I got my HDMI cables yesterday, and hooked one up to the PS3.  Honestly, I thought that it improved the picture a little bit over the component connection.  It wasn't a drastic difference, but it was noticeable.

It probably did.

So, what say you about the persistent rumors of a 40GB model coming this holiday season at $399?   Is this a good strategy for Sony? 

Personally, I would absolutely and totally snap one up once it goes on sale.  (Yeah, I never did go through with the 60GB deal.... ever since I'd heard the first rumblings of this rumor.)  Other than gigs, though, it still seems up in the air as to what else they'd have to take out to reduce costs.  The USB ports?  Backwards compatibility? 

Anyway, the frontrunning rumor is that we could see the new SKU right around when Spider-Man 3 comes out for home release, toward the end of October.  And if they include the Blu-ray version as a pack-in, that'd be a sweet little bonus for sure.

Well, they already severely broke that feature in the current newest model, so why not just remove it altogether in subsequent ones?

I know you're being sarcastic, but I'll respond seriously.

At this point, it doesn't cost them anything to keep it in the firmware they produce (provided they don't expend resources developing it any further), and they might lose even more support if they just ditch the option, broken though it may now be.

Well, the going rumor is that the USB ports will drop from four to two and the memory card slots are out completely.  I haven't heard about WiFi yet, but I'd imagine that could be one as well.  As someone else mentioned, since backwards compatibility is no longer in hardware, there's no sense if taking what's left of it out since it's just firmware now.

Concerning the rumors, I'd say they're probably true.  Sony absolutely needs to get the PS3 down in price ASAP.  I don't think the HD size matters all that much since the kind of people who want to download stuff that takes up lots of space can probably afford the high-end version.  Sony needs to sell these things to people who just want to play Madden and GTA before they all go pick up 360s.

As for myself, I'm not too interested in this version.  I'm modestly tempted to pick up one of the remaining $500 60GB ones just so I can play upscaled PSX and PS2 games, but I won't do that because that's just an obscene amount of money to spend for such a frivolous reason.  Right now, the earliest I might buy a PS3 is on MGS4's release date, but even then I may wait if Sony hasn't made it attractive enough.  This also depends on whether or not I've bought a 360 by then, so we'll see.

Yeah, my thoughts exactly.  I think I fall within the demographic that really just wants to have a "core" system to play PS3 games and view Blu-ray videos.  I'm not too concerned about backwards compatability (I've got a PS2 for that), nor about Wi-Fi or downloadables.   That extra $100 can go towards a few extra BR films I want to buy, and the Dual Shock 3, once it hits.   

I think this would be an overall good move for Sony, and the new price will surely be an enticing allure for holiday shoppers.

Looks like the 40GB, at least in Europe, does remove the backwards compatibility.  I don't see why, considering how it upgrades the video, anyone would not want backwards compatibility.

http://www.destructoid.com/40gb-playsta … 7776.phtml

Ack, Sony can do whatever they want in my book... games are hardly alluring to me anymore but their struggle and goofs are/will be interesting as far as gaming history is concerned. As for blu-ray (as with any new type of new media) why does it seem the crapiest movies come out on the format first? There are movies on Blu Ray I wouldn't buy even on standard DVD. Yeah, I know this is all IMO but, screw it, nevermind...

I agree about the many sorry choices of back-catalog movies out on both formats, although they do have some good stuff out.  I think that's a valid question.

At least they're upfront as to the reason why:

http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/10/son … ins-r.html

As for the release of Blu-ray movies, I'm just now realizing the sting that there is that split between movie studios who have sworn their allegiance to either Blu-ray or HD-DVD.  Seeing as how I'm heading to the BR camp, I'm disappointed that Universal, for instance, is strictly HD-DVD, and that I won't be able to pick up the Bourne series.

Ugh, I've gotta get a hybrid player....

I'm thinking that, should Blu-Ray truly win, and if general consumers actually start caring, a lot of these titles will be re-released under the "TRUE 1080p FOR XTREME REALISM! UPGRADE NOW!" marketing approach.

