High-end PS3 shipping without HDMI cable

"that is simply not true. The standard Type A HDMI connector has 19 pins. There is a higher resolution version called Type B. the Type B has 29 pins and can carry more video channels. Type-B is designed to support resolutions higher than 1080p. The best HDMI cables have a much larger bandwidth than the cheap ones."

And that has absolutely nothing to do with signal noise. If you need a type A cable, get a cheap type A cable. If you need a type B cable, get a cheap type B cable. I still wouldn't go with the expensive models.

I should mention that for long cable runs, you could end up with voltage droop with thinner cables. I'm not sure how much of an issue this is, though.

Are there even any devices out there that support type-b? That would require specific support in both devices in order for it to be of any use over the type A cables.

"The only problem is that the HDMI cable needed to do this won't be included with your $600 PS3. That means, according to prices on places like Amazon, you'll have to shell out an extra $40 or more for the needed HD hook up."

I always wanted to say this: LOL

Am I the only one who didn't have to buy S-video cables for my systems this generation?

Now, I don't see a problem with the low-end package not coming with HDMI, but I doubt that having that HDMI cable in with the system would raise the price at all. It's not like it would cost Sony $40 to make them

The lower-end 360 model only comes with a composite cable, but the higer-end model comes with component. I guess Microsoft wants you to be able to utilize everything the system has to offer with their higher-end SKU and Sony doesn't.

@ 150.

actually, the optical audio cable is a moot point for the high-end SKU, because if you were to use the system the way Sony has touted that particular model, your audio would be going out through the HDMI, either to your tv or to your receiver (HDMI support is pretty common there, now)...

to Dolemite:
I didn't see that review before. I only knew that the listing on the Westinghouse website specifically noted that model as _not_ supporting 1080p over component. very interesting, and thanks for the link... nice to see that uncommon feature seeing a little support. are you really happy with yours? I was kind of looking at it, but didn't know anyone with one...

-->"your audio would be going out through the HDMI, either to your tv or to your receiver (HDMI support is pretty common there"

I know that HDMI also has audio (it's basically DVI + audio) but is it full 5.1/6.1/7.1 audio though?

I want my audio pumping thru my receiver in full surround sound glory, not going thru my dinky TV speakers.

HDMI cables cost less than $20 at monoprice.com.

All in all, PS3 will cost less than Xbox 360, if you care about its Blu-ray drive.

Microsoft knows full well the Blu-ray drive is a key factor. They wouldn't offer a HD-DVD add-on if they did not think so.

I'm getting excited at the idea of so many people not buying a PS3 comes November. I would love not to wait in line to pick one up.
This being said, I know many of you are closet PS3 owners in the making and I am certain I will struggle to get one at launch.

You also have to buy the controller, the power cord and any other cords needed. PS3 you know you have to buy it.

GSI,

hdmi supports the whole deal, it's more likely going to be limited only by what your audio quality your receiver will support over that connection, with newer models obviously having the best abilities. in fact, the newest hdmi standard, 1.3, that Sony has decided to include in the PS3 hardware supports all sorts of audio formats barely even supported yet by current audio hardware, like lossless audio and Dolby TrueHD.

that's not right, Sony should include the HDMI cable with the system, PS3 + HDMI + Tax = $700 and don't forget you have to buy at least one game when you walk out the store with the system too. If Sony include the component cable and you own a HDTV that can produce 1080i max then you don't have to worry about the HDMI cable.

@ Wild Homes:

Ahh...but that means you'd have to have a receiver that has HDMI input and there aren't too many of those. Although there is a rather nice 900W Sony HTB that has 2 HDMI inputs for $280-ish at Best Buy ($270 online).

It's the Sony HT-DDW900.

If someone advises you that "cable quality/perfomance doesnt matter since it's "digital" they are providing misleading advice. While you should spend what you're comfortable with spending on cables for your PS3 or any other component, there is indeed a performance difference between "cheapie" HDMI cables and higher-quality HDMI cables.

Side by side in the short-term you may not experience an immediate visual or audible difference, but over time, as the connectors corrode because they're not high-quality/gold contacts, or the internal joints come apart because of poor soldering, or EM/RF interference from other appliances and powerlines create digital artifacts on your TV screen because of thin or poor shielding in the cable, you'll wish you spent a few extra dollars vs. having to rip the cables out of the wall, pull your flatscreen off the wall and unplug your components to check, test and replace.

And while HDMI cables may deliver "0's and 1's" in a digital signal, many HDMI cables barely pass digital eye-pattern testing and are doomed to fail at higher resolutions. Many are not even tested for full 1080p compliance (tested for 720p/1080i instead) or meet HDMI 1.3 spec (which the PS3 is) -- good luck with your Blu-ray player, PS3, or other A/V sources connected to your 1080p-capable LCD or DLP. If you're looking to be ready for 1080p now or perhaps sometime in the future, a "cheapie" HDMI cable just wont cut it and will cost you in the long run.

Get the facts. Do the research. Get past the misconceptions. Invest in quality audio and video cables that will last and deliver consistent performance each time no matter what electronics are being hooked-up. And dont be mis-lead that just because it's "digital", the quality level of the cable doesnt matter. On the contrary, cable quallity becomes even more citical link in delivering all the digital data and bandwidth required for music, movies, games and more.

I've bought and used both. And more often than not, the "cheapies" crap out and when I switch to a better quality cable, I didnt even realize what I was missing. Buy what makes sense to you. As in most cases, you get what you pay for.

Good luck.

#37 "...there are no HDTV units commercially available that will accept and display a 1080p image over a component connection."

The latest Samsung DLP HDTVs accept 1080p over component video (e.g., models HL-S5088W and HL-S5688W).

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7dGQFrn6ssG/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=147350&I=305HLS5088&search=Samsung+VENDORID305&SearchDisplay=Samsung

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7dGQFrn6ssG/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=147350&I=305HLS5688&search=Samsung+VENDORID305&SearchDisplay=Samsung

I work for an electronics distribution company called Applied Telcomm Corp, www.appliedtel.com.

We sell the HDMI to HDMI cables two lengths:

6 foot lengths for $8.04
http://www.appliedtel.com/Site/Shop/ProductView.aspx?prdID=983&srch=1
and
12 foot lengths for $13.79
http://www.appliedtel.com/Site/Shop/ProductView.aspx?prdID=3605&srch=1

There is very little difference in HDMI cable connections. Either the cable works or it obviously doesn't. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are most likely selling you a more expensive cable.

We also sell an HDMI to DVI cable in 6 foot length for $10.29.