."

"Reproduction of an AVCHD disk is also supported formally. When DVD-R and the DVD-RW disk which were recorded by "HDR-UX1" were put into the tray, it was especially reproducible satisfactory. Although it is a 8cm DVD disk, if it pushes in in the center of a slot, the disk for AVCHD accompanies an internal guide and is inhaled as it is."

"Furthermore, it is not possible to take in the image data inside the AVCHD disk to HDD. It is playback only."

"Moreover it can be used as a DVD player, and can respond also to DVD-R of VR mode record/RW, and the disk which performed protection of copyrights by CPRM can also be played. However, although recognition was carried out, reproduction of VR disk created by the DVD recorder "DV-DH500W" of Hitachi was not completed."

Although it won't do scaling as of yet it can output DVDs at 480p over component.

Region 1 and Region 2 PAL DVDs wouldn't play.

HDTV5.1
11-11-06, 11:09 AM
Yes you missed something. Of course, the media likes to play-up PS3's bad news instead of the good news. The 60GB does come with a HDMI cable. But you can get cheap and working HDMI cables from AVS Forum sponsors like monoprice for less than US$10.

If your HDTV/monitor has HDMI/DVI, go get the cables there. Don't pay a premium!


fuad


do you not care about not having wi fi on the lower priced model? for me that's a great thing to have the wi fi - not to have a modem in the living room.

drigos
11-11-06, 12:36 PM
So does or does not decode dts hd master audio?
- The system does not support output from DTS-HD 7.1 Ch.
DTS-HD 7.1 Ch. audio is output from a 5.1 or lower channel.-
Does it mean that it decodes dts hd 5.1???

Richard Paul
11-11-06, 01:04 PM
At the moment the PS3 does not decode DTS-HD MA and to be perfectly clear about this Sony has made no official mention about it yet. It might be added to the PS3 in a future firmware update but that is just a possibility. On the other hand we do know that the HDMI 1.3 output is capable of DTS-HD MA output as a bitstream so that is almost definitely going to be added.

g55555sim
11-11-06, 01:08 PM
http://www.theimageplace.net/uploads/95a94cb055.jpg

LOL i hope this is not the original harddisk that came with the console :p

orogogus
11-11-06, 01:21 PM
I read that upgrading the HDD doesn't void your warranty. Very good decision on Sony's part.

Yes, that is definitely a plus. A rare kudos to sony on that one, and thanks for the pics brian. Cool beans.

Infinitenothing
11-11-06, 04:19 PM
do you not care about not having wi fi on the lower priced model? for me that's a great thing to have the wi fi - not to have a modem in the living room.
Well, I'd prefer gigabit ethernet for media streaming capabilities (I've never had good luck streaming HD video over wifi) But, you can always buy those logitech wireless ethernet gaming links to make the wired connector wired. They can be found for under $30

xbdestroya
11-11-06, 04:25 PM
LOL i hope this is not the original harddisk that came with the console :p

Well, it uses a Cell processor also (developed with Toshiba), so I think it's best not to view things always in the context of Sony v Toshiba, BD v HD-DVD. ;)


Well, I'd prefer gigabit ethernet for media streaming capabilities (I've never had good luck streaming HD video over wifi) But, you can always buy those logitech wireless ethernet gaming links to make the wired connector wired. They can be found for under $30


Exactly, just need an ethernet bridge and you're good to go.

krisztoforo
11-11-06, 05:22 PM
I'm not sure i have understood correctly.
The option i'm referring to is the one you get in the screen that looks like this:

See this YouTube video (you have to pause at 1:24):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dRgTOiv4XlU

So are you saying that after selecting the "Custom" option (last one on the list) you get another screen that asks you AGAIN the same thing, i.e. to select between
480p
1080i
720p
1080p
without giving you any other options?

Exactly..it actually let's you select more than just one resolution under "Custom", but no manual input at all. Not sure what they intended this option for..I guess it can be useful in the future if and when they add video upconversion support, then with this option you'd have a chance to defeat it and use the native resolution of the source material (like DVD-video).
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q79/k-maan/PS3/custom.jpg

krisztoforo
11-11-06, 06:08 PM
http://www.theimageplace.net/uploads/95a94cb055.jpg

LOL i hope this is not the original harddisk that came with the console :p

No :) this is the original drive:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q79/k-maan/PS3/ps3-hdd.jpg

snoots
11-11-06, 06:31 PM
Does anybody know if the PS3 will stream HDTV from MCE2005 or Vista MCE ?

Thanks and sorry if it's been asked and answered.

bfdtv
11-11-06, 07:05 PM
Does anybody know if the PS3 will stream HDTV from MCE2005 or Vista MCE ?It will not. The Xbox360 holds the advantage in this regard.

[It was Sony's decision not to support MCE2005 or Vista MCE, not Microsoft's.]

Rob79
11-11-06, 08:32 PM
It will eventually for sure, Linux is allowed so it will pretty much do anything. >;)

tcpipkim
11-11-06, 10:04 PM
Here is home some screen PS3 1280X720 high resolution

http://ruliweb.dreamwiz.com/data/rulinews/read.htm?num=15142

DVDoctor
11-12-06, 12:18 AM
I still don't understand what you're saying. Again, what does Novell vs Red Hat have to do with Sony? PS3 can run any Linux distro adapted to Cell - it can come from Novell, Red Hat, Terra Soft (as present), or anywhere else.

The whole Microsoft/Novell thing is a total tangent to what's going on with Sony and Linux, and doesn't effect it at all. In fact, I wonder whether the majority of people really understand Sony's own involvement with Linux, or their over-arching strategy towards the PS3 computing model.

If litigation concerns are where you feel Sony is at risk (again, not sure why since they don't distribute Linux), here's this for you from last year:

http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/11/10/HNlinuxpatent_1.html

But really, I am just trying to understand the 'chess move' you feel that Microsoft's Novell partnership constitutes in the context of PS3 running Linux.

Sony's intention I believe is to move the PS3 into the general computing area, and in doing so distribute a version of Linux for the PS3. They are not likely to just move forward based on a homebrew you can get Linux from whom ever you want. It is highly likely that they will want control and distribution of this key part of the "over arching computer strategy"

Microsoft's move is to box Sony in with less options, and begin to consolidate a position in Linux. The article referenced is a year old, a few more moves have already been played.
Remember this is chess, not checkers.

John

xbdestroya
11-12-06, 12:22 AM
Sony's intention I believe is to move the PS3 into the general computing area, and in doing so distribute a version of Linux for the PS3. They are not likely to just move forward based on a homebrew you can get Linux from whom ever you want.

Microsoft's move is to box Sony in with less options, and begin to consolidate a position in Linux. The article referenced is a year old, a few more moves have already been played.
Remember this is chess, not checkers.

John

Linux is open source; nothing will ever change that. Microsoft *can't* box Sony in on that front. As for Linux distribution, that's where our views differ. Sony already has a Linux distro configured to Cell; YDL 5.0. And there will be others. MS plays zero role or impact in this. MS' foray into Linux is server-space related, not PS3 related. You can't 'control' Linux; that's the entire idea behind it.

DVDoctor
11-12-06, 12:46 AM
Nether Microfsoft nor Sony do very many things that are not revenue related. Microsoft is going to consolidate the patent position, SCO was the first trial balloon, which was unsuccessful, this go around will be more likely to be more successful. You are thinking control in a technical sense, these companies are interested in control from a financial sense. Sony will seek to have financial control and a revenue flow from everything that runs on PS3. Microsoft is an expert in making sure they get a small piece revenue from anything they can. Their strategy is find any parade and get out in front of it.

They didn't just give Novell a pile of cash out of the goodness of their hearts.

IMO Microsoft sees the Windows world, the Apple world and this "cloud" of the Linux world and will do their best not to have Sony build a platform and attempt to consolidate and produce a high volume offering and an effective third "solution"
John

xbdestroya
11-12-06, 12:59 AM
IMO Microsoft sees the Windows world, the Apple world and this "cloud" of the Linux world and will do their best not to have Sony build a platform and attempt to consolidate and produce a high volume offering and an effective third "solution"
John

We're not going to agree on this topic, so I think we should just let it get back to BD playback-centric discussion. I think though that you shouldn't sell Kutaragi and his vision for Cell computing short; he's not in the same short-term 'monetize everything' camp that their usual format guys come out of. There's a lot to be said about an open platform contributing financially in other ways, simply by ensuring a certain level of appeal to the system. I think his views on monetization take a longer view, probably via PS3 appeal in general, working in the Sony Store as a true digital distribution contender in an increasingly digital living room, and in seeing Cell as an architecture proliferate and enjoy signifianct grass-roots support.

For what it's worth, you may be interested in this particular page of Sony's:

http://www.playstation.com/ps3-openplatform/index.html

UxiSXRD
11-12-06, 03:19 AM
Wow the PS3 is looking better and better. I can't wait until the open source folks get cracking at expanding the potential of the PS3. I'm already envisioning Opera running off of it with all the bookmarks and preferences I have on all my computers (from my linux computers at work & home, to my windows machine at home, my OS X laptop, and even my cell phone!).

Not having any inputs available means it won't be able to be used as a DVR off the bat, but I'm sure some streaming / saving solution will eventually get put together via Linux, if not the PS3's native GUI/firmware itself. Put a 160GB+ drive and I'll be set!

I'm probably gonna be getting an HD-XA1 pretty soon here, so will probably save my spare HDMI for that and use the existing AV component I'm currently using with the PS2 for the PS3.

After months and months of bad news and delays the Playstation3 is looking better and better. Hopefully I can get one before xmas!

WriteSimple
11-12-06, 08:54 AM
So does or does not decode dts hd master audio?
- The system does not support output from DTS-HD 7.1 Ch.
DTS-HD 7.1 Ch. audio is output from a 5.1 or lower channel.-
Does it mean that it decodes dts hd 5.1???
Here's my response to that part written for another forum.

The PS3 at this time does not have DTS-HD/MA decoding capability.

DTS HD/MA = DTS Core + Extensions. The extensions are bits of data that contains lossless information and more channels. The DTS Core is the bitstream that can be sent via optical undecoded. In itself, it can support DTS 96/24 or DTS ES Discrete 6.1 - all lossy.

So when a DTS HD/MA bitstream is selected, what the PS3 does is use the DTS Core, then either decode it and pass through HDMI or pass it directly via optical into a receiver/prepro.

The legacy streams is only up to 6.1 discrete DTS ES and 6.1 matrix Dolby Digital EX. However these legacy streams CAN BE decoded and passed through HDMI. But you really want to let your receiver/prepro to do this.

The PS3 can decode TrueHD streams at up to 7.1 channels. Once decoded, the audio will be in LPCM. This 7.1 LPCM audio can be fed to a receiver with HDMI.

If a BD movie already had LPCM audio, it can pass the audio through HDMI. So basically once audio is in LPCM it can be passed through the PS3's HDMI port. NOTE: I'm still unsure of how BDs with only LPCM audio only can be heard using digital coax/optical on the Samsung. If they are encoded as DD/DTS 5.1, then that's how the PS3 would handle it too, I assume.

This is also how you want to listen to multichannel SACDs. You let the PS3 decode the 2-channel/multichannel DSD bitstream into LPCM then pass the audio via HDMI. In the future, your receiver/prepro may have DSD decoding capability so you want to feed it the raw DSD bitstream.

TrueHD can be decoded to LPCM within the PS3 and be fed to a HDMI receiver. If your receiver can handle the decoding of the TrueHD bitstream, you can choose to feed the raw, undecoded stream into the receiver. You MUST feed a DTS HDMA stream directly into a capable receiver to be decoded.


fuad

WriteSimple
11-12-06, 08:56 AM
OK Guys, here's what's inside of a PS3 (sorry for the manual copy&paste, the forum wouldn't let me post URLs). Let me know of any questions 'cause I'm gonna put it back together today.

Here's the actual link direct to WatchImpress. (http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/1111/ps3.htm) :cool:


fuad

JBCricket
11-12-06, 09:02 AM
^^

Translated Link (http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=ja_en&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpc.watch.impress.co.jp%2Fdocs%2F2006%2F1111 %2Fps3.htm)

Kampfer
11-12-06, 12:16 PM
ps3 officially in best buy's system, both types combined there's about 30 for each store for those who cares.

