PS3 101: New user's guide to the PS3 (ask questions here -- TMK is on duty)

[Mako1215]

Go 80g for the backwards compatability.

I dont own one either. I just want to know is the 80gb one the EE chip like the 60gb one.

I don't feel like having to do the 360 thing of downloading crap in order to play. I just wanna pop any game in and not have to worry about the whole libary thing(if thats the way the ps3 does it)
And also will the big 120-160gb ones coming out have the EE chip?

[mykevermin]

Wait for the new version of the 80GB, which should have a larger HDD and the dualshock controller.

Or just get the 40GB and no PS2 BC.

[Mako1215]

Wait for the new version of the 80GB, which should have a larger HDD and the dualshock controller.

Or just get the 40GB and no PS2 BC.

Is the 80gb version the EE chip?

[mykevermin]

Only the 20 and 60GB have the EE chip and hardware-based BC.

80GB and its successor are software based and mostly compatible, but it's not perfect (meanwhile, the 20/60GB's only major drawback is its inability to use PS2 Guitar Hero controllers, or even use the GHIII controller to play GHI and II/RT80s).

[Richlough]

Only the 20 and 60GB have the EE chip and hardware-based BC.

80GB and its successor are software based and mostly compatible, but it's not perfect (meanwhile, the 20/60GB's only major drawback is its inability to use PS2 Guitar Hero controllers, or even use the GHIII controller to play GHI and II/RT80s).

The 80 GB can ?

[Mako1215]

Only the 20 and 60GB have the EE chip and hardware-based BC.

80GB and its successor are software based and mostly compatible, but it's not perfect (meanwhile, the 20/60GB's only major drawback is its inability to use PS2 Guitar Hero controllers, or even use the GHIII controller to play GHI and II/RT80s).

Eh I was hoping for the EE chip in the bigger ones. I use my 360 to play GH3, and ill be using it to play rockband so that doesnt matter to me. Well 60gb here I come if i can find one.

[mykevermin]

The 80 GB can ?

No PS3 can, so sorry if I worded it incorrectly. I was just pointing out that the 20/60GB BC isn't perfect (though it *does* play the GH games, not being able to use the controller ruins the point).

Given Activision's wanking around with Red Octane and blocking the PS3 Les Paul from working with Rock Band, I can't help but think they also deliberately made sure it wouldn't work with the PS2 GH games.

[FatBoyInside]

Honestly, I would just go out and grab the 40gb PS3 next week at Target with their in-store promotion. The free $40 giftcard you receive can then be used on the PS3 DMC4 game purchase, which in turn will net you another free $10 giftcard.

IMO, after you experience high-def gaming on the PS3, there's no going back. I rarely use the BC functionality on my original 20gb machine. Even with upscaled functionality for PS2 games...they still look butt-ugly (especially on 1080p HDTV sets). So just save the $100 difference for more nextgen PS3 games or a slimline PS2 model if you don't already own one. There are a ton of awesome PS3 games to occupy your time, so don't worry about the PS2 BC debate.

[Ma12kez]

Try creating another, because I'll mention two glitches I once had early on with my PS3 (back in early 07).

One time I saved a Xenogears saved data (from my PS3) to a memory card, and could no longer read anything on the memory card. I deleted that game save and had no issues since then (I just created another card and saved to it).

One time my Final Fantasy card said no data, and I know for sure it had all my FF saves. I just restarted my PS3 and they all came back. After that, I copied my saves twice onto two memory cards, just in case something goes wrong.Thanks Mana Knight. Those suggestions worked perfectly. I just had to plug the memory cards in and out until it read them. I had to reset my system just once to get it to work so all is good. By the way, third party cards do work, at least the one my friend tried did. Thanks again for your help!

[geko29]

So one game is now a trend? Forgive me if I am wrong, but isn't the only game known to have a mandatory install is Devil May Cry 4?
Heavenly Sword requires 2.1+ GB. 2.5GB in my case. Can't speak for other games because I don't have any, but I imagine there are others.

[The Mana Knight]

Thanks Mana Knight. Those suggestions worked perfectly. I just had to plug the memory cards in and out until it read them. I had to reset my system just once to get it to work so all is good. By the way, third party cards do work, at least the one my friend tried did. Thanks again for your help!From what I heard, most will not, but some actually might, unless a recent firmware update made all third party cards work.

Does Sony have any intention of creating a web page to manage PSN friends and whatnot ?
Have they ever said anything about adding this 'feature' ?With home there's a possibility (like managing your avatar and such), over what has been said (there seems to be a url reserved for the PlayStation Network).

Although, one reason you do pay for XBL is to get that feature (XBL Gold members can send messages on the website). You can at least reserve a name now. And you also gotta understand MS had XBL running before the 360 (and was able to get it up on site), and Sony has only had PSN running for just over a year.

[torifile]

Bumping this thread to see what people are recommending now for a pair of stereo headphones with mic. I have to play with headphones on so my kid doesn't wake up while I'm killing people in CoD4. :D

[vincewy]

This has quick reference chart

http://ps3mods.blogspot.com/2007/10/which-ps3-to-buy.html

Also a venn diagram

http://blog.wired.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/22/venn_copy.jpg

Source

http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/10/diagram-compari.html

[aznguyen316]

nice chart! haha, quick NOOB Q, can a USB thumb drive be used in the USB slot for memory transfer etc as in the SD/MEM stick slots found in the 80gb etc? Lookin into a 40gb.

[geko29]

Yes, you can transfer pictures, videos, etc, just as easily with a thumb drive as you can with an SD/CF or MS card.

[sliqnes]

Honestly, I would just go out and grab the 40gb PS3 next week at Target with their in-store promotion. The free $40 giftcard you receive can then be used on the PS3 DMC4 game purchase, which in turn will net you another free $10 giftcard.IMO, after you experience high-def gaming on the PS3, there's no going back. I rarely use the BC functionality on my original 20gb machine. Even with upscaled functionality for PS2 games...they still look butt-ugly (especially on 1080p HDTV sets). So just save the $100 difference for more nextgen PS3 games or a slimline PS2 model if you don't already own one. There are a ton of awesome PS3 games to occupy your time, so don't worry about the PS2 BC debate.

Honestly, I would just go out and grab the 40gb PS3 next week at Target with their in-store promotion. The free $40 giftcard you receive can then be used on the PS3 DMC4 game purchase, which in turn will net you another free $10 giftcard.




How did you find out about this?

[The Mana Knight]

Id wait for the rumored 120 gig with DS3 controllers. Or at least wait until theres some news from Sony.It's being rumored that SKU will have no PS2 BC. Since SCEJ hasn't bundled a DS3 with a PS3 yet (even with the new silver PS3), I honestly don't expect SCEA to do the same either.

[aznguyen316]

I mostly want the Blu-ray player lol and come future, MGS4.. I didn't play my PS2 that much at all except for MGS2 and 3 now that I think about it.. hmmm

also is there a rumor to the price of the 120gb? If it is the same as 40gb but $100 more, can't you just purchase a 120gb HDD somewhere and replace it? I'm not sure of the price, but I don't think it's $100 for one haha

[aznguyen316]

hello thanks for great faq.

[The Mana Knight]

I mostly want the Blu-ray player lol and come future, MGS4.. I didn't play my PS2 that much at all except for MGS2 and 3 now that I think about it.. hmmm

also is there a rumor to the price of the 120gb? If it is the same as 40gb but $100 more, can't you just purchase a 120gb HDD somewhere and replace it? I'm not sure of the price, but I don't think it's $100 for one hahaWell, it might come with card readers and two more USB ports, but in reality, you can add them to the 40GB and it would cost about the same. Personally, I'd just go with the 40GB. Although there is a rumor about a white PS3 SKU coming (I assume it's a 40GB, since I saw two USB ports on the FCC picture).

[lilboo]

I might get a PS3 with my tax monies.
40gb the way to go?

But is there anything to look forward to? Any potential price drops, new models, etc coming out? I'd hate to just go pick 1 up in a few weeks and then something new/better show up. :bomb:

[The Mana Knight]

I might get a PS3 with my tax monies.
40gb the way to go?

But is there anything to look forward to? Any potential price drops, new models, etc coming out? I'd hate to just go pick 1 up in a few weeks and then something new/better show up. :bomb:Wait until GDC at least. As for price drops, it was rumored earlier and never happened. There might be a white PS3 coming due to the FCC picture.

[Kilger]

Does the playstation store accept debit cards? I ask because I have tried multiple times over the last 2 months to use my card to download some stuff and it always says its invalid.

[primetime]

Does the playstation store except debit cards? I ask because I have tried multiple times over the last 2 months to use my card to download some stuff and it always says its invalid.

I have used mine with no problems. Do you have to give the security number?

[Kilger]

I have used mine with no problems. Do you have to give the security number?

Yea I just don't get it, I enter the info exactly how it should be, I use the card on the daily basis, have no problems with amazon or even xbox live, but it will not let me register my card on the PS Store

*edit*

Apparently it had something to do with the way my billing address was entered, all is well now.

[The Mana Knight]

Yea I just don't get it, I enter the info exactly how it should be, I use the card on the daily basis, have no problems with amazon or even xbox live, but it will not let me register my card on the PS Store

*edit*

Apparently it had something to do with the way my billing address was entered, all is well now.Yeah, the billing address MUST match what the bank or whatever has on file, and if it's an apartment number, it sometimes has to be put in address line 1.

[Richlough]

I might get a PS3 with my tax monies.
40gb the way to go?

But is there anything to look forward to? Any potential price drops, new models, etc coming out? I'd hate to just go pick 1 up in a few weeks and then something new/better show up. :bomb:

Wait for the Dualshock to be packed in ,you'll end up wanting one ASAP anyway .

[The Mana Knight]

Wait for the Dualshock to be packed in ,you'll end up wanting one ASAP anyway .I'm not really trying to force him to buy a PS3 asap, but I really question whether it will happen, because despite the DS3 being out in Japan, the white SKU never got it (came out the same day as the white PS3), and the new silver PS3 still comes with a SIXAXIS. I could be wrong because SCEI and SCEA do different things at times, but that's just what I watched (and I highly doubt SCE wants to put a more expensive controller in their console atm). But then again, I could be wrong.

[Richlough]

I'm not really trying to force him to buy a PS3 asap, but I really question whether it will happen, because despite the DS3 being out in Japan, the white SKU never got it (came out the same day as the white PS3), and the new silver PS3 still comes with a SIXAXIS. I could be wrong because SCEI and SCEA do different things at times, but that's just what I watched (and I highly doubt SCE wants to put a more expensive controller in their console atm). But then again, I could be wrong.

Well with the rumors of the demise of the 80 GB it all kind of adds up .
Depending on how long the remaining stock of 80's lasts there will probably be an E3 announcement or prior .

They certainly don't want to piss off retailers with loads of SIXAXI on there shelves by announcing anything .

Look to Speedy1961's crystal ball for that revelation .

But having GT5 with no Dualshock 3 is gonna be a[nother] major fuck up .

[The Mana Knight]

Well with the rumors of the demise of the 80 GB it all kind of adds up .
Depending on how long the remaining stock of 80's lasts there will probably be an E3 announcement or prior .

They certainly don't want to piss off retailers with loads of SIXAXI on there shelves by announcing anything .

Look to Speedy1961's crystal ball for that revelation .

But having GT5 with no Dualshock 3 is gonna be a[nother] major fuck up .If anything, they'll just mark down the price of the SIXAXIS, but I believe they stopped shipping them a while ago (hoping to clear them out).

As for the DS3 coming out with DS3, I think there's a very good chance it will happen, but since SCEA has been very silent, who knows (a lot of things have gone silent as of late like Wipeout HD, PSN Cards, etc. (which was all intended for Q1 2008).

[Richlough]

If anything, they'll just mark down the price of the SIXAXIS, but I believe they stopped shipping them a while ago (hoping to clear them out).

As for the DS3 coming out with DS3, I think there's a very good chance it will happen, but since SCEA has been very silent, who knows (a lot of things have gone silent as of late like Wipeout HD, PSN Cards, etc. (which was all intended for Q1 2008).

Maybe they want to announce alot of stuff all at once so everyone gets a fair amount of good news .
Announce say 12 things , but if I'm only excited about 4 , then that's a good amount for me .
Then they'll look like they're going to kick ass all year .

I don't know most of their major announcements end up getting leaked .
Maybe they like it that way , maybe I'm leaking them right now ?

[metaly]

When Sony starts packing the DS3 in with the system, I'm gonna have to build a bunker to retreat to for a few months to avoid all the early-adopters'/bloggers' whining.

This is going to sound a little insane, but I'm sort of looking forward to picking up another DS3 because it means I'll have four controllers on hand for multiplayer Warhawk/whathaveyou. I try to look on the positive side of things.

[Richlough]

When Sony starts packing the DS3 in with the system, I'm gonna have to build a bunker to retreat to for a few months to avoid all the early-adopters'/bloggers' whining.

This is going to sound a little insane, but I'm sort of looking forward to picking up another DS3 because it means I'll have four controllers on hand for multiplayer Warhawk/whathaveyou. I try to look on the positive side of things.

I don't really care too much because I scored a 60 GB and that's the only choice ever .

All I have to say is 'tough shit Player 2' .

[dallow]

Haha, that's what I say now since I've gotten my white DS3.

I have 3 controllers now. I'll probably buy a silver DS3 and be done with it.
4 is the max I would ever need.

[aznguyen316]

I turn off all rumble features on my 360, never cared for it and wastes battery life lol so DS3 is totally not any sort of push for me... unless it has other features not in the sixaxis

[Wolfpup]

The only feature I'd care about is a wired version and a version that accepts normal batteries.

Otherwise...I don't really pay attention to rumble either, and often turn it off (although ironically Sony's always had the best implementation of rumble by far IMO).

[The Mana Knight]

The only feature I'd care about is a wired version and a version that accepts normal batteries.

Otherwise...I don't really pay attention to rumble either, and often turn it off (although ironically Sony's always had the best implementation of rumble by far IMO).You don't have to worry about the SIXAXIS batteries dying anytime soon. They last a very long time too. I'm just glad I don't have to waste money replacing my batteries often.

[Kilger]

I just got the bluetooth headset w/ warhawk, and got everything set up, but when I'm in a game other players come through the tv speakers, is there a way to change it to where it comes through the headset?

[Richlough]

I just got the bluetooth headset w/ warhawk, and got everything set up, but when I'm in a game other players come through the tv speakers, is there a way to change it to where it comes through the headset?

You have to set it up in accessories in the PS3 menu .

[mguiddy]

You have to set it up in accessories in the PS3 menu .
Do I have to set up the headset every time I play?
I set up the headset and it was working while I was fooling around alone (:-s) to get a little used to the controls. When I was done I turned off the headset. When I was playing WarHawk during CAG night I turned on the headset while Warhawk was booting up and it didn't work at all.

[The Mana Knight]

Do I have to set up the headset every time I play?
I set up the headset and it was working while I was fooling around alone (:-s) to get a little used to the controls. When I was done I turned off the headset. When I was playing WarHawk during CAG night I turned on the headset while Warhawk was booting up and it didn't work at all.Unfortunately, some bluetooth headsets might need re-pairing if you used it on a cell phone after just playing or in general. Thankfully the headsets I have don't require it. Which headset was it and I'll look it up?

