An internal SCEE Q+A re. PS3, from E3, has made its way onto the web. It’s an interesting read - in many ways they would have been better off just releasing this, it would have better communicated some of their points.
Playstation 3 / E3 2006 QA
- PS3 is a computer system
- PS3 is one product with different configuration
- PS3 launch date : Nov 11 (Japan), Nov 17 (US/Europe)
- PS3 price : 20GB : JPY 59,800, USD499, EUR499 (incl. VAT) / 60GB : JPY Open, USD599, EUR599 (incl. VAT)
Interview
PS3 Business Strategy:
Q1. Why will you launch two models with different specs for PS3 ?
A1. PS3 is a computer system and as such, various configurations can be considered. In future, larger HDD may be required for larger content to be saved on PS3. Considering the fact that, nowadays, network connectivity is spreading within the homes, we have decided to introduce a configuration with basic ports. However, these ports, excluding HDMI, are expandable with adaptors available on the market.
Q2. How can users connect PS3 to TV without HDMI output ?
A2. PS3 supports most displays via the AV multi output. Visual quality through AV multi output is comparable to that through HDMI.
Q3. Do you have two color variations of black and silver for two different models ?
A3. This model comes in one color (clear black) only. There may be color variations in the future.
Q4. What is the initial launch quantity for PS3 ?
A4. 2 million units will be shipped worldwide at the launch timing (for the first 3 weeks), cumulative 4 million units by the end of December and cumulative 6 million by the end of March 2007 (we do not disclose the breakdown by region).
Q5. Will you launch the PS3 in the Asian region at the same timing ?
A5. Yes.
Q6. What is the breakdown of the production shipment figures for each model ?
A6. We will decide the breakdown according to the market situation.
Q7. Are you planning to launch another model which has different HDD or interface in the future ?
A7. Like PCs, other configuration with the different HDD capacity and I/O can be considered in the future.
Q8. Where will you start manufacturing PS3 ?
A8. We will start manufacturing in Japan and China simultaneously (we don’t disclose the names of manufacturing companies).
Q9. When will you start manufacturing PS3 ?
A9. We will start assembly from summer. Manufacturing of the main semiconductors has already started.
Q10. MS’s Xbox360 was launched a year ago and has a head start. How do you feel about it ?
A10. We have set the best launch timing for PS3.
Q11. How is the PS3 network service going to be ? Will you also start the service from day one ? What are the differences between Xbox Live and PS3 network services ?
A11. Apart from providing basic features and functions, the most important element is content and services. Downloading music in SingStar, purchasing or exchanging game data as we demonstrated at E3 press conference and many other new ways of enjoyment will be provided.
Q12. Will the network service be charged ?
A12. Basic services available free for current PCs will be free of charge but content and specific services will be charged from the beginning.
Q13. Are the specifications and design final ?
A13. Very close to final.
PS3 Price
Q14. Why did you set such a price for 20GB HDD model ?
A14. We have set this price so that many users can enjoy PS3.
Q15. Why is only 60GB model open price for Japan ?
A15. Each RHQ decides the price of PS3.
Q16. You have announced in April that more than 100 billion yen of operating loss will be caused from Game segment in FY06. Will the PS3 price have any impact on the forecast ? Was the introduction of two models factored in at the earnings announcement in April ?
A16. There is no change in forecast.
Q17. Won’t having two models increase cost ? Can you expect the economy of scale with two models ?
A17. We don’t have two different models. It is one model with different configuration just like with PCs. Therefore, economy of scale can be pursued.
Q18. When do you expect to start making profit with PS3 business ? It has been reported by Nikkei (dated May 1st) that the “PS3 business will make profit of over 100 billion yen in FY07.” Is it true ?
A18. At the early stage after the launch, PS3 expects losses due to start-up cost, etc. However, there is no change in our business model to make profit from both hardware and software. As we have accomplished with PS2, we aim to make PS3 business profitable as soon as possible, by expanding the platform and continuing our cost down measures by reducing the number of components used in the hardware and cutting the cost of key components including semiconductors. However, it’s too early to comment on the timing of the turnaround. We have never told Nikkei that “PS3 business will make profit of over 100 billion yen in FY07.”
Hardware Functions
Q19. Are there any additional or modified features from E3 last year ?
A19. Please refer to the specification sheet for details.
Q20. You had previously announced that there would be two HDMI ports, but why does the PS3 with the 20GB HDD not have a HDMI port ? Can Blu-ray content be enjoyed in high quality graphics without HDMI ?
A20. High quality HD images can be enjoyed equally with the 20GB HDD product via the AV multi port (1080p output is also possible with the TV equipped with the D5 input). Analog output from BD will be supported until 2011 and all software published until they can be enjoyed. Standardization of visual image output via home network (e.g. DLNA) is also currently under way.
