Sony Make 40GB PS3 Standard

No it wasn't overpriced even at £425. It was expensive. The PS3 is no jack of all trades at playing a blu-ray movies. It outperforms probably every single standalone out there.

I said it's way too overpriced as a console... I agree that it may be 'worth' it in terms of constituent parts, but for playing games, it's expensive. and since the public vote with their wallets, I'd say a great deal of people share that view..

As a blu-ray player, it's pretty good, but it doesn't still support all sound formats available via HDMI, it has clunky interface and the official remote is also clunky.. Java is not fully supported yet and there's no concrete word on when it will and the intricacies of the implementation..
The biggy for most is it won't upconvert 1080/24 to something useful.. meaning lots of people experiencing judder since there TV's don't support 1080/24.. it was on par with most players up until now, but the next gen BR players are emerging that offer more

I'm very positive about the 40Gb model, I'm all for cutting out the stuff that isn't essential and giving us a cheap console, I want my mates to get one, so I can play more online with them, they all seem to say the same thing, when it's £250 I'll get one.. and luckily that time is coming.. just in time for the games catalogue to be actually appearing.. good times ahead..
 
I hope you enjoy it. I hated RR7 though, Motorstorm, Resistance, Formula 1, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, The Darkness are the games I'd recommend taking a look at.

Only opted for this package as it has a film (for my parents to get a taste of blu-ray) and Heavenly Sword (the game that most catches my eye at the moment). I probably will get ninja Gaiden at some point, as I never finished the original on the Xbox but really enjoyed it. And I've comlpeted The Darkness on the 360 (truly brilliant game).

-RaZ
 
I said it's way too overpriced as a console... I agree that it may be 'worth' it in terms of constituent parts, but for playing games, it's expensive. and since the public vote with their wallets, I'd say a great deal of people share that view..

As a blu-ray player, it's pretty good, but it doesn't still support all sound formats available via HDMI, it has clunky interface and the official remote is also clunky.. Java is not fully supported yet and there's no concrete word on when it will and the intricacies of the implementation..
The biggy for most is it won't upconvert 1080/24 to something useful.. meaning lots of people experiencing judder since there TV's don't support 1080/24.. it was on par with most players up until now, but the next gen BR players are emerging that offer more
..

Not everyone will be buying it solely as a console though - with PVR abilities, Home, BR and general media sharing there are a lot of varied reasons apart from gaming it will be purchased. If anything Sony are actually less focused on the games than other items of interest.

Doesnt sound to me like you have really used the PS3 by this post - excuse me if you have though

Ive seen DTS MA and PCM soundtracks available on BR but never DD+ or TrueHD - either way while you may not get the best out of DTS MA you are currently getting the best anyone else has via HDMI either way , so whats the issue? Sony are also reportedly working closely with DTS to bring an MA firmware upgrade to the PS3 before Xmas.

Cant really see why the interface is clunky - slide a br into the ps3 while its off, it automatically boots and starts playing how less clunky for an interface can you get? Even the Xbar isnt bad when you get used to it but it could be a little less cluttered / better organised

I have never had a problem with the bluetooth remote -it says what it does on the tin!!!

The people who are affected by judder are a small minority of those who actually have BR to start with (I for one couldnt see it at all before I got a 24p tv anyway) and this minority decreases further the amount who dont have a tv, try and actually credit Sony for reacting to the judder problem to start with rather than knocking them for not supporting a smaller and smaller percentage.

The next load of BR players only offer what the PS3 already has - and will be a lot harder to upgrade - not to mention the likelyhood that the more premium devices will have the better options you describe first and more than likely be dripfed down the manufacturers lines.
 
I think we've had this dicussion many many times, from a more top end enthusiasts point of view, it's quite average, a HTPC and 360 MCE setup is a better alround solution without resorting to linux.. and even resorting to linux, it still doesn't fare well due to not having A. working codecs for a lot of H264 material, and B. no 'front' end that is even remotely usable by the family..

