PS3: HDMI doesn't like you
The PS3 troubles continue to roll in. First the (admittedly minor) backwards compatibility issues, then we find out the PS3 can't run 1080i, now a new issue has come to light: some folks are having a rough time getting HDMI to work right.
The guys over at The Man Room have unpacked their PS3 (sans-ceremony) and immediately plugged it up to their HDTV using HDMI cables. The result was less than optimal; they were greeted by flickering that required some resolution changes -- our guess is HDMI can't output 480p, though not a big deal since who wants to play on 480p anyway -- to get the dashboard working right. Just when they thought it stopped, popping in a Blu-ray movie resulted in the same thing, which they said would sometimes stop and sometimes continue (the guys never really gave a definitive answer on what they did to fix it).
The Man Room postulated that the PS3 has some HDMI handshaking issues and their apparent resolution is to keep rebooting until it works right. HDMI is supposed to be Sony's main firearm in its arsenal against the 360; some gamers are going to have to put in a lot of work on top of hard earned cash to get their PS3 running properly. We recommend just keeping at it and pray for a firmware update from Sony to keep it fixed.
[Thanks, the worm]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mathew Smith @ Nov 17th 2006 3:27PM
Harrrr.
nootau @ Nov 17th 2006 3:28PM
O_O
James @ Nov 17th 2006 3:31PM
I think you are suppose to hold the power button for 5 seconds to let the PS3 sync properly with the output display.
Skwurl @ Nov 17th 2006 3:33PM
You mean there are people actually playing the PS3?
watership @ Nov 17th 2006 3:35PM
CheapyD over at Cheapassgamer.com had the same issue, and on his blog you can see the movies with his malfunctioning HDMI compatibility.
Inferno @ Nov 17th 2006 3:38PM
If this is anything like the PS2 (which wasn't nearly as complex), then It will stop playing anything but BluRay in two months, right after warranty expires.
Flit @ Nov 17th 2006 3:39PM
Surprise! Sony's first generation is glitchy and undertested! Welcome to hell, launch geeks. Like i've said before, hold on to the receipt for when the blu-ray diode stops reading discs, a la ps2.
Javi @ Nov 17th 2006 3:40PM
I'm just glad that these are minor problems unlike the fried 360 I got a few days after I got it.(I hope the PS3 lasts a little more)
PS3 is kicking ass for me at least this morning when I played a little before work. RFOM rocks! I can't wait to get off work.
4thDimensionGod @ Nov 17th 2006 3:42PM
Typical Joycrap bias. how about report some of the 360's problems?
-like not being able to do anything while you download from xcrap live
-giving your credit card number to microcrap just to get xcrap live.
i propose we boycott joycrap and its bias against azn companies. as an azn american im really annoyed about how they be hatin on us azn's.
and as for the PS3's 1080i problems. everyone who knows anything about HDTV's knows that even 480P is 5 times clear picture than 1080 thanks to progressive alone!
Todd @ Nov 17th 2006 3:43PM
Running 480p might not seem like a big deal to most, but the lack of option is. For such a sophisticated machine, at $600, you would think this option would be given. People enjoy options. On top, having to pray to the Sony Gods and fuck with the PS3 just to get proper play isn't rewarding enough for the cash spent. I want a machine that works, not something I have to spin around, turn upside down, and get the right mood lighting to work.
What a PoS.
dokool @ Nov 17th 2006 3:43PM
@8 - "Minor problems"? One of the main selling points of the console malfunctioning is a 'minor problem'?
How's the Kool-Aid taste?
LunarDuality @ Nov 17th 2006 3:44PM
And all this after they spent EXTRA just to get that HDMI cable... ugh.
SecondChance @ Nov 17th 2006 3:45PM
"the Man Room postulated that the PS3 has some HDMI handshaking issues and their apparent resolution is to keep rebooting until it works right."
What, are they software developers? Reboot and fix itself? Sounds like Windows to me.
Steve @ Nov 17th 2006 3:46PM
When playing during MSNBC's preview this week, I had the same problems. I felt stupid for not being able to get the console to work with HDMI - checked all my TV's menus, etc. just trying to find what was up. We ended up hooking up both composite and HDMI at the same time and using the composite input to work our way through the menus until we figured out how to enable HDMI on the PS3. Even after we got the video working, we had to switch the sound over through a separate menu. I suspect that this won't be an issue for some HD owners, 'cause they're used to working with TV&game menus to troubleshoot problems. But for the average person who just bought an HDTV? Ugh.
