Playstation 3 Media Mogul

[Foxrac]

Is there anything it doesn't do?

The PlayStation 3's 2.5" portable hard drive supplies the system with much-needed storage space for network downloads, applications, and home-server capabilities. Additionally, games will use the hard drive for game saves, and it will cache game files for decreased load times. During the Gran Turismo HD E3 2006 demonstration, Sony mentioned that load times would be reduced to two to three seconds. The game took around six to seven seconds to load during the E3 demo, but loading times will likely drop once developers have more time to optimize.

The 60GB PlayStation 3 has an enormous number of inputs and outputs, some wired, some not. The console features a front-slot-loading Blu-ray optical-disc drive, four USB ports, and a memory stick, as well as compact flash and SD readers to provide for an absurd level of media connectivity. The 20GB PlayStation 3, in comparison, has a much more limited feature set. It won't have memory stick, compact flash, or SD card ports.

Sony will equip each PlayStation 3 system with a Blu-ray optical-disc drive that can play games and movie discs. Each Blu-ray disc can hold up to 54GB worth of data, which should virtually guarantee that games won't be left wanting for extra media space. During his Game Developers Conference 2006 keynote address, Sony's Phil Harrison boasted that the storage capacity of a Blu-ray disc is large enough to hold localized content for all versions of a game, letting publishers ship one global disc instead of stamping out a new version for each language region. Games will be region-free, but movies will still have region locks preventing multiregion playback. However, according to Japanese IT Media, the Blu-ray spec now has North America, South America, and Asia (except for China) in region 1. If the spec doesn't change, that means your U.S. PlayStation 3 should be able to play those Blu-ray Godzilla movies imported from Japan. The PlayStation 3 also comes with support for many of the older disc formats, including CD-ROM, CDR+W, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, and DVD+R. The system will also be backward compatible with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games.

Sony's original specifications stated that the PlayStation 3 would come with three Ethernet ports, but the newly revealed specifications from E3 06 show that the system will arrive with only one Ethernet port. The 60GB version of the PlayStation 3 will also come with Wi-Fi built-in, but the 20GB version will only have the Ethernet port. We can't ignore the fact that the PS3 has all the tools to function as a personal video recorder and home-media server. The larger 60GB drive will likely prove much more useful than the 20GB drive if you wish to take advantage of the additional media functionality.

At E3 2005, SCE CTO Masa Chatani talked about the availability of an HD IP camera peripheral, which would presumably be plugged into one of the gigabit Ethernet ports. The camera will let you broadcast an HD-quality video stream for video messaging, conferencing, and more. With only one gigabit Ethernet port, the camera will likely connect via a USB port.

The PS3 also has Wi-Fi connectivity. The connection can and definitely will be used to connect locally with your PSP, which can serve as a controller, a remote control, and a remote screen. Since your PS3 is meant to always stay on and always connected, it follows that any media stored on your PS3, such as music and movies, could be accessed remotely through your PSP. Imagine you're on vacation and have burned through your entire MP3 playlist on your 512MB memory stick. Wouldn't it be nice to walk into a cafe with free Wi-Fi access, dump those songs, and get a fresh playlist or a few videos off your PS3 at home?

— By GameSpot Staff

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=category&cmp=&id=pcmcat94800050036

 

[Foxrac]

As promised, PS3 Portal answered your questions about issues regarding the PS3. We received a lot of emails and unfortunately, not everyone’s question(s) was answered. What we did was pick the best questions out of the bunch, the ones that we felt that needed to be answered and answered them. Here they are, enjoy!

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Q) I am planning on purchasing the $600 dollar PS3. But, the reason I am is because I want to have the HDMI that I can use on my new TV. Now, the question is, is paying an extra hundred dollars just for the HDMI feature really needed?