UxiSXRD
11-12-06, 01:12 PM
Anyone know when the silver one comes out? Everything in my HT rack is silver, so this is an aesthetic concern...

9158
11-12-06, 06:23 PM
Well, i don't know about the silver one, but i'm sure there'll be a pink one by 2016... ;)

b2bonez
11-12-06, 08:39 PM
Here's the actual link direct to WatchImpress. (http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/1111/ps3.htm) :cool:


fuad
Two translated links...
http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpc.watch.impress.co.jp%2Fdocs%2F200 6%2F1111%2Fps3.htm&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8
http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpc.watch.impress.co.jp%2Fdocs%2F200 6%2F1111%2Fps3_2.htm&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

b2b

WriteSimple
11-12-06, 08:55 PM
Oh yeah? :p :D
Here's a Korean Forum member posting his evaluations of the PS3. (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fruliweb.dreamwiz.com%2Fdata%2Frulin ews%2Fread.htm%3Fnum%3D15142&langpair=ko%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8) The link is Google Translated. It's got some nice on-screen pix.


fuad

jacksonian
11-12-06, 09:28 PM
Did it look like a BD trailer of the new James Bond movie was included in those pics from the Korean member? That would be sweet.

timothias
11-12-06, 11:06 PM
where's OP?????

WriteSimple
11-12-06, 11:47 PM
Did it look like a BD trailer of the new James Bond movie was included in those pics from the Korean member? That would be sweet.
I think that was downloaded from the Sony PS3 website.


fuad

xbdestroya
11-13-06, 09:14 AM
Just as a footnote to the discussion me and DVDoctor were having, it in fact seems that PS3 will right from the start allow any Linux distro that runs on the Power architecture to run on the PS3 right from launch.

http://www.powerdeveloper.org/playstation.php

Q of BanditZ
11-13-06, 10:50 AM
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyid=2006-11-13T103931Z_01_SP136538_RTRUKOC_0_US-SONY.xml

^^ Off to a quick, strong start in Japan! 88,400 units sold and the other 12,000 thereabouts probably hitting kiosks and things of that nature.

(If the 100,000 ship figure is still accurate.)

briankmonkey
11-13-06, 10:53 AM
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyid=2006-11-13T103931Z_01_SP136538_RTRUKOC_0_US-SONY.xml

^^ Off to a quick, strong start in Japan! 88,400 units sold and the other 12,000 thereabouts probably hitting kiosks and things of that nature.

I read from multiple sites that the numbers were reduced to 80k

Just 80k PS3s at Japan launch(News) (http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=69335)

and certain members here swore up and down sony couldn't meet 80k but that it would be less.

Q of BanditZ
11-13-06, 10:54 AM
I read from multiple sites that the numbers were reduced to 80k

Just 80k PS3s at Japan launch(News) (http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=69335)

and certain members here swore up and down sony couldn't meet 80k but that it would be less.

Just like BD 50 was "vaporware" and all the rest of the lies that keep getting shot down left and right, week after week.

briankmonkey
11-13-06, 11:01 AM
Just like BD 50 was "vaporware" and all the rest of the lies that keep getting shot down left and right, week after week.

lol, ;)

Well, it's good to see that the PS3 is indeed a fantastic HD movie player :D

Q of BanditZ
11-13-06, 11:03 AM
lol, ;)

Well, it's good to see that the PS3 is indeed a fantastic HD movie player :D

Clearly the machine is a bargain at $500-$600 for all that it is and all that it does, just as expected.

Truly next-gen in every respect. This last week is going to last an eternity in terms of waiting.

briankmonkey
11-13-06, 11:14 AM
Clearly the machine is a bargain at $500-$600 for all that it is and all that it does, just as expected.

Truly next-gen in every respect. This last week is going to last an eternity in terms of waiting.

From all the reviews pooring in, seems to be the deal of the year by far.

I saw motorstorm over the weekend at the mall (way too many people to play) and it looked fantastic as well. I haven't seen a racer look anything like it before. :D

It is tough being patient.

Q of BanditZ
11-13-06, 11:18 AM
From all the reviews pooring in, seems to be the deal of the year by far.

I saw motorstorm over the weekend at the mall (way too many people to play) and it looked fantastic as well. I haven't seen a racer look anything like it before. :D

It is tough being patient.

Agreed.

I wish Motorstorm were a launch title, but it'll be worth waiting for. :)

nilsp
11-13-06, 04:12 PM
Indeed. The #1 title on my list. :) I'm glad they're not rushing it.

UxiSXRD
11-13-06, 04:13 PM
It is tough being patient.


Indeed. I told myself I'd wait until I can see it on the shelf, but I'm thinking of lining up! :eek:

briankmonkey
11-13-06, 04:40 PM
Indeed. I told myself I'd wait until I can see it on the shelf, but I'm thinking of lining up! :eek:

If I knew lining up maybe 8 hours ahead of time would seal it for me I'd do. Thing is some people were camping out last week in CA already.. Screw that

msantti
11-13-06, 04:51 PM
Don't know if any of you all pre-ordered from here but:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6161580.html

I am #7 out of 16 at my store so I may be okay but I think you may be toast if you are outside of #10.

Some stores just took 8. So if you are past #5, it might be over.

Stores will still cover remaining pre-orders as new shipments come in but hard to say how long that will be.

Sucks.

emmonsh
11-13-06, 04:55 PM
Bad luck. It happens.

Nothing's perfect. Ask Xbox 360 owners. E-74 errors? Crashes? Bugs? Heat?

You're always going to have that 3-5 percent bug/failure rate. Anything beyond that, of course, is unacceptable.



We all agree on this. It pretty much goes without saying.

I wasn't trying to infer or imply that a Japanese first release would guarantee perfection by any means.
the first thing to realize is that any1 who uses the same drive for movies as they do gaming isnt the smartest cookie in the bunch.i know of countless people who had trouble with the ps2 because they watched movies too. gaming is for a lot longer time than movies. in reality ms did it right. with the add on you dont have movies playing off the same drive as the gaming. great job ms.we will have to see what kind of problems sony has with movies considering the quality of the first br machines.

Kampfer
11-13-06, 04:56 PM
The midnight release Best Buy stores have 200-300 units. So if you plan on waiting in line, I'd head to those.

madpoet
11-13-06, 05:33 PM
Where do you find these midnight release stores?

Stash
11-13-06, 06:23 PM
Quick question, how does one control the ps3 (besides the controller) I have all my gear hidden inside an av closet that is controller from 1 remote. Is their an IR sensor on the front of the PS3 that I could attach an IR bug to? If the movie playback can't be controller via IR or Serial right away or in the near future this product is off my list. How many people honestly want to have to use a controller to playback movies?!

Cucuy
11-13-06, 06:30 PM
Quick question, how does one control the ps3 (besides the controller) I have all my gear hidden inside an av closet that is controller from 1 remote. Is their an IR sensor on the front of the PS3 that I could attach an IR bug to? If the movie playback can't be controller via IR or Serial right away or in the near future this product is off my list. How many people honestly want to have to use a controller to playback movies?!

The remote will use BlueTooth. Probably some company will release a usb adapter to translate to ir.

Kampfer
11-13-06, 07:01 PM
Where do you find these midnight release stores?

http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2006/10/31/5811

Stash
11-13-06, 07:06 PM
The remote will use BlueTooth. Probably some company will release a usb adapter to translate to ir.

What a huge mistake on Sony's part. They want this to be an entertainment hub, then fail to give the user the ability to integrate it into a system.

The more I learn about the ps3, the more inclined I am to pass. no 1080p24, no configurable resolutions, no DTS-HD MA, no 7.1 analog output, no real remote control , no dvd upscaling.....

I don't think I will be waiting in line for this. I'll wait for the product to mature past a beta stage. It's frustrating how close Sony came without really delivering a great product.

Penton-Man
11-13-06, 07:46 PM
I don't think I will be waiting in line for this.
That's good news. :)

Everyone now move up one place in line! :D

UxiSXRD
11-13-06, 08:08 PM
That's good news. :)

Everyone now move up one place in line! :D

Indeed! :D

WriteSimple
11-13-06, 10:52 PM
If I knew lining up maybe 8 hours ahead of time would seal it for me I'd do. Thing is some people were camping out last week in CA already.. Screw that You can give to the needy. Pay them to camp out for you. Then at the last two hours, you take their place. :cool: Better than paying e-bay prices. :D


fuad

WriteSimple
11-13-06, 10:59 PM
What a huge mistake on Sony's part. They want this to be an entertainment hub, then fail to give the user the ability to integrate it into a system. That really depends on who you ask, isn't it?

The more I learn about the ps3, the more inclined I am to pass. no 1080p24, If you want that, the Pioneer can do it. But add another US$700 on your budget.

If you're willing to wait however, Sony might JUST do another firmware and get the PS3 to be able to do custom frame rate for their new 1080p24 HDTVs/Projectors.

no configurable resolutions, See above.

no DTS-HD MA, See above re firmware. Adding decoding ability adds to the cost, I believe.

no 7.1 analog output, Adds to the cost.

no real remote control The Bluetooth remote will come out in December for US$25. It'll work much better than an IR remote and its line-of-sight limitations. If you have a universal remote, then all you have on your lap is just the universal remote and the PS3 remote. Not too cluttered, is it?

no dvd upscaling..... Has been addressed by Sony re firmware.

I don't think I will be waiting in line for this. I'll wait for the product to mature past a beta stage. It's frustrating how close Sony came without really delivering a great product. For a minimum of US$499, I think it is REALLY a great product - practically a steal. Even the Toshiba A1 can't do all this stuff. :cool:


fuad

KLee
11-14-06, 06:50 AM
I think 1080p/24 will be inabled in a firmware update as well....

Supermans
11-14-06, 07:25 AM
For a minimum of US$499, I think it is REALLY a great product - practically a steal. Even the Toshiba A1 can't do all this stuff. :cool:


fuad


Agreed

aaronwt
11-14-06, 07:34 AM
The Bluetooth remote will come out in December for US$25. It'll work much better than an IR remote and its line-of-sight limitations. If you have a universal remote, then all you have on your lap is just the universal remote and the PS3 remote. Not too cluttered, is it?



Two remotes are one too many. Thats the whole point with a universal remote. Mine replaces 12 other remotes. I can point it in almost any direction and even though it's IR, the signal still gets to all the devices.

blitz6speed
11-14-06, 07:59 AM
Two remotes are one too many. Thats the whole point with a universal remote. Mine replaces 12 other remotes. I can point it in almost any direction and even though it's IR, the signal still gets to all the devices.

If you have any complaints about the PS3, please, dont let the door hit you on the way out. Theres MORE then plenty who want it. If you are complaining about bluetooth remotes, then just wow. I am excited that remotes will now have to go blue tooth, LINE OF SIGHT SUCKS.

Fangrim
11-14-06, 08:06 AM
the first thing to realize is that any1 who uses the same drive for movies as they do gaming isnt the smartest cookie in the bunch.i know of countless people who had trouble with the ps2 because they watched movies too. gaming is for a lot longer time than movies. in reality ms did it right. with the add on you dont have movies playing off the same drive as the gaming. great job ms.we will have to see what kind of problems sony has with movies considering the quality of the first br machines.

...and you know that they had problems because they used their PS2 to watch movies on from where? I've been following the PlayStation scene for years, and that's the first I've heard of that.

Some PS2s have had trouble, true, but nowhere have I read anything about this being linked to them using it for DVD playback.

WriteSimple
11-14-06, 08:59 AM
Two remotes are one too many. Thats the whole point with a universal remote. Mine replaces 12 other remotes. I can point it in almost any direction and even though it's IR, the signal still gets to all the devices. Like I said, if you have a universal remote, the PS3's Bluetooth one will only add one more. If you think one more is too much, then well the PS3 is not for you.

You do know that if you put the PS3 encased in a box or a styrofoam case or a wooden chest and press any button on the remote, it will respond?


fuad

trgraphics
11-14-06, 09:02 AM
^It will also catch on fire if you do that! Is that a good thing a well?

glowkiss
11-14-06, 10:36 AM
...and you know that they had problems because they used their PS2 to watch movies on from where? I've been following the PlayStation scene for years, and that's the first I've heard of that.

