Is it worth it to buy a PS3 now?

[Invisible Crane]

I've wanted a PS3 for a while now, problem is not nessessarilly the choice of games, but more of how many different versions of the console are Sony going to do before they just stick with one

[ADC]

I'd say wait, but that's just looking at the PS3 as a games machine. If you are in it for the BD player as well, or for DVD up-conversion, then that might give you a reason to go for it. Of course, I, who have no use for it as a games machine nor as a BD/DVD player, am biased.

[Fudce]

You really need to ask yourself:
- Why do I want it?
- What games will I buy for it?
- Will I use the Backwards Compatibility?

If you can't think of why you want it, don't get it. Simple as that. The same goes with games, if you can't think of many games you want for the console, don't bother. It's called a games console for a reason.
As for the third question... if you do decide to get one, consider paying the bit more to get a 60G model rather than a 40G one if you have any plans on playing PS2 games on it. Sure, the compatibility isn't perfect, but it's better than no compatibility :D

[SpaceButler]

I sold my PS3. I think it's junk. So my answer is no.

[Citizen Klaus]

I've wanted a PS3 for a while now, problem is not nessessarilly the choice of games, but more of how many different versions of the console are Sony going to do before they just stick with one

If past PlayStations are any indication, Sony will keep releasing new versions of the console every 3 years or so until they decide it's time for the platform to die.

So really, if you want one now, might as well get it, if that's your only concern.

[WRX]

If you're buying one to play PS3 games, not really. There are only a couple PS3 exclusive titles that are worthwhile right now. If a title isn't exclusive, it's more of a reason to get a X360 than a PS3.

Personally, if there aren't any PS3 games that you're interested in yet, I wouldn't bother. I end up using my PS3 as a DVD player more than a game system.

[Skywise]

The PS3 is a bit anemic for good new games right now, but I bought one for several reasons:

- BD player
- good upscaling DVD player
- media client
- plays PS1/PS2 games
- internet connectivity/picture slideshows etc

Gone are the days when games consoles were just for games, and the PS3 is an excellent example of that. The Xbox360 also has some of the same functionality. So what remains if you compare them, is xbox games vs playstation games, and BD vs HD DVD. Choose depending on which ones are more important to you. I play mostly RPGs and watch BDs, so for me the PS3 was a no-brainer. Knowing that the Japanese developers are committed to it helps.

As to whether now is the right time, it depends on what you want to use it for. It's not really the right time if you want to use it solely for PS3 games, but if you want it for the other things, sure. I use mine every day.

There will be further price drops in the future. The RSX graphics chip for instance still uses 90nm so Sony can shrink that and further reduce costs. Hard drive sizes will most likely increase as manufacturers stop making the small drives and volume pricing gives them better deals on bigger ones. They may make a wireless n version at some point too. The basic features will remain the same, but technology improves. I do figure we won't see another price drop until summer, with March/April at the earliest. It all depends on the development time and what kind of pricing moves Sony sees as necessary to meet their goals, which may include subsidizing the console further to increase market share.

[Sensuifu]

The PS3 is a bit anemic for good new games right now, but I bought one for several reasons:

- good upscaling DVD player

never even considered it for upscaling before 1.80 and not as a selling point when I bought it. Nonetheless, I'm glad it turned out to be one of the better upscaling players after the updates.

[juliant59]

I'll just say I'm glad I got a 60 GB PS3. I can play PS2 games if need be, and PS3 games as well. I don't need to pay a subscription to play my games online unlike 360. For those saying that there are no games where have you been! There are lots of games out or coming out by the end of November. I know most are not exclusive but hey they are still on the system. None of you have played Warhawk, Ratchet, Heavenly Sword, heck I hear even Eye of Judgment is good if your a card game lover. Still got Uncharted, Rock Band and hopefully Haze is good as well. Next year gonna rock as well. Plus those that want to play MGS 4 will have to do it on a PS3. I am more than pleased with my PS3 purchase :). I say if you want it go for it.

[Fudce]

Personally (before was me advising you) I love my PS3. Out of my two 'current gen' consoles, its the one I have the most games for, and turn on almost daily.