A) You are not the only doubter about this feature. Sony basically put this feature in because not everyone has HD support so they cut them some slack. We don't know the full story behind it but like you said HDMI is a lot faster and can transfer at a lot more info giving you that HD output. Also remember that you will not only get that for a extra 100 bucks but also Flash memory, and USB ports.

Q) Will there be a way to use a save file from your PS2 memory card on your PS3?

A) There will be a slot for your memory card from the PS2 for the $600 version of the PS3, not sure about other. Since the PS3 is backwards compatible we would assume that the PS3 supports older memory cards, some way some how.

Q) I know that Sony has announced that the PS3 will be backwards compatible, which is a good thing because after buying the console, I'll be too skint to buy any games! So in the meanwhile I'll be happy with my old PS2/PS1 games. But on the PS3 there's no memory card slot!

Whats the point of backwards compatability when you can't save? Or will it all be put on the hard drive?

And will Sony or someone else made some sort of adaptor to transfer data from old skool memory cards to the newer memory sticks or straight to the PS3's hard drive?

A) We’re completely with you on the fact its backwards compatible now a 100 game library wont suddenly disappear. Also with on the fact we need our old game saves, though Sony hasn't completely confirmed what they will do, I’m sure that since PS3 is backwards compatible, it will support the older memory cards. The $600 version does out of the box.

Q) I'm sure there are many people out there wondering why Sony will not support a vibrating controller.I've read that they couldn't get the sensors to work properly with the vibration feature,and that would be a great loss in my opinion.Don't get me wrong,I love the new(old) controller but how will you get the right feel when you're playing GT5 and you run over a rumble strip,or in F1 06.There are many driving games that need the vibration feature in order to give the player at least some sense of car and driver interaction,and without it,well things are just going to feel out of place to say the least.Is there still a possibility that Sony with release a "Dual Shock" type controller and if so,are there any indications of that?

A) We know how you feel, no vibration, wow! To tell the truth if they didn't announce it a lot of people wont notice its gone. Well, that is a weak way of looking at it. This is why Sony probably believes it isn‘t that serious. Well, it is a big deal because it is a feature that the PlayStation fanbase has been used to for a long time now. Hopefully sometime before launch or down the road, Sony would put the rumble back into the controller somehow.

Q) What will the PS3 come with, out of the box at retails? Such as how many controllers, keyboard, mouse, memory stick, a free game?

A) Well as of now all we can tell you is just the system, one controller, information booklet, HDD, Cords, Demo disc, and probably some other promotional information. There are many routes Sony can go with this. If you remember, the PSP came in many packs. There was just the stand alone PSP and then there was the PSP plus other accessories. Sony could also leave it up to the store if they want to sell it with a bundle, just like the PSP. Take FYE for example. One of our very own staff writers Tyrell Jackson (MajesticEdge) has his 60GB PS3 pre-ordered at that store. They told him that he might have to buy it in a bundle with 2 games and an extra controller. So it may depend on the store. You could call around to some gaming stores in your area to find out.

Q) As the ps3 release is on its way, and games are what a lot of customers look at as of which directs to take, would you think Sony would push for power houses of remake of FFVII and also Shenmue3 to be apart of ps3 world.

A) A remake of Final Fantasy VII and the third part of the Shenmue trilogy, those even today remain up in the air. For Final Fantasy VII, we have to go with Square-Enix’s word that FFVII won’t happen. Despite all of the rumors, Square-Enix continues to shoot them all down. So long story short, Sony could push for a FF7 remake, but ultimately it would be Square-Enix’s decision. However, this gaming industry is forever changing so you never know. Don’t give your hopes up for a FF7 remake for the PS3, that would be the safe route to take at the time. For Shenmue 3, if there will ever be one, it would be extremely hard for Sony to secure exclusive rights for it. Microsoft was already had Shenmue 2 as an Xbox title, though, it wasn’t as successful as expected. With that in mind, if there were ever a Shenmue 3, Sega would probably go multi-platform (Xbox 360/PS3) with the title. The reason for this is because Sega wouldn’t want to make another mistake like they did with the Shenmue 2 on the Xbox. They would want to guarantee that Shenmue 3, the final chapter of the story, would go out with a bang that can be enjoyed by all gamers alike.

