97w ago - Update: Sony has now confirmed the news via ArsTechnica stating, to quote: "The new CECH-3000 series PS3 requires HDMI only for BD movie output in HD, in compliance with AACS standards, PS3 continues to support component output for HD gaming and streaming content."

Today Kotaku (linked above) reports news of a rumor that Sony may be removing HD downscale for the component output on new 'K' PS3 Slim models making an HDMI cable mandatory for them.

To quote: "A tipster sends us rumored word (and image) of an incoming replacement model for the 160GB PlayStation 3 which brings with it a change in the way some people will hook the console up to their HD television.

The new "K" chassis, which Sony will begin shipping to retailers this week, will require customers to use an HDMI cable to play a game or watch a movie in high definition, according to the tipster. The component out, which on all other models supports high definition video modes, will no longer do so, according to a memo apparently sent around at GameStop today.

All future models of the PS3, the memo continues, will require an HDMI cable for high definition output. Previous models will not...

155w ago - A tipster on PlayStationLifeStyle.net (linked above) has shared pictures of a new and yet-unannounced PS3 Slim 250GB bundle which includes an HDMI cable and LittleBigPlanet Game Of The Year 'Greatest Hits' Edition for only $349.99!

Now consumers won't have to fork over more cash for a high-definition cable in order to enjoy 1080p PlayStation 3 games and Blu-ray movies, providing of course that the 6-foot HDMI cable included is long enough to suit your needs.

To quote: "As if the 250GB PS3 SKU wasn't already a great value, being only $50 more than the 120GB SKU and featuring double the HDD capacity. Now, the 250 SKU will be packed with a 6-foot HDMI cable and the Greatest Hits Game of the Year Edition of LittleBigPlanet, which is still one of the most highly-regarded titles of this generation. Here's the kicker: it's still only $349.99!

Don't believe this amazing value? We didn't either, but a PSLS faithful tipster with retail experience sent us the pictures below for confirmation!"

175w ago - A PS3 owner has revealed to Gizmodo (linked above) that his Sony PlayStation 3 console became a little burnt after plugging in a Psychlone HDMI cable.

The big fry up ended after around 10 seconds once the cord had eventually melted off, however, it still caused quite a bit of damage.

To quote: "He had his PS3 plugged into an electrical source although it wasn't running any games at the time of this. He plugged in his Psyclone HDMI cable from his Samsung 32-inch flatpanel TV to the PS3 when the sparks started flying.

A flame actually shot up out of the PS3, and sparks were firing out of both ends where the HDMI cable met with the ports. The mess ended in 10 seconds when the cord melted off. Pictures included.

We cannot figure out why/how this occurred. No breakers were tripped, no damage or discoloration to any wall outlets or other power sources. Only the HDMI ports."