[mguiddy]

Unfortunately, some bluetooth headsets might need re-pairing if you used it on a cell phone after just playing or in general. Thankfully the headsets I have don't require it. Which headset was it and I'll look it up?
The one that came with Warhawk. And it sat plugged in on my PS3 between me testing it out and last night. I don't use bluetooth headsets with cell phones.

Next time I play I was going to try turning it on after Warhawk was fully loaded, incase that messed it up somehow.

[cdietschrun]

Hey all-

It's been tough to read through all this but I have a question concerning Rock Band. I bought a 60GB PS3 and want to know how I can get my red guitar from GH2 (dont know the name so won't try to use the wrong one) to work with the PS3? That way I can get all 4 people playing?

[The Mana Knight]

The one that came with Warhawk. And it sat plugged in on my PS3 between me testing it out and last night. I don't use bluetooth headsets with cell phones.

Next time I play I was going to try turning it on after Warhawk was fully loaded, incase that messed it up somehow.Well, be sure to check it on the XMB before playing, since the Jabra BT125 is known to sometimes known to not automatically connect (well, what I mean is before playing Warhawk, make sure it's connected under the Accessory settings, since sometimes it will not connect).

[mguiddy]

Well, be sure to check it on the XMB before playing, since the Jabra BT125 is known to sometimes known to not automatically connect (well, what I mean is before playing Warhawk, make sure it's connected under the Accessory settings, since sometimes it will not connect).


Yay... I was hoping that the bundled headset wouldn't have connection issues. Oh well. I'll deal with it.

[Oxygen]

Hey all-

It's been tough to read through all this but I have a question concerning Rock Band. I bought a 60GB PS3 and want to know how I can get my red guitar from GH2 (dont know the name so won't try to use the wrong one) to work with the PS3? That way I can get all 4 people playing?

When you say all 4 people, are you talking about getting the controller to work with Rock Band? If so, I do not believe that the GH2 controllers work at all with Rock Band on PS3.

[cdietschrun]

How do people play Rock Band with 4 people then on the PS3? What do I need to do to make my red GH2 guitar work on the Rock Band PS3? If at all?

[pete5883]

You wait until they start selling Rock Band guitars in stores.

[The Mana Knight]

How do people play Rock Band with 4 people then on the PS3? What do I need to do to make my red GH2 guitar work on the Rock Band PS3? If at all?I thought I heard some spot a Nyko guitar, but new guitars are coming soon.

[lilboo]

Now don't say YES just to promote the PS3.. LOL

Is the PS3 still my cheapest option for Blu Ray?

[torifile]

Now don't say YES just to promote the PS3.. LOL

Is the PS3 still my cheapest option for Blu Ray?
No. (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-6019614-5136759?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=blu-ray+player&x=0&y=0) There are a couple cheaper options there but I've heard horror stories about the Samsung players. The PS3 is still the best *value* though.

[sevin300zx]

So I have a question. I've owned my ps3 since christmas time, and was wondering if what it's doing is normally, or if I should be concerned.

Whenever It changes to a game or movie (dvd or blu ray) it goes to fine static across the screen (no sound, just static) and sometimes it will change like the resolution is changing (gets really small and goes to the corner) or sometimes it will just be half the screen.

Now, my brother works at gamestop repair center and tells me that this is not normal. But he doesnt fix ps3's so I thought i'd ask some people who have them. I would be under the impression that it should just go from XMB screen to black to loading the game\movie.

Anyways, everything else works fine, just that loading is a bit wonky.

[kleptoix]

whenever i change a movie or a game in my ps3 the screen blanks out for a sec til the resolution is changed. I dont get any static however.

[torifile]

So I have a question. I've owned my ps3 since christmas time, and was wondering if what it's doing is normally, or if I should be concerned.

Whenever It changes to a game or movie (dvd or blu ray) it goes to fine static across the screen (no sound, just static) and sometimes it will change like the resolution is changing (gets really small and goes to the corner) or sometimes it will just be half the screen.

Now, my brother works at gamestop repair center and tells me that this is not normal. But he doesnt fix ps3's so I thought i'd ask some people who have them. I would be under the impression that it should just go from XMB screen to black to loading the game\movie.

Anyways, everything else works fine, just that loading is a bit wonky.
That's probably normal. It's changing resolutions and it's probably more about your t.v. than the PS3. Not that there's anything to worry about at all.

[The Mana Knight]

That's probably normal. It's changing resolutions and it's probably more about your t.v. than the PS3. Not that there's anything to worry about at all.Yeah, his PS3 is fine, just the TV. For some TVs (usually the not so big brand name like Polaroid, Akai, etc.) will probably have HDMI handshaking issues with the PS3 (my old TV had it). My new TV (Toshiba) doesn't have any problem.

[sevin300zx]

its a samsung 50" dlp. But ok, i dont notice any problems so ill just let it be until something breaks.

[mguiddy]

Anyone else's controller periodically "freeze" (if I'm holding left when it freezes it will keep acting like I'm holding left even after I stop) for a few seconds when it isn't connected via wire. So far I've only noticed it while playing PS2 games, but then again I've yet to play a PS3 game without the wire.

I did a search and glanced through the results but didn't find anything.

[Vanigan]

That freezing is likely interference caused by other wireless devices, or other high powered EM interference generating devices. Make sure that while you're using your controller you don't have your cell phone right next to it, or that your speaker system isn't generating extra EM interference, or just your regular household cordless phone or wireless router.

The "freeze" in the controls where something like the left dpad gets stuck is actually some signal interfering with the signal the controller sends that let's the console know that you stopped pressing the left dpad.

[mguiddy]

That freezing is likely interference caused by other wireless devices, or other high powered EM interference generating devices. Make sure that while you're using your controller you don't have your cell phone right next to it, or that your speaker system isn't generating extra EM interference, or just your regular household cordless phone or wireless router.

The "freeze" in the controls where something like the left dpad gets stuck is actually some signal interfering with the signal the controller sends that let's the console know that you stopped pressing the left dpad.

:-k

I'll try switching the channels on my router. Hopefully that will work.

I never noticed a freeze with my 360 or Wii so thought maybe it could've been a hardware/firmware issue.

[eshbums]

Is there a PS3 compatible dance mat available? My daughter is itching to get the DDR Disney Channel edition, but I don't want to shell out $50 for the game/pad combo if they won't work on our 80gb system.

[The Mana Knight]

Is there a PS3 compatible dance mat available? My daughter is itching to get the DDR Disney Channel edition, but I don't want to shell out $50 for the game/pad combo if they won't work on our 80gb system.First off there are two problems:
-DDR Disney Channel, due to being new, may not work on the 80GB PS3 yet (possibly even the 20/60GB one) until after an update (since some games will have an issue early on).

-There is a site that sells dance pads for the PS3 (http://ddrgame.stores.yahoo.net/ps3deluxe.html), but currently it doesn't say if it really works with the 80GB model. The Pelican PS2 to USB adapter works great for dance pads I hear, but finding that adapter is quite hard right now.

[cdietschrun]

So, I may be dense, but how are people playing PS3 Rock Band with 4 people?

[The Mana Knight]

So, I may be dense, but how are people playing PS3 Rock Band with 4 people?Either online or if someone is playing a friend who has a copy of Rock Band (that came with a guitar), that's how. There's guitars coming soon.

[Autumn Star]

I have a TV capable of 1080p and my PS3 is hooked up via HDMI cable.
Here's my question:
Is the PS3 supposed to upconvert my games to 1080p or no? Every game I've played on my PS3 (Uncharted, Heavenly Sword, Resistance) have all down converted to 720p and it's kind of disappointing. I thought Sony fixed this problem?

[Thomas96]

I have a TV capable of 1080p and my PS3 is hooked up via HDMI cable.
Here's my question:
Is the PS3 supposed to upconvert my games to 1080p or no? Every game I've played on my PS3 (Uncharted, Heavenly Sword, Resistance) have all down converted to 720p and it's kind of disappointing. I thought Sony fixed this problem?



The PS3 doesn't upconvert PS3 games. Whatever resolution the game is developed with, is what you get. Some game companies run at 1080p.. for instance, Sony's first party sports games are mostly 1080p.

NBA 2k8, and Call of Duty 4 are both 1080p games.


Its really a developer issue, rather than trying to provide you with non-native 1080p, Sony wants their devs to develop their games at 1080p The PS3 can upconvert PS3 games, but its a feature of the system that Sony won't let their devs use. Sony doesn't want to be like the 360 and allow devs to give native 720p, then use the upscaler to jump it to 1080p. I think overall, games look much better when their in native 1080p and not upscaled... I guess its a double edge sword... cause you got your 1080p tv and you want games at 1080p.


There's a trade off of processing power for resolution.. for instance to get Halo 3 to run properly the game's native resolution is 640p.

[insomniac190]

Im looking at buying a PS3 soon, but I wanted to know if now is the time to buy one or if its a better bet to hold off. Ive been reading about the rumors of a possible 120-160gb model being released. I just don't want to spend $500 on the 80gb for it to be replaced in a month with a 120gb model at the same price.

[WebScud]

Im looking at buying a PS3 soon, but I wanted to know if now is the time to buy one or if its a better bet to hold off. Ive been reading about the rumors of a possible 120-160gb model being released. I just don't want to spend $500 on the 80gb for it to be replaced in a month with a 120gb model at the same price.

There will always be rumors of something new coming out no matter the product line. And there always is.

If 80GB is worth $499 to you now, will it no be worth $499 to you tomorrow? If you want a PS3 just buy it.

[Wolfpup]

I have a TV capable of 1080p and my PS3 is hooked up via HDMI cable.
Here's my question:
Is the PS3 supposed to upconvert my games to 1080p or no? Every game I've played on my PS3 (Uncharted, Heavenly Sword, Resistance) have all down converted to 720p and it's kind of disappointing. I thought Sony fixed this problem?

Thomas96 probably already covered this, but just so it's clear:

-Those games aren't being converted-they're rendered at 720p and the TV scales them to it's native resolution.

-The X-Box 360 doesn't have ANY games that support 1080p. It has a scaler chip in it (like the one in your TV) that takes the games (which are rendered usually at 720p, but sometimes lower) and scales them to the resolution selected in the system menu. This is no different from having your TV do it, unless you have a bad scaler in your TV.

[Wolfpup]

...NBA 2k8, and Call of Duty 4 are both 1080p games.

I didn't know that. That right there should be a huge selling point for the Playstation 3 version over the 360 version. The problem being of course that too many people (I think possibly even game critics) don't understand the difference between rendering something at a resolution, and scaling it to a resolution.

[The Mana Knight]

I didn't know that. That right there should be a huge selling point for the Playstation 3 version over the 360 version. The problem being of course that too many people (I think possibly even game critics) don't understand the difference between rendering something at a resolution, and scaling it to a resolution.They aren't 1080p on PS3, despite the boxart saying that. I checked the resolution on my TV and it said 720p (while playing both games). What it means though is if someone has a TV that does not support 720p, it will render the image in 1080i or 1080p (if 720p is unchecked). My TV does do 1080p.

[nohcho]

I have a question for 40 gb ps 3 owners are u experiencing any problems ? I am on my second 40gb model, just replaced it at CC, i was palying DMC 4 and it all of a sudden stopped reading any types of discs, i mean any. other than that it worked great just wouldnt read ny disks, i guess my question is: is that a common problem with 40 g models, or is it just me?

[Snake2715]

Im looking at buying a PS3 soon, but I wanted to know if now is the time to buy one or if its a better bet to hold off. Ive been reading about the rumors of a possible 120-160gb model being released. I just don't want to spend $500 on the 80gb for it to be replaced in a month with a 120gb model at the same price.

F it get the 40gb model at Target right now with the $40 gift card. If you need a bigger drive they are cheap as heck, and it doesn't void the warranty.

The $40 gift card at target is the best deal in a while, and probably the best deal post Xmas.

[Snake2715]

I have a question for 40 gb ps 3 owners are u experiencing any problems ? I am on my second 40gb model, just replaced it at CC, i was palying DMC 4 and it all of a sudden stopped reading any types of discs, i mean any. other than that it worked great just wouldnt read ny disks, i guess my question is: is that a common problem with 40 g models, or is it just me?

I have not heard of any real PS3 problems, at least wide spread...

[jdawgg76]

The X-Box 360 doesn't have ANY games that support 1080p. It has a scaler chip in it (like the one in your TV) that takes the games (which are rendered usually at 720p, but sometimes lower) and scales them to the resolution selected in the system menu. This is no different from having your TV do it, unless you have a bad scaler in your TV.Of course box art is notoriously wrong from the xbox on up to current gen, but I was under the impression that Virtua Tennis 3 for the 360 is truly 1080p (not just written on the box art, but actually confirmed to be 1080p). It seems like a handful of other 360 games are as well.

I bumped up the old thread about this, but it got closed and referred to this thread and I've searched several pages, but don't have time to read all 51:

Is there a to play import PS3 games on a US 60GB PS3? I have several Japanese and European PS2 games I play on my PS2 (mainly my WRC series) and I'm hoping when I get my 60Gber that I can just have one PS console on my stand.

Thanks in advance.

[The Mana Knight]

Of course box art is notoriously wrong from the xbox on up to current gen, but I was under the impression that Virtua Tennis 3 for the 360 is truly 1080p (not just written on the box art, but actually confirmed to be 1080p). It seems like a handful of other 360 games are as well.

I bumped up the old thread about this, but it got closed and referred to this thread and I've searched several pages, but don't have time to read all 51:

Is there a to play import PS3 games on a US 60GB PS3? I have several Japanese and European PS2 games I play on my PS2 (mainly my WRC series) and I'm hoping when I get my 60Gber that I can just have one PS console on my stand.

Thanks in advance.Let me put it this way:

PS3 games - Region free on ANY PS3
PS2 games - Region locked
PS1 games - Disc based is region locked. Download is region free.

If you want to play import PS3 games on a U.S. 60GB, you are okay. If you want to play your imported PS1/PS2 games on a 60GB U.S. console, they will not work.

[jdawgg76]

Let me put it this way:

PS3 games - Region free on ANY PS3
PS2 games - Region locked
PS1 games - Disc based is region locked. Download is region free.

If you want to play import PS3 games on a U.S. 60GB, you are okay. If you want to play your imported PS1/PS2 games on a 60GB U.S. console, they will not work.Sorry, I should have been more clear, although I did learn that PS3 games are region free. Thanks. More specifically, are there any workarounds for playing import PS2/PS1 games on a PS3; like Swap Magic on PS2 which could even force a PAL game to be played in NTSC, etc. I'm about to get a PS3 and have no interest in hardmodding it and voiding the warranty, etc., so I'm just looking for other methods.

[dallow]

Nothing yet, but I really hope it comes true someday.
I'd love to be able to play my imports on my PS3.

[Thomas96]

F it get the 40gb model at Target right now with the $40 gift card. If you need a bigger drive they are cheap as heck, and it doesn't void the warranty.

The $40 gift card at target is the best deal in a while, and probably the best deal post Xmas.

that's a good point, he can always get a hard drive, from newegg.com, and always check slickdeals.net and techdeas.net.

They aren't 1080p on PS3, despite the boxart saying that. I checked the resolution on my TV and it said 720p (while playing both games). What it means though is if someone has a TV that does not support 720p, it will render the image in 1080i or 1080p (if 720p is unchecked). My TV does do 1080p.

