Playstation 4: Thread 02

[25.05.2005]

You're probably right. How would you keep pace with the highly cerebral plotline?![/COLOR]

Assuming that's sarcasm? I honestly wouldn't know as I haven't even played a single second of any Killzone game. It's pretty basic then?

[CMcK]

Big FAQ for the US launch here http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/...north-america/

Selected highlights:


What are PS4?s physical dimensions?
PS4 measures approximately 275 mm (width) ? 53 mm (height) ? 305 mm (length), excluding the largest projection. Its weight is approximately 2.8 kg (6.1 pounds)

Can I put my PS4 system in an upright position like the PS3 system?
Yes, PS4 can be used in the horizontal or vertical position. In North America, vertical stands for PS4 will be released by partners as officially licensed program products during PS4?s launch window.


How does PS4?s hardware performance advance beyond the PS3 system?
PS4 is capable of 10x the processing power of the PS3 system. The system features an optimized design featuring a unified 8GB of high-speed GDDR5 RAM, an eight core X86 CPU, and a powerful graphics processor. Generally speaking, PS4 will enable game developers to build larger, more detailed worlds than they could with the PS3 system. More realistic lighting models, more complex physics and particle effects, more varied and realistic character animations, sharper environment and object textures, higher screen resolutions (up to 1080p), higher frame rates (up to 60 frames per second), larger multiplayer matches and more will be possible thanks to PS4?s next-generation hardware.


What can you say about PS4?s graphics processing unit (GPU)?
PS4?s graphics processing unit (GPU) contains a unified array of 18 Compute Units, which collectively generate 1.84 teraflops of processing power that can freely be applied to graphics, simulation tasks, or a mixture of the two. PS4 is also equipped with 8 GB of unified system memory, easing game creation and increasing the richness of content achievable. High-speed GDDR5 is used for this memory, giving the system a total of 176 GB/second of bandwidth and providing a further boost to graphics performance.

What screen resolutions will PS4 support?
PS4 will support 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p video standards via HDMI output.


Will PS4 support 4K content for video or gaming?
Support for high-resolution 4K output for still images and movie content is in consideration, but there are no further details to share at this time. PS4 does not currently support 4K output for games.


Can I use my standard-definition TV with PS4?
The resolution of PS4?s HDMI output changes automatically depending on the TV or monitor connected. Of course, PS4 has been designed to deliver games with rich, high-fidelity graphics that are best enjoyed on HD TVs. (Yes)


Does PS4 support analog video or audio output?
No. PS4?s video and audio are transmitted using HDMI, a common digital connector found on most HD TVs. Additionally, PS4 can output 5.1 or 7.1 audio via DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL).


Do I need to ?reset? my video settings if I change TVs, as on PS3?
This process will not be necessary for PS4.


Will PS4 support any 3D content, including stereoscopic 3D games?
Technically, PS4 supports 3D gameplay at launch in North America, though no launch titles are currently 3D compatible.


PS4 Side
What disc format does PS4 use?
Physical PS4 games come on Blu-ray Disc, the best form of media capable of handling the large amounts of data that PS4 requires.


What are the benefits of PS4?s new Blu-ray Disc technology?
PS4?s Blu-ray Disc reader operates at a higher speed than the model featured in the PS3 system, and includes a range of Blu-ray Disc sizes.


When playing disc-based games on PS4, do I need to install data to the hard drive?
Yes, all PS4 Blu-ray Disc games must be cached to the hard drive to ensure a smooth gaming experience. However, certain titles may not require you to wait for the game data to be fully cached before starting gameplay. In order to start playing disc-based games, users will need to insert the game disc into PS4 just like on the PS3 system.


If I rent a game disc, and then decide I want to buy it digitally, can I use the mandatory install to avoid downloading it and just activate my license?
No, in this example you would have to delete the disc install data and fully install the digital version of the game.


Will I be able to watch Blu-ray movies on PS4?
Yes, you will need to download and install PS4?s day-one system software update 1.50, and then activate your Blu-ray Disc video capability with a one-time activation through the internet in order to play Blu-ray Disc films and DVD video content.


What if I?m not able to or don?t want to connect my PS4 system online?
PS4 owners in North America can contact SCEA Consumer Services at (800) 345-7669 to request a Blu-ray activation disc that will be distributed via mail.


Can I watch DVD movies using PS4?
Yes, PS4 supports DVD movie playback; you will need to download and install PS4?s day-one system software update 1.50, and then activate your Blu-ray Disc video capability with a one-time activation through the internet in order to play Blu-ray Disc films and DVD video content.


Can I listen to audio CDs using PS4?
No, PS4 does not support audio CDs.