In comparison, I haven't turned my Wii on since August. I haven't found games I want for it, and any game I do want for it is either delayed or unconfirmed for UK.

[lostnomad84]

I just got a 60 GB PS3. I decided to buy it because of 2 reasons, 1) my 360 died on me again, 2) the 60GB are about to be gone for good and I don't like features like backwards compatibility to be cut from a product. Having said that, the PS3 is a beautiful piece of hardware and a great multimedia device. The games are definitely lacking in comparison to the 360 and the Playstation Network is a poor substitute for XBox Live. I really don't believe the PS3's network will ever be anything like XBox Live, but when it comes to the games, I think Sony is finally starting to get their butt in gear. There are some impressive titles coming out for the unit and they are even exclusives! I think games will have a brighter future with the recent spike in purchases in the PS3 (too early to call it a trend) will drive developers to invest in making games for the unit.

However, right now if you want a gaming machine, get the 360. If you want a machine that is fun for the whole family and offers great classics, get a Wii. If you want a machine that offers a great multimedia experience, get a PS3.

I've wanted a PS3 for a while now, problem is not nessessarilly the choice of games, but more of how many different versions of the console are Sony going to do before they just stick with one

Sony made a terrible, terrible mistake in believing gamers would choose the Playstation brand, over Nintendo and Microsoft, when the console launched over a year ago. Sony has realized this mistake and has done a lot to drop the price of that console, which has resulted in the multiple SKUs. It isn't the wisest thing to confuse the customer like that to constantly release a new console package multiple times over a year. However, I think Sony appears to be satisfied with the 40 GB's price point and it's sales at the moment, so I doubt they will release a unit any lower in price for a while. Sony may release different SKU's to entice people to buy a PS3, but if you buy a unit now, the differences will not be that drastic any more.

[ADC]

Gone are the days when games consoles were just for games …
The worldwide top-selling handheld and set-top for Generation 7 are games machines. No BD, HDDVD, DVD, UMD, or anything else ending in D. Well, that's not true, since the handheld games come on "card"s. Still, I call BS.

I also would note, as I've done before, that if you want the best compatibility with PS One and PS2 games, you aren't going to find it on the PS3, whether it's the EE/GS 60-GB model, the GS-only 80-GB model, or the nerfed 40-GB model. You need a PS2. Sucks but true. There's no true need to pay for backward compatibility when its effectiveness varies by title, even on the "fully" compatible EE/GS 60-GB model.

[Suwako Moriya]

As for the third question... if you do decide to get one, consider paying the bit more to get a 60G model rather than a 40G one if you have any plans on playing PS2 games on it. Sure, the compatibility isn't perfect, but it's better than no compatibility :D

I'm not sure if/when I'll ever get a PS3 myself. However I'd be tempted just to get the 40G and solve the BC issue by way of an insane idea. Using the PS2 I already have to play PS1/PS2 games. It may be odd, but it just might work. Besides knowing my luck, I'll probably own and want to play the games that compatibility issues.

However given how things are currently I'll be surprised if I even attempt for one before 2009 and that's being ultra optimistic that certain games will come out for it, things will be better for me, there will be price drops, and delicious grapes will fall from the sky.

[Suwako Moriya]

Personally (before was me advising you) I love my PS3. Out of my two 'current gen' consoles, its the one I have the most games for, and turn on almost daily.

In comparison, I haven't turned my Wii on since August.

Makes me wonder how it would be for me. I do know I play the PS2 way more than the Gamecube. Stil as one who owns neither system, I can only view the Wii as more affordable and the PS3 as actually findable. Sure I could find games for both systems I'd want, but it's a matter of faith that those choices will make the given system worth.

Still one thing I wonder is this. Does one really have to upgrade to an HD TV to enjoy the PS3? Part of the problem is I play on a 4:3 TV and if I have to get an HD TV to be able to enjoy a PS3 that only makes it even less affordable than it already is.

[Skywise]

Gone are the days when games consoles were just for games …
The worldwide top-selling handheld and set-top for Generation 7 are games machines. No BD, HDDVD, DVD, UMD, or anything else ending in D. Well, that's not true, since the handheld games come on "card"s. Still, I call BS.