Some PS2s have had trouble, true, but nowhere have I read anything about this being linked to them using it for DVD playback.

Actually this was a well know issue on the first gen PS2's. I had mine fixed as well as numerous close friends and it was common knowledge that the initial release was rushed out the door with inferior DVD players. to sony's credit though, they would swap them out even out of warrantly.

Q of BanditZ
11-14-06, 10:37 AM
Actually this was a well know issue on the first gen PS2's. I had mine fixed as well as numerous close friends and it was common knowledge that the initial release was rushed out the door with inferior DVD players. to sony's credit though, they would swap them out even out of warrantly.

And for every person that had bad luck like that, there were plenty of others who are still using launch day PS2's to this very day with ne'er a problem of any kind.

Cherokee180c
11-14-06, 11:10 AM
Can the PS3 output the digital audio directly through the HDMI connector to a HDMI switching receiver (Yamaha RV-2600) with full DD 5.1 minimum support or do I have to run a separate fiber optic cable? If so is there any advantage at all of running the seperate fiber optic cable or should I just use the HDMI connection? I am not sure what other formats other than DTS that my receiver supports, as I have not kept up with the more advanced audio options now available on BD and HDDVD.

amtctt
11-14-06, 11:24 AM
Cherokee- just go with the HDMI, no reason to use any other digital cable with your reciever or anyother reciever for that matter. if it takes HDMI then go with it.

Cherokee180c
11-14-06, 11:43 AM
So in other words, anything that would be supported on the fiber optic output will also be able to output properly through the HDMI out?

I upgraded to HD very early and my TV is a rear projection with a digital DVI connection with HDCP (Thank God I chose that standard as Mitsubishi was pushing IEEE 1394 (fire wire) at the time as the future standard). Anyway my TV will do HDMI through a simple converter cable for video only, but I have no experience with HDMI audio signals. The one HDMI device I now have is the new DirecTV DVR, which initially had DD problems over HDMI.

Cucuy
11-14-06, 12:12 PM
And for every person that had bad luck like that, there were plenty of others who are still using launch day PS2's to this very day with ne'er a problem of any kind.

:D

So true

My PS2 is first rev and it works great as a dvd player in my son's room.

Cucuy
11-14-06, 12:16 PM
Two remotes are one too many. Thats the whole point with a universal remote. Mine replaces 12 other remotes. I can point it in almost any direction and even though it's IR, the signal still gets to all the devices.

I agree that not having an IR remote is an issue to poeple who have Universal remotes with everything integrated. Ideally I personnaly would have liked an IR remote but hey think about all the other things you'll get just for having an extra remote :D

Like I said I have a feeling that eventually either Sony or a third party will come up with a solution for IR. in the meantime I'll enjoy the PS3 goodies

Jay_Davis
11-14-06, 02:57 PM
the first thing to realize is that any1 who uses the same drive for movies as they do gaming isnt the smartest cookie in the bunch.i know of countless people who had trouble with the ps2 because they watched movies too. gaming is for a lot longer time than movies. in reality ms did it right. with the add on you dont have movies playing off the same drive as the gaming. great job ms.we will have to see what kind of problems sony has with movies considering the quality of the first br machines.

Its too bad that games that constantly do random accesses to a drive put a lot more stress on the drive than a movie does. Otherwise a statement like this might mean something.

mikemorel
11-14-06, 03:09 PM
Analyst: 'Battle Royale' To See 150-200k PS3s For Launch? (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=11699)

On retailers' struggles to secure and supply a continuous flow of hardware, Sebastian adds that Lazard continues to expect shortages for most stores: "Our channel checks with retailers indicate that there is strong interest in both the PS3 and Wii; most stores sold out of pre-orders quickly."

"We expect Sony to deliver 150-200k units to stores in the United States for the launch; consumers without pre-orders may find it difficult to locate an available system. We estimate sales of approximately 750k PS3s domestically by year-end. We expect a more robust launch from Nintendo, with at least 1.2 million units sold in the U.S. and up to four million units shipped worldwide by year-end."

wreckshop
11-14-06, 03:43 PM
The more I learn about the ps3, the more inclined I am to pass. no 1080p24, no configurable resolutions, no DTS-HD MA, no 7.1 analog output, no real remote control , no dvd upscaling.....

I don't think I will be waiting in line for this. I'll wait for the product to mature past a beta stage. It's frustrating how close Sony came without really delivering a great product.

you are upset because a GAME console doesn't have all the same features as a dedicated standalone player?

orogogus
11-14-06, 06:29 PM
If you have any complaints about the PS3, please, dont let the door hit you on the way out. Theres MORE then plenty who want it. If you are complaining about bluetooth remotes, then just wow. I am excited that remotes will now have to go blue tooth, LINE OF SIGHT SUCKS.

Yes, sometimes I like to watch movies from the other room! Damn you line of sight!! :rolleyes:

Seriously, an IR port would have been a welcome addition. I understand the need to limit costs and cut corners, but that is one area I don't think I would have made that decision.

DPowers
11-14-06, 06:41 PM
Yes, sometimes I like to watch movies from the other room! Damn you line of sight!! :rolleyes:

Seriously, an IR port would have been a welcome addition. I understand the need to limit costs and cut corners, but that is one area I don't think I would have made that decision.

I completely agree. This doesn't seem like seemless integration into my HT. I think it's a great peace of gear and I will pick one up eventually, but I still don't find it very impressive that my Harmony Remote that can control everything under the sun, can't control the PS3.

I do think an adaptor will be out soon, but what a waste of a USB port.

HeadRusch
11-14-06, 06:52 PM
The odd thing is that Sony is the king of locking you out of their stuff.....and yet..they release a Linux box that you can do whatever you want with. Its quite strange when you think about it.

So they release a system with Linux on it....but then make the remotes blueTooth, effectively locking everyone out who owns a universal remote.

5 gets you 10 that Sony has a BlueTooth enabled Universal remote with IR in the works, or they've already developed a BlueTooth to IR repeater to set up. Expect each to cost a fortune :)

Just kidding..but yeah, it does suck that they chose this route. Line of sight does absolutely not suck.

So is everyone here basically going to be running out to get 200gig laptop drives now or...?

Stash
11-14-06, 06:59 PM
you are upset because a GAME console doesn't have all the same features as a dedicated standalone player?

That's where you are wrong. It's not just a GAME console. It's more of a home entertainment device, and that's what Sony is banking on. If it was only a gaming devicethen it wouldn't have a web browser or a Blu-Ray player or allow networking....

Simply no excuse for not having an IR eye or port. I have a home automation system run from touch panels and 1 (one) remote from each room. I can control all my equipment without "line of site". just not the PS3, so I can't distribute audio or video to other parts of the house.

UxiSXRD
11-14-06, 07:54 PM
So the PS3 isn't for you, then. I can't believe people are whining about this. Bluetooth is a much preferred technology than IR for numerous reasons. It's definitely no surprise that an old device can't necessarily control one. Though I would Expect the NEXT Harmony remote to have bluetooth as well (as well as Harmony having a follow up model to the standard PS3 remote ala the 360).

Anyone considered the possibility of an IR USB dongle? You get Linux on this thing and anything is possible...

darinp2
11-14-06, 08:03 PM
So the PS3 isn't for you, then. I can't believe people are whining about this. Bluetooth is a much preferred technology than IR for numerous reasons.It seems like people are complaining because it is ahead of its time. I understand how it is frustrating now for some, but it also seems to me that given a choice of only one, for the long run I should want it to have Bluetooth over IR. Maybe this is just the beginning of more things moving to Bluetooth. If that is a bad thing I would like to hear why, as I haven't followed it all that closely.

--Darin

jacksonian
11-14-06, 08:14 PM
I think the bluetooth is great and it's the future, blah, blah. But knowing that many folks use master remotes like Harmony, it would have been nice to have a legacy IR port. That's all.

When you have everything simplified for friends/family who are unfamiliar with your system and then you throw in another remote, that's just asking for trouble. I know in my case that it would prohibit my wife watching a movie. She's a technophobe. If the Harmony doesn't turn it all on and have it ready, she ain't gonna do it.

So a "hybrid" remote system would have been nice. Even if they had just thrown in a port and cheapy IR remote for basic functions, it would have allowed folks to turn on their systems and be ready for playback. Then you could have used the fancy bluetooth remote for advanced functions.

Just my opinion. I'm actually all for it, but it is a pain since I have everything else set up with the Harmony. And I have no idea what Harmony has planned, but I wouldn't think that Bluetooth would be coming all that soon since the PS3 would be the only device on the planet that would need it and the PS3 wouldn't necessarily be in most complicated HT rooms (yes, I know it will at AVS, but maybe not at most homes).

darinp2
11-14-06, 08:20 PM
So a "hybrid" remote system would have been nice. Even if they had just thrown in a port and cheapy IR remote for basic functions, it would have allowed folks to turn on their systems and be ready for playback.Shouldn't some company looking to fill a niche by working on a Bluetooth to IR transmitter? Seems like this has been known for a while and somebody would fill that need. Hopefully that will happen.

With as much as Sony has included in the space they had and as much as they are likely losing on each unit, I have a hard time asking for more. But, once I get one I might find out quickly that there is something I wish they had included that can't be done with firmware also.

--Darin

samsas
11-14-06, 09:14 PM
Hi All. I got my hands on a 60 GB PS3 Japenese version yesterday. I have no Blue Ray titles and only 1 game. Here are my first takes. It's beautiful. I needed a step down transformer from 220 volts. It played all region DVDs straight out of the box. The wifi wouldn't connect to the Internet properly without a firmware upgrade. I installed the upgrade, the wifi connected for this and then the DVD player became region 2 as I thought it would. But the Internet connection worked great. It is set to Sony Japan which is all Japanese and usless to me, and I haven't figured out how to get an English support site yet. The only region 2 DVDs I have are all PAL and it doesn't support PAL. The one game played flawlessly, logged on to the Sony PS3 site and downloaded a software upgrade. The PS3 is hooked up to my Dennon AVC-A11XVA via HDMI and onto a 50" Pioneer Plasma. PQ is excellent, but for some reason it figures out the best display solution which was 750p and that was it. Don't matter if you set to automatic or manual for this game it was either 520p or 750p. Anyway the 750p was excellent. As for the sound my Dennon indicated I'm getting 7.1 Dolby in, and outputs Dolby 5.1. I set it to emulate 7.1 and the sound is excellent. One final point, it won't see the HDMI connection out of the box. You need to connect via the standard AV cables, and then switch to HDMI.

jacksonian
11-14-06, 10:44 PM
Shouldn't some company looking to fill a niche by working on a Bluetooth to IR transmitter? Seems like this has been known for a while and somebody would fill that need. Hopefully that will happen.
Yeah, it would be nice if Harmony ditched the RF on the 890 in favor of BT. They could implement it the same way. Any devices with BT could get the signal directly, and the others would have an IR repeater connected to a BT receiver. That would bridge the gap for everyone. Darin, maybe we should ask for a cut since we came up with this concept? :)

Dralt
11-14-06, 10:54 PM
So, what output resolution would you select over HDMI to connect the PS3 to a Sharp AQUOS display that has a native resolution of 1366 x 768?

plazman
11-14-06, 11:03 PM
why is a bluetooth remote preferable to IR? It won't work with any universal remote. So does PS3 ship with a remote?

eightninesuited
11-14-06, 11:10 PM
A Japanese PS3 owner posted this pic at a gaming site. He's using a Sharp Aquos. It's obviously not an ideal pic but you can see how sharp the PS3 playback is.

http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bhdresizedhu4.jpg

Dralt
11-14-06, 11:11 PM
So the PS3 isn't for you, then. I can't believe people are whining about this. Bluetooth is a much preferred technology than IR for numerous reasons. It's definitely no surprise that an old device can't necessarily control one. Though I would Expect the NEXT Harmony remote to have bluetooth as well (as well as Harmony having a follow up model to the standard PS3 remote ala the 360).

Anyone considered the possibility of an IR USB dongle? You get Linux on this thing and anything is possible...

You know, people love Progress as long as it does not change anything in their life.

Ironic, isn't it?

