new facts about PS3

[Z]

(credit goes to one (http://www.beyond3d.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35517) from B3D.)
Impress AV Watch has a new interview article with Izumi Kawanishi (the head of the Software Platform division of SCEI).
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/do...1110/rt018.htm
Some new facts about PS3:

+ Using XMB and web browsing won't spin the fan. Playing Blu-ray will spin the fan, but the load is still low especially for early MPEG2 titles. The fan spins steadily while gaming.
+ The picture/audio quality for video playback is excellent. Though Cell does not do much postprocessing right now, they are doing research for it.
+ TrueHD is converted to LPCM and outputted via HDMI.
+ No DVD upscaling for the time being. But they are looking at user needs and have a plan for the support.
+ The Blu-ray player response is very quick. The interviewer says he felt it's the fastest among Toshiba, Sony, Matsushita HD players/recorders he tested.
+ Some contents holders say the speed of BD-Java in the PS3 is the fastest.
+ By pressing the triangle button the XMB shows the folder tree structure as is just like Windows Explorer.
+ It can connect with USB mass-storage devices such as PSP, but not with ones with special transfer methods such as iPod and Walkman. They are collaborating with the Walkman unit for some interaction in the future.
+ It's decided that the RSX clock stays undisclosed
+ The EE+GS embedded in the PS3 does emulation for PS1/PS2 for initial shipments PS3, so no graphics upgrade for the time being. The software emulation technology is almost complete but not ready for the launch. As soon as it becomes complete EE+GS is removed from future units.
+ In Remote Play with PSP for the 60GB version, the PS3 resolution becomes 480p (16:9) and converts the screen to MPEG-4 Simple Profile at around 1Mbps to send it to the PSP. All control is transferred to the PSP and you can control the PS3 by pressing the PSP buttons. BD/DVD and other copyright-protected materials can't be sent. As for games the support will come in the near future.
+ Downloaded PS1 games are transferred from a PS3 to a PSP by a USB cable. PLAYSTATION TV (the demo kiosk) starts the download service too.
+ The web browser can open up to 6 pages simultaneously. 64MB memory is always reserved for the browser, the instant messenger and other XMB OS activity even while in game.
+ Installing Linux creates a new HDD partition separately from the PS3 partition. After the setup, you can select which system to use at the boot menu. You can choose to auto-boot Linux too.
+ Aside from Linux, SCE's developers are still seeking the way to publish proper software development environment for the PS3 main OS and PSP for general users. But right now the PS3 main OS can run only signed applications (while PS3 Linux can run whatever applications on it).

many new tidbits. great stuff!

[makeitlookreal]

+ It's decided that the RSX clock stays undisclosed

WHAT THE BLOODY HECK!!!!!! AAAARRRRRGGGGGG!

[Black Dragon37]

WHAT THE BLOODY HECK!!!!!! AAAARRRRRGGGGGG!ROFLMAO!!!

Just waiting to explode...

[archy121]

Great Info Z !
+rep

[makeitlookreal]

The PS3 is still going to be an amazing machine and I'm very excited to get mine and start playing the games. At which time I will probably forget all about this issue. But until then on principle I don't like Sony's secrecy about the technical aspects of their console.

[Insane Metal]

So it´s 64MB reserved for the OS, not the supposed 96MB, good ! :)

[Mitri]

+ The web browser can open up to 6 pages simultaneously. 64MB memory is always reserved for the browser, the instant messenger and other XMB OS activity even while in game.

i like this factor. but i have a question. if what they mean by memory is ram with the 256mb of ram that the ps3 will have in each section or something like that. (which add up to 512mb of ram) doesn't this mean that the final ram will only be about 448mb of ram for the games since the internet and instant messanger is always running? just wondering.

[stanDarsh]

Good question. By the looks of it yes.

[wotter]

So it´s 64MB reserved for the OS, not the supposed 96MB, good ! :)

Lol, just wanted to say the same thing.

Good that they reduced it from 96 to 64 :), probably 32 from XDR and 32 from GDDR3.

