Is Sony Quietly Removing a PS3 Feature?

What's the deal Sony? Why remove support for Component cables?

From [Kotaku]

— A tipster sends us rumored word (and image) of an incoming replacement model for the 160GB Playstation 3 which brings with it a change in the way some people will hook the console up to their HD television.

The new "K" chassis, which Sony will begin shipping to retailers this week, will require customers to use an HDMI cable to play a game or watch a movie in high definition, according to the tipster. The component out, which on all other models supports high definition video modes, will no longer do so, according to a memo apparently sent around at GameStop today.

All future models of the PS3, the memo continues, will require an HDMI cable for high definition output. Previous models will not be updated to require HDMI for high definition viewing.

Finally, as GameStop puts it, offering the HDMI cables to customers picking up a PS3 will "also help you drive add-on sales."

We've reached out to Playstation for comment on the rumor and to ask why, if it's true, the change is being made. It sounds like it could be tied to digital rights management. Stay tuned.

This may not matter to most of you but for us who are trying to broadcast our gaming shenanigans on our live channel, Component cables are the easier way to go as most capture cards/devices don't support HDMI. And why remove it in the first place? I see no logical reason as to why Sony would pull such an ass move. Bad Sony, bad!