PlayStation 3 vs Xbox 360

• Introduction
• Under the Hood: PlayStation 3
• Under the Hood: Xbox 360
• The Software Line-Up
• Seeing in High-Definition
• The Movie Format War
• Conclusion

Seeing in High-Definition

Perhaps the most confusing part of the whole next-gen shootout is knowing how to display the image. Gone are the days of one simple video connection. Now you have to know the difference between component, VGA, HDMI, and more. While it may seem like a lot of jargon, knowing how everything works together is important if you want to get the most out of your new game system. Of course, both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 will display on a standard TV, but doing so severely limits the benefits of the improved visuals. To truly appreciate the higher fidelity in the picture, you'll need a hi-def display.

Component -- This is the most common type of hi-def connection. Nearly every HDTV on the market supports a component input and both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 output with it. Component can support resolutions up to 1080p, however, very few displays can handle that resolution.

PS3 Controller Xbox 360 Controller

VGA -- Most commonly seen on computer monitors, VGA connections are also on some mid-range and high-end HDTVs. Supporting a wider variety of resolutions than component, VGA allows an old computer monitor to double as a hi-def display. It's a cheap way to get the most out of your system, without springing for a proper HDTV. The Xbox 360 supports VGA with an optional cable. PlayStation 3 support for VGA is unknown.

HDMI -- Considered the future of AV, HDMI is a single cable that carries both audio and video on a single cable. In some ways it's similar to the old days of a single RF cable, but the image and picture over HDMI is crystal clear thanks to its all digital interface. HDMI also supports HDCP encryption, which may become a necessity if you want to ensure playback of HD-DVD and Blu-ray movies in hi-def. The $599 PlayStation 3 60GB model supports HDMI, but the lower priced option does not. The Xbox 360 does not currently support HDMI.