Especially if Blu-Ray dominates consumer mindshare, since many people might not realize that the hybrid player they just purchased (in 2009 or whenever) can actually support HD-DVD.

There are already signs that some B&Ms in my area are shrinking their HD-DVD sections while expanding their Blu-Ray ones, so I don't think it's too far-fetched to believe that the larger studios may consider bailing if they realize that their format is being choked out in the retail sector.

I like Joystiq's write up on this:  http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/sony- … -40gb-ps3/

As for hi-def movie watching, it is annoying.  If you had a 360 you could get the HD-DVD drive and you'd be all set.  Otherwise, Sony, Fox, Anchor Bay, and Disney are Blu-Ray only.  Warner and New Line supports both formats.  You'd miss out on Universal's movies (although Spielberg supports Blu-Ray, so who knows what will happen regarding Jurassic Park) and Paramount's movies (like the upcoming Transformers) though, at least until one format dies or all the studios realize how silly it is to play favorites for one format over another or you get the 360 and the HD-DVD drive.

By my interpretation, that interview is saying Sony isn't willing to spend a few extra bucks per unit for the additional hardware, and they'd rather make their customers buy new games anyway.

Exactly, there is no money to be made off older games outside the inital hardware that is needed to play them, unless it's DL you pay for... that's why software emulation and putting the resposiblitiy of creating patches that allow such games to run in the hands of the puplisher is such a joke.

Isn't it lovely how Sony is the one that bites off more than it can chew, promising more than it could really deliver and the customer has to live with inferior versions of a product? I mean really - has there been a console in the history of gaming that has been so neutered (downgraded) before? All this, sacrificing the gaming division in persuit of a bigger prize and cash cow - winning the format wars. I'm sure it makes sense from a business perspective but as an onlooker it's a pretty ugly strategy if that is what they have planned.

Guess I'm one of the few who's happy with a collection of boring, old DVD's and a DVD player. Besides, most of the stuff I watch will be lucky to get Blu-Ray/HD DVD releases anyway. On top of that...I'd be hesitant to use a PS3 as a full-blown movie player, just based on the constant wear and tear on the laser. Better to just stick to the backwards compatability, Sony...

Of course, not having any exclusive games I care about (woohoo, 65 games and the two-three I want are also on PS2/360! 2 being sequels and 1 a quasi-sequel) AND not being able to play PS1 or PS2 games on the later models reliably kinda dampens that argument.

Angela, if you don't mind my asking...What makes Blu-Ray sound so attractive? At least, enough to justify the current price-tag (both on the PS3 and the titles themselves)?

Please, I am interested in your answer as well. The only reason my sister's boyfriend could give me for buying the PS3 was he was getting a $1,000 blu-ray player for half-price and I thought that was a pretty flimsy reason considering he only has one damn game for it.

I'm with you on that one, man. I am perfectly happy with using my PS2 as a DVD player. What is important to me is the content, not how high the resolution is or how shiny shit looks.

I will say that I anticipated having a few games by now, but by the time the hyped few come about they end up being deeply flawed.  I have not bought a single retail PS3 game, outside of Resistance: Fall of Man which I did not like at all and keep more than a couple of days.

I'm certain the same argument was made against VHS when DVD was introduced.  I'm quite pleased with hi-definition since, when content is equal, it is better to go with the higher resolution/shinier-looking shit.

Well, the big thing is the degradability of VHS tapes and their limited existence. DVD was a major solution to that, on top of looking sharper and taking less space (though I must admit, some older shows look a little TOO sharp or their colors significantly dulled on DVD and actually look better with the bleeding colors and blurry edges from when I recorded them...but that's just me! If Blu Ray can reproduce that, I might be tempted!)

And for the anime fans...Having dub and Japanese/w subtitles on one disc (and not having to produce two different versions) is one of the best things to happen to the industry. Given that Geneon's pulling out of producing DVD's, the odds of them making Blu Ray (and remaining profitable if they did) are pretty slim.

