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

July 13, 2011 By Ryan Fleming

A leaked document states that upcoming batches of PS3s will only display HD games and movies via an HDMI cable, not the component cables.

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.

Showing 6 comments

Bernd Currie at 12:01am 14th July 2011 obsolete
Akio Strasser at 10:41pm 13th July 2011 There go potential customers on older HDTV's without HDMI. Nice Sony ;)
Tim Bledsoe at 10:39pm 13th July 2011 Unless you have a TV that only supports component, Tonio.
Tonio Johnson at 10:25pm 13th July 2011 Lol HDMI cables are so cheap now that this shouldn't even be a big deal. Thinking about it, it's kinda smart because HD playback through the composite cables would screw up video if you hooked a PS3 up to a tv that doesn't support HD output.
Danny Lazerbean at 10:15pm 13th July 2011 so.... ummm who cares?
Ian Bell at 1:39pm 13th July 2011 I feel sorry for people with older sets, they are getting forced to upgrade. But if they can afford a new PS3, it's probably time they upgrade their TV, especially if they want to watch Blu-ray movies in 1080P (which require an HDMI cable anyways).