PS3 - PerfectSony3: Narisa, Nicole, Vishal.

Introduction


'''

THE SONY PS3'''
Our group term project will discuss the superiority of Sony's PlayStation3 (PS3) technology, explain how the system works and cover pertinent issues.

'''Our group consists of Narisa Bhanji, Nicole Frenette and Vishal Saini. '''

Statement of Position:

The PS3 has brought a whole new aspect to the world of video games and technological advancements. This invention is beneficial to the global market, dynamic technologies and social networking. Software engineers have put together this marvelous piece with network connectivity, Blu-ray disc reader, DVD player and amazing HD capabilities. Our group will discuss how this technological innovation has advanced the world of gaming consoles.

History


In 1994, Sony first released the 32-bit PSX that was one of the first disc reading gaming consoles. Over the past 14 years, many improvements have been made but the interface is the same. With the release of the PlayStation2 in March 1999, Sony upped the ante in the gamer world. It was a backwards compatible with all Playsation1 games and used DVDs instead of CDs for game discs. Competing with the Microsofts’s Xbox, the PS2 allowed free online gaming and expansion slots for hard drives and networking hubs. Using the same controllers and similar hardware module, the PS2 was very easy to use for anyone of any age. The PS2 and Xbox waged war for many years and during the battle Sony released a hand held device, the PlayStation Portable (PSP). It was designed as a music player, movie viewer, internet browser and game player. Microsoft had never come out with such a design and Sony was left competing with Nintendo's Gameboy.

Interface and Usability
Sony soon realized the efficiency of the PSP and translated the design into a console with full HD capabilities and a Blu-ray disc player and sleek design called the PlayStation 3, released in 2006. Again keeping in mind backwards compatibility for PSX and PS2 games, exact same controller design and a simple task-choosing menu, the PS3 provides an easy to use module for a very expansive console. With the PS3, Sony added in the Sixaxis tilt recognition system in the controllers to add a new dynamic to gaming. Having the buttons and Sixaxis, the PS3 competed with the Nintendo Wii and allowed better gameplay, pushing the Wii out of competing with regular games and into its own category of more active, physical, learning games. Many gamers are still feuding whether the Xbox 360 or PS3 is the better console but in reality, the PlayStaion 3 lacks nothing that the Xbox has, except having to pay for online use.

The Playstaion3 runs at a cooler temperature and quieter sound than the Ninentdo Wii and XBOX360. Sony's design of the PS3 isn't just to expand the gaming world, but to bring home theater and other multimedia adapters to a whole new level.

Specifications & Details
General
 * Measures 12.8" (w) x 3.8" (h) x 10.8" (l)
 * Weighs 11 lbs
 * Relies on no external power supply (simply plug in the power cable into the back of the console)
 * Has been produced in 20, 40, 60, 80 and 160 GB models -- now only the 80 GB and 160 GB models are in production

Cell Processing Unit (CPU)
 * Uses cell microprocessor, which consists of 1 3.2 GHz Power-PC Based core and 6 Synergistic Processing Elements (SPEs) [Note: a 7th runs in special mode and is dedicated to aspects of the OS and security and an 8th is disabled to improve production yields]
 * 1 VMX vector unit/core
 * 512KB L2 cache
 * 7 x SPE at 3.2GHz
 * 7 x 128b 128 SIMD GPRs
 * 7 x 256KB SRAM for SPE
 * 1 of 8 SPEs reserved for redundancy total floating point performance: 218 GFLOPS

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
 * RSX at 550 MHz
 * Based on the NVIDIA G70 architecture
 * Uses 256 MB GDDR3 RAM clocked at 650 MHz with an effective transmission rate of 1.3 GHz and up to 224 MB of the 3.2 GHz XDR main memory via the Central Processing Unit (CPU) at 480 MB max
 * Full HD capabilities, with 2 channels
 * 1.8 TFLOPS floating point performance
 * Multi-way programmable parallel floating point shader pipelines

Configurations
 * Several component revisions designed to reduce power consumption which is important for production savings, lower heat production, lower cooling requirements and quieter running sound
 * Since first launch, Cell has had its process shrunken from 90nm to 65nm, as has the RSX GPU
 * Further improvements planned: IBM/Toshiba planning to commence full-scale 45nm Cell production in 2009 which will result in a 40% additional reduction in power consumption