The PS3 isn't supposed to render anything.. I thought everything was native. upscaling PS3 games is exactly what Sony doesn't want its devs doing.

[The Mana Knight]

The PS3 isn't supposed to render anything.. I thought everything was native. upscaling PS3 games is exactly what Sony doesn't want its devs doing.If it was native, I'd be seeing 1080p on my copy of NBA 2k8 when I play like I do with NG Sigma.

[Squall835]

Alright, I have a question. I just bought a PS3 today, and set up everything, including an online account. However, when I tried to download games on PSN, nothing happened. The last time I tried I got error code 807 something. Any ideas?

[insomniac190]

F it get the 40gb model at Target right now with the $40 gift card. If you need a bigger drive they are cheap as heck, and it doesn't void the warranty.

The $40 gift card at target is the best deal in a while, and probably the best deal post Xmas.

I was planning on getting a 40gb up until I saw it doesnt have BC for any PS2 games. Are they ever gonna change this or does this deal apply to the 80gb as well? Thanks a lot.

[aznguyen316]

80gb has software emu but the sku is gone so good luck finding it soon.

[insomniac190]

80gb has software emu but the sku is gone so good luck finding it soon.

I know the 80gb has software emu. Doesnt the changed sku for it imply there will be a new model soon? I was originally looking at 60gb because it had everything including hardware emu but its not possible to buy it in stores anymore.

[The Mana Knight]

80gb has software emu but the sku is gone so good luck finding it soon.To be more specific, it's 50% software emulation and 50% hardware (still uses the GS chip). The 40GB will probably play PS2 games eventually, but not until Sony finishes full PS2 emulation.
Alright, I have a question. I just bought a PS3 today, and set up everything, including an online account. However, when I tried to download games on PSN, nothing happened. The last time I tried I got error code 807 something. Any ideas?Restart your console and try again (sometimes just a weird issue). No luck, try re-configuring your internet. If there are still issues, let us know (I'd post a link about configuring your router). That's the first time I heard of the problem.

[FeNoM91]

Should I buy a PS3 now or later?

Now being within the next few weeks.

Later being Fall '08-Spring '09

[Rig]

My K-marts still have 60 GB's, and I am wanting one for the BC.

Haven't been in those stores for a while though. Does anybody know how much they would be? I'm thinking $500, but I could be wrong.

Hopefully, they stay around long enough to get dropped down further in price.

[The Mana Knight]

My K-marts still have 60 GB's, and I am wanting one for the BC.

Haven't been in those stores for a while though. Does anybody know how much they would be? I'm thinking $500, but I could be wrong.

Hopefully, they stay around long enough to get dropped down further in price.I'll put it this way, Sony themselves are never dropping the price of the 60GB, only retailers will. The 20GB and 60GB are two consoles SCEA no longer cares about because they take a massive loss on them ($240-$300 each). In your case, that will be your only bet to get a PS3 new (that's a 60GB), because once it's gone, it's gone (all retailers except maybe Sam's Club in my area with an overpriced bundle is sold out).

Right now they are still $500 at K-Mart, if they have them (that was my K-Mart when they had one damaged one left, but now it's gone).

[Wolfpup]

Of course box art is notoriously wrong from the xbox on up to current gen, but I was under the impression that Virtua Tennis 3 for the 360 is truly 1080p (not just written on the box art, but actually confirmed to be 1080p). It seems like a handful of other 360 games are as well.

I'm pretty sure they're not. New games all pretty much say 1080p, which really means 720p or below, scaled to as high as 1080p. A lot of magazine/media people don't seem to understand the difference, so reported it as being 1080p (heck, the marketing people for these companies probably don't understand the difference).

The 360 is at a big disadvantage for doing higher resolutions, as aside from that 10MB video cache, it's got basically half the system bandwidth of the PS3, and the higher the resolution, the less % of a complete image fits in to the cache (so there's a bigger performance drop off than even just the increase in resolution would indicate). If I'm remembering correctly, even at 720p with AA turned on an entire frame can't fit into the cache at once. At 1080p it would be less than half a single frame. That's why there's actually a minority of games that renders at LESS than 720p.

(Also the 360 MAY have half the ROPs of the PS3, although I don't think the PS3's ROPs have ever been publicly disclosed-and even if the PS3 has 16, it's still not REALLY up to doing 1080p in the vast majority of games.)

F it get the 40gb model at Target right now with the $40 gift card. If you need a bigger drive they are cheap as heck, and it doesn't void the warranty.

The $40 gift card at target is the best deal in a while, and probably the best deal post Xmas.

Yeah, except I wouldn't want a 40GB model since there's no backwards compatibility. (Plus I haven't actually seen a Playstation 3 in stock for months now. I guess I'll have to wait/hope they replace the 80GB model with something else withi BC.)

[The Mana Knight]

Yeah, except I wouldn't want a 40GB model since there's no backwards compatibility. (Plus I haven't actually seen a Playstation 3 in stock for months now. I guess I'll have to wait/hope they replace the 80GB model with something else withi BC.)It is being rumored that the new PS3 model (with a larger HDD) will have no PS2 BC, because Sony just doesn't plan to do it anymore (until there's a complete software emulation). Continuing to keep the PS2 BC (where some hardware component is needed) continues to keep PS3 more expensive than 360 (right now, it's just not possible to price a PS3 with PS2 BC for less than $480 (I'm taking about 40GB features here, but with PS2 BC) without taking a loss).

[Squall835]

To be more specific, it's 50% software emulation and 50% hardware (still uses the GS chip). The 40GB will probably play PS2 games eventually, but not until Sony finishes full PS2 emulation.
Restart your console and try again (sometimes just a weird issue). No luck, try re-configuring your internet. If there are still issues, let us know (I'd post a link about configuring your router). That's the first time I heard of the problem.

Thanks for the help, it's working fine now. I think part of the problem was that my roommate is constantly streaming stuff on his computer when he's here, so that ate up a lot of bandwidth.

[PooperScooper1900]

How do I adjust the Sixaxis' sensitivity? Thanks!

[gunm]

Hm, seems like monoprice is moving towards the 1.3a certified HDMI cables. I can't find the smaller-sized SKUs listed in the OP.

[PooperScooper1900]

Also is there any way to back up PS3 saves?

[SteveMcQ]

How do I adjust the Sixaxis' sensitivity? Thanks!They're gonna be found in-game if they're there at all.

Hm, seems like monoprice is moving towards the 1.3a certified HDMI cables. I can't find the smaller-sized SKUs listed in the OP.Yeah, they're moving towards those now. I'll update the OP with the correct links in a few days.

[Oxygen]

Also is there any way to back up PS3 saves?
You can use a USB flash drive or external hard drive to back them up. You can back up the saves one at a time by selecting the save, hitting Triangle, then selecting copy. Otherwise, you can back up the whole system in System Options by selecting Backup System.

[Snake2715]

So is there a way to check the what is eating the hard drive space?

Also Since i have the 40gb and only have 25 GB left...whats a new 40GB come with as far as remaining space out of the box?

I have only played a handful of games so unless those oblivion saves are humungous I need to see what took all my space.

[Oxygen]

So is there a way to check the what is eating the hard drive space?

Also Since i have the 40gb and only have 25 GB left...whats a new 40GB come with as far as remaining space out of the box?

I have only played a handful of games so unless those oblivion saves are humungous I need to see what took all my space.

You can select a file (like a save or game data), press Triangle, go down to Info, and hit X. It will tell you how many MB it takes.

[DestroVega]

I have a question regarding the new Dual Shock controllers...

when are they coming out? I have to buy a 2nd controller soon but want to wait for those so I have at least one when I am playing.

[Snake2715]

You can select a file (like a save or game data), press Triangle, go down to Info, and hit X. It will tell you how many MB it takes.

Yeah i know it seems like the 40GB actually only comes with 37 or so and then another 5-6 GB is taken for OS etc.

So its about 31 GB, and from my research Oblivion can take a few GB so figure 3-4 GB for that and its pretty close.

Is there a way to delete old updates?

[Oxygen]

I have a question regarding the new Dual Shock controllers...

when are they coming out? I have to buy a 2nd controller soon but want to wait for those so I have at least one when I am playing.

We do not know of an exact release date yet. All we know is "Spring" 2008 here in the United States. Play Asia has them if you want to import, but I imagine they should be out soon.

Yeah i know it seems like the 40GB actually only comes with 37 or so and then another 5-6 GB is taken for OS etc.

So its about 31 GB, and from my research Oblivion can take a few GB so figure 3-4 GB for that and its pretty close.

Is there a way to delete old updates?

Yeah 5 - 6GB sounds about right. Not all of that is taken up by the OS. Remember that when you buy a hard drive for a computer (let's say 120GB), you do not get all 120GB because of how hard drive manufacturers define a gigabyte (as opposed to how the Operating System defines a gigabyte). When you say old updates, what do you mean? If you want to revert back to the copy of the game's data that came on the disc, simply delete it in the Game Data Utility (highlight the data, press Triangle, choose Delete, and hit X). When you start the game again, it will reinstall the data. If you mean go back in terms of firmware (like from 2.10 to 2.00), that is not possible.

[DestroVega]

We do not know of an exact release date yet. All we know is "Spring" 2008 here in the United States. Play Asia has them if you want to import, but I imagine they should be out soon.


These work on the US PS3?... also, it seems they are 60 bucks and 7 bucks shipping... is that right? it would basically be the same price buying now or waiting for Spring?

[Oxygen]

These work on the US PS3?... also, it seems they are 60 bucks and 7 bucks shipping... is that right? it would basically be the same price buying now or waiting for Spring?

They absolutely work on US consoles :). I imagine they will come out at $50 (the list price of the SIXAXIS). There has been no pricing info, though, so that is just my speculation. If you really want it now, the extra $10 - $15 might be worth it. It is up to you.

[Snake2715]

We do not know of an exact release date yet. All we know is "Spring" 2008 here in the United States. Play Asia has them if you want to import, but I imagine they should be out soon.



Yeah 5 - 6GB sounds about right. Not all of that is taken up by the OS. Remember that when you buy a hard drive for a computer (let's say 120GB), you do not get all 120GB because of how hard drive manufacturers define a gigabyte (as opposed to how the Operating System defines a gigabyte). When you say old updates, what do you mean? If you want to revert back to the copy of the game's data that came on the disc, simply delete it in the Game Data Utility (highlight the data, press Triangle, choose Delete, and hit X). When you start the game again, it will reinstall the data. If you mean go back in terms of firmware (like from 2.10 to 2.00), that is not possible.


Dont want to go back but say a new update 2.0 to 2.1 is about what 100MG... I know its not much but can you delete it after its done its thing? Or is that automatic?

[Oxygen]

Dont want to go back but say a new update 2.0 to 2.1 is about what 100MG... I know its not much but can you delete it after its done its thing? Or is that automatic?
It is automatic. The System Update installer cleans up after itself when it is done. If hard drive space is a big concern, you can upgrade the hard drive without much effort. The drive is a standard 2.5" SATA drive, so there are plenty of places to pick one up.

[Wolfpup]

It is being rumored that the new PS3 model (with a larger HDD) will have no PS2 BC, because Sony just doesn't plan to do it anymore (until there's a complete software emulation). Continuing to keep the PS2 BC (where some hardware component is needed) continues to keep PS3 more expensive than 360 (right now, it's just not possible to price a PS3 with PS2 BC for less than $480 (I'm taking about 40GB features here, but with PS2 BC) without taking a loss).

It shouldn't cost anywhere near that to add backwards compatibility.

[DestroVega]

They absolutely work on US consoles :). I imagine they will come out at $50 (the list price of the SIXAXIS). There has been no pricing info, though, so that is just my speculation. If you really want it now, the extra $10 - $15 might be worth it. It is up to you.

Well, I tried to buy it, but says my credit card could not be verified for some reason?... I dunno, makes no sense.

[Oxygen]

I'll pick it up now... PlayJapan reputable?

PlayAsia is reputable in my opinion. Their ResellerRating (http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Play_Asia) is 7.81 / 10 lifetime. Also, many CAGs have ordered from them before. There might be a $5 coupon in the Video Game Deals forum.
Do not know why your credit card does not work. They accept PayPal though.

[The Mana Knight]

It shouldn't cost anywhere near that to add backwards compatibility.It's expensive, because it order to add it, they basically have to include the majority of PS2 components except the EE. If the PS2 BC was 100% software, it wouldn't cost anything. It's not just the GS, but they have to make the circuit board larger (40GB has a smaller board), increases the amount of current drawn (therefore higher power rating components must be used), uses more components (like more capacitors, resistors, inductors, etc.) uses more solder due to more components, and so on. One reason the 60GB PS2 was expensive was because of the PS2 hardware BC, and although removing the EE saves them $25, it still costs them a decent amount to implement. That's why they are doing away with it. If people want to play PS2 games badly, they rather have them just buy a PS2 (because Sony makes a small profit from each sold), compared to taking a loss (the 80GB sold at a loss). I'm an Electrical Engineer myself and know about the manufacturing process of electronics.

[endlessPRO]

Can the ps3 play ps1/ps2 games?

[sasukekun]

Can the ps3 play ps1/ps2 games?

20/60GB are fully BC. 80 is limited BC. 40 has NO BC.

[Vitality X]

Can the ps3 play ps1/ps2 games?

ps1 games yes. ps2 games some do, more specifically the 60 GB/20 GB/and 80 GB. The new 40 GB version doesn't currently but there is a possibility of ps2 emulation through software in the future.

[endlessPRO]

so all ps1 games will work on a 20/60 GB and only some ps2 work?

will they come out with BC for all ps1/ps2 games , if they do when will it come out?

[mguiddy]

so all ps1 games will work on a 20/60 GB and only some ps2 work?

will they come out with BC for all ps1/ps2 games , if they do when will it come out?
All PS1 games work on all PS3s.
99.99% of PS2 games work on 20/60 gig PS3s.
85-90%+ of PS2 games work on 80gig PS3s.
0% of PS2 games work on 40gig PS3s.

[endlessPRO]

thanks for the info mguiddy

also can you play imports?

[Oxygen]

thanks for the info mguiddy

also can you play imports?
You cannot play imported PS1 or PS2 titles on an American PS3 (they are region protected). Blu-ray discs (PS3 games and Blu Ray movies) do not have this region protection enabled.

[metaly]

While you're out of luck with physical discs, if you download a PS1 game from an international PS Store, it'll play on any PS3. Finding a way to pay for it is the only tricky part.

[endlessPRO]

1 more question.

When you want to save a ps1 / ps2 game on the ps3 system do you need a ps1/ps2 memory card ?

[Vitality X]

1 more question.

When you want to save a ps1 / ps2 game on the ps3 system do you need a ps1/ps2 memory card ?

nope. the ps3 creates memory card slots on the hard drive.

[geko29]

You cannot play imported PS1 or PS2 titles on an American PS3 (they are region protected). Blu-ray discs (PS3 games and Blu Ray movies) do not have this region protection enabled.

That's not true. Blu-Ray movies DO have region protection. It's not used on a ton of titles, but it is part of the spec.

[Oxygen]

That's not true. Blu-Ray movies DO have region protection. It's not used on a ton of titles, but it is part of the spec.
That is why I said it was not enabled ;) (as opposed to saying it does not have it period)

[Mechafenris]

That's not true. Blu-Ray movies DO have region protection. It's not used on a ton of titles, but it is part of the spec.

