I am so sick of the word 'FUD'. It's like the geek's version of the Paris Hilton

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by jayselle

The demographic of the PS3 does not match the demographic of home theater enthusiast or of those with HDTV's. BD is more expensive than DVD. The PS3 only comes with composite cables. So now John Q Kid has to buy a HDMI or component cables that run $70-$100 at your nearest Best Buy assuming Kid has a HDTV.

Ever since the gaming sites and the 360 fanboy blogs reported the purported cost of the HDMI cables, this issue has been blown up. But those in the know and supporters of both BD and PS3 were quick to send notes on these sites that the cables can be had for 10% of US$70. So I don't think it's going to be an issue.

The PS3's lack of an infrared port will also detract a lot of home theater enthusiast looking for a cheaper solution.

The infra red is a small thing. Once the remote is released, there is no stumbling block. Those with universal remotes can whine but in reality, there's only ONE other remote they have to live with.

I would say you are correct that most gamers getting a PS3 are aware of HDTV. Most would probably like to have a 70" 1080p HDTV. Most do not have the means.

Most gamers do not have the means to get a 70". But you don't need 70". Even with a 32" you can notice the video quality difference. You can get a cheap 42" for under US$1000.

Most children (18 and under) receiving this most likely will not have a HDTV. The remaining demographic (18-25) stereotypically does not have the luxury of HDTV and home theater.

If they are children (I classify children as below 14) and getting a PS3, I would bet that their parents are rich enough to get a launch-date PS3. The same parents would already have a HDTV. And if the parents are smart enough, they would probably know what to do with the enclosed Talladega Nights BD provided free with the launch-date PS3.

Not all gamers are alike. And not all gamers have the same or right priorities. It used to be that being a hardcore gamer is frowned upon but now you can make a career as a gamer or a bester tester gamer.

There's no doubt the PS3 has the upper hand with HDMI and better audio support. But keep in mind, it's a gaming console first. To take full advantage of this you will need an expensive receiver as well (for TrueHD). The 360 support TrueHD but it's down mixed to Dolby 5.1.

The starting price for a HDMI receiver with 7.1 is US$300. That's not expensive. And since the PS3 already decodes TrueHD out of the box, that is no problem.

The 10 million may be hopeful, but not impossible. The PS3 will stir up quite a rage like the 360 did last year. Most folks won't be able to get their hands on the PS3; what's the alternative. The PS3 shortage will help the 360.

If you're a parent and you can't give your kids the PS3 they want for Christmas, do you blow US$400++ for a 360 that they don't want or do you present them with an IOU and tell them as soon as it is available, you'll get them one. If you're a teenager or a kid who wants a PS3 as a present and none is available, do you hold out for the IOU or do you take a 360 as a consolation?

If you're a young/adult gamer, and you've kept abreast of the PS3 but can't score one, do you blow US$400 for a console you don't even want?

The idea that a shortage will lure people to the 360 has some logic but I would not bet that 50% of those people will get a 360. I wouldn't even bet that 50% of them would get a Wii.


fuad