Bluetooth is better than IR in every possible way. It's the way of the future.
No one has to be an early adopter, but eventually, IR will go the way of the dodo.

jwv651
11-14-06, 11:31 PM
why is a bluetooth remote preferable to IR? It won't work with any universal remote. So does PS3 ship with a remote?Good question...I know the XBOX360 HD-DVD add on does...I would think the SONY PS3 would also.

eightninesuited
11-14-06, 11:34 PM
Good question...I know the XBOX360 HD-DVD add on does...I would think the SONY PS3 would also.

No it does not. It's sold seperately. It's a game system first, blu-ray player second. Let's not forget that.

jwv651
11-14-06, 11:41 PM
No it does not. It's sold seperately. It's a game system first, blu-ray player second. Let's not forget that.Nope for me it's a blu-ray player first then a game system second. This will give me both formats for under $1000. :)

nilsp
11-15-06, 05:30 AM
Hi All. I got my hands on a 60 GB PS3 Japenese version yesterday. I have no Blue Ray titles and only 1 game. Here are my first takes. It's beautiful. I needed a step down transformer from 220 volts.

What? Are you sure? I guess you won't "try" without the transformer... :eek: According to several sites, even though the sticker says 110V, it is actually 100V-240V.... I'd hesitate to try...

lhjbad
11-15-06, 09:39 AM
Just called a few Wally Worlds and there is already people waiting in line.

Herakles
11-15-06, 09:52 AM
Bluetooth is better than IR in every possible way.

Battery life is worse ...

egrady
11-15-06, 10:30 AM
Cherokee- just go with the HDMI, no reason to use any other digital cable with your reciever or anyother reciever for that matter. if it takes HDMI then go with it.

Amtctt,

I have a 1080p set with HDMI, but my receiver does not have HDMI inputs. My question is regarding my sound options with the PS3 if I use it's HDMI output just for video. I don't see where the PS3 has a coaxial digitial audio out, but it does have optical. Will the optical output of the PS3 send out DD, DTS, DD EX, DTS ES in 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 as applicable? For instance, I have the Gladiator dvd that has 7.1 DTS ES. I have a 7.1 system and a receiver that is DTS ES ready. Will the PS3 via the optical output pass this to my receiver like my Sony 9100es?

madpoet
11-15-06, 10:31 AM
Guys, just to make sure I'm correct... the PS3 will decode the advanced audio codecs, but it won't do 1080p? Or will it do 1080p, but not 1080p@24?

bfdtv
11-15-06, 11:23 AM
he PS3 will decode the advanced audio codecsIt will decode everything except DTS-HD. DTS-HD decoding is expected with a firmware update early next year. You must have a HDMI 1.1+ receiver to experience the new formats, since the PS3 doesn't have the hardware to support 5.1/7.1 analog output.

[Until then, you will just get the 1.5Mbps DTS "core" on DTS-HD titles.]

Or will it do 1080p, but not 1080p@24?It will do 1080p60, but not 1080p24. The hardware is capable of doing 1080p24, once Sony chooses to implement it, as I am sure they will once they ship their 2007 displays with 1080p24 input and 1080p72 output.

darinp2
11-15-06, 11:57 AM
Just called a few Wally Worlds and there is already people waiting in line.I went to a local Best Buy last night about 8 and there were about 20 people waiting in line outside. One of them had their car backed up with the back open and they were playing games on maybe a 32" LCD monitor. The weather around here has gone bad and they might have had to shut it off when the wind and rain really picked up though.

--Darin

heavyharmonies
11-15-06, 10:09 PM
Isn't the issue raised here (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/746/746282p1.html) going to be a major problem?

I've always said that if an inexpensive BR player appeared I would consider it. Apparently the PS3 isn't an option, at least for me.

My Mitsubish WS-65613 65" set is only 2 years old... hardly obsolete. However, it only does 480i, 480p, and 1080i. According to the article I'd only be able to view material coming from the PS3 in 480p since it will not output 1080i if your set doesn't support 720p (seems bizarre to me).

Or is this something that might be fixable via firmware update?

This could be a major problem for folks that don't have brand spanking new HD sets...

Gai
11-16-06, 02:35 AM
Isn't the issue raised here (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/746/746282p1.html) going to be a major problem?

I've always said that if an inexpensive BR player appeared I would consider it. Apparently the PS3 isn't an option, at least for me.

My Mitsubish WS-65613 65" set is only 2 years old... hardly obsolete. However, it only does 480i, 480p, and 1080i. According to the article I'd only be able to view material coming from the PS3 in 480p since it will not output 1080i if your set doesn't support 720p (seems bizarre to me).

Or is this something that might be fixable via firmware update?

This could be a major problem for folks that don't have brand spanking new HD sets...


That's for PS3 games that only support 720p . BD discs can output in 1080i , 1080p, or 720p. You can watch BD films in 1080i on your TV. :)

Slacker George
11-16-06, 04:43 AM
Maybe something of interest:

PS3 Video 9 (http://www.redkawa.com/videoconverters/ps3video9/)
PS3 Video 9 is a free video conversion application developed by Red Kawa. It allows you to convert your computer video files (like avi, divx, mpeg, etc.) into the specific video formats that are playable on the PlayStation 3.

PS3 Video 9 can also be combined with Videora, another software application, and together they can let you automatically download and convert video for your PlayStation 3 using ********** and RSS technology.

HeadRusch
11-16-06, 07:20 AM
So let me get this straight...there are games out on the PS3 that will NOT support 1080i?
They will only support 720p or 480p or 1080p, but not 1080i?

What numbskull came up with that idea???? That eliminates, basically, nearly every CRT-set ever made.......

PeterS
11-16-06, 09:24 AM
Best BluRay player - EVER!!!

Buy one for $600!
Sell one for $2,100!
Put $600 in bank!
Buy Pioneer BDP-HD1 - $1,500!

Sony - PRICELESS!

msantti
11-16-06, 10:47 AM
Isn't the issue raised here (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/746/746282p1.html) going to be a major problem?

I've always said that if an inexpensive BR player appeared I would consider it. Apparently the PS3 isn't an option, at least for me.

My Mitsubish WS-65613 65" set is only 2 years old... hardly obsolete. However, it only does 480i, 480p, and 1080i. According to the article I'd only be able to view material coming from the PS3 in 480p since it will not output 1080i if your set doesn't support 720p (seems bizarre to me).

Or is this something that might be fixable via firmware update?

This could be a major problem for folks that don't have brand spanking new HD sets...

I assume you can't watch 720p HD broadcasts then?

msantti
11-16-06, 10:49 AM
Best BluRay player - EVER!!!

Buy one for $600!
Sell one for $2,100!
Put $600 in bank!
Buy Pioneer BDP-HD1 - $1,500!

Sony - PRICELESS!


If only the Pioneer was truly worth $1500.00

UxiSXRD
11-16-06, 11:31 AM
So let me get this straight...there are games out on the PS3 that will NOT support 1080i?
They will only support 720p or 480p or 1080p, but not 1080i?

What numbskull came up with that idea???? That eliminates, basically, nearly every CRT-set ever made.......

The same developer who decided certain 360 games would only "need" to do 720p. The difference is that the 360 hardware does the scaling itself for the 1080i and the PS3 doesn't (at least in the optimum way - the game can still be played after all).

It's all moot to me, though, since my tv can handle it fine. :)


As mentioned, BD movie playback isn't affected by this quirk so the game talk should probably go somewhere else. though.

efranzen
11-16-06, 01:32 PM
I assume you can't watch 720p HD broadcasts then?

Cable/Satellite boxes upconvert from 720p to 1080i.

heavyharmonies
11-16-06, 02:06 PM
I assume you can't watch 720p HD broadcasts then?

For both my satellite HD and OTA HD, I have my Dish 211 Receiver set to output 1080i, so I'm assuming that it upconverts 720p to 1080i.

It's never been an issue with sat/OTA.

I do know that if I set any output device to 720p I get bupkis on the Mits.

msantti
11-16-06, 06:48 PM
Oops. Did not think of that.

believer
11-16-06, 10:15 PM
Isn't the issue raised here (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/746/746282p1.html) going to be a major problem?

I've always said that if an inexpensive BR player appeared I would consider it. Apparently the PS3 isn't an option, at least for me.

My Mitsubish WS-65613 65" set is only 2 years old... hardly obsolete. However, it only does 480i, 480p, and 1080i. According to the article I'd only be able to view material coming from the PS3 in 480p since it will not output 1080i if your set doesn't support 720p (seems bizarre to me).

Or is this something that might be fixable via firmware update?

This could be a major problem for folks that don't have brand spanking new HD sets...
crap- i got a panny industrial 8uk! an incredible display panel but 'only' 1080i max. i think its native res is like 768p or somthing. (50 inch plasma) will the ps 3 only put out 480p to my display ????

believer
11-16-06, 10:21 PM
does it matter if the native res is not exactly 720p??

WriteSimple
11-17-06, 06:15 AM
Since this thread is about the PS3 as a player, let's clarify the pressing issue first.

The 720p/i problem does not affect BD movie playback. Only games. Having said that, I'm certain that a firmware update will be employed. Sony is already updating the firmware to fix compatibility problems on the PS and PS2 200 games (out of 8000!). I don't think even MS had fixed all of theirs.

Coming back to PS3 as a BD player, here's a quote from an article on PC World (she's syndicated) that gives a good bit of detail as to how the PS3 functions as a BD player. (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127892-c,dvddrivesmedia/article.html)

From the outset, Sony has considered the PlayStation 3 an all-around entertainment console, with tendrils that extend well beyond the realm of game play. Perhaps chief among these is its support for the Blu-ray Disc format, which lets you play high-definition movies. But can the PS3 perform competitively with stand-alone Blu-ray players from consumer electronics makers?

The short answer is yes. In my initial hands-on tests, the PS3's Blu-ray Disc playback was very good--even better than I'd anticipated. (If you're impatient to read my first impressions of the PS3's image quality for Blu-ray Discs, skip ahead to "Sublime Video," past the interface discussion.) However, this is not an unqualified endorsement; in fact, I found several drawbacks that may give audio-visual enthusiasts pause.


fuad

bry223
11-17-06, 09:22 AM
Since this thread is about the PS3 as a player, let's clarify the pressing issue first.

The 720p/i problem does not affect BD movie playback. Only games. Having said that, I'm certain that a firmware update will be employed. Sony is already updating the firmware to fix compatibility problems on the PS and PS2 200 games (out of 8000!). I don't think even MS had fixed all of theirs.

Coming back to PS3 as a BD player, here's a quote from an article on PC World (she's syndicated) that gives a good bit of detail as to how the PS3 functions as a BD player. (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127892-c,dvddrivesmedia/article.html)




fuad

Isnt upscaling more of a hardware issue then a software issue? I dont think you can make software to make things upscale, if that was the case we would've seen it in previous consoles (Especially the xbox).

briankmonkey
11-17-06, 12:40 PM
Isnt upscaling more of a hardware issue then a software issue? I dont think you can make software to make things upscale, if that was the case we would've seen it in previous consoles (Especially the xbox).

You can upscale (with software) with a modded xbox.

WriteSimple
11-17-06, 01:18 PM
Isnt upscaling more of a hardware issue then a software issue? I dont think you can make software to make things upscale, if that was the case we would've seen it in previous consoles (Especially the xbox).Once the game has rendered its graphics in 720p, a software can upscale the graphics to 1080i. Basically the video input to the software has been "flattened" (if you're familiar with Photoshop) and then zoomed.


fuad

Damed
11-17-06, 01:40 PM
OUCH.

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1560635,00.html

WriteSimple
11-17-06, 01:47 PM
OUCH.

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1560635,00.html
That article is CERTAINLY not worth the hype. Rehashed 6-months old talking points that are not credible, and certainly not up to Time standards. A complete waste of time.


fuad

Damed
11-17-06, 01:47 PM
That article is CERTAINLY not worth the hype. Rehashed 6-months old talking points that are not credible, and certainly not up to Time standards. A complete waste of time.


fuad

I realize that.

J6P home user/console buyer does NOT.

sc10000
11-17-06, 03:37 PM
crap- i got a panny industrial 8uk! an incredible display panel but 'only' 1080i max. i think its native res is like 768p or somthing. (50 inch plasma) will the ps 3 only put out 480p to my display ????
Not too worry. Your panasonic commercial (& mine) are designed to accept 1080p. Who cares if the native res is only 768p....ever watch Discovery Channel in 1080i? Looks twice as good as 768p and so will your brd games & movies. :)

DPowers
11-17-06, 04:00 PM
Originally Posted by bry223
Isnt upscaling more of a hardware issue then a software issue? I dont think you can make software to make things upscale, if that was the case we would've seen it in previous consoles (Especially the xbox).

