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Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. to Launch Its Next Generation Computer Entertainment System, in Spring 2006 (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050516/sfm178.html?.v=2)
Monday May 16, 7:30 pm ET 
Unrivaled Performance With the Introduction of Cell Processor and Many Advanced Technologies, and Backwards Compatible With PlayStation(R) and PlayStation(R)2


LOS ANGELES, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- At a press conference held in Los Angeles, California, today, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) revealed the outline of its PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) computer entertainment system, incorporating the world's most advanced Cell processor with super computer like power. Prototypes of PS3 will also be showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the world's largest interactive entertainment exhibition held in Los Angeles, from May 18th to 20th.
PS3 combines state-of-the-art technologies featuring Cell, a processor jointly developed by IBM, Sony Group and Toshiba Corporation, graphics processor (RSX) co-developed by NVIDIA Corporation and SCEI, and XDR memory developed by Rambus Inc. It also adopts BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc ROM) with maximum storage capacity of 54 GB (dual layer), enabling delivery of entertainment content in full high-definition (HD) quality, under a secure environment made possible through the most advanced copyright protection technology. To match the accelerating convergence of digital consumer electronics and computer technology, PS3 supports high quality display in resolution of 1080p(*) as standard, which is far superior to 720p/1080i.

With an overwhelming computing power of 2 teraflops, entirely new graphical expressions that have never been seen before will become possible. In games, not only will movement of characters and objects be far more refined and realistic, but landscapes and virtual worlds can also be rendered in real- time, thereby elevating the freedom of graphics expression to levels not experienced in the past. Gamers will literally be able to dive into the realistic world seen in large screen movies and experience the excitement in real-time.

In 1994, SCEI launched the original PlayStation® (PS), followed by PlayStation®2 (PS2) in 2000 and PlayStation®Portable (PSP®) in 2004, every time introducing the latest advancement in technology and bringing innovation to interactive entertainment software creation. Over 13,000 titles have been developed by now, creating a software market that sells more than 250 million copies annually. PS3 offers backward compatibility enabling gamers to enjoy these enormous assets from PS and PS2 platforms.

PlayStation family of products are sold in more than 120 countries and regions around the world. With cumulative shipments reaching more than 102 million for PS and approximately 89 million for PS2, they are the undisputed leaders and have become the standard platform for home entertainment. After 12 years from the introduction of the original PS and 6 years from the launch of PS2, SCEI brings PS3, the newest platform with the most advanced next generation computer entertainment technology.

With the delivery of Cell based development tools that has already begun, development of game titles as well as tools and middleware are in progress. Through collaboration with world's leading tools and middleware companies, SCEI will offer full support to new content creation by providing developers with extensive tools and libraries that will bring out the power of the Cell processor and enable efficient software development.

Preparations are under way for launch of PS3 and new generation software in the spring of 2006.


     (*) 1080p/720p/1080i: "p" stands for progressive scan method, "i" stands
         for interlace method.  1080p is the highest resolution within the HD
         standard.

"SCEI has continuously brought innovation to the world of computer entertainment, such as real-time 3D computer graphics on PlayStation and the world's first 128 bit processor Emotion Engine (EE) for PlayStation 2. Empowered by the Cell processor with super computer like performance, a new age of PLAYSTATION 3 is about to begin. Together with content creators from all over the world, SCEI will accelerate the arrival of a new era in computer entertainment."


    Ken Kutaragi, President and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc..


    Supporting comments from third party developers and publishers
                                       (In alphabetical order of company name)

"With the new generation PlayStation platform, we can create "GUNDAM WORLD" with the quality no one has ever imagined. The philosophy, connecting millions of Cell together, makes reality get closer to the world of SF films. We are delighted to share the vision of Ken, ARCHITECT, Kutaragi."

Shin Unozawa, Managing Director, Leader, Game Software Group, President, Video Game Company, BANDAI CO., LTD.

"The PLAYSTATION 3 has us really excited! So much so in fact that we are already working our hardest to get Devil May Cry 4 out for this new platform. New hardware always yields more options for developers to create exciting and fresh gameplay experiences. I believe that the PS3 is one piece of hardware that will test the mettle of our development team and help us to create some of the most amazing games, limited only by our imagination."

Keiji Inafune, Managing Executive Officer, Research & Development Division,Capcom Co., Ltd.

"Each generation of PlayStation has made a dramatic improvement in how we create and play videogames. PLAYSTATION 3 will be a breakthrough in how the world experiences entertainment. EA is fully aligned with Sony Computer Entertainment -- we share their vision and applaud their success."

