Sony Computer Ent. America (SCEA) announced that it would release PlayStation 3 (PS3) in North America on Nov.17. There will be two versions: The low-end model (with 20GB internal hard drive but no HDMI output) will retail for $499; the high-end model (with 60GB internal hard drive) will retail for $599). Both models will take advantage of the new Blu-ray disc platform for the next-generation in high-def DVD home entertainment.
Another wrinkle is that the new PS3 will offer a motion-sensing game controller featuring a highly sensitive six-axis system capable of processing all parameters within the controller itself, eliminating the need for any additional settings on the display system. By applying this technology, it will become possible to freely control the PS3 system over the network.
PS3 is the most advanced and expensive console, realized through the combination of Cell and RSX processors, in addition to the playability of a vast catalog of PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software titles.
Having Giga-bit Ethernet and a pre-installed hard disk drive (HDD) as standard in PS3, users will be able to download a variety of content as well as access online games and services over the network.
Equipped with basic input/output ports, PS3 supports a broad range of displays from conventional NTSC/PAL standard TVs to the latest full HD (1080i/1080p) flat panel displays. For use in living rooms, maximum heat and noise reduction has been achieved with a noise level equivalent to that of the current slim-line PlayStation 2.
With the overwhelming computational power of the Cell processor, PS3 is capable of playing back content from Blu-ray disc at a bit rate of multiplex 48Mbps with ease, the maximum bit rate defined in Blu-ray standards.
Based in Foster City, California, Sony Computer Ent. America Inc. (www.us.playstation.com) serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Ent. Inc.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