My PS3 was bought to dabble with it as a media machine, and I am constantly trying new builds of vlc/mplayer/codecs.. I know fully what it can/can't do, unfortunately I have a well set up HTPC and now the 360 as an MCE device, so I have something to benchmark it by..
 
I think we've had this dicussion many many times, from a more top end enthusiasts point of view, it's quite average, a HTPC and 360 MCE setup is a better alround solution without resorting to linux.. and even resorting to linux, it still doesn't fare well due to not having A. working codecs for a lot of H264 material, and B. no 'front' end that is even remotely usable by the family..

My PS3 was bought to dabble with it as a media machine, and I am constantly trying new builds of vlc/mplayer/codecs.. I know fully what it can/can't do, unfortunately I have a well set up HTPC and now the 360 as an MCE device, so I have something to benchmark it by..

Notice you didnt back up any of your BR comments at all

Either way - whatever it is, I much prefer using the PS3 as a media unit than the X360 but horses for courses I guess. Hardware reliability and all that, take your choice and pay your money:D
 
Notice you didnt back up any of your BR comments at all

Either way - whatever it is, I much prefer using the PS3 as a media unit than the X360 but horses for courses I guess. Hardware reliability and all that, take your choice and pay your money:D

Blimey, I didn't realise I had to back up any BR comments, my comments where that the PS3 can't pass DD TruHD (and also DTS-HD).. you replied no disks you know of use these..

Not sure what you want me to back up? Spiderman 3 has a TruHD soundtrack? and many more are on the way, the compressed lossless tracks are preferably, allowing multiple lossless tracks to be included on a single disk, and also to allow more 'room' for the video (i.e. higher bitrates)..

This is all getting OT, as you say horses for courses..
 
A ad in the sun today
ps3 60gd with 2 free games 349.99 save £155
ps3 40gd with 2 free games 349.99 save £30
unless i missing something but the 60 is a lot better value,i didn't read the small print so not sure if you got anything else with the packages.
 
Blimey, I didn't realise I had to back up any BR comments, my comments where that the PS3 can't pass DD TruHD (and also DTS-HD).. you replied no disks you know of use these..

Not sure what you want me to back up? Spiderman 3 has a TruHD soundtrack? and many more are on the way, the compressed lossless tracks are preferably, allowing multiple lossless tracks to be included on a single disk, and also to allow more 'room' for the video (i.e. higher bitrates)..

This is all getting OT, as you say horses for courses..

If you slate somthing - usually its customary to back it up :) You did after all state the interface and remote werent good but didnt go into detail

I clearly stated I have seen BR's using DTS MA (or HD as you call it), either way I think its likely that to pass thru DD-TRueHD or DTS MA to an amp BR's will have to be mastered a completely different way (at present a BR source has to be decoded on the player)

Spiderman 3 doesnt have a PCM soundtrack (which is also lossless on BR)?
I am very surprised about that - as its a Sony film but its possible I guess

You should listen and watch either POTC disc, and I seriously doubt any BR or HD-DVD will be able to look and sound much better (there are a number of others which are eequally as good)
 
DTS-HD....you need to be speicific when refering to this. dts-hd covers both master audio and high resolution audio which are two different things.


anyway. there are very few films that dont have a pcm soundtrack. really, dts-ma and dolby trueHD really wont make much of a difference.
 
If you slate somthing - usually its customary to back it up :) You did after all state the interface and remote werent good but didnt go into detail
Are you suggesting that the X-Bar for media access is in any way any more then 'functional', just compare to something like Media Portal (I don't want to drag MCE into this, this is not an MS Vs Sony issue at all), and it's abundant how lacking the XBar is..
The remote, which I do actually own, is not backlit, has a lot of very small fiddly buttons for some reasonably common functions all grouped in a hopelessly small grid array at the top, all bunched up ('return' as an example), which due to not being backlit make use in a dimmed room difficult, compared to many 'media' remotes, it's a big step down..