Hacked Xboxes do upscale. The 360 Now does 1080p...because of software.

DPowers
11-17-06, 04:19 PM
Since this thread is about the PS3 as a player, let's clarify the pressing issue first.

The 720p/i problem does not affect BD movie playback. Only games. Having said that, I'm certain that a firmware update will be employed. Sony is already updating the firmware to fix compatibility problems on the PS and PS2 200 games (out of 8000!). I don't think even MS had fixed all of theirs.

Coming back to PS3 as a BD player, here's a quote from an article on PC World (she's syndicated) that gives a good bit of detail as to how the PS3 functions as a BD player. (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127892-c,dvddrivesmedia/article.html)




fuad

But aren't we looking at the product from a total quality aspect? This thread has gone on and on for months...debates about the cell chip...movie quality...features...overheating.

Now that there are issues of some sort that pertain to HDTV owners out there...and quite a large percentage...wouldn't we want to ensure that everyone here is well informed? Isn't that what AVS is all about. Making informed HT choices?

If the PS3 is going to be part of my entertainment center, I would like to know that it won't output games at 1080i, regardless of this being a BD player thread. It is a limitation of the product that could cause some to question weather or not they might purchase the product. I know if the 360 had that issue I would have never bought one (at the time). I would be pretty upset to wait in line for days in the rain (and pay $600) to get home only to realize that I can only play games in 480p on my CRT RPTV. I wouldn't doubt there are many angry people staring at their displays and thinking...what's the deal?

I find it pretty sad that the issue is down played, because first and foremost, the PS3 is a gaming system that also has BD playback.

emmonsh
11-17-06, 05:14 PM
The PS3 will be a much more intuitive approach to hidef in general. I'm not comparing BR to HDDVD but the gamming public may just have their lights turned on by the simplicity of hidef implementation. The majority of these people imo will seek out information on hidef programming from major suppliers (ie. cable,sat,OTA) especially if they already own a hidef set and are confused. And the non hd displays are disappearing limiting the masses choice to a hidef set or junk DVCRT. Down the road PS3 adopters will have a collection of BR movie titles (even if there collection only consists of 3 titles) that they wont want to jump formats to a stand alone HDDVD player, they will stick with BR after the stand alone players come down in price. On the other hand HDDVD will be common place in the PC domain but mainly for storage. Down the road PS3 adopters will just use there PC for HDDVD movie titles if the really want to try out the other guy. The DVD-A/SACD argument has no merritt here. After cassette tapes CD's were considered the benchmark for audio and the masses still think so. With the MP3,AAC being so popular its obvious the masses just don't hear the difference in compressed music....that leaves little chance for DVD-A/SACD to succeed. the funny thing is no 1080i for the ps3. what a joke sony is. most crts and a heck of a lot rps are 1080i.i guess ms will get their money

emmonsh
11-17-06, 05:17 PM
Since this thread is about the PS3 as a player, let's clarify the pressing issue first.

The 720p/i problem does not affect BD movie playback. Only games. Having said that, I'm certain that a firmware update will be employed. Sony is already updating the firmware to fix compatibility problems on the PS and PS2 200 games (out of 8000!). I don't think even MS had fixed all of theirs.

Coming back to PS3 as a BD player, here's a quote from an article on PC World (she's syndicated) that gives a good bit of detail as to how the PS3 functions as a BD player. (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127892-c,dvddrivesmedia/article.html)




fuad the ps problem is 1080i playback period. sorry. the ps3 does not do it at all. there is no 1080i movis. so the ps3 will NOT scale to 1080i. your out of luck.

PeterS
11-17-06, 05:36 PM
I don't think you people understand this issue at all!

First, the PS3 DOES support 1080i for BD playback just fine.

Second, it allows THE GAME to support 1080i if the game desires it.

Third, if the game does not support 1080i, then it supports only the resolutions it specifies.

In the case of Resistance, this is only 720p!

The issue is the one of the tools used to create the game. The Game Engine for Resistance does not support rendering to an Interlaced Display. This is not the same as simply scaling the image as this will not work for a real-time 3D rendering engine.

This is the only issue! Sure, the OS and the Dev Libs could address this, but this is a Gen 1 title and as such does not have this type of support built in.

LIGHTEN UP!!!!

ninjanki
11-17-06, 05:45 PM
emmonsh,

You really should keep your "information" for yourself, since it is obviously useless for everyone else...

The problem the PS3 have is with games made to support ONLY 720p. These games will not be upconverted by the console for TVs that only support 1080i inputs. Someone already put a great explanation on why this happens for some first gen titles.

Repeating, one more time, to be sure everyones else understand:

PS3 plays BD movies at both 1080i and 1080p without problems. It will also play at 720p if required by the monitor limitations.

Allan

uzun
11-17-06, 05:51 PM
Most every game renders into a 720p frame buffer, even most XBox 360 games do this. The 360 will simply upscale and interlace the 720p data when you set it to 1080i.

The fact that the PS3 chooses to downrez 720p images to 480p leads me to believe that it would likely do a similar thing to BD movies, but I don't know for certain. Someone simply screaming that the 720p to 480p conversion that plagues some games, doesnt affect movies, is not comforting to me.

If I had to guess I would say it doesn't have any provisions currently to properly convert anything from progressive to interlaced except to 480i in the case of the analog outs, which probably do that via hardware from the 480p conversion the unit does.

Does anyone have a quote for a RELIABLE source that the PS3 handles converting 1080/24p movies to 1080/60i properly. Again, the link to the PC World article wasn't comforting at all. There was NO indication in that article that 1080/24p to 1080/60i conversion was being done properly. Like I said, if the PS3 is doing that for 720/60p games, there's a good chance it does a similar 480p conversion for 1080/24p movies.

Bauer83
11-17-06, 05:59 PM
But aren't we looking at the product from a total quality aspect? This thread has gone on and on for months...debates about the cell chip...movie quality...features...overheating.

Now that there are issues of some sort that pertain to HDTV owners out there...and quite a large percentage...wouldn't we want to ensure that everyone here is well informed? Isn't that what AVS is all about. Making informed HT choices?

If the PS3 is going to be part of my entertainment center, I would like to know that it won't output games at 1080i, regardless of this being a BD player thread. It is a limitation of the product that could cause some to question weather or not they might purchase the product. I know if the 360 had that issue I would have never bought one (at the time). I would be pretty upset to wait in line for days in the rain (and pay $600) to get home only to realize that I can only play games in 480p on my CRT RPTV. I wouldn't doubt there are many angry people staring at their displays and thinking...what's the deal?

I find it pretty sad that the issue is down played, because first and foremost, the PS3 is a gaming system that also has BD playback.

I agree one hundred percent with your sentiment. I too have a 1080i CRT HDTV, and would have been fuming at the ears had I actually been able to get my hands on this one. I can't see how anyone can downplay this blunder, and would have loved to be a fly on the wall during those decisions. Sometimes you just wonder how arrogant or forgetful(aka stupid) some executives can be.

collven
11-17-06, 09:10 PM
My 3 year old Toshiba is 1080i as well, but it will accept a 720p signal and upscale it. Check your tv's manual or online. There's a good chance it will accept the 720p signal.

HeadRusch
11-17-06, 09:22 PM
My 3 year old Toshiba is 1080i as well, but it will accept a 720p signal and upscale it. Check your tv's manual or online. There's a good chance it will accept the 720p signal.

Actually there's a better chance that it *wont*. Internal Scalers were only implemented in later CRT sets from the past few years, while the vast majority of CRT sets actually *sold* since 1998 do not have internal scalers. By the time scalers became more standard, few people were still buying CRT sets...

Hitachi Ultravisions had them, a few others...but most didn't bother with them because, at the time, there was no device out there that wouldn't do the scaling for you. They were seen as unnecessary to include in the actual set and too expensive, note that this is in the age before ATSC or whatever they are called Tuners were the norm and not the exception.

EngenZerO
11-17-06, 11:02 PM
is there a way to force 720p blu ray playback? i am using a hdmi cable.

i am using hdmi and automatically detecting... my games play @ 720p and my movies @ 1080i.

i tried forcing it using manual and removed 1080i as a valid option and the ps3 then played my movies @ 420p.

ideas?

home_theatre_man
11-17-06, 11:38 PM
is there a way to force 720p blu ray playback? i am using a hdmi cable.

i am using hdmi and automatically detecting... my games play @ 720p and my movies @ 1080i.

i tried forcing it using manual and removed 1080i as a valid option and the ps3 then played my movies @ 420p.

ideas?It did the same thing to me, but I haven't had the console long enough to investigate all the variables.

Chase

MOREPOWER
11-17-06, 11:48 PM
I hope all the people that are trying to sell the ps3 on Ebay for thousand's get stuck with them. Theres just quite a few kids that want them and not just to sell and cant get one due to profiteers. I think sonny plans this by making fewer.

WriteSimple
11-17-06, 11:59 PM
the ps problem is 1080i playback period. sorry. the ps3 does not do it at all. there is no 1080i movis. so the ps3 will NOT scale to 1080i. your out of luck.You are creating a lot of FUD here. Maybe you should stop posting here for a while and just read up.

There is a 1080i BD disc - Legends of Jazz "Showcase". It was recorded that way.


fuad

WriteSimple
11-18-06, 12:00 AM
is there a way to force 720p blu ray playback? i am using a hdmi cable.

i am using hdmi and automatically detecting... my games play @ 720p and my movies @ 1080i.

i tried forcing it using manual and removed 1080i as a valid option and the ps3 then played my movies @ 420p.

ideas? Why would you want to do that though? Just curious.


fuad

home_theatre_man
11-18-06, 12:24 AM
Why would you want to do that though? Just curious.I don't know about EngenZerO, but I wanted to compare the video processing in the PS3 to the video processing in the 1280x720 display to which it was connected.

Chase

9158
11-18-06, 01:58 AM
Three questions:

1) Can the ps3 output 720p games (like Resistance) in 1080p (not 1080i)?

2) Can the ps3 output 1080p BD movies in 720p?

3) Can the ps3 output 1080p BD movies in 1080i?

Thanks

DPowers
11-18-06, 02:41 AM
I just want to choose what resolution is outputted to my display. I don't care what the source material is. If I want 720p I should just be able to set it to 720p and that should be the end of it. The original Xbox has been doing this since 2001. What is the issue here?

I don't want some kind of auto setting locking the output into 1080i if my display is 768p. I don't want a game to determine my output resolution. 360 games might only have a frame buffer that produces 720p, but at least the 360 will scale to any resolution I want.

Luckily this RFOM issue wouldn't effect me, but I have read that people with 720p displays have been locked into 1080i signals by the PS3. What if my display has a bobbing type deinterlacer and I prefer use external scaling and deinerlacing.

What ever the combination of HDMI, scaling, resolution issues the PS3 is having, I hope it is worked out by the time J6P can stroll into a store and pick one up. I know I am now questioning weather or not I am going to get one...at least until some of these questions are answered.

And I can't believe that some think it is OK that some games that are rendered in 720p are not playable (in HD) on 1080i sets...that is just weak and unacceptable on Sony's part.

blitz6speed
11-18-06, 03:02 AM
Three questions:

1) Can the ps3 output 720p games (like Resistance) in 1080p (not 1080i)?

2) Can the ps3 output 1080p BD movies in 720p?

3) Can the ps3 output 1080p BD movies in 1080i?

Thanks

1. Not at the moment.

2. Yes.

3. Yes.

9158
11-18-06, 03:06 AM
1. Not at the moment.

2. Yes.

3. Yes.

Thanks.

richard plumb
11-18-06, 03:37 AM
Three questions:

1) Can the ps3 output 720p games (like Resistance) in 1080p (not 1080i)?

2) Can the ps3 output 1080p BD movies in 720p?

3) Can the ps3 output 1080p BD movies in 1080i?

