Internal Sega Document Leaks Juicy Details Of Sony PS3′s Motion Controller, PS2 Titles On PSN

Sony and other video game manufacturers meet up at least once a quarter (or more) and discuss current issues, sketch out collaborations, and brainstorm on the future. These meetings are fairly routine, but of course are mostly confidential and limited to a select group of individuals who work within the industry. Sega and Sony Entertainment of America recently had such a meeting in early August, and discussed several items of interest that were previously unannounced. Sega accidentally left the notes of the meeting on their FTP site, which is impossible for the general public to manipulate therefore guaranteeing its authenticity. I assume that whomever was in charge of uploading the notes for other relevant employees forgot to delete it. Whoops. With this document, we now know that Sony is telling developers that the PS3 Motion Controller is coming to Japan in March 2010, and Spring elsewhere.

There’s also word that Sony wants to sell all PS2 titles on the Playstation Network, such as GTA Vice City, Sonic, etc. What do you think about that? It would kinda be disappointing that I couldn’t put my PS2 discs in the PS3 and play them, but I could see some people being content with buying old PS2 titles on the Playstation Store. However, I can see some people saying that they don’t want to pay money for a title they already own. Okay, then just don’t buy it – you already own it anyways. There is also a lot of other interesting items within this note, including possible additions to Home from upcoming movies like Iron Man 2 and events such as the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, and putting every Sonic game ever made on a single Blu-ray disc.

Here are the full notes of the now infamous August 5th meeting:

SCEA Meeting Aug 5th Notes

Aug 6 2009 – DRAFT FOR COMMENTS

Objectives of Meeting

* Dyer agreed to regular quarterly meetings with SOA

Sony PS3

* SCEA reiterated plans to sell 13 million PS3s this year

* Big announcement back half of year they can’t talk about (potentially price cut of PS3 to reach hardware goals)

* SCEA commented on indexing between PS3 and 360 SKUs, should be around 2:1 to garner most favorable treatment.

Motion Controller

* Spring 2010 launch (March in JP)

* No bundle/pricing details yet, should come Sept 1

* Plan on selling 4-5MM units WW

* SCEA agreed to provide a list of Sega IP that would work well with the motion controller, Virtua Tennis was an example

* Motion Controller support allows easy way to differentiate PS3 SKU

* Other differentiation opportunities include PSP/PS3 interoperability – think of features that would make users want to buy both PS3 and PSP SKUs.

Alpha Protocol

* Michael Foster, product evaluator, said AP felt barely RPG. Initial level too challenging for players. “Mass Effect felt more RPG.”

* Review notes sent to John Merlino a few weeks prior. After meeting Gerald mentioned AP is a high priority for his team.

Planet 51

* Sell in of PS3 SKU – SCEA noted that other movie titles on PS3 had underperformed as well (inc. Transformers) this cycle.

* Dyer suggests contacting Susan at Walmart and asking what she wants in the pack to sell this SKU (movie tix etc)

* Other possibilities are Hybrid movie disc (BD 25 or 50 with Game and Movie on same disc).

Bayonetta

* Collectors edition with Bayonetta Action Figure

* Novo recommended launching PSN demo around Xmas based off a Jan 5th Ship date with 2-3 week run out to launch.

* 3-4 weeks is usually ideal demo timing with fresh content every week leading up to launch (trailers, insider video about PG heritage, video blogs).

Vancouver 2010

* HOME, Olympic destination would garner a lot of positive attention from SCEA

* Should be doing same with Bayonetta, Marvel etc. Easy to launch in all territories.

* HOME merchandizing opportunities (clothes etc).

Sonic Racing

* Open to DLC to differentiate PS3 SKU – not ratchet and clank but other characters

or maybe characters from Rare or Fable universes

Yakuza

* Could put Japanese games directly on PSN for download in a special Japanese Import section (pricing $9.99 to $39.99 for full game).

* Might need to localize menus at least with subtitles.