Q) Dear ps3 portal, with the new tilt control (or whatever it is called) with the PS3 controller, do you know of or have seen, any other instances where it comes into play besides the Warhawk and other flight games?

A) Do not worry my friend, many developers has tagged on to the PS3 tilt control bandwagon. Electronic Arts has already confirmed that Madden 07 will support the feature, in what way remains to be told. Another highly anticipated title, Resistance: Fall of Man is also confirmed by the developers to support the tilt control feature. These aren’t the only games, there are much more titles slated to feature this, Warhawk, Madden 07, and Resistance is just the commonly known ones. This is going to be one of those features that is left in the developers hands. Sony created a nice concept with this but it is the developers that will either use it or not use it.

http://www.ps3portal.com/ps3/article/462.html
Date Posted: 21 July 2006

 

[Steel X]

I hope that guy is serious about the $600 version having memory card slots for the PS2 memory cards...and if that's the case, I could as well get it ONLY when the price drops.

 

[DefMATRIXense]

I hope that guy is serious about the $600 version having memory card slots for the PS2 memory cards...and if that's the case, I could as well get it ONLY when the price drops.

Yeah, see ya in 3 years.

 

[Blade Runner]

Yeah, see ya in 3 years.

more like 2 if he gets a great high paying job lol.

 

[ZiNg31]

more like 2 if he gets a great high paying job lol.

Prolly 5 years he will be able finally afford it for 100 bucks right after PS4's arrival.

 

[Blade Runner]

Prolly 5 years he will be able finally afford it for 100 bucks right after PS4's arrival.

We don't know if there will be a PS4 because it really depends on how well PS3 will sell for the next five years

 

[Steel X]

PS2 sold pretty well for more than 10 million worldwide in 5 years since October 2000 because it was still affordable, could play PS games, allow PS memory cards, play CDs and even DVDs for only $300 so it was a good deal and I bought that in the summer of 2001. So NOW there is a problem with Sony for this next generation of gaming. Will it STILL be on top of the best selling consoles behind Xbox360 and the Wii? Nintendo has stole the show at E3 this year, and it seems most likely Nintendo would proably return on the throne of the best selling videogames like it used to before Sony came along. It's about $200, and it's only backwards compatiable with gamecube games, including memory card slots for GC, 4 player ports and even the world's favorite motion sensor Wii controller. I wouldnt be surprised of how Wii :Owned: the PS3 when Nintendo boot Sony's ass off the throne and then sits on the throne once again.

 

[Foxrac]

PS2 sold pretty well for more than 10 million worldwide in 5 years since October 2000 because it was still affordable, could play PS games, allow PS memory cards, play CDs and even DVDs for only $300 so it was a good deal and I bought that in the summer of 2001. So NOW there is a problem with Sony for this next generation of gaming. Will it STILL be on top of the best selling consoles behind Xbox360 and the Wii? Nintendo has stole the show at E3 this year, and it seems most likely Nintendo would proably return on the throne of the best selling videogames like it used to before Sony came along. It's about $200, and it's only backwards compatiable with gamecube games, including memory card slots for GC, 4 player ports and even the world's favorite motion sensor Wii controller. I wouldnt be surprised of how Wii :Owned: the PS3 when Nintendo boot Sony's ass off the throne and then sits on the throne once again.

No, PS2 has been sold out for more than $100 million in between 2000-2006.

 

[Foxrac]

I hope that guy is serious about the $600 version having memory card slots for the PS2 memory cards...and if that's the case, I could as well get it ONLY when the price drops.

You misunderstood, he said about transfer from PS2 memory card into memory stick.

 

[Steel X]

Yeah, see ya in 3 years.

