Sony's new marketing direction.

They have recently put out commercials based on having it connected to the internet to watch movies, and grandma watching blu-rays not letting the grandson play games.  I'm just curious to see how many gamers feel about this direction.  Sony has a solid system with (even if it isn't utilized) superior hardware, yet they are advertising the system to those that could care less about games.  Maybe they are trying to get into the parents heads for Christmas that this isn't just a $300 toy,  I just find it hard to believe that in a business that looks so hard at attach rates they would be selling the system as a product you don't need to purchase games or hardware for.  I guess they will just make up the market share wherever they can. 

When I worked at Best Buy that was how we sold PS3's because of the serious  lack of games at the time, they were the best and cheapest Blu-ray players and they still are one the best Blu-ray players you can buy.

Well, I saw the " grandma played with a stick" ad last night for the first time and I think that the marketing agency that came up with the current campaign deserves a bonus.  I say so thinking that the previous two ad campaigns were alienating and pretentious.  One of the strengths of the PS1 was that is was a DVD player, too.  Many folks bought a PS1 with this in mind then.  I don't think it's wrong to make certain non-gamers understand that there is more to the system than just playing games.  Both Microsoft and Sony are seeking to become the living room hub device for your family's entertainment needs.  That's why Microsoft has Twitter, Facebook and Last.fm now in addition to the video marketplace.  That's why Netflix is available on both systems now (Wii is inevitable).  In this tight economy, it's important for the console makers to point out that their systems can be enjoyed by everyone in the household, not just the ones that play video games. 
 
EDIT: As EVO points out below, I meant PS2 had a DVD player.  I thank him for correcting my error.  Once again I was too lazy to check my facts and relied on my questionable memory. Ah, the joys of getting older...now where'd I put my ointment?

For the most part, people who play games are already aware of what the PS3 can do. In that aspect it will sell itself. By advertising the way they do, they are only broadening their prospective customer base which isn't a bad idea.

The adverts over here in the UK have been marketing the machine as much more than a games console as well. Sony seem only too keen to promote the image of the PS3 being the ultimate home entertainment system. Their marketing really seems to have picked up.

" Well, I saw the " grandma played with a stick" ad last night for the first time and I think that the marketing agency that came up with the current campaign deserves a bonus.  I say so thinking that the previous two ad campaigns were alienating and pretentious.  One of the strengths of the PS1 was that is was a DVD player, too.  Many folks bought a PS1 with this in mind then.  I don't think it's wrong to make certain non-gamers understand that there is more to the system than just playing games.  Both Microsoft and Sony are seeking to become the living room hub device for your family's entertainment needs.  That's why Microsoft has Twitter, Facebook and Last.fm now in addition to the video marketplace.  That's why Netflix is available on both systems now (Wii is inevitable).  In this tight economy, it's important for the console makers to point out that their systems can be enjoyed by everyone in the household, not just the ones that play video games.  "

Meh. Sony's doing what they have to do I guess. The gamers proved they didn't care enough to pay the extra $$ for a PS3, so Sony is catering to anyone who will now. All's fair...

Sony's new marketing is better in EVERY way from what they were doing before...