* SCEA interested in helping on MKTG side if they can have period of exclusivity.

AVP

* Another great HOME candidate

* AVP avatars

* Hybrid BD disc with movie

Iron Man 2

* Great candidate for HOME space – explore Tony Stark’s lab etc.

* Should have one for Marvel in general.

PSU2

* Could do bundle at GameStop with PSP 30-35K units on UMD, Go, or both.

Valkyria 1937

* Could bundle with PSP as well.

Vanquish and Aliens: CM

* Opportunity for PS3/PSP interoperability (see Eidos Batman, Army of Two, Assassin’s Creed for good examples).

* If we offer that SCEA would be really interested in having us at their booth next E3.

Thor

SCEA would like a look at the code soon.

Sonic Anniversary

* Could put out collectors edition with all old sonic games on one BD disc.

* “Best of Sonic” for around $99.

* SCEA would love PSN exclusive power ups/different game modes (like Castlevania’s flip it over/backwards)

PS2 emulator for PS3 (confidential)

* SCEA wants to sell all PS2 titles on PSN (GTA Vice City/Sonic/etc)

* For co Marketing money show PS3 controller on TV ads – similar to EA Madden Spots, NCAA, etc…

London Olympics

* Perfect opportunity for Motion Controller integration.

DC Digital Titles

* If we provide a list of DC titles SCEA will let us know which ones they’re interested in having exclusively.

* If we give them a long period of exclusivity they’ll give us more marketing support.

PSP Titles

* For SKU differentiation it’s best to offer features that are slightly different from PS3 version.

* Titles that are coming up on PSP are Assassin’s Creed II, GTA China Wars, Resident Evil, Little Big Planet – all massive franchises.

* SCEA has a specific PSP deck which they can send up with their hardware director for a chat.

PSPgo Arriving Early at SonyStyle Stores

I have recently stopped by one of the DC SonyStyle stores and was pleasantly surprised to meet two SCEA reps on site showing off PSPgo unit to customers. So I had a chance to play some with the unit. First impression when I saw it – “Oh my, I see an improved Mylo device I have back in my VAIO Dooney & Bourke messenger bag.” The engineers who stood behind the design of Mylo definitely shared some ideas with PSP hardware team in one of the backrooms. First thing that attracted me was the brightness of the screen (and I so smell the next gen PSP to have an OLED display), it was pretty crisp too and I did not notice the smaller size of the LCD at all compared to its older brother. The UI was fluid – something we are used to already, however I really liked the way you can switch between the Home menu to the screen saver menu. I asked if that same functionality will be ported to the older PSPs, however was told that it would stay exclusive to PSPgo. Reps also had a couple of games like Gran Turismo for PSP available to showcase.

I liked the device however I do not think I will be getting one, as this one is sorta like a test, intermediate device before we will see something more attractive next year.

If you want to test and play with PSPgo, our sister blogger Gina reported that demo devices are arriving early to the SonyStyle stores exclusively on Wednesday. So check it out and let us know what you think of that baby.

p.s. Chris received an invitation to check out the PSP Go today and will be shooting some video and taking more pictures of the PSP Go in detail.

Sony Japan Recycle Project: Ads Become Jeans

Every month or so, Sony marketing in Japan hangs huge posters off the side of the Sony Building advertising the latest products, promotions, events and so forth. But what happens to these banners after use? The posters are usually recycled, but Sony is always committed to pursuing new and experimental eco-projects and decided to turn those ads into jeans in an effort called Sony Recycle Project: Jeans. The overall message that is trying to be presented here is that everything can be recycled, and that the company is committed to raising awareness for natural resources. Sony is kicking off this event at the Sony Building in Ginza, Tokyo on September 24th at 2 PM. There will be a limited quantity of 120 jeans available, individually numbered starting at Y15,000 each.

I personally wouldn’t wear these out and about, but I applaud the effort by Sony and I think its innovative thinking. This will truly be a super-rare collector’s item one day.