Connectivity
 * Compatiable with official and standard HDMI cables and supports many HDTV and SDTV resolutions
 * Many audio formats also recognized such as 7.1 Dolby TrueHD and output is possible over opitc cables, RCA cables, or HDMI
 * Optical disc drive can play Blu-ray discs, DVDs or CDs
 * Flash memory can be used in 60 GB and 80 GB models and USB memory units are supported in all models
 * 4 USB ports in front, some models (40 GB and 60 GB PAL) have only 2
 * 1 GB Ethernet port, Bluetooth 2.0 support, and Wi-Fi present in 40, 60, and 80 GB models

Other
 * Sound: Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc. (Cell-base processing)
 * Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM at 3.2GHz, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM at 700MHz
 * Has backwards compatibility (the ability to play games from previous PlayStation models) -- this, however, will be phased out to make for cuts in production costs and energy emissions

Hardware Main Features

 * The new innovative Blu-ray Disc technology allowing to watch movies in theatrical manner
 * To make your experience better PS3 supports 1080p High Definition
 * To make it a real theatrical experience there is 7.1 digital surround sound built in
 * Can connect up to seven wireless motion-sensitive controllers and they are rechargeable
 * It has built-in 80GB of HDD Storage which allows easy storage of games and movies
 * It just gets closer to a computer by giving us the capability of going online via built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity
 * Makes it easier to transfer data from computers or phones with its Bluetooth™ technology
 * 2 USB ports for accessing data from digital devices such as cameras, music players and storage devices
 * Phenomenal interconnectivity with PSP
 * High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) makes it not only a great gaming device but a very innovative technology
 * PlayStation Network capabilities allowing online gaming, audio and video online chat, web browsing, downloads and more with no subscription fees



Blu-ray Disc Reader
The Blu-ray Disc capability that comes with the PS3 is one of its major selling points and has been ever since its release, as it makes the PS3 stand out significantly from its competitors on the market as not just a gaming console but an all-around entertainment center. The PS3's Blu-ray drive is a 2x speed model that is regionally coded. The PS3's functioning with the Blu-ray has garnered favorable reviews due to the top-of-the-line, high definition sound and images it produces.

High Definition
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. The HDMI interface is the uncompressed, all-digital, global connectivity standard that provides us with HD quality for different technology equipment using a single cable. In one single connection we receive digital video, multi-channel surround sound, and advanced control data. This innovation brings to us a phenomenal entertainment experience. The PS3 comes with the capability to support this amazing innovation, while being the only system that can output 1080p resolution. All you need is a wire and a TV that can support this. On the other hand, Microsoft’s XBOX needs an adapter to be able to give you this ultimate experience. Nintendo’s Wii doesn’t even support this aspect at all. Hence, we can conclude PS3 is the ultimate gaming console one needs to own.

Internet
The internet has become a significant part of people’s life, from checking emails to being able to search information, everything needs internet. Well, who would have guessed that this tool could be accessed through a gaming console? The PS3 supports this feature as it allows you to connect to wireless internet and then browse the worldwide web. With the help of a wireless mouse and keyboard you can access the liberties of the Internet without leaving your couch.

With the internet the gaming experience also is taken to a whole new stage and made more entertaining than expected. With the PS3 you can game online with people all around the world and make gaming a better experience than if you just were playing with a computer. One can further enhance this experience with chat, video and invitations. That’s not all it, though, as it gets better with the ability to download games, movies and other multimedia from the PlayStation Store. Truly, the PS3 has taken the gaming console community to a whole new stage with adding this useful aspect to it’s system.

Network


Known as the PSN (PlayStation Network), this large, free-of-charge network (over 14 million accounts) enables PS3 users to engage in multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service. Users can only register through their PS3 consoles or via PC and then can access a wide variety of services including the PlayStation Store, Qore (online magazine), instant online gaming, scores and rankings, trophies, friend lists, audio/visual chat, instant messaging, internet browsing, PlayStation Home (a community-based service that allows users to create avatar characters for their PS3 and interact with fellow users), and Life with PlayStation (which, with the theme of a 3D globe, provides headlines, weather and more). Using Life with PlayStation, users can also sign up to allow the PSN to receive error updates and issue reports so they can better their system and gaming experience. While the network creates some security issues (see 'Issues' section, below) it is no doubt a vital part of the PS3 experience for users and allows them to connect with fellow users around the world.