However, most notable for American importers of Japanese movies, in the new BR region specs, Japan and the US are in the same region...

IIRC..

[endlessPRO]

on craigslist someone is selling a ps3 60gb for $360 with 2 controllers and madden 08. He takes paypal and I wanted to know what to put in details ( service/others, ebay, goods, cash advance)

do you guys think thats a good price

[DestroVega]

So Play Asia declined my Credit Card for no reason I can tell, anyone know why possibly?

[mguiddy]

So Play Asia declined my Credit Card for no reason I can tell, anyone know why possibly?

Maybe your credit card company denied the charge since they're based in Hong Kong. Call your bank and ask.

I know I had a credit card company call be when I ordered some stuff from dealextreme.com.

Credit card companies should call for a suspicious charge before denying it but who knows.

[Oxygen]

So Play Asia declined my Credit Card for no reason I can tell, anyone know why possibly?
They accept PayPal too.

[metaly]

So Play Asia declined my Credit Card for no reason I can tell, anyone know why possibly?

I had this happen once, too. A Visa rep actually called me about it, but I forget what the reason was. If I had to guess, it might have been something to do with the stupid "Verified by Visa" step Play Asia makes you go through. I could never remember my password for that and I always ended up entering three or four different ones until I got it. Maybe that looked shady to them?

I just used Paypal for that order instead. That was several years ago; I've used credit on Play Asia most of the time since then and it's been fine.

[refusedchaos]

hey y does chat (the chat romm thingie on the xmb) on the ps3 have a lot of lag? me and my friends have have NAT 2 and decent connections....but our in-game chat is fine

[It'sMagneto]

Ok I'm about ready to pounce on a 60 or 20 ps3 from gamestop/eb. How can I tell if it's really a model that supports BC and not just a 60 gb hd thrown in? Aren't there number/letter codes to look for?

Second, does Gamestop offer warranties on new and refurbished consoles?

[mguiddy]

Ok I'm about ready to pounce on a 60 or 20 ps3 from gamestop/eb. How can I tell if it's really a model that supports BC and not just a 60 gb hd thrown in? Aren't there number/letter codes to look for?

Second, does Gamestop offer warranties on new and refurbished consoles?

Look (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3#Retail_configurations) here for a chart of the differences between the PS3 versions.

Basically look for 4 USB ports and memory card slots. And I _think_ the trim around the disc slot is a flat silver on the 40 gig, black on the 20, and shiny metallic silver on the 60.

I have no idea on how to tell an 80 from a 60. I've heard that the serial number indicates what model it is, but I don't know how.

[Wolfpup]

It's expensive, because it order to add it, they basically have to include the majority of PS2 components except the EE. If the PS2 BC was 100% software, it wouldn't cost anything. It's not just the GS, but they have to make the circuit board larger (40GB has a smaller board), increases the amount of current drawn (therefore higher power rating components must be used), uses more components (like more capacitors, resistors, inductors, etc.) uses more solder due to more components, and so on. One reason the 60GB PS2 was expensive was because of the PS2 hardware BC, and although removing the EE saves them $25, it still costs them a decent amount to implement. That's why they are doing away with it. If people want to play PS2 games badly, they rather have them just buy a PS2 (because Sony makes a small profit from each sold), compared to taking a loss (the 80GB sold at a loss). I'm an Electrical Engineer myself and know about the manufacturing process of electronics.

It shouldn't cost anywhere close to that. We're talking about a single chip with only slightly more than 50 million transistors.

[geko29]

It shouldn't cost anywhere close to that. We're talking about a single chip with only slightly more than 50 million transistors.
We've been over this, ad nauseum. The GS+EE and all the other associated hardware costs a whole lot more than the $5 you think it should. Hardware doesn't cost what you'd like it to, and just saying it should be cheap doesn't make it so, no matter how many times you repeat it. The EE+GS costs money. So does the PS2 southbridge. So does the larger system board. So does the RDRAM. Granted, not all the requisite parts are expensive, but $5 here, $2 there, $35 over there, pretty soon you're talking about real money.

Sony took out the fucking USB ports to save pennies! Do you have any idea how little they cost? Since hardware BC costs literally thousands of times more than the USB ports do, you can bet your ass that the GS+EE will NEVER be in a production PS3 ever again. Software emulation may come. It may not. But that's the most you can hope for.

WE GET IT, you want BC. So get it. 80GBs are still available new everywhere, though probably not for too long. 60GBs can be had new in some places (warehouse clubs notably). Those AND the 20GB are WIDELY available on the used market, for vastly less than MSRP. If it's that important to you, get it. If it ISN'T that important to you, quit bitching about it.

[The Mana Knight]

hey y does chat (the chat romm thingie on the xmb) on the ps3 have a lot of lag? me and my friends have have NAT 2 and decent connections....but our in-game chat is fineHaving NAT Type 2 is a must, although if the IP isn't static, it can reset (possibly putting you on type 3). Internet connection speed is also very important, because if your internet is on the slower side, it will have issue (I had disconnection issues with my old internet). But most of the time, chat works well for me.

I will say the chat does have a little bit of a delay.
We've been over this, ad nauseum. The GS+EE and all the other associated hardware costs a whole lot more than the $5 you think it should. Hardware doesn't cost what you'd like it to, and just saying it should be cheap doesn't make it so, no matter how many times you repeat it. The EE+GS costs money. So does the PS2 southbridge. So does the larger system board. So does the RDRAM. Granted, not all the requisite parts are expensive, but $5 here, $2 there, $35 over there, pretty soon you're talking about real money.

Sony took out the fucking USB ports to save pennies! Do you have any idea how little they cost? Since hardware BC costs literally thousands of times more than the USB ports do, you can bet your ass that the GS+EE will NEVER be in a production PS3 ever again. Software emulation may come. It may not. But that's the most you can hope for.

WE GET IT, you want BC. So get it. 80GBs are still available new everywhere, though probably not for too long. 60GBs can be had new in some places (warehouse clubs notably). Those AND the 20GB are WIDELY available on the used market, for vastly less than MSRP. If it's that important to you, get it. If it ISN'T that important to you, quit bitching about it.Well, there is the tiny circuit involved when including a USB port. Also, they figured people can buy a USB hub if they feel they need more USB ports.

And I'm glad you agreed with my statement over adding hardware BC does cost money. One reason MS has a cost advantage for the 360 is that it lacks hardware components for the original Xbox. I do see Sony adding 100% software emulation for PS2 games on the 40GB, but it won't come until PS2 is just about dead (so they can make all games work), and when they finish it.


I have no idea on how to tell an 80 from a 60. I've heard that the serial number indicates what model it is, but I don't know how.Only way to tell is by the box. If the consoles are sitting side by side, then it's very hard to tell.
Ok I'm about ready to pounce on a 60 or 20 ps3 from gamestop/eb. How can I tell if it's really a model that supports BC and not just a 60 gb hd thrown in? Aren't there number/letter codes to look for?

Second, does Gamestop offer warranties on new and refurbished consoles?The way to tell a 20GB from a 60GB is a 20GB is all black while the 60GB has a crome trim.

I'm going to search for the 80GB SKU number. Once I find it, I'll let you know.

[kachta]

OK....I'm 41 so I need help.

I've had a SOny PS3 80G system hooked up via HDMI to my Sony 40" LCD 1080i TV since Christmas. I downloaded the recent PS3 firmware upgrade and installed that and everything seemed fine. Until this weekend.

I fire up the PS3 and it says to me "An HDMI device was found. Would you like to use HDMI output for video and audio?" SO I say 'YES'...and BOOM...I lose all my audio. Video is FINE. But once I click 'yes' to that question, I lose audio. If I click 'No' to that question, I lose Video and the audio is fine.

I called PS3 Support and after the obligatory 30 mins on hold, the 12 yr old girl told me to re-install the PS3 system. SO I backed up my files, and hit the re-install. 5 hours later....I fire it up and I have the exact same issue.

Everything was set up by the Geek Squad originally and worked fine for over 2 months...now it just snaps into trouble. Do I need a new cable? Whats up?

Any input is appreciated people, please help! My kids are going to be bummed if they can't play Star Wars Leggo this weekend! :) Thanks in advance!

[The Mana Knight]

OK....I'm 41 so I need help.

I've had a SOny PS3 80G system hooked up via HDMI to my Sony 40" LCD 1080i TV since Christmas. I downloaded the recent PS3 firmware upgrade and installed that and everything seemed fine. Until this weekend.

I fire up the PS3 and it says to me "An HDMI device was found. Would you like to use HDMI output for video and audio?" SO I say 'YES'...and BOOM...I lose all my audio. Video is FINE. But once I click 'yes' to that question, I lose audio. If I click 'No' to that question, I lose Video and the audio is fine.

I called PS3 Support and after the obligatory 30 mins on hold, the 12 yr old girl told me to re-install the PS3 system. SO I backed up my files, and hit the re-install. 5 hours later....I fire it up and I have the exact same issue.

Everything was set up by the Geek Squad originally and worked fine for over 2 months...now it just snaps into trouble. Do I need a new cable? Whats up?

Any input is appreciated people, please help! My kids are going to be bummed if they can't play Star Wars Leggo this weekend! :) Thanks in advance!Someone here had a similar problem in the thread where they had to reset it.

Just a quick question, are you holding the power button for a bit so it makes two beeps, because that causes the resolution settings to reset?

Anyway, what I recommend doing is turning the PS3 on. If it tells you to go ahead and set the HDMI, select "Yes" twice". After that is done, if there's no sound (but the picture is in HD), go under the audio settings under the XMB settings menu, then try to set your sound to go through the HDMI. If you don't hear sound, there's either a problem with the cable or HDMI on the PS3 itself.

It's tough to explain what your problem may be in words, but we at CAG will help you out. :)

[kachta]

Thanks for the support!!



Just a quick question, are you holding the power button for a bit so it makes two beeps, because that causes the resolution settings to reset?

I am doing that - interestingly enough, it seems to give me that same basic question whether I just fire it up by hitting the power button on once...as well as waiting for that 2nd beep after the 5 seconds.

I answer 'yes' to both HDMI questions. Then I go back to the system settings, find the audio settings and manually try to force the audio to HDMI. But when I get there. It LOOKS like both audio AND video have already been set there automatically. I'm out of my mind.

[daminion]

Here's a question for everyone -- My Playstation account was originally created as a subaccount under my brother in law's machine. Now I have a PS3 and would like to use the existing account, but I would like to "un-subaccount it".

I've been able to login and play games using the existing sub-account, but I cannot buy anything from the store.

Does anyone know of a way to turn a sub-account into a master account?

Can I keep using the sub account and then create a master account on the system to buy games? If I do this can I login as my sub-account and play those games?

I've ranked up in COD4 with this sub-account. If I start using a new master account do I need to re-rank up?

[The Mana Knight]

I am doing that - interestingly enough, it seems to give me that same basic question whether I just fire it up by hitting the power button on once...as well as waiting for that 2nd beep after the 5 seconds.

I answer 'yes' to both HDMI questions. Then I go back to the system settings, find the audio settings and manually try to force the audio to HDMI. But when I get there. It LOOKS like both audio AND video have already been set there automatically. I'm out of my mind.Well, if you are not switching TVs, then don't hold the power button after you hear the first beep. The reason for the resolution reset is when someone hooks their PS3 up to an SDTV, there will be no picture (since it cannot support 1080p).

Are you hearing sound although it says it's set?

And btw, if you ever have to buy another HDMI cable, I recommend monoprice.com (It's way cheaper than any retail store):
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240
Here's a question for everyone -- My Playstation account was originally created as a subaccount under my brother in law's machine. Now I have a PS3 and would like to use the existing account, but I would like to "un-subaccount it".

I've been able to login and play games using the existing sub-account, but I cannot buy anything from the store.

Does anyone know of a way to turn a sub-account into a master account?

Can I keep using the sub account and then create a master account on the system to buy games? If I do this can I login as my sub-account and play those games?

I've ranked up in COD4 with this sub-account. If I start using a new master account do I need to re-rank up?I honestly don't think that's possible, but moving over datasaves is really easy on the PS3. I'll try to research that, but you would have to rank up again if you created a new account.

What I'd do is only use your old account for CoD4 or something, then just have everything else on a new account. Eventually, you probably won't play CoD4 anymore (maybe with Resistance 2, CoD5, or CoD6 comes around), and the sub account may not be needed anymore. That's just my thought though, but I'll look this up.

[kachta]

[quote=The Mana Knight;3999364]
Are you hearing sound although it says it's set?

And btw, if you ever have to buy another HDMI cable, I recommend monoprice.com (It's way cheaper than any retail store):
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240
quote]

After I answer the 1st HDMI question with'YES', there is NO sound after that...no little clicks when I choose an option. So it LOOKS to be "all set" but I don't have sound.

DO you thonk it might be a faulty cable? Its asking me EVERY time I fire up the unit. So, one of my components isn't gettingthe whole story when I power up....its muckled up.

[It'sMagneto]

I've thought the same thing. Is there a way to check to see if a PS3 has the EE without voiding the warranty? It would be great if it is the 60GB system with the 80GB HDD. But somehow, I think they just sent me the wrong one.

Someone asked a similar question in the official Ps3 forums. heres the link
http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=ps3&message.id=2486178

just look at your model # and match it with this

CECHMSomeone asked a similar question in the official Ps3 forums. heres the link
http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=ps3&message.id=2486178XX

M (Model)

A - 60 GB w/EE+GS - confirmed
B - 20 GB w/EE+GS - confirmed
C - 60 GB w/o EE+GS - confirmed
D - 20 GB w/o EE+GS - ?
E - 80 GB w/o EE+GS - ?

XX (Region)

00 Japan
01 North America
02 Australia/New Zealand
03 UK/Ireland
04 Europe
05 Korea
08 Russia/IndiaI found this in the game funk thread. The whole post is DrunknDragun's.

[Wolfpup]

We've been over this, ad nauseum. The GS+EE and all the other associated hardware costs a whole lot more than the $5 you think it should. Hardware doesn't cost what you'd like it to, and just saying it should be cheap doesn't make it so, no matter how many times you repeat it.

The reverse is of course also true. No matter how much you wish it were so, a 50 million transistor chip doesn't cost much money. Obviously it adds up in a product where they try to shave even a few cents here or there, but this is not an expensive part.

The EE+GS costs money. So does the PS2 southbridge. So does the larger system board. So does the RDRAM.

The only thing that should be needed is the PS2-on-a-chip. There's no reason to include the rest of that, and I'd be shocked if Sony ever included any of it.

WE GET IT, you want BC. So get it. 80GBs are still available new everywhere

No they aren't. I haven't seen ANY Playstation 3s in MONTHS, let alone 80GB models. I guess some online stores still have them. I'm hoping a newer, better model is released that does include backwards compatibility.

[Lucky13]

When I setup my PS3 WiFi the internet connection always fails. I get a DNS error (80710102). I'm pretty sure I know what steps I need to take to sort things out but I've hit some road blocks.

I know my DNS server info and WEP Key but something I'm putting in is probably incorrect. The only catch is ipconfig /all doesn't work for me and I can't log into my router because I have to wait for Netgear to get back to me with my info. It used to work but now it opens for a split second then closes so I'm kind of stuck and not sure how to get the info I need...