Prof-KOS @ Nov 17th 2006 3:47PM
4thDimensionGod,
Holy Sh*t!! Was that a serious post? We're you actually trying to claim bias against "azn" companies? You're an idiot. Go hold your breath for a year.
Miniboss @ Nov 17th 2006 3:47PM
@ 9.
"Typical Joycrap bias. how about report some of the 360's problems?
-like not being able to do anything while you download from xcrap live
-giving your credit card number to microcrap just to get xcrap live.
i propose we boycott joycrap and its bias against azn companies. as an azn american im really annoyed about how they be hatin on us azn's.
and as for the PS3's 1080i problems. everyone who knows anything about HDTV's knows that even 480P is 5 times clear picture than 1080 thanks to progressive alone!"
You're funny.
Tush @ Nov 17th 2006 3:49PM
That's amazing, so many little problems! I read on ps3fanboy that Sony doesn't include usb charging cables with separately sold controllers... painful.
Joe SMith @ Nov 17th 2006 3:50PM
So far, what I am hearing sounds like Sony needs to get their game hardware guys talking more to their consumer products guys. The mantra should be "it just works." THe way settings are laid out, the lack of compatibility in areas that are supposed to be the system's strengths, the clumsy UI for things like on-line sign-up... etc... all sound like they let engineers do the design.
Iscariote @ Nov 17th 2006 3:50PM
So, can we start the "PS3 is fragile and glitchy" comments yet, or what?
Flit @ Nov 17th 2006 3:52PM
@10:
"I want a machine that works, not something I have to spin around, turn upside down, and get the right mood lighting to work."
I sh1t you not, this is how I have to get my ps2 to see that it has a ps2 game in. 'bout 5-8 minutes of fiddle time every time i try to start a game. It's only worth it for stellar games like SotC.
rb @ Nov 17th 2006 3:52PM
question is does both versions of the ps3 have this problem?
Dogle @ Nov 17th 2006 3:52PM
I would probably expect Sony to start doing a mass recall of the console until they sort this crazyness out. It seems like not much is working out of the box.
mugginns @ Nov 17th 2006 3:55PM
wtf 480p better than 1080i? UGH.
NorCal05 @ Nov 17th 2006 3:56PM
You're supposed to blow on the connector before you insert it. Duh.
32_Footsteps @ Nov 17th 2006 3:56PM
Joystiq is biased against azn countries? The only country I know of that could go by that abbreviation is Azerbaijan. Damn Joystiq and its anti-Azerbaijani bias!
If you're wondering where's Joystiq's posts against the 360, I suggest you search the site for posts taged "360 Annoyance #(blank)".
What's funny is that people whined about those at the time, and claimed that Joystiq wouldn't do that when the PS3 came out. Oh, I'm entertained.
Skwurl @ Nov 17th 2006 3:56PM
#9 You mean like this?
http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/23/xbox-360-crashing-overheating/
http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/25/how-to-fix-your-overheating-360/
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/18/diary-of-a-broken-360/
Don't be an idiot.
SlayerRB @ Nov 17th 2006 3:57PM
response to #9.
You have the option to download content and provide Microsoft with your credit card. You do not have to give that info to play games.
PS3. Hmm, wont even boot to give me the option. You get the option to look at a blank screen. Fun!!!
gman @ Nov 17th 2006 4:00PM
ohh man...sony you make me smile. Money well spent, sony kids
Todd @ Nov 17th 2006 4:01PM
"Next-gen doesn't start until we say it does" - Sony
Welcome to next-gen...don't forget your complimentary ass beating that comes with every PS3.
Iscariote @ Nov 17th 2006 4:01PM
Don't forget you can make an Xbox Live Silver account and download demos without providing your credit card number.
Adrian Olson @ Nov 17th 2006 4:04PM
HDMI Tech Info. Just an fyi about resolutions and such. HDMI actually talks to your display and can determine what resolutions you can send to the display it is connected to.. Also it is not restricted in what video signal it can carry. IE 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p. I in my family room a dvd player, receiver, and tv all wired through hdmi. I send any resolution through to the tv that it can display. They either had a bad cable, bad ps3 or there is a flaw in the ps3 hdmi chipset across the board.