For those factors, I don't see Blu Ray being anywhere near the leap from VHS to DVD and you're paying a lot extra per movie or whatever you're getting (not to mention for the player!) for what amounts to a prettier viewing session.

The ONE factor I like is the storage...Having a whole season on a single disc is really convenient and I imagine they'll get creative with ways to fill those discs up as time goes on.

Well, let it be known that the crux of my purchase has always been MGS4; that the game isn't seeing release till next year has afforded me to wait up to this point in picking up a PS3.  And if I'm to own just "one damn game" for the system, well..... MGS4 is clearly it.

The Blu-ray I really consider to be more of a bonus -- but a significant bonus nonetheless, for I have just recently experienced the splendor of BR films myself.  I've become a believer; the image and sound grade is positively stunning, and quite a leap up from even the most effectively-compressed DVD.   I'm with Ryu.... hey, if you've got the option (and the luxury), why not go for the highest quality, the most shiniest shit?

With the upcoming holiday Blu-ray releases - Pirates 3, Spidey 3, Potter 5, and Ratatouille in particular - this seems as good a time as any to get on the bandwagon.  Already I'm looking at trading in or selling (or maybe give away as a gift) my Aquos D40U for a 1080p-featured D62U, D90U or GP1U.

I'm not a model number geek, so I don't know what the differences in those are, but apparently the killer app this year is 120 Hz (last year's was 1080p).  I've never seen one of those in action, but I understand that they draw additional frames between the content's actual frames to reduce motion blur.  What I've noticed on my 6ms GP1U is that I do tend to see some motion blur on 2D side-scrollers and top-down games.  3D games are more or less blur free, but then the only side-scrolling 3D game I've tried is Ikaruga and that's probably not the best comparison point.

I realize that it's much more important for the TV to be lag free than motion-blur free, but if there's a possibility to have both, why not go for it?  Naturally, this assumes that the additional drawing going on to create 120 Hz doesn't create lag, and I honestly have no clue on that score.

On Resistance, now there's a game that I have found that has a surprising amount of replay value - multiplayer.  The actual amount of high speed multiplayer 'action' is insane!  Invite 3 friends over for a 4 player offline game, it is SERIOUSLY fun, and to my eyes a better multiplayer than Halo.  Great game play all around, and an awesome weapon set.  Try 1 hit kills in the subway, with just shotguns and air-fuel grenades, and set to 'Chymera', and turn on 'xray' vision.  Nothing better...The only drawback is online play only allows 1 player per system/PS3. (Against 40+)  Warhawk champions this however, (much like Halo 3).  The single player is good, but pales in comparison to Gears of War. (it's closest Xbox rival)

I am willing to wager emulated PS2 on PS3, will be better than emulated Xbox on Xbox 360.   Still have a PS2 (and plan to for sometime), because it's modded, and the neighbor kid scratched up most of my originals...

I totally agree.  40 player mp, dedicated servers, awesome clan support.  I love it.  Although I did not like Resistance's campaign when I played it on normal, I recently replayed it on hard and it's a totally different experience and way better than Halo's.

That seems to depend more on the game than anything.  I've found that MS has done a really good job when I was playing JSRF and Burnout 3 Takedown on 360.  I played God of War 2 on PS3 and wasn't wowed by it; it had lines going through it on occasion.  God of War 2, however, could've conflicted with the PS3 attempts to upgrade while the game was forcing its presentation in progressive.  Although, mine was one of the systems that technically isn't emulating PS2, but actually has the hardware inside (the earlier ones are like that, right?).

As for Resistance, I didn't care to try the multiplayer; and I don't care for Halo at all.  I was wanting a Call of Duty with aliens, so the fault may well be on my expectations.