[version]

64 MB for the BROWSER
in linux free all

[LaLiLuLeLo]

WHAT THE BLOODY HECK!!!!!! AAAARRRRRGGGGGG!


ROFL.

[Z]

so many things to comment on. :)

here is the link to the official online user guide (http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/index.html) just to tie in the news. everything is now opened up except for the "Network" section.

one question I got an answer from the guide is that you can download files from sites to the set sections on your PS3. i.e. pics will go to the Photo folder, music to the Music folder, etc.
this is good to know since there were confusion about what you can download from websites.

[jaxmkii]

WHAT THE BLOODY HECK!!!!!! AAAARRRRRGGGGGG!

*pats MILR on back caringly*:unsure:

[makeitlookreal]

I want to say again, I'm still very excited about the PS3. I'm certain it's going to be amazing console regardless of the specs. But on principle I just don't like this secrecy. It's not like someone is asking for their proprietary information about how they connect transistor #456434A to transistor #566F. It's just a basic specification that they are now refusing to release.

I still think it's downright ridiculous they are releasing LESS information now than they gave at E3 of 2005.

The console is LAUNCHED for goodness sakes.

It's not that I'm worried about the PS3 being weak, but it's the principle of the matter.

[Black Dragon37]

MILR's dark side has been triggered... again! ;)

[jaxmkii]

^^^ its probly just to keep ammo out of the MS fanboys hands. its alot harder to motherf*&$ what you dont know.

they have to point out flaws in actual games (very hard to do right now) rather than just compare what system is better at spredsheets.

[masteratt]

The principle of the matter is: Sony owns that information and can chose to either release it or not.
Do you get mad when someone doesn't give you a piece of their food in a restaurant? It's basically the same thing.
Sony owns it and if they don't want to share it for what-ever reason, they have every right to keep it a secret.

[VG Aficionado]

Just forget about it, MILR. If anyone is able to obtain the RSX clock speed using some software running on Linux, we will know. There's no use in complaining now, mostly when you've just learnt that Sony won't disclose this information (we already knew they won't anyway).

Simply forget about it, and please don't keep on wondering about it on this board and don't ask around whether anyone has found out and forgot to mention it. If anyone finds out and has proof, we will know the same day.

[/offtopic]

Great thread, keep the details coming! :hugegrin:

[makeitlookreal]

I want to present something to the forum. It's just a possibility. It is about the RSX, but it's NOT a prediction that the RSX is a G80 or anything dramatically different from a G70.

Someone today suggested the possibility that the RSX is indeed a CUDA enabled GPU:

http://developer.nvidia.com/object/cuda.html

Now, we have all heard people talk about the extra CACHES of the RSX. We have heard there are multiple large caches on the chip and potentially others in addition to the texture caches.

Well, CUDA NVIDIA GPU's have the following "cache" on them:

One of the most important innovations offered by CUDA technology is the ability for threads on NVIDIA GPUs to cooperate when solving a problem. By enabling threads to communicate, CUDA technology allows applications to operate more efficiently. NVIDIA GPUs featuring CUDA technology have a Parallel Data Cache that saves frequently used information directly on the GPU. Storing information on the GPU allows computing threads to instantly share information rather than wait for data from much slower, off-chip DRAMs. This advance in technology enables users to find the answers to complex computational problems in real-time.



Now, I'm not saying the RSX is some miracle chip. But we have heard about how the PS3 will be used to do cancer research and stuff.

Perhaps the extra caches of the RSX will allow the GPU to be compatible with "CUDA."

It's just a thought. Nothing exotic or amazing.

Please don't chew me into tiny bits.

[version]

g80... 1000mhz+

[xbdestroya]

MILR I don't think anyone's going to chew you into little bits for that, but I do think that you should probably make a new thread for that topic, as this thread really has little to nothing to do with RSX, and I think protracted RSX discussion here would take away from discussion of the other awesome information revealed. :)


BD playback quality and PSP remote play - lookin good! Can't wait for some real-world footage/reviews.

[antuk15]

PS3 for cancer reaserch? :laugh: I think you meen CELL :laugh:

[xbdestroya]

Well... PS3 via Cell.