Mal F4cti0n @ Nov 17th 2006 4:05PM
Hey 4th Dimension, go F*ck yourself.
Xbox released a dashboard update that lets you do other stuff while you are downloading stuff from Live.
Obviously, you just read Joystiq Xbox 360 annoyances and don't even own one. But if you did do that, you would know Joystiq pointed out the other console's shortcomings. Huh, wierd? Oh yeah, that's right, it's because FANBOIS LIKE YOU ARE COMPLETELY ILLOGICAL.
botdeluxe @ Nov 17th 2006 4:06PM
4thDimensionGod, funny but, some people might take you serious.
Mal F4cti0n @ Nov 17th 2006 4:06PM
And another thing 4thdimension, anyone that knows anything about math knows that 540 > 480 and thus a 1080i image is clearer than a 480p image. And I thought azn's were good at math. Must be you are more blind fanboi than azn.
Sgt. Bilbo @ Nov 17th 2006 4:08PM
Hey 4thDimension...with the Spring update on the Xbox360 allows you to download in the background while you're playing a game or tooling around the dashboard...get your facts straight before making false statements.
Ryan @ Nov 17th 2006 4:13PM
I hope this doesn't come off to fanboyish because its not.
This is absurd! Sony has released a worse console 1 year after its competition! What the hell? Wasn't Sony the undisputed king of the last generation?
The Xbox360 had some problems in the begining such as overheating. We haven't even had access to the PS3 for 24 hours and there are more serious problems already.
HDMI issues will hopefully be fixed via a software update, but the unbelievable lack of a video scaler is just moronic. How does that slip through the cracks? Its not like Sony has never made a TV that doesn't support 720P.
1 YEAR AFTER the Xbox360 people are paying a $200 premium (considering the rumor that there are no 20GB models to be purchased) for a machine that was clearly rushed to market... how can anyone stay loyal to this company? Developers are saying that the 360 and PS3 are pretty much equals... with the exception that the 360 has substantially better programming tools.
Sorry for the rant but my last little thought of buying a PS3 after a price drop has gone. I just can not possibly support Sony with the lying and now the console is released and has significant (I don't care what any fanboy has to say a $600 system that pushes 720p to 480 instead of 1080i is significant) issues.
I hope Sony fails miserably this generation. Not enough to make them leave the video game market but enough so that they get there heads out of their asses and make a viable system next time.
The worst part is Sony will win, they will ride the hype of the PS2 and people will buy this pile of crap and Sony being Sony will not have fixed any of the problems. The average public doesn't read this news and when they get home and hook up their system to see a blurry SD version Resistance on their HDTV they bought 2 years ago they are going to be pissed. They are not going to buy any more games and because they BELIEVE Sony is the best out there they won't look at the other choices. The end result of this is a major decline in video games move to become a respected media format.
Thanks Sony. Next time I'll bring the lube, seeing that you couldn't bring any because of the cost it would add to me the poor gamer.
Chris @ Nov 17th 2006 4:15PM
I'm waiting for Sun to get a Wii and I already own and love my 360, but seriously if you have a 360 you have no right to be heckling people who bought a PS3 today. The 360 was a total brick to most people on launch, and still some to this day. I think 360 is the superior machine to PS3, but making fun of broken systems is the ultimate case of pot calling the kettle black.
n2 @ Nov 17th 2006 4:18PM
Despite having it's original launch date pushed back until now, the PS3 still feels as if it were rushed to market. The only thing that bugs me about this, is that it's happening from Sony, a company that SHOULD have quality products.
devi8i @ Nov 17th 2006 4:19PM
Hey guys, did anyone read their manual? It explictitly says:
"If you wish to use the HDMI capabilities of the PlayStation®3, you must first setup the system using the included A/V cables. Follow the steps below to configure HDMI settings on the users PlayStation®3 system."
See link for more info....
http://www.us.playstation.com/content/sites/176/info/hardware/connect_tv.html
gambit410 @ Nov 17th 2006 4:19PM
You know this isnt really a ps3 thing its a HDMI thing, actually its a HDCP thing, because of all the copy protection stuff thrown in it lots opf HDMi devices have prblems. I know lots of people that cant get their dvd player to play nice with their tv all the time. If anyones to blame its the group that developed hdmi and hdcp, they didnt get their psecs straight before they pushed it out the door, hence all the hand shake issues. Unfortunalt it seem slike the PS# will be a lot of peoples introduction to hdmi and they are going to think its the ps3 fault when it could just as well be their tv etc.