If you mean the Wii and DS, fine - I'll give you they're the top selling right now. Even the Wii has a basic web browser, and for the DS you have software like dictionaries etc. However, it can certainly be argued that Nintendo is rather backwards technology wise. The Wii is also aimed at a different segment of the gaming market than the 360 and PS3. Buying a 360 or PS3 for their other capabilities instead of just the games, is also very much a valid choice. I call BS on you calling BS :P . This isn't about console wars - it's about personal choice, and like it or not the games are only a part of that choice for many people. If it weren't for homebrew and the multimedia capabilities of the PSP for instance, it would be selling far less than it has today.


I also would note, as I've done before, that if you want the best compatibility with PS One and PS2 games, you aren't going to find it on the PS3, whether it's the EE/GS 60-GB model, the GS-only 80-GB model, or the nerfed 40-GB model. You need a PS2. Sucks but true. There's no true need to pay for backward compatibility when its effectiveness varies by title, even on the "fully" compatible EE/GS 60-GB model.

I've yet to have a BC issue with any of my games. Granted, I have a 60GB. I also like the scaling of the PS3 as opposed to using the deinterlacer on my TV, and don't have to think about memory cards and the like. IMO it's better to just get one that has BC and be done with it. If a game has issues it sucks, but you can at least look them up on the web if you're that inclined:

http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/CompatibleStatus
http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc/bcGames.htm

I do have a chipped PS2, but these days I only use it when I want to play a game from a different region than the PS3. I think that multi-region gaming would actually be more of a reason for a PS2 than BC to begin with - the list of games with serious issues on the PS3 is incredibly small and chances of having such an obscure title even smaller.

[ADC]

I call BS on you calling BS :P .
Fine by me. I spew out so much BS that I can't keep track of it all. :susel: Just figured I'd point out, though, that the days aren't over of buying games machines just for games. Which is really my point: If you're looking at the PS3 as a games machine, it's not worth the money, whether $400 or NKr 2736 (translated: $500). But if you want the BD, DVD up-scaling, whatever else, if that's the primary or near-primary reason to buy it, then it's a fine purchase.

And at least it isn't a Red Ring of Deathbox 360.

[Fudce]

Still one thing I wonder is this. Does one really have to upgrade to an HD TV to enjoy the PS3? Part of the problem is I play on a 4:3 TV and if I have to get an HD TV to be able to enjoy a PS3 that only makes it even less affordable than it already is.
You don't have to, but it helps. I had my PS3 for six months before I upgraded from a widescreen CRT to a HDTV. I noticed the difference, but the games still looked superb on a SDTV.

And at least it isn't a Red Ring of Deathbox 360.
The RROD is so last year (http://kotaku.com/gaming/rrod/rrod-gets-into-the-christmas-spirit-321206.php)

[Invisible Crane]

This might sound a little crazy but I've got this gut feeling that Sony down the line might re-introduce BC and screw over those who have the non-PS2 BC PS3s

[Skywise]

This might sound a little crazy but I've got this gut feeling that Sony down the line might re-introduce BC and screw over those who have the non-PS2 BC PS3s

The 80GB isn't OOP, and they'll keep selling it. The 60GB compatibility I doubt they'll bother with though, as the software emulation is pretty good as it is. If they manage to get proper software emu of the GS and add BC to the 40GB - THEN they might kill off hardware BC models, but not before. I kind of hope they do, as that would allow them to render the PS2 games natively at higher resolutions, and also do proper antialiasing without harming overall picture quality.

[jecca-neko]

Really, I'd say a PS3 is worth it if you want a BluRay player and if there's some PS3 games out you want. It's up to you to decide if the cost of a PS3 is worth it to get those things. For me personally it's still no.

[ADC]

This might sound a little crazy but I've got this gut feeling that Sony down the line might re-introduce BC and screw over those who have the non-PS2 BC PS3s
I doubt it. The backward compatibility on the PS2 was a middle-beta implementation that Sony never fully developed, that was just there to get people to buy one without feeling like they were losing out on their PS One software. It worked, but the "enhancements" sometimes caused problems and always had to be enabled at the start of a session rather than being set to "on" in a system preferences file. The PS3's version is scarcely in alpha, with compatibility issues on even the EE/GS-equipped consoles and output-quality issues on the games that do work. Sony doesn't give a good goddamn about backward compatibility unless it's sufficiently non-threatening to their current business.

