Looks like Sony is removing another PS3 feature, although this one is unlikely to prompt any amateur rap videos on YouTube. Perhaps…<\/p>\n
According to an internal GameStop memo intercepted by Kotaku<\/a>’s industry spies, all new PS3 “K” models<\/a> (shipping out this week) as well as “all future models” will no longer support HD output via component cable, requiring users to purchase an HDMI cable separately instead.<\/p>\n “The ‘K’ systems will come with an AV cable, however, if you want to play a game or watch a movie in high definition you must use an HDMI cable,” reads the memo. “Component cables will no longer be able to transmit a high def picture. This means you will want to offer an HDMI [cable] with every new ‘K’ model PS3.”<\/p>\n The memo also notes that older models will not be updated to require HDMI, so that’s nice.<\/p>\n Sony has yet to officially confirm any of this, but it looks pretty legit. Stay tuned.<\/p>\n This likely has everything to do with the AACS Final Adopter Agreement. Advanced Access Content System (AACS) is a form of Digital Rights Management (DRM) used currently to protect content on both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc titles using cryptography. <\/p>\n The AACS Final Adopter Agreement between Blu-Ray device manufacturers limits the analog playback resolution to 540p, and stipulates that this must be clearly indicated on all packaging and promotional materials.<\/p>\n All new players sold after December 31, 2010 “must limit analog video output of BD content to interlaced standard definition (480i\/576i). 2013 is the expiration date for analog video: no player that passes “Decrypted AACS Content” to analog video outputs may be manufactured or sold after December 31, 2013,” said Blu-ray.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n