Pete C @ Nov 17th 2006 4:21PM
Are we still on this 480p is equal to 1080i stuff? Seriously folks, anyone that thinks this is the case should just get out of the game now. You just don't understand how TV resolution works, and you probably couldn't grasp it even if you read up on it. It's kinda complicated, so leave all this crazy "interlaced" and "progressive" talk to the adults.
Dre @ Nov 17th 2006 4:22PM
Everyone knows the XBOX Rules. Fanboy or not. XBOX RULES. Better Games, Graphics and only a few of the downloads did not work. Got my machine on day one and have had no problems from start to finish. Sony or Pony 3 will have serious issues because it was rushed out the door. This is not a surprise.
FOX @ Nov 17th 2006 4:23PM
NO 480P! Thats insane! What about those of us with older EDTV's! I own a Sony plasma EDTV. 480P is its max resolution.
Remember not everyone has a 1080p LCD. Actually only about .02% of the population has one. How can sony release a console that does not play nice with all types of TVs. Especially TV's Sony has manufactured!
NorCal05 @ Nov 17th 2006 4:23PM
dammit gambit410, there's no room for rational talk here!
Mal F4cti0n @ Nov 17th 2006 4:26PM
Off topic:
The only thing that I don't like about my 360 is how loud it is when I first start a game. Yes, it quiets down in like five minutes, but damn that thing whirrrrrrrrrs!
Post 39 (devi8i) looks like he just solved this problem. Joystiq, you should post a quick update after checking into his statement.
RTFM, people, RTFM!
Steve2 @ Nov 17th 2006 4:27PM
I'll just say that people with only one HDMI/HDCP monitor and one HDMI/HDCP source should refrain from stating "what they think the problem is" when it doesn't work.
It's like buying a 360 and a component TV, hooking them up, finding they don't work (see Sony Bravia 46" and 360) and then trying to say which is the problem.
And to those who say this is a condemnation of HDMI/HDCP, I was using my HDTiVo flawlessly over HDMI/HDCP to my 34" Sony tube-based HDTV two and a half years ago (via an HDMI->DVI cable). And it works with my newer HDTV too. And the HDTiVo was just about the first HDMI/HDCP device on the market.
I'm sorry these people are having problems, but reporting when some guy has a TV that doesn't work with PS3 isn't that useful. It might not even be a design flaw, he might just have a bad unit (on either side).
Mal F4cti0n @ Nov 17th 2006 4:30PM
#43
No, the PS3 supports 480p. What it does do is downscale a 1080i image to 480p because it does not support 1080i. Some TVs don't have 720p but do have 1080i. So, if you have a 1080i and not 720p HDTV, your image will be downscaled to 480p.
Corey W @ Nov 17th 2006 4:32PM
try having your HD cable DVR from Cox fail to handshake HDMI w/ my HDTV constantly. and you can't order a new box because all of your recorded shows are trapped on their f*ing non-TiVo drive. :-)
Raptor61 @ Nov 17th 2006 4:35PM
4thDimensionGod, Your 'facts' are all wrong:
"Typical Joycrap bias. how about report some of the 360's problems?"
They did, see earlier posts.
"-like not being able to do anything while you download from xcrap live"
Not true. OS update allows background downloading of up to 6 items queued items while playing a non-network game, and an option to automatically download all Live Arcade demo games. If you start a network game, the download pauses until you get off the network game, and it then resumes automatically.
"-giving your credit card number to microcrap just to get xcrap live."
Only if you want to. You are free to buy subscriptions and points at a brick and mortar store, no credit card required.
"and as for the PS3's 1080i problems. everyone who knows anything about HDTV's knows that even 480P is 5 times clear picture than 1080 thanks to progressive alone!"
I have a TV that has 480p and 1080i output. Both games and video look much better with 1080i. A standard DVD is 480p. Just got the HD-DVD 360 add-on, and the picture is phenomenal in 1080i.
blah @ Nov 17th 2006 4:41PM
4thDimensionGod,
the ps3 is the one where you must sit and wait for DLs and not play, 360 has been able to download in the background for a looooong time now. it is a terrible problem, but one limited to ps3.
Also, no CC is needed for live, you can buy live cards at retail.