Given the fact that most of the PS3 games out there are shite, good BC on the PS3 is exactly what Sony should want, but it's what they apparently want least. When you add to the mix that they're still making revisions to the PS2 hardware, it looks like their BC strategy is just to sell you both.

[Skywise]

The PS3's version is scarcely in alpha, with compatibility issues on even the EE/GS-equipped consoles and output-quality issues on the games that do work. Sony doesn't give a good goddamn about backward compatibility unless it's sufficiently non-threatening to their current business.

Lay off the drugs plz. The PS3s BC is actually quite good, and is certainly a usable alternative to getting a PS2. There's also been firmware updates that improve BC, and it's an important part of their strategy.

When you add to the mix that they're still making revisions to the PS2 hardware, it looks like their BC strategy is just to sell you both.

No, the reason they're still selling the PS2 is because they're making money off of it and it serves a lower end market. Revisions to the PS2 are to lower their production costs and increase the profit margins. If you remember when the PS2 was introduced they kept selling the then Playstation for a long time, and then later made the lower cost PS1. It took years before they took it off the market, and with the big price difference from the PS3 to the PS2 I can see it happening the exact same way.

[Chuplayer]

The PS3's version is scarcely in alpha, with compatibility issues on even the EE/GS-equipped consoles and output-quality issues on the games that do work. Sony doesn't give a good goddamn about backward compatibility unless it's sufficiently non-threatening to their current business.

Lay off the drugs plz. The PS3s BC is actually quite good, and is certainly a usable alternative to getting a PS2. There's also been firmware updates that improve BC, and it's an important part of their strategy.

Time Crisis: Crisis Zone begs to differ. The 20/60gig can't run it properly. It's strange because Time Crisis 3 runs fine.

I agree that the 20/60gig BC is amazing. I use it as my primary PS2, but it does have a significant number of problems. Guitar Hero 1 and Crisis Zone are major PS3 problems for me, and I heard that Guitar Hero 2 and Rocks the 80s are problems for other people.

[stfram]

Guitar Hero 1 and Crisis Zone are major PS3 problems for me, and I heard that Guitar Hero 2 and Rocks the 80s are problems for other people.

Guitar Hero never worked really well for the PS3, mainly due to the proprietary controller, and Sony's/Red Octane's indifference towards putting out an adapter to resolve the issues with the PS3.

Heck, even the third-party solutions were hacks that worked with one game, but not another.

If you want to play GH1/GH2/Rot80s you gotta get a PS2. :(

Sad thing is, the GH PS3 problems hurt Sony far more than Red Octane. This definately cost them PS3 sales, IMO.

[Skywise]

Yeah Crisis Zone is the odd one out, with some issues with the Guncon 2 according to the compatibility site. Makes me wonder if it works with others. The first game had problems, but that got fixed in 1.81.

As far as GH goes, I thought they fixed that with the updated adapter? Mind you, I don't really expect peripheral dependent games to work, precisely because of the controller adapter design. Does the new GH3 controller fix it?

[ultra_nYo]

If you can find the 20 gig model thats a really good deal now. You lose Wifi and the media slot cards and I guess the chrome finish but the system still has the ps2 hardware inside of it. I just bought it yesterday for $300. Good luck finding the system though its not gonna be easy as there were very few of them ever made.

[Chuplayer]

Yeah Crisis Zone is the odd one out, with some issues with the Guncon 2 according to the compatibility site. Makes me wonder if it works with others. The first game had problems, but that got fixed in 1.81.

Well, the Guncon 2 definitely works with Time Crisis 3 on the PS3. I know that for a fact because I did it myself. It's annoying that the uzi works in TC3 but your main uzilike weapon in CZ doesn't.

As far as GH goes, I thought they fixed that with the updated adapter? Mind you, I don't really expect peripheral dependent games to work, precisely because of the controller adapter design. Does the new GH3 controller fix it?

There is some sort of adapter, but it only works well with GH1. It doesn't work with GH2 or 80s at all, or so I've heard.