I clearly stated I have seen BR's using DTS MA (or HD as you call it), either way I think its likely that to pass thru DD-TRueHD or DTS MA to an amp BR's will have to be mastered a completely different way (at present a BR source has to be decoded on the player)
Not at all, they are simply extra bitstreams, it's upto the player (and AMP)'s capabilities as to which does the decoding.. AFAIK.

Spiderman 3 doesnt have a PCM soundtrack (which is also lossless on BR)?
I am very surprised about that - as its a Sony film but its possible I guess
it has a PCM and a TruHD sound track, catering for both

You should listen and watch either POTC disc, and I seriously doubt any BR or HD-DVD will be able to look and sound much better (there are a number of others which are eequally as good)
I only have 40 BR/HD-DVD titles, I rent quite a few nowadays, as some are outstanding and some are dire..

anyway. there are very few films that dont have a pcm soundtrack. really, dts-ma and dolby trueHD really wont make much of a difference.
I agree, it won't make a huge difference, but this is interesting reading, and one of the reasons I am holding out for a TruHD DTS:MA capable AMP..
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10271234&&
 
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Are you suggesting that the X-Bar for media access is in any way any more then 'functional', just compare to something like Media Portal (I don't want to drag MCE into this, this is not an MS Vs Sony issue at all), and it's abundant how lacking the XBar is..]

To be fair it looked like you were initially criticising the Xbar for BR purposes when you dont even need to see it - but yes it could be better:D

The remote, which I do actually own, is not backlit, has a lot of very small fiddly buttons for some reasonably common functions all grouped in a hopelessly small grid array at the top, all bunched up ('return' as an example), which due to not being backlit make use in a dimmed room difficult, compared to many 'media' remotes, it's a big step down..]

How many media remotes like you describe are £25 lol - people criticize the price of the main console and then want more expensive accessories


Not at all, they are simply extra bitstreams, it's upto the player (and AMP)'s capabilities as to which does the decoding.. AFAIK.

it has a PCM and a TruHD sound track, catering for both..

Im still under the impression BR would have to be remastered to be able to decode audio externally for HD content

Maybe James can confirm or deny


I agree, it won't make a huge difference, but this is interesting reading, and one of the reasons I am holding out for a TruHD DTS:MA capable AMP..
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10271234&&

You may well get the full benefit from such an amp (like the Onkyo James and I "share" ) from HD-DVD much more quickly than you will from BR - in regards to external decoding
 
We don't condone it any more than piracy, it's just that when something is posted at an ungodly hour it may not be spotted until a moderator gets up (edit, one RTM received for it, at 8:45)
 
As a blu-ray player, it's pretty good, but it doesn't still support all sound formats available via HDMI, it has clunky interface and the official remote is also clunky.. Java is not fully supported yet and there's no concrete word on when it will and the intricacies of the implementation..
The biggy for most is it won't upconvert 1080/24 to something useful.. meaning lots of people experiencing judder since there TV's don't support 1080/24.. it was on par with most players up until now, but the next gen BR players are emerging that offer more

All incorrect. PS3 as a Blu Ray is probably the best, its only lacking DTS-MA as a negative so far but other more expensive players have bigger issues. Not to mention PS3 has been great interms of software updates. Its also the best HD wireless streamer in practice due to compatibility and interface. I can use anything with it and it works.


Are there any games out for it yet

Funnily its been much more solid than expected for its first year. Most of the new name games oculd have feel flat on their faces. Plenty of multiplatform games but also some great new franchise exclusives have built up. Games like Motorstorm and Resistance which a lot of people like and are now million sellers both expected to top 2 million each soon.

For christmas there will be a nice variety of games from Singstar and Eye of Judgement to Uncharted and Ratchet and Clank. Funnily enough interms of existing brand name Ratchet and Clank is the biggest game release so far as everything else is delayed to 2008. For the first year its been very solid but lacking in recognisable Playsation associations.e would argue games like Motorstorm and Resistance are now big new franchises.
 
