Ken Kutaragi sez: I "promise" an AV-centric PS3
By Thomas Ricker 
posted Dec 20th 2006 3:59AM
posted Dec 20th 2006 3:59AM
This just in from our Tokyo bureau: according to an interview conducted by Japan's Impress, Sony's Ken Kutaragi has gone on record with a "promise" for what he's calling an AV-centric PS3. In other words, audio and video capabilities first, gaming second (if at all), in a device built around the Cell-processor platform. Ken says that the device would certainly be more expensive, reflecting the prices and margins expected on high-end consumer electronic devices such as TVs, Blu-ray personal video recorders, etc. -- not the relatively cheap, but powerful gaming rigs sold at a loss under Sony's Computer Entertainment division. Impress speculates that the device could cost as much as ¥300,000 or about $2,500. The new Sony-branded living room box would, in Ken's (translated) words, "be a standard AV component sized box with a more powerful, power supply unit, anti-shake insulator, twice the main memory, and 2x HDMI to split sound and video output." More Cell-processor devices in the living room? We say bring it, Sony.[Via Engadget Japan]
How the Hell could they actually deliver that? They can't even fully supply the Blue Laser diodes needed for their existing product line and now they are going to increase their product line to use 2 components that the PS3 needs. I would focus on getting one thing done first then move on.
I thought an AV centric PS3 would be one that works on all hdtv's. Nope, just a more expensive PS3 in a bigger box. They need to fix that 1080i problem first.
"...not the relatively cheap, but powerful gaming rigs sold at a loss under Sony's Computer Entertainment division"
The PStwo is pure profit, thanks... it didnt start that way either.
"2x HDMI to split sound and video output"
Um.. Isn't that the whole idea of HDMI is that you only need one cable to carry all of that?
Some one who will drop 2500 into a super PS3 won't want to run the HDMI through their receiver. Instead they will want to send the video straight to the display or to their expensive video scaler. Essentially simplifying their video chain by one fewer link (video chain only as strong as its weakest link).
They will want HDMI audio instead of toslink or similar because the next generation codecs can't be sent via toslink/digital coax due to copy protection concerns. In lieu of a second HDMI they might accept 7.1 analog outputs.
AV centric PS3? Isn't that what's already on the shelof? I mean, all it's currently good for is Blu Ray movies.. since the games suck.
Didn't they already do that with the PS2? Wasn't it a complete and utter failure too?
Yup all i have to say is look at the PSX.
I think that while a personal computer is the main residence of most people's digital media libraries, I think that Sony aims to sneak into that market... not through their Vaios but through the PS3 and probably its successors.
I appreciate the PS3 much more as a media machine that a gaming machine because of how much capability it offers in such a pretty package for (yeah I am going to say it) a pretty affordable price.
I mean face it... you know you are not going to get a standalone Blu-Ray player for much less than that. I think Sony, as arrogant as they seem , have planned this out for a long time as to how this should affect peoples lives.
You are able to buy
1. A Blu-Ray player (that is able to rip Blu Ray discs in Linux as you may have heard.)
2. A pretty killer gaming platform with some great games on the way.
3. A personal computer capable of running Linux and braodband internet capability.
4. HDMI 1.3 and digital optical audio interfaces.
5. And more.
So I think It is a great machine to occupy your digital entertainment in the living room, for sure.
The new Sony-branded living room box would, in Ken's (translated) words, "be a standard AV component sized box with a more powerful, power supply unit, anti-shake insulator, twice the main memory, and 2x HDMI to split sound and video output."
Lots of useful new features. Not.
Is there anyone left that beleives a word these jokers say?
who in the hell is guna pay for another version for 2500 for that.
Its an outstanding machine, but if SONY cant provide enough lasers for the PS3's now, whats the point of making a more powerfull system that uses 2. Its going to cut the number of systems they make in half or even more.
No one cares about that; people will just make higher profit margins on eBay.
that thing is enormous! I'd swear that thing is a joke, but knowing Sony, they're serious. Seriously out of thier minds.
Bro, the picture is a chop that has been across the net and back for 6 months.