I was told that as long as I get the WEP key the DNS settings will sort itself out. The thing is I have to manually put my IP address in because the PS3 won't pick it up on its own so I also have to put my default router and dns settings in.

The customer service at Netgear sucks. I spent 15 minutes on the phone with the guy only to have him tell me that I bought my router over 90 days ago, that he couldn't help me over the phone because of that and I could only get tech support by email... I'd appreciate any help any of you can give me, thanks. Oh and I'm using a Netgear router WGT624v2.

[endlessPRO]

when you dl full games off psn how long is it ?

also what is good about the blue ray since I don't know much about it.

I will be getting my ps3 this week and I can't wait.

[Wolfpup]

also what is good about the blue ray since I don't know much about it.

You mean Blu Ray in general, or for games? In general it's the HD replacement for DVD. Much higher quality video and audio (at least potentially), etc. (It's also much higher quality than download services.)

For games, it lets developers create longer games and/or use more art assets in a game. I've owned three 360 games so far that come on multiple discs, which on the Playstation 3 would have all fit on a single disc.

[jdawgg76]

What are the best settings for playing PS2 games on an HDTV? I've got a 1080p plasma and I'm using the HDMI cable and the PS3 output is 1080p, but the games I tried don't look much better if at all with this setup than when I tried them on my PS2 with composite cables. So far I tried Soul Calibur 3 and Socom 2 (looked really bad). I really expected the former to show improvement especially after seeing the improvement via upscaling on my DVDs as compared to playing through my nonupscaling 360. I know it's not going make chicken soup from chicken droppings, but considering it's a move from composite to HDMI connections and the PS3 upscales PS2 games. . .

Also, each time I started a PS2 game the controller didn't work in game and I had to press the PS button and reassign a port I think. Can't remember if I had to do it with Resistance as well.

Resistance looks awesome and I'm loving the PS3 so far!

[pete5883]

Why doesn't your 360 upscale DVD's? I thought they did.

[jdawgg76]

Why doesn't your 360 upscale DVD's? I thought they did.Only through HDMI or VGA and also through component if you have the HDDVD addon which I do not have and my 360 doesn't have HDMI and my TV doesn't have VGA.

[CAGIronMan]

What games:
1) Should I definitely pick up
2) Rent
3) Completely ignore

for the Ps3?

[Dream to Dream]

What games:
1) Should I definitely pick up
2) Rent
3) Completely ignore

for the Ps3?
1. Ratchet and Clank Future, Warhawk, Resistance, Uncharted
2. Heavenly Sword, Motorstorm, Folklore
3. Lair (more frustrating than it's worth)

[geko29]

The reverse is of course also true. No matter how much you wish it were so, a 50 million transistor chip doesn't cost much money. Obviously it adds up in a product where they try to shave even a few cents here or there, but this is not an expensive part.
Sony claims otherwise. Maybe they're lying. Maybe they don't know. But I'll take their word over yours.

The only thing that should be needed is the PS2-on-a-chip. There's no reason to include the rest of that, and I'd be shocked if Sony ever included any of it.
This is the PS2-on-a-chip:

http://i.techrepublic.com.com/gallery/53505.jpg

Note the two RDRAM chips right above the EE+GS. Notice how much they look like the two RDRAM chips above the EE+GS on the PS3s mainboard:

http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/1111/ps3_32.jpg

Also notice these two chips and buzzer in the upper-left hand corner of the PS3's systemboard:

http://i.techrepublic.com.com/gallery/42007.jpg

which are also part of the PS2 support. Basically the entire left quarter-third of the board is backward compatibility. Simply switching the EE to emulation drastically cuts down the die size of the main PS2 part (because it's just the GS), eliminates 3 other midsize chips, a ton of traces, and dozens of other associated chips and components:

http://www.chipworks.ca/uploadedImages/Blog/Test_Blog/20070328_17-s.jpg

Notice how much simpler and cleaner the upper-left quadrant got. Eliminating BC completely enables them to substantially reduce the size of the board, leaving them with this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2027/1802652525_aa0c26b42a.jpg

Are you starting to understand? Hardware BC is NEVER coming back.

[The 7th Number]

Does the PS3 come with an HDMI cord?

[Richlough]

Does the PS3 come with an HDMI cord?

No . It only comes with a composite cord [Yellow Red White] .

[archibishopthedoge]

Does the PS3 come with an HDMI cord?

Nope. Blockbuster has a package deal where you can get one with an HDMI cord, some crappy Blu Ray movie, Motorstorm, Blu Ray remote and 20 weeks of rentals for $599.

I ended up getting a 40 GB this past Monday and am loving it so far. I just ended up not giving a crap about BC.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002L5R78

I have this for an HDMI cord and it works brilliantly with the PS3. I initially got it for my standalone DVD player, but flopped it over to the PS3 on Monday when I first hooked it up, and it works flawlessly. Can't beat $3

[The Mana Knight]

Sony claims otherwise. Maybe they're lying. Maybe they don't know. But I'll take their word over yours.


This is the PS2-on-a-chip:

http://i.techrepublic.com.com/gallery/53505.jpg

Note the two RDRAM chips right above the EE+GS. Notice how much they look like the two RDRAM chips above the EE+GS on the PS3s mainboard:

http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/1111/ps3_32.jpg

Also notice these two chips and buzzer in the upper-left hand corner of the PS3's systemboard:

http://i.techrepublic.com.com/gallery/42007.jpg

which are also part of the PS2 support. Basically the entire left quarter-third of the board is backward compatibility. Simply switching the EE to emulation drastically cuts down the die size of the main PS2 part (because it's just the GS), eliminates 3 other midsize chips, a ton of traces, and dozens of other associated chips and components:

http://www.chipworks.ca/uploadedImages/Blog/Test_Blog/20070328_17-s.jpg

Notice how much simpler and cleaner the upper-left quadrant got. Eliminating BC completely enables them to substantially reduce the size of the board, leaving them with this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2027/1802652525_aa0c26b42a.jpg

Are you starting to understand? Hardware BC is NEVER coming back.Yeah, those are the pictures I try to show everyone. When you add the cost of the components, and manufacture them in the millions, it definitely saves Sony a lot of money. One reason why Sony had massive PS3 loses early on was because of how expensive the PS3 was to produce, and the newer models (especially 40GB) allows them to lose very little. The only way Sony would have hardware BC is if people were willing to pay $600+ for a PS3, and consumers showed they would not, so it had to go away.

[Wolfpup]

Sony claims otherwise. Maybe they're lying. Maybe they don't know. But I'll take their word over yours.

Why? Look at the Playstation 2's design. How much extra hardware is needed to support the PS1? The only reason they'd need to include that much extra "stuff" is if they didn't do a very good job integrating it. There's no need to include RAM and all those support chips. It's going to take some fancy engineering, but Sony of all companies can pull it off.
In the medium term there won't even be a reason to include a physically seperate chip. Had it been design right (and it's still possible for them to do a better job of it) they should only need a single extra chip, and that chip can become part of the PS3's CPU as time goes on.

Are you starting to understand? Hardware BC is NEVER coming back.

The only way I'd agree with you is we say it never went away. The 80GB model *IS* coming back, and it's the model I intend to buy later this year.

[Wolfpup]

Yeah, those are the pictures I try to show everyone. When you add the cost of the components, and manufacture them in the millions, it definitely saves Sony a lot of money. One reason why Sony had massive PS3 loses early on was because of how expensive the PS3 was to produce, and the newer models (especially 40GB) allows them to lose very little. The only way Sony would have hardware BC is if people were willing to pay $600+ for a PS3, and consumers showed they would not, so it had to go away.

But it HASN'T gone away.

[The Mana Knight]

But it HASN'T gone away.I'm referring to the original hardware BC of the 20/60GB. It will never come back. 80GB which has isn't a complete surprise, but still doesn't play AS many PS2 games as the 20/60GB.
Why? Look at the Playstation 2's design. How much extra hardware is needed to support the PS1? The only reason they'd need to include that much extra "stuff" is if they didn't do a very good job integrating it. There's no need to include RAM and all those support chips. It's going to take some fancy engineering, but Sony of all companies can pull it off. They still need it because PS2 games were designed to run off of it. By running off of a different RAM or whatever, could create problems since that wasn't what the hardware was designed for. The way to get it to is by using complete software emulation, but it's just not ready.

In the medium term there won't even be a reason to include a physically seperate chip. Had it been design right (and it's still possible for them to do a better job of it) they should only need a single extra chip, and that chip can become part of the PS3's CPU as time goes on.Any time you add a chip, various capacitors and resistors are still needed. Chips do not work with zero components (or well most). From the way you are talking, the only way for Sony to eliminate most chips is to do a 100% software emulation, but like I said, right now it's not possible, but in the future it should be.

[geko29]

Why? Look at the Playstation 2's design. How much extra hardware is needed to support the PS1?
The PS1 processor--square chip in the upper left-hand corner--the RAM chip above it, and some other minor associated hardware. Contrary to your inference, it isn't integrated into the "PS2-on-12-chips". It's a wholly separate set of hardware soldered right onto the board. Just like it is on the PS3. Look in the lower left corner, and you'll see the PS1 processor, some RAM, and associated chips. This carries through all the way to the 40GB board, where it is moved and rearranged slightly, but all still there.

The only reason they'd need to include that much extra "stuff" is if they didn't do a very good job integrating it. There's no need to include RAM and all those support chips. It's going to take some fancy engineering, but Sony of all companies can pull it off.
In the medium term there won't even be a reason to include a physically seperate chip. Had it been design right (and it's still possible for them to do a better job of it) they should only need a single extra chip, and that chip can become part of the PS3's CPU as time goes on.
If it were feasible, they would have done it. Why? They produce tens of millions of PS2s every year, any substantial cost savings would be worth the development cost--PS3 cost savings would be pure gravy. But for some reason they haven't done it......

If they could go back to 1996 and design the architecture of the EE/GS differently, then yes, they could definitely do away with the support chips. They can't do it now, because they already have a HIGHLY proprietary architecture that's incompatible with pretty much everything else. That's why it has to have the RAM--the EE was designed to interface directly with RDRAM without the use of an external memory controller. RDRAM is completely incompatible with every other type of RAM, so you can't just say "use this RAM here and we won't tell anybody". As it is, they already had to partially redesign the PS2 southbridge (the version in the PS3 has a different part # than the one in the PS2, despite all other chips being identical), just to allow the GS to output to the RSX. If it were so easy to repackage everything into a single chip when they were redesigning the southbridge, don't you think they would have done it? Why don't you design it for them, if you think it's so simple? You seem to know more about electronics architecture than they do....

The only way I'd agree with you is we say it never went away. The 80GB model *IS* coming back, and it's the model I intend to buy later this year.
The ones they pulled from the channel are coming back into the channel in June, true. What I meant was that Sony will never again PRODUCE a PS3 with hardware BC. Even the ones coming back these don't have full BC as it is, but the vastly cost-reduced software/GS combo that eliminated a lot of hardware (and cost). I think you knew all of that.

Obviously they're not going to crush the ones they've already built. But glad to hear that finally after all of your hand-wringing about how "full hardware backwards compatibility is the only acceptable solution", you've decided to settle for software BC for 60-70% of PS2 titles, and plan to actually buy one this time when they're briefly available. I look forward to June. :)

[aznguyen316]

damn wtf is all this arguing about haha

what I want to know is about the 60gb vs the new 40gb is hardware failure problems. I heard the 40gb has different fan locations, quieter etc. Does it run cooler? It has a smaller chipset in it right? I'm debating on getting a used 60gb from gamefunk or a brand new 40gb.. I'm not HUGE into BC as I sold off all my PS2 games but I guess I'd like to have it just cuz hah as for the HDD size, no concern I'm not afraid to swap out for a bigger HDD in near future.

[geko29]

My parents' 40GB is quite noticeably quieter and cooler than my 60GB. If I didn't actually use the BC (yesterday, in fact), I'd absolutely sell my 60 and get a 40 instead, because the primary purpose of my PS3 (95% of its use) is as a Blu-Ray player. As it is, I'll probably just wait till a suitable BR player is available and move the PS3 to another room where it won't (mildly) annoy me while I'm watching a movie. :)

[aznguyen316]

^^ thank you. I will be using primarily as a BD player as well. Except until MGS4 comes out but for all else I'll be buying on 360.

[shadylane]

does anyone know how to get gamesaves on a cruzer micro? i don't know what folder to save it on. when i plug it into my ps3 it says it has no files...wtf?

[pete5883]

Try E:\PS3\EXPORT\PSV . Replace E w/ whatever the drive letter is.

[Wolfpup]

I'm referring to the original hardware BC of the 20/60GB. It will never come back. 80GB which has isn't a complete surprise, but still doesn't play AS many PS2 games as the 20/60GB.

Yeah, though I wouldn't completely rule out full backwards compatibility coming back. There's no reason they can't do it.

They still need it because PS2 games were designed to run off of it. By running off of a different RAM or whatever, could create problems since that wasn't what the hardware was designed for.

That's an engineering/software issue. Makes it harder to do, but it's doable (and it's how the PS2 does things if I'm remembering right).

The PS1 processor--square chip in the upper left-hand corner--the RAM chip above it, and some other minor associated hardware. Contrary to your inference, it isn't integrated into the "PS2-on-12-chips". It's a wholly separate set of hardware soldered right onto the board. Just like it is on the PS3. Look in the lower left corner, and you'll see the PS1 processor, some RAM, and associated chips. This carries through all the way to the 40GB board, where it is moved and rearranged slightly, but all still there.

I've never heard that before, nor seen that in any breakdown, but even if that's how they're doing it, they don't need to. I'd need some proof of that though, as I've seen multiple breakdowns of Sony's hardware and it started out with a PS1-on-a-chip but AFAIK has long since been folded up into the PS2...maybe not though.

If they could go back to 1996 and design the architecture of the EE/GS differently, then yes, they could definitely do away with the support chips. They can't do it now, because they already have a HIGHLY proprietary architecture that's incompatible with pretty much everything else. That's why it has to have the RAM--the EE was designed to interface directly with RDRAM without the use of an external memory controller. RDRAM is completely incompatible with every other type of RAM, so you can't just say "use this RAM here and we won't tell anybody".

In the first place, the PS3 actually DOES use RDRAM...though the timings, interface, etc. would be totally different for it. That said, you're acting like the EE is unchangeable. They could rework it to use SDRAM if they wanted to. They can certainly change it's memory controller, or have it use an external memory controller (ie the PS3's) and either in hardware or software handle memory timing issues so that software running on it behaves more or less as expected.

As it is, they already had to partially redesign the PS2 southbridge (the version in the PS3 has a different part # than the one in the PS2, despite all other chips being identical), just to allow the GS to output to the RSX. If it were so easy to repackage everything into a single chip when they were redesigning the southbridge, don't you think they would have done it?

They would have if they took backwards compatibility seriously enough-or possibly just if they had enough time. I doubt that was a primary focus for them. Even still, I think they should have integrated it better like they did with the PS1 in the PS2.

The ones they pulled from the channel are coming back into the channel in June, true. What I meant was that Sony will never again PRODUCE a PS3 with hardware BC. Even the ones coming back these don't have full BC as it is, but the vastly cost-reduced software/GS combo that eliminated a lot of hardware (and cost). I think you knew all of that.

