Sony Explains Online broadband Plans:

Thanks to Coremagazine.com for the info.  




With Microsoft\'s Xbox poised to enter the Japanese market next month, Sony has begun stepping up their broadband network plans. To explain their overall vision, SCEI spokesman Kenichi Fukunaga recently agreed to answer some lingering questions.

Question: Has Sony determined the number of titles that will be available at launch for the broadband PlayStation2 network in Japan?

Fukunaga-san: The network will be open, relatively speaking, to PlayStation2 developers. Therefore, the number of third party titles supported and their release dates are entirely up to their respective developers.

Question: Online RPG\'s are very popular on the PC, when can we expect to see them on the PlayStation2?

Fukunaga-san: The broadband network will open the door for many types of games. Initially though, we\'ll see more add-on style compatibility. Thereby, games will include online modes rather than exclusively online play.

Question: Can you explain the digital music and video on demand aspect of the network?

Fukunaga-san: It will be similar to services currently available in the PC market. However, since the PlayStation2 will utilize an ID system, we\'ll have much more control over copyright management.

Question: In the past Sony has mentioned the possibility of offering fully downloadable games through the network. When can we expect that?

Fukunaga-san: Since the time associated with downloading entire games ins extraordinarly long, that would be difficult to implement. For example, downloading a CD-ROM size game (650 MB) would require about 85 minutes. DVD size games would take hours. Even using ADSL connections capable of 1.5mb/s speed, there\'s never a constant download rate. So for the time being, the network will serve more of a support role for packaged software rather than electronically delivering games.

Question: We\'ve heard the network will use a system called \'Broadband Navigator,\' can you tell us about that?

Fukunaga-san: We wanted more than a simple web browsing interface for the network. The software will be similar to an operating system, and will be loaded when accessing the network. It will be optimized for loading different forms of media.

Question: Will the \'Broadband Navigator\' be similar to Square\'s PlayOnline network?

Fukunaga-san: Not really. I\'d say it\'s like operating a television. Browsing different content areas will be like changing channels.

Question: Sony plans to offer network packages on a rental basis in Japan, why?

Fukunaga-san: There are many factors and network possibilities for the consumer to consider. By offering rental packages, players can acquire all the necessary hardware and signup for ISP service at once. Specific pricing and package details will be announced later this spring.

Originally posted by pstwo
Question: In the past Sony has mentioned the possibility of offering fully downloadable games through the network. When can we expect that?

Fukunaga-san: Since the time associated with downloading entire games ins extraordinarly long, that would be difficult to implement. For example, downloading a CD-ROM size game (650 MB) would require about 85 minutes. DVD size games would take hours. Even using ADSL connections capable of 1.5mb/s speed, there\'s never a constant download rate. So for the time being, the network will serve more of a support role for packaged software rather than electronically delivering games.

Funny how Kutagari was talking out his ass about it at the comdex or E3, whatever the hell it was, like it was this wonderful new idea, and now this guy\'s like "Oh that\'s not a very good idea."

I just find it funny that the "marketers" of the world go out and promise all this wonderful stuff that they have no idea how it works and then the developers have to bring them back to Earth.  Happens in every company.

[Living-In-Clip]

Originally posted by EmperorRob
Funny how Kutagari was talking out his ass about it at the comdex or E3, whatever the hell it was, like it was this wonderful new idea, and now this guy\'s like "Oh that\'s not a very good idea."

I just find it funny that the "marketers" of the world go out and promise all this wonderful stuff that they have no idea how it works and then the developers have to bring them back to Earth.  Happens in every company.

I thought the very same thing. I think these "marketers" go out, promise some huge idea, then go back to the company have a meeting with the programmers and tell them what they promised. The programmers are then left going, "uh, Sir, that isn\'t exactly a great idea"....

obviously the problem isn\'t with the PS2 (downloading games, size 650 MBs or higher), but with the infrastructure over the world. No console or PC can dream of these offers not now, and unfortunately not in near future. I think what Kutaragi was talking about are the online plans for the PS3 which cpu, speculated to be \'the grid\', will be designed to cope with mass data over a network, so i.e. downloading complete games.

I never heard Kutaragi talking in this specific way about their online plans concerning the BBA for PS2.

Funny thing is, most of us broadband peeps would just turn on our PS2 and download a 1 and a half hour .iso or game since it doesn\'t tie up our phone line.  With multiple input signals, you can even watch TV while you are doing it.

From Sony\'s perspective it\'s all about preventing copyright infrigement.