Q21. There were 2 HDMI ports in your original announcement, but why does the 60GB PS3 have only 1 HDMI port ?
A21. Because standardization of image output over the network such as DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is currently under way, it will become possible to transfer images to multiple displays in ways other than using the HDMI port. It is also possible to connect PSP through the network as a secondary display and enjoy PS3 content remotely (although it depends on the software).
Q22. Can you enjoy progressive images with PS and PS2 titles ?
A22. Not only does PS3 convert images from SD to HD, it also converts interlace to progressive images (upward conversion is done by the PS3 system).
Q23. Can you enjoy full HD PS3 software content with a standard TV ?
A23. Not only does PS3 convert images from SD to HD, it also converts 1080p to 720p (downward conversion is done by the PS3 system).
Q24. Is 60GB HDD large enough for PS3 ?
A24. 60GB is 3 times the capacity of Xbox360 and at the moment we consider it enough to save online game data as well as to transfer various data from other PCs and CE/AV products. If there is need in the future, it is also possible to upgrade storage capacity by exchanging HDD to Serial-ATA 2.5″ HDD available on the market.
Q25. Why isn’t 20GB PS3 equipped with Memory Stick/SD Memory card/Compact Flash slots ?
A25. PS3 is a computer system. Storage devices can be expanded by using adaptors available on the market.
Q26. The 20GB PS3 does not come with Wi-Fi 802.11, but does this mean that it cannot be connected to PSP ?
A26. Home networking is spreading around the world. With the use of widely available wireless LAN adaptor with USB port, connection to PSP is possible.
Q27. Why did you reduce the number of USB ports from 6 to 4 ?
A27. PS3 is a computer system. Number of ports can be expanded by using adaptors available on the market.
Q28. Why did you reduce the number of Ethernet ports from 3 to 1 ?
A28. We had one input (WAN) and two outputs (LAN) in mind, but given that nowadays network connection is spreading within the homes, we considered that one Ethernet connection to a router would be sufficient.
Q29. Will Linux OS be adopted as you have planned ?
A29. Yes. PS3 is a computer system and Linux OS is adopted as one of the standard OSes.
Q30. How much noise reduction level have you achieved ?
A30. Approximately 29dB (A) (equivalent to slim-line PS2).
Controller
Q31. You mention that PS3 adopts a breakthrough six-axis sensing system that lets you control intuitively as if the controller has become part of your body. How does this work ?
A31. “3-posture-axis” of roll, pitch and yaw, plus “3-dimension acceleration information (X, Y and Z)” can be detected in high-precision and in real-time (no more specific details to be given).
Q32. Why did you change the design of the controller to that of PS and PS2 ?
A32. We received many feedback after E3 last year and created the PS3 controller by refining and improving the world’s most popular Playstation controller that shipped more than several hundred million units worldwide, while inheriting its basic concept and design.
Q33. Can the new features be enjoyed with all PS3 titles ?
A33. It depends on the title, but we expect that software developers would proactively make use of the new PS3 controller.
Q34. You say that PS3 provides backward compatibility of PS and PS2 titles, but would you insist that you offer complete backward compatibility even if vibration feature does not work ?
A34. There is no major difference in gameplay even without the vibration feature. We hope a lot of users will support the new PS3 controller with new ways of enjoyment.
Q35. The controllers shown at the booth are all wired, but will the actual product be wireless ?
A35. Yes. We are using wired controllers since there is too much interference with so many wireless devices on the show floor.
Q36. Will PSP be used as a remote controller ?
A36. We will consider the possibility.
PS3 Software
Q37. We hear rumors from software developers that there are not enough development tools being shipped. Is this true ?
A37. As evident with many game titles demonstrated at E3, development of PS3 titles is duty in progress.
Q38. How much is the estimated price range of the software titles for PS3 ? Is it the same price as PS2 ?
A38. As a platform holder, we are not in a position to comment on this. As a first party title developer/publisher, we assume a wider price range since software can be delivered through various media including packaged discs and network.
Q39. Are all titles shown at E3 (press conference and booth) launch titles ?
A39. Many of the playable titles shown at E3 are likely to be released at or around launch. Some titles shown as (demo) video may also become launch titles.
Q40. Do all titles shown at E3 support 1080p ?
A40. “Gran Turismo HD E3 2006″ is demonstrated at 1080p with frame rate of 60 frames per second. As for other titles, some are 1080p and some 720p.
Q41. How many launch titles do you expect to have ?
A41. We expect the best launch line-up in history.
via PS3Insiders