I'm a day late, but the official press release for the U.S. 40GB -- and now a $100 drop in price for the 80GB:

http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/071018be.html

---

FOSTER CITY, Calif., October 18, 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced plans to introduce a new 40GB model of its PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Beginning November 2nd, to further enhance the HD entertainment experience, the new 40GB PS3 model will come bundled with the blockbuster movie Spider-Man™ 3 Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, and will be available in North America for a suggested retail price of $399 (USD/CND). The company also announced that effective immediately, the current 80GB PS3 model will be available in North America for $499 (USD/CND), $100 below the original launch price.

“We’re pleased to offer the consumer a lower price point without sacrificing the core technology components that make PS3 the most advanced high-definition entertainment system available. Every PS3 comes with a Blu-ray drive, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, Cell Broadband Engine and a built-in hard-drive,” said Jack Tretton, President and CEO, SCEA. “This holiday season we’ll be able to offer attractive retail pricing with a broad portfolio of outstanding games including Ratchet & Clank® Future: Tools of Destruction™, THE EYE OF JUDGMENT™, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune™, Heavenly Sword™, Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare, Assassin’s Creed™, Haze™ and RockBand™.”

The new 40GB PS3 will no longer play PlayStation®2 titles, reflecting the availability of a more extensive line-up of PS3 specific titles. Consumers looking for backwards compatibility can take advantage of the limited PlayStation 2 backwards compatibility of the 80GB PS3.

---

So, is anyone here now going to bite for a PS3?  The 40GB is a lock for me; I only hope Amazon still has this fabulous offering with the 40GB.  Including Spidey 3, that's eight free Blu-ray movies...... that's awfully cool.

Without the ability to upscale PS2 games, the 40 gig model is completely worthless for me.  It would be nice if there were any incentive at all for me to get the PS3 other than making last gen games look better on an HDTV.

I noticed "Lair" wasn't among the games mentioned.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I can help but remember seeing an accessory at an EB that plugged into a PS2 and upscaled the graphics for HDTVs without the PS3. Of course, I don't know much about the contraption - it could be a piece of crap for all I know but since I stopped at the 128-bit generation I'll probably keep an older TV around to play older games even if (well, more like "when" and "eventually") I do go HD - which isn't anytime soon.

Contrary to the posts I made several months ago when I got my HDTV, my PS2 looks better than normal on it. It looked crappy to me because I was going from HD 360 graphics to Klonoa 2, heh. Ratchet and Clank looks awesome, as does Silent Hill 2/3. I just toned down the sharpness a bit and messed with the color settings.

What I do know is that I'm not dropping $500+ just to have a PS2 upscaler.

Naughty Dog's Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is looking quite promising.  Some are already dubbing it a Tomb Raider killer..... a genre you rather enjoy, don't you, Zane? :)

I've heard good things about the new Ratchet & Clank and Folklore also, but I'm holding off on anything PS3 for now.  I've got too much to do and play anyway, and I sense a slump in releases in February anyway.

Oh, Angela, you might want to help yourself to those buy 1/get 1 free blu-ray sales.  Both Circuit City and Best Buy has quite a list available, both including the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.  You can always do the in-store pick-up for Best Buy on their website so you don't have to pay shipping AND you have until whenever they update their website (which is after midnight our time but no later than 3am).

Neat!  I was planning on getting the two Pirates from Amazon, assuming that aforementioned deal still applies - but I'm also planning on picking up Casino Royale, Mission: Impossible 3, and Terminator 2.   I'll have to hit the stores, thanks!

Maybe I should take this over to the "At World's End" thread, but since we're on the subject..... Is it true?  Does Pirates 1 Blu-ray really have framing problems?  Seems it's really just for the Will/Jack duel in the blacksmith shop, but it is disappointing to hear of such a blemish.

I didn't notice it when I was watching it; I'll check it out after the movie I'm watching now goes off.

It wasn't obvious (to me) until the part where it focuses on Will, who is looking up at Jack on the scaffolding.  By that alone, I can confirm there is a problem.  Oddly enough, it works well when Jack holds the gun at Will in the scene, but distracting just a few seconds later when Davenport starts talking.  *shrug*  It appears that Disney has been aware of this for two months now too.