How loud is PS4 when it is running?
PS4?s cooling system is optimized for living room use and is generally much quieter than PS3′s. PS4 features a stepless speed fan system that will smoothly increase the speed of the fans as needed. As with all game consoles, it?s important to keep PS4 in an environment with plenty of air circulation.


Does PS4 feature a ?stand-by? mode?
Yes, PS4?s stand-by mode deactivates its primary functions to reduce energy usage, though it is still able to charge DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers and download system updates in this power-saving mode. As an added benefit for PlayStation Plus members, PS4 can automatically download game patches when in standby mode as well.

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Well that confirms mandatory installs for all the non believers.
No audio CD playback isn't a surprise, no MP3 and DNLA support is though.
SD TV support but via HDMI?
Funny that they list the dimensions but exclude the largest projection. In other words it's bigger than that.
Suspend / Resume unavailable at launch as is support for wireless stereo headsets.
DRM still available for third party games.

Launch lineup for the US is confirmed as well.

[Anpanman]

So you can't play a DVD without first connecting to the internet?

[capcom_suicide]

So you can't play a DVD without first connecting to the internet?

I see your point, but I think in this "Day 1 - update" world we live in, if you dont have an internet connection, downloading the DVD software will be the least of your issues! Still better than PS2 when I had to buy a remote and software decoder from Sony....

[fishbowlhead]

I see your point, but I think in this "Day 1 - update" world we live in, if you dont have an internet connection, downloading the DVD software will be the least of your issues! Still better than PS2 when I had to buy a remote and software decoder from Sony....

dvds worked out the box day one on ps2, you just used the duelshock? It was the xbox that required the remote and sensor to play dvds (to claw back money for the license probably).

[teddymeow]

dvds worked out the box day one on ps2, you just used the duelshock? It was the xbox that required the remote and sensor to play dvds (to claw back money for the license probably).

Very true. I never used a remote for DVD on PS2 - always used the DS2.

In Japan I think there was an update at launch for playback and some users found a code to make it region free.

[25.05.2005]

I wonder how the Blu Ray and DVD will perform.

Currently using a Sony S370 and loving it...but maybe I can do away with it. The performance with DVD's will be of particular importance, having a big collection. The S370 upscales wonderfully.

[capcom_suicide]

dvds worked out the box day one on ps2, you just used the duelshock? It was the xbox that required the remote and sensor to play dvds (to claw back money for the license probably).

Oh dear, then it looks like I am going senile. Oh well, won't need to worry about 1080p if i've lost my marbles!

[fishbowlhead]

I wonder how the Blu Ray and DVD will perform.

Currently using a Sony S370 and loving it...but maybe I can do away with it. The performance with DVD's will be of particular importance, having a big collection. The S370 upscales wonderfully.

I always liked the fact that the ps3 upscaled you dvd's, ok so the quality wasn't as good as a blue ray obviously, but i found dvd's certainly looked better than a stand alone dvd player.

[Anpanman]

Yes DVD's on the PS3 look smart.

My point with the update thing is that I've no interest in online so why should I have to connect up just to get the thing to work, it's crap.

That said it's a moot point appparently as PAL region customers can contact Sony if they don't want to go online and will be sent out a BR with the activation stuff on it for DVD and Blu.

[sj33]

I'm playing devil's advocate here (I do agree with your basic point), but Day One updates allow them to continue improving the system software for launch, while also allowing them to manufacture, package and distribute enough units for launch.

I'd rather them continue to improve the system software rather than nothing happening until post-launch.

[fishbowlhead]

Yes DVD's on the PS3 look smart.

My point with the update thing is that I've no interest in online so why should I have to connect up just to get the thing to work, it's crap.

That said it's a moot point appparently as PAL region customers can contact Sony if they don't want to go online and will be sent out a BR with the activation stuff on it for DVD and Blu.

Could be cause for a lawsuit if the packaging says it plays blue rays, then people find out it doesn't, especially if they don't have a net connection.

I know it's the old argument of just connect it to the net, but some people just don't have it, but still enjoy playing games.

[EvilBoris]

I know it's the old argument of just connect it to the net, but some people just don't have it, but still enjoy playing games.

Well it's just as well that you don't need the internet connection to play games!

Seriously though, who on earth would spend ?400 on a new console that requires an HDMI equipped HDTV and not have an internet connection of ANY sorts?

I'm 100% sure the reason for you needing to the internet connection is so the machine can lock it's DVD and Blu Ray region in. Worth thinking about VPNs and the like if you want your machine to be a different region.

[25.05.2005]

Plus, you can get the update posted to you on a disc. You don't need an internet connection.

[EvilBoris]

But I don't have a post box!!!!