[QUOTE="ogie_s"]

This isn't a problem with the PS3, blu-ray or your TV. Go to this link and you'll learn about a little thing called "anamorphic widescreen" that most people don't seem to know about:

http://gregl.net/videophile/anamorphic.htm

Even 16:9 sets will have a lot of movies that have black bars - it's because most movies are shot in a wider format than even 16:9. At the proper format that's faithful to the movie (i.e. no cheating with your TV's zoom/full screenfunction) black bars will still appear on the top and bottom even with an HDTV.

Jbul

Helpful link. I thought there was an option somewhere in the DvD menu where I could turn it off, but there wasn't. Good to know (although still irritating) that it's normal. Thanks.

You can'tturn it off but you can a) hit triangle and set the aspect ratio on the PS3 to "zoom"or b) set your TV to zoom with your TV remote. I don't like to use it because then you crop the edges of the movie.

This isn't a problem with the PS3, blu-ray or your TV. Go to this link and you'll learn about a little thing called "anamorphic widescreen" that most people don't seem to know about:

http://gregl.net/videophile/anamorphic.htm

Even 16:9 sets will have a lot of movies that have black bars - it's because most movies are shot in a wider format than even 16:9. At the proper format that's faithful to the movie (i.e. no cheating with your TV's zoom/full screenfunction) black bars will still appear on the top and bottom even with an HDTV.

Maybe you need to update your own info because the official Sony press release is that the 60GB will be DISCONTINUED to leave the 40GB and 80GB in its place in NA. Maybe you're thinking of the EU 60GB BUNDLE which was just announced officially for the UK. I've yet to hear any indication of any plans for a further 60GB price drop - just a lot of wishful thinking - and I check Gamespot, IGN, Kotaku, the official PS3 blog, and Magic Box on an almost daily basis so please can the insulting comments when someones trying to answer your question. Since the 60s are limited to stock on hand you can keep waiting for a price drop if you want but just be prepared to miss out on hardware PS2 BC if they're all gone.

Uhh, the price drop already happened...

The 60GBhas been at$499 for over a month now, down from $599 at introduction. Sony's just selling off its remaining stock in NA. After that, all the 60s are gone. You better get one now if you want one.

I don't think Sony is dropping the interest in BC - I think they simply realized that they could cut costs, while providing BC as an option (different unit).

So no I wouldn't buy one - future ones will come with more options like the dvr etc and price will keep dropping....

svenskamerikan

Good point. I guess one thing I have to do is check out if any of the important stuff in my collection has problems with the software BC on the 80 using that list on Sony's site. If there're no issues with any of my games then it's all a moot point.

I'd be annoyed if I couldn't play SotC, Persona 3, Ace Combat 04, or Okami again though :P

why exactly would you need a 2nd ps3 if you already have one? In case the 60 gb fails? From what I understand that is rather rare. A back up? If you get to the next generation in many years and the PS4 doesn't have it then.....stil...what is the point of a back up PS3? It seems like a waste of a lot of money for the sake of convenience of having one stored in the closet. My 2 cents.shawtty024

Since you mentioned it, I actually have had one fail on me. This is my 2nd 60 and 3rd PS3. I had a 20 at launch but sold it to a friend after I found a 60 two weeks after. The 60 lasted 2 weeks before it suddenly and inexplicably died (and took my LE copy of FF12 with it). Completely died - not just frozen or having read errors. Since it was so new, EB Games replaced it with a new one and (knock on wood) it's worked perfectly since (and so has the 20). I know it was an isolated event but it might explain a little more why I asked the question.

Let's assume you're a hardcore gamer (which I am) to the point that you're the type to revisit old favorites (which I do), since there seems to be some uncertainty about the future of BC at this point then if you had the money would you snap up a 2nd 60gig with the EE now before they're all gone?

Please, no rants about getting a PS3 for PS3 games and a PS2 for PS2 games - I like the simplicity of having one console do it all. If you're ok with using 2 consoles I respect that but my preference is one - please respect my choice as well. Besides, wireless controllers and not having to switch memory cards is a wonderful thing especially if you're sitting 10 feet away from your TV.

I know about how good software BC is on the 80s BTW but with Sony seemingly dropping PS2 BC on the 40s (I'm hoping it's not true and it'll still have software BC) it seems to show a decreased interest by them in retaining good BC.

If this sort of thing had any merit then carmakers should be getting sued right and left for the rebates they offer to consumers after a model's been on sale for some time. In that case we're talking thousands of dollars per product.

Practically all products go through a predictable cycle of getting cheaper as time goes by - the timeframe may vary but it inevitably happens -and if you're an early adopter it's something you have to be prepared to see. Buying early then crying like a baby when the price goes down after a few months should be what's considered unfair.

Besides, how can it be unfair when everyone knows Sony is LOSING MONEY ON EACH CONSOLE! How can this case have merit when to begin with the company priced the item lower than actual production cost. If this were any product but a game console it would be an act of God for a company to eat a 20-25% loss on each item sold.

Any reasonable judge should throw stupid stuff like this out.