No, you claimed they weren't releaseing one with backwards compatibility, on roughtly the same day th ey just announced they're releasing another one with backwards compatibility.

And no, I don't know that they won't ever go back to having more or less the full hardware. Doing so will get cheaper and cheaper for them however they do it. Or alternatively they may be working on software emulation. I certainly hope they're doing one or the other, as one of the big draws for the Playstation brand has been full backwards compatibility. Without that there's no need to stick with the PS3 over the 360 or PC just to maintain compatibility.

[Wolfpup]

damn wtf is all this arguing about haha

what I want to know is about the 60gb vs the new 40gb is hardware failure problems. I heard the 40gb has different fan locations, quieter etc. Does it run cooler? It has a smaller chipset in it right? I'm debating on getting a used 60gb from gamefunk or a brand new 40gb.. I'm not HUGE into BC as I sold off all my PS2 games but I guess I'd like to have it just cuz hah as for the HDD size, no concern I'm not afraid to swap out for a bigger HDD in near future.

The 40GB model uses a CPU built on a 65nm process versus 90 for the old one, so it runs cooler. But I'd expect the upcoming 80GB model that has backwards compatibility to also use the smaller CPU.

[geko29]

I've never heard that before, nor seen that in any breakdown, but even if that's how they're doing it, they don't need to. I'd need some proof of that though, as I've seen multiple breakdowns of Sony's hardware and it started out with a PS1-on-a-chip but AFAIK has long since been folded up into the PS2...maybe not though.
The part number of the chip is plainly visible. You do some legwork for a change. :) I pointed out each and every major backwards-compatible chip to you on 4 different system boards. I think that's enough. If you don't believe me, go find something else.

In the first place, the PS3 actually DOES use RDRAM...though the timings, interface, etc. would be totally different for it. That said, you're acting like the EE is unchangeable. They could rework it to use SDRAM if they wanted to. They can certainly change it's memory controller, or have it use an external memory controller (ie the PS3's) and either in hardware or software handle memory timing issues so that software running on it behaves more or less as expected.
They can't change the type of memory the processor accesses or how it accesses it without running a huge risk of breaking existing software that depends on things being done the "old" way. In a full software emulation setup, they obviously can. Whether they'll do that or not is debatable.

They would have if they took backwards compatibility seriously enough-or possibly just if they had enough time. I doubt that was a primary focus for them.
Even if it wasn't a primary focus for the PS3, don't you think more efficient packaging would be a primary focus for the PS2, if it was indeed economically viable? The slim PS2 uses dozens of chips, and they build tens of millions of them a year. Don't you think if it was cost effective to shrink it all into one chip they would have done so? PS3 cost savings would just be gravy at that point, compared to the BOATLOADS of cash they'd save on the PS2.

No, you claimed they weren't releaseing one with backwards compatibility, on roughtly the same day th ey just announced they're releasing another one with backwards compatibility.
Don't tell me what I said or what I meant. Sony already officially announced that the production run of the 80GB models is over. Just because they recalled stock from the channel to resell at a later date doesn't mean they're re-introducing backwards compatibility. When they stopped producing the 60GBs, they still made it into the channel for a few months. But that doesn't mean they were building more.

And no, I don't know that they won't ever go back to having more or less the full hardware. Doing so will get cheaper and cheaper for them however they do it. Or alternatively they may be working on software emulation. I certainly hope they're doing one or the other, as one of the big draws for the Playstation brand has been full backwards compatibility. Without that there's no need to stick with the PS3 over the 360 or PC just to maintain compatibility.
I would guess that they're probably working on emulation. How determined they are to make it work is anybody's guess. But they've very publically stated that they're trying to move the market away from playing old games and on to selling new PS3 titles. Supporting full BC undermines that. Aside from production cost, that was one of the big reasons it was eliminated. Most of the people interested in BC were early adopters anyway and either bought at release or when the announcements came that it was going away.

But I'll wager hard cash that there will never be a 120/160GB PS3 (ie NEW PRODUCTION, not new old stock that was built last year) with a EE+GS under the hood. That cut is permanent, I guarantee.

The 40GB model uses a CPU built on a 65nm process versus 90 for the old one, so it runs cooler. But I'd expect the upcoming 80GB model that has backwards compatibility to also use the smaller CPU.
The ones coming out in June were built last year. They will almost assuredly have the 90nm CPU. Sony is NOT building any new 80GB units. If they did build some towards the end of 2007 with the 65nm, then a few units will have it. But it certainly won't be the lion's share.

[aznguyen316]

The 40GB model uses a CPU built on a 65nm process versus 90 for the old one, so it runs cooler. But I'd expect the upcoming 80GB model that has backwards compatibility to also use the smaller CPU.

thank you sir.

[NamPaehc]

The ones coming out in June were built last year. They will almost assuredly have the 90nm CPU. Sony is NOT building any new 80GB units. If they did build some towards the end of 2007 with the 65nm, then a few units will have it. But it certainly won't be the lion's share.

I'm with you there, I don't think they are building new ones either.

[aznguyen316]

guess I'm leaning 70% toward a new 40gb.. and check new egg for a bigger HDD. Is there a market for the 40gb HDD's? Are these locked like old xbox 8gb's were, or can I just sell it as a standard SATA 2.5" 40GB HDD on ebay or something?

[SteveMcQ]

I'm not trying to generalize, but of the PS3 games I have, why are the updates so freakin' large? They take far too long to download and install whereas the Live game updates are a few seconds for the most part. Are developers just not optimizing them or what?

[The Mana Knight]

I'm not trying to generalize, but of the PS3 games I have, why are the updates so freakin' large? They take far too long to download and install whereas the Live game updates are a few seconds for the most part. Are developers just not optimizing them or what?I'll put it in two ways:

As for file sizes, most PS3 games eat up a bit more file space regardless (when you compare the same demo on PS3/360, usually the PS3 demo is larger, but not by a long shot).

As for slow speed, the answer is easy. The server Sony uses on the PS3 when it comes to patches is not a blazing fast one, because they don't feel the need to pay for fast servers due to small file sizes. That's pretty much why PSN is free. I don't care because it's not like I'm downloading 400MB.

Although Steve, in the past, many PS3 game patches were handled worse (Resistance, MotorStorm, PSN games, etc.) because the PS3 lacked a patch system in place, and you had to re-download an entire file (It was fixed in many games released Summer 07 and after).

[SteveMcQ]

I'll put it in two ways:

As for file sizes, most PS3 games eat up a bit more file space regardless (when you compare the same demo on PS3/360, usually the PS3 demo is larger, but not by a long shot).

As for slow speed, the answer is easy. The server Sony uses on the PS3 when it comes to patches is not a blazing fast one, because they don't feel the need to pay for fast servers due to small file sizes. That's pretty much why PSN is free. I don't care because it's not like I'm downloading 400MB.

Although Steve, in the past, many PS3 game patches were handled worse (Resistance, MotorStorm, PSN games, etc.) because the PS3 lacked a patch system in place, and you had to re-download an entire file (It was fixed in many games released Summer 07 and after).Yeah, they are improving the game patching. It was quite unintuitive in MotorStorm to have to go to the Online menu for the patch to initialize. It works much better now with the other few I've tried, I just hope they find better ways to optimize the patches.

[DefinedByClass13]

General positioning question; vertical or horizontal?

[geko29]

Mine is horizontal due to location. It does seem to vent a little better if you can stand it up though (provided there's nothing near the top of it).

[tholly]

Horizontal. Less likely to tip over / fall.

[Ryukahn]

At some point this year, I'm buying a PS3. Maybe sooner rather than later since funds are ok at the moment. The PS3 I buy MUST have BC. I don't want to buy a PS2 and a 40 GB PS3 to clutter up my entertainment unit, and I especially don't want to deal with corded PS2 controllers or memory cards, so please don't tell me to just get a PS2 to play PS2 games.

With that out of the way, what are the differences between the 60 GB and the 80 GB? I know 60 GB is practically full BC (a few games don't work) while the 80 GB version is mostly BC (less games work than the 60 GB model). I'm still compiling a list of all the PS2 games I plan to play, but so far I don't recall any issues in BC on either of the systems.

I also know about the MSG4 bundle scheduled to hit in June. However, I have basically no interest in MGS4 and it would most likely just be sold upon purchase of the bundle. I also don't really care about the rumble feature in the DS3 controllers (never really used rumble on PS2/GC/N64/PSX), so if that's the only benefit, then I can do without that if need be.

Maybe a little Off topic, but those 4 product IDs you list on monoprice for HDMI cables are ones that work for PS3 to TV right? I thought those type of cables were like $50 lol. Is the quality not as good or am I just thinking they cost way more than they do? I assume those 4 also work for Cable boxes to TVs? (I used the HDMI cord that came with my 360 before I sold it to hook up my cable box to TV, so if its the same thing then I guess it does).

Thanks for any help you can give. :dunce:

[pimpinc333]

Maybe a little Off topic, but those 4 product IDs you list on monoprice for HDMI cables are ones that work for PS3 to TV right? I thought those type of cables were like $50 lol. Is the quality not as good or am I just thinking they cost way more than they do? I assume those 4 also work for Cable boxes to TVs? (I used the HDMI cord that came with my 360 before I sold it to hook up my cable box to TV, so if its the same thing then I guess it does).

Thanks for any help you can give. :dunce:

All HDMI cables work pretty much the same. You are right about seeing them for 50-150 Bucks. The reason? The stores and companys outrageous mark up to rip off the un knowing consumer.

[dallow]

Frys is the only sane choice for HDMI cables in store.

I bought two 10 foot HDMI cables there for under 6 bucks each.

[vincewy]

I'm noticing my PS3 getting a lot of dust, I'm actually more concerned about dust getting inside than outside. One thing I wouldn't do is using a can of compressed air and it actually blows the dust right into the system from the vents.

Has anyone try vacuum cleaner to suck the dust out of the vents (this is where it seems to gather dust)? Does it work? BTW, I've noticed getting the system up vertically may gather more dust, horizontal is still the best layout, I put 2 books at bottom so it doesn't rest against the carpet.

Also Hori sells Dust Guard for PS3, does this cause the system to overheat? The way I see it looks more like air filter for your PS3.

[The Mana Knight]

Yeah, they are improving the game patching. It was quite unintuitive in MotorStorm to have to go to the Online menu for the patch to initialize. It works much better now with the other few I've tried, I just hope they find better ways to optimize the patches.Since it is indeed harder to develop on PS3, my guess is there's a lot of redundant code (well, writing software myself, I kind of learned that) in most developers patches and they just haven't learned yet how to keep the coding simple (kind of like when someone uses a new programming language for the first time and may not be familiar with concepts).

[DefinedByClass13]

I had it vertically due to the little stool it was on, but I bought a tv cart to set up my ps3 and wii, so I set it horizontally now, for the fact that it is less likely to tip or fall.

[dragonsho]

I have a few questions regarding the 80gb model and 40gb model. The questions are for both.

Do they both get equally hot?
As hot as the 360?
If so, hot enough that it would cause a system failure down the line?
Is the 40gb really quieter? Please compare noise levels of an 80gb and a 40gb to a 360.

[The Mana Knight]

I have a few questions regarding the 80gb model and 40gb model. The questions are for both.

Do they both get equally hot?
As hot as the 360?
If so, hot enough that it would cause a system failure down the line?
Is the 40gb really quieter? Please compare noise levels of an 80gb and a 40gb to a 360.Although I don't own both, I can tell you what I've heard.

-40GB is much cooler, since it draws less current and uses much less power.
-The 20/60GB use more power. I think the 80GB is relatively similar to the 360, maybe less. 40GB is less I believe, but might be equal to the Falcon 360.
-The PS3 doesn't have many overheating issues. If the console gets too hot, it will automatically shut off and won't let you turn it back on. Very rarely does a PS3 have an overheat issue (causing it to get a yellow light of death, which is the same as the red ring of death).
-Any PS3 SKU is quieter than the 360.
-40GB is the quietest I believe, while most 60GB and 20GB consoles are extremely quiet. I hear most 80GB consoles tend to be louder than some 20/60GB ones (the ones which are near silent, such as mine), but still quieter than the 360 for sure.

Someone at PSU did this test a while ago, but it still remains similar regardless of PS3 SKU
Prerequisite Checklist
==================

* Minimum of 3 hours rest for both consoles prior to start of tests
* Consoles mounted in same location
* No background noise from other devices (PC for example)
* Audio system turned off
* SLM held at 45 deg angle to the sound at a distance of about a foot

SLM Settings
===========

* 60dB
* Weighting curve 'C'
* Slow response

Xbox 360
========
Startup (from cold) - 56dB,
Startup Idle (30 sec sampling) - min < 50dB, peak 51dB
Drive Loading - peak 60dB
Extended Idle (1 hour running) - peak 61dB! (no drive! Just fans)


PS3
==========
Startup (from cold) - 50dB
Startup Idle - min < 50db, peak < 50db
Drive Loading - peak 50dB
Extended Idle (1 hour running) - peak 53dB (no drive, just fans)Link (http://www.ps3forums.com/showthread.php?t=65997)

In my place, I'd say the PS3 is even more quiet than the Wii when playing a game.

[dragonsho]

Although I don't own both, I can tell you what I've heard.

-40GB is much cooler, since it draws less current and uses much less power.
-The 20/60GB use more power. I think the 80GB is relatively similar to the 360, maybe less. 40GB is less I believe, but might be equal to the Falcon 360.
-The PS3 doesn't have many overheating issues. If the console gets too hot, it will automatically shut off and won't let you turn it back on. Very rarely does a PS3 have an overheat issue (causing it to get a yellow light of death, which is the same as the red ring of death).
-Any PS3 SKU is quieter than the 360.
-40GB is the quietest I believe, while most 60GB and 20GB consoles are extremely quiet. I hear most 80GB consoles tend to be louder than some 20/60GB ones (the ones which are near silent, such as mine), but still quieter than the 360 for sure.

Someone at PSU did this test a while ago, but it still remains similar regardless of PS3 SKU
Link (http://www.ps3forums.com/showthread.php?t=65997)

In my place, I'd say the PS3 is even more quiet than the Wii when playing a game.
Thanks. I guess that brings me to my next question.

Is it safe to buy a 60gb ps3 (will most likely get it from gamefunk)? I'm just so used to the whole idea of never buying a use 360, that I'm weary of buying a used ps3

[The Mana Knight]

Thanks. I guess that brings me to my next question.

Is it safe to buy a 60gb ps3 (will most likely get it from gamefunk)? I'm just so used to the whole idea of never buying a use 360, that I'm weary of buying a used ps3I'm going to say you may, but I personally would not recommend it.

Although the PS3 failure rate is around 3-5%, there has been a higher number of older PS3 consoles stopped working compared to a few months ago (at big PS3 forums), usually from the blu-ray disc diode dying (causing no disc to be read as the most common issue), followed by the three beep error (where it just won't turn on, all you get is three beeps or something), and the yellow light of death (equivalent to the 360 RRoD, but does not occur often). There has been an occasional HDD failure or bad HDMI port. The overall big issue with buying used IMO is a receipt IS required for a console to be repaired/replaced by SCEA if it's in warranty (although 60GB production ended in March or April 2006 for the U.S., so it might be meaningless unless the previous owner bought it less than a year ago). And as of right now, there is no extended warranty. The big issue with buying used is how well the console was taken care of, because that does factor into how long a used PS3 might last (like if someone did a lot of Folding@Home, there's a very good chance their console may not last much longer).

