UPDATE:
Sony has issued a statement on the matter:
"The new CECH-3000 series PS3 requires HDMI only for BD movie output in HD, in compliance with AACS standards," said the firm. "PS3 continues to support component output for HD gaming and streaming content."
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
According to a document sent to GameStop (nabbed by the chaps at Kotaku), Sony is planning on rolling out a new “K” chassis PlayStation 3 that limits component video output to SD, with HD viewing available only through a HDMI cable.
Furthermore, all future versions of Sony’s flagship console will employ similar measures, though it is believed current models won’t be updated to remove HD output for component cables.
Kotaku speculates that the move comes as a result of the AACS Final Adopter Agreement, which details restrictions on analogue video output to 540p.
We’ll keep you updated on any developments as they break.