Here is a related video courtesy of Sony Japan:

Sony Adds Another To Its Headphone Line With Stylish MDR-770LP

Sony Japan is showing off some new headphones, named MDR-770LP (Y5,900), due for a November 10th release. Available only in black, these headphones have a headband type design and a faux leather appearance. The earbud area slides up and down for a secure, comfortable fit. It also has a gold-plated stereo mini plug, and the cord is about 1.2m in length. Playback frequencies include 12Hz ~ 24kHz, sensitivity 107dB/mw, and impedance at 24Ω. Along with the MDR-370LP and MDR-570LP, this is the third headphone Sony has announced in recent weeks.

Sony’s ICF-CL75iP Multi-function Clock Radio for iPod + iPhone Now Available For Pre-Order

Confirming our leak presented at the beginning of the month, SonyStyle is now listing the ICF-CL75iP multi-function clock radio (digital photo frame, iPod + iPhone charger/multimedia player, alarm clock, and more) for pre-order at the price of $149. It should be available on or around October 15th. Sony has also presented the owner’s manual and full specifications for the device and they are extremely competitive for its price range. You basically can slide out the dock, plug in your iPod or iPhone and play video and music from it on the 7″ inch WVGA (800 x 480) LCD screen with this beast. Hot. If that’s not good enough, it has FM/AM, 1GB of built-in storage, and has slots for Memory Stick and SD media – including a generic USB input. Video codec compatibility includes MP4, Motion JPEG and AVI. Audio codecs, aside from streaming from your iPod + iPhone, include MP3 and WMA.

Other notable features, aside from a ton of FM/AM presets, customizable backgrounds include  a 2-5-7 day alarm for waking to the radio, iPod, iPhone, Nature Sounds, or a pre-recorded personal message. There’s also a four step brightness control (Hi, Mid, Lo, Night Mode).

Are you getting one? Very tempting.

Sony Quietly Launches ICF-CS10iP iPod + iPhone Speaker Dock/Clock

Sony has refreshed its popular iPod/iPhone dock ICF-C1IPMK2 with the introduction of the ICF-CS10iP, as noted on SonyStyle. It’s priced at $99 – that is the same price as the (now older) model that is available today. It may also be found as the ICF-CS10iPBLK (BLK meaning black). A Google search for the model revealed even more, including the official ICF-CS10iP operating manual on Sony’s eSupport site.

This product hasn’t hit retail just yet, so we’re kinda scratching our heads here and wondering if Sony is very close to announcing this product along with the stunning $149 ICF-CL75iP digital frame and iPod/iPhone dock combo device we revealed not too long ago.

Advantages of this generation’s model include a 30% larger speaker, and a 50% larger clock display. Sony has also obtained iPhone 3G certification for this device, which gets rid of that pesky error when you plug the device in. I have that problem with my current ICF-C1iP, which shows me a warning message (but still charges it) for my iPhone 3G. All of the other functions currently available will return, including FM/AM capability, Mega Xpand (a stereo effect), Mega Bass, dual alarms, audio in, and mini remote control. It should be available in black and white, now on SonyStyle and eventually soon in retail stores. I sincerely hope that this model will not have such a bright clock, even on its dimmest mode. Other iPod/iPhone docks from Sony in the past have had this problem, according to several forum posts and comments I have seen around the web.

Sony Europe Shows Off Small, Stylish S57 Series Bravia TV

The new BRAVIA S57 series is designed to suit your lifestyle. With a slim 19 inch LCD screen (1366 x 768), a choice of color hues and trendy curved design, it’s the ideal fit for your bedroom, kitchen or any home interior. In fact, the BRAVIA S57 series only weighs 5.4 kg and comes with a detachable carrying handle and discreet stand. You can easily take it from room to room, hang it on the wall and save extra space around the home. Or even escape to another room to watch your favorite TV programs without interruptions when there’s something else on the main set. There is a whole range of other things you can do with the BRAVIA S57 series thanks to its built-in speakers USB 2.0 port and 2 HDMI connections.