Thanks

1) no

2) no

3) yes

Sorry that this contradicts the previous post, but it seems that the PS3 forces BD playback to 1080i even if you have 720p set as your XMB interface. Basically it outputs all BD movies as 1080i/60 or 1080p/60

EngenZerO
11-18-06, 09:09 AM
I don't know about EngenZerO, but I wanted to compare the video processing in the PS3 to the video processing in the 1280x720 display to which it was connected.

Chase

same thing i wanted to do.

azryan
11-18-06, 09:34 AM
How does a BR picture quality look on a 1080i set using COMPONENT outs NOT HDMI?

I'm sure people with HDMI ins are using HDMI and people without are using component, but has anyone with an HDMI in set (whether 1080i/p or 720P) compared analog component out vs. HDMI digital out?

It seems like the PS3's HDMI out is good or great -which I expected being that it's just digital, but I don't have HDMI and want to know if it's about the same or highly degraded over component.

Also... I tried to search for this if it'd already been answered by anyone and could find anything.

azryan
11-18-06, 09:37 AM
Can I send out a BR movie's picture through the COMPONENT outs (using the old PS2's comp. cables) AND send out the audio in LPCM to my HDMI receiver?

I'm worried that if I want to send the audio out HDMI that it'll force the picture out HDMI and I will be screwed with no HDMI in on my TV.

richard plumb
11-18-06, 10:12 AM
Can I send out a BR movie's picture through the COMPONENT outs (using the old PS2's comp. cables) AND send out the audio in LPCM to my HDMI receiver?

I'm worried that if I want to send the audio out HDMI that it'll force the picture out HDMI and I will be screwed with no HDMI in on my TV.

Yes. You can set the audio and video independently - so HDMI for audio and multi-AV component for video. However you can only have one audio output set at a time. So I have optical out set so I don't get any audio through the component cable's stereo phonos. Thats a shame as it means I need my amp on to get sound out, and sometimes I just want to switch the TV on and listen through that.

William Mapstone
11-18-06, 10:17 AM
Originally posted by richard plumb
Sorry that this contradicts the previous post, but it seems that the PS3 forces BD playback to 1080i even if you have 720p set as your XMB interface. Basically it outputs all BD movies as 1080i/60 or 1080p/60
Hmmm, I didn't pay much attention last night but I thought I had my display set at 720P. Maybe it recognized 1080i and switched. I'll have to check that.

DPowers
11-18-06, 02:57 PM
same thing i wanted to do.

I third that! And so does anyone else with a 720/768p display.

azryan
11-18-06, 06:29 PM
thanks Richard!

Now I just need to hear how the quality is out Component cables.

In another thread it seemed like someone was saying they were only getting 480P from the Component outs for Blu-Ray, BUT getting full HD rez for games.

That's got me worried.

Burkerg
11-18-06, 06:31 PM
Posted this in another thread a few minutes ago...then... ::duh:: I saw this sticky thread:

I just set up my PS3, popped in the DVE DVD, and went to calibrate. Using HDMI, the PS3 won't pass BTB. WTF? Any clues?

dargo
11-18-06, 08:06 PM
1) no

2) no

3) yes

Sorry that this contradicts the previous post, but it seems that the PS3 forces BD playback to 1080i even if you have 720p set as your XMB interface. Basically it outputs all BD movies as 1080i/60 or 1080p/60

That really sucks! I have a 720p LCD now I'l leaning to HD-DVD with my Xbox360
as it does 720P will Sony fix this you think? plus I heard to have to pay on top of the $600 to get a hi-def hook up? over hdmi

dargo
11-18-06, 08:10 PM
crap- i got a panny industrial 8uk! an incredible display panel but 'only' 1080i max. i think its native res is like 768p or somthing. (50 inch plasma) will the ps 3 only put out 480p to my display ????

it seems that way unless your set will downconvert the 1080p your paying for lo-def
480p nice move sony.

9158
11-18-06, 08:32 PM
crap- i got a panny industrial 8uk! an incredible display panel but 'only' 1080i max. i think its native res is like 768p or somthing. (50 inch plasma) will the ps 3 only put out 480p to my display ????

You'll get 1080i output for movies, and, if your display supports it, 720p for games.
I think most 768p displays do accept 720p.

(For 1080p games like Virtua Tennis you can output 1080i too, i think.)

9158
11-18-06, 08:45 PM
That really sucks! I have a 720p LCD [...]

I agree, i have a 1366x768 LCD, and it's got a crap internal deinterlacer, so i'm really worried about the PQ with BD movies.
In this scenario my TV would have to deinterlace 1080i to 1080p (because it doesn't accept 1080p), and then scale 1080p to 768p. As the deinterlacer is crap, i'm almost sure that it will throw away half the lines or do something else wrong.
I hope that a system update comes soon to give PS3 the ability to output 1080p movies in 720p (and also 720p games in 1080p, for when i buy a new tv).

RAVEN56706
11-18-06, 11:25 PM
i have a 1080p tv and so far... the ps3 doesnt bode well against the hd-dvd drive from microsoft......

i was expecting something spectacular but it isnt great... the movies have worse grain then directv....

is anyone else experiencing this as well?

Gad Zookz
11-19-06, 12:10 AM
I have a Sony XBR3 right now and have a PS3 on order.

Some new PS3 owners with 720p LCD TVs have indicated that the PS3's PQ is not as good as HD DVD.

Are there any XBR2/3 ownwers out there who are running thee PS3 Blu-ray at native 1080p? If so, how do the BR movies look with the XBR2/3?

I am a bit concerned as some new owners do not seem to find BR playback as one of the PS3's strengths.

William Mapstone
11-19-06, 12:42 AM
Originally posted by 9158
I agree, i have a 1366x768 LCD, and it's got a crap internal deinterlacer, so i'm really worried about the PQ with BD movies.

It looks like (99% sure) my 768P projector is seeing 1080i instead of 720P from the PS3. I didn't realize that untill just now. My internal deinterlacer was not that great with 480i, but for whatever reason it seems to be handling 1080i all right. With the "custom" option in the menu, you would think they have plans to support more than just 1080i/1080p over BD...

eecubed
11-19-06, 01:19 AM
I think that there is a handshake protocol between the TV and the PS3 to determine the capability of each device. Is the mode determined by the TV or the PS3?

MmmmTeeVee
11-19-06, 02:35 AM
I have a Sony XBR3 right now and have a PS3 on order.

Some new PS3 owners with 720p LCD TVs have indicated that the PS3's PQ is not as good as HD DVD.

Are there any XBR2/3 ownwers out there who are running thee PS3 Blu-ray at native 1080p? If so, how do the BR movies look with the XBR2/3?

I am a bit concerned as some new owners do not seem to find BR playback as one of the PS3's strengths.

Yea. 46XBR3 here.

Xmen 3 and Silent Hill look fantastic!!! Talladega Nights just looks good, nothing special.

9158
11-19-06, 04:02 AM
Yea. 46XBR3 here.

Xmen 3 and Silent Hill look fantastic!!! Talladega Nights just looks good, nothing special.

Do you have a stand-alone BD player to compare PQ?

richard plumb
11-19-06, 05:15 AM
Watched some Black Hawk Down. Looks good. Difficult movie to test HD 'wow' as its all shaky cam and grainy by intention.

Interesting thing is that when you bring up the 'info' display on the PS3 (press select) you get a bitrate readout of both audio and video.

eg Black Hawk down is shown as MPEG2 with a bitrate averaging 27Mb/s, peaking at around 30-31Mb/s. Audio is either uncompressed PCM at 4.6Mb/s, DD5.1 at 640kb/s in English or French, or commentary at 192kb/s

Will be useful for comparison arguments I'm sure :P

Gad Zookz
11-19-06, 10:00 AM
Yea. 46XBR3 here.

Xmen 3 and Silent Hill look fantastic!!! Talladega Nights just looks good, nothing special.

It shouldn't be too long before a reviewer of some sort stacks it up against the Samsung, using the same disks and the same TV model.

Let's hope our 46XBR3s give us the Sony edge.

Edit:: Right after posting this I read the CNET review of PS3 (8.8 / 10) and it did mention testing the PS3 and Samsung for Blu-ray playback on a Sony XBR2. They used MI 3 as the test disk and found both units to have about the same PQ and load times. Hardly an extensive review but this is to be expected since the focus for most reviews will be on gaming.

IeraseU
11-19-06, 10:55 AM
Here's a little tidbit I just now realized.......PS3 comes with a coupon book that has many $10 rebate coupons for blu-ray movies. Kind of nice to have.

Hynds
11-19-06, 01:38 PM
Hi all,

I have a few questions for everyone here. I recently purchased a Hitachi 57f59 CRT. As pretty much all CRT's are, it's native resolution is 1080i. It is able to accept both 720P and 1080i. I have found that HD broadcasts from ABC and ESPN that are being shown in 720P look gorgeous on my set. Is converting the 720P HD feed from ABC to 1080i on my tv the same procedure as if a PS3 game could only output at 720P, like Resistance? Would the scaling quality be the same? Also, since it has been comfirmed that Blue-Ray will be able to output at both 1080P and 1080i, does that imply that 1080P games will likely have an option of outputting at 1080i? Finally, is going from 1080P to 1080i considered a difficult conversion procedure, or is it relatively easy. Any answers to any of these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

topaz420
11-19-06, 01:58 PM
I have a 720p projector (Optoma HD70)

Is it better to set the PS3 to 720P? (PS3 downconverts BluRay)

Or set the PS3 to 1080p and let the Optoma downconvert?

Thanks

sangreal06
11-19-06, 02:22 PM
I have a 720p projector (Optoma HD70)

Is it better to set the PS3 to 720P? (PS3 downconverts BluRay)

Or set the PS3 to 1080p and let the Optoma downconvert?

Thanks

You don't really have a choice, the PS3 will not output Blu-ray at 720p.

topaz420
11-19-06, 02:26 PM
You don't really have a choice, the PS3 will not output Blu-ray at 720p.

According to the source detector on the Optoma, apparently it does.

When i set my display mode to 720p from the PS3 settings menu, and I play a blu-ray movie, the Optoma goes through it's source detection and the OSD reads "720p 60Hz"

When i set the ps3 to 1080p, then the Optoma detects "1080p 60Hz".

(I am connected through HDMI)

sangreal06
11-19-06, 02:35 PM
According to the source detector on the Optoma, apparently it does.

When i set my display mode to 720p from the PS3 settings menu, and I play a blu-ray movie, the Optoma goes through it's source detection and the OSD reads "720p 60Hz"

When i set the ps3 to 1080p, then the Optoma detects "1080p 60Hz".

(I am connected through HDMI)

Well then it would appear that you are alone, because for everyone else it only seems to output Blu-ray at 480p, 1080i and 1080p.

topaz420
11-19-06, 02:37 PM
Well then it would appear that you are alone, because for everyone else it only seems to output at 480p, 1080i and 1080p.


Maybe it's because I have a Japanese unit?

If so that would be the only advantage so far (the disadvantages being I can't play U.S. PS2 games or U.S. standard def DVDs)

I am a really bad videophile but to my untrained eye it seems that the PS3 does a better job of downconverting to 720p than the Optoma.

jacksonian
11-19-06, 08:53 PM
On my 720p Pioneer 6070 plasma, it won't give me the option of 1080p, only 720p or 1080i.

What'sHD
11-19-06, 10:12 PM
i think 720p TVs cant accept 1080p input.

Even some 1080p TVs cant.. weird stuff.

9158
11-19-06, 10:19 PM
Hi all,

I have a few questions for everyone here. I recently purchased a Hitachi 57f59 CRT. As pretty much all CRT's are, it's native resolution is 1080i. It is able to accept both 720P and 1080i. I have found that HD broadcasts from ABC and ESPN that are being shown in 720P look gorgeous on my set. Is converting the 720P HD feed from ABC to 1080i on my tv the same procedure as if a PS3 game could only output at 720P, like Resistance? Would the scaling quality be the same? Also, since it has been comfirmed that Blue-Ray will be able to output at both 1080P and 1080i, does that imply that 1080P games will likely have an option of outputting at 1080i? Finally, is going from 1080P to 1080i considered a difficult conversion procedure, or is it relatively easy. Any answers to any of these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

CRTs are not fixed pixel displays, so they don't have a native resolution and they don't need to scale video.

1080p games will likely have an option of outputting at 1080i.

