A problem with PS3's 2 SKUs

[Shifty Geezer]

With XB360 you can upgarde to the full spec, so if you buy the Basic package, for a price, you can have the full package. In PS3's case, if this isn't an option, how many of which type of units do Sony produce? If everyone wants BRD playback the low-cost solution will sit unsold. Without an upgrade path, buying into entry level PS3 is a bit of a risk

 

[inefficient]

I'm sure you could add a wifi USB accessory if you really wanted. I guess it's really just the HDMI part that is not upgradable from the "core" model.

It really is odd that HDMI is not there on the cheap one. Is it really that expensive to add? When I first heard the news I thought that for sure they meant only 1 HDMI on the base model and +1 extra for the full version bring the number of outputs to the promised 2.

 

[rabidrabbit]

The only risk seems to be the apparently missing HDMI port.

You might be able to upgrade the HDD to a bigger one as ther is a visible port on the bottom of the machine where it might be replacable.

The cheaper SKU still has the Gigabit Ethernet port, but not inbuilt Wi-Fi.
If you plan to connect the PS3 primarily through wireless, or use the PSP/ PS3 interoperability wirelessly, you either buy the $599 SKU or the $499 and a $50-$100 Wireless Ethernet Convertor from any manufacturer.
I'm not sure a WiFi USB dongle will work, as it would need specific drivers, one does not work with the PS2 as far as I know.

If you don't have a HD display, or are not planning to get one soon, I see little risk in buying the cheaper SKU (I see little sense in it, as it's only $100 buit that's not the point).

 

[cthellis42]

Unfortunately either way you do things, it throws retailers off, promotes confusion and causes "lowest common denominator" syndrome... But Sony certainly seems to have gone in a weird route.

I suppose it doesn't, but it sure feels like they couldn't be saving enough money by not including a few chips and ports to spend extra on separate production lines, a different case mold, extra distribution headaches...

The PSP is a fine take on "separate SKU's that won't ultimately affect the consumer technically." I have no idea why they would choose this route with the PS3.

 

[Paul_G]

Do we know if the HDD is upgradable as is the case with the 360 or if it's fixed yet, reading the other thread, i don't feel i got a clear answer. Whatever the case, that is only one part of the issue, the base box lacks wi-fi and HDMI, both components that cannot be added later, wi-fi may not matter, but HDMI could be crucial if playing certain movies in high def demands that port.

I think initially there will be many more $599 packs than $499, all the fans will buy no matter what the price, but IMO that will be reversed soon after launch, when the mainstream require something lower priced.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

That's true, it is only the HDMI that (presumably) can't be added. Cheesy USB devices could make up for the other missing functionality.

As for 'lowest common denominator', the two systems aren't different in terms of development, unless you want to make more use of HDD space than the 20 GB has available. I don't think devs will lament the lack of CF support for example. There is a difference there between XB360, which has no HDD and +HDD varieties.

Edit : I thought the HDD was user upgradeable.

 

[expletive]

Edit : I thought the HDD was user upgradeable.

Well Kaz said 'removeable' which i take as 'upgradeable'.

I think its important to understand what no HDMI actually means to functionality, primarily for the BR playback. Obviously it wont be able to upconvert current DVDs to HD resolutions but beyond that, whats the deal?

 

[NANOTEC]

Well Kaz said 'removeable' which i take as 'upgradeable'.

I think its important to understand what no HDMI actually means to functionality, primarily for the BR playback. Obviously it wont be able to upconvert current DVDs to HD resolutions but beyond that, whats the deal?

No DD Plus, Dolby TrueHD, or DTS-HD.

 

[expletive]

No DD Plus, Dolby TrueHD, or DTS-HD.

Good point, what about the status of studios and ICT on BR? I know Sony said they wont use them, whats about the rest of the studios?

 

[inefficient]

I think its safe to say that the vast majority of households do not have HDMI equip TVs. Hell, the vast majority of consumers probably dont even know what HDMI is.

Leaving out Wifi was probably I would have to agree was probably a smart move. I think that by far the majority would have no idea how to use it. And it would have just been a cost burden.

Still leaving out both and still comming up with a $500 price tag seems a bit high. I guess Sony knows that they will sell every single console they can put out there for at least the first few months anyway. So I guess as they say the high price is just some kind of geek tax.

 

[inefficient]

No DD Plus, Dolby TrueHD, or DTS-HD.

Those who are willing to drop the dime on a high end stereo system are not the target audience of the budget model.

 

[avaya]

Good point, what about the status of studios and ICT on BR? I know Sony said they wont use them, whats about the rest of the studios?

Time-Warner looks like the only one looking to use ICT.

 

[habbe]

Is it confirmed that it is not possible to uppgrade the 20gig SKU with Hdmi ?.

It just seems wrong... Is there any information on the Multi AV interface and if it can carry hdmi signals ?.

 

[NANOTEC]

Those who are willing to drop the dime on a high end stereo system are not the target audience of the budget model.

It doesn't matter who it's targeted at. What matters is that people who buy the lowend model cannot upgrade to HDMI.

 

[supervegeta]

It just seems wrong... Is there any information on the Multi AV interface and if it can carry hdmi signals ?.

Obviously yes, if it is planned for the multiAV port can carry any signal, you just need to buy the right cable, just like you can buy the comnponent cable or the vga cable.

This is the most logical solution, adding an additional external hdmi output is more expansive , no one said that you can't just buy an hdmi cable for the base Ps3 model.

 

[NANOTEC]

Utter bullshit, you will be able to buy an hdmi calbe if you want , the ps3 base model just don't have an external hdmi connector.

You know this for a fact?

Obviously yes, if it is planned for the multiAV port can carry any signal, you just need to buy the right cable, just like you can buy the comnponent cable or the vga cable.

This is the most logical solution, adding an additional external hdmi output is more expansive, and no one said that you can't just buy an hdmi cable for the base Ps3 model.

The HDMI connector doesn't cost that much money. Probably like 50 cents. You still need HDCP at the digital output whether its a MultiAV or not. So even if they sell a HDMI dongle they would still need the HDCP circuitry on the console which doesn't make much sense when the HDMI connector is so cheap. In other words you need the HDCP chip either way so removing the HDMI connector doesn't really do much but make consumers angry.

 

[Farid]

Thread Pruned

Keep on topic, folks. Do not start a circular arguments fest, please.

And on topic, I must say, and repeat, the non HDMI model is a really stupid move.

 

[Acert93]

Then why did SONY remove a 50 cent connector?

Good question. It has long been argued the extra ports were next to nothing in cost. Which raises the question: Where are the extra Ethernet ports and why were the "cheap" media card slots removed on the 20GB SKU? Either margins are super tight, or these ports/support in silicon are more expensive than commonly thought

 

[supervegeta]

The HDMI connector doesn't cost that much money. Probably like 50 cents. You still need HDCP at the digital output whether its a MultiAV or not. So even if they sell a HDMI dongle they would still need the HDCP circuitry on the console which doesn't make much sense when the HDMI connector is so cheap. In other words you need the HDCP chip either way so removing the HDMI connector doesn't really do much but make consumers angry.

The HDCP chip will be in the ps3 core model also, it just will not have an external hdmi port, if you want it you have to buy an additional HDMI cable.

 

[avaya]

Good question. It has long been argued the extra ports were next to nothing in cost. Which raises the question: Where are the extra Ethernet ports and why were the "cheap" media card slots removed on the 20GB SKU? Either margins are super tight, or these ports/support in silicon are more expensive than commonly thought

I would think cooling was a factor here. If you look at the vents...maybe a lot of these were removed to aid cooling.