Larry Probst, Chairman and CEO, Electronic Arts

"President Kutaragi has thrown down a gauntlet. That gauntlet is called the PLAYSTATION 3. We here at Koei have gladly taken up the challenge, and are striving day and night to take full advantage of all the PS3's new possibilities. Our goal is to combine cutting-edge technology with a full range of artistic expression to deliver the ultimate form of entertainment, and please people everywhere."

Keiko Erikawa, Chairman & C.E.O., KOEI Co., Ltd.

"With the arrival of the next generation computer entertainment system PLAYSTATION 3, I believe it will be possible for graphic expressions, more beautiful than before, to coexist with more deep and evolved game play which utilize the Cell architecture. I also have high expectations for the evolution by the online features that will be enhanced. We will utilize the features of the new platform and will strive to create contents that will bring new excitement for our users world wide, so please have high hopes for Konami."

Kazumi Kitaue, CEO, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc

"Each time SCEI launches a console, the video games business moves to the next level. With PLAYSTATION 3 it looks as if it might be time for interactive entertainment to become, finally, the world's dominant artistic medium."

Sam Houser, President, Rockstar Games (Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.)

"We at Namco have used and will continue to use the advancements in audio- visual technology to deliver games that are not only appealing to the eyes and ears, but that stir emotions, speak to the heart, and remain in players' minds for years to come. We are confident that the PLAYSTATION 3 is an entertainment system that will enable us to do just that."

Shigeru Yokoyama, CT Company President, Namco Ltd.

"Next-generation hardware platforms will enable SEGA to create new game concepts that offer more immersive interactive experiences. SEGA continues to pursue the fusion of creativity and technology by publishing only the best, more innovative content to gamers around the world."


    Hisao Oguchi, President and Chief Operating Officer, SEGA Corporation
"Square Enix is extremely honored to have had the chance to provide you with this technical demonstration of what the Cell processor can bring to the PLAYSTATION 3 and the world of gaming. We are committed to fully backing SCEI's new computer entertainment system and plans to bring the FINAL FANTASY series to the PS3 are just beyond the horizon."

Yoichi Wada, President, SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.

"Ubisoft was one of the first major international developers to have its teams start focusing on next generation consoles. We are looking forward to developing outstanding games on Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s new system. Its powerful features will help take the industry to an even higher level in the very near future."


    Yves Guillemot, President and CEO, Ubisoft


     PLAYSTATION®3 Specifications
     Product name                          PLAYSTATION®3
     Logo                                  PLAYSTATION®3
     CPU                                   Cell Processor
                                              PowerPC-base Core @3.2GHz
                                              1 VMX vector unit per core
                                              512KB L2 cache
                                              7 x SPE @3.2GHz
                                              7 x 128b 128 SIMD GPRs
                                              7 x 256KB SRAM for SPE
                                              * 1 of 8 SPEs reserved for
                                               redundancy
                                              total floating point
                                               performance: 218 GFLOPS
     GPU                                   RSX @550MHz
                                              1.8 TFLOPS floating point
                                               performance
                                              Full HD (up to 1080p) x 2
                                               channels
                                              Multi-way programmable parallel
                                               floating point shader
                                               pipelines
     Sound                                 Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc. (Cell-
                                            base processing)
     Memory                                256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz
                                           256MB GDDR3 VRAM @700MHz
     System Bandwidth                      Main RAM    25.6GB/s
                                           VRAM        22.4GB/s
                                           RSX         20GB/s (write) + 15GB/s
                                                        (read)
                                           SB          2.5GB/s (write) +
                                                        2.5GB/s (read)
     System Floating Point Performance     2 TFLOPS
     Storage         HDD                   Detachable 2.5" HDD slot x 1
     I/O             USB                   Front x 4, Rear x 2 (USB2.0)
                     Memory Stick          standard/Duo, PRO x 1
                     SD                    standard/mini x 1
                     CompactFlash          (Type I, II) x 1
     Communication   Ethernet              (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
                                            x 3 (input x 1 + output x 2)
                     Wi-Fi                 IEEE 802.11 b/g
                     Bluetooth             Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
     Controller                            Bluetooth (up to 7)
                                           USB2.0 (wired)
                                           Wi-Fi (PSP®)
                                           Network (over IP)
     AV Output                             Screen size      480i, 480p, 720p,
                                                             1080i, 1080p
                                           HDMI             HDMI out x 2
                                           Analog           AV MULTI OUT x 1
                                           Digital audio    DIGITAL OUT
                                                             (OPTICAL) x 1
     Disc media     CD                     PlayStation®   CD-ROM
     * read only                           PlayStation®2  CD-ROM
                                           CD-DA            CD-DA (ROM), CD-R,
                                                             CD-RW
                                           SACD             SACD Hybrid (CD
                                                             layer), SACD HD
                                           DualDisc         DualDisc (audio
                                                             side), DualDisc
                                                             (DVD side)
                    DVD                    PlayStation®2  DVD-ROM
                                           PLAYSTATION®3  DVD-ROM
                                           DVD-Video        DVD-ROM, DVD-R,
                                                             DVD-RW, DVD+R,
                                                             DVD+RW
                    Blu-ray Disc           PLAYSTATION®3  BD-ROM
                                           BD-Video         BD-ROM, BD-R,
                                                             BD-RE