Going from 1080p to 1080i is easy for games, could be a bit trickier for movies because of 24Hz to 60 Hz conversion.

Tip: if you separate your questions and number them, it's easier to answer them. :)

Hate
11-19-06, 10:47 PM
Hey Guys,

I just got a PS3. I'm a bit confused about Uncompressed PCM 5.1 playback. The PS3 doesn't have analog outputs. Can I still get the full potential possible from these uncompressed tracks?

If I hook up the PS3 with an optical toslink cable I can still get sound when switching to the uncompressed track. My receiver is using Pro-Logic II to decode and to tell you the truth I watched my first two movies (Underworld 2 and Monster House) this way over the standard Dolby Digital. A - B comparisons showed the uncompressed track having a much more thorough sound across the whole soundfield.

But I'm wondering about what exactly I am listening to when I do this? Uncomressed PCM through an optical toslink? Is it downgraded to a 2 track and processed by Pro Logic II by my receiver?

Is there another way to get the full potential of Uncompressed PCM 5.1 soundtracks outside of 5.1 analog outputs? HDMI? Would a receiver need 1.3 HDMI inputs to decode uncompressed tracks? How would a receiver process such a track with an HDMI hookup (I guess, what settings would the receiver read as when playing back the track......Direct Mode?).

I'm just really confused. I thought I wouldn't get any sound when trying to play back PCM via toslink.

thanks again everyone,
Jay

bfdtv
11-19-06, 11:26 PM
I just got a PS3. I'm a bit confused about Uncompressed PCM 5.1 playback. The PS3 doesn't have analog outputs. Can I still get the full potential possible from these uncompressed tracks?No. You must have a receiver with HDMI audio to experience lossless and uncompressed sound from movies and games with the PS3. Using the optical output, all you get is the lossy compressed version.

You do not need a HDMI 1.3 receiver -- which won't exist for another 6-12 months. A HDMI 1.1 receiver with audio support will work just fine. Check out the Amps & Receiver forum for recommendations in your price range.

DPowers
11-19-06, 11:58 PM
CRTs are not fixed pixel displays, so they don't have a native resolution and they don't need to scale video.

1080p games will likely have an option of outputting at 1080i.

Going from 1080p to 1080i is easy for games, could be a bit trickier for movies because of 24Hz to 60 Hz conversion.

Tip: if you separate your questions and number them, it's easier to answer them. :)

Although they aren't fixed pixel displays, the issue is what amount of the original source will be used to, in the end, create the final picture and alternately determine the PQ.

If only 480 lines of the original 1080p resolution is used to create the final result...how good do you think it can possibly look? No matter what, a display that can accept and use every single pixel will have the superior picture quality...this is common sense. I have been using scaling in tandem with CRT RPTV and projectors for years. Stating the analog displays don't benefit from scaling is false.

I don't think there is anything tricky about going from 1080p to 720p...every HD DVD/BD player does it....including the 360 HD DVD drive.

The scaling issues of the ps3 need to be addressed, because their are quite a few people that are being alienated or at the very least not getting the full benefit out of such a powerful system.

GatorJoe
11-20-06, 12:25 PM
I've searched and I can't find the answer to my question (sorry if it's already been asked)...

What's the difference between the PS3's Blu-Ray player versus stand alone bluray players?

I've read elsewhere that it's a 30GB, therefore it won't be as good as larger GB stand-alone bluray players. Howerver that doesn't make any sense. What does gigabytes have to do with the actual player? The player doesn't store anything, that's for the disc, right?

Also, one day I split the screen and compared a Sony DVD player I got for Christmas and my PS2's DVD player. I was amazed at the difference in quality. The PS2 stunk! Should I expect the PS3 to be the same versus other bluray players?

Infinitenothing
11-20-06, 12:39 PM
i have a 1080p tv and so far... the ps3 doesnt bode well against the hd-dvd drive from microsoft......

i was expecting something spectacular but it isnt great... the movies have worse grain then directv....

is anyone else experiencing this as well?
I imagine that's because the bitrate on directtv is so low it blurs the grain. Movies are supposed to have grain aren't they?

Infinitenothing
11-20-06, 12:47 PM
I've searched and I can't find the answer to my question (sorry if it's already been asked)...

What's the difference between the PS3's Blu-Ray player versus stand alone bluray players?

I've read elsewhere that it's a 30GB, therefore it won't be as good as larger GB stand-alone bluray players. Howerver that doesn't make any sense. What does gigabytes have to do with the actual player? The player doesn't store anything, that's for the disc, right?

Also, one day I split the screen and compared a Sony DVD player I got for Christmas and my PS2's DVD player. I was amazed at the difference in quality. The PS2 stunk! Should I expect the PS3 to be the same versus other bluray players?
The main difference is bells a whistles. For example internal sound decoding. There's no such thing as a 30 GB bluray disk or PS3 hard drive so I'm doubting the source's knowledge. Maybe they are thinking of HDDVD whose dual layer disk is 30 GB. Another difference is that (I think) the blu ray disks are software decoded and displayed meaning there's a bit more upgradability with future updates.

GatorJoe
11-20-06, 01:42 PM
The main difference is bells a whistles. For example internal sound decoding. There's no such thing as a 30 GB bluray disk or PS3 hard drive so I'm doubting the source's knowledge. Maybe they are thinking of HDDVD whose dual layer disk is 30 GB. Another difference is that (I think) the blu ray disks are software decoded and displayed meaning there's a bit more upgradability with future updates.

Great to know, thanks. I mean who really cares about "internal sound decoding" anyway, sheeeze. ...I pretending to know what that means. :)

While I'm on the topic. My TV only has one HDMI slot and it's already connected to my Comcast dvr/hd box. Will I notice a difference if I go with component cables over HDMI? I'd rather not change plugs every freakin time. Or is their some kind of HDMI splitter out there?

Branson
11-20-06, 01:48 PM
I was fortunate to get my hands on a PS3. But I ran into a problem when I was going through the settings.

Using the PS3 HDMI out to the HDMI port on my 42" Sceptre Media Box.
Switching to...

480p - OK
720p - OK
1080i - OK
1080p - Green "snow" across the whole screen, and I can see the menu in the background

What I tried so far is....

New HDMI cable - No Change
Different PS3 system - No Change

I have a DVI-HDMI which I use for my computer to hook up to the monitor. I can set it to 1920x1080 and the picture looks fine, no "snow" or artifacts.

What should I do next?

Thanks,
Branson

Branson
11-20-06, 01:49 PM
Great to know, thanks. I mean who really cares about "internal sound decoding" anyway, sheeeze. ...I pretending to know what that means. :)

While I'm on the topic. My TV only has one HDMI slot and it's already connected to my Comcast dvr/hd box. Will I notice a difference if I go with component cables over HDMI? I'd rather not change plugs every freakin time. Or is their some kind of HDMI splitter out there?

yes there is, just do a search for a HDMI Switch. Prices are around 100 - 500 clams.

GatorJoe
11-20-06, 01:54 PM
yes there is, just do a search for a HDMI Switch. Prices are around 100 - 500 clams.


Boyaa! I love this forum. I can't tell you how many times you guys have helped me out. From what TV to buy, to understanding the difference between the HD formats, to an external hard drive for my DVR and now an HDMI switch. The Best Buy and Circuit City clowns should be required to have an account here...I know more about their technology than they do and I'm just an average joe stupid consumer that likes to look things up.

GatorJoe
11-20-06, 02:21 PM
I was fortunate to get my hands on a PS3. But I ran into a problem when I was going through the settings.

Using the PS3 HDMI out to the HDMI port on my 42" Sceptre Media Box.
Switching to...

480p - OK
720p - OK
1080i - OK
1080p - Green "snow" across the whole screen, and I can see the menu in the background

What I tried so far is....

New HDMI cable - No Change
Different PS3 system - No Change

I have a DVI-HDMI which I use for my computer to hook up to the monitor. I can set it to 1920x1080 and the picture looks fine, no "snow" or artifacts.

What should I do next?

Thanks,
Branson


Different PS3 system?! :eek: Dude, I can't even get one.

Dolsen
11-20-06, 03:03 PM
I'm confused with this Blu-Ray playback options from PS3, when using HDMI.

In the online version of PS3 manual, under "Video Output Settings" it says;

Quote:
"Copyright-protected Blu-ray video discs can only output at 1080p using an HDMI cable connected to a device that is compatible with the HDCP standard."

What does this actually means? Will all Blu-Ray movies only output 1080p on HDMI?

Reading this thread, I found info that with HDMI from PS3, means it will not play Blu-Ray movies in 720p, but it will play in 1080i and 1080p.

What is the real facts about output resolutions PS3 supports with Blu-Ray movies through HDMI?


One question on Blu-Ray movies; What is their native resolution on the disc? Or will they be sold in different resolutions?


Next part is about audio;

Can you get picture from HDMI, and at same time getting 5.1 audio out from "Digital out (optical)" on PS3?

My amp don't have HDMI input, so; What is the best possible audio output I can get from PS3 when playing Blu-Ray movies? channels etc...



Thanks, from a confused person...

EatingPie
11-20-06, 06:41 PM
Now I just need to hear how the quality is out Component cables.

In another thread it seemed like someone was saying they were only getting 480P from the Component outs for Blu-Ray, BUT getting full HD rez for games.

That's got me worried.
Me too.

Has anyone tested (or seen IRL) if the PS3 does 1080i for BD Movies over Component video?

I've asked this in two other threads, but this one seems to be "The Place."

-Pie

richard plumb
11-21-06, 07:44 AM
Me too.

Has anyone tested (or seen IRL) if the PS3 does 1080i for BD Movies over Component video?

I've asked this in two other threads, but this one seems to be "The Place."

-Pie


yes it outputs BD video at 1080i over component.

Branson
11-21-06, 08:46 AM
i guess its just a general question, but i have componet cables for my PS2, will they plug into and work with my PS3? I'm not at home or else i'd try it right now :)

Infinitenothing
11-21-06, 08:59 AM
I was fortunate to get my hands on a PS3. But I ran into a problem when I was going through the settings.

Using the PS3 HDMI out to the HDMI port on my 42" Sceptre Media Box.
Switching to...

480p - OK
720p - OK
1080i - OK
1080p - Green "snow" across the whole screen, and I can see the menu in the background

What I tried so far is....

New HDMI cable - No Change
Different PS3 system - No Change

I have a DVI-HDMI which I use for my computer to hook up to the monitor. I can set it to 1920x1080 and the picture looks fine, no "snow" or artifacts.

What should I do next?

Thanks,
Branson
Maybe your HDMI cable is crapping out? Thicker gauge wires developing capacitance? Try different input settings on the TV (DVI, HDCP, HDMI, etc). Your basic strategy is to get the PS3 acting as much like your computer as possible (check refresh rates).

DennyPCW
11-21-06, 09:12 AM
My PC World colleague, Melissa Perenson, has written a very long and technically detailed column about the PS3 as a BD player, including answers from Sony and a bit of comparison with the Samsung, that seems to address a lot of questions I've noticed on this board. She tested it with the Pioneer Elite, and I saw the combo in the lab--looked pretty good to my uneducated eye.



Denny

azryan
11-21-06, 09:26 AM
And...... that's where? That latest issue of PC World? Maybe a later issue?
Or online posted somewhereright now hopefully so we can read it so your post can actually help anyone out?

I think you left out a big key bit of info in your post.

ninjanki
11-21-06, 09:51 AM
Dolson,

The text you refer too has the objective of explaining the limits of 1080p output. It's been know for some time that high-definition output is a taboo for studios given the risk they see of pirates benefiting from that. The ICT is one example of a tool used to prevent high-def content being offered in any non-encrypted interface(analog component), which fortunatelly should not be enable on discs yet.

So, if you want to output 1080i, you can use component or HDMI. if you want to output 720p, you can use component or HDMI. Now, if you want to output 1080p, standards of copy protection require that you only use HDMI with HDCP. Component should be capable of outputting 1080p, but it is not allowed.