Right now, it's up in the air for how long they'll last.

There's talk of a white 40GB SKU coming in March though.

[dragonsho]

Thanks, I just read about the white sku a few minutes ago. I think I may just get that since I still have a ps2 so there's not much concern for backwards compatibility.

[Lucky13]

When I setup my PS3 WiFi the internet connection always fails. I get a DNS error (80710102). I'm pretty sure I know what steps I need to take to sort things out but I've hit some road blocks.

I know my DNS server info and WEP Key but something I'm putting in is probably incorrect. The only catch is ipconfig /all doesn't work for me and I can't log into my router because I have to wait for Netgear to get back to me with my info. It used to work but now it opens for a split second then closes so I'm kind of stuck and not sure how to get the info I need...

I was told that as long as I get the WEP key the DNS settings will sort itself out. The thing is I have to manually put my IP address in because the PS3 won't pick it up on its own so I also have to put my default router and dns settings in.

The customer service at Netgear sucks. I spent 15 minutes on the phone with the guy only to have him tell me that I bought my router over 90 days ago, that he couldn't help me over the phone because of that and I could only get tech support by email... I'd appreciate any help any of you can give me, thanks. Oh and I'm using a Netgear router WGT624v2.

Hi guys I'm just wondering if there is anyone that could help me with the question I quoted that I posted a few pages back. The netgear cs link they gave me was dead so I emailed the guy I talked to on the phone directly. I still haven't heard back from them 5 days later when he said I would receive an email the next day... ipconfig still isn't working for me and I'm still at a loss for what to do :-?

[seanr1221]

My netgear router wouldn't work until I hid the SSID

[Vinny]

Is the PS1/2 memory card adaptor thingy only to read PS1/2 memory cards or can it also be used to copy data to and from the PS3 HD (or flash memory cards via the built in reader)?

This is for the 60GB model, if that matters.

[Oxygen]

Is the PS1/2 memory card adaptor thingy only to read PS1/2 memory cards or can it also be used to copy data to and from the PS3 HD (or flash memory cards via the built in reader)?

This is for the 60GB model, if that matters.

It used to be only able to read, but a firmware update a while ago made it possible for the adapter to write to the memory cards as well. It does not matter which model you have.

[The Mana Knight]

It used to be only able to read, but a firmware update a while ago made it possible for the adapter to write to the memory cards as well. It does not matter which model you have.Yeah, true. And in my case, I copy the data from my PS3 to my PC, just to backup my saves again (just in case anything happens to a PS1/PS2 memory card or my PS3 HDD.

[Ryukahn]

Yeah, true. And in my case, I copy the data from my PS3 to my PC, just to backup my saves again (just in case anything happens to a PS1/PS2 memory card or my PS3 HDD.

So saves can be transferred freely between a PC and PS3? Do I need anything special for it besides I'm assuming a USB cable?

[Vinny]

It used to be only able to read, but a firmware update a while ago made it possible for the adapter to write to the memory cards as well. It does not matter which model you have.

Winrar. Thanks!:)

[Supreme]

What size should a wallpaper be? My TV is 30" and widescreen.

[aznguyen316]

I'm going to say you may, but I personally would not recommend it.

Although the PS3 failure rate is around 3-5%, there has been a higher number of older PS3 consoles stopped working compared to a few months ago (at big PS3 forums), usually from the blu-ray disc diode dying (causing no disc to be read as the most common issue), followed by the three beep error (where it just won't turn on, all you get is three beeps or something), and the yellow light of death (equivalent to the 360 RRoD, but does not occur often). There has been an occasional HDD failure or bad HDMI port. The overall big issue with buying used IMO is a receipt IS required for a console to be repaired/replaced by SCEA if it's in warranty (although 60GB production ended in March or April 2006 for the U.S., so it might be meaningless unless the previous owner bought it less than a year ago). And as of right now, there is no extended warranty. The big issue with buying used is how well the console was taken care of, because that does factor into how long a used PS3 might last (like if someone did a lot of Folding@Home, there's a very good chance their console may not last much longer).

Right now, it's up in the air for how long they'll last.

There's talk of a white 40GB SKU coming in March though.

thank you thank you. I've been debating and debating on 40gb or 60gb used.. I've been thinking 40gb 70% and now i'm 85% lol

[mguiddy]

What size should a wallpaper be? My TV is 30" and widescreen.

1280x720 for 720p
1920x1080 for 1080p

[aznguyen316]

the HDD in the PS3's can anyone give me specs?

40gb what speed? 7200rpm?

replacing the HDD, recommend the same speed? any recommendations would be great.. 120gb is what I'm thinking to replace a 40gb I'm probably gonna buy. I've built comps before.. so I know Seagate and Maxtor and Western Digital are good. .or used to be. Opinions would be great!

[The Mana Knight]

So saves can be transferred freely between a PC and PS3? Do I need anything special for it besides I'm assuming a USB cable?If you have a 40GB or 20GB, saves can be transfered using a USB flash drive or possibly PSP. If you have a 60 or 80GB, saves can be transferred via SD Card, Compact Flash, and Memory Stick Pro along with the two other methods. Just move the saves in the PS3 -> EXPORT folder to somewhere on a PC HDD (you can share saves too).

I just tell people this in case they want to back up or share datasaves, outside their PS3.

[Snake2715]

Ok I have one question now.

With remote Play you still have to be connected to a router, even if that router is not online?

I used remote play, but it appears even in the private network setting you must have both the PS3 and PSP connected to the server. Is that correct?

[Ryukahn]

If you have a 40GB or 20GB, saves can be transfered using a USB flash drive or possibly PSP. If you have a 60 or 80GB, saves can be transferred via SD Card, Compact Flash, and Memory Stick Pro along with the two other methods. Just move the saves in the PS3 -> EXPORT folder to somewhere on a PC HDD (you can share saves too).

I just tell people this in case they want to back up or share datasaves, outside their PS3.

Awesome. This was something I was wondering about since I'd love to backup my saves in case the system dies. Glad to know I can backup 3 systems worth of saves without much hassle. :bouncy:

[opportunity777]

the HDD in the PS3's can anyone give me specs?

40gb what speed? 7200rpm?

replacing the HDD, recommend the same speed? any recommendations would be great.. 120gb is what I'm thinking to replace a 40gb I'm probably gonna buy. I've built comps before.. so I know Seagate and Maxtor and Western Digital are good. .or used to be. Opinions would be great!

Probably a 5400 RPM.

I replaced the HDD in my 20GB PS3 with a larger 7200 RPM one.

For laptop HDDs -- which fit in the PS3 -- I like Hitachi the best with Seagate in second place.

[The Mana Knight]

I'm about ready to upgrade my HDD on my PS3 (I'm going with a 250GB). I'll probably go with Toshiba, since I'm a big fan of Toshiba products (outside of HD-DVD) and it's priced right. I'm going with 5400 rpm since I hear there is no speed difference on the PS3 and 7200 rpm just uses more heat.

[dragonsho]

I have a video question.

I am planning on hooking up a ps3 to my LCD monitor and using 720p output (I know it supports it because I have my 360 at 720p on my monitor).

I would use this HDMI to DVI cable
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2404&seq=1&format=2

from the ps3 to this DVI switch
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10102&cs_id=1010203&p_id=4074&seq=1&format=1#largeimage

to connect both my pc and my ps3 to my monitor.

My question is quite simply, would this work?

[geko29]

That will get you video ONLY. What are you doing for audio?

[dragonsho]

For audio I'm gonna run it into my pc sound card like I do with my 360. I was just curious if that would work for video. I know hypothetically it would, I just wanted to make sure.

[Dante Devil]

I was Costco and saw the face of GOD in a 52" Sony HDTV. My God, the images in playing from Pirates of the Caribbean, I SWEAR you were standing on location as it was filmed. It was mind boggling! I asked one of the guys on the floor why this set had such jaw dropping visuals and the other Sony set was not so. He explained that this particular Sony had some type of enhancer. He grabbed a remote and turned off the enhancer and it was just back to a great picture. Then he turned the enhancer back on and WOW!

I began to weep. Angels in the heavens sang out and the clouds parted and a light shone upon this technical marvel that I fell down upon my knees and thanked God for such a joy.

I can only image what MGS: Guns of the Patriots would look like on this set!

[aznguyen316]

^^ that's funny b/c I was sold on Blu-Ray from seeing Pirates on it at a Best Buy. Shit looked amazing and I was seriously shocked seeing the PQ..

[Snake2715]

Ok I have one question now.

With remote Play you still have to be connected to a router, even if that router is not online?

I used remote play, but it appears even in the private network setting you must have both the PS3 and PSP connected to the server. Is that correct?


To clarify this. I was under the impression that the PS3 could communicate with the PSP WITHOUT being online or connected to a router.

My router is on a PC I do not leave on constantly so I would love to use remote play without that router.. Am I missing the way how to do that, or is it not possible?

[FriskyTanuki]

To clarify this. I was under the impression that the PS3 could communicate with the PSP WITHOUT being online or connected to a router.

My router is on a PC I do not leave on constantly so I would love to use remote play without that router.. Am I missing the way how to do that, or is it not possible?
Unless you have a 20GB, you should be able to connect to the PS3's wifi directly through the private network. Did you check all of your connections? A PS3-specific connection should be on there.

[The Mana Knight]

For audio I'm gonna run it into my pc sound card like I do with my 360. I was just curious if that would work for video. I know hypothetically it would, I just wanted to make sure.Using the red/white from the A/V cable should work (just choose to carry sound through that).

[dragonsho]

Using the red/white from the A/V cable should work (just choose to carry sound through that).
I just realized a giant flaw. There's no audio outputs on the dvi/hdmi cable.

2 possible solutions, would these work?

1. Are there any that have audio output on them?
2. Could I use the hdmi/dvi cable and just plug in the composite cable into the back of the ps3 and use the audio cables from that?

[The Mana Knight]

I just realized a giant flaw. There's no audio outputs on the dvi/hdmi cable.

2 possible solutions, would these work?

1. Are there any that have audio output on them?
2. Could I use the hdmi/dvi cable and just plug in the composite cable into the back of the ps3 and use the audio cables from that?You can use the audio from the composite cables separately. One time, I had issues with my HDMI cable sound, so I used my HDMI cable for video, and I put the sound from the composite cable into my speakers. Worked just fine, but you gotta make sure you set it in audio settings.

[Snake2715]

Unless you have a 20GB, you should be able to connect to the PS3's wifi directly through the private network. Did you check all of your connections? A PS3-specific connection should be on there.

I did choose the PS3 and Private Network on the PSP. When I turned my pc off (which is hooked to the wireless access point) the PSP closed the Remote Play and said the connection had been lost.

Any help here would be really appreciated. It is a 40GB model if that helps.

[geko29]

I just realized a giant flaw. There's no audio outputs on the dvi/hdmi cable.
I DID try to point that out to you.... :)

1. Are there any that have audio output on them?No. HDMI does not (CAN not, actually) carry analog audio.

2. Could I use the hdmi/dvi cable and just plug in the composite cable into the back of the ps3 and use the audio cables from that?
Yes. Or you could use the optical output. Either will work, you just have to select which audio output you want to use from the XMB.

[FriskyTanuki]

I did choose the PS3 and Private Network on the PSP. When I turned my pc off (which is hooked to the wireless access point) the PSP closed the Remote Play and said the connection had been lost.

Any help here would be really appreciated. It is a 40GB model if that helps.
Are you sure? If you're connected by the PS3's wifi, your wireless AP shouldn't have any effect on remote play.

How about trying the PS3 manual (http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/remoteplay/remotewireless.html)on Sony's site?

[Snake2715]

Frisky,

Thanks that is what I did, I will try it again tonight when i get home, I had the two God Sons over last night and was a bit distracted.

[dragonsho]

I DID try to point that out to you.... :)

lol ya, sorry. It was late last night and I wasn't really thinking. I have it all sorted out now. Thanks.

[Wolfpup]

...
They can't change the type of memory the processor accesses or how it accesses it without running a huge risk of breaking existing software that depends on things being done the "old" way. In a full software emulation setup, they obviously can. Whether they'll do that or not is debatable.

They can do it, they're choosing not to for whatever reason. Like I said, it's a software and hardware engineering issue. There are examples of much funkier things getting pulled off than this. They know how the original memory responds, and can fake that, either in hardware or software.

Don't tell me what I said or what I meant.

You're saying I misquoted you or whatever, and then proceeding to make the same claim again...(?)

Sony already officially announced that the production run of the 80GB models is over. Just because they recalled stock from the channel to resell at a later date doesn't mean they're re-introducing backwards compatibility.

Huh? You're claiming they bought back systems, tore apart the packaging, and are going to repackage and resell it? Possible, but I think it's far more likely they're continuing to make models with backwards compatibility. Maybe they did, but I can't recall that they ever claimed they had quit.

I would guess that they're probably working on emulation. How determined they are to make it work is anybody's guess. But they've very publically stated that they're trying to move the market away from playing old games and on to selling new PS3 titles.

Which is a pretty stupid position for a company in their position. They not only the biggest installed base ever for their previous gen system, but actually their previous gen system still is a current gen system. While they need PS3 development, there's no reason to undermine the PS2.

But I'll wager hard cash that there will never be a 120/160GB PS3 (ie NEW PRODUCTION, not new old stock that was built last year) with a EE+GS under the hood. That cut is permanent, I guarantee.

Well they're continuing to produce BC units now, and I hope you're wrong about this in the future, unless they've introduced full software backwards compatibility by then.

The ones coming out in June were built last year.

Why do you say that?

At some point this year, I'm buying a PS3. Maybe sooner rather than later since funds are ok at the moment. The PS3 I buy MUST have BC. I don't want to buy a PS2 and a 40 GB PS3 to clutter up my entertainment unit, and I especially don't want to deal with corded PS2 controllers or memory cards, so please don't tell me to just get a PS2 to play PS2 games.

With that out of the way, what are the differences between the 60 GB and the 80 GB? I know 60 GB is practically full BC (a few games don't work) while the 80 GB version is mostly BC (less games work than the 60 GB model). I'm still compiling a list of all the PS2 games I plan to play, but so far I don't recall any issues in BC on either of the systems.

I also know about the MSG4 bundle scheduled to hit in June. However, I have basically no interest in MGS4 and it would most likely just be sold upon purchase of the bundle. I also don't really care about the rumble feature in the DS3 controllers (never really used rumble on PS2/GC/N64/PSX), so if that's the only benefit, then I can do without that if need be.

I'm in a similar position. I loved the original Metal Gear and MGS1, liked MGS2, and hated MGS3 and Portable Ops, so almost certainly I'll hate MGS4. I'm expecting I'll play it for a few hours and sell it.

I've also never been impressed by rumble (although I've always thought Sony's implementation was the best-ironic since they gave it up on the PS3 originally).

All that said, I think the new MGS bundle is going to be the way to go. It should have the advantages of the 40GB model but with decent backwards compatibility. This bundle's probably going to be popular, but even still I figure the game will get me a decent amount at Gamestop, which will effectively lower the price of the bundle.

I have a few questions regarding the 80gb model and 40gb model. The questions are for both.