    About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Portable (PSP®) handheld entertainment system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.


     * Storage media (HDD, "Memory Stick", SD memory card, and CompactFlash)
       are sold separately.
     * "Dolby" is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
     * "DTS" is a trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
     * "CompactFlash" is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
     * "HDMI" is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC.
     * "Blu-ray Disc" is a trademark.
     * "Bluetooth" is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
     * All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

     * "Memory Stick" and "Memory Stick PRO" are trademarks of Sony
       Corporation.
     * "PlayStation", the PlayStation logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks
       of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

    Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Controller                             Bluetooth (up to 7)
                                           USB2.0 (wired)
                                          Wi-Fi (PSP®)
                                           Network (over IP)

GPU                                        RSX @550MHz
                                              1.8 TFLOPS floating point
                                               performance
                                               Full HD (up to 1080p) x 2
                                               channels
[...]
AV Output                             Screen size      480i, 480p, 720p,
                                                                 1080i, 1080p
                                            HDMI             HDMI out x 2

I'm very glad to see better high-def resolutions on both the PS3 and Xbox 360, but these higher resolutions come at a price.

Every game worth talking about has frame rate issues - the developers have to optimize the hell out of their code to meet their FPS target (60 FPS or 30 FPS).  Games barely meet these speed targets at the standard resolutions (512x448 for PS2 and 640x480 for Xbox).  Switching to a high-def mode ups the resolution to as much as 1920x1080, which of course kills the game's framerate on current generation hardware.

In fact, it will kill the game's framerate on next-gen hardware too.  1920x1080 is approximately TEN TIMES as many pixels as 512x448.  PS3 games will struggle with framerate just as much as PS2, PS1, and N64 games did because developers are always trying to max out the hardware.  Developers will optimize the game for the standard resolution, not the high-def resolution.

So even though our fancy-schmancy PS3 games will support 1080p, no one will want to actually run at that resolution because of the noticable drop in framerate.

What the heck does that (the bolded items) mean? Is the PS3 going to support dual-screen output? Holy moley!

http://anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=2417&p=5

The two important pictures:

I don't want to have to buy a Sony system to get the best games....

256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz

I look at stuff like this and I just can't roll my eyes hard enough.


 :roll: :roll: :roll:

..  I don't see a remote power switch, though.

Glad I'm not the only one jonesing for one of those.

What is the point of a wireless controller, if you still have to walk up to your tv to turn on your console.

Are you saying that this is not the current state of consoles?  Even if you like Halo[2] a whole lot, I don't think you can piss on the PS library.

Oh, but I think I CAN piss on the current Sony library. When I owned a PS2, I had all of ~5 games for it, because I DID NOT LIKE the rest of the library.

As usual, "best" is rather subjective.

I stand corrected.  Piss away, sir.  Hopefully those five Sony games were something non-shitty, but I'm not here to tell people what they should like and dislike.

Doesn't the charter for this site specifically state that it is here to tell people what they should and shouldn't like?

Honestly though, there's not a whole lot of games on the PS2 that I could justify buying a PS2 for .. like Strazos said, if you have an XBox a lot of the games for PS2 are also out on XBox. There are a few that are only for PS2, but it doesn't seem like there is enough. If someone wants to list all the good" games for PS2, I'd bet a good 3/4ths of them are also on the XBox.