Accesories


Of the many accesories that are readily available for the PS3, some of the most important and popular ones include:

Sixaxis Controller
Though no longer produced, this was the PS3's original, official wireless controller but later replaced by the DualShock 3. It gets its name from the six directional movements it enables. It's strength comes from its ability to sense both rotational movement and translational acceleration (providing "six degrees of freedom").

DualShock 3 Controller
This new, award-winning controller will now be the PS3's official wireless controller, as announced in 2007. It is very similar to the Sixaxis except for the fact that it offers vibration capabilities. The DualShock weighs 40% heavier than its predecessor and requires PS3 firmware 1.94 or higher to operate, or 2.00 in order to utilize compatiable software from previous PlayStation models.

BD Remote
This device allows for the control of music or videos on Blu-ray Disc or DVD through Bluetooth (which utilizes radio waves meaning you don't have to point it anywhere specific).

PlayStation Eye Camera
Based on the EyeToy webcam for the PS2, this sensitive camera captures videos with frame rates of 60 hertz at 640x800 resolution or 120 hertz and 120x240 resolution. It also features a microphone, audio-visual chat capabilities and video-editing software known as EyeCreate. Sony has also released plans to add applications for interactive communication such as video blogging and film making.

Software
The PS3's software, known as System Software, is what the system runs on. Updates can be completed either directly on the PS3 via downloads from the PlayStation Network which are then installed on to the console; or by being downloaded off the official PlayStation website to a PC and then transferred to the PS3 console using a USB drive; or by the installation of game discs that contain the updates needed to play that specific game. The most current version of software that the PS3 runs on is 2.52 (released 11/5/08). Linux is another operating system that the PS3 has the capability to run on once installed to the PS3's hard drive.

The PS3 utilizes a version of the XCrossMediaBar (XMB) developed by Q-Games Ltd. for its graphical user interface. 48 MB of RAM are permanently reserved for the XMB's diverse functions that consist of 10 option categories: This provides users with a very dynamic, not to mention sharp looking, interface that possesses the ability to store user profiles, manage photos with numerous options, play videos/movies (via storage devices, the PS3's own hard disk drive, Blu-ray disc or DVD), listen to music, rip CDs or iTunes tracks, use a USB mouse and/or keyboard, utilize the NetFront web browser which allows for downloading, emailing friends, participation in video chats, and online shopping via the PlayStation's official store...all of which make it very easy for users to multitask while using their PS3. An interesting fact about the XMB is that it changes its background color every month as well as changes brightness depending on the time of day.
 * System Settings
 * Users
 * Music
 * Photos
 * Videos
 * Television
 * Friends
 * Games
 * Network
 * PlayStation Network

Winning Points/Niches

 * The built-in Blu-ray player (cheap and dynamic substitute compared to standalone players)
 * Built-in internet browser (check e-mail, youtube, instant message without a computer)


 * Built-in wireless internet, HD and surround outputs (with an Xbox, you'd have to buy extra accessories for wireless internet and HD essential outputs)


 * The PlayStation Store which allows gamers to download games, demos, themes, movies, trailers and any other accessories to improve their console, something that Microsoft doesn’t offer.

Some may argue that having an internet browser puts the console at risk for online attacks and viruses. Truth is, Sony established a very closed and limited internet browser that cannot allow attacks. It all goes through the closed PlayStation Network, where you connect on to and then portals you to worldwide web, and all downloads and flash media are disabled. Plugging in a USB mouse and keyboard gives you a real life computer feeling and you can browse the internet in the safest way possible. When first released the PlayStation 3 seemed expensive and unreasonable to the gaming world. 2 years after it has made its impact and is beginning to catch on to the world’s eye. Having the full 1080p capabilities and free online gaming is the main selling point and both advantages are starting to become more demanding in today’s world.

