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Sony Readies New PlayStation 3 Model – Federal Communications Commission.

Category: Multimedia

by Anton Shilov

[ 09/26/2007 | 08:33 AM ]

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. has submitted a PlayStation 3 game console with a new model number to Federal Communications Commission to receive its validation. The new console may actually be the rumoured low-cost PS3 40GB, which has been discussed by various media outlets for several weeks now.

SCEI has filed an application with FCC to validate Sony PlayStation 3 game machine with CECHG01 model number, whereas the “original” PlayStation 3  60GB and 80GB carry CECHA01 and CECH01 model numbers, which, Spong web-site suspects, means that the submitted game console is nothing else but a new model of PlayStation 3, perhaps, with lower-cost components and lower price.

The web-site claims that based on the documentation at the FCC web-site, the PlayStation 3 model CECHG01 has no major changes compared to the already validated 60GB and 80GB machines, however, Sony still noted in the filing that the differences are documented in “Point of Difference” paper and asked the FCC not to publish specs and pictures of the device. Keeping all of the aforementioned in mind, several web-sites came to conclusion that the PlayStation 3 CECHG01 is the rumoured PlayStation 3 40GB, which is projected to retail for $399 this holiday season.

However, according to Sky News, the PS3 model with 40GB hard disk drive is made by the same manufacturer that makes PlayStation 2 machines now, Foxconn Electronics. Meanwhile, the label of the new PlayStation 3 CECHG01 states that it is made by Maintek in Suzhou, China. Maintek Computer is a subsidiary of Asustek Computer.

Sony PlayStation 3 console is based on the Cell processor developed by IBM, Sony and Toshiba, the RSX graphics chip by Nvidia Corp., wireless network and Bluetooth connectivity and is equipped with Blu-ray optical disk drive. There are several versions of the consoles available around the world with 60GB or 80GB hard disk drives and variable compatibility with PlayStation 1/2 games. In the U.S. PlayStation 3 80GB is sold for $599, whereas the hard-to-find 60GB model retails for $499.