The GH3 guitar was initally announced as being
fully BC with GH1 and partially with the other two, but then they said it wasn't BC at all. Or something. Long story short, things don't work the way they should.

Anyway, only 80s matters to me because I've got GH2 for the 360, and unless more extra games like 80s come out only for the PS2, it won't be an issue again.

[JeffDM]

I have one and don't regret it one bit. I have the 60GB version, and it played the few PS2 games that I own without trouble.

[stfram]

I have one and don't regret it one bit. I have the 60GB version, and it played the few PS2 games that I own without trouble.


I love mine, dead BR drive or not (and I just got the Sony return box, so it's going back tomorrow for replacement).

I love how neat features keep getting added to the system via firmware updates. The remote play feature is now actually *useful* (since I can turn the PS3 on remotely with the PSP now), for example.

Using Tversity with it just makes it even more versatile.

I'm gonna miss it while it's gone. :(

[Chris Beveridge]

I'm awash in PS3 games now and am enjoying it far too much. Time Crisis 4 today too! woo!

[Chris Beveridge]

I have one and don't regret it one bit. I have the 60GB version, and it played the few PS2 games that I own without trouble.


I love mine, dead BR drive or not (and I just got the Sony return box, so it's going back tomorrow for replacement).

I love how neat features keep getting added to the system via firmware updates. The remote play feature is now actually *useful* (since I can turn the PS3 on remotely with the PSP now), for example.

Using Tversity with it just makes it even more versatile.

I'm gonna miss it while it's gone. :(

The whole thing is just so versatile. The only downside to the system is that when there's a firmware update, I have to do it across three systems now since my parents have one in their place. But being able to share pictures and music throughout the house, the new themes feature, video streaming, quick web use plus lots of games and more I just can't get over it sometimes. I always mocked "convergence" devices to some extent because they never really got it right. This one comes the closest yet.

[Fudce]

I'm awash in PS3 games now and am enjoying it far too much. Time Crisis 4 today too! woo!
That's something I know.. I can't log onto the PSN these days without seeing "Grendel has signed on" or "Grendel has signed off" at least three times

[Chris Beveridge]

Heh, it's deceptive. Since I tend to watch every episode on a disc one at a time, stopping and starting brings me back to logging into the PSN automatically. Plus other people are watching stuff or gaming on the other systems...

[Fudce]

I wondered if that was the case, since the PS3 is one of the best DVD players on the market these days

[Chris Beveridge]

Pretty much. And with my household having three HDTVs in it, having a player like this with all its connectivity, gaming and blu-ray features makes it ideal. Add in that it's all one single hdmi connection as well and it's just golden in my mind.

[Chuplayer]

I'm awash in PS3 games now and am enjoying it far too much. Time Crisis 4 today too! woo!

Woo hoo! Let us know how it is. I'm not gonna get it till Christmas, but I've played the arcade version a few times and liked it. I'm curious to find out how well the Wiimote-clone setup works at home. It looks like there are only two sensors for the home version. The arcade version seemingly had 10 or 12. 5 or 6 running across the top of the screen and the same amount down below the screen.

[Mr. Spiffy-Pants]

I always mocked "convergence" devices to some extent because they never really got it right. This one comes the closest yet.

This comment reminded me of a conversation I had with some former co-workers around the time that the Xbox 360 came out. We were all bs'ing at lunch and I made the comment that in the near future consoles, PCs, and home media players (a.k.a. DVD players) were going to start converging into a single device connected to the living room TV. I was pretty much dismissed as the crazy new-guy at the time, but the PS3 is a prime example of what I was talking about.

If I'm in the living room and a roomie and I are debating whether or not so-and-so starred in a movie or TV show, I fire up the PS3 and its web browser via the Bluetooth remote, pull up IMDB, and we have an answer within a couple of minutes. The convenience factor for that alone is its major selling factor to me. In addition, I can watch all of my DVDs and now Blu-Rays from this single device. Once DivX support is implemented, I'll hopefully have little reason to access my PC for entertainment purposes (other than playing my PC games).

[Chuplayer]

Once DivX support is implemented, I'll hopefully have little reason to access my PC for entertainment purposes (other than playing my PC games).

