HDMI will be standard in both SKU's of the new PS3

Posted by Marc Kravitz

9:55 AM, September 22, 2006

Among other statements made by Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi yesterday at the Tokyo Game Show, Mr. Kutaragi also announced that Sony has decided to inlcude HDMI output for the 20gb version of the upcoming PS3.
Also announced was that the new recommended retail price for Japanese consumers was 49,980 yen (tax included) which translates to about $430 US dollars.
No confirmation yet on whether that new pricing will carry over to the states though.

I've attached the Sony Press Release below for anyone intrested in reading the official version.

PLAYSTATION®3 HDD 20GB EQUIPPED WITH HDMI AS STANDARD
Recommended Retail Price of 49,980 Yen (Tax Included) in Japan

Tokyo, September 22, 2006 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) with 20GB hard disk drive (HDD) will come equipped with HDMI(*) (Ver 1.3/supporting Deep Color) output as standard with the system. PS3 with 20GB HDD will become available in Japan at a new recommended retail price of 49,980 yen (tax included).
Since SCEI first announced product specifications of PS3 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in May 2005, demand for enjoying full HD quality image and realistic digital sound through HDMI has grown tremendously. Given the sharp increase in availability of flat displays supporting HDMI in the market, SCEI has decided to equip HDMI as standard on all PS3 systems.
SCEI, with strong support from software developers and publishers, will offer a broad lineup of exciting and innovative titles and vigorously promote the PS3 platform.

(*) High-Definition Multimedia Interface

PLAYSTATION®3 HDD 20GB EQUIPPED WITH HDMI AS STANDARD
2-2-2-2

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PS one™ game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and the upcoming, much-anticipated PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for PS one game console, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as regional headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. More information can be found online at http://www.us.playstation.com.