Please, do no confuse game limitations with video limitations. A game can be rendered at any resolution, just like video. But since consoles are limited in power, and not upgradeable like PCs, the developers determine the maximum resolution at which the game will be playable. On the x360, this limit does not translate into the output resolution because they have a dedicated scaler besides the graphical chip.(same kind of technology used on upconverting DVD players) The PS3 does NOT have a scaler, so it can only show the game at the resolution it is rendered. Since some games are forcibly rendered at less than 1080p(namely 720p, by the developer's choice), the PS3 can't output 1080i or 1080p for these games.
When you consider video, video is decoded in software+hardware, and the gpu is essentially idle most of the time. Since it is idle, it can be used to perform scaling duties.(on games, the gpu is doing all the graphics, so it can't scale the results - resource limited)

Allan

Branson
11-21-06, 10:05 AM
Maybe your HDMI cable is crapping out? Thicker gauge wires developing capacitance? Try different input settings on the TV (DVI, HDCP, HDMI, etc). Your basic strategy is to get the PS3 acting as much like your computer as possible (check refresh rates).

I was doing some more research on the internet, and found this on some other products troubleshooting guide for HDMI/HDCP.


Abnormal HDMI output screen.
If snow noise appears on the screen, it means that TV does not support HDCP
(High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection).


So that makes me think that HDCP only pertains to 1080p setup only on the PS3. And the next thing I need to do, and haven't tried yet, is to change my TV input to HDCP when I apply the settings on my PS3. I'll let you know what happens tomorrow when I get back to work.

MJConnel
11-21-06, 11:12 AM
My PC World colleague, Melissa Perenson, has written a very long and technically detailed column about the PS3 as a BD player, including answers from Sony and a bit of comparison with the Samsung, that seems to address a lot of questions I've noticed on this board. She tested it with the Pioneer Elite, and I saw the combo in the lab--looked pretty good to my uneducated eye.
Thanks for the heads-up, Denny. I did a search and found the column here: Burning Questions: PS3--The Blu-ray Movie Experience (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127892/article.html).

P.S. I thought I was a lurker until I saw your post count! :)

Audiguy3
11-21-06, 12:00 PM
Not sure if this has been posted but a review of the PS3 as a player:

http://www.avrev.com/equip/playstation_3/index.html

silkd
11-21-06, 12:50 PM
Sorry if this was asked already, but I didn't see it anywhere. Does the PS3 upconvert regular dvds at all? Thanks.

BOSS10L
11-21-06, 12:53 PM
Sorry if this was asked already, but I didn't see it anywhere. Does the PS3 upconvert regular dvds at all? Thanks.

AFAIK, No.

UxiSXRD
11-21-06, 02:41 PM
Not yet.

DennyPCW
11-21-06, 02:42 PM
And...... that's where? That latest issue of PC World? Maybe a later issue?
Or online posted somewhereright now hopefully so we can read it so your post can actually help anyone out?

I think you left out a big key bit of info in your post.

It's an online-only column. I tried to put in the link, believe me. I've mostly been a lurker (mostly on the ReplayTV forum) and had only posted a couple of other times, so I was not allowed to post a URL (you have to post five times before you can do that). But someone who posted after my original message found the article and created a link.

Sorry, I should have explained why I didn't include it!

HPforMe
11-21-06, 06:52 PM
Don't know if this has been posted yet but it concerns me:PS3 Blu-Ray DVDs wont display in HD

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/56817/PS3_Blu_Ray_DVDs_wont_display_in_HD

jacksonian
11-21-06, 07:08 PM
I had the same issue with the PS3. It correctly selected 720p as the max resolution for my plasma, but I couldn't get it do display the movie in 720p, only 1080i. Granted, I'm not sure if that would have helped the image or not, but I believe it would have.

my_pacman
11-22-06, 02:16 AM
It's an online-only column. I tried to put in the link, believe me. I've mostly been a lurker (mostly on the ReplayTV forum) and had only posted a couple of other times, so I was not allowed to post a URL (you have to post five times before you can do that). But someone who posted after my original message found the article and created a link.

Sorry, I should have explained why I didn't include it!

I guess you mean this one Burning Questions: PS3--The Blu-ray Movie Experience (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127892/article.html)

and Dennys review, Sony's Packed PlayStation 3: The Nitty-Gritty Details (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127857-page,1/article.html)

darthbrooklyn
11-22-06, 05:53 AM
I read on a tech website that the PS3 only broadcasts audio through one format at one time. So if audio is streaming through the HDMI cable , there will be no audio coming out of the Digital Audio Out. The article didnt go into any further detail, such as being able to swith audio from going through the HDMI so people can use their Optical Link... FYI...

wolfyncsu7
11-22-06, 07:36 AM
Don't know if this has been posted yet but it concerns me:PS3 Blu-Ray DVDs wont display in HD

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/56817/PS3_Blu_Ray_DVDs_wont_display_in_HD

That's a ridiculous post. Blu-ray movies on the PS3 look great in 1080i HD. Even if it currently can't be displayed in 720p, who cares? It's not as big of a deal as people are making it out to be.

Bill0711
11-22-06, 09:03 AM
I read on a tech website that the PS3 only broadcasts audio through one format at one time. So if audio is streaming through the HDMI cable , there will be no audio coming out of the Digital Audio Out. The article didnt go into any further detail, such as being able to swith audio from going through the HDMI so people can use their Optical Link... FYI...

I have my PS3 connected via optical out to a yamaha receiver for audio and via HDMI to a monoprice 5 x 1 HDMI switch for video. No problems with either?

crakerhead
11-22-06, 10:09 AM
just thought id throw out there in case anyone else hasn't a cool tidbit about the ps3, im watching swat now, i don't know why either, it was just there to watch...and you can display the framerate. it actually shows you, mpeg2, and some scenes have gotten up to only 22mbps so far but some as gone low as 11 too. i just think it's pretty cool to show ongoing throughout the movies

DennyPCW
11-22-06, 10:12 AM
My_pacman: I still can't include URLs (in order to quote you citing the PC World PS3 reviews). But the second PS3 review you reference above is by Danny Allen. I'm Denny, not Danny. All I know about the PS3 is what I read here and what my colleagues write. (Just for the record.)

sbarrier
11-22-06, 10:16 AM
just thought id throw out there in case anyone else hasn't a cool tidbit about the ps3, im watching swat now, i don't know why either, it was just there to watch...and you can display the framerate. it actually shows you, mpeg2, and some scenes have gotten up to only 22mbps so far but some as gone low as 11 too. i just think it's pretty cool to show ongoing throughout the movies


I've used that as well. It is a nice feature. Is there anyway for the PS3 to display what format it is outputting (720P, 1080P, etc)?

WriteSimple
11-22-06, 07:34 PM
I've used that as well. It is a nice feature. Is there anyway for the PS3 to display what format it is outputting (720P, 1080P, etc)? I think the more reliable one would be the on-screen display of your HDTV.


fuad

Dauod
11-23-06, 12:41 AM
I'm feeding my Sony SXRD XBR1 with the 1080i from the PS3 and it looks phenominal. Just watched my first two BR's and I'm impressed so far. Both PQ and SQ were on par with the best of my HD-DVD's. Plus the PS3 is not quite as cumbersome as my HD-A1. Load times are much quicker and I had no problems using the controller as a remote. The controller works a whole hell of alot better than the remote for my HD-A1. All in all, my initial impression is the PS3 rocks as a BR player, especially at a value price, thanks Sony. Now I just need to get some more movies.

pidge
11-23-06, 02:36 AM
Can anyone help me out? I have a DVD player and other gaming consoles hooked up to my plasma and all look fine. My PS3 however looks brighter, bright enough that I don't like how movies necessarily appear. I could not find a brightness setting on the PS3. Does anyone know how to adjust this?

Rieper
11-23-06, 10:48 AM
Can anyone help me out? I have a DVD player and other gaming consoles hooked up to my plasma and all look fine. My PS3 however looks brighter, bright enough that I don't like how movies necessarily appear. I could not find a brightness setting on the PS3. Does anyone know how to adjust this?

I have the same problem. When using the standard Composite cables that came in the PS3 box, the brightness was fine.

But using a standard HDMI cable, I notice the image on my Samsung 720p LCD is noticeably brighter. To the point where I have to lower my brightness from typical 40 to a 25.

So far, there aren't answers for why this is happening on HDMI.

rlb
11-23-06, 11:46 AM
I have the same problem. When using the standard Composite cables that came in the PS3 box, the brightness was fine.

But using a standard HDMI cable, I notice the image on my Samsung 720p LCD is noticeably brighter. To the point where I have to lower my brightness from typical 40 to a 25.

So far, there aren't answers for why this is happening on HDMI.

Brightness is dependend upon the black level setting (7.5 IRE vs 0 IRE, and in some cases when using HDMI there is a standard vs. enhanced black level (normally used by computers). Going from O IRE to 7.5 IRE requires a significant decrease in the calibration of brightness. Presume the same would occur when going from enhanced to standard.

If the PS3 lacks adjustments it is probably set for 0 IRE (affects component and HDMI) and standard black levels (via HDMI). Your other components may be using other defaults which causes the difference.

If you are using different inputs, most TV's allow you to calibrate each input differently.

WriteSimple
11-23-06, 01:45 PM
I have the same problem. When using the standard Composite cables that came in the PS3 box, the brightness was fine.

But using a standard HDMI cable, I notice the image on my Samsung 720p LCD is noticeably brighter. To the point where I have to lower my brightness from typical 40 to a 25.

So far, there aren't answers for why this is happening on HDMI.
What rlb said. Additionally, some HDTVs have "gaming mode" so if you're one of the lucky ones, you can set it to that when you're using your PS3.


fuad

topaz420
11-23-06, 05:02 PM
**CONFIRMED**

With Japanese PS3, Firmware 1.0, Blu-Ray can be output in 720p

With Japanese PS3, Firmware 1.10 Blu-Ray can only be output in 1080p or 1080i

WHY WOULD THEY REMOVE THIS GREAT FEATURE?

Dumbfounded

HPforMe
11-23-06, 05:21 PM
If I get the 20 gb PS3 how will I be able to update the firmware? Does Sony have an online site I could download the firmware on a memory stick, plug it in to the PS3 and update that way?

RommelB
11-23-06, 05:29 PM
What rlb said. Additionally, some HDTVs have "gaming mode" so if you're one of the lucky ones, you can set it to that when you're using your PS3.


fuad

I found that "game mode" on the Sony SXRD RxxXBR2, people should stay away from game mode. i think it puts the tv on torch mode and a lot of details are lost.

9158
11-23-06, 05:33 PM
If I get the 20 gb PS3 how will I be able to update the firmware? Does Sony have an online site I could download the firmware on a memory stick, plug it in to the PS3 and update that way?

Both the 20 GB and the 60 GB models have an integrated Ethernet port, so you can update that way.
The 20 GB ps3 doesn't have a memory card reader.

krinkle
11-23-06, 05:34 PM
I found that "game mode" on the Sony SXRD RxxXBR2, people should stay away from game mode. i think it puts the tv on torch mode and a lot of details are lost.


I also have a 60" XBR SXRD and game mode is horrible, not recomended!

The picture looks much better over HDMI and just select vivid mode. Seems just right for gaming :)

9158
11-23-06, 05:37 PM
**CONFIRMED**

With Japanese PS3, Firmware 1.0, Blu-Ray can be output in 720p

With Japanese PS3, Firmware 1.10 Blu-Ray can only be output in 1080p or 1080i

WHY WOULD THEY REMOVE THIS GREAT FEATURE?

Dumbfounded

What is the source of that piece of info? (i'm not doubting it's true, just wanna know)

Rieper
11-23-06, 05:40 PM
**CONFIRMED**

With Japanese PS3, Firmware 1.0, Blu-Ray can be output in 720p

With Japanese PS3, Firmware 1.10 Blu-Ray can only be output in 1080p or 1080i

WHY WOULD THEY REMOVE THIS GREAT FEATURE?

Dumbfounded

Who the heck has a Japan PS3? How 'bout some info on future American PS3 firmware updates... That would be cool.

topaz420
11-23-06, 06:41 PM
If I get the 20 gb PS3 how will I be able to update the firmware? Does Sony have an online site I could download the firmware on a memory stick, plug it in to the PS3 and update that way?

You can still update firmware on the 20gb PS3, mine had 16/20 GB free

topaz420
11-23-06, 06:42 PM
What is the source of that piece of info? (i'm not doubting it's true, just wanna know)


That's my own experience from owning and testing my unit using 2 separate U.S. Blu-Ray movies.