PlayStation 3 Specifications and Details
CPU: Cell Processor
PowerPC-based Core @3.2GHz
GPU: RSX @550MHz
1.8 TFLOPS floating point performance
Full HD (up to 1080p) x 2 channels
Multi-way programmable parallel floating point shader pipelines
Sound: Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc. (Cell-base processing)
Memory:
256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz
256MB GDDR3 VRAM @700MHz
[Playstation.About.com]
The chief aspects of the PlayStation 3 are the ground-breaking new microprocessor, the powerful graphics processor that supports High-Definition graphics at unprecedented resolutions and the console's controller makeover, among other things. Sony designed the PlayStation 3 to be more than just a video game console. It supports all kinds of digital entertainment and is basically a home-entertainment computer. [Electronics.Howstuffworks.com]
Jailbreaking In electronics is to enable use of a consumer electronics product not intended by the manufacturer through the exploitation of software and/or software hacks. For the PlayStation 3, Jailbreaking is used as a restricted platform to run unlicensed or homebrew software.
PlayStation Jailbreak, often referred to as PS3 Jailbreak, was the first USB chipset that allows unauthorized code execution, such as homebrew, on the PlayStation 3. It bypasses a system security check using a memory exploit which occurs with USB devices that allows the execution of unsigned code. One of the most popular pieces of homebrew software used with the device is Backup Manager, which allows users to dump and then run games from the hard drive of the PlayStation 3, or from an external USB drive. Backup Manager can also be used to run homebrew applications that are created to run in native mode. [PSgroove.com]
C: IMPACT OF THE ISSUE
Game Developers lose revenue from pirated PlayStation 3 games, from current products as well as from future games. When a game is sold, most developers invest a portion of the revenue into future research and development into new game and physics engines. When a game is pirated, game developers lose revenue from the sale of their products, which hinders development of new games and stifles the growth of the company.
The PlayStation 3 user loses out on the complete enjoyment of the game as the online features of the game would not work. The homebrew applications may lead to instability and crashing of the system.
Game piracy increases the risk of a consumer PlayStation becoming corrupted by defective software and infected with viruses. Those who provide defective and illegal games do not tend to provide sales and technical support. Pirated games usually have inadequate documentation, which prevents consumers from enjoying the full benefits of the gaming package. In addition, consumers are unable to take advantage of technical support and product upgrades, which are typically available to legitimate registered users of the software. Pirated games can cost consumers lost time and more money.
Other impacts include:
1) Big Business and economic stimulus for pirate groups across the internet. This would also lead to the sale of games in back-alley shops across the world.
2) The video game retailers, who are dependent on PS3 sales because of its previous “unbreakable security”, will now suffer loss of customers. Sony’s reputation might suffer greatly from this development. The truth is this might spell the death of this legit sector trying to find its path.
3) Publishers will stay away from making big title games for the PlayStation 3 because they may not be able to guarantee returns on investment.
The bottom line is when software is pirated; the developer(s) and publisher(s) would not receive compensation for their work.
D: PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
Problem
With the use of programs such as "back-up managers" on custom or modified firmware, people can now store and run games stored on a hard drive. Thus allowing the sharing and playing of pirated games.
Solution
Sony should take steps to prevent further Jailbreaking of their devices by doing more Research and Development into strengthening their security. These new improvements could be sent in with a firmware update. For those users who do not update their firmware, Sony can always prevent the users from connecting to the PlayStation Network once the Network detects the use of pirated games on their system.
The new firmware update could not only provide enhanced security but also some new features that would make the PlayStation experience a whole lot better thus making it more attractive for people to update. The new firmware could also add a feature that would verify with the PlayStation network that the PlayStation’s operating system has not been modified.
E: REFERENCES
Wikipedia contributors. "PlayStation 3." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 27 Apr. 2011. Web. 27 Apr. 2011.
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Valdes, Robert. "HowStuffWorks "How PlayStation 3 Works"" Howstuffworks "Electronics" Howstuffworks, 14 June 2005. Web. 05 May 2011.
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Altizer, Roger. "PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) Specifications and Details." PlayStation. About.com, 17 Nov. 2006. Web. 03 May 2011.
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Perspex. "An Entire Summary on PS3 Jailbreaking With Links!" PSGroove.com - Latest News. PSGroove.com, 18 Mar. 2011. Web. 05 May 2011.
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