But can you post here from your PS3 browser? No, you can't! I tried it myself! It doesn't work!

[Kaikou]

Once DivX support is implemented, I'll hopefully have little reason to access my PC for entertainment purposes (other than playing my PC games).

But can you post here from your PS3 browser? No, you can't! I tried it myself! It doesn't work!

Your right, can't post in the "video game forum" from a PS3. :noodle:

Every where else on the forums seems to work okay with the PS3.

I know my Wii can access and post on the "video game forum". :grin:

[Njr Scrawl]

Fudce, Grant M & Skywise; since you are all European (like me), do you own, or are you considering buying a Region A US &/or Japanese PS3 or a UK Region B? Or both?

What's holding me up is indecision. I can only afford one machine & don't know which to go for. A R.A PS3 would be mail order & so if anything is broken, it will be hell getting it sent back & replaced/repaired.

Are firmware updates all from the same place? Could it change settings if recognising where a particular Region PS3 was being used, i.e outside its "native" zone?

Perhaps I should get the cheaper UK & the cheaper US also as it would most get used for Blu Ray TV show releases & especially anime (even the BBC releases shows on BR in the US, but not UK) :grin:

[Fudce]

I did consider an import console, but before I could make up my mind Sony quashed the importing from US/JP to UK.

Firmware is global, but there are some exciting things coming which seem to be more locally involved. Also, the region of your console can have an effect on some games.

I can't really tell you to buy a R2B, R2A, or R1A console (UK, JP, US) but it's definitly worth considering if you're serious about watching Bluray movies on it.

[Skywise]

I imported a PS3 from Hong Kong. Most of my PS2/PS1 games are NTSC-J, so it made sense. For BDs, it's much cheaper to import from region A, Japan is region A, and most of the European releases are region free anyway. The only issue is that it's region 3 for DVDs, so it doesn't see much use as an upscaler, but that's what my Oppo is for.

Firmware/language wise the console will download the appropriate version from it's original region - in other words Hong Kong in my case. Language isn't a problem, as the asian consoles allow you to select English for the menus and everything. The only thing that's localized is the RSS newsfeed.

PSN accounts are local to whatever address you enter, and you can actually set up separate accounts for the different regions if you want to download trailers and demos from say Japan or the US.

[Cyporiean 2.0]

(even the BBC releases shows on BR in the US, but not UK) :grin:

Wait, the BBC has been releasing BD over here? what? where? when?

I'd kill for the Doctor in BD

[Mr. Spiffy-Pants]

Once DivX support is implemented, I'll hopefully have little reason to access my PC for entertainment purposes (other than playing my PC games).

But can you post here from your PS3 browser? No, you can't! I tried it myself! It doesn't work!

Your right, can't post in the "video game forum" from a PS3. :noodle:

Every where else on the forums seems to work okay with the PS3.

I know my Wii can access and post on the "video game forum". :grin:

And thus you discovered my work-around. ;)

[Mr. Spiffy-Pants]

(even the BBC releases shows on BR in the US, but not UK) :grin:

Wait, the BBC has been releasing BD over here? what? where? when?

I'd kill for the Doctor in BD

I think he means releases such as "Planet Earth". I haven't seen any Tardis-laden BR's of late myself. ;)

As for European-exclusive PS3 items, I'd love to have the DVR capability that the European PS3 is going to be gaining soon. Based off of what I've read about the technology being used, the likelihood of anything like that being released in the U.S. is slim to none. :(

[Skywise]

I think he means releases such as "Planet Earth". I haven't seen any Tardis-laden BR's of late myself. ;)


PE was released by Warner and Voyager in the US, so no. In the UK it was released by the BBC though.

As for Doctor Who, the latest runs aren't even shot in HD or film, so DVD is the best you'll ever get. Torchwood instead gets the hidef treatment. You'd think they could at least shoot Doctor Who in HD and do the post effect work in SD for future releases, but nooo :sigh: :sigh: :sigh:

[Mr. Spiffy-Pants]

PE was released by Warner and Voyager in the US, so no. In the UK it was released by the BBC though.

Yes, but Warner handles all of BBC's releases in the U.S. now, do they not? Therefore, if there's a BBC release in the U.S., it's through Warner if I'm not mistaken.

