Report: New PS3s Killing HD Component Cable Support
Updated models will reportedly only allow HD over HDMI.
US, July 12, 2011
The days of users connecting their PlayStation 3 to their HDTVs via component cables may soon be over, according to a report today from Kotaku.
An alleged internal GameStop memo leaked to the site by an unnamed source suggests that the newest PlayStation 3 hardware will remove high-definition support over component cables and instead require users to use an HDMI connection. The memo identifies the new hardware as "PS3 K chassis," which could potentially be the North American equivalent of the revised models reportedly being released in Japan, which were said to lessen power consumption and add new security measures for Blu-ray playback.
If true, both games and Blu-ray discs will only be viewable in high-definition when used with an HDMI cable.
Why would Sony suddenly drop component HD support now?
Users on the popular gaming forum, NeoGaf, suggest it could be a result of a recent mandate made by the Advanced Access Content System (AACS), the consortium that administrates the copyright protections standards used for Blu-ray discs.
The most recent version of the AACS' Adopter Agreement requires any officially licensed Blu-ray player manufactured after December 31, 2010 must limit HD support to digital output only. While component output can still be used, it would only be allowed to output standard definition 480i signals.
Interestingly, the AACS also requires licensees (i.e. Blu-ray player manufacturers) to cease support for analog video output of any kind by December 31, 2013. In other words, component, S-video, and composite video support will be eliminated entirely within the next two years. Obviously the standardization of HDMI connectivity on most or all recent audio/visual products will limit the impact for users, but it's an interesting turn of events nonetheless.
Whether the AACS mandates have spurred the alleged changes to new versions of the PlayStation 3, it remains to be seen.
Report: New PS3s Killing HD Component Cable Support *Updated
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Sony Responds to HD Over Component Reports
Sony Responds to HD Over Component Reports
Analog HD still allowed for games, Blu-rays will require HDMI.
US, July 13, 2011
Yesterday it was reported that new variations of the PlayStation 3 would eliminate support for high-definition output over component cables, requiring users to utilize HDMI connections for the full HD experience. Today, however, Sony responded:
"The reports aren't accurate," said SCEA PR Manager Al De Leon. "The new CECH-3000 series PS3 requires HDMI only for BD movie output in HD, in compliance with AACS standards. PS3 continues to support component output for HD gaming and streaming content."
As predicted, Sony's changes to Blu-ray playback are a result of licensing mandates that require all new Blu-ray players to eliminate analog high-definition output to prohibit illegal copying and duplication.
Analog HD still allowed for games, Blu-rays will require HDMI.
US, July 13, 2011
Yesterday it was reported that new variations of the PlayStation 3 would eliminate support for high-definition output over component cables, requiring users to utilize HDMI connections for the full HD experience. Today, however, Sony responded:
"The reports aren't accurate," said SCEA PR Manager Al De Leon. "The new CECH-3000 series PS3 requires HDMI only for BD movie output in HD, in compliance with AACS standards. PS3 continues to support component output for HD gaming and streaming content."
As predicted, Sony's changes to Blu-ray playback are a result of licensing mandates that require all new Blu-ray players to eliminate analog high-definition output to prohibit illegal copying and duplication.