A slender size is not the only feature to help you reduce clutter in your home. The BRAVIA S57 series has an integrated, illuminated digital clock display which means there’s no need for an extra clock in your kitchen or bedroom. The series also comes with handy in-built digital tuners so you can receive digital channels without the need for a set-top box. BRAVIA ENGINE 2 and a Dynamic Contrast ratio of up to 8.000:1 deliver incredible detail and image depth. Live Color picks out the subtlest shades and natural colors, including skin tones. 24p True Cinema ensures you’ll enjoy a real film experience as the director intended displaying at original speed of 24frames per second.

“Sony is dedicated to finding the perfect balance between style and performance, and the new BRAVIA S57 series is a great example of this,” says Hiroshi Sakamoto, Vice President, TV Marketing Europe. “It’s a stylish addition to any bedroom, kitchen or spare room so we made it easy to take from one room to another, and it delivers the great performance and picture quality you would expect from a larger sized BRAVIA TV.”

The BRAVIA S57 series is available in a choice of subtle tones of Satin Silver, Silky Pink, Metallic Mocha or Pale Emerald to complement the stylish white exterior.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs #1 During Weekend Theater Sales With $30M Draw

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a computer-animated film produced by Sony Pictures Animation and distributed by Columbia Pictures. It was released on September 18, 2009 and was the top film in U.S. and Canadian theaters this weekend, taking in $30.1 million in ticket sales – the 3rd highest weekend opening for a movie released in September ever. The movie is inspired by the children’s book of the same name by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett. Click here to read the plot of the movie. The film features the voices of Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Bruce Campbell, James Caan, Bobb’e J. Thompson, Andy Samberg, Mr. T, Benjamin Bratt, Neil Patrick Harris, Al Roker, Lauren Graham, and Will Forte. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is the second animated film to be made using Sony’s animation rendering software, Arnold, and the open source image toolkit OpenImageIO. The film is presented in its 2.35:1 aspect ratio and is released in 3D in select theaters using RealD Cinema and IMAX 3D systems.

The film has received generally favorable reviews from critics, and even scored a 86% from Rotten Tomatoes, a very excellent resource for movie reviews. Yahoo! Movies has it at an overall B- rating from the critics and A- from user reviews. This is obviously a true hit for families and kids. Here’s the latest trailer:

Ernest Hardy of LA Weekly stated Meatballs “is smart, insightful on a host of relationship dynamics, and filled with fast-paced action.” Hardy also appluaded the 3-D effects which “are wonderful, full of witty sight gags that play out both center-screen…” At the Movies host Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune gave the film a mixed review stating that “Crazy doesn’t always equal funny, and the gigantism of this 3-D offering’s second half puts a damper on your enjoyment. But look: This film wasn’t made for you, or me. It was made for dangerously easily distracted 9-year-olds.” Kyle Smith of the New York Post gave the film 2 stars stating that the animated movie “greatly expands on the kids’ book on which it’s based in a clever and engaging first half. But the second half leaves a foul aftertaste.”

Here is a Sam Sparks Featurette, courtesy of Sony Pictures:

Here is a “Flint & Steve” Featurette, courtesy of Sony Pictures:

Update: Hands-on With Sony’s Super Bit Mapping And HD Reality Enhancer Technology

There are always a ton of features found in Sony ES components and receivers, but at CEDIA EXPO 2009 Sony was showing off how exactly some of this technology works. I was very interested in hearing more about Super Bit Mapping and the HD Reality Enhancer technology because I had always found the terminology a little difficult to comprehend. I think Sony should show off some of the demo videos they had at CEDIA on Sonystyle. Super Bit Mapping smoothes out background shadow and color gradients, and HD Reality Enhancer sharpens moving edges to create the finest video output available from Sony.