Either way, no Doctor Who on Blu at this time. :(

[Skywise]

Yes, but Warner handles all of BBC's releases in the U.S. now, do they not?

Uh, no idea.

Either way, no Doctor Who on Blu at this time. :(

Or ever. Cheap bastards.

[Mr. Spiffy-Pants]

Yes, but Warner handles all of BBC's releases in the U.S. now, do they not?

Uh, no idea.

It appears I was correct as of this article from 2000: http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,667748,00.html

[Cyporiean 2.0]

As for Doctor Who, the latest runs aren't even shot in HD or film, so DVD is the best you'll ever get. Torchwood instead gets the hidef treatment. You'd think they could at least shoot Doctor Who in HD and do the post effect work in SD for future releases, but nooo :sigh: :sigh: :sigh:


really? I've seen the 2005+ series in HD on PBSHD a few times

[Mr. Spiffy-Pants]

It was probably a SD upconvert. A lot of older shows/commercials being broadcast on HD/Digital channels are just upconverts of SD material.

Technically, I've seen a ton of anime such as Haruhi and Ah! My Goddess in 1080p recently also...

::hugs his PS3, which upconverts DVDs very well::

[Njr Scrawl]

Looking through ebay, BR stand alone players are at the same price or lower as PS3s. So if gaming is not prime consideration for owning a PS3, maybe a BR player is better?

[stfram]

So if gaming is not prime consideration for owning a PS3, maybe a BR player is better?


The benefit you get for your extra #100 is having an awesome multi-use system. When I had my PS3, I was always finding new things to be enthusiastic about. Hopefully Sony will ship it back soon. :(

Also, you're future-proof, thanks to firmware updates. The only thing that sucks about the cheapest PS3 is lack of BC.

Now, if BR players drop to the sub-$200 level AT RETAIL (not ebay), then that changes things in favor of the BR players.

[Johnny]

Looking through ebay, BR stand alone players are at the same price or lower as PS3s. So if gaming is not prime consideration for owning a PS3, maybe a BR player is better?

Makes sense to go with the PS3. Great BD player, plus you have the current and future games to enjoy. Pick up one of the new 40Gb models. If you feel you absolutely need PS2 BC, slimline PS2s are down to £90 so won't break the bank.

[ADC]

If you feel you absolutely need PS2 BC, slimline PS2s are down to £90 so won't break the bank.
You can save about 30 quid by buying a US PS2. ;) Plus you get backward compatibility with all the US games!

[Johnny]

If you feel you absolutely need PS2 BC, slimline PS2s are down to £90 so won't break the bank.
You can save about 30 quid by buying a US PS2. ;) Plus you get backward compatibility with all the US games!

Yup, you know that, I certainly know that but I think the OP may be after a UK console. If not then ADC speaks the truth (even if he is a little harsh on the Sony criticism ;) )

[ADC]

(even if he is a little harsh on the Sony criticism ;) )
(I like most of Sony and have ever since I got my first Discman, but it doesn't change the fact that Jack Tretton is a fucktard. :evil: Sony's wrong to screw around with the PS3's BC suite, especially when the cost savings is, by Tretton's own admission, small; but it doesn't change the fact that if you want the best PS2 compatibility, you keep your PS2.)

I'll tell you something I do think, though, which is that this whole region-coding thing should just be dropped. Sony should make all current PS2s capable of playing all games regardless of region of origin, and Nintendo should do the same with the Wii. Lack of region-lock hasn't caused the failure of the DS or PSP.

[itsuka]

I'll tell you something I do think, though, which is that this whole region-coding thing should just be dropped. Sony should make all current PS2s capable of playing all games regardless of region of origin, and Nintendo should do the same with the Wii. Lack of region-lock hasn't caused the failure of the DS or PSP.

It wouldn't surprise me if there were existing contracts between Sony and third party developers for PS2 games that would make it very hard to change this in hindsight without having to renegotiate all these contracts. Otherwise they would have build the regionless feature for PS2 games into their launch PS3 model.

And I'm quite sure all DVD player manufacturers had to conform to worldwide region coding standards for regular DVDs due to contracts and agreements.