Do they both get equally hot?
As hot as the 360?
If so, hot enough that it would cause a system failure down the line?
Is the 40gb really quieter? Please compare noise levels of an 80gb and a 40gb to a 360.

This has been addressed by Mana Knight too, but for the heck of it...

If you can't find any Motorstorm bundles, I'm personally waiting for the new 80GB bundle, which should hopefully be the best unit out there.

The "old" PS3 models are louder than the new model, but from tests on a hardware site I think it was like 36db versus 30-still a LONG way from the 60db the 360 produces. (The site Mana Knight is quoting from got higher results for whatever reason, but they're still lower than the 360 results they got.) The old models drew as much power as the 360, but that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with how reliable they'll be. (The 360 has a poor cooling system, and took shortcuts that led to it's high failure rate. That doesn't mean another system with a similar power draw will have a similar failure rate.)

[richierich]

I just got my PS3 and started downloading huge demos. Since the download speeds are ridiculously slow, is there an auto-shutdown feature like the 360 after downloads are done?

[Snake2715]

What demos? What size? What connection speed do you have? How long were they taking?

You have a good question, and I want to guage your speed to what I was getting.

I am curious as to the answer, but I could not find an auto shutdown, it will go into sleep mode though I do believe.

[DomLando]

Just got MLB The Show 2008 and it says it supports 1080i. My TV supports 720p & 1080i but the game is displaying in 720p. Any reason for this?

[Snake2715]

Are you sure? If you're connected by the PS3's wifi, your wireless AP shouldn't have any effect on remote play.

How about trying the PS3 manual (http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/remoteplay/remotewireless.html)on Sony's site?


So either I misunderstood you or the info is wrong. After some research the PS3 does have to be connected to the net to use remote play.

I was thinking that the PS3 would communicate with the PSP directly without any net connection on at all.

Oh well.

[jdawgg76]

I've heard there is some adapter to get a Harmony remote to communicate with a PS3. Anybody got a recommendation?

[richierich]

What demos? What size? What connection speed do you have? How long were they taking?

You have a good question, and I want to guage your speed to what I was getting.

I am curious as to the answer, but I could not find an auto shutdown, it will go into sleep mode though I do believe.

Gran Turismo HD Concept, Resistance Fall of Man, MLB The Show '08 etc...I'm currently trying to download Uncharted....my connection speed is slow DSL 1500/384. It takes hours literally, to download each one. Even when my connection was 784/256 with XBOX Live the big demos didn't take as long. It's painful! I leave on my PS3 overnight to download, and for some reason only 2 of the demos are done (6 to 8 hours to download). XBOX Live would be a equivalent to F430, PSN equivalent to an M3 or so in a race. Just SLOWER!!!

[geko29]

I've heard there is some adapter to get a Harmony remote to communicate with a PS3. Anybody got a recommendation?
It's not out yet, but this looks like the ultimate solution:

http://www.ir2bt.com/

[doctorfaustus]

So, this is a dumb question, but you can save me some google footwork and deep thinking by answering it for me. What PS3 SKU offers the best backwards compatibility. I am thinking of getting one in a few months and would like to know what is the best version out there. Thanks!

[whoknows]

20gb and 60gb offer the best BC. 80gb is ok with BC and most games work and the 40gb only plays PS1 games

[doctorfaustus]

20gb and 60gb offer the best BC. 80gb is ok with BC and most games work and the 40gb only plays PS1 games
Looking online it seems that the 40gb and 80gb the only ones available. Is Sony pretty much axing BC?

[The Mana Knight]

Looking online it seems that the 40gb and 80gb the only ones available. Is Sony pretty much axing BC?Yes, because people complained over and over again about the price of the PS3, and one of the only things they could do was axe the BC to get the price down (because the 20GB and 60GB consoles were sold at a $240-$300 loss, and if they were still around, would probably cost around $550-$600 to produce), without sacrificing very important PS3 features (like the HDD, bluetooth, Cell/RSX, etc.). The BC on the 80GB is partially software, but still plays a pretty high number of PS2 games regardless (it's around 85% I hear). There hasn't been a firmware update for a while to add more games, but part of the reason is because people complained about too many firmware updates, so they spaced them out more.

There are some flaws with the PS2 BC I want to be sure everyone knows, some accessories which are not USB based on PS2, it's a pain to get them to work on PS3 (some won't work at all like Taiko Drum Master, Guitar Hero, etc.).

IMO, I'd go with 80GB over 20GB any day. 20GB kind of sucks in ways because you cannot upgrade to having WiFi easily (which all other SKUs have) and a HDD upgrade is pretty much a requirement (20GB won't last unless you buy maybe 2-3 PS3 games).

[Hockey37]

I've heard there is some adapter to get a Harmony remote to communicate with a PS3. Anybody got a recommendation?

http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-3-Blu-Wave-Remote/dp/B000R5H7KE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1204728244&sr=8-1

I use the USB dongle from this to be able to use my Harmony 720 remote. I just unplug it when I'm not watching a movie. Works flawlessly. I've also seen these in EB/GS for about $15 I think.

AVS forum has some more info about this topic and how to set it up (which is very easy), I'd poke around over there and look for some info on it.

[richierich]

Well I think I've fixed my slow connection speeds. I just hooked up my ps3 through a network cable to a router that Ive set up as a wireless client. I just think that my old wi-fi modem (2Wire DSL modem) doesn't connect that well with the ps3's internal wifi card. This would force my PSN account to keep dropping out and keep my ps3 from staying connected online.

[Snake2715]

Yeah i was going to say I have cell phone internet up to 2.4Mbps (really only ever hits 1Mps) speeds and it does not take nearly that long. Maybe 45 minutes for the DMC4 demo.

[Wolfpup]

What demos? What size? What connection speed do you have? How long were they taking?

You have a good question, and I want to guage your speed to what I was getting.

I am curious as to the answer, but I could not find an auto shutdown, it will go into sleep mode though I do believe.

Ya know, it wouldn't be as bad if you could at least run Folding @ Home on the menu screens, or something.

Just got MLB The Show 2008 and it says it supports 1080i. My TV supports 720p & 1080i but the game is displaying in 720p. Any reason for this?

What kind of TV is this? Unless it's a CRT, 720p would be the correct resolution, as 1080i is having to be scaled by your TV's scaler.

Yeah i was going to say I have cell phone internet up to 2.4Mbps (really only ever hits 1Mps) speeds and it does not take nearly that long. Maybe 45 minutes for the DMC4 demo.

Whoa...what kind of service do you have? How much do you pay? Is it really unlimited?

I've been interested in the development of cell phone broadband for a while now (I figure I could use it...at places besides home :D )
My impression though was that it was more expensive than like DSL or a cable modem, slower (though that's not that big of a deal to me), and most importantly, that it's "unlimited" service was really very, very limited, and they'd drop you if you tried downloading huge files like that.

Between Gametap, game demos, streaming Netflix video, and stuff my Tivo downloads, I'm sure I do multiple gigabytes every month (I'd guess more than 10-maybe a lot more than 10, I don't know).

[Snake2715]

Ya know, it wouldn't be as bad if you could at least run Folding @ Home on the menu screens, or something.



What kind of TV is this? Unless it's a CRT, 720p would be the correct resolution, as 1080i is having to be scaled by your TV's scaler.



Whoa...what kind of service do you have? How much do you pay? Is it really unlimited?

I've been interested in the development of cell phone broadband for a while now (I figure I could use it...at places besides home :D )
My impression though was that it was more expensive than like DSL or a cable modem, slower (though that's not that big of a deal to me), and most importantly, that it's "unlimited" service was really very, very limited, and they'd drop you if you tried downloading huge files like that.

Between Gametap, game demos, streaming Netflix video, and stuff my Tivo downloads, I'm sure I do multiple gigabytes every month (I'd guess more than 10-maybe a lot more than 10, I don't know).


well I use Alltel, So I don't know how Verizon would handle this. So far Alltel has been great. We have awesome coverage here in Michigan. The interent is like $44 a month and we had to either add it to an existing line (which would mean our phone was busy when in use) or just add a line for $9.99 a month. We opted to add a line so in the end its near $54 or so.

I was also going to use a satellite based carrier, the downside is I could not take it with me. Of course if you have Wifi available everywhere you travel thats of no concern. Now I just grab the laptop and can surf on the highway as well as pretty much anywhere I get cell service.

I see now they have a USB dongle that claims up to 3.4 Mbps speeds using that newer tech. My USB dongle runs of EVDO right now, but I had heard that a faster method was coming.

The one downside is the upload speeds are probably slower than a satellite or cable by a decent amount. I have never really tested it yet, but I am sure I will with say Smash bros etc.

We cant get cable it stops about 2 miles south of where we live.

[mguiddy]

Ya know, it wouldn't be as bad if you could at least run Folding @ Home on the menu screens, or something.


Prompted by this I'll ask... When does the PS3 download stuff in the queue? I ask because I queued up a bunch of demos, played a PS2 game for a while, and started folding as soon as I was done. The next time I went to play a game all the demos were done downloading.

[legendoffanboy]

Does ps3 offer faster load times for ps1 games like ps2 did (would have been great if you didnt have to turn this feature on every time you chaged disk)

Thanks

[Hockey37]

Prompted by this I'll ask... When does the PS3 download stuff in the queue? I ask because I queued up a bunch of demos, played a PS2 game for a while, and started folding as soon as I was done. The next time I went to play a game all the demos were done downloading.

Good question, I was wondering this as well. I think that you can download while folding, but I am unsure about during game play. Someone with better knowledge of the subject will hopefully answer this.

[withered]

Well I have a 60gb and it's pretty buggy on PS2 games. It freezes on a lot of them and has magically erased data. Then one day the power went out and all the PS2 data was erased but the PS3 game data was still there.

[aznguyen316]

^^ hmm that sucks. Is this common? I've heard of the virtual data thing deleting a lot =/

[mtxbass1]

I got an iPod from a friend today. I know nothing about the iPod itself. When I connect it to my PS3, nothing is showing up. What do I need to do to be able to browse what is on the iPod on the PS3?

[archibishopthedoge]

I got an iPod from a friend today. I know nothing about the iPod itself. When I connect it to my PS3, nothing is showing up. What do I need to do to be able to browse what is on the iPod on the PS3?

I believe you have to put it in disk mode.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61131

[lanzarlaluna]

Well I went to download the Echochrome demo just now, and my PS3 died. Just shut off instantly, stand-by light and everything. Unplugged from the wall, replugged, tried holding down the power button. Tried flipping the hard switch a few times. Nothing. Looks like the power supply shit the bed.

Anyone have any other things I can try to fix it?

[SteveMcQ]

Why do some games focus on the HDD access light as a warning instead of an on-screen prompt? I would think most have their consoles out of view so you can see when not to turn the console off.

[Wolfpup]

well I use Alltel, So I don't know how Verizon would handle this. So far Alltel has been great. We have awesome coverage here in Michigan. The interent is like $44 a month and we had to either add it to an existing line (which would mean our phone was busy when in use) or just add a line for $9.99 a month. We opted to add a line so in the end its near $54 or so.


So you could add real unlimited cellular internet for $44? That's a really good deal. I think the big carriers charge more like $60, and it's not REALLY unlimited. (I mean I'm sure Alltell would eventually get upset too, but it sounds like you're using it the same way I use my cable modem).

That's basically the same price I pay for cable. I don't really care about speed, but it would be handy to have access I could use at work :lol:

Well I have a 60gb and it's pretty buggy on PS2 games. It freezes on a lot of them and has magically erased data. Then one day the power went out and all the PS2 data was erased but the PS3 game data was still there.

^^ hmm that sucks. Is this common? I've heard of the virtual data thing deleting a lot =/

Was this with new firmware? I'd heard about stuff like that early on, but I was hoping it was fixed with newer firmware. Maybe it needs to "close" some files on disc when it's done, and if it doesn't, it just erases them the next time it turns on (like when the power went off, it doesn't have a way to recover the "open" PS2 save files?)

Why do some games focus on the HDD access light as a warning instead of an on-screen prompt? I would think most have their consoles out of view so you can see when not to turn the console off.

You mean like when it's saving games or something? That's incredibly dumb.

[DestroVega]

Someone might be able to answer this... I was trying to copy music from my computer to my PS3... I can access the songs fine, and I have over 9,000 on my computer... eventually, I get down to songs that start with H for example... the list stops... and I wait for it to bring up more and nothing...

This also happens with albums and artists...

Is there a number cap they will let you access on the PS3 dash?... thanks in advance.

[SteveMcQ]

You mean like when it's saving games or something? That's incredibly dumb.Yup, game saves are indicated (in some games) with the HDD access indicator.

[The Mana Knight]

Yup, game saves are indicated (in some games) with the HDD access indicator.It depends upon the developer. Some devs (like in the PSP case) will use the XMB to save (which most games ask you to do if you want to save). Some games have the HDD indicator because they are games using the autosave feature (not the manually save option). It's nothing new to me, since I've seen games do both for years, regardless of platform.
Well I have a 60gb and it's pretty buggy on PS2 games. It freezes on a lot of them and has magically erased data. Then one day the power went out and all the PS2 data was erased but the PS3 game data was still there.
A few games had that issue early on, but after many firmware updates, problems with PS2 saves isn't too common anymore.
Well I went to download the Echochrome demo just now, and my PS3 died. Just shut off instantly, stand-by light and everything. Unplugged from the wall, replugged, tried holding down the power button. Tried flipping the hard switch a few times. Nothing. Looks like the power supply shit the bed.

Anyone have any other things I can try to fix it?I hear the PS3 will automatically shut off when it gets too hot. If it doesn't turn on again or something, then it may be dead.

[dallow]

I would think it'd be very rare if you actually turned it off while it was saving.
The process is a couple of seconds.

And I think it only refers to actually flipping off the power switch in the back.
If you just power down like normal it has it's own processes while it finishes what it has to do.

[The Mana Knight]

I would think it'd be very rare if you actually turned it off while it was saving.
The process is a couple of seconds.

And I think it only refers to actually flipping off the power switch in the back.
If you just power down like normal it has it's own processes while it finishes what it has to do.Pretty much, because when I turn my PS3 off, it will gradually shut off processes. At times when my PS3 freezes due to a glitch (or some other weird issue), it will beep to turn off some processes, then beep again and turn off completely.

[Snake2715]

So you could add real unlimited cellular internet for $44? That's a really good deal. I think the big carriers charge more like $60, and it's not REALLY unlimited. (I mean I'm sure Alltell would eventually get upset too, but it sounds like you're using it the same way I use my cable modem).

That's basically the same price I pay for cable. I don't really care about speed, but it would be handy to have access I could use at work :lol:





Yeah I have not had any problems with the big downloads. Just recently I downloaded maybe 5 demos from PS Store and I noticed that one time near the end it was disconnected... I clicked connect and it was back up and running and hasnt done it since... I dont know if it was just a timer issue or what.

I have done tons of music as well with no real issues.

[cdietschrun]

I must be dense, but this is ridiculous. I am trying to move my PS3 to a big TV for others to play on, and it is not an HDTV. The TV I'm using now is HDTV and connected via HDMI. I am moving to a different TV and want it to play through the Red/White/Yellow cables that came with it. But what the hell do I need to do to get it to play? When I turn on the PS3 on the other TV, it dosent do anything.