[makeitlookreal]

No. CUDA is a method of getting tons of performance from a GPU that you would normally get from a CPU. The thought is the RSX might be made with extra CACHE so that it can work better with CUDA for stuff like folding at home.

Let me make a new thread.

[Z]

some of the things that cought my eye:

+ Using XMB and web browsing won't spin the fan. Playing Blu-ray will spin the fan, but the load is still low especially for early MPEG2 titles. The fan spins steadily while gaming.:
extra low noise while operating. very nice work Sony. :)

+ No DVD upscaling for the time being. But they are looking at user needs and have a plan for the support.:
so it could still be added if demanded. hopefully, a firmware update can do the trick.

+ The Blu-ray player response is very quick. The interviewer says he felt it's the fastest among Toshiba, Sony, Matsushita HD players/recorders he tested.
+ Some contents holders say the speed of BD-Java in the PS3 is the fastest.

good to know that it is indeed as fast as some reports said it was.

+ The EE+GS embedded in the PS3 does emulation for PS1/PS2 for initial shipments PS3, so no graphics upgrade for the time being. The software emulation technology is almost complete but not ready for the launch. As soon as it becomes complete EE+GS is removed from future units.
so early adopter won't be able to upscale their PS1/2 games. also, this means Sony could cut manufactoring costs as soon as a few months after launch. of course, this doesn't mean a price drop for us buyers by any chance, but it is good to know that they can manufactor it cheaper and faster that soon.

+ In Remote Play with PSP for the 60GB version, the PS3 resolution becomes 480p (16:9) and converts the screen to MPEG-4 Simple Profile at around 1Mbps to send it to the PSP. All control is transferred to the PSP and you can control the PS3 by pressing the PSP buttons. BD/DVD and other copyright-protected materials can't be sent. As for games the support will come in the near future.
damn. I really want to stream DVD movies on to my PSP. this can be solved by either waiting for a homebrew app, or you could just rip the movie yourself and save it to your PS3. that way, it will lose its copy protection and should be handled as any other video clip you have.
hey, we gotta do what we gotta do, right? ;)

+ Downloaded PS1 games are transferred from a PS3 to a PSP by a USB cable. PLAYSTATION TV (the demo kiosk) starts the download service too.
I think it is a real kick to have demo kiosks in shops connected and upgradable via online. Sony did this for demo units in TGS and some other showes. constantly updated and fresh. now that's cool.
+ The web browser can open up to 6 pages simultaneously. 64MB memory is always reserved for the browser, the instant messenger and other XMB OS activity even while in game.:
great to know that you can run apps while other ones are running- including games. nice to have music playing while viewing your pics or crusing through a game or surfing the net.

+ Installing Linux creates a new HDD partition separately from the PS3 partition. After the setup, you can select which system to use at the boot menu. You can choose to auto-boot Linux too.
+ Aside from Linux, SCE's developers are still seeking the way to publish proper software development environment for the PS3 main OS and PSP for general users. But right now the PS3 main OS can run only signed applications (while PS3 Linux can run whatever applications on it).
handy functions with the OS and boot up options.

all in all, this is only the beginning. I wonder what future firmware updates will bring us. very exciting times. :)

[Epix]

For those who buy a 20GB model, pick this up!

55-1 card reader
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2006/11/ucard001800_01_l-1.jpg

[Nameless]

^ Nice...
I have a similar reader already installed in my PC tower.

[Insane Metal]

Wow, so much cool things to do with the system :)

BTW, somebody buying the console today could make a test to verify the power consume of the PS3 huh ?

[Domination]

^^^ its probly just to keep ammo out of the MS fanboys hands. its alot harder to motherf*&$ what you dont know.

they have to point out flaws in actual games (very hard to do right now) rather than just compare what system is better at spredsheets.

Exactly. After E3'05, representatives from all over were doing just that when the early specs were announced. It's easier to persuade the least techical minded, or those not in the know, with information like this because for all they know the tech inside them must, too, be the same, leaving no room for one to improve over the other. Couple this with the information we know now and you can convince a sum of many.

