Engadget has posted an interview with Sony Computer Entertainment's SVP of Marketing, Peter Dille. He's only been back with Sony for the past six months, coming aboard right at the start of E3, the equivalent of being dropped behind enemy lines without a map.They don't pull any punches with the questions, asking him about the declining PS3 launch numbers (Dille fails to nail down a figure), the UMD format, and the never-ending saga of "true HD." While a lot of his answers are standard PR responses (hey, he's a PR guy -- he probably talks like that at home), he's also honest about the things he knows about, and what he's unsure of. Of particular note is that the PS3 will upscale DVDs to 1080p, something that Microsoft had announced the HD-DVD player would do for non-native HD DVDs.
He also addresses the lack of rumble in the SIXAXIS controller, saying "I was talking to Phil Harrison about recently is the weight of the controller is now so much lighter that you almost forget that you have it. And again, it's bringing you one step closer to the game." What, by making you forget you're holding a controller? While the PS3 controller is definitely light, it's not like a feather resting in your hands.
On the issue of not including an HD cable with the PS3, he claims that's to give "flexibility and choice, based on how they want to use the system in their home." Not to make us have to buy one more thing from Sony? Color us suspect. As much as they push 1080p, Blu-Ray, and "true HD," you think they'd be handing the cables out like candy. We want to be able to go HD right out of the box. As far as having a VGA cable with the PS3? "I have to get back with you on that one. Not sure."
We applaud his honest answers (although we would have liked more info about the Lik-Sang litigation) and feel for the guy. They're trying to get this lumbering beast off the ground and not get stuck with a Spruce Goose.
(Page 1) Reader Comments
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Nintendo and other companies manage to get numbers out saying this many women bought that or this many old people bought this. We would be naive to believe Sony does not tally this in any way.
So where are the numbers detailing the "fact" that their system goes strictly after an older crowd? I want them to put their money where there mouth is and show us the numbers. I'm tired of this comment bandied out in every single one of their interviews about the PSP.
It's particularly of note when Nintendo in particular has made such a big deal about going after older gamers and non-gamers... a ploy they claim is working. Maybe it is and maybe it isn't, but at least every once in a while I see some sort of percentage or number about how many of this demographic bought whatever Nintendo product in question... from whatever country it might be.
Some writer just has to put an end to this already. It's so tiresome.
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Wow... what a spin. But that is what Sony does best...
Cheers!
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If you can afford a $600 dollar console like the PS3 you aren't exactly going to break your bank account spending an extra $15 before leaving the store.
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It's not a big deal in practice, but it's a minor outrage in principle. If Sony is touting the PS3's "True HD" capability so aggressively, there's just no reason the cables shouldn't be included.
From the interview: "What it is we're trying to do had never been done before. Has still never been done: a global simultaneous launch. So, who, other than a market leader should aspire to do something like that? I think it was a great goal, and it didn't work out."
Wow, that's some great spin. He's describing a plan that ended in total failure as some kind of noble dream that they strove valiantly for but couldn't quite attain.
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So a "very familiar" design (the sixaxis looks exactly like a dual shock) is moving down a new path? Touting a more powerful system and a new proprietary format instead of true innovation is different from the previous consoles? And he believes the controller is more immersive and offers better motion control than the Wii remote.
Whatever this guy is smoking, I want some. Maybe he got it in Egypt when he was in denial.
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I felt embarassed for him - he was the very definition of 'clueless.'
When he got sick of answering every question with 'I don't know,' he started making things up and adding disassociated factoids to pad out his non-answers. "Huh? VGA cables? Yes, USB keyboards and mice should work right out of the box!"
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I don't think so pal. Flexibility and choice would have been packaging in a cable that has both HD and SD input options like the XBOX 360. What you are doing is purposely not including a certain accessory because you KNOW that 8/10 folks who buy a PS3 will need to buy the cable as well. Sure, it may be smart business, but it's also called buttfucking your loyal fan base.