Here is a video courtesy of Sony Electronics which explains this much better:

Let’s talk about Super Bit Mapping. These aren’t the most scientific pictures, but I can tell the difference. It really is an amazing technology that can totally solve the old problem of gradients not appearing smooth as they naturally should. I think that this would even impress someone who has seen Blu-ray without this technology. Here’s how you adjust it and here are the results. Can you tell the difference? Click to enlarge.

Here is Super Bit Mapping off:

Super Bit Mapping at Standard:

Super Bit Mapping at High:

Also, some ES units have the ability to do 14 bit picture processing through the HD Reality Enhancer. This entails smoothing of color gradients, enhancer (detail reproduction), and film grain reduction. What’s unique is that I’ve finally been able to get a picture (below) of what it looks like when you are adjusting this setting. It is pretty wild. It’s cool to see how the original 8-bit video signal can be transformed by the Pixel by Pixel Scene Analyzer, which results in a reproduced 14 bit video signal. Basically, it’s a type of upscaling that some would overlook but I think the difference is very noticeable. I could tell in certain demonstration sequences that when this setting was adjusted higher versus off that there was much more clarity, color equality and so forth and an overall more detailed experience.

Peyton Manning, Justin Timberlake And Others In New Sony Commercial

Sony Electronics’ launched last week its new integrated marketing campaign with two 30-second commercials, Ping Pong (two versions) airing nationwide, along with a fantastic new campaign web site — http://www.sony.com/experts. The campaign theme centers on Sony quality as a key point of differentiation that informs the decision-making process at retail, and ultimately leads consumers to purchase a Sony product. It’s a great site. I absolutely love the scenes and the people they chose; I think everyone does a fair portrayal of a person using a Sony product. I can’t remember if I’ve ever seen a presentation like that Experts site for any retail brand – not even Sony Japan has this kind of high-resolution flash movie marketing. The SonyStyle team has become something truly beyond Web 2.0 here and it just seems leaps and bounds in comparison to even a year or two ago.

The panel includes heavyweights in sports and entertainment such as Indianapolis Colts quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning and Grammy and Emmy-award winning Jive/Sony Music artist Justin Timberlake. Rounding out the list are: ESPN reporter, Erin Andrews; fashion photographer and “America’s Next Top Model” judge, Nigel Barker; author and comedienne, Amy Sedaris; columnist and Web celebrity/object of immense interest by others for some confusing reason, Julia Allison; and award-winning cinematographer, Dion Beebe. We’re surprised to see Julia Allison after the backlash from our initial story. That’s all I will say about that situation.

What do you think of these commercials? My girlfriend said they were funny, and I agree. Good job Sony. I haven’t seen the commercial more than once, but I don’t watch alot of TV except on Saturday during college football.

“Consumers have questions when buying electronics — that’s why we put together a panel of experts,” said Stuart Redsun, senior vice president, marketing at Sony. “Now not only can they be assured that they’re getting quality when they choose the Sony brand— they will know it’s the right product for them.”

Created by Sony’s advertising agency 180, Los Angeles, the concept is an expansion of the company’s 2008 HDNA campaign, featuring a “panel” of celebrity experts who serve as brand ambassadors. Situated in a retail environment, celebrity panelists assist consumers in choosing Sony products by pointing out how the brand differs from its competitors. Humor is consistently used to demystify electronics and connect with viewers.

In one of the Ping Pong spots, Peyton and Justin play ping pong, bantering back and forth while speaking Chinese, while expert Erin Andrews espouses the benefits of a Sony BRAVIA HDTV.

“The campaign tells a simple truth,” said William Gelner, executive creative director for 180 Los Angeles. “Behind all Sony electronics is a rich history of sports and entertainment. So we had two of the biggest icons from those two worlds, Peyton Manning and Justin Timberlake, tell that story.”

The breadth of Sony product categories supported by the campaign expands to include the BRAVIA HDTV line, Blu-ray Disc home entertainment, Cyber-shot digital cameras, α (alpha) digital SLR cameras, Handycam camcorders and Sony professional high-definition camera systems, VAIO notebook computers and Sony Reader digital books.