The next batch of PS3s will not support HD playback through the component cables (Updated)

By Ryan Fleming July 13, 2011

If you are a diehard PS3 fan with an older TV, you may want to hold onto that console for as long as possible. A new report from Kotaku claims that the new PS3s will only display HD games and movies via HDMI, not the component cables which will still be included.

If the tipster that spoke to Kotaku is correct, the replacement model for the 160GB PS3 will switch over to what is called the “K chassis,” and will ship to retailers next week. This will either mean nothing or everything to you depending on your TV.

The argument over the HD digital output of HDMI versus the analog display of component cables has raged since the formats first went head to head. Most would argue that the difference is almost negligible, while audio and video purists will almost certainly flock to the digital of HDMI. Regardless, the issue isn’t the quality of the signal, it is Sony deciding to essentially do away with one of them. New PS3 purchasers will still be able to connect their consoles via component connections, but those connections will no longer support HD playback.

While it might seem odd that Sony, after taking a beating in the public relations department following the hack-mageddon, the move may have to do with new AACS standards, which are intended to increase copyright protection on HD video. The standards are not required on devices until December of 2013, but Sony may be getting a jump on it now.

While this news may not please people with older TVs, there is one group that should be happy with the change–retailers that will be able to up-sale an HDMI cable.

Current PS3 owners will be unaffected by the change, and HD playback through component cables will remain.

Updated: Sony has spoken with Ars Technica regarding the “K Chassis.” According to the new report, the new PS3 models will still retain HD game and streaming video playback through composite cables, but blu-ray movies will require an HDMI cable. This change has been made in accord with the new AACS Standards.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…

Gaming

BlizzCon 2024 is not happening despite Blizzard’s strong 2024 lineup

A still from World of Warcraft The Worldsoul Saga's reveal tralier.

World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch maker Blizzard Entertainment confirmed that BlizzCon 2024 will not be happening.

BlizzCon was a convention that Blizzard Entertainment held almost every year between 2005 and 2019 to celebrate its games and make new announcements. The pandemic and hostile workplace allegations against Blizzard meant that no shows were held in 2020 or 2022 (2021 was digital-only), but BlizzCon made its grand return in 2023. We attended it last November and had the opportunity to speak with developers and learn more about Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer's first visit to Blizzard, upcoming plans for franchises like Diablo and Warcraft, and more. Although Blizzard never outright confirmed that it would hold BlizzCon in 2024, the event was expected to continue after its return last year.

Gaming

How to unlock fast travel in Another Crab’s Treasure

Kril with a coconut shell

Another Crab's Treasure is a fantastical soulslike set deep under the ocean where danger lurks around every corner. And like other games in the genre, it's often brutally difficult to overcome the various challenges you'll encounter. As such, you may find yourself wanting to backtrack for level grinding, to uncover new secrets, or to buy additional items in the game's main hub. However, you may notice early in the game that you haven't yet unlocked the ability to fast travel between the multitude of Moon Snail Shells (aka "bonfires") you've found. Here's how and when you'll unlock fast travel.
How to unlock fast travel
In the opening hours of the game, you may notice that you can access your skill tree, which will show a skill called Shelleportation. But you may be discouraged to see that you aren't able to apply any points to it yet. That's because the game doesn't open up this feature until you've advanced a few hours into the story.

To unlock fast travel, you'll need to work your way through the first few main areas of the game until you reach a boss called the Polluted Platoon Pathfinder. After beating this baddie, you'll soon find yourself teleporting to the Moon Snail's Domain. Here, you'll learn about the power of Umami, as well as unlock access to your skill tree.

Gaming

Best gaming chair deals: Save on Corsair, Razer, and more

Razer - Iskur Gaming Chair.

Sitting down to play video games for hours and hours can be a lot of fun, but it can also be pretty bad for your health. Beyond just the lack of circulation, most modern chairs are not really made to have us sit in them for long periods, and so they don't offer things like lumbar support or breath to help keep us cool. Luckily, gaming chairs have come to the rescue, and if you're looking to at least help keep your body safe and healthy, going for a gaming chair can make a big difference. That said, gaming chairs can be quite expensive, which is why we've gone out and found some of our favorite gaming chair deals for you to pick from.
Homall Massage Gaming Chair -- $85, was $170

The Homall Massage Gaming Chair is affordable, but it will get the job done of keeping you comfortable while playing video games with its ergonomic design and high-quality PU leather materials. It's got head and waist pillows with a massage function that sets it apart from other cheap gaming chairs. The backrest can recline between 90 degrees and 180 degrees so you can find the perfect angle, and it also has a retractable footrest for an extra sitting position.