You might be aware by now that Sony views your continued use of component cables with a console that has a perfectly good HDMI port as something of an affront. Or at least, that’s the way it’s been portrayed in the press. The truth is only about 10% more complicated. You see, Sony has no problem with your gaming via component cable to your antiquated, analog little heart’s content.
It’s that other big PS3 feature they keep touting that has suddenly become too good for last generation’s HD cable. The one that’s sort of like Netflix, only without the convenience or the savings. “The new CECH-3000 series PS3 requires HDMI only for BD movie output in HD, in compliance with AACS standards,” according to Sony, who claim it’s a DRM issue. If only they’d been as concerned about security a few months ago, am I right?
Understanding the HDMI Requirement
The HDMI requirement for Blu-ray Disc (BD) movie output in HD is rooted in the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) standards. AACS is a standard for content distribution and digital rights management (DRM) that aims to protect high-definition content from piracy. By enforcing HDMI usage, Sony ensures that the digital signal remains encrypted and secure from the source (the PS3) to the display (your TV). This move is intended to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution of high-definition content.
While this might seem like an inconvenience to some users, it is important to understand the broader implications. HDMI cables support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which is a form of digital copy protection developed by Intel Corporation to prevent copying of digital audio and video content as it travels across connections. Component cables, on the other hand, do not support HDCP, making them less secure for transmitting high-definition content.
Impact on Users
For the average user, this change means that if you want to watch Blu-ray movies in high definition on your PS3, you will need to use an HDMI cable. This might not be a significant issue for most, as HDMI cables have become quite affordable and are widely available. However, for those who have older TVs without HDMI ports, this could pose a problem. These users would either need to upgrade their TV or settle for standard definition output via component cables.
Moreover, this requirement does not affect gaming. You can still enjoy your PS3 games in high definition using component cables. The restriction is solely for Blu-ray movie playback. This distinction is crucial because it means that the gaming experience remains unchanged for those who prefer or need to use component cables.
Sony’s decision to enforce HDMI for Blu-ray playback aligns with industry trends. As technology advances, older standards and connections are gradually phased out in favor of more secure and efficient options. This transition can be seen across various devices and platforms, not just gaming consoles. For instance, many modern laptops and media players have also moved away from analog connections in favor of digital ones.
In conclusion, while the HDMI requirement for Blu-ray playback on the new CECH-3000 series PS3 might seem like a hassle, it is a necessary step to ensure the security and integrity of high-definition content. By understanding the reasons behind this decision and its limited impact on gaming, users can better appreciate the balance between convenience and content protection.
Source Ars Technica
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