PlayStation 3 Slim Includes Improved Audio Hardware

[ssgt splatter]

where the hell is the XBOX 360 slim version and/or handheld?

Americans... slim... do you see where I'm going with this?

Uh...no.

 

[GonzoGamer]

This would only have affected people who bought those ultra cheap HDMI cables after reading a few forum posts by self-appointed "experts". But...my $3 cable is just as good as the $30 one... right guys? Guys?

What I would like to see is custom soundtracks with any game: why is that such a point of difficulty. I wouldn't mind so much if the developers patched them in but devs don't even do it for the PS3 exclusives: I know of like 5 games with the feature.

I don't understand why custom soundtracks are so sought after. Developers put tens of thousands of dollars into hiring composers and orchestras to create audio which complements the visual experience. If you want to listen to music, maybe you could try listening to music? Other than sports games I honestly can't see a a reason for it.

You're right, its not needed in every game but the option would be nice.
I would like to see the option in all of these open world games where they intend you to play well beyond the main storyline.

For example Infamous was a great game and actually had a really cool soundtrack that appealed to me (personally) but after a while I wanted to switch it up. I'll give the game credit, it's got good legs on it, but I need new music at that point.
Or how about Fallout 3. I couldn't get into Enclave Radio but I really liked GNR; only problem - Three Dog only had about a dosen singles that he plays over and over again. It would've been nice to throw in some appropriate music of my own: Elvis, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Charles Mingus.

 

[AceDiamond]

The improved audio is not exactly enough to make me want to trade in my fat for the slim. What I would like to see is custom soundtracks with any game: why is that such a point of difficulty. I wouldn't mind so much if the developers patched them in but devs don't even do it for the PS3 exclusives: I know of like 5 games with the feature.

I think a part of it is that (emphasize on I think) Microsoft patented custom sound tracks in games or something similar to that.

I can't imagine they could get away with that; then again, they've gotten away with worse. How can you patent a feature like that.

Maybe the way they do it is patented, but to patent the ability itself is absurd.

There's got to be another way for Sony (or Nintendo) to make it possible without getting sued.

Again, heavy emphasis on I think.

I am pretty sure they didn't patent it, or maybe they patented it if you're only taking songs from a CD. I say this because Nintendo dabbled with the idea, having the ability to take songs put on an SD card and being able to play them while playing Excitetruck. But again that's a bit different.

 

[legionofdugi]

OK, so...
PS1 had a slim version
PS2 had a slim version
Nintendo had the gameboy and all other advances down the road
Then Play Station came out with it's PSP
And now the PS3 has a slim version.
So my question is this...where the hell is the XBOX 360 slim version and/or handheld?

That's my second concern!
My first is, where's X360's internet browser?!?!

 

[Sir Ollie]

Anyway sounds good to me.

I hope you noticed the pun there...

Actually I didn't you....awesome person.

 

[Andronicus]

Hmmm...

It occurs to me that if this is one of the most revolutionary features of the slim, along with a price cut and slightly more compact design, then Sony must be really desperate for marketing stances. How many people are going to trade their original for a slim because of a probably unnoticeable difference in sound? They're going to be relying on newcomers who can now actually afford one, while at the same time find the PS3 a desirable commodity!

Well good luck to them, that's all I can say. God knows they'll need all the luck they can get...

 

[nova18]

Hmmm...

It occurs to me that if this is one of the most revolutionary features of the slim, along with a price cut and slightly more compact design, then Sony must be really desperate for marketing stances. How many people are going to trade their original for a slim because of a probably unnoticeable difference in sound? They're going to be relying on newcomers who can now actually afford one, while at the same time find the PS3 a desirable commodity!

Well good luck to them, that's all I can say. God knows they'll need all the luck they can get...

Yeah but this isnt a Sony marketing plan.
The difference in sound was found by Engadget, Sony isnt using the slightly better audio as a selling point.

 

[darthzew]

Whatever on the audio thing. I mean, cool, but it probably makes little to no difference.

Anyway, just another thought... There was constant debate about whether the PS3 or Xbox 360 was better looking and I think Sony just shot themselves in the foot on that one. Hell, it looks even MORE like a George Foreman grill.

 

[Sigenrecht]

Folks known as "audiophiles" have been known to purchase expensive standalone sound cards with names like "Sound Blaster Ultracity Platinum X-Fi XXXtreme Quadro Xen." These people have also been known to rub their balls against furniture for hours.

 

[dthree]

Unless you are spending thousands on your home theater's surround processor, there is no audible difference between internal decoding and bitstream output.

 

[damselgaming]

I think i'll stick to my Logic 3 PS3 speakers. They are shiiiiney.

 

[Spadly]

Maybe if they gave it reverse compatibility and didn't try to rip consumers off for the console AND the games, maybe someone would actually buy it?

Clearly Sony have forgotten why we hate the PS3.

 

[Doggabone]

Yeah but this isnt a Sony marketing plan.
The difference in sound was found by Engadget, Sony isnt using the slightly better audio as a selling point.

It's more likely to be a costs savings than a tweak for the sake of improving the console. Tech gets better over time, and the upgraded HDMI chipset probably doesn't cost any more than the old. Whether hardware or software based, they would've saved themselves whatever costs (manufacture, more chips, licensing, support) internal encoding incurred. That's my assumption, anywho.