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How many media remotes like you describe are £25 lol - people criticize the price of the main console and then want more expensive accessories
Ironically, the Xbox360 one is the first that comes to mind. Not only is it backlit, but it's also a brilliant remote control and a joy to use.

I would have preferred bigger, backlit buttons on the PS3 one. I just use the pad though :p.
 
The NTSC 60Gb console I'm gonna buy is $500 with a Blu-Ray remote which is pretty decent, but I'm sure they'll be more bundles when I'm there to look around the store. :D
 
All incorrect. PS3 as a Blu Ray is probably the best, its only lacking DTS-MA as a negative so far but other more expensive players have bigger issues. Not to mention PS3 has been great interms of software updates. Its also the best HD wireless streamer in practice due to compatibility and interface. I can use anything with it and it works.

It can't pass TruHD bitstreams, it has to decode and pass as LPCM, unfortunately, it uses the lower quality 16/48 version of this as well.. I suppose it's not that bad, but since new BR players offer all audio streams to be output as native or LPCM, you'd expect the 'best' BR player to offer this as well..
It is also stuck with 1080p24 video output for the time being, other BR players offer some up conversion of rates meaning people that don't have 1080/24 properly implemented (the vast majority) and so judder is experienced.. you'd expect the 'best' BR player to allow decent pulldown to occur and give people smooth playback.
Software update wise, all standalones are having new firmware released very regularly, and because all they have to concentrate on BR features/support, it's far more likely they will support compatibility issues and new features far quicker..

"Its also the best HD wireless streamer in practice" - now you are massively wide of the mark, it supports little codecs natively, and the XBar is the direst of any media device available, you clearly haven't used Media Portal/MCE/XBMC or any standalone streamer..
Installing Linux and using VLC for example leaves you with an even poorer interface, but it does play more formats, except of course to play a BR disk you need to boot back to the PS3 OS, and a lot of 'HD' H264 content in MKV's isn't fully supported in terms of VC-1 decoding and Audio track support..

Don't think I'm totally against the PS3, I have one, I watch BR's on it, and I am constantly fiddling in Linux with VLC and MPlayer amongst others, but having a HTPC with Media Portal, and use the 360 as an MCE device it just shows that the PS3 is not even close as a credible standalone media device that the whole family can use..
 
Ironically, the Xbox360 one is the first that comes to mind. Not only is it backlit, but it's also a brilliant remote control and a joy to use.

I would have preferred bigger, backlit buttons on the PS3 one. I just use the pad though :p.

Never seen it (as its of little use to me) the only X360 remote Ive seen is the Hd-DVD one, which was shockingly plastic and naff in my opinion , but either way each to their own :D

It can't pass TruHD bitstreams, it has to decode and pass as LPCM, unfortunately, it uses the lower quality 16/48 version of this as well.. I suppose it's not that bad, but since new BR players offer all audio streams to be output as native or LPCM, you'd expect the 'best' BR player to offer this as well..
It is also stuck with 1080p24 video output for the time being, other BR players offer some up conversion of rates meaning people that don't have 1080/24 properly implemented (the vast majority) and so judder is experienced.. you'd expect the 'best' BR player to allow decent pulldown to occur and give people smooth playback.
Software update wise, all standalones are having new firmware released very regularly, and because all they have to concentrate on BR features/support, it's far more likely they will support compatibility issues and new features far quicker....

Please specify these BR stand alones you keep on talking about which do all these - becauae there arent that many on the market that are as easy to use or good quality as the PS3 (numerous independant tests and people here and on avforums all clearly state the PS3 is the best opion clearly) not only that but Sony work on monthly firmware updates - and the very few people who are affected with judder could always get a a vp unit if necessary which would be subsidised by the relative cheapness of the PS3 compared to more "elite" players.
 
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