Bushido Blade is the best vs fighting game ever made.  End of discussion.
Vagrant Story is an all-around fantastic CRPG, not at all like Final Fantasy despite being Square.  Somewhat like FF Tactics, but one character.  Style and substance in spades.
Twisted Metal 1 and Black define car combat.  Hours of fun in my house.
LaPucelle, Disgaea and Phantom Brave, if you thought Final Fantasy Tactics was a simple, shallow game.
Final Fantasy Tactics is also PS-only, I believe.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.  Some people like it.
Dark Cloud 2 is like four or five games in one.
Katamari Damacy.

I don't see a remote power switch, though.

If you want deep tactics, pick up Dai Senryaku VII for the xbox. It makes the NIS stuff look like a joke (Forgot to mention, Stella Deus is Final Fantasy Tactics reborn, if you have a PS2 and like Tactics, just buy it)

I'll check that out.  I have a thing for headbending game mechanics.

I'll be getting all three consoles as well and I don't want to come off as defending a console or something else asinine.  I mostly just want people to be aware of what's out there so they can make informed decisions.

I'm wondering if that switch acts as sort of a master kill switch.  My surround sound works like that - there's a toggle power switch in the back, where turning it on only means that it will have enough power to run the IR port.  You still have to hit "power" on the remote (or the box) to actually turn the sound on.  I say that, because it seems more than a little short sighted to put the only power switch in the BACK of the unit.

I'll check that out.  I have a thing for headbending game mechanics.

I'll be getting all three consoles as well and I don't want to come off as defending a console or something else asinine.  I mostly just want people to be aware of what's out there so they can make informed decisions.

wireless movies/pics/music off my comp to my surround sound

Bah, get with the times, man. Your pc should be hooked up to your surround receiver! And that sweet, sweet hdtv/projector you know you want.

:)

But I also have an airplane engine for a computer and like to keep it away from the rest of my entertainment for sanity (sound) reasons.

But I also have an airplane engine for a computer and like to keep it away from the rest of my entertainment for sanity (sound) reasons.

PS3 Videos Possibly Pre-rendered
Controversy erupts over Sony press conference.
by Garnett Lee, 05/18/2005    
67 of 78 users recommended this story.
The past 24 hours have been an emotional roller coaster ride for game fans anxiously waiting the PS3. At its press conference Sony thrilled the crowd with videos that definitely said "next generation". To an audience eagerly hoping to be blown away it was like a nuclear bomb went off and they ate it up. It was a powerful shot across the bow of the other contenders in the escalating console wars, but was it real?

Before sunrise today a spark of doubt was smoldering. It caught fire by the end of the day. In the midst of the storm brewing this morning a poster identifying himself as Epic's Mark Rein posted to the Voodooextreme forums talking about the videos seen at the conference. While he did preface his comments saying that everything he saw looked perfectly achievable, he clearly said that he had seen the three or four times during rehearsals and only Sony first-party, Epic and EA demos were running in real-time on the PS3.

Of course that meant that the darling of the presentation, Killzone 2, was CG. It also meant that the hardware might not be light-years beyond the competition. After all, that left the Unreal tech demo as the best looking game running real time; more or less the same as the very Gears of War Microsoft used to show off the Xbox 360. That kicked off a cascade of people reviewing what they'd seen with a more critical eye.

The consensus coming out is that the scenes are in fact pre-rendered material. Some of the signs that point to that are the extreme particle effects and tightly choreographed shots. On the other hand, our own John Davidson has it direct from Sony contacts that "just about all of it" was "real".

As our friend Fox used to be prone to saying, "the truth is out there." What we're wondering is how much it really matters at this point. Hardware is still a long way off and developers will be making the usual enormous strides in quality over the final few months -- Sony, Microsoft and when the time comes Nintendo. For now the one thing certain is they served their purpose. Sony has put the contenders on notice; it isn't coming to this generation resting on its laurels.

sony - where hath your integrity gone?

Sony, poor sony - where hath your integrity gone? (if you ever had any to begin with)

Didn't the Xbox have problems like that around release? Doctored screenshots and the like?

Ayup. First thing I did after getting the tv was spec out a new pc with far quieter cooling. I didn't go liquid, just 120mm fans set up strategically, I forget if the cpu fan is 120mm or 90mm, but a big fan on a honkin huge copper finned HS. It's not /silent/, but it's certainly quiet enough to fade into the background, I watch movies on it and don't notice it in silent scenes.

My last pc almost went out the window, it was somewhere between leafblower and jet ski in intensity and pitch.

Didn't the Xbox have problems like that around release? Doctored screenshots and the like?

Sounds very similar to what I'm running now.

Zalman 120mm on the cpu surrounded by a giant copper flower of a heatsink, and two more 120mm's running in the antec case.