Personally, I agree though that region coding is the silliest impediment to legal buyers ever invented, and I continue to hope that competition with piracy products and a renewed globalization impetus in entertainment products will make it obsolete soon.

[ADC]

Now, that's something I had never really considered, but then I thought about it. If I were, say, the CEO of the Capsule Computer Company (known in these enlightened times as Capcom), would I really care whether the Americans were importing the Japanese version of Megaman X8? Would it truly matter if johnny were able to play JP, US, and EU versions of Street Fighter Alpha 3 (PS1) on his PS3? Would the torrent of Japanese gamers playing Resident Evil 4 on their Wiis instead of Biohazard 4 actually prevent me from buying that ivory back-scratcher I've been lusting after? I don't know the answer to those questions. With the dollar currently residing in a 1957 Port-a-John somewhere near Waco, maybe I'd rather have my customers buy US than JP or EU, then rack up the big ¥ from the exchange rate.

Here's something I do think: Most gamers will still buy the game native to their region. It's convenient. There are no bizarre fees or duties or what have you. You get a game in a language you understand (unless you're in the United States, where even the English-speakers don't understand English because they really think it's spelled edjumacation). Very few gamers, given the option of a local version of the game, will choose to import from elsewhere. Call it my faith in humanity rearing its ugly head: Lazy is easier than industrious. So the question is, what, exactly, is region-coding protecting? You're still going to get wingnuts (http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showuser.php?uid/3759/) who'll import everything rather than wait for a local version (assuming one's forthcoming), but that's such a prohibitive minority of the market that I don't know what they're truly accomplishing.

Any of all, I've written too much (again), but I just don't see how region-coding is good for the developers, the publishers. And that's why this whole thing confuses me.

[Skywise]

Looking through ebay, BR stand alone players are at the same price or lower as PS3s. So if gaming is not prime consideration for owning a PS3, maybe a BR player is better?

The PS3 is one of the better players out there, and definitely the most versatile and upgradeable one. Unless there's something you absolutely want/need from a standalone that the PS3 will never be able to provide (like 5.1/7.1 analog outs), go with a PS3.

[Skywise]

As for Doctor Who, the latest runs aren't even shot in HD or film, so DVD is the best you'll ever get. Torchwood instead gets the hidef treatment. You'd think they could at least shoot Doctor Who in HD and do the post effect work in SD for future releases, but nooo :sigh: :sigh: :sigh:


really? I've seen the 2005+ series in HD on PBSHD a few times

Upconvert. It's been confirmed that it was never shot in HD, and they're not going to bother doing it either.

[Skywise]

The thing is, a lot of the PS3 games coming out now are the same disc, regardless of region. It's the console's firmware that determines what features you get for language and ratings. I wish they'd loosen that up as well, in addition to PS1/PS2 regions. Imagine the convenience of being able to buy a local copy of a game you like, and then tell it to switch to say, the Japanese version because you like the voices better. They could handle game ratings through the parental control panel instead of applying censorship based on region. That would actually solve the distribution issue as well, which is the main reason why region coding was implemented in the first place.

We might see mods at some point that allow you to get region free firmware or the like, but for now we'll just have to deal.

[itsuka]

So the question is, what, exactly, is region-coding protecting?

I don't think the industry was particularly worried about individuals importing, I think they were worried about professional parallel import.

They are so used to regional contracts, that they wanted to protect the value of those contracts at all costs. If they allow professional parallel import to happen, a local rights holder can and will complain, either forcing them to stop selling to importers, or refusing to pay the (probably) outrageous license fees, since a large part of the potential market has already bought the earlier released R1 imports.

However, those were the concerns of 1999-2000. Broadband internet wasn't common and bittorrent might not even have been around then. The problem now is far more getting customers to buy legal at all. Parallel import has paled in comparison. Region coding nowadays makes a lot less sense - but for some reason the industry is tenaciously hanging on to old concepts and ideas of dividing the world into neat little islands of licensing. I hope they come to their senses soon. From a time that all DVDs were region coded, we now go to a time where Blu-Ray at least isn't doing a lot of region coding anymore - just for the titles were parallel import would be a real danger - and PS3 games are largely region free. I consider that hopeful.