Competitors


The PS3 continues to face competition from rival gaming systems such as the Nintendo Wii and the Microsoft Xbox 360, and since their releases, it has been an unofficial race for which one of these gaming systems would reign supreme (colloquially referred to as 'Console Wars'). Though these 3 systems indeed have some similarities, they have numerous differences. While Sony and Microsoft market their systems as having superior performance abilities, Nintendo has been more concerned with portraying their product as 'playable' and family-friendly with fun, active games rather than extraordinarily graphic-intensive ones. The PS3 is the most expensive of the 3 products, but this is justified due to its 'eye on the future' and the amazing capabilities and features it is jam-packed with, as outlined above (for example, the PS3 offers a very economical way of combining the state of the art Blu-ray player with a cutting edge console) and near luxury-item status. In fact, the PS3 is so competent that Sony has marketed it more as a PC alternative -- something none of the other 2 rival products could do, as seen by the Xbox 360 being promoted as a PC companion, and the Wii as a completely seperate entity from a PC. It is also important to note that one cannot simply look at sales to gauge which of these devices is the 'best' -- though the Wii is the top-selling of these 3 systems, it is truly underpowered in comparison to not just the PS3 but also the Xbox 360 -- which, in turn, allows for its low price that attracts buyers.

TOTAL SALES COMPARISON: 1. Nintendo Wii: 34.55 million units, as of 9/30/08 2. Microsoft Xbox 360: 25 million units, as of 11/25/08 3. Sony PlayStation 3: 16.84 million units, as of 9/30/08

Issues
The PS3's launch in 2006 was unfortunately laden with issues caused by the general public's unfavorable views that the system cost too much and lacked any 'must-have' exclusive games but overlooked the system's formidable power. Sony responded well to these issues by eventually releasing a cheaper model of the PS3 as well as a deluxe version, hoping to satisfy the needs of all gamers. Now the PS3 is largely viewed as the superior gaming system available on the market, and deservedly so.

Sony takes pride in claiming its PS3 is a very safe gaming console, which, apart from the inherent issues arising from its capability of connecting to the internet, it truly is. One would think with being able to connect to the internet the gaming console would lead to numerous related issues, such as cyber bullying or loss of privacy. However, the PS3's network seems to avoid any serious problems. Trend Micro Web Security is available, which is a service that provides a URL filtering technology and Web Reputation technology useful for the PS3 Internet browser. Using these tools, browsing the Internet has been made even easier as unsafe websites will be blocked and won’t be able to be accessed by users. Also, internet browsing can be made password sensitive and therefore parents can have control over what their children play or see. Making it more efficient, passwords cannot be changed without the current password or resetting your system -- something no gamer would really like to do after putting so much effort into their games. Although these precautions may not solve all the security issues completely, they makes it more secure than not having any security settings at all.

The PS3's connection to the PS3 Network still can lead to security issues. The PS3 network has been hacked into once in the past, though, which gave hackers access to a small amount of user's passwords and other sensitive personal information such as credit card numbers. Sony maintains, though, that such breaches of privacy and security are "very unlikely" and has even added extra protection to avoid such incidents occurring in the future. In fact, the PS3's security system is so good that research is being done in The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington State in an effort to try to develop new national security devices in the United States. Reportedly, the PS3 has about 1/4 of the computing power of the whole lab's 8,000 square-foot supercomputer. Of course, there has always also been the concern that game consoles promote violence, anti-social behavior and even obesity, especially in children and youth. However, such arguments lack solid proof, are easily refuted and are not PS3 specific at all, but rather are used against all video game consoles.

Promotions


Sony has recently teamed up with VISA to offer a $150 rebate on PlayStation 3's purchased during the Christmas season. The only thing required for this rebate is signing up for a PlayStation Credit Card. This only benefits consumers with good credit, but will generate more revenue for both Sony and VISA. For approval for this car visit www.sony.com/newpscard and either purchase a new PlayStation 3 online with an instant rebate or you can wait until the card arrives and see the $150 credit on your billing statement after you've purchased a new PlayStation 3.

Conclusion
Numerous advancements have been made technologically, from the introduction of the internet to HD capabilities. All these have made the human technological experience different and brought a whole new meaning to the entrainment world. The PS3 is the one gaming console that brings all these innovations together and brings the gaming world to a whole new level. We discussed the issues and advancements of this phenomenal system and came to the conclusion that it is not only a technological marvel in the gaming world but to all of technology in general.