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People need to stop being such emo fanboys and look at the situation more objectively.
P.S. not everyone put off by a 600 dollar price tag considering blu ray players cost so much stand alone.
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That kind of just caught me off guard...typo by engadget, or does Mr. Dille, really forget what day his companies most important product to date was releasing...??
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"Now, since you just bought this nice 1080p television to go along with yoru brand new PS3, you'll need a HDMI cable, so go on ahead to your computer at home and buy a 15 dollar cable. No worries, just helping you out man."
no, they're goign to say "Dude, you're goign to need an AWESOME hdmi cable to go with that new 1080p set you mentioned that you got for the PS3. Here's the 'best' on the market right here...a 4-foot MONSTER HDMI cable, only set you back only 149.99...it's worth it dude. No one has a better price..."
and Joe Six pack will then go "Hot damn that's expensive, but...if it's the only way...."
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People need to stop being such emo fanboys and look at the situation more objectively."
Listen to yourself man!! You make it sound like Sony's doing you a favor by "eating so much" on their $600 console. For that kind of bread, I don't think a selection of cables in the box is too much to ask really.
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When can we expect to see the Ultimate Showdown between the two?
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Let me get this straight. You are complaining about the PS3 because joe six pack is going to pay $135 more than someone that does their research for HDMI cables and this is Sony's fault? Seriously dude, worry about yourself. HDMI cables are worth $5-$15, because someone pays more than that its not Sony's, Toshiba's, Samsung's, etc.. etc..'s fault.
Do I think some people will pay $150 for it? Yes I'm sure they will. Here is the important question? Am I goign to pay more than $15 for it? Nope. Lastly, Do I care if someone other than I overpays for HDMI cables without doing research? Nope!
All technology purchases require research, if you don't research what you are getting and what you need it for, expect to get ripped off by people looking to make a large amount of profit on your lack of knowledge.
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Way to completely ignore what I said. The price of the cables isn't the issue. Make the PS3 $515/$615 for all I care. The issue is the fact that they go on and on about the wonders of "True HD", yet they don't include the cables that would actually enable it.
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Yes, it sucks, get over it. I agree with you, pretty much everyone does. Yet, you still feel it necessary to bring up the same point many people have made over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. No matter how much you whine they aren't putting the cables in the box.
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Also, I choose a controller with rumble.
Finally, I just chose Xbox360 last week.
I was waiting for a PS3, but I finally got so fed up with pricing, rumbleless controllers, delays, games, etc.
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I just can't see how making a controller lighter brings me in any way "one step closer to the game". I don't see a controller as a barrier between me and a game, it is an integral part of my connection to a game. To say that the removal of rumble for the sake of weight can bring me closer just seems like a pretty pathetic attempt at PR spin to me. I don't even care too much about rumble to tell you the truth, I just can't stand it when I have to read such obvious BS.
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It's funny watching these lying F#$%s squirm when they've been defeated. They've not known defeat before (in this field), so they're reading from the 'we just won' script without realising that it makes then look even more stupid then they already are for failing.
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Upscaling was actually added in early 2006, and the latest update has added 1080p support to the dash.
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DS was the 'Toasty!' uppercut that summoned the "Finish Him".
Wii is the "Fatality" that bludgeons Sony beyond recognition.
And sad thing is I don't think Sony has any more quarters to Kontinue...
John Lucas
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I refuse to buy a PS3 if no HD cable is included with the system. That's just insane!!!
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The problem is, that would increase the retail price of the unit (by say, $15) and a number of people would end up throwing it out and opting for a different connection anyway. The people that DO want component video may also want a higher quality cable, and will end up tossing the included one.
You can't satisfy everyone with one box.
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Sony: "Damn, that Reggie guy kicks ass and takes names. We should get a big PR guy too!"
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Lex to seemed to think I was complaining about the price of the cables, and I was simply setting the record straight. I realize it's been said before, but it had to be repeated because the guy was still missing the point.
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