You seem to forget the PS2 so fast when it still has plenty of life in it. would still go on for another 5 years.

 

[Foxrac]

You seem to forget the PS2 so fast when it still has plenty of life in it. would still go on for another 5 years.

Nah, new gaming will gonna decline in few years later, like PS1 is died in 2004.

 

[Steel X]

Thats what I'm trying to say.

the orginal PS lived on for ten years while other consoles didnt have that kind of life span for other games to be made for more than 4 or 5 years so from 1994 to 2004 it sure lived a great life for the Playstation and it should do the same for the Playstation 2.

 

[Blade Runner]

Thats what I'm trying to say.

the orginal PS lived on for ten years while other consoles didnt have that kind of life span for other games to be made for more than 4 or 5 years so from 1994 to 2004 it sure lived a great life for the Playstation and it should do the same for the Playstation 2.

Let's compare the Lifespans of the consoles from the past hmm?

NES - 1985 to 1993 - 9 years.

SNES - 1991 to 1996 - 6 years.

PS1 - 1995 -2001 - Six years.

N64 - 1996 - 2001 - 6 years

PS2 - 2001 - 2006 - 6 years

Gamecube - 2001 -2006 - 6 years.

XBOX - 2001 - 2005 - five years.

Steel, have you noticed that the lifespans for the recent consoles has been reduced to 5-6 years? Do you know why? Demand for better graphical technology! That's why.

 

[Steel X]

There will still be more GC and Xbox games coming next year...

 

[Foxrac]

Let's compare the Lifespans of the consoles from the past hmm?

NES - 1985 to 1993 - 9 years.

SNES - 1991 to 1996 - 6 years.

PS1 - 1995 -2001 - Six years.

N64 - 1996 - 2001 - 6 years

PS2 - 2001 - 2006 - 6 years

Gamecube - 2001 -2006 - 6 years.

XBOX - 2001 - 2005 - five years.

Steel, have you noticed that the lifespans for the recent consoles has been reduced to 5-6 years? Do you know why? Demand for better graphical technology! That's why.

It's incorrect...

NES: 1985-1995
SNES: 1991-1999
N64: 1996-2002
PS1: 1995-2006 (End of production in March 2006)

Gamecube, Xbox and PS2 will be contiune to product until few years later but I don't know about Gamecube because N64 is died in several month after Gamecube released.

SNES in Japan is still produect until 2003.

 

[Blade Runner]

It's incorrect...

NES: 1985-1995
SNES: 1991-1999
N64: 1996-2002
PS1: 1995-2006 (End of production in March 2006)

Gamecube, Xbox and PS2 will be contiune to product until few years later but I don't know about Gamecube because N64 is died in several month after Gamecube released.

SNES in Japan is still produect until 2003.

i meant in america, ya know

 

[Steel X]

anyone remembered Conker's bad fur day on N64? yeah, that was one of the last games for the N64 before gamecube came along...lol it was also one of the funniest games ever made too.

 

[Steel X]

http://www.alldeaf.com/showthread.php?t=8197&highlight=playstation+dead

 

[ZiNg31]

Let's compare the Lifespans of the consoles from the past hmm?

NES - 1985 to 1993 - 9 years.

SNES - 1991 to 1996 - 6 years.

PS1 - 1995 -2001 - Six years.

N64 - 1996 - 2001 - 6 years

PS2 - 2001 - 2006 - 6 years

Gamecube - 2001 -2006 - 6 years.

XBOX - 2001 - 2005 - five years.

Steel, have you noticed that the lifespans for the recent consoles has been reduced to 5-6 years? Do you know why? Demand for better graphical technology! That's why.

Your forgot to throw in Xbox 360!

Xbox 360 - 2005 - 2006 - 1 year!

LOL. By the way what about Atari? I have Atari 2600 and it was my first console I ever had when I was about 8 then NES was my 2nd. My Atari 2600 still works! I cherish it, man.