[jutsu]

good stuff...im gonna wait till later to get my ps3. Whenever they finish doing emulation for ee/gs.

[masonite]

+ The EE+GS embedded in the PS3 does emulation for PS1/PS2 for initial shipments PS3, so no graphics upgrade for the time being. The software emulation technology is almost complete but not ready for the launch. As soon as it becomes complete EE+GS is removed from future units.
so early adopter won't be able to upscale their PS1/2 games. also, this means Sony could cut manufactoring costs as soon as a few months after launch. of course, this doesn't mean a price drop for us buyers by any chance, but it is good to know that they can manufactor it cheaper and faster that soon.



im guessing that could also translate into less heat, or better air flow through the console due to less space being taken up?

[VG Aficionado]

Lower costs, at least.

[Zer0-Sum]

WHAT THE BLOODY HECK!!!!!! AAAARRRRRGGGGGG!

I am agreement on this one. What is the deal? I am not going nutz like MILR here, but really now, what is the deal? It is just plain weird!!

[MasaC]

Regarding not upscaling DVD movies and PS1/PS2 games to higher resolution I have this to say:

If you have a TV capable of higher resolution than standard resolution of DVD movies or PS1/PS2 games the TV itself will upscale the videosignal to its native resolution so there's no need for the PS3 to do it.

Now if you're talking about different methods the PS3 could use to improve the graphic fidelity of PS1/PS2 or making the PS3 render the games internally at a higher res than standard res it's an entirely different matter.

I guess we'd have to wait for a software emulator for that. It would probably be on game to game basis how much and what could be improved without crashing the game.

[OmniCloud]

Regarding not upscaling DVD movies and PS1/PS2 games to higher resolution I have this to say:

If you have a TV capable of higher resolution than standard resolution of DVD movies or PS1/PS2 games the TV itself will upscale the videosignal to its native resolution so there's no need for the PS3 to do it.

Now if you're talking about different methods the PS3 could use to improve the graphic fidelity of PS1/PS2 or making the PS3 render the games internally at a higher res than standard res it's an entirely different matter.

I guess we'd have to wait for a software emulator for that. It would probably be on game to game basis how much and what could be improved without crashing the game. Upscaling DVD is something Sony will probably add in an update because I'm sure there will be demand for it. It's just one of the obvious things we want like bigger Hdd, custom wallpapers, ect...On the PS thing-I really don't wanna see old playstation titles messed with. Leave them be Sony! That's what make a classic a classic, everyone wants stuff upgraded and changed, and it'll take away from the experience because you'll notice all the technical faults of old games even more so, i hope they leave at least the PS1 games alone.

[KnightRiderX]

+ The EE+GS embedded in the PS3 does emulation for PS1/PS2 for initial shipments PS3, so no graphics upgrade for the time being. The software emulation technology is almost complete but not ready for the launch. As soon as it becomes complete EE+GS is removed from future units.
so early adopter won't be able to upscale their PS1/2 games. also, this means Sony could cut manufactoring costs as soon as a few months after launch. of course, this doesn't mean a price drop for us buyers by any chance, but it is good to know that they can manufactor it cheaper and faster that soon.

I'm sure the software emulation technology will be part of a firmware update so even early adopters will not be left out.

[lips]

I'm sure the software emulation technology will be part of a firmware update so even early adopters will not be left out.

leaving ee+gs dead with firmware upgrade? sounds like it, waste of tech, what could sony do though?

[Nodieza]

Downloaded PS1 games are transferred from a PS3 to a PSP by a USB cable. PLAYSTATION TV (the demo kiosk) starts the download service too.

LAME!!!!!!!!!!!! It's one of the main reasons I bought a PSP!!!! I can't afford the Ps3.... grrrrrr

[rpgamer_2k5]

OmniCloud, if you don't want upscaled PSX and PS2 titles then you can just turn off those optimization. Many of us want our games to be upscaled so now our only option is to get some emulator for Linux. :)

[Z]

I'm sure the software emulation technology will be part of a firmware